Remember Who Holds You Today

I once heard a descriptive quote in the cartoon movie called "The Prince of Egypt" that described what God is building here on this earth can be seen as a beautiful tapestry, perfect in every way, from the perspective of heaven. Yet, here on earth we can only see the underside of jumbled threads, colors and knots that cannot reveal the finished product. I thought that was a great description of our imperfect, sinful, human struggles here on earth. Yet, in eternity, all of the "whys," "what ifs," "how comes," "why me," "why not me," "why him/her," "hows," "whens," "wheres" and "whats" that we encounter in this life that often become questions for God; will be finally revealed to us. We just have to remain patient, even when we do not comprehend or understand all of the "whys" of this world.

You can be sure that evil, sin, and death are the causes of much pain, grief, sadness, crying and suffering. Whatever we, as Christian believers, can do to alleviate such sufferings for the sakes of others, can be counted as good. But we can't expect to do it all. It would be way too overwhelming. What we can do within our sphere of influence, should be done for the sakes of those who are in our lives at the moment and those in need around us who need help.

In the chapter entitled, "Remember Who Holds You" in Max Lucado's book, Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference, Max writes:

Frightening thing, this pride. It would rather kill the truth than consider it.

Doesn't it sneak up on us? We begin spiritual journeys as small people. The act of conversion is a humbling one. We confess sins, beg for mercy, bend our knees. We let someone lower us into the waters of baptism. We begin as self-effacing souls. Timid children who extend muddy hands to our sinless God. We relate to the thief on the cross, identify with David's forgiven adultery, and find hope in Peter's forgiven betrayal. We challenge Paul's claim to the chief-of-sinners title, wondering if anyone could need or treasure grace as much as we do.

We come to God humbly, no swagger, no boasts, no "all by myself" declarations. We flex no muscles and claim no achievements. We cup sullied hearts in hands and offer them to God as we would a crushed, scentless flower: "Can you bring life to this?"

And he does. He does. We don't. He works the miracle of salvation. He immerses us in mercy. He stitches together our shredded souls. He deposits his Spirit and implants heavenly gifts. Our big God blesses our small faith.

[We] need a big God because we've made a big mess of our lives.

Boy...ain't that the truth! Who hasn't had to admit that they have "made a big mess" of something in their own lives? We all have had one or more experiences where we say, "I should have," "I could have," "I wish I did this, or that," or "I wish I DIDN'T DO THAT," haven't we? Some choices are much more profound than others and bother us for not having listened to the urging of the Holy Spirit guiding our lives. Been, there, done that. We suffer from guilty feelings.

Max Lucado goes on in that chapter to say that "gradually God changes us." It certainly doesn't happen in one felled swoop.

As God gradually changes us, we find that we don't want to do the sins that we used to do quite frequently in the past (and probably without guilt feelings before being saved.) But after being saved by Christ on the cross, His sacrifice for our sakes changes us forever. There is no turning back to that "old lifestyle." This isn't forced upon us, because we still have that sin nature and free will to carry it out if we want to. But our desire to please Him changes us and we look towards His righteousness to guide our lives. We look heavenward more.

Max goes on to say that our good deeds then can often get recognized by more people and if we aren't careful, can result in pride. The Bible warns us, "pride comes before a fall." We should never forget who brought us here. Max describes it this way:

"We think we're shaking up the world when actually we're just along for the ride."

Take time to remember. "look at what you were when God called you" (1 Cor. 1:26 NCV). Remember who held you in the beginning. Remember who holds you today.

What Jesus Makes Known to Us

Morning

Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends.

The LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?--It is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.--God hath revealed [them] to us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, even, the deep things of God.-- [Even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world to our glory.

Blessed [is the man whom] thou choosest, and causest to approach [to thee, that] he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, [even] of thy holy temple.--The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant.--I have given to them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received [them], and have known surely that I came from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatever I command you.

Joh 15:15 Ge 18:17 Mt 13:11 1Co 2:10,7 Ps 65:4 25:14 Joh 17:8 15:14


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Daily Light on the Daily Path Devotional
Tuesday February 8, 2011
http://bible.christiansunite.com/devotionals.shtml
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Evening

Thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth to an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.--If indeed ye have tasted that the Lord [is] gracious. To whom coming, [as to] a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, [and] precious, ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Zion.

Isa 60:18 Re 21:14 Eph 2:19-22 1Pe 2:3-5 Ps 65:1

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Commentary from Christine:

Despite the fact that these devotionals are written in the form of Olde English, they are classic pieces of biblical literature. What makes them so great is that each devotional is chiefly written through the act of quoting directly from the Scriptures.

For example. Let's look at the wording in John 15:15 (using the NIV version throughout this post) -

"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

Knowing that Jesus is Lord and Master should make us realize that we ought to be called his servants. However, He chooses to call us his friends. Being a friend is a much more intimate relationship than being a servant. In today's world, we could compare the term "servant" as being a subordinate co-worker. Sometimes, even a relationship with a co-worker can grow into a friendship.

What is important in this passage is the reason WHY Jesus can call his followers friends. He said, "for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." Elsewhere in the Bible, Jesus tells us that "I (He) and the Father are One" and "he who has seen me (Jesus) has seen the Father."

Statements like this do not give us any leeway in determining who has the ability to save us from eternal death. Only Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, those who believe in other religions that exclude Christ as the Son of God are lost.

Jesus never minces his words. The entire chapter of John 15 is blunt and direct about who is saved and who is not. The two main themes within the chapter proclaim what Jesus teaches about the Vine and the Branches, as well as Jesus' warning about the world's hatred.

Here is the entire chapter:

Jhn 15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.


Jhn 15:2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes [fn] so that it will be even more fruitful.


Jhn 15:3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.


Jhn 15:4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.


Jhn 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.


Jhn 15:6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.


Jhn 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.


Jhn 15:8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.


Jhn 15:9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.


Jhn 15:10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.


Jhn 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.


Jhn 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.


Jhn 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.


Jhn 15:14 You are my friends if you do what I command.


Jhn 15:15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.


Jhn 15:16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.


Jhn 15:17 This is my command: Love each other.


Jhn 15:18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.


Jhn 15:19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.


Jhn 15:20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' [fn] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.


Jhn 15:21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.


Jhn 15:22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.


Jhn 15:23 He who hates me hates my Father as well.


Jhn 15:24 If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.


Jhn 15:25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.' [fn]


Jhn 15:26 "When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.


Jhn 15:27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.

NIV Footnotes:
(15:2) The Greek for prunes also means cleans.
(15:20) John 13:16
(15:25) Psalms 35:19; 69:4

Commentary from Christine:

Keep in mind that Jesus was speaking to Jewish believers in Him before he went to the cross. Jesus lived as a Jewish God-man during the Incarnation. When he said the following words to his disciples, the term "Christian" wasn't in existence yet:

Jhn 15:18 "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.


Jhn 15:19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Today, after the fact of the sacrificial death on the cross of Christ and his subsequent resurrection to life, we can also apply those words to Christian believers.

With all the turmoil happening in Egypt today and the virulent Muslim hatred for Israel and the Jews (especially the Zionists), plus the hatred againt Christ and Christians, we can see what Jesus was referring to when he said, "if the world hates you."

The chosen people of God (my people, Israel) and of God's Son, Jesus Christ, were prophesied in the Bible as being hated. Jesus himself warned us and we have the words written down in Scripture to remind us of that hatred. This is all the more reason to take Jesus' admonition in the following verses seriously:

Jhn 15:4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.


Jhn 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.


Jhn 15:6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

Apart from Christ, we can do nothing. We must "remain in Him."

Jhn 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

What does this mean? It means that we believe that he is God's Son (1 John 4:15). It means that we receive him as Savior and Lord (John 1:12). It means that we do what God says (1 John 3:24). It means that we continue to believe in the gospel (1 John 2:24. It means that we are to relate in love to the community of believers, Christ's body (John 15:12).

We are to be like a branch attached to the vine. Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful.

Keep in mind that the farming analogy in this passage shows how God is glorified when people come into a right relationship with him and begin to "bear much fruit" in their lives.

It is important to know that "bearing fruit" is not limited to soul winning, although that is a very important part due to the commandment of The Great Commission. Bearing fruit also includes answered prayer, joy, and love (as mentioned in John 15:7,11, 12). Galatians 5:22-24 and 2 Peter 1:5-8 describe additional fruit: qualities of Christian character. As you can see, we have our work cut out for us!

At the end of John 15, Jesus offers us much hope. He speaks about the Holy Spirit being given to us to help us endure the unreasonable hatred and evil in the world as well as the hostility many groups and individuals have towards Christ. The Holy Spirit is given two names, Counselor and Spirit of truth. The term 'counselor' conveys the helping, encouraging and strengthening work of the Spirit. 'Spirit of truth' points to the teaching, illuminating and reminding work of the Spirit. As we can see, the Holy Spirit ministers to both our minds and to our hearts.

John 16 is a wonderful passage where Jesus teaches about the Holy Spirit. I encourage you to read and study it.

Once I became a born again Christian, I recognized the fact that the world's value are often the opposite of God's values. This can make a believer feel like a misfit. However, even though life can be very difficult now, one day we will rejoice. As believers in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior of the universe, we can look with confidence ahead as we keep our eye on the future because we can rely on God's promises! Remembering that the ultimate victory has already been won enables us to keep and claim the peace of Christ. Not the peace that the world gives, but the peace of God that surpasses all human understanding. Even in the most troublesome times we can take heart! For Christ has overcome the world for all eternity.

Hat tip: Christians Unite.com devotionals via email.

The 112th Congress Makes It An Historic Day

The new 112th Congress with the huge Republican majority is certainly a breath of fresh air! The stench of corruption led by the biggest corruptocrat of the Democrat Party, namely Nancy Pelosi, has been stripped of her powerful position. How scary it was to realize that she was second in line behind Biden to the presidency!

With John Boehner at the helm, and the many freshman members (many of which are TEA Party supported), perhaps the House will be FINALLY cleansed from the wasteful government spending and the damaging 5.2 trillion that was added to our nation's debt under Pelosi's rule.

I attempted to watch the entire historic reading of the U.S. Constitution on the floor of the House, but was called away for some of it. I started watching it on the Fox News Channel, but when I noticed that they were not revealing who was a Democrat or Republican when each representative was reading their particular segment, I switched over to C-SPAN.

I wondered whether or not any protesters would interrupt the proceedings - especially when the reading of Article II Section 1, clause 5 (only Natural Born Citizens qualify for POTUS) was read. Like clockwork, a single protester did shout from the gallery. You can read about it over at Gateway Pundit:

Bummer. Screaming Protester Interrupts Reading of Constitution – Upset About Obama’s Citizenship (Video)
posted by Jim Hoft at The Gateway Pundit - 10 hours ago
Bummer. After all of the resistance by democrats then this happened… A protester interrupted the reading of the Constitution on the House floor today screaming about Obama’s eligibility to be president.

There is some discussion about whether or not the protestor was a plant by the Democrats, but the "Birther" is revealed at Death By 1000 Papercuts.

Anyway, it wasn't until I saw The Glenn Beck Show later today that I found out that some portions of the Constitution (deemed "offensive" by some members) were NOT read out loud during the session. Glenn pointed out (as he has done in the past on his show) that the 3/5ths clause was actually a way for the Founders to start the process of freeing the slaves!

Another portion that was left out was the Eighteenth Amendment (known as the prohibition against alcohol), but the Twenty-First Amendment (which included the repeal of the 18th) was read on the floor.

Weird...huh?

Well, at least MOST of the U.S. Constitution was read during this historic start of the 112th Congress!

While I watched the reading of the Constitution, I noticed that C-SPAN included some details about each Congressperson under their name and party affiliation. It was interesting to see so many freshman Congressmen/women get into office through winning some very close races! I don't have names to share, but some wins were by margins of 1 - 3 points, while other victories were won by just 500 votes!

I think that God, in His mercy on America, answered our prayers and gave us this huge victory to help us bring America out of the clutches of the Socialist, progressive movement being forced upon our nation by Obama and his evil cohorts, back towards what our Founders had created - a Constitutional Republic!

We must remember that God has created unique people to accomplish a variety of purposes throughout the world. Of course He would also follow through in the same way here in America. We may not always agree, but each person's influence has a unique role to play. Sometimes it is difficult to remember that.

As an example, some commentator once quipped that if Obama hadn't become president, then the damaging agenda and goals of the progressive socialist movement would not have been so highly exposed as it has over the past two years. Americans would still be asleep and not awakened like they were through the efforts of the TEA Party movement and shows like Glenn Beck's radio and T.V. show on Fox News Channel.

I see it now as God's goal to put ourselves (America) in situations that may even scare the crap out of us in order to wake us up out of our stupor of complacency regarding our liberty, freedoms, and the ability to pursue happiness in our lives. We were, individually and as a nation, put in a place where it genuinely required God to come through for us. And He has!! But it's not over - not by a long shot!

There is a saying, "there are times like these that try men's souls." But is it possible that those particular times have been the most meaningful and satisfying in our lives? Could we admit that they were actually the times when we truly experienced life and God? After all, Jesus DID warn us that "in this life you will have tribulation (trouble). But take heart! For I have overcome the world."

Isn't it times like these where we pray more? Depend on God more? Grow closer to God? Pursue Christ more?

Living for Christ takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness. I know these facts intimately because I have been on the other side (before becoming a Christian) and can now see how much I ignored God during those years!

I know that I wasn't very conscious of heaven in the past. But Dr. David Jeremiah's book, Revealing the Mysteries of Heaven study guide helped change that!

I love the devotional that talks about Greater and Lesser Lights. Dr. Jeremiah concludes at the end of that devotional:

Only by taking His light with you can you enlighten the world.

The gift we Christians are given in the Holy Spirit describes what we are to be doing to advance the kingdom of God during our brief life on this earth. In the following passage, it is Jesus Himself speaking:

I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment...When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. - John 16:7-8, 13

Without the Holy Spirit of truth in our lives, we cannot be guided "into all truth." Some may have a portion of the truth, but just like the mistake that some people make about the meaning of the 3/5ths clause in the Constitution, they can also make mistakes about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God's Word, the Bible which exists to lead us "into all truth."

We never stop learning from God's Word! And with the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18 tells us, "Be filled with the Spirit.") in our lives, we know that being "filled with the Spirit" isn't a one-time endeavor, but is something we are to do always and repeatedly.

I have found that when I am caught up in the scary chaos of what is going on in the world, [special thanks to my blogging friend Stevex09 for that link!] I am not focusing very clearly on "what the Spirit says to the churches." [See Revelation 2:7 and 2:17]

When you and I appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ, I pray that we will all be able to proclaim what Paul did in 2 Timothy:

2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:


2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Hat tips to all links.

Koran Burning? A Teachable Moment. [Update 2]

A strange thing happened as I attempted to close my browser this evening. I am using my husband's laptop tonight and I couldn't get the Sprint connection to "disconnect!" I tried it nine times!

Hmmm....I thought. Is the Lord trying to give me a little message here?

I had just read a blog post over at On The Right Side of Life about the pastor who is planning to do a Koran book burning on 9/11/10.

There is a particular nagging question that each Christian believer must ask himself or herself. That is, with which position do you side?

Do you want to answer in the flesh and say in a revengeful tone "burn baby burn" or answer in the spirit? Which will you choose? Just as Phil asks within his blog post - think about this question: Koran burning? What would Jesus do?

Well, I was tired and just wanted to think about that post for a while. But when my browser refused to disconnect, I went back to my blog list and found that my friend Steve had also posted about the Koran burning debacle on his blog.

While reading his post, the answer came to me.

Mercy is God withholding what we all deserve. Grace is God giving us what we all don't deserve. As born-again, Bible believing, Christ honoring sinners in desperate need of the Savior, how should we apply such thoughts in response to the Koran burning?

Could be quite the teachable moment...

Hat Tips:

On The Right Side of Life

Stevex09

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More good reads on the controversy:

Michele Malkin: The Koran - Don't burn it - read it.

Sharp Right Turn: The Koran, General Petraeus, Dhimmitude and American Values

Sarah Palin's Facebook Page

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Update:

Apparently, Pastor Jones has listened to the voices of wisdom and reason and announced that he is not going to follow through on the burning of the Koran.

But can this debacle get any crazier? Answer: YES!

The loony-bin Westboro "church" plans to carry out the Koran burning since Pastor Jones will not do it.

Westboro Baptist Church will Burn Korans if Florida Church Does Not
posted by (Maggie Thornton) at Maggie's Notebook - 1 hour ago
The vile Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka says if Florida's Dove World Outreach Center calls off the Koran burnings, they will pick up [the] slack and do it themselves. Dove's Pastor Terry Jones has just an...

But of course, the mosque developers won't change THEIR minds [as has been announced on several news programs today] about the location too close to Ground Zero, despite the fact that Donald Trump has announced that he would pay 25% more than the terrorists er...imams and their supporters...paid for the location.

Koran Burning Halted: Mosque Stays at Park 51
posted by (Maggie Thornton) at Maggie's Notebook - 1 hour ago
Florida Pastor Jones will halt the burning of Korans on Saturday and the Pastor says he will fly to New York City instead, to meet with the mosque developers. Jones seems to believe the mosque will not b...

Good luck Pastor Jones. It doesn't appear that the muslims are likely to show any tolerance towards the 70% of Americans who are pleading that they move the mosque away from the Ground Zero site. Apparently, tolerance is a one-way street for them...and that street is named Islam/Sharia law...or else!

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Update 2:

I am making the rounds to several Christian blogs in my blogroll and I am finding some absolutely awesome essays out there! Be sure to visit:


Stevex09: The Threats Begin … Ground Zero Mosque … Burning The Koran

CultureWatch: Christianity, Other Religions, Islam and Terrorism

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

When I was a child and I was being impatient about something, my mom used to say, "good things come to those who wait." When I was seven, a week often felt like an eternity! Today, a week rushes by in a flash!

Today, when I see things going horribly wrong in this nation, I find my comfort comes through renewed strength via prayer. Prayer is so powerful! Oftentimes, we run to God as a last resort when in times of trouble. What we should be doing is praying ever so fervently when it appears that the darkness is attempting to hide the Light of the World.

You can pray at any time. Not just on your knees at bedtime. Pray throughout the day - sending up little prayers asking for mercy and grace upon yourself, your family and this entire nation.

I have been deeply troubled over the proposed mosque being built near where the horrific World Trade Center attack by radical Islamic terrorists happened on 9/11. Last night, I read a blog post that gave me renewed hope that the mosque at Ground Zero will not be built.

JammieWearingFool: 'I Wonder What Else They Are Hiding.'

Excerpt:

'I Wonder What Else They Are Hiding'

Congressman Peter King better watch it. Lil' Mikey Bloomberg might call him a bigot for uttering such a statement.

Not so fast.

The developers of the controversial mosque proposed near Ground Zero own only half the site where they want to construct the $100 million building, The Post has learned.

One of the two buildings on Park Place is owned by Con Edison, even though Soho Properties told officials and the public that it owns the entire parcel. And any potential sale by Con Ed faces a review by the state Public Service Commission.

“We never heard anything about Con Ed whatsoever,” said a stunned Julie Menin, the chairwoman of Community Board 1, which passed a May resolution supporting the mosque.

Daisy Khan, one of the mosque’s organizers, told The Post last week that both buildings on Park Place are needed to house the worship and cultural center. But she claimed ignorance about the Con Ed ownership of 49-51 Park Place and referred questions to Soho Properties, which bought the building at 45-47 Park Place in 2009.

Rep. Peter King, who opposes the mosque, said the developers seemed to be “operating under false pretenses.”

“I wonder what else they are hiding,” said King (R-LI). “If we can’t have the full truth on this, what can we believe?”

Continue reading HERE.

Nice Deb reports on the story, too.

Not So Fast…Ground Zero Mosque Developers Only Own Half Of The Site
posted by nicedeb at Nice Deb » Monday Menagerie - 11 hours ago
Pic of Sharif El Gamal, head of Soho Properties via Islamization Watch The New York Post has the exclusive: The developers of the controversial mosque proposed near Ground Zero own only half the site wher...

While driving home from a visit with my daughter this morning I was thinking about how all of the ineligibility lawsuits against Obama have been dismissed due to "lack of standing" and how fortunate such developments have been for Obama. If we got just one hearing on this in a court of law - I'm sure that Obama would be found out. He is either a lying usurper (if his father is, in fact, Barack Obama Sr.) because Obama Jr. would never qualify as a natural born citizen according to the clause for POTUS in our U.S. Constitution. Or, if his biological father was someone else, then he misrepresented his entire life to the American people! It would mean that he lied in his two books and during many (if not all) of his speeches. Would either revelation horribly disappoint the entire black community? I would think so.

That is when it hit me.

I recall hearing that 88% of African-Americans still support Obama. That is a HUGE amount. Are some of them lying to cover up their real thoughts about him? Did they vote that way in the poll because of political correctness? Do they all agree with his awful policies? Do they think that eventually he will create jobs with his out- of-control spending? Are they just not paying attention? What is the reason why such a disproportionate amount of blacks still support him? Many Hispanics and Independents have left the approval-rating bandwagon in droves.

Well, whatever the reason(s) may be that blacks still approve of Obama in the polls, I realized that God, for whatever reason, has granted Obama mercy (withholding what he deserves), and grace (giving him what he doesn't deserve).

But it may be more than that.

God's thoughts and plans are higher than my thoughts and desires. With all that our country is suffering from, our sin is so great in this nation that we can't ignore that God has demonstrated enormous mercy towards us. He has been withholding what we, sinners all, truly deserve. God has afforded us grace at this chaotic, uncertain, and scary time. He continues to hold us together - giving us a kind of grace that we don't deserve.

I thought long and hard about all of this. I know, in my heart and soul that trusting God is really all that we have in this world. Jesus Christ is the one and only constant that I can be assured to trust and to absolutely lean on - in good times, in bad times, and even in the horrible and ugly times.

The racial tensions and small incidences of outbreak around our country that are unfortunately happening today would pale in comparison to what would happen if (or when) Obama was indicted, tried, possibly convicted of corruption (or on the ineligibility issue) and removed from office. The outcry from the black communities around our entire country would cause another civil war!

Perhaps this is why God is holding back from allowing any of the current cases from succeeding. I don't know for sure - I can only guess, of course. But the concepts of mercy and grace are played out time and time again here on this earth. Sometimes justice is served, and other times it is not. Life is not always fair and we should not expect it to be. Jesus told us that "in this life you will have trouble. But take heart! For I have overcome the world."

That is what we, as Christian believers can always trust! The very words and promises of Jesus Christ!

Although we walk by faith and not by sight, the fact that God's permissive will allows us to be held by His patient Mercy, and affords us his long suffering Grace, gives us the confidence to go forth in our lives no matter what happens here on this earth.

We all suffer pain and suffering in this life, but one day we will be in a place where such terrible things will not exist! It will be a whole new way of life and existence that is hard for us to fathom right now. But God's Word spells it out quite clearly. Let all who have ears to hear - let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

The book of Revelation quotes, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" seven times!"

Rev 2:7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."'

Rev 2:11 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death."'

Rev 2:17 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it."'

Rev 2:29 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'

Rev 3:6 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'

Rev 3:13 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'

Rev 3:22 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'"

In the Bible, the number seven is representative of perfection.

Who are you heeding?

Who has your ear?

Are you listening to what the Spirit says to you and the churches?

God's Word encourages us to wait for the return of Jesus Christ. We are to "call upon the Lord."

2Sa 22:4 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.

2Sa 22:7 In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry entered His ears.

Psa 18:3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.

Psa 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry came before Him, even to His ears.

Psa 99:6 Moses and Aaron were among His priests, And Samuel was among those who called upon His name; They called upon the LORD, and He answered them.

Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Scriptures:

Luk 4:18 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed;


Luk 4:19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD."

The fruit of the Spirit teaches us:

Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.


Eph 5:7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.


Eph 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light


Eph 5:9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),


Eph 5:10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.



Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,


Gal 5:23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.


Gal 5:24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.


Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Hat tips:

JammieWearingFool Blog

Nice Deb

Blue Letter Bible

Proving What is Acceptable Unto the Lord

Galatians 5 is an illustration of good vs. evil. In Galatians 5 verses 16-21, we learn how the evil of various sins keeps us from walking in the Spirit of Christ.

Then, Galatians 5:22-25 describes the good that is achieved by the fruit of walking in the Spirit.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,


Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.


Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.


Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Paul is instructing us that we first must live in the Spirit, before we can walk in the Spirit. What solid truth this is! If we do not live according to the fruit of the Spirit of God, how could we ever claim to walk in His Spirit?

The answer is: we can't!

It is only with God indwelling within our hearts that we can truly walk in what He declares through His Word - the good that results in following Christ, who alone, is righteous.

What is good?

Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. When we walk in such things as those, notice that the Bible states "against such there is no law."

The law was set into motion in order to show us our sinful nature and to get us to realize that without Christ's sacrifice for our sins, we would not (and could not) EVER be forgiven for them. It is through giving our whole selves over to Jesus Christ that we become His own. And when we are His (e.g. we belong forever to Him) it is then that the miracle of crucifying our own flesh can happen.

Ask anyone who is born again in Jesus Christ how they have been miraculously transformed into a new person! The "affections and lusts" of the past in their lives have now been tossed aside, and they are now a new person in Jesus Christ.

Such transformation happens as a result of sanctification. this is something that occurs to the Christian for the rest of his/her life. We will never completely "arrive" on this side of heaven, but as time goes by we discover that the old desires of the past are now meaningless to us. Eventually- they are destroyed! The desire to do them does not exist anymore. The old self has become transformed into a new life in Christ!

Notice that there is one negative "fruit of the Spirit." It is called longsuffering. The Bible is an honest book. The truth is declared throughout its pages and even Christ himself told us that we would endure longsuffering here on this earth.

Jhn 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

What a paradox that verse is! Jesus speaks to us of having peace - despite the fact that we will have tribulation (trouble) in this world.

So, why (and how) can we be of good cheer?

Answer: Because Christ has overcome the world!

How?

Precisely because of his sacrificial death on the cross for our sins!

I was reading in Max Lucado's book - "Traveling Light" - that even when the time for our physical death on this earth arrives, it pales in comparison to what Christ endured for us on the cross.

Lucado explained via a story. He mentioned that in Psalm 23, David wrote, "Yea though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me."

Then, he asked a child who was fearful of the concept of death (something that we are all destined to do) if he would rather be run over by a bus or by the shadow of a bus. The child answered - "the shadow of the bus." Lucado continued to explain that the child answered correctly. And, it is because Jesus took the sins of the world upon himself and that Christ experienced the "run over by a bus" kind of death, that we wouldn't ever have to experience such a death. Instead, we will pass through "the valley of the shadow of death." This is another way to say that we do not die spiritually because of what Christ has done for us! What a marvelous Savior we worship and belong to!!

I thought that was a great analogy to put forth the point that Christ's sacrifice for our sakes was the greatest event in human history! And, his subsequent resurrection from the dead shows us that his word is absolutely true! We can confidently trust him with our very lives!


No other spiritual leader ever claimed to die for the sins of mankind. No other savior could prove exactly who he was by rising from the grave. Jesus was the only one who accomplished that!! Therefore, we can trust him wholeheartedly with our lives! We can trust in his promises! Like this one:

Jhn 14:2
In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Jhn 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.

The book of Ephesians, Chapter 5 discusses the fruit of the Spirit. Verse 8 informs us that were all "sometimes[in] darkness. But now, as born again Christians we are now "light in the Lord." The light [meaning holiness, righteousness] shines from Jesus Christ! To walk as children of light, we are to be reflectors of HIS LIGHT [righteousness, holiness]! This is why no one can brag about anything within ourselves. All glory, honor, thanksgiving, and worship belongs to Christ alone!

Here's a verse that humbles each and every believer:

Isa 64:6 But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

But we are brought back from our uncleanness through the Lord:

Eph 5:8 ¶ For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:


Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)


Eph 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

Reference: Blue Letter Bible

Jesus: These Things I Have Spoken Unto You

Jhn 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.


Jhn 13:2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's [son], to betray him;


Jhn 13:3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;


Jhn 13:4 He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.


Jhn 13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe [them] with the towel wherewith he was girded.


Jhn 13:6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?


Jhn 13:7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.


Jhn 13:8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.


Jhn 13:9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also [my] hands and [my] head.


Jhn 13:10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.


Jhn 13:11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.


Jhn 13:12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?


Jhn 13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am.


Jhn 13:14 If I then, [your] Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.


Jhn 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.


Jhn 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.


Jhn 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.


Jhn 13:18 I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.


Jhn 13:19 Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am [he].


Jhn 13:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.


Jhn 13:21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.


Jhn 13:22 Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.


Jhn 13:23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.


Jhn 13:24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.


Jhn 13:25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?


Jhn 13:26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped [it]. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave [it] to Judas Iscariot, [the son] of Simon.


Jhn 13:27 And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.


Jhn 13:28 Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.


Jhn 13:29 For some [of them] thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy [those things] that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.


Jhn 13:30 He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.


Jhn 13:31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.


Jhn 13:32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.


Jhn 13:33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.


Jhn 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.


Jhn 13:35 By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.


Jhn 13:36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.


Jhn 13:37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.


Jhn 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

Jhn 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.


Jhn 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.


Jhn 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.


Jhn 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.


Jhn 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?


Jhn 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.


Jhn 14:7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.


Jhn 14:8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.


Jhn 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father?


Jhn 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.


Jhn 14:11 Believe me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.


Jhn 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.


Jhn 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.


Jhn 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do [it].


Jhn 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.


Jhn 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;


Jhn 14:17 [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.


Jhn 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.


Jhn 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.


Jhn 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I [am] in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.


Jhn 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.


Jhn 14:22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?


Jhn 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.


Jhn 14:24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.


Jhn 14:25 These things have I spoken unto you, being [yet] present with you.


Jhn 14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.


Jhn 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.


Jhn 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.


Jhn 14:29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.


Jhn 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.


Jhn 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

Jhn 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.


Jhn 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.


Jhn 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.


Jhn 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.


Jhn 15:5 I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.


Jhn 15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast [them] into the fire, and they are burned.


Jhn 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.


Jhn 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.


Jhn 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.


Jhn 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.


Jhn 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and [that] your joy might be full.


Jhn 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.


Jhn 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.


Jhn 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Jhn 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.


Jhn 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.


Jhn 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another.


Jhn 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.


Jhn 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.


Jhn 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.


Jhn 15:21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.


Jhn 15:22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.


Jhn 15:23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also.


Jhn 15:24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.


Jhn 15:25 But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.


Jhn 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:


Jhn 15:27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

Jhn 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.


Jhn 16:2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.


Jhn 16:3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.


Jhn 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.


Jhn 16:5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?


Jhn 16:6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.


Jhn 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.


Jhn 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:


Jhn 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;


Jhn 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;


Jhn 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.


Jhn 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.


Jhn 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.


Jhn 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.


Jhn 16:15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.


Jhn 16:16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.


Jhn 16:17 Then said [some] of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?


Jhn 16:18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.


Jhn 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?


Jhn 16:20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.


Jhn 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.


Jhn 16:22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.


Jhn 16:23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you.


Jhn 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.


Jhn 16:25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.


Jhn 16:26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:


Jhn 16:27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.


Jhn 16:28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.


Jhn 16:29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.


Jhn 16:30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.


Jhn 16:31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?


Jhn 16:32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.


Jhn 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

John 13-16 KJV

Guest Blogger: Susan Smith

Talk Wisdom's guest blogger for today is Susan Smith. She is the author of a weekly newsletter called, "Life in Israel - One Body." I met Susan via Stephen Bennett's blog way back in 2004. At the time, she was working for a Christian organization in Israel called "Bridges for Peace." We have been corresponding ever since.

When Susan was living and working in Israel, the newsletter was named, "Life in Israel." Upon returning, Susan explains the new name of her newsletter:

This writer lived in the city of Jerusalem on earth for five years (2002-2007).
You read about my personal life during those years and God provided many divine encounters with taxi drivers, Israelis and one man studying to be a rabbi in particular. You heard about encounters with other Christian volunteers from all over the world. The Lord did very important and crucial spiritual work in my personal life during those years.”

Because I am convinced the one Church body and Israel are one and the same, spiritually speaking, I changed the name to “Life in Israel-One Body.”

Susan's writing has blessed me (as well as all of her subscribers around the world) immensely over the past four years. I have shared several of her past newsletters here at this blog.

Today, I am presenting two of her most recent newsletters together in one post. It is a marvelous way to start the new year of 2009 - with the heartfelt, Jesus-loving, Bible-based wisdom that is contained and shared in Susan Smith's wonderful writings!

It is my prayer that you are blessed by these two marvelous essays as much as I have been!

In Christ,
Christine

*******

Life in Israel-One Body 26Dec08



Have you ever received a Christmas present that causes pain? This year has brought the most shameful and painful gift into my life. In order to grow spiritually, we often have to face pain. Emotional pain hurts as well as physical pain. Jesus is our healer. The Holy Spirit is gentle. He never forces us to face an issue in our lives. We always have a choice. Are there things in your life that you need to work through with God?



The grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus the Messiah, the Father’s Son, will be with you in truth and love (2John 3) as you work through issues in your life. We can trust God. Even when others have hurt us, and we feel we can trust no one. We can trust God. Even when we believe or think no one can possibly understand, we can trust Jesus. The Lord knows our hearts.



All the days designed and intended for you were written in the Lord’s book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16). Is that hard for you to believe? Every Word of God is pure and flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him (Proverbs 30:5). Do you trust God? I do. He is a safeguard to those who put their trust in him.



So exactly what is this painful Christmas gift acknowledged by my heart? I have received one of the most excruciating and embarrassing revelations ever before in my life. I believe this revelation is from God. This is necessary. I must deal with it. The healing of my broken heart continues from sin that has touched my life. Praise God for his gentleness, his kindness and his grace. Too much light can blind a person. So often in our lives, we are unable to receive more light from God. In a sense there are obstacles to our sight just as there are obstacles to our spiritual growth. Only the love of God can remove the veil that covers our heart (2 Corinthians 3:14-15). Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8).



Two weeks ago we talked about hearts of stone. My heart is more pliable today than it was two weeks ago. Shameful memories from childhood can become demonic strongholds in our thoughts. I was in my forties before the sexual abuse by a brother during my early childhood was ever revealed to another human being. The memories of what happened were repressed and denied. These memories affected my behavior as an adult. I will be 60 next year.



Over the past two weeks there has been some unexpected feedback to this newsletter. One was from a doctoral candidate. This reader is working on her PhD dissertation. I have known her personally for more than 10 years, and her words of encouragement seemed like manna from heaven. Another message was from a reader in the State of Georgia whom I do not know personally. God’s timing is always perfect! The Lord used these two readers in a mighty way to encourage and lead me forward regarding the direction of these newsletters.



Following Jesus is often like stepping stones in our lives. We move from one to another as the Lord directs. The steps are always according to his good will and purpose. They are also according to his perfect timing. There is no running! By God’s grace we learn to wait on the Lord, and we learn to be strong (Psalm 27:14).



My waiting was difficult. It seemed very hard at times, but the Lord is my God. By his grace we have been saved, through faith . . . it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). Our faith is a gift from God every day. Praise the Lord. My salvation happens over and over again. I was saved yesterday, I am being saved today, and I will be saved tomorrow! Following Jesus is a daily walk for every believer. This specific “waiting” period for me began in the newsletter dated 14Nov08. More than a month ago you read:



For the past week I have had a bit of a struggle in my soul (mind, will and emotions) regarding the direction of this newsletter. To open my heart a bit, it concerns my biological family. One of my professors at Columbia International University (CIU) has been lecturing about different family structures and how family systems work. The Lord has used some of Dr. Wagner’s words to touch my heart deeply.



Dr. Wagner was a guest speaker this fall during chapel at my school. You can see a photo of Dr. Larry Wagner at this web page http://www.ciu.edu/graduate/faculty/bio.php?id=32. During the chapel message he quoted someone and said, “We can never be free from what we are unwilling to name.” That quote touched my heart for some unknown reason so during our next class meeting I asked Dr. Wagner for the source of his quote.



God has used the answer to my question to lead me in amazing ways over the past two months. Dr. Wagner recommended a book called Leading with a Limp. The writer is Dan Allender. Dr. Dan Allender received a Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Theological Seminary and his PhD in Counseling Psychology from Michigan State University. Currently, he serves as Professor of Counseling and President of Mars Hill Graduate School in Seattle, Washington.



When I ordered Leading with a Limp from Amazon online, there were several books written by Dan Allender. I also ordered The Wounded Heart: Hope for adult victims of childhood sexual abuse. This second book has unleashed a flood of emotions in my soul, and the Lord is using it tremendously to heal me more from the inside out. Let me share two things from this book:



A father who uses his daughter as a surrogate wife or confidante has bound his daughter’s heart to him in a subtly sexual way . . . the damage may not be overt, and in fact the daughter may feel so special that she would defend to her death the appropriateness of her father’s interactions. It is nevertheless abusive . . . The fact that sexual abuse can be subtle ought not cloud our perspective that it is equally abusive and damaging.



“Damaged” is how I have often felt as a woman. What exploded like a bomb shell inside my heart later in Allender’s book was this: “The child that is set apart for abuse is usually hated for his or her privileges by the other siblings. The child who feels different because of the abuse is then even further alienated due to the sibling jealousy.” He then wrote, “The silence is rarely broken . . . It remains a dark secret for years, if not forever.”



Jesus came to heal the broken hearted (Luke 4:18 and Isaiah 61:1). God prepared my heart and I was able to receive the truth. Jesus heals (Psalm 103:3). I am ready to break the silence. What a wonderful, yet painful Christmas gift this is to my heart and soul. We will continue next week as the Lord leads. Have a wonderful New Year’s holiday. ~ Susan Smith

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Life in Israel-One Body 02Jan09


This newsletter will end for a while after today. My spirit, soul and body need a break. When we meet again, my plan is to share much more with you as the Lord leads. Since completing the course called Psychopathology, I am convinced the spiritual realm and the mental realm of our lives are closely related if not one and the same.



There is evidence of this supposition in my personal life and in the lives of others in my family. Les Parrot is a professor of clinical psychology and Leslie Parrot is a marriage and family therapist. In their book entitled Relationships, they talk about intimacy:



If you try to find intimacy with another person before achieving a sense of identity of your own, all your relationships become an attempt to complete yourself . . . when you come to a relationship lacking personal self-worth, all you can offer is neediness.



Wow! Drs. Les and Leslie tell about the “emotional baggage” we bring from our first homes on earth to our adult relationships. “No other relationship shapes who we are more than our family. Most of what we think, feel, say, and do is in response to the home we grew up in.”



No wonder Jesus said, “You must accept the kingdom of God as if you were a little child, or you will never enter it” (Mark 10:15). Every believer must be changed from within by a new way of thinking. You must “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). Every mind and heart has been stained with sin during childhood. Only a supernatural power can change the way we think. We live in a fallen world, but we have a choice every day. The evil one can change the way we think as adults, or the Holy Spirit can renew our minds and transform our lives. We are slaves to the one we obey (Romans 6:16). Do you understand?



The feedback to last week’s newsletter has been overwhelming. Thank you for responding. “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God” (Isaiah 40:1). The outpouring of love and encouragement expressed by my brothers and sisters in Christ who read last week’s newsletter has been incredible. “God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5). I stand amazed at the awesomeness of God’s love expressed by his people all over the world. Thank you. Your inspired words have brought great comfort to my soul.



Have you ever felt as though you are in over your head? You know what I mean. It is like biting off more than you can chew. We all have our limitations, and there are times we all need a break. It is painful to receive light that exposes our sin and the sin of those we love deeply. There are times we must be still and wait.



There are times we must be still and know that God is God (Psalm 46:10). We must stop our activity and be silent. Dan Allender expresses this so well in a book called Bold Love:



The key is that the silence that dawns in light of seeing your own sin does not discount the damage of others’ sin. It simply puts it, for a time, in the background, where it waits to be addressed when our own heart is less disposed to judge and rage at another’s failure.



That time of being still to know and the place for being silent in God’s light has arrived for Susan Smith. Allender says, “Silence is required for deep change . . . the silence that deeply changes our heart is the hush that comes when we are caught in our hatred and found to be without excuse.”



God has loaded my plate with delicious food as I continue to learn at Columbia International University (CIU). This week I have had another taste of something that is very important. What I have learned is true for you too. Wherever God has you is where he wants you for his good will and purpose. The mighty God of Israel never makes a mistake. He loves us with an everlasting love. The Lord has led me to CIU in order for me to receive more healing for my heart and soul as well as to prepare me for the future. God took me to Jerusalem for five years to heal my heart as well as to work with Bridges for Peace in the accounting department. My healing continues.



Dan Allender tells a bit about how God loves us: “He dares, in fact, to tear us away from all presumptions of logic, fairness, safety, and normalcy . . . He will have His way and invites us to join Him in the mystery of relationship.” Scripture tells us to ask, seek and knock; we are then assured that we will receive, find and the door will be opened (Matthew 7:7). There is only one door to life. Jesus said, “I am the door” (John 10:9).



The evangelist, James Robison, said in 1989 that no matter how active we are or how diligently we “serve the Lord,” if we do not know him, and live in intimate fellowship with him, then we are not in the center of his will, and we will not experience the mainstream of his blessings and power. I agree. What James Robison said is true for you and for me.



I believe with all of my heart that God has placed me in school during this season for his good will and purpose. I am to learn. I am also to receive more healing in my heart and soul. The Lord can choose to use us to touch hearts and lives no matter where we are or what we are doing.



The land of my life needs to be healed. God’s healing is continuous if we choose to receive. The land and life of my country, the United States of America, needs to be healed. “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Does your life need to be healed? Does your country need healing?



We must always remember the correct order according to God’s Word. We must humble ourselves first. The second step is to pray and seek God’s face. The third step is to turn from our wicked ways. Then the Lord will hear from heaven; he will forgive our sin, and he will heal our land. No other order will work. Humility comes first.



Only in humility can we pray and seek God’s face. Only in humility by the grace of God are we able to turn from our wicked ways. Let us pray together, as Jesus the Messiah taught his disciples, for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). We will meet again after today. For now, the Lord is leading me to be still and silent for a season as I seek and ask for his mercy. Shabbat Shalom, until we meet again...

Call My Name

"Call my name say it now, I want you to never doubt - The love I have for you is so alive!" Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Call My Name by Third Day

I love you, Jesus. Thank you for dying in my place to save me from my sins and for rising again to conquer the sting of death. Thank you for your unfathomable sacrificial death and gift of forgiveness. In six days we celebrate your birth on this earth. Thank you for showing me the way to salvation through your Word, the Bible, and by your mercy, love and grace, demonstrating Who you are. - Christine

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Continuing follow-up on the Obama "natural born citizen" controversy, here is some of the latest important information to share:

For those of you who are following (or, unsure about the reasons for all the lawsuits) the Obama "natural born citizen" controversy, the following two videos help to spell it out clearly:

Dr. Orly Taitz Video 1

Dr. Orly Taitz Video 2


In the videos, Dr. Taitz shares some very important facts.

1. Obama admits (on his website!) that he was born as a British subject (due to his father being from Kenya and when Kenya was under British jurisdiction).

2. The vault-length COLB (Certificate of Live Birth) from Hawaii (you know - the one that Obama has spent nearly one million dollars to conceal and not be revealed in a court of law or to the public) has a place on it where it says "foreign born" on it. In other words, even if the short form of Obama's birth certificate (you know - the one that has already been analyzed and determined to be fake) WAS real - the fact remains that he most likely was not actually born in Hawaii - just registered there later. We would know for sure if Obama would just release it to the court(s) and/or the public (as John McCain did), but he REFUSES to do so!

Obama supporters - don't you find that troubling?

I do.

A man who would hide his original vault-length birth certificate (which costs $12.00 to get a copy of) and spends almost 1,000,000.00 to prevent anyone from viewing it, probably has a lot more to hide, as well.

3. EVERY hospital in Hawaii has been investigated and NOT ONE OF THEM has ANY record of Obama's birth or his mother's presence there to give birth. Also, even if he happened to be "home birthed," why did his half-sister lie and claim that he was born at two different hospitals in Hawaii (she is quoted as saying as such on two separate occasions.)

4. Obama's paternal grandmother in Kenya claims that she was present IN KENYA - at his birth. There is video proof of this fact. Why would she lie? The more likely answer is that Obama IS LYING ABOUT THIS. Why? Because he is a lawyer by trade (supposed to be a "Constitutional lawyer") so therefore, he KNOWS that he doesn't meet the "natural born citizen" status necessary for POTUS.

The date of January 9th is very important. This is because Congress will have already done their job to certify (or, reject...but I doubt that) Obama's electors. It is then that Obama can be charged at the Supreme Court for his ineligibility.

I don't know if the Supreme Court will ultimately do their job and do the right thing regarding Berg's case. But at least millions of people have been made aware that if Obama is inaugurated, we will have a usurper in office. We shall see what happens.

For more details, please see:

Investigating Obama

Obama Crimes

[Note: 12/18/08 - URGENT NOTICE – False rumors are circulating – Justice Kennedy denied our Application for an Injunction to Stay Electoral Vote Count by Congress on January 8, 2009. However, our Writ of Certiorari is still pending and is now scheduled for Conference before U.S. Supreme Court on January 9, 2009.]

Anything and everything at Texas Darlin' blog; but especially this well written request of Dr. Kate to Chief Justice John G. Roberts:

Do Not Leave Americans With Silence

Cumbersome Sack of Discontent

Over the last three days, I have had the complete displeasure of watching and listening to most of the keynote speakers at the Democratic Convention. Last night, I watched the repeat broadcast of Joe Biden's speech.

I was struggling to find a catchy line that would describe what was heard in most of the speeches. Then, while reading a chapter from Max Lucado's book Traveling Light, I found the phrase I was looking for:

Democrats: Those people who trudge through each day with a "cumbersome sack of discontent."

I am serious!! All that I heard coming out of the mouths of most of the speakers were complaints!!

Except for moments of grandeur and praise of themselves, their own families, and other Democrats, did you hear any mention of gratitude for living in the greatest nation on God's green earth??

The other thing that really bothered me was seeing Hillary and Bill join the clueless, Kool-Aid drinkers and through their individual speeches, ultimately ended up bowing at the altar of Obamination. Are we to really believe that what they said was sincere?

Perhaps Hillary was sincere in her rejection of John McCain, but the recent campaign commercial where she states something like this - "John McCain is prepared to be president and has served this country honorably for years - Barack Obama gave a speech in 2002." [paraphrased here] has to make one wonder...when was she telling the truth? Was it when she made that original statement about Senator McCain or the other night when she disparaged him and praised Obama?

Isn't it logical to ask, "When was she genuinely sharing her true opinions and feelings?"

It is mindboggling how Democrats consistently talk out of two sides of their faces - and end up saying completely opposite things. What's even worse is that the MSM lets them get away with it!! Thank God for the Internet where we can discern truth from lies!

Did you happen to see the new NOBama fad? Flip flop sandals with mini heads of Obama attached at the top! Each one represents each of his known flip-flopping stances on issues! Ha!! More accurately, it appears that he tries to be "both ways Obama." Now, that's a real hoot!!

It wasn't my intention to continue describing all of the discontent that reeks from the Democrat Party. It's just that it served as a perfect example of what Max Lucado describes as "the prison of want" in chapter four of his book Traveling Light.

This particular chapter is so good that I wish I could type it all out! But I will share just a few portions that will hopefully give you the main message.

Max describes the "world's most oppressive prison" as "the prison of want." He gives examples. People who may not want much, but just that "one thing" that will make them happy.

Excerpt:

They want just one thing. One new job. One new car. One new house. One new spouse. They don't want much . They want just one.

And when they have "one," they will be happy. And they are right - they will be happy. When they have "one," they will leave the prison. But then it happens. The new car smell passes. The new job gets old. The neighbors buy a larger TV set. The new spouse has bad habits. The sizzle fizzles, and before you know it, another ex-con breaks parole and returns to jail.

Personally, I think that many liberals and most Democrats are in the prison of want. What's worse is the fact that their leaders want them there in order to get what they want...elected!

When the Democrats took over Congress in 2006, did you see them pass any legislation to make their "prisoners of want" happy? No. Of course not! Why? Because they wanted the "sack of discontent" to linger all the way up to this forthcoming election day on November 4th, 2008! Doesn't it seem that way to you, too?

Lucado tells us how to recognize when we are in this type of prison:

Are you in prison? You are if you feel better when you have more and worse when you have less. You are if joy is one delivery away, one transfer away, one award away, or one makeover away. If your happiness comes from something you deposit, drive, drink, or digest, then face it - you are in prison, the prison of want.

If the truth be told, I think that almost everyone goes through a time in this particular prison. However, some people remain their for most of their lives! That's truly sad!

Well, as Max writes, "that's the bad news. The good news is, you have a visitor."

And your visitor has a message that can get you paroled. Make your way to the receiving room. Take your seat in the chair, and look across the table at the psalmist David. He motions for you to lean forward. "I have a secret to tell you," he whispers, "the secret of satisfaction. 'The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want'" (Ps. 23:1 NKJV).

David has found the pasture where discontent goes to die. It's as if he is saying, "What I have in God is greater than what I don't have in life."

You think you and I could learn to say the same?

Wow! That's SO POWERFUL!

Let me take a brief time out to share some thoughts about a movie documentary that I saw yesterday. The movie is called Young At Heart.

At that link, you can read a brief review (that doesn't give a lot of the plot away) and also view several video clips (may contain spoilers) of the documentary.

At the end, I teared up big time!!

It was so awesome to see these people perform and receive standing ovations. They got such responses from both a huge concert audience, as well as from prisoners (who were holed up in a real prison camp) they had performed for earlier in the movie.

Several of members of the choral group were believers. One sang in his church chorus and another mentioned that the Lord will take him when it is his time.

I have to say that seeing some grown men at the prison camp tear up - and then hug the choral group members after their performance - was so very moving!

We know that many Christian groups bring children and various singing groups to nursing homes to visit the elderly and cheer them up. But to see the elderly from nursing homes come and sing for a group of hardened criminals was just amazing!

These chorus members still had their problems - health and otherwise. They had their aches and pains. They had difficulty learning and memorizing some of the lyrics. They had their emergency trips to the hospital. They had physical disabilities and all the rest that comes with the aging process. Yet, when they were performing - in those moments - all of those problems went away...for a time. They expressed how much they loved singing and performing for grateful audiences.

The final concert at the end had me sobbing - both with sadness and joy!

You see, the life of the Christian believer is like that. Sometimes filled with sadness - but also overflowing with joy!

When we receive Christ as Lord and Savior, that born-again experience releases "the fruit of the Spirit" within us.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,


Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Eph 5:8 ¶ For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:


Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)


Eph 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

Notice that one fruit is called "long suffering." The Bible tells us the truth - and the truth is just as Jesus described to us in John:

Jhn 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

And, why can we be of good cheer despite all of the turmoil going on around us?

1Jo 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Jesus is all about overcoming. At the moment of salvation, he overcomes the effect of sin on our souls. With Him in our hearts, he allows us to overcome our fears, trials, tribulations and yes - even the "prisons" that tempt to snag us in this life.

Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.


Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Which brings us back to Max Lucado's book.

Excerpt:

Think for just a moment about the things you own. Think about the house you have, the car you drive, the money you've saved. Think about the jewelry you've inherited and the stocks you've traded and the clothes you've purchased. Envision all your stuff, and let me remind you of two biblical truths.

Your stuff isn't yours. Ask any coroner. Ask any embalmer. Ask any funeral-home director. No one takes anything with him.

The author goes on to tell the familiar story of one of the wealthiest men in history, John D. Rockefeller. When he died, his accountant was asked, "How much did John D. leave?" The accountant answered, "All of it."

"Naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand." (Eccles. 5:15 NIV).

Back to the election for a moment. During all of the back and forth about Barack Obama's elitism (and, now he's 4 million dollars richer through book sales) and John McCain's wife owning seven homes; on campaign camp tried to outdo the other in the "rich man" game.

However, I liked what I heard from John McCain. Compared to most of the rest of the world, every single one of us in America is rich! He probably wasn't only talking about financial circumstances. America is rich in many other things too.

Rich in faith, hope, love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and salvation through Christ.
Rich in freedom.
Rich in generosity.
Rich in protection.
Rich in good people.
Rich in a military unsurpassed by any other.
Rich in giving to those less fortunate.
Rich in providing education.
Rich in opportunity for those who work for it.

The list could go on and on.

What would you add to it?

I see John McCain's candidacy as being filled with optimism - about today and tomorrow. I see Obama's campaign as filled with pessimism and discontent about today - with a pseudo kind of "hope" for tomorrow. These are just my opinions, of course.

Back to Lucado's book:

All that stuff - it's not yours. And you know what else about all that stuff? It's not you. Who you are has nothing to do with the clothes you wear or the car you drive. Jesus said, "Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot" (Luke 12:15 MSG). Heaven does not know you as the fellow with the nice suit or the woman with the big house or the kid with the new bike. Heaven knows your heart. "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7 NIV).

When God thinks of you, he may see your compassion, your devotion, your tenderness or quick mind, but he doesn't think of your things.

And when you think of you, you shouldn't either. Define yourself by your stuff, and you'll feel good when you have a lot and bad when you don't. Contentment comes when we can honestly say with Paul: "I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have....I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty" (Phil. 4:11-12).

Back to the election.

Tonight, there will be a grand performance held at a stadium which holds 70,000 people for Obama's speech. I just can't even imagine what the cost of such an extravaganza will be. In the midst of all this hype, I have two questions.

1. Why doesn't Obama donate money (even just some of the 4 million from book sales could do a LOT!) to the needy he often talks about in his speeches?

2. Why is he wasting millions of campaign donor money on an event that is designed just to specifically glorify himself?

HT: Young at Heart

Max Lucado's Traveling Light