Convicted in a North Korean Jail

The stories keep coming in. Following is a relatively recent account of a prisoner of the Kim Jong-il regime. Much of it will seem familiar to those who have read this column often. But surely the workings of God in each North Korean are individual. Consider:

Peter [name changed], a North Korean, lived as a refugee in China, where he was found by the security police and sent back to North Korea. Oh, and he was arrested with his family, that is, with his wife and his six-year-old daughter.

His wife had been a believer since her days in North Korea. Her mother, likewise a believer in Jesus, had waited until she was 16 years of age to share about Jesus with her. It is not safe for a child to bear such precious information, reason North Korea's believing parents. Peter became a believer after they all came to China.

Now, anyone sent back to North Korea from China is always asked two questions:

• Did you meet any South Koreans there? and
• Did you go to church there?

Peter said "no" to both questions. I ask you, reader, what would you have said? Is it not a proper thing to tell untruths to persons such as these are, who destroy lives for no reason? Read on.

While he was incarcerated, a new prisoner was brought in. He was a Chinese man who had come from inland China to North Korea for the expressed purpose of evangelizing North Koreans, even though he could not speak Korean well. Such love from God! He was arrested.

When Peter heard of the Chinese man's story, he was convicted in his heart. He realized that, like the apostle called Peter, he too was denying Christ. First he said he had not met any South Koreans, but especially, he denied going to church while in China.

He confessed his lies to an officer . The officer began torturing him saying, "Even if you would deny Jesus now, we won't let you go." Peter said, "I will continue to evangelize and will never deny Jesus in my heart."

So he told people in the prison about the Savior. And despite the on-going torture by the guard, he experienced joy and developed a hope that he would go to heaven quickly.

Instead, he was released and witnessed to his entire family, who have now been saved, and have started an underground church. Peter now lives in South Korea.

Being willing to die does not always bring death. Being anxious to live does not always bring life. What is important for all of us is, What is the perfect will of God for my life? Thank you, "Peter", for sharing your story with us and for being true to Jesus.

Look for Bob Faulkner's home page on http://sermonaudio.com - There you will find a combination of love for the Scriptures and a desire for North Korean believers to have their needs met. There are nearly 300 blogs , ovber 200 Bible teaching MP3's, lists of resources, NK picture albums, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

Council Of Nicaea Conclusion

Thoughts on Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ

Movie-going for Christians has always been a bit controversial. Should we avoid them altogether or take them in moderation? Should we carefully choose or sample all kinds? Do they truly add to us or take away? Are they a complete waste of time in a world where people are dying outside Christ?

And religious movies! Biblical films, to be exact. How proper is it to attempt to portray Deity? Many holy men and women of God resolutely resist viewing anything so blasphemous as a human representing Jesus Christ. Why, they say, how does this differ from Popery? Is it not forbidden by Moses himself?

I understand the conflict in all of the above, and have wrestled with issues concerning the media all my life. Without entering into the fray at present, I can say this much about some movies, whether or not I should have allowed myself to see them:

It was during a viewing of the Billy Graham film Shadow of the Boomerang , listening to Billy's preaching, when I first truly experienced the forgiveness of Christ, becoming fully aware of my wretched condition. Now it was the preached word that saved me. Going to a Billy Graham Crusade would have had the same effect. But I can't deny that it was the movie that got my attention.

Among other things, Graham's The Hiding Place motivated me to seek out and help those suffering in persecuted countries. Perhaps the other things would have been enough, but it was the movie that built the fire.

My wife and I both remember childhood viewings of Ben Hur and that last scene where the blood of Jesus is seen mingling with the rain and symbolically touching the lives of mankind. We were not theologically seasoned in those days, but a truth of Scripture found its way into our hearts through General Wallace's tale of the Christ. Yes, we could have read the book. But we didn't. We saw a movie.

Even The Sound of Music had a way of refreshing me and making me want to serve the Lord more, though in those days I had no educated idea of the dangers of Romanism.

The Jesus Movie is used around the world and reportedly is instrumental in bringing untold numbers of people to Christ. I found the movie somewhat refreshing if not perfectly accurate in all places.

I hope I make the point here, that in many lives, though perhaps God would have preferred simple presentations of the Gospel through preaching or personal testimony, nevertheless, "Christ is preached." And we must rejoice over every soul that comes to God.

The Mel Gibson case before us is somewhat in the same genre. Many will come to know Christ, or at least of Him. Questions will be raised. The true ministry can be performed after the movie, and servants of Christ should be at the ready for this unique opportunity. It still could be argued that our God would prefer the method He taught us, but one cannot disagree with persons using what is in their hand to glorify Christ. May Christ be uplifted in all things. And may all of us find our way to lift up Jesus in our world.

Why the controversy, then? What needs to be added to the above? If a project is being undertaken for God's glory and God gets that glory, can we not be content?

I would suggest that many things are attempted in our world and have been in every century, for the glory of God, and one way or another God got what He wanted from them, but to put His stamp of approval on these things would be to miss the mark. The Promise Keepers organization comes to mind. Many friendships in Christ were created. Many came to Christ. Christ was uplifted in the media. But then came those after-meetings of which we began to hear, where grown Christian men were sitting around and discussing their sex lives. Then the realization that there were strong ties to Romanist influence in the entire venture.

Similar issues arise in the movie project known as The Passion of Christ. With all the good stated above, there are several very serious problems with this multi-million dollar cinema. I pray that my readers will patiently and prayerfully examine the evidence regarding this and other Christian projects before selling out to what seems to be the inevitable.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosen together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. I love to write Scriptural works. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

Dreaming And Outer Body Experien

How Free is The Christian's Freedom of Speech?

1978. Skokie, Illinois. Do you remember? The Nazis announced they would march in this Chicago suburb, a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, right down the street from where I live. It was actually More than Jewish in those days. It was Holocaust survivors. People who were there. Who knew.

A legal battle began. The Nazis won. But after they won, they canceled their Skokie plans. Over a year of court wrangling for what? Some say only the lawyers won. But the issue all this brought up needs to be looked at well. And that issue is not just Israel's right to be. It is just how far we take freedom of speech.

For the Christian, the water gets fairly murky. Just how free is the believer to speak his mind? Christ actually puts many controls on His people for their own good. "Sound speech which cannot be condemned" is the norm for us, not free speech.

Does Christ grant His own what the constitution grants the American? Unlimited freedom to curse, to complain, to villify? Certainly Mohammed would not permit free speech regarding his god. Does Christ? Are we clinging to an American ideal when we praise the idea of free speech?

More questions come... Should we equate Americanism with Christianity? Should we fight for the right to speak about Jesus anywhere? Do we then as Americans fight for the atheist's right to spit on our God? For the Muslim's right to praise Allah and spread his faith?

Will there be freedom of speech in the Millennium? In Heaven? Surely no one is permitted to come against Christ the King verbally then? Should they be allowed now?

I only put out questions today, not answers. But it seems to me a person could be an excellent American citizen without being much of a Christian at all. Let's keep remembering where our citizenship really is.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. I love to write Scriptural works. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond.

Eliminating Negative Media From

Only God Can Do This

The subject today is church unity.
Most people point to John 17 when speaking of church unity, and so will I.

Point one. This prayer of Jesus is addressed to God, not the church. There is nothing in this chapter that any man should try to do. Jesus asked His Father for grace on the church of all ages, and we believe the Father granted that grace.

Point two. Specifically, the prayers for unity offered in John 17 were given to God. Unity of the type that Jesus prayed for MUST be created by God. When man attempts it, it starts looking like the old "Holy" Roman Empire, with its political correctness, its lack of toleration for dissension, its hierarchy, its made-to-order meetings, its uniforms, and its armies standing by to enforce the rules in the flesh. This is not God's unity.

Point three. There's a clue given to us in verse 21 of John 17 as to what kind of unity Jesus prayed for. Jesus said that He wants us one "so that the world may believe You sent Me."

Now I ask you, when Christendom was assembled under one roof, threatening the world with total control, did the people of this world want to come to Jesus and examine His claims? Was repentance on their mind because the "Church" was "one"? I think not! In fact, the world hurried away from that to our shores and others' so as to be able to seek God on their own! And seek Him they did. That sort of seeking has been going on ever since.

Here is Christian unity: a Christian prisoner of the Nazis lives her life to such an extent that a brutal guard working for those same Nazis wants to come to Christ, and is even forgiven totally by that same prisoner who bore his abuses, and those two are united in Jesus' love, I say the world looks at that unity, and says "I want this Christ." (The true story of Corrie Ten Boom)

Men, get your hands off of John 17. Let God do the work of saving and thus unifying His people in His Spirit, and using THAT kind of unity to reach this world.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

Missing Years Of Jesus

The One Who Was, Is Not, But Is Coming

Ten nations, somehow bonded together, part strong like iron, says Daniel, part not so strong, like clay. Many have been the speculations: Democracies and Muslim-style "kingdoms" merging to form a super-power? An awesome nightmare, don't you think, combining the wealth of Europe and the passion of Mohammed's men? Is not Europe being overrun by Islam this very moment? But I merely speculate. We need to get back to the main discussion...

Notice that it is the heads and not the nations (horns) that have a blasphemous name. The world powers, and one man in particular in each of these powers has risen to fame on the basis of his hatred for and emulation of the Deity we serve. An antichrist, so to speak, in every Empire, every generation. We have them in our day. They will continue to rise and be obviously the enemy until the final manifestation comes, and by the elect will be easily identified.

But wait. The Daniel picture before us is very similar to the one John painted in chapter 12 of his revelation, verse 3. And this chapter 12 beast is called by the author, the Devil. So is this beast from the sea in chapter 13 also the Devil? No. The clue is in 13:2. The Devil gives the beast before us his authority. This person rising in the Mediterranean region of our planet is Satan, but Satan incarnated in human flesh. This is Satan's "masterpiece". Often he has been behind these God- and Christ-haters. But to my knowledge never before has he been inside such a man, directing every step. This he will do, I believe, to replicate as exactly as possible what the Father did in our Lord Jesus. Lived in Him, directed and empowered Him. Satan's object is to be so like Christ as to deceive the very elect, if that were possible. (But God will find a way to alert the elect!)

The beast. He is described in verse 2 as having characteristics of leopard, bear, and lion, the very same as the first three animals seen by Daniel. So this beast is a combination of every power that has ever reigned. Daniel sees the only world power that has ever ruled from the end of Greece's time until the end of history as a separate animal. John sees that same animal as having combined all former rule in itself. But the images are essentially the same.

In Revelation 13:3, 12, and 14 we are introduced to the idea of a resurrected ruler (some say kingdom, but a king and a kingdom are inseparable). Thankfully this concept is not new to us, as we have been studying Daniel's history-gap-history pattern. Simply put, but how simply believed I am not sure: Someone who reigned before will reign again. Let's look closer at what happens.

In verse 3, one of the heads of the beast receives a (potentially) fatal wound. We have identified the heads above in terms of nations of the world. But in chapter 17 they are also considered to be individual men. Which way shall we go when thinking about interpretation? I believe we need to see the context of the chapter. The world sees this resurrected entity and concludes that it will be impossible to make war with such a one (13:4)! That sounds more like a man than a nation does it not? Let's see how it fits as we move on.

Again in verses 3, 12, and 14, there is indication that a deadly wound is healed, one who should have died does not, or seemingly dies but "comes back" from the dead. I am not totally certain that this person experiences an actual death, due to the phrase "as if it had been" mortally wounded. Is this sleight of hand? Or is this referring to the fact that antichrist has already been raised from the dead by re-appearing after hundreds of years?

Whatever, the wound is made by a sword, yet Antichrist lives. The world is in awe. Now, some have speculated that what we are seeing here is Sennacherib, the great Assyrian "antichrist" figure, who decimated Israel and incurred God's wrath. The story of his demise and slaying by sword is actually told in your Bible (II Kings 19:35-37)!

I cannot ignore what I have seen of antichrist in the book of Daniel, especially since the Lord Himself has told us to go to that book for answers to the mystery. Though I do not want to write off every other idea, I prefer to stay with Antiochus, as opposed to Sennacherib, about whom little else is said in Scripture. Now, Antiochus died a horrid death. The disease which took him was similar to that suffered by Herod in the book of Acts (12:20-24). He was eaten of worms. But as with all lost and saved persons a new body is reserved so that persons can be blessed or judged eternally. When Antiochus returns from the dead it will be with a new imperishable body, one that can indeed endure any sort of "fatal" wound.

As to the idea of the use of the sword in the last generation, it is not so difficult to imagine any longer, is it? With the Muslim ascent to power, we can readily envision not only the sword but beheadings, prophesied for believers of the last days.

Daniel readers recall the details John now points out in verse 5, the blasphemous words, the three and one half years. No question who this is. Six hundred years earlier, an angel had pointed the finger to a historical figure described in great detail in Daniel 11 and 12, mentioned his blasphemy, mentioned his time limit. It all comes together. Even if only his name "Epiphanes" was on his head, it would be blasphemy enough. He claims to be the "manifested son of the living God." "Great is the mystery of godliness," says Paul (I Timothy 3:16) "God was manifest in the flesh!" But the mystery of iniquity is that there will be one claiming this "manifested" title for himself and demanding that all give him the honor deserved only by Jesus.

One is coming who has been here before. Let us be holy before our God and ready to endure.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. Just about every day I'm writing a blog featuring some news, a book, or a story of North Korea. There's a live news feed on the site, lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together!

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond on my site.

Book Of Life

The Significance of the Feast of Tabernacles Today and the Birth of Jesus Christ

Following Yom Kippur comes the Feast of Tabernacles, at the end of September or beginning of October, when Jews remember the forty days they spent in the wilderness, living in tabernacles or booths or tents. You will find the details in Leviticus Chapter 23.

This is the season of the year when Jesus was born. John tells us how Jesus Christ tabernacled amongst us. We need to remember that when it comes to December. Facts are important. Truth and accuracy is vital.

In Jerusalem, and Jewish communities around the world, decorated booths can be seen in gardens or balconies, during the Feast of Tabernacles.

For eight days people will have their meals in these flimsy temporary shelters, some even sleeping under the palm branch roofing, through which the sky can be seen.

It is a time for remembering and giving thanks to God, Who led His People, leading and bringing them to the Promised Land, a phrase we seldom hear these days.

Not only do the people remember, but they celebrate with willow, myrtle, palm and lemon. Each has a significance.

For over 3,000 years the people of Israel have kept and observed this Feast. Why? So that your descendents will know all about your being slaves in Egypt and how God set you free.

On the last day of the Feast in Jerusalem, the High Priest would take a container down to the Pool of Siloam returning to the Temple with it full of water. There was prayer for water for the crops, and for Messiah to come and refresh them.

John speaks of Jesus being in Jerusalem for the Feast, and on that day, shouting out in a loud voice, "If any man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink". Jesus saw people who had been at an eight day Feast or 'Conference' and they were dissatisfied. They had not had their spiritual needs truly met, and Jesus invited them to come to Him. Check this out in John Chapter 7.

Jesus was thinking too of the future when He would pour out the Holy Spirit.

If you are dry, dissatisfied, spiritually thirsty, confused or burdened, drink from Jesus Christ, and then you can refresh others.

Prime your pump and allow the rivers to flow.

Sandy Shaw

Sandy Shaw is Pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship, Chaplain at Inverness Prison, and Nairn Academy, and serves on The Children's Panel in Scotland, and has travelled extensively over these past years teaching, speaking, in America, Canada, South Africa, Australia, making 12 visits to Israel conducting Tours and Pilgrimages, and most recently in Uganda and Kenya, ministering at Pastors and Leaders Seminars, in the poor areas surrounding Kampala, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.

He broadcasts regularly on WSHO radio out of New Orleans, and writes a weekly commentary at http://www.studylight.org entitled "Word from Scotland" on various biblical themes, as well as a weekly newspaper column.

His M.A. and B.D. degrees are from The University of Edinburgh, and he continues to run and exercise regularly to maintain a level of physical fitness.

Sandy Shaw
sandyshaw63@yahoo.com

Creative Approaches to Family Gatherings

Do you find yourself dreading family gatherings? Is the family situation trying and very draining on your emotional state?

Staying centered when others around us are spinning in excitement, anticipation or agitation is never easy. It is challenging to hold our own position at times. The energy encountered in your family can be overwhelming. When you have to be at a family gathering, remember to take a few simple steps before getting out of your car:

1. Take three deep breaths.

2. Pull in your energetic field closer to your body (this contains your energy so it is not so porous and expanded- keeping you from picking up others energies). You can also do this by crossing your arms over your heart, hugging yourself tightly and feeling very contained.

3. Focus your energy on your feet- feeling how rooted you are to the earth.

4. Clear your mind and focus on the task at hand, knowing you are centered within yourself and nothing can truly harm you or hurt you.

These few simple methods will help you have a better experience. They seem like very simple concepts, but each has a specific purpose and work together to bring you into a state of conscious awareness. This awareness is the most powerful tool we possess. If you have conscious awareness you are remaining empowered in your personal space. This can assist you in holding your own energy rather than being drained by the swirling energy around you.

Its easy to get caught up in family tension, experiencing undue demands on yourself and the guilt that comes with living according to old feelings of expectation and duty. Simply because something has been unchanged for years, does it mean it is the only way it can be done? Think about the ramifications of some of these expectations that have been passed down through the family for generations.

Do the family expectations make you uncomfortable? Do you visit members of the family out of duty rather than out of excitement and joy? Are you weighed down by the expectations placed upon you? Is there a sense of loyalty that is defining your every move? What would happen if you created a new way of responding? Would it be more fulfilling to you personally? Would you feel guilt? Would it bring you joy? Would it be exciting? Would it be too uncomfortable?

Only you would know inside yourself what your response would be.

Is it worth finding out? Step out on your own and do things differently the next time you are at a family gathering. Why not take the risk to change? Change is the healthiest thing we can ever do for ourselves. Being caught in a routine is stifling and can cause our energies to stagnate.

Samsara is a Sanskrit word that means to me, the only thing that never changes, is the fact that everything changes. Samsara is about flow. Energy in flowing motion is free and openly being expressed. Energy held in expectation and tradition can be stagnant and unmoving.

Which do you prefer? Which do you choose? Take the leap and make a change! And most of all, remember its about your wellbeing. Do what brings you joy. Allow that to be the guiding force within you.

2005 Jaelin K. Reece

Jaelin K. Reece, is a whole life coach, intuitive and guide. Jaelin uses her complementary skills as a gifted intuitive to facilitate people in realizing their true potential in their personal lives, relationships, career, and prosperity. She assists people in transforming their lives and creating the life they love to live.
Jaelin serves as a mentor, consultant and success partner for her clients. She is also the featured columnist Ask a Life Coach for About.com Holistic Healing. If you are interested in partnering with Jaelin as your mentor and life coach you may arrange a session with her through her website: Jaelin K. Reece, Life Coach or by visiting her blog Intuitive Innovations.

A Simple Healing Meditation That You Can Safely Use Anywhere, Anytime

Recently I was reading a blog post by Anmol Mehta, and I particularly enjoyed the fact that he presented two different meditations that could be done while driving. For those of us who live busy lives and/or spend a good deal of time in the car, meditation while driving is a great way to kill two birds with one stone.

His post got me thinking a bit, and it reminded me of a meditation practice I'd like to share with you that I learned during my Meditation 1 class at The Berkeley Psychic Institute last year. It is called the "Grounding Cord" and has several applications of benefit, including but not limited to:

• Increased focus
• Emotional healing
• Physical healing
• Increased feeling of being centered and grounded
• Ability to alter the known physical laws of the Universe

And of course the best part is, you can do it anywhere - even while driving! In fact, it is one of the few meditations which I think is especially helpful while driving. Here's how it goes:

• Find the base of your spine and touch it with your finger
• Imagine a cord connecting the base of your spine with the center of the earth
• Strengthen that cord and make it tight

There you go, that's 95% of the meditation! Seriously, it is that simple to start with, which is one of the reasons I am so fond of this meditation. The final step in using the grounding cord is actually using it for any of the above applications I mentioned.

For example, suppose you are feeling very uncentered... as though you just can't seem to calm down. Maybe you're having trouble sleeping. Just go through the above steps to establish your grounding cord, then imagine sending energy from you to connect you to the center of the Earth. Continue running that energy over and over, and within a matter of minutes you will feel more relaxed and grounded.

What about a headache? First establish your grounding cord. Then, create another mini-cord that connects your head to the base of your spine (so now you have two grounding cords connected). Then imagine that the pain from your headache is being sucked down one grounding cord to the base of your spine, and then finally being sent to the center of the Earth.

The best part about the grounding cord is you can have fun with it! Instead of just being a cord, in the headache example use a vacuum to suck the pain out of your brain and send it down the grounding cord. And suppose you don't like a little black cord. Change your grounding cord to a slinky! Or maybe something pretty like a waterfall or a rainbow, or if you really need strength change it to a link of chains.

The possibilities are endless as to what your grounding cord can look like or be. Use your imagination and make it fun. Also notice that I didn't say "close your eyes." Though it helps the first few times you practice the grounding cord, once you're familiar you can do it anywhere anytime. I sometimes even do it in the middle of a conversation if the person I am with is energetically draining.

You may be wondering about that last bullet in the list... altering the known physical laws of the Universe. Here's the deal. Stand up, establish your grounding cord, then make it as strong and thick as you possibly can. Focus and send as much of your energy as you can down that grounding cord, and continue doing this for a few minutes.

Then, while continuing to send as much energy down the grounding cord as possible, have somebody else give you a push. Not a gentle push nor a forceful one... but enough that it theoretically should make you wobble a bit. Maybe do this a couple times for good measure.

Next, imagine cutting your grounding cord off entirely. Now it's gone. Zip. Zilch. Nada! Have the other person push you with the same forcefulness again.

Now you tell me - what differences did you notice?

Chris Cade empowers people to discover their own personal truths through reading and writing spiritual stories and parables. For more information, visit http://www.Spiritual-Short-Stories.com and http://www.SpiritualGrowthWriting.com

Copyright 2008, Chris Cade. All Rights Reserved Worldwide in all Media. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article in your ezine, newsletter, newspaper, magazine, website, etc. as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, do not include added text or links within the article, leave my name and author bio box intact, and you follow all of the EzineArticles Terms of Service for Publishers.

Christians Against Proselytizing Among Israel

CAPAI -- Christians Against Proselytizing Among Israel -- is an organization headed by Moshe-Mordechai van Zuiden. Is there an equivalent organization of Jews against Jewish proselytizing among Christians? I doubt it.

I am opposed to anybody - Jew, Israelite or Gentile - becoming a convert to the counterfeit Christianity of "traditional Churchianity." Such popular error misrepresents true Christianity with its Babylonian mystery religion dressed up in the drag of "Christianity."

True Christianity, as taught by Herbert W. Armstrong, merely announces the soon coming Kingdom of God to be established by King Messiah, Yeshua. We don't seek converts or believe it's our responsibility to "save" the world. If God wants to save the world, it will be saved. There's no contest between God and the devil, contrary to traditional myths.

I encourage Moshe-Mordechai van Zuiden and others to call upon Jews not to be hypocrites against "Christian" proselytizing while remaining in a self-imposed exile, far away from the Jewish homeland, and having the chutzpah to preach against Jesus in such professing countries, as I've seen on too many forums. Mind you, these forums I refer to were not legitimate Jewish responses to efforts to convert them.

Jews Should Follow Judaism to Israel!

May faithful Jews not confuse ersatz New York with Eretz Yisrael. Israel needs American Jews and American Jews need Israel! Such a great influx of American Jews into Eretz Israel could help sweep away the suicidal peace process and restore Israel to its right mind.

A Jewish Homeland

Weren't the Jews prophesied to return to Israel? Are the Jews ethnic Jews or merely converts? How should Israel treat their resident Arabs? Why does the world focus on Jerusalem for all the wrong reasons?

David Ben-Ariel is a Christian-Zionist writer and author of Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall. With a focus on the Middle East and Jerusalem, his analytical articles help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out the Beyond Babylon blog.

Obeying God and Hearing His Voice

A friend of mine told me he once asked a godly lady how she became so powerful with God. She replied, "Have you ever been in a restaurant or some other public place and felt God leading you to go talk to some stranger there?" He said yes. She asked, "Did you do it?"

He was silent as he thought of opportunities missed. She said, "Well, there you have it."

The life of a disciple is lived with regular knots in the pit of your stomach. Perhaps there are some great disciples out there who are never in fear that what they think is the voice of God inside is really just some inner impulse that will lead them to great embarrassment. I don't know any disciples like that, though. The great disciples I know set the fear aside, live with the knot in the pit of their stomach, and risk embarrassment.

These disciples talk to people, including strangers, that they feel led to talk to. They say that strange thing that they feel God leading them to say. They do that unusual thing that they feel God leading them to do.

I remember one night in Germany feeling led to talk to a man I was walking past on the sidewalk. I didn't know what to say, but I remembered years earlier that an evangelist (Danny Duvall) had said thatstraightforward is best. Just tell them that you want to talk to them about Jesus.

So I stopped this man with the question, in German, "Do you know Jesus?" His answer was amazing. "How could I possibly know Jesus? He's been dead for two thousand years."

I had one of the most interesting talks I've ever had with that man. I don't know what impact it had on him, but it led to one of the more interesting nights of my life. He invited me to talk to him more at the bar he was walking to. I went home to tell my wife I was taking him up on the invitation, and then I went to the bar.

When I got there, the German man wasn't there, but an old friend from the military was. I got to spend an hour talking to him about life and about the Lord. After that hour, another man came in talking about God. Yes, talking about God in a bar. He was very strange, and he had strange ideas about God. I talked to him until he let down and began talking a lot more reasonably, and he began admitting he knew he needed to give his life to God. It was a very, very unusual conversation.

Amazingly enough, it didn't end there. The owner of the local "house of ill repute" (that was legal in Germany then, and it may still be) came in. The bartender refused to serve him and said he always came in to start fights with Americans. I asked him in German why he hated Americans, and he was surprised I spoke German. He said he was still mad about world war II, even though he had to have been a child during the war. I was able to preach the Gospel even to him, though he was very resistant to it.

Afterwards, I drove the strange man that had talked about God to his room on base. The military had sent him over for just one week, and so I never saw him again, but I know our conversation made an impact on his life. He had been drinking a bit in the bar, even though I hadn't been, and he really opened up on the way to his room.

I've missed my share of opportunities by not listening to that quiet inner voice, but I didn't miss that one. It's been more than twenty years since that happened, but the stories from that night still inspire me and others not to let God's whisperings go by unheeded.

Make your own memories. You can't be a disciple without regularly feeling the gnawing fear that comes when God asks you to do something outside your comfort zone. The choice between obeying your fear and obeying God can be the one difference between being a great man or woman of Godand being just another person who left no impact on this world.

The Rest of the Old, Old Story: honest and historic Christianity. Is your faith working? Is it transforming you and those around you? Get in the mainstream of God's power by walking in the footsteps of the most powerful churches in history

Also see Paul Pavao's blog on Radical Christianity

Divine Power

Divine power is so great, Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus says in 2Corinthians 10:3, For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. Now in many chapters of the Bible it says that Jesus is over everything, in Psalm 24:1 says, The earth is the Lords and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the sea and established it upon the waters.

I recommend reading Philippians 2:5, it says Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to deatheven death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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A Two Year Old Prophecy Over My Life That I Cherish

It was Juliette who wanted to write tonight, but it is I who want to speak to you and your heart. So I am the One who is choosing to speak to you. I have told Juliette that she is not to be the one to write and that she is to shut down her mind and allow Me to say exactly what I want to say to you without changing My words or allowing herself to cut in when she feels that I couldn't possibly be wanting to say these things to you.

There are times when I look at you with wonder and think about why you continue to be so hard on yourself. You have much to give, yet you let your own ideas dominate over the ones that I have for your life. You freely give My words to people, yet fail to see that I have words that I want to freely give to you.

Yes, My heart grieves at the lack of commitment from those who know Me and yes there is much anger I carry in My heart for the injustice of this world and I allow you to feel these things to enable you to see that I am the One who cares about those who you see around you.

You have continued to be faithful to Me and have reached into the lives of many. You do not understand why I use you and you do not understand why I give you wisdom. You cannot see why I continue to take you into the night and speak into the lives of people who dont know you and at times dont want to know you. But I have a plan and purpose for your life that goes way beyond what you will ever be able to understand.

The times that you struggle are the periods in your life that will bring you growth. The times when you feel darkness around you, are the times I need you to reach out to Me the most, for it is My strength which will sustain you through these moments.

I have taken you and called you to Myself. You say that you never asked for what you have now, yet you asked to serve Me, you asked to reach into the lives of people and to show them Me. Now you carry your burden and there are times when you want to run away. You escape into sleep and cannot see that it is I who is trying to shine a light into your life that will cause you to lift from the moment of despair that you find yourself in.

When you wrote your web site did you think it was just a foolish notion or do you believe it was something that I planted within your heart? When you wrote the words that spoke into the lives of those that sought answers from you did I not give them to you because you were happy to serve Me and bring My love into peoples lives. My ways are not your ways. My ways are infinitely greater and always will be.

Those that fear Me know what it is to serve an awesome God. A God who created the Heavens and the earth and who set the stars in the sky as a reminder to all who gaze upon them.

My love for you goes beyond what you will ever understand and your worth is found in Me. You are worthy because I say youre worthy and there should be no better reason than that. I am who I say I am and you look at these words and believe them. Can you then not also believe that when I say you are worthy, you are!

I have spoken over your life words that see you moving beyond this nation and now is a time of testing and refining. I will use these moments to create within you a new heart and will create within you a new mind. Your eyes will see infinitely more than they do now. Your ears will hear more wisdom than youve already heard and there will be fresh revelation of who I am and what My ways are.

Over and over I will show you what it is to know Me in great intimacy. You see before you your friend Jesus who has traveled this road with you and who has loved you despite all your circumstances. I also love you and want you to see that as much as Jesus loves you, Jesus also loves all those around you. His heart breaks for those that dont know Him and His heart bleeds for those who turn away.

My word does not lie and there will be times of judgment when I pour out My wrath upon this earth. You know that in your heart to be true. There will be moments in time when My anger will come down in such a way that countless lives are wiped out in an instant. Does this mean I do not care about my people? Does this mean I dont long to save everyone?

I have tempered my anger with great love and it is I who decide those who should die and those who should live. It is before Me that people will stand in judgment, it is before Me that they will have to give account of all that theyve done. It is before Me that they will need to explain why they made the decisions they did.

I want you to see that you are special to Me and that I have just as many words for you as I have for those around you. I want you to see that what you pour out I will pour back in. I want you to see that what you freely give will be freely given back to you.

Keep running child, keep fighting.

I am outworking My will in your life and I am changing you from glory to glory. No more will people be able to say about you that you dont belong. You belong to Me, youre Mine. I own you, youre marked by Me. My Son carries His stripes for you, my Son carries the marks in His hands for you. My Son who walks with you and who you know so well.

Do you see the weight of my words for you? When you spread your wings, you are going to soar because you will soar with Me, but now is not yet the time to spread your wings. Theres more I need for you to learn. Theres more I need to teach you. Theres more I have to give you before I send you out amongst the nations. Theres more that you need to learn to see through My eyes.

Everyday will bring with it new challenges. Everyday will bring with it new lessons. Everyday will see you experiencing something different. I desire for you to see in those experiences the depth of My love not only for you, but for all people.

Dont let go of Me My son, hold my hand. Place your hand in Mine and let Me hold you close and comfort you, especially now. Let Me pour in great refreshing. Let me do a new work in you. Let Me be the one who causes you to grow. Such love I have for you.

When the moon is in the sky and the stars shine, do you see the blessings I have for your life? Each star represents a blessing that I want to give just to you. Each light represents a part of Me that you still dont understand.

Your worth to Me outweighs the treasures of this world. Your worth to Me outweighs the wall you have seen standing here in Heaven. Your worth to Me goes beyond what your mind can conceive. Dont try to understand it, just accept it!

Try to see that I will have My way, no matter what happens. My little friend, so open to Me, so wanting to please and serve Me. Such beauty I see in you, such pleasure.

When you read this it is My heart you will see. When you read it again, it is my wisdom you will fathom. When you read it once more it will be My words that sear across your mind.

Take these things I say to you and burn them on your heart, remember that it is I who love you and it is I who will have My way. Just be obedient to Me and let Me order your footsteps according to My plan for your life and you will see that the plans you commit to Me will succeed.

With love from your Father in Heaven.

Have you ever wanted to see a clairvoyant but the Bible forbids it? Did you know that there are people in churches with a gift of prophecy that can get a message off God for you? You can ask questions of them and they can take the questions to God for you. Eighty percent of the church don't use these people as they don't think the gift of prophecy exists anymore but the people that do use them get tremendously blessed.If you are not a Christian just say that in your email and the prophet will be more sensitive to you. Come and request a free personal prophecy today at http://www.personal-prophecy-free.net

Restoration - Hallelujah

Free at Last, Free at Last, Thank God almighty, Were free at last. Not being free in the body, but rather, free in the spirit. What is freedom, where does it come from and how do we obtain it? Many people around the world today are asking these same questions. From Africa, to China, North America to Russia, Australia to India.
Freedom will never be obtained in this life but the freedom comes from Knowing God and releasing the burdens of the flesh. Not wanting to be king of the world, nor ruler of physical ownership of the seen, but of the unseen. Our, hope, home and joy is not of this world, we are all strangers here. We have a kingdom to come, that will never end.

We have become custom to being able to, do as we wish, go where we want and conduct ourselves accordingly. But we were, and still are bound by chains and fetters in this body. Pain, suffering, discontent, disease are all part of our bondage. Many that don't believe in God, haven't seen nor felt the true freedom that one experiences as God fills their body with the spirit of Jesus Christ and with the truth and the release of their sin. The spiritual and not the physical.

The cry of happiness and the joy of knowing the truth. When I came to realize that I was lost and had no hope, I gave myself over to the one that died on that cross and the burdens fell to the floor. I was no longer bound by what I thought I knew, I wasn't bound by fear nor anxiety. I no longer feared death. I was born again in the flesh and in the spirit. I knew where my spirit lay.

In John 8:32 we learn, And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. What is the truth that John was speaking of ? John himself, at one time, as were all mankind, in the bondage of the physical, not knowing the truth of Gods freedom of the spirit. When we were lost, we never knew that we were in chains, having knowledge but not knowing the truth of our surrounding's.

The truth that all manner of things, from the living to the innate will all come to and end. Steel will rust, Wood will burn, Stone will crumble and all other things are but for a time.
John 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. Jesus is wanting to make us all free of this world, its, hate, strife, worry and from the unknown. Its the unknown that causes many to have failing hearts and troubled minds.

Not knowing from one day or another weather they will be alive, weather someone will take all they have, or weather this world will meet a violent end. Fear of the unknown is causing many a sleepless night. Fear and confusion, causes marriages to fail, body's to become sick and the mind to become unstable.
In Luke 21:25-26, we see the reason many will die because of fear. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity(Trouble, confusion, fear of the unexplained, the inexplicable, seeking answers but not finding one.); the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence (Transgression, Disobedience, breaking of the Law.) of one (Adam) judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one (Jesus) the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Luke 16:15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men(Man writes laws and bibles to justify themselves.); but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men( idols,false gods and false prophets.) is abomination in the sight of God.

The turning away from the truth, being reconciliatory to all manner of filth and religions, being tolerable of lies and evil, making a pact with the devil, just to have a short lived peace. This present age is filled with violence, of so called religion. To obtain peace, there will be a pact made between those that say they are religious and the demon of darkness, this is undeniable. A Pact with the free nations and those nations that hold their people in religious bondage. Here is mans fear and confusion, what price will mankind pay for peace?

Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. The beginning of something must also have an end. Being born must also end in death, for we all must die, weather you believe in God or not, your life will end in death.

In Galatians 3:28, we see that God has no respect of persons. What does this mean? No one is above the judgment of God, no one is below Gods ability to save, we are neither, rich nor poor, white nor black, heathen nor civilized in Gods eyes. We all, as a race of people, are all the same. There are only two types of people on this earth, those born in first Adam (Born in Sin, human, and those born into last Adam, those of the spirit of Christ.) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
God does not look at the flesh, but rather looks into the spirit, for God is spirit. No man has ever entered into the next life in the flesh. We were all sinners at one time but thru the sacrifice of Jesus we all have the ability to become the Sons of God, free from the wrath to come and from the everlasting death of Hell. It is not blasphemy to say that we are the Sons of God, nor Lords, Preast and Kings, for the price was paid for our privilege to say so.

Amos 9:1, I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword(War): he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.
Amos 9:2-5 Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down:
And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel(Hebrew = garden land), mountain ridge, North Western Israel, extending 13 miles North West from the plain of Esdraelon to the Mediterranean Sea, where it ends in a promontory marking the southern limit of the Bay of Haifa.), I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them:

And though they go into captivity before their enemies, thence will I command the sword (War), and it shall slay (kill) them: and I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good (Gods Wrath).
And the Lord GOD of hosts is he that toucheth the land, and it shall melt, and all that dwell therein shall mourn: and it shall rise up wholly like a flood; and shall be drowned, as by the flood of Egypt.

Barnes states of Amos 9:4-5, Height or depth are alike open to the Omnipresent God. The grave is not so awful as God. The sinner would gladly dig through into hell, bury himself, the living among the dead, if so he could escape the sight of God. But thence, God says, My hand shall take them, to place them in His presence, to receive their sentence. Or if, like the rebel angels, they could place their throne amid the stars Isaiah 14:12-14, of God thence will I bring them down, humbling, judging, condemning.

The Glory of knowing God and His Son Jesus, is worth more than this world can offer. If you would gain this world and all its riches and loose your soul, what would you give to change what you have done?

Why are you holding onto a life that will bring you nothing but pain, fear, discontent, confusion? Many today are fearful of loosing their retirement, medical coverage, their homes, jobs and money. Doesn't God feed the Birds of the air and creatures of the fields, doesn't He give the trees fruit and the flowers their color? God is our Source and Supply, for He is ever present. Cant you understand that if God cares for this world and its nature, that He cares more for you? Everlasting peace and joy can only be obtained in the next life, for mankind is on a path of death and destruction. Its your choice. ars

Tempel of Spirit & Truth Ministries. A.R.Smith Ministries. http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

About Today's Church Music

Older believers have to be careful how they talk, I'm told. So let me first say, yes, there are some great new songs around. The music and the words both.
Now let me tell you how I really feel...

Since the "established" church seems to have trouble with the old hymnbooks, I sing out of one most every morning. In private. I love even the poetry of these songs. I was raised on them, what can I say? There was majesty and beauty and downright sense to the words.

Take this one. I have never sung it in my life, couldn't whistle the tune if I tried, but while skimming through a particular songbook (Hymns of the Christian Life, 1936! -before even my time) , I have run across this song often. I decided to do a read only. Oh my, I was touched more than I have been in a month of Sundays in the established place. And I mean no offense to my home church. I just have trouble feeling at home during song-time. Check out these words:

1. Jesus and shall it ever be, a mortal man ashamed of Thee?

Ashamed of Thee Whom angels praise, Whose glories shine through endless days?

2. Ashamed of Jesus! sooner far let evening blush to own a star;

He sheds the beams of light divine o'er this benighted soul of mine.

3. Ashamed of Jesus! that dear Friend on Whom my hopes of heaven depend!

No; when I blush, be this my shame, that I no more revere His Name.

4. Ashamed of Jesus! Yes, I may when I've no guilt to wash away,

No tears to wipe, no good to crave, no fears to quell, no soul to save.

5. Till then, nor is my boasting vain, till then I boast a Saviour slain;

And O may this my glory be, that Christ is not ashamed of me.

OH how wonderful those words of Joseph Grigg. I can only imagine that Henry Oliver's tune enhances the beauty. Because that's how the old songs were, for the most part. Great lyrics, supportive music. Not the other way around.

Here's a suggestion for Mother Church, the Body of the Lord Himself. If we so desire novelty for our youth, let's teach them some of these great old songs that they have never heard. To them, they will be new. To us they will be precious. And we'll all be happy.

Suggestion two, while I'm on a roll. The Church was not created for the world, but for the saints. Let the Church remain holy and draw all men to Christ through the preached cross. Let the saints feel comfortable in their own home. The world has its own.

Did I just change the subject...? not really. Music that appeals to the flesh is of the world. Music that effects bodily changes is fleshly. Music that makes me want to cover my ears is an offense. Music that, like alcohol and tobacco, takes some getting used to needs to be eliminated before all ears are polluted and people will not even want to go to a church that does not rock.

http://chosunhouse.com is a website I put together a few months back to get the word out to believers that they need to pray for North Korea. I have created over 200 blogs and the site features a live news feed , lists of resources, picture essays, and ways to respond to the overwhelming need in North Korea. Let's love Chosun together! Contact me any time at diakonos5@yahoo.com

And who am I? A man found of God over 50 years ago, called to the ministry, serving the Lord as needed in my world. Married, member of a local church in the Chicago area, with full time work in public education. I love to write Scriptural works. Who are you? Would love to fellowship with believers who respond .

Write What You Think You're Writing

Youve written this wonderful (no question about it) piece of work. Its the greatest thing since tealeaves were invented. The more you read it the more you admire your own genius.

Then the little doubt starts.

Now is the time to step back from the work itself, to close the book, the page, the computer file and think. Not of the words or the actions or of the characters themselves, but deeper, back into yourself.

# What made you write this piece in the first place?

# What were you trying to say?

# What point did you want to illuminate for everybody else out there in the world?

That sounds terribly grand and pretentious, but its the truth. Every time you write, no matter how light-hearted the theme, you are giving away something of yourself, your values and your beliefs. And what you have to say is important.

# So what is the value of the piece?

# What is your theme?

Express your theme, the kernel of your thoughts, in one short sentence.

When you write you also have secondary goals. This is when you think of the piece itself as it sits on the page. The added value bit, the craftsmanship. The approach you took to get your message over.

Perhaps you used humour, perhaps the layout on the page.
What makes it interesting and fun / easy to read?

Remember, sometimes the best writing is what you leave out. Have you said the same thing in two different ways? What I call my double whammy.

And finally, dont forget the old adage. Pretend youre writing for an audience of fourteen year olds, and the adults might understand you as well.

John McAllister

Difficulties Talking About Religion

Learn Something About Time Management From the American Indians

I don't consider myself an expert on the American Indians but I would like to share a thought about their lifestyle. I was listening to an audio book on the American Indians eating habits, when it got me thinking about something the author said. This might not be a topic of interest for most people but I found it fascinating.

While listening to the audio book, the author made a statement about the American Indians I will never forget. He said "American Indians spend about four hours each day working, gathering and preparing food." If you think about it, that's not too bad of a lifestyle.

I would imagine that we have a better selection and larger variety of food to choose from than they had. This of course would be a benefit to living in our society instead of theirs.

American Indians often spent a lot of time outdoors and for some reason, spending time in nature seems to be a good thing. I know a lot of people that would rather be outdoors than indoors, walking, jogging, hiking, camping and even gardening. It almost seems more natural for us to be outdoors than indoors.

Now with the Indians working about four hours each day, this is a little bit different then our standard workday. Most people spend at least 9 to 12 hours each day driving to and from work and actually working. I would imagine our standard workday would actually be easier than that of the American Indian. I can't imagine some of my friends or family members chasing after a Buffalo with a spear.

Does this mean the American Indians had it right, just because they worked four hours each day and spent more time in nature were doing what they truly wanted to. Know I can't truly say that they had it right, but I can say that they seem to do just fine living with nature.

Some of these civilizations lasted for centuries.

Something to think about, on your daily travels to and from work as you desire to be at the beach or hiking in the mountains. The philosophies we often associate with a good life, could actually be better instead of progressively adding unneeded stress and frustration to it.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, You Can Have It All

Peaceful Effects Of Nature

What Does the Bible Say About Love?

We celebrate Valentine's Day each year on February 14th. This is a day that we appreciate the one we love. We give them cards and gifts and go out of our way to show how much we love them. Love is a very powerful emotion. And can be a great motivator in our lives. But the bible teaches us that love is not an emotion that can come or go, but a decision that we make. Some of us feel that we are in love one day and out of love the next. If our loved one doesn't do something right or be who we want them to be, we don't love them anymore. But that's not true love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves." When we choose a mate, these are traits to look for and traits that we should also possess.

It can be easy to fall in love, but ask yourself these questions to see if it's true love? Is this person a christian believer in Christ Jesus. Are they saved and have put God first in their life? And are they willing to put you first, before all others, only second to God? Genesis 2:24 says, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This scripture indicates that in marriage we become as one person and no other, including parents, should come before our mate. And we should also give the time and effort to make our marriages last a lifetime, so perhaps the divorce rates can diminish. For 1 Corinthians states, "Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others."

But what does the bible say about love? 1 John 2:5-6 says, "But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him. Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." Jesus is an example of true love. He wants us to show our love for each other in action and truth and not just by words alone. (1 John 3:18) If we want to know what true love is, we just need to follow God and his example. The path and definition of love is found in 1 John 4:7-12, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us." Now that we know God's definition of love, it is important to determine whether we are just following emotions or following God's will. If God's will is done first, then true love will always last.

Wanda is a wife, mother, public speaker of "1 Minute With Wanda" and contributing author of EzineArticles.com. She has been writing about God and spirituality for over 20 years and has researched the bible and its history. Wanda also specializes in christian poetry and children books and believes and teaches that regardless of a person's background or their mistakes of the past, God has a place for them. She currently resides in Chino, California.

She is the publisher and bestselling author of "Kids Ask The Darndest Things About God And The Beginning- Answers From The First Five Books Of The Bible" available at http://www.ball-publications.com

Visit Ball Publications Christian Books at http://www.ball-publications.com and sign up for our FREE "The Knowledge" monthly Newsletter. Gain Knowledge and Power with articles, discussions, tips and special offers that will be provided from time to time. Take advantage of up and coming books and events, radio broadcasts and recommended products of interest for you and your family!

A Positive Position in Christ

The movement of positive thinking is great. I love to think positive thoughts and create positive energy and all that good stuff. Yet, unless I have a positive position in Jesus Christ, I have nothing. However, in Christ and as Gods kid I have an endless vault of positive things in my life today.

In Christ, I have a positive outlook for this day and a positive out look for tomorrow. Without a positive position as a child of God through Jesus Christ, all we have is vain philosophy and tradition. Any one can think positive but only those who have aligned themselves with Jesus Christ can enjoy the positive provision of the Father. Does that mean you cannot have a relationship with God unless you are positively positioned in Jesus Christ? Yeah, that is what I mean. How can you claim a positive relationship with God the Father without acknowledging His son, Jesus Christ?

You cannot know one (God) with out knowing the other (Jesus). Jesus claimed oneness with the Father and He, Jesus, is the one who said you couldnt come to the Father but through me. We can attempt a connection with God without Jesus and you might develop some positive thoughts but you will never have a positive position with God until you claim a positive positioned with Jesus. I realize this thought, Jesus is the way to God, is not a popular belief. Oh well, the idea has never been popular nor will it ever be. I dont seek popularity. I seek truth, which is Jesus Christ. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life.

How do you get into a positive position with Jesus Christ? It is simple; you just believe and ask Him to come into your life. Once you identify with Jesus as the Christ God grants you a positive position with Him. The words can be in any form you want. There is no exact prayer one has to pray. It is by faith we come to Jesus and God. Faith is exercise by asking Jesus into your life and heart. It works, it really does. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Dr Bob Wilkerson is founder of Challenger Christian Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping others recover from life altering circumstances. Dr. Bob is a motivational speaker with true life story of God's power to change any individuals life. If your Church or organization is looking for a dynamic speaker please email him today. challenger7777@gmail.com

The Best Sunday School Books For Toddlers

Of course the first and foremost book to get is a children's Bible or several. One of the best ones that has been around for many years is The Beginners Bible: Timeless Children's Stories. It has wonderful stories and is beautifully illustrated. The stories are all short enough to hold a young one's attention. Another nice children's Bible is the Toddler's Bible. It has large print and nice illustrations. The stories are very short, more like a summary of the stories.

The Rhyme Bible Story Book for Toddlers is another awesome book. The book is a great introduction to toddlers to learn the bible stories. Each story is told in a rhyme (which toddlers love) in a span of 3 to 4 pages.

Prayer Books

Even toddlers can learn how to pray. The first prayer that many children learn is at supper. Then there are the bedtime prayers. There is a nice prayer book for toddlers called "Special Time Bible Prayers for Toddlers." It is very nicely illustrated and even comes with a CD.
"Teaching Children to Pray" is geared towards 2 and 3 year olds. Included are biblical story references and prayer suggestions.

Other Story Books

There is a series of books that are wonderful, and should be included in Sunday school. They are "Instant Bible Lessons for Children" by Rainbow Publishers, and they teach about life lessons. One is titled "God Takes Care of Me" and others are "God Blesses Me," "I Belong to Jesus," and "Growing Up For God." Each book includes Scripture references as well as plenty of activities to reinforce the lessons learned.

"The Big Book of Bible Crafts" is perfect for Sunday school. All of the crafts in the book relate to a Bible story or character.
"More Toddlerific Bible Funstuff" is jam packed with fun activities that support a truth from God's Word, teaches a verse or tells a Bible story. It has reproducible pages and hands-on activities to occupy those young minds. "Christian Children's Favorites" songbook has all the songs you loved as a kid. Title tracks include:

• Jesus Loves Me
• This Little Light of Mine
• Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho
• Deep and Wide
• Do Lord
• Down in My Heart
• Jesus Loves the Little Children and many more

"God's Word for Little Ones" is a delightful book. It has nice illustrations and all the stories from both the Old and New Testament. But what is really great about this book is after each story there is a section entitled "Think about it" that asks questions about the story that was read. Then there is a fun fact section after the questions called "Did You Know?" that relates to that particular story.

"First Virtues for Toddlers" is a terrific first devotional Bible. It has 12 short rhyming stories about various virtues including sharing, patience, kindness, among others, and each ends with a short Bible verse that relates to the story. They are very simple and easy to memorize. The "First Virtues for Toddlers" book was so popular that they came out with a series of them. The illustrations are really cute. This is an awesome series of books. Titles in the series include:

• Kitty Shows Kindness
• Bunny Loves Others
• Bear Obeys
• Lion Shares
• Duckling is Patient
• Piglet Tells the Truth
• Panda is Polite
• Puppy Makes Friends
• Tiger Forgives

A Sunday school for toddlers needs to have more than just a Bible with Bible stories. You need to keep them occupies with crafts and singing also. It is also a good idea to teach them what they can understand in their terms by teaching them about life's lessons in simple terms.

Denise Oliveri has been a Sunday school teacher for the past 14 years. She has taught children between preschool through 5th grade in this time. She is the owner of Preschool Sunday School Central, a site designed to help preschool Sunday School teachers find the best resources for helping with Bible lesson planning. There are tons of free resources, as well as valuable eBooks to help with Bible lesson planning. The site is great for homeschoolers, too!

Denise is also a homeschooling mom of three wonderful boys for the past eight years! She has taught electives for a local homeschool co-op, as well as taken many facinating field trips with her children and husband. Homeschooling is a journey all in itself.

Defeating the Giants

Defeating the Giants

1 Samuel 17: 50 - 51

"So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine's sword and drew it from the scabbard. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword."

Like David, most of us have faced giants before, whether it be the giant of unforgiveness, insurmountable debt, physical illness, addictions, oppression or depression, we have all faced circumstances in our life that seem beyond our ability to overcome. And the more we focus on the giant, the more terrifying it becomes. Goliath had held the entire Israelite army at bay for 40 days. Day and night he would harass them and they had become paralysed by fear . Paralysis be it mental or physical occurs when we are overcome by fear and intimidation . In our heads we start to say , I can't do it, nothing is ever going to change, its hopeless, I don't care any more, is God even real? The conversation in our minds has turned from hope to hopelessness and the voice of the enemy has become louder and more frequent than the voice of God. What we focus on draws our energy and our emotions and we will always move in the direction of our most dominant thoughts. The more we focus on the GIANTS in our life the more they control us.

David, was too young to go to war and had stayed back home with this father Jethro. On one particular visit to his brothers, Goliath made an appearance and bellowed out his usual intimidation's. Instead of running for cover, David was indignant, "who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?". David believed that Israel had the power of God on its side and no matter how big or how nasty this Giant was, no one was greater than the God of Israel. The victory that day had been won in David's mind long before it was won in the natural. The armies of Israel had been paralysed by fear, but David had refused to be intimidated.

David was a 'make it happen kind of guy', rather than a person who hoped it would happen, or reacts to what happens. The difference lies within. The bible teaches us that the power to overcome lives within you. Ephesians 3: 20 " Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to that power that works in us" In other words, He is saying it is up to you. You must stop procrastinating, waiting for others, or blaming the past. So many times it's much easier to embrace the role of a victim, a loser, or of the one who's not smart enough, not good enough, not educated enough or not financially sound enough. When you accept such limitations for yourself, the giant will always roar and they become true for you.

Do you really want to change? Are you willing and ready to give up perceptions and behaviors that have kept you paralysed instead of soaring with the eagles? Start by replacing wrong thought patterns with rights ones. Isaiah 54: 17 " No weapon formed against you shall prosper." When thoughts of fear, worry and intimidation begin to speak, shout, stop! And declare the power of God to that giant. Its time to become as indignant as David was about Goliath, and get some fight back into your spirit.

Pray.

God I thank you that there is nothing going on in my life right now that you have not already given me the power to overcome. Help me to renew my mind and break the power of fear and intimidation. I choose to put my trust in your word, not what the circumstances say. Thank you that today there is victory over every giant in my life in Jesus name. Amen!

Yours faithfully
Carolyn Evans-Hale
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http://www.faithforeverydayliving.com

Short Sweet Love Poems

Success in love all boils down to experience. This is true for many walks of life. It is certainly essential when looking for your potential soul mate. Many people mistakenly jump into what they think is a "true love" relationship from a lack of experience and maturity. This is why the majority of marriages end in divorce, when people see potential love in sight, they do everything in their power to grasp it as quickly as they can. This turns into a quick marriage, and eventually, the formerly "dearly beloved" will rethink the situation, and the couple will split. The amount of experience held by each person in a relationship will often regulate how long said relationship will last. I have found an Ebook with shome short sweet love poems and stories that will give you an experience all your own.

Being an avid sports fan, I see a distinct parallel between love and sports, two things that may seem completely unrelated to the untrained eye, but in reality, share much of the same protocol, and many of the same peaks and valleys. Allow me to explain.

Take a talented teenager with aspiring dreams to play professional basketball. In order to utilize his talents most effectively, he starts at an early age, playing grade and middle school basketball, then moving onto high school athletics. If he uses his time and experience wisely, he will be granted a scholarship to play in college. If he decides to forgo his college experience and be drafted into the NBA, his chance of failure is at the highest. Why is this? Lack of experience. The intelligent thing to do is to hold off the NBA, and gain more experience by going to college.

Now take a normal guy looking for true love. He will "play the game" in grade and middle school. These may be novice experiences, but they are experiences nonetheless. The intensity steps up in high school, and things start to get more serious. If this guy decides to immediately commit to his first girlfriend in high school, and get married on the spot, his chance of failure is at the highest. Why is this? Lack of experience. The intelligent thing to do is to hold off marriage, and gain more experience by biding his time with dating.

Do these scenarios seem similar? They work the same way, and the redeeming quality needed for smooth progression is experience. Short sweet love poems are easy to take in, and will provide you with some valuable second hand experience.

Fran Harris is a former WNBA star turned Ph.D and love expert. Fran Harris has seen the best of both the world of sports and love, and has the experience needed to succeed in both. She played her college basketball at the University of Texas, and won the WNBA Championship with the Houston Comets in the league's inaugural 1997 season. She has since turned her talents from sports to giving professional advice to those in need.

Fran Harris and her co-writers have compiled their own experiences and others they have dealt with to write The Power of Love Ebook. This book is filled with real love stories, and short sweet love poems, all of which are told with an amazing energy and passion. These real love stories are written in an attention grabbing prose and a style all their own. The Power of Love Ebook will warm your heart and simultaneously give you valuable piece of mind moving forward into your own successful relationships. Hopefully this piece will help you find your potential soul mate, and live a joyful life. Happy reading!

http://www.squidoo.com/reallovestories

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Difficulties Talking About Religion - Why Can't We Talk About Religion?

Why do people find it difficult to talk about religion? Have you ever heard the saying that there's three things you don't talk about. Religion, politics and other people. I have spent my whole life talking to people about all three of these topics and will continue to do so, because I find religion, politics and people extremely fascinating.

I rarely encounter an individual who would like to speak about religion, but I often, seem to worm a couple of tidbits of information from them. When I speak to someone, I do my best not to make any one feel uncomfortable, because of their religious or spiritual beliefs. This only causes frustration between us and will not get us anywhere.

I did not learn this lesson early but now have it securely fastened into my mind. Hopefully I never forget it, to some people it's more important to be right than happy, I want to be happy and give them something to think about.

Some people when talking about religion can become quite animated and start throwing their arms in the air, jumping up and down, yelling and screaming, calling me names and even threatening me. This doesn't make any sense to me, because they're supposed to be compassionate and loving individuals. What's wrong with them, I know there's nothing wrong with me, what could be wrong with them. Just kidding. Isn't this how we think though.

It seems like most people don't have problems talking to other people whom agree with them. You will find very little difficulties talking about religion with others, whom agree wholeheartedly with your thinking. The difficulties arise when someone brings a topic into the conversation that becomes offensive, because they either don't understand it or have been taught to believe something different about it.

The difficulties talking about other religions or spiritual beliefs, will probably always cause friction, until we start taking some time to understand where they are coming from. If you have somebody that upsets you, when speaking about their religion or spiritual beliefs, I have something I would like you to try the next time you see them.

Try to spend some time finding common ground, ask them about their religious or spiritual beliefs. Gather some information and try to understand, "Where Their Coming From". This could lead you to a better understanding about them and possibly learn something about yourself.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his book review videos on, Conversations with God

If you're looking for a good book, this one had a large impact on my life has had a large impact on the the founder of Hay House Publishing. If you minutes could change your entire life, so why not take some time and look at the book Game of Life.

Fix Yourself Before Fixing Other

How Did You Choose Your Religion? - This Article Could Change Your Views on Religion

How do we come to believe in a religion, one that most of us never even chose? How many people reading this article right now believe in the same religion of their parents and how many of your parents believe in the same religion of their ancestors?

Do you think it has anything to do with repetition? If your parents made it through life, you can do the same and if they went to church every Sunday, by god that's what you're going to do. If these people save their money up for retirement and worked at a 40 hour a week jobs, with all the other hardships that life seems to pass on us, you can do exactly the same thing.

I'm not too familiar with other religions but seem to know a lot about Christianity. As a young Christian I was baptized and went to church every Sunday. The most important part to me about going to church, was the snack I would receive during Sunday school. I really can't tell you what I remember or if I learned very much while attending my church classes.

I do however remember my parents creating a belief in my mind of a God and that God was in charge of everything. If I was bad, God wouldn't like that at all, but if I was good god would like me and maybe if I was even good enough, one day I would get to go to heaven and heaven is a wonderful place to be.

Is this how you came about your religion? You just seemed to follow the path of your parents, family or friends with very little thought, this is just the way it is and you're fine with that. Or are you one of those believers that is almost cult like and could never be convinced that your religion is wrong. You know without a doubt that you need to spread the message of your religion to everyone on earth.

Are you one of the rare individuals who have studied about their childhood religion and have now chosen another path. Has someone convinced you that their religion is better than your old one and now you have switched and can't believe how happy you are.

Thinking about how I never chose my religion, forced me to study other religions, to see which one was right. I am even more confused than when I first started but no longer believe in my childhood religion. I've often wondered what our world would be like without organized religion or somebody trying to control us like the government. Both of these organizations seem to do a pretty good job making us believe they're looking out for our best interests.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. If you want to find out more about life changing spiritual books, you won't be disappointed, this website is filled with the best authors and books on personal development and spiritual beliefs.

Greg is currently working on a religious beliefs library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Buels Manual Of Self Help

Imagine There's No Countries

Imagine There's No Heaven, It's Easy If You Try, No Hell below Us, above Us Only Sky, Imagine All the People Living for Today. Imagine There's No Countries, It Isn't Hard to Do, Nothing to Kill or Die for, and No Religion Too. Imagine All the People Living Life in Peace. Think about It.

It's hard to imagine, with the information today and even 50 years ago that most people still believe in religions all over the world, just because they were raised to believe in them. Religions of the future will have to adapt to change, a little faster as more people read articles like mine to promote education within your religion.

Find out a little bit more about Your Religious Freedom

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a religous help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Lou Holtz
Don Miguel Ruiz

Putting God on Trial

I was listening to something interesting the other day when someone mentioned putting God on trial for some of the atrocities in the world. If God is the creator of the universe and all that is, or all that ever will be, how can we put him on trial, he's our creator. We can't put our spiritual master on trial can we, he'll just escape anyway if we convict him, won't he. He's got to be smart enough to break out a prison.

As a child I often thought about God and why he would allow such suffering throughout the world. It never made sense to me when I was child and it still doesn't make sense to me today. Why would the creator, want us to suffer, with even the littlest of problems. Other religions have explained it as if God was teaching us a lesson and that's why we have hardships in our lives.

Do you think God ever went through these hardships? Did God have problems finding a job or gathering some food? Does God even eat? Okay now I'm getting off the topic here,(I wonder what God does eat)... if children do something wrong, most of the time their parents will discipline or correct them. If adults to things wrong, the government will discipline and reprimand them. Sometimes these punishments can be severe. It depends on the crimes committed.

If man has to be put on trial for committing crimes like murder, genocide, and general atrocities towards mankind, should God also be put on trial or is he above man because he's God. I can't imagine the creator of the universe ever being put on trial for man's crimes against humanity or other men, but it seems like someone who is all powerful and all knowing could help his children out of this little mess that we're in today.

Couldn't God help us like we help our children. We as parents might not have all the answers, but we do not claim to have them. We are not all powerful and all knowing, like we would assume God to be. When is God going to help us solve some of our major world problems, like genocide and starvation.

Putting God on trial might not solve all of our problems today but it would be nice to have some help with our problems. If he created us to please him, do we have to go on trial one day, for all the things we did or ignored while we were alive. Something to think about isn't it.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing and personal development. Check This Out What Happened to the Wise Men's Gifts

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world.

Dealing With Embarrassing Problem

Is the Bible Repulsive or True - Movie Video

Can you believe this guy, if you look up these verses in the Bible, you will see that there and there, but how did he come up with these ideas about the Sabbath, teenagers and the fact that the Bible is repulsive.

If you're really seeking the kingdom of heaven, the glory of God and the true vision that Jesus had, check out some great Christian articles . These articles are designed to teach and educate Christians.

Power Of Positive Thinking

Finding Something You Don't Like About Yourself - Creating Habits

Finding something you don't like about yourself is usually very easy for most people. Most of the time you don't even have to ask your family or friends because you have heard them complain about the same thing for years. How many times have you heard someone mention, I need to lose weight?

Here's a list of things people don't like about themselves. If you're one of those people that has a hard time finding something wrong with yourself, you could always ask one of your friends for some suggestions. I'm sure they would like that.

1. The need to lose weight. This of course is one of the worst problems with Americans. Most people need to lose weight and let's not forget there are some people that need to gain weight.

2. The need to stop gambling. As more Indian reservations are allowed to build gambling casinos and of course as the Internet gambling gets larger, I've noticed some people with gambling problems.

3. The need to stop drinking alcohol. The abuse of alcohol has been going on for many years. These people have an excuse for why they drink and most of the time it doesn't make sense.

4. The need to stop smoking. This could be one of the most difficult things I've ever seen my friends and family deal with.

5. The need to stop excessive behaviors. For example, gossiping, cruelty, bullying, lying, cheating, stealing, partying etc. You get the idea.

6. Don't forget the dreaded shopaholic. Most shopaholic's seem to have large credit card debt and can't seem to stop this vicious circle of buying and owing money to their creditors.

7. Working long hours or the workaholic. Sometimes this is a necessity but I would suggest that you change your lifestyle if possible. Reevaluate your reasons for working so hard.

8. Religious fundamentalists. People that spend too much time at their place of worship and soon find themselves feeling guilty if they're not doing something spiritual.

9. The need to be on time. This would include people that have problems giving themselves enough time to get ready for work or school.

10. The need to stop doing drugs. I thought by now, approaching my 50s, that drugs would no longer be a problem in the United States, but it is. It's one of the most damaging things people can do to their lives.

There are plenty of things that people would like to stop doing or start doing. If you're a smoker and you seem to shop excessively near the casinos, I would advise you to start with something small and work your way up to the big stuff.

What are you going to change today about your life? Make a list of things that you're not happy with about your life and start making the changes today that you need to create the life you deserve and desire.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a personal development video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Peaceful Effects Of Nature