Second Offenses

God has taught me something about Second Offenses lately.

No, I’m not talking about getting caught breaking some law for the second time, like 2nd Offense DWI.

I’m talking about someone getting offended by someone else.

If somebody cuts you off in traffic, or cusses you out, or lies to you, or insults you, that’s a first offense.
I’m not easily offended – or at least, I don’t get my feelings hurt very easily. You can call me names, you can jerk me around, you can lie to me, and insult me. I’ll get hacked off, and probably say something to you about it, then I’ll write you off and go on with my life. I won’t sit around and brood or cry, or think “gee, why did he/she do that to me”. I won’t care. I’ll move on.

If somebody does something to someone you care about – if someone you love gets their feelings hurt, or is insulted, lied to, or jerked around, and you get mad about it – that’s a second offense.
I found out that I don’t do so well with these. When someone I care about gets their feelings hurt, or is insulted or lied to by some insensitive boor, I don’t get over it so quickly. Usually, it’s because the person I care about doesn’t handle it the way I would, and the offensive person gets away with it….usually again and again. So my blood comes to a boil and then sits on simmer for weeks.

As a Christian, this can be especially difficult, because Jesus told me to forgive as I’ve been forgiven. But…I argue with God…they aren’t even apologetic! They aren’t sorry, and they do this stuff all the time!!! They are the way they are because they get away with it and no one calls them on it!

I’m always wanting to right wrongs wherever I see them. I always think God needs a little help. My pastor likes to say, “if you aren’t part of the problem or part of the solution, you should stay out of it.” I’ve discovered that of all the challenges I’ve had in my spiritual walk, this has been the hardest to swallow.

I recently came to the realization that I was out of God’s will because I was harboring resentment and hostility toward someone who had done nothing whatsoever to me, but was harming a lot of people around me that I cared about. I realized not only that I had nothing but negative feelings toward this person, but that the truth was, I didn’t want to repent of it! Instead, I wanted God to do something…now! And at that point…at that realization…my spiritual growth came to a screeching halt. Instead of asking God to change my heart and allow me to forgive this person, I was ready to send God to chastise this person and set them straight.

God says when we’re out of His will, there’s no guarantee He’ll listen to our prayers or accept our praise. So there I was, out of God’s will, not willing to even ASK for God to change me. I stewed for days. My prayer life stopped – I knew God was sitting there tapping his foot, waiting for me to give in and submit to His will instead of mine. I argued with Him. I told Him He was going to have to change me, because I didn’t want to change. I wanted revenge. I wanted to “fix” this other person. God stayed silent.

And then the most awful feeling came over me. For the first time since I got saved, I felt really alone. I knew God was there, but I wasn’t in His good favor. He was silent. We weren’t communicating. Even my daily Bible reading was empty. It felt almost like it did when I was lost and thought there was no God. And I realized that it wasn’t worth it. No human being is worth being separated from God over. I got on my knees, and told Him I DID want Him to change me. I wanted Him to do whatever He wanted to with me…only just let me back into fellowship with Him. He did just that. I immediately felt the Father’s hand back on my life. I gave this other person to Him and said “not my will …but Your will.” I don’t want out of God’s presence again. I don’t want to go back to where I was, and I don’t want to pick up that second offense again. I realize now that my relationship with my Lord is more important than anything else down here – because without Him, nothing else really matters.

Scripture:

“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Psalm 119:165

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25

“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? I John 4:20

“But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” I John 2:11

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22

Christianity is Being Forced Back Behind the Church Doors

This happened in my town last weekend, in a southern state in the middle of the “Bible Belt”.

A couple of youth pastors and some college kids decided to go out and witness. They went to the local mall, and what they did was walk up to people and say they were doing a project and needed their input. So people who wanted to stay and participate did, and others just kept on walking or said they didn’t have time. No pressure was put on anyone to take part in the survey. At any point during the survey, they were free to leave the conversation and walk away.
One of the pastors had talked with 5 people so far – 2 Muslims and 3 Catholics. The Muslims didn’t like what he had to say and left halfway through the survey. All three of the Catholics were interested and participated eagerly. All three of them at one point admitted that they were lost and on their way to Hell, not purgatory. So they were given the Gospel. Then the Mall Security guys showed up and asked what my friends were doing. The pastor they had approached told them he was doing a project and explained that no one was being forced to participate. The Security guys told him he had to stop and couldn’t do that any more. He asked politely if the mall was not a public place. They immediately got angry and said it was private property and he had better leave immediately or they would escort him out, implying that they would do so physically. My friend then asked politely, “what about the First Amendment – freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press?” They got angrier and said he would need permission from the owners of the Mall, so he asked for the owner’s phone number and they gave it to him but were very angry and irritated at this point and he and the others left.

A phone conversation with the Christian Law Association confirmed that the mall is private property and that he cannot do what he was doing without the owners’ permission. This same law supposedly protects churches from homosexuals walking in and causing a disturbance by passing out leaflets and shouting down the pastor.

It’s a sad day when a Christian can’t share their faith one-on-one with an interested party unless they’re on public property or have permission to do so on private property.

When my husband and I went back out of state last week for more testing on his eyes, we found out the technician was a Christian and we had some neat little conversations during the course of the 2 plus hours of testing, but when the testing was finished and it was time to go, the tech nervously glanced around to see if any hospital personnel were nearby before laying his hand on my husband’s shoulder and lifting up prayer for his eyesight, asking God to heal either through the doctors or supernaturally. At the end of his prayer, an assistant walked up, and the tech slightly turned his body so she couldn’t see what he was doing and he said a quick “amen”. It was obvious to both my husband and me that the tech was risking his job to pray like that.

My 9 year old nephew got in trouble in school last year around Christmas. The teacher had asked the kids to take turns sharing what they were going to do during the “holiday season”. When his turn came, he proceeded to tell the different things that he was going to be doing at the church to celebrate Jesus’s birthday. The teacher got visibly upset and told him he couldn’t talk about Jesus in school, to which he replied, “That’s stupid – it’s His birthday, that’s why we’re getting out of school.”(Don’t you just love kids?) He was then escorted to the hallway and reprimanded and told not to bring the subject up again.

The persecution is coming. In some ways, it’s already here. But we’re not dying for our faith like Christians are in other countries. Not yet…

II Timothy 3:12: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

II Corinthians 4:8-9:"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed..."

Matthew 5:10:"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 5:12:"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

Stem Cell Research without Harming the Embryo

The end does NOT always justify the means, even though most liberals seem to think it does.
If something is worthwhile and good, God will make a way. He does it in His time, not ours.

There is no justification when embryos are destroyed whether for the sake of convenience or science. Stem cell research is not more justified than abortion. It's been shown that stem cells can also be extracted from adult tissue without harm. And though these adult cells are difficult to extract at present, further research may uncover a better way. Destroying one life to help another is immoral. Science must find other ways to further medicene without sacrificing the unborn. So this article is an encouragement.

Possibly the beginning of an acceptable alternative?

Anti-Discrimination Policy is Discriminatory

Honeywell has long catered to the homosexual crowd. The company claims a zero-tolerance stand on discrimination. Thus the partners of homosexual employees are given full health insurance benefits.
No more discrimination, right?

Wrong.

Sandi Scott-Moore, a female employee who is living with her boyfriend has filed a discrimination suit against her employer because her boyfriend was denied health benefits.

If benefits can go to the unmarried partner of a homosexual, then isn’t Honeywell discriminating because of the gender of Scott-Moore’s partner?

Honeywell says they won’t tolerate discrimination. They also say Scott-Moore’s suit is without merit.

What’s wrong with this picture?

Brings to mind a favorite Scripture of mine.

“He made a pit, and digged it, and has fallen into the ditch which he made.” Psalm 7:15

I personally hope this costs Honeywell dearly.

The World is at War so...Let's All Disarm?

Jonathan Power, in an editorial Friday, suggested that it is time to consider abolishing all nuclear weapons. He spends most of his editorial trying to convince us that most if not all of the world’s leaders really do want to do this so we can all live without fear of nuclear holocaust. He suggests instead that we concentrate on improving the accuracy of conventional weapons.
Inserted in one paragraph toward the end of his article is a brief mention of “oh yeah…we would still have to deal with terrorists and ‘rogue states’” as he called them, after first blaming George Bush for our having to deal with them in the first place. However, he gives no real plan for dealing with them.

The naivety of the left never ceases to amaze me. First of all, his timing is astonishing. Take a look at what is going on around the world at this exact moment. What is he thinking? What is Jonathan Power’s definition of a “rogue state”? Just how honest does he think the world's governments really are? Does he really think most countries are altruistic? I’m surprised he didn’t publicly call on the US to be the first to cast aside her weaponry. Or how about Israel? Let her be first. Then all the other countries will follow suit, right? After all, he seems convinced that the other similarly-armed countries would do the same immediately. Not suprisingly, I originally found his editorial in none other than the Jordan Times. Bet he's a favorite of Ahmadinejad.

We live in a world of enemies. Backing down is seen as a sign of weakness. Enemies exploit weakness. Look at what happened when Israel agreed to the cease fire. Hezbollah declared victory and proclaimed Israel’s weakness.

Can you imagine the US declaring that she was disarming her nuclear program? Bye-bye Miss American Pie.
Or Israel? Sorry...Israel? Never heard of 'em. That's Arab territory now.

What does God say about spiritual warfare?

"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:11

"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier." 2 Timothy 2:3-4

If Christians followed Power's line of thought, we'd lay down our Bibles and our prayer life and try to reason with the Devil. God says that's not possible. Instead, we are to know our enemy and use our best defense.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you..." James 4:7-8

Funnel of Light

My husband and I went to Dallas for additional testing on his eyes. Coming back, we got stuck sitting at a standstill in traffic for 2 ½ hours because of a tractor-trailer rig and a Dodge pickup uniting at 75 mph in the middle of the Interstate. Finally, after emergency personnel finished cutting the guy in the pickup out and flying him out to a hospital and clearing the debris and the tractor trailer rig from the road, we made it to the next town and stopped for supper. Too tired to drive the rest of the way home, and my husband being unable to drive because his eyes were dilated, we booked a motel room and slept.

We were up early this morning headed home. We noticed the skies were partly cloudy and had a strange haze to them, but what we saw next was one of the weirdest things I’ve ever seen. A long funnel of light spread down from the sky right in front of our pickup. It appeared almost solid, was very bright, and extended back up through the sky straight into the sun.

We realize that this had to be some sort of optical illusion or reflection, but we haven’t quite figured out the particulars. We could both see it clearly from our prospective seats in the truck. It lasted for several minutes, until the sun rose a little higher in the sky, then disappeared. Neither of us have ever seen anything like it. The pics don't really do it justice, but I used what I had - my Nokia 6682 cellphone.

Any ideas on an explanation?

Corporate America Tackiness

In an extremely tacky and insulting move, Northwest Airlines recently passed out a booklet to it’s workers who are being laid off that offers "101 Ways To Save Money," including "don't be shy about pulling something you like out of the trash" and "ask your doctor for samples of prescriptions." The booklet goes on to suggest procuring hand me down clothes and toys for their kids, water conservation, and thrift-store shopping.
To top it off, CEO Doug Steenland is being heralded as almost a “hero” for the cuts he has voluntarily taken in an effort to “sacrifice” along with the little people.

A list of cuts Steenland has received includes:
Annual salary: cut $159,469
Bonuses:cut $975,000
Long-term compensation: cut $194,453
Canceled stock: cut $3,819,396
Total cut: $5,148,318

Sounds like the guy gave up a lot.

Comparatively.

Here is what he gets:

$516,000 plus salary yearly
$2.24 million from sales of e-commerce technology

So he’s not as much of a millionaire as his peers.

I don’t bemoan corporate brass their salaries or incentives, because I believe in capitalism and think if someone thinks someone is worth that kind of money, that’s their business.

What I do object to is the insensitivity and callousness of upper-management talking down to those in the working class and basically saying “let them eat cake”.

Wonder how many garbage dumpsters Steenland is planning on visiting each week? And is the Salvation Army on his wife’s list of stores for Saturday shopping?

God is in the Details

Sometimes God proves Himself in the trials He allows us to experience.
When we are in trial, we are tempted to ask, “Where is God?” “Why isn’t He here helping me out?” “Why has God deserted me?” But often, if we would stop and take a spiritual step back, we would see that God is IN the trial with us. He is actually USING the trial to better us, to mold us, to teach us, and ultimately to form us more into the likeness of His Son.

I’m in a position of authority in the ministry I am in. Lately, I’ve been bombarded by trials, problems, challenges, employee spats, missed deadlines, mistakes, and office machine malfunctions (just to mention a few). For a few weeks there, I was starting to second guess myself, wondering why things weren’t running more smoothly, and why every time I turned around a new “opportunity” arose for me to have to deal with. Then rather suddenly, it dawned on me. I was praying during my morning prayer time and realized that about six weeks ago, I decided to ask God specifically to increase my leadership abilities. I asked Him to make me the leader and employee that He wanted me to be, so that I could be more of a positive force in the ministry that I was a part of.

Duh. Guess I’m a little slow.

Of COURSE I’ve been having trials and tribulations in the workplace. My coach, my mentor, is God Himself! He’s been going down the checklist, placing different situations in my path for me to deal with, and as I’ve dealt successfully with each one, He has moved on to the next trial – each time molding me, forming me, honing my leadership skills, showing me where I need improvement. And when I’ve failed a test, I haven’t gotten to go on to the next one. Instead, He just sent a new revised one for me to take again.

When I came to the realization today, what had seemed like a particularly stressful time in my career actually turned into pure joy. God is answering my prayer in a very real way! I feel His presence and realize with each new situation that He is right there, cheering me on, guiding me through His Holy Spirit, giving me Scripture daily that I can recall at just the time I need it to solve a problem.

I had to deal with an angry pastor today on the phone. When the secretary forwarded the call to me she apologized…”He’s really upset…sorry I have to give this call to you.”

I said a quick prayer and took the call. After about 10 minutes, all issues had been resolved, I was able to fix his problems and lighten the conversation and we actually ended the call on a positive note. As I hung up the phone, I breathed out a couple of quick breaths and turned to my friend and co-worker across the way. She had heard the whole thing.

“You are really good.” She said.

I shook my head. “No, God is really good.”

My trials have strengthened my faith.

God's ok, Jesus is not

Except for the occasional atheist who’s upset about the pledge of allegiance, or because somebody prayed a prayer at the ballgame Friday night, most people don’t have a problem with accepting that there is a God, or at the very least, they don’t mind others thinking that there is a God. You rarely hear someone go on a tirade about Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Hindus, Buddahists, etc. because they aren’t really a threat to anyone’s comfort zone. The religion of Islam is only now in the last 50 years or so becoming more of a threat due to its violent ideaology. If it was simply the “peaceful religion” its spokesmen claim it is, it would be tolerated as well.

On the other hand, the closer you get to the truth about God, the more defensive and offended people get. Take the Jews for example. There are so many stereotypical beliefs about Jews as to be humorous. “All Jews are Christ hating, rich, powerful, greedy, and control the world behind the scenes.”

Yeah, right. Tell that to the people in Israel who have been victims of homicidal bombers and terrorist violence for all these years.

Jews are God’s chosen people. No, they haven’t been “replaced” by the Christian church. God doesn’t break promises. Therefore, Jews are hated because of God.

As much as the world seems to hate Jews, they still are not as reviled as born-again Christians. So why do people hate Christianity so much? Christianity and the Bible are hated more than any other ideology or “holy book” because of one reason…

Authority.

People want to run their own lives. Do what they want to do. Decide what’s right and wrong. But Christianity puts a stop to that, because the God of the Bible is the authority in these matters, and His book tells us what He expects and requires of us. He is the judge. He is the ultimate authority. He is the decision maker in all things. He is in control. He has all the power. He dictates what is right and wrong. Jesus is Lord.

The carnal man hates authority. He rebels against it. He despises it. He resists it. And that is the ultimate reason why Christianity is hated so much. Man wants to do what he wants to , when he wants to, with whomever he wants to do it. So man forms God in an image that is acceptable to him – a God who will recognize that he is basically a good guy and will let him go to heaven in spite of the “little “ sins he’s committed – after all, he’s only human. The God of the Bible was not formed in the image of man. Therefore man rejects Him and forms his own god.

“And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.” Acts 7:41

Carnal men have molded God in their own image - into Whom they think He should be. They don't understand that with God's Authority comes God's love. He alone knows what we need - and is the only One Who can truly provide. The world is looking for love, joy, acceptance, and peace. Only God, Who is the Authority, can provide these things.

Actual things I’ve heard people say:

“I don’t believe God would send anybody to hell”
“God knows we love each other” (about sex before marriage)
“God wants me be to be happy.” (reason for divorce)
“Me and God have an ‘understanding’” (about drinking problem)
“God made me this way” (excuse for any sin that they won’t confront and repent of)


God is a God of free will. Everyone has a choice to accept or reject Christ’s free gift of salvation. But there will be one moment in time when I believe God will momentarily force his will on those who refuse his command.

“I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” Isaiah 45:23

“For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” Romans 14:11

I will gladly and freely bow my knee and confess my Lord. I only wish the whole world would do so. How glorious that would be.

Are you REALLY a Christian?

Are you REALLY a Christian?

I remember going out on visitation one time and talking to a lady who was a member of a Baptist church in her neighborhood. As we went from talking about church to talking about salvation, I asked her if she knew for sure that when she died she was going to heaven.
“I TOLD you I was a member of a Baptist church!”.
I replied, "yes ma’am, but do you know for sure that you are saved?"
She then got angry. “I’ve been going to church all my life. Of course I’m saved! In fact, she became so irate that we realized we were getting nowhere and thanked her for her time and left (not before leaving a Gospel tract with her – which I’m guessing she threw into the trash can)

The very very sad truth is that there are many, probably thousands or even millions of people who call themselves Christians who will still be here after the rapture.Talk about a rude awakening!

If you ask someone the description of a Christian, you get a lot of answers that don’t really get to the root of what a Christian really is.

A Christian is a follower of Christ.
A Christian is a believer in the Bible.
A Christian is one who lives their life serving the Lord.
A Christian is one who belongs to a local New Testament church.
A Christian is one who feed the poor and helps the needy.
A Christian is one who turns the other cheek.
A Christian is one who shows the love of Christ to others.

All of these things are descriptions of what a Christian does, but not of what a Christian is.

A person can believe in God and not be saved

“Thou believest that there is one God: thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble” (James 2:19)

A person can pray to Jesus and not be saved

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”(Matthew 7:22-23).

A person can prophesy in Jesus' name and not be saved (Matthew 7:22-23).

A person can do wonderful works in Jesus' name and not be saved (Matthew 7:22-23).

A person can have a zeal for God and not be saved.

“For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”(Rom. 10:2-3)

A person can talk to others about God and not be saved.

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.”(Matt. 23:15).

A person can be curious about or intrigued with Jesus Christ and not be saved.

“And behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?...Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.” (Matt.19:16-22).

A person can profess to know God and not be saved

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”(Titus 1:16)

A person can follow and serve Christ and not be saved.

“Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.” (John 6:70-71).

Jesus Himself said:

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

True Definition of a Christian:

A Christian is a person who has been born again through faith alone in Jesus Christ for their salvation.

There is only one way to be saved. That way is ONLY by total trust and faith in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9

“…Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” Acts 16:31

If you are reading this and there is ANY doubt in your mind whatsoever whether you are truly saved and truly a Christian, you need to know for sure. Don't wait. Make sure.

Tomorrow may be too late.

Prevention is Better than Treatment

A recent University of Pittsburgh study shows that the number of new HIV cases has been rising 1.9 percent a year since 2001 in spite of public education on the subject. In 2001, 1 in 12 gay men aged 20 was HIV positive on the continent of North America and in Europe. It is predicted in this study that by the year 2010, the rate in these same men could rise to 1 in 4. It is further predicted that by the time these men are 60 years old, as high as 58 percent of them could be infected.

An excerpt from the article at Gay.com:

“The report's findings only underscore the need for better ways of preventing HIV infection, instead of just treating its effects.
"HIV is still an incurable disease," Ronald Valdiserri, deputy director of the National Center for HIV at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told AFP. "In the United States, 5 percent (of the budget for HIV) is spent on prevention."
He added: "America is more interested on treating this disease than preventing it. We can't treat our way out of this epidemic, even as a rich country." (The Advocate) “

I couldn’t agree more. We can’t treat this disease away. Prevention is the key. Problem is, the best prevention is a new lifestyle – one that God ordained as the proper and holy union between one man and one woman in marriage. But when someone is in a sin that they are slave to, whether it be alcoholism, drug addiction, or homosexuality, they don’t want to hear what’s best for them. They just want to be able to continue in their sin and have someone “fix” the consequences for them.


I Corinthians 10:13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

Believing the Lie

"For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" Revelation 6:17

Here is an absolutely fascinating discourse on the Islamic version of the last days on earth that all (Christians especially) need to be aware of.

It is extremely interesting to me that Satan, in his typical modus operandi of counterfeiting the things of God, has weaved half-truths and distorted Scripture into this religion to paint a picture of the end times according to his wishful thinking rather than the truth of God's Word.

Once the Christians are taken out (yes, I'm a pre-tribber - I Thessalonians 1:10)the confused masses will be looking for answers and for leadership. The biggest confusion, I think, will be in the fact that though many will have disappeared, there will remain literally thousands, or even millions, of "religious" people who claim to be Christian who are still here, so the suggestion that the rapture has taken place, spoken of by Evangelical born-again Christians, will most likely be discredited by the left-behind religious leaders - after all, THEY are still here - so the silly "rapture" idea promulgated by the religious right nuts has obviously been proved wrong. There has to be another reason why they're gone.

I have so many friends and family who are lost, and the Scripture that bothers me most about the Tribulation is II Thesalonians 2:11-12

"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.:"

What should we Christians be doing in the meantime, as the last days approach?

We should be witnessing to others, letting them know the hope we have in Christ, and warning them of the Tribulation to come. This writer, for one, believes the time is short.

Scripture References:

I Thessalonians 1:10

"And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come."


II Thessalonians 2:8-12

"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Foveal Cone Dystrophy

I have not posted in several days because I am out of state with my husband seeing a specialist to try and get a diagnosis for the fact that he is losing his vision and our local doctors, who are very qualified and distinguished, have been unable to determine why. We are dealing with an insurance company that must have failed the Martha Stewart School of Etiquitte. We know God is in control and ask those of you who would to pray for a diagnosis and treatment. The possible diagnosis is something called Foveal Cone Dystrophy, but there are no definitive answers yet.

Christians and Profanity

I recently had a cordial exchange with a man professing to be a follower of Christ who had curse words interlaced in his posts on his weblog. These were not even what some would call “mild” expletives, but included “the ‘f’ word” multiple times. I challenged him, asking how the lost might perceive such language coming from a Christian, and our next few emails back and forth proved fruitless. He was steadfast in his defense, or as I called it, his celebration, of his right to curse. We parted ways amicably, but the subject still disturbs me greatly.

We all have proclivities toward certain sins. Mine tends to be pride and unforgiveness. However, I know these two things are sin, and I strive daily to die to self and surrender to the Holy Spirit in order to avoid these sins that hound me so ferociously. And if there is a sin in my life that I am unaware of, I pray it will be brought to my attention, either through the Word or through a brother or sister in Christ who cares enough about me to bring it to my attention. I don’t celebrate my pride or my unforgiveness. I sorrow over them.

A Holy God calls on us to be likewise. “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 20:7. “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” I Peter 1:15-16

Sanctification is being “set apart”. Jesus prayed, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth…And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” John 17:16-19

The Greek here for sanctify is hagiazo, meaning to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow; to separate from profane things and dedicate to God.


Christians are not to be like the world. We are to be different, peculiar. A saved person who looks, dresses, acts and talks like the world is what is called a “carnal Christian”, which Paul says is a “babe in Christ” (I Corinthians 3:1). Scripture says “… the carnal mind is enmity against God...”(Romans 8:7).

If your sin is profanity and cursing, you can overcome it through Christ. “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)” II Corinthians 10:4.

One of the accusations that this individual leveled at me was that I was taking Scripture out of context to support my belief that cursing was wrong. I have since made a list, though not exhaustive, of some additional Scriptures that support the notion that Christians should not curse.

My prayer is that he will eventually become convicted of his sin and allow God to change him and give him victory over it.

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor 7:1

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. I Cor 15:33

A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Gal 5:9

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Colossians 3:8

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Matthew 12:34

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Exodus 20:7

And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:12

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Matthew 12:36

All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. Job 27:3-4

My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. Job 33:3

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2

Media Fraud

Responsible journalism. These days it seems that term is almost an oxymoron.
There have been a lot of posts over the last few days about the Reuters' manipulation of photos in order to stir public opinion against Israel. This type of media bias has been going on for years. It just seems to be more prominent in today’s culture because of the ubiquitousness of television and the Internet. I debated on whether to publish this post, because in doing so, if you go to the webpage I reference, you will view some obscenities that I personally find very offensive as a Christian. It's not my intention to offend anyone. My intention is to show another example of how the news media attempts to manipulate the public according to its own agenda. I read a quote from Mark Twain today... “If you don’t read the newspaper, you are uninformed. If you do read the newspaper, you are misinformed. “
Here is the webpage.
Here also is an excellent short video

Struggling with the Inner Man

All Christians know the struggle well. We are new creatures in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17), yet the old man continually tries to rise from the dead and take over. As long as we dwell in this earth, the struggle will be there. The only way to overcome sin is to be totally and completely surrendered to the will of God, filled with the Holy Spirit. Some days we are surrendered, and we do well. Other days, our flesh wins and we end the day discouraged. But knowing this life is temporary, and knowing the glorious world that awaits us, we somehow keep going, pressing toward the mark (Philippians 3:13-14)

A delightful and talented man who is a brother in Christ wrote this, and it contains the essence of what a Christian's struggle is each and every day. Thank you, John Austin, for sharing your wonderful words of hope and encouragement.

Fight or Flight?

I know what to do and what is right
But cannot seem to perform it

Within me is desire of which I disagree
But cannot seem to stop it

The offences multiply against my will
Yet, I still fight. I hope for correction.

What spurs this battle long?
It seems all but loss (armor on and sword still swinging)

Curse this strain of mind that weakens!
Evil debating Good, the duel of wrong and right

To the point of breaking, I feel a refreshing wind
A Power borrowed strengthens me to fight

Sword piercing, I am given victory

I rest

I will fight another day

Scripture references:

II Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Romans 7:18-19
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Romans 7:24-8:1 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Tears in Heaven

No more crying there
We are going to see the king
No more crying there
We are going to see the king
No more crying there
We are going to see the king.
Hallelujah, hallelujah
We’re going to see the king.

There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye.


All my life I’ve heard that there are no tears in heaven. But that is one of those phrases that is not actually in the Bible, like “righteous indignation” and “cleanliness is next to godliness" (see my earlier post)

The truth is, the single most sorrowful and tearful event in all of eternity is going to take place in heaven. And all of us will be there and we’ll all be crying out in anguish. And then, it will be over, and from that point on, some of us will be cast away, to cry out for all of eternity. For the rest of us there will be no more tears because God will wipe them away.

I am referring to the Great White Throne Judgment.

In the book of Revelation, Chapter 20, Scripture says:

"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:12-15

It is a few verses later that God says:

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4

Scripture seems to indicate that the redeemed will be present at the Great White Throne Judgement. That means that we will see every lost family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker or acquaintance stand before God, lost, their name missing in the book of life, and we will see their final punishment – which is to be cast into the Lake of Fire. The horror of that moment, especially if we never took the time to witness to them, will be the most sorrowful moment of all eternity for us. I wonder if they won’t look at us and ask why. If we knew they were facing this, why didn’t we say something? But it will be too late.

After witnessing the Judgment, how can we possible have joy, and no more tears? When the Scripture says God will “wipe away” our tears, the Greek word used is exaleipho {ex-al-i'-fo}, which means in part to obliterate or erase – to blot out. Again, I’m speculating, but I believe that God will literally blot out not only our tears, but our memories of anything that would cause sadness and tears …such as what we have just witnessed.

Some sobering thoughts for me just before I go to sleep… Also has me thinking about who I might be able to witness to tomorrow...

Jewish vs Islamic Ideology

This article is a perfect example of the theological differences between Judaism and Islam. Here Rabbi David Aaron explains some core principles concerning war and praying for the enemy’s defeat. For those of you who will skip reading the entire article, here are a few excerpts:

When your enemy falls, do not take joy.

And if indeed war is unavoidable,… then it must be waged with the deepest sense of love for G-d and not hatred for people.

…whenever we pray that G-d deal with our enemies, we never pray for the destruction of the enemy himself, only his evilness. We do not want to see people die unless there is no other way to stop them from doing evil.

Judaism has such a forgiving attitude toward our enemies that the greatest thing we can do for them is to pray for their repentance. This is an incredible testimony that we are supposed to want those who kill us to repent form their evil ways rather than die.

Some awesome and profound statements from a people that has been persecuted and hated since their very beginnings.

Now contrast the above statements with these, made by Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Hezbollah:

This is an aggressive, illegal, and illegitimate entity, which has no future in our land. Its destiny is manifested in our motto: 'Death to Israel'

...the bitter and distressing historical catastrophe of the establishment of the state of the grandsons of apes and pigs – the Zionist Jews – on the land of Palestine and Jerusalem.

If they (Jews) all gather in Israel, it will save us the trouble of going after them worldwide..

Islam – the religion of peace.

Hez Hiz Bullah Ballah Bollah

Hez Hiz Bullah Bollah Bollah

No, I'm not speaking in tongues.

Hizbullah – The Jerusalem Post
Hezbollah – Toronto Star, Asia Times, Jewish World Review
Hizballah – Front Page Magazine, Cybercast News
Hizbollah – The Jordan Times, Sky News

Why is it that one word can have so many different spellings and nobody seems to notice or care?

The word is not in Merriam Webster online at all - under any of the above spellings.

Wikipedia.org says Hezbollah and Hizbollah are correct. The only thing I can come up with is that it is a purposeful misspelling to irritate them – like President Bush saying “Sa-damn Who-sane” and “O-sam-a Bin-laid-en”

Hezbollah means “Party of God”. lol

I propose we call them Hezbozos

Operating in the Red

I read an article today entitled “What’s the Real Federal Deficit? It exposes how the federal government is lying to the public about the deficit.
Seems there are two sets of books – the one used to report to the public, and the real set.

Some astounding and frightening figures:

Book 1 – 2005 experienced a $318 billion dollar deficit (scary)
Book 2 – 2005 experienced a $3.5 trillion dollar deficit (scarier)

Book 1 – the 2005 deficit was equal to a $2,800 deficit per US household (scary)
Book 2 – the 2005 deficit was equal to a $6,700 deficit per US household (scarier)

Book 1 – since 1997, the government has run a deficit of $729 billions dollars
Book 2 - Since 1997, the government has run a deficit of $2.9 trillion dollars

And lest any liberals begin screaming about the Bush administration:

The Clinton administration reported a surplus of $559 billion dollars in his final term. But Book 2 showed a deficit of $484 billion dollars (a difference of almost $1.5 trillion dollars if my public education serves me well.)

As a business owner, that makes writing that check for my payroll taxes even harder to swallow.

No Cease Fire

Yesterday Hezbollah‘s chief spokesman said they will not agree to a cease-fire until all Israeli troops leave Lebanon. "Declaring a cease-fire is not the concern of the people of Lebanon as long as there is one Israeli soldier on Lebanese soil _ even one meter (into Lebanon)." He went on to say, "We will not accept any (Israeli) soldier staying on Lebanese territory, and it is the right of every Lebanese to fight until liberation."

On Lebanese soil? Fight until liberation? Did I read this correctly? Was Israel in Lebanon a month ago when Hezbollah started this war by an unprovoked attack and kidnapping of Israeli soldiers?

This war could have already ended. Israel stated very early on that if her soldiers were returned unharmed and the rocket attacks into Israel were stopped, this war would be over.

It is Hezbollah who is responsible for this war – along with supporters/suppliers Iran and Syria and every other liberal country/reporter/individual that is supporting the actions of Hezbollah and condemning Israel's right to self-defense. Lebanon plays a part as well and is not an innocent entity – as Hezbollah actually has representatives in positions of government in Lebanon. Notice how the spokesman quoted in the beginning of this post actually speaks on behalf of Lebanon, indicating the Hezbollah and Lebanon are as one.

If you poke a stick through the fence at the neighbor’s dog and tease and harass him day after day, week after week, and year after year, don’t be surprised or offended if one day the gate is opened, he gets loose, and aims straight for your jugular.

The Revised Roman Empire of the Book of Revelation

“So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.” Matthew 24:33

The Book of Revelation tells us that the antichrist, as a leader of the Revised Roman Empire, will bring about a 7-year peace treaty in the middle east. Many, myself included, believe that the Revised Roman Empire is none other than the European Union. And it is out of this political group that the antichrist will emerge. Ten years ago, no one would have seriously considered the EU as a serious political force in the world.

Now listen to comments made this week concerning the Middle East crisis:

“The Council must adopt a clear resolution today calling for an immediate ceasefire by both sides: anything else will be a failure for the EU.”

“In Lebanon, the EU is the only trusted actor”

“Our objective remains the roadmap, with two sovereign states, including a viable Palestinian state at peace with its neighbours.”

“…the EU had "a duty to alleviate suffering" across the region - whether in Gaza, Haifa or Lebanon.”

“…the EU must strengthen the UN after the "contemptible" attack on its observers last week and the sacking of its Beirut office on Sunday.”


The events of the day are bringing us closer to the fulfillment of the prophecy of the end times, and Christians need to be aware and ready to witness any chance they can.

Mark 13:32-37 "But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch."

Christians Under a Microscope - Mel Gibson's Antics

Mel Gibson’s anti-Semitic tirade at his recent DUI arrest does more damage to the Christian cause than anything the liberal left could possibly think up.

Because of his powerful movie, The Passion, he has been elevated almost to a “Sheep among Wolves” figure in Hollywood, and he himself and his work on the film has been overemphasized by Christians rather than focusing on the events of Christ’s life that were depicted in the film. Mel, after all, is just a sinner deserving hell like the rest of us. Is he saved? I certainly can’t make that determination. But I know God can use the foolish and the lost to accomplish his purpose, so Mel’s salvation (or not) is irrelevant as far as the movie itself is concerned, but his claim to be a Christian is heavily damaging to the body of Christ because of his lifestyle, language, and anti-Jewish stance. Being inebriated does not change one’s core personality – it merely eliminates inhibitions on things that a sober person would inwardly like to do, but restrains from doing for fear of embarrassment, loss of respect, or fear of consequences. His public apology is not enough. And if I were to gain an audience with Mr. Gibson, I would urge him to search his soul and seek God’s guidance to see whether or not his salvation was real, based on faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), or a counterfeit based on works (Matthew 7:22-23).

As the events of the end times escalate, we Christians will be watched more closely than ever before by our lost friends and family. The media and liberal special interest groups, as well as apostate churches, will be pointing their fingers at the “right wing fundamentalist extremists” and labeling us “haters”, “holier-than-thou”, “judgmental”, “narrow-minded”, “hypocritical”, and so on. We must strive more than ever to be surrendered to the Holy Spirit and not on ourselves. We should be the best neighbors, the best workers, the first to help when it is needed, the first to offer comfort to those in sorrow. We should allow the love of Jesus to so exude from us that others will notice the difference. The more known we are, the more important it is to present a living example of Christ in us.

When we stand for our faith and against sin, we must be bold, but not hateful. We must not waiver or compromise, but we must not appear “holier than thou”. After all, we’re saved and going to heaven not because of our actions or “goodness” (Titus 2:5), but because our Savior has bought and paid for us through the cross. (1 Corinthians 6:20)

There can be no hate in our lives. (1 John 2:9; 4:20)

We must resist the temptation to get into debates about our faith (Proverbs 14:7; 2 Timothy 2:14)

We must be ready to share our faith lovingly at any time (1 Peter 3:15)

We must depend on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. (Galatians 5:25)

Scripture References

Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Matthew 7:22-23: Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Titus 3:5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

1 Corinthians 6:20: For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

1 John 2:9: He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.

1 John 4:20: If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

Proverbs 14:7: Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.

2 Timothy 2:14: Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

1 Peter 3:15: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

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