Rosemary Rickett 11-10-40 To 12-13-06

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. This scripture is one mom and I talked about a lot over the last month. She was ready to shed her earthly tent and go home to be with her Lord.

One of the first things Sarah and Jason told her when we arrived at the hospital on Wednesday was it was ok for her to let go now, we are all here.

Jason told her "Grandma, you are going to see your King, it's so awesome Grandma you are going to see your King."

It was less than a half hour later she was gone.

There are a lot of things we think about when we think about my mom. Things like she absolutely loved to have her feet rubbed and it was a very common thing for her to ask Sarah to rub her feet for her. Sarah was rubbing her feet up to the moment she passed on.

She had a sweet tooth, something she inherited from her dad. With a love of candy, Sees Butterscotch squares were her all time favorite. Her favorite sundae was Strawberry ice cream with marshmallow topping. She loved graham crackers with her homemade frosting in the middle.

There were many times we all remember her going to the store to get a birthday cake just because she loved the frosting. Sarah talked about the time her, Aunt Sharrie, cousin Christina and Grandma bought a birthday cake, which they all shared right out of the box. Her reasoning was why take it out of the box when they were just going to eat the frosting.

She loved music and some of her favorites were Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, and The Gaithers.

Conversations with her were always a learning experience. Because of her extensive love of books and movies it seemed as though she could have a conversation with anyone about anything.

Her gentle nature could put anyone at ease. Many of those who knew her all said the same thing. She was the most loving, caring and encouraging person they had met.

The most important thing about her is she loved the Lord and looked forward to meeting him. Her name described the beautiful person she truly was inside.

Everyone called her Rose.

Just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snows lies the seed that with the son's love in the spring becomes the rose

Four Wives

The rich King had 4 wives.

He loved the 4th wife the most and adored her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies He gave her nothing but the best.He also

loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another.

He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!

One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone.

"Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"No way!", replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word

.Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart.

The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?""No!", replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!"

His heart sank and turned cold.

He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!", replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only walk with you to your grave."

Her answer struck him like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.

Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you no matter where you go."

The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was very skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!"

In truth, we all have the 4 wives in our lives:

Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die.

Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others.

Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us where ever we go.

Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.

Thought for the day:

Remember, when the world pushes you to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.

Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections

Spiritual Lessons through Shoveling Snow?

We got lots of snow today and I was going to for the first time, try using the snowblower the kids have in the garage. Since they are living between here and Indiana, they are only home every three weeks or so until this house in Belding sells. So it was up to me to clear the driveway and sidewalks.

I could NOT get the blower to start so I shoveled instead, took a good two hours to do the driveway and sidewalks...You would think after doing that I would have a little less appreciation for the snow...But I still love it.

When I began shoveling and looked at how long the driveway seemed, both sides with sidewalks needing to be done and all that snow, it almost seemed overwhelming, but when I began to just focus on one section at a time, it did not seem like such a big task.

It was then I realized the Lord was showing me something really awesome...no matter how big a job (problem) looks if you keep your focus on taking just that one little step at a time (keep your eyes on Jesus), keep shoveling along :-) before you know it that problem does not seem so big any more. Once you realize we can do all things through Christ, and all He expects us to do is to trust Him (keep focused) and nothing is impossible.

Another truth I realized is sometimes the Lord doesn't show us His whole plan or answer all our questions for this simple reason - if we saw the whole picture of what we might be facing or what trial we might have to endure, or how long something may take to happen, we might get discouraged and give up (or fall into some temptation).

So- He will only show us what we need to know to take that one step (of faith) at a time, to keep us focused on today instead of fretting about tomorrow. Which reminds me of how Jesus told us to pray... "Our Father who is in Heaven, Holy is your Name, You kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread..."

Did ya catch that??? Daily bread...not weekly, not monthly not yearly...DAILY.

Take it one day at a time, one step at a time and keep the focus on the Jesus and the task at hand. I love it how only the Lord could take something as menial as shoveling snow and turn it into a spiritual lesson, a blessing and a reason to Thank Him... We just have to be willing to look for those lessons and blessings in every thing our day might bring.

Call me weird, but I am actually thankful to the Lord I couldn't get that stupid blower to start :-)

Living In Belding

The last couple of nights deer have decided to wander in to the backyard to munch on the grass. Last night was awesome, because unlike the night before they came close enough for me to actually see them in the moonlight.

I cut up and apple and tossed the pieces out to where they were standing. (At least as close to where they were standing as I could :-)

I was kind of surprised the largest of the five, a beautiful doe did not run off when I turned on the porch light. Instead she just stood there looking at me. Probably trying to decide if I was any kind of threat.

She just stood there for a moment before deciding to make her way to the apple pieces.
Ok..call me crazy but I softly began to talk to her letting her know it was ok and I wasn't going to hurt her. All the time praying to the Lord to let this beautiful creature (whom He created) have a sense of peace and know I would do her no harm.

It was a prayer that must of worked because she didn't run off, but instead stood there looking at me as she began slowly making her way closer to the apple. Her friends we keeping their distance, a bit more unsure of this human standing there watching them.

Finally after a couple of minutes the others began making their way back into the trees behind the house. She turned to look at them, and I swear it looked like she wagged her fluffy little tail as she looked back at me and slowly walked away to join her friends.

It was so cool! I love nature and at times like this have such a thankfulness to the Lord for creating all the wonderful things in nature for us to enjoy and be amazed by.
In the time I have been here in Belding I have seen more wildlife in our backyard than I ever saw the whole time living in California or anywhere else for that matter. (Well except for years ago when we lived up in the mountains of Northern California in a cabin.)

I loved the winter months with the snow, spring was gorgeous with all the colors blooming around us, fall was amazing with the changing leaves, bringing to mind a beautiful painting from the hand of God himself.
Why anyone would enjoy living in a big city instead of out in "the country" is beyond me. The beauty of nature far outways any of the so called inconveniences as far as I am concerned.
The stars are brighter and seem to be more in number, the moon appears fuller and brighter, the colors more beautiful and the Father's creatures a lot more apt to come out and play.

The beauty around us should be more than enough to prove to us how much our Creator loves us....I for one am so thankful to God Almighty for allowing me to realize His love for me in even the simplest things.

Be Prepared

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


On a tombstone in England are inscribed the words, "Pause now, stranger, when you pass by. As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you will be. So prepare for death and follow me."

Someone was seen reading that tombstone and was overheard to say, "To follow you is not my intent, until I know which way you went."

Death is no respecter of persons. It doesn't matter whether you are rich or poor, elderly or young. Everyone has to face death.

British novelist William Boyd wrote, "We all want to be happy, and we are all going to die. . . . You might say that these are the only two unchallengeably true facts that apply to every human being on this planet."

The Bible says in Amos 4:12, "Prepare to meet your God." Are you ready? None of us know when death will come knocking on our door. Are your affairs in order? I'm not referring to a will.

Rather, I'm asking whether you are prepared for eternity. Heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2).

Are you ready to go there? The only way to have the hope of forgiveness and the hope of heaven is to receive the gift of eternal life that Jesus Christ bought for you. He purchased it with His own blood.

You can't buy it with your own money, with good works, with religion, or morality. You have to take the gift that Jesus has made available to you and be ready to go.

Death is unavoidable. But only those who are prepared to die are really prepared to live.

Greg Laurie-Harvest Church Daily devotion.

Letter From God

My Child ~You may not know me, but I know everything about you ~ Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up ~ Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways ~ Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ~ Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image ~ Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being ~ Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring ~ Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation ~ Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ~ Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ~ Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made ~ Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb ~ Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born ~ Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ~ John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ~ 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ~ 1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your father ~ 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ~ Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father ~ Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand ~ James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ~ Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love ~ Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ~ Psalm 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing ~ Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you ~ Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession ~ Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul ~ Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things ~ Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me ~ Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart ~ Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires ~ Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ~ Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ~ Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ~ Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ~ Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ~ Revelation21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus ~ John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed ~ John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being ~ Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ~ Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ~ 1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ~ Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me ~ 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again ~ Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen ~ Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father ~ Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is ~ Will you be my child? ~ John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you ~ Luke 15:11-32

LOVE, YOUR DAD, ALMIGHTY GOD.

Love the Fall

I love this time of year. The trees are all changing colors and all the various colors are just amazing to me. I walk up town at least once a week, and from week to week the changes are obvious.

Now we have the possibility of snow over the next couple of days and I can't wait. It is going to look amazing with the golds, reds, oranges, greens, and browns of the trees with a back drop of snow. I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would want to live anywhere that does not have lots and lots of trees. Fall is so beautiful.

The good Lord has so blessed us with such beauty if we only would choose to look around and appreciate it. I can see why that old saying, "stop and smell the roses" is so applicable for this day and age. Not enough people stop to really appreciate and acknowledge that God's love is shown all around us by the beauty He has given us to enjoy.

Next time you are feeling down or going through a trial...take a minute to look around you and really see the love of God in His creation and know He not only loves you enough to send His Son to pay the cost of our sinfulness...but enough to create such wonder and beauty for us to enjoy.

No Compromise

"How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following its rules. I have tried my best to find you—don't let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:9-11 NLT"

Piling on "In the game of football it's called "piling on": You're already down when suddenly you get pummeled again by your opponent.

In real life it's called spiritual warfare, and it's often disguised. You're suffering through a hard time when suddenly the enemy comes at you with what actually looks like relief.

Ah, how vulnerable we are in such moments! After all I've had to endure lately, I think I deserve a little break! How easy it is to rationalize!

Would it really be so wrong for me to ________? Why not?Of course, this is the nature of temptation. On the front end, sin looks "heavenly." On the back side, it is always hellish and makes bad situations worse.

Our only hope is in living out the promise that God's Word can keep us from sin. By filling our hearts and minds with the truth of God's Word, we are able to recognize the enemy's lies. That is how we stay pure in hard, tempting times (see Matthew 4:1-11).

It is how we avoid Satan's deceptive attempts to hit us again when we're down. Praying God's Promise:

God, when I hide your Word in my heart, I can keep from sinning! Grant me the wisdom to seek you and to hide your Word in my heart. I need discernment to apply your truth to everyday situations, especially when I am going through difficult times.

from Praying God's Promises in Tough Times by Len Wood (Tyndale) pp 170-71"
(From my email devotions. )

Truth

The belt of truth
"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free," says Jesus (John 8:32).

But what will the truth set us free from?

First of all, it sets us free from the snares of deception. When people know the truth, they can't be taken in by a lie. You can't convince people to believe in something that they know in their hearts and minds is false.

The truth will also set you free from guilt and shame. When you've held tightly to the truth, you don't have to worry about a lie coming back to haunt you. You don't spend your nights lying awake wondering what words of deception might trap and ensnare you.

You are free to live with a clean conscience and an innocent heart.

Finally, the truth sets you free from judgment. When you trust in the truth of Jesus, you have no more fear of death—physical or spiritual.

You know his promises to be true and his words to be life-giving. You can no longer be bound by Satan's lies.

The belt of truth Paul writes about is the strap that holds together the entire armor of God.

Without it, everything else would fall away and Satan would have an open target to your heart. So take the truth of Christ, and latch it firmly around your waist. Let it set you free!

From a devotional by Frank M. Martin in Embracing Eternity (Tyndale House) p 293

Things to Remember

Thought you might be interested in this forgotten bit of information..........

It was 1987!
At a lecture the other day they were playing an old news video of Lt.Col. Oliver North testifying at the Iran-Contra hearings during the Reagan Administration.
There was Ollie in front of God and country getting the third degree, but what he said was stunning!

He was being drilled by a senator; "Did you not recently spend close to $60,000 for a home security system?"

Ollie replied, "Yes, I did, Sir."The senator continued, trying to get a laugh out of the audience, "Isn't that just a little excessive?"

"No, sir," continued Ollie."No? And why not?" the senator asked.
"Because the lives of my family and I were threatened, sir."
"Threatened? By whom?" the senator questioned.
"By a terrorist, sir" Ollie answered.

"Terrorist? What terrorist could possibly scare you that much?"
"His name is Osama bin Laden, sir" Ollie replied.

At this point the senator tried to repeat the name, but couldn't pronounce it, which most people back then probably couldn't.
A couple of people laughed at the attempt. Then the senator continued. Why are you so afraid of this man?" the senator asked.

"Because, sir, he is the most evil person alive that I know of", Ollie answered. "And what do you recommend we do about him?" asked the senator.

"Well, sir, if it was up to me, I would recommend that an assassin team be formed to eliminate him and his men from the face of the earth."

The senator disagreed with this approach, and that was all that was shown of the clip. By the way, that senator was Al Gore!

Also:

Terrorist pilot Mohammad Atta blew up a bus in Israel in 1986. The Israelis captured, tried and imprisoned him.

As part of the Oslo agreement with the Palestinians in 1993, Israel had to agree to release so-called "political prisoners."

However, the Israelis would not release any with blood on their hands.

The American President at the time, Bill Clinton, and his Secretary of State, Warren Christopher, "insisted" that all prisoners be released.

Thus Mohammad Atta was freed and eventually thanked the US by flying an airplane into Tower One of the World Trade Center.

This was reported by many of the American TV networks at the time that the terrorists were first identified.

It was censored in the US from all later reports.

The Danger of Mocking God

Here are some examples of people who mocked God:

JOHN LENNON: Some years ago, during his interview with an American Magazine, he said:"Christianity will end, it will disappear. I do not have to argue about that.

I am certain. Jesus was OK, but his subjects were too simple, Today we are more famous than Him (1966)."
Lennon, after saying that the Beatles were more famous than Jesus Christ, (soon after) was shot six times.

TANCREDO NEVES: During the Presidential campaign, he said if he got 500 votes from his party, not even God would remove him from the Presidency.

Sure he got the votes, but he got sick a day before being made President, then he died.

CAZUZA: During a show in Canecão (Rio de Janeiro), whilst smoking his cigarette, he puffed out some smoke into the air and said: God, that's for you.

It cannot be explained how he died.

THE MAN WHO BUILT THE TITANIC: After the construction of the Titanic, a reporter asked him how safe the Titanic would be. With an ironic tone he said: "Not even God can sink it!"

The result: We all know what happened to the Titanic.

MARILYN MONROE: She was visited by Billy Graham during a presentation of a show. He is a preacher and Evangelist and the Spirit of God had sent him to preach to her.

After hearing what the Preacher had to say, she said: "I don't need your Jesus." A week later, she was found dead in her apartment. How she died is still being debated today.

BON SCOTT: The ex-vocalist for AC/DC on one of his 1979 songs, he sang: "Don't stop me, I'm going down all the way, the highway to hell." On the 19th of February 1980, Bon Scott was found dead, he choked on his own vomit.

CAMPINAS/SP IN 2005: In Campinas, a group of friends, all drunk, went to pick up another friend. The mother accompanied her to the car and was so worried about the drunkenness of all her friends that she said to the daughter - holding her hand, who was already seated in the car:

"MY DAUGHTER, GO WITH GOD AND MAY HE PROTECT YOU." She responded: ONLY IF HE (GOD) RIDES IN THE TRUNK, COZ INSIDE HERE its ALREADY FULL."

Hours later, news came by that they had been involved in a fatal accident; everyone had died; the car could not be recognized as to what type of car it was, but surprisingly, the trunk was intact.

The police said there was no way the trunk could have remained intact.

To their amazement, inside the trunk was a crate of eggs, and none of them were broken.

Many more important people have forgotten that there is no other name that was given so much authority as the name of Jesus. Many have died, but only Jesus died and rose again, and he is STILL alive.

God is just Too Awesome!

The Lord is so awesome. There is none like Him. For anyone to honestly believe there is no God is just beyond my comprehension.

I was talking to my oldest son last night, who just in the last several months has grown by leaps and bounds in his relationship with the Lord.

He was telling me how he just can't stop praising God and thanking Him for his goodness and mercy. We have had many conversations regarding this topic.

How amazing it is when the Lord God reveals himself to us. How after accepting Jesus as savior, the Lord opens our "spiritual eyes" to see and understand the things going on not only in our own lives, but in the world around us.

I told Jason every time I talk to him or his grandmother I can't help but praise the Lord for the salvation He has brought into their lives. For years I prayed for my parents and my children. There were times when I had doubt about whether my mom especially would accept Jesus. There were things that happened in my life I think she blamed the church for and there was some anger there. But she came to realize the "church" is not what being a Christian is about...It is about a personal relationship with our Creator and His son Jesus Christ.

The change in my son is the most dramatic. He went through a period of drugs and alcohol, which is dangerous, but combined with the fact he has epilepsy made it worse.

The Lord got through to Him in a very dramatic and supernatural way, and over the last six months or so his relationship with the Lord has just been awesome. It is so cool to be able to talk about the Lord with him, and as my husband is fond of saying, "being on the same page" when it comes to understanding spiritual truths.

It is interesting how the Lord works. In every conversation I have had with Jason as well as my mom, we find the Lord has been showing us the same things at the same time, while working with each of us separately. It's as if He is confirming those things each of us are being shown through our relationships with each other as well as the rest of our family.

The spiritual awakening in Jason daily continues to give me hope for my two younger sons, who are both struggling with drugs and needing to be set free from past hurts and a not so rosey childhood.

The main thing I have realized in seeing the relationships my family have with the Lord is this: The key to knowing God, to growing spiritually is to be in the Word of God (the BIBLE) consistently. Knowing that when the Word says to renew our minds with the Word, it means just that. We become new in our thinking and understanding. It cleanses us, encourages us, shows us the nature and love of God. Without it, it won't be long before a new relationship with the Lord will begin to fall away.

Without being in the word the danger of believing false teaching becomes overwhelmingly dangerous, especially to those who are new to being Christians. There are so many biblically incorrect teachings in the world today. And if you don't have a clear understanding of the Bible as a whole it is easy to get caught up in messages that do nothing but "make you feel good" and steering you straight to hell.

The bible talks about in the last days there will be a great falling away of the church. People will want to hear only what makes them feel good, and reject the truth.

2 Timothy 4:2-4
2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

2 Timothy 3
Godlessness in the Last Days
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.

Always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth so fits the state of today's world. We have become so full of knowledge, yet have fallen so far from the Truth. There is a large number of churches and preachers who have gotten away from the Bible as being not only the ultimate authority for believers, but teaching it is not relevant for our times. Trying to rewrite it so to speak. Saying it is not a literal book and what God says in it isn't really what God means. Taking the Word and interpreting it to say what they want it to say and not what it truly says.

There has been an outpouring of teachings that are focused on increasing church sizes, approaching preaching of the good news to suit what will make people comfortable and happy, instead of teaching the truth. Unfortunately the Truth is not always a warm fuzzy message. But it is a message of hope and of love and most importantly salvation.

We have become more concerned with having large churches with lots of people filling up the pews, than with the eternal destiny of the lost. Too many churches have begun to look at Christianity from a "business" stand point instead of spiritually. Taking man's ideas on how to increase the number of the people they can get in the door, instead of following the "plan" Jesus clearly gives us in the Word.

It is like Jason and I were talking about last night - there are going to be a lot of people sitting in church thinking they are going to heaven who are going to be terrified come judgment day and finding out they were wrong. All because those called to spread the gospel were more concerned about they might offend someone by telling them they are in danger of spending eternity in hell than speaking the whole truth. The whole truth is:

None of us are good enough, we cannot earn our way to heaven, we cannot continue to live a life that offends God and expect Him to just look the other way and allow us into heaven because our so called good deeds out weigh the bad. Or because "at least I am not as bad as THAT person."

No one is able to honestly say they have lived a life in which they have never broken any of God's laws (the Ten Commandments). The bible says if we break one we are guilty of breaking them all. God is a God of love but He is also a God of justice. To ignore the sin of his creation goes against the very nature of a just God. WE all cry for justice when man's law is broken, why do we assume offenses should be overlooked by the creator of the universe when it comes to His children?

That is why Jesus paid the price for our salvation and it is ONLY through accepting and believing in Him that we can be forgiven! It is ONLY through Christ can we have a relationship with a Holy God, who sees us through the blood of Jesus once we accept Him, once we realize we have offended God and repent of those things He has told us are not acceptable.

Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior does no guarantee you will have a life without trial or problems. In fact Jesus said the opposite is true.."in this life you will have trials and tribulations, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world".

What accepting Jesus does guarantee is eternity in heaven where there will be no more troubles or tears or pain. It also guarantees that no matter what you may go through in this life He is always with us helping us to go through even the worst possible pain knowing in the end what happens here is temporary...and we have an eternity of joy ahead of us.

That is only if you have accepted the gift of His sacrifice, admitting you are a sinner in need of a savior and allowing Him to come into your life. Jesus said, "I AM the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE. NO MAN comes to the father but through ME."

By the way, the Truth remains the truth even if a person chooses not to believe it. Think about it...where will you spend eternity? It is a choice well all make, even if you don't think you have made a choice, that too is a choice.

But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. Romans 5:8,9 RSV

Now THAT is a Star

Subject: Denzel Washington, and Brooks Army Medical Center

Don't know whether you heard about this but Denzel Washington and his family visited the troops at Brook Army Medical Center, in San Antonio, Texas (BAMC) the other day.

This is where soldiers who have been evacuated from Germany come to be hospitalized in the United States, especially burn victims. There are some buildings there called Fisher Houses.

The Fisher House is a Hotel where soldiers' families can stay, for little or no charge, while their soldier is staying in the Hospital. BAMC has quite a few of these houses on base, but as you can imagine, they are almost filled most of the time.

While Denzel Washington was visiting BAMC, they gave him a tour of one of the Fisher Houses. He asked how much one of them would cost to build. He took his check book out and wrote a check for the full amount right there on the spot.

The soldiers overseas were amazed to hear this story and want to get the word out to the American public, because it warmed their hearts to hear it.

The question I have is why does: Alec Baldwin, Madonna, Sean Penn and other Hollywood types make front page news with their anti-everything America trash and Denzel Washington's Patriotism doesn't even make page 3 in the Metro section of any newspaper except the Local newspaper in San Antonio.

(This was in my email. It is a definate must post. We need more "Hollywood types" willing to stand up and say what is right with American instead of only what is wrong, willing to put their money where their mouth is.)

Proud To Be An American

I am sorry but after hearing they want to sing the National Anthem in Spanish - enough is enough.

No where did they sing it in Italian, Polish, Irish (Celtic), German or any other language because of immigration. It was written by Francis Scott Key and should be sung word for word the way it was written.

The news broadcasts even gave the translation -- not even close.

Sorry if this offends anyone but this is MY COUNTRY - IF IT IS YOUR COUNTRY SPEAK UP

I am not against immigration -- just come through like everyone else.
Get a sponsor; have a place to lay your head; have a job; pay your taxes, live by the rules AND LEARN THE LANGUAGE as all other immigrants have in the past -- and GOD BLESS AMERICA! PART OF THE PROBLEM

Will we still be the Country of choice and still be America if we continue to make the changes forced on us by the people from other countries that came to live in America because it is the Country of Choice??????

Think about it! All we have to say is, when will they do something about MY RIGHTS? We've gone so far the other way, bent over backwards to not offend anyone, that I am now being offended. But it seems that no one has a problem with that. This says it all!

This is an editorial written by an American citizen, published in a Tampa newspaper. He did quite a job; didn't he? Read on, please!

IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However...... the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct! " crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others.

I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America . Our population is almost entirely made up of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand.

This idea of America being a multi-cultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans.....we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.

We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language! "In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women.......on Christian principles............. founded this nation..... and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools.

If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home.........because God is part of our culture. If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from.

This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so! But once you are done complaining....... whining...... and griping.......about our flag......our pledge......our national motto.......or our way of life...I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other Great American Freedom....

THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.

(another email worth posting)

Aren't They Pretty

The Fruit of my Labor & God's Blessings

The Beauty of Nature

I took these pictures just minutes ago trying to capture what looked like a rainbow in the clouds...I've never seen one before without there having been some rain..Unfortunately you cannot really see it very clearly. But if you look closely at the photo on the left it is barely visible, and to me, almost looks like a cross.

I like the photos even though the "rainbow" is barely visible because the sky and the clouds remind me the beauty of nature the good Lord has blessed us with, that we sometimes take for granted.

Don't Trust Every News Source!

PHOTO FRAUD

There was a new story the other day about a photographer for Reuters who doctored photographs he'd taken for the news source. The photograph was played with to make the damage in Beirut appear more extensive than it was.

His photo is not the only one "staged" or "doctored" to elicit more anger at the Irsaeli military, as well as provoke sympathy for Lebanon. Check out the video link and pay close attention. I know I will look more intently at photos I see.

Cool As A Cucumber!

I took this quiz at eSPIN-the-Bottle: The eSPIN Personality Test and here's what I got: Cucumber Take this quiz yourself. RESULT: Cucumber You know - as in "cool as a cucumber." Because there's no cooler vegetable than you are. You've got a great attitude going on - friendly, laid-back, open to new experiences. Anyone should want to hang out with you, and if they don't - well, that's their problem, not yours. Just let it roll off your back. We're pretty sure you do that anyway. Don't be afraid to show a little attitude every once in a while - it's cool being cool, but it's also pretty nice to get your way and influence the people around you. A little bit. We wouldn't want you to lose your cucumber-ness.

Why Why Why

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?

Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough?

Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?

Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?

Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a revolver at him?

Whose idea was it to put an "S" in the word "lisp"?

If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?

Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?

Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?

Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized? HOW MANY OF US HAS DONE THIS ?

Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner , then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?

How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures ?

When we are in the supermarket and someone rams our ankle with a shopping cart then apologizes for doing so, why do we say, "! It's all right?" Well, it isn't all right, so why don't we say, "That hurt, you stupid idiot?"

Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?

In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?

How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

And my FAVORITE...... The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four persons is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends -- if they're okay, then it's you

Big Shocker There...NOT!!

I took this quiz at eSPIN-the-Bottle: What's Your Sense of Humor? and here's what I got: Sarcastic Take this quiz yourself.

What Is The Worst Sin?

This week's promise: Those who trust in God are no longer guilty

What is the worst sin we can commit?

And when he comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment.
John 16:8 NLT

The worst sin. What would you consider the worst sin you could commit?

Adultery? Stealing? Murder? You might be surprised by the answer the Bible gives.

The worst sin—and the one with the most far-reaching consequences—is this: to refuse to believe in Jesus Christ.

Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit convicts guilty men and women of sin "because they do not believe in Me." (John 16:9)


On that final day, it will not so much be the sin question as it will be the Son question. All sins can be dealt with and forgiven if we believe in Jesus.

We must not forget that knowledge brings responsibility. It is a grave thing to shake off the conviction of the Spirit. Jesus said the Spirit came to convict us "of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged" (John 16:11).

The ruler or prince of this world, Satan, was judged at Calvary. When Jesus went to the cross and died in our place, Satan lost his death grip on humanity.

The spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment, but He wants most of all to give us assurance of forgiven sin.

Why not let Him do what He really desires to do? Why not come to Jesus? Or if you have already done that, help someone else to follow your example.


Adapted from Breakfast with Jesus by Greg Laurie (Tyndale House), pp 222-24

Myth VS Fact

Lebanon: Myths & Facts
Click on the link to view video, not the picture!

The Truth

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich mans table.

Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abrahams bosom.
The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Then he cried and said, "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame."

But Abraham said, "Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.
And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us. "
(which means those who die are not wandering around as spirits here on earth)

Then he said, "I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my fathers house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment."

Abraham said to him, "They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them."

And he said, "No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent."

But he said to him, "If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead."

Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?

God acquits us from the Courtroom of Eternal Justice on the grounds that Jesus Christ paid our fine. We are "justified" (made right with God) by His suffering death. The resurrection of Jesus Christ was God's seal of approval of the fact that His precious blood was sufficient to pay the fine.

The reason we need a substitute (a savior) to pay our moral "fine," is because we have broken God's Law. To see how much we have transgressed this Law (the Ten Commandments), we will go through some of them -- Have you ever told a lie? Have you ever stolen something? Have you ever lusted after another person?

If you answered "Yes" to these questions, you admit that you are a lying, thieving, adulterer at heart, and you have to face God on Judgment Day!

If you have used His name in vain, then you are guilty of "blasphemy" -- you've substituted God's holy Name for a curse word.

Perhaps you've hated someone, then the Bible says that you are a murderer. You have violated God's holy Law, and you're in BIG trouble.

On Judgment Day, you will be found guilty and end up in Hell. That's why you need the Savior.

Merely being sorry for your sins, or confessing them to God won't help you. You must turn from sin (repent), and your faith must be in Jesus Christ alone. He is the only "grounds" for God to grant mercy towards you.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,"

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."

Who is Really to Blame?

As I watch what is going on in the middle east I cannot help but be perplexed as to how anyone could say Israel is in the wrong here. Everyone seems to be forgetting who started this conflict....

The terrorist group Hezbollah attacked first, taking Israeli soldiers captive and firing missiles into Haifa. They attacked FIRST! This group is also known to use civilian people as human Shields, hiding in Mosque, hospitals and residential areas. Being so filled with hate of other races, they see the sacrifice of innocent people as nothing but a means to continue their terror.

Knowing how the world views the loss of life, especially when it is children, what better way to reign terror on others and then twist it around to make a nation defending itself look like they are the terrorists. The truly sad thing in all of this is their propaganda and strategy seems to be working.

Israel warned those living in the areas which were going to be targeted to leave. They did what they could to allow civilians to get out before they went in. Those who are in the areas being hit are there because they have chosen to be.

"The ongoing escalation in Israel/Lebanon brings to mind Golda Meier's statement that the animosity will end only when, "....The Arabs love their children more than they hate ours." Children and other innocent civilians in Lebanon are being used, once again, as human shields as Islam does not love life; it celebrates death." (Taken from an article from Olive Tree Ministries.)

I couldn't have made the point better. What is going on is horrible yet at the same time it is, I believe more Bible prophecy coming to pass..

What we are seeing is further fulfillment of Zechariah 12 - 14 where all nations turn on Israel (and all are injured), for many in the world are now beginning to hate Israel more than Hezbollah, which is a sister organization to al-Qaida. Israel is doing some of the Western world's dirty work in the war against Islamo-fascism and at the same time, being condemned for it.

The other day I picked up the Bible and happened to turn to the book of Joel. When I read this verse I could not help but feel as if I was reading exactly what is happening today...what caught my attention incredibly this was just after the attack began in Tyre.

(4) "Indeed, what have you to do with Me, O Tyre and Sidon, and all the coasts of Philistia? Will you retaliate against Me? But if you retaliate against Me, Swiftly and speedily I will return your retaliation upon your own head; Joel 3:4.

It seems pretty clear the Lord is protecting Israel. Just look at the difference in casualties..with all themissiless the terrorists have fired into Israel there have been miraculously few deaths, compared to the human losses in Lebanon.

These terrorists are filled with hate, wanting everyone who is not willing to submit to their reign or their "beliefs" to die. People seem to forget the whole idea of this group is to wipe out all "infidels", believing they will achieve paradise and reward for every one they murder. What kind of a god is their god who says if you murder others you will make it to paradise?

What blows me away is this turn of the tide, which is now trying to say Israel is wrong and are "war criminals". Would not those who deliberately put their own people in harms way, using them asShieldss against their terror activities not be the criminals? Are not those who deliberately place children, women and the elderly between them and their enemies in all actuality cowards?

Are not the leaders of these terrorist groups, nothing more than heartless, evil men, strategically placing their soldiers in the middle of innocent people simply to create sympathy and approval for their war?

It is not Israel who is to blame for this conflict, nor is it Israel who is to blame for the loss of the women and children. The blame and the responsibility for these civilian deaths rest squarely on the heads of Hezbollah as well as those political parties who are not only encouraging their activities but supplying them with the weapons.

If Israel agreed to a cease fire, it is a pretty safe bet it would not be long before her enemies would break it. How do you sit down and try to reach an agreement with a group who will stop at nothing to advance their cause? What in the world makes anyone believeHezbollahh would keep any promises they might make? You cannot reason with people who are so filled with hate, they can see nothing but their goal...to murder anyone who does not agree or submit to them!

So Israel should agree to a cease fire why???? Until these armed and deadly terrorist groups are destroyed, there will never be any true or lasting peace for anyone, especially Israel. She has many enemies and this battle has been going on since the days of Abraham... and as hard as others have tried to wipe this nation out of existence.

One thing to keep in mind is the Bible promises that who ever blesses Israel will be blessed and who ever curses her will be cursed...

Genesis 12:3 "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

A good thing for America to keep in mind when deciding which side to stand on.

Waiting for the Lord
TGIF Today God Is First, by Os Hillman

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. - Psalm 27:14

Hearing and doing God's will are two important steps that often get confused as one step. However, these are two distinct processes.

When we hear God's voice, this is only 50 percent of the process. The next important step is to know when to move. It is one thing to hear; it is another to know when to act.

There was a time when the Lord showed me I was to write. This was a major change in my life from what I was doing. As I began to write, I attempted to find a publisher for my work.

This became a real frustration. I encountered many false starts, and many well-intentioned people wanted to assist but their efforts resulted in further delays.

Finally, my wife asked me, "Os, have you completed the book you are working on?"
"No," I replied."When you complete the book, God will provide a publisher if He has called you to write. You need to complete the book."

A few months later I was in discussions with a publisher about my work. They were going to be in my city and wanted to meet with me. The day we met they offered me a contract on my book. It also was the exact day that I had completed the book.

I thought back to the words my wife had said.Corrie ten Boom was a prisoner in the German Holocaust who lost her sister in the concentration camps.

She tells a story about her father taking her on trains. She always wanted to get the ticket from her father ahead of time. He never gave her the ticket until she was about to get onto the train.


God is always on time. He is never late, and He is seldom early. Ask God for the wisdom to discern His will and His timing for the events in your life.

(From one of my daily devotion emails.)