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."