Thursday, August 23, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Worship Lyrics on PowerPoint Software Reveiwed
Worship Lyrics on PowerPoint Software Reveiwed
by: Scott Baker
There are several Worship Lyric PowerPoint software out there to choose from but you must consider the following.
1. Will it text support motion backgrounds?
2. Will it support text borders (to place white font over clouds)?
3. Does it have a way to catogarize songs for quick access?
4. Is ther support for future upgrades and help?
If you can answer these questions with "yes" then you have found your tool for the next Sunday service! The one I recommend is http://easyworship.com/
Also, just as important as the software you will need a good jumpstart with lyrics and backgrounds. You can go here to get those http://worship-lyrics.com.
by: Scott Baker
There are several Worship Lyric PowerPoint software out there to choose from but you must consider the following.
1. Will it text support motion backgrounds?
2. Will it support text borders (to place white font over clouds)?
3. Does it have a way to catogarize songs for quick access?
4. Is ther support for future upgrades and help?
If you can answer these questions with "yes" then you have found your tool for the next Sunday service! The one I recommend is http://easyworship.com/
Also, just as important as the software you will need a good jumpstart with lyrics and backgrounds. You can go here to get those http://worship-lyrics.com.
The Know the Secret of the Divine Mercy of Christ and He will Bless You!!
The Know the Secret of the Divine Mercy of Christ and He will Bless You!!
by: Luis Gregory
This message and devotion to Jesus as The Divine Mercy is based on the writings of Saint Faustina Kowalska, an uneducated Polish nun who, in obedience to her spiritual director, wrote a diary of about 600 pages recording the revelations she received about God's mercy. Even before her death in 1938, the devotion to The Divine Mercy had begun to spread.
The Divine Mercy message is very urgent. Inform your priest of this very important feast and share with Him the Devotion of Divine Mercy. The message of Divine Mercy is that we are to live mercy in. In the second prayer, directed to the Father from whom comes "every worthwhile gift and every genuine benefit,"we recommend the "active" souls, who promote devotion to The Divine Mercy and exercise with it all the other works that lend themselves to the spiritual and material uplifting of their brethren.
Through Saint Faustina, Jesus also revealed special ways to live out the response to His mercy–one of which is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, as both a novena and a prayer for the three o'clock hour–the hour of His death. Divine Mercy, enclosed in the Heartof Jesus for us, and especially for poor sinners, I trust in You. The book that started the message and devotion to The Divine Mercy.
Sister Faustina was asked to become the apostle and secretary of God's mercy, a model of how to be merciful to others, and an instrument for reemphasizing God's plan of mercy for the world. Mercy MeditationsWhat it Means to be Merciful Mercy is love that seeks to forgive, console, assist, and care for others in time of need. Spend time to learn more about the mercy of God, learn to trust in Jesus, and live your life as merciful to others, as Christ is merciful to you. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Finally, since "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Mt 5,7), when they instruct their people, priests should gently encourage the faithful to practise works of charity or mercy as often as they can, following the example of, and in obeying the commandment of Jesus Christ, as is listed for the second general concession of indulgence in the "Enchiridion Indulgentiarum". Anyone can come here, look at this picture of the Merciful Jesus,his Heart radiating grace, and hear in the depths of his own soul what BlessedFaustina heard: "Fear nothing.
The more we trust in Jesus, the more we will receive. Spend time to learn more about the mercy of God, learn to trust in Jesus, and live your life as merciful to others, as Christ is merciful to you. I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My mercy. And if this person responds with a sincere heart: "Jesus, I trust in you. " (1693) "Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy. Entreating God's mercy for the whole world and particularly for sinners, among others through the practice of new forms of devotion to the Divine Mercy presented by the Lord Jesus, such as: the veneration of the image of the Divine Mercy with the inscription: Jesus, I Trust in You, the feast of the Divine Mercy celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter, chaplet to the Divine Mercy and prayer at the Hour of Mercy (3 p. The Lord Jesus attached great promises to the above forms of devotion, provided one entrusted one's life to God and practiced active love of one's neighbor. Encourage souls to place great trust in My fathomless mercy. Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon the trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. All forms of devotion to the Divine Mercy must stem from trust, according to the revelations given to the Polish nun, whether it is venerating the image of Divine Mercy, or praying the chaplet of Divine Mercy, or observing the hour of great Mercy -- 3 in the afternoon, the time that Jesus died on the Cross -- or receiving the sacraments on the feast of Divine Mercy.
This message and devotion to Jesus as The Divine Mercy is based on the writings of Saint Faustina Kowalska, an uneducated Polish nun who, in obedience to her spiritual director, wrote a diary of about 600 pages recording the revelations she received about God's mercy. Some have amass during the 3 o'clock hour of mercy; others have a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration,which usually includes praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Some find it helpful to listen to audio tapes of teachings and hymns on Divine Mercy. Others view videos on the message of Divine Mercy and the life of Blessed Faustina. The message of mercy that Sister Faustina received is now being spread throughout the world; she has been recognized by the Church as a "Saint"; and her diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, has become the handbook for devotion to The Divine Mercy. The Message of Divine Mercy has always been near and dear to me.
by: Luis Gregory
This message and devotion to Jesus as The Divine Mercy is based on the writings of Saint Faustina Kowalska, an uneducated Polish nun who, in obedience to her spiritual director, wrote a diary of about 600 pages recording the revelations she received about God's mercy. Even before her death in 1938, the devotion to The Divine Mercy had begun to spread.
The Divine Mercy message is very urgent. Inform your priest of this very important feast and share with Him the Devotion of Divine Mercy. The message of Divine Mercy is that we are to live mercy in. In the second prayer, directed to the Father from whom comes "every worthwhile gift and every genuine benefit,"we recommend the "active" souls, who promote devotion to The Divine Mercy and exercise with it all the other works that lend themselves to the spiritual and material uplifting of their brethren.
Through Saint Faustina, Jesus also revealed special ways to live out the response to His mercy–one of which is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, as both a novena and a prayer for the three o'clock hour–the hour of His death. Divine Mercy, enclosed in the Heartof Jesus for us, and especially for poor sinners, I trust in You. The book that started the message and devotion to The Divine Mercy.
Sister Faustina was asked to become the apostle and secretary of God's mercy, a model of how to be merciful to others, and an instrument for reemphasizing God's plan of mercy for the world. Mercy MeditationsWhat it Means to be Merciful Mercy is love that seeks to forgive, console, assist, and care for others in time of need. Spend time to learn more about the mercy of God, learn to trust in Jesus, and live your life as merciful to others, as Christ is merciful to you. Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Finally, since "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Mt 5,7), when they instruct their people, priests should gently encourage the faithful to practise works of charity or mercy as often as they can, following the example of, and in obeying the commandment of Jesus Christ, as is listed for the second general concession of indulgence in the "Enchiridion Indulgentiarum". Anyone can come here, look at this picture of the Merciful Jesus,his Heart radiating grace, and hear in the depths of his own soul what BlessedFaustina heard: "Fear nothing.
The more we trust in Jesus, the more we will receive. Spend time to learn more about the mercy of God, learn to trust in Jesus, and live your life as merciful to others, as Christ is merciful to you. I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My mercy. And if this person responds with a sincere heart: "Jesus, I trust in you. " (1693) "Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy. Entreating God's mercy for the whole world and particularly for sinners, among others through the practice of new forms of devotion to the Divine Mercy presented by the Lord Jesus, such as: the veneration of the image of the Divine Mercy with the inscription: Jesus, I Trust in You, the feast of the Divine Mercy celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter, chaplet to the Divine Mercy and prayer at the Hour of Mercy (3 p. The Lord Jesus attached great promises to the above forms of devotion, provided one entrusted one's life to God and practiced active love of one's neighbor. Encourage souls to place great trust in My fathomless mercy. Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon the trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. All forms of devotion to the Divine Mercy must stem from trust, according to the revelations given to the Polish nun, whether it is venerating the image of Divine Mercy, or praying the chaplet of Divine Mercy, or observing the hour of great Mercy -- 3 in the afternoon, the time that Jesus died on the Cross -- or receiving the sacraments on the feast of Divine Mercy.
This message and devotion to Jesus as The Divine Mercy is based on the writings of Saint Faustina Kowalska, an uneducated Polish nun who, in obedience to her spiritual director, wrote a diary of about 600 pages recording the revelations she received about God's mercy. Some have amass during the 3 o'clock hour of mercy; others have a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration,which usually includes praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Some find it helpful to listen to audio tapes of teachings and hymns on Divine Mercy. Others view videos on the message of Divine Mercy and the life of Blessed Faustina. The message of mercy that Sister Faustina received is now being spread throughout the world; she has been recognized by the Church as a "Saint"; and her diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, has become the handbook for devotion to The Divine Mercy. The Message of Divine Mercy has always been near and dear to me.
Gospel MBA's On The Loose...Cue The Camera!
Gospel MBA's On The Loose...Cue The Camera!
by: James C. Tanner
Life in America has changed greatly over the years, with massive changes in technology, global politics, lifestyle choices and family dynamics. Many of us remember the days where we heard "Rock of Ages" bellowing out from windows of the local church down the street, now to hear it replaced with "gospel Rock N’ Roll". During the course of change in our society there has been noteworthy shifts in our religious behaviors and religious institutions. Two generations ago, circuit riding preachers were still for many the evangelist of the day. Through the years, as televisions arrived into each home, so too did the faces of television evangelists such as Rex Humbard, Oral Roberts, and Billy Graham, to name a few.
As people changed, so have the faces of ministries that attempt to reach them. The small country church has now given way to the "Mega Church", and done so at a time when the unchurched population in America is reaching an all time high. So many Americans stay away from church, that according to The Barna Group (www.barna.org, a research group based out of Ventura, California) if all the unchurched Americans formed their own nation, they’d be the twelfth largest nation in the world, and it would include 13 to 15 million born again adults and children.
Powered by the great commission, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel", ministries have pushed forward in their focus, and in doing so, been forced to take on the inner workings of a major corporation. Evangelistic ministries have become known for their supporting administrative and executive organizations, with many churches now having CEOs, COOs, and CFOs. With corporate style organizations, the need for increased donor support to cover the associated costs of preaching today’s gospel has never been higher.
Surprisingly, for the effort shown to date, many of America’s top 11 evangelists struggle not only to get their message out, but also in introducing themselves to America. Survey results released in February of 2007 showed that among 34 public figures from four basic fields, of the ministers, Dr. Billy Graham topped the ranks for being best known and having the highest positive impression on a majority of Americans. Second in notoriety was Pat Robertson, but paling in the field of positive impression when compared to Dr. Graham. Chuck Colson, from the former Watergate era was unknown to 87 of Americans. Bill Hybells, unknown to 96 of Americans. Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, was unknown to 76 of Americans. T.D. Jakes, recently touted by a national magazine as the next Billy Graham, was unknown to 68 of Americans. Finally, Joel Osteen, known more as a writer than his role as a preacher, and while preaching every Sunday to 30,000 people in his own church and another 7,000,000 each Sunday via TV, Joel Osteen was still unknown to 67% of Americans.
As ministries expand and move forward in organizational and administrative capacities they are forced to embrace the technological field for spreading thier message. International borders become a natural hurdle in the race to expand. For some ministries, this hurdle from a management view point becomes a hurdle much larger than anticipated, for the way things are done on American soil, is rarely the same in countries like Canada, the UK, Europe, South Africa, Australia, and Asia. Each country has it’s own cultural differences, legal and taxation requirements. Each country has it’s own regulations on how much of the ministries office work must be done in country. Each border crossed becomes a learning curve for the evangelist and key administrative team.
Birthed due to the increasing need to help ministries expand are International Facilitators, who can quickly pave the way for ministries by going first into countries, setting up the proper legal, financial, taxation, and administrative services. These contract ministry administrative and operations specialists can shave months off the time it would take a ministry to enter a country legally. At least one such organization routinely maintains offices in countries such as Canada, the UK, South Africa, and Australia, servicing several ministries simultaneously out of the same offices, keeping administrative costs for each ministry down by sharing overhead costs. Rarely seen and rarely heard, these International Facilitators empower ministries to cross international borders easily, allowing Evangelists to focus on ministry to the people, while knowing they already have in place, full compliance and operational integrity with the governing bodies of the host nation.
There is no doubt, the church as we once knew it is changing. In North America, surveys are showing there is growing discontentment amongst parishioners with the conventional church, while at the same time, North America is seeing growing satisfaction amongst those who are switching over to small house churches. The television church is now deeply entrenched in our society, allowing many followers to be exposed to churches from the comfort of their own home. As the church continues to preach a message that is "marriage" or "birth" focused, Single Adults feeling alienated by this message continue, to a large part, stay away from any form of church all together. As the conventional church preaches and teaches marriage, and in recent decades marriage restoration, recent statistics are now giving those in the church community a higher divorce rate than in the non-church community. The church is definitely facing changing times.
Where the church goes from today will be largely determined by the church’s ability to change, adapt, and reach it’s listeners with a personal touch, while allowing for those who wish to sit on the fringe. The "hold to the status quo" mentality of many of the church's older guard, will no longer breathe longevity into this institution. While the core message remains the same, the window dressings currently used to display that message must change to stay current with the times. In the past, churches were clearly run by the Pastor. Today it’s often the executive officers who run the church directing the administrative ministry machine, leaving the Pastor free and clear to focus on his or her first vocational priority, ministering to the people.
by: James C. Tanner
Life in America has changed greatly over the years, with massive changes in technology, global politics, lifestyle choices and family dynamics. Many of us remember the days where we heard "Rock of Ages" bellowing out from windows of the local church down the street, now to hear it replaced with "gospel Rock N’ Roll". During the course of change in our society there has been noteworthy shifts in our religious behaviors and religious institutions. Two generations ago, circuit riding preachers were still for many the evangelist of the day. Through the years, as televisions arrived into each home, so too did the faces of television evangelists such as Rex Humbard, Oral Roberts, and Billy Graham, to name a few.
As people changed, so have the faces of ministries that attempt to reach them. The small country church has now given way to the "Mega Church", and done so at a time when the unchurched population in America is reaching an all time high. So many Americans stay away from church, that according to The Barna Group (www.barna.org, a research group based out of Ventura, California) if all the unchurched Americans formed their own nation, they’d be the twelfth largest nation in the world, and it would include 13 to 15 million born again adults and children.
Powered by the great commission, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel", ministries have pushed forward in their focus, and in doing so, been forced to take on the inner workings of a major corporation. Evangelistic ministries have become known for their supporting administrative and executive organizations, with many churches now having CEOs, COOs, and CFOs. With corporate style organizations, the need for increased donor support to cover the associated costs of preaching today’s gospel has never been higher.
Surprisingly, for the effort shown to date, many of America’s top 11 evangelists struggle not only to get their message out, but also in introducing themselves to America. Survey results released in February of 2007 showed that among 34 public figures from four basic fields, of the ministers, Dr. Billy Graham topped the ranks for being best known and having the highest positive impression on a majority of Americans. Second in notoriety was Pat Robertson, but paling in the field of positive impression when compared to Dr. Graham. Chuck Colson, from the former Watergate era was unknown to 87 of Americans. Bill Hybells, unknown to 96 of Americans. Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, was unknown to 76 of Americans. T.D. Jakes, recently touted by a national magazine as the next Billy Graham, was unknown to 68 of Americans. Finally, Joel Osteen, known more as a writer than his role as a preacher, and while preaching every Sunday to 30,000 people in his own church and another 7,000,000 each Sunday via TV, Joel Osteen was still unknown to 67% of Americans.
As ministries expand and move forward in organizational and administrative capacities they are forced to embrace the technological field for spreading thier message. International borders become a natural hurdle in the race to expand. For some ministries, this hurdle from a management view point becomes a hurdle much larger than anticipated, for the way things are done on American soil, is rarely the same in countries like Canada, the UK, Europe, South Africa, Australia, and Asia. Each country has it’s own cultural differences, legal and taxation requirements. Each country has it’s own regulations on how much of the ministries office work must be done in country. Each border crossed becomes a learning curve for the evangelist and key administrative team.
Birthed due to the increasing need to help ministries expand are International Facilitators, who can quickly pave the way for ministries by going first into countries, setting up the proper legal, financial, taxation, and administrative services. These contract ministry administrative and operations specialists can shave months off the time it would take a ministry to enter a country legally. At least one such organization routinely maintains offices in countries such as Canada, the UK, South Africa, and Australia, servicing several ministries simultaneously out of the same offices, keeping administrative costs for each ministry down by sharing overhead costs. Rarely seen and rarely heard, these International Facilitators empower ministries to cross international borders easily, allowing Evangelists to focus on ministry to the people, while knowing they already have in place, full compliance and operational integrity with the governing bodies of the host nation.
There is no doubt, the church as we once knew it is changing. In North America, surveys are showing there is growing discontentment amongst parishioners with the conventional church, while at the same time, North America is seeing growing satisfaction amongst those who are switching over to small house churches. The television church is now deeply entrenched in our society, allowing many followers to be exposed to churches from the comfort of their own home. As the church continues to preach a message that is "marriage" or "birth" focused, Single Adults feeling alienated by this message continue, to a large part, stay away from any form of church all together. As the conventional church preaches and teaches marriage, and in recent decades marriage restoration, recent statistics are now giving those in the church community a higher divorce rate than in the non-church community. The church is definitely facing changing times.
Where the church goes from today will be largely determined by the church’s ability to change, adapt, and reach it’s listeners with a personal touch, while allowing for those who wish to sit on the fringe. The "hold to the status quo" mentality of many of the church's older guard, will no longer breathe longevity into this institution. While the core message remains the same, the window dressings currently used to display that message must change to stay current with the times. In the past, churches were clearly run by the Pastor. Today it’s often the executive officers who run the church directing the administrative ministry machine, leaving the Pastor free and clear to focus on his or her first vocational priority, ministering to the people.
Self-Contemplation
Self-Contemplation
by: Tina Montalto
When Moses was up on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments, he asked God how shall Moses answer the question, what is his name? And God said unto Moses: I AM THAT I AM.
What does that mean for us as individualized centers of God? We are the first part of that name. We are the "I am". Spirit being all, is the infinite, unifying circle "I Am That I Am."
We concentrate on the "I am". This is the concept of self-contemplation. Self-contemplation is what you think about yourself, how you identify yourself, how you define yourself.
When you think or say statements that begin with "I am . . .", you are contemplating yourself. You are defining your freedom or your limitations. This is very powerful, and why many strong and effective affirmations begin with "I am."
All the studying, all the understanding, all the belief in the Absolute Goodness of the Universe (God), will not be healing or of help or comfort to us, if we do not start first with self-contemplation -- because Spirit and Law can only express for us by expressing through us. Our minds are the gatekeepers of the Universal Flow of Good. We can either have the gates opened or closed. It is our choice.
The mechanism that opens or shuts those gates is our self-contemplation. Our self-contemplation is what lets us believe and subjectify an idea. Once we subjectify an idea, it must be expressed in the physical world.
Here's an example. The Universal Flow of Abundance is constantly available to us. It is flowing around us and through us. We block the flow through us (and into our experience) when we believe statements like " I am bound to work hard all my life for very little." " I'm just trying to make ends meet." "That's for rich people, not me." Can't you just feel the gates closing down tight? Can't you just see the flow going around us like water moving around a rock in a stream?
We can believe there is Good in the Universe, but until and unless we see ourselves as Good, we will never experience that Good.
That is why I say it all boils down to self-contemplation. You cannot experience anything that you do not first accept in and for yourself. If you think of yourself as an average Joe, average things will happen in your life. If you define yourself as an employee, you will never have your own business. If you identify yourself as a victim of a disease, you have stopped the flow of health and healing in your body. If you know that people find the loves of their lives, but that won't happen for you, you have just contemplated yourself as unworthy of such love, and love will flow by.
The words "I am" are incredibly powerful because they are your direct connection to Divine Power. You are the "I AM" in "I AM THAT I AM". "I AM" is the presence of God in you -- just as "I AM" is literally in the name (nature) of God (I AM THAT I AM). "I AM" is the individualization of the absolute, unconditioned, limitless, all-expressed, Divine Intelligence, Cosmic Consciousness of "I AM THAT I AM." This is a profound, spiritual understanding of what we would humanly think of as just two little words.
Just think, when you say "I am . . .", you are invoking the creative power of the Universe.
Consciously use the "I am" self-contemplation as a tool to improve your life.
(c)2006 Tina Montalto
by: Tina Montalto
When Moses was up on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments, he asked God how shall Moses answer the question, what is his name? And God said unto Moses: I AM THAT I AM.
What does that mean for us as individualized centers of God? We are the first part of that name. We are the "I am". Spirit being all, is the infinite, unifying circle "I Am That I Am."
We concentrate on the "I am". This is the concept of self-contemplation. Self-contemplation is what you think about yourself, how you identify yourself, how you define yourself.
When you think or say statements that begin with "I am . . .", you are contemplating yourself. You are defining your freedom or your limitations. This is very powerful, and why many strong and effective affirmations begin with "I am."
All the studying, all the understanding, all the belief in the Absolute Goodness of the Universe (God), will not be healing or of help or comfort to us, if we do not start first with self-contemplation -- because Spirit and Law can only express for us by expressing through us. Our minds are the gatekeepers of the Universal Flow of Good. We can either have the gates opened or closed. It is our choice.
The mechanism that opens or shuts those gates is our self-contemplation. Our self-contemplation is what lets us believe and subjectify an idea. Once we subjectify an idea, it must be expressed in the physical world.
Here's an example. The Universal Flow of Abundance is constantly available to us. It is flowing around us and through us. We block the flow through us (and into our experience) when we believe statements like " I am bound to work hard all my life for very little." " I'm just trying to make ends meet." "That's for rich people, not me." Can't you just feel the gates closing down tight? Can't you just see the flow going around us like water moving around a rock in a stream?
We can believe there is Good in the Universe, but until and unless we see ourselves as Good, we will never experience that Good.
That is why I say it all boils down to self-contemplation. You cannot experience anything that you do not first accept in and for yourself. If you think of yourself as an average Joe, average things will happen in your life. If you define yourself as an employee, you will never have your own business. If you identify yourself as a victim of a disease, you have stopped the flow of health and healing in your body. If you know that people find the loves of their lives, but that won't happen for you, you have just contemplated yourself as unworthy of such love, and love will flow by.
The words "I am" are incredibly powerful because they are your direct connection to Divine Power. You are the "I AM" in "I AM THAT I AM". "I AM" is the presence of God in you -- just as "I AM" is literally in the name (nature) of God (I AM THAT I AM). "I AM" is the individualization of the absolute, unconditioned, limitless, all-expressed, Divine Intelligence, Cosmic Consciousness of "I AM THAT I AM." This is a profound, spiritual understanding of what we would humanly think of as just two little words.
Just think, when you say "I am . . .", you are invoking the creative power of the Universe.
Consciously use the "I am" self-contemplation as a tool to improve your life.
(c)2006 Tina Montalto
Customer Service Rating: God
Customer Service Rating: God
by: Cory L. Kemp
Holiday shopping season officially starts the day after Thanksgiving. Traditionally called Black Friday, what for most of the country is a day to sleep late and socialize with visiting relatives and friends, is for retail workers the beginning of the countdown until close of business on Christmas Eve. Swarms of people come out to see what is available, enjoy the decorations and wistfully lament how fast time goes by. How can it be Christmas again already?
It's the retail rhythm of life, and stores are the official worship centers of this highly consumeristic season. As a precursor to this main event, an article flashed across my computer screen last week, indicating that disgruntled shoppers were taking charge and fighting back against poor customer service. I can only imagine what these irate and aggravated customers did to vent their frustration regarding being overcharged and underserved. But I also know what it feels like to stand behind the counter, exhausted, aiming to do everything I can to help, but what I have to offer is seen as not enough.
What customers who complain about poor customer service will not tell you is their whole side of the story. They won't tell you they have not ordered their merchandise early enough to be delivered before they need to be on the plane to their mom's house in another state. They won't tell you that they broke the pretty blue and white vase, the last one in stock, as they put it into their car. It was , you see, broken when they purchased it, and they want a refund. They also won't tell you how they held up the line behind them being unpleasant to a sales associate who was unable to locate their item in the back room because they had ordered a completely different product from another company.
What you will hear is the partial story. Although it is the truth, it is not the whole truth. The truth, the whole truth, is that many of us know we have put too much pressure on ourselves regarding shopping and entertaining, we have waited too long to be able to complete our tasks thoroughly, let alone joyfully, and so we become frustrated, blaming other people at hand for our poor choices. I have stood on this side of the counter too, and recognized the bitterness and enraged feelings that begin to rise inside me like music from a horror movie, as the hidden monster was about to strike.
Raising this issue now is a moment to remember all the times I realized, as I rang people up for ornaments, holiday serving pieces and collector nutcrackers, that blaming retailers for poor customer service is a lot like how we treat God when our prayers are not answered and things don't go our way. Prayers are very much like sales transactions. We place our order for the work, the relationship, the house, the vacation, the weather we want, move on to the next task, and assume God is at work on filling our order. when we realize that the order hasn't been filled to our specifications, we often become irritated, blame God and wonder why God is being mean to us, ignoring us, or not giving us what we want. What about that whole asking and receiving business in the bible? Doesn't that really work?
Our overabundance of material wealth in the United States has backfired on us in so many ways. We assume that if we want something, it must be available, and be available when we say so, even when we are dealing with God Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth, Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. God's abundance is always at our door, but not always at our disposal. God isn't about supporting our use it/toss it society, regarding material objects or human resources. God is also not about being dictated to according to the terms we set for how we think things should run.
In chapter forty, verse twenty-five, the prophet Isaiah asks us, on God's behalf, an important question: To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? Do we really want to be treating God as a purveyor of poor customer service in our lives? Do we really think God isn't treating us kindly or lovingly just to make our lives miserable? I do believe God has an interesting way of working with circumstances that doesn't usually enter my mind, except in retrospect. But I also believe that God has my best interests in mind, and is quite delighted to help whenever asked with an open mind and heart.
It's my heartfelt hope that as we stand on the threshold of another holiday season, that we can approach each other with open hearts and minds, remembering that, given the truth and a chance, most people will do their best for each other, simply because they can and they want to.
by: Cory L. Kemp
Holiday shopping season officially starts the day after Thanksgiving. Traditionally called Black Friday, what for most of the country is a day to sleep late and socialize with visiting relatives and friends, is for retail workers the beginning of the countdown until close of business on Christmas Eve. Swarms of people come out to see what is available, enjoy the decorations and wistfully lament how fast time goes by. How can it be Christmas again already?
It's the retail rhythm of life, and stores are the official worship centers of this highly consumeristic season. As a precursor to this main event, an article flashed across my computer screen last week, indicating that disgruntled shoppers were taking charge and fighting back against poor customer service. I can only imagine what these irate and aggravated customers did to vent their frustration regarding being overcharged and underserved. But I also know what it feels like to stand behind the counter, exhausted, aiming to do everything I can to help, but what I have to offer is seen as not enough.
What customers who complain about poor customer service will not tell you is their whole side of the story. They won't tell you they have not ordered their merchandise early enough to be delivered before they need to be on the plane to their mom's house in another state. They won't tell you that they broke the pretty blue and white vase, the last one in stock, as they put it into their car. It was , you see, broken when they purchased it, and they want a refund. They also won't tell you how they held up the line behind them being unpleasant to a sales associate who was unable to locate their item in the back room because they had ordered a completely different product from another company.
What you will hear is the partial story. Although it is the truth, it is not the whole truth. The truth, the whole truth, is that many of us know we have put too much pressure on ourselves regarding shopping and entertaining, we have waited too long to be able to complete our tasks thoroughly, let alone joyfully, and so we become frustrated, blaming other people at hand for our poor choices. I have stood on this side of the counter too, and recognized the bitterness and enraged feelings that begin to rise inside me like music from a horror movie, as the hidden monster was about to strike.
Raising this issue now is a moment to remember all the times I realized, as I rang people up for ornaments, holiday serving pieces and collector nutcrackers, that blaming retailers for poor customer service is a lot like how we treat God when our prayers are not answered and things don't go our way. Prayers are very much like sales transactions. We place our order for the work, the relationship, the house, the vacation, the weather we want, move on to the next task, and assume God is at work on filling our order. when we realize that the order hasn't been filled to our specifications, we often become irritated, blame God and wonder why God is being mean to us, ignoring us, or not giving us what we want. What about that whole asking and receiving business in the bible? Doesn't that really work?
Our overabundance of material wealth in the United States has backfired on us in so many ways. We assume that if we want something, it must be available, and be available when we say so, even when we are dealing with God Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth, Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. God's abundance is always at our door, but not always at our disposal. God isn't about supporting our use it/toss it society, regarding material objects or human resources. God is also not about being dictated to according to the terms we set for how we think things should run.
In chapter forty, verse twenty-five, the prophet Isaiah asks us, on God's behalf, an important question: To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? Do we really want to be treating God as a purveyor of poor customer service in our lives? Do we really think God isn't treating us kindly or lovingly just to make our lives miserable? I do believe God has an interesting way of working with circumstances that doesn't usually enter my mind, except in retrospect. But I also believe that God has my best interests in mind, and is quite delighted to help whenever asked with an open mind and heart.
It's my heartfelt hope that as we stand on the threshold of another holiday season, that we can approach each other with open hearts and minds, remembering that, given the truth and a chance, most people will do their best for each other, simply because they can and they want to.
Intelligent Design On Another Planet?
Intelligent Design On Another Planet?
by: Babu G. Ranganathan
Imagine finding a planet where robots are programmed so that they can make other robots just like themselves from raw materials.
Now, imagine an alien visitor coming to the planet and, after many years of studying these robots, coming to the conclusion that since science can explain how these robots work and function there's no reason to believe that there was an ultimate intelligent designer behind them.
The analogy above certainly is not perfect but it is sufficient to reveal the fallacious thinking of those who attack intelligent design behind life and the universe.
Chance physical processes can produce some level of order but it is not rational to believe that the highest levels of order in life and the universe are by chance. For example, amino acids have been shown to be able to come into existence by chance but not more complex structures such as proteins which require that the various amino acids be in a precise sequence, just like the letters in a sentence. A single cell has millions of proteins.
There is no innate chemical tendency for amino acids to bond with one another in a sequence. Any one amino acid can just as easily bond with any other. The only reason at all for why the various amino acids bond with one another in a precise sequence in the cells of our bodies is because they're directed to do so by an already existing sequence of molecules in our genetic code. Without being in a proper sequence protein molecules will not function.
The sequence of molecules in DNA (the genetic code) determines the sequence of molecules in proteins. Furthermore, without DNA there cannot be RNA, but without RNA there cannot be DNA. And without eiether DNA and RNA there cannot be proteins, and without proteins there cannot be either DNA or RNA. They're all mutually dependent upon each other for existence!
If humans must use intelligence to perform genetic engineering, to meaningfully manipulate the genetic code, then what does that say about the origin of the genetic code itself!
If the cell had evolved it would have had to be all at once. A partially evolved cell cannot wait millions of years to become complete because it would be highly unstable and quickly disintegrate in the open environment.
The great British scientist Sir Frederick Hoyle has said that the probability of the sequence of molecules in the simplest cell coming into existence by chance is equivalent to a tornado going through a junk yard of airplane parts and assembling a 747 Jumbo Jet!
Considering the enormous complexity of life, it is much more logical to believe that the genetic and biological similarities between all species is due to a common Designer rather than common biological ancestry. It is only logical that the great Designer would design similar functions for similar purposes and different functions for different purposes in all of the various forms of life.
What if we should find evidence of life on Mars? Wouldn't that prove evolution? No. It wouldn't be proof that such life had evolved from non-living matter by chance natural processes. And even if we did find evidence of life on Mars it would have most likely have come from our very own planet - Earth! In the Earth's past there was powerful volcanic activity which could have easily spewed dirt containing microbes into outer space which eventually could have reached Mars. A Newsweek article of September 21, 1998, p.12 mentions exactly this possibility.
Contrary to popular belief, scientists have never created life in the laboratory. What scientists have done is genetically alter or engineer already existing forms of life, and by doing this scientists have been able to produce new forms of life. However, they did not produce these new life forms from non-living matter. Even if scientists ever do produce life from non-living matter it won't be by chance so it still wouldn't help support any argument for evolution.
We also know from the law of entropy in science that the universe does not have the ability to have sustained itself from eternity. The existence and complexity of the universe point to a Supreme Designer and Creator!
Those advocating the teaching of intelligent design are not demanding that Darwinian theory no longer be taught. Rather, the advocates of intelligent design want the merits of both theories taught side by side when the issue of origins is covered in science classes and textbooks. This is only fair.
Science cannot prove we are here by either design (creation) or by chance (evolution), but students should have full information available to decide which position science best supports.
What we believe about life's origins does influence our philosophy and value of life as well as our view of ourselves and others. This is no small issue!
Just because the laws of science can explain how life and the universe operate and work doesn't mean there is no Maker. Would it be rational to believe that there's no designer behind airplanes because the laws of science can explain how airplanes operate and work?
Natural laws are adequate to explain how the order in life, the universe, and even a microwave oven operates, but mere undirected natural laws cannot fully explain the origin of such order.
An organization of highly qualified scientists, known as the Institute for Creation Research (www.icr.org), has published some excellent books and material supporting faith in intelligent design for life and the universe.
Books published by ICR cover various issues such as the origin of life, genetic and biological similarities between species, the limits to biological variation and natural selection in nature, the fossil record, the age of the earth, etc.
Sincerely,
Babu G. Ranganathan
(B.A. Bible/Biology)
www.religionscience.com
Other helpful resources:
www.creationscience.com
www.ChristianAnswers.Net
www.religionscience.com
Scientific Evidence for a Young World: http://www.icr.org/index.php?module=articles&action=view&ID=1842
by: Babu G. Ranganathan
Imagine finding a planet where robots are programmed so that they can make other robots just like themselves from raw materials.
Now, imagine an alien visitor coming to the planet and, after many years of studying these robots, coming to the conclusion that since science can explain how these robots work and function there's no reason to believe that there was an ultimate intelligent designer behind them.
The analogy above certainly is not perfect but it is sufficient to reveal the fallacious thinking of those who attack intelligent design behind life and the universe.
Chance physical processes can produce some level of order but it is not rational to believe that the highest levels of order in life and the universe are by chance. For example, amino acids have been shown to be able to come into existence by chance but not more complex structures such as proteins which require that the various amino acids be in a precise sequence, just like the letters in a sentence. A single cell has millions of proteins.
There is no innate chemical tendency for amino acids to bond with one another in a sequence. Any one amino acid can just as easily bond with any other. The only reason at all for why the various amino acids bond with one another in a precise sequence in the cells of our bodies is because they're directed to do so by an already existing sequence of molecules in our genetic code. Without being in a proper sequence protein molecules will not function.
The sequence of molecules in DNA (the genetic code) determines the sequence of molecules in proteins. Furthermore, without DNA there cannot be RNA, but without RNA there cannot be DNA. And without eiether DNA and RNA there cannot be proteins, and without proteins there cannot be either DNA or RNA. They're all mutually dependent upon each other for existence!
If humans must use intelligence to perform genetic engineering, to meaningfully manipulate the genetic code, then what does that say about the origin of the genetic code itself!
If the cell had evolved it would have had to be all at once. A partially evolved cell cannot wait millions of years to become complete because it would be highly unstable and quickly disintegrate in the open environment.
The great British scientist Sir Frederick Hoyle has said that the probability of the sequence of molecules in the simplest cell coming into existence by chance is equivalent to a tornado going through a junk yard of airplane parts and assembling a 747 Jumbo Jet!
Considering the enormous complexity of life, it is much more logical to believe that the genetic and biological similarities between all species is due to a common Designer rather than common biological ancestry. It is only logical that the great Designer would design similar functions for similar purposes and different functions for different purposes in all of the various forms of life.
What if we should find evidence of life on Mars? Wouldn't that prove evolution? No. It wouldn't be proof that such life had evolved from non-living matter by chance natural processes. And even if we did find evidence of life on Mars it would have most likely have come from our very own planet - Earth! In the Earth's past there was powerful volcanic activity which could have easily spewed dirt containing microbes into outer space which eventually could have reached Mars. A Newsweek article of September 21, 1998, p.12 mentions exactly this possibility.
Contrary to popular belief, scientists have never created life in the laboratory. What scientists have done is genetically alter or engineer already existing forms of life, and by doing this scientists have been able to produce new forms of life. However, they did not produce these new life forms from non-living matter. Even if scientists ever do produce life from non-living matter it won't be by chance so it still wouldn't help support any argument for evolution.
We also know from the law of entropy in science that the universe does not have the ability to have sustained itself from eternity. The existence and complexity of the universe point to a Supreme Designer and Creator!
Those advocating the teaching of intelligent design are not demanding that Darwinian theory no longer be taught. Rather, the advocates of intelligent design want the merits of both theories taught side by side when the issue of origins is covered in science classes and textbooks. This is only fair.
Science cannot prove we are here by either design (creation) or by chance (evolution), but students should have full information available to decide which position science best supports.
What we believe about life's origins does influence our philosophy and value of life as well as our view of ourselves and others. This is no small issue!
Just because the laws of science can explain how life and the universe operate and work doesn't mean there is no Maker. Would it be rational to believe that there's no designer behind airplanes because the laws of science can explain how airplanes operate and work?
Natural laws are adequate to explain how the order in life, the universe, and even a microwave oven operates, but mere undirected natural laws cannot fully explain the origin of such order.
An organization of highly qualified scientists, known as the Institute for Creation Research (www.icr.org), has published some excellent books and material supporting faith in intelligent design for life and the universe.
Books published by ICR cover various issues such as the origin of life, genetic and biological similarities between species, the limits to biological variation and natural selection in nature, the fossil record, the age of the earth, etc.
Sincerely,
Babu G. Ranganathan
(B.A. Bible/Biology)
www.religionscience.com
Other helpful resources:
www.creationscience.com
www.ChristianAnswers.Net
www.religionscience.com
Scientific Evidence for a Young World: http://www.icr.org/index.php?module=articles&action=view&ID=1842
Faith and Miracles
Faith and Miracles
by: Jan Engels Smith
People who have power-spiritual power-are people who have learned how to work with energy. Working with energy requires an understanding of both scientific laws and universal laws. Scientific laws change as science progresses. There were once laws that supported the beliefs that the earth was flat, was the center of the universe, and that light only travels in a straight line. These laws held true until science advanced to discover other possibilities, at which time new scientific laws emerged. In other words, scientific "proof" supports a set of beliefs until a new scientific model redefines reality. Many scientific truths have passed into myth. Bear in mind that "myth" only exists from the vantage of hindsight; it was "truth" in the context of the time that spawned it.
If history is an accurate predictor of our future, then we must assume that the current scientific "truths" will eventually become myth as new "truths" emerge. How confident of our scientific truths can or should we be? The American dramatist Arthur Miller observed, "An era can be said to be at an end when its basic illusions are exhausted." Our mental models of reality may never be more than "illusions" that we, as a culture, have commonly agreed upon. The models have the feel of truth because they are widely shared. They create our current paradigm.
A paradigm is a constellation of concepts, values, perceptions, and practices shared by a community. That constellation forms the basis for how a community defines and organizes itself. Scientific paradigms, widely accepted by "advanced" societies, have become the basis of defining reality for our world community. "Primitive" societies that may not share our scientific worldviews are often targets of programs intended to "convert" them to our "higher" truths. At times, however, we have discovered that the primitive paradigms were, in fact, accurate. A good example is recent medical discoveries that validate the potency of traditional medicines and the role of mind-body-spirit connection in the healing process. Once considered to be of the realm of "witch doctors," these are now receiving serious attention from the scientific community.
Our beliefs-even our scientific knowledge-color our observations and perceptions. We look for evidence to corroborate what we know; we find the evidence because that is what we are predisposed to see. Consequently, we continually reinforce as true that which we already know. This is done at a subconscious level, but it is how the paradigms govern our lives. Breaking out of these paradigms is difficult, and it takes strong character to go against such compelling and accepted societal norms. History is full of accounts of people being persecuted and, in some instances, killed because they supported new discoveries in science. Hindsight being 20/20, two hundred years later it is easy to say, "How could they have believed something so ridiculous?" What will be said of our beliefs two centuries from now?
In truth, all things are possible and people are limited only by their own imaginations! That is exactly why the spirits are forever asking us to broaden our perspectives.
Our belief systems affect our manifestations, including healings or what are commonly referred to as miracles. According to the information from my spirit teachers, there is no hierarchy of miracles. It is no more difficult to heal cancer than it is to soothe a stubbed toe. The possibility of healing, or the lack thereof, lies in the belief system of the wounded or the healer/practitioner. Healings and miracles deal with energy and the amount of faith or trust contributing to the process.
Faith is built by the strength of one's belief systems. The more you believe something to be true, the more faith you have in the processes associated with it. The more faith you have in the process, the more energy the process will receive. The more energy received, the more fuel to create the desired outcome. As you manifest more and more in your life, your trust level will escalate. As your trust escalates, it feeds energy to your faith and your belief system and thus increases your ability to heal or to perform miracles.
by: Jan Engels Smith
People who have power-spiritual power-are people who have learned how to work with energy. Working with energy requires an understanding of both scientific laws and universal laws. Scientific laws change as science progresses. There were once laws that supported the beliefs that the earth was flat, was the center of the universe, and that light only travels in a straight line. These laws held true until science advanced to discover other possibilities, at which time new scientific laws emerged. In other words, scientific "proof" supports a set of beliefs until a new scientific model redefines reality. Many scientific truths have passed into myth. Bear in mind that "myth" only exists from the vantage of hindsight; it was "truth" in the context of the time that spawned it.
If history is an accurate predictor of our future, then we must assume that the current scientific "truths" will eventually become myth as new "truths" emerge. How confident of our scientific truths can or should we be? The American dramatist Arthur Miller observed, "An era can be said to be at an end when its basic illusions are exhausted." Our mental models of reality may never be more than "illusions" that we, as a culture, have commonly agreed upon. The models have the feel of truth because they are widely shared. They create our current paradigm.
A paradigm is a constellation of concepts, values, perceptions, and practices shared by a community. That constellation forms the basis for how a community defines and organizes itself. Scientific paradigms, widely accepted by "advanced" societies, have become the basis of defining reality for our world community. "Primitive" societies that may not share our scientific worldviews are often targets of programs intended to "convert" them to our "higher" truths. At times, however, we have discovered that the primitive paradigms were, in fact, accurate. A good example is recent medical discoveries that validate the potency of traditional medicines and the role of mind-body-spirit connection in the healing process. Once considered to be of the realm of "witch doctors," these are now receiving serious attention from the scientific community.
Our beliefs-even our scientific knowledge-color our observations and perceptions. We look for evidence to corroborate what we know; we find the evidence because that is what we are predisposed to see. Consequently, we continually reinforce as true that which we already know. This is done at a subconscious level, but it is how the paradigms govern our lives. Breaking out of these paradigms is difficult, and it takes strong character to go against such compelling and accepted societal norms. History is full of accounts of people being persecuted and, in some instances, killed because they supported new discoveries in science. Hindsight being 20/20, two hundred years later it is easy to say, "How could they have believed something so ridiculous?" What will be said of our beliefs two centuries from now?
In truth, all things are possible and people are limited only by their own imaginations! That is exactly why the spirits are forever asking us to broaden our perspectives.
Our belief systems affect our manifestations, including healings or what are commonly referred to as miracles. According to the information from my spirit teachers, there is no hierarchy of miracles. It is no more difficult to heal cancer than it is to soothe a stubbed toe. The possibility of healing, or the lack thereof, lies in the belief system of the wounded or the healer/practitioner. Healings and miracles deal with energy and the amount of faith or trust contributing to the process.
Faith is built by the strength of one's belief systems. The more you believe something to be true, the more faith you have in the processes associated with it. The more faith you have in the process, the more energy the process will receive. The more energy received, the more fuel to create the desired outcome. As you manifest more and more in your life, your trust level will escalate. As your trust escalates, it feeds energy to your faith and your belief system and thus increases your ability to heal or to perform miracles.
Blood Cry’s Stop Winds
Blood Cry’s Stop Winds
by: Veronique Belmar
Weeping Messengers
They protected and cared for the people but they were scorned and ignored, reported the messengers daily to their Commander. Often, their eyes were filled with tears as they complained to their leader about their disappointment in the people. Yet, they found joy in those who accepted and appreciated their work. The Commander ordered his messengers to place a seal in the foreheads of those who accepted their work and to slay those who had rejected it, and to release the four winds. Then, a cry went out for mercy saying; “My blood! My blood! My blood!” The messengers were commanded to hold back the winds of strife and to let them go slowly.
Why didn’t they Care?
They were too busy having a good time, staying in their comfort zones, getting power and fame at any cost while ignoring the pain and sufferings of others. They cared not for the hungry, the orphans, the bereaved, the sick, and those without shelter. They did as they pleased and had pleasure in doing so. Now, they are angry because the wheel has turned and realising this, felt that their lives had been wasted but it’s too late now to change.
Innocent picked on!
Because the lifestyle of the care free people had been interrupted by judgement, they turned their anger on those who had lived an unselfish life. Then they decided to rid themselves of those good people because by so doing they would stop the judgement falling but they were mistaken.
Rejection, Plea, and Agony
Those who professed their goodness were rejected by the messenger’s Commander, but could not understand his reasons for their rejection. This rejection meant that they were not allowed to enter the golden city, although they did good work. The Commander then explained that although they did good work, they did not keep his commandments. For example, they deliberately rejected his true Sabbath (Saturday), although they knew that the true Sabbath was his holy day. So they wept and wept, but their plea was in vain because the sealing time was over and the Commander’s seal was not in their foreheads. Also, they were told that when they were weighed in the balance that they were found wanting. And when they looked on their garments they also saw written: ‘Thou art weighed in the balance and found wanting’.
Vengeance and Wrath!
The Commander (Jesus) removed his robe of mercy and put on his robe of vengeance. The messengers (angels) are asked by Jesus to destroy the hypocrites, then those who had no interest in others but themselves. Jesus’ wrath against the rebels was intense; especially on those who pretended to be his followers and the howling and agonising cries of both hypocrites and unbelievers were wasted, because God’s mercy was no longer available to them, and those who had the seal of God in their foreheads were those who walked with Him.
What will you do on that Day?
Will you be among those who will cry out for mercy when it’s too late or will you be among those who will have the seal of God on your forehead? Think! Think! Think! And accept God’s mercy today. Why wait until Jesus removes his robe of mercy in order to hear the sad words; “Too late! Too late!” Cry out to him now and he will help you change your ways. Don’t delay!
What is Jesus Doing Now?
At present he is pleading to his Father for you and me and while he continues to do so we have hope in escaping his wrath by changing our ways. But we have a problem, that is, we have no idea of the day, month or year in which Jesus will remove his robe of mercy. Could it be today, tomorrow, next month, next year or later? All we know is what we are told, that is, when we shall see certain signs occurring in our world such as farming, earthquakes, and disasters we know that the time of mercy is almost over. These Biblical signs are occurring in our world today, which means that no one knows whether they have or have not the seal of God in their foreheads; or whether they have been weighed in the balance and found wanting.
Our Best Security
While we have the light, let us walk in the light because the night of vengeance and wrath is about to pour upon the world. Let us take shelter in the city of our God who is the creator of heaven and earth! If you hear his voice today, don’t harden your heart, say not tomorrow because tomorrow might be too late!
Copyright 2006 Words of Life and Health
by: Veronique Belmar
Weeping Messengers
They protected and cared for the people but they were scorned and ignored, reported the messengers daily to their Commander. Often, their eyes were filled with tears as they complained to their leader about their disappointment in the people. Yet, they found joy in those who accepted and appreciated their work. The Commander ordered his messengers to place a seal in the foreheads of those who accepted their work and to slay those who had rejected it, and to release the four winds. Then, a cry went out for mercy saying; “My blood! My blood! My blood!” The messengers were commanded to hold back the winds of strife and to let them go slowly.
Why didn’t they Care?
They were too busy having a good time, staying in their comfort zones, getting power and fame at any cost while ignoring the pain and sufferings of others. They cared not for the hungry, the orphans, the bereaved, the sick, and those without shelter. They did as they pleased and had pleasure in doing so. Now, they are angry because the wheel has turned and realising this, felt that their lives had been wasted but it’s too late now to change.
Innocent picked on!
Because the lifestyle of the care free people had been interrupted by judgement, they turned their anger on those who had lived an unselfish life. Then they decided to rid themselves of those good people because by so doing they would stop the judgement falling but they were mistaken.
Rejection, Plea, and Agony
Those who professed their goodness were rejected by the messenger’s Commander, but could not understand his reasons for their rejection. This rejection meant that they were not allowed to enter the golden city, although they did good work. The Commander then explained that although they did good work, they did not keep his commandments. For example, they deliberately rejected his true Sabbath (Saturday), although they knew that the true Sabbath was his holy day. So they wept and wept, but their plea was in vain because the sealing time was over and the Commander’s seal was not in their foreheads. Also, they were told that when they were weighed in the balance that they were found wanting. And when they looked on their garments they also saw written: ‘Thou art weighed in the balance and found wanting’.
Vengeance and Wrath!
The Commander (Jesus) removed his robe of mercy and put on his robe of vengeance. The messengers (angels) are asked by Jesus to destroy the hypocrites, then those who had no interest in others but themselves. Jesus’ wrath against the rebels was intense; especially on those who pretended to be his followers and the howling and agonising cries of both hypocrites and unbelievers were wasted, because God’s mercy was no longer available to them, and those who had the seal of God in their foreheads were those who walked with Him.
What will you do on that Day?
Will you be among those who will cry out for mercy when it’s too late or will you be among those who will have the seal of God on your forehead? Think! Think! Think! And accept God’s mercy today. Why wait until Jesus removes his robe of mercy in order to hear the sad words; “Too late! Too late!” Cry out to him now and he will help you change your ways. Don’t delay!
What is Jesus Doing Now?
At present he is pleading to his Father for you and me and while he continues to do so we have hope in escaping his wrath by changing our ways. But we have a problem, that is, we have no idea of the day, month or year in which Jesus will remove his robe of mercy. Could it be today, tomorrow, next month, next year or later? All we know is what we are told, that is, when we shall see certain signs occurring in our world such as farming, earthquakes, and disasters we know that the time of mercy is almost over. These Biblical signs are occurring in our world today, which means that no one knows whether they have or have not the seal of God in their foreheads; or whether they have been weighed in the balance and found wanting.
Our Best Security
While we have the light, let us walk in the light because the night of vengeance and wrath is about to pour upon the world. Let us take shelter in the city of our God who is the creator of heaven and earth! If you hear his voice today, don’t harden your heart, say not tomorrow because tomorrow might be too late!
Copyright 2006 Words of Life and Health
The Biblical Signs of the Messiah’s Arrival Just Occurred
The Biblical Signs of the Messiah’s Arrival Just Occurred
by: Karen Fish
The Holy Bible says that the Messiah would come like a thief in the night – no one would know that he had been in the house. The miraculous signs of biblical proportions just occurred and no one on earth noticed.
God said through the Prophet Isaiah that the Messiah would be accompanied by large rocks of hail, (the breaking off of 30% of the Arctic Icecap and the melting of the Greenland Icecap and the Antarctic Iceberg) and a great Hurricane and a great deluge and flood of mighty overflowing waters (Hurricane Katrina and the Indian Ocean Tsunami). These were the 4 signs of the arrival of the Messiah, North, South, East and West. (Isaiah 28:1-17).
God in the Holy Bible refers to the 2 tablets put together, which he carved in stone Himself on Mount Sinai 3,200 years ago, his contract, covenant with Levi, aka Moses, a wall, a levee, to protect mankind. God in his great wrath said that the Bible Writers, the scribes, had spewed their own deadly venom all over His Word, the 10 commandments. (Matthew 23). God said that the Bible Writers had painted over His Word, his 10 commandments, with their own whitewash, thereby covering up His Word, our map to creating paradise on earth forever ourselves, so that the people could not see it. God promised that in his tremendous wrath he would create a tremendous flood, great hailstones, and a great Hurricane (Katrina) to break down this man made contaminated levee, and God vowed to kill the people responsible for this, and the people behind the wall. God said that then, the people of earth would understand the great power of God and His Word carved by Him in stone, and the danger and the weakness of the contaminated man made levee of whitewash. (Ezekiel 13:1-22).
God vowed to rebuild the Holy Temple. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, (we just saw the signs) that the mountain of the Lord's House (Temple) shall be firmly established as the head of all the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; (in cyberspace by satellites) and All the nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the Temple of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of HIS ways, (the 10 commandments) and we shall walk in HIS paths and in the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge among the nations, and will settle the arguments of many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation will not lift sword against nation and they will no longer study warfare. O House of Jacob: come let us walk by the light of God!" (Isaiah 2:1-5). God, the Messiah, lives in us all. (Psalm 82:6). By definition, all of us united as One can create World Peace overnight at the United Nations, if we so choose to do.
The Temple of Love – The World Peace Religion makes peace among and unites Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Everyone else and the countries they all live in by tying them together with their common threads and resolving all of their differences once and for all, following the blueprint laid out by God of Mount Sinai through every single Biblical Prophet.
by: Karen Fish
The Holy Bible says that the Messiah would come like a thief in the night – no one would know that he had been in the house. The miraculous signs of biblical proportions just occurred and no one on earth noticed.
God said through the Prophet Isaiah that the Messiah would be accompanied by large rocks of hail, (the breaking off of 30% of the Arctic Icecap and the melting of the Greenland Icecap and the Antarctic Iceberg) and a great Hurricane and a great deluge and flood of mighty overflowing waters (Hurricane Katrina and the Indian Ocean Tsunami). These were the 4 signs of the arrival of the Messiah, North, South, East and West. (Isaiah 28:1-17).
God in the Holy Bible refers to the 2 tablets put together, which he carved in stone Himself on Mount Sinai 3,200 years ago, his contract, covenant with Levi, aka Moses, a wall, a levee, to protect mankind. God in his great wrath said that the Bible Writers, the scribes, had spewed their own deadly venom all over His Word, the 10 commandments. (Matthew 23). God said that the Bible Writers had painted over His Word, his 10 commandments, with their own whitewash, thereby covering up His Word, our map to creating paradise on earth forever ourselves, so that the people could not see it. God promised that in his tremendous wrath he would create a tremendous flood, great hailstones, and a great Hurricane (Katrina) to break down this man made contaminated levee, and God vowed to kill the people responsible for this, and the people behind the wall. God said that then, the people of earth would understand the great power of God and His Word carved by Him in stone, and the danger and the weakness of the contaminated man made levee of whitewash. (Ezekiel 13:1-22).
God vowed to rebuild the Holy Temple. “And it shall come to pass in the last days, (we just saw the signs) that the mountain of the Lord's House (Temple) shall be firmly established as the head of all the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; (in cyberspace by satellites) and All the nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the Temple of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of HIS ways, (the 10 commandments) and we shall walk in HIS paths and in the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge among the nations, and will settle the arguments of many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation will not lift sword against nation and they will no longer study warfare. O House of Jacob: come let us walk by the light of God!" (Isaiah 2:1-5). God, the Messiah, lives in us all. (Psalm 82:6). By definition, all of us united as One can create World Peace overnight at the United Nations, if we so choose to do.
The Temple of Love – The World Peace Religion makes peace among and unites Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Everyone else and the countries they all live in by tying them together with their common threads and resolving all of their differences once and for all, following the blueprint laid out by God of Mount Sinai through every single Biblical Prophet.
Beyond The DaVinci Code: Robert Waxman Asks - Did Jesus Study Kabbalah?
Beyond The DaVinci Code: Robert Waxman Asks - Did Jesus Study Kabbalah?
by: Robert Waxman
What kind of religious philosophies were Jesus and his disciples studying from 29 CE – 33 CE? They couldn’t have been studying Christianity because The New Testament wasn’t completed until 325 CE (almost 300 years after the crucifixion at The Council of Nicea). They surely weren’t studying Buddhism or Hinduism, so this leaves just one possibility – they must have been studying the timeless, ancient wisdom of Jewish mysticism known as Kabbalah (which was very popular in Israel during this time).
Jesus veiled many Kabbalistic truths when he spoke to the masses (Matthew 13:34). “All these things Jesus spoke unto the multitudes in parables; and without a parable he spake not unto them” (KJV). Especially, when Jesus refers to the innermost power of the soul, he spoke in metaphors. An example of such a metaphor, is when Jesus refers to the "God-within" or illuminated soul: “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you...” (Luke 17:20-21, KJV).
He also refers to “The Father in secret”: "...pray to thy Father which is in secret..." (Matthew 6:18, KJV). This is another Kabbalistic reference to the eternal spark known as "neshamah" or the God-like quality of each individual soul.
When Jesus uses the term “Son of Man” (Mark 10:45, KJV), he is using a Kabbalistic phrase that was also used by Ezekiel and Daniel in The Jewish Bible, "For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto....". In Kabbalah, a "Son of Man" can be any soul that is seeking purity and divine perfection.
Paul refers to Jesus as the “the last Adam”: 1 Corinthians 15:45, "The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit" (KJV). Paul is using a well-known Kabbalistic phrase that refers to "The Adam Kadmon" or the "man" created on the sixth day in Genesis 1:27 (the first and last Adam). So, when Ezekiel, Daniel and Jesus refer to "The Son of Man", they are specifically referring to the primordial archetype of "The Adam Kadmon".
This title of A-dam Kad-mon is defined as, "the one and only (or only begotten) 'Over Soul' of all humanity." Eventually, this first and last Adam, breaks-up (or is crucified) into trillions of "little souls", and each one will become a "Son of Man" as it strives to reach spiritual perfection. When these trillions of souls have achieved "messianic consciousness", they will reunite to form "the last Adam". This "resurrection" of the last Adam Kadmon will come at "the end of the times", which is another metaphor, meaning the end of the physical Universe (Einstein's Big Crunch).
When examining the sayings of Jesus, it becomes apparent that he was familiar with the ancient wisdom teachings of Kabbalah, and the messianic power of each individual soul. His intended message comes straight from the heart of Kabbalistic philosophy: "through the power of your own soul, you will find 'The Kingdom of Heaven within'."
Kabbalah has become extremely popular due to Madonna and her Hollywood friends embracing this mystical philosophy. With best selling books like the DaVinci Code raising profound questions about miracles described in the Gospels, thousands of Christians and people of all religions are seeking answers to life’s most fundamental questions. Kabbalah offers answers to these questions by teaching that the truth comes from within us, rather than from the dogma of religious institutions.
by: Robert Waxman
What kind of religious philosophies were Jesus and his disciples studying from 29 CE – 33 CE? They couldn’t have been studying Christianity because The New Testament wasn’t completed until 325 CE (almost 300 years after the crucifixion at The Council of Nicea). They surely weren’t studying Buddhism or Hinduism, so this leaves just one possibility – they must have been studying the timeless, ancient wisdom of Jewish mysticism known as Kabbalah (which was very popular in Israel during this time).
Jesus veiled many Kabbalistic truths when he spoke to the masses (Matthew 13:34). “All these things Jesus spoke unto the multitudes in parables; and without a parable he spake not unto them” (KJV). Especially, when Jesus refers to the innermost power of the soul, he spoke in metaphors. An example of such a metaphor, is when Jesus refers to the "God-within" or illuminated soul: “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you...” (Luke 17:20-21, KJV).
He also refers to “The Father in secret”: "...pray to thy Father which is in secret..." (Matthew 6:18, KJV). This is another Kabbalistic reference to the eternal spark known as "neshamah" or the God-like quality of each individual soul.
When Jesus uses the term “Son of Man” (Mark 10:45, KJV), he is using a Kabbalistic phrase that was also used by Ezekiel and Daniel in The Jewish Bible, "For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto....". In Kabbalah, a "Son of Man" can be any soul that is seeking purity and divine perfection.
Paul refers to Jesus as the “the last Adam”: 1 Corinthians 15:45, "The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit" (KJV). Paul is using a well-known Kabbalistic phrase that refers to "The Adam Kadmon" or the "man" created on the sixth day in Genesis 1:27 (the first and last Adam). So, when Ezekiel, Daniel and Jesus refer to "The Son of Man", they are specifically referring to the primordial archetype of "The Adam Kadmon".
This title of A-dam Kad-mon is defined as, "the one and only (or only begotten) 'Over Soul' of all humanity." Eventually, this first and last Adam, breaks-up (or is crucified) into trillions of "little souls", and each one will become a "Son of Man" as it strives to reach spiritual perfection. When these trillions of souls have achieved "messianic consciousness", they will reunite to form "the last Adam". This "resurrection" of the last Adam Kadmon will come at "the end of the times", which is another metaphor, meaning the end of the physical Universe (Einstein's Big Crunch).
When examining the sayings of Jesus, it becomes apparent that he was familiar with the ancient wisdom teachings of Kabbalah, and the messianic power of each individual soul. His intended message comes straight from the heart of Kabbalistic philosophy: "through the power of your own soul, you will find 'The Kingdom of Heaven within'."
Kabbalah has become extremely popular due to Madonna and her Hollywood friends embracing this mystical philosophy. With best selling books like the DaVinci Code raising profound questions about miracles described in the Gospels, thousands of Christians and people of all religions are seeking answers to life’s most fundamental questions. Kabbalah offers answers to these questions by teaching that the truth comes from within us, rather than from the dogma of religious institutions.
Islamic Intolerance
Islamic Intolerance
by: David G. Hallstrom, Sr.
Islamic apologists keep telling us that the religion of Islam is a kind, tolerante and peaceful religion. Every time a woman is stoned or someone is beheaded or a homicide bomber blows up a bus or restaurant filled with innocent people, we are told that it is the work of Islamic fanatics and that true followers of Islam do not agree with these things.
Now we find out that in Afganistan, a country that is 99% Muslim, a man is being tried under Sharia (Islamic law) for apostasy, and if convicted, will face the death penalty.
What did this man do that was so horrible, so against the Islamic faith? He converted to Christianity, that's the terrible thing that he did. This is apparently one of the worst things a Muslim can do. He chose to give up the Islamic faith and therefore is so evil that he deserves to be put to death. He can be spared, however, if he agrees to become a Muslim again.
The Hadith (which is said to be the body of quotes attributed to Muhammad), Sahih Bukhari Vol. 9, book 84, number 57, has been interpreted as saying "Kill whoever changes his religion", so the Sharia court judge is proposing to do just that.
The Torah in Deuteronomy 13:6-10 has been interpreted as saying about apostastics "But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage." yet I don't believe that any Israeli judge would ever even consider attempting to hand down any type of criminal sentence for apostasy.
If the Islamic religion is so kind, tolerant and peaceful, why are it's laws interpreted in such a barbaric and intolerant way by so many followers. I realize that not all Muslim countries follow Sharia law and that of those that do, not all are so fanatical. However, many Muslim countries do still practice amputation of one/both hand(s) for theft, stoning for adultery, and execution for apostasy. Other countries, including Iraq, that did not, in the past, follow Sharia law are now talking about setting up Sharia courts.
I also realize that not all Muslims interpret Islamic law the same way. Islamic law like any other body of laws is subject to interpretation and therefore can be interpreted liberally, moderately or fundamentally. The problem is that while some Muslims interpret Islamic law liberally or moderately, it seems that a large majority of the Muslims in the Arabic world interpret the law fundamentally (at least as it pertains to women and non believers).
Afganistan's constitution guarentees freedom of religion, however, in an interview, Afganistan's Foreign Minister stated that the government had "nothing to do" with the court case. He further stated that he hoped there would be a "satisfactory result" to the case. To me, this seems that he was saying that the Sharia court is not bound by Afgani law and can do as it pleases, thereby making the Afgani constitution worthless. It further leads to the belief that Afganistan is a democracy on paper only and is actually ruled by Islamic fundamentalists. These fundamentalists may not be as bad as the Taliban but, so far, they do not seem to be much better.
There are many religious groups that believe that apostasy is wrong and that their religion is the only true religion. However, I know of no country, in this day and age, other than certain Muslim countries, that would sentence a person to death for changing his or her religious beliefs. Such things did happen in the past, look at the Spanish inquisition, but are now considered repugnant.
by: David G. Hallstrom, Sr.
Islamic apologists keep telling us that the religion of Islam is a kind, tolerante and peaceful religion. Every time a woman is stoned or someone is beheaded or a homicide bomber blows up a bus or restaurant filled with innocent people, we are told that it is the work of Islamic fanatics and that true followers of Islam do not agree with these things.
Now we find out that in Afganistan, a country that is 99% Muslim, a man is being tried under Sharia (Islamic law) for apostasy, and if convicted, will face the death penalty.
What did this man do that was so horrible, so against the Islamic faith? He converted to Christianity, that's the terrible thing that he did. This is apparently one of the worst things a Muslim can do. He chose to give up the Islamic faith and therefore is so evil that he deserves to be put to death. He can be spared, however, if he agrees to become a Muslim again.
The Hadith (which is said to be the body of quotes attributed to Muhammad), Sahih Bukhari Vol. 9, book 84, number 57, has been interpreted as saying "Kill whoever changes his religion", so the Sharia court judge is proposing to do just that.
The Torah in Deuteronomy 13:6-10 has been interpreted as saying about apostastics "But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage." yet I don't believe that any Israeli judge would ever even consider attempting to hand down any type of criminal sentence for apostasy.
If the Islamic religion is so kind, tolerant and peaceful, why are it's laws interpreted in such a barbaric and intolerant way by so many followers. I realize that not all Muslim countries follow Sharia law and that of those that do, not all are so fanatical. However, many Muslim countries do still practice amputation of one/both hand(s) for theft, stoning for adultery, and execution for apostasy. Other countries, including Iraq, that did not, in the past, follow Sharia law are now talking about setting up Sharia courts.
I also realize that not all Muslims interpret Islamic law the same way. Islamic law like any other body of laws is subject to interpretation and therefore can be interpreted liberally, moderately or fundamentally. The problem is that while some Muslims interpret Islamic law liberally or moderately, it seems that a large majority of the Muslims in the Arabic world interpret the law fundamentally (at least as it pertains to women and non believers).
Afganistan's constitution guarentees freedom of religion, however, in an interview, Afganistan's Foreign Minister stated that the government had "nothing to do" with the court case. He further stated that he hoped there would be a "satisfactory result" to the case. To me, this seems that he was saying that the Sharia court is not bound by Afgani law and can do as it pleases, thereby making the Afgani constitution worthless. It further leads to the belief that Afganistan is a democracy on paper only and is actually ruled by Islamic fundamentalists. These fundamentalists may not be as bad as the Taliban but, so far, they do not seem to be much better.
There are many religious groups that believe that apostasy is wrong and that their religion is the only true religion. However, I know of no country, in this day and age, other than certain Muslim countries, that would sentence a person to death for changing his or her religious beliefs. Such things did happen in the past, look at the Spanish inquisition, but are now considered repugnant.
Stop Patching Yourself Together
Stop Patching Yourself Together
by: Arthur Levine
Have there been times in your life when you have resorted to quick fixes like chemical patches or pills to help you stop overeating, smoking, or other similar addictions that are ruining your health?
If you are like me, you have discovered that these temporary measures don't work. You probably need something stronger. How about a patch of faith?
Faith is not the type of thing you can buy over-the-counter at a drug store. It is something you have to find within yourself.
In order to find your faith, you need to strip away your inhibitions and unlock your imagination. You have to start listening to your inner self.
Sometimes you have to use your imagination to invent a symbol of the newfound faith that you have created - your own personal faith patch - something that can identify you as a Person of Faith.
Every time that you feel yourself about to give in to a weakness, think about your faith patch. Think about the strength you can draw from your faith in God to help you overcome your weaknesses and addictions.
Start by admitting to yourself that you do have faith. Start by listening for the words of God. Start by speaking to God. He may be waiting to hear from you.
Are you ready to get closer to God? Are you ready for him to answer your prayers? Start to believe. Become a person of faith.
You are basically a good and worthwhile person, and you are entitled to have faith in God anyway you chose. You are entitled to be a Person of Faith.
Try to strip away the inhibitions that have kept you from admitting that you are a Person of Faith. Use your imagination to help you reveal to yourself that you do have strong feelings of faith.
Don't be shy about admitting that you are a Person of Faith. Express your feelings of faith. Make yourself and your loved ones happy by acknowledging that you do have faith.
Have you ever said to yourself that you wish you could be a Person of Faith like Johnny or Linda? You can if you start to listen to your imagination and realize that you do have feelings of faith.
Think of all the wonderful things you could do with the strength that comes from believing in God. Think how great it would be to be able to cope with the troubles of our time without fear.
Imagine how great you will feel when you are free from the addictions that plague you. Imagine how wonderful and secure you will feel when you have used your faith to conquer your weaknesses.
Are you ready to stop patching yourself together? Are you ready to become a Person of Faith? Are you ready to find the strength through faith to overcome your weaknesses? God may be waiting to see what you will do. Are you ready to take action and find your faith?
by: Arthur Levine
Have there been times in your life when you have resorted to quick fixes like chemical patches or pills to help you stop overeating, smoking, or other similar addictions that are ruining your health?
If you are like me, you have discovered that these temporary measures don't work. You probably need something stronger. How about a patch of faith?
Faith is not the type of thing you can buy over-the-counter at a drug store. It is something you have to find within yourself.
In order to find your faith, you need to strip away your inhibitions and unlock your imagination. You have to start listening to your inner self.
Sometimes you have to use your imagination to invent a symbol of the newfound faith that you have created - your own personal faith patch - something that can identify you as a Person of Faith.
Every time that you feel yourself about to give in to a weakness, think about your faith patch. Think about the strength you can draw from your faith in God to help you overcome your weaknesses and addictions.
Start by admitting to yourself that you do have faith. Start by listening for the words of God. Start by speaking to God. He may be waiting to hear from you.
Are you ready to get closer to God? Are you ready for him to answer your prayers? Start to believe. Become a person of faith.
You are basically a good and worthwhile person, and you are entitled to have faith in God anyway you chose. You are entitled to be a Person of Faith.
Try to strip away the inhibitions that have kept you from admitting that you are a Person of Faith. Use your imagination to help you reveal to yourself that you do have strong feelings of faith.
Don't be shy about admitting that you are a Person of Faith. Express your feelings of faith. Make yourself and your loved ones happy by acknowledging that you do have faith.
Have you ever said to yourself that you wish you could be a Person of Faith like Johnny or Linda? You can if you start to listen to your imagination and realize that you do have feelings of faith.
Think of all the wonderful things you could do with the strength that comes from believing in God. Think how great it would be to be able to cope with the troubles of our time without fear.
Imagine how great you will feel when you are free from the addictions that plague you. Imagine how wonderful and secure you will feel when you have used your faith to conquer your weaknesses.
Are you ready to stop patching yourself together? Are you ready to become a Person of Faith? Are you ready to find the strength through faith to overcome your weaknesses? God may be waiting to see what you will do. Are you ready to take action and find your faith?
Children Eaten Soldiers Laugh
Children Eaten Soldiers Laugh
by: Veronique Belmar
Paid With Their Lives
They stood up for their rights, but paid with their lives. Soldiers came barging into their homes and forcefully removed them, dragging and screaming! Then taken to the dungeon from where they did not return. There, they were scourged and tortured. In the dungeon, they heard the sounds of wild beasts and knew that their fate was final. Their children were dashed into pieces before their eyes. Pregnant women’s wombs were cut opened by the sword while others were staked and flamed alive. The doors of hell had unleashed its fury!
Deifiers Given Ultimatum
They stood before their judges hoping for mercy, but there was none, except for those who denied what they once believed. Those who kept their faith were taken to the prisons and dungeons. Parents were warned that their children could die before their eyes and that there would be none to deliver them out of their hands! But parents refused to deny their faith, even though it meant their children losing their lives.
Fate of Children Sealed
Parents and children were separated from each other. The stake, lions and wood were brought to the place of execution. The trees stop swaying, the birds hush their singing, people beat upon their breast, and the heavens look down in awe.
The children were brought out from their prison cells. Spectators held their breath, some even laughed, believing that the children’s fate were deserved. The cages of the hungry lions opened, each targeting their prey. The noises of music and laughter were heard by their persecutors. The jaws of the lions opened wide as they rushed toward the children and attacked them with such ferocity and tore their tiny bodies to pieces while their parents watched in utmost horror.
Pregnant Mothers and their Babies
The women were taken outside. Again spectators looked on as soldiers drew their swords and waited for a command to dash open the belly/abdomen of pregnant women. Once the command was given, their abdomens were opened wide as they fell to the ground with their dead babies. Husbands were forced to look on at this scene of barbaric debauchery.
Most Felt the Jaws of the Lions
Some husbands, single men and women were thrown in the arena to be eaten by hungry lions, much to the sickening pleasure of some spectators who laughed. But while they watched and laughed at the fear, pain and torment of their victims a chilling and dread of fear of judgement came upon their persecutors, their laughter seemed to cease as a result, yet, the rulers continued with their massacre.
The Stake
Those who were not eaten, tortured, and dashed opened were burnt alive. The fires were vehement about them and the smoke of their burning bodies filled the arena, with hardly anyone to pity them, yet, they sang songs of praises!
Humans Capable of Horrific Acts
They kill not because they were hungry but because they were blood thirsty. Unlike animals, that kill when they are hungry, hence, the reason why they were not fed before attacking the Christians. Had they been fed, the Christians would not have been devoured with such fury.
Humans Still the Same
The above information occurred centuries ago as a result of persecution of the Christian church. These Christians were killed in the most barbaric ways because of their belief. They were prepared to defy authorities in order to remain faithful to God. And History has always repeated itself; therefore, persecution of Christian will once again take place.
Copyright 2006 Words of Life and Health
by: Veronique Belmar
Paid With Their Lives
They stood up for their rights, but paid with their lives. Soldiers came barging into their homes and forcefully removed them, dragging and screaming! Then taken to the dungeon from where they did not return. There, they were scourged and tortured. In the dungeon, they heard the sounds of wild beasts and knew that their fate was final. Their children were dashed into pieces before their eyes. Pregnant women’s wombs were cut opened by the sword while others were staked and flamed alive. The doors of hell had unleashed its fury!
Deifiers Given Ultimatum
They stood before their judges hoping for mercy, but there was none, except for those who denied what they once believed. Those who kept their faith were taken to the prisons and dungeons. Parents were warned that their children could die before their eyes and that there would be none to deliver them out of their hands! But parents refused to deny their faith, even though it meant their children losing their lives.
Fate of Children Sealed
Parents and children were separated from each other. The stake, lions and wood were brought to the place of execution. The trees stop swaying, the birds hush their singing, people beat upon their breast, and the heavens look down in awe.
The children were brought out from their prison cells. Spectators held their breath, some even laughed, believing that the children’s fate were deserved. The cages of the hungry lions opened, each targeting their prey. The noises of music and laughter were heard by their persecutors. The jaws of the lions opened wide as they rushed toward the children and attacked them with such ferocity and tore their tiny bodies to pieces while their parents watched in utmost horror.
Pregnant Mothers and their Babies
The women were taken outside. Again spectators looked on as soldiers drew their swords and waited for a command to dash open the belly/abdomen of pregnant women. Once the command was given, their abdomens were opened wide as they fell to the ground with their dead babies. Husbands were forced to look on at this scene of barbaric debauchery.
Most Felt the Jaws of the Lions
Some husbands, single men and women were thrown in the arena to be eaten by hungry lions, much to the sickening pleasure of some spectators who laughed. But while they watched and laughed at the fear, pain and torment of their victims a chilling and dread of fear of judgement came upon their persecutors, their laughter seemed to cease as a result, yet, the rulers continued with their massacre.
The Stake
Those who were not eaten, tortured, and dashed opened were burnt alive. The fires were vehement about them and the smoke of their burning bodies filled the arena, with hardly anyone to pity them, yet, they sang songs of praises!
Humans Capable of Horrific Acts
They kill not because they were hungry but because they were blood thirsty. Unlike animals, that kill when they are hungry, hence, the reason why they were not fed before attacking the Christians. Had they been fed, the Christians would not have been devoured with such fury.
Humans Still the Same
The above information occurred centuries ago as a result of persecution of the Christian church. These Christians were killed in the most barbaric ways because of their belief. They were prepared to defy authorities in order to remain faithful to God. And History has always repeated itself; therefore, persecution of Christian will once again take place.
Copyright 2006 Words of Life and Health
Four Prophetic Pillars That Mark Where We Are Right Now – The Timing of the Second Coming of Christ
Four Prophetic Pillars That Mark Where We Are Right Now – The Timing of the Second Coming of Christ
by: Rev Michael Bresciani
We could choose dozens of references to the second coming to show that these are the times predicted just prior to the second coming. For example Jesus spoke of wars and rumors of wars. It is no secret that most of the wars fought throughout history have been fought in the last seventy five years. Or that most of the earthquakes ever recorded have taken place in the last twenty five years. But it is not these general signs that give us the greatest insight into the timing of the second coming. It is the four pillars of prophecy that place us smack in the middle of the last generation before Christ’s return. The four pillars are as follows.
• The re-birth of the nation of Israel. The Jewish people will possess the same general area as ancient Israel and be in full possession of the city of Jerusalem. Hosea 2:14:23, Ezekiel 16:58-63, Ezekiel 37:27-27
• The birth of a nation in the same general geographic area as the old Roman Empire. Daniel 2:lf. Daniel 7:lf. Rev. 17:lf
• The building of a new temple in Jerusalem where oblations and burnt sacrifices will be offered daily by the Jewish priesthood. Ezekiel 40: 1f
• The rise out of the European continent of the world’s last, and worst dictator. He will present himself to the world as its very savior in the new Jewish temple, which causes the final judgments to fall on the earth, Gods wrath, Armageddon and the physical and literal return of Jesus Christ to the earth. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4. 1John 2:18-27.2, John 1:7, Daniel 7:8- 20, Daniel 8:23-25, Mt. 24:24, Rev.16:lf, Rev.13:11-18
No way is ever given for any believer to name the exact date on which the Lord will return. Likewise there is no means of telling when all of the events surrounding the second coming will happen. At this point we can safely say that we are between two major prophecies that are fulfilled and two that apparently will soon he fulfilled. Dozens of connecting events are in the entire scenario but these four pillars are major and definitive events. These prophecies could never be said to have been fulfilled in any other period of time. One generation of time will bring everything to an end when theses things begin to happen.
Superbly universal in nature, the first sign alone could give us the clue as to when the last generation begins. Israel has not been a free an independent nation since 586 BC. The promise is that Israel will be a nation, and be in possession of Jerusalem before the clock can start ticking. Even though the span of one generation has always been in dispute, it is reasonable to use a median figure of between forty and seventy five years.
The city of Jerusalem was re-captured by the Jews in the six day war of nineteen sixty seven, even though they were outnumbered by forty to one and had many Arab nations on the march against them. Can we safely start the last generation from this time? Since the European parliament is only about one year away from their hopes of their new constitution being signed, the answer is an unequivocal, yes.
Many books, web pages and teaching ministries are now addressing the matter of the second coming of Christ. The total affect, however, seems to be that the whole subject has gotten bogged down in endless conjecture and minuscule dissecting of every jot and title. I am under the greatest sense of duty and compunction to both refrain from entering the fray, and of warning those who are helping to create the fray. I can’t dictate the perfect method to approach the entire subject. What I will do is suggest that we look at the response made by someone in the Bible who was given a great and deeply disturbing direct revelation from God.
Mary the mother of Jesus was approached by the angel Gabriel, and told she would bear a son that would he a product of the Holy Spirit overshadowing her. That alone could have sent her into an emotional tailspin, but she remained submissive and stayed on course until her child was born. Just after he was born she was met by others, namely Shepard’s and travelers, who had also been visited by angels, and told her of the great things these angel messengers said would come of her child. Luke 2:8-19.
Remaining steady as a rock, she took in the reports that seemed to put her child in a place that would affect every man, women and child on the planet, one way or the other. Her response was so remarkable that it begs to be examined. Her response should be the hallmark of all those who will ever receive any direct or indirect revelation from God, but especially the millions of second coming enthusiasts that are now emerging in this present day. Her response is spoken of in one simple and succinct verse that is impossible to disregard. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19
Mary has shown us an entirely different way to deal with revelation, a way that is not found anywhere else in scripture. With second coming doctrine it would also serve us well to engage a great deal less pontificating and a whole lot more pondering. Wisdom may truly cry aloud from the streets Proverbs 1:20, but we might want to wait until we are within earshot of the voices before we proclaim what we’ve heard.
by: Rev Michael Bresciani
We could choose dozens of references to the second coming to show that these are the times predicted just prior to the second coming. For example Jesus spoke of wars and rumors of wars. It is no secret that most of the wars fought throughout history have been fought in the last seventy five years. Or that most of the earthquakes ever recorded have taken place in the last twenty five years. But it is not these general signs that give us the greatest insight into the timing of the second coming. It is the four pillars of prophecy that place us smack in the middle of the last generation before Christ’s return. The four pillars are as follows.
• The re-birth of the nation of Israel. The Jewish people will possess the same general area as ancient Israel and be in full possession of the city of Jerusalem. Hosea 2:14:23, Ezekiel 16:58-63, Ezekiel 37:27-27
• The birth of a nation in the same general geographic area as the old Roman Empire. Daniel 2:lf. Daniel 7:lf. Rev. 17:lf
• The building of a new temple in Jerusalem where oblations and burnt sacrifices will be offered daily by the Jewish priesthood. Ezekiel 40: 1f
• The rise out of the European continent of the world’s last, and worst dictator. He will present himself to the world as its very savior in the new Jewish temple, which causes the final judgments to fall on the earth, Gods wrath, Armageddon and the physical and literal return of Jesus Christ to the earth. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4. 1John 2:18-27.2, John 1:7, Daniel 7:8- 20, Daniel 8:23-25, Mt. 24:24, Rev.16:lf, Rev.13:11-18
No way is ever given for any believer to name the exact date on which the Lord will return. Likewise there is no means of telling when all of the events surrounding the second coming will happen. At this point we can safely say that we are between two major prophecies that are fulfilled and two that apparently will soon he fulfilled. Dozens of connecting events are in the entire scenario but these four pillars are major and definitive events. These prophecies could never be said to have been fulfilled in any other period of time. One generation of time will bring everything to an end when theses things begin to happen.
Superbly universal in nature, the first sign alone could give us the clue as to when the last generation begins. Israel has not been a free an independent nation since 586 BC. The promise is that Israel will be a nation, and be in possession of Jerusalem before the clock can start ticking. Even though the span of one generation has always been in dispute, it is reasonable to use a median figure of between forty and seventy five years.
The city of Jerusalem was re-captured by the Jews in the six day war of nineteen sixty seven, even though they were outnumbered by forty to one and had many Arab nations on the march against them. Can we safely start the last generation from this time? Since the European parliament is only about one year away from their hopes of their new constitution being signed, the answer is an unequivocal, yes.
Many books, web pages and teaching ministries are now addressing the matter of the second coming of Christ. The total affect, however, seems to be that the whole subject has gotten bogged down in endless conjecture and minuscule dissecting of every jot and title. I am under the greatest sense of duty and compunction to both refrain from entering the fray, and of warning those who are helping to create the fray. I can’t dictate the perfect method to approach the entire subject. What I will do is suggest that we look at the response made by someone in the Bible who was given a great and deeply disturbing direct revelation from God.
Mary the mother of Jesus was approached by the angel Gabriel, and told she would bear a son that would he a product of the Holy Spirit overshadowing her. That alone could have sent her into an emotional tailspin, but she remained submissive and stayed on course until her child was born. Just after he was born she was met by others, namely Shepard’s and travelers, who had also been visited by angels, and told her of the great things these angel messengers said would come of her child. Luke 2:8-19.
Remaining steady as a rock, she took in the reports that seemed to put her child in a place that would affect every man, women and child on the planet, one way or the other. Her response was so remarkable that it begs to be examined. Her response should be the hallmark of all those who will ever receive any direct or indirect revelation from God, but especially the millions of second coming enthusiasts that are now emerging in this present day. Her response is spoken of in one simple and succinct verse that is impossible to disregard. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19
Mary has shown us an entirely different way to deal with revelation, a way that is not found anywhere else in scripture. With second coming doctrine it would also serve us well to engage a great deal less pontificating and a whole lot more pondering. Wisdom may truly cry aloud from the streets Proverbs 1:20, but we might want to wait until we are within earshot of the voices before we proclaim what we’ve heard.
Can Christians Be Capitalists?
Can Christians Be Capitalists?
by: Anthony Keith Whitehead
For reasons of space, we have to be very concise in this article.(An extended contextual discussion can be found in "The Path To Freedom" at http://www.christianword.co.uk)
By Christian we mean people who put Christ first in their lives as their guiding principle. These are not those who call themselves Christians but who live independently of the Body of Christ.
What Is A Capitalist
A capitalist is one who owns capital. From an economics perspective capital is not money or finance. Capital is what is used to produce goods or services: machinery, tools, equipment, etc. It used to be said that the distinctive feature of a capitalist is that he can "wait", in distinction from a worker who cannot wait because what he acquires from his work is what he needs to live from week-to- week or month-to-month.
Labout And Capital
To be a capitalist, therefore, one must have the means to wait. Mainly this is because goods and services all come into being only through some process of production. And such processes inevitably involve time and therefore waiting. This is the initial source of the capitalists market power, and the inherent cause of labour's market weakness. One sees this power struggle in every industrial dispute, especially when it engages the ultimate strategy of the strike, when called by labour, or the lockout, when called by capitalists.
Capitalists And Markets
There is another aspect attached to "waiting" which is central to the question we are discussing. How do capitalists behave within a competitive market environment?
Behaviour is considerably determined by the market. His basic objective is to survive. What does his survival depend on? Profits. Without profits he will not continue into the long run.
On what do profits depend? There are many parts to this answer, but the principle components are efficiency and establishing a market advantage. The latter, in turn, depends on out-thinking and out-performing competitors. That means producing at a high quality level or, what amounts to the same thing, a lower real price level.
This takes us to the real nub of the question we are addressing. Where markets are highly competitive, out-performing competitors is difficult. So long term survival is difficult because every organisation will be pressured into using the same most, efficient technology and prices will be competed to levels which produce relatively low levels of profit.
No-one likes this kind of situation because it is constantly threatening to the long term objective of survival. Yet, conditions of uncertainty are the norm. And market capitalists do not like uncertainty. They have always and will always attempt to reduce uncertainty. They do that by, one way or another, getting rid of the competition. It is a remarkable paradox that the greatest argument in favour of a market system, its competitiveness, is the one thing which market participants spend their time trying to get rid of.
Eliminating Christianity In The Market
Eliminating competitors unavoidably means eliminating Christianity from the market environment. Competitors are got rid of by driving them out of business before one's own organisation is driven out. And that is the major principle involved in long term survival. Historically it has frequently involved illegal means, but in any case it involves taking every advantage and using every possible means to outreach and eliminate competitors.
In "The Wealth Of Nation" published in 1776 at a very early stage in the development of market capitalism, Adam Smith, who coined the phrase about the "iron hand" of the market, pointed to the essential characteristic of any market: that it works on the principle of selfishness. Markets "deliver the goods" only when participants operate in their own self interest.
So the basic principle of market capitalism is diametrically opposed to the fundamental teachings of Jesus. He taught a number of principles which are damming to the market system. One could quote many scriptures from the New Testament, but a major one comes in Luke 6. 27 - 36. To quote only verse 31: "Do to other people what you would have them do to you." Space will not permit further quotations. This whole question at length is discussed at length in my book "The Path To Freedom". But this passage is sufficient and is supported by many other teachings of Jesus.
And we do not have to be capital-owning entrepreneurs to be a culpable part of this system..Even those of us at work are in a market: a labour or jobs market, in which we all participate. And we get on primarily at the expense of others. We often do to others what we would certainly not want them to do to us.
The Consequences?
Anyone who reflects on the extensive non-Christian aspects of markets must reach the conclusion that it is a system incompatible with the basic principles of Christianity. It even "grabs" Christian feast days for itself. Just consider the commercialisation of Christmas and Easter. In many respects, one would have to conclude that its principles are satanic - but we have all be bought by the system!
Markets do "deliver the goods". More goods and vastly greater standard of living than ordinary people could ever have expected or dreamed of. But there has been a price. A spiritually horrendous price. It is expressed primarily in the way we treat others.
So what are the personal consequences and implications for the Christian?
by: Anthony Keith Whitehead
For reasons of space, we have to be very concise in this article.(An extended contextual discussion can be found in "The Path To Freedom" at http://www.christianword.co.uk)
By Christian we mean people who put Christ first in their lives as their guiding principle. These are not those who call themselves Christians but who live independently of the Body of Christ.
What Is A Capitalist
A capitalist is one who owns capital. From an economics perspective capital is not money or finance. Capital is what is used to produce goods or services: machinery, tools, equipment, etc. It used to be said that the distinctive feature of a capitalist is that he can "wait", in distinction from a worker who cannot wait because what he acquires from his work is what he needs to live from week-to- week or month-to-month.
Labout And Capital
To be a capitalist, therefore, one must have the means to wait. Mainly this is because goods and services all come into being only through some process of production. And such processes inevitably involve time and therefore waiting. This is the initial source of the capitalists market power, and the inherent cause of labour's market weakness. One sees this power struggle in every industrial dispute, especially when it engages the ultimate strategy of the strike, when called by labour, or the lockout, when called by capitalists.
Capitalists And Markets
There is another aspect attached to "waiting" which is central to the question we are discussing. How do capitalists behave within a competitive market environment?
Behaviour is considerably determined by the market. His basic objective is to survive. What does his survival depend on? Profits. Without profits he will not continue into the long run.
On what do profits depend? There are many parts to this answer, but the principle components are efficiency and establishing a market advantage. The latter, in turn, depends on out-thinking and out-performing competitors. That means producing at a high quality level or, what amounts to the same thing, a lower real price level.
This takes us to the real nub of the question we are addressing. Where markets are highly competitive, out-performing competitors is difficult. So long term survival is difficult because every organisation will be pressured into using the same most, efficient technology and prices will be competed to levels which produce relatively low levels of profit.
No-one likes this kind of situation because it is constantly threatening to the long term objective of survival. Yet, conditions of uncertainty are the norm. And market capitalists do not like uncertainty. They have always and will always attempt to reduce uncertainty. They do that by, one way or another, getting rid of the competition. It is a remarkable paradox that the greatest argument in favour of a market system, its competitiveness, is the one thing which market participants spend their time trying to get rid of.
Eliminating Christianity In The Market
Eliminating competitors unavoidably means eliminating Christianity from the market environment. Competitors are got rid of by driving them out of business before one's own organisation is driven out. And that is the major principle involved in long term survival. Historically it has frequently involved illegal means, but in any case it involves taking every advantage and using every possible means to outreach and eliminate competitors.
In "The Wealth Of Nation" published in 1776 at a very early stage in the development of market capitalism, Adam Smith, who coined the phrase about the "iron hand" of the market, pointed to the essential characteristic of any market: that it works on the principle of selfishness. Markets "deliver the goods" only when participants operate in their own self interest.
So the basic principle of market capitalism is diametrically opposed to the fundamental teachings of Jesus. He taught a number of principles which are damming to the market system. One could quote many scriptures from the New Testament, but a major one comes in Luke 6. 27 - 36. To quote only verse 31: "Do to other people what you would have them do to you." Space will not permit further quotations. This whole question at length is discussed at length in my book "The Path To Freedom". But this passage is sufficient and is supported by many other teachings of Jesus.
And we do not have to be capital-owning entrepreneurs to be a culpable part of this system..Even those of us at work are in a market: a labour or jobs market, in which we all participate. And we get on primarily at the expense of others. We often do to others what we would certainly not want them to do to us.
The Consequences?
Anyone who reflects on the extensive non-Christian aspects of markets must reach the conclusion that it is a system incompatible with the basic principles of Christianity. It even "grabs" Christian feast days for itself. Just consider the commercialisation of Christmas and Easter. In many respects, one would have to conclude that its principles are satanic - but we have all be bought by the system!
Markets do "deliver the goods". More goods and vastly greater standard of living than ordinary people could ever have expected or dreamed of. But there has been a price. A spiritually horrendous price. It is expressed primarily in the way we treat others.
So what are the personal consequences and implications for the Christian?
Rich Man Attacked by Satan
Rich Man Attacked by Satan
by: Veronique Belmar
Happened All in One Day
There was once a rich man in need of nothing. He had many children, servants, and animals. But one day, this wealthy man was horror stricken! He was informed by servants that his oxen, donkeys, and camels had been raided by the Sabeans and his servants killed by the sword. On the same day, he was informed that the fire of God had burned up his sheep. Worst of all, the news came that a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of his eldest son’s house while his sons and daughters were dining. The house collapsed and all his children were killed. He fell to the ground and said; “I came from my mother’s womb naked and naked shall I return. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord”.
Struck with Boils
After some time the man was struck with boils from the sole of his feet to the crown of his head and they were filled with worms. In order to get relief, he sat in ashes and used a potsherd to scrape himself. His body was in such a state that his wife advised him to curse God and die. This rich man’s name was Job. Job said to his wife; “You speak foolishly; shall we indeed accept good and not adversity?”
All Against Him Job’s friends decided that his life was not right with God and that was the reason for his affliction. Therefore, he had no one to comfort him from his grief and cursed the day of his birth.
Worms and Dust
Job explains that his flesh was caked with worms and dust and his skin cracked and broke out afresh, and that he would rather die than live. Though afflicted, he refused to turn his back on God and instead he said; “Though God slays him, yet, he would trust Him!”
In Anguish he Cried
Job thought that he would die from his boils; as a result, he made himself explicit that after he died, he would rise again and live on the earth, without worms and sores afflicting his body. But what Job did not know was that God was on his side and was not the one who inflicted his body.
Satan the Afflicter
One day Satan went to God informing him that Job loved him only because he had given Job everything and that if he (God) were to take away all his blessings from Job, Job would curse him! Now God was not pleased with Satan’s comments and in order to let Satan know that he had faithful men and women on the earth who served him, gave Satan permission to remove Job’s blessings but commanded him not to kill him.
Job’s Trial Ended
After his trials, God spoke to Job reminding him that his trials had nothing to do with any wrong act that he may have committed. God told him that he had allowed these trials to befall him because he was being accused falsely by his greatest enemy (Satan) on earth and that he was having none of it. God also reminded Job that because of his steadfastness Satan was once again defeated. Alive, Blessed and Accepted
God healed Job from his plague of boils and worms and united him once again with his brothers, sisters and acquaintances, who consoled and comforted him. However, God blessed Job and gave him more wealth than before. After this, Job lived for one hundred and forty years.
God Rewards the Faithful
Sometimes when trials come we complain not knowing the reason(s) for our pain or affliction. Job’s life is a beacon for us today. His life showed steadfastness, faithfulness, and loyalty. He stood up for what he believed to be right, although it meant separation from those whom he loved. He did not allow worldly goods and pleasures to cloud his mind, therefore, gained the victory over his enemy. Likewise, are we to gain the victory over our enemy (Satan) by the grace of God?
Copyright 2006 Words of Life and Health
by: Veronique Belmar
Happened All in One Day
There was once a rich man in need of nothing. He had many children, servants, and animals. But one day, this wealthy man was horror stricken! He was informed by servants that his oxen, donkeys, and camels had been raided by the Sabeans and his servants killed by the sword. On the same day, he was informed that the fire of God had burned up his sheep. Worst of all, the news came that a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of his eldest son’s house while his sons and daughters were dining. The house collapsed and all his children were killed. He fell to the ground and said; “I came from my mother’s womb naked and naked shall I return. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord”.
Struck with Boils
After some time the man was struck with boils from the sole of his feet to the crown of his head and they were filled with worms. In order to get relief, he sat in ashes and used a potsherd to scrape himself. His body was in such a state that his wife advised him to curse God and die. This rich man’s name was Job. Job said to his wife; “You speak foolishly; shall we indeed accept good and not adversity?”
All Against Him Job’s friends decided that his life was not right with God and that was the reason for his affliction. Therefore, he had no one to comfort him from his grief and cursed the day of his birth.
Worms and Dust
Job explains that his flesh was caked with worms and dust and his skin cracked and broke out afresh, and that he would rather die than live. Though afflicted, he refused to turn his back on God and instead he said; “Though God slays him, yet, he would trust Him!”
In Anguish he Cried
Job thought that he would die from his boils; as a result, he made himself explicit that after he died, he would rise again and live on the earth, without worms and sores afflicting his body. But what Job did not know was that God was on his side and was not the one who inflicted his body.
Satan the Afflicter
One day Satan went to God informing him that Job loved him only because he had given Job everything and that if he (God) were to take away all his blessings from Job, Job would curse him! Now God was not pleased with Satan’s comments and in order to let Satan know that he had faithful men and women on the earth who served him, gave Satan permission to remove Job’s blessings but commanded him not to kill him.
Job’s Trial Ended
After his trials, God spoke to Job reminding him that his trials had nothing to do with any wrong act that he may have committed. God told him that he had allowed these trials to befall him because he was being accused falsely by his greatest enemy (Satan) on earth and that he was having none of it. God also reminded Job that because of his steadfastness Satan was once again defeated. Alive, Blessed and Accepted
God healed Job from his plague of boils and worms and united him once again with his brothers, sisters and acquaintances, who consoled and comforted him. However, God blessed Job and gave him more wealth than before. After this, Job lived for one hundred and forty years.
God Rewards the Faithful
Sometimes when trials come we complain not knowing the reason(s) for our pain or affliction. Job’s life is a beacon for us today. His life showed steadfastness, faithfulness, and loyalty. He stood up for what he believed to be right, although it meant separation from those whom he loved. He did not allow worldly goods and pleasures to cloud his mind, therefore, gained the victory over his enemy. Likewise, are we to gain the victory over our enemy (Satan) by the grace of God?
Copyright 2006 Words of Life and Health
Psychology as Religion: The Cult of Self-Worship by Paul C. Vitz
Psychology as Religion: The Cult of Self-Worship by Paul C. Vitz
by: Johnny Kicklighter
It seems everyone you meet these days is a self-proclaimed psychologist. From radio talk shows, television interviews, romance novels, weekly magazines, to cliques at work; everybody has an opinion on the latest “mental illness.” I was first introduced to practical psychology when I joined the United States Air Force in 1970. It was expected that Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) would become counselors to their subordinates. Profession military education devoted entire chapters and lectures on non-directive or eclectic counseling techniques. Maslow's hierarchy of needs was drilled into our heads. We were sternly warned to avoid any mention of religion, but instead to make ample use of psychological techniques.
Paul Vitz in his book “Psychology as Religion” attempts to expose psychology for what it really is, i.e., religion. He begins by giving the reader a brief biography on the fathers of the modern psychology movement along with some of their theories. The opening chapter was dry reading but I suppose necessary as a historical backdrop. My interest peaked when I immediately recognized Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow since I was forced to study them for 26 years while in the military. Vitz also discusses Carl Jung, Erich Fromn, and Rollo May as being significant contributors to the movement.
Vitz quickly transitions into explaining the concept of self-esteem which he promotes as the center of the entire selfism movement. This became important to me as it seems no matter where you turn, a lack of or poor self-esteem appears to be the cause of every ill known to mankind. For a movement to be so widespread to the point where psychology has been woven into the gospel message, Vitz says that the self-esteem concept has “no clear intellectual origins.” That’s a surprising claim considering the impact selfism has had on academia and the practice of counseling.
Vitz states that self-esteem should be understood as an emotional response and not a cause. He says it is a reaction to what we have done and what others have done to us. High self-esteem is a desirable feeling to have (like happiness), but the feeling itself isn’t the cause of anything. In trying to obtain a feeling of self-esteem, the only successful way is to do good to others or accomplish something. In so doing, you’ll get all the self-esteem you want. However, the downside is people begin to pursue happiness as a far greater goal than the goal of obtaining personal holiness.
Not only is selfism a self-defeating goal for the Christian, Vitz goes on to make the case that it is also simply bad science and a warped philosophy. The little clinical evidence that does exist is mostly based on empirical observations and doesn’t stand the test of solid scientific problem solving. He exposes flaws in each step of the process, from stating the problem, forming and testing the hypothesis, to testing the conclusion. He also identifies several philosophical contradictions and in some cases, actual misrepresentations. The spread of this bad science and faulty philosophy is believed by the author to have contributed to the destruction of families. Additionally, the entire recovery group mentality convinces the person with “low self-esteem” that their ills are due to trauma inflicted on them in the past. Recovery group therapy strokes the patient with self-pity thereby convincing the clients are victims. Once labeled, the “victim” now assumes the attitude of victimhood.
Values clarification has become the model taught in schools and begins with the assumption that man is naturally good. Since the developers of values clarification reject moral teachings, Vitz claims that if responsible adults, i.e., teachers, don’t promote good values then someone else will. Providing a permissive environment supposedly nourishes the child by granting satisfaction for the child’s desires and interests. However, this philosophy is bankrupt because kids will assume the values of irresponsible sources in lieu of responsible ones. This combined with the aforementioned teachings has produced a society of victims where everyone is pointing to blame someone else for their misfortunes.
Vitz takes three chapters to present a Christian analysis and criticism of humanistic self-theories. He gives the credit to our educational system for the transformation of our society into a culture of pure selfism. He notes that the New Age movement has many founders, but Abraham Maslow’s theories have been the most influential. Vitz argues his Christian critique within a historical framework and the impact it has had on the evolution of our society. Unfortunately he gives scant attention to biblical references for his position, but does show how the selfism heresy affects teachings on depression, idolatry, and suffering. He closes his work with the observation, "never have so many people been so self-conscious, so aware of the self as something to be expressed...., the self has become an object to itself." (I think this may make the case that self-esteem has become a new barometric indicator to the question everyone asks, "How are you doing today?")
Overall, Vitz's book uses a cerebral approach in attempting to prove that self-worship is simply a religion. Biblical counselors looking for material to help their counselees break free of a selfish worldview of life will be disappointed. Then again, Vitz didn't write his book for that purpose. Moreover, he provides a wealth of information and a refreshing argument against those who say, "You can't teach religion in public schools." This leaves the reader with an irony: it's not a question of should we or should we not teach religion in public schools, but instead, what religion will we teach; selfism or Christianity?
by: Johnny Kicklighter
It seems everyone you meet these days is a self-proclaimed psychologist. From radio talk shows, television interviews, romance novels, weekly magazines, to cliques at work; everybody has an opinion on the latest “mental illness.” I was first introduced to practical psychology when I joined the United States Air Force in 1970. It was expected that Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) would become counselors to their subordinates. Profession military education devoted entire chapters and lectures on non-directive or eclectic counseling techniques. Maslow's hierarchy of needs was drilled into our heads. We were sternly warned to avoid any mention of religion, but instead to make ample use of psychological techniques.
Paul Vitz in his book “Psychology as Religion” attempts to expose psychology for what it really is, i.e., religion. He begins by giving the reader a brief biography on the fathers of the modern psychology movement along with some of their theories. The opening chapter was dry reading but I suppose necessary as a historical backdrop. My interest peaked when I immediately recognized Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow since I was forced to study them for 26 years while in the military. Vitz also discusses Carl Jung, Erich Fromn, and Rollo May as being significant contributors to the movement.
Vitz quickly transitions into explaining the concept of self-esteem which he promotes as the center of the entire selfism movement. This became important to me as it seems no matter where you turn, a lack of or poor self-esteem appears to be the cause of every ill known to mankind. For a movement to be so widespread to the point where psychology has been woven into the gospel message, Vitz says that the self-esteem concept has “no clear intellectual origins.” That’s a surprising claim considering the impact selfism has had on academia and the practice of counseling.
Vitz states that self-esteem should be understood as an emotional response and not a cause. He says it is a reaction to what we have done and what others have done to us. High self-esteem is a desirable feeling to have (like happiness), but the feeling itself isn’t the cause of anything. In trying to obtain a feeling of self-esteem, the only successful way is to do good to others or accomplish something. In so doing, you’ll get all the self-esteem you want. However, the downside is people begin to pursue happiness as a far greater goal than the goal of obtaining personal holiness.
Not only is selfism a self-defeating goal for the Christian, Vitz goes on to make the case that it is also simply bad science and a warped philosophy. The little clinical evidence that does exist is mostly based on empirical observations and doesn’t stand the test of solid scientific problem solving. He exposes flaws in each step of the process, from stating the problem, forming and testing the hypothesis, to testing the conclusion. He also identifies several philosophical contradictions and in some cases, actual misrepresentations. The spread of this bad science and faulty philosophy is believed by the author to have contributed to the destruction of families. Additionally, the entire recovery group mentality convinces the person with “low self-esteem” that their ills are due to trauma inflicted on them in the past. Recovery group therapy strokes the patient with self-pity thereby convincing the clients are victims. Once labeled, the “victim” now assumes the attitude of victimhood.
Values clarification has become the model taught in schools and begins with the assumption that man is naturally good. Since the developers of values clarification reject moral teachings, Vitz claims that if responsible adults, i.e., teachers, don’t promote good values then someone else will. Providing a permissive environment supposedly nourishes the child by granting satisfaction for the child’s desires and interests. However, this philosophy is bankrupt because kids will assume the values of irresponsible sources in lieu of responsible ones. This combined with the aforementioned teachings has produced a society of victims where everyone is pointing to blame someone else for their misfortunes.
Vitz takes three chapters to present a Christian analysis and criticism of humanistic self-theories. He gives the credit to our educational system for the transformation of our society into a culture of pure selfism. He notes that the New Age movement has many founders, but Abraham Maslow’s theories have been the most influential. Vitz argues his Christian critique within a historical framework and the impact it has had on the evolution of our society. Unfortunately he gives scant attention to biblical references for his position, but does show how the selfism heresy affects teachings on depression, idolatry, and suffering. He closes his work with the observation, "never have so many people been so self-conscious, so aware of the self as something to be expressed...., the self has become an object to itself." (I think this may make the case that self-esteem has become a new barometric indicator to the question everyone asks, "How are you doing today?")
Overall, Vitz's book uses a cerebral approach in attempting to prove that self-worship is simply a religion. Biblical counselors looking for material to help their counselees break free of a selfish worldview of life will be disappointed. Then again, Vitz didn't write his book for that purpose. Moreover, he provides a wealth of information and a refreshing argument against those who say, "You can't teach religion in public schools." This leaves the reader with an irony: it's not a question of should we or should we not teach religion in public schools, but instead, what religion will we teach; selfism or Christianity?
The Price of Freedom
The Price of Freedom
by: Ann Stewart
Isn't it wonderful to be free? Are you free; truly free? What is true freedom anyway? Is it the freedom to choose a mate, religion, profession or lifestyle? If you're privileged to enjoy all of them, can you honestly say that you feel free? Are you free from stress, abuse, self condemnation and unforgiveness?
The Israelites had been slaves for centuries. They had forgotten what it was to be free like patriarch, Abraham and have the privileges of Joseph, who had the highest honor under Pharaoh.
Once they were set free and saw all the miracles, they went back to the old attitudes and lifestyles they had been used to. They did not know how to handle freedom except by complaining about what they did not have.
God gave Moses the Ten Commandments in order to keep them from completely turning away from God. They had to live by every precept of the law, from circumcision to sacrifices, and what to eat and how to prepare their food. As long as they obeyed the law, they were be blessed. If they did not, they were cursed! (Deut. 28)
But, that was not God's best! He wants you to walk in the freedom of Abraham, in childlike faith. Abraham was not under any law. He knew God and was steadfast in faith until one day he wavered. He decided to give God a hand in bringing his promised son to birth.
Not walking in faith has consequences. God was not pleased. He had promised them a son, and it would not need to make sense. It just required simple, childlike faith! If God said it; then it would come to pass!
Abraham's two sons are representative of the two covenants: Ishmael, the Law of Moses; and Isaac, the New Covenant. The Law was a curse as it required doing works to get God's blessings.
Jesus, Abraham's physical and spiritual heir, became that curse by hanging on the cross, the symbol of a curse. (Gal. 4: 22 - 26) He did it so that all nations would have access to true Freedom through the Holy Spirit. (Gal. 3: 13 - 19) Whosoever believes in Him is free indeed. (John 8: 36)
Do you realize that you are, like Isaac, the spiritual child of Promise? As long as you think and live according to the flesh, you are in bondage to the things of the world.
Once you come to the realization that you "can do all things through Christ who strengthens you," (Phil. 4: 13) you know you're free! When the flesh is weak, the Spirit will help you soar over your problems!
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free. " (Gal. 5: 1) The new Covenant is the perfect law of liberty (Jas. 1: 25)
Pure religion is to show God's Love to those in distress, (Jas. 2: 27) and do His Will from the heart. (Eph. 6: 6)
"But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Heb. 11: 6)
Are you completely free? That is; can you release all your troubles to Him and know without a doubt that what He says in His Word He will do for you?
"Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come. Buy wine and milk without money and without price." (Isa. 55: 1)
I pray that you may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, forget the past, and embrace your freedom in Christ. (Phil. 4: 10; 13)
'My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4: 19)
by: Ann Stewart
Isn't it wonderful to be free? Are you free; truly free? What is true freedom anyway? Is it the freedom to choose a mate, religion, profession or lifestyle? If you're privileged to enjoy all of them, can you honestly say that you feel free? Are you free from stress, abuse, self condemnation and unforgiveness?
The Israelites had been slaves for centuries. They had forgotten what it was to be free like patriarch, Abraham and have the privileges of Joseph, who had the highest honor under Pharaoh.
Once they were set free and saw all the miracles, they went back to the old attitudes and lifestyles they had been used to. They did not know how to handle freedom except by complaining about what they did not have.
God gave Moses the Ten Commandments in order to keep them from completely turning away from God. They had to live by every precept of the law, from circumcision to sacrifices, and what to eat and how to prepare their food. As long as they obeyed the law, they were be blessed. If they did not, they were cursed! (Deut. 28)
But, that was not God's best! He wants you to walk in the freedom of Abraham, in childlike faith. Abraham was not under any law. He knew God and was steadfast in faith until one day he wavered. He decided to give God a hand in bringing his promised son to birth.
Not walking in faith has consequences. God was not pleased. He had promised them a son, and it would not need to make sense. It just required simple, childlike faith! If God said it; then it would come to pass!
Abraham's two sons are representative of the two covenants: Ishmael, the Law of Moses; and Isaac, the New Covenant. The Law was a curse as it required doing works to get God's blessings.
Jesus, Abraham's physical and spiritual heir, became that curse by hanging on the cross, the symbol of a curse. (Gal. 4: 22 - 26) He did it so that all nations would have access to true Freedom through the Holy Spirit. (Gal. 3: 13 - 19) Whosoever believes in Him is free indeed. (John 8: 36)
Do you realize that you are, like Isaac, the spiritual child of Promise? As long as you think and live according to the flesh, you are in bondage to the things of the world.
Once you come to the realization that you "can do all things through Christ who strengthens you," (Phil. 4: 13) you know you're free! When the flesh is weak, the Spirit will help you soar over your problems!
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free. " (Gal. 5: 1) The new Covenant is the perfect law of liberty (Jas. 1: 25)
Pure religion is to show God's Love to those in distress, (Jas. 2: 27) and do His Will from the heart. (Eph. 6: 6)
"But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Heb. 11: 6)
Are you completely free? That is; can you release all your troubles to Him and know without a doubt that what He says in His Word He will do for you?
"Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come. Buy wine and milk without money and without price." (Isa. 55: 1)
I pray that you may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, forget the past, and embrace your freedom in Christ. (Phil. 4: 10; 13)
'My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4: 19)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
