Yesterday I was privileged to hear a Jewish Christian who is well loved and admired in these parts speak on Hanukkah. He said it's directly related to Christmas. Some of which he spoke of I knew, but I was eagerly attentive to his words as he outlined the beautiful Jewish story behind the celebration of Hanukkah also known as The Feast of Dedication. It was fascinating to listen to this troubling but also remarkable true story. The time period was...
People love Angels. Angels have a good reputation. They watch out for us. They protect us. They guide us. In some instances Angels have spoken to us. They seem to get alot of attention during the Christmas Season as many decorate their homes with angel ornaments. Personally I believe I've had an angel intervene in my life at least twice that I know of. There are many angel experiences told by others who feel there just wasn't any other human exp...
I'm a big believer in the transforming power of God. Ha! No surprise there. I read this today, thought it thought provoking and agreed 100%. Someone has well said that nature forms us, sin deforms us, penitentiary reforms us, education informs us, the world conforms us, but only Jesus transforms us.
Whether we voted for Obama or not we should be on our knees daily praying for him and our nation. Scripture says we are to pray for our enemies and our leaders. I believe, as Christians, we need to pray harder than ever. This was sent to me by a friend and I agree wholeheartedly that this is what we need to do. 1. Pray for Obama's protection. We already know that some weird, neo-Nazi fanatics in Tennessee plotted to kill Sen....
It's said the greatest and most profound idea the human mind can ever entertain concerns the possiblility of the existence of a personal God. How we respond to this affects not only our life down here but will also determine our ultimate destiny. If we can't resolve the "who" question we cannot possibly solve the "why" "what" and "where" problems of our own existence. I believe that all mankind has some idea of a Supreme Being even if they choose not to acknowledge this...
One of our church members back home in Maine sent me this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvDDc5RB6FQ It's very powerful. Our church back home is going to incorporate this cardboard testimony idea in their Praise in the Park that we started last year. I thought it was a great idea. Last year on Labor Day Weekend in our local park we set up tents and gave away hundreds of free grilled hotdogs, chips and drinks ...
It's funny because I was just thinking a few days ago about writing something about love when I saw the recent flurry of "love blogs." Love is an interesting subject because I think most people never really think about what genuine love is all about. We get caught up in the emotion of love but is that truly what love is? We say we love our truck, or our dog. I love ice cream and warm days. Then we use that same word to say "I love you Honey." So what ...
In the book of Romans it says that the invisible things of God can be clearly seen in His creation. So those who say they can't see or don't believe are without excuse according to scripture. From time to time I read or hear that those who consider themselves as intellectuals would never consider coming to a belief in God. Never mind even thinking for a nano second in the belief that God would manifest himself in the person of Christ. How ridiculous to believ...
A question was asked by a TV reporter who was preparing for a prime-time TV program to a Christian Pastor/Author. He said "The mood of the country is changing; people realize that we must go back to teaching moral values." So he asked "How can we return to teaching traditional values without violating the first amendment that separates religion and politics?" This reporter had talked to NEA officials who confided in him that they were deeply concerned with what's g...
Jesus said when you know the truth the truth will set you free. He also said that he was the truth and the way and that there was no other way. Of course that's not what the media has been telling us especially of late. I believe him. So I follow him. I pay attention to his words and I try my best to act and behave in a manner worthy of Him. I'm not perfect and I mess up on a pretty regular basis but as I get older it gets a bit easier to do what he w...
I have a very big test to study for and take and then it's onto studying about the Doctrine of Satan. Now that sounds interesting. There are some things to think about right off before delving into this subject. First of all there is scarcely a culture, tribe or society to be found in the entire world who doesn't have some concept or fear of an evil power or deity. Many Christian missionaries and secular anthropologists alike have written about the different cultures t...
Everyday my friend HC sends me a devotion from Henry Blackaby which I look forward to each morning. Today this one got me to thinking. Well they all do but I've been thinking on this subject for a while. It's about fearing God. It's true we don't have a fear of God like we did when I was younger. We've been discussing on Lula's thread about taking God out of schools. With that the healthy fear of God and reverence we once had as a nation of believe...
Anyone who knows me knows I'm a big believer in prayer. I just wish I were better at it. I mean I love God and I love to pray to him, but I wish I took more time than I do. I know the benefits and the results of prayer as I've been on the receiving end to answered prayer many times in my life; some of it quite amazing but I guess it's like Paul said; "I do the things I don't want to do and I don't do the things I want to do. Prayer is a hard discipline especially when ...
Not sure if this is a true story or not, but it got my attention as I thought about the situation. What would I do in this situation? What would you do? AFTER A FEW OF THE USUAL SUNDAY EVENING HYMNS, THE CHURCH'S PASTOR SLOWLY STOOD UP, WALKED OVER TO THE PULPIT AND, BEFORE HE GAVE HIS SERMON FOR THE EVENING, HE BRIEFLY INTRODUCED A GUEST MINISTER WHO WAS IN THE SERVICE THAT EVENING. IN THE INTRODUCTION, THE PASTOR TOLD THE CONGREGATION THAT THE GUES...
(sent by one who knows the deceased and asked that I pass along to those who also may know Him) Jerusalem -Jesus Christ, 33 of Nazareth died Friday on Mount Calvary also known as Golgatha, Place of the Skull. Betrayed by the Apostle Judas, Jesus was crucified by the Romans by order of the ruler Pontius Pilate. The causes of death were crucifixion, extreme exhaustion, severe torture and loss of blood. Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abraham, was ...