Truth Unedited

Who Is In Control?

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:33:00 +0000

Colossians 1:

[9] For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
[10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
[11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
[12] Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
[13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
[14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
[15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
[16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
[17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
[18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
[19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
[20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
[21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
[22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

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Have you ever thought about how much control over the events of life that you really have? I believe if you sit, and think about it you would actually find it interesting. I have done that, and typed some things that came to my mind.

Some things we do NOT control:
If we wake up in the morning.
If our boss is in a good mood.
If we get a promotion today
If we get laid off from work
The weather
If the guy on the freeway next to us gets distracted and slams into us
Your spouse’s mood
If someone cuts us off while driving
If our close friends move far away
If your spouse wakes up one day and decides to leave, when you did not sense any problems (or even if you did)
If your spouse cheats on you
If our paychecks actually get direct deposited into our account
If you will meet the love of your life today
If our children will take our advise on life matters
Our height
If the sun rises
Who smiles at us today
Who talks about us behind our back
When we get sick (if we did we would never get sick)
When we get well (if we did we would get well right away)
The way others treat us
Others who decide to physically hurt us
If the kids act up in school today
Who we are attracted to
If we are left handed or right handed
Our nationality
The day we were born
The day we die
Where we were born
Our height
Our parents
The weather
If we get a flat tire
The price of groceries
The price of gas
When the kids need new clothes

Think of some things that come to your mind that we can’t control, and send them to me please. I will put together a big list. I think it is pretty interesting to read through, contemplate, and just look at some of the things. It is pretty amazing how much in life we really DO NOT CONTROL. And if we don’t control it, then who does? Is it just out of control? Are we just victims of circumstance?

I look forward to your responses.

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Do we control anything in this life?

Pocket Calendars

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:28:00 +0000

We all lead busy lives these days. We really need something to keep up with it all. Amsterdam recognizes that fact. That is why they supply many people with pocket calendars to stay on top of things as we go.

They have many different styles of calendars for each individual need. They even off a great way to adertise your business with the calendars. You can put you business information on the cover, and hand them out. And the great thing is that you will have an advertising tool at a very affordable cost.

You can give your customers and clients a little "thank you" for their business, and spread the word about your services, all at the same time.

Called Unto Good Works (part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:23:00 +0000

Matt.5 (red = Jesus speaking)
[1] And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
[2] And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
[3] Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[4] Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
[5] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
[6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
[7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
[8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
[9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
[10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[11] Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
[12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
[13] You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.[14] You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
[15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house.
[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
[17] Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
[18] For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

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It is a good thing for ALL to do good. But, it is especially important for those who are saved and call themselves by the name of Christ. The very love of God is resident within the spirit of good works. The very love of God is manifestly shown to others through our good works. They are like big, bright, flashing, pointing arrows that show the way to God though Christ. It is interesting that the older I get, the more reading of the bible I do, and the more experience I gain just by being present in life, the more I see that IT IS ALL ABOUT CHRIST. We must carry that very fact with us wherever we go, and in whatever we do. I know, often that is easier said than done. There are situations that will test us, for sure.

It is a good work for us to feed the poor and hungry. It is a good work for us to be nice to people, and speak kindly to them. It is good to slow down a little and let people move into our lane when we see them trying to get over, instead of speeding up so they can’t get over. Those are good works. But, there is more to be added. The more is the harder part. It is the shining of the light to show the True Light - Jesus.

The difference for us is that we do good works, even to those whom we deem do not deserve any works of goodness to be shown them. You all know people at work that cast your name out as evil. They make your private business public, without your consent. And then they can’t even get that right, because they often lie about you. They feel, for some reason, that it is in their job description to let others know what they think you do. Guess what? Gotta be good to them. Gotta love them. Gotta pray for them. When they need help, if you can; gotta help them. With THAT is God well pleased. With THAT is the light shining. Why? Well, anyone can be good to only those who are good to them. It takes a lot more inner strength to be good to someone who is contrary to us. That inner strength comes from Christ in us.

It is no coincidence that Jesus speaks of the fact that we are blessed when we are “persecuted for righteousness’ sake”, and “when men shall persecute us, and speak all manner of evil against us falsely, for His sake”. And He follows that up with the fact that we are the light of the world. And then says to let our light shine BEFORE MEN, that they might see our GOOD WORKS. Why? Again, to glorify God.

We must do good through persecution. We must do good when lied on. We must do good when we are wronged. We must do good when we feel like it, and when we don’t. We must do good when it is inconvenient to do so. We must do good when the only thing we want to do is retaliate. Even when that retaliation, by man’s standards, is very understandable. But guess what? When asked, “Why didn’t you retaliate when you were wronged? I know I would have!” Guess what you have?.....That’s right. A chance to share the reason for the love within. A chance to share Christ! Now, you are not only a witness/light to the person who wronged you, but also to those who witnessed the wrong, and then witnessed your godly/goodly reaction. All about Christ.

(more to come concerning the subject of works)

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Do You Walk In Good Works?

The Plastic Store

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:06:00 +0000

If plastic materials is your search I have found the site for you. InterstatePlastics.com has just what you need. They offer plastic sheets, plastic rods, plastic tubings, and plastic profiles. If coroplast is your particular need, then you are in the right place. InterState Plastics sheets are offered in a wide range of standard and opaque colors.

You can browse their products, at your leisure. They have standard sizes available, as well as custom sizes. And you can make the purchase online through their safe and secure checkout center.

So, go ahead take the plastics tour, and be glad you did.

Called Unto Good Works

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:03:00 +0000

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Eph.2
[1] And you has he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
[2] Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience:
[3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
[5] Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Christ, (by grace you are saved;)
[6] And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
[8] For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.

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No man is saved by works that he personally has done. God does not search the earth for “good” men and women that He might use to show off His power. He does not look down and say, “Man, he/she sure does do some great work. I should join with him/her. Imagine what great things he could do My Kingdom because he is such a great worker.” God does not have a draft like the NBA or NFL where he selects the best of the best.

God instead takes the lowest of the low. He calls from a life of sin. He calls us from a life of destruction, and a path that would take us straight to hell. He does this, not according to any works of goodness that we perform. No…God calls us out of darkness, and into light according to His great love and mercy. He takes people who are enemies to good works, and begins a work in them. He begins a transformation in His people. That is why we are called His “workmanship”. He takes us and shapes us. He does a work from the inside out. He awakens our spirit so that we might be able to see the things that He has offered to us; such as salvation only through His Son Jesus. But, God does not stop there. He begins a work in us to transform us into the image of His Son. It is out of that transforming work that we can then carry on the work of God. NOT WORK TO GET SAVED, BUT RATHER WORK BECAUSE WE ARE SAVED.

Notice that we are not just saved, and then called to a life of silent salvation until we die, and then go to heaven. No, we are saved, and then begin a journey to learn to model Christ and join in the fellowship of His good works. Good works are those that demonstrate to others the love of God. Good works will often cause the question to be asked, “Why do you do that?” The question is asked that we who do good works through the power of God would then be able to preach Christ and say, “God is doing a good work in me. He sent His only Son Jesus to die for me when I was yet in my sin. And then He sent His Spirit to reside in me, that I might be able walk in good works and glorify His name. Be it known that there is NO OTHER NAME under heaven and earth whereby man can be saved, except by the name of Jesus our Christ.” What I am saying is that our works of goodness show forth to others the love, mercy, kindness, and grace that God has shown to us. By our demonstration of good works we are able to show others the love of God, and preach Christ.

There is a common theme that I am learning. IT IS ALL ABOUT CHRIST. Good works alone are good. But that is not the main goal. The main goal is to show the love of God. He is the focus. There are many people outside of Christ (don’t believe in Him) that have and do good things. That is good. But, the only problem is that when they are asked about it, they do not point to Christ. They ultimately give the glory to someone other than God. The kingdom of God is not preached. They point to themselves, their parents, and teachers. Give honor to whom it is due. But, when the end of the line is reached it should always point to God, through Christ.

(more to come concerning the subject of works)

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Do You Walk In Good Works?

Online Car Search

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:46:00 +0000

We are all looking for easier ways to make our car purchases. Gone are the days when you have get in the car, and drive from lot to lot. Especially with online companies like www.buyyourcar.co.uk. They make new/used car shopping, and car leasing a breeze.

You can visit their website. Select what type of car you are looking for if you want to narrow down your search. Compare pricing, and feature information. Decide if it would be best for you to buy a car, or lease a car. The site is here to help you make the best decision based on you and your family needs. All that in the comfort of your own home.

So go right on over, and start your search for the car of your choice. You will be glad you did.

More Than Others

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:41:00 +0000

Matthew 5:
(Jesus Speaking)
[38] You have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
[39] But I say unto you, That you resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
[40] And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloke also.
[41] And whosoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him twain.
[42] Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not away.
[43] You have heard that it hath been said, You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.
[44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
[45] That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
[46] For if you love them which love you, what reward have you? do not even the publicans the same?
[47] And if you salute your brethren only, what do you more than others? do not even the publicans so?
[48] Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

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We are taking a brief detour from the study of works. The scriptures above were part of the lesson that I received on Sunday. My thoughts turned to answer the question posed in verse 47, which is the focus of this message. I had to ask myself, “What do you more than others?”. And, it also made me think of all of you. I thought it would be a great topic of discussion today.

The “others” spoken of in verse 47 are those that do not proclaim the name of Christ. It refers to those that do associate themselves with the Gospel message. The question could also be asked, “What do you Christians do more than those who do not believe that Jesus is the Christ who died on the cross for the sins of the world?” I must admit, this is a humbling question. I think we will find that we have work to do. We don’t have time to point fingers at others, in light of the question posed. Shoot; I have to work on my own self. I have reconstruction going on with my body, soul, spirit, and mind.

I ask you, not to answer me but your own self, “What do you do more than others?” Now, you ask yourself that question. “What do I do more than others?”
What do I do when others speak evil of me?
What do I do when people ask something of me?
What do I do when it comes time to love the unlovely, and those who don’t love me back?
What do I do when it comes time to do for my enemy?
What do I do when I am cursed by another?
What do I do when I do not get my way?
What do I do when I see someone in need, and I know I could help?
What do I do when I am mocked, and mistreated?

Those are some tough and thought provoking questions. They call for mirror, so we each can take a look at our own self. I don’t know if you have ever really thought about it, but this Christian walk calls for a different attitude, and different reactions to life’s curveballs. We who call ourselves by the name of Christ often receive the same treatment as those who do not believe in God. The difference is that our reactions must be different. We are held at a higher standard. I realize, to many, it make no sense to love your enemy. It makes no sense to pray for those who despitefully use you, or to not reward evil for evil. Instead to reward evil with good. But, it does not have to make sense. It makes Christ. In those things we show forth the love of God. We show the truth of Christ going to that cross for our sins. A people who certainly do not love Him back all the time for what He has done, is doing, and will do for us.

So we must ask ourselves, “What more do we do than others”? Even better, we must answer that question. We must then get in line with Christ. He is our ultimate example.

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What are you doing more than others?

You Know What Time It Is

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 19:39:00 +0000

The Rolex watch has long since been the standard by which all watches are measured. Many have tried to duplicate it. But why settle for imitations when you get the real thing. Best of Time has Rolex watches that are 100% authentic. They sell new and pre-owned Rolex watches with genuine Rolex boxes and GIA member appraisal papers. The watches also have the authentic model and serial numbers. The discounts alone will blow you away.

Best Of Time, AKA Alex Jewelry are proud members of the Better Business Bureau. They are an officially accredited business by the BBB, with an A+ rating. That is the highest possible rating a business can get. So feel safe in knowing that Best Of Time really knows what time is, and makes it their business to make sure you do too.

We all need to know what time it is. There is no better way to check on that time than with a Rolex from www.bestoftime.com. You can find a Rolex watch for all occasions. So, no matter where you go, and no matter what you do, you will always know what time it is. And no watch will received without first going through the Best of Time checklist. They will make sure that all is tested, and found to pass with a grade A.

There is no time to waste cause time is precious. Check out The Best of Time to pick out your Rolex, today. Make sure you know what time it is.

The Eyes of Faith (part 7)

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:55:00 +0000

(The Doing of It)

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James 2:

[14] What does it profit, my brethren, though a man say he has faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
[15] If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
[16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding you give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
[17] Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone.
[18] Yea, a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: shew me your faith without your works, and I will shew you my faith by my works.
[19] You believe that there is one God; You do well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
[20] But wilt you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
[21] Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
[22] See you how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
[23] And the scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
[24] You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
[25] Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
[26] For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

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We are saved by faith alone. We are saved by faith in the work of Christ.

However, James, is not talking about saving faith. James is talking about our conduct towards God and others, BECAUSE WE ARE SAVED. See, the things James knew, is the same thing we know. It is the same thing that we have witnessed in our own self, as well as others around us. We often have good intentions. We INTEND to do a certain thing. It looks good "on paper". BUT, when it comes to the actual Doing of the thing that we had good intentions to do, something gets lost. Usually that something is the action; the actual doing of the thing.

We are also great talkers. We can talk a thing to death. We can talk ourselves into believing that our good intentions are enough. "Well, I meant to do...." or "I would have done done it, but...." or "It's a good idea for me to......"

James is talking about taking the next step. James is talking about taking those "good intentions", those "good ideas about what we should/could do", and taking the plan "on paper" and put some muscle behind it.....And DO it. That's why James says, "shew me your faith without your works, and I will shew you my faith by my works." My friends, the evidence of a man's faith is often shown by the action that a man does in regards to that which he says he believes in. Talk must become performance. Performance, not to "get saved", but performance because we are saved. We who say we believe in Christ, should LIVE like we believe in Christ. The LIVING would be the act of faith concerning what we profess to believe. Others should be able to see a lot of that LIVING.

For instance; if I were to ask you if you love God, let's assume you would say "Yes, of course". Well, God says that if we love Him, keep His commandments. The actual keeping of God's commandments would be the faith in action that James speaks about concerning showing faith by works. James is saying that his works will point to his faith. It does no good to say, "God I love you" and then not keep His commandments. Those two would be contrary to one another. Our works/actions would not be lining up with our words.

Think about it along these lines. Let's say you have a spouse, or significant other (opposite sex of course). That person always says "I love you" before leaving the house. Then one day you find out that person leaves the house and goes to visit another woman/man to be intimate with. How much does their words, "I love you" then mean to you at that point? What about the person who leaves the house, but never really says I love you. But, they do the things everyday that show you that they truly love you. You don't have do wonder if they love you. Sure, you would like to hear the words from time to time, but I believe that you must admit that given the choice you would take the action over the words any day of the week. One story of no works, and the other of works.

Basically, James is simply saying that you should generally be able to see a person's faith, or lack thereof, by the works/actions of their everyday life. James is instructing the readers to stop with all the talk only, and add the second half to that. The second half is the doing of what was talked about. The second half makes the first half complete, or perfect.

Does that make sense?

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Do you show your faith by your works?

Shoes.com Coupons

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:10:00 +0000

Everyone is looking for ways to save during the present economic crunch. Yet, we still need the things we used to need when times were good. Shoes.com realizes that, and wants to help. They have a wide variety of shoes of different brands, so you are sure to find what you are looking for. But, not only that, they those shoes at rock bottom prices. Visit the site and get a Shoes.com coupon to help you walk away with shoes for the whole family.

Folks, this is basically free money given to you in the form of online coupons to make purchases that you are going to have to make sooner or later anyway. You might as well get your shoes from Shoes.com. They have what you need. Whether they be tennis shoes like K-Swiss and New Balance or dress shoes like Stacy Adams. They even shoes of styles somewhere in between, like Sketchers. There are many more styles and brands to choose from. Check them out. You will be sure to walk away with a smile.

The Eyes of Faith (part 6)

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:07:00 +0000

(Faith Requires No Signs)

Matthew 12:

[34] O generation of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
[35] A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
[36] But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
[37] For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.
[38] Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from you.
[39] But He answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
[40] For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
[41] The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
[42] The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
[43] When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
[44] Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
[45] Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

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We live in a world were proof is king. If I tell you that I can jump 20 feet in the air, you are most definitely going to want to see it with your own eyes, before you believe it. If someone tells you that they can pick up a building with their bear hands you are going to want to see that. Even if I tell you that I actually saw it with my own two eyes, that still will not no be enough for most. You will still want to see it for your own self. Therein lies the saying, "Seeing is believing".

That saying, nor the spirit behind it, is new. And the principle applies to all aspects of life that we think are extraordinary, or just different from the norm. This was the case in the days of Jesus. It had been taught for many generations that there was a need that One come on the scene to die for the sins of the people. It was prophesied that One would come on the scene in Jerusalem and restore the kingdom. (Though they thought it was a physical kingdom, but it turns out to be a spiritual kingdom)

My point is that they had God in the flesh right before their very eyes preaching the good news of the kingdom with authority that they had never heard from any other. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, forgave sins, and fed thousands with very little. And yet, they still said, "we would see a sign from You." What does a Brotha have to do?!!!...Many of us turn our noses up at them, and the thought of them needing more proof that Jesus is the very Son of God sent to deliver His people from their sins.....And yet, we do the same thing.

We say:
"I could believe it, IF ONLY some physical evidence were available."
"I could believe it, IF ONLY they could find the tomb where Jesus was laid."
"I could believe it, IF ONLY they could find Noah's ark. I could believe it, IF ONLY the stories in the Bible made sense to me."
"I could believe it, IF ONLY God had written the Bible His own self, and not used men to pen it (The Bible says in Exodus 31:18 that God wrote the 10 commandments with His finger and then gave them to Moses, but that still is not enough proof) ."
"I could believe it, IF ONLY God would do what I tell Him to do (because we are so smart; sarcasm)."
"I could believe it, IF (fading) ONLY ONLy ONly Only only............................".

We, who do believe, still do it in certain instances in our life. We seek "confirmation" from God that what we asked for will come to pass. Then we need a confirmation about our confirmation...Yes, we are a funny group sometimes. I have done it myself, I must admit.

The moral to this story is the fact that we have what we need to believe. We have His Word. God has given us faith. Of course we need to exercise it, and strengthen that faith.

Hebrews 11:
[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
[2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.
[3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

We have all that we are going to get to believe; faith. If faith is not enough for you and me, then we are in trouble. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by God...
Faith requires no signs. Faith believes God, at His word. Faith sees spiritual things, without always having physical evidence to back it up. Faith is the tangible proof that salvation is only through Jesus. Faith is the tangible proof that God will deliver to us what He has promised. We don't need any other "sign" to believe our great God. If God says it, then it shall be done.

Blessed is the man who believes without needing a physical sign.

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Do you believe without needing a sign?

Bathroom Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:07:00 +0000

Many people would like to customize their bathrooms, but just don't know where to start. There is no more time to waste. It's time to get your bathroom looking like you want it to look. Spacify has the furniture for the modern look that you have been wanting. They can help you with everything from bathtubs to mirrors. Spacify has whatever you need to makeover the style of your bathroom.

They have a wide variety of bathroom accessories, and Bathroom Vanities. Get that great designer vanity that will lift your bathroom to a new level in contemporary sleekness. True, it will cause visitors to stay in your bathroom a little longer than normal, but that is just because they will feel like they are on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

The Eyes Of Faith (part 5)

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:04:00 +0000

I Peter 1:

[1] Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
[2] Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
[4] To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you,
[5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
[6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
[7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
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Warning! Warning! Warning!...This just in. Your faith is under fire!

The day will come when our faith will be severely tested. What will we do? A lot of we do tomorrow depends on what we do today. A lot of what happens tomorrow depends on how we handle what happens today. Faith built up in peace time equals a faith that is more likely to withstand the wiles of the devil, temptations of life, and temptations to quit this walk of faith.

By "peace time" I mean the time when nothing tragic is happening in your life. There is nothing in particular stressing your faith. The devil is not in attack mode on your life. The car is running fine. The bills are getting paid. The kids are acting right. Folks on the job are treating you like you think you should be treated. Relationships are in happy mode.

Let me tell ya though. Sometimes....Right when you get relaxed and comfortable in your time of peace...BOOM!....here comes life. Those things listed in the previous paragraph, that were going great, begin to do a u-turn. And they don't wait to reek havoc on your life in staggered fashion. It seems that they often come, all at once. It seems that we get hit from all directions, so it does not matter which way we turn. And not only that, but it seems as though, no matter how many people we have in our life, to a certain extent, we are still alone in the battle.

Now, the question arises. Will we continue to send up those same praises to God that we sent up a couple weeks ago before the car broke down? Will we walk around with that same smile on our face as we did when things were going good with the family at home? Is God still "Good all the time, and all the time God is good", when we don't get what we want? Will we still be "blessed and highly favored", when we see no appearance of any obvious blessings or favors?

And remember those stories about Abraham, David, Elijah, Paul, and their "adventures" in faith? Remember when we thought in our mind, "If that happened to me I would have done _____________________." Well, here comes an adventure for us. It is now our time to stand. Will we? It becomes our time to fill in the blanks about what we truly would do.

I have not even mentioned the testing of our faith that comes from persecution brought by others because of our stand taken for Christ. I am not sure if you know it, but people have throughout all of history suffered greatly for their stand for Christ. And guess what? It is stilling going on in certain parts of the world today. I will discuss that in the next message.

The big thing is that faith must be exercised, AT ALL TIMES. It must be strengthened when things are going good. It must stand the test of time when the temperature is turned up on it. Faith must be stood on when things do not look quite like we think they should. God is God ALL THE TIME. It does not matter what is going on in our life or around our life. You can believe that, and you can stand on that.

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What is under your feet? Who is your foundation?

Collision Repair Experts

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:23:00 +0000

Automobile collisions happen on the highways of America everyday. It is an unfortunate fact, but nonetheless true. It is good to know that should it happen to you there is a reputable place to get your car back to pre-accident condition.

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Auto body shops downey in the Los Angeles area is one of the shops in the network. They make the best of a trying situation. You can rest easy knowing that your car is in good hands. When they hand your car back over to you, it will put a smile on your face. They will make you forget you ever had a collision.

Welcome to the largest network of collision repair experts. Our network of auto body shops has thousands of testimonials and feedback ratings so you don't have to take any chances getting your vehicle back to pre-accident condition. Your safety is our number one concern and our auto body shops & collision repair experts never compromise the quality of their work.

The Power of Our God (part 4)

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:16:00 +0000

Daniel 4:

[29] At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon.
[30] The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?
[31] While the word was in the king's mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from you.
[32] And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make you to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until you know that the most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever he will.
[33] The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws.
[34] And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that lives for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
[35] And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What are you doing?
[36] At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellers and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me.
[37] Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

===========================

Sometimes we have to find out things the hard way. You remember when you were a teenager, and a young adult in your 20's? You parents, and other family members a bit older than you gave you advise on life, and how handle certain situations. Now, I know some of you might have listened. But, most of us don't believe it until we go through it our own selves. Forget the warnings. We will find out for ourselves. And ohhhh what a humbling experience it is when we find out.

Such was the case for King Nebuchadnezzar. To put this in perspective you have to understand who we are talking about. At that time King 'N' was king of the most powerful nation on earth. When he said something people listened. When he commanded something to be done, you can best believe it was done. His will was a statement away. And he knew it.

And as we read above, one day he got really full of himself. The king sat back and looked at all he had accomplished. He looked at all he had acquired. He looked his big house, his thousands of chariots and horses, his great army of men, his vast lands, his luxurious garments, great parties and events, vast amount of maidservants and menservants, women at his beckoning call, and on and on. He looked around and found no man to rival him, and no kingdom to rival his kingdom. So at this he pats himself on the back. And then he continues on further. He stepped way out of bounds. Instead of giving credit where credit was due, he magnified himself. Instead of giving glory to God, he glorified himself.

God said He would share His glory with any other. Nebuchadnezzar learned that. It was NOTHING by might and power for God to humble this great king. God said, "You haven't built anything, but what I let you build. And just to show you, "the kingdom is departed from you".

The great thing about our God is that is does not matter who is in power on earth. They are still under the power of God. What they think they control....they don't. God is in control. There is NO power the rivals the power of our God. Not here on earth. Not from the past. Not from the present. And definitely not coming in the future. The only thing coming in the future is our great King; the greatest King. King Jesus! And that day does God have held in the power of His hand. And in that day God will exalt to heaven whom He will. That is the power He possesses.

We better do like king Nebuchadnezzar had to do. "Praise and extol and honor the King of heaven". The buck stops there. It does go any higher. There is none more powerful. We serve the MOST powerful of any that there is....Think about that......There is no one more powerful than our God, who gave us the right and privilege to call Him Daddy. He has forgiven us of our sins, and made a place for us in the heavens with our precious savior Jesus the Christ. And NO ONE can take that from us. Why not? Because God gave it to us as a gift, and said that none would be able to pluck it out of our hands. Great and powerful God that we serve!

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Do you realize that you serve a God who possesses all power?

Watch TV Online

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:19:00 +0000

No longer do you have to sit in front of the big box to watch your favorite shows. There are now other possibilities. There are other legal possibilities to Spreety TV Online : Watch TV Shows Online Free. Spreety has a wide variety of sites with a wide variety of genres available for you to choose from. They have action/adventure, comedy, drama, and of course religious and spiritual programs.

Go ahead and check them out. You are sure to find a variety of shows to choose from.

The Power of Our God (part 3)

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:07:00 +0000

I Corinthians 1:

[19] For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
[20] Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
[21] For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
[22] For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
[23] But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
[24] But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
[25] Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
[26] For you see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
[27] But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
[28] And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
[29] That no flesh should glory in his presence.
[30] But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
[31] That, according as it is written, He that glories, let him glory in the Lord.

===========================

God does not have any problem demonstrating His power us. Often, we have a problem seeing His power for what it is. We shouldn't, but we do. We generally look for it in loud displays of obvious supernatural events. The truth is, He has been demonstrating His power from eternity past. He continued that demonstration with His creation of us and all that surrounds us. The thing I like about it is that He does it in such a way that is the total opposite of the way we would do it.

What do I mean? Well, let me explain it in with an analogy using Michael Jordan. Mike is arguably the best basketball player to ever play in the NBA. If Michael Jordan was told that he was to assemble a team to play the best team in NBA what would you think he would do?.....He would make calls to those considered to be the top players available, so they could play with him. Mike would get the best of the available players.....

Now, let me ask you what Jesus would do if he had to do the same thing?......Jesus would do just the opposite. He would get a lady in a wheelchair who never played basketball. He would get a couple of blind dudes. He would get someone with one leg. He would bring in midgets to play with Him. Jesus would bring in old men who need walkers to get around....And they would become champions!

Mikes team, with all the top players, would not stand a chance. Naturally, those outside looking at it would consider Jesus to be ridiculous for His choices. Especially in light of the fact that He is going to be playing against the best of the best. And, naturally speaking, they would be right. But, we serve a God who is not bound by "naturally speaking". He does not operate by "natural rules".

It takes some great power to choose who God has chosen to be on His team....and to win EVERY TIME. We serve such a God that the bible says chooses the base and lowly (you and me) of the world, and turns around and makes champions of us. How? Because we are on His team. There is no rags to riches story; no human event in history; no underdog movie made that can compare to work God has done in/with/through His people. Nor is there anything that can compare to the work that God is doing, nor what God will complete in His people. God's power is unmatched by ANYTHING.

There is no team that Satan can put together that can rival God. The great thing about it is that we are on God's team. It is not about what we bring to the team. It is all about the POWER of our God. Now, He has given us power overcome, and to sit with Him in victory. This is one time I don't mind being called foolish, or base, or unwise. But, when God got a hold of mean He changed my story. He changed the adjectives that can be used to describe me. He did that for you as well. Now matter what is going on in our lives, we have the power of God backing us. We have the power of God IN us. Walk in the power of our God.

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Do you realize that you serve a God who possesses all power?

Web Hosting Search

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:58:00 +0000

If you have ever had a website on the Internet then you know the importance of a good web hosting company. You know the success of your website is tied into the stability of the company that hosts your site. There are many factors that go into choosing a webhosting company. How do you know which one is the best?

Thank God for Web Hosting Geeks. They have made the investigation into which web hosting company to partner with, a lot easier. They have compiled information based on different set of criteria so that you can easily find what you are looking for. You can find out about the best hosting companies for blogs, best email hosting companies, best ecommerce hosting companies, best dedicated hosting companies, and more.

Web Hosting Geeks even have a section called web hosting 101 which answers many questions concerning what to look for in a web hosting company. They give you areas to consider so that you will make the right decision for your personal or business website.

You can check out the web hosting awards that various web hosting companies have earned. That is a great tool to help you narrow down your search because the awards have been categorized in relevant groupings like: best budget webhosting, best blog webhosting, best Unix webhosting, best email webhosting, and more.

Their mission is to make your search for the truth of webhosting as easy as possible. Check them out, and make a strong decision on your future on the web.

The Power of Our God (part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:59:00 +0000

Isaiah 46.

[1] Bel bows down, Nebo stoops, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages were heavy loaden; they are a burden to the weary beast.
[2] They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.
[3] Hearken unto me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, which are borne by me from the belly, which are carried from the womb:
[4] And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
[5] To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?
[6] They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance, and hire a goldsmith; and he makes it a god: they fall down, yea, they worship.
[7] They bear him upon the shoulder, they carry him, and set him in his place, and he stands; from his place shall he not remove: yea, one shall cry unto him, yet can he not answer, nor save him out of his trouble.
[8] Remember this, and shew yourselves men: bring it again to mind, O you transgressors.
[9] Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
[10] Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
[11] Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executes my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.
[12] Hearken unto me, you stouthearted, that are far from righteousness:
[13] I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

===========================

Have you ever really just sat, and thought about the power of our God? Have you thought about the power that he possess, just by the sound of His voice. He does not even have to lift a finger and His creation obeys Him.

God is not like the bully the puffs out his chest, gets loud, and yet has no strength to make anyone do anything. In fact, we find in I Kings 19, where God spoke to Elijah in "a still small voice". We see in the movies that when God (actually the person playing the part of God) speaks, He has uses this very authoritative loud voice. They do that for dramatic purposes. In reality, God does not have to do that to get things done. He is powerful. He speaks in a regular voice, and sometimes a whisper....and things happen!

I have thought about this. What about the power of man? We have done some pretty amazing things. And for all the amazing things we have accomplished, it doesn't even come close to what God has accomplished. And we have not seen it all from God, yet. God still has "some tricks up His sleeve". Have you ever thought about how God could be in more than one place at one time? I have. It seems impossible. But, then I thought; in a sense so can we. At least our voice can. Our images can. We pick up the phone and can call someone 2000 miles away from us, and hold a conversation with them. The people in the room where we are can hear our voice, and the people on the other end of the phone 2000 miles away can hear our voice just as we speak it. Our voice travels over some cables...all the way around the world. Then I think about wireless calling. Look Mama, "No wires!". When you think about it, how phenomenal is that?!!

We give props to mankind for these inventions. But, really man didn't invent anything. God revealed to us some of the ways in which He set this world up. He revealed some of the ways that things happen. He gave us enough wisdom to figure out how to do things with what He has put here.

It may seem to you that I am talking about the power of man, but my attempt through the illustrations above is to show you the power of our God. See, if we can think about the things we have been able to do then it should be easy (or easier) to understand how God who created us and all that we can do; how God can and has done MUCH more. Isaiah 46 tells that God declares the end, from the beginning. In other words, God writes the end result of things AT THE SAME TIME that He produces things. We don't know what the end of certain situations shall be all the time. We can't even figure out the middle. But God, has declared "from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:".

It's easy and difficult at the same time to write about the power of God. It is easy because the creations shows forth His power, and hard because I don't think words can adequately shed light on His full power. But, we attempt it the best we can.

Now think about it. We are talking about the God you, me; we serve. He is the God that sent His own Son into the world to die for our sins, so that we don't have to. This is the God that has given us the right to call Him Father....Daddy. This is our Daddy who says, "Don't worry about it. I got you."

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Do you realize that you serve a God who possesses all power?

Friendly Game of Pool Anyone

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:13:00 +0000

I know that there are many of you out there that love online games. You love to get together with friends and enjoy some friendly online competition. I also know that many of you love to get together and engage in a friendly game of pool. Now you can join the two with multiplayer games,8c1.net.http://www.8c1.net.

Visit http://www.8c1.net and see how you and friends can play multi-player billiards. I know I personally enjoy a friendly pool rivalry with friends. You can invite your friends, create your own group, and chat while you are playing online. And it is free to join.

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The Power Of Our God

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:08:00 +0000

I Corinthians 4.

[14] I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
[15] For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
[16] Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
[17] For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
[18] Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
[19] But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
[20] For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
[21] What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

===========================

What if God had spoken in the beginning, "Let there be light", but no light appeared?

What if God had spoken, "Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear:", and no dry land appeared?

What if God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth:", and no grass nor seed appeared?

What if God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth:", and no light ever reached the earth?

But, we know that when God spoke the things listed above, they came to be. It is recorded, and we witness it to this day, that God spoke, "And it was so". Now, the power does not speak of God's word, but the word speaks of God's Power. What I mean by that is that we serve such a God that so powerful that WHATEVER He says comes to pass.

I am bringing this up today because I believe that we often loose sight of just how powerful our God is. When we do that, we tend to elevate ourselves, and depend on our own selves. Ladies and gentlemen, we need not do that. Let's humble ourselves under our God, who can a problem for me, while at the same time handle your problem. And at the same time handle problems in California. And at the same time handle problems in Hong Kong. And at the same time handle problems in Africa. And at the same time send His Word to bless you. And at the same time put things in motion that won't be realized by us for years.

We serve a powerful God. The sun even obeys His command. The moon even obeys His command. "Give Light to my people on earth". And it is so. The sun is just far enough away that it does not burn us to an immediate crisp. It is just close enough so that we do not freeze to death. It is a continual burning star. It is doing what our God told it to do. Why? Because He has the power to make His will happen. That is what kind God we serve. Give Him praise, and give Him His glory. He has the power to get that, one way or another.

But, think about the power of our God. Get crazy with it. I mean, I think about the fact that He is able to understand everyone no matter what language they speak, or if they do not speak at all. He know the intents of the heart, without a word of our intentions being spoken. He knows the day, the hour and the minute of our last breath on this earth. He knew a way to get people who could not otherwise communicate to be able to share the gospel with one another (Acts 2). He knows how to get us to do what He wants us to do. And just when we think we understand Him, He shows that there soooooo much more to Him.

(more on this subject in the next message)

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Do you realize that you serve a God who possesses all power?

My Start Page

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:15:00 +0000

I know many of you like would like to customize your own browser start page. Now you can. There is a very easy way to do it. It basically boils down to typing the word or phrase you want to appear as the headline. Then click, and there you have it. Welcome to your very own start page. And, you can create one for up to 10 friends. Check it out.

It Is Good

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:12:00 +0000

Psalms 119

[64] The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me Your statutes.
[65] You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word.
[66] Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed Your commandments.
[67] Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept Your word.
[68] You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes.
[69] The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart.[70] Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in Your law.
[71] It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
[72] The law of Your mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
[73] Your hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.
[74] They that fear You will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in Your word.
[75] I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are right, and that You in faithfulness have afflicted me.

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Hebrew word and definition for "afflicted":
afflicted = anah
1. to humble
2. to be bowed down
3. to weaken

David is the writer of Psalms 119. He is in a time in his life where he has been through some things. He has walked with God. talked with God, and taught by God. David reflects back after maturing in faith. There are things that he can now understand that he was not able to before. God has brought David to a place where David can see just a little clearer concerning God and how He operates. David, like us, tried things the way he wanted to. He found that to be a big error in judgment.

We are no different than David in the sense that we have all gone astray. We have all been like that sheep that left the pack and had to have our Shepherd come, set us right side up, and deliver us back into the fold. We all sought what we believed to be the "best thing for us", according to our fleshly desires. To be honest, we really did not, and do not appreciate it, at the time it happens, when God shows up and wrecks our agenda. We even get arrogant in our thoughts, words, actions. We get to the point where we think we know how to run our lives better than God does.

God is smarter than us. He often will step aside and say, "Ok. You think you can do better than Me with your life. Go ahead. Have at it."...Then, there we go. Off to destroy ourselves.

The great thing about God is that He knows how far out to let us go before He says, "Enough is enough". He knows what stumbling blocks to put in our lives to cause us more problems than we bargained for. He knows how low to let us get. But, the more amazing thing is that by the time God shows up, we are more than ready for Him. In fact, we have by then fallen on our face before His throne and pretty much begged Him to take over our lives again. We cry out for His mercy and grace. And through the time that we turned our back on God, He still loves us. He still watches over us. Amazing!!! Let someone do to us what we do to God, and we will cut them off and not look back.

David talked about the fact that his affliction caused him to keep God's word. It caused him to learn God's laws. David, when he uses the word "affliction", is talking about being "humbled" by God. Have you ever been humbled before others because you thought you knew something or could do something, only to find out your did not know or could not do. In certain circumstances it can be quite embarrassing. Well, God is so awesome! He knows how to bow us down. He knows how to humble us. But, the humbling and the bowing down is for our own present world, and eternal good.

It is through the humbling experience that we learn that we are NOTHING without God. Our own strength is lacking. Our own knowledge is not enough. Our own physical ability is less than needed. Our own understanding is dumbfounded. There is no life in us outside of God. Hell awaits without His mercy.

God picks us up, restored in mind, soul, and body. Ready, willing, and able to do His will. And happy to do it. God teaches us how to love Him back.

Then we can all say with David, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted".

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Are you learning God's Statutes?

Supplemental Insurance In The Time Of Need

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:04:00 +0000

The unemployed get sick too. They need the assistance of doctors just like everyone else. The only problem is that the unemployed do not have insurance. And if they do have insurance it is costing them an arm and a leg. That is ironic because most unemployed individuals and families do not have the income to pay for insurance.

Now, a door has been opened up for the unemployed to acquire Supplemental Insurance. One of the main benefits you will enjoy is called Teledoc. You will be able to phone a doctor 24\7, and be diagnosed right over the phone. And there is no copay. Now that sounds lovely! They will even phone in your prescription, if it turns out that you need one. It will also save you money from not having to go to the ER or Urgent Care. Just what the unemployed need. A way to save money needed for necessities.

Most of the time discounts are only provided to those who buy for large groups. But SOLO has worked hard to make sure that indivuals receive the same low cost as bulk buyers. And even better, it is not at the normal extraordinary high cost that it has been in the past. Solo Transitional Supplemental Insurance is able to offer the supplemental insurance for less than $20 per month.

In addition, this supplemental insurance comes with a prescription discount card that offers 10-50% off prescriptions. They offer a discount vision program. They offer a discount dental program. There is counseling over the telephone for an emotional issues that arise in your family due to this current economic crisis.

It would be really beneficial for those unemployed people to check out Solo Benefits. You will be happy you did.

Give Him Thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Craig) — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Psalms 100:
[1] Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
[2] Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
[3] Know you that the LORD he is God: it is he that has made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
[4] Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
[5] For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalms 95 :
[1] O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
[2] Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
[3] For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
[4] In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.
[5] The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.
[6] O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

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Let us make today a day of praise and thanksgiving. Let us praise our Father for who He is. Let us praise Him because there is none other like Him. There is no other that holds our souls in his hand. There is no other that has the power to determine our eternal destination.

I thought yesterday about the fact that God is my Father. He is not some far off being that I can not know. He put His Spirit in me, and in that sense He is part of me. That thought and understanding took the relationship a little deeper. It made the relationship a little closer. All I could do is praise Him, and give Him thanks. Who am I that God would look upon to love, and take care of. I could be headed to the devil's hell, but God saved me. Hallelujah!!!!

Think about your own relationship with God. Give Him the thanks that is due Him. Give Him the honor that is due the Creator of all things. Worship Him in your spirit as if your life depends on it. He saved us even when we were not looking to be saved.

Give Him more thanks than you give your boss.
Give Him more thanks than you give your spouse.
Give Him more thanks than you give your friends.
Give Him more thanks than you give your bank account.

Is God worthy of your praise?

"I don't feel like praising Him". Some might say.....This is not about "feelings". This is about knowing that God is demands and is worthy of all praise. You don't "feel" like going to work everyday, but you make. You better "fake it till you make". But if you truly know the goodness of God, you will not have to fake it. Think about where He has brought you from.

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Will you praise and glorify His name?