tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19149894681873634482024-03-12T17:06:20.421-07:00Wayfarer's QuestOne mans' journey through life with reflections on things Spiritual, Political, and Life in generalUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-66729367131044094322012-12-04T08:47:00.001-08:002013-02-13T11:02:24.428-08:00A World Adrift......Christmas the lifesaver<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ever increasing taxes, war, rampant sexual immorality, infanticide,corruption, self absorbed political figures, the poor getting poorer, and the rich living it up..... sounds like the headlines, right? How about first century Jerusalem. Yup, that was the world that the humble babe, Jesus was born into long ago on that cold Bethlehem night. He came as a babe, Immanuel, God in the flesh. If we can truly grasp that, I don't mean to just acknowledge it as simply some sort of religious-mental theory or paradigm. Does it change anything?<br />
If we do own it, it can and does; if we simply agree with it as a form of religious tradition, it bears no weight at all on our current world and life. The world around us will wax and wane through periods of good times, and abysmal horror. But through it all, a statement was made, and action was taken, and power was given to truly change things through both the good times and the bad. It is the message of Christmas.<br />
Jesus is not simply the babe of Christmas whose coming was foretold even thousands of years before his physical birth. He is also the author of salvation, grace, healing, deliverance,freedom, peace, the gate to Heaven, and in years to come the physical ruler of the globe from Jerusalem. IF, you believe that, then it does change everything....through both good and bad times.<br />
He gave power to His followers through the Spirit, to be like scouts, sentries,and advanced tactical forces to establish beachheads, gain territory, create regional and transitional spiritual governments throughout the Earth. All showing that His love, peace,joy and healing power are humanity's gift to obtain. The plan fails when we settle and give up the mandate. When we disregard orders from our commander in chief. When we just live for ourselves because it just becomes...easier. He never promised easy.... He promised, victory and eternal life.....never easy!<br />
So this Christmas, try looking at that humble manger in a whole new light. Look at the world around you, and see if you have laid down your mandate, disregarded orders, and let's be honest...just given up, and given in. There is a new year coming. It will be tough, and a lot of unknowns for all of us to encounter. be we do know that we can reach out to someone who has a plan, and has our backs. Our Heavenly Father did not risk it all based on a gamble that there was going to be a plan B. Christmas to be secular, is " not about ribbons, it's not about tags, it's not about packages, boxes or bags!.....perhaps, it's about just alittle bit more?" <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-16232673681970348202012-07-09T12:41:00.001-07:002012-07-27T11:06:41.986-07:00Under water cities?..Buildings?..Has "climate change happened before??<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love my <i><b>Kindle</b></i>. It seems that you read a lot more with one than you did before it. I think that's because it's like having a library or bookstore right at your fingertips. Instead of having to leave the house or travel, you can access it all right there in the palm of your hands. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I met an older lady at Costco the other day who was going through the book tables. She was writing down all of the titles of the books that she found had peaked her interest. She told me that she was looking for books to read on her Kindle. Since she had gotten one as a gift. The ability to make the typeface larger, the cost of the books, and the Kindles bookstore accessibility made her trips to Costco a time more of title suggestions, than actual book purchases. Boy, how times change.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> With that being said, this isn't a <b><i>Kindle</i></b> commercial. Though through my own, I came across a very old, and curious scientific book. In it's day, during Darwin's time; it was well known and was held in great authority due to it's author. It is called, " <b><i>Discourse on the Revolutionary Upheavals on the surface of the globe and the changes which they produced in the Animal Kingdom", </i></b><i>by George Cuvier.</i> Boy, that's a mouthful! You can see why it is not higher up in Google's listings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I will not bore you with the details that this influential French naturalist packed into his fascinating book. But, if you have any scientific curiosity whatsoever, and thought that Darwin was the only way, I would suggest that you take the time to read Cuvier's work from 1812.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> He espouses the theory of <b><i>catastrophism</i></b>. Simply stated, it is that the changes on the earth overtime come about by a series of unique general upheavals, rather than by slow, constant processes, or by local disasters. He also "wishes to demonstrate, equally, conclusively, that the last such catastrophe was fairly recent ( a few thousand years ago at most) and thus that the present forms of human society are not nearly as ancient as many people have been claiming". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having been educated in the 60's & 70's, I had never been taught that there was any <i>scientific thought</i> that had even dared to contradict or countermand Darwinism, in any aspect. Now, I find that there were academians like Mr. Cuvier, and others of his acclaim, contemporaries of Mr. Darwin, yet we don't hear anything about them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Yet, as a Christian the work of Mr. Cuvier in part does have a biblical ring to it. The Word does talk about at least two large scale catastrophes of epic proportions. Both are listed in the book of Genesis<b><i> ( <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis%207&version=CEB">Gen. 7 </a>& <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2010:25&version=CEB">Gen. 10:25</a>).</i></b> So in a time when,<a href="http://www.edf.org/climate/climate-facts-dangers-and-what-you-can-do-1?s_src=ggad.03.2012.test&gclid=CKj2xfafjbECFSgbQgodSE_lWA"> <b><i>"global warming"</i></b></a> and <b><i><a href="http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/">"Climate</a> </i><i>change"</i></b> are all the buzz words, and mankind is the purported cause; could in all reality global change have happened before and will it happen again? The Bible says that it has, and will again. Science proves that it has happened before, and will more than likely happen again. I would have to say that the Earth's ecosystem is far bigger, far more resilient, and way beyond our complete understanding even with today's wealth of knowledge. So to state something as a fact pertaining to future events regardless of whether it's biblical based or science theory based, both are based on faith derived from different sources.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I know that this is a much more weighty, and heady article than usual. But, I have linked it to some news based articles and pictures that I know that you will enjoy. They are ALL about long forgotten, long unheard of, long ignored man made structures that lie deep beneath the ocean's and seas around the globe. The obvious question to be asked is,<b><i> How did they get there ?</i></b> and your own answers to that question may just change your mind about castastrophism, and your interpretation of Genesis 7 & 10:25....maybe?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://presstv.com/detail/2012/07/03/249189/divers-discover-hidden-underwater-world/">Underwater discovery of <b><i>Britain's Atlantis [ Click Here]</i></b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2000/12/122800blacksea.html">Robert Ballard's <b><i>Black Sea dwellings discovery [ Click here]</i></b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.world-mysteries.com/mpl_Yonaguni.htm">Japan"s <b><i>Ancient Underwater City [Click here]</i></b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/05/25/divers-explore-ruins-cleopatras-palace/">Ancient Egypt City of Alexandria Underwater [Click here]</a></i></b></span><br />
<a href="http://news.yahoo.com/photos/see-map-doggerland-part-europe-destroyed-climate-change-photo-204440261.html">Map of Doggerland [CLICK HERE]</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-74208331834514395992012-06-25T10:31:00.001-07:002012-06-25T11:00:45.312-07:00On that day.............................. Isaiah 24:21-23<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Isaiah 24:21-23</h3>
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<sup class="versenum" id="en-NCV-18016">21</sup> At that time the Lord will punish <br />
the powers in the sky above <br />
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and the rulers on earth below. <br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NCV-18017">22</sup> They will be gathered together <br />
like prisoners thrown into a dungeon; <br />
they will be shut up in prison. <br />
After much time they will be punished.<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NCV-18018">23</sup> The moon will be embarrassed, <br />
and the sun will be ashamed, <br />
because the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> All-Powerful will rule as king <br />
on Mount Zion in Jerusalem. <br />
Jerusalem's leaders will see his greatness.<br />
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I came across these verses in the Book of Isaiah during my reading and research on further teachings for my series, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_432475239">"</a><i><a href="http://wayfarersquest-rsctt.blogspot.com/2012/02/alternative-endtimes-scenario-video.html">The Alternative End Times Scenario"</a>. </i>They do not have anything in particular to deal directly with my thesis that the end of days gathering of nations against Israel, the last days judgement of the earth, the assembling of a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QI3wG3loKlA">conglomeration (caliphate) of Islamic nations,</a> and the long foretold Antichrist arising from within them, is soon. But, I found these verses really peaked my interest!</div>
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When you read this section of the Prophet Isaiah's book in King James english you can come away a little befuddled. But there are more contemporary versions that shed some light on this rather striking text. For teachers and students like myself, you almost get a little giddy at such a find, because within these simple verses, when read with understanding, we find the real backdrop of the End of Days. </div>
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I will not take the time to go into any real depth as to what God shared with my heart as I read the text. That is really up to each person to find these truths, and make them both applicable, and active in one's own heart and being. You may judge them to be old and worthless in our modern 21st Century world. Or, you may find renewed hope in the coming of that final day when<b> </b><i><b>all will be made right in God's sight</b>.</i></div>
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What I mean for the uninitiated is that what the Word is saying to us here, is what it says continually over, and over again. That there will come a day when the earth and all of it's inhabitants both human and spiritual will be held accountable and judged. That a generation will come during a time of great tribulation and the LORD, Jesus, will come to rule the world from Jerusalem. Just a brief reminder, this was spoken some 500 years before Jesus appeared in earthly form, and some 2500 years from or present time. </div>
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Now those facts alone, can afford some their own personal attitude of scoffing, at what for others, is truth foretold in advance. A sort of Missourian mental gymnastics, of "show me, and then I'll believe it!". Whereas logic itself would dictate that faith<i><b> is believing in something that you cannot yet see</b>...</i> So there will always be believers, and those who need to see to believe, but when push comes to shove, last minute faith conversions could be either pushing the envelope, or just pointedly,<i> <b>cutting it way too close</b></i> when it comes down to events of such gargantuan purportions . Either way, your faith should be the filter in which you see the world and world events on a daily basis.</div>
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The particular aspect of these verses that i would like to point out, is that when He comes again, it will not be <b><i>just to judge mankind</i></b>. In Isaiah 24:21, it says,"<b><i> and at that time the LORD will punish the powers in the sky above".</i></b> This is not the prophet just speaking poetically or in hyberboley. These words are to be given the same weight, as if you believe that Jesus is coming again to rule from Jerusalem. And <i>IF</i> you don't accept or believe that, I would humbly suggest that you re-read your bible and examine your faith.</div>
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These verses are like the Cliff Notes for the New Testaments' Book of Revelation by John. Simple, and compact, they tell us what to expect, what the outcome of time will be, and what we have to look forward to, if we happen to be alive during those events. I guess what got me excited the most was the aspect that those <i>heavenly (not God's heaven) powers of the sky will be getting their due in due time.</i> In the New testament, Paul shares with us, "<br />
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Ephesians 6:12</h3>
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<span class="text Eph-6-12" id="en-NIV-29350"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. </span><br />
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<span class="text Eph-6-12" id="en-NIV-29350"> Might I bring this all full circle to today ? If you are finding yourself in some area that seems to be just too "powerful" to overcome. Might I suggest that you revisit <i><b>Ephesians 6:12</b></i> ? That you ask for understanding, and wisdom for your situation, and God's grace and power to be the victor and not the vanquished.</span><span class="text Eph-6-12" id="en-NIV-29350"> That if so long ago, in Isaiah and in John's revelation, that they saw a day of overall victory over the " <i>powers of the sky above".</i> That when HE comes again to execute that judgement in total, you will have come to the full knowledge like Paul that we battle both the seen, and the unseen until that day!</span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-17695480342259704962012-06-12T10:30:00.000-07:002012-06-12T15:29:29.272-07:00Encouragement...God's way....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizr1ZE2Q17oz-BrBA7hlWp3WICpPo2Aim0Hcq9AzozvUGHTUy1RHG9crhph_H7fWBFFhfq020Iw6hi-XZOIE68P41tYM1GJhQSRQ-L2rGKmk2asJ3S1ap9kzC8ozNfMU-f6bHGZLFQoQ/s1600/abalone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizr1ZE2Q17oz-BrBA7hlWp3WICpPo2Aim0Hcq9AzozvUGHTUy1RHG9crhph_H7fWBFFhfq020Iw6hi-XZOIE68P41tYM1GJhQSRQ-L2rGKmk2asJ3S1ap9kzC8ozNfMU-f6bHGZLFQoQ/s1600/abalone.jpg" /></a> We live near the coast. Therefore, we have quite a few various kinds of seashells strewn about our yard for aesthetic effects. They all have their own beauty and allure.<br />
Today, I looked down to see the piece of an abalone shell that the puppy had gnawed on. The sunlight was reflecting off of it just right to bring out all of it's natural visual brilliance. I was entranced by it's beauty.<br />
Then a string of thoughts started flooding through my mind. How, that unless the abalone shell is exposed to the light, and taken from it's darkened lair from under the sea; no one will ever see the beauty that is hidden within it. How that one of God's most enchanting of seashells is hidden in the most darkest of places. Held fast, and tight, against the rocks, in a world that half the planet cannot survive in because it breathes air and not water. I had to wonder. Why would the Creator keep such a thing held for only a limited amount of people and creatures to ever see? Why?<br />
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Then, the thought train switched tracks. Instead of contemplative, the thoughts became active in stance, and assimilated with His Word. I sensed how that there is a lot of "hidden beauty" in the world that most of us ignore,or are blind to, because we choose not to see it. We don't bother to take the time to investigate it...turn over rocks, dust off a little dirt, so to speak. We don't shine the Light on these hidden gems, and therefore aren't able to see the beauty that was there the whole time. Beauty designed by God, that was hidden, protected sometimes from the battering of life's stormy seas. I was guilty, and I was challenged.<br />
For me the abalone is one of the prettiest shells on the planet. It's colors and luminescent glow is unmatched by the hundreds of other shells that line the beach everyday on an afternoon stroll. Knowing where it came from, and how it lived, and survived; makes it's allure all that much more enticing when finding one.<br />
I cannot help but know that God was teaching me something today. That shining His Light even in the dark, speaking His Word directly to and illuminating that special beauty that lies within us all; can free and uncover a hidden treasure that no one ever knew was there. Can I use this story to challenge you to <b><i>speak light into the darkness</i></b>, to <b><i>bless the beauty within</i></b>, someone today!<br />
I am going on a human abalone shell hunt. I want God to use me as a light that doesn't expose the darkness only as a means of pointing a finger. But instead, using me as a light that illuminates the beauty that He placed within those hidden by the darkness. Those who really want to come into the Light so that they can be admired, and cherished. Happy hunting!<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-40764916787684296882012-05-24T10:08:00.001-07:002012-05-24T10:10:56.677-07:00Miraculous Neck healing.. a video testimony...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I wanted to share this video that I received from a very reputable ministry adjacent to our church. It's a woman giving her testimony about her severely damaged neck being miraculously healed. I would encourage you to take the 11 minutes and hear her story and then glorify God for His grace and love. The best thing is that He is no respecter of persons, so you can be healed ,too!<br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-79719338030779443592012-05-18T16:39:00.002-07:002012-06-12T10:38:16.190-07:00That's it, my mind is made up!"......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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" That's it, my mind is made up!"' how often have you heard that phrase? Or possibly the accompanying phrase, " Oh, they are just set in their ways!". Probably, too often. They are used by, and spoken of, those people who will not, or simply refuse to change. People who have come to accept a certain rigid mindset. In a cosmos where our thinking filters how we see the world, ourselves, and others; a mindset seems to be a either a potent weapon for change or a handicap which can hobble us from living victoriously.<br />
There is an old Keith Green song that I just love. One that casts a somewhat farcical view on such matters. It is called , <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foUH4No_SVU">" So, you wanna go back to Egypt?".</a><br />
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In this somewhat mocking composition, he presents the children of Israel as living in delusion. They are musing about how good they had it while they were living in slavery and bondage. They seemingly negate the daily goodness of God, while he is walking them through a quick maturing process while in the Wilderness. It is God's variation of shock and awe. And they were not living up to their fullest potential because they still had the old mindset of a slave.<br />
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In slavery, they had food, shelter, and clothing. In the desert, they had food ( manna), they had shelter ( a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night), and they had clothing ( that simply never wore out!). In slavery, they had harsh overseers, taskmasters, and huge work project to accomplish. In the desert, they had overseers( Moses and Aaron), taskmasters ( self governing tribal leadership), and they had huge work projects to accomplish ( gathering the manna, worshipping God, and getting 1.3 million people across the desert in 40 days). In Egypt, they had to obey the voice of Pharaoh. In the Wilderness, they had to obey the voice of God. In Egypt they had supernatural deliverance. In the Desert, they had supernatural provision.<br />
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But, between all of these contrasts and comparisons, they had one thing that obviously didn't dramatically change. It was their mindset. They still retained the mind of a slave. In the face of daily signs and wonders, in the end it was their mindsets that sentenced them to having to wander the Wilderness for 40 years. They could simply not overcome a lifetime of what was, to obtain the reality of what is! God had changed their environment. But, they had refused to transform their minds in the light of their new reality. This is why the Word says that we are to be "<i> transformed by the renewing of your mind".</i> ( <b>Romans 12:2)</b><br />
<b> </b>We, like the children of Israel, were born slaves into another kingdom. But, if you are saved in Jesus you are now in the Kingdom of Heaven. The whole salvation transformation goes way beyond just raising your hand, saying a prayer, regularly attending church, and following some rules and regulations for moral conduct. Most civic organizations will ask you to do pretty close to the same thing. God has called his citizens to be <i><b>transformed.</b></i><br />
<i><b> </b></i>If you really want to get a handle on this scripture, the word in <b><i>Romans 12:2</i></b> translated <i><b>transformation</b></i><b> </b>is the exact same word that is translated as <i><b>transfiguration</b></i><b> </b>in <b><i>Matthew 17:2.</i></b> It is metamorphosis. Literally, to breakthrough a wall/ barrier and transition. On the Mount of Transfiguration ( Transformation), Jesus didn't just become a better person. He was like a butterfly, momentarily transformed.<br />
The Word encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is not Dr. Phil semi-religious psycho-babble, but instead a truth that leads to victory both now, and in the hereafter. As, Christians, not only do our hearts need to change but so do our minds. Let's put it this way, as a faithful follower of Christ, our minds cannot think, reason,or believe the same way that they did from the day that we were saved until now. In, fact, the two should be two very different blobs of grey matter. If not, we will fall prey to dying off in the desert of life as opposed to inheriting the Promised Land.<br />
In the face of the daily supernatural care, provision, and guidance of God in the Wilderness, the first generation of freed Hebrew slaves in 400 years, blew it because of a brainfreeze. They still had a victim mentality. The hopes, trust, and aspirations of a slave. It reminds me of the stories that you hear of people who after losing an amazing amount of weight, get toned, and buffed; yet look in the mirror each day to still see a fat person. Mind sets kill!<br />
But, we don't have to live that way any longer, if you choose. BE TRANSFORMED, by the renewing ( renovation,the rising up in freshness of Heaven, the gaining of God's perspective of your status change) of your mind. The Promised Land is yours to gain!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-15117056252286272022012-05-08T10:19:00.000-07:002012-05-08T10:27:41.723-07:00"When they went they were healed" Luke 17:14,15<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In our tweeted,emailed,Googled, texted, cellphone instantaneous generation, even our faith and spiritual life has been condition to only expect and desire a split second response from an omnipotent God as the only acceptable answer to prayer. Now may I say that I too, do believe, strive for, and expect this same God to indeed provide His loving care and grace in a moments notice just like you. Because I know that He can and will. I have seen it with my own eyes!<br />
Yet, may I also say that <i><b>any healing</b></i> is from God. Because you see we have an enemy, also. His job description, if you want to call it that, is to <i>steal, to kill and destroy.</i> How hideous. He hates you, with a passion. He would not want you to be healed. So, you see, logically, healing comes from God.<br />
I know that in some sense I may have simplified this too much for some, and not enough for others. But, the point that I want to get across is that <i>God is your healer.</i> Jesus Christ paid the price for your victory, no matter how and when it is manifested. And because it may not be seen in that first split second, doesn't make it any less a gift of love from a caring Father's heart.<br />
There is a scripture that goes along with the following true testimony. It's from<i><b> Luke 17:14,15. </b></i>It says," <br />
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Luke 17:12-15</h3>
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Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)</div>
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<span class="text Luke-17-12" id="en-HCSB-25664"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>As He entered a village, 10 men with serious skin diseases met Him. They stood at a distance </span> <span class="text Luke-17-13" id="en-HCSB-25665"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”</span><br />
<span class="text Luke-17-14" id="en-HCSB-25666"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>When He saw them, He told them, <span class="woj">“Go and show yourselves to the priests.”</span> And while they were going, they were healed.<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-HCSB-25666a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2017:12-15&version=HCSB#fen-HCSB-25666a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God. </span><br />
<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"> </span><br />
<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"> The point that I would like to emphasize is that Jesus in effect prayed for them to be healed, and <i>while they were going.....<b>they were healed.</b></i> What we must remember is that this was Jesus himself, and in this case it was a healing/miracle in process.</span><br />
<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"> </span><br />
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<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667">Now for our true testimony from a good friend.</span><br />
<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"> Last week, I grabbed a box that happened to weigh around 40 - 45 lbs., and thought nothing of it. About 20 minutes later though, I found that I had some pain in my arm and wrist, and it was getting progressively worse. As it progressed from discomforting to excruciating, I found myself going to the Hospital Emergency room.</span><br />
<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"> It took several hours for X-rays to be taken, and a diagnosis to be given. As I waited for all of this to take place, I was literally pacing the floor. You see the only position for my arm to be comfortable in was to be held up right, and the only safe available place to be, was to walk the floor of the room. The ER doctor after reviewing all of the information and X-rays, was pretty certain that I had ruptured a tendon. Due to the fact that there were no breaks, yet the pain was so severe. Now, I don't normally like to take medications. But, this time the pain was just too much so I took the doctor's prescription this time.</span><br />
<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"> On the way to the pharmacy, I was wholeheartedly praying to God. I was in pain and needed His help. I can honestly say it was one of the most painful conditions that I have ever experienced. I know that the Lord has experienced pain too just like mankind, just look at what He went through on the cross.</span><br />
<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"> While at the pharmacy waiting for them to make up my prescription, I saw a woman who is a mighty prayer warrior at our church. I wondered to myself, if this was just chance or was it something more? I had been a Christian long enough to know that in the Kingdom of God that nothing occurs by happenstance.</span><br />
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<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"> So, I thought just maybe this was a divine appointment. </span><br />
<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"> I went over to the lady. She could tell immediately that something was wrong because I was pale and sweating. I asked her if she would please pray for me because of my arm and the pain. She got right to work. Here we were right there in front of the Express line in the store praying up a storm. She was rebuking the enemy's plans for me, asking for God' relief, and healing touch. It may not be your everyday "normal" Express lane checkout experience...but then again, "Why not"? I think that at times we don't receive simply because we don't ask? </span><br />
<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"> I did end up taking a half of one of the pain pills that day. I also slept later with the wrist iced and elevated. The next morning the pain was all but gone. It was a little tender, so as a precaution I kept a brace on it. I had a referral to a specialist a couple of days later. I went to the appointment. He examined the wrist. He said that he could find no evidence of a rupture or tear, and that there was no permanent damage. He said, that maybe it must have been just a severe strain based on the reports.</span><br />
<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"> I know that my wrist was healed through prayer, and the loving touch of my Heavenly Father. The overall experience encouraged and challenged me as a whole. I found out personally that people in need of prayer don't really care if it is in the middle of the store, in public, or what others around them might be thinking. People in need, just want to know that God loves them and want His comfort and His healing touch.</span><br />
<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"> As with the scripture from Luke that I shared above, my friend got his healing so to speak as he went on his way. He was trusting that God was already working on his behalf, he was <i>in process.</i> And that process did not take long at all. I think that the bigger lesson was that he experienced first hand that the Kingdom of God is everywhere; so we can call on God to show His wonders, anywhere! </span><br />
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<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"> </span><span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"><br /></span><br />
<span class="text Luke-17-15" id="en-HCSB-25667"> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-6285797885951316042012-05-04T08:46:00.003-07:002012-06-26T19:43:27.482-07:00" He will deliver us from the Assyrian".....Micah 5:5<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In previous postings, I've shared how it's my belief that based upon an alternative view of the scriptures, there's a distinct possibility that the <i>Antichrist</i> will be a Muslim. Yet, in our current Church mindset questioning the status quo seems almost heretical by some sects. But, when scripture is not emphatic on any one point there is the possibility of alternative views being valid. Most 21st century Christians are not even aware of the fact that a pretribulation rapture eschatalogical view of itself has only been around since the mid 1800's. But, hearing the way that some teach and preach this view, you would think that it was an established fact. Now, it may or may not actually be how the future pans out. And, I am not posting here to insist on one particular view, but rather to ask the reader to search the scriptures for themselves and ask the Spirit to guide them into all truth.<br />
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This posting in general is an update for those who are following this proposed alternative end times scenario. Back in November, when we did our first teaching in the church. We raised the points to keep an eye on Egypt and Syria. At that time those countries were both in the midst of the upheaval of the <i>Arab Spring.</i> Currently, after several different elections Egypt is on the verge of having the Islamists consolidate all working power in the country. Beware of how our American news media reports which parties, and which candidates are "moderate". Then search those parties, and candidates yourself and see if you agree with the slightly leftist slant of our <i>journalists.</i><br />
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<i> </i>All during 2011, our President and Secretary of State supported an applauded the <i>democratization of Egypt.</i> But, as we are seeing happen before our eyes this country will eventually become more and more radicalized. I would say that in the years to come, it is not outside the realm of possibility that the new Egyptian government completely abandons the Camp David accords. Whether by official government policy, or simply by looking the other way while allowing surrogates to act on their behalf in this matter. I strongly believe that how fast or how slow this happens will be directly impacted by the American Presidential elections in 2012.<br />
<i> </i>The next country to look at was Syria. I believe that as I said back in November it is only a matter of time before Syrian President Assad is gone. Syria is a very important country, and will go<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/06/us-syria-brotherhood-idUSBRE84504R20120506"> Islamist</a> because it figures heavily in Bible prophecy. It is also given an important place in Islamic eschatology. It is from there that the Islamic Jesus will come back to Earth. Yes, you Christians heard me correctly! Muslims believe, probably more so, than most Christian churchgoers that Jesus is literally coming back to Earth in the last days. According to their traditions, he will land in Syria. So it is a logical conclusion, that today's " moderate dictatorship" that currently runs that nation will eventually become more radically Islamic.<br />
Though in the realm of geopolitics events seem to come in fits and starts, they also like waves on the ocean, still continue to move forward until they eventually reach the shore. We may have seen a lot of movement in 2011, that has seemingly drifted out of the headlines. But, according to this interpretation of end times events, eventually all of the moderate Middle Eastern nations will fall to become part of a larger Islamic Caliphate of sorts.<br />
It doesn't take a whole lot of imagination to contemplate what this turning of the tide would do to that region of the world, our global economy, and the effects that it would have on the state of Israel. So, a praying Christians, we must always adhere to the Lord's request for us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem". And because He is above all the Father of all, remember too to pray that the light, and love of His grace shine in the hearts of all mankind so that they see Jesus as their saviour first, before they see Him as their judge.<br />
<a href="http://www.wnd.com/2012/06/the-syrian-antichrist/">The Assyrian in Scripture,</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-22200621785263924802012-04-23T20:25:00.003-07:002012-04-23T20:27:40.474-07:00Prayer moves a heart to change.......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a recent testimony given at Church regarding how the Lord healed a broken heart. Now, this was not a broken heart of the emotional variety. But, it was a heart that was not functioning the way that God has designed it to function. Yet, we know that by His love and grace, He can heal both the latter and the former.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Discovering such a malfunction in a young lady was especially troubling news for both the teen and parents. Yet, both knew and had seen God heal in the past. And when we harbor such truths in our hearts, it opens wide the doors of faith, and allows Him what He does best</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Here is the testimony. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> In November of 2011, my daughter after having taken a shower became light headed, dizzy, and was having difficulty breathing. It seemed that her blood pressure had dropped dangerously low for no apparent reason. I had her sit down. This in an attempt to relax her, allowing her blood pressure to come into order. It worked, and it seemed to us to be just some kind of momentary episode. We joyously went through the holiday season without a repeat of the condition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Yet, in January it happened again! This time not part of a singular event, but that of many smaller episodes over time. She was becoming dizzy a lot more. Shortness of breathe, overall weakness, and a funny hacking cough began to accompany the dizziness over a couple of weeks. She said that when she did cough, she would be out of breathe. It was becoming more noticeable as she went about her college studies and work day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Enduring a consistent week of this behaviour, I called the doctor. After first discussing it over the phone, she had us come in right away. Our physician has been our daughters doctor since birth. When she listened to her heart she heard an abnormal rhythm. Also during the course of the exam, she notice how my daughters blood pressure readings were both high and low during the several that were taken while we were there in the office. Our physician ordered a EKG, as well as a bunch of other lab tests. When they came back,all the tests were all normal, except for the EKG. It seemed to show that there was a definite abnormality in the upper right chamber of our daughter's heart. Her suspicion was that either there was some kind of hole in her heart, or a definite blockage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We were no going from being concerned to alarmed. We were sent to a specialist in Santa Barbara. While in the specialists' office they took several EKGs. Each one registering that indeed there was some kind of anomaly going on in her heart. Then, to get a very precise reading on the condition they ordered an immediate ultrasound while we were there. It was during this testing while battling fear and the unknown, my husband and I began to pray.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It was right before all of our very eyes that as the ultrasound was being performed, a change occurred to the upper right chamber of her heart. The heart rhythm that had registered wrong since our first doctor's visit was now being corrected. We watched as the rhythm itself changed! After the rest of that days testing was completed, NO abnormality was found.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We all knew that it was at that moment, God had performed a miracle on our daughter's heart. The following week, when any of the symptoms would begin, to reappear, we would declare that she was healed, and that there was nothing wrong with her heart because God is a God of healing. Then the symptoms would disappear. We have also had our Church's intercessory prayer team praying the whole time. I am glad that she has been episode free for over 3 months. And the tests show there is no more anomaly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Jesus is a God of healing. Sometimes, it's immediate. Sometimes it takes time, and faith. But either way, the scriptures tell us that "by His stripes, we were healed" It is finished.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-89848882418190290682012-04-19T08:15:00.001-07:002012-04-22T17:59:37.350-07:00"He never intended for you to....."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a couple of favorites quotes. This happens to be one of them. It 's from the author <a href="http://cslewis.com/">C.S. Lewis</a>, who is most famous as the writer of the <b><i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363771/">Chronicles of Narnia</a>.</i></b> Now, I know that there are a multitude of quotes that one could ponder from the shear volume of his works. But, this one is mine. Because for me, it carries a weight of wisdom in regards to the Christian faith and Jesus Christ, himself. It presents a dividing line that only cuts one way. So, please take a moment to read, ponder, and wonder...I think that it will stick with you also!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="quoteText">
“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that
people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral
teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing
we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things
Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a
lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or
else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either
this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something
worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him
as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but
let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great
human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”
<br />
―
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1069006.C_S_Lewis">C.S. Lewis</a>,
<i>
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/801500">Mere Christianity</a>
</i><br />
<i>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-3681403022405649562012-04-04T12:55:00.000-07:002012-04-05T20:13:36.281-07:00All spirits are not created equal.......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Last year, there was a lot of interest and hype about the coming of the <i>end of the world</i> and <em>the</em> <i>final judgement. </i>It was being propagated for the most part by a group associated with the Rev. Harold Camping. There was enough news media coverage over the course of many months, to arouse even the most skeptical person's curiosity as</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">to ponder their personal <i>end of days</i> scenario.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I did not buy into his eschatology due to scriptural reasons. But, there were many people who did. There were ones who were sincere of heart, and others of a more nefarious nature. I do not fault anyone who is a sincere believer, even if they may not have thought all things through, as is required of them by scripture. This post though is designed to address the other part of the equation. Where, when such events do not come to pass, the backlash can give the church a black eye. What is even worse is when we find that the enemy of our souls has stealthly crept in to take advantage of the fervor. Here is our personal recollection of that time, and I will let you be the judge. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My wife and I were taking a Sunday afternoon walk. Strolling down the sidewalks of a nearby beach resort town. We were walking and talking, when we noticed several hundred yards away on the other side of the street an "End of the World street preacher". I emphasize that statement because though he was associating himself with the above mentioned group, we did not consider him a valid witness to gospel Truth. As we continued our stroll, we could hear him stop and confront, cajole, and preach to all of the people who just happened to be coming up or down his side of the street. His car was covered with "<i>the end is coming soon " </i>graffiti. He seemed from all initial observations to be someone who was totally given over to his belief system. He also fit every mental image that comes to mind, when you hear the term, <i>sidewalk preacher</i> complete with sandwich board. We made a note to <i><b>not</b></i> to come back up that side of the street, when we were going to return from the beach.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> The sun was bright, the sky clear, a perfect California seaside afternoon. We were lost in the moment of the day. So much so as to not to remember which side of the street we had wished to avoid! Yes, you guessed it. Before we could recognize our error, we were coming right up to where the gentleman was preaching. We thought that maybe luck was on our side, because he was already deeply engrossed in a one way conversation with another young couple who had stopped to hear what he had to say about <i>The End.</i> We were close enough to hear every word of his very loud, bellicose expository diatribe as we passed. It was as we had assumed, knowledge that we could not agree with in our hearts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Then it happened, he focused on my wife. Now, she is not one to either mince words or tolerate objectionable people or things. So with a wave of her hand, and a strength in her voice, she simply said "No!". Now if I hadn't been there, I wouldn't have believed what happened next. But, I saw it with my own eyes. The best description of what occurred is that this once forceful individual simply shrunk up and pulled back like a whipped dog. He literally pulled back upon himself, instantly became silent, and went back to his corner. My words fail to convey the unnatural reaction on his part to the simple rebuke. The other couple just stood there, while we simply kept up the gentle pace of our stroll without missing a step. The man continued stand there in complete silence, not even talking to the couple who was right in front of him. For the first time since we had come to the town, his loud voice was not heard bouncing off the walls of the surrounding buildings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Then, as we were about 10 yards up the sidewalk from the man, he came back to life. Through the corner of our eyes, we could see his reinvigorated life form moving, as he started yelling and pointing in our direction. He was shouting, " You know the truth, You know the truth... why don't you share it?.." It was almost as if he were taunting us, trying to manipulate us into confronting him there on the street. This went on for 3 to 4 minutes until we were out of sight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Now, this is where I leave it up to you to judge. For us, the whole story of Paul and Barnabas in Phillipi confronting the demon possessed girl came to mind. Now, I know that for some Christians this may be totally off their mental grid,thinking that such things just not could happen in "America" in the 21st Century. That is why I leave it up to you, and your faith parameters to judge. But, the truth is that according to the Word, a Christian has authority and power over our spiritual enemy simply by being in Jesus. Now, though this man was "preaching supposed Bible stuff", it <b><i>doesn't</i></b> necessarily mean that he was a Christian, nor does it discount the possibility that he himself was filled with a demon, with the intention of bringing disrepute on the Gospel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Here is the what happened to Paul, if you are not so familiar with it:</span><br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0">
<h3>
Acts 16:16-19</h3>
<div class="txt-sm">
New King James Version (NKJV)</div>
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<div class="result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<h3>
<span class="text Acts-16-16" id="en-NKJV-27500">Paul and Silas Imprisoned</span></h3>
<span class="text Acts-16-16"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>Now
it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed
with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit
by fortune-telling. </span> <span class="text Acts-16-17" id="en-NKJV-27501"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup>This
girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the
servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.”
</span> <span class="text Acts-16-18" id="en-NKJV-27502"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>And this she did for many days.</span><br />
<span class="text Acts-16-18">But
Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in
the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very
hour. </span> <span class="text Acts-16-19" id="en-NKJV-27503"><sup class="versenum">19 </sup>But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged <i>them</i> into the marketplace to the authorities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-49419610514831197032012-03-26T10:23:00.004-07:002012-03-29T09:32:14.087-07:00Song of The Bride........................Great soul touching, hauntingly beautiful, music video<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LY11fchJd82TxXFYLrvFvMkJL4B9N37_6z5nvzya7eTwbHMPzRUr2heMwMv-QhkzSfkfq9sEwW3tGtJ9rcfQpgyABqh-Lm7iYvzGcstbqQ3feFhPkA4SCV4DhQ5cT5fSD5P8r3vaHw/s1600/bride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9LY11fchJd82TxXFYLrvFvMkJL4B9N37_6z5nvzya7eTwbHMPzRUr2heMwMv-QhkzSfkfq9sEwW3tGtJ9rcfQpgyABqh-Lm7iYvzGcstbqQ3feFhPkA4SCV4DhQ5cT5fSD5P8r3vaHw/s1600/bride.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py0Bi60QoKI&feature=channel">SONG OF THE BRIDE....Click Here.</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wanted to share something a little different this week. I have posted a music video. It is an ethereal, and uplifting song by a very talented singer/ songwriter from our church. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> The Bride of Christ for those of you who are unfamiliar with the terminology, is the global body of believers in Jesus Christ, through all time. Even in the Old Testament, God referred to His people as his wife, bride, or intended. So, you see, in God's eyes, He has always intended for us to have much more involved and intimate relationship than just what a strict religion or lifeless church can ever offer us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Please take just a few moments of quiet and enjoy His prescience as this song sings over you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-3748895746799283912012-03-16T10:41:00.001-07:002012-03-19T13:41:41.744-07:00Overcame by the Word of their Testimony...and sharing those words....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKV7cDirY3fM4Dc-CYY3JPL3qsLo-Xqzt2qvHOCAcsmnA5lcShVsCGlOwgGNTh4oyklFCLCYBu-ecOiclxe1BNBO9oYMXgxrvKgBqtCCYTKyYzkroHY9oaNnyiJVnRKkcK2IAjX8yO9Q/s1600/DunkinDonutGlazedChocolate5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKV7cDirY3fM4Dc-CYY3JPL3qsLo-Xqzt2qvHOCAcsmnA5lcShVsCGlOwgGNTh4oyklFCLCYBu-ecOiclxe1BNBO9oYMXgxrvKgBqtCCYTKyYzkroHY9oaNnyiJVnRKkcK2IAjX8yO9Q/s320/DunkinDonutGlazedChocolate5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Just the other day, I had a brief yet encouraging encounter at our local doughnut shop. No, they hadn't added glazed chocolate doughnuts to their mix ! I happen to run into a fellow believer in Christ who just happens to read our blog. After the exchange of initial pleasantries, she related to me how she was sharing these testimonies and words of encouragement with a friend who had a terminal disease. This ailing woman was given a very short prognosis by the doctors, just a matter of days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> My fellow doughnut aficionado explained to me ``this person was reading the words in these articles and being encouraged in the faith, hope, and testimony of Jesus' ability to conquer all. She is a believer, but sometimes you just have to hear it over, and over, and over again. That is part of the purpose in this site to help lift peoples' faith in the God of the infinite and how He interacts with us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> My friend believes. Her belief caused her to share. Her sharing the words of testimony have helped encourage another with hope. So now, what was a pronouncement of only several days of life has now been extended into many weeks!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QMJ-zBwf79q44JfQ7_ag4p-xwAdDRp0lJnJFZh6IXuYr3wEkzONx0J7nqc4mhzt2rnaJPgEkc0rpXFR2YtaYwqsBwLvP2w3rHN4vbQ3nQbi7xm1wzURuEgSi3Gic5H6Cfpwlxs5f_g/s1600/tibet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QMJ-zBwf79q44JfQ7_ag4p-xwAdDRp0lJnJFZh6IXuYr3wEkzONx0J7nqc4mhzt2rnaJPgEkc0rpXFR2YtaYwqsBwLvP2w3rHN4vbQ3nQbi7xm1wzURuEgSi3Gic5H6Cfpwlxs5f_g/s1600/tibet.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> A couple of months ago, I was told this story by a friend. They had forwarded one of the past testimonies of healing to a relative. It was actually "their" story. It was not long after that, when the relative was told by their doctor that their recent medical tests showed a possible<a href="http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/bladder"> cancerous</a> anomaly on the x-rays. The gentleman would need surgery in a matter of days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> It was then that the testimony of what God had done for another, stirred them to call on Him in prayer and pursue His healing touch. They got in contact with a Pastor from <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/tibet/">Tibet</a> who also believed in healing and started a chain reaction of prayer through many house churches in his network. I know..<a href="http://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/geography-of-tibet.htm">Tibet</a>??!!?? The lesson is I guess, not to question God's logic and simply believe!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When the patient went back for the pre-surgery evaluation, there was no cancer, the prayers of saints halfway across the globe had interceded and won the battle.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrTlHju0p5F4xthNj0BSBgRJP1b5Wgyf5zY9f6M65l_Ga5QUDBvePbGtbED-bHfvR2a2qYXPtGwZCEO0tLZpE3XcEEdcqMq0WHLXFnqHXwA_5MK1oUwuw6XBYLQmlk0umfHQBDin2AA/s1600/swear.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrTlHju0p5F4xthNj0BSBgRJP1b5Wgyf5zY9f6M65l_Ga5QUDBvePbGtbED-bHfvR2a2qYXPtGwZCEO0tLZpE3XcEEdcqMq0WHLXFnqHXwA_5MK1oUwuw6XBYLQmlk0umfHQBDin2AA/s1600/swear.bmp" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> So what is the point of all of this? Well, part of the mission statement of this site is taken form the Word of God, "<i> And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony;" (<b>Rev. 12:11)</b></i> You see by sharing with others how God interacts with mankind. You become involved in living out the aforementioned scripture by spreading the word and testifying that He is ! <i><b>Hebrews 13:8 </b></i>says "<i> Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and for ever". </i>The One who healed the sick, raised the dead, multiplied food, tamed nature, can do so in the <b><i>today</i></b> and <b><i>for ever</i></b>. He doesn't change!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Just to drive the point home, <b><i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%202:3-4&version=NCV">Hebrews 2:3,4</a> </i></b>could be construed to say that unless we have <i>testimonies</i> of a living and active God in our lives to support our preaching, teaching, theology, and lifestyle; How can we show that these words are true? Without,<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/testimony?s=t"> <i>testimonies</i></a> we are witnesses to words alone! And with only words alone, we have a belief system that can be matched by others of more persuasive words, or cunning, well reasoned philosophies. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBU-1CmzF8wdueeaGhHb0ULIuuahAeQJJOtANUixB13xtQOUCGbDSJj6DTnSxOycCYz4m79LdjCn6F8lkdXnM3n7tz91a8xQCEnIz94VE8Dh_I2d_npsxCWSWSoPKwwX8DcFNc5Da8g/s1600/jesusnangelsbg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBU-1CmzF8wdueeaGhHb0ULIuuahAeQJJOtANUixB13xtQOUCGbDSJj6DTnSxOycCYz4m79LdjCn6F8lkdXnM3n7tz91a8xQCEnIz94VE8Dh_I2d_npsxCWSWSoPKwwX8DcFNc5Da8g/s320/jesusnangelsbg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> So that is why we share the moving of God in people's lives as they share with us. All believers are called upon to share both the<a href="http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/blood-of-jesus.htm"> Blood of the Lamb</a>, and the word of <i>their testimony!</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-9191500741929683372012-03-01T13:07:00.006-08:002012-03-19T13:49:30.538-07:00All things work together..................<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h1 class="entry-title"> </h1><div class="metabar"><i><span class="sword">By</span> <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/author/" rel="author" title="Posts by "></a></span></span><span class="sword">On</span> <span class="date time published" title="2012-03-01T20:27:47+0000">March 1, 2012</span> · · <span class="sword">In</span> <span class="categories"><a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/faith/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in faith">faith</a>, <a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/jesus-christ-is-lord/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Jesus Christ is Lord">Jesus Christ is Lord</a>, <a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/spiritual-experiences/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Spiritual Experiences">Spiritual Experiences</a>, <a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/uncategorized/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Uncategorized">Uncategorized</a></span></i></div><div class="entry_wrap fix"><div class="entry_content"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ijq5Zt0y7cYQUGcy7PWgplOqH8xcnEY0jnGTqPl1yzQ2JyOZIQRUNcOdafOkLSFN9rzITDB_NVfVFi7W5S87HpaFMSju4O9YLakzXAIjBleE9m-CAhuWcDobhc-Gxt627f00Zf53gQ/s1600/mount.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ijq5Zt0y7cYQUGcy7PWgplOqH8xcnEY0jnGTqPl1yzQ2JyOZIQRUNcOdafOkLSFN9rzITDB_NVfVFi7W5S87HpaFMSju4O9YLakzXAIjBleE9m-CAhuWcDobhc-Gxt627f00Zf53gQ/s1600/mount.jpg" /></a></div>The green of the trees was so vivid. It was as if they were being illuminated from within. He had never seen, or actually felt that the color green could so overwhelm him in such a way. But, it did! Wafting it’s way over from the stand of trees in the distance. Their striking clean beauty caused the brown of the earth beneath, and the blue of the sky above, to compete with each other for his attention to see who would dazzle him the most in their Kodachrome brilliance.<br />
It was the deep sense of calm and pleasure, though, that really drew a lingering breath. He breathed in peace. He exhaled frustration, anxiety, and dissappointment. He breathed again. Repeating this natural involuntary sequence, until after just a moment or two, he was now exhaling peace.<br />
The slight breeze that rustled his sandy hair also carried within it the smell of the grasses from the meadow where he stood. The trees ahead were his target. But, to get there he would have to cross the field. It would be a pleasantly short walk. His course would be along a well worn path that cut through calf high grasses. It also seemed to take in a gradual increase in elevation as it drew toward the trees. <a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/trail.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-123" height="225" src="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/trail.jpg" title="trail" width="300" /></a><br />
It was obvious that others had made the same trek. The grass was matted down just enough to establish the narrow way. But, as it twisted and curved in it’s course; there were times that it looked from certian vantage points, to almost seemed to dissappear within the field itself.<br />
” I can’t believe this view. It’s just incredible! I don’t think that I’ve ever seen anything like this since the hike in British Columbia.. what? something like ten years ago? But, even that couldn’t compare to this..” he drew a breathe. Jeff bathed in the scene that he was beholding. His avid love of hiking had taken him to many places in his life similar to this one, yet in his current estimation, this was by far the best. ” I would have thought that I’d be just alittle winded by now due to the elevation?” he mused. ” I ‘d guessed that from the height of the peaks that surround the trees, and the environment that’s all around, I’d have hit the 4800 or 5000 foot level by now?” he puzzled. ” But either the caramel macchiato that I drank this morning is working overtime, or I’m in better shape than I thought? Maybe now that I am using that workout station that I got for Christmas, I am getting more energy…. Man, this is a beautiful place” escaped the thought.<br />
The sun was warm overhead, high in the azure blue sky. He just stood there for a moment. His arms slack at his sides, his face elevated, drinking in both the heat and the light that radiated from the luminous orb. ” I really don’t know how it can get much better than this..”his mind whispered. ” I just wish that Sharon were here to enjoy it with me, then that would truly make it priceless..”. His wife of 20 years, enjoyed both his company and his sporadic journeys to secluded remote places, too. They had found that for the most part they could not be apart for too long. Sometimes though, life’s unexpected interuptions had put them into situations where that was inevitable.<br />
<a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/sneaker.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-125" height="200" src="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/sneaker.jpg" title="sneaker" width="300" /></a> “ It doesn’t get much better than this!” came a strong young voice from the path behind, that startled him out of his contemplation. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. But, I thought that it would have been better to announce my approaching you that way. Than to just come up and tap you on the shoulder” he said with a smile. ” You know a guy could get a quick punch in the gut or face by doing something like that out of the blue”, he offered with a slight laugh.<br />
He thrust out his hand to Jeff. Jeff shook his hand with a slighly shocked, but cordial response. ” I’m sorry, I thought that I was the only one out here, no offense..” ” None taken”, said the young man. ” But, as you can see by the look of the path there have been others who have come through before us, and I am sure that others will find this place too!” Now, fully out of his meditative repose, Jeff responded ” I guess that I was just so caught up in the whole experience, that I just wasn’t thinking about others… you know?”<br />
” Yeah, it kind of touches you in that way” the man reaffirmed. “But, it could get kind of lonely if you spent too much time by yourself, even up here, as beautiful as it is…” he added. ” I guess you’re right”, Jeff said, ” It’s just that the surroundings are so awe inspiring.. the peace.. I just haven’t been there for awhile. Life just has a way of stealing it from you. It doesn’t seem quite right, you know? But, I guess it is like what they all say, ‘ If you’re handed a bunch of lemons, just make some lemonade, Right?’ “ Then for the first time since he had begun the hike, Jeff felt the twinge of his old life partner, anxiety.<br />
The young man could see the shadow of something not in tune with the harmony all around them, fall over Jeff’s face. The stranger felt a compulsion to chase it away from his newfound friend. A feeling akin to the urge that you get to shoo away a pesky fly that has invaded your space.<br />
<a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/running.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-126" height="225" src="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/running.jpg" title="running" width="300" /></a> ” You know Jeff, one of the things that I like most about being here is that it gave me the opportunity to meet you” the young man volunteered. Jeff’s facial expression went from being slighly forlorn, to being overtaken by a quizzical look. ” How did you know my name?” he said, ” and as a matter of fact, I don’t believe that you ever told me yours?” The young man reached out his hand once as if to introduce himself all over again. Firmly grasping Jeff’s hand, he said, ” What do you think my name is?” With a slow hestitation, and not quite knowing where it was coming from, he offered, ” I think that your name is..Jeremy..yes, I think that your name is Jeremy!…”. The utterance of the name, and the inner confidence that it was right, solidified in his soul. ” The young man breathed his response with a yearning that came from deep within, ” Thank you, Dad, I have been waiting for this moment for a long, long time.”<br />
The grip of their hands was firm, but not in a competeitive way. One where you hold the hand of another to draw from them both comfort and life. There was an unmistakeable connection, a bond…love. Then a searing pain tore through Jeff’s body as if he were being hit by a wave of liquid heat. Their grip momentarily tightened, and then released. ” Stay on the path Dad, it’s narrow, but it was bought and paid for with a heavy price. It’s for you to walk on, Dad, and to enjoy it’s pleasures and peace”, the voice of Jeremy fading. It seemed to echo through Jeff’s mind as the trees, meadow, and sky turned into an all encompassing blinding whiteness. The visual change being accompanied by a dull, but chronic pain that seemed to permeate his torso and legs.<br />
Sharon was holding Jeff’s hand, while sitting beside his hospital bed. The car that had hit him hadn’t seen his misstep off the curb outside the Starbucks on State Street. Luckily for Jeff, the traffic was heavier than usual that morning. So many cars on the street had slowed the flow and speed of each individual car. So, it was more the fall onto the hard pavement and hitting his head on the street that did most of the immediate damage. He had sustained some mild head injuries, bruised ribcage, and a broken leg. But, he was alive, and for that they were both very thankful.<br />
Sharon shook out of her nap as Jeff squeezed her hand. It was the first real response form him since she had initally grapped it some 6 hours ago. She turned to see his blue eyes. They were bright, open, and focused. He was trying to communicate. She moved closer to him, drawing her face level with his own.<br />
” I saw him today”, he said faintly. ” Saw who?” she calmly asked, concealing the overwhleming joy that was rushing up within her. The joy of knowing that he was going to be OK. ” I saw Jeremy!” he said. ” Jeremy who?” she questioned, not knowing any Jeremy, other than the one who always was with her, yet never residing in her known consciousness. ” I met Jeremy, today..our son. I was with him…in Heaven.” Sharon didn’t know what to do, but her emotions did. Her eyes welled up to the overflowing.<br />
Jeff went on and on in each patient, loving detail of his adventure. He had no recollection of the accident, or the trip to the hospital. He had no recollection of the last twelve hours at all. But, he had a vivid and loving recall of that place, his journey, the sights, the sounds, and Jeremy. The child that never had the chance to see the light of this world, outside of his mother’s womb. Yet, who had always lived in the light of Heaven from the moment his eyes were opened in that realm. It was about a year after Jeremy’s passing that Jeff and Sharon had together decided upon a name for him. Now they were both estatic that Jeff had had the opportunity to bestow it upon him, personally.<br />
<i>This story is fictional. I wrote it based of bits and pieces of many different stories and testimonies through the years that I have either heard or read about in my journey. I wanted to come up with a way to convey both the beauty and the reality of eternal life. And how all the things that we do on this side of the Great Veil will be someday revealed. The path is indeed narrow and the road to destruction very broad. Please search your own heart to see that you know the way!</i></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-7558275327702760272012-02-21T13:59:00.005-08:002012-03-22T16:31:19.040-07:00Calling All Jesus Freaks!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy fix" id="theloop"><div class="copy-pad"><div class="post-111 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-faith category-holy-spirit-promise category-jesus-christ-is-lord category-preaching category-theology category-uncategorized tag-and-rock-and-roll tag-baptized-in-the-holy-spirit tag-calvary-chapel tag-charismatic-movement tag-church tag-drugs tag-francis-schaeffer tag-jesus-freaks tag-jesus-movement tag-love-of-the-father tag-power-of-prayer tag-praise tag-salvation tag-seeking-god tag-sex tag-spirituality tag-tongues tag-vineyard-movement fpost" id="post-111"><div class="post-meta fix"><div class="post-header fix post-nothumb"><div class="post-title-section fix"><div class="post-title fix"><h1 class="entry-title"><i><span class="categories"> </span></i></h1></div></div></div></div><div class="entry_wrap fix"><div class="entry_content"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFx6btDjEtl48aJ5CDrwg4enElgDw7oK-9-fE6U_weVV306sGxYz0xWlN-APxTV04tl2WgCw0TxxMvu_AbwPdzIEVM3md5fM-9JOSf8a-5NPjNHu965i0eVZ1wUmRhsp0xts_YB3_BlA/s1600/jesus+rally.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFx6btDjEtl48aJ5CDrwg4enElgDw7oK-9-fE6U_weVV306sGxYz0xWlN-APxTV04tl2WgCw0TxxMvu_AbwPdzIEVM3md5fM-9JOSf8a-5NPjNHu965i0eVZ1wUmRhsp0xts_YB3_BlA/s1600/jesus+rally.bmp" /></a></div>As I was sitting in quiet thought the other day, a verse from the Old Testament came to mind. It was not one that someone would normally be thinking of, or one that fits commonly into our current church vernacular. The scripture was form <i>Judges 2:10</i>. Which says, ” <i>And also a generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD nor yet His works which He had done for Israel”.</i> Do you see what I mean? not your average verse!<br />
After a day or so of musing, my mind then started to think about the revival called ,<a href="http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,905202,00.html"><i><b>The Jesus Movement.</b></i></a> Which for those who know Church history, happened to coincide with the<i><b> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charismatic_Movement">Charismatic Movement</a>.</b></i> Which in turn ran concurrent with the <i>Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘N Roll </i>revolution of the late 60′s and 70′s. It would later be called the<i> Sexual <a href="http://www.jpands.org/vol13no3/malhotra.pdf">Revolution</a></i> or the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth_International_Party"><i>Global Youth Movement.</i></a><br />
Those years of upheaval and change in some ways were a foreshadow of our own times. Yet, what is missing today, seems to be the element of <i>spiritual change</i> that came about as a result of the conversion of massive numbers of youth during <i><b>the Jesus Movement.</b></i> I remember how even in the rural parts of the New England of my youth, hearing people calling others <a href="http://www.christianpost.com/news/evangelist-lost-boy-to-jesus-freak-33090/"><i><b>Jesus freaks</b></i></a> with disdain in their voices. I can recall distinctly, when our neighbors, two single, upwardly mobile young woman. Sisters who came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Were spurned by their more “<i>traditional” </i>parents, because ” <i>they didn’t understand what had gotten into them”.</i> What a shock! Two young nurses who decided not to have free sex, use recreational drugs, and instead wanted to go to Church more than the culturally accepted one or two Sundays a month; cast aside by their parents because they <i>weren’t now normal?</i>Their new found faith was not normal for the America of that era. It rocked the boat of their parents comfortable, traditional, compromised, Christianized worldview. <br />
Whether you were a part of that social/ spiritual movement directly or not, we are all still influenced by it’s effects in the Church today! Praise choruses, films in church, hands lifted in worship, operating in spiritual gifts, church as a lifestyle as opposed to an institution, the Christian Music industry, radio, home groups, etc….these are all waves that still emanate from that time of revival. Cross pollinated with the Charismatic movement that occurred within the Church , all of it changed the “<i>how”</i> of “<i>how”</i> we do Church even today!<br />
But, now other than the occasional <a href="http://tebowing.com/about"><i><b>Tebow</b></i></a> appearing on the publics’ radar screen now and then, <i>Where is the influence of the Church?</i> Where is the social change that is her call and charge? Where are the on fire sold out youth? <br />
I know those words are strong, and I certainly do not wish to offend anyone who is living that call to their utmost. But, my general sense is we haven’t seen any resemblance of a national awakening akin to that for quite some time. At least in the very real sense that such a movement literally rocked a nation, and caused society to see the error of their ways. In all honesty, do you?<br />
<a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/movement.jpg" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-114" height="156" src="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/movement-300x156.jpg" title="movement" width="300" /></a> Remember those neighborhood girls that I had mentioned earlier? They literally had to live together, and set out on their own because of their love for Christ had so offended the mediocrity and compromise of their parents form of religion. But, they chose Jesus over compromise. Both eventually became successful nurses paying their own way through college. And in time, their parents saw their conviction and lifestyle was true, and began coming to Church with them. That is the kind of living faith that I could applaud and extol all day long.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> Yet, I feel somehow that God was trying to say something by linking <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+2%3A10-14&version=NIV"><i><b>Judges 2:10</b></i></a> and the idea of the Jesus Movement. The Bible tells us that the true stories of the Old Testament where meant as examples for our lives. So as I further meditated on these streams of thought I came to this conclusion. It is that an older generation who has lived out a life of faith, miracles, and interaction with God; has an obligation to <i>pass that faith on!</i> In the scripture they failed to pass on their faith. There was a true <b><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_gap">“generation gap”</a>.</i></b> An even sadder fact from the Book of Judges is that this becomes a repeated tragedy. It’s cyclical. The pattern repeats itself over hundreds of years, each time leading to a downward spiral of sorrow and bondage. When one generation failed to pass on a living breathing faith to the next, the story always ends the same way.</div><div style="border: currentColor;"> But, how do you do that? As we tell our own children, they need to ‘own” their faith. By this I mean we can model, teach, and mold; but if they don’t <i>own</i> that faith as personal and their own for their time and journey it won’t stick. It is when we see that fruit then we know that we have passed the torch to another generation. If we don’t see that happening, we need to honestly assess the fact that we still have a work to do before, ” <i>we are gathered to our fathers”.</i> ( <i><b>Judges 2:10)</b></i> <a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/baptism.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-117" height="146" src="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/baptism.jpg" title="baptism" width="288" /></a></div> And where does the Jesus movement fit into all of this? Well, I am glad that you asked! I would like to reply by saying, ” Where are they now?” Are those who fell so hard in love with Him still in love with Him? Or, did the bloom fall off the rose? Have they passed on the faith of their youth with all of its’ passions, and life? Or are they now living the same compromised life with the world that they criticized their parents for living? Honestly, in my own life, I have come across both types of <i>Christians in the Boomer generation.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/hash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-118" height="179" src="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/hash.jpg" title="hash" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border: currentColor;"> So what do we do from here? Or as theologian <a href="http://www.labri.org/"><b>Frances Schaeffer</b></a> put it, “<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_9/183-0048514-7378426?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=how+should+we+then+live&sprefix=how+shoul%2Caps%2C347"><i><b>How should we then live?”</b></i></a> First, we cannot really effect change unless we first change ourselves. The revival of many first begins with the revival of the one. Secondly, If you’ve fallen out of love with Christ, ask forgiveness, and then do the first works again to rekindle that love. Lastly, help nurture and instill a living breathing passionate faith in the next generation. Then in the end you will be able to rest in the Lord knowing in part that you have passed the torch and can rightly claim for your life, “<i><b>Mission Accomplished”! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoV0p1zI4As">" Jesus freaks" on Kathryn Kuhlman Show</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT0T3gUxpiY">Jesus freaks NOW!</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VfEyFMAHbI&feature=related">Keith Green LIVE, "So You wanna go back to Eygpt" 1980</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIndrry40Ks">Don Francisco, "He's Alive 1"..live version</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2kVZxCMQt0&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PLB031920D74FE0295">The Jesus Movement, Old Video footage.</a></b></i></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-70143039400983404952012-02-13T08:26:00.006-08:002012-06-30T12:14:25.852-07:00Alternative Endtimes Scenario Video Conversation Video Cast, Episode 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFSZtBNERDA&feature=email">CLICK: Is the Endtimes Antichrist Islamic ?</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxVzjg5-izw">CLICK: Why Rome isn't the Antichrist's Headquarters ?</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1571104317"><br /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.memri.org/clip/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/3476.htm">CLICK: Egypt's New President's Shariah Declaration</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.wnd.com/2012/06/iran-there-will-be-war-and-well-win/">CLICK: Declaration of Iran's War Capabilities</a><br />
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<a href="http://archive.org/stream/AnIslamicViewOfGogAndMagogInTheModernAge#page/n0/mode/2up">Gog and Magog: Islamic View ( Online Book)</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-65395991076860769692012-02-03T21:04:00.002-08:002012-03-19T13:47:23.252-07:00We will never know...Unless we try...healing prayer !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h1 class="entry-title"> </h1><div class="metabar"><em><span class="sword">By</span> <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/author/" rel="author" title="Posts by "></a></span></span> <span class="sword">On</span> <span class="date time published" title="2012-02-04T04:57:23+0000">February 4, 2012</span> · <span class="post-comments"><a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/we-will-never-know-unless-we-try-healing-prayer/#comments">Leave a Comment</a></span> · <span class="sword">In</span> <span class="categories"><a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/faith/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in faith">faith</a>, <a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/jesus-christ-is-lord/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Jesus Christ is Lord">Jesus Christ is Lord</a>, <a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/spiritual-experiences/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Spiritual Experiences">Spiritual Experiences</a></span></em></div><div class="entry_wrap fix"><div class="entry_content"><br />
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Last week, a little baby had developed a major rash on her face and body. It had all of the makings of some kind of an allergic reaction. There seemed to be no pain, or fever associated with the bumps and redness. The child was watched to make sure that no more serious symptoms emerged. At the same time there was the mulling over of whether or not to call the pediatrician and make the step of getting professional medical attention. Also, the consideration was bandied about of just giving her some over the counter baby medicine that would address the obvious symptoms.<br />
In the midst of all of this mental debating came a still small voice. The impression, ever so slight to just pray for the child. So, they decided to lay hands on the babe and pray from the heart. Asking, and declaring that God would heal her from her rash and cause her to be in peace and comfort. It wasn’t showy, presumptuous, or even bold for that matter. Instead, it was done in simple loving faith that Jesus had provided for healing, and asked the Lord to let it be so.<br />
Much to their surprise the redness started to recede almost immediately. The excitement of actually seeing the bumps and rash begin to disappear in response to the <em><a href="http://www.pinebrookchapel/">power of prayer</a></em> caused them to redouble their efforts with gusto.<em> </em>Then in a most natural, yet unusual way the child exhaled a slow deep breathe. The rash was gone, and the little girl smiled.<br />
They looked into the cherubic face of happiness and contentment, and thanked God for His love for this little one. Even though they had felt the prompting, they had followed the leading, they had prayed the prayers: they were still in awe that God would be so kind as to heal something like a baby’s rash. <a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/hands.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-107" height="185" src="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/hands.jpg" title="hands" width="230" /></a><br />
Sometimes the biggest hindrance to allowing God to move in our lives, even as a believer; is not believing that He cares even about those things that we might deem small in the larger scheme of things. We read that He loves, we have faith that He loves, but sometimes we need to <em>trust that he loves.</em></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-46941122708937104782012-01-19T23:04:00.000-08:002012-06-19T10:02:55.403-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A 72 hour Miracle! God is amazing His wonders to behold!</h1>
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<i><span class="sword">By</span> <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn"><a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/author/" rel="author" title="Posts by "></a></span></span> <span class="sword">On</span> <span class="date time published" title="2012-01-19T22:51:53+0000">January 19, 2012</span> · <span class="post-comments"><a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/a-72-hour-miracle-god-is-amazing-his-wonders-to-behold-2/#comments">Leave a Comment</a></span> · <span class="sword">In</span> <span class="categories"><a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/faith/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in faith">faith</a>, <a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/jesus-christ-is-lord/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Jesus Christ is Lord">Jesus Christ is Lord</a>, <a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/spiritual-experiences/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Spiritual Experiences">Spiritual Experiences</a>, <a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/theology/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in theology">theology</a>, <a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/uncategorized/" rel="category tag" title="View all posts in Uncategorized">Uncategorized</a></span></i></div>
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Sunday morning, we had the joy of hearing a dear sister share her testimony of His miraculous love and healing power. Her joy caused the whole congregation to erupt in a rousing chorus of cheers and applause for Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you could even ask or think. I will let her share her story.<br />
” I went for my annual mammography exam. Being blessed with good health, I had no apparent reason for concern. The day after the exam, the hospital called. They told me that the x rays has shown an abnormality in my right breast. They told me to report for further tests the next morning.” This is the call that everyone dreads. There are few moments in life when time itself can seem to stand still. We seem to become held in a void as the world waifs around us. This was one of those moments.<br />
” My family has a generational history of breast cancer. My mind had the opportunity to review each trying case. But, in the face of fear, I chose to activate my God given faith, and face the giant and slay him. I willfully chose faith. Because faith and fear are mutually exclusive and cannot coexist.<br />
I felt the desire and leading to take my battle and burden to the Lord in prayer. As a born again, Spirit- filled believer in the power of the cross of Jesus and His glorious resurrection; I knew instinctively that there was no better place for me to rest than in the arms of a loving God. Placing myself at His feet at the Throne in prayer, I knew of no safer place to be for the rest of that day.<br />
I am blessed to attend a church of anointed teachings, all based on the living Word. I bathed myself in God’s love. Soaking in all that I had known, all that I had learned, and all that He spoke to my heart during this intense time of prayer. I have learned through the trials of life, which have been used to refine my character. To head towards resting in Him, and not always run to asking, “Why?”. You see disappointments in life are inevitable, but discouragement is optional!<a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/face.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-91" height="300" src="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/face.jpg" title="face" width="238" /></a><br />
My faith liberated me as i spoke, believed, and received all of the promises that my Jesus had for me. I did not focus on the fear and knowledge of what had been my family curse. Instead, I stood on scriptures like: <b><i>2 Cor. 1:20</i></b> ” <i>for all the promises of God find their yes in Him”, <b>Romans 10:17</b><i> ” faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God”,<b> Isa. 55:11 </b>” His word never returns void”,</i></i> and many more..<br />
The next day came, when I was to go back to the hospital to review what had been diagnosed, and have further tests. I will tell you that during that long hard drive, the eventual waiting room experience, and further tests; I did not feel down. In fact, I was uplifted by the buoyancy of worship and praise rising from the depths of my spirit. I had clad myself in the armor of God ready to do battle against things both unseen and unwanted. Like the story of King Jehoshaphat of old, <i><b>(2 Chron. 20)</b></i> I was not to fear or be dismayed for the battle was not mine, but God’s!<br />
The following day, I found myself once again seated in the doctor’s office as the pronouncements of the tests were to be read. I had had 3 sets of intense X-rays, and an ultrasound. They wanted to be absolutely sure of <i>all of the test results</i>. These were very professional people. My doctor and radiographer have 20 years of experience in the field of mammography.<br />
As the verdict was to be read so to speak, there was a curious twist. They asked me my name, and social security number as a means of double checking my identity. I have never had that happen before? The tone and inflection of voice was one of a questioning nature instead of that of an emphatic self assured medical professional. I was beginning to wonder what this was all about?<a href="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/doctors.jpg"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-92" height="156" src="http://wayfarersquest.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/doctors.jpg" title="doctors" width="160" /></a><br />
As I sat there they calmly explained to me something that they had never seen before. But something that I had been contending for in faith for the last several days. They said that all of the tests showed that the “significant” lump, which was so clearly visible on the first X-ray, taken just 3 days ago, was gone! I erupted with joy and praise. I shared with them how it was Jesus who had healed me. Though, cool professionalism had them view my happiness and faith as nothing more than relief from what had been previously diagnosed. Yet, even they had to admit there was something of an unexplainable nature that had occurred in my body that had been verified my medical science.<br />
As our friend shared this testimony of a wonderous 21st century miracle, we all shared in her joy. And because God is no shows no favoritism, you too can rest assured that he can do the samething for you. Be open in faith to the testimonies and stories of healings and miracles. Because it is when we open our hearts in faith to what He has done, that is when we sow the seeds of faith upon which can grow the miracles of tommorrow in our own lives, and the lives of others.</div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-55108617472630743642012-01-13T11:21:00.002-08:002012-06-27T09:26:40.845-07:00Is God restricted to move?..............<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Is God restricted to move</h1>
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This particular story arose when we were with a couple that we know, and were discussing the supernatural things of the kingdom of God. It seems such a shame that between fellow believers in Christ that there is a hesitancy to share the wonders of God amongst one another for fear of offending the other person. When talking about such things as<i> angels</i>,<i> healings</i> ,<i>miracles</i>, <i>spiritual prayers</i>, and language; we hold back because of how we may be received by our brethren. This was not one of those times for us, actually it was one of openness about the things of the Kingdom where there hadn’t been such talk akin to it previously.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OlkFBw2VYcbEylcHH3CYE4-EALsCB190f43ypgZxYeBYeVCDpttdTR6AwReCvJcd8s4AdVatseS1qPI2wmHVKY8S-hNY_qIfSEM4TcYjn_cH-oVAwp8dkCdE8P1HCr1i0BrK7CpZmA/s1600/w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OlkFBw2VYcbEylcHH3CYE4-EALsCB190f43ypgZxYeBYeVCDpttdTR6AwReCvJcd8s4AdVatseS1qPI2wmHVKY8S-hNY_qIfSEM4TcYjn_cH-oVAwp8dkCdE8P1HCr1i0BrK7CpZmA/s1600/w.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvYNE6-m4PQUqDnZStZKIx6WXMF-8AWalFBTxAM4Dlr15Ni5ys0E0Q8o2qGhkHAZUrV2NmgxjqeqBn2PV4D4GUbP_R02BaoRz0aUvzXkleu1rL1MqaSQOCytVceNc6KEdm9bjW_H0Zg/s1600/tidal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvYNE6-m4PQUqDnZStZKIx6WXMF-8AWalFBTxAM4Dlr15Ni5ys0E0Q8o2qGhkHAZUrV2NmgxjqeqBn2PV4D4GUbP_R02BaoRz0aUvzXkleu1rL1MqaSQOCytVceNc6KEdm9bjW_H0Zg/s1600/tidal.jpg" /></a>Our friend had been one of the many Christian workers who flew to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effect_of_the_2004_Indian_Ocean_earthquake_on_Indonesia">Banda Aceh province</a> in Indonesia after the great earthquake and <a href="http://tsunami2004videoarchive.com/">ensuing tidal wave</a> in 2004. He went there like many others to help in whatever way that he could. The devastation was unimaginable. There is nothing in the ordinary course of life that could prepare you for the damage that the tidal wave did to the Banda Aceh area. Everything was needed to stabilize and rebuild life as they had once known it. At these moments, you are both awed and humbled. Awed by the sheer force of power that nature has over the lives of mankind, and humbled by the very real need that all have for the intervention on our behalf of a power much greater than ourselves for salvation and safety.<br />
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I remember several stories coming out at the time from those devastated areas where the global tidal wave struck. Ones of how God intervened in the lives of people who prayed <i>spiritual prayers</i>. I remember one that we all actually watched on a big screen in church. It contained the testimony of a <a href="http://www.iprflv.com/contents/Pages/articles/contents/CBN/From%20Internet/Riding%20the%20Storm%20Out%20A%20Tsunami%20Miracle.htm">Christian orphanage worker who felt led to launch a boatload of orphans</a> and himself into the ocean of waves in the moments as disaster struck. He commanded that the waves part in the <i>name of Jesus</i>. Somehow, and he admittedly stated that he doesn’t know how; they went right through the waves, arriving safely on the other side free of the disaster. He could not shut up about the help from his Jesus. No matter how many times CNN anchor <i><a href="http://www.cnn.com/CNN/anchors_reporters/cooper.anderson.html">Anderson Cooper</a></i> tried to shut him down, that was until the feed was “cut off”.<br />
Our friend’s testimonies was quite different. You must understand that they come from a <i>seeker friendly</i> style western church. So, sharing about<i> angels</i>, <i>healing</i>, and the <i>power of God</i> is not something that is necessarily talked about a lot or encouraged. Yet, that is what we did that evening as he shared his experience with God’s Kingdom in that devastated area so far away. It is one that will cause you to ponder, think, and have to come up with your own answers as to why things turn out the way they do. Because the ending isn’t a fairy taleone, or one that you would normally hope to hear about, it is nonetheless true.<br />
While in Banda Aceh, these workers did whatever they could do to help out. They came upon one heart rending situation after another. They did what they could from body recoveries, to building shelters, to handing out food and waters supplies. As Christians, they also offered prayers on behalf of everyone they worked with to ease their daily burdens.<br />
Here is his story. " One Sunday near the end of my time in Aceh. I went with a large group of Indonesian believers to one IDP camp that had not received support. The group brought food and games for the children. After we passed out the food, most of the group started playing games with the kids. I kind of hung back and was just walking around praying and chatting with different people. As I stopped to watch the kids playing the games, I noticed a commotion in one of the tents. I walked over to the tent and saw a young girl, about 10, on the floor in convulsions. I don't know if it was demons or a seizure, but as it was happening one of the Western ladies from our group asked the family what had happened. They said that the girl had been acting strange all day, and that when our group arrived she refused to come and eat or play with us. The lady then asked if she could pray for her in the name of Jesus. <br />
It was at this moment that I began to see what appeared to be a group of huge men surrounding us. They looked to be wearing dark armor and holding flaming swords. Though their size was impressive, I was having a hard time seeing them. When the lady asked if she could pray in the name of Jesus, they rushed forward swinging their swords as if preparing to do battle. Just as they were about to reach the girl, the child's father stated that he would not allow for his daughter to be prayed for in the name of Jesus. The huge men stopped in their tracks, swords still ready, and then they slowly disappeared.<br />
After all of this transpired, I was left absolutely speechless. I started to cry, knowing that this all could have ended so differently. That a true and lasting healing could have happened. But because of the Enemy's strong grip on this family, a priceless gift was rejected."<br />
In what seemed like a very ethereal moment in our friend’s life, he got <i>to see the Kingdom of </i>God get ready to work. For the first time in his Christian experience saw <i>angels.</i> The Word says that they are ready to carry out <i>God’s commands.</i> (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+103%3A19-22&version=NASB">Psalm 103:19-22)</a> They stood there solemn, and strong, radiating the sense that they were ready to be directed into action.<br />
He turned back to hear the mom rejecting the offering of prayer by his co-workers one more time. Stunned, and in disbelief because of his worldview, he waited as they tried to coach this Muslim woman into accepting their gift. Each time my friend would glance back at the sentries of Heaven as they stood poised, yet unable to move into action. With one final emphatic rejection, the workers rose up and left the sad familial scene. Their hearts broken, their spirits weighed down with the haunting word, “Why”? It was then that he noticed that the angels had disappeared.<br />
As I said earlier, this story doesn’t have the feel good ending as others that I have shared in the past. But, I believe it to be just as weighty and important for us to hear. You see I believe that there is true power in <i>spiritual prayers</i>. I believe that the authority of the believers in prayer rests in the <i>name of Jesus</i>. I also believe that as <i>disciples of Christ</i> we need to come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of those truths. Even if it means hearing real life stories of tragedy to get the point across.<br />
As Paul said in <i><b>Ephesians 6:12: ” for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of darkness, against spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places” NASB</b></i></div>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-92224059359046820682012-01-03T11:36:00.000-08:002012-01-03T11:36:53.450-08:00the power of healing prayer.......................<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzC8weDV2e0/TwNMwr3f21I/AAAAAAAAAGI/yWAg1N8ZlI4/s1600/steth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzC8weDV2e0/TwNMwr3f21I/AAAAAAAAAGI/yWAg1N8ZlI4/s1600/steth.jpg" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This past Sunday morning during service, a pastor friend of mine cheerfully shared a great testimony of God's grace and healing power in a difficult situation. I believe that sharing the wonders of the Lord's ability to circumvent and supersede the pronouncements of doctors, psychologists, and other very learned and professional people, gives us hope and the possibility of having futures that others have declared dead. Because HE is the God of resurrection, healing, and the supernatural. Yet, sadly in our world, and even in His own body the Church, we hold on more to the pronouncements of man than onto the declarations of God and His Word.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TxRDw2HyNA/TwNO06yUmtI/AAAAAAAAAGU/VrC8iU39erU/s1600/registered_nurse_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TxRDw2HyNA/TwNO06yUmtI/AAAAAAAAAGU/VrC8iU39erU/s1600/registered_nurse_3.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> The story actually began several years ago, when he needed an operation on his shoulder. As part of the natural process of nurture and care during the recovery period, he had encountered a particular nurse. She fit the visual imagery of what you would want in that noble profession. She was full of cheer, caring, and gave off the radiance of nurture that just made you feel that you were going to get better, just by being in her very presence. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Knowing that this man was a pastor gave her the openness to share with him about how as a single mom of two home schooled children she would drive everyday 120 miles round trip to give her nursing job all she had to give. Fortitude, and a strong spirit were words that easily come to mind as he heard her share the information about her life. To top it all off, she shared how that it was her faith in Christ that she knew was the real source of her ability to overcome the situations that accumulated together would easily have waylayed many other people.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> It was during this session that she also disclosed that in spite of her current disposition, it was this morning that she learned that she had cancer. The sheer weight of this foreboding bomb seemed to clear the atmosphere of all light, and warmth. In the momentary void, both reassured each other that God was the God of the impossible. That only He alone could work things together for good for those who loved Him and were called according to His purpose. This they both knew wasn't some simple minded cheery way to put a spin on an awkward moment between two people just as a way of dismissing the weightiness of the burden. It was a declaration that even in the depths of darkness, there is always a light of hope in Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> When the pastor got home, he told his wife about the emotional rollercoaster of his appointment. She knew what to do about the situation. They would pray for her. And during the next session, she would <em>lay hands on her</em> and pray for her as a point of contact. They would both do these steps of action, and allow God to do the rest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Time separated the appointments, and the nurse from their lives as the man's body healed. Then just recently, this selfsame man had to go to the same hospital. When he ran directly into a nurse whose face was covered with a large surgical mask. Her eyes flashed recognition. " Hello, do you remember me?" she said. The pastor who sees many people in the course of life, tried to draw a connection with the cheery eyes. " Not with that mask on your face!", he voiced with a smirky,light hearted grin. She quickly removed it to reveal the happy face of the nurse who had cared for him a couple of years ago. Both faces then lit up. They exchanged pleasantries, and renewed the bond of their spirits again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> The most joyous news that she had to share with him was that she had been cured of cancer. God had healed her of the cancer that she had told him about. She knew that she had been healed according to His word. In the midst of all of <em>lifes' problems</em> she had been delivered from what the enemy thought would take her out as an obstacle just too big to overcome. Yet, he didn't know that God had a different plan. He placed a pastor and his praying wife on her path. Right there, amidst a normal and routine of follow therapy examine. Only this time the patient was to become the nurse, who would help deliver the perscription and treatment of a different kind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> God wants us to be healed. Sometimes it is quickly, and sometimes it may take awhile, but whatever the way; give Him the glory for it when it comes. And be sure to thank Him for it ahead of the delivery of the gift itself!</span><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-49022541639105416212011-12-30T19:28:00.001-08:002012-02-25T23:33:25.213-08:00An Alternative End Time scenario..Launching NEW Video WayfarersQuest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UFSZtBNERDA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><strong> </strong>Since the beginning of the year, I have been increasingly aware of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">books, videos</a>, websites, and teachings that opened my eyes to some new possibilities as to how the <em>end of days </em>would actually pan out. Even though it was not in line with what I had been taught in Church for the last 20 + years, I did find that it lined up with more scriptures than the current <em>end time </em>scenario did. I know that this is a <em>controversial matter</em>.<br />
There are several major scenarios as to <em>how the world will end</em> according to current eschatalogical thought . After spending the better part of 2011 learning about what I have come to believe is a real possible theory based on <em>scripture; </em> I have had the opportunity to start teaching it in Church. Because I am not a <em>theologian</em>, simply someone who wants to know the truth and know that my faith and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eschatology">eschatology</a><em> are </em>based on scripture and not conjecture, I searched and researched my current way of thinking until I felt that it was just as viable and sound as that which I had been taught for so many years as viable and sound.<br />
As with any teaching, I challenge you to search, research, and study what it is that YOU believe about how <em>time as we know it</em> comes to a close. As a Christian, you will have to take a position because Jesus left you no alternative. I have entitled this whole series, "<em>An <a href="http://wayfarersquest-rsctt.blogspot.com/2011/07/are-you-sure-about-end-times.html">Alternative End Times</a> Scenario",</em> simply because it is NOT what you have been taught for the last generation or two. Yet, I hope that you will at least be stimulated into putting on your thinking caps and maybe rehash and reevaluate what it is that you do believe in this arena?<br />
Again, when I started on this journey to establish <a href="http://www.wayfarersquest.com/">Wayfarers Quest</a> I wanted to not only provide great testimonials about God's grace, love and power in todays' world. But, I wanted to create an overall site that would be a large repository of tools for Christians to use and to be stimulated to share with others about God's grace, love and power. If our faith is to mean anything it should be one that helps usher in God's Kingdom on this Earth so that He is glorified.<br />
This teaching series as others in the <em>Wayfarers Quest</em> video casts will be tools to share as well as stimulate thought and maybe even cause some to awaken from spiritual slumber. I hope that you will enjoy our efforts, this being our pilot episode. <a href="http://www.wnd.com/2012/02/planning-for-islamic-caliphate-to-begin/">Current Caliphate NEWS!</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UFSZtBNERDA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-90611667660227697642011-12-21T11:52:00.000-08:002011-12-28T18:31:17.843-08:00God Cares<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVGwTqu0pE-aRVf_WTBBgmNbvvwCBH3EyMSzBW7YSmrJEmQVR1tKIRJdljd73QMlraulFgRPIYIKLCTN-3DATe8O5aMmfZLAPOFvPTsk_YdXpridry8SqpCBNMQjKpVYGb5gZZvZm7A/s1600/christmas+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVGwTqu0pE-aRVf_WTBBgmNbvvwCBH3EyMSzBW7YSmrJEmQVR1tKIRJdljd73QMlraulFgRPIYIKLCTN-3DATe8O5aMmfZLAPOFvPTsk_YdXpridry8SqpCBNMQjKpVYGb5gZZvZm7A/s1600/christmas+tree.jpg" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I want to share a story with you that contains both facts and faith. It involves two separate incidents that occurred almost 30 years apart, yet are tied together with a knot of love and eternal hope. Life always is good at throwing us curve balls, or even leading us down dead end roads. But, there are also those times when God's presence shines upon us, and it all seems to make sense. Even, in it's randomly disjointed patterns. I think that this maybe one of those stories that let us take a peak at the grand scheme behind the great patchwork quilt of our lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Answering a heavy knock at the door, and opening it only to see two uniformed police officers is not comforting to a little girl. Then, comes the overhearing of the heart wrenching inevitability voiced through compassionate tones as the officers make their pronouncement. They tell your mom that your brother has been fatally injured in a car wreck. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> The world seems to slow and become a hollow place all around you. The once festive Christmas holiday trappings that decorate your warm home lose their color, joy, and effect. Life as you know it can change on a dime.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> You walk through the next few days as if on some kind of unreal conveyor belt. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Just going through the motions, while being hit at times by both the sharp pain of a broken heart, and the empty blackness of unending loss. Christmas itself, is only days away. The presents under the tree are still there, ready, waiting to disclose his last gifts of familial love and caring. It will be one of those extremely few days in a life that will have to be both endured and cherished.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLRio9e2OVGHxwKrSW6KZDHgG6ck_sE19LybystOinYwy9j72IoHGlr5SxfbYnkCvg2g6RB_mfFlExqVvId5-oZo2XH_vPqTi-xA82tYqTqInJRDkJlvJNfzGXYTsWZtw1IhY_bnnnQ/s1600/soccer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNLRio9e2OVGHxwKrSW6KZDHgG6ck_sE19LybystOinYwy9j72IoHGlr5SxfbYnkCvg2g6RB_mfFlExqVvId5-oZo2XH_vPqTi-xA82tYqTqInJRDkJlvJNfzGXYTsWZtw1IhY_bnnnQ/s1600/soccer.png" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> That year her brother had bought her a soccer ball. She played with it all of the time. So much so, that more than likely it became too much for her mom to handle. Torn between letting her daughter keep this last treasure and her internal nagging fear that she may have an obsessive attachment to the toy. It wouldn't be long before the ball simply disappeared. Allowing time to make it more of a memory, instead of a sports item made of rubber, air, and love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> I must make a point to stop us here. So that you will know all of the facts before we begin our leap into the unknown. First, I am not saying that the soccer ball magically disappeared. It was more than likely human action that caused it to happen. Secondly, my wife had told me once before about this story from her childhood long ago. But, it was never something other than a fleeting story that she had shared from her past.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Now, lets fast forward the timeline to a period about 30 years later, to a time quite unlike that of the one in the beginning of our tale. It was when our church was immersed in the gentle, loving, moving of God's Holy Spirit presence upon the congregation as a whole. It was to the uninitiated, a Holy Spirit revival. A time where it seems that the very essence of Heaven touches Earth. A period of weeks, and months, where hearts are changed, bodies are healed, and everything just seems to be right with the world.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> The only way to really relate to you what a revival is like is for you to have to experience it. No amount of verbal articulation can describe what you see, hear, know, and feel. Whatever your spiritual temperature is, you will be challenged, convicted, and yes maybe even offended. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> But, hopefully when the Spirit moves you will have been changed, and the love of Christ will burn within in you more than it ever did before! It is a spiritual thing, that's all I can say.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> It was during this move of God that I found myself on the floor. Laid down gently by the overwhelming presence of God that left me too weak to stand. In the past this has been called being "thunderstruck", but today it would be referred to as being " slain in the Spirit". Whatever it may be called, it is a time where He seems to speak directly to our hearts with peace, love, power, affirmation, revelation and change.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7Afi2kK33lVFLYizzpzMiSnv2UeN_k5rEptC9GuTuyXmSQWX27Y4xtRIwXQn3EPgszFP9rh_7DQMsQeEvtcnGbVWMxp0tUm_lKyRx2bKZlDXWn6GS5MZQ4lGCH7JTNFjuQx-i8FNig/s1600/clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7Afi2kK33lVFLYizzpzMiSnv2UeN_k5rEptC9GuTuyXmSQWX27Y4xtRIwXQn3EPgszFP9rh_7DQMsQeEvtcnGbVWMxp0tUm_lKyRx2bKZlDXWn6GS5MZQ4lGCH7JTNFjuQx-i8FNig/s1600/clouds.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Here now is where faith will become your guide. In this state, I sensed myself surrounded by white. Bright, warm, comforting white light; yet it also had a sense of softness to it, dare I say fluffiness? I also saw people motioning towards me. I did not see detail, by that I mean everything was soft, not focused to crystal clarity. I wouldn't say that I was, "in Heaven", as much as I was seeing a vision of heavenly things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Two of the people who stood together were my grandparents, Nana and Gran. they were both Christians, so I assumed that they would be there waiting. They smiled, and radiated warmth. The third person there I had never met. He was tall, thin, young and standing just ahead of my grandparents. At the end of his long lanky arms, pressed between his hip and his hand was a soccer ball. He brought it up in one hand, holding it out to me, and seemed to say, " tell my sister that I am waiting to give her her present".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Then it hit me like a ton of bricks, this young man was my wife's brother. Emotion gripped my reposed body. I found it hard to grasp and accept all that I was seeing, and how I was feeling. My reaction pulling out of that state was one of profound tearful emotion. I stumbled out of the sanctuary to find my wife, and somehow share with her this event.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Moments later, I found her with an associate Pastors' wife. Through tears, I shared my experience with her. She knew something had happened to me, but exactly what she couldn't tell. Yet, she treasured the comfort and reassurance I was able to share with her about her brother.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Now, you may think that my tale is now all told, but I must share the most important feature, so that you may know the rest of the story<em>.</em> You see when my wife's brother died in the car wreck it occurred in a secluded mountain canyon. The officials said that he could have been there for up to 3 days, and was not killed instantly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> He was by no means a Christian. He had had a smattering of church upbringing. He even had a short stint as an altar boy in the Lutheran church. But, due to his current lifestyle and religious beliefs, it was assumed that he passed away being lost.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Yet, we did have the knowledge that he had survived the sudden crash. So there was some period of time, which could have been just enough for God to share Spirit to spirit, and remind him of what Jesus had done for him. A glimmer of hope, no matter how small it may have been.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> What we do know, and can see, is that his death changed his family for generations after him. For you see, in the weeks and months after the funeral, and that sad Christmas day; one by one his siblings all came to know Jesus as their saviour. Whereas before church and faith were simply part of the of their cultural background as it is with most Americans. Not living and real, just "church". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> The first, the next eldest child of the family, went from being a drug using, rebellious young man to a sold out radical disciple of Jesus. Then another brother, and finally my wife herself, all turning to Christ in the hope of salvation and eternal life. Eventually, even his parents would be baptized for all of the children and grandchildren to watch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> It wouldn't be long before the eldest was married to a similarly radical Christian girl. They would in turn raise their family with that new found faith. My wife and I would round up the last tail end of marriages and our children the third generation to be open to the living Christ.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> So as our nephew just recently observed; Could his death have started the chain reaction that panned out over time? Was there some kind of divine purpose? Could the tragic loss of one so dear have been the door that gave three generations of family the opportunity to come into the Kingdom of God? I don't have any of the answers to those questions. those are for you to wrestle with in your own quiet times. What I do know though is that God really, really does care for us in ways large and small much more than we think He does.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-62642592731827585462011-12-01T11:54:00.000-08:002011-12-05T14:56:35.841-08:00What have you been waiting for?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAGukxJCmWUoyFuRrraGRWa29ToguEUlPBc4GIZSVtwMB03f3NlFhJPU91HgX7Q3a7JTgac8gUYyaKdLRUI6rljBetalNY8qrm5Ue0kMbWk3XuUcUiZecpV9okwmYqfbViJf96dikNA/s1600/candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAGukxJCmWUoyFuRrraGRWa29ToguEUlPBc4GIZSVtwMB03f3NlFhJPU91HgX7Q3a7JTgac8gUYyaKdLRUI6rljBetalNY8qrm5Ue0kMbWk3XuUcUiZecpV9okwmYqfbViJf96dikNA/s1600/candle.jpg" /></a></div> This year I have the opportunity to portray Simeon in our Church's Christmas program. Now most people would not naturally link Simeon or Anna, both who were prophetic people, with Christmas. Even though, the fact is that in as far as the Christmas narrative goes, they both appear upon the scene after the actual birth of Jesus. But then again, if we are looking for biblical accuracy, the Three Kings ( the Magi) didn't show up to the actual event either. Yet our traditions have them there. Then there's the little drummer boy, who knows where he came from? ( though I must admit, "The little drummer boy is MY favorite Christmas show, though I hate it when the lamb gets hurt) In Luke 2: 25 -38, Mary and Joseph are at the Temple giving the proper offering for a first born child, and dedicating Him to the Lord. This is only days after the actual birth. This is where Simeon comes upon the scene. For most of his adult life, the Holy Spirit has told this man that before he dies, he will get to see the long awaited Messiah ( Christ) . He is now very old, and has waited for all of his life holding this promise in his heart.<br />
Simeon lived quite some time never having the opportunity to see even a hint of what God had shared with him come to pass or full fruition. Can you relate to him? Imagine living 60, 70 years or more,never seeing what you believe will happen because God told you it would happen? He spoke it to your heart. Yet, year in and year out, never seeing it come to pass. That is living by faith and not by sight!<br />
As I play this individual in a few days, I will have to convey both the longing and the actual fulfillment of seeing prophecy come to pass before your very eyes. The joy of 60 years of pent up hope released by seeing and holding a baby. The scriptures speaks his words this way,<br />
<br />
"<em>Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.</em><br />
<em> according to thy word:</em><br />
<em> for mine eyes have seen thy salvation,</em><br />
<em> which thou hast prepared before</em><br />
<em> the face of all people.</em><br />
<em> a light to lighten the Gentiles</em><br />
<em> and the glory of thy people Israel"</em><br />
<br />
<em> </em>Simeon's words fill my heart with both joy and sadness. He was able to endure and apprehend what he had lived his whole life not seeing. Facing the possibility of ridicule every time he would share his innermost faith with others. Wrestling with unfulfilled desires as each year passed by with no new hope in sight, while tyranny's oppressive shadow blotted out the sun of a bright future. Lingering doubt, bearing hard upon the solid rock of an inner knowing; that only a Spirit spoken word can create within your heart. Imagine, living a long life with these feelings weighing upon your psyche? That is Simeon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bSdvphzPrwy5tY8QmcsJJgGRqL7ethcnkm1_5KJgB2o4DxgONMCpv3h04P8AJFMEI0X7wTWLg5mdMEZXjLM0D6zg-397CiFyTJpPqLw2dpLyB0uITPhpv768JxavyaYgQ6-T0oaJJw/s1600/simeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bSdvphzPrwy5tY8QmcsJJgGRqL7ethcnkm1_5KJgB2o4DxgONMCpv3h04P8AJFMEI0X7wTWLg5mdMEZXjLM0D6zg-397CiFyTJpPqLw2dpLyB0uITPhpv768JxavyaYgQ6-T0oaJJw/s1600/simeon.jpg" /></a></div> Then that day arrives. The Holy Spirit spoke to his heart , and told him to get down to the Temple that morning. How many false starts had he had before, when his mind had gotten ahead of his spirit? But today was not one of those promptings, it was different! This was the day that he would see, speak to, and handle the promise of all the ages. Yet, deep down he knew that he would not live to see the Messiah in all of His earthly glory, that that day would come for him in the far distant future. How would you handle that?<br />
When I look at Simeon I see all of us. I am challenged to wonder if I would have lasted as long holding on only to a longheld promise with so little forward momentum to show for it? Would I have aquiesced, and become absorbed into the futility and despair of the world around me? How about you?<br />
May I suggest that you take the time this year to start a new tradition ? This year begin to add Simeon and Anna into the calvalcade of characters that you bring into your Christmas traditions. Two faithful people who came just days after the birth, to bear witness that the babe was the fulfillment of prophecy. Two people who show us that sometimes the wait is just as much a part of recieving the gift, as the gift itself.<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-35732988071479802932011-11-22T16:29:00.000-08:002011-11-29T12:34:44.372-08:00Are their Angels watching over you?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R8AohOFydKsYcFyd6Sdv4a6o_iyYtG3pjmVuA_b4pSdprbhy1C4rZ-gruF4GvWX_JjQYMj4q7XDnvo4wSiqTp3P3-HAG_weJA6qEZTgRKeeWEvXjkiOiop2sri2whHZSqmQL69bjWw/s1600/angels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R8AohOFydKsYcFyd6Sdv4a6o_iyYtG3pjmVuA_b4pSdprbhy1C4rZ-gruF4GvWX_JjQYMj4q7XDnvo4wSiqTp3P3-HAG_weJA6qEZTgRKeeWEvXjkiOiop2sri2whHZSqmQL69bjWw/s1600/angels.jpg" /></a></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A couple of weeks ago, I wrote in the Blog about psalm 91. I had suggested that it could even be used as a prayer of sorts. Of course, that would be in form only, and not as a "formal prayer" in and of itself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> It is good to let the thoughts of how God protects, and watches over us sink into our soul. The whole theme of how he covers, delivers, and guards us; are all things worthy of prayer and meditation. I also particularly like how it says that, "He will give His angels <em>charge </em>concerning you".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> What a comforting thought! We don't use the word "charge" much anymore. Except in it's limited financial meaning. It means, " to entrust with a duty or responsibility". So let's read Psalm 91:11 again with that meaning in mind. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> "<em> for He will give His angels the duty and responsibility to guard you in all your ways"</em></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-jq6oQBx30LEgmPdsiPeKvsCXRwVhol9GHDhwMYzqiOgs-8bZ6ZgNgTFCSORbhVkcIH2J5mfI5_QAprP5gi_884oLW-RO060Pyz6fbYPpW9oo9CF0AkodTPhTlCEZleVAvaIW23yOQ/s1600/angels_of_God.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-jq6oQBx30LEgmPdsiPeKvsCXRwVhol9GHDhwMYzqiOgs-8bZ6ZgNgTFCSORbhVkcIH2J5mfI5_QAprP5gi_884oLW-RO060Pyz6fbYPpW9oo9CF0AkodTPhTlCEZleVAvaIW23yOQ/s320/angels_of_God.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Wow, what a powerful and and comforting thought!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> As I was continuing to read through the Book of Psalms, I also came across this gem. It adds even more punch to an already amazing train of thought. It comes from Psalms 103: 19-22. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> "<em> Bless the Lord, you His angels</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Mighty in strength, who perform His word,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Obeying the voice of His word!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> You who serve Him, doing His will "</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> It shows me that angels are actively involved in carrying out God's will and word. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> It gives me a sense of security to know by faith that God and His kingdoms hierarchy are actively being engaged for my benefit. Watching over me, my family, and all who call upon his name, to perform His word.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> There are many, many times when I know that just as in the Book of Acts, that the Lord dispatched an angel for our safety and benefit. Our family makes it our custom before we travel to pray and ask for God's protection over us, our vehicles, and instill in us good driving skills. We trust that he hears our prayers.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFcaVWN-ZQ9l0585RABB1VRKD77jVd-E73NxjX71Uq6rMOrcehHgyZV9d-WEYc2fqvCZCpbhHKDuBZ41TQno4muw-NavWt-OsX14k-l4wp5BVefkC2lhQ2QuvZ35NKlwIe0OK0br1ug/s1600/91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFcaVWN-ZQ9l0585RABB1VRKD77jVd-E73NxjX71Uq6rMOrcehHgyZV9d-WEYc2fqvCZCpbhHKDuBZ41TQno4muw-NavWt-OsX14k-l4wp5BVefkC2lhQ2QuvZ35NKlwIe0OK0br1ug/s1600/91.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> There was one particular time that set us in this frame of mind several years ago. Our young family was driving in our compact car in Southern California. We were in the middle lane of the heavily congested, yet fast moving traffic on the 91 freeway. Like some kind of six lane co joined behemoth of individual cars all cruising at highway speed, we all coursed the beltway through Riverside county together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Then it happened. For some unknown reason, a couple of cars directly in front of us stepped on the brakes. Then the multiplier effect happened, and six lanes of brakes lights flashed and stayed on as the once shimmering sea of cars came to an abrupt halt. We responded to the split second notice of danger. At the same time having no idea how the multitudes of cars who had been traveling at highway speed directly behind us would respond ?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> I have always heard that when you get into an accident, survivors all say that time seemed to go in slow motion during the event. I know that for me it did. All I remember is our car jerking to a stop, and then going into a spin. In that moment, you just wait for the impact. Yet it never happened. We did at least one maybe two spins, and came to a solid stop facing the oncoming traffic, all six lanes!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> Words really can't put those seconds into a succinct sentence or paragraph. Other than saying that you get a stunning sense of relief and utter perplexity that overwhelms your being. We simply took what were probably only a few momentary seconds to register the mental imagine of a freeway full of headlights and grills staring us down in a united wall, a mere 20 to 30' from our front end. The look into each others eyes, knowing that there had to be angels all around us. Their charge kept, making sure that not only we, but that everyone around us was kept safe so that they too could make their own journey home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> We put the car in gear, made a 180 degree turn from the middle lane of the freeway, and then proceeded on our way. A nervous laugh, then thankful praise filled the car. We knew that even in a moment when it doesn't seem like you have a second to pray, He has already dispatched those who are assigned to keep charge over us!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1914989468187363448.post-71539515634515318112011-11-14T11:04:00.002-08:002012-03-29T10:09:45.115-07:00Cardboard testimonies...Do you have one?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JwpJeLSU-qQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPm-BwoZPewFQ8GTlx69AaLBlh7IUPvq2_wSq9dQLZ7NV8eDUEFQoP5K_jq5zlMvrsciwQkdjo6B4kRZmUucqer7n177bIV-zR_xPlBdWFqsQyA-lyYT7HrkPayNqEUAW-cGlVXh_cQ/s1600/testimonies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPm-BwoZPewFQ8GTlx69AaLBlh7IUPvq2_wSq9dQLZ7NV8eDUEFQoP5K_jq5zlMvrsciwQkdjo6B4kRZmUucqer7n177bIV-zR_xPlBdWFqsQyA-lyYT7HrkPayNqEUAW-cGlVXh_cQ/s320/testimonies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> In church on Sunday, a good friend Pastor Sid preached. He always has an uplifting, and encouraging message to share with the body of believers. During the course of the sermon, he had us all watch a video entitled, "Cardboard testimonies". In a day and time, when we are all exposed to the sad plight of so many who have come to the place of relying upon a cardboard sign to make their plea for help heard. This video takes that idea, and turns it on it's head.<br />
It uses the concept of taking a simple cardboard sign, and sharing with those who read it, the testimony of what God has done in their lives. These signs, like those of the street corner herald, challenge us with their message. Only instead of asking,; these signs shout the story not of inability, but of God's supreme ability! Not of lack, but of provision. They shout a new reality in a world of hopelessness.<br />
I searched YouTube and found the video that pastor Sid showed us last Sunday. I was also amazed to find that many churches have stumbled upon this very same idea, and have obviously used it to present their own fellowships with the good news of Jesus. How He can and does change lives. I happen to have chosen for this Blog a different video for you to watch. Not for any other reason than that I liked the mellow music better, and you could see the big smiles on the peoples faces clearer. I am an easy target for a real "feel good" movie.<br />
But, as you watch this short video, please, please do not let the serious nature of the message be lightened by the soft music and warm fuzzies. Let the compassion of the heart of the Father sink in to your heart, so in grateful remembrance you too may create in your mind what YOUR cardboard testimony might say? And if you don't have one?....let Him write it for you, in His blood, and by His grace!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1