LET'S TALK

WOW... A MUST SEE VIDEO

2009-03-30T23:23:00.002-07:00

THIS IS CALLED THE OBAMA DECEPTION AND AFTER WATCHING IT, IT MADE ME REALIZE THAT IT IS MUCH DEEPER THAN THE INFUENCE THAT HE CAN BRING. WATCH IT AND SEE FOR YOURSELF.

myspace layouts

AZ Signings - Mobile Notary Service - Maricopa - Arizona

2007-08-23T02:07:00.000-07:00

Providing Mobile Notary Services for ALL of Arizona. No need to call all over for a Notary Public, just call AZ Signings @ 602-740-7905 & we will drive to you.

The Best Hosting Company ever

2007-07-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

I would like you to try this hosting company. See what they have to offer. I use this company for all my domain & hosting packages for them.

.

Way to Go Audriana

2007-02-09T02:24:00.000-07:00

10 Year Old Singing The National Anthem At A Phoenix Suns Game - video powered by Metacafe

My Weird Goldfish... it swims in circles

2006-11-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Weird Goldfish, It Swims In Circles - video powered by Metacafe

Let me know what you think of it....

Check this out

2006-09-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

Conspiracy - Martial Law 911 - video powered by Metacafe

Way to go Audriana.....

2006-09-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

Here is my niece at the US Airways Center National Anthem tryouts:

click on this link: National Anthem Tryouts 9/20/06

She is only 10yrs and she sounds awesome. You should hear her sing the whole song.

God Bless

Raunchy lyrics prompt teens to start having sex, study says

2006-08-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

Raunchy lyrics prompt teens to start having sex, study says
Associated PressAug. 7, 2006 07:15 AM

CHICAGO - Teens whose iPods are full of music with raunchy, sexual lyrics start having sex sooner than those who prefer other songs, a study found.Whether it's hip-hop, rap, pop or rock, much of popular music aimed at teens contains sexual overtones. Its influence on their behavior appears to depend on how the sex is portrayed, researchers found.Songs depicting men as "sex-driven studs," women as sex objects and with explicit references to sex acts are more likely to trigger early sexual behavior than those where sexual references are more veiled and relationships appear more committed, the study found.

Teens who said they listened to lots of music with degrading sexual messages were almost twice as likely to start having intercourse or other sexual activities within the following two years as were teens who listened to little or no sexually degrading music.Among heavy listeners, 51 percent started having sex within two years, versus 29 percent of those who said they listened to little or no sexually degrading music.Exposure to lots of sexually degrading music "gives them a specific message about sex," said lead author Steven Martino, a researcher for Rand Corp. in Pittsburgh. Boys learn they should be relentless in pursuit of women and girls learn to view themselves as sex objects, he said."We think that really lowers kids' inhibitions and makes them less thoughtful" about sexual decisions and may influence them to make decisions they regret, he said.The study, based on telephone interviews with 1,461 participants aged 12 to 17, appears in the August issue of Pediatrics, being released Monday.Most participants were virgins when they were first questioned in 2001. Follow-up interviews were done in 2002 and 2004 to see if music choice had influenced subsequent behavior.Natasha Ramsey, a 17-year-old from New Brunswick, N.J., said she and other teens sometimes listen to sexually explicit songs because they like the beat."I won't really realize that the person is talking about having sex or raping a girl," she said. Even so, the message "is being beaten into the teens' heads," she said. "We don't even really realize how much.""A lot of teens think that's the way they're supposed to be, they think that's the cool thing to do. Because it's so common, it's accepted," said Ramsey, a teen editor for Sexetc.org, a teen sexual health Web site produced at Rutgers University."Teens will try to deny it, they'll say 'No, it's not the music,' but it IS the music. That has one of the biggest impacts on our lives," Ramsey said.The Recording Industry Association of America, which represents the U.S. recording industry, declined to comment on the findings.Benjamin Chavis, chief executive officer of the Hip-Hip Summit Action Network, a coalition of hip-hop musicians and recording industry executives, said explicit music lyrics are a cultural expression that reflect "social and economic realities.""We caution rushing to judgment that music more than any other factor is a causative factor" for teens initiating sex, Chavis said.Martino said the researchers tried to account for other factors that could affect teens' sexual behavior, including parental permissiveness, and still found explicit lyrics had a strong influence.However, Yvonne K. Fulbright, a New York-based sex researcher and author, said factors including peer pressure, self-esteem and home environment are probably more influential than the research suggests."It's a little dangerous to just pinpoint one thing. You have to look at everything that's going on in a young person's life," she said. "When somebody has a healthy sense of themselves, they don't take these lyrics too seriously."David Walsh, a psychologist who heads the National Institute on Media and the Family, said the results make sense, and echo research on the influence of videos and other visual media.The brain's impulse-control center undergoes "major construction" during the teen years at the same time that an interest in sex starts to blossom, he said.Add sexually arousing lyrics and "it's not that surprising that a kid with a heavier diet of that ... would be at greater risk for sexual behavior," Walsh said.Martino said parents, educators and teens themselves need to think more critically about messages in music lyrics.Fulbright agreed."A healthy home atmosphere is one that allows a child to investigate what pop culture has to offer and at the same time say 'I know this is a fun song but you know that it's not right to treat women this way or this isn't a good person to have as a role model,' " she said.---

On the Net:
Pediatrics: http://www.aap.org
National Institute on Media and Family: http://www.mediaandthefamily.org
Teen sexual health: http://www.sexetc.org

** Here is a link to the article in AZCentral: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0807SexLyrics07-ON.html

The Dash Movie

2006-08-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

This is a awesome movie. I will never look at the dash between the dates on a tombstone again. Click on the link below to watch the video.

http://www.thedashmovie.com/

P.S. depending on your internet connection, it might take a little time to load, but it is very worth it.

God Bless

Do you have a anger problem?

2006-08-02T15:33:00.000-07:00

When is anger a problem?
1. When you become angry, do you feel out of control?

2. When you become angry, have you ever said or done anything you regretted later?

3. While angry, have you ever physically attacked someone (grabbed, shoved, slapped or punched)?

4. Has an angry reaction to a situation ever cost you a relationship or job?

5. Do feelings of anger often make it difficult to concentrate on work or school?

6. Do you drink alcohol or use other drugs to calm down and to reduce angry feelings?

7. Have you even been arrested or faced legal difficulties as a result of your anger?

RESULTS
Yes to one or more questions: You may have difficulty managing anger.

Yes to most or all of these questions: You may have a serious anger-management problem and are encouraged to seek counseling.

This is why you should not drink..

2006-07-31T09:34:00.000-07:00

*This is from TMZ.com

Gibson's Anti-Semitic Tirade -- Alleged Cover Up
Posted Jul 28th 2006 9:15PM by TMZ StaffFiled under: Celebrity Justice, Mel Gibson
TMZ has learned that Mel Gibson went on a rampage when he was arrested Friday on suspicion of drunk driving, hurling religious epithets. TMZ has also learned that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department had the initial report doctored to keep the real story under wraps.
TMZ has four pages of the original report prepared by the arresting officer in the case, L.A. County Sheriff's Deputy James Mee. According to the report, Gibson became agitated after he was stopped on Pacific Coast Highway and told he was to be detained for drunk driving Friday morning in Malibu. The actor began swearing uncontrollably. Gibson repeatedly said, "My life is f****d." Law enforcement sources say the deputy, worried that Gibson might become violent, told the actor that he was supposed to cuff him but would not, as long as Gibson cooperated. As the two stood next to the hood of the patrol car, the deputy asked Gibson to get inside. Deputy Mee then walked over to the passenger door and opened it. The report says Gibson then said, "I'm not going to get in your car," and bolted to his car. The deputy quickly subdued Gibson, cuffed him and put him inside the patrol car.
TMZ has learned that Deputy Mee audiotaped the entire exchange between himself and Gibson, from the time of the traffic stop to the time Gibson was put in the patrol car, and that the tape fully corroborates the written report.
Once inside the car, a source directly connected with the case says Gibson began banging himself against the seat. The report says Gibson told the deputy, "You mother f****r. I'm going to f*** you." The report also says "Gibson almost continually [sic] threatened me saying he 'owns Malibu' and will spend all of his money to 'get even' with me."
The report says Gibson then launched into a barrage of anti-Semitic statements: "F*****g Jews... The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world." Gibson then asked the deputy, "Are you a Jew?"
The deputy became alarmed as Gibson's tirade escalated, and called ahead for a sergeant to meet them when they arrived at the station. When they arrived, a sergeant began videotaping Gibson, who noticed the camera and then said, "What the f*** do you think you're doing?"
A law enforcement source says Gibson then noticed another female sergeant and yelled, "What do you think you're looking at, sugar tits?"
We're told Gibson took two blood alcohol tests, which were videotaped, and continued saying how "f****d" he was and how he was going to "f***" Deputy Mee.
Gibson was put in a cell with handcuffs on. He said he needed to urinate, and after a few minutes tried manipulating his hands to unzip his pants. Sources say Deputy Mee thought Gibson was going to urinate on the floor of the booking cell and asked someone to take Gibson to the bathroom.
After leaving the bathroom, Gibson then demanded to make a phone call. He was taken to a pay phone and, when he didn't get a dial tone, we're told Gibson threw the receiver against the phone. Deputy Mee then warned Gibson that if he damaged the phone he could be charged with felony vandalism. We're told Gibson was then asked, and refused, to sign the necessary paperwork and was thrown in a detox cell.
Deputy Mee then wrote an eight-page report detailing Gibson's rampage and comments. Sources say the sergeant on duty felt it was too "inflammatory." A lieutenant and captain then got involved and calls were made to Sheriff's headquarters. Sources say Mee was told Gibson's comments would incite a lot of "Jewish hatred," that the situation in Israel was "way too inflammatory." It was mentioned several times that Gibson, who wrote, directed, and produced 2004's "The Passion of the Christ," had incited "anti-Jewish sentiment" and "For a drunk driving arrest, is this really worth all that?"
We're told Deputy Mee was then ordered to write another report, leaving out the incendiary comments and conduct. Sources say Deputy Mee was told the sanitized report would eventually end up in the media and that he could write a supplemental report that contained the redacted information -- a report that would be locked in the watch commander's safe.
Initially, a Sheriff's official told TMZ the arrest occurred "without incident." On Friday night, Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore told TMZ: "The L.A. County Sheriff's Department investigation into the arrest of Mr. Gibson on suspicion of driving under the influence will be complete and will contain every factual piece of evidence. Nothing will be sanitized. There was absolutely no favoritism shown to this suspect or any other. When this file is presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney, it will contain everything. Nothing will be left out."
On Saturday, Gibson released the following statement:
"After drinking alcohol on Thursday night, I did a number of things that were very wrong and for which I am ashamed. I drove a car when I should not have, and was stopped by the LA County Sheriffs. The arresting officer was just doing his job and I feel fortunate that I was apprehended before I caused injury to any other person. I acted like a person completely out of control when I was arrested, and said things that I do not believe to be true and which are despicable. I am deeply ashamed of everything I said. Also, I take this opportunity to apologize to the deputies involved for my belligerent behavior. They have always been there for me in my community and indeed probably saved me from myself. I disgraced myself and my family with my behavior and for that I am truly sorry. I have battled with the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse. I apologize for any behavior unbecoming of me in my inebriated state and have already taken necessary steps to ensure my return to health."
Click to see portions of the original report.

Blood Transfusion...

2006-07-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

Blood Transfusion

In his book Written in Blood, Robert Coleman tells the story of a little boy whose sister needed a blood transfusion. The doctor explained that she had the same disease the boy had recovered from two years earlier. Her only chance for recovery was a transfusion from someone who had previously conquered the disease. Since the two children had the same rare blood type, the boy was the ideal donor.
"Would you give your blood to Mary?" the doctor asked.
Johnny hesitated. His lower lip started to tremble. Then he smiled and said, "Sure, for my sister."
Soon the two children were wheeled into the hospital room-Mary, pale and thin; Johnny, robust and healthy. Neither spoke, but when their eyes met, Johnny grinned.
As the nurse inserted the needle into his arm, Johnny's smile faded. He watched the blood flow through the tube. With the ordeal almost over, his voice, slightly shaky, broke the silence. "Doctor, when do I die?'
Only then did the doctor realize why Johnny had hesitated, why his lip had trembled when he'd agreed to donate his blood. He's thought giving his blood to his sister meant giving up his life. In that brief moment, he'd made his great decision.
Johnny, fortunately, didn't have to die to save his sister. Each of us, however, has a condition more serious than Mary's, and it required Jesus to give not just His blood but His life.
Thomas Lindberg

Thats powerful!!!!!!!!!!!

Is that a stolen vehicle parked there?

2006-07-20T14:53:00.000-07:00

Ever wondered if the vehicle parked there for over a few days is stolen or not.... Well now you can check the license plate or vin# by visiting this site the Arizona Attorney General setup: http://theftaz.azag.gov/ . Everyone should save this link in their favorites.

Mini Torpedo - You need this...

2006-07-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
This is a new product from Upright Investments Inc. They are currently looking for a company that can manafacture this product.

Visit their website: http://www.UprightInvestmentsInc.com

*Is there a company out there that can handle the demand for this product? Contact them ASAP.....

WHAT HAPPENED SEPT. 11TH?

2006-06-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
These two links will take you to Google video where you can watch them online. Please watch them if you have time. They are a series of a DVD that is out called “Loose Change”. They bring up a lot of evidence in reference to the September 11th twin towers, pentagon, etc…… PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH THEM. They are about 1 hour each. They are a must see…..

1st Video:
Loose Change 9 11 Alex Jones Conspiracy - http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2023320890224991194

2nd Video:
Loose Change 2nd Edition Korey Rowe / Dylan Avery / Jason Bermas - http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5137581991288263801

*** Please watch them,,, they will change your view and thoughts to what happened September 11th .

Yours truly,
RG Blogger

Have you forgotten?

2006-04-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

* This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Forget Something?

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. . . .
— Romans 1:16

A woman went to a doctor with both ears severely burned. The doctor said, "In all of my years of practice, I have never seen anything quite like this. How did you burn your ears?"

"Well," she said, "I was ironing and watching television. Suddenly, the telephone rang. I answered the iron instead of the phone and burned my ear."

"That is horrible," the doctor said. "But how did you burn your other ear?"

"Can you believe it?" she said. "The idiot called back!"

Like this woman, it seems to me that some people in the church today are preoccupied as well. In many ways, we have lost our focus and have missed what our priorities should be.

For one, I think we have lost sight of who our real enemies are. Is it Hollywood? Is it the government? According to the Bible, our enemies are the world, the flesh, and the devil.

I think we also have forgotten what we are really for, as well as the real weapons of our warfare. Are our real weapons boycotts and protesting? No. Primarily, they are prayer and the Word of God.

Lastly, I think we have forgotten what our real message is. Is our primary message that we are against the sin of homosexuality or that we are against abortion? Rather, our primary message should be the gospel, which is the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

My fear is that more people know what we as Christians are against than what we are for. Do they know what we believe? Do they know what we think about Jesus Christ?

ARE YOU WALKING OUT 4/10/2006?

2006-03-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

HI EVERYONE,
I JUST WANT TO LET EVERYONE KNOW WHERE I WILL BE ON 4/10/2006. SOME OF YOU MIGHT ASK WHAT THAT DATE IS, LET ME TELL YOU. IT IS THE DAY THAT THE MEXICAN'S WILL BE WALKING OFF THEIR JOBS OR EVEN NOT COMING IN @ ALL TO SHOW AMERICA THAT WE NEED THEM. IT IS TRUE WE DO NEED THEM IF THEY ARE LEGAL CITIZENS, NOT IF THEY ARE ILLEGALLY HERE. THEY NEED TO GET THEIR CITIZENSHIP HERE IN THE USA & PAY TAXES JUST LIKE THE REST OF THE HARD WORKING TAX PAYING CITIZENS. IT IS NOT FAIR THAT THE TAX PAYING CITIZENS HAVE TO LOSE THEIR FUTURE BENEFITS BECAUSE PEOPLE WANT TO COME INTO THE USA & WORK & EARN TAX FREE MONEY. IT IS A PRIVILEGED TO BE IN THIS COUNTRY, THE FREEDOM WE HAVE TO DO WHAT WE WANT WHEN WE WANT IS GREAT & THOSE COMING INTO THE COUNTRY HAVE TO APPRECIATE THAT. ON 4/10/2006 I WILL BE @ WORK EARNING MY TAXABLE WAGES JUST LIKE ANY AMERICAN CITIZEN WILL THAT DAY. SO I ASK AGAIN, ARE YOU WALKING OUT 4/10/2006?

What would you do if this was you?

2006-03-23T14:14:00.000-07:00

* This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

The Ultimate Sacrifice

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
— John 3:16

I heard a true story about a man who operated a drawbridge. At a certain time every afternoon, he raised the bridge for a ferryboat to go by, and then lowered it in time for a passenger train to cross over. He performed this task precisely, according to the clock.

One day, he brought his son to work so he could watch. As his father raised the bridge, the boy got excited and wanted to take a closer look. His father realized his son was missing and began looking for him. To his horror, his son had come dangerously close to the bridge's gears. Frantic, he wanted to go rescue him, but if he left the controls, he would not be back in time to lower the bridge for the approaching passenger train.

He faced a dilemma. If he lowered the bridge, his son would be killed. If he left it raised, hundreds of others would die. He knew what he had to do. With tears streaming down his face, he watched the passenger train roll by. On board, two women chatted over tea. Others were reading newspapers. All were totally unaware of what had just transpired. The man cried out, "Don't you realize that I just gave my son for you?" But they just continued on their way.

This story is a picture of what happened at the Cross. God gave up His beloved Son so that we might live. But most people don't give it a second thought. How about you? Are you conscious of the ultimate sacrifice God made on your behalf? Will you be sure to thank Him?

Which way are you walking?

2006-03-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

* This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Going His Way?

"Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?"
— Amos 3:3

I have a German shepherd that was a former guide dog for the blind. Because he had slight hip dysplasia, he was put up for adoption. When we got him, he was perfectly trained. We could take him anywhere. He was happy to sit next to us. Another dog would walk by, and he could care less.

Then I got a hold of him. I would unleash him and let him run around in the park. Day by day, he started getting worse. The next thing you know, he was lunging at dogs. He was chasing rabbits all the time.

I called the people we got him from and asked what went wrong. They told me I couldn't let him do all that "dog stuff." I couldn't let him stop and sniff where he wanted to sniff. I couldn't let him chase rabbits. They gave me a little muzzle-like device to put on him. Gaining control of his muzzle meant he would obey, because it would hurt to pull away. When I took the device off of him, he was in sync with me again.

We can be like that with God sometimes. We are running around and being crazy, doing what we want to do. So the Lord has to pull us back into line, because He wants us to walk with Him.

To walk with God means that I must get into harmony with Him. I must go the direction that God wants me to go.

How about you? Are you walking with God today? Or, are you pulling against Him, trying to do things your own way? If so, then it's time to stop, ask God's forgiveness, and get in sync with Him once again.

How would you give?

2006-03-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

* This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Blessed to Be a Blessing

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.
— 2 Corinthians 9:10

A pastor once asked a farmer in his congregation, "If you had $200, would you give $100 to the Lord?"

"Yes I would, Pastor," the farmer said.

So the pastor asked, "If you had two cows, would you give one of those cows to the Lord?"

"Yes, I would," he replied.

Then the pastor said, "Now, if you had two pigs, would you give one of them to the Lord?"

"Now that isn't fair," the farmer said. "You know I have two pigs."

As long as it is theoretical, we are fine with the idea of giving. But for many of us, when it gets down to the reality of what we have, it's another issue. Yet as we give to God, He will give to us. The Bible says, "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8). God has blessed you to be a blessing to others. This verse is not saying you should give to get. But it is saying that when you have received from God, you should give, and God will bless your generosity and give you more to give again.

God makes a radical promise in the Book of Malachi: "Prove Me now in this . . . if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10). God will bless as we give to Him.

ANYONE IN ARIZONA LOOKING FOR A USED CAR.....

2006-01-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

HI EVERYONE,,,, I AM REALLY STEPPING OUT HERE.... IF YOU KNOW ANYONE THAT IS IN THE MARKET FOR A USED CAR AND NEED HELP... I CAN HELP DIRECT YOU... VISIT CHAPMAN MESA AUTO CENTER TO LOOK @ THE INVENTORY.... I AM NOT A SALES PERSON, I JUST HANDLE ALL TRAFFIC THAT COMES OVER THE WEBSITE..... THANKS

This is the reason for the season...

2005-12-19T11:35:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Why We Celebrate Christmas

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."

— Matthew 1:23

It really is an amazing thing to think about the mystery of the Incarnation—that mysterious moment when God became a man. Jesus Christ—God the Son—was born in a manger. He went from the throne of heaven to a feeding trough. He went from the presence of angels to a cave filled with animals. He who is larger than the universe became an embryo. He who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young virgin.

Some people have a hard time believing in the Virgin Birth. If you believe the Bible, you need to believe in the Virgin Birth. The Bible teaches that God Almighty was supernaturally conceived in the womb of a virgin (see Matthew 1:23). This makes sense if you think about it. If God had chosen to, He could have sent Jesus to this earth as a fully grown, yet sinless human being. A shaft of light could have come out from heaven with Jesus descending to the ground as an adult man. But if Jesus came to us in that way, who could have related to Him as a person, as a part of the human race? God also could have had Jesus come into the world through two ordinary human beings—but still with a divine nature. But then most of us would have doubted His divinity. That's why the Incarnation makes sense.

The event of the Incarnation is the reason for the Christmas season. Christmas is the opportunity to worship God, to bow down and pay homage to Him for humbling Himself and appearing in human form (see Philippians 2:6–9). That stands as the true mystery of the Incarnation—and the reason we celebrate Christmas.

Are you trying to profit from Jesus?

2005-11-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

I have one question to ask. Are they serving Jesus Christ? It is obvious that they are not or they would not be using Jesus name in this way. Read this article from AZCentral.com below. A Christ-like figure wearing a black fedora, one sequined glove and penny loafers. Hmmmmm

'Jesus Juice' trademark in works, includes sequined glove

WHAT MESSAGE ARE YOUR KIDS WEARING?

2005-11-07T09:22:00.000-07:00

**** AFTER READING THIS ARTICLE ON AZCENTRAL.COM, I AM NOT SHOCKED AS TO HOW THESE FOUL RAP / HIP HOP ARTIST ARE GETTING THEIR MESSAGE OUT. THEY ARE WORKING FOR THEIR FATHER, THE DEVIL... THEY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING & USING OUR YOUTH TO SPREAD THEIR MESSAGE. WE AS CHRISTIANS, NEED TO KNOW WHAT OUR KIDS ARE AROUND & WHAT THEY ARE WEARING IN SCHOOL. AGAIN, I ASK: WHAT MESSAGE ARE YOUR KIDS WEARING?

YOU CAN READ THE ARTICLE BY CLICKING LINK BELOW:

Hidden message of popular T-shirt causes alarm

WHAT ARE YOU PRINTING WITH?

2005-10-19T13:50:00.000-07:00

WOW, READ THIS ARTICLE ABOUT WHAT YOUR PRINTER HAS BEEN PRINTING THAT YOU HAD NO CONTROL OF.....

Sleuths foil printer plot?

EXPOSING THE HIP HOP RELIGION... PLEASE READ!!

2005-09-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

I AM POSTING THIS ON MY BLOG TO EXPOSE THE RELIGION OF HIP HOP.
THIS ARTICLE THAT AZCENTRAL POSTED TODAY ON THEIR WEBSITE, JUST MADE ME REALIZE HOW MUCH MORE THIS RELIGION NEEDS TO BE EXPOSED. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT I GREW UP LISTENING TO HIP HOP, JUST THINKING THAT IT WAS MUSIC WITH GOODS BEATS, NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAMS EVER THINK THAT IT IS A RELIGION. MUSIC IS THE ONLY THING THAT CAN ENTER YOUR BRAIN WITHOUT YOUR PERMISSION.
READ AZCENTRAL ARTICLE BELOW:
Time in cells good for rap sales

AFTER READING THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE ORDER THESE VIDEOS FROM EXMINISTRIES , THEY ARE WORTH THE MONEY. YOU WILL NOT ONLY SEE, BUT HEAR WHAT THEIR AGENDA IS. PURCHASE THE VIDEOS ONLINE FROM EXMINISTRIES.COM (G. CRAIG LEWIS)

PLEASE COMMENT ONCE YOU'VE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO VIEW THEM.

GOD BLESS

Count the Cost

2005-09-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

God's Pop Quizzes

"And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it? . . ."

— Luke 14:27-28

Evangelist John Wesley said, "Give me a hundred men who love God with all of their hearts and fear nothing but sin, and I will move the world." I think that is still true today. God is looking for men and women who will love Him more than anyone or anything else.

God will bring tests into our lives to find out if we are really His disciples, if we are really going to stand tough. It's easy to mouth the concepts we find in Scripture. It's easy to say we believe those things. But what about when we really need to walk by faith and not by sight or by feeling? What about when we need to really trust the Lord? God will bring pop quizzes into our lives.

I remember when I was in school and my heart would always sink when the teacher would stand up and say, "We are going to have a pop quiz today. I didn't tell you it was coming, but get out a piece of paper, because I am going to test you."

God tests us too. So if you are looking for a life of ease with no conflict or sacrifice, then the life of a disciple is not for you. But let me also add that if you don't want to be a disciple, then you don't want to be a true follower of Jesus Christ. Because, as I have often pointed out, this is normal Christian living. And anything short of this is abnormal.

Cost of Discipleship

2005-09-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Paying the Price

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

— Romans 12:2

So what is the cost of discipleship? What price must we pay to be true disciples?

First, we must pay the price of the sins that we now cherish. We must give them up, every single one. We cannot, as disciples of Jesus, cling to a single sin and pretend that we are still following Him. Instead, we are to walk in friendship and fellowship with God. There is no room for a double life here.

Second, we must pay the price of this world's friendship. James tells us, "Don't you realize that friendship with this world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again, that if your aim is to enjoy this world, you can't be a friend of God" (4:4). We must not allow worldly and secular philosophy to color our thinking and living. If we are going to be disciples of Jesus, then we must pay the price of this world's friendship. Yet in place of the world's friendship, we will have God's.

Third, we must pay the price of the plans for our own lives. We may have ideas of what we want to do, and there is nothing wrong or evil about that. But we must be willing to give up our plans if asked to do so by the Lord, because as Jesus said, "Those who love their life in this world will lose it" (John 12:25).

Are we really going to be disciples? Are we really going to live the Christian life as it was meant to be lived? If we will live as true disciples, then we will impact our world.

Count the Cost....

2005-09-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Mean It

"But don't begin until you count the cost. . . ."

— Luke 14:28

Have you ever made an impulse purchase? Have you ever bought something you didn't need? I have. My wife has sent me to the grocery store to get some eggs, and I have come home with several bags full of stuff. Why? Because I was hungry when I went to the store and, as a result, bought some things on impulse.

A lot of us have acted impulsively in life. However, Jesus doesn't want us to follow Him on impulse. He wants us to count the cost. He wants us to mean it.

We find this illustrated in Luke 9, when someone approached Jesus and said, "I will follow you no matter where you go" (v. 57).

We would think that in response to such a statement, Jesus would have turned to the disciples and said, "Did you guys hear that? This is the kind of attitude I am looking for." But Jesus didn't say that. Jesus didn't even say, "Come on! The more the merrier!" Instead, Jesus responded, "Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but I, the Son of Man, have no home of my own, not even a place to lay my head" (v. 58).

What was Jesus saying? In essence, it was, "I appreciate the sentiment, but I want you to think about this. You want to follow Me wherever I go, but do you know where I'm going? Right now, I am going to Jerusalem. I am going to die on a cross. Are you ready to follow Me? Are you ready to count the cost? Think about it."

Jesus wants people who have counted the cost and are His true followers. Can that be said of you today?

Self Denial & What it means to Christians...

2005-09-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

What Self-Denial Means

Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."

— Luke 9:23

What did Jesus mean when He said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself . . . "? The phrase "deny" used in Luke 9:23 could be translated, "repudiate," "disown," "forfeit," or "totally disregard."

As C. S. Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity, "The real test of being in the presence of God is, that you either forget about yourself altogether or see yourself as a small, dirty object. It is better to forget about yourself altogether."

Understand, the Bible is not teaching self-hate. It is not teaching that we should be miserable, self-loathing people. Rather, it is saying to see ourselves as we are. You already love yourself. So instead of loving yourself, deny yourself and love God more than you love your own life. If you will take your life and give it to Him, then He will give you His life in its place. If you lose your life, then you will find it.

So when we hear people say they are trying to find themselves, what they really need to do is lose themselves. We need to say, "Lord, here is my life." That is not a miserable thing to do; it is the greatest thing you could possibly do. What God will give you in the place of what you give Him is infinitely better. If I have learned nothing else about God in my years as a Christian, I have learned that God's plans are better than my plans. So don't be afraid to commit an unknown future to a known God.

Everyone is asking WHY God?

2005-09-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

"Why?"

"It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins . . . He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him."

— John 9:3

The hurricane that devastated America's Gulf Coast communities was one of the most horrific natural disasters in our nation's history. In times like these, the question often asked is, "Why?" More specifically, "Why did God let this happen?"

The disciples asked Jesus a similar question in John 9. After seeing a man who had been blind from birth, the disciples asked one of the big questions in life, "Why?" They asked, " 'Why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his own sins or those of his parents?' " (v. 2).

But Jesus dismissed the idea out of hand, saying, " 'It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins . . . He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him' " (v. 3).

So why was this man in the condition that he was in? For that matter, why is there suffering and natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, which has taken the lives of countless Americans? Even more so, why do we have war, and terrorism, and tragedy?

First of all, this man's blindness was not a result of personal sin. His blindness was the result of sin in general. For that matter, natural disasters, disease, and suffering are the result of sin in general. God told our first parents, Adam and Eve, that if they eat of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden they would surely die (see Genesis 2:17). Despite God's warnings, they ate of it. Since that moment, death has spread through the human race like wildfire. But God has offered a solution to death through His Son Jesus Christ. God loves us so much that He reached out to us by sending His own son, Jesus Christ, to to die for our sins.

We are living in the last days........

2005-09-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

"The Signs of the Times"

"Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

— Luke 21:28

Hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, and global terrorism! This epic outbreak of natural disasters in the past several years can't help but cause us to wonder, What on earth is happening?

Certainly, there has always been tragedy and cataclysmic events in our world. But these days it seems that a new crisis explodes just as another abates. Now we face the ripple effects of this tragic hurricane called Katrina, which may end up claiming thousands of lives in America's own backyard.

As we prepare to meet the needs of the victims of Hurricane Katrina, we may wonder, Could it be that all these things happening in our world are actually signs of the times—signs reminding us that the return of Jesus Christ is near?

When Jesus was asked what the signs of His return would look like, He replied, " 'And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven' " (Luke 21:11 NKJV). Jesus indicates that natural disasters will begin to increase in frequency and intensity in concert with each other shortly before His return. And it is as these birth pains begin to take place that Christians are to know that their deliverance is near (see Luke 21:28).

So, what are we to do? Certainly, we want to do everything possible for the victims of this latest tragedy along America's Gulf Coast communities. Another thing we must consider as we see these signs of the times is that we need to be ready spiritually.

The Bible teaches that there is a generation of people who will not see death, but rather will meet the Lord in what is often referred to as the rapture of the church. Could we be that generation? Time will tell. But if I were you, I would pay careful attention to all that is happening. You will be glad that you did.

Who have you taken under your wing?

2005-09-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Our Duty to Disciple

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations. . . . "

— Matthew 28:18-19

After I became a Christian, I wasn't really sure of what to do next. I was 17 years old and in high school. No one told me that I needed to read the Bible. No one told me that I should pray. No one told me that I should go to church. No one gave me any materials to read, much less a Bible.

So for a few days, I was in sort of a spiritual no-man's-land. I didn't really feel comfortable with my old friends that I had been hanging around with, but I didn't feel comfortable with the Christians either. One reason was that I could hardly understand what they were talking about as they spoke to each other in their cryptic, Christianese type of language.

Thankfully, a young man named Mark took me under his wing. He invited me to come to church with him and began to help me grow spiritually. He taught me how to read the Bible, and he prayed with me. He was the first actual Christian I knew who modeled for me what it meant to be a follower of Jesus. He wasn't a Bible scholar, but he was a real believer. He made an impact on my life and put me on the path of spiritual growth. In short, what Mark did was disciple me.

What he did for me is what we need to do for others—to not only seek to win men and women to Jesus Christ, but also to disciple them. Anything less than this is falling short of the Great Commission.

Are you ashamed of the gospel of Christ?

2005-09-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Unashamed
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

— 1 Corinthians 1:18

Are you ashamed of the gospel of Christ? I love the words of the apostle Paul: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes . . . " (Romans 1:16).

There are people today who will stand up for the most perverse causes, even risking their lives for some cause they believe in. Are you willing to risk your life for the gospel? Are you even willing to risk embarrassment for the gospel? It's the power of God unto salvation. There is simple, explosive power in the message of the gospel.

People ask me, "Greg, what are you going to preach this year at the Harvest Crusade?" It is the same thing I preached the year before, I tell them. I will preach the gospel. The text and illustrations may be different. But it will be the same message. I will preach the gospel. The gospel is the same for every person, regardless of age or background. We may relate to people in different ways. But the basics, the essentials, never change: Christ died for our sins.

Take the time to explain the gospel properly and carefully. And if that turns someone off, then there is nothing we can do about that. We will try to present the gospel in the most loving way that we can. But we must be honest. We must be clear. We must be faithful to the message and let God do what He will. But we must not be ashamed of it.

The Table Cloth

2005-08-31T14:14:00.000-07:00

* Thanks Monica E. for this e-mail

The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn, arrived in early October excited about their opportunities. When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve.

They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc., and on December 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished. On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days.

On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high.

The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home. On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.

By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later.

She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area.

Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet. "Pastor," she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?" The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria.

The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. Her husband was going to follow her the next week. He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again.

The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church. The pastor insisted on driving her home that was the least he could do. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn for the day for a housecleaning job.

What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return. One older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn't leaving.

The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike.

He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.

The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier.

He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.

True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid Who says God does not work in mysterious ways. I asked the Lord t! o bless you as I prayed for you today, to guide you and protect you as you go along your way. His love is always with you, His promises are true, and when we give Him all our cares you know He will see us through. So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult at best. Just remember I'm here praying and God will do the rest. Pass this on to those you want God to bless and don't forget to send it back to the one who asked God to bless you first.

When there is nothing left but God that is when you find out that God is all you need. Take 60 seconds and give this a shot! All you do is simply say the following small prayer for the person who sent you this.

Father, God, bless all my friends and family in what ever it is that You know they may be needing this day! May their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.

Very cool video made by macromedia....

2005-08-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

* Thanks Yoli G. for this video site.

Fighting stick figures

Don't Stay Under the Water....

2005-08-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Finding Forgiveness

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

— 1 John 1:9

I heard about a man who wasn't a good swimmer, so he went down to a dock and asked a fisherman, "Excuse me sir, if I were to fall into this water, would I drown?" The fisherman said, "No. Falling into the water doesn't drown anybody. It's staying under the water that drowns them."

You may stumble and fall spiritually, but you don't have to stay under the water. You don't have to stay under the control of sin. You can be free from it, and forgiven of it.

How do you find forgiveness? Remember the words of 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." That is a wonderful promise.

What does the word "confess" mean? A more literal rendering of that word would be "agree with God." If you agree with God about your sin, He is faithful and just to forgive you. How does God look at sin? It is abhorrent to Him. It is offensive to Him. Is that how we look at our sin when we confess it?

A lot of people will merely acknowledge their sin, thinking they are confessing it. But confession is seeing sin the way God sees it, and feeling sorry for it—sorry enough to change. The Bible says, "Godly sorrow produces repentance" (2 Corinthians 7:10). So it means that we say, "Lord, I realize what this is. God, I am sorry. Help me." Now we are getting somewhere. If you will confess your sin, see it as God sees it, be sorry for it, and turn from it, then He is faithful and just to forgive you of your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

Don't stay under that ocean of sin! Grab hold of the lifeline of forgiveness.

So you want God out do you?... Think about it a world with out God...

2005-08-24T11:47:00.000-07:00

* Thanks Lizzy for this e-mail

In light of the many perversions and jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke, it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?" (regarding the attacks on Sept. 11).

Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives.

And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?"

In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK.

Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school the Bible says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.

Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.

Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing?

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it.. no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in!

No one is perfect, no not one.....

2005-08-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Flawless Perfection

Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

— Colossians 1:28

God is looking for perfection! Yes—absolute, flawless perfection. Jesus said, "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). But who among us can claim to be perfect? No one.
The apostle Paul reminded us there is no one who is righteous, no one who does good (Romans 3:10–12). We all stand judged before a holy God, no matter how good we are. Some people struggle with this. What does it mean? What is the Bible saying?

Let's understand the context of what Paul is saying. He is not saying there are no good people out there who do good things. He is talking about our goodness before God. I think there are good people in this world. I think there are good people who are not believers. But the issue is whether there are any people who are good enough in their own goodness to please God, good enough to meet God's standards. And the answer is a resounding no.

This is the bad news: your heart is dark. You are separated from God. All of us have sinned out of ignorance, but also intentionally and willfully. The good news is that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He went to Calvary and took the full weight of our sins upon himself and paid that price. The flawless, perfect Lamb of God paid our price, and He presents us to God, perfect in Him.

PASTOR EDDIE MONARREZ..... I like that

2005-08-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

*** I want to thank you for being an example to my wife & I. You will never know how much your walk with Christ has impacted our lives. I thank God for brothers like you. Take Monterey, Mexico for Jesus. You truely showed first hand someone who is willing to lay it all down for the Kingdom of God and answer the call of God. You have brought more light to the verse in Isaiah 6:8

I placed this on my blog to give God all the glory for what He is doing in your lives. We will miss both of you.

God Bless

If you were to die today, Where would your soul go?

2005-08-11T02:46:00.000-07:00

I ask this question, because many people go through life busy worrying about house, car, medical, dental, vision & life insurance, but never sit back and think about Eternal insurance. You may ask what Eternal insurance is. Well let me tell you: it is insurance assuring you will make Heaven your home. Though all other insurances will cost you money to have, Eternal insurance does not cost you a dime. The way you get it is by accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. There is only one way to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and that is saying a simple prayer from your heart, one as simple as this: Lord Jesus, I come to you a sinner. I know that you died on the cross for my sins, went to the grave and arose in three days. I ask you Lord, to come into my heart as my Lord and Savior. I promise to live my life from this day forward for You Lord Jesus and I thank you for all that you are going to do in my life, AMEN. I want to tell you my friend, that if you said that simple prayer and meant it with all your heart, the Bible says that you will be saved. Rom. 10:9-13.

What voice are you listening to?

2005-07-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

The Wrong Voice

He made us accepted in the Beloved.

— Ephesians 1:6

Like the pain we feel when we step on a sharp piece of glass, guilt is our moral warning system. Guilt is not necessarily a bad thing, because it is a reaction to something in our lives that is not right. But sometimes the devil can use guilt to drive us to despair.

This is why it is important to distinguish between Satan's accusations and the Spirit's conviction. A feeling of guilt and shame is not a bad thing if it comes from the Spirit of God. But if it drives us to despair and hopelessness, then we have listened to the wrong voice.

The devil will accuse us, saying we are not worthy to approach God. May I be blunt? We never were worthy. We never will be worthy. On our best day, we weren't even close to being worthy. As believers, we have been made acceptable to God through what Christ did for us on the Cross. We have been made acceptable in the Beloved. It is because of Jesus that we can come to God. So don't ever let the devil's accusations drive you away from the Cross, where you will find forgiveness.

You have a choice. The next time you sin, you can either give up in despair, or you can come back to the Lord and repent. Remember this simple truth: Satan will always seek to drive you away from the Cross, but the Holy Spirit will always draw you back to the Cross.

Do you ask God to help you with your plans . . . or do you ask God if you can help Him with His?

2005-07-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a question to ask...... We as Christians need to ask God how we may help Him with His plans for our lives. Don't use God for things that will benefit you, but that will benefit Him and His Kingdom.

God Bless

Church or Business?.... Souls or Profit?....

2005-07-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

Please read this article from AZCentral.com and comment on it. I would like to know your thoughts. As I know this blog reaches Christians and non-Christians.

Click on link below:
Church brings religion to Valley via big screen

Please take the time to read and respond. I would like to know your input on this subject....

2005-07-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

Stop The Government From Seizing Private Property
Urge Your Senators To Vote For S. 1313

Dear Friend of the Family,

The Supreme Court has ruled that the government can take property from the individual and give it to a private corporation. They ruled that the city of New London, CT, can force 15 homeowners to give up their private property so that it can be turned over to private developers .

The Supreme Court's ruling on eminent domain expands the power of government to take private property. Up until now, state and local governments have used eminent domain to expropriate private property for projects that would be owned by the public, such as roads or public utilities.

Read High court's property decision stirs anger

Justice Sandra Day O'Connor had it right when she said, "Nothing is to prevent the state from replacing any Motel 6 with a Ritz-Carlton, any home with a shopping mall or any farm with a factory. ... The government now has license to transfer property from those with fewer resources to those with more. The founders cannot have intended this perverse result."

The Supreme Court ignored the intent of the framers of the constitution an expanded their power – giving government the power to seize private property from the little man and give it to the big corporation. If the government decides a mall would produce more tax income than your home or a church, they can now take your home or a church.

However, some U.S. Senators have introduced a bill, S.1313 , that would limit the use of eminent domain only "for public use" in the traditional sense. It is called The Protection of Homes, Small Businesses, and Private Property Act of 2005 .

Take Action Today! Prepare an email to your Senators asking them to co-sponsor S.1313 or thanking them for signing on as a co-sponsor. Our system automatically tracks this information for you. We must not allow government to seize private property and give it to another private entity.

Click Here To Email Your Senators Now!

Sincerely,

Donald E. Wildmon, Chairman
American Family Association

OUCH!, What type of Christian are you?

2005-06-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Stealth Christians

"For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels."

— Mark 8:38

When Elijah encountered the king's servant, Obadiah, after a three-year vacation, Elijah was ready to rock.

Obadiah, however, wasn't. Scripture tells us he feared the Lord "greatly" (1 Kings 18:3). We also read that when Jezebel was killing off the prophets, Obadiah hid one hundred of them. But even though he was a believer, he seemed to lack real backbone; otherwise he would not have served in Ahab's court. He was serving the most wicked king in the history of Israel.

Obadiah had heard and seen great atrocities against God's servants, but he had not spoken up for fear of losing his position—or his head. Obadiah's testimony was so diminished and his witness so weak that he in no way deterred Ahab from his evil. In some ways he was even an accomplice with Ahab and Jezebel in their wicked ways.

Remember, our silence can imply consent and endorsement to actions we actually oppose. If you see something wrong and you don't speak up, others may interpret your silence as approval. Think of how Elijah instantly obeyed and firmly declared God's will. That is the path you need to take.

We need more Elijahs and fewer Obadiahs. Obadiahs may believe; they fear the Lord; but they don't stand up for what is right. They are afraid of persecution. They don't want to be laughed at. They are afraid of being rejected. So they try to fly under the radar—"stealth Christians." We need more people who will stand for the Lord the way Elijah did..

—Greg Laurie

God will close one door and open another.....

2005-06-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

A Change of Direction

"He went and stayed by the Brook Cherith. . . . The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. And it happened after a while that the brook dried up. . . ."

— 1 Kings 17:5-7

After Elijah had delivered his powerful message to Ahab and Jezebel, the Lord told Elijah to go into obscurity—disappear for a while—and God would provide for him there.

Does Elijah's sudden turnaround sound a little familiar? Maybe things were going reasonably well in your own life, and God redirected you. It didn't necessarily make sense at the moment.

The next thing we know is that the brook dried up.

Maybe that's happened to you too. Things were humming along, then one day your spouse said, "I'm leaving. I don't want to be married to you." He's gone. Your brook dried up.

Maybe you got a call from the place you've worked for twenty years: "Sorry. We have to downsize." Your brook just dried up. Your world ended. Or so it seemed.

Actually, it might be a whole new beginning. When God closes one door, He opens another. Elijah was about to discover this. In fact, God was preparing him.

God was getting him ready, step by step, challenge by challenge. Big things were coming. The next phase was about to start. It's the same with you. If you've been told to head for the hills and be fed by birds, so to speak, if your brook has dried up, if a door has closed in your life, don't think God is done with you. You need to just trust Him. He may be getting you ready for phase two. He may be whipping you into shape for something beyond your wildest dreams..

—Greg Laurie

What you sow now you will reap later....

2005-06-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Get a Good Start

Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them."

— Ecclesiastes 12:1

In my 30 years of ministry I have seen that most people make a commitment to Christ before the age of 18. That is why it is so important to reach people when they are young. As John the apostle wrote, "I have no greater desire than to hear that my children walk in truth" (3 John 4). The decisions we make during our youth affect us for the rest of our lives. We sow the seeds of career and marriage, then reap their results in the years ahead.

When we are young, we are more flexible, more open to change, even embracing it. The one thing you hear from kids is "I'm bored!" (And this while they are watching TV, playing a video game, and talking on the phone—all at the same time.) In contrast, when you get older you find yourself liking a routine. You become more set in your ways. You go to the same restaurants and order the same things. You actually begin to take comfort in your routine.

Now, that is not necessarily a bad thing, if you have established good habits earlier. In the early years, the die is cast. The course charted. The path started. You decide what the evening of your life will be by the choices you make in the morning.

The stand you make today will determine what kind of stand you will make tomorrow. Solomon's conclusion was heartfelt: remember God when you are young. Don't throw your youth away. If you want to heed Solomon's wisdom, start good habits in your youth. Build a healthy foundation. Then you will have established something that will benefit you all your life.

—Greg Laurie

Don't Compromise your Salvation....

2005-06-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

The Problem with Compromise

Now Solomon made a treaty with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and married Pharaoh's daughter. . . .

— 1 Kings 3:1

Solomon's fall and disillusionment began with a series of compromises, one of which was marrying the daughter of Pharaoh. This he did because he wanted to establish a political alliance. For all practical purposes, Solomon was "yoking" himself unequally with a nonbeliever. God told the Jewish people not to intermarry with the other nations. This was not a racial issue; it was a spiritual issue. God didn't want the Israelites aligning themselves with people who were worshipers of false gods. He knew their hearts would turn away. The same is true of us as Christians. You want to run this race with someone who loves the Lord as you do.

If you are a single person, you should pray for and wait on the godly man or woman that the Lord will bring into your life. You can be sure He would not want you romantically involved with a person who does not believe.

The Bible tells us, "Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can goodness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the Devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?" (2 Corinthians. 6:14–15 NLT).

In the race of life, you want to run with someone who is going in the same direction that you are. And if you are Christians, both you and your mate will be running toward the Lord, and His plan and purpose for your lives.

But Solomon did not live by that principle. He teamed up with someone who did not share his faith or his God. More problems followed, and they always will.

—Greg Laurie

I AGREE.........

2005-06-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

*Thanks Esther F. for this e-mail

It seems to get worse daily.
This is by a daughter of a murdered couple in
Raytown who had a Bible and Bookstore on 63rd street.

Just one more example:
When I had to testify at the murder trial of my
parents a week ago, I was asked to raise my right hand. The bailiff started
out”Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?"
I stood there and waited but she said nothing. She said "Do you?"
I was so stunned I blurted out "What happened to "so help me God'?"
She came back with "Do you?" I replied yes, but I was perplexed.
Then the judge said................ "You can say that if you want to."
I stopped, raised my right hand, and finished with "So help me God!"
I told my son and daughter that when it came time or them to testify, they should do the same.

It's no wonder we have so many problems in this country. If I'd had my wits about me I’d have told them that taking God out of the courtroom is only going to result in more criminals and murderers like him being in there! I don't know what can be done about it, but it's time we stepped up and did something.
NBC this morning had a poll on this question. They had the highest number of responses that they have ever had for one of their polls, and the percentage was the same as this: 86% to keep the words, 14% against. That is a pretty 'commanding' public response.

I was asked to send this on if I agreed or delete if I didn’t.
Now it is your turn... It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God.
Therefore, I have a very hard time understanding why there is such a mess about having "In God We Trust" on our money and having God in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Why don't we just tell the 14% to Sit Down and SHUT UP!!!
If you agree, pass this on, if not, simply delete....

In God We Trust

I'm glad i know Jesus...

2005-06-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

It's Who You Know

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

— Romans 5:6

In the 1800s in London, a little boy wanted to hear the great American evangelist D. L. Moody, who had come to town to preach. This little street urchin made his way across the entire city of London, risking his very life, with no food or proper shoes. After a long journey, he finally came to the great church where Moody was scheduled to speak.

As he made his way up to the door, an old usher scowled at him and asked, "What are you doing, young man?"

The boy said, "I am going to go hear the great evangelist D. L. Moody."

"Not looking like that! You are filthy. Go away!"

The little boy was crushed. He was sitting on the steps, crying, when a black carriage pulled up in front of the church. Out of it stepped a large man. He saw the sad little boy on the steps and asked, "Young man, what is wrong?"

The boy answered, "I came here to hear the great preacher D. L. Moody, but they won't let me in the church."

"Is that so?" the big man said. "You just put your hand in my hand, and I will see what I can do to help you."

The little boy put his dirty little hand into the man's big clean hand. The man led him right down the middle aisle, past the usher who wouldn't let him in, to the front row. The big guy sat him in a front-row seat. Then the man stepped up to the pulpit. That man was, of course, D. L. Moody. That young boy couldn't get in on his own, but when he held Moody's hand, he walked through the front door.

So it is with us—because of Jesus. We are filthy in sin, but he takes our dirty hands in his clean one and leads us to the front-row seats in the palace.

—Greg Laurie, Losers and Winners, Saints and Sinners

Learn more about slaying the giants in your life in Greg Laurie's newest book, Losers and Winners, Saints and Sinners.

You'll join Pastor Greg as he examines the lives of biblical personalities—good and bad—revealing why some fell and failed while others picked themselves up and finished strong in the spiritual race.

Who are you Loyal to?

2005-06-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Looking for Loyalty

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen. . . . that no flesh should glory in His presence.

— 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

David was in many ways the opposite of King Saul. Saul came from a family who loved him; David came from a family who neglected him. Saul was the most handsome all Israel; David was a handsome enough guy, but relatively ordinary. Saul was attractive on the outside, but on the inside he was vain, shallow, and devoid of true integrity. In contrast, David had a deep spiritual life and an intense devotion to God. (If you want to know about David's spirituality profile, just read some of the Psalms. They are like windows into his soul.) Saul's problem was that he was full of himself. The Lord rejected him. David was full of the Lord, and God accepted him.

The Lord seems to go out of His way to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things; then people give credit to the Lord rather than to human beings. Just as surely as God plucked David from obscurity, He is looking for men and women He can use in these critical days in which we are living. God is looking for people to touch this generation. He is looking for people to change this world. Second Chronicles 16:9 says, "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."

What kind of person does He look for? Someone strong? No. The previous passage says He is looking for someone He can show His strength through—someone whose heart is turned toward Him. Is your heart totally turned toward God?

—Greg Laurie, Losers and Winners, Saints and Sinners

Learn more about slaying the giants in your life in Greg Laurie's newest book, Losers and Winners, Saints and Sinners.

You'll join Pastor Greg as he examines the lives of biblical personalities—good and bad—revealing why some fell and failed while others picked themselves up and finished strong in the spiritual race.

WOW!! People just like you and me

2005-06-13T09:25:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

God Uses Ordinary People

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

— 1 Corinthians 1:25-26

One of the men God used mightily in his generation was D. L. Moody. Moody was the Billy Graham of his day. Dwight Moody was a shoe salesman when he came to faith. You might say that Moody went from selling soles to saving souls. He was just a run-of-the-mill guy.

Do you know what got Moody pointed in the right direction after his conversion? A man went up to him once and said, "Moody, the world has yet to see what God can do in and through and with a man who is totally committed to Him." Moody said, "When I heard that, I said to the Lord, 'I want to be that man.' "

Do you know what Billy Graham was when God called him? He was a farm boy living in North Carolina. He came to faith at a meeting held by a traveling evangelist. Young Billy Frank, as they called him, dedicated his life to the Lord. Who could have imagined what God would do with that young man?

The most godly people I know are also the most down-to-earth. God is looking for ordinary people to use.

—Greg Laurie, Losers and Winners, Saints and Sinners

Learn more about slaying the giants in your life in Greg Laurie's newest book, Losers and Winners, Saints and Sinners.

You'll join Pastor Greg as he examines the lives of biblical personalities—good and bad—revealing why some fell and failed while others picked themselves up and finished strong in the spiritual race.

Touching Video clip.....

2005-05-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

* Thanks Bea M. for this video

Quiet Commercial

I agree with Bea on this video. Very touching, but don't really care for the advertisement at the end.

** Please be patient with the connect time, it is worth it. you will need to have Windows Media player on your system to view.

God Bless

How do you pray to God?

2005-05-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us.
— Romans 8:26

Have you ever been deeply concerned about something or someone, but you didn't know what to pray? "What can I say," you wonder. "I don't know how to articulate this." But did you know that sometimes some of the best prayers are the shortest and the simplest?

We think, God likes flowery, long prayers. In fact, the longer they are, the more impressed God will be. I don't think so. Jesus spoke of the Pharisees who loved to pray long prayers. He said, " 'They think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him' " (Matthew 6:7–8).

Sometimes we come to God and we say, "Lord, I want to pray for this situation. Um, well, um. . . ." We want to pray, but we don't know how to articulate it. It may be nothing more than a grunt or a groan. But God understands that prayer. Whether you have a beautiful prayer to pray or whether you don't know what to say, present it to God, and the Holy Spirit will help you. According to Romans 8:26, "The Spirit also helps in our weaknesses." The Holy Spirit helps us to pray.

Remember all that God has done for you and all that He is doing for you. He saved you. His Holy Spirit indwells you. He assures you. He teaches you. And He helps you to pray. So let's yield to Him. Let's open up our hearts to the work that He wants to do in our lives.

Thank God for the Holy Spirit who teaches us....

2005-05-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things. . . ."
— John 14:26

I have been amazed at what God can do in a person's life as he or she looks into His Word. I have spoken to teenagers who have told me, "Here is what the Lord showed me in the Word of God today. . . ." As I listened, I discovered it was deep. It was profound. It was insightful. And it was from God. Then I think of some unbelievers I know who are in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Their lives are so shallow, so one-dimensional. Meanwhile, a young teenager who has been studying God's Word under the illumination of the Spirit has been given the knowledge of the ages. This is what God's Spirit can do for us.

And this is what can happen when we read God's Word. For example, maybe you have grappled with a certain problem. Then as you were reading the Bible one day, a verse suddenly jumped off the page and spoke to you. It is as though it had been written for you. "This is exactly what I am going through," you are thinking.

This also happens when God's Word is being proclaimed. Maybe you are sitting in church and listening to the message. As the pastor is speaking, you think, This is for me. I was just asking the Lord about this yesterday. This is exactly what I was dealing with. You start to wonder if the pastor has been reading your mail.

But this is the work of the Holy Spirit. Only He can do that. He not only converts us and assures us of our salvation, but He teaches us as well.

What does a person dresssed in a bikini have to do with selling a hamburger? Bad move Carls Jr.

2005-05-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

** BELOW YOU WILL READ AN E-MAIL I RECEIVED THAT IS VERY DISTURING TO ME. READ AND KNOW WHY IT IS VERY DISTURBING. Please read an do take action. I figure that this will be fine for the perverts out there, but what about our children?

May 24, 2005
Take action against Carls Jr. TV ad
Dear Rigo,

Carls Jr. and Hardee's (CKE Restaurants, Inc.) are airing a pornographic television ad featuring Paris Hilton to promote its Spicy BBQ burger.

You can read about it by clicking here.

The ad is currently running for Carls Jr., but news reports indicate it will also run for Hardee's restaurants. They are both operated by CKE Restaurants.

Recommended Actions: (in this order)

1 Contact your local Carls Jr. or Hardee's store operator. You can find their contact information by clicking here.

2. Call CKE Restaurants Chairman William P. Foley II
toll-free. The number is 877-799-7827

Additional actions you can take:

3. Contact the Carls Jr. Franchise Association
Dan Gjurgevich, President
PO Box 15460
San Diego, CA 92175
Email: comments@starfranchiseassociation.com

4. Contact the Independant Hardees Franchise Association
Steve Ellerhorst, Executive Director
184 Business Park Drive, Suite 200H
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Phone: (757) 497-7297
Email: ihfa@ihfa.com

5. Click the link below to send an email to Chairman Foley.

Send Your Letter Now!

Sincerely,

Donald E. Wildmon, Chairman
OneMillionDads.com

P.S. Please forward this to your family and friends!

Are you reading your Bible? Know what Jesus says....

2005-05-20T11:03:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Wrong Ideas

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
1 Timothy 4:16

In America today, we have something that could be described as a new spirituality. It's a revival of sorts—not in the biblical sense of people turning to God, but a revival of all kinds of ancient and weird spiritual concepts and beliefs. People are spiritually hungry. They are searching for truth. And the problem is, some of this strange theology is finding its way into the church.

We must be very careful to keep our guard up. Don't forget that when the devil misled Eve in the Garden, he did it with partial truth. He did not question God's Word altogether. Rather, he questioned if Eve properly understood it.

We must be careful of the deviant teachings that are out there today. So often when a new teaching comes along, we will get excited: a new revelation! I hope this won't disappoint you, but there aren't any new revelations. Everything you need to know about God is already written in His Book. As it has been said, if it's true, it isn't new. And if it's new, it isn't true. So don't go looking for new revelations. Spend your time instead in learning God's Word, and He will bring fresh understanding of it.

Years ago, the great thinker C. S. Lewis warned us, "If you do not listen to theology, that will not mean that you have no ideas about God. It will mean that you have a lot of wrong ones." I think this is especially important today. We need to know what Jesus said. We need to know what the truth is. We need to pay attention to doctrine.

WOW! Soda anyone.... Glass please

2005-05-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

*Thanks David C. for this e-mail

This is not only logical, but who knows what dwells on soda pop and beer cans?? Read on!!!!! *Well who cares about the beer cans, anyone drinking beer is setting themselves up to die.
In case you're not already washing the top of your soda cans, read on......pretty gross.
This incident happened recently in North Texas We need to be even more careful everywhere.
A woman went boating one Sunday, taking with her some cans of coke which she put in the refrigerator of the boat. On Monday she was taken into Intensive Care Unit and on Wednesday she died.
The autopsy revealed a certain Leptospirose caused by the can of coke from which she had drunk, not using a glass. A test showed that the can was infected by dried rat urine and hence the disease
Leptospirosis. Rat urine contains toxic and deathly substances. It is highly recommended to wash thoroughly the upper part of soda cans before drinking out of them as they have been stocked in warehouses and transported straight to the shops without being cleaned.
A study at NYCU showed that the tops of soda cans are more contaminated than public toilets (i.e.)...full of germs and bacteria. So wash them with water before putting them to the mouth to avoid any kind of fatal accident.

Please forward this message to all the people you care about.

What does the resurrection of Jesus Christ mean to you?

2005-05-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

What the Resurrection Means to Us

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
1 Corinthians 15:22

First, it assures our future resurrection. Because Jesus both died and rose again, we will be raised like Him. 1 Corinthians 15:20 says, "But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." The word "firstfruits" speaks of a sampling, a foretaste, a glimpse. He is the firstfruit. Jesus has died and has risen, so we know that our resurrected bodies in some way will resemble His resurrection body. To what extent, we cannot be certain. But if they were completely like His, it would mean that we would be clearly recognizable.

Second, the resurrection of Jesus is a proof of future judgment. Now that may not sound all that exciting. But it's something we need to know. We live in a society, and indeed a world, in which justice is often perverted and neglected. We look at things that happen and say, "How can that be? How could that happen?" The Resurrection means, among other things, that God's justice will ultimately prevail.

Third, the resurrection of Christ gives us power to live the Christian life (see Romans 8:11). Certainly the Bible does not teach that we will be sinless in this physical body we now live in. On the other hand, we can sin less, not by our own abilities, but by the power of the Spirit. Christ can make us altogether different kinds of people. We must believe that. "Old things have passed away . . . all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). God can give you the power to live this Christian life.

Refund on gas to Arizona residents... Save your receipts

2005-05-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

*** SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS,,, SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN NOTHING. ***

The basic provisions are:

Provisions Motor Vehicle Fuel purchased between May 30, 2005 through
September 5, 2005 will be eligible for a partial rebate of motor vehicle
fuel taxes. Consumers will apply to the ADOT for the rebate. Rebate set at
ten cents per gallon not to exceed $200 per consumer. ADOT will pay the
rebate from the state general fund. Consumers will be able to apply for the
rebate from September 6, 2005 through June 6, 2006. See full bill
here: Bill #2781

Jesus died so we can have direct access to God.... Awesome!!

2005-05-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

No Longer on the Outside

Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. . . .
Matthew 27:51

If I could have been present at certain moments in history, one event I would like to have seen was the veil of the temple being torn in two. In the inner court of the temple in Jerusalem, in the Holy of Holies, was the Ark of the Covenant. That is where the high priest would go once a year to offer atonement for the sins of the people. A veil, a very thick, woven curtain, separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple. When Jesus died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, that heavy curtain was torn from top to bottom. It was not ripped from bottom to top, as though a man were ripping it. Instead, it was ripped from top to bottom, because God was ripping it.

God was saying, "You no longer are on the outside. You can come in. My Son has made a way for you." The apostle Paul explained how we can now draw near to God:
Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. (Hebrews 10:19–22)
The veil was torn. Jesus is now our Intercessor. We don't have to go through a person to reach God anymore. We don't have to go through rituals anymore. Instead, Jesus made a new and living way for us to reach God. Jesus paid it all. And that is so important to remember.

Why Jesus died the way he did.....

2005-05-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Why the Cross?

Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem . . .
Luke 9:51

Why did Jesus have to die? Why the cross? Why couldn't God just say, "Look, I know you have sinned against Me. It's okay. Never mind. You are all forgiven." The answer is that it doesn't work with His nature and character. God is just. And the justice of God requires that our sins be paid. He could not accept us into fellowship with himself unless the penalty was paid.

You see, the cross demonstrates the justice of God. At the cross of Calvary, the love and the justice of God met. Jesus had to go to the cross because humanity is sinful, and there was no other way to bridge the gap between a just and holy God and sinful humanity. The cross was His goal, and it was His destination from the very beginning. He spoke of it frequently.

So don't think the cross was a mistake. Don't think that Jesus didn't know it was coming. Jesus, being God, had complete foreknowledge. He was braced for the cross. He knew the cruel and horrendous pain that awaited Him. In fact, Scripture tells us, "He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51). He would let nothing or no one deter Him from His course.

God said, "My righteous requirements must be met. But I love humanity. And there is no way they can do it on their own. So I must assist them. I must help them." So He sent His only begotten Son to bridge the gap. Jesus came to this earth to purchase back what had been forfeited in the Garden of Eden.

Jesus knows about temptation.....

2005-05-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

An Example to Follow

For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
Hebrews 2:18

Although He was God, Jesus experienced human limitations like we do. Not only was He hungry, not only was He sleepy, not only was He weary and lonely, but He also was tempted. Jesus felt the presence and pressure of temptation just as we do. He didn't have a sinful nature, but He experienced temptation.

Now why is it important for us to be aware of the fact that Jesus was tempted? It was so we could know that we follow a God who understands what we're going through. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "In all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people" (Hebrews 2:17).

Jesus also left us an example to follow as we face temptation. He occupied ground that we, too, can occupy. It's important to note that Jesus did not meet Satan with His considerable supernatural power. He could have said, "I don't want to fool around with you right now. I have other things to do." And He could have disappeared. He could have called on the angels to intervene. He could have even overruled Satan because of His clear authority over him. Instead, He met the devil with the written Word. He countered every temptation with Scripture (see Luke 4:1–13).

So when you are tempted, you, too, need to have Scripture stored in your mind and heart to deflect the blows of the devil. When you have memorized Scripture, when you have gotten it ingrained in your memory banks, it is there to use through times of temptation.

Can others see that you are a believer in Jesus Christ?

2005-05-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

*Message from Greg Laurie

Listen to this and then ask yourself that same question:
Secrets to Spiritual Success - Part 1

Secrets to Spiritual Success - Part 1 - second half

Secrets to Spiritual Success - Part 2

Secrets to Spiritial Success - Part 3

Secrets to Spiritial Success - Part 4

Secrets to Spiritual Success - Part 5

THE FLAG OF FLOWERS

2005-05-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

* Thank's David C. for this e-mail

Between the fields where the flag is planted, there are 9+ miles of flower fields that go all the way to the ocean. The flowers are grown by seed companies. It's a beautiful place, close to Vandenberg AFB.
Check out the dimensions of the flag. The 2002 Floral Flag is 740 feet long and 390 feet wide and maintains the proper Flag dimensions, as described in Executive Order #10834. This Flag is 6.65 acres and is the first Floral Flag to be planted with 5 pointed Stars, comprised of White Larkspur. Each Star is 24 feet in diameter; each Stripe is 30 feet wide. This Flag is estimated to contain more than 400,000 Larkspur plants, with 4-5 flower stems each, for a total of more than 2 million flowers. You can drive by this flag on V Street south of Ocean Ave. in Lompoc, CA.

Aerial photo courtesy of Bill MorsonSoldiers' Prayer

For our soldiers....Please don't break it

When you receive this, please stop for a moment and Say a prayer for our servicemen. There is nothing attached.... This can be very powerful.... Just send this to all the people in your address book. Do not stop the wheel, please.... Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Prayer is the very best one.

This is why God is so good to us....

2005-05-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Kept by His Love

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25

The Bible tells us to keep ourselves in the love of God (see Jude 1:21). But we are also told in the same passage that God will keep us (see verse 1). Is this a contradiction? Not at all. These verses complement one another. They show us God's part and our part. We don't keep ourselves saved, but we can keep ourselves safe.

God's love is unconditional. And fortunately for us, Jesus Christ loves, preserves, and intercedes for us before the Father. But we can do things that will get us out of harmony with His love. That's why we are reminded to keep ourselves in the love of God, which means that we are to keep away from all that is unlike Him. We are to keep away from any influence that would violate God's love and bring sorrow to His heart.

We are loved by God, and He will protect His investment. For example, if you own an inexpensive pair of sunglasses, you may not be all that concerned about where they are. But if you have a more expensive pair, then you will tend to know their whereabouts. Or, if you went to Disneyland with your children, you wouldn't just forget about them. Instead, you would keep your eye on them, because you want to protect what is dear to you.

In the same way, we are preserved, we are protected, and we are being kept by the power of God. But we need to keep ourselves in a place where He can actively show His love to us. We need to keep ourselves in the love of God.

Pastor Greg Laurie's opening Prayer at RNC

2005-05-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

**In order for this video to play, you will need QuickTime installed on your computer. You can download the player for free by clicking this link: QuickTime

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Character Counts part 2

2005-05-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

Here is the second half of Greag Laurie's message on Character Counts. Please click here to listen to it on real player

How are you doing in your Christian walk?

2005-05-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Finishing Well

Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
John 13:1

When Billy Graham was asked the question, "What has been the greatest surprise of your life?", he answered, "The brevity of it." That is so true. Time passes quickly, and we don't want to squander this precious thing that God has given to us called life. Over the years, I have been surprised by some people that I thought were going to do great things for God, but actually fell away from Him. I have also been surprised by people that I thought would never make it as a Christian, but are now serving the Lord with great effectiveness.

It's important to remember that we are not mere victims without any say-so as to whether or not we are going to do well spiritually. We need to realize that people fall away because they choose to. By that I mean, their spiritual failure usually isn't a result of a deliberate decision to backslide. Rather, it's the result of wrong choices they make in life that lead to a spiritual breakdown. If you want to make it in the Christian life, then you are going to make it. Jude 1:1 says, "To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ." The original language used the perfect tense. The nearest equivalent of it is, "They are continually kept by Jesus Christ." Whatever difficulties you are facing today as a believer, you are preserved in Christ. He is going to keep you.

I am thankful for those people I know who have started well, are doing well, and look as though they will cross life's finish line with flying colors. I want to be one of those people. Don't you?

Can you imagine looking through a telescope into space and God is looking back in the other end of the telescope?

2005-04-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

THIS IS A PICTURE NASA TOOK WITH THE HUBBLE TELESCOPE.

IT IS SIMPLY CALLED "THE EYE OF GOD." WAS TOO AWESOME TO DELETE.

I THOUGHT IT WAS WORTH SHARING.

*Thanks Eddie M. for this e-mail

Whose eyes are you looking through?

2005-04-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Through His Eyes

But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.
Matthew 9:36

Everywhere Jesus went, He was very much in demand. There was always a crowd around Him, and understandably so. He was God in human form, walking through their streets. Everyone wanted something. There would be those who always wanted a touch, like the woman who had spent all of her money on doctors, trying to be cured, but to no avail. When she touched the hem of His garment, she was restored and healed. There is the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman who brought her demon-possessed child to Jesus, and the story of Jairus, who came and asked Jesus to touch his sick daughter.

Everyone needed something, but Jesus knew they needed more than just a healing, more than just a touch, and more than just a word. He knew the deepest need was in their soul. We see this demonstrated time and again. Despite His incredibly busy schedule, He went out of His way to meet someone in a little town where Jacob's well was located, even though she had no idea she had an appointment with God. She went to that well at that time of day, because she was a social outcast.

Sometimes when people do things that are wrong, we get angry with them. Not only do we hate the sin, but we end up hating the sinner also. Yet God wants us to see that while we can hate the sin, there is still a sinner who is loved by God. Maybe no one has ever told him or her there is another way to live. May God give us eyes to see this world as He sees it.

What kind of character do you have?

2005-04-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

Click on this Realplayer link that Pastor Greg Laurie preaches on:

Character Counts

What are you doing for Jesus Christ? Can people say that they came to Christ because of you?

2005-04-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

The Urgency of the Hour

Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few."
Matthew 9:37

In his poem entitled, "The Second Coming," William Butler Yeats wrote, "The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity." What a summary of the times in which we are living today: the worst have their passionate intensity, while the best lack all conviction.

While the church today dabbles with liberal concepts and even questions the authority of the Word of God in some aspects, the world outside our doors is running headlong into sin. When will we wake up? When are we going to get out there and get the gospel to the world? The world is pursuing its wickedness like never before. It is amazing how some people who believe in wicked, vile things will dedicate their entire lives to the promotion of those concepts. Meanwhile, there are so many Christians who know the Bible more than adequately, but who won't even lift a finger to get the gospel out to someone who lives right next to them. What is it going to take? We need to wake up to the urgency of the hour.

A survey among evangelical Christians revealed that 95 percent of those polled had never led another person to Christ. Yet Jesus gave us His marching orders. He said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you . . . " (Matthew 28:19–20). This is an order from our commander-in-chief, and it isn't merely addressed to pastors or missionaries. It's addressed to every man or woman who names the name of Christ.

Are you a giver or a taker? If you are a Christian, you need to be a GIVER....

2005-04-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

The Blessing of Giving

"Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be."
Matthew 6:21

It was Martin Luther who said there are three conversions necessary: the conversion of the heart, the conversion of the mind, and the conversion of the purse (or wallet, as we would say today). But for many of us, this is often the last thing to change.

You can tell a lot about a person by their giving or lack thereof. You can tell a lot about someone by taking a tour of his or her checkbook, because it will reveal their real value system. Why? Because Jesus said, "Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be" (Matthew 6:21).

It has been said that we should give until it hurts, but in reality, it should hurt when we cease to give. We should realize what a great privilege giving is. It is also a test of our faithfulness to God. Jesus said, "And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?" (Luke 16:11). Before God entrusts us with spiritual responsibility, He wants to see how we do with the temporal, financial resources and assets He has placed in our care.

As we give generously, God will return generously to us. As we give to Him from what we have received, He will meet our needs. This doesn't mean we are striking some kind of a deal with God that stipulates as we give to Him, He must give back to us in a multiplied way. Then our motives are wrong. The right motive is to say, "Lord, because You have given to me, I am gladly giving back to You." The fringe benefit is that God promises to give to you in return.

This discribes most of the people that attend chuch today. They want to take but never give...

2005-04-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

The Privilege of Giving

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
2 Corinthians 9:6

I heard the story of a Southern preacher who was speaking to his congregation and said, "We have to crawl before we can walk."

The congregation responded in unison, "Let us crawl, Preacher. Let us crawl."

Then the preacher said, "We have to walk before we can jog."

"We have to walk, preacher, then. Let us walk," came the reply.

The preacher continued, "We have to jog before we can run."

"Let us jog, preacher. Let us jog," they answered.

"But before we can run," he told them, "we have to learn how to give."

There was a moment of silence, followed by these words: "Let us crawl, preacher. Let us crawl."

Any time a pastor raises the topic of finances, some people get a little uncomfortable. But the Bible certainly has a lot to say about money. It is the main subject of nearly half the parables Jesus told. In addition, one out of every seven verses in the New Testament deals with this topic. Scripture offers 500 verses on prayer, fewer than 500 on faith, and more than 2,000 verses dealing with the subject of money.

One of the reasons we are uncomfortable with this topic is because of the abuse in this area on the part of some Christian leaders. This misrepresentation of God puts a bad taste in our mouths. But let's not go too far the other way and fail to recognize that the Bible does have a lot to say about giving, and there are many wonderful promises attached to it. Yes, it is a responsibility. But it is more than that. It is a privilege as well.

This is why God came to earth the way He did... I Love You Jesus!!!!

2005-04-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

But Why a Man?

He had to be made like His brethren.
Hebrews 2:17

Jesus went from the throne of heaven to a feeding trough. He went from the presence of angels into a stable filled with animals. He who was larger than the universe became an embryo. He who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl. The Almighty appeared on Earth as a helpless human baby, unable to do anything but lie and stare and wiggle and make noises. He needed to be fed, and yes, even changed, and taught to talk like any other child. The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets: that God became a man, that God became a baby.

When you stop and think about it, no other way would have accomplished His goal. He could have appeared as a full grown man and said, "Here I am. I have arrived." But if He did it that way, He would appear unapproachable. He would not have seemed human. It would be hard for us to believe He was a man like us.

God picked the right way. It's even the logical way. Jesus had to truly be a man, to live and suffer and be tempted as a man among people on Earth. This way, we could know that He understands our trials (see Hebrews 2:17–18).
So the next time you are tired, hungry, thirsty, or lonely, remember that you have a God who knows what it's like to stand in your shoes. He is the only one who can truly say that He knows our sorrows and understands our grief. No one else can say that with such accuracy. But God can.

Jesus Christ did all this for us..... so we have no excuses...

2005-04-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Fully God, Fully Man

And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
Luke 2:40

When Jesus was on Earth, He didn't empty himself of His divine attributes, but accepted the limitations of humanity. For example, we know that Jesus became weary like we do. On one occasion as He came to the city of Samaria, we read that He was weary (see John 4:6). Why? He had been walking all day in the hot sun of Israel. Now if I were God, I probably would have said to the disciples, "You boys go on up to Samaria, and I will see you there." Then I would have just appeared in Samaria. After all, why tire myself out like that? But Jesus voluntarily went through the process of feeling what it was like to be tired and exhausted.

We see this throughout Scripture. We know that Jesus was tired. We know that He experienced physical thirst. As He hung on the cross, Jesus said, "I thirst" (Luke 19:28). The very God who created water allowed himself to experience thirst. We also know that He was hungry. Jesus experienced physical hunger after fasting for 40 days during His temptation in the wilderness (see Matthew 4:2).
But did Jesus have complete omniscience and omnipotence as a baby in the manger? Luke's Gospel tells us, "And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him" (Luke 2:40). So it appears that Jesus went through a learning process like anyone else.

Jesus grew as a human, but there was never a moment when He suddenly became God or when deity was transferred to Him. That was always a part of His life. He was fully God and fully man.

Jesus is God in the flesh.....

2005-04-20T17:03:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

God or Man?
Then you will know that I am He.
John 8:28

Two thousand years ago, the Pharisees were asked this question: "What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?" (Matthew 22:42). For all practical purposes, some of history's greatest minds have grappled with this question ever since. But it's worth noting that during the earthly ministry of Jesus, many people were perplexed about who He really was.

Jesus never became God, nor did Jesus ever cease to be God. His deity, which means His divine Lordship—the fact that He was God, was pre-human, pre-earthly, pre-Bethlehem, and pre-Mary. In the incarnation, in that moment when Jesus came to this earth and was born of the Virgin Mary, He didn't lay aside His deity. He was God before He was born, and He remained God after He became a man.

We are given a glimpse of this in the story of His transfiguration. Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him up onto a mountain. The disciples fell asleep (as they often did at critical times), and when they woke up, there was Jesus, standing with two great prophets (see Mark 9:1–3). The Bible says His face shined like the sun. He was radiant.

To me, it wasn't a miracle that Jesus shined like the sun during His transfiguration. I think the real miracle was that He didn't shine all of the time. You see, Jesus veiled His glory. But there, for a moment, He let people see who He really was. And He was indeed God and man.

Where did the little duckies go?

2005-04-20T00:57:00.000-07:00

Scroll down to see the pictures as it happened.....

Are You all ok down there?

I need someone with skin on....

2005-04-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Who Is Jesus?
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Colossians 1:15

I heard the story of a little boy awakened by thunder and lightening. He called out to his father, "Daddy, come quickly! I'm scared."

The father said, "God loves you and He will take care of you."

"I know God loves me," said the little boy, "but right now I want somebody who has skin on."

For all practical purposes Jesus Christ was God with skin on, God as man walking among us. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Colossae,
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:15–18)
There is no question about what Paul meant. Jesus is God, manifested as a man. But there are many today who want to say, "That Jesus—He was a wonderful prophet. He was a great, godly man, a great human teacher." No. Jesus is God in human form, the second member of the Trinity, the incarnate deity.

Now this is a site to see...

2005-04-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here Sheriff Joe makes the inmates walk to new jail in pink boxers. Click here to see the video

I would like to know if you think this was a good way to move them or not. Please comment

Bushes report adjusted gross income of $784,219

2005-04-16T17:49:00.000-07:00

Wow, I did not know that they make it public how much the President makes.

Bushes report adjusted gross income of $784,219

Nearly 90 abuse claims filed before diocese bankruptcy deadline

2005-04-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, they are being exposed....

Nearly 90 abuse claims filed before diocese bankruptcy deadline

Managing Your Money: Little things cost a lot

2005-04-15T16:56:00.000-07:00

* This is an article from azcentral

Managing your money
$2 every time you use the ATM. $1.50 every time you dial 411 to get a phone number.

$2.65 for a tall cappuccino, skim, at Starbucks. $1.25 for a Diet Coke in the machine at work.

$1.50 for tolls to get to work. $1.50 to get home.

And now McDonald's and other fast-food restaurants are accepting credit cards. So you're paying interest on your Big Mac.

Drip. Drip. Drip. Can you hear the money leaking out of your wallet?

The "micro-dollar industry," as author David Bach calls it, has "perfected the art of separating you from your money." But in such small amounts that you barely notice.

"I love Starbucks. I go to Starbucks. But if people go twice a day, they're easily spending $300 a month on coffee plus biscotti," says author Ben Stein. "That would pay for a downpayment on a house by itself."

He seems amazed.

You will be, too, once you start keeping track of all the money that drips, slides and sometimes pours out of your wallet. As part of USA TODAY's Financial Diet, we're asking five families to do a series of financial exercises. The first is to keep track - for one week - of every penny they spend. On gum. On lunch. On drinks with friends after work.

"The way you find your money," says Bach, "is you find your 'latte factor,' " says Bach, author of "Start Late, Finish Rich." It's a metaphor for what you are spending on little things.

"The secret is that $5 or $10 a day can really add up. When you tell someone they should save $2,000 a year in an IRA, it seems overwhelming. But when you break it out, and it's only about $5 a day, they can handle it."

Do you smoke? "In New York, it's $7 a pack. If you smoke a pack a day, that's $210 a month. At a 10 percent return, that $7 a day invested over 40 years is $1.328 million," he says.

He seems amazed.

"It's not that Americans are running out and buying big screen TVs everyday," Bach says. "It really is the little things."

So how do you get a grip on spending too much on little things?

First, see where your money is going. "Track your spending

Do you follow the Toddler's Creed?

2005-04-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

* thanks Eddie M. for this e-mail

Toddler's Creed

If I want it, it's mine.

If I give it to you and change my
mind later, it's mine.

If I can take it away from you,
it's mine.

If I had it a little while ago,
it's mine.

If it's mine, it will never belong to
anyone else, no matter what.

If we are building something together,
all the pieces are mine.

If it looks just like mine,
it is mine.

Anyone who has ever known a toddler knows the truth of that creed. We expect to see this trait in toddlers, but we despise it in adults. It is called covetousness.

The apostle Paul, who had led an outwardly religious life before he became a follower of Jesus, wrestled with that sin (Rom. 7:7). After carefully studying the law, he recognized covetousness for what it was. But God in His grace changed Paul. Instead of being a coveting, grasping man, he became a truly generous person (Acts 20:33-35). Generosity may be the acid test of whether or not we are still spiritual toddlers.

Have you allowed Jesus Christ to create in you a new, giving heart? Or are you still following the "Toddler's Creed"? --HWR

Gratefulness overcomes selfishness.

God is Good...

2005-04-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

The Loving God is Good

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He Is good! For His mercy endures forever.
1 Chronicles 16:34

God is just and righteous and holy. We are not; we are sinners and we can never meet His standards. But in His love He approaches us. God loves us and He reaches out to us and then restores us back into His image.

Today we often have a vision of love that is very shallow and limited. We desire a love that wants to be paid back or is only temporary. That's not the love of God. His love is unchanging. It is consistent. It is inexhaustible. He always loves us no matter what we do.

What does it mean when the Bible teaches that God is good? It means that God is the final standard of good and all that He does is worthy of approval. Does that mean God is waiting for my approval? No. His goodness is not dependent upon my approval. He is good whether I agree with it or not. And if God is good, then I have a definition of the meaning of good that will greatly help me in my study of ethics and morality.

What is good? Good is what God approves. Wait—where do I come into this? I don't. Either I wake up to that fact and acknowledge that it is true or I foolishly think I am smarter than God.

We who follow God can thank Him for His goodness as we grow in our knowledge of Him and His love.

Do you know what the word FAMILY means?

2005-04-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

* Thanks Eddie M. for this e-mail

F A M I L Y

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.

He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said good-bye.

But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,

"While dealing with a stranger,
common courtesy you use,
but the family you love, you seem to abuse.

Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.

Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.

He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,
And now my tears began to fall.

I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.

"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.

I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay.
I love you anyway."

I said, "Son, I love you too,
and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

FAMILY
Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company
that we are working for could easily replace us in
a matter of days.
But the family we left behind will feel the loss
for the rest of their lives.

And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more
into work than into our own family,
an unwise investment indeed,
don't you think?
So what is behind the story?

Do you know what the word FAMILY means?
FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU

Pass this message to 7 people except you and me.

Don't ignore and God will bless you.

Mom allegedly sells daughters for car, prostitution

2005-04-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

You know we're living in an evil world thats living in the end times when children are not even safe with their own mothers. Jesus said it is better to put a millstone around your neck and cast yourself into sea then to hurt one of His little ones. At first I got mad at this story and thought there's a special place in hell for people like this. But people will do anything without Jesus. We should not be suprised at the sin of a godless heart. The heart is desperately and deceitfully wicked. We need to pray this woman and her kids hear the gospel and respond. God is merciful! Thank God He can heal and deliver us from lifestyles like this.
Mom allegedly sells daughters for car, prostitution

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts...

2005-04-12T08:59:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

God is Holy

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts.
Isaiah 6:3

God is holy, and if there is one truth repeated again and again in Scripture, it is the great message of the holiness of God. The Prophet Isaiah had a clear vision of the holiness of God compared to the lowliness and sinfulness of humanity. He wrote,
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!" And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. (Isaiah 6:1–5)
Notice that Scripture does not say that the seraphim said, "Faithful, faithful, faithful." Or, "Eternal, eternal, eternal." Or, "Mighty, mighty, mighty." Though God is all of those things and more, it is important to note that God's holiness is emphasized.

We may try to be virtuous. We may try to be charitable. We may try to be moral, but we fall miserably short of the standards of a flawless, perfect and holy God. That is why the death of Jesus Christ was necessary—to bridge the gap between us and the holy God.

THE NEW SCHOOL PRAYER

2005-04-11T15:50:00.000-07:00

* Thanks Monica E. for this e-mail

THE NEW SCHOOL PRAYER

Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.

We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's "inappropriate" to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such "judgments" do not belong.

We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.

It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

Pass this on.......

What is God to you?

2005-04-11T15:20:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

God Is Truth

The Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King.
Jeremiah 10:10

As we consider God's attributes we can get a better picture of His character. One of God's most important attributes is truth. This is very important. This means He is the true God and that His knowledge and words are true and they are the final standard of truth.

I want you to know right from the outset that we are flawed in our understanding and in our ability to know what is right or wrong, to know when something is true or false, what is evil, what is impure, what is good or virtuous.

Now there are many false gods out in the world today, so we need to be careful to follow the true God. The Prophet Jeremiah said, "The Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King" (Jeremiah 10:10). Now we may not always understand what God means when He says certain things. We may not always understand why He does or does not do certain things. But the bottom line, as Jeremiah said, is that God is truth.

You see, God's knowledge is perfect. It is without flaw. And He is the final standard of truth. There is no other. There are no second opinions. That's it: God is true.

Cheat At Shopping

2005-04-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

This can be one way to save money on gas.
Cheat At Shopping

Turn to God first.....

2005-04-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

The All-powerful God

"There is nothing too hard for You."
Jeremiah 32:17

Is God's power limited? Scripture tells us over and over that God is omnipotent, which means all-powerful. Even when Job was in pain and distress, he said to the Lord, " 'I know that You can do all things. No plan of Yours can be thwarted' " (Job 42:2).

The Prophet Jeremiah proclaimed God's power: " 'Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You' " (Jeremiah 32:17).

The Archangel Gabriel reassured Mary by saying, " 'With God nothing will be impossible' " (Luke 1:37).

Now you see how silly it is when we say something like, "I have tried everything, and now all I can do is pray." Now all you can do is turn to the all-powerful God, the Creator of the universe, who happens to love you a lot. What do you mean, that's all you can do? That's the first thing you should do.

Before we do anything else, we should turn our troubles over to God, because nothing is too hard for Him. Nothing is impossible. Nothing is beyond His reach. Nothing is beyond His ability.

Do you believe God is who He says He is?

2005-04-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Who Is the Lord?

And Pharaoh said, "Who is the Lord?"
Exodus 5:2

Who is God? Thousands of years ago the Pharaoh of Egypt asked a question that is still being asked by many. It was, " 'Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go' " (Exodus 5:2). I think that by the time Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, Pharaoh had a better understanding of who exactly God is.

"Who is God?" is not an easy question to answer, because we are trying to grasp the infinite with the finite. We are trying to grasp something far beyond our mental capacity. I have often said that if God were small enough for our minds, He wouldn't be big enough for our needs.

Until the day we see Him face to face there are things about God we are never going to completely understand. For instance, I believe that God is holy, but I don't understand everything about His holiness. I also believe God is a triune being—He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But that is hard for us to grasp.

The Apostle Paul put it clearly when he said, "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known" (1 Corinthians 13:12).

So yes there is coming a day when it will all make sense. At the same time, though, with the help of the Holy Spirit, there are many things that we can and should know and grasp about God. After all, knowing what God is like is foundational to knowing God Himself. Knowing God and making Him known is the essence of being a Christian.

What is your purpose?

2005-04-05T12:48:00.000-07:00

*This message is from Greg Laurie w/ Harvest Ministries

Determined Purpose

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.
Philippians 3:8

What is your determined purpose in life? Everyone has one. Some of us declare it, and others of us just practice it. But we all have something that is our purpose in life—something that gets us up in the morning, something we live for, something we would even be willing to die for.

The Apostle Paul's determined purpose was to know the Lord. Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, "But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:7–8).

Paul recognized the wonder of becoming more intimately acquainted with Him. God can be known. Not completely grasped. Not completely understood. But at the same time, God can be known in a personal and a very real way. What a great purpose in life. I hope it's yours.

God places you in peoples lives for a reason.

2005-04-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

* Thanks Frances M. for this e-mail

We all know or knew someone like this!!
One day, when I was a freshman in high school,
I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.
His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books.
I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?
He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.
They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes
My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives. " He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!" There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.
I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends He said yes.
We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him. Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!
" He just laughed and handed me half the books. Over the next four years, ! Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think
about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship.
Kyle was valedictorian of our class. I teased him all the time about being a nerd.
He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous. Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. "! Thanks," he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach...but mostly your friends... I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story." I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.
"Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."
I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions.
With one small gesture you can change a person's life.
For better or for worse.

God puts us all in each other's lives to impact one another in some way.
Look for God in others.
You now have two choices, you can:
1) Pass this on to your friends or
2) Delete it and act like it didn't touch your heart.

As you can see, I took choice number 1.
"Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."
There is no beginning or end.. Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.

What is your excuse?

2005-04-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

* Thanks Monica E. for this e-mail

HANDY LITTLE CHART -
God has a positive answer:

YOU SAY GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES
*You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
*You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
*You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34)
*You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
*You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
*You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
*You say: "I'm not able"
God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
*You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)
*You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
*You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
*You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear(II Timothy 1:7)
*You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares On ME (I Peter 5:7)
*You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
*You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Believe God is there just for you...
PASS THIS ON. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO MAY BE IN NEED

Live simply Love generously Care deeply Speak kindly Leave the rest to
God...

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING......

2005-04-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

I want to thanks Frances M. for this e-mail poem:

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING
(Written by a former child)

A message every adult should read, because children are watching you
and doing as you do, not as you say.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on
the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I
learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for
me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in
life.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew
there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to
a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care
of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and
money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have
something should give to those who don't.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and
everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your
responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I
would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and
I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to
be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons
that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say,
"Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."
I AM SENDING THIS TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE I KNOW WHO DO SO MUCH FOR OTHERS
AND THINK NO ONE EVER SEES.

LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT.

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher or friend)
influence the life of a child.
How will you touch the life of someone today?
Just by sending this to someone else, you will probably make them at
least think about their influence on other

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in
deed and in truth. I John 3:18 KJV

'In God's hands now' - pope clings to life

2005-04-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

Where do you think the Pope will spend eternity if he dies?

*I believe that if he strongly believes what their doctrine teaches then, he will spend eternity in hell, but if he down deep in his heart believes that Jesus Christ is his Lord and Savior, he will make heaven his home. Jesus said that you must be born again in order to enter in to the Kingdom of God. I still believe that he has time to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of his life. We as Christians should be praying that there is someone that can pray a sinner’s prayer with him so that he can spend eternity in heaven.

God Bless

'In God's hands now' - pope clings to life