WAIT CONTINUALLY

WORD OF WISDOM

WAIT ~ Stay

Source: King James Bible

Hosea 12:6 (King James Version) 6 Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy and judgment and wait on thy God continually.

Continually: adverb meaning continued occurrence or recurrence; continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

OUCH, that is what I say when God touches me about something that I need to work on. Am I as I should be, continually waiting, no?

What about you? Do you wait patiently for the Lord concerning everything in your life?
There are many times that I get excited and just go ahead. LJG and I have done it a few times on this site. We catch ourselves and one of us will say we need to wait on that and the other will agree.

We all do it every day in life. Someone asks us a sometime simple request and we say yes I can or will do that; then we have that little feeling we answered to fast.

Two friends come to mind writing this. C a girlfriend will tell you I can’t. She has her priorities straight. The other is H a man I knew years ago. H would think before he spoke. When I first met him it could be a pain. You asked him a question and he just sat there. You could see him thinking, and then he would answer. Smart man. I never heard a careless word come from his mouth. Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

In all things turn to God, keep your eyes on Him and wait. At all times wait on Him. Look not to what is around you, or against you. Wait, He will come. He is never late, He is always on time. Keep your mercy and judgments and wait. He will never fail you, wait. Psa 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

ALWAYS HE IS THERE

WORD OF WISDOM

FIRE ~ Figuratively, fire is a symbol of Jehovah's presence and the instrument of his power (Exodus 14:19; Numbers 11:1, 3; Judges 13:20; 1 Kings 18:38; 2 Kings 1:10, 12; 2:11; Isaiah 6:4; Ezek. 1:4; Revelation 1:14, etc.).

God's word is also likened unto fire (Jeremiah 23:29). It is referred to as an emblem of severe trials or misfortunes (Zechariah 12:6; Luke 12:49; 1 Corinthians 3:13, 15; 1 Peter 1:7), and of eternal punishment (Matthew 5:22; Mark 9:44; Revelation 14:10; 21:8).

The influence of the Holy Ghost is likened unto fire (Matthew 3:11). His descent was denoted by the appearance of tongues as of fire (Acts 2:3).

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

Isaiah 43:2 (King James Version) 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

The Bible reassures us over and over again that no matter what it is God is there for us, to deliver us.

Daniel 3 14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and …19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. 20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.

This is what you call unwavering faith. 15 …who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? Ishtar, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

The King asks them who is the God that will deliver you. Read carefully what they said to the King. We are not careful. We are prudent, thoughtful, and vigilant in what we are about to say. If what you say is true then our God will deliver us not only from the furnace but also from you. We will not serve your gods.

Now it is quite possible to explain this, that if they did die they would go to heaven and be with God. But that is not what they said. They said the God we serve is ABLE to deliver us.

When we know and have that kind of relationship with God miraculous things can and will happen. And this is before Jesus was born. We have access to the Saviour, and how much more will He do for us.

It might seem that you are walking alone, but He is there. He will neither leave you, nor forsake you. Look to the heavens above; stand in the shadow of the Almighty. It might seem dark because you are in His shadow, but He is the light and it is the shadow that keeps you safe, as you cannot be seen.

One of His many names is Deliverer. Do you believe He can and will deliver you from anything as these men did?

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

WILL WE BE LIKE ESAU?

WORD OF WISDOM

BIRTHRIGHT ~ The first-born son had allotted to him also a double portion of the paternal inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:15-17). Reuben was, because of his undutiful conduct, deprived of his birth-right (Genesis 49:4; 1 Chronicles 5:1). Esau transferred his birth-right to Jacob (Genesis 25:33).

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

Heb 12:16-17 Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

Will we be like Esau? We do live in the land of plenty. There is plenty of food for all. We need to remember in the end time there will not be plenty of anything for us who refuse to take the mark of the beast to buy or sell. We will have money but what good will it do us during this time of tribulation or in the life that has been promised us?

We, like Esau, have been promised so much for following the laws of God, let us not sell our birthright for a morsel of food. There will be no place of repentance for us either no matter how much we seek Him.

LJG

For now, we shall answer for that which we do. How easy it is to sell your birthright? For a grain of meat? We have repentance, though many do not take full benefit of that offer. How so, by holding on to that which we have the rights to be forgiven. With tears we can seek the face of God and get the repentance that is rightfully ours. Are you holding on to anything? If so, then let it go, place it upon the altar and receive the forgiveness of God.

rECj

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

WILL WE BE LIKE ESAU?

MORNING BY MORNING

WORD OF WISDOM

DAY ~ The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Leviticus 23:32). It was originally divided into three parts (Psalm 55:17). "The heat of the day" (1 Samuel 11:11; Nehemiah 7:3) was at our nine o'clock, and "the cool of the day" just before sunset (Genesis 3:8). Before the Captivity the Jews divided the night into three watches, (1) from sunset to midnight (Lamentations 2:19); (2) from midnight till the cock-crowing (Judges 7:19); and (3) from the cock-crowing till sunrise (Exodus 14:24). In the New Testament the division of the Greeks and Romans into four watches was adopted (Mark 13:35).

The division of the day by hours is first mentioned in Dan. 3:6, 15; 4:19; 5:5. This mode of reckoning was borrowed from the Chaldeans. The reckoning of twelve hours was from sunrise to sunset, and accordingly the hours were of variable length (John 11:9).

The word "day" sometimes signifies an indefinite time (Genesis 2:4; Isaiah 22:5; Hebrews 3:8, etc.). In Job 3:1 it denotes a birthday, and in Isaiah 2:12, Acts 17:31, and 2 Timothy 1:18, the great day of final judgment

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary
Psalm 5:3 (King James Version) 3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

Each day my Lord You listen for me and hear me. I shall look up, and looking up I do so in expectation. Your Word promises me that You will hear me. Your word will not return to You void.

It is another day and You Lord my God have given it to me. The sun may not shine, it might rain on my picnic. But I am awake for another day and Lord I know You. You are a part of my life. You love me and care for me.

It is easy to see why and how Mr. Rogers could sing each day ‘it is a beautiful day in the neighborhood.’

Today look at the gift of life that has been given to you. Look past the storm clouds that might tarry overhead. New beauty arrives. Each day is a new day in the Lord. A new beginning.

This is the day that the Lord has made and I will be glad and rejoice in it Psa 118:24. I am blessed with the Lord and I am blessed in the Lord. This is a day that God has given to me, I shall be glad and rejoice in it.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

JESUS NEVER FAILS

WORD OF WISDOM

REDEEMER ~ Hebrews goel; i.e., one charged with the duty of restoring the rights of another and avenging his wrongs (Leviticus 25:48, 49; Numbers 5:8; Ruth 4:1; Job 19:25; Psalm 19:14; 78:35 etc.). This title is peculiarly applied to Christ. He redeems us from all evil by the payment of a ransom.

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

So many souls have tested Him, throughout the course of time
So many still reach out to Him, with broken hearts and minds
And every one of them will say with no exceptions that they find
Jesus never fails…. by Gary Driskell

He never has failed us and He never will. The devil will try his best, but try is all he can do. It is up to us to say “Get thee behind me Satan, you have no business here.” Mat 16:23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

How many of us have had the devil try to remind us of something that is in our past? I think that each of us knows that feeling of feeling guilty about something, and only because he reminds us of something. God does not bring up those things that are behind us. It is up to us to remember who we are and you our Father is. The Lord forgives and forgets. If He forgets it then no He will not remind us of it. Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

I remember years ago a Pastor telling us of how the devil tried to remind him of something from his past. He said now I must be doing something right if he has to go that far back in my life.

It is not hard to know who is whispering in your ear. The Lord will not try to play games with you. He will not bring up the past, unless it is hidden or forgotten sin in your life. He will not keep bringing things up that have already been resolved.

The devil will work with what he has, anyway he can. He wants you to feel guilty. He wants you to think you are unforgiven.

You have to stand the ground of who you are and you is your Savior. You have to stand the ground of what you have been forgiven for. You have to stand your ground in this day and age as a Christian. 1Cr 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

As a Christian we cannot and will not let anyone including the devil bring up our past to haunt us. We will remember the lessons we have learned, the wisdom gained. We will use what we have learned to help guide others who we see going down the same path.

We will boldly remember who we are now and where we are going today. Hbr 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. We are the children of the One High God, the Almighty Lord, Jesus. Jesus the One who came to redeem us and paid the price in full for all our sins. Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Gal 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

Get thee behind me Satan; I am a child of Christ Jesus. Luk 4:8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

WORD OF WISDOM

SIN ~ "Original sin" is frequently and properly used to denote only the moral corruption of their whole nature inherited by all men from Adam. This inherited moral corruption consists in, (1) the loss of original righteousness; and (2) the presence of a constant proneness to evil, which is the root and origin of all actual sin. It is called "sin" (Romans 6:12, 14, 17; 7:5-17), the "flesh" (Galatians 5:17, 24), "lust" (James 1:14, 15), the "body of sin" (Romans 6:6), "ignorance," "blindness of heart," "alienation from the life of God" (Ephesians 4:18, 19). It influences and depraves the whole man, and its tendency is still downward to deeper and deeper corruption, there remaining no recuperative element in the soul. It is a total depravity, and it is also universally inherited by all the natural descendants of Adam (Romans 3:10-23; 5:12-21; 8:7).

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

I like LJG have been alarmed at the way newscasters have been allowed to say things on television with no action taken against them. I sat down to write this article about some of the things I have heard and read lately. We can look back and see that those who have stood and spoken against God have paid dearly. Then last night I heard a name that still sends chills down my spine. That name is Madalyn Murray O’Hair; the founder of American Atheists. Her life and death I will not go into in depth. Simply put because of her actions The United States Supreme Court by a vote of 8 to 1 banned Bible reading at public schools. After 6 years of missing her body with one of her sons, a niece and another man were found cut up into pieces. What I did not know was she also felt that 12 year olds should be given sex education classes and allowed to have intercourse without supervision or restriction.

That said I will now write the article that I had come to me as I was looking up info on her.
“IT IS FAR BETTER TO GRASP THE UNIVERSE AS IT REALLY IS THEN TO PERSIST IN DELUSION, HOWEVER SATISFYING AND REASSURING.” Carl Sagan, Ernest Hemingway, Charles Schultz [creator of Peanuts], Mark Twain, Marlon Brando, Jodie Foster, Seth Green, Angelina Jolie, Bruce Lee, Ian McKellen, Julianne Moore, Jack Nicholson, Penn & Teller [Magicians], Chrsitopher Reeves, Susan B. Anthony, Lance Armstrong, Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Marie Curie, and Thomas Edison. What do these people have in common? Psalm 14:1 (King James Version) 1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Yes these people are all fools. It shocked me some of the names I saw listed, and there are names I left out that included many Pulitzer Prize winners, professors at Harvard and MIT. Their names might not ring a bell as these do. There are many though; people who claim there is not a God. Not a god of any kind.

As for the opening quote it is written by a fool also. But you know what I do agree with him. I fully intend to grasp the universe as it really is. I do not persist in any delusion and I am very satisfied and assured that there is a creator named God Almighty. I bow my knee to Him and serve Him today and every day of my life.

I will leave you with one more quote: “No, I don’t know that atheist’s should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered as patriots. This is one nation under God.” Former President George Bush.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

SICK AND TIRED

I am just plain sick and tired of opening up AOL and seeing Brittney, Brittney, Brittney. But the final straw that broke the camel's back, the comment from a morning talk show host saying...F...Jesus. Now let me tell you one thing, I did not read that article because I was afraid the evil spirit attached to this person might be carried over to all that read it.

Ok, go ahead and say it, she is totally crazy, which is true, I am totally crazy in love with my Father and His Son. Psa 40:16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Ratings are the only thing that is important to the news and TV personalities. You see to me the only rating that is important is keeping God first in my life. I will not watch that show and the people that appear there are now just plain marked off my list. If they want to be on that show, then in my mind, they are saying they think the words used are alright to them as well. Luk 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

I am sure alot of ya'll will not agree with me on this subject and that is your privilege. That really don't bother me at all. Mar 13:13 And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

By now I am sure ya'll are saying, "she thinks all TV is bad." No I'm not. There are some good shows shown, but all I am saying is that by putting God first then we won't want to watch those shows that are in tune with the world, which we have to live in but not be a part of.

Jesus came into the world and it accepted Him not. Jhn 1:10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. So why should we any different We need to take a few minutes and think on this; Jesus did His very best to give to all the world His love, care, forgiveness and the Words for all to do His good work. Do we do it? Not all the time. We put Him back on the Cross every time we don't take the time to reject the things of this world. Where will the world take us? Are we saying no to the things that are wrong? Are we willing to be hated by all men for His sake? No is the answer to that question!!! We just plain ain't sick and tired enough of the trash that we are accepting in our homes and lives to put an end to it all. Do you ever think we have waited too late to stop what has already put into place?

I also know that many will say "the mess the world is in is really God's plan for the way it should go." That may be true. But let me ask yall this, are yall the 'wheat' or the 'tares?' By siding with or watching the world go down, are we ready, willing and able to say to the world 'yes I want to be burned with the tares.' 'NO!!! I am just plain sick and tired of all you tares. I won't be burnt with ya'll.' Luke 9:25 For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? Jhn 17:16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

Can you honestly say "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Jos 24:15

God's Blessings to each of you,

LJG/rECj

FROM THE HEART

I love it when LJG writes from her heart. It usually is deep and heavy and makes you look at yourself. That is something we want all of us to do. LJG mentioned something that I want to cover today.

Witchcraft, it was, it is, and shall always be deadly. There was a time in my life that I thought that “white” witchcraft was okay. I had friends that were into it very heavy; one even had a curio shop. People let me tell you something if you walk in mud it does not matter how much you clean your shoes you carry some with you no matter what.

I didn’t do any bad magic, just the nice stuff. Lies, all lies. Magic is magic is witchcraft. I am not talking about your uncle getting a nickel from behind your ear. The occult covers much. I would read my horoscope each day, and laugh at it. I would burn candles. There was the money oil, also.

Then I noticed a friend of mind and she was deep in this stuff. Her bathroom was blocked off to everyone. I took a peek one day when she wasn’t there and it blew me away. It was one thing to do what I was doing but this lady was into it big time. I still at the time did not realize the power of all this.

Now I had a few things happen over a number of years. I saw a statue move. I saw a figure in my bedroom one night. Then there was the hand writing on the wall, in a room freshly painted were no one else had been. It was about this time that I started searching for that old love from my youth. I wanted to know the God that had been there for me as a child and young woman.

As I asked the Lord to come back into my life I started changing into who He wanted me to be. He revealed to me the truth about the little white magic I had played with. There is no good and no worst. Anything that calls forth the spirit world that is not of God is just that not of God. God does not use any of those things. He doesn’t need candles burning, statues, or board games.

Having your fortune told, reading your horoscope, all of these are wrong. And I know from experience that the mud stays on you until you get it right with God. You have to repent and you have to leave it alone. There is no middle ground with this stuff.

One of the things that I found is passing along is prayers. People you have to be careful. Satan will use anything to get in the door to your heart. Let me ask you a question: how many e-mails have you received that have said pass this along and good things will happen and if you don’t something bad. Dear friends this is not from God and it is witchcraft.

I cannot begin to list all the forms that witchcraft covers at this time. I wanted to get this wrote tonight. In the future I will cover it and hope there is nothing listed that you do take a part in. And if you do then repent, get the trash out of your life and go forward.

One more thing the word luck, well it comes from the name Lucifer. So please do not wish me luck. You will be surprised at the things that the devil has his hand in that you think are okay.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

REBELLION

Deu 31:27 For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the LORD; and how much more after my death?

Jos 22:22 The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if [it be] in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)

1 Sam 15:23 For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king.

Eza 4:19 And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and [that] rebellion and sedition have been made therein.

Neh 9:17 And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou [art] a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

Job 34:37 For he addeth rebellion unto his sin, he clappeth [his hands] among us, and multiplieth his words against God.

Pro 17:11 An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

Jer 28:16 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD.

Jer 29:32 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and his seed: he shall not have a man to dwell among this people; neither shall he behold the good that I will do for my people, saith the LORD; because he hath taught rebellion against the LORD.

Here are a several facts for yall to think about...
1 rebellion is only mentioned 9 times and only in the Old Testament
2 sin is mentioned 448 times in 389 verses in both the Old Testament and New Testament
3 iniguity is mentioned 278 times in 262 verses again in both the Old and New Testament
4 witchcraft is as sin. Which king was killed after being warned by Samuel not to use it anymore? Saul of course.
5 stubbornness is as iniguity and idolatry.
6 idolatry is mentioned 5 times in 5 verses once in the Old Testament and 4 times in the New Testament.

Next lets look at the meaning of the above 6 words as shown in the King James Bible
1 rebellion active opposition to authority
2 sin disobedience of God's law
3 iniguity the depth of sin
4 witchcraft attempt to foretell the unknown by occult means
5 stubbornness self-will
6 idolatry worship of idols

I know, I know not one of us have any of these things in our life's. Well, I have to be the first to admit I do have them all in my life. Not as much as I did before I came back to the Lord. rECj and me were raised in the same church. We heard the same teachings over and over again. Little did we know that those very words we thought we had forgotten would be the very ones that would bring us back from the depth of sin. We had rebellion in our lives. We actively had opposition to (God's) authority. Oh yes, we were and are, least I catch myself even now, stubborn. We thought we would be better off living by our own self-will. Oh boy were we wrong about that. On this one I can't speak for rECj but I can't honestly remember if I seeked out anyone that would attempt to foretell the unknown by occult means. But you better know that I am asking God to show me so I can get forgiveness for that sin. From the above scriptures we see that death is the end result for rebellion unless we repent unless we have taught rebellion to others. I am here to tell you this, this period of my life was the worse I think I have ever know. Everything was a struggle, I could never get ahead. I was so empty and lonely. All because I had shut God out of my life.

I can say this with upmost authority, we are still stubborn. But it is no longer in our self-will it is now in God's self-will. We are so stubborn that it takes a lot to change our minds, rarely happens as a matter of fact, when it comes to God. We read our Bibles, we live for God. He is the joy of our lives. When someone says something that I know or not sure it is in the Bible, I hand them my Bible and tell them to "prove it." Do we know every thing in the Bible. Of course not. We know what we know and we don't mind telling others that we know what we know. If you or anyone else can show me in the Bible that what I think is wrong, then I will quickly say I'm sorry to you and go straight to God and repent. Do I live a perfect life? Again, of course not. We won't ever be perfect til we reason the full age of muturity. That won't happen til we reach heaven.

As you can see I save idolatry for the last. I was raised that we were not to have any craven image before us. I was not to bow down to anything or anyone except the Living God. What is a graven image? Anything that attempts to take the place of God. Let me ask yall this...Can an idol reach out and touch you? Can an idol cry with you when you are going thru some horrible thing in your life? Can and idol speak to you? No they can't. Only God can do all these things and so much more for and to us.

I am going to close with these scriptures. Now a lot of yall ain't gonna want to know or hear this but here are the scriptures anyway...

1 Corn 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

1 Corn 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

1 Corn 10:19-20 19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20 But I [say], that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

1 Thess 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

Please remember, PRAYER IS A FREE GIFT FROM GOD, use it freely.

God's blessing to each of you,
rECj/LJG

HOW WE WRITE AN ARTICLE

In speaking with a man at work yesterday, he told me of how he had stopped going to church because he could not live up to the standards that he knew he should live up to.

When I arrived home I could not get this out of my mind. What about others like him? With that in mind I decided that Bible standards to live by would be a good article to write. I shall write it also and you will see it here in the near future. Believe me when I said that really got me into some deep areas in my research.

Some of you might not understand just what LJG and I go through to write some of these articles. Some just flow right out of us. They are short, sweet and to the point. Others like this take us all over the place and give us insights into many different areas.

The simplest way I can explain it is looking on line for a cake recipe. You know you want a yellow cake from scratch. But as you look you find that there is a yellow cake with a filling, and then there is one that has icing. There are recipes with butter, butter substitute, and with oil; with and without eggs. All you find in looking for something so simple can almost overwhelm you.

In researching this I have saved to files at least 15 different articles covering Bible standards. This is not to mention thoughts and sayings that I copied to review later. I also got on a Muslim site that spoke of how if we are a Christian country we are not living up to Bible standards. So even the Muslim’s know Bible standards.

Maybe the purpose of all this is to not just let you know how we do it; but that it is important that we do it. We are human, that much is for sure. We notice though that the short and sweet is what you like. You comment on them, you react, you respond. But when we do all the research on something that is deep we seem to lose you. Is it that you don’t want to go there? Is it that you are comfortable were you are? We are just wondering. We want you to desire to know and grow in Christ. We are open to your comments and your suggestions. If there is a word you don’t understand, doctrine that confuses you, beliefs that you have been told that you are unsure about; well this is the place to ask them. And if is something you do believe in but want to know how and where it came from, then we are the ones to ask.

As for those standards to live by, I will be reading, studying and writing and will get it to you soon.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO GET MAD

There are times in all our life's when we need to get mad, should get mad, and yes have to get mad. It is how we act in that anger that shows our relationship with God. We are to sin not in our anger. So then how can I get angry and not sin. Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

We have to be able to keep our flesh and our heads from overruling our minds and thoughts. We have to use the anger in a Godly way. 1Cr 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak [this] to your shame.

Jesus got angry and turned over tables in the temple. That was not the act of a man who was trying to get alone for the sake of getting alone. Jhn 2:15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

We have to get in the Word and find scriptures to stand on. We might have to call a mentor or trusted prayer partner. Sometimes we are so angry that we can’t focus or think straight. Sometimes we just don’t know the answer, but we do know it is in there {BIBLE}. So take that anger and do something constructive with it. Get those scriptures and stand.

I heard of a man who actually put the Bible on the floor and stood on the word. Now I would not normally recommend that, but it you are standing on the truth then do what works. What I like to do is make a pot of soup and pray in the spirit while cooking. The food will be anointed and whomever eats will be filled. It will also taste very good.

I also like to write the scriptures down and carry them in my pocket. Every time I think of the problem I pull them out and read them. It finally gets to a point hat I don’t even need to take the scriptures out of my pocket. I just reach in and touch them for a point of contact.

Find someone to be in agreement with you. This is not always easy. That is again why we have to have a trusted prayer partner. We do not want to ask someone who is not in complete agreement with us to stand with us. Their doubts or unbelief can stop those prayers from getting answered. Mat 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

GO BACK

We have read it before and probably more then once. Let us go back to the beginning.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. What a beautiful day it must have been. God had decided that day was the first of His mighty plans. He is hovering over the face of the waters. He spoke and there was light. He said let there and there was. He called things together and they were. He made and set in place the lights in the sky. He created sea creatures and birds of every kind. God saw it was good, and He blessed them saying be fruitful and multiply.

Genesis 2:1-3 For six days he spoke things into being. At the end of those seven days he blessed and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all the work He had done.

Ponder with me if you will, the thoughts that God had on that day as He rested and looked about Himself at all He had done. What would you have done? The temperature is perfection, the view something better then any picture ever seen. You sit down and cross your legs knowing you have done a wonderful thing. What do you desire for all your work? What do you actually get for all that hard work?

In a small way we sample it each day. We clean the house to have the children run through with mud on their shoes. We go to check the mail and someone drives by and splashes water all over us. We go to work ready to do our job and someone leaves a mess for us to straighten or clean up. Knowing we did all those things and someone is just going to mess it up and probably forget to thank us for doing it in the first place. Or not even care that they did it.

God in His mercy knew that we were going to mess up and still He made the earth a beautiful place to live. He knew that there would be those who didn’t even want to know Him, would turn their backs to every gesture that He made toward them. He knew that even thought they messed up they would come to Him expecting every thing to be made right again. Oh yes He knew. He knew it all.

And what of us that do know of Him and that mercy? Do we at times take Him for granted? Is that why when we do something stupid like speak without thinking that we are ashamed to go to Him? We know that yes He will forgive us. Some of us have habits that have lingered for years and still we do not ask Him to take those desires away.

What is wrong with us that we can’t just seem to get some things right? We know His Word, we know His promises and still we hold on to that which He already knows.

Go back to the beginning. Go back to that first day when you asked Him into your life. That day that you knew He could turn your world upside down to the right way. Go back to the beginning when we knew He did want us to be right with Him. Go back to that perfect day when nothing else mattered but Him and You. Go back and get yourself right again. Sit down cross your legs and spend some time with Him. He is waiting just as He did when He created this earth and all that is in it. He was waiting for you. God created you and you are good.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

PURGATORY

First let me say that we have no intention of bashing anyone. We came across the word and wanted to know the biblical meaning of it. Of course what we came across does not line up with the Bible so here are the results.

Normally here we give a definition, and we shall.

King James Bible-Not listed
Strong’s Concordance-Not listed
Strong’s lexicon-Not listed
Easton’s Bible Dictionary-Not listed
No definitions
NO titles or authors
No subject tags
No within books

Okay that is that the word is not there so that is the end of that, or is it. Let’s look a bit further.

Catholic Bible-Not listed
Douay-Rheims Bible-Not listed [Catholic Bible]
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops-Not listed
American Bible-Not listed {Catholic Bible]

Well that should really be the end of it, the Catholic Bible does not even include the word in it’s Bible, or should I say Bibles. But lets go a little further and read this interesting tidbit I found at the Catholic web site which really, if you think about it, and it is true, explains why we have all got it wrong and they have got it right.

Quoted from the Catholic web site] Catholics were responsible for writing the New Testament (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit), the Catholic Church doesn't "interpret" the Bible. We explain it. Protestants can only "interpret", because they are not the author (guided by the Holy Spirit), and therefore, can only guess at the possible meaning of a chapter, passage or phrase, just as anyone can only guess at any author's intentions in any other book. As the author, the Catholic Church is the only proper authority to consult in matters pertaining to the Bible.

Roman Catholicism is the only major Christian denomination that teaches the specific doctrine of purgatory as a "place or condition" experienced by some souls after death. Acording to Catholic belief, immediately after death, a person undergoes judgment in which the soul's eternal destiny is specified. Some are eternally united with God in what is called Heaven, often envisioned as a paradise of eternal joy. Conversely, others are destined for Hell, a state of eternal separation from God often envisioned as a fiery place of punishment.

Okay I have to interject here for a moment. According to Catholic belief…immediately after death…eternal destiny is specified…some are eternally united with God in Heaven….others are destined for Hell, a state of eternal separation from God….. Did I miss something there, it does not mention a half way house to stay until you are prayed out of it. Just my thoughts.

PURGATORY [Catholic web Site]
The place or condition in which the souls of the just are purified after death and before they can enter heaven. They may be purified of the guilt of their venial sins, as in this life, by an act of contrition deriving from charity and performed with the help of grace. This sorrow does not, however, affect the punishment for sins, because in the next world there is no longer any possibility of merit. The souls are certainly purified by atoning for the temporal punishments due to sin by their willing acceptance of suffering imposed by God. The sufferings in purgatory are not the same for all, but proportioned to each person's degree of sinfulness. Moreover, these sufferings can be lessened in duration and intensity through the prayers and good works of the faithful on earth. Nor are the pains incompatible with great peace and joy, since the poor souls deeply love God and are sure they will reach heaven. As members of the Church Suffering, the souls in purgatory can intercede for the persons on earth, who are therefore encouraged to invoke their aid. Purgatory will not continue after the general judgment, but its duration for any particular souls continues until it is free from all guilt and punishment. Immediately on purification the soul is assumed into heaven. (Etym. Latin purgatio, cleansing, purifying.)

So there you have it a regilion that doesn’t even have the word in it’s Bible, is the only major denomination that teaches this doctrine. See we have to understand that they explain what isn’t there,while we on the other hand only interpret what is there.

If God had thought He would need help of mere mortals to get sinners out of the pit, then He would have said so. Had He wanted the bottomless pit to be called purgatory then He would have included it in His Word. Here again it looks like people have taken a scripture and changed it to fit their needs and wants. But we need to realize they are only explaining what we are interperting.
Revelation 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. We can't stress that scripture enough to all of us. But to be honest they have not changed the word of God. NO indeed, they are explaining it. Again it is us the believers that are interpreting it.

What scripture do they use? Revelation 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
They are right in one sense, there is escape, but not in the way they go about it. Money can't do, the Pope can't do, and nothing will work unless God wills it to happen.

During this 1000-year period the enemy of man is going to be chained and cast down with force, and with much vengeance, into a prison house (think of it as a "holding cell" in a jail house), where there is the possibility of escape, but not the lake of fire, which is eternal doom, Rev 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Had he gone to the lake of fire he would have never been able to come back to earth. After the thousand years, he is to come back to the earth for a little season. The bottomless pit will be his kingdom and he will rule from there until the final effort of his long struggle against God has ended. God will and does rule from His throne in Heaven, so Satan will rule from his throne in the pit.

He had been permitted to break out, from his own place and prison, to be able disturb the churches, and deceive the nations; now he is brought back to that prison, and put there in chains. He thought the strength of the dragon and smartness of the serpent would be enough to protect and save him. He failed, refused or just plain didn't care that God is so much stronger than both of these and when God takes hold, He holds fast and there is no breaking away from Him. Christ shuts, and none can open; He shuts by His power, seals by His authority; and His lock and seal even the devils themselves cannot break open.

The chain I think is the Word of God. We can see how this is done by what takes place under our own eyes. A man may be drunken and lawless, but if he repents under the influence of the gospel he ceases to serve Satan. The devil loses his power over that man. When that time comes for which the saints in all ages have longing fully looked for, when the laws of God shall be written upon every heart, then Satan, bound with a chain, the chain of truth, shall be deprived of influence on the earth.

The chain is a sign of severe restraint. Satan is a spiritual being and you cannot bind a spiritual being with a regular chain. Putting him in chains is a way of limiting of his power and ability to function, which shows us his being totally removed from the earth.

Let us now a minute to remember these three very important events in the life of satan; he was cast down from Heaven because he went around accusing his brethren and for believing he was better than God; he then became the prince of the earth; he thought he had defeated Jesus on the Cross at Golgotha and that his power was going to be secure. Now, for the final time he will be cast down into the lake of fire forever.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

I want to highlight some news that came my way this week. The new dollar coin does not have “In God We Trust” on it. Please do as I intend to do, as the person who sent me the news is doing. If handed this coin hand it back and ask for your change some other way and e-mail others and let them know about it. As Christians we need to stand together on the issues that concern us.

Tom Cruise has certainly been in the news this week. LJG and I wrote in an in-depth study about different beliefs that included Scientology. It is up to us to not support any movies, music or other things that are endorsed by people such as this.

Okay am I making it hard on any of us by saying these things? No I do not believe so. If I choose to support and accept these products then I am saying that I have no problem with them. I cannot believe I would walk up and put money in Tom Cruise’s pocket, but by buying products endorsed, or movies that include him, then yes that is what we are doing.

I do not expect all Believers to agree on everything, and until Jesus comes again there will be differences in things such as Paul was speaking of in these scriptures.

Act 15:24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment:

Gal 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

If you choose to be circumcised then okay, if not it is still good. Meat or not meat. Long dresses or not, if it keeps you in line with the word then I am happy for you. But on the whole we need to stand together, united we stand and divided we fall. It did not take many to stand for God and it still doesn’t. A few in God can do more then many out of God.

I am of course not speaking of things like worshipping statues or such. We cannot and do not support claims and traditions such as this. There is a line there that is drawn in the sand, one that we do not want to step over. We are responsible for what we know, and that which we don’t, God can and will open the doors for us to see, if we seek Him.

What I am speaking of is not supporting these items by buying them, or receiving these coins as change. Will it make our life’s a little uncomfortable, maybe? Still though I know Whom it is that supports me, and it is not those stores. I am not being extreme, there are stores that sell things that we do not endorse, I am asking that we walk by those products and not buy them. We have to take a stand for what we believe in.

God bless each of you,

rECj/LJG

SATURDAY EDITORIAL

I wish to thank my rECj for the beautiful words and thoughts portrayed by her on my day. Not many women can or do have the relationship that is between her and me. There is always so much jealousy and cattiness between most women, but thanks to God there is none of that with she and I. We do not always agree, which is only human, but we take those disagreements and work on them til we reach a point of agreement made possible only thru the love that God has given us for each other.

When we have the love of God in our hearts and do our best to live as Christ intends for us, there is nothing we can't and won’t overcome. How sorry we both feel for the women that won't open their hearts to the same sex and just plain give them a chance to prove their faithfulness not only to each other, but more importantly to God. Just put your trust, faith and love in God to work and see where it leads.

The word love in numerous forms are in the Bible 442 times. Starting with Genesis 2:22 and ending with Revelation 12:11.

The scripture that stands out the most to us is the following one. Matthew 5:46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same?

What is our love for each other if we do nothing with it. The reward is in loving those whom sometimes do not love us in return. We flow with love because we share and give it away.

There have been times in our life’s when we have had to step back and ask God to let us only look at someone through His eyes. Humbling is the only way we can explain the feelings that rush over us in looking at someone that way. God in His wisdom will allow this if you ask. I challenge each of you to try it when next you come upon someone that does fit into this group.

God bless each of you,
LJG/rECj

CELEBRATING THOSE WE LOVE

Yes I know that it is not Sunday. One of the good things about writing like this is you can choose something to step outside the normal way of doing things. Today I want to celebrate the birth of my best friend, my strongest mentor, my Jonathan. The one that God has used to start and keep this site going. You know her as LJG.

Today it is my turn to publicly thank her. So bare with me today as I tell this special Person, that God brought back into my life, why and how I love her. I hope in it you will see that it is possible for the love story of David and Jonathan to happen in this day and age between two people.

1 Samuel 18
1 And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. 3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle.

The instant liking that Jonathan had for David turned into a lasting friendship; a friendship that would even take from Jonathan his own chance of rising to the throne of his father. Nothing could shake the bond that formed between these two.

Forty some years ago LJG came into my life for a brief few years. Then one day she was gone. I missed her and through the years thought of her and the closeness that we shared even then. I wondered at times what had happened to her. As usually happens in life with a close friend the years drift by and we think of them less often, but always with fond thoughts.

Then God in His amazing ways brought us back together. From that reunion on-line we have grown, as God would have us grow, together. There have been a few that do not understand why we include each other on our writings. Because we know that without the other this site would not be what it is. We do not need for our real selves to be known, nor we do feel the need to take credit for what we know is our gifts from God.

I have been known for writing beautiful writings for people for many different occasions. Today the words are hard to find to express the love I feel for you. Today is for you LJG.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY JONATHAN

Birds flying so close that you feel you could touch
Singing the praises of the Lord up above
Just as you my love sing in your heart.
The love of the Lord is mighty here
Without biting her tongue she speaks the truth
To some it is endearing, a lesson well learned
To some it can be harsh, the truth oh it hurts
But she will tell you, and comfort you to
Cause growing in Jesus is something
She just can’t stop doing
Allowing her touch to embrace you
Is a gift that she has and doesn’t mind sharing
She opens her heart to young and old alike
Her joy is found in the LORD
Then in her children, grandchildren
Oh yes her dogs
And yes in me little ole rECj
How can words explain the love of Christ for us
It is that hard to express my love for LJG

May God bless you today my LJG, my Jonathan, my other half
May He give you all the desires of your heart
In Christ Name
Love your Peanut, your David, your rECj

IN GOD WE TRUST

This is a copy of a circulated $1 bill with “In God We Trust” MARKED OUT with a custom stamp

With so much going on in the United States about taking God out of this and that, I wonder how many of those people refuse to use money because of the words written on it. Unfortunately some people have defaced some bills with a stamp.

In 1956 by an Act of Congress “In God We Trust’ became the official motto of the United States. This was called the HJ. Resolution 396. In 1782 by an Act of Congress that was never codified by law E pluribus unum [one out of many or from many, one] was considered a de facto motto of the United States.

It is possible that the origin of In God We Trust is from the final line of The Star Spangled Banner written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key “…And this be our motto: “In God We Trust.” This song was also later adopted as our national anthem.

The motto first appeared in 1864 on the two cent coin. In the next few years by a number of Acts of Congress the Mint Director could place the motto on all silver and gold coins. Since 1938 all United States coins bear the inscription. By an act of Congress on May 18, 1908 made it mandatory on all coins on which it had already appeared, but could be placed on others with the Secretary’s approval.

I would like to include in this brief history that President Theodore Roosevelt strongly disapproved of the idea of “In God We Trust” on money. The following is his reason quoted: "My own feeling in the matter is due to my very firm conviction that to put such a motto on coins, or to use it in any kindred manner, not only does no good but does positive harm, and is in effect irreverence, which comes dangerously close to sacrilege ... it seems to me eminently unwise to cheapen such a motto by use on coins, just as it would be to cheapen it by use on postage stamps, or in advertisements."
The motto also appeared on paper money in 1957. First appearing on the one dollar Silver Certificate. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing was converting to a new printing process and during this conversion it gradually included In God We Trust in the back design of all classes and denominations of currency.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed and approved a law passed by the 84th United States Congress, on July 30, 1956. In God We Trust became the national motto of the United States. Some allege that this decision was a reaction to Communism which at he time was associated with atheism.

Today it is argued that the phrase is wrong because of Thomas Jefferson “wall of separation between church and state” and the First Amendment. The point they want to make is that the endorsement of any deity by the government is unconstitutional.

There are some who even say that the following scriptures back up the use of using the Name of God in this way.

Exodus 20:7 (King James Version)7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Deuteronomy 5:11 (King James Version) 11 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Leviticus 19:12 (King James Version) 12 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.

I do not find that this applies in this case. We each have to draw our own conclusion on that, and it can be looked at many ways. For myself when I am walking alone and see a coin on the ground my first thought is to reach down and pick it up. To me it is a way for God to remind me to Trust in God at all times in all things.

No matter how many nationalities have come to this country; No matter what you like or don’t like about it; this country was founded on God and “In God We Trust” shall remain my motto forever.
Luke 20:25 And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar's, and unto God the things which be God's.

Everything I have is because of the works that God has done in my life. If there is one thing I know that does belong to Him it is my finances, my prosperity.

I shall render unto God what belongs to Him, and that includes my money.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

SHUT THE DOOR ~ KEEP THE DEVIL OUT

WORD OF WISDOM

DOOR ~ Paul speaks of a "door opened" for the spread of the gospel (1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3). Our Lord says of himself, "I am the door" (John 10:9). John (Revelation 4:1) speaks of a "door opened in heaven."

Source: Easton's Bible Dictionary

I like that song; it is cute and has a good beat to it. It is also true. How then do we shut the door and keep him out. Prayer and standing on the word of God. Try it, believe it, it works every time.

Any sin we have in our life opens the door for the devil to sneak in. That is why we need to stay in prayer at all times, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. We also need to confess our sins the minute we realize it, 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. LJG and I laugh at my typing when we are IMing each other, my spelling is awful. I am always typing so fast that I spell Christ chrsit or God god, and immediately I am typing Lord I am so sorry. It is funny but not a laughing matter, I do not want to give the devil any headway in my life. Heck I am not perfect and anything I know about I want the Lord’s forgiveness.

There are times I search myself to see if there is anything I need to confess. Of course I always find something and then I go to the Lord with it. It is nice to know it is not only forgiven but also forgotten.

There are also times when the Lord will tell me “you know that was wrong.” OUCH, that hurts, and yes I want it corrected. I am glad the Lord loves me so much that He will bring to my attention something that I have overlooked.

LJG and I have both at times had to tell the other something that we knew the other needed to be told. There have been times we have hurt each other’s feelings, but as we have grown together in the Lord, we know that the correction is not to hurt but to love.

Unforgiveness is another way that the devil will get a foothold in our life’s. Unforgiveness is a sin, it is a big one. Not only are you not forgiving someone else you are holding on to bitterness. The Bible tells us plainly that we will be forgiven as we forgive others. Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

I have heard this expression many times and believe it to be so true. “Do you think they are losing sleep over you?” Probably not, if anything they are laughing at what they did to you or enjoying the thought of whatever it was they did. And you, well you are letting it stop you from living your life as God intended. Even worst you are letting the devil use it to bring you down.

Now I know you would never willingly open the door and invite the devil in, Matthew 12:44 Then he (unclean spirit) saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Friend that is exactly what you are doing. You have given him a written invitation without even knowing it. When we keep sin and unforgiveness in our life that is exactly what we are doing.

Pray this pray with me: Jesus I know that You gave Your life for me and that You want me to live my life to the fullest. I know that I am not perfect, there was only one and that was You. Lord I ask today that You open my eyes to any sin or unforgiveness I might have in my life and reveal it to me. I ask forgiveness of ____________ and also I ask You to give me forgiveness where I do not feel it. I speak these words knowing that You Lord will do the rest. I put into Your hands the matter of ______________, I am asking you to remove this spot from my heart. Lord if it comes back to remind me of itself I know that I only have to tell it that it was given to You and You have paid the price. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Amen

Now tell the Lord thanks and give Him praise for a mighty work He is doing in your life.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

COULD YOU WOULD YOU?

QUESTION TO PONDER

Right now, right where you are, if Jesus knocked on the door what would be the first thing you do?

Could you, would you run to the door and throw it open. Could you, would you want to tidy up?

Look around you. Are there any books that you would not want Him to know you have in the house? Would you want Him to know that you read them? Is the TV on? Would you want to change the channel or turn it off? Is the radio on? I am sure He would understand you were just waiting for the news.

How about the liquor cabinet, I am sure He would understand, after all He did turn water to wine. And we only drink socially anyway, most of it is for our friends.

The bathroom is next. Do you need to run ahead of him to hide anything? I am sure He understands you don’t want to bother Him with a little headache or ache here and there. He knows that you need all those things. But ladies will He understand that after all you are a woman and that is for sore muscles, not for pleasing yourself.

Do you want Him to see in your closet, you know the clothes you don’t wear to church, that cute little bikini for your next weekend away.

Would you want Him to look at your Bible, you know that book in the corner that you use every Sunday morning. The rest of the time it sets gathering dust.

What of the rest of your house. Is He welcome to look everywhere?

Could you, would you answer the door?

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

LET A MAN BE A MAN

WORD OF WISDOM

WOMAN ~Was "taken out of man" (Genesis 2:23), and therefore the man has the preeminence. "The head of the woman is the man;" but yet honour is to be shown to the wife, "as unto the weaker vessel" (1 Corinthians 11:3, 8, 9; 1 Peter 3:7).

Source: Easton's Bible Dictioanry

Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Okay ladies I am pretty sure I am going to step on some toes today and if I do, well say OUCH and get your act together. That is right, today I have come to tell you that you need to let the man be the man, and that means the head of the household.

Oh I have heard it all, he is not saved, And! He is a backslider, And! He does not know how to be a man, And!

To begin with, who are you to say he is not a man? Let’s go back to the very beginning. If you were saved, then he should be saved. Does not the Bible tell us to not be unequally yoked? 2 Cr 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? So if you stepped into that yard all by yourself then why do you expect things to change now? Well God can and will change things, but that is for later.

Please don’t even go there with me about you aren’t married; I will really hurt your feelings. If you walk in crap it will get on your shoes.

You got saved and he isn’t. Does not the Bible tell us the man might be saved by the woman. 1 Corinthians 7:16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

I am speaking of letting the man be the man, the head of the household. God intended for the man to be the head of the home. And I believe it is time for us woman to step back and pray these men into the place they need to be.

So you think we are old fashioned. No we are God fashioned.

Listen close to me ladies if he is good at cooking, then let him cook. If you are good at mowing the lawn then by all means mow the lawn. That does not make a man a man.

Lets go to Proverbs and see what the Bible says about a Godly wife. Proverbs 31:10-31. Please read all of it, but lets look at verses 11 ands 12. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Now I know for a fact that all of you wife’s reading this can say that your husband’s feel this way about you. No ladies I am not living in a dream world. The issue here is to let your husband be the head of the household.

Numbers 30:10-15 (King James Version) 10 And if she vowed in her husband's house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath; 11 And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her, and disallowed her not: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she bound her soul shall stand. 12 But if her husband hath utterly made them void on the day he heard them; then whatsoever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand: her husband hath made them void; and the LORD shall forgive her. 13 Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void. 14 But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her from day to day; then he establisheth all her vows, or all her bonds, which are upon her: he confirmeth them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard them. 15 But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard them; then he shall bear her iniquity.

From the preceding verses we can see that God intended for the man to be the responsible head of the household. The mans word was final.

Ladies for our men to be men we in turn need to be women of God. In doing so we are letting God be in control, and God will line up things in your life for it to be as He intended it to be.

We should seek the Lord in all things. But I don’t understand. Oh yes I do, I have made my mistake in marriage just like many of you. I have walked that road.

It is a change, which we ladies have to make to get our families where they need to be. By putting the man in his proper place then the entire family can line up. No we are not to force or nag a husband to do those things. But what we can do is give him the respect that he should receive as the head of the house.

I will share a story that was passed to me of a Godly woman whose husband was not saved. She wanted to go to a revival in town and the told her if she went he would lock her out. The weather was very cold. She obeying God went. Arriving home the door was locked. She fell asleep in front of the door. The husband opened the door the next morning thinking there would be an argument. The wife looked at her husband and asked what he would like for breakfast. She never fussed or anything. The man was saved because of the love she shown for Christ.

Ladies for our men to be men we have to treat them as the man we desire from Christ. We can search the scriptures and find many. By standing on the [ was not in caps]Word of the Lord, we can and will be able to see changes in our men and in our homes. We are to look not at what we see, but at what we believe.

For as wonderful look at what God intended for marriage to be please go

to: http://journals.aol.com/bhbner2him/LifeFaithinCaneyhead/ it is a wonderful blog site with AOL that we are sure will bless you mightily.

We are yours in Christ,

rECj/LJG

SUNDAY EDITORIAL

Those of you who have been with us awhile know that Saturday and Sunday are LJG and my days to sound off. Today is no different. Today I want to speak on families.

For the most part our family is made up of people that we did not choose. Unlike friends we cannot pick and choose, nor can we walk away completely. Families should be there for each other in spite of all our differences. We all make mistakes and it is in falling down that we reach out for those that we know will be there for us. At times it is the ones we would rather not have helping that truly open their arms the widest to us. Thank God for them.

What I want to really touch on today though is the fact that everyone, and I do mean everyone needs to have time to themselves. For those of us that are givers, people do not realize that yes we do want you to go away at times. Not that we want to hurt your feelings that is the last thing we would ever want to do. We are sincerely glad that we can be a help to you in your time of need. We really don’t mind that you need our ears and yes shoulders at all hours of the day and night. But then there comes a time when we ask to be alone. Nothing personal, it is a fact of life.

I needed that today more then I knew. I asked yesterday that I have some time alone. I felt myself getting low on spiritual fuel; felt that I could not go any further. I needed the time to do nothing. The phone rang and I did not answer it. I did not even look to see who it was. I just did not want any outside anything in my life today. I wanted to rest in the arms of my Father.

People we can and should be there for others, but we also have to make time for ourselves. We know what is on our plates. We know what is going on and we do care. But when we ask for that time please give it to us. That time alone is what gives us the strength to be there for others.

If you are a giver, then please make sure you do take that time for yourself. If you are on the receiving end then please understand that to be there for you and others there will be times we will need to step back; we to need a breath of fresh air. We to need to rest in the arms of our Father and enjoy the peace that only He can give.

Sometimes we get so caught up in our problems that we do not hear the other person saying so gently so kindly, give me some time. We do know that what you are going through is at the top of your list, we do know that you need us right now this minute. But understand that we also need quality time for God and also importantly ourselves.

Givers have a problem with overextending themselves to help others. We will stretch ourselves to the limit for you. We live to give and give to live, but there is a limit even for us. We have to be the one to say no, and it hurts us very much. Take some time for yourself; it is the only way that you can really be there for others.

God bless each one of you today,
rECj/LJG

SATURDAY EDITORIAL

I know each of you enjoyed rECj's article yesterday. You had to feel the deep devotion that comes from her heart. So, for today, let each of one us take the time to pray that we may experience the same desires she shared in her article.

God's Blessings to each of you,

LJG/rECj

PSALMS 31

1 In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defense to save me.
3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
15 My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
Oh my Lord and Savior I do put my trust in You. You who has been there for me, even when I slipped and made mistakes; never let me be ashamed, even Lord when it is my own errors. Deliver me in Your righteousness, as mine is not enough. Lean down and listen closely to me, I need you right now this moment, in fact Lord there is not a moment in my life that I do not need you and desire You in my life. You are my strong rock, the rock that I live on, where I am safe. You are my rock and my fortress, what You have built nothing can bend or destroy. For your sake lead me and guide me.

My times are in Your hands. My times, my life, my very being, all that I am, anyway you say it, Lord to You I belong. Protect what belongs to you my Lord. Keep me safe from those who would hurt me, even Lord if that is myself. Deliver my enemies into Your own hands, so that they to may know the saving grace of You Father. Those that persecute me, let their eyes turn to You as the answer to what they seek.

Thank You Father for opening my eyes so that I know that I might turn to You at all times, in all things. Lord bless those who stand with me as believers, and bless those who stand against me as non believers. Those that stand beside me, bless them with a greater knowledge of your loving grace. Those who stand against me, Lord open their eyes to Love the love that can only come from You.

In Christ Jesus Holy Name, Amen

rECj/LJG

GIVE ME THAT OLDE TIME REGILION

John 13:1-15

Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Those that observe foot washing do so on the basis of the preceeding scripture, believeing that it is an authoritative example and command of Jesus.

Foot washing is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 18:4, and then again in verses 19:2, 24:32, 43:24. It is also mentioned in 1 Samuel 25:41, the above scripture and then in 1 Timothy 5:10.

The custom of washing feet is believed to have come about because of the dusty and dirty conditions of the regions these people lived in. Sandals were the main foot ware at the time and thus the washing of feet was necessary. At the time of the Bible peers did not wash the feet of another, except on the rarest of occasions and as a mark of great love or respect.

In Luke 22:24 Luke points out that the disciples were arguing amongst themselves who was the greatest of them, so none was willing to wash their feet. When Jesus started to wash their feet, they were shocked. Jesus in this act was showing humility and teaching a lesson of selfless service that was exemplified by His death on the cross. His actions serve as a symbol of spiritual cleanings.

We have records of foot washing dating back to as early as A.D. 380 by the church in Milan. Many churches observed foot washing in connection with communion, and some had the custom of washing the feet of visiting ministers. It was a part of the 16^th century radical reformation and was also rediscovered or restored in revivals that were trying to recreate the faith and practices of the apostolic era.

History shows that foot washing has at times been practiced in connection with baptism, at times on separate occasions, but mostly in connection with the Lord’s Supper.

From experience I believe that washing the feet of another is one of the most humbling things a person can do for another. Many churches today have always practiced foot washing, and many are bringing it back into their services.

Are we not commanded to follow His example? Are we in any way better then Christ that we should not wash the feet of others? Do we have enough pride to bend at the knee and wash the feet of others? John 12:26 "No servant is greater than his master."

God Bless,

rECj/LJG

HOW CAN A WOMAN NOT LOVE

How can a woman not love the Lord?

* He is a gentleman,
* He is confident
* He is a provider and protector
* He is rich and powerful
* He owns everything, there is nothing He wouldn't do for me
* He perfects all things concerning me
* He anticipates my needs
* Every day He tells me and shows me how much He loves me
* I don't have to perform in order to earn His love
* He keeps all of his promises
* No one can influence His opinion of me
* He is the ultimate intimate partner
* He can't 'disown' me because I am a part of Him
* He prepares a table before me

* He covers me and doesn't expose me
* He wrote his loving words down so that I'll never forget how he feels about me


NOW THAT'S LOVE!
Any man, who wants pointers on how to love a woman, should study GOD! Wake up every day and thank God for being the best 'man' in your life!


TO ALL THE GOOD AND BEAUTIFUL WOMEN I KNOW! BE BLESSED!


Each and everyone one of us is going through tough times right now but God is getting ready to bless you in a way that only He can.

Keep the faith. Have a blessed New Year Friends and Family. I love you all, Charlotte.

My prayer:

Father, I ask you to bless my friends, relatives and those I care deeply for, who are reading this right now. Show them a new revelation of your love and power. Holy Spirit, I ask you to minister to their spirit at this very moment.
Where there is pain, give them your peace and mercy. Where there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through your grace.
Where there is a need, I ask you u to fulfill their needs. Bless their homes, families, finances, their goings and their comings.
In Jesus' precious name. Amen.

Mrs. Charlotte Williams

PAUL HAD A GOOD CONSCIENCE!

[DO YOU?]

Conscience: moral consciousness; to see completely; respectively means to understand or become aware; to be conscious or [clandestinely {secretly}] informed of; consider, know, be privy, be aware of. Acts 23:1 (King James Version)

In following up on the article yesterday I wanted to show you a very good example of someone doing something in good conscience. The following is a brief outline of the life of the apostle Paul.

We hear first of Paul at the stoning of Stephen.
Acts 7:57 (King James Version) 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Following the death of Stephen we continue to follow Saul and see his actions toward other Believers.

Acts 8: 1 [King James Version] And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

From these scriptures we can plainly see that Paul was not a friend of the Believers of Christ. If anything he was someone that the believers did not want around.

There are three accounts in the book of Acts telling about his conversion.
Acts 9 1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatening's and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

We can also read of this account in Acts 22:1-22 and Acts 26:1-24.
In each one of these accounts he describes being blinded, led to Demascus where his sight is restored and he was then baptized.

Paul himself tells us that he persecuted the church.
1 Corinthians 15:9 (King James Version) 9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

Galatians 1:13 (King James Version) 13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
Now let us look at what Paul says in Acts 23.
Acts 23
1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

Wait a minute is this the same Paul that persecuted the Believers, held the coats of others while they stoned Stephen? Is this the same man who reeked havoc on the church, going into homes and taking men and women to prison for their beliefs? Yes it is. How then can he stand there and tell people “I have lived in all good conscience.”

Paul was raised up in a Jewish family, instructed in the Laws of the Torah. He had lived a good and faithful life. According to the teaching he had, which were the truth, he was obeying the Laws. This is why he could boldly say he had done nothing in bad conscience. Until he was converted on the road to Damascus, Paul was going by the teaching that he had stood on his entire life.

Once he was informed of the truth about Jesus, it was his decision to receive it, or to turn from it and go back to his old ways. Paul took the good news, he received it with an open heart and his life was changed.

How many of us have heard the Word of God and turned to our old ways? How many of us have lived as Christians for years and suddenly a revelation comes to us that something we believe and hold to be truth is in fact a falsehood, and turned from it.

Have we in good conscience did what we felt was right? I am not speaking of twisting the Word of God here; I am speaking of not being informed of the truth. Once you have the truth, do you in fact act on it?

Study, seek God in all you hear from others. LJG and I cannot tell you this enough. Do not take any man or woman’s word for fact, try the Word, and test the Word. Look it up and study it for yourself.

Do not twist the scriptures to make yourself happy, take the truth of the Word and ask the Lord to change you.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG