GOD WANTS US TO DEFEAT OUR FOES

“I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy” (Luke 10:19).

Satan was “the anointed cherub . . . You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked in the midst of the stones of fire. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created” (Ezekiel 28:14-15). However, here is the clue to Satan’s fall, “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendour” (vv. 17-19).

The Enemy knows his fate, but he is counting on the fact that we do not. When he was cast out of heaven, he misled a third of heaven’s angelic force. The chaos these fallen creatures create at times is still under the watchful eye of God. Nothing that happens on the face of the earth goes unnoticed by Him. God is never out of control or overpowered. Once Satan was a beautiful creature—one that had access to God’s throne room. Today he is a castaway and can only appear before the Lord when he is summoned.

Why does God allow evil to exist? Why does He allow the Enemy to touch our lives with sickness and suffering? None of us have the perfect answer. However, we know without a doubt that God is at work, and He has not forgotten His creation. He uses every trial we face to draw us closer to Himself. Also, do not become discouraged if you are facing difficulty. Instead, cling to the One who has the ability to save you from all evil. Satan’s trickery may have enticed many of God’s forces to believe that they would be better off without Him. However, the same does not have to be true for you.

Adam and Eve fell for the Enemy’s lies, but you can say no to each one. Peter calls us to be on guard and ever alert to the Enemy’s assaults and attacks (1 Peter 5:8). Ask the Lord to give you His discernment so that you will know when you are about to step over the threshold of His safety and blessing and enter the darkness of Satan’s domain.



http://bummyla.wordpress.com/2011/12/25/god-wants-us-to-defeat-our-foes/

TO KNOW HIM (BETTER)

We have and will continue to encourage you to read, study and question the Bible. The Bible is the most interesting book in the world, full of instructions, wisdom, and powerful promises to name a few.

How do we get to know God better; by studying His word ourselves. What then is the best way for us to do that? We are going to start with reading the first Four Books in the New Testament. These four men were all disciples of Christ and traveled with Him. Each though tells the story from his own view point.

Usually we instruct people to ask who, when, what, where and how. This time we are going to change things around. We simply want you to read the four books in the order they fall in the Bible. Nothing more nothing less. No notes, no stick-em to mark things. Just read. That is the first lesson.

Remember to pray first asking God to open your eyes and understanding.

We will post lesson 2 next week.

God Bless
recj/LJG

CAN YOU DO "THAT" IN HEAVEN?

With the New Year fast approaching many of us are making up a list of resolutions that we will try to keep. What we are asking you to do is take a look at yourself and ponder on can you "Do that in Heaven". What are some of the things we do here on earth that you honestly just can not picture happening in Heaven.

The first thing thought of is TV, it would be hard for us to picture some of the religious stations allowed up there in the heavenly blue yonder, and not those reality shows it might be reality here on earth, but it is not in Heaven. Certainly not the games with all the violence, no doesn't fit the picture we have. Music, need I say more.

Wait you say I am describing a boring place. No we are not. But if you are honest with yourself there are many things in our daily life's most likely we will not do in Heaven. And we DO not think it is boring, remember it is Heaven. Talk about egg on your face. People we need to stop and think about the things we allow in our lives and homes that would never step across the path into Heaven.

If you think Jesus knows your every move now......You will not be taking all this up in His House. Just something for you to think on. You will be looking Him in His face, both of you knowing what you have been doing. That is right face to face.

Just something for you to think about.

God Bless
He's Watching you!

recj/LJG

HOW ANGELS FIGHT OUR BATTLES FOR US

How angels fight our battles for us

2 Chronicles 20:22

Jehoshaphat was stunned. He had just received word that three well-trained armies were coming against him and the nation of Judah. These were Judah’s neighbours—people they had allowed to live near them in peace.

Fear immediately gripped the hearts of the people of Judah. However, they refused to panic. Instead, the king turned to God through prayer. In fact, the entire nation prayed and fasted, and God responded with a powerful message. In 2 Chronicles 20:12, the king cried out to God, “We are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.”

Can you imagine the blessing that God received from the proclamation of His people’s total dependence on Him? “All Judah was standing before the Lord, with their infants, their wives and their children” (v. 13). In other words, they were waiting expectantly for God to answer. Their backs were against the wall. The way before them was shut off. There was no hope outside of the hope they had in God.

Have you ever felt this way? If you have, read on. God did not keep His people waiting. He spoke to them through a young prophet. “Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s” (v. 15). Then He told them what to do, but the solution required lots of faith. They were to march into battle—but not with their warriors leading the way. Instead, they were to be led into battle by their choir!

The Devil hates praise, and he despises worship given to God. Judah’s enemies heard them coming and were thrown into confusion. When Judah showed up on the scene the battle already had been fought and won by God. Any time God instructs you to wait, sing, trust Him, or be still before Him, you can believe that He has a fleet of angels ready on your behalf. This is what He did for Judah, and He will do the same for you.



http://bummyla.wordpress.com/2011/12/25/how-angels-fight-our-battles-for-us/

IS IT REALLY OVER?

The excitement, the countdown, the expectation of it all. We stand strong and brave and voice our opinions and finally Christmas arrived. Now what?
He is here 24/7 for each one of us, never failing us, though we fail Him repeatly, what do we do now? Many will put Him in a box with the decorations to be packed away for another year. Until it is time again to voice our ‘I have a right ‘opinion. Oh, the voices that cry out for their rights at this time of the year. I love the Lord, it is the reason for the season, and I have a right to worship my God. Oh yes, we shout and carry on don’t we.
Now the gifts unwrapped, the bills and money we spend screaming in our face. The gifts that are now underfoot, broken after a few days, where may I ask is our God in all this?
Why I ask do we not get this excited about Him all of the year. I do not believe He would mind. In fact, I think He would be thrilled, maybe just maybe we will realize that He is still here. There is so much He wants us to know about Him. Do we dare open that door and invite Him to be a part of our life? What about making our life’s all about Him 24/7 like He did for us.
We understand you are busy; you cannot stay in church all day. Well Jesus [which is God] does not live in any building except the one‘s He built which is each of us. You and I that is where He wants to live all the time.
HOWEVER, we have a question for you today, think, and ponder on it. Do you expect God to be there, answer your prayers, and talk to you as you do to Him? If you put off time to spend with Him, do you want him to wait the same amount of time answering you. How would you feel if He repeated back to you the same words each time He talked to you? We cannot imagine Him saying, “Yeah I heard you, I’ll get back to you later.”
So is it really over? The decision is yours, you have free will. Now the question is what are you going to do with it?
God Bless
recj/LJG

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU

I just want to take a minute to thank You for coming to earth as a baby. Then growing into the Wonderful, forgiving, loving and for answering prayers. For choosing me when I was still in my mama’s womb. Thank you for guiding me when I wasn’t always living the life that was pleasing to You. For loving me when my light for You was so dim. Thank You for bring not only my light my my life back to what You meant it to be.

I am so sorry for all the horrible trouble that You had to go through for us. I am so sorry they beat the skin off your back. I am sorry for the nails that were driven into you Precious Hands, no wrong doing done by them. I am so sorry for all the suffering that we put You through. Thank You for forgiving us not only for that but for all that we have done that hasn’t been pleasing to You. Thank You for healing me. Thank You for always being there when I need someone to hold and care for me. For letting me know that You do truly love me. I am sorry that Your birthday has been included in the pagan’s holidays. You deserve so much better than all You have been through.

I just want to thank You for healing my ex husband from his last bout with the dementia. Thank You that no abuse or overdosing was found by them on me. Thank You for exposing that lie by heathen.

I love You Jesus and please have a great day.

LJG/recj

TO WHOM IT BELONGS

The following was written to my team mates, but includes all those who read this, and even those who don't. I love the Lord. You can believe whatever you want but this is what I believe and this is my stand.


Let me say this and if it offends anyone then let it. I have some of the nicest team mates anywhere in any game group. Problem is solved but let me tell you all this God is alive and able to do anything above and beyond what you can imagine. If not for this mess [ computer virus]I would not have had one of the most uplifting conversations I have had in a long time. Words can not express just how I feel. But know this God is alive and He is my Lord and Savior. NO this is not His real Birthday, but it is the day that is suppose to be ear marked to celebrate His birth. It does not matter what it was taken from, it is great that good has come from evil. You can do whatever you want, whatever your belief, and I respect that. But for me and my house we shall stand for the Lord. I will say Merry Christmas because this is what it means to me. A giving of gifts to others to show the love that I have for them because of the Love that He has for me. I do not make you believe as I do, I do not force my views on you, I will not kill you if you don't believe as I do. You can do your thing BUT I am going to do mine. Merry Christmas and May God the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob Bless you from the bottom of your feet to the top of your head. That God being the One and Only Jesus Christ.

P.S. My computer is fixed all Praises go to the Lord. Amen So Be It. E[name]

God Bless
recj/LJG

YOU IS YOUR REASON FOR THE SEASON

Do you think since Christmas falls on Sunday this year that some people will actually celebrate this day for the reason it is suppose to be celebrated? How many of those that do not attend church who say they believe in God will even mention Him before the gifts are opened , if at all? How many will share the story of the Birth of our Living Savior with children this Christmas day?

The following was send to me by Cindy [she is so sweet]. Yes Virginia there once was a man like Santa Claus, but the real gift comes from Jesus Christ Who is as real today as He was thousands of years ago. Read and weep.

Jesus: Santa. Santa: Yes? Jesus: I'm sad. Santa: Why are you sad? It's Christmas right? It's your birthday! Jesus: Yeah. That's the point ... ... ... ... Santa: Why? Jesus: because whenever its Christmas the kids only wait for you and not me! They only celebrate Christmas because of you! Why Santa, why not Jesus? -Dec. 25 is for Jesus not for Santa. ( LMS ♥ ] & Repost if You Believe in Jesus ! P.S He Knows You Looked ♥ - Deny me in front your friends and I will deny you in front of my father

God Bless
recj/LJG

PSALMS

As the holidays approach we want to ask have you read the 23rd Psalm lately? Well, we encourage you to go pick up your Bible or look it up on-line just type in Psalm 23 KJV [King James Version]. Now read it, but read it out loud like the personal letter it is to you.

Psalm 23
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
What a mighty God we serve. Have you bowed before Him today? This is the promises of the reason for the season. Merry Christmas.

God Bless
recj/LJG

PONDER ON THIS

Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the Lord tendeth to life, and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited by evil.

To fear the Lord, not to be afraid of Him, but to fear, oh what a mighty God we serve. The rewards of serving Him far out weight any thing we can think of. There is nothing like making mistakes to realize how He can protect us and keep us safe, under His wings. Oh Lord we love You. To have that deep a relationship with Him. We should strive for that everyday of our life's.

Think of Job, the devil had to ask permission to touch any thing that belonged to him including himself. God will protect us always even in the middle of our problems. Thank You Lord.

God Bless
recj/LJG

SUNDAY EDITORIAL GOD BLESS AMERICA

We are the Home of the Brave, the Free, and the Believers in Jesus Christ. We am excited to see the outpouring of those who are Morally Correct and Politically Incorrect BUT continue to say Merry Christmas.

We are a blessed Nation in spite of the many perils that seem to be coming against us. We ask that you pray for Israel, the Bible promises good to those that pray for Israel. Remember our President even if we do not agree with him, the Bible tells us to pray for our leaders and that is from the President down to our council members. Pray daily for our soliders who put their life's on the line for us each day as well as our police and fireman. Pray for those that hate you. The Bible tells us that God forgives us as we forgive others. Pray for those that have lost loved ones, at this time of year it is hard to face the holidays knowing that a loved one is missing.

Pray for yourself's. Oh Lord encourage us to pray for ourselves to grow in wisdom and knowledge and a closer relationship with You.

May God richly bless each of you according to your needs lining up with His Word. We thank God for each of you in the Mighty Holy Name of the One we turn to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May this be a very Merry Christmas for you and your family.

God Bless
recj/LJG

AND THE LASH CAME DOWN

Luke, chapters 22, 23 and 24

And the lash came down
again and again
how much more could a mortal man take
again the lashes would not stop
they came and came
one after another when will it end
but they continue to fall
this man born of flesh
yes he felt every blow
did he go numb and not feel it no more

Born of a woman
for a day such as this
it was planned, had to happen
and the lashes continue to fall
knowing He had to endure
even now He held on, for He knew
as the lashes fell, that this wasn't the end
another lash and He felt
this beating the man took
the breath knocked out of Him
with each lash He endured a pause take a breath that
is full of sweat and blood
a second breath the same sweet sticky smell
finally at last the beating will end

The lashes have stopped
but the pain it goes on
one continuous throb
with stabs of much deeper pain
a pain so bad it can be no worst
when from somewhere inside
the pain rises to a even more feverish pitch

Pulled up to His feet, He braces Himself
the journeys not over, it's just began
Pick up this cross, they yell at the man
knowing to wear Him out the faster He will be dead
He though braces Himself again
He knows where He's headed
and gladly heads there
He stumbles to many times to count
each time they will lash out and He pulls Himself upright
then it comes to a place He can no longer stand
the weight of the cross has pulled Him down again
a man from the crowd is ordered to help
carry the cross of the fallen man
together they drag that great heavy tree
till they get to the hill of Golgotha
that is to say place of a skull

They offer Him sour wine but He would not drink
nailed to the cross they did tease
and rolled lots for His clothes
waiting and watching for an end to His scorn
He cried out in a voice that shuck the world
beaten and twisted beyond what any could believe
He cried out again and gave up the ghost

But the battle was just starting
For now He would conquer the hell underneath
with no time for rest or to clean Himself up
He stepped through the gates into hell
give me the keys I have paid the price
all belongs to me now I have paid in full
for all who call on me
my Father has given into my hands
the Name above all others

He arose into heaven when three days had passed
standing in the gap for you and I
just call on the Name of the Son of God
and He will come to your aid
to hold you and keep you forever safe

All this from a man of flesh
who didn't have to be but chose to be.

rECj

JESUS AIN'T A BABY NO MORE

Figure we might as well use incorrect English to say something so ridiculous. Thought to ponder, as a man He died on the cross at age 33. Now how can He be a baby. It is sad enough that people want to keep Him on the cross, which we know He was taken off of and buried and arose to save us all from our sins and bless us that choose to give our lives to Him so that we might have eternal life. NOW He is still a baby. GET off of it. We have stood by why they have taken God out of schools, court houses, and public buildings. It is the reason for the season. Please lets not nail Him back on the cross, nor put Him back in the manager.

We are Thankful that you were born and grew into the man that saved our very souls.

Jesus Thank You for being alive in heaven and living inside of those that choose to let you live there. Thank you for hearing our prayers and answering them, even when we don't like the answer, because you do know what is best with Your wisdom and compassion.

God Bless
recj/LJG

GOD DID IT!

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning.....we all know that verse, maybe we need to actually pick up those Bible's and read it straight out of the good book ourselves. I turned on the television tonight to see a program where scientists are looking for evidence to prove the Bible is true. We wish them the best.

As for us and our families we will continue to believe that which we have been convicted of by the Spirit of God through a relationship with God to believe to be the truth. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earths and all that is within it. He created all that was and all that is. Man might misuse alot of it. Man might twist it for his own benefit. Man might act like God doesn't even exist. But He is alive today watching, watching just as He was watching from the beginning of time.

Praise the Lord, Praise the Holy Name of God and all that is within Him.

God Bless
recj/LJG

JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN

Psalm 78:4-7
We will tell the next generation
The praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
His power, and the wonders he has done...
Then they would put their trust in God
And would not forget His deeds
But would keep His commands.

Christmas is only a short time away. How many children today will know, realize and celebrate it as a day to Thank the Lord for His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ?

It is quite true that we do not know the day of His birth, nor does the Bible tell us to celebrate His birth. What the Bible does tell us is that the angels sang in the heavenly sky's and came and told people so they could go praise Him, and bring Him gifts. Why should we do any less? How do we include Christ in our day? What gifts does He have for us?

The following scriptures are good to share with our children on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Maybe this might be a new tradition to share each Christmas.

Matt 6:13 God will deliver them from evil
Ps 91:11 the Lord has commanded His angels to guard them in all their ways
Isa 54:13 that they will be taught of the Lord and that their peace shall be great
Prov 13:20 they will choose companions that are wise
Eph 6:1-3 they will honor their parents
Jer 29:11 they will fulfill the plans of the Lord for their life, to give them hope and a future
Heb 5:14 They will train themselves to discern good from evil and have a good conscience toward God.
3 John 2 they will enjoy good health and all will go well with them, spiritually and physically
Luke 2:52 they will grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and the people their life's touch
Dan 1:4 like David they will show aptitude for every kind of learning be well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve
1 Kings 4:29 they, like Solomon, will have wisdom and great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore

Just a start, but these promises stand today for our children and us also. Gifts from the King for us all to share.

God Bless
recj/LJG

SPEAKING IN TONGUES IS A DIVINE CODED LANGUAGE

Image via Wikipedia

The Redeemed Christian Church of GOD.
HOLY GHOST CONGRESS!
Theme: A NEW THING.
Date: 12-17 Dec, 2011.
Venue: Redemption camp, KM 46, Lagos Ibadan expressway, Nigeria.
You are invited!

Speaking in tongues is a divine coded language

But the natural man receiveth not the things of theSpirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Little wonder that the devil and the cohorts of darkness are confounded when we speak in other tongues, for it’s an esoteric language reserved only for the initiated for direct communication with God. Sometimes folks who are unlearned in spiritual things jeer at us when we speak in tongues; “how can you be speaking a language that makes no sense” they query mockingly. Well, the reason it makes no sense to the natural mind is that it’s a coded language of The Spirit.

What a privilege to be able to access and speak forth divine mysteries and secrets from the realm of The Spirit through speaking in other tongues! Even the angels don’t know everything there is to know about God and His glorious Kingdom and so they listen to us. Sometimes, as we speak in other tongues, not only are we magnifying God and revealing His many – sided wisdom, we’re also revealing to the angels how to destroy the works of the enemy. Likewise, the demons don’t know everything (they actually know far less than the angels) and so as we speak in other tongues, they’re completely perplexed and frustrated, while the angels are educated.

No wonder the Bible says”……now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God” (Ephesians 3:10). When you speak in other tongues, the Bible says you’re speaking “Mysteries” (1 Corinthians 14:2), these are divine secret; coded language: “For one who speaks in an (unknown) tongue speak not to men but to God, for no one understands (or) catches his meaning, because in the Spirit he utters secret truths (and) hidden things (not obvious to the understanding)” (1 Corinthians 14:2 AMP). These “Mysteries” are “secret truths and hidden things,” not available to just everybody!

You can bring forth divine secrets regarding your family, business, education and all that concerns you. You might not know what steps to take regarding your life, but as you speak in other tongues, the truths are revealed to you from your Spirit. Then, life is no longer mysterious, bleak and uncertain. I pray in the Name of Jesus Christ that all God’s children would take advantage of these wonderful benefits of speaking in other tongues! Amen!

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of having access to the divine secrets and mysteries of Your Kingdom. As I speak in other tongues, I utter these mysteries to the angelic beings, manifesting to them Your many-sided wisdom! Thank You for bringing me into such a high place of fellowship and relationship, in Jesus Christ Name! Amen!

www.christembassy.org

May Our God The Almighty prosper Nigeria and Israel and defend us from all our enemies in Jesus Christ Name, Amen!

http://bummyla.wordpress.com/2011/12/11/speaking-in-tongues-is-a-divine-coded-language/

SUNDAY EDITORIAL SO BLESSED

I have but to look around me to know how very Blessed I am; in spite of all going on in this world, and in my own. God has been so good to me. So today i just want to say THANK YOU JESUS.

Thank You Jesus for all you have given me. I am so grateful that I know You. Thankful for your forgiveness in spite of myself. Never failing me. Being so full of wisdom, compassion, love.

I am Blessed and I pray that each one of you realize the deepness of how blessed you are also.

Merry Christmas! I will continue to be sociality incorrect until the world changes back or Jesus comes.

God Bless
recj/LJG

WHY ARE WE SURPRISED WHEN GOD ANSWERS OUR PRAYER?

Acts 12:16

But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.

Previously the church was earnestly praying for Peter's release from prison. Now here he was standing at the door, yet when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. I see a lot of myself in this story. The church was busy praying, the servant girl comes and tells them that Peter is at the door (verse 15). Those praying tell her she is crazy and return to praying; she tells them again (verse 16) and they say it must be his angel and go back to praying. Peter keeps knocking (verse 17) and they finally open the door to find Peter standing there -- the answer to their prayers -- yet they were astonished. Why? Why were they so shocked? Peter's presence at the door was God's direct answer to their prayers. Isn't that what they had been praying for?

I think the answer lies in what we think our role is in a miracle. Did the church think it was the length of their prayer that was important? Maybe they weren't finished as not everyone had a chance to pray. Did they have a different expectation for the outcome? Perhaps they expected a more public demonstration of God's power (how about a lightning bolt?). The warning to us in this passage is to not miss God's answer to our prayer just because it comes quickly or isn't exactly what we expect.

There is a very fine line here: knowing when to continue to pray (being steadfast), yet knowing when to look up and acknowledge that a prayer has been answered. It can be very confusing because God doesn't always choose to answer prayer in the way we expect. Take a moment and go down your prayer list. Has God already spoken or answered your prayer? Why do you continue to pray? Maybe it's because the outcome isn't what you expected or wanted? Do you really think God is wrong? How strong is your faith?

Do you keep a prayer list? Let me encourage you to record what you are praying for and when you begin praying for it. Include personal requests, requests from family and friends, and requests from church and missionaries. When God answers a prayer from your list, record what His answer was and when it came. Often we cannot see answers to our prayers until we ask specifically and then expect results.

pocketpower.org

HOW NOT TO STUDY THE BIBLE

No this is not the next part. This is today in my life. We always say that God works in ways that amaze us. I have a set routine of how I study. Yesterday and today have been off, to say the lease. Number 1 do not get so set in your ways that you can't do it another way.

My way is to get on the computer and research what I am studying or talking about. That includes printing out numerous pages before going to my next step. This includes getting coffee or soda and going to my desk [which right now is my bed]. Normally I would spread out on the table but I have company and they have to eat somewhere. The bed works great, I set my pillows up and then place within reach my Bibles [yes more the one] the concordance, dictionary's, a few helpful Bible reference books, paper, 2 pens, tablets, post-em stickups, high lighters and then I am ready to study. I shut the door, turn the fan on facing the wall to block noise, and start doing my research for my article.

Sounds like a lot. I don't want to scare you off, I do enjoy this very much and so does LJG. Alas yesterday is when things took a bad turn. The printer is out of ink, I have a desk top which is set up in the living room. Remember company is here. No problem I can still take my books and go in my room. But wait where are those books I use to study, oh yes they are with my children since after all I do have the computer. They are studying the Bible without a computer so yes I let them use them. Okay now I am without study tools. I am lost.

Do not misunderstand I have the basics down, it is the fine points that I don't know all by heart.

LJG and I know what we know but we research everything so what we print is factual. So to make a long story short, we are human. Forgive me, I will get more ink and my books back this weekend. I am a creature of habit. More then that, we both want to be clear about what we write. To do what we do takes a lot of time, so we can make it easier for you.

I am sorry, forgive me.

God Bless
recj/LJG

SCRIPTURE STUDY PART ONE

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.

Sounds simple enough. Let's rewrite it in plain English.

Don't be tricked, you can't make God go astray. We get back what we give out.

There are many ways to do a study even with the guide line given. It is easy to just read a scripture and say this is what it means. So why it is important to know what the chapter is about Who the main characters are. When it happened. Where it happened. Why is very important, so we can better understand what is the purpose of this. How did this happen.

Just glancing we can see that it is Paul writing to the church of Galatia. The characters are Paul and the church members. It happened after the death of Christ Where is Galatia. Why is it important, what is the purpose. Why is Paul writing instead of going to visit with them?

The more you study the more you understand and the more questions you might have. Our goal is to show you that knowledge is wisdom and understanding

Finished? No as Paul Harvy would say 'And the rest of the story.'

That we will continue with tomorrow.

God Bless
recj/LJG

REFRESHER

Reminders are nice, especially when people are starting to put together their resolutions for the new year which is days away.

STUDYING THE BIBLE
[items needed]
Bible
Pen/ colored pencils/highlighters
notebook
Post-It stickups

HOW TO STUDY
[questions to ask before starting]
What is the chapter about.
Who are the main characters.
When did this take place.
Why did it take place.
How did it happen.

Remember to not take to long, do what you can. Don't try to do all or nothing. Watch for key words. Ask yourself questions as to what is going on in the scripture.

Careful thorough observation is the key to handling the Word of God accurately. This is God's Word, not man's so respect it accordingly.

Keep a journal

First and foremost Pray. Pray and ask God to open your eyes to His word and your understanding.

God Bless

recj/LJG

P.S. Tomorrow we will walk you thorough studying a scripture.

YOU ARE NOT A DONKEY

Numbers 22:28
And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
2 Peter 2:16
But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
Twice we are told about the donkey speaking, must be important. Do you think the donkey considered herself to be an ‘ass’, and a ‘dumb ass’ at that? You know every time a story is told it is added to.
Today I listened to a beautiful women tell that she felt her life had not amounted to much. Well, she inspired this article for one thing. Just in the short time she talked, I could see she was a very caring person. Years ago and I do mean like 50 some years ago I saw a drunk lying in the ditch, bottle in hand, clothes dirty and tattered, passed out. I told Mom and Dad as we drove by, ‘You will never see me like that.’ Dad told me, “If you never do, then that man has served a purpose in life.” That man touched my life. We know for a fact he does not know me or how he touched me, but what is important is he did.
We touch many people without even realizing we do. We do not stop to think how our not being here would change so much for so many. Look again at the donkey. She carried people and loads; she kept the grass ‘cut’. She was valuable without speaking.
I asked LJG one time do you think we ever touch any one with what we write? We had never got any comments or remarks. However, we continued to write. We never cared about our name being out there, people knowing that we ‘Did’ it. Sometime we just wondered is anyone reading us. Then the comments started to come in and you know what suddenly it did not matter.
We are important and what we do is important, because as we write we learn and grow. So today, know that you are important. You fill a very valuable place in many peoples life’s. Moreover, most important of all God loves you.
Just for this minute, know that you are. That is it. God is ‘I AM’ and you ‘ARE’. To help here are the definitions: am: [used with I] be; are: present simple of be, used with you. Ponder on that. God is I BE, and you are of BE.

God Bless
recj/LJG

GOD HEARS ALL PRAYERS

Psalm 4:3... the Lord will hear when I call Him
Psalm 6:9...hear my cry...accepts my prayer
Psalm 17...for you will answer me, give ear to me and hear my prayer

Wonderful promises from our Lord and Savior. Just as we realize our children do not need all they ask for, God in his wisdom knows that we do not need all we desire.
God has an insight that is above reproach.
Even when we think we have carefully thought out our prayers, we can and will ask for that which is not for our good.
All "good" gifts do not come from God. God will not bless you with some thing without the means to maintain it. What is important to remember is He [according to His Word] hears us and answers us according to His grace, wisdom, love and mercy.

God Bless

recj/LJG

SUNDAY EDITORIAL WHAT A WEEK

This week I believe the Internet was waiting for me. Rachel experiments with being a 'Biblical Woman'. What color was Jesus? Apple Ifone's are politically incorrect. Last but not final a duck is still a duck.

Rachel will be writing a book to share her experiences living as a 'Biblical Women' for a year. I didn't know if I should laugh or cry on this one. I thought we should try to live that way all the time. Rachel did discover that she feels less like she has to make the Bible into what she wants it to be. Rachel seems to focus more on a women being under a man then being taken from his side to be equal with him. Yes the man is the head of the house under God. But that is another article altogether.

Exactly what color was Jesus? Well being born in the Holy Land I can rest assured He was not a caucasian. Honestly it really doesn't matter to me what color He is as long as He is. Believe me He is. I thank God everyday that He is colorblind. Did you know that, yes He is colorblind. That is why all the colors in the sky run together!! The sky is beautiful isn't it. Gulnare Freewill Baptist Church has voted to ban interracial couples from membership and participating in certain worship activities, except funerals. Excuse me!! First PLEASSSSE take the Freewill out of your name. The only thing good about this story is the pastor has been replaced by Stacy Stepp. Wait they let a WOMEN behind the pulpit. To funny to even go there.

Apple Ifone's voice assistant Siri is a Christian. But as usually happens when others find out, then is when the company has to say we will change and be politically correct. Seems Christian Siri has been directing people looking for abortions to crisis pregnancy centers, whose stated purpose is convincing women to not get abortions. She has one other response which is 'I can't find any abortion clinics'. Now we all know that a human programmed this thing to begin with. Now because of complaints the company is going to correct the problem. So much for not being politically correct when someone calls you on it.

Last and final. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quakes like a duck, it is a duck. Not a goose nor a hen. I am from that old school, if you don't want people to think you are a part of something don't stand in the crowd. Cain says he never told his wife of 43 years about Ginger of 13 years, that she was a friend or that he gave her money and gifts. But he never slept with her, YEAH RIGHT. Cain, Gilligans Island went off the air a long time ago and so should you. Enough reruns already.

LATEST UPDATE: Cain is withdrawing from the race, as of this morning Sat. Dec 3, 2011.

God Bless
recj/LJG

MENTAL ILLNESS OR DEMON INHABITATION

Acts 8:7-8

"With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city."

There's a biblical subject that isn't talked about or mentioned in most churches or even considered a possibility by many Christians -- demon inhabitation. If Phillip had come to your town instead of Samaria, and he had run across someone inhabited by a demon -- what do you think "our" diagnosis and recommended course of treatment would involve? When we see unnatural behavior, we immediately think mental illness. This is sensible -- there is evidence that many strange behaviors in people are nothing more than mental issues. Our solution might be to get the person to a crisis center or into some type of counseling (which might involve a drug therapy as well). My point is that the thought of demon inhabitation does not even enter our minds.

Why is that? Has demon activity ended? Hardly! Has it moved to places nobody goes? In other words, have demons decided to ignore civilized or "Christian" settings? Biblical evidence suggests demons were exceptionally active in regions where God was worshipped. I believe our lack of awareness is because the "enemy" has so successfully penetrated our culture and even our churches that he has completely camouflaged himself from our thought process. The popular Christian views relating to demon inhabitation is that it is either a "superstition," is so rare as to not be a concern, or only possible in a third world country. We hold these opinions despite the fact that Jesus Himself regularly addressed the issue of demons (Mark 1:23-26, 5:2-20, 7:25-30) and in Matthew 12:23-27 confirmed that one of the signs that the kingdom of God had come to His believers was the casting out of demons. As we see in our passage today, the disciples of the new church followed Jesus' instructions and example and cast out demons wherever they went -- what followed was great joy, "...evil spirits came out of many... so there was great joy in that city."

You will note that whenever Jesus spoke, demons were forced to obey (Mark 1:27; Luke 4:41); Jesus gave His disciples this same power through His name (Matthew 10:1,8); and which we have inherited as "co-heirs" with Christ (Romans 8:17). So there is no need for us to fear demons. However it would be irresponsible for us to ignore their existence and their influence on both the believer and unbeliever.

What is you opinion regarding demonic influence in our society? How about in our church? What about in people? Has Satan hidden from your view, or do you clearly see his presence? What is your role as a Christian in dealing with demonic influences?

pocketpower.org

HOPE

Psalm 31:24 (KJV)
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.


The count down has began. Twenty-five days till Christmas. We pray that all will remember the 'Reason for the Season'. We can always know that when we put our hope in the Lord, He will turn things to the right.

There are times in this life that it is hard to be strong, when all we want to do is fall. The thing is to fall on our knees because it is in our weakness that He is made strong. It is with this knowledge that we can be strong and take heart, putting our hope in the Lord as the scripture says. When we do this we can be of good courage.

God Bless
recj/LJG

COMMON LANGUAGE

Watching a group speaking in Spanish in a chat room, it struck me as odd when out of the blue someone typed in "English Please."

Being an American living in America we do believe English should be our first language. At the same time when a group is speaking or writing in their native language what right do we have to say 'English please' unless they are speaking to us or we have a question for them.

Whatever does this have to do with the Bible? When we become a Christian the Bible becomes a part of our life Whether we have read the Bible all our life's or glanced briefly, the Bible changes when we ask the Lord into our life's. Now we are to have a new first language-the Bible.

Mind you the Bible should be our first not second language. Living in the world we think with our head, living for Christ we are to think with our Hearts.

Romans 12:2 tells us to renew your mind. With any new language it is awkward to begin with. As we read, study, and grow in the Lord, soon our language will be as the Lord's. Full of wisdom and knowledge.

God Blessed
recj/LJG