What do you believe?

Atheists



The struggle that comes from the Atheists in America as they resent public expressions of faith in God, since the attack on the World Trade Center twin towers and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 that stirred a groundswell of remarks in government circles about God, and the sudden expression of patriotism and "God bless America" statements by so many citizens of America.



We have for so many years bowed to their feelings of antagonism against any public expression of our faith, but now that the Attack has come and Christians are freely expressing their faith, the hate toward God is coming out in force.



I say to the Atheists, that as they have for so long felt compelled to demand that we as Christians must quietly show great tolerance and respect for their expressions of their religious belief that there is no God, so now I ask them to show the same quiet tolerance for our right to express our religious belief that there is a God.



To the Atheist, Now also is a good time to suggest that you might reconsider your position of belief. Reexamine the evidence, and reconsider the risk pertaining to the end result.



Just looking at it from a gambler's standpoint, it makes sense to consider the subject worthy of careful evaluation.



For instance, If you are right and there is no God, then the risk for myself is minimal.

Ø My life has been a very good life full of Love in my heart, Peace in my spirit, Joy in my soul, Contentment in my station in life, Loving relationship in my family life, Praise toward God, Hope for a bright future eternal life experience, and Confidence that it is all worth while, both in the good life experiences and the bad life experiences, knowing that God has said that "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Ø If I die and there is no God, then the only thing that I loose is life itself, and I will be nonexistent and will be aware of nothing at all, since I will be dead and that is the end of the matter.



On the other hand, if you are wrong and I am right, and there really is a God Who has revealed Himself to mankind throughout the ages giving evidence after evidence of His existence, revealing His will for mankind, and expressing His intentions toward us for the present and for all eternity, and showing us the eternal destiny He has established.

Ø Then there is certainly a just cause for me to call your attention to the fact that it is certainly wise to consider the evidence, and the risk toward the destiny of your eternal soul.

Ø Your position is precarious at best, and I can understand why you are troubled by the Christians reference to God since you don't know Him.



What evidence do you have that has convinced you beyond the shadow of a doubt that there is no God? You need to be absolutely certain, because the cost is too great to risk being wrong.



There is a Heaven to gain in hope, and a Hell to shun in fear. In His great love for you, God has revealed the truth of the matter to all of mankind in creation and it is recorded in His Word the Bible.



God not only told us the truth of the matter, but He also provided the answer for our problem in our lack of knowledge and unbelief. He has solved the dilemma in which we find ourselves in this life which includes the penalty for our sins. He Himself has made it possible to do what is impossible for any of us to do, and that is the undoing of our errors and sins. That answer is provided to us in the person of Jesus Christ Who died and provided the blood that God uses to cover our sins and to impute His righteousness to the record of our lives. That gives us hope and confidence to stand before Him on the Day of Judgment that will precede the time of Peace on Earth and the Glorious Eternity in His presence.



The advantages of being a Christian are too compelling to ignore and well worth looking into. Then you too may find peace of mind and peace with the world around you. Then others expression of their beliefs will not be troubling to you because you will understand where it comes from and where it is taking them in the end. You will also see the need to share your faith with others so they may also find the same good life and confident peace of spirit no matter what comes their way. It is nice to have fellowship in the community with others of like precious faith.






The struggle that comes from the Atheists in America as they resent public expressions of faith in God, since the attack on the World Trade Center twin towers and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 that stirred a groundswell of remarks in government circles about God, and the sudden expression of patriotism and "God bless America" statements by so many citizens of America.



We have for so many years bowed to their feelings of antagonism against any public expression of our faith, but now that the Attack has come and Christians are freely expressing their faith, the hate toward God is coming out in force.



I say to the Atheists, that as they have for so long felt compelled to demand that we as Christians must quietly show great tolerance and respect for their expressions of their religious belief that there is no God, so now I ask them to show the same quiet tolerance for our right to express our religious belief that there is a God.



To the Atheist, Now also is a good time to suggest that you might reconsider your position of belief. Reexamine the evidence, and reconsider the risk pertaining to the end result.



Just looking at it from a gambler's standpoint, it makes sense to consider the subject worthy of careful evaluation.



For instance, If you are right and there is no God, then the risk for myself is minimal.

My life has been a very good life full of Love in my heart, Peace in my spirit, Joy in my soul, Contentment in my station in life, Loving relationship in my family life, Praise toward God, Hope for a bright future eternal life experience, and Confidence that it is all worth while, both in the good life experiences and the bad life experiences, knowing that God has said that "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

Ø If I die and there is no God, then the only thing that I loose is life itself, and I will be nonexistent and will be aware of nothing at all, since I will be dead and that is the end of the matter.



On the other hand, if you are wrong and I am right, and there really is a God Who has revealed Himself to mankind throughout the ages giving evidence after evidence of His existence, revealing His will for mankind, and expressing His intentions toward us for the present and for all eternity, and showing us the eternal destiny He has established.

Ø Then there is certainly a just cause for me to call your attention to the fact that it is certainly wise to consider the evidence, and the risk toward the destiny of your eternal soul.

Ø Your position is precarious at best, and I can understand why you are troubled by the Christians reference to God since you don't know Him.



What evidence do you have that has convinced you beyond the shadow of a doubt that there is no God? You need to be absolutely certain, because the cost is too great to risk being wrong.



There is a Heaven to gain in hope, and a Hell to shun in fear. In His great love for you, God has revealed the truth of the matter to all of mankind in creation and it is recorded in His Word the Bible.



God not only told us the truth of the matter, but He also provided the answer for our problem in our lack of knowledge and unbelief. He has solved the dilemma in which we find ourselves in this life which includes the penalty for our sins. He Himself has made it possible to do what is impossible for any of us to do, and that is the undoing of our errors and sins. That answer is provided to us in the person of Jesus Christ Who died and provided the blood that God uses to cover our sins and to impute His righteousness to the record of our lives. That gives us hope and confidence to stand before Him on the Day of Judgment that will precede the time of Peace on Earth and the Glorious Eternity in His presence.



The advantages of being a Christian are too compelling to ignore and well worth looking into. Then you too may find peace of mind and peace with the world around you. Then others expression of their beliefs will not be troubling to you because you will understand where it comes from and where it is taking them in the end. You will also see the need to share your faith with others so they may also find the same good life and confident peace of spirit no matter what comes their way. It is nice to have fellowship in the community with others of like precious faith.

You have mail

"War is not 'the best way of settling differences; it is the only way of preventing their being settled for you." "The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people." - - IL
What Kind of mail do you get? Here is a sample of just a few of the hundreds of e mails I get and what your up against . It doesn't make any difference to some who you are but what you are! We pray for all people of the world, male, female, rich and poor, gay or straight Christian or non-Christian. God doesn't play favorites He loves each of you and wants you to be happy and rest in Him. If you have a better answer that Peace and the Prince of Peace let me know.

Shalom Dennis -
We greet you in the wonderful Name of our Messiah, Lord & King - Jesus. May we all join together in the greatest service of all, that to our Master, the Great Lover of our souls. Our prayer is to come along side our brothers and sisters in the Family of God that all may increase in His wisdom, discernment, courage and protection - that we may all stand strong in these last days and be able to give to everyone an answer for the Hope that lies within us.

We are certain the Holy One is getting HIS PEOPLE ready for His soon return. What a glorious day that will be. Meantime, we must be diligent about our work for the harvest is spoiling before us as the labourers are so few.

We'd very much like to hear more from you and encourage you to be gentle to all, to teach in patience and humility correcting those who are in opposition; that God perhaps will grant repentance to those who are lost so they may know the truth and come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil before the Day of Judgment. [see 2 Timothy 2. 24 - 26]

Love, In Messiah's Service -
Rabbi Del & Rifkah

FATHER,
I COME BEFORE YOU ASKING PRAYERS FOR ALL IN NEED LORD .BLESS
THESE WHO ARE WEARY IN SPIRIT WHO HAVE CRIED OUT TO YOU FOR BREAKTHRU
AND MOVEMENT IN THEIR LIVES. I REBUKE THE ENEMY IN JESUS NAME I ASK THAT
STRONGHOLDS BE BROKEN AND BLESSINGS POUR OUT FROM THE HEAVENS ABOVE. I
PRAY THIS INTO EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE. BLESS THESE WHO SUFFER AND WAIT UPON
YOU LORD GIVE THEM STRENGTH AND COMFORT KNOWING YOU ARE IN CONTROL
TRUSTING AND HAVING FAITH IN YOUR WORD AND ABILITY TO CHANGE
ANYTHING. WE KNOW YOU ARE A MERCIFUL GOD WHO HEARS OUR CRIES AND SEES
ALL THAT IS HIDDEN .I ASK THAT YOU SEARCH OUR HEARTS AND MINDS AND
BRING CONVICTION TO US SO WE MIGHT BE LED BY YOU TO DO YOUR WILL NOT
THE WILL OF OUR FLESH .LET US GIVE ALL TO YOU SHOW US HOW SO WE MIGHT
RECEIVE YOUR BLESSINGS IN FAITH .THANK YOU LORD JESUS WE KNOW YOU ARE
THERE WE KNOW YOU WILL BRING ANSWERS AND WE STAND IN FAITH KNOWING YOU
NEVER FAIL US OR FORSAKE US AMEN
MITZI

Laying Down Your Life


We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to
please ourselves. (Romans 15:1) At one time or another you probably heard the
phrase “Laying down your life.” What does it mean to you? But Jesus laid down His
life. He did if for all people of all types. And He did that on the cross.
Jesus also wants us to do the same for everyone else. He is asking us to show
our love, not by dying for others, but living for them. Confusing? It means the
same thing as living for God. Pray for them. Love them. It may mean to give up
your popularity and “coolness” and your time with prayer for them. So, you
lay down your life for God and others. But are you really living through God?
Do you read the Word of God? Do you pray? Are you praying for others and not
only yourself? Do you do this on a schedule everyday? Do you go into the Word
when you are in need or in trouble to see what God said about it? It is all in
there. When you lay down your life, you commit to being a slave to God; living
to please God instead of yourself. You allow God to take over your life. Be
with God and commit to him, then you are saved in Christ Jesus. If you want to
commit to God and stop playing around with fake prayer and just “putting on
your best Sunday outfit” then pray with me: Father, in Jesus name, I see that you
laid down your life for me so that I can lay mine down for you. Jesus, I
commit to you and everyone else, that I give my time, my love, and myself to you.
Lord, you are a part of me; I will preach your Word and spend time with you.
Lord, I lay down my life for you. Amen. When your words came I ate them, they
were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name. (Jeremiah 15:16) This
means that God heard you now. It is only up to you to take that step and be
in Jesus and help those in need.

FOR JUST BEING HERE

by C. R. Stam


When you sigh for heaven, remember:

“…Christ…loved the Church, and gave Himself for it…That He might present it
to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing;
but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Eph.5:25,26).

Too readily we forget that Christ loves us infinitely more than we love Him;
that He paid the penalty for our sins on cruel Calvary and shed His life’s
blood that one day He might have us for Himself to share His glory with Him
forever.

Surely, then, He would rather have us at His side in heaven than here in this
scene of sin and sorrow, and sickness and death. We should bear this in mind
when we long that we might leave this world and go to be with Him.

But there is more: The Saviour, who was exiled from this earth, and is, even
now, rejected by men, has not yet rejected them. Rather, He has left us here
as His ambassadors on hostile territory, to plead with his enemies, praying
them “in His stead” to be reconciled to God, assuring them that He has done all
that is necessary to effect a reconciliation (IICor.5: 20,21).

And this is His attitude toward mankind now, though the prophetic Scriptures
declare so emphatically that man’s rejection of Christ was to be — and will
be — visited with the severest judgment (Psa.2:4-9; Acts 2:16-20).

But not yet! Though man had declared war on Christ (Acts 4:26,27), He did not
yet make a counter-declaration, but interrupted the prophetic program to save
Saul of Tarsus, the leader of the rebellion and sent him forth to usher in
the present “dispensation of the grace of God” (Eph.3:1-3).

This is why, in His love and compassion, He leaves us here still to plead
with His enemies: “Be ye reconciled to God”. And what about His special love for
us? Entirely apart from rewards earned by service or suffering for Him, God
will richly reward us (II Cor.4:17) just for being here as “ambassadors for
Christ”.

Can you understand these things?

Grace is God's Salvation for the Sinner, Supply for the Saint.

Grace is God's Loving-Kindness for the Loveless, the Loathsome and the Lost

As Messiah Christ is related to Israel

As Head He is related to the Church, which is His body!

Do not confuse the bride (Israel) with the bridegroom (Christ the Head)

You are a member of the body of Christ Not the bride!


In Romans the believer is dead and risen with Christ

In Ephesians he is seated in the heavenlies in Christ



In Acts 19:10 we read And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks." BUT in 2 Tim. 1:15 we read "This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes." Why was that?

"Prison"

Make your "prison" experience profitable.
Sometimes you may find yourself in a situation that is very limiting to you.

It may seem like prison.
At that point you have to choose to make your "prison" experience profitable

The Apostle Paul didn't whine or moan--instead God used him to write many
books of the New Testament from a prison cell.
Even in limited circumstances, Paul kept on preaching the Gospel-even if he
had to write it as a letter from a prison cell.
Prison didn't keep Paul from his calling in Christ Jesus-- Neither can
"prison" keep you from your calling.
Don't look at your prison-Instead, look at the calling on your life and do
what God has placed in your hand to do toward that calling where you are
at--so that you can say with Paul-
"None of these things move me." Acts 20.24

Things to see, things to do!

Well today I want you to see 2 things that is 1st the beauty of the Irish sunrise, yesterday if you remember I had a picture of an Irish sunset and now the opposite today. "It's always blackest just before the dawn" me mither use to say [Conas ta tu?] (How are you? in Irish)
We are well underway in the "Last of the Great moves" (at least for me I used to move myself when I would change Pastorates (I'd rent a truck and my step-father who worked for the U.S. Government and was in charge of all types of things {see my memory is going, what's next my ability to taste coffee?} (parish the thought!!!)
We would pack things so tightly that one time one of the kids got blocked in the truck and we had to feed them through a straw for thee days until we unloaded the truck! (That's a joke dear Reader, don't send me all those letters from the S. P. C. C. !)

The other thing that I want you to see is a warning Lets turn in our Companion Bibles to the Little Book of Jude! Only one chapter 25 lines (or verses) and the they warning to Believers (Christians) non Christians won't read this so this is just between you and me Gentle Reader, Shhhh! Jude tells us he was the brother of James--who was more widely known as bishop of Jerusalem and "brother of the Lord" (that is, either cousin, or stepbrother, being son of Joseph by a former marriage; for ancient traditions universally agree that Mary, Jesus' mother, continued perpetually a virgin). Jude therefore calls himself modestly "brother of James."
He is writing to those who are preserved in Jesus Christ--"kept." Translate not "in," but as Greek, "FOR Jesus Christ." "Kept continually by God the Father for Jesus Christ," against the day of His coming. The reason why he felt it necessary "to write with exhortation," he states in the 4th verse "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Then Jude gives us 3 examples of what has already started with the community of believing Christians the first example is that of men (I think both men and women) who were joined together with the fledgling churches)
His first example is that of those who came out of Egypt (but were destroyed by God in the desert (Verse 5) Why? simply because "Light can have no fellowship with darkness" Turn on a light and the dark cannot stay like the bugs that come out at night but turn on the light and they scurry away.

The 2nd example that Jude gives us is that of the "And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day; although we are not certain it could be that he is referring to the angels that were talked about in Genesis 6 (interesting study) it seems that Jude is talking about Sodom and Gomorrah and all that entailed.
And close on the heels of that statement is that of Jude's reference to perhaps the apocryphal book of Enoch or Josephus, or "The Assumption of Moses," ( "Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" (Verse 9)
He goes on gto point out that these types of people are within the churches of the time in which he wrote and so Gentle Reader, they would be even today within your fellowships. So a warning is in order, When you hear a preacher or anyone talk about The Bible don't let the dust of that old book remain undusted get it out check it out for yourself! Don't let some self styled person tell you what to believe! You check them out! Why even the Apostle Paul was subject to the close watchfulness of believers.
But these are easy to spot he equates and compares their conduct with the wickedness of three of the worst Old Testament apostates: Cain, Balaam, and Korah. The reason for the selection of these three was also probably that of their sins being similar to the sins of the wicked Gnostics. Like Cain, they were innovators with a fierce hatred of any who rejected their ideas. Like Balaam, they were greedy, covetous, and willing to do any dishonorable thing whatever for the sake of money. Like Korah, they rebelled against God's appointed authorities, the sacred apostles, prophets and teachers of the new covenant, just as Korah had rebelled against Moses.( they come into your fellowship and to to wreck your sweet fellowship, They wish to divide one against another. Why do we have believer against another (Perhaps one is not a "real " believer!) Perhaps one is an apostate [apostasy= the abandonment of a former loyalty]
Does that mean then Gentle Reader that we should not have compassion on those who set themselves against themselves. No! not at all but when you are reaching out to an apostate Be careful that you are not taken in with them!

Pray for all the lost, strayed and stolen people in the world. For they have been stolen by Satan.
As they use to say on "Hill Street blues "Lets be careful out there!"
Denis

Pain and the Silence of God

Where is God? When I hurt?

God whispers in our pleasure. 

Speaks in our conscience

Shouts in our pain!

Gentle Reader,

Where is God when we hurt? Why did God allow this to happen ? I'm a good person why would God do this to me? Down through the years all types of people have ask that question about their situation or others.

Remember the Kennedy Assassination?

or the murder of Martin Luther King Jr.?

 Or more recently the Bombing of the Twin towers on September 11th?

or perhaps a loved one dies an agonizing death or a lingering death?

Where is the Goodness of God? People ask!  

It's not that so much as it is the Silence of God that hurts!

If God would just show Himself and explain then I would still my cries and sobs of hurt and bitterness!

"Where was God in those days?" asked Pope Benedict XVI as he stood in Auschwitz last week. "Why was he silent? How could he permit this endless slaughter, this triumph of evil?" 

It is the inevitable question in Auschwitz, that vast factory of death where the Nazis tortured, starved, shot, and gassed to death as many as a million and a half innocent human beings, most of them Jews. "In a place like this, words fail," Benedict said. "In the end, there can be only a dread silence, a silence which itself is a heartfelt cry to God: Why, Lord, did you remain silent?"

A SILENT Heaven! Yes, but it is not the silence of callous indifference or helpless weakness; it is the silence of a great sabbatic rest, the silence of a peace which is absolute and profound -a silence which is the public pledge and proof that the way is open for the guiltiest of mankind to draw near to God. When faith murmurs, and unbelief revolts, and men challenge the Supreme to break that silence and declare Himself, how little do they realize what the challenge means! It means the withdrawal of the amnesty; it means the end of the reign of grace; it means the closing of the day of mercy and the dawning of the day of wrath.

If God is silent now it is because Heaven has come down to earth, the climax of Divine revelation has been reached, there is no reserve of mercy yet to be unfolded. He has spoken His last word of love and grace, and when next He breaks the silence it will be to let loose the judgments which shall yet engulf a world that has rejected Christ For "our God shall come and shall not keep silence."'
A silent Heaven is a part of the mystery of God; but Holy Writ declares that a day is fixed in the Divine chronology when "the mystery of God shall be finished." And when that day breaks, the heavenly host shall again be heard, proclaiming that "The sovereignty of the world is become our Lord's and His Christ's, and He shall reign for ever and ever

It is GRACE (God's Riches At Christ's Expense) now Gentle Reader, But I am afraid that  it will not always be so.

It is time to make your peace with the God of The Word! the Bible. The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob  The God of Peter and Paul My God and yours. (acknowledge it now or later but acknowledge it you will.

 For those who might still doubt think on this .In the Koran it speaks of Jesus, Mary and God, but the Bible does not speak of Mohammad.

 If this seems harsh then understand that I don't want to pass into eternity not knowing that you will be safe. I love all of you,  Gentle Readers, just as you are warts and all.

Denis 

"A sea of tears for you Gentle Reader, a sea of tears from God to you"

ABC's of life

ABC's of life

And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15.

There seems to be three choices left to people in regards to the matter of spiritual education. This applies whether it be the education of children or adults.

1. Let the secular world do it. This is the most popular choice with the unsaved. The indifferent like it because it relieves them of responsibility. Many prefer the worldly influence to prevail in their family so they may enjoy the praise of man. But the end results are as tragic as rank atheism.

2. Let some church do it, whether faithful to the Scriptures or not. Church membership is a social asset and acceptable these days, but the truth suffers here. The denominational framework which men have devised has always held down the truth. Instead of folks being made wise unto salvation they are brainwashed along the lines called historical Christianity.

3. Let the Scriptures do it. This is God's choice for us. The Word contains both the message and methods needed. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim 3:16,17.

Someone once said that "the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world." The education a child receives at a mother's knee is retained for life. It is noteworthy then, that the mother and grandmother of Timothy were commended for their faithfulness to God in educating Timothy in the Scriptures. 2 Tim 1:5.

There is an awesome responsibility involved in parenthood. Children eventually become parents. They naturally look back to their own childhood for precept and example as a guide in raising their own children. If God and the Scriptures are honored properly, then there is that indispensable wisdom, which comes only from God, as the resource to draw from.

The unsaved, by comparison, cannot be anything but rank amateurs in parenthood. And it is just short of the miraculous when someone is saved out of an unsaved home background. Where the love of God and family unity is unknown, sin and darkness prevail and human tragedy abounds in warped and twisted lives.





Dennis

dennisocallaghan@msn.com
http://www.studiesinscripture.bravehost.com
http://drcallahan.bravejournal.com/

America's Christian Spirit

You can hijack our jet planes, and take innocent lives through disregard;
You can leave our buildings burning, and think you hold the final card;
But we Americans will rise above you, and bury our dead;
But the final time is coming, and your history will be read;

You haven't taken away our pride or our willingness to fight;
You just stalled us for a little while, and Kinda dimmed our sight;
But when the dust, smoke, and tears have cleared, we'll rise above the fall;
The ones who are against us will hear our Nation's call;

Our God and Lord are mightier, which was founded on this land;
It's not just our people of this country who will strike with a forceful
hand;
The Lord will ride upon the winds and lead us to strike defense;
For taking innocent victims, your reasons make no sense;

The ignorance of your reasoning, makes our God hear our cries;
Rejoice in our tribulations, and you'll soon hear our replies;
May God have mercy on you, and show you light from dark;
May God have mercy on you, when Americans hit the mark...

We can keep our Nation bold, brave and strong through our
Prayers and knowledge and trust for our God and loving Saviour.


This was written in dedication to those
Who have suffered because of the tragedy,
And for all Americans in this free land.
A call for Justice, not for Revenge.....

Free isn't anymore

Gentle Reader,
What is all the fuss about? Have you never read the "real content of the argument about church and state? Read it now then take back what was stolen from you!

Mr. President

To messers Nehemiah Dodge, Ephraim Robbins, & Stephen S. Nelson a committee of the Danbury Baptist association in the state of Connecticut.

Gentlemen

The affectionate sentiments of esteem & approbation which you are so good as to express towards me, on behalf of the Danbury Baptist association, give me the highest satisfaction. my duties dictate a faithful & zealous pursuit of the interests of my constituents, and in proportion as they are persuaded of my fidelity to those duties, the discharge of them becomes more & more pleasing.

Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man & his god, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, thus building a wall of separation between church and state. [Congress thus inhibited from acts respecting religion, and the Executive authorised only to execute their acts, I have refrained from presenting even occasional performances of devotion presented indeed legally where an Executive is the legal head of a national church, but subject here, as religious exercises only to the voluntary regulations and discipline of each respective sect.] Adhering to this expression of the supreme will of the nation in behalf of the rights of conscience, I shall see with sincere satisfaction the progress of those sentiments which tend to restore to man all his natural rights, convinced he has no natural right in opposition to his social duties.

I reciprocate your kind prayers for the protection and blessing of the common Father and creator of man, and tender you for yourselves and your religious association, assurances of my high respect & esteem.

(signed) Thomas Jefferson
Jan.1.1802.
Contrary to popular opinion, the term “separation of church and state” is found nowhere in the United States Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, or any other founding document of this nation. Yet for decades, some organizations and individuals have spread the myth that the words “separation of church and state” are found in the U.S. Constitution. Because of this misinformation, the ACLU and its allies have used this phrase to persuade public officials to silence religious expression.

Reflections of a Pastor

A Pastor is

One who speaks to your spirit

Listens to your heart

And understands what words can never say 

 

Dear Gentle Reader,

 For so many of you I have walked with you, felt your pain, known your hurts, your joy your sadness your tears and shared in your prayers. But Gentle Reader Have you ever heard of the butterfly effect? 

At one time there was a theory that the Chaos theory attempts to explain the fact that complex and unpredictable results can and will occur in systems that are sensitive to their initial conditions. A common example of this is known as the Butterfly Effect. It states that, in theory, the flutter of a butterfly's wings in China could, in fact, actually effect weather patterns in New York City, thousands of miles away. In other words, it is possible that a very small occurrence can produce unpredictable and sometimes drastic results by triggering a series of increasingly significant events

 

News Bulletin: NEWS NEWS  NEWS  Gentle Reader, You are part of that Butterfly effect. And I would like you to know how much your prayers mean to one another and to me!

 

"The child whispered, 'God speak to me'

And a meadow lark sang.

The child did not hear.

 

So the child yelled 'God speak to me!'

And the thunder rolled across the sky

But the child did not listen.

 

The child looked around and said,

'God let me see you' and a star shone brightly

But the child did not notice.

 

And the child shouted,

"God show me a miracle!'

And a life was born but the child did not know.

 

So the child cried out in despair,

'Touch me God, and let me know you are here!'

Whereupon God reached down

And touched the child.

 

But the child brushed the butterfly away

And walked away unknowingly

 

Gentle Reader, You flapped your wings and God spoke through you and...who knows how many lives were changed for the Glory of God!

 I am so prould of each of you Gentle Readers, who come to share with me and each other who pray for one another each day whose prayers reach the highest of peaks far beyond what man can aspire to the very throne roome of God. Who in His infinite love bends to hear and answer the weakest voice. 

   I love each and every one of you, more that words will ever say.

Denis

Oh Lord, make thyself to me

A living bright Reality

More present to faith vision keen

Than any earthly object seen;

More dear more intimately nigh

Than e'an the dearest earthly tie

 

 To present truth may I respond

With all my heart and mind

The ever reach to truth beyond

And further treasures find

A little letter

Mommy and Daddy
Please don't be so sad,
I miss you so much, too.

It's beautiful here where I am,
But I worry a lot about you.

I sleep with angels watching me,
there's only love up here.
I'm never lonely of afraid
'cause God's so very near.

I walk with angels every day,
They're very kind and sweet.

Don't worry, Mom and Dad,
They hold my hand when
We cross a golden street.
I never cry or hurt myself,
I see rainbows every day.

I play and laugh and sing a lot,
And I hear you both when you pray.

Please Mommy and Daddy,
Don't be mad at God,
You see, he loves me, too.
And even though you're not with me,
I'm really still with you.

Author Unknown
This poem was posted on Infanlos by
Stephanie Wright
Columbus, GA
It was given to her by
A co-worker of her husband.

The Spiderweb

God and the Spiderweb

During World War II, a US Marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire, he had lost touch with his comrades.

Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed. As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen."

After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one."

Just then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave. As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.

"Hah" he thought, "what I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor."

As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on.

Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered it for quite a while.

"Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man, "I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."

We all face times of great trouble. When we do, it is so easy to forget the victories that God would work in our lives, sometimes in the most surprising ways.

As the great leader, Nehemiah, reminded the people of Israel when they faced the task of rebuilding Jerusalem, "In God we will have success!" [Nehemiah 2:20]

Remember: Whatever is happening in your life, with God, a mere spider's web can become a brick wall of protection. Trust and believe that He is with you always. Just ask for his help and you will see His great power and love for you.

(Based on a biblical story about king David when he was running from King Saul in the Book of Kings I.)

a battle over Bibles

It's a battle over Bibles behind bars
June 18, 2006


Usually, judges throw the book at prisoners. This time a federal judge is taking the Book away from prisoners in Iowa.
U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pratt has joined with Americans United for Separation of Church and State and ordered a halt to a Bible-based prison program.
Pratt ruled against the InnerChange program run by Prison Fellowship at the Newton, Iowa, prison, on grounds that, heaven forbid, the prisoners might read the Bible and convert to the Christian faith.
Judge Pratt has ordered the state to dismantle the program and is demanding that Prison Fellowship return the $1.5 million it has been paid to help finance the effort.
Pratt should not have the last word.
Prison Fellowship will appeal the ruling and eventually the case should make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In Prison Fellowship's favor will be evidence that prisoners are not forced into the program. Prison Fellowship has attempted to use government money for the administrative side of its program, not to buy Bibles.
If the court rules in favor of the position of Americans United, plenty of other nonprofit groups will be in big trouble. Any nonprofit group with any hint of religious faith could find itself under threat of losing federal aid. The ruling would rip apart the juvenile justice system, which depends heavily on faith-based groups to help offenders.
As this case works its way through the courts, judges may want to pay attention to history that Judge Pratt ignored. The authors of the First Amendment prayed together and quoted from the Scriptures. Congress approved federal aid to faith-based missions to Indian tribes in the early years of the nation. The Northwest Ordinance, adopted by Congress at the time of the First Amendment, declared that religion, morality and knowledge were necessary for good government.
Groups like Americans United have campaigned to cleanse the public square of the Bible and Christian faith, and sometimes they find judges to go along with their crusade. Yet the First Amendment says: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof." The idea was to avoid the establishment of a government church, such as the Church of England.
The attempt to use the courts to drive religious faith out of the public sphere has been a practical disaster. The Ten Commandments are accepted on statehouse grounds in Texas under one Supreme Court ruling, but not inside Kentucky courthouses under another top court ruling. Public officials can hardly quote a Bible verse in public without getting a legal opinion first.
In Iowa, Pratt's ruling suggests he is a power-grabbing federal judge with too much idle time on his hands. His Monday-morning quarterbacking of prison officials suggests he ought to get off the bench and run a prison himself. But his ruling is part of a larger problem of judicial activism, with judges interfering with the other two branches of government when no real constitutional issues are at stake.
Behind this ruling is a political attack on President Bush's attempt to open the door to faith-based approaches to social services. Judge Pratt and Americans United ought to look for a different tool to score political points against the president's efforts. The victims in this lawsuit are the prisoners who could lose the help offered by Prison Fellowship or other groups in order to return to society and avoid more crime.

God's idea

1. God wants spiritual fruit,
not religious nuts.

2. Dear God, I have a problem,
it's Me.

3. Growing old is inevitable
growing UP is optional.

4. There is no key to happiness.
The door is always open.

5. Silence is often misinterpreted
but never misquoted.

6. Do the math
count your blessings.

7. Faith is the ability to not panic.

8. Laugh every day,
it's like inner jogging.

9. If you worry, you didn't pray.
If you pray, don't worry.

10. As a child of God,
prayer is kind of like
calling home everyday.

11. Blessed are the flexible
for they shall not be
bent out of shape.

12. The most important things in your house
are the people.

13 When we get tangled up in our problems, be still.
God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15 He who dies with the most toys is still dead.




Now! No more excuses!
God can use you to your full potential.
Besides you aren't the message,
you are just the messenger.
And one more thing
Share this with a friend or two
In the Circle of God's love,
God's waiting to use your full potential.



Have a great day!!!
The SON is shining and he can certainly use you!

An open letter

Brethren,
God has called me to do 2 things to teach [sola scriptura] and preach [verse by verse] and to do that I need to do 2 things study and pray. I also like to bring others into a relationship with our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. I spend my ministry with not only the adults but the forgotten members of the fellowship {Pastors Pals ages toddler to 12 years} [And seniors too!] We have a time of fellowship before we feed the "big people" ! I also spend time with the teens (after all their next in line for your place in the pew).

In other words beloved of God, according to 2 Tim 2:2 "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." is my Fathers' guidance to me. I have no doubt that you will find the man you want. as for me I am just One beggar showing another beggar where to find bread.

I have been looking to a place to share what God has been gracious to teach me. Much has been through the study of His most Holy Word. Much has been through the experiences of life's lessons. Perhaps you might want to consider choosing a person such as I to become your Shepherd . I am not currently in the Pastorate although I shepherd 7000+ men, women, boys and girls through an internet column called Dr Denis journal http://drcallahan.bravejournal.com A daily devotional consisting of Christian humor, stories, and teaching the Grace of God through life principals.

I'm not interested in what salary you could pay only that I obey God in the direction that He has appointed me. My only restriction for your church if indeed you are looking for a principal (Pastor) is that I be allow to teach and preach The "Word". I have not been aware that God has instituted a retirement program. With such experience you would have no need to "break in " a younger man. If you would need a doctrinal statement you need look no further that your closest Holy Bible as I believe the "whole Council" of God. I am enclosing a sample of my teaching for your review.
In His matchless name,


Dr Dennis Callahan

Clay balls

 

There are two freedoms - the false, where a man is free to do what he likes; the true, where he is free to do what he ought.  ~Charles Kingsley 

Gentle Reader,

  
A man was exploring caves by the seashore. In one of the caves he found a canvas bag with a bunch of hardened clay balls. It was like someone had rolled clay balls and left them out in the sun to bake. They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man so he took the bag out of the cave with him. As he strolled along the beach, he would throw the clay balls one at a time out into the ocean as far as he could. He thought little about it until he dropped one of the balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone.
 
Excited the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls. Each contained a similar treasure.
 
He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the 20 or so clay balls he had left. Then it struck him. He had been on the beach a long time. He had thrown maybe 50 or 60 of the clay balls with their hidden treasure into the ocean waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he just threw it away.
 
It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. It doesn't look like much from the outside. It isn't always beautiful or sparkling so we discount it. We see that person as less important than someone more beautiful or stylish or well known or wealthy. But we have not taken the time to find the treasure hidden inside that person by God.
 
There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know that person, and if we ask God to show us that person the way He sees them, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gem begins to shine forth.
 
May we not come to the end of our lives and find out that we have thrown away a fortune in friendships because the gems were hidden in bits of clay.
 
May we see the people in our world as God sees them. (end of story.)
 
Jesus came in a meek and lowly form so it shouldn’t surprise us that most of His treasures are hidden in obscurity, out of sight to the proud. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
 
Man’s Marks of Glory
 
Through being brain-washed by the systems of this world that are set as enemies to the kingdom of God, we are seduced to look for clay vessels that have recognizable marks on them – marks that easily identify them as experts in areas of life in which we seek advice – experts in health care, finances, beauty, wisdom, defense, how to be more popular, etc. There are certain professions, races, ethnic groups, parties, organizations, positions, etc. that we have been programmed t o believe that if we can connected with them somehow, if we can rub shoulders with this in some way, if we learn their system that some of that glory will rub off on us. Of course there is usually a cost attached. And ultimately, their glory turns out to be but fool’s gold. But then we’ve been suckers for that lie ever since the first time it was spoken in the garden. 
 
I have found in my Christian walk that those who have been most helpful to me have been those who I would not have expected to be so – they didn’t fit into the mold of what the “world system” considered good sources for information about how to gain more wealth, wisdom and popularity. My wife and I have a ministry that requires finances to run it. Most of the finances that have kept us going these many years have come from people who are not wealthy. As a matter of fact, we have received very little from very wealthy individuals. Statistics show that the lower income population gives a much larger portion of their income than do the wealthy. One would think that since the wealthy have much more disposable income than the poor that their giving percentage would be much higher than those in the low income bracket -- but that is not normally the case. (Jesus’ ministry was supported by the women in King Herod’s court, not King Herod himself.)
 
God seems to hide His spiritual gifts in unattractive bodies (from Hollywood’s standards). I have been most blessed spiritually from stinky hitch-hikers I picked up on roadsides. From the outside they looked like vagabonds, the scum of the earth -- dangerous. And some may be. But most of the time, after speaking with them, I found many of them to be very humble, fearless saints going about God’s business all around the country without a dime in their pockets. They were full of the provisions of God, spiritually lacking nothing. They were a great blessing to me. I know they wouldn’t trade places with the richest, most famous or most powerful people on earth. They had the peace that passes understanding, the unspeakable joy and the love that never fails in their hearts. The glitter of fortune and fame holds no place in their hearts. They are friends of the King of Glory.
 
The Lie of Lack
 
This world is under a big lie that there are not enough resources to go around – that only the strong will survive and that they have a right to take more than their share through force and deceit. Darwin’s theory of evolution, that the strongest in a species survive, has added fuel to the belief that those who are strongest or more cunning SHOULD be on top – that those who are physically or intellectually inferior should go by the wayside. Some societies in the past (and in the present) have actually instituted programs to get rid of the “inferior” in their society. While Christ’s teachings still hold a place in the hearts of millions of Americans, the teaching of the survival of the fittest has permeated much of the American mindset, and in my opinion, to its detriment.
 
Moral relativism has captured most of those who wield great power in America. To them, it is not wrong to deceive those less intelligent and manipulate or forcefully take their share. But this kind of leadership will always bring destruction, not peace. This kind of mind is never secure. They never have enough. And that is why there is not enough! If everyone was under God’s authority and obeyed it, there would be no lack of anything. This world has in it all that is necessary for everyone to live comfortably. But those full of worldly wisdom, locked up in fear and greed -- kill, steal, lie, manipulate and destroy others through clever schemes often of international proportions to get what does not rightfully belong to them. They create wars and disturbances in economic systems which ultimately attract more wealth to themselves. And where does this wealth come from? Usually the poor, but now they are even shrinking the middle income class. Of course they do this quite legally. Since they control the legislative, judicial, executive and military branches of government, they can invent and pass codes, laws and moral values that justify their evil ways. Should some of their cohorts accidentally get caught by the legal system, through high-priced lawyers, they rarely go to jail and within a few years some president will come along and pardon them. They even form, with their billions of dollars, denominations of Christianity whose gospel is watered down enough to conform to their corrupt standards and devious ways. In their scheme, a poor man who robs a bank with a gun deserves long term imprisonment, but a banker, investment broker or some other kind of capitalist who steals millions by robbing the poor through carefully devised schemes is considered someone to emulate -- to hold in high esteem.
 
The Kingdom of Heaven is Hidden
 
The kingdom of heaven is hidden in plain old clay balls. Don’t be fooled by those covered with glitz, shiny tinsel that melts which the heat is applied. Look for those who do not try to promote themselves using the wisdom of this world. Look for those who are led by His Spirit. Look for those who seek the glory which is from above, not below.
 
“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things -- and the things that are not -- to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-- that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’” (1 Cor. 1:26-31)
 
When we see others with the eyes of Jesus (who is supposed to live inside of us, right?), then even our enemies take on a brand new look. After Jacob had his wrestling match with someone in the middle of the night at Peniel (face of God), he saw his life-long enemy, Esau, and perfectly humbled himself before him by bowing seven times. Then, in perfect humility, Jacob, the former conniver who had been humbled by God and was then named Israel (prince with El or ruled by El) said to Esau, “I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.” (Gen. 33:10)  (If the state of Israel and those who support her would but learn this lesson, Israel would be at peace instantly.) Oh, if we would but humble ourselves, be delivered from fear, pride, and unbelief – from the curse of believing we lack anything -- what wondrous things we would behold all around us! I believe the very kingdom of heaven would appear right before our eyes even as Elisha saw. (2 Kings 6:17)
 
In the book of John, some Greeks desired to “see Jesus.” (John 12:21) The next time you meet someone, whether friend, stranger or enemy, ask Jesus (who lives inside of you if you are a Christian), “Open my eyes, Lord, I want to see You in that person.” He just might appear and bring all that He is and has and give you exactly what you need at that moment. Or you might see into that person’s heart and see a need God wants you to fulfill in that clay ball. Remember, if you’ve given a cold cup of water to a little one, you’ve done it unto Jesus.
 
It is possible to look past the sins, hurts and pains of the worst of sinners; it is possible to look past the deceit, lying and corruption of those who presently manipulate and rob the poor lawfully but deceitfully – it is possible to see past all that and focus on the finished work of the cross for each and every human being that ever walked this planet – and to see the finished work of the cross and from it, provide a need for that lost soul that Jesus died for. The love of Christ in a plain old ball of clay can reach up to the highest in society and down to the lowest and bring forth the resurrection life of Jesus Christ. They have eyes to see true glory – the glory which Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the world, seeks to bestow upon humanity, even as Adam, the first man, the first clay ball was clothed with God’s glory before he exchanged it for the covering (glory) of beasts.
 
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” (John 17:20-24)
 
May more of the world see the glory God has chosen to hide in plain clay balls.

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, Va. (AFPN) -- U.S. Air Force Honor Guardsmen lead the caisson carrying the remains of Col. Wilfred B. Crutchfield and Lt. Col. Ivan E. O'Dell to their gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery. The remains were laid to rest with full military honors here, Dec. 7. The Airmen died in a plane crash in 1968 but their remains were not discovered until October 2004. (U.S. Air Force photo by Thomas Dennis)

Who speaks of liberty while the human mind is in chains?  ~Francis Wright, 1828

Dennis  

                    God bless the U. S. A.

 

The End Game

 

...or are you a betting man?

The final stage of a chess game after most of the pieces have been removed from the board.

Gentle Reader,

 "I was in the spirit on the the Lords day" so begins the most misunderstood book of the Bible, 'The Book of Revelation' You ever read your horoscope or pick up and call  Miss Cleo? Every body wants to know what going to happen next (I am no different)!

Now understand I would be lying to you if I were to tell you I know the future, having said that we do know a few things, I mean I know that I'm going to stop typing and take a sip of coffee and in a minute or so I will stop and go wake Duffy up (our Sun Conure) .

Here I go!  Well I'm back! Now where was I? Oh yes The Lord's Day! Here in America that means Sunday for most. A day of Rest a day when some go out a play a round of golf or rent a movie or go to grandma's house for fried chicken (finger licken good)! For a few of you it means getting the kids ready screaming at your teen "IF YOU DON'T hurry  up we're going to be late for church!" Mom's running around like a chicken with it's head cut off and dad strolls out to the car gets in and starts backing out of the driveway while yelling at mom who's still in the house rounding up the twins, looking for that lost shoe (look in the ice box mom)!

 Now dad is still backing the car up but he's added honking the horn as an added incentive to mom who's sole objective was to go to church for an hour or so (for some peace and quiet) but who has giving up that thought in favor of killing dad and telling God he died!) 

 The Lord's day (piece and quite, no Gentle you read it right) what it really means in the words of the Bible refers to the parousiva Parousia (par-oo-see'-ah);  meaning (the coming, arrival, )advent the future visible return from heaven of Jesus, to raise the dead, hold the last judgment, and set up formally and gloriously the kingdom of God  When does this take place?  No one knows for sure but it's like the last call in an Irish pub when the proprietor  Calls out "Time gentlemen Time" 

Which means "Drink up, and go home, have you no home to go to?" 

 So Gentle Reader, when I look at the finial chapter I'm sure  that America is not there!

Quite a shock for our American friends.  They think that they'll be around for the finial showdown But quite honestly Miss Cleo, Your not there. So let me ask you a question. "What church are you staying away from? and what are your chances of getting out of this word alive?

 Well Gentle Reader, you still have time to go to church of your choice unless of course you’re a gambler. 

 Remember, Gentle Reader   today may be the first day of the rest of your life And also don't forget God has called you and me  to be a great Saint don't miss the opportunity

Dennis  "Your either in Christ and He's in you or not! 

Heaven and how to get there

 

Mirrored tranquillity as mist settles over the upper lake at Glendalough

Lake Glendlough Co Wicklow (Ireland where else)

Gentle Reader,

Well Marti was feeling better and we started our  continuing Bible study I am teaching us through the Bible. We are at The books of Thessalonians .

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,  (teaching for what true)for reproof,  (convicting for what is false) for correction, ( for what is wrong) for instruction in righteousness,(for what is right) 2 Timothy 3:16.

As you look at the New Testament you will find that after the Gospels (which complete the Old Testament you have the Book of Acts (History )  Then the book of Romans (which is our Doctrinal  and instructions book teaching about Justification and the cross) and its two commentaries Corinthians (Reproof-Practical failure not seeing the standing as having died and risen with Christ) and Galations (a Book of Correction- Doctrinal failure as to the teaching of Romans not leaven in the teaching)

We have moved past the Book of Ephesians our 2nd Doctrinal and instruction book which teaches the Mystery  of God (always hidden, never before revealed. Individual Jews and Gentiles gathered out and made "one new man" in Christ "the body of Christ" Seated in heaven with Christ.

Of course than we have 2 Commentaries  Philippians (which is a book of "reproof" Practical failure to exhibit the teaching of Ephesians in showing the "mind of Christ" and Colossians a book of "Correction" Doctrinal failure The failure of not seeing their completeness and perfection in Christ.  But you knew all of that didn't you Gentle Reader?

 So as I was saying Thessalonians we just finished which is about heaven another book of doctrine (teaching ) and instruction  No reproof, no correction all praise and thanksgiving  A typical church

Where is heaven "Where Christ is there is heaven" Look around you Gentle Reader, Christ is in me and now you know why I talk about Grace so much. All Christians carry about the Spirit of the Living Christ with them and we are all connected on a level that only  God can maintain. Too deep for you? Well gentle reader I haven't even scratch the surface What is heaven like? look at the picture and magnify that 10 to the ten millionth times  ten million times.  Ireland for me is just a taste of what heaven is like.

 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." (I Corinthians 2:9)

For me Gentle Reader, Ireland is what heaven will be like! How about you? Where is your heaven?

 Remember,   Gentle Reader, that God has prepared a place for you!

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (Book of John Chapter 14)

When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ, that is Victory.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving
silence, that is victory.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any annoyance; when you stand face-to-face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility -- and endure it as Jesus endured, that is  victory.

When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any regiment, any interruption by the will of God, that is victory.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown, that is victory.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, or question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances, that is victory.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart, that is victory.

 I believe in You Gentle reader, you are a victor and so am I (we are just not there yet).

Dennis  Your ticket has been paid for (oh no, don't thank me I just here to deliver it to you)

And now a word....

Gentle Reader,
Some words from a Brother in Christ om prayer.

I Prayed for My Preaching
By Joe McKeever
I had been preaching for more than two decades, and I should have been at the top of my game. The church I served ran up to 1,500 on Sunday mornings, and the live telecast of our services covered a fair portion of several states. Most of my colleagues thought I had it made, and if invitations to speak in other churches were any sign, they thought I could preach.

But I didn't.

My confidence was taking a beating as some of the leaders let me know repeatedly that my pulpit work was not up to their standards. Previous pastors carried the reputation of pulpit masters, something I never claimed for myself. To make matters worse, we had numerous vacancies on staff and my sermon preparation was suffering due to a heavy load of pastoral ministry. But you do what you have to do. Most days, my goal was to keep my head above water. Every day without drowning became a good day.

That's when I got serious about praying for my preaching.

Each night I walked a four-mile route through my neighborhood and talked to the Father. My petitions dealt with the usual stuff-family needs, people I was concerned about, and the church. Gradually, one prayer began to recur in my nightly pleadings.

"Lord," I prayed, "make me a preacher."

Asking this felt so right I never paused to analyze it. I prayed it again and again, over and over, for weeks.

Now, I was in my fifth pastorate. I owned a couple of seminary degrees. I had read the classics on preaching and attended my share of sermon workshops. I was a veteran. But here I was in my mid-40s, crying out to Heaven for help: "Lord, make me a preacher."

I knew if my preaching improved, if the congregation felt better about the sermons, everything else would benefit. I knew that the sermon is a pastor's most important contribution to the spiritual lives of his members. To do well there would ease the pressure in other areas. So, I prayed.

Then one night, God answered.

Four specific requests

Without warning, in the quietness of a dark night on the city streets, God spoke within me: "What exactly do you mean by that?"

The question hit with such force that I laughed aloud and said, "What a great question. Wonder what I do mean?"

For the rest of my walk, I pondered God's probing of my too-general prayer. I knew I was not asking for public acclaim or to be on anyone's list of great preachers. I just wanted to be effective, to do well what God had called me to do.

Later that night, at home, I listed four specific requests and began to direct them toward the Father.

a.. I never want to stand up to preach again without a good grasp of the Scripture. I'm tired of not being clear about the text in front of me.
b.. I want the message from God to have a firm grasp on me, to grip my heart. I want to preach with genuine passion.
c.. I want a good rapport with the congregation. I'm tired of that "glazed-over" look on the people's faces. I want to make contact with them, to communicate effectively.
d.. I want to see lives changed. If the point of preaching is for the Word of God to make a difference in people, then it must be in order to ask the Father to give me success in doing it.

I learned something about my prayer life. For years, my prayers had been tainted by the curse of generality. It had been "bless this" and "help that" and "strengthen him" and "encourage her."

One day I noticed in Luke 18 this interchange between the Lord and blind Bartimaeus, whose plaintive cries of "Jesus, have mercy on me" had reached the ears of the Lord. Over and over, the beggar of Jericho called into the air for mercy, over the shushing and objections of locals who were embarrassed by his carryings-on.

"Bring him to me," Jesus said. When Bartimaeus stood before Him, our Lord asked, "What do you want me to do for you?"

We moderns are tempted to rebuke the Lord for His callousness at this point. "Lord," we would say, "anyone can see what he needs. He's been begging for mercy. He needs his sight." But the question was whether Bartimaeus knew this. He could just as easily have asked for money, for a better begging site, for assistance, for a training program for the blind, or for a hundred other things.

The Lord simply asked the man to be specific in his prayer: "What do you want?"

"Lord," he said, "I want to receive my sight."

"Then, do," said the Savior. And he did.

From that point on, I prayed these four requests in my nightly walks: a good grasp of Scripture, its firm grasp on me, good rapport with my listeners, and changed lives.

Soon I was without a pulpit and without a church.

Good news from exit interviews

The conflict in the church I was serving intensified to the point that we brought in a mediator. He interviewed church leaders, watched videos of my preaching, and polled the congregation, then filed his report. "Joe is not a pulpit giant," he said, "but he is a pretty fair preacher." I was encouraged by that. Then he recommended I leave the church.

I agreed. I took a one-year leave of absence, and I waited by the phone.

A few invitations for revivals and conferences came in during the year; however, none but the tiniest churches would consider me as a potential pastor. My confidence in my preaching was at an all-time low.

Not by coincidence, the church that called me as pastor a year later was also at an all-time low. It had suffered a disastrous split. Half its 1,000 members had left, and the remainder was burdened with a great load of debt. Our first five years together were not easy. Gradually, however, we began to see the Lord was up to something special. One day I looked around and realized that we had become a healthy church again, one that is a pure joy to serve.

That's when the other surprise appeared, one just for me.

After attending a Saddleback conference on purpose-driven churches, we began sending response cards to church visitors. These notes trickled back into the church office, telling what our guests had noticed first, liked best, and appreciated least about their visit to our church. To my utter amazement, many were impressed by the preaching.

I still recall standing at my secretary's desk reading two cards that had arrived in the morning mail. Both expressed thanks for my sermons. "I am totally surprised," I mumbled.

She looked up from her work. "Pastor, everyone loves your preaching."

"I guess I didn't know it," I replied.

To be honest, I'm still not quite convinced. But I've decided that's all right. The object of my prayers was never that people would like my preaching. It wasn't even that I would like it. It was a prayer for effectiveness in doing what God called me to do.

Good music, it is said, is music that is written better than it can be played. Perhaps that's how it is with the gospel of Christ. The message is far superior to any human expression of it. A gracious Father takes the efforts of his frail servants and uses them to change lives.

Next year marks my 40th anniversary in ministry, and I still feel inadequate about my preaching. Not only is that all right, I think it's the appropriate way to feel about a calling so far above the capacity of any of us mortals-to proclaim the riches of Christ in human tongue.

It forces me to pray for my preaching.

Where?

WHERE HAVE YOU PUT ME?


You have taken me out of your homes.
You have taken me away from your children.
You have taken me out of your hearts.
You have taken me out of your schools.
You have taken me out of your games.
You have taken me out of your churches.
You have taken me out of your government.

WHERE HAVE YOU PUT ME?

You do not worship me as you used to.
You do not thank about me as you used to.
You do not pray as a family anymore.
Do you even believe I exist?
Do you not know how much I love you?

WHERE HAVE YOU PUT ME?

Why have you taken me out of your homes?
Why have you taken me out of your schools?
Why have you taken me out of your churches?
Why have you denied your children of me?
You have put me aside for other gods.

WHERE HAVE YOU PUT ME?

You once said "IN GOD WE TRUST"?
WHO DO YOU TRUST NOW?
Your country was founded on Me!
BUT WHERE HAVE YOU PUT ME!

Written Oct. 29, 2003 as given by our one and only God. Written for Him by Barbara J. Williams
God and Jesus said in the Bible that all this would come about. What will it take for you to finally believe that He is sending His son very soon? Do not take God out of your life for with out Him you are nothing. Always know where you have put God. And that should be first and foremost in your heart and in your life.God should never have to ask us "WHERE HAVE YOU PUT ME?"

May God keep you in His loving arms and I pray Jesus walks beside you as you walk the path way God has placed you on today. And I pray the Holy Ghost fill you with the Wisdom and the Knowledge to complete all God has placed on your plate each day.
Barb's Christian Home

When God Sends People

...They Make Excuses:

Abraham was too old.
Moses stuttered.
Miriam was a gossip.
Jacob was a liar.
Gideon doubted.
Elijah was burned out.
First David's armor didn't fit, then he had an affair, and had
someone killed.
Solomon was too rich.
Isaiah had unclean lips.
Jeremiah was too young.
Jonah didn't like the job.
Amos's only training was in the school of fig-tree pruning.
Naomi was a widow.
Peter was afraid of death.
Thomas was from Missouri (the "show-me" state)
Paul was a murderer.
Mark was rejected by Paul.
Timothy had ulcers.
Lazarus was dead.
Martha was a worry-wart.

...or so they claimed, before God's Spirit empowered them to rise to the occasion and become some of the greatest heroes of our faith.

Going to Church tomorrow?

 

Gentle Reader,

Have you gotten the mystery solved yet? No? Well it's not as simple as it my seem and yet I remember a much simple time when simple folks went to church on a Sunday and then had dinner on the grounds believed in God and the devil and oh yes Squirrels . Which  leds me into the next clue. Read carefully and thoughtfully as the document I hold is one you want and will treasure for the rest of your life....and who knows may save your life one day.... It's worth it!

Well, when I was a kid I'd take a trip every summer down the Mississippi
To visit my granny in her antebellum world
I'd run barefooted all day long climbin' trees free as a song
And one day I happened to catch myself a squirrel
Well, I stuffed him down in an old shoe box, punched a couple of holes in the top
And when Sunday came I snuck him into Church
I was sittin' way back in the very last pew showin' him to my good buddy Hugh
When that squirrel got loose and went totally berserk
Well, what happened next is hard to tell
Some thought it was heaven others thought it was hell
But the fact that something was among us was plain to see
As the choir sang "I Surrender All" the squirrel ran up Harv Newlan's coveralls
Harv leaped to his feet and said, "Somethin's got a hold on me", Yeow!

Chorus

The day the squirrel went berserk
In the First Self-Righteous Church
In the sleepy little town of Pascagoula
It was a fight for survival that broke out in revival
They were jumpin' pews and shoutin' Hallelujah!

Well, Harv hit the aisles dancin' and screamin'
Some thought he had religion others thought he had a demon
And Harv thought he had a weed eater loose in his Fruit-Of-The-Looms
He fell to his knees to plead and beg and the squirrel ran out of his britches leg
Unobserved to the other side of the room
All the way down to the amen pew where sat Sister Bertha better-than-you
Who'd been watchin' all the commotion with sadistic glee
But you should've seen the look in her eyes
When that squirrel jumped her garters and crossed her thighs
She jumped to her feet and said "Lord have mercy on me"
As the squirrel made laps inside her dress
She began to cry and then to confess to sins that would make a sailor blush with shame
She told of gossip and church dissension but the thing that got the most attention
Was when she talked about her love life and then she started naming names

Chorus

The day the squirrel went berserk
In the First Self-Righteous Church
In that sleepy little town of Pascagoula
It was a fight for survival that broke out in revival
They were jumpin' pews and shoutin' Hallelujah!

Well seven deacons and the pastor got saved,
Twenty-five thousand dollars was raised and fifty volunteered
For missions in the Congo on the spot
Even without an invitation there were at least five hundred rededications
And we all got baptized whether we needed it or not
Now you've heard the bible story I guess
How he parted the waters for Moses to pass
Oh the miracles God has wrought in this old world
But the one I'll remember 'til my dyin' day
Is how he put that Church back on the narrow way
With a half crazed Mississippi squirrel

Chorus

The day the squirrel went berserk
In the First Self-Righteous Church
In the sleepy little town of Pascagoula
It was a fight for survival that broke out in revival
They was jumpin' pews and shoutin' Hallelujah!

To get you started for tomorrow her is a clue for the next clue "What number are you"?

 

Ex Danger Man star Patrick McGoohan was the British spy who resigned abruptly from his job, only to be kidnapped and transported by persons unknown to 'The Village', where everyone was known by number -and names were never used. It was the task of Number Two (a different actor each week), to discover why McGoohan (Number Six), resigned in the first place, and whilst Number Six remained persistently tight lipped for his reasons -so his interrogators would remain silent when asked the question "Who is Number One?"

 Put these together and your well on your way!

Dennis

Bike Ride With God

When I first met Christ
It seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride,
But it was a tandem bike,
And I noticed that Christ
Was in the back helping me pedal.

I don't know just when it was that
He suggested we change places,
But life has not been the same since.

When I had control, I knew the way,
It was rather boring, but predictable...
It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead,
He knew delightful long cuts,
Up mountains, and through rocky places,
At breakneck speeds,
It was all I could do to hang on!
Even though it looked like madness,
He said, "Pedal"

I worried and was anxious and asked,
"Where are you taking me?"
He laughed and didn't answer,
And I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life
And entered into the adventure.
And when I'say, "I'm scared, "
He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed.
Gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy.
He said, "Give the gifts away;
They're extra baggage, too much weight."

So I did, I gave them to the people we met,
And I found that in giving I received,
And still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, In control of my life.
I thought He'd wreck it;
But He knows bike secrets,
Knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners,
Knows how to jump to clear high rocks,
Knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.

And I am learning to shut up
And pedal in the strangest places,
And I'm beginning to enjoy the view
And the cool breeze on my face
With my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,
He just smiles and says...
"Pedal."

Nothing!

Nothing
can stop the Plan of God!

If you learn nothing else today, remember this phrase, "Nothing can stop the plan of God." From our view, His plan is not always apparent.

I want you to learn that, "NOTHING can stop the plan of God." Some will disagree with that. Some will hedge. However, it remains a spiritual fact that nothing can stop the plan of God from coming to fruition.

Let's start with the Children of Israel.

For years the Children of Israel were subject to Egypt in the Egyptian slavery period. However, the Egyptian phase was always God's plan. God had told Abraham that the enslavement would take place.

From that we know that time cannot stop God's plan. It is part of the Plan.

Time-wise...God's plan is more accurate than the best watch you can buy.

You may not know that from time to time the Bureau of Standards adds one second to the WWV Universal standard Time, because the best clock we can build is no match for the universe.

Time cannot stop the plan of God, because

Nothing can stop the plan of God.

The children of Israel went into captivity, and when God wanted them out, Pharaoh tried to stop it. But the most powerful man of that day couldn?t do it.

No human being can stop the plan of God, because

Nothing can stop the plan of God.

Moses finally secured the Israelites release. He took them straight to the edge of the Red Sea.

There was no planning in Moses? plan, but God had a plan!

Did Moses ever think about how he was going to get all those people across?

No boats, no bridges, not even a very good plan.

As a matter of fact, it really did not matter. The sea parted and they walked across on dry land.

That brings us to the next point.

Natural barriers cannot stop the plan of God, because

Nothing can stop the plan of God.

As the Israelites were standing there on the edge of the Red Sea, Pharaoh's army came to take them back into captivity. It didn?t work.

The strength of Pharaoh's army could not stop God's plan, because

Nothing can stop the plan of God.

Next, the Israelites reached the Promised Land, and somebody had the brilliant idea to scope out the territory.

They sent in twelve spies. Ten of them came back and said, "We are in deep trouble! That place is a natural recruiting ground for the NBA They are REALLY TALL. The shortest one of them could play Power Forward for the Celtics."

However, two of the spies came back and said, "It's okay boys. We can take it."

Did you know that God plus nobody is a majority? God had two votes to spare on that one.

Now you may be thinking, "Ah ha...gotcha they did not go in." I could say that concede ten men slowed them down. But, that's not what happened and in a few moments you will understand.

Those ten men who brought back a bad report were the first to die in the wilderness. You have a Bible, look it up.

Bringing back a bad report is not in your best interest. Besides, the fact remains that the Israelites did eventually enter the Promised Land.

That indicates that man's fears cannot stop the plan of God, because

Nothing can stop the plan of God.

Many people teach that the Israelites 40 years of wandering was wasted time....Not so! The Israelites had to be at a certain place at a certain time. the 40 years was just a built-in time correction.

NASA uses them all the time on missile launches. You will soon understand.

So, they wandered around for 40 years.

It must have really been boring....except for the cloud by day, and pillar of fire by night...hearing the voice of God...seeing the tablets of stone with the Law written on them...the manna...and birds flying in...not to mention Balaam's attempt at coursing them.

There was one really big drawback---no new clothes for 40 years.

Then, Moses died and Joshua took over. Again we see the water part. This time the Jordan River.

Again natural barriers cannot stop God's plan, because

Nothing can stop the plan of God.

So, they went across, and the first thing they ran into was a walled city, Jericho.

Keep in mind that they may not have seen a walled city in quite a while.

How would you tear that wall down? Would you walk around it? I wouldn't, but then I have never had to tear a wall down.

They probably thought Joshua was one french fry shy of a happy meal.

That brings us to the next step.

Man-made barriers cannot stop God's plan, because

Nothing can stop the plan of God.

The Israelites rushed in and killed every man, woman, dog, cow, cat and butterfly in that city. EXCEPT for ONE family in ONE home.

One woman had helped them, so they did not harm her, or her family. Turn to Matthew 1:5. "And Salmon begat Boaz of Rachab;....."

I feel it happened this way.

God the Father looked down on all His creation and asked Jesus, "Who do you want in your family tree, Son?

Jesus replied, "I think Rachab should be one."

The Father said, "Good choice."

It is quite possible that Rachab had not even been born when the Children of Israel started on the wanderings.

Now we get to the heart of this matter.

When God decided to make Rachab part of Jesus' family, He did not send a soldier to retrieve her that from sinful society. He did send a platoon of soldiers...or even a company.

When He decided to get Rachab's freedom He did not send an Army to get her.

WHAT???? NO! He did not send an army.

When God, in His power and love, decided it was time to establish Rachab as part of HIS CHOSEN.... HE SENT AN ENTIRE NATION to free

ONE WOMAN! And, when it was time to free you, GOD sent His SON

IN PERSON!

Denis