Community Kingdom Pages

Announcement

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:51:08 -0500

Wednesday, Dec 15, 2010 11:51 am EST
Africa Humanitarian Foundation

We are thankful to you for your interest in our baby foundation and your desire to see the underprivileged in the poorest of societies live better lives. It is your commitment to this young struggle that will see us succeed. And I strongly believe that you wouldn't want this not to happen. I thank most of your feed backs.

Please go to following links and watch some videos of us and students;

1. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=695218427;

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjMqW4wg2ks;

3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2TNj30DR-k;

4. http://www.postnewsline.com/2010/12/letter-to-people-of-goodwill.html;

On behalf of all other board members, I personally hope that you assist us leapfrog this foundation by making a Christmas Gift donation (no donation is small) to any of our two projects of;

1. Creating semi-permanent accommodation so we move in from the Akosons residence immediately;

2. Fund to send 300 kids to school next academic year.

Please see website, www.africahf.com for information on these projects.

Kind regards,

Akoson A. Raymond,

Board Chairman,

Africa Humanitarian Foundation

Physical Address

Mabeta New Lay Out,

P.O Box 13, Limbe,

Fako Division,

South West Region,

Cameroon

Secretariat

Tel: (00237) 78 35 80 29

75 37 47 22

E-mail: akosonako@yahoo.com

ahfoundation@myway.com

Website: www.africahf.com

Board Members

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:41:34 -0500

Wednesday, Dec 15, 2010 11:41 am EST
Africa Humanitarian Foundation

Board of Directors – The Brain Behind The Africa Humanitarian Foundation

This is the highest decision-making body of AFRICA HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION, which appoints Executive Committee members comprising of Chairman, the Secretary, treasurer, Adviser of each region. This committee is made up of heads of all the different departments of each country where the AHF is based.

Here are the main functions of the Board: determine the Foundation's mission and purposes; Select the Executive Committee of all the regions that oversee the activities of the departmental Heads who are still appointed by the board, through an appropriate process; provide ongoing support and guidance for the departmental heads; review his/her performance; ensure effective organizational planning; ensure adequate resources planning; manage resources effectively; determine and monitor the organization's programmes and services; enhance the foundation's public image and assess its own performance;

The aforementioned functions can be achieved by the Africa Humanitarian Foundation through the creation of committees. With its fifteen (15) member’s board, the Governance Committee shall have five members, the Audit Committee, 2 members and Finance Committee three members each. The Advisory Council contains five board members. And every region shall have an Executive Committee which shall be made up of the regional departmental heads appointed by the Board Chairman and accepted by a simple board majority.

The following are the committees of the board and the members:

A. The Governance Committeeï¼Secretariatï¼

The following members are charged with the following responsibilities: Controls the day to day functions of all departments of all the regions. Executive committees of every region reports to head of this committee, frequently assigned to a special area of responsibility, such as membership, media, annual dinner, facility, or personnel; and solicit for funds on behalf of the AHF.

1. Mr. Akoson A. Raymond (Humanitarian),
Board Chairman

2. Mr. Shey Joseph (Law & Environment Expert)
Vice Board Chairman and Head of Governance Committee.

3. Mr. Dye Joseph (Military Expert)
Board Member and Head of to-be created Disaster Management Depm’t

4. Mr. ESSEME Andreas (Customs Officer)
Board Member & Secretary

5. Ms. Magerrette Nnoke
Board Member & Technician of AHF.

6. Ms. Doris Yiewo (VET)
Board Member

B. Finance Committee:

The following members of the Finance Committee of the Africa Humanitarian Foundation have the following functions: manages the committee, review of, and action related to, the regional financial responsibilities; work directly with the bookkeeper of the Financial Management Department; developing and implementing financial procedures and systems; ensures that appropriate financial reports are made available to the board each meeting session; regularly reports to board on key financial events, trends, concerns, and assessment of fiscal health; meets annually with the Audit Committee members in conjunction with the management of the Financial Management Department; charged with organising fund-raising strategies for the AHF.

6. Mr. Ajuah Abenego Achanga (Finance Expert, CDC Cameroon)
Board Member & Financial Secretary

7. Ms. Motalle Pauline Diale (Geographer).
Head of Finance Committee and Treasurer of AHF.

8. Mr. Atungsiri Atungsiri Donald (Political Scientist)
Board Member

C. AUDIT COMMITTEE

- Mindful of this, the audit committee has the responsibility of accessing all the financial records of the Foundation and reports them immediately to the acting board chairman. The same report is made in the board meeting annually;

- This committee reports any suspected case of fraud and mismanagement of the Foundation's resources to the entire board. Victims will be charged with immediate disengagement as clearly spelt out in the Foundation's by-laws.

9. Mr. Derek Akum Mbaze (Economist cum Finance Expert)
Board Member & Head of Audit Committee.

10. Ms. Enow Doris Oben (NGO Management Expert)
Board Member

D. The Advisory Council:

These are representatives of the Africa Humanitarian Foundation within and without Africa. Their roles are advisory viz-a-viz fund solicitation. They are all members of the Advisory Council of the foundation. They advise the foundation’s board from which organisations to seek funds. They equally lobby potential donors for funding the foundation’s activities and projects. And on the instruction of the Board of Directors, they could organise fund-raising activities and collect funds on behalf of the founddation.

1. East Africa:

Dr. Richard Tingem Munang
Strategic Policy Advisor- Climate Change
Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
P.O. Box 47074 - 00100, Nairobi Kenya

Tel: (+254-20)762-5727
Fax: (+254-20)762-4249

E-mail: richard@africahf.com

2. Europe:

(i) Dr. Fred Kemah
Consultant Cardiologist
London, United Kingdom

E-mail: fred.kem@tiscali.it

(ii) Dr. Rexon Nting,
Managing Director,
Rexis Investment Group Ltd,
APT 196, 5 Pinkston Drive, Glasgow, G21 1PF.
Scotland, the U.K.

E-mail: rexon@africahf.com

3. The AMERICAS

United States of America:

ï¼iï¼ Benjamin Siankam
Interdisciplinary PhD Program,
Community Research & Action.
Department of Human & Organization Development
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
benjamin.siankam@vanderbilt.edu
akhenaton.tankwanchi@gmail.com

(ii) Mr. Nobert Kong,
C.E.O. of Nobert’s Financial Services Group,
136 Warren ST Suite 101,
Boston MA 02119

Tel: (001) 617-445-2300
Mobile: (001) 617-799-2680

2011/2012 projects

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:39:06 -0500

Wednesday, Dec 15, 2010 11:39 am EST
Africa Humanitarian Foundation

AFRICA HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION

Projects for 2011/2012

A. Launch and kick start activities of the newly created department, ‘Department for Promoting Primary School Education in Africa’

The Africa Humanitarian Foundation, AHF has created a new department, ‘Department for Promoting Primary School Education in Africa’. Africa Humanitarian Foundation is very determined to greatly contribute to Africa’s literacy rate by sponsoring financially disabled children through primary schools. Due to limited resources we are starting with specific communities in the South West, North West and Centre Regions of AHF headquarters, Cameroon.

Note should be taken of the fact that AHF sponsors the financially disabled ONLY and provides means through which primary school pupils could go through GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS ONLY.

The Cameroon 1996 Constitution provides that “Primary School Education shall be compulsory”.
In his traditional eve of 11th of February address to the Cameroonian youths, the president of the
Republic of Cameroon, in 2000, reiterated his policy on education and stressed that Primary
Education shall be ‘Obligatory and free’. In spite of these good pronouncements;

- There’s no legal instrument that has been put in place to ‘punish’ parents and or guardians who refuse to respect the law. And even if there were; what about parents who were really willing but are financially unable;

- Tuition-free Primary school education is not really free per se. There are some ‘hidden fees’:
a. A registration fee of;
b. Fee to buy textbooks and school uniforms plus other financial obligations such as PTA fee etc.

Cost Estimate for the completion of Project A for 2011/2012 academic year:

(Name of project: 2010/2011- A)

1. Target number of pupils to sponsor for 2011/2012 academic year = 300
2. Yearly registration fee, book costs, uniforms and other miscellaneous
Expenses for one pupil = $ 30
300 x $30 = $ 9,000.00
Sub-total: $ 9,000.00 (NINE thousand United States dollars ONLY)

________________________________________

B. Set up a semi-permanent structure in AHF headquarters in Limbe, Southwest Province of Cameroon;

The Africa Humanitarian Foundation, AHF officially has five departments within which it carries out its activities. As these activities grow daily, so too is demand for a more permanent structure to accommodate its daily work transactions plus the need for modern office equipment.

Below is cost estimate for completion of Project A:

(II) Renting of self-contained western-style apartment with six rooms (each representing a department) plus a boardroom and a reception for a period of two years.

(Project name: 2010/2011- IA)

l Cost of apartment per month = $ 120
l Cost for 2 years = $ 120 x (12 months) x 2 = $ 2880

(II) Provision of Modern Office Equipment:

(Project name: 2010/2011 – 11A)

l 5 Desktop computers (one for each department) = $ 300 x 5 = $ 1,500.00
l Multi-functional photocopier with fax and scanner = $ 500
l 5 desks and 5 chairs for the 5 departments; a conference table for the boardroom and ten chairs; a sofa at reception = $ 500
l Other small Office equipment such as staplers, pins, pens/pencils, glues = $ 200
l Projector for presentations = $ 400
l A TV set plus a DVD player = $ 200

(I) + (II) = 2,880.00 + 3,300.00 = $ 6,180.00
Sub Total: 6,180.00
(Six-thousand One-Hundred and eighty United States dollars ONLY)

________________________________________

C. The creation of a website, www.africahf.com. This website is currently under construction and the AHF doesn’t need sponsors for this project.

Grand Total: Project A cost + Project B Cost
6,180.00 + $ 9,000 = $15,180
(Fifteen thousand One Hundred and eighty United States dollars).

RPG - Our Vision for Interactive Christianity

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:18:38 -0500

Friday, Feb 13, 2009 1:18 pm EST

Role playing games (RPG) continue to rise in popularity. Those who play them regularly spend countless hours on various quests in which they find people, relay message, battle monsters, and recruit members to their team.

Aside from being a fun way to kill a bunch of hours, these games don't really serve any purpose. For the Christian, they may spend hours in role play while neglecting Bible study, prayer, witnessing, and growing in the Faith.

That's where Community Kingdom comes in. Our vision is to create a RPG which is designed to engage the players in true spiritual cultivation. Here's how.

Quests

Instead of battling a completely fictional foe, the player will encounter various enemies which represent real spiritual enemies -- strongholds, addictions, temptations, and so-on. They will have to prepare for each enemy with the Word of God and Biblical principles for overcoming.

For example, someone might have a struggle with lust, or may have become addicted to pornography. While they may be too ashamed to speak with a Godly counselor or even visit a website which deals with that issue, they will encounter this enemy's RPG counterpart in the game. They will need to go on a quest involving Biblical studies and applications. And as they progress through the studies and real life applications, the enemy can be defeated. Both in the game and in their life.

You can fill in all the other blanks -- fear, procrastination, anger, etc.

How about witnessing? Sharing the Gospel can often be a frightening thing to do. And if someone's spending all their hours playing a computer game, sharing Christ is probably the last thing on their mind.

But in Community Kingdom, it's part of spiritual cultivation. First, the player is taken through training with Scriptures and techniques for sharing the Faith. This can be done through interactive methods, including Scripture reading, real life examples, simulated exercises, and even teaming up with other players to take turns role playing the witness and the lost. Of course the quest leads into real life application, which is necessary to complete the various witness-related quests.

The Lost

Of course the game is open to the public, many of whom do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is a requirement for citizenship of Community Kingdom, that you have dedicated your life to the service of the Great Emporer (Jehovah God) and his Son (Jesus Christ).

For the lost, this is their initiation. Not yet being qualified for citizenship, they have different enemies to battle: doubt, questions, negative experiences with the Church, fear, and so-on. Of course Jesus offers peace, joy, and true meaning and fulfillment, and giving your life to him is the only way to defeat the greatest enemy of the lost -- The Second Death.

Teamwork

Players will work in teams, encouraging one another to take the hard steps, praying for one another, discussing their studies and quests, and using the kind of teamwork spoken about in Scripture, as iron sharpens iron, building one another up in the Most Holy Faith.

Churches or youth groups could even have their own teams, strengthening relationships within the church body, and even going on real-life quests (such as witnessing) together.

Various teams will be able to interact as well, fostering a unity in Christ that goes beyond denominational boundaries.

Your Part

What role do you play in this? Of course you can register and be alerted by e-mail when the role playing carpet is "rolled out." And you can pray.

You can also help support this mission. The game will take a large number of man hours, and we have families to support. By purchasing hours, you are making this vision a reality.

Talk with your pastor, youth pastor, and others you believe will comprehend and catch this vision. Send them to this page. Let's make this a team effort.

Community Kingdom is an effort of Abundant Living Ministries, a 501(c)3 non-profit entity, so your donations are tax-deductible, with board accountability.

Click one of these links to get started: Monthly - One-Time

What You Get

If you make a one-time donation during this initial development period, we'll list you on a permanent page, along with a link to your business or organization.

If you become a monthly partner, we'll place a link to your business or organization both on a permanent page with your banner ad, and in permanent rotation on the website. If you sponsor at least 3 hours per month, we'll also give you a permanent team slot on the site.

Click one of these links to get started: Monthly - One-Time

New Album

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:28:40 -0500

Thursday, Jan 03, 2008 3:28 pm EST
Benjamin Faust

ORDERING:

Holy is the King

Better Get Right
Come Back Home
Coming to Set You Free
Dancin' On the Devil
Every Word of God
God's Still On the Throne
Planet Love
Rain Come Down
The First and the Best
The Gift
I'll Tell the Whole World

Peace for Jerusalem

Tour Guide Script

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 13:48:17 -0500

Sunday, Nov 25, 2007 1:48 pm EST
Benjamin Faust

1. Introduction

Hello. I see you're new to Second Life. Welcome!

2. Offer

I'm a tour guide and help new residents get acquainted to Second Life. Would you like a free tour?

YES: Okay, great. Just so you know, I'm part of a Christian group and the tour is on our group's island. During the tour, I'll help you with basic questions you might have about how to get around and do things in Second Life. Since our group is Christian, there are references during the tour to things in the Bible. If that's okay with you, we'll get started. Ready?

NO: Okay, maybe some other time. Would you like a welcome package as a free gift?

3. Transportation

First, I'll go to our welcome center, then I'll send you a teleport invitation. Just accept that when you get it, and we'll get started.

4. Orientation

This is Abundant Life Harbor. It's a PG area. There are two types of areas in Second Life: PG and Adult. In an Adult area, pretty much anything the sim owner allows is okay. In PG area, things such as nudity, sexual activity, and foul language aren't allowed.

Landmarks are an easy way to find a place you like so you can come back later. If you'd like to try this now, just go to World > Create Landmark Here.

Our first stop will be the garden. Let's go there now.

5. Tour

a. The Garden
This is

i. Creation of Man
ii. Purpose of Man (walking in the garden with God)
iii. Purpose of Woman (walking with man)
iv. The Temptation
v. The Separation from God
vi. Forshadowing of Reconciliation with God

b. The dokimos Cafe
i. Virtual Coffee
ii. Groups

c. The Rec Center
i. Games in SL
ii. Movies in SL
iii. Concerts and Dancing in SL
iv. Swimming in SL

d. The Crosses

i. Hebrews 10
ii. Born of a Virgin
iii. Lived a Sinless Life
iv. Crucified Between Two Thieves
v. Burried In a Borrowed Tomb
vi. Rose Bodily on the Third Day
vii. Ascended To Heaven
viii. Will Return Soon

e. Church

i. Foyer - free gifts
ii. Sanctuary - weekly services
iii. Fellowship Room
iv. Classrooms

a. Ames Bible College

b. Evangelism Classes

v. Prayer Room (from outside)

6. Invitation

a. To Pray

b. To Join The Group (if applicable)

c. To Attend the Next Service

d. To Return

7. Parting Gifts & Introductions in Circle

Balance Sheet

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 15:32:50 -0500

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 3:32 pm EST
Benjamin Faust

Expenses:

854 -rec
610 -rec
----------------
1464 -rec

17 -ent
50 -gas
80 -med
600 -gro
200 -msc
----------------
947 -tot

Summary:

1800 -in
2411 -out
----------------
-611 -def

Breakdown:

-611 /month
-153 /week

Our Symphony Content

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 07:27:46 -0500

Thursday, Nov 08, 2007 7:27 am EST
Benjamin Faust

What better gift could you give than that special one's very own song?

How Your Music is Created

First, you get to tell us all about your special someone -- their likes and dislikes, their personality traits, their hobbies, and any special little somethings that you really love about them.

Next, you get to tell us all about yourself. After all, we are only composing the music, but it's really from you. So we want to get to know a little more about you so the music can truly be a symphony created by and for the two of you.

Finally, we talk about what you both like in music -- what instruments really move you, what mood you want to set, and what message you want portrayed by the musical piece.

Hear a Sample

Go ahead and give it a try. Tell us about your someone special.

1. What is their name?
First Name:
Last Name:

2. What is ______'s gender?

3. What is your relationship with _______?

4. How long have you known ________?

5. Tell us your e-mail address so we can send you the results. Your e-mail is kept private and is not shared with any third parties.

6. Why would you like to compose music for ______ through us?

Policies Understanding Questionaire

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:00:16 -0500

Tuesday, Nov 06, 2007 10:00 am EST
Benjamin Faust

I was thinking of some ideas for perhaps a little questionnaire people complete to help them understand our policies. They could read the scenario, see their options, and choose one. It could then show them the result of their decision. At the end, each scenario could be compared with a policy.

Scenario: You are in the middle of the ocean and your ship has sunk. You are on a large chunk of floating wreckage, and people are swimming to you to escape the churning waters and the sharks. Someone climbs on and starts pushing others back into the water who are there and who are trying to come to safety. You have no rope or any other way to restrain him and everyone is too weak to subdue him in order to keep him safely on the floating wreckage.

Options: Your only options are to let this person stay and keep drowning those coming for help, or shove them into the water and let the current carry them away.

Answer:

a. Just let him stay.

b. Shove him into the water.

Results:

a. The bully ended up drowning several dozen men, women, and children, and then fell in the water and got eaten by a shark. At least you gave him a chance.

b. The bully ended up catching a floating log and is now serving time in prison. You saved dozens of people who otherwise would have drowned.

Other scenarios that make similar points, except make the multiple choices less obvious (the answers are obvious anyway).

Scenario: You have been put in charge of a sporting event, and have been given the task of writing the rules, with the condition that you must stay within certain guidelines already written. You have met with the team and experienced members, and together you've written rules that the team agrees are fair and effective and fit within the guidelines you have been instructed to follow. The game has begun, and the eyes of the audience are watching every move. Someone breaks one of the rules, and by your own rules you are supposed to suspend that player for that violation. However, someone in the audience gets mad at you and tells you that you are being unfair by enforcing that rule and suspending the player, and you should give him or her a second chance.

Options: You can abide by the rules that have been established and maintain standards, or you can let the opinions of anyone in the audience push the rules around and make a precedence of compromise.

Answer:

a. Let the player back in.

b. Stand by the rules and keep the player out.

Results:

a. You have set a precedence. The next time a rule is violated, that player and some of the audience will demand he or she not be panelized because the pervious player wasn't. The rules will become only suggestions, and the group eventually dissolves in chaos. You have made a serious blunder, and you'd better have some other type of work on your resume. You are considered an unprofessional loser.

b. You made one audience member mad, but you kept the structure of the game in tact. Other players learned from this action, and your team becomes strong and disciplined. You end up in the major leagues, and are numbered with the professionals.

Tour Guide Outline

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 09:39:08 -0500

Tuesday, Nov 06, 2007 9:39 am EST
Benjamin Faust

1. Introduction

2. Offer

3. Transportation

4. Orientation

5. Tour

a. The Garden

i. Creation of Man
ii. Purpose of Man (walking in the garden with God)
iii. Purpose of Woman (walking with man)
iv. The Temptation
v. The Separation from God
vi. Forshadowing of Reconciliation with God

b. The dokimos Cafe
i. Virtual Coffee
ii. Groups

c. The Rec Center
i. Games in SL
ii. Movies in SL
iii. Concerts and Dancing in SL
iv. Swimming in SL

d. The Crosses

i. Hebrews 10
ii. Born of a Virgin
iii. Lived a Sinless Life
iv. Crucified Between Two Thieves
v. Burried In a Borrowed Tomb
vi. Rose Bodily on the Third Day
vii. Ascended To Heaven
viii. Will Return Soon

e. Church

i. Foyer - free gifts
ii. Sanctuary - weekly services
iii. Fellowship Room
iv. Classrooms

a. Ames Bible College

b. Evangelism Classes

v. Prayer Room (from outside)

6. Invitation

a. To Pray

b. To Join The Group (if applicable)

c. To Attend the Next Service

d. To Return

7. Parting Gifts & Introductions in Circle

Non-Profit To-Do's

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:07:29 -0400

Monday, Oct 01, 2007 5:07 pm EST
Benjamin Faust

X	EIN - Employer Identification Number
X	Proposed Budget
X	Narrative Description of all past, present, and future activities
X	Articles of Organization
X	Notarized officer signatures

All Done!

e-Mail to Fax Services

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:09:39 -0400

Wednesday, Aug 01, 2007 12:09 pm EST
Benjamin Faust

I researched dozens of e-mail to fax services, and narrowed the results down to three. Based upon price balanced with functionality and suitability, sending and receiving faxes from email or email to fax, I ordered these top three in order of preference.

In my opinion, MyFax is the best of the three, and I highly recommend it if you want to send an e-mail as a fax, or even a Microsoft Office document, such as a Word document or Excel spreadsheet directly as a fax; or if you want to receive faxes directly into your e-mail.

MyFax also includes either a local or toll-free number at no extra charge, and the others do not seem to offer integration with Office or Outlook.

.
MyFax

http://myfax.myonlinestore.biz

Scheduled delivery option

Local or Toll-Free number at no extra charge

Integrates with Outlook

Integrates with Office

$10/month

up to 100 outgoing

up to 200 incoming

10 cents each fax over the limit, or choose another package

.
MaxEmail

http://maxemail.com/max/comp.html

Includes voicemail

$39.95 if sending from more than one e-mail

Doesn't mention integration with Outlook

Doesn't mention integration with Office

Doesn't mention scheduled delivery options

.
TrustFax

http://www.trustfax.com/trustfaxprouser.asp

Basic functionality

Toll-Free number

$9.95/month

Up to 150 incoming and outgoing (i.e. 75 in and 75 out)

Life: A short word that carries a lot of weight.......

Fri, 11 May 2007 04:51:21 -0400

Friday, May 11, 2007 4:51 am EST
Emily Mbelenga

I have been doing a lot of thinking, watching seasons and people come and go. Some are here today tomorrow they are gone. Some are not here today but tomorrow they will be here. That is life; today is not unlike yesterday yet so complete and unique in its own way. With each new day, new life form, new possibilities abound as to how one will spend each moment. Each day is like a chance to live afresh; a time to make amends where one had messed up. A time to love, to cherish and to support; a time to praise and worship God. The weekend of 5^th May 2007 was a sad one for Kenya. One of Kenya Airways planes crashed in Duala, Cameroon. Life lost, gone like a puff of smoke. This got me thinking (did I say that already?)Of the number of times that we board planes, cars, trains, ship, yachts, name it, to go to a specific destination. We take it for granted that we will get to our destination safely. This particular incidence and many more have taught me that I have got no right per se to be alive but my being alive is a privilege from the Most High, from God. Why are we alive and not the person who passed on in the crash or the person who passed on the week before this one? There must be a reason for this, a purpose that we are to fulfill. If we search deep within ourselves we will find this purpose and of course through the guidance of God. There is so much hate, pain and suffering. No wonder the mention of God and Salvation elicits so much controversy and criticism. For it is easy to bury one’s head in the sand like the proverbial ostrich and say that life has got no meaning and if it does have a meaning then “I will find this meaning on my own”. What a mistake: and the sad bit is we never realize the folly of our ways until it is too late, or almost too late to make amends.I have tried to live life on my own; being directed by my flesh, by my whims by my desires. For 22 years I lived like this; and I was one unhappy person, yet outwardly I appeared as one who has got it all. I took a step of faith and decided to let a Higher Being guide me; one who knows me better than I do one who guides and protects me and yet allows me to make my own choices. One who shows me the path to follow but lets me choose whether to follow it or not. He has never forced me to do anything, He only lays things on the table and I make the choice. However, I can allow Him to choose for me, again a choice, one that I have found to be the most fulfilling for my choices are limited by human weaknesses while His choices are not limited.He is a friend; a confidante and a companion and I must say that I do not regret even for a moment my decision to ascribe to a higher power other than my own. But I digress; dear Journal. I want to talk about Life Journeys, and how each moment we live, whether we live it right or not is gone forever. It will go down in memory and will never be erased. We can never recover or change a life that has already been lived. I say this to myself then, “let me live each day as if it were my last, to be right with my God, and my fellow man. To be there for my family, to love without inhibitions, to cry when I am hurt, to tell those close to me that I love them, to smile and be happy, to be nice to people because it does not cost me anything, and in the final analysis not to judge anyone no matter how they live, what they do, what they don’t do: being as I am outside their situation can I really claim to be conversant with their facts??? Can any one of us really claim to understand the situation of another if we do not understand our own too well?? To all my friends, I say, life is what you make it (I know that is a cliché but it sounds apt for what I want to sayJ)Seize the moment, every second, every minute is precious, do not let it go to waste. We are here today tomorrow we will not be here. Let us love, let us care JEmily J

What the Lord Keeps doing for me....

Fri, 04 May 2007 07:10:25 -0400

Friday, May 04, 2007 7:10 am EST
Emily Mbelenga

Sometimes I sit down and marvel at the goodness of the Lord. What He has done for me and what he is continuously doing are things to behold. I look at my life now constantly. I remember Emily, a year or so ago; and the Emily now. I can not deny what the Lord has done for me. Psalms 27: 4 “One thing will I ask of the Lord, one thing have I desired, that I will dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. To behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire at His temple” Previously I would have looked at this piece of Scripture without much thought….but now I understand what the Psalmist meant when he said these words. There is nothing as beautiful as living life governed by Christ. Obeying Him and seeking to follow His will While going through scripture reading a while back a ‘curious’ theme seemed stands out. In Isaiah 58 God mentions that we should feed the hungry and in Psalms 41: 1: Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in times of trouble.This got me thinking…..of the times that I have worried for my self and my family and forgot that there are many people out there who are hungry….in-fact I have met some of these people first hand and interacted with them. I had even purposed to visit some, but never got round to doing it.I have purposed in my heart to start doing this. I guess I need to pray for got to give me His strength and Grace to be able to follow through.I know that I am nothing without you Lord. Please don’t ever allow me to walk away from your glory, be the rock and the stronghold of my life for as long as I live.

What the Lord Keeps doing for me....

Fri, 04 May 2007 07:08:16 -0400

Friday, May 04, 2007 7:08 am EST
Emily Mbelenga

Christian Excellence

Thu, 12 Apr 2007 10:22:48 -0400

Thursday, Apr 12, 2007 10:22 am EST
Benjamin Faust

Just about anything that is done today is done amongst the company of countless others doing the same thing. Especially with the reach of the Internet, it has become very difficult for what you do to stand out and shine.

It can be very difficult to see your own work objectively. What we produce often seems wonderful to us simply because we produced it. And the landscape is full of work that seems wonderful to each creator, but looks like "just another such-and-such" to everyone else besides our close friends and relatives.

The question arises, how can we see our work more objectively? And another, perhaps more important question is, what should our standard be, and why?

Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "Whatever you do in word or in deed, do all to the glory of God." What level of excellence brings glory to God? And are we striving for that level?

If what we're doing is "good enough" to us, that's a pretty good indicator that it is not good enough. If we're aiming for a standard that is higher than where we currently are, then we're stagnant, we're not moving forward, and chances are we're mediocre at best.

Even if what we do is excellent, a cut above the rest, should we be satisfied? Sure, a pat on the back is important. Looking at something we worked hard to achieve and breathing a sigh of satisfaction is very productive, and will motivate us to do it again. But as we prepare for our next job or production or creation, we should be thinking, "How can I do even better than last time?"

This is one reason it's so important to have a high standard, one higher than you have already reached. This is called growth. This is called movement. This is called excellence.

The one who beats him or her self up over their idea that their work is never good enough, is a miserable person indeed. Take time to appreciate the level where you are right now. It's okay to make mistakes, as long as we strive to do better next time.

I don't believe God is calling us to be perfectionists. However, I do believe God is calling us to strive for perfection. There is an important difference there.

Why is it so important that we are constantly improving and striving for a higher mark? It is because whatever we do in the name of the Lord is a reflection in others' minds of who we represent. If what we do shines, then the name of the Lord will shine as well. If what we do is just another "such and such," then the name of the Lord will be seen as just another of many names.

So let's strive for the mark. Let's go beyond where we are now. Let's reach for the next level. And our personal satisfaction with what we do will rise, and we will bring glory and honor to the name of Jesus Christ.

Whatever you do in word or in deed, do all for the glory of God! Amen.

MRS BERT

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:15:13 -0400

Thursday, Mar 29, 2007 12:15 am EST
Roberta Andrew

Flight

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 23:33:39 -0400

Tuesday, Mar 20, 2007 11:33 pm EST
Rebecca Saltz

Let me tell you of a dream

I dreamed last night.

Me and Jesus took a little flight.

Oh, my friend,

it was a wonderful sight!

He came for me on a cloud,

so soft, so white,

and the angels were singing with all their might.

Just then, I began to see, others joining me.

One by one they did all pile on.

Shouts of joy rang out

as we left this ole world of sin and doubt.

In a might, but loving voice,

Jesus spoke to all of us.

"Welcome home my little ones.

In my Father's house you shall all stay.

Rejoice in your reunion, run, laugh, and play!"

Envision my dream and surely you will see

that bleeding hand holding onto me.

On that cloud, with Jesus, I could see

all that He has promised me.

Listen to me, my friend,

for Jesus is coming soon

and doesn't wish upon you Satin's fiery tomb.

Believe in Him now

before He gives that shout,

or you will surely be

one of many

Christ must leave without.

saltz, Rebecca (copy write protected)

--Re: Flight

Thu, 03 May 2007 18:34:09 -0400

Thursday, May 03, 2007 6:34 pm EST
Rick Wittner

I dont even know where to start.

I felt goosebumps go right down my back, reading your poem. That was totally awesome.

You have one heck of a talent I'm telling ya,right there. Keep up the good work

Your Friend

Rick

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 18:56:03 -0400

Thursday, Mar 15, 2007 6:56 pm EST
Ziyad Bannoura

How To Bring Up Children For God
Scripture Reading: Judges 13:1-8

Text: Judges 13:8

Judges 13:8 Then Manoah intreated the LORD, and said, O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born.

Introduction: The message this morning is called, "How To Bring Up Children For God." As my title implies, I do believe that it CAN be DONE. If my children depart from the faith, it doesn't cast a bad reflection upon this message, but rather upon this preacher and his ability to raise children. At present both of my daughters are grown and are serving the Lord. One is the church pianist, and the other is the church organist. Both ladies teach Sunday School classes. Both ladies work on a bus. Both ladies love God and serve Him. Now listen: That did NOT happen by ACCIDENT; it happened on PURPOSE.

Parents today don't have a CLUE about raising children. They don't know HOW.

America is in trouble. It is in MUCH worse moral shape than it was 50 years ago. I know that mankind has been wicked since the fall in the garden of Eden, but children in our country are more wicked today than they were in the 1950s. They are more violent. They are more rebellious. They are more promiscuous and morally corrupt.

This is also true of the children of Christians! Beloved, let's don't let our kids go to the devil! Listen to me! I'm here today to tell you that GOD has a way for you to bring your children up for HIM if you will just take the time, responsibility, and diligence to DO it! Manoah prayed, " O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst send come again unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the child that shall be born."

This message is to parents, but it will benefit us all to remind ourselves of what God says about bringing up children.

First, if you want to bring up your children for God:

I. CLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR RAISING THEM
Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

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

It is not the job of the state to raise your children, no matter what they may say.

It doesn't take a neighborhood to raise your children, in spite of what a wicked politician may say.

A. God gave them to you in trust
They belong to HIM.

He has placed them in your care.

In the midst of all of the violence committed by children in recent years, I would like to see one politician or news commentator who would lay some responsibility on the PARENTS, and not just on the other school kids, the environment, etc.

B. God gave them to you for a time
Parents should train children to be good adults, not to be old, immature children.

C. God gave them to you for a task
God didn't give you children JUST so that you could enjoy them.

He gave them to you to train for HIM. That brings me to my next point:

II. CHART A COURSE FOR THEM
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

A. Train them to submit
They must learn to respect authority in infancy.

I believe that a child who is taught to obey and respect authority is more likely to trust Christ and be saved at an early age.

Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

B. Train them to serve
After a child learns to be obedient, he needs to be taught that the most fulfilling position of all is that of a servant.

This includes teaching them to work!

C. Train them to stand
One of the most important things to train our children is to resist the enticement to do evil.

See Proverbs 1.

III. COMMAND THEM IN THE WAY OF THE LORD
Genesis 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

A. Embrace the example of Abraham
Command them as he did

B. Expect obedience
C. Examine the results
Bible reading

House chores

IV. CORRECT THEM WHEN THEY DO WRONG
Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Proverbs 19:18 Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.

Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

A. Do it with control
If you don't have your temper under control, put off the spanking.

B. Do it with concern
Love your child.

According to Prov. 13:24, you hate your child if you don't whip him when he needs it.

C. Do it with consistency
Don't give in.

Don't put it off and forget.

Let him see the "correct" way in the way that YOU live, especially you fathers!

V. CONTROL AND RESTRAIN THEM
1 Samuel 3:13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

A. Restrain their actions
It doesn't surprise me what children do. Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child.

What surprises me is what parents ALLOW their children to do.

STOP your child's wrong actions!

B. Restrain their attitudes
C. Restrain their amusements
Don't let them enjoy something that is sinful. Stop them, and punish them.

D. Restrain their associations. Unless their associations are godly, Bible-believing, fundamental, independent Baptists who are serving God ...
Say NO to them and your neighbors who want them to spend the night!

Say NO to them and to your relatives who want them to spend the weekend!

Say NO to them and their friends who want them to go to the fair or to the ball game!

VI. CHOOSE THEIR INFLUENCES
Proverbs 13:20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

A. Choose a godly environment
"Veto" the wrong buddies or companions. See Prov. 13:20.

Don't put a TV, telephone, or Internet connection in his room.

Get him in the right kind of church, and in the right church!

B. Choose godly entertainment
Don't let him have unrestricted use of the television.

My children never attended a movie.

They never went to a dance.

C. Choose a godly education
VII. CALL UPON GOD

Job 1:5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

A. Pray for their salvation
Start praying before they are born, and keep praying until they are born again!

B. Pray for their strength
Ephesians 3:14-16 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Strength to witness boldly

Strength to resist temptation

C. Pray for their spiritual understanding
Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Pray for their eyes to be enlightened

Pray for them to get a grip on the word of God ... on truth

Pray that they will see the difference between temporal things and eternal things

Children don't have to ruin your life. They don't have to cause misery. They don't have to end up in jail and make you re-mortgage your house to get them out. You can have children that will bring you joy.

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 18:50:07 -0400

Thursday, Mar 15, 2007 6:50 pm EST
Ziyad Bannoura

I am Ziyad Gregory Bannoura,I am from the city of Bethlehem where Our Lord Jesus Christ was born, I am an Arab Christian, I am a born again Christian since 1981 , I am now 44 years old , I am married and have two children , my daughter is 18 and my son is 14 years old we are all beleivers and born again , I am a youth pastor , I do serve at my church ( First Baptist Church of Bethlehem ) also Iam the director of the Christian Youth House in Bethlehem www.freewebs.com/youthhouse/index.htm ,you may visit our website and see all about what this ministry that God gave to me to do.
I want also to thank you for your prayers , we need prayers here That God may be glorified in this part of the world and that we may have real peace in the Middle East, I hope to hear from you again , may God bless you in Jesus Name , Amen .
Your brother in Christ,
Ziyad bannoura

Iraq War About to End

Tue, 06 Feb 2007 09:04:28 -0500

Tuesday, Feb 06, 2007 9:04 am EST
Benjamin Faust

The Pentagon announced TODAY the formation of a new 500-man elite fighting unit called the United States Redneck Special Forces (USRSF)

These CAROLINA boys will be dropped off into Iraq and have been given ONLY the following facts about terrorists :

1. The season opened today. 2. There is no limit. 3. They taste just like chicken 4. They don't like beer, pickups, country music or Jesus. 5. They are directly responsible for the death of Dale Earnhardt.

The Pentagon expects the problem in Iraq to be over by Friday.

War

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 17:34:53 -0500

Tuesday, Dec 05, 2006 5:34 pm EST
Ziyad Bannoura

Did you know that we are in a war? Everywhere we look we see the casualties. Every day we see people falling from disease, divorce, and tragedy. Looking around at all this suffering, we may think that the battles are being lost in hospitals and divorce courts—but, in reality, we are losing the earlier, more important conflicts on the battlefield of our minds.

Our minds are being bombarded daily with a constant stream of little nagging thoughts, suspicions, doubts, fears, wonderings, and theories. While any one of these can cause defeat and devastation, many of us are plagued by more than one. Our lives have become filled with daily mental battles against a variety of aggressors.

Because we fail to identify the battlefield, we also fail to correctly identify our foe. We tend to believe that men are our problem, or women, the system, money, or religion. In order to defend ourselves, we build up strongholds in our minds. Strongholds are areas of thinking based not on truth but lies. These strongholds, instead of protecting us, actually imprison us and hold us hostage. Because of the presence of these strongholds, we continue to believe lies and make important decisions based on our deception.

Let me give you an example of how strongholds of wrong thinking can destroy a marriage. Mary and her husband, John, are not enjoying a happy marriage. There is strife between them all the time. They are angry, bitter, and resentful. Now their two children are starting to show signs of being affected by all the dissension in the home. One of the kids is even developing stomach problems brought on by all of the conflict.

Mary's problem is that she doesn't know how to let John be the head of their family. She is bossy—she wants to make all the decisions, handle the finances, and discipline the children. She wants to work so she will have her "own" money. She is independent, loud, and demanding. Mary knows that her attitude is wrong, and she wants to change. She's been in counseling, and she is constantly asking for prayer that God would help her with her anger, rebellion, unforgiveness, resentment, and bitterness. But she hasn't seen any improvement. Why?

Over the years, Mary has built up strongholds in her mind. Mary can't control her actions because she can't control her thoughts. She can't control her thoughts because of the strongholds in her mind—strongholds that were built very early in her life.

As a child, Mary had an extremely domineering father. For years she suffered helplessly as her father mistreated her and her mother. He was disrespectful in all his ways except toward Mary's brother who could do no wrong. It seemed as if he was favored just because he was a boy. By the time she was sixteen, the strongholds in Mary's mind were firmly established. The stronghold of lies went like this: "Men really think they're something. They are all alike, and you can't trust any of them. They will hurt you and take advantage of you." As a result, Mary's mind was made up: "When I get away from home, nobody is ever going to push me around again!"

Before Mary can ever have victory in her life and peace in her marriage, she will have to tear down the strongholds that are ruling her thinking. Do you see yourself in Mary's life? Many of us have given in to these deceptions at one time or another. How can these strongholds be torn down? We must be willing to receive the light of TRUTH in our minds. Our search for truth begins in God's Word, which says that the truth will set us free (see John 8:32). This means we can be free from bondage, sin, and the strongholds in our minds. But just searching for truth won't set us free, we must be courageous enough to BELIEVE the truth.

Even though truth is revealed, it's sometimes hard to accept. It is a painful process to face our deceptions and deal with them. It's so easy to allow our past and how we were raised to negatively affect us for the rest of our lives. Our past may explain why we're suffering, but we must not use it as an excuse to stay in bondage. You may have some major strongholds in your life that need to be torn down. Let me encourage you by saying, "God is on your side." There is a war going on, and your mind is the battlefield. But the good news is that God is fighting on your side!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Grace Of God Is Your Answer

"The greater the strength of the enemy, the greater the honour of the conqueror." - Matthew Henry

The Scriptures speak of the "exceeding riches" of God's grace.
Ephesians 1:7 says - "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace."
Ephesians 2:7 says - "That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
2 Corinthians 9:14 mentions - "And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you."

"Exceeding riches of His grace" - These riches are superabounding and overflowing. They are manifested in acts of benevolence and goodness towards those who generally do not deserve them.

God demonstrated the "riches of His grace" when He redeemed us from Satan's power through His shed blood, cleansed us from all sin, and delivered us from its dominion and reign.

Any time that we demonstrate a Christian and charitable disposition toward others, it must always be attributed to the "exceeding grace of God" that is operating in us. God is the author of all grace. All goodness, emanating from our lives, must be traced back to Him. This cannot be stressed too much. We must always remember that He and He alone is worthy to receive all glory, honor, and praise.

Notice that the Scriptures emphasize that the riches of God's Grace are "exceeding." They are transcending, surpassing, excelling, rich, bountiful, lavish, abundant, and generous. Consequently, we should never cringe in fear at any time when we approach God for His Grace. We should come boldly, knowing that He has a supply that will never run dry.
Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

* Today, are you struggling with sin?

Are you -
.....being tempted with lust, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, pornography, or perversion?
.....actually involved in an illicit sexual relationship?
.....seemingly overcome by feelings of unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, malice, hatred, and even murder toward someone who has hurt, abused, and injured you, or caused you and your family much trouble and heartache?
.....driven by a spirit of greed and covetousness? Obsessed with the desire to have more and more of this world's money and goods?
.....plagued with a hot temper? Little things upset you and cause you to react in a rage. Or maybe you are a very controlling person who cannot stand to have things not go your way.

Or does pride reign in your life? You consider yourself better than others because of your looks, talents, financial status, education, position on the job or in Church, etc.
Or do you strive with everyone, being jealous and envious of other's blessings because you feel that you deserve them?

What is the answer to this battle with Sin?

Romans 5:20 tells us - "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound."

No matter which sin or sins you are struggling with today, you must understand that the Grace of God to overcome them is available to you. Wherever and whenever sin seems to be overwhelmingly powerful, reigning, and controlling, the Grace of God is more so. Sin may be abounding, but the Grace of God is much more abounding.

Let Faith arise in your heart today, knowing that God's Grace is there for you. Cry out to Jesus and ask Him for His abounding Grace.

His Grace -
.....will move you to repent and turn from all sin.
.....will break the chains of darkness that are over your soul.
.....will cause you to taste Victory for a change, rather than defeat.
.....will make you more than a conqueror.
.....will give you the power to be an overcomer.

Through His Grace, that sin or those sins will become a thing of the past. Amen & Amen.

* Are you struggling with feelings of discouragement, depression, despair, hopelessness, defeat and failure? Is your mind tormented with thoughts of worry, fear, and anxiety about the future of your family, job, or ministry?

Romans 5:17 tells us - "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ.)"

All those who "receive abundance of grace" "shall reign in life by One, Jesus Christ."
The question you need to ask is - Have I received "abundance of grace" ? If you are saved, yes, you surely did. You not only received "grace" but an "abundance of grace."

Hence, the Scripture tells us that you "shall reign in life." In other words, in every circumstance or situation that comes your way, you "shall reign."

By Whom shall you reign in this life and in the life to come? "By One, Jesus Christ." How will He cause you to "reign"? Through the "abundance of grace" that will be poured out upon you by the Word of God and prayer that you avail yourself to in each situation.

Therefore, look at the problems that you are presently facing. Get into the Word and pray like never before for the "abundance of grace" to be manifested on your behalf. God will bring you through unto Victory. You are not supposed to be under the circumstances. God called you to be over each one. He called you to "reign" right in the midst of your troubles.

What is the answer for this oppression that is attacking your soul?
The "abundance of Grace" that is "by One, Jesus Christ."

* At this moment, are you battling sickness, infirmity, or an affliction of some sort? Is pain your constant companion? Have you cried out to Jesus for deliverance only to meet with silence in return?

God works in mysterious ways His wonders to unfold. His ways are so far above ours. His thoughts are so different from ours.

Why doesn't God heal everyone at their first heart cry? Only He can answer that question. But we know of a surety, based on the Word of God, that He is a Healer and desires that all be healed.

So what is the reason for the delay? Why does the manifestation take so long in coming?

God has reasons that are beyond us, but in exchange for your wait, He will supply you with His Powerful Grace.

2 Corinthians 12:9 tells us - "And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness..."

God promises you that that certain affliction will not be permitted to prevail. In fact, the greater the attack of Satan, the greater the grace and power to withstand it.

Job 13:15 - God receives utmost glory from a people who not only praise and serve Him in health and wealth, but can declare before all as Job did - "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him..."

Anyone can praise Him when they are up on the mountain top - when all is going well. But where are those who can bless Him while in the valley of tribulation when "all hell is breaking loose" all around them?

Using fiery trials, God proves His people. He promises to never place more on you than you can bear. Ephesians 6:13 - His Grace is His power that enables you "to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

What is the answer when the calamity that you prayed and prayed against is not removed? God's Grace is sufficient. It will uphold you as He works His loveliness and perfection into your character.

* Are you struggling in the ministry? Do the hearts of the people seem to be so hardened to the Gospel message? Are the people dead, dry, and asleep spiritually?
Luke 5:5 - Like Peter, do you feel as though you have toiled all night with no results?

Acts 4:33 says - "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all."
1 Peter 4:10 says - "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

All ministers are "good stewards of the manifold grace of God." God has endued them with certain gifts and endowments to match the assigned task.

Through seasons of waiting on the Lord in prayer, fasting, and serious study of the Scriptures, God pours out His "great grace" which enables His servants in their preaching of the Gospel to push back the opposing forces of darkness and set the captives free from any and all bondages. Glorious miracles occur as a result of this "great grace" that rests upon them.

What is the answer for the spiritual lethargy that is felt among so many of God's people in today's churches? The answer lies in the preachers, as "good stewards of the manifold grace of God," getting alone with God and seeking Him for "great grace." This divine favor will bring power and glorious results to all of their endeavors.

God's Grace is your answer.

No matter in which situation you find yourself, it will always see you through to Victory.
And as Matthew Henry once commented - "The greater the strength of the enemy, the greater the honour of the conqueror."

God's Power will always prevail.

Jesus said that in this life we will have ordeals (John 16:33).

He also promises He will be with us through the storms.

A song written by C.A. Tindley touches on this.

STAND BY ME

When the storms of life are raging, Stand by me;
When the storms of life are raging, Stand by me.
When the world is tossing me Like a ship upon the sea;
Thou who rulest wind and water, Stand by me.

In the midst of tribulations, Stand by me;
In the midst of tribulations, Stand by me;
When the hosts of hell assail, and my strength begins to fail,
Thou who never lost a battle, Stand by me.

In the midst of faults and failures, Stand by me;
In the midst of faults and failures, Stand by me;
When I do the best I can, And my friends misunderstand,
Thou who knowest all about me, Stand by me.

In the midst of persecution, Stand by me;
In the midst of persecution, Stand by me;
When my foes in battle array Undertake to stop my way,
Thou who saved Paul and Silas, Stand by me.

When I'm growing old and feeble , Stand by me;
When I'm growing old and feeble, Stand by me;
When my life becomes a burden, And I'm nearing chilly Jordan,
O Thou "Lily of the Valley," Stand by me.

THE SIN OF INCONSISTENCY

"What you are in public will never blind God to what you are in private." - John Blanchard

How would you define Inconsistency? Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines it as - "not persistent, lacking firmness of constitution or character, and lacking harmony of conduct and practice
with profession."

Read and observe once again that last definition of Inconsistency - "lacking harmony of conduct or practice with profession."

This reminds us of a very popular adage which says - "Practice What You Preach."

Nothing seems to turn people away from Christianity more than Inconsistency - observing a people who say one thing yet do another. This is deadly, yet it is very prevalent today and has brought great reproach to the cause of Christ.

Yes, Inconsistency in a Christian's walk with the Lord is very detrimental to the cause of Christ.

Read what three preachers had to say about this particular Sin -

J.A. Motyer is quoted as saying - "The damage of the sin of Inconsistency in the life of the Christian is that it sours even our worship of God."

J.C. Ryle said - "The natural man cannot be expected to love the gospel, but let us not disgust him by Inconsistency."

Lastly, A.W. Tozer once said - "The glaring disparity between theology and practice among professing Christians is a more destructive evil in its effect upon the Christian religion than Communism, Romanism and liberalism combined."

The Scriptures give us several examples of Inconsistency. Let's break them down into three categories -

1. Say And Do Not

Romans 2:21-23 - "Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?"

These are the people who have a very substantial knowledge of the Word of God.
They can preach like a House Of Fire, teach with great clarity of speech, exegete any passage of the Scriptures, and quote Scripture after Scripture, impressing many with their command of the Word of God. Their sermons are masterpieces of Biblical and literary art.
They know right from wrong, yet in all contradiction, they fail to apply all their knowledge to their own lifestyle. Like the Pharisees, They say and do not.

How can it be possible -
....for someone to preach and teach to others and not learn himself?
....to preach against stealing, adultery, or idolatry and yet be guilty of the same sin?
....to preach the law to others and yet dishonor God by breaking the law himself?

Oh, It is Possible! It has happened, and is even happening today. Sad to say - there are many preachers who are preaching against Sin in pretence, yet living a life of Sin behind closed doors! Man does not see it, but God does!

Numbers 32:23 - The Scripture warns - "...be sure your Sin will find you out."

The Sin Of Inconsistency! How deceitful it is!

2. Judge Others / Exclude Self

Romans 2:1 - "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things."
Matthew 7:3 - "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"

Here we have two Scriptures which depict Judging others.
We want to especially notice the Spiritual Blindness in the one who is passing judgment on others.
What gross deception one must be under to be able to criticize, run down, or condemn another for something that he is guilty of doing himself.

This just does not make sense to condemn someone for a sin that one is guilty of himself.
We must remember though that Sin is very deceitful. It will cause an individual to recognize itself in others yet blind itself in one's own life.

Read the following excerpts from the Encyclopedia Of Sermon Illustrations for further illustration of this point -

"A family was on its way home from church. The father was criticizing the sermon, the mother was finding fault with the choir, and the sister was running down the organist. They all quieted down in a hurry when little Jimmy piped up and said, ' I thought it was a pretty good show for a dime.' "

"We look at our neighbor's errors with a microscope and at our own through the wrong end of a telescope. We have two sets of weights and measures, one for home use and the other for foreign. Every vice has two names; we call it by its flattering and minimizing name when we commit it and by its ugly name when our neighbor does it."

The Sin Of Inconsistency! How deceitful it is!

3. Talk The Talk / Do Not Walk The Walk

Luke 6:46 - "And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
Titus 1:16 - "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."

Here we have the words of the Lord Jesus and the Apostle Paul. Both bring out the disparity between some so-called believer's confession and their actions.

How can one call Jesus "LORD" which means Ruler, Master, King, and Possessor of All - yet refuse to do what He says? How can one profess to be walking with God, yet have works that are detestable, loathsome, unbelieving, disobedient, disloyal, and rebellious in his life?

The only explanation is the Sin of Inconsistency, and believe me - It Is Very Deceitful!

Nehemiah 5:9 - At this point, the words of Nehemiah ring out loud and clear - "...It is not good that ye do..."
Romans 2:24 - The Apostle Paul adds - "For THE NAME OF GOD IS BLASPHEMED AMONG THE GENTILES THROUGH YOU..."

Because of the Inconsistency that is so widespread among God's chosen people, the Name of God is reviled; The Gospel is treated with contempt; The Things of God are scorned, ridiculed, and disdained.

What is the answer to this Evil and Wickedness among those professing Christianity?

Once again, we refer to Nehemiah 5:9 to find our answer - "...ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?"

The answer to Inconsistency among God's people is the Good Old-Fashioned Fear Of God.

The answer is for all preachers and teachers of God's Word to preach the Fear of God like never before. Proverbs 23:17 - The answer is for the people of God to "...be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long."

Proverbs 8:13 tells us - "The Fear of the LORD is to hate evil..."

Hence, the Fear of the LORD is to hate Inconsistency; that is, to hate it enough to rid it completely out of our lives.

May God Bless His Word.

Brethren

Your call to serve the Lord is a divine assignment your call is Spiritual, it is not something that men can understand, for Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. Sometimes people do mistake their calling or sometimes people do have personal callings, or communal calling, but the calling of the work of God, is by God, and where God gives a divine assignment, He follows it with a divine backing. Gen 28:13-15

15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 26Brothers, 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. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things -- and the things that are not -- to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him. God is not a respecter of persons.

Your calling is an act of God, not human process. No human can dictate your calling except the one who called you; Humans will come to confirm His word or correct you, Like King David 2Sam the man of God Nathan came to correct David but not to take away the ministry. He who gave it, is the one to take and will do so, when it is accomplished, for the word of God does not return empty handed. Praise God. I cannot call anybody into my ministry, if I do so, then I will give them my will, which is not the will of the Father. But to those who have been called and given the gifts to serve in this ministry will proceed with the anointing of the Lord in all the work that they do.

Discover your Ministry brethren. You have to receive the call first so that the men of God can confirm it, I say this because there are people that admire others and want to be like them and hence make it their calling. This is deception; your call is not to make you a stereotype of someone, but a true messenger of God. God calls you because you have a burden for His work. God will call you for His own reasons. When you carry this burden, God will prepare you until such time that He will call you to serve. So you have to wait upon the Lord and not runaway with the burden. For example, before Moses was called, He had a burden for the Israelites in slavery. Though he had a royal upbringing, but He carried this burden with Him. God called Him later in his life Exodus 3:8/10/12

Moses Run away with the Burden and killed an Egyptian, if you misinterpret the burden, you might do something that is not the will of God. But when Moses finally was called and directed by God, the bible in Num 12:3 3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.) Moses had divine backing too.

Another thing, every call has a message. There is no way that He will call you and not say anything. His call is an assignment, and the assignment must be with a message or a directive to His people. Moses called to deliver, perhaps today if he were here his church would be called “Deliverance” Because His message was to deliver God’s people from slavery and lead them to the land of promise. What is the cry for your battle, what message do you deliver? Because God has called you to serve, God has called so that you might be joined and compacted in the body of Christ. A body is made up of many components/parts. Some are hands, some are legs etc, just like in the Church of Christ some are pastors, some are musicians, some are preachers, some are healers, but they all called to task for the glory of God.

The name of the Church or Ministry will often carry the message given to the man of God. You cannot separate the name from the Ministry. Discover your ministry for the glory of God.

Committed to Spreading the Gospel; Planting seeds of Faith, Harvesting souls for Christ Jesus

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------C'mon, Church!
Lift Him Up!

"A student of ancient Greek in an English university surprised his teacher by his rapid grasp of the subject. When asked if someone were helping him, he mentioned his uncle. The professor said he'd like to meet him, and a date was set. The teacher was astonished with the uncle's knowledge of Greek. 'What work do you do?' he asked. 'I'm an itinerant preacher. I preach God's Word.' Dismayed that such a gifted man should waste his time preaching, the professor blurted out, 'Man, you're a fool!' The wise preacher retorted, ' In which world, Professor?' " - Illustrations Of Bible Truths

Psalm 113:4 tells us - "The LORD is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens."

In other words, He and He alone is exalted over all. He is the Sovereign King, ruling over all people and directing their affairs. No one can equal Him and none can compare to His Infinite Greatness.

Psalm 19:1 goes on to say - "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handiwork."

Through His awesome handiwork and creation, we get an impression of His Greatness and Majesty. The sun, moon, stars, galaxies, etc. as well as the firm and fixed celestial expanse - "the firmament" - in which they are embedded, manifest His Excellent Wisdom, Power, and Skill.

As long as the earth is filled with the many wonders of His works, all creation will praise Him for His Glory -
Psalm 104:31 - "The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever..."

Hence, the Scriptures admonish us as His people to -
Psalm 29:2 - "Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name..."

This is actually the nature of true worship.
We ascribe to God that which is properly His due - that which belongs to Him alone - the "glory due His name." We acknowledge His Mighty Strength. We praise Him for His Infinite Majesty and Irresistible Power.

In his prayer, found in Psalm 115:1, David indirectly informed us that we were not the ones deserving of glory and praise - Only God alone! - "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth's sake."

Boasting of any kind for any reason is excluded. Any successes or blessings that we enjoy must always be attributed to the Greatness and Benevolence of our God. Any good done by us must be ascribed to the Power of His Amazing Grace.

Yet, we see in our day such an arrogance among so many. Most are neglecting the Lord and trusting in three general areas for security - their wealth, education, and strength. When trouble comes their way, they immediately assess their resources in light of these three areas to see if they will be able to make it through the "tough" times.

Things were no different in the time of the Prophet Jeremiah. Here were a people who were backslidden. Through the Prophet, the Lord was warning them of judgment to come.

Did they change their ways, turn around, and pursue God with all of their hearts?

No, in fact, the Scriptures inform us that, upon hearing of the inevitability of God's judgment, coming upon them for their backslidden ways, they endeavored to shelter themselves from any and all conviction of sin by pleading the defense of their "wisdom," "might," and "riches."

We see this illustrated in Jeremiah's admonition to the people, found in Jeremiah 9:23 - "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches..."

Notice that God had been totally left out of this picture. Instead of relying on "vain things" for safety from calamity and distress, the people should have made God their one and only confidence -
Jeremiah 9:24 -"But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD."

After all, one thing these people forgot is the fact that God is the Fountain of all Good and that it is from Him that such blessings as "wisdom," "might," and "riches" come. Instead of depending on the Source of every "good and perfect gift," they looked to these three items for happiness and security.

As we look upon our world today, we cannot help but see the same tendencies. So many - even those in the Body of Christ - are more concerned about developing "a safety zone" around their lives through education, strength, or money at the total expense of their relationship with God. Hence, when trouble comes their way, they immediately resort to carnal means rather than trusting in the Lord to see them through.

Some are even as bold as to think that they can escape the fiery indignation or wrath of God by carnal means. Somehow they are made to believe that they can outwit the Almighty and escape from His wrath and punishment for their idolatrous ways. They think that their resources can cause them to flee His judgments. What utter delusion!

"...But let him that glorieth glory in this..." - O Christian! In who or what are you placing your trust? In who or what are you boasting today?

Are you exulting in your education...your strength or might...your savings account?
Do you feel secure in having certain "connections" or resources to fall upon in troublesome times?

Suppose you lose it all? Or suppose a problem would arise in your life for which your fine education, great wisdom and skills, good health or physical stamina, and abundant finances had no solution? What would become of you then?

In Jeremiah's day, God's people were so caught up with the pursuit of "wisdom," "might," and "riches" whereby they became totally blinded to their spiritual state. They failed to see that they no longer were in covenant with God due to their evil ways. Judgment was on the horizon and yet, they were "glorying" in the vanities of this life.

"...But let him that glorieth glory in this..." - O Christian! If you are not "glorying" in the fact that you know the Lord personally, then no doubt you are pursuing after "vain things" that cannot deliver nor save you from trouble.

1 Corinthians 1:29 says - "That no flesh should glory in His presence."
1 Corinthians 1:31 adds - "That, according as it is written, HE THAT GLORIETH, LET HIM GLORY IN THE LORD."

Where God is at work, there is never any pretence for boasting on man's part. The Holy Spirit makes sure of that!

1 Corinthians 1:27-28 - In His "world" or kingdom, He uses or "chooses" the "foolish," "weak," "base," and "despised" "things" to "confound" or "bring to nought things that are" - the "wise" and "mighty."

1 Corinthians 1:31 - In His "world," everything is ascribed to the Lord Jesus and His work at Calvary - "But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus..."

Psalm 113:4 tells us - "The LORD is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens."
Hence, Psalm 29:2 says - "Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name..."
Psalm 115:1 says -"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth's sake."
Jeremiah 9:23 says - Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches..."
Jeremiah 9:24 adds - "...But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth..."
Lastly, 1 Corinthians 1:31 reiterates - "That, according as it is written, HE THAT GLORIETH, LET HIM GLORY IN THE LORD."

Even though others may be exulting in man and what he can do, it's time - like never before - for the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ to boast in the Lord.

C'mon, Church! Lift Him Up!

Harmony And Love Flood My Mind And Heart.
I Am Patient And Kind.

There is no room for discord in my discussion
with another when I flood my mind and heart
with thoughts of harmony and love.

As I listen to another's point of view with
an attitude of patience and love,
I find that we both respond more calmly,
more cooperatively.
The harmony in our exchange of ideas upholds
the basics of good communication:
we allow each other to be heard,
we respect our differences, and we treat
each other with patience.

Finding that we can more patiently live
or work together, we appreciate and learn
from the differing opinions we express and
the finer points we bring up.
Most important, we remain connected by
the harmony and love of God that are always
within us, ready to be acknowledged and expressed
by us.

"Love is patient; love is kind...It does not
insist on its own way."--1` Corinthians 13:4-5

=====
***********
My Special Thought To You:

God Knows And God Shows!

October 21, 2003

VERSE:
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by
them is not wise.
-- Proverbs 20:1
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Proverbs+20:1

THOUGHT:
Rather than spending millions on ad campaigns filled with bright
lights, leggy blondes, fast cars, and handsome young studs like the
alcohol industry does, God plainly states the truth: We are unwise
to be in bondage to anything that makes us look foolish, that
destructively incites our passions, and that open us up to
temptation. If your experience with alcohol has led to any of
these, please seek the help of a strong Christian friend who can
help you find freedom. If you are not in bondage to these, please
keep those who have been hurt by alcohol and drug abuse in your
prayers and fellowship.

PRAYER:
Father, my heart hurts today for every person, and every family,
under the grip of Satan because of alcohol and drug abuse. Please
bless those who are terrorized by a loved one in addiction's grip.
Please give them the strength to seek help and not remain alone and
silent. Please awaken their loved one to the truth of his/her
destructive lifestyle. Please prepare the people who can help them
begin the road to recovery, health, and freedom that you so long to
give them. Please use us, your Church, as a place of healing and
hope for those whose lives are caught in this tragic trap. In
Jesus' name I pray for your mighty help and power. Amen.

In the Presence of God (Bible Study 11-21-2006)

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 17:27:15 -0500

Friday, Dec 01, 2006 5:27 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

In the Old Testament, there are many stories of people in the presence of God. Moses and Abraham to name a few. Also in the Old Testament, God's presence inhabited the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing His presence dwelling in us.

In the New Testament, the priests were the only ones allowed behind the veil in the Temple, which was called the holy of holies, the place where God's presence dwelt. When Jesus died, the veil was torn in two from top to bottom.

God's presence is everywhere. We need not go searching for it. Step into His presence with all you have. What will happen is up to you.

There are many songs that speak of God's presence. I want to share some of their lyrics with you. Read (and even sing!) them with me.

In the Presence
Words and music: Mark Altrogge

VERSE 1
In the presence of Your infinite might
Im so small and frail and weak
When I see Your power and wisdom, Lord
I have no words left to speak

VERSE 2
In the presence of a holy God
Theres new meaning now to grace
You took all my sins upon Yourself
I can only stand amazed

CHORUS:
And I cry holy, holy, holy God
How awesome is Your name
Holy, holy, holy God
How majestic is Your reign
And I am changed in the presence of a holy God

VERSE 3
In the power of Your glory
All my crowns lie in the dust
You are righteous in Your judgments, Lord
You are faithful true and just

Words and music by Mark Altrogge
? 1988 Integritys Praise! Music/People of Destiny International (BMI)

HOLY IS HIS NAME!

Impressed vs. Unimpressed (Bible Study 11-28-2006)

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 17:22:18 -0500

Friday, Dec 01, 2006 5:22 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

This past Sunday, my RL pastor talked about being unimpressed with satan and his dealings.

I believe we can learn from both things (or people) that impress or unimpress us and, in turn, find out things about ourselves.

Here are a few things that impress me.

~ Gen. 1 "Let there be light!"

God said it and it happened!

~ Satan has to ASK God's permission to do anything. (ex. Job from the Bible)

~ Sunsets, snowflakes, and even us humans are all unique. Each fingerprint is different!

~ The newness of God in the life of a new believer! They have a sparkle in their eyes.

~ Firefighters, police officers, teachers, pastors etc. People who give much, but receive little.

~ President Bush

~ U.S. Troops

~ Parents in General (Single Parents, Adoptive Parents, etc.)

Of course, these are not in any special order.

Who or what impresses you? (Start with person on my left)

I am unimpressed by many things and people. Here are some of those.

~ Evil in any form.
~ Abortion activists- I am unimpressed with adults killing innocent children!

~ Terrorists flying into buildings and hiding in crowds of women and children.

~ Cowards and liars.

~ Hypocrites (and I pray I never act like one!).

~ Trying to box God into our finite minds when He is infinite.

~ With people gossiping.

There are many others. What are yours? (Start with person on my right)

I know this is a bit weird, but this is how I wanted to do Bible Study this week. I hope you learn about yourself and maybe take something with you that you need to think about.

Showing His "Weakness" (Bible Study 10-24-2006)

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 18:01:48 -0400

Thursday, Oct 26, 2006 6:01 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

Jesus came to earth as a little baby, humble and weak. He went through His ministry doing "miracles", but not fully "showing off" so to speak.

Jesus allowed His beard to be plucked, His body to be pierced and whipped, His clothes to be gambled, and His life to be forfeit.

For what? For whom?

For those who crucified Him. For those who STILL crucify Him. For us all.

And do you know why? Because He loved us!

What can we do but throw our hands in the air and say "I love you, Jesus, beccause You first loved me!" ?

Jesus didn't use all His power, but what He used got our attention. What more could we ask Him to do than to die for us so that we could live with Him?

God: Just and Merciful (Bible Study 10-17-2006)

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 17:58:46 -0400

Thursday, Oct 26, 2006 5:58 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

Abraham and Lot

Genesis 18: 20-33

20 And the LORD said, "Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, 21 I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know."
22 Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD.
23 And Abraham came near and said, "Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it?
25 Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?"
26 So the LORD said, "f I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes."
27 Then Abraham answered and said, "Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: 28 Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous; would You destroy all of the city for lack of five?" So He said, "If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it."
29 And he spoke to Him yet again and said, "Suppose there should be forty found there?"
So He said, "I will not do it for the sake of forty."
30 Then he said, "Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Suppose thirty should be found there?"
So He said, "I will not do it if I find thirty there."
31 And he said, "Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose twenty should be found there?"
So He said, "I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty."
32 Then he said, "Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?"
And He said, "I will not destroy it for the sake of ten." 33 So the LORD went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.

But there was ONLY one found who was righteous. Lot! AND the cities were destroyed for their wickedness! God wanted to be merciful (see all the times He said 'If...., I will not destroy it'), but He had to be just as well.

Any altar erected for the worship of false gods was an abomination to God. In 1 Kings 18-19, the story of Elijah, Ahab, Jezebel, and the Israelites unfolds. Elijah has a contest of sorts between the prophets of Baal and GOD. The Israelites were to follow whoever won. GOD won, of course! Elijah killed the prophets of Baal and Jezebel and Ahab went after him. In the end, Jezebel is eaten by dogs (2 Kings 9) and Ahab dies in battle (1 Kings 22). With this story, God isn't merciful to those who are idolitors.

When has God shown you mercy?

When has He said "Enough!" and given you what you deserved as a consequence for your sin?

God holds back His judgment more than we know!

Disney Land Trick

Tue, 24 Oct 2006 17:49:58 -0400

Tuesday, Oct 24, 2006 5:49 pm EST
Benjamin Faust

One thing kids like is to be tricked. For instance, I was going to take my little nephew to Disneyland, but instead I drove him to an old burned-out warehouse. "Oh, no," I said. "Disneyland burned down." He cried and cried, but I think that deep down, he thought it was a pretty good joke. I started to drive over to the real Disneyland, but it was getting pretty late.

- Jack Handey

Living in God's Purpose

Mon, 23 Oct 2006 03:27:49 -0400

Monday, Oct 23, 2006 3:27 am EST
Emily Mbelenga

Adapted from www.royalvictory.com,

HAVE YOU FOUND TRUE MEANING FOR YOUR LIFE?

Right now, I don't really mean your job prospects or life style. The Psalmist reminds us that every person was created for communion with God. There is an eternal longing in us for fellowship with God: "As a deer longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God" Psalm 42:1

"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist". Colossians 1:16,17.

Have you actually come to make peace with the Father through the shed blood of the Lamb of God?

YOU CAN FULFILL LIFE'S BEST ONLY IN CHRIST:

To walk in the will of God is life's ultimate beauty and meaning. It is better than to walk and die in the phony praises of men. But it is possible only if you are in Christ. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God". John 3:3. The beauty of life!

If you know God and obey Him then what you are experiencing today is nothing compared to the glory to come. And finally, you will be sure to fall into good hands, no matter what, because God will never fail. "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 2Corinthians 5:1

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.

Beloved, Do we really have to wait till its all over before turning to the best of bests in life? No. Then seize this opportunity;

HOW TO KNOW GOD AND WALK IN HIS PEACE:

Most people who run their own lives, get to a point of frustration for lack of meaning for life's challenges. Then they may resort to further vices in search of happiness.

Living a meaningful life is the greatest means of joy; Life of purpose is a daily strength; not just existing. This is what Jesus died to realize for you and me, and yet many have not come to the knowledge of this treasure. "And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father". Ephesians 2:16-18

"And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again". 1Corinthians 5:15

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" Romans 5:1

Punctuation and Spacing

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 12:42:29 -0400

Tuesday, Oct 17, 2006 12:42 pm EST
Benjamin Faust

Let's cover spacing first since it will take only one short paragraph to do so.

Spacing

Double-spacing between sentences is old school. More than ten years ago, this changed. Single spaces are now correct. Double spaces show as single space in web pages anyway, producing inconsistency amongst your documents.

Punctuation

Commas

When a condition comes after the action, we add a comma.
We don't use a comma when there are only two items in a list; rather, we use the word "and".
"David took cheese and bread to his brothers."
We use a comma after every item in a list of three or more items. Not using a comma after the next-to-last item is technically correct, but it can be harder to read.
"Sally bought shoes, socks, a hat, and gloves.

Periods

We use periods at the end of sentences. We don't use commas.

I've seen commas used at the end of sentences many times, the result is the appearance of ignorance.

Of course the last sentence is incorrect. We could say "...many times, and the result..." or we could create a new sentence by saying "...many times. The result...".

While it's true that a period should not be used at a point which creates a sentence out of an incomplete thought, that rule gives way to the writing of advertising copy.

How would you describe ABC Widgets? I'll tell you: Strong. Dependable. The only widgets you'll ever need.

Apostrophes

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 09:22:05 -0400

Tuesday, Oct 17, 2006 9:22 am EST
Benjamin Faust

The poor, misused apostrophe...

Perhaps it's only me, but when I see a misused apostrophe, battered and abused, I cannot help standing up for the rights of the apostrophe. It's just the right thing to do.

So here are the basics of apostrophe usage, covering the most common uses and abuses.

Basically, when an apostrophe is misused, it can completely change the meaning of the sentence. Readers will still understand what was meant, but it sends a bad message since the true meaning of the words themselves is completely different from what was intended or understood.

For example, "When its time to go home, the automobile's fill up the highways," actually means "When the property of it time to go home, the property of the automobile fill the highways."

Correct: "When it's time to go home, the automobiles fill up the highways."

Another example, "Member's must show their cards at the door." actually means "The property of a member must show their cards at the door."

Correct: Members must show their cards at the door."

A final example, "John just ate Susans lunch." actually means "John is in big trouble."... no, it actually means "John just ate some of the Susans in the office for lunch." (which is a stretch, since either "lunch" or "Susans" would have to be removed for a proper sentence.)

Correct: "John just ate Susan's lunch."

Possession:

When a noun does not end in an s, add 's
Jase's computer
When a noun ends in an s, add '
Jesus' name
For a pronoun, do NOT use an apostrophe
This is hers, that is his, this one is ours, and the last one is its property.

Conjunctions:

When combining two words
It is a beautiful day. = It's a beautiful day.
Where is my lunch? = Where's my lunch?
Do not eat my mouse! = Don't eat my mouse!

No Apostrophes:

When it's a pronoun's possession:
This is its place. - CORRECT
This is it's place. - INCORRECT (this equals "This is it is place.")
When it's a plural:
Participants must register. - CORRECT
Participant's must register. - INCORRECT (this equals "Participant is must register.")

Trusting God's Promises (Bible Study 10-10-2006)

Wed, 11 Oct 2006 16:41:04 -0400

Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 4:41 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

Do you trust the words of God when He makes promises to you? Do you trust Him to provide everything you need?

Let's look at some promises God has made to us. Remember in 2 Timothy 3 verse 16, Paul writes "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

We can claim any and all promises God made to the Israelites, His people, as promises made to us as well.

An example of a promise God made was the promise or covenant God made with Abraham about his descendants. There is a huge population of Abraham's descendants today!

Also, God promised Noah never to flood the earth again and He hasn't.

Another promise is the one people use to either agree or disagree with tithing. It is found in Malachi 3:10, which says "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

We need to trust God to do what He promised to do. He is not deceitful or a liar (those characteristics belong to satan NOT God!).

If God was ever deceitful or a liar, show me a time in scripture and in your life where He did not do as He said. God is not evil. He is good. He is light. All His promises to us will come to pass in His time. Do you have your baskets ready to receive the blessed promises?

British Newsflash Magazine

Sat, 07 Oct 2006 16:58:14 -0400

Saturday, Oct 07, 2006 4:58 pm EST
Andreas Klamm

www.britishnewsflash.co.uk

A Willing Vessel (Bible Study 10-3-2006)

Tue, 03 Oct 2006 16:09:09 -0400

Tuesday, Oct 03, 2006 4:09 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

Let's think back to some of the other studies I have done. If God has called you to do something (AND He has called all of us in some way), are you willing to do it?

If you say in your heart "Wherever God calls me to go, I'll go" and then when God calls you somewhere you don't go, how does that make you feel towards yourself? Don't make a promise or vow you dont intend to keep.

Though your vessel may be broken, it can still be used for God's plan if you are willing. Think of all the broken people in the Bible, especially those you'd never think God would use..for example Rahab. A prostitute, and yet God used her to hide Israeli spies and then her life and those of her family were saved because of her courage.

So, are you a willing vessel of the Holy Spirit? Are you willing to go the distance? To do the unknown? To say the unpopular thing? To speak boldly for Jesus?

May our actions coincide with our hearts as we answer these questions. May God help us be willing vessels.

Worthy (Bible Study 9-26-2006)

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 15:09:16 -0400

Tuesday, Sep 26, 2006 3:09 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

Adam and Eve had the most awesome privilege of any human. They lived in the garden of Eden and walked with God in the cool of the day. But then they sinned and were banished from the garden and all that was there including the nearness of God.

We can not abtain it back on our own. By the blood of Jesus, His sacrifice and the sacrifice of the Father, we can come before a Holy God and be worthy again. Our works are as filthy rages, but Jesus makes them as white as snow. We may be clothed in stained garments, but they shall be made white in the blood of the Lamb.

How can we come to this place of worth? How can we see ourselves as deserving of this worth? We really can't except by the blood of Jesus. It is only by His blood that we are saved. The blood of Jesus makes atonement for our sins and washes them away.

What better news is there then to know that we are atoned and can come before God and say 'I am bought with the blood of Jesus! I am cleansed for my sin! I am unworthy, but Jesus has made me worthy!' ?

There is so much to be thankful for. Jesus paid the price. We are worthy to worship Him and lay our lives on the line for Him.

What does worthy mean? It means having adequate or great merit, character, or value. And we do have all those things in Christ. Hallelujah!

I have felt like I was unworthy to teach you all, but some have told me and encouraged me with their words. May God bless them for their telling me of my worth when satan tried to steal it from me!

What is God calling you to do? (Bible Study 9-19-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:51:23 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:51 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

We, as Christians, are all called to do one thing the same. And that one thing is to save the lost, those bound for eternal damnation and separation from God. The call for action from us is found in the last verses of the book of Matthew.

They read: "19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

But I ask you, what is God calling you to do? Maybe you don't know yet and that's okay. Maybe God has told you, and like Moses, you are making excuses for why it shouldn't be you. God does not choose us because we are skilled or equipped for the call, but He does equip those He calls. We don't ever have to go alone. God said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Do you believe God or a world of corruption?

Believe the Truth and it will (shall) set you free!

Again, I ask, what is God calling you to do? Or what has God called you to do? Will you share with us?

There is nothing God can't do . There is nothing we can't do when God is our leader, the general in the fight.

Answer God's call for your life. Obey Him in everything. Your life will forever change. When you come into God's presence, you can not go away unchanged. So, come and fill your spirit and walk in newness of life as you answer the call God has place on you and on us all.

--Re: What is God calling you to do? (Bible Study 9-19-2006)

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 20:07:51 -0400

Thursday, Oct 19, 2006 8:07 pm EST
Emily Mbelenga

For me, I feel that God is calling me to those who have been abused. In my country,Kenya,there have been numerous media reports of young children,some as young as a year old, being raped or molested by grown men, old enough to be their grandfathers, In so far as I know, only one hospital,Nairobi Women's Hospital exclusively deals with these cases. I grieve everytime I hear these horror stories. If I can give support to these people and give them encouragement through God's Word, I feel I would have found God's purpose.

--Re: What is God calling you to do? (Bible Study 9-19-2006)

Fri, 22 Sep 2006 16:25:26 -0400

Friday, Sep 22, 2006 4:25 pm EST
Karene Walls

God I feel has led me to take care of those who are sick and hurting and can't make it through life alone. I guess God feels I can handle it even if I think I can't. But He gives me the strength and courage to help those I can. People keep telling me I am a strong person and I know God wants me to believe that. And I am beginning to more and more everyday.

Thank you Jen for posting your notes I think they will bless everyone who reads them. God Bless !

Karene

Tehillah (Bible Study 9-12-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:49:24 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:49 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

This past Sunday (9-10-2006) my pastor preached (IRL) on tehillah. Tehillah is Hebrew for worship to God.

When we worship God, do we come the right way? Do we "enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise"? (Ps. 100:4)

Our hearts must be thankful to enter into His gates. Praise must be on our lips to enter His courts.

In Old Testament time, when sacrifice was still needed, the priest would take an animal as the offering of worship. Now, the Lamb has been slain and we offer up our worship by having thankful hearts and praising God.

In the midst of joy-filled days, we shall raise our voice in praise, in tehillah, to God. In the midst of sorrow and suffering, we shall raise our voice in praise, in tehillah, to God.

It matters not how you worship, but that you worship. Worship God at home, at work, in the car, at the gym. Everywhere can be a place of worship.

Where are some places you worship God? If you don't have a place, maybe it is time to find yourself one!

May you be worshippers of God Almighty, raising your voice in praise to Him and only Him. He deserves our highest praise!

The New Has Come (Bible Study 9-5-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:46:54 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:46 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

All throughout Scripture we see times where God has taken what was old, broken, and useless and morphed it into something new, whole, and useful. God has done that with each of us. Let's read in Jeremiah 18:1-6 about the potter.

Jeremiah 18

1The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,

2 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.

3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.

4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,

6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

God is the potter. We are the vessels, the clay. The wheel is life. God molds us the way He wants us. Sometimes the clay (us) doesn't respond well and God has to start over. He never leaves us to our own devices.

Let's look at the verse about the new becoming. It's in 2 Cor. 5:17.

2 Cor. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

We in Christ are new creations. God took what we were and changed, morphed, transformed it into something new and wonderful.

Have any of you seen the movie "Joshua"? There is a part in that movie that goes well with this study. A woman breaks a glass vessel. Joshua puts it back together.

That is what Jesus does. The world and circumstances may break us, but Jesus is there to put us back together again.

Remember what it was like before you were a Christian, a TRUE Christian. A Christian that knew ONLY by Jesus' blood could you be saved, knowing that you had to proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life. Think back to before Jesus was in your life. What was it like? Does anyone wish to share? (I do.)

Lord Jesus, Thank You that you took us broken and all and changed us and made us whole. Thank You! Amen.

Forgiveness (Bible Study 8-22-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:40:22 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:40 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

If we are going to talk about forgiveness, we need to start with The One who forgives us and commands us to forgive others.

What must we do to obtain forgiveness from God?

- Confess ~ where we tell God what we have done even though He already knows what we have done.
- Repent ~ where we turn from our wicked ways and never do that which grieves God.
- Forgive others ~ where we forgive others their trespasses against us.

Scriptures

Matthew 18: 21-35

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?
22 Jesus said to him, I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all. 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28 ?But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ?Pay me what you owe!? 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet[d] and begged him, saying, ?Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.?[e] 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ?You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?? 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.
35 ?So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.?

1 John 1: 8, 9, 10

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

Eph. 4: 32

32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Col. 1: 13, 14

13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood,[c] the forgiveness of sins.

Col. 3: 12-15

Luke 6: 37

37 Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

There are other aspects of forgiveness. Things that cripple us from forgiving others. We hold onto bitterness towards people and can't forgive them. We return to unforgiveness after we have forgiven them. We horde forgiveness when we should release it into the air so that all parties may benefit from the feeling of freedom.

Which is harder, asking for forgiveness or giving forgiveness?

We need to ask God to help us to forgive others. We need to have thankful and forgiving hearts, but we can't do that on our own! It is impossible, BUT nothing is impossible WITH GOD!! :)

Lord Jesus, Help us to forgive those who have hurt us. Help us show kindness and love to cruelty and hatred. May we live by Your example, showering all with love. In Your precious name we pray, Amen!

Putting All On The Altar (Bible Study 8-1-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:38:39 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:38 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

Genesis 22:1-12

1 Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, Abraham!
And he said, Here I am.
2 Then He said, Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.
3 So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.
6 So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. 7 But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, My father!
And he said, Here I am, my son.
Then he said, Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering. So the two of them went together.
9 Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.
11 But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, Abraham, Abraham!
So he said, Here I am.
12 And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.

Abraham did not even withhold his ONLY son, Isaac. Who does he remind you of? God Himself. God sent His Son in the form of a baby who grew into manhood to die on a wooden cross for our sins.

God calls us to be like Him and His Word says we are new creations in Christ. To be like Jesus, we must be willing to sacrifice.

Are you willing to place all on the altar for God and not return for it? Are you willing to allow God to work so openly in your life?

Do you trust Him enough to say "I put ALL on the altar"? Can you be an Abraham, Daniel, Peter, Paul, Mary, etc? Can you sacrifice all, even your life, for God?

Lord Jesus, You know our hearts and You know our minds and flesh are weak. Shower us with Your mercy and love so that we may be bold and sacrifice everything for You. Thank you for giving us life and for showing us Your love for us. Help us to show OUR love for You the only way we can by laying down our ambitions and taking on Yours. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A Thankful Heart (Bible Study 7-24-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:36:17 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:36 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

Colossians 3:12-17

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

We will be looking closely at the verses that speak of thanksgiving and gratitude. They are verses 15 ('be thankful'),16 (talks of gratitude), and 17 (talks of thanks).

These verses speak of thanks, but how easy is it to actually say "Thank You, Lord"? Or is it easier to say "Please"? (and THEN "Thank You")

We need to be able to say both! And to have a thankful heart in the process.

I say, let us give thanks to God right now. Thank Him for any and all things. Let's give thanks and praise to God together. (This is where we stand and say "Thank You, Lord" and "Holy is Your Name" things like that! ;))

Lord Jesus, I ask that You give us thankful hearts. That Thank You is the FIRST thing you hear from us, not Please or I'd like to request..though You love hearing those, too. May we all have thankful hearts! In Jesus' name, Amen.

Can People See Jesus in You? (Bible Study 6-27-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:31:54 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:31 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

Matthew 21:1-11

1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away."

4This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5"Say to the Daughter of Zion,
'See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' "[a]

6The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. 8A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
"Hosanna[b] to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"[c]
"Hosanna[d] in the highest!"

10When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?"

11The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

This next part is from yesterday's Daily Bread for 6-19-2006. You can find Daily Bread at www.rbc.org.

A minister referred to Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem and asked: "What if the donkey on which Jesus was riding had thought all the cheering was for him? What if that small animal had believed that the hosannas and the branches were in his honor?"

The minister then pointed to himself and said: "I'm a donkey. The longer I'm here the more you'll come to realize that. I am only a Christ-bearer and not the object of praise."

In recording Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, Matthew referred to the prophecy of Zechariah: "Tell the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey' "(Matthew 21:5; see Zechariah 9:9).

On Palm Sunday, the donkey was merely a Christ-bearer, bringing the Son of God into the city where He would give His life for the sins of the world.

If we could develop a healthy 'donkey mentality,' what an asset that would be as we travel the road of life. Instead of wondering what people think of us, our concern would be, 'Can they see Christ Jesus, the King?' Rather than seeking credit for service rendered, we would be content to lift up the Lord. ~David C. McCasland

My poem "You in Me"

The sun streams through the tree branches.
The birds sing as they fly in the sky.
The clouds are puffy white in the blue expanse above.
And the wind blows gently through my hair.

I can hear a whisper
As light as a feather
Speak into my ear
As I walk through this beauty.

A whisper on the wind
A call to me
To follow You
A call to do my part.

I walk through Your beauty
With gratitude in my heart.
Oh God, You amaze me
You have created a reflection of what You are.

A reflection I pray
I mirror to others
So that they may see
You in me.

Questions:

What if we decided to take the focus off of Jesus and put it on us? What would our life be like?

What characteristics of Jesus do you mirror?

Are you shining your light so that all may see Jesus in you? (Matt. 5:16)

Are you being Christ-like in what you say, wear, think, act, feel, etc?

Does everything in your life point to Jesus?

Will there be people who you may never meet on Earth greet you in Heaven because of what you did here?

My quote: "Sometimes we have to kick US out for Jesus to shine through!"

The Prodigal Son (Bible Study 6-13-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:30:37 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:30 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

Lord Jesus, help us to have a heart after Yours. You usher in those who we think are more unworthy than us. Help us to welcome those who need You into the fold and loving arms of the Father. In Your name we pray, Amen.

The Prodigal Son

Luke 15:11-32

11-12Then he said, "There was once a man who had two sons. The younger said to his father, 'Father, I want right now what's coming to me.'

12-16"So the father divided the property between them. It wasn't long before the younger son packed his bags and left for a distant country. There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had. After he had gone through all his money, there was a bad famine all through that country and he began to hurt. He signed on with a citizen there who assigned him to his fields to slop the pigs. He was so hungry he would have eaten the corncobs in the pig slop, but no one would give him any.

17-20"That brought him to his senses. He said, 'All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. I'm going back to my father. I'll say to him, Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.' He got right up and went home to his father.

20-21"When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.'

22-24"But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here, given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time.

25-27"All this time his older son was out in the field. When the day's work was done he came in. As he approached the house, he heard the music and dancing. Calling over one of the houseboys, he asked what was going on. He told him, 'Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast because he has him home safe and sound.'

28-30"The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen. The son said, 'Look how many years I've stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends. Then this son of yours who has thrown away your money on whores shows up and you go all out with a feast!'

31-32"His father said, 'Son, you don't understand. You're with me all the time, and everything that is mine is yours but this is a wonderful time, and we had to celebrate. This brother of yours was dead, and he's alive! He was lost, and he's found!'"

Questions:

How does this story mirror your own story of coming to Jesus? Does it at all?

Have you ever beeen like both of the sons in the story? The one who is lost and the one who is 'always with the father', but envious (is this the right word?) of the lost one?

The Parable of the Tenants (Bible Study 6-6-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:28:57 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:28 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

Matthew 21:33-41 (Taken from the Message Bible)

33-34"Here's another story. Listen closely. There was once a man, a wealthy farmer, who planted a vineyard. He fenced it, dug a winepress, put up a watchtower, then turned it over to the farmhands and went off on a trip. When it was time to harvest the grapes, he sent his servants back to collect his profits.

35-37"The farmhands grabbed the first servant and beat him up. The next one they murdered. They threw stones at the third but he got away. The owner tried again, sending more servants. They got the same treatment. The owner was at the end of his rope. He decided to send his son. 'Surely,' he thought, 'they will respect my son.'

38-39"But when the farmhands saw the son arrive, they rubbed their hands in greed. 'This is the heir! Let's kill him and have it all for ourselves.' They grabbed him, threw him out, and killed him.

40"Now, when the owner of the vineyard arrives home from his trip, what do you think he will do to the farmhands?"

41"He'll kill them?a rotten bunch, and good riddance," they answered. "Then he'll assign the vineyard to farmhands who will hand over the profits when it's time."

What do you believe this parable is about? The surface meaning and deeper meaning?

How does it pertain to us?

Lord Jesus, May we treat all people with respect and show them the love of Christ. May we love them as they are. In Your name, Amen.

The Tares (Bible Study 5-30-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:27:46 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:27 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43

The verses are taken from the Message Bible.

24-26He (Jesus) told another story. "God's kingdom is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. That night, while his hired men were asleep, his enemy sowed thistles all through the wheat and slipped away before dawn. When the first green shoots appeared and the grain began to form, the thistles showed up, too.

27"The farmhands came to the farmer and said, 'Master, that was clean seed you planted, wasn't it? Where did these thistles come from?'

28"He answered, 'Some enemy did this.'

"The farmhands asked, 'Should we weed out the thistles?'

29-30"He said, 'No, if you weed the thistles, you'll pull up the wheat, too. Let them grow together until harvest time. Then I'll instruct the harvesters to pull up the thistles and tie them in bundles for the fire, then gather the wheat and put it in the barn.'"

37-39So he explained. "The farmer who sows the pure seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the pure seeds are subjects of the kingdom, the thistles are subjects of the Devil, and the enemy who sows them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the age, the curtain of history. The harvest hands are angels.

40-43"The picture of thistles pulled up and burned is a scene from the final act. The Son of Man will send his angels, weed out the thistles from his kingdom, pitch them in the trash, and be done with them. They are going to complain to high heaven, but nobody is going to listen. At the same time, ripe, holy lives will mature and adorn the kingdom of their Father.

"Are you listening to this? Really listening?

Jesus spoke this to a multitude (the verse 24-30 that is), but only explained the parables in depth to His disciples (the verses 37-43).

Are you ready for when the angels come to harvest the land and 'cut down and burn' the wicked?

Lord Jesus, make us ready for the day when You will return on clouds of glory. May Your light shine before all men that they may see You in us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Sower (Bible Study 5-23-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:26:39 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:26 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

Matthew 13:1-23

The story of the sower as Jesus told it :)

Matthew 13
A Harvest Story
1-3 At about that same time Jesus left the house and sat on the beach. In no time at all a crowd gathered along the shoreline, forcing him to get into a boat. Using the boat as a pulpit, he addressed his congregation, telling stories.

3-8"What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road, and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn't put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled by the weeds. Some fell on good earth, and produced a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.

9"Are you listening to this? Really listening?"

Why Tell Stories?
10The disciples came up and asked, "Why do you tell stories?"

11-15He replied, "You've been given insight into God's kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn't been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That's why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight. In their present state they can stare till doomsday and not see it, listen till they're blue in the face and not get it. I don't want Isaiah's forecast repeated all over again:

Your ears are open but you don't hear a thing.
Your eyes are awake but you don't see a thing.
The people are blockheads!
They stick their fingers in their ears
so they won't have to listen;
They screw their eyes shut
so they won't have to look,
so they won't have to deal with me face-to-face
and let me heal them.

16-17"But you have God-blessed eyes?eyes that see! And God-blessed ears?ears that hear! A lot of people, prophets and humble believers among them, would have given anything to see what you are seeing, to hear what you are hearing, but never had the chance.

The Meaning of the Harvest Story
18-19"Study this story of the farmer planting seed. When anyone hears news of the kingdom and doesn't take it in, it just remains on the surface, and so the Evil One comes along and plucks it right out of that person's heart. This is the seed the farmer scatters on the road.

20-21"The seed cast in the gravel is the person who hears and instantly responds with enthusiasm. But there is no soil of character, and so when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it.

22"The seed cast in the weeds is the person who hears the kingdom news, but weeds of worry and illusions about getting more and wanting everything under the sun strangle what was heard, and nothing comes of it.

23"The seed cast on good earth is the person who hears and takes in the News, and then produces a harvest beyond his wildest dreams."

Are you willing to work the ground before you see a harvest?

"Work the ground in someone's life before giving them the seed." ~ Mariposa Psaltery (Jen Faust RL name)

Lord, help us work the ground You lay before us so that a harvest of strong, godly people follow in Your footsteps and not ours. May we testify about Your goodness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

No matter where we go, we have to show the love of Christ. No matter what someone does to us, we HAVE to show the love of Christ.

The Woman of Samaria (Bible Study 5-16-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:25:29 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:25 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

John 4:7-42

This is a retelling of the story. :)

I carried the water jug on my head, holding it steady with a hand. A man sat near the well. I placed the jug on the ground.

He said to me, "Give me a drink."

"You being a Jew, how is it that you have asked me for a drink?" I knew Jews and Samaritans didn't get along well with each other.

The man replied, "If you knew who it was who spoke with you and said, Give me a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

"Sir, you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. How can you have living water without a pitcher?" I said. "Are you greater than our father Jacob who gave us this well and drank from it himself along with his children and animals?"

The man said, "Those who drink from this water will thirst again, but those who drink from that which I will give them will never thirst. The water I give them will be a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

I said, "Sir, give me this water so I will thirst no more and never have to come to the well again."

He then told me, "Go call your husband and come back here."

"I have no husband."

"You have said, 'I have no husband.' You have had five husbands and the man whom you are now with is not your husband, in this you have spoken truth."

"I perceive you are a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and you say, that Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship."

"Woman, believe me, the hour comes when you will worship the Father neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You worship what you don't know: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour comes and is upon us when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him. God is Spirit and they that worship him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."

"I know that Messiah comes who is called Christ: when he comes, he will tell us all things," I said.

"I am He who speaks with you."

More men joined us then, but they didn't speak. I left my jug and went into the city.

I said to all who would hear, "Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have ever done. Is he not the Christ?"

The men and I went back to him. We asked him to stay with us and he did stay for two days.

Many of us believed on him after my testimony, but there were some who said to me, "Now we believe not because of what you said: for we have heard him ourselves, and now that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."

My life will never be the same.

(This is part fictional. :))

Lord, Help us search and seek you out like the Samaritan woman. May we be ready to drink of the living water. Amen.

The Widow and Her Mites (Bible Study 5-9-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:24:20 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:24 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

Mark 12:41-44

Story told through widow's eyes.

My husband was dead and buried many years ago. Money and food were scarce. I was lucky to have people offer their help. No, not many came to see me.

I needed to go to the temple. I needed to give my offering to God, but all I had was two mites. I gulped down my pride and shame, sticking the mites in my purse.

With slow even steps, I made my way through the streets. I paid no attention to those around me. No priest bid me good day. No child smiled at me.

I walked into the treasury of the temple. The echo of my footsteps announced my presence. My hands grew sweaty as I neared the money boxes. I felt so many eyes on me. I opened my purse, withdrawing the two mites. Tears came to my eyes while the clink clink of the coins vibrated in the room.

Turning to leave, my thoughts went to God. He will provide for me even though I didn't know from where. He would always watch over me like He had been the day my husband died.

I returned home knowing I had given all I had, but relying on God to provide for everything. He is Jehovah Jirah!

Note: This is a fictional account of a Bible story.

Lord Jesus, Help us to have the faith like the widow with her mites. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Woman who touched Jesus (Bible Study 5-2-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:22:56 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:22 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

The story is from Mark 5:24-34. I am going to tell you the story in the woman's words.

It was like any other day. People were crowding around outiside. I had household things to do, but people were shouting that Jesus was coming.

See, I had been plagued with an issue of blood for 12 years. No physician could help and all my money was gone.

I followed after Jesus, thinking to myself 'If I could just touch his garment, I will be whole.' I stretched out my hand and the bleeding stopped after I had touched him. I felt whole. My plague was healed! It was a miracle!

And then Jesus said, "Who touched my clothes?"

My heart sank. I had done wrong. I had dishonored Jesus.

Jesus' disciples said "You see the crowd, and you ask 'Who touched me?' "

Jesus' eyes scanned around and I knew. Fearing and trembling, knowing what I had done, I fell before him and told him what I had done.

He said to me, "Daughter, your faith has made you whole; go in peace and be whole from your plague."

Jesus had not been angry. He showed such love to me, the one who touched his garment.

I am sure the woman stood there watching Jesus leave with tears streaming down her face. Or maybe she followed Him to see what other miracle He would do. We don't know, but we do know that she was healed just by touching the garment Jesus wore. Such faith!

Lord Jesus, help us have faith as this woman. May we touch Your robe and be healed. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Woman with the Alabaster Box (Bible Study 4-25-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:21:21 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:21 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

Luke 7:36-50

36Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is?that she is a sinner."

40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Tell me, teacher," he said.

41"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[d] and the other fifty. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"

43Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."
"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven?for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."

48Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

49The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"

50Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

Many people assume the woman in these verses is Mary Magdalene, but the Bible doesn't say her name. All we know of this woman is what is written in the Bible about her. She gave much, for many scholars believe the ointment used cost about a year's wages! She poured it all on Jesus' feet! She used HER hair to wipe his feet!

http://livingsounds-media.org/media/alabasterbox.php (please listen to the song!)

CeCe WInans Lyrics - Alabaster Box Lyrics

VERSE 1
The room grew still as she made her way to Jesus
She stumbles through the tears that made her blind
She felt such pain, some spoke in anger
Heard folks whisper, there's no place here for her kind.
Still on she came, through the shame that flushed her face
Until at last she knelt before His feet. And though she spoke no words
Everything she said was heard, As she poured her love for the Master
From her box of Alabaster.

CHORUS
And I've come to pour my praise on Him like oil from Mary's Alabaster Box
Don't be angry if I wash His feet with my tears and I dry them with my hair.
You weren't there the night He found me.
You did not feel what I felt when He wrapped His love all around me.
And you don't know the cost of the oil in my Alabaster Box.

VERSE 2
I can't forget the way life used to be. I was a prisoner to the sin that had me bound
I spent my days pouring my life without measure.
Into a little treasure box I thought I found. Until the day when Jesus came to me
And healed my soul with the wonder of His touch.
So now I'm giving back to Him all the praise He's worthy of .
I've been forgiven and that's why I love Him so much.

CHORUS
And I've come to pour my praise on Him like oil from Mary's Alabaster Box
Don't be angry if I wash His feet with my tears
And I dry them with my hair, my hair.
You weren't there the night Jesus found me. You did not feel what I felt
When He wrapped His love all around me. And you don't know the cost of the oil
Oh, you don't know the cost of my praise. You don't know the cost of the oil
In my Alabaster Box.

God used many women in the Bible. He also showed women that He came for them, too, through the life of Jesus. God wants all of us to be able to pour ourselves out like the woman with the alabaster box did.

What are you holding back from God?

He wants to have all of you! He wants to be able to change and make you new! He wants to love you as only He can!

Won't you let Him? Won't you let Him say "Your faith has saved you; go in peace" ?

Lord, Help us to pour all we have, all we are, all we hope to be on You! May You change us into Your workmanship. You are the Potter and we are the clay. Make us to be like the woman with the alabaster box, coming broken and leaving whole. We ask these things in Jesus' name, Amen!

Esther: Woman of Promise 5 (Bible Study 4-11-2006)

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:20:01 -0400

Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006 3:20 pm EST
Jennifer Faust

Chapter 9:1-32

The Jews Destroy Their Tormentors
1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day, the time came for the king?s command and his decree to be executed. On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred, in that the Jews themselves overpowered those who hated them. 2 The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people. 3 And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king?s work, helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. 4 For Mordecai was great in the king?s palace, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for this man Mordecai became increasingly prominent. 5 Thus the Jews defeated all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, with slaughter and destruction, and did what they pleased with those who hated them.
6 And in Shushan the citadel the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred men. 7 Also Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, 8 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, 9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vajezatha? 10 the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews?they killed; but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.
11 On that day the number of those who were killed in Shushan the citadel was brought to the king. 12 And the king said to Queen Esther, ?The Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the citadel, and the ten sons of Haman. What have they done in the rest of the king?s provinces? Now what is your petition? It shall be granted to you. Or what is your further request? It shall be done.?
13 Then Esther said, ?If it pleases the king, let it be granted to the Jews who are in Shushan to do again tomorrow according to today?s decree, and let Haman?s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.?
14 So the king commanded this to be done; the decree was issued in Shushan, and they hanged Haman?s ten sons.
15 And the Jews who were in Shushan gathered together again on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and killed three hundred men at Shushan; but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.
16 The remainder of the Jews in the king?s provinces gathered together and protected their lives, had rest from their enemies, and killed seventy-five thousand of their enemies; but they did not lay a hand on the plunder. 17 This was on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar. And on the fourteenth of the month[a] they rested and made it a day of feasting and gladness.
The Feast of Purim

18 But the Jews who were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day, as well as on the fourteenth; and on the fifteenth of the month[b] they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 19 Therefore the Jews of the villages who dwelt in the unwalled towns celebrated the fourteenth day of the month of Adar with gladness and feasting, as a holiday, and for sending presents to one another.
20 And Mordecai wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews, near and far, who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, 21 to establish among them that they should celebrate yearly the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar, 22 as the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor. 23 So the Jews accepted the custom which they had begun, as Mordecai had written to them, 24 because Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to annihilate them, and had cast Pur (that is, the lot), to consume them and destroy them; 25 but when Esther[c] came before the king, he commanded by letter that this[d] wicked plot which Haman had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
26 So they called these days Purim, after the name Pur. Therefore, because of all the words of this letter, what they had seen concerning this matter, and what had happened to them, 27 the Jews established and imposed it upon themselves and their descendants and all who would join them, that without fail they should celebrate these two days every year, according to the written instructions and according to the prescribed time, 28 that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city, that these days of Purim should not fail to be observed among the Jews, and that the memory of them should not perish among their descendants.
29 Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Abihail, with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter about Purim. 30 And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews, to the one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, 31 to confirm these days of Purim at their appointed time, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had prescribed for them, and as they had decreed for themselves and their descendants concerning matters of their fasting and lamenting. 32 So the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim, and it was written in the book.

Chapter 10:1-3

Mordecai?s Advancement
1 And King Ahasuerus imposed tribute on the land and on the islands of the sea. 2 Now all the acts of his power and his might, and the account of the greatness of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? 3 For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.[a]

1. What have you learned (if anything ;)) from this studying the book of Esther?