A Personal Story To Lift One's Spirit!

[Hat tip for graphic:  Network 54.com]


Christians are to emulate [meaning follow] Jesus.  Just as He was "not of this world," (meaning not being of the earthly "kingdoms" set up by man and avoiding the pitfalls of evil that surround us), so too are we to not be of this world system.  We are to work within the world,  for the specific and ultimate purpose of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is certainly a rewarding mission!  Yet, the distractions of this world can get any one's heart downtrodden and sad.

Recall the Scriptures, especially in Psalms, where the sons of Korah (temple assistants) ask the question, "Why are you cast down O my soul?"

One example:

Psa 43:5     Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

Notice the answer in all three separate Scriptures at that link:

 "Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God."

These days, the turmoil and chaos happening in the Middle East,  and looming threat of  America getting involved in another war in Syria certainly highlight the truth of the prophecies that tell us "there will be wars and rumors of war" the closer we get to the end times.  While reading the following posts, I could not help but feel depressed!

Walid Shoebat

Conspiracy and Truth are upside down

 

 

Now The End Begins

Russia Sends Warships, Obama Blinks

 

 

Sultan Knish

How Obama Hugged the Brotherhood to Death

 

 

The Strata-Sphere

What Does Egypt’s Unrest Signal?

 

 

INFILTRATED NATION

Does Obama Know He’s Fighting on al-Qa’ida’s Side?

 

 

Klein Online

Iran, North Korea ‘running operations room in Syria.’ Russia also ‘aiding’ Damascus ahead of likely U.S., Western strikes

 

And, if those posts haven't confused you enough, read this one:

 

Answering Muslims

A Short Guide to the Middle East

 

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 However, the uplifting experience that I had last night makes such depression "blow to dust and fall away*."
 

You see, when I come back to Scripture, prayer, and worship songs,  I am gladly reminded that God's truth (see 1 John 2:27) provides the right path to follow, and God's light (see 1 John 1:5) provides the clear vision to follow it.  If you feel surrounded by darkness and uncertainty, follow God's light and truth!  He will guide you!
 

 Now, a brief recap of my uplifting experience last night.
 

The early evening began when I met a great friend for dinner. We chatted about some good news within our own families, but then we also got on the topics of the bad news going on in this world.  The threat of war in Syria, the terrible "Common Core" indoctrination into socialism that is happening in public schools, the fact that all the scandals happening are increasing and no one is being held accountable...you get the picture! 
 

My friend asked me if I would hold a Bible study in my home again like I did several years ago.  Great idea! Or, perhaps we could find an evening study to attend.


Staying in the Word of God helps alleviate the depression, fear, disgust, and anger at what is becoming of America and what is happening around the world!  No matter what...God wins in the end and our Savior and Lord - Jesus Christ - is totally victorious!
 

When I got back from having dinner and completing a quick run to the grocery store, it was already getting dark.  I wanted to walk my two dogs.  So with a flashlight in my pocket I started up the street.  My neighbor was outside, staring into the sky at the last remnants of a beautiful sunset.  She waved at me and yelled that she was praying.  I told her, "nothing like a gorgeous sunset and prayers being sent up to God to lift up one's spirit!"



You see, were are MEANT to worship God ANYWHERE!  In a car, listening to a great praise song.  And, even at the sight of a gorgeous sunset near the end of a neighbor's driveway!

 

I was SO  blessed last night!!!  Why?  Because two simple signs of Christ's Presence with me came shining through!  While driving home, a favorite song came on from the Christian music station called, "The Message."  It was the Newsboy's song entitled, "It Is You."  Seeing my neighbor "coming to this place" [lyrics from the music video below] at the end of her driveway;  worshipping God and praying at the sight of His wondrous creation and beauty of a sunset, gave me Holy Spirit chills of joy!!


Yes, Jesus!  It IS YOU!  It's all about You!


Enjoy a great worship song, "It Is You" by the Newsboys!


In Christ,

~  Christine

 

 

 

As we lift up our hands
Will You meet us here?
As we call on Your name
Will You meet us here?
We have come to this place
To worship You
God of mercy and grace

It is You
We adore
It is You
Praises are for
Only You
The heavens declare
It is You
It is You

And holy, holy is our God Almighty
And holy, holy is His name alone, yeah
And holy, holy is our God Almighty
And holy, holy is His name alone

It is You
We adore
It is You
Only You

As we lift up our hands
As we call on Your name
Will You visit this place
By Your mercy and grace?

 

*******

 

 

*A lyric from Jars of Clay: World's Apart

Hat tips to all links.

1Jo 2:27

But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will [fn] abide in Him.

(2:27) NU-Text reads you abide.

1Jo 1:5

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.

Nevertheless, Give Thanks [Updates]

The entire time that the BHO campaign made such a stink about "rich people not paying their fair share," and "spreading the wealth around," I had an uneasy feeling about it all.  Pitting the poor against the rich, blacks against whites, Hispanics against whites, women against men, liberal (a.k.a. pro-abortion and pro-homosexual "marriage") women against conservative (a.k.a pro-life and pro-traditional family) women made for the most divisive and attack-filled campaign that I have ever seen in my lifetime.  I'm not really sure which one of the aforementioned battles was more damaging.  They were all terribly disgusting, in my mind.

I know a man, a Christian and honorable man, who never earned a college degree.  Nevertheless,  he excelled in the business world via a fast food company that originally hired him as a retail planning engineer.  Over his twenty-two year career, he worked his tail off to reach the level of a corporate vice president.  This man experienced poverty in the early years of his life.  However, his parents would not take any handouts of government money.  Back then, it was considered embarrassing and shameful to do so.  Right or wrong, most Americans back then had the attitude of "pulling their own weight" and the handouts were just for the very poor, ill, desperate, old and disabled.  [Please note:  I am not telling this story to disparage the unemployed or those on food stamps.  I'm just stating a fact that people back in the 50's,  60's and 70's often thought this way.]


[Update: How's THIS for a lesson in irony?

Excerpt:

Thanks to Major Wood for the outstanding idea.

A great lesson in irony, honest and profound.

The Food Stamp Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is proud to be distributing this year the greatest amount of free Meals and Food Stamps ever, to 46 million people. Meanwhile, the National Park Service, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, asks us “Please Do Not Feed the Animals.”

Their stated reason for the policy is because “The animals will grow dependent on handouts and will not learn to take care of themselves.”

This ends today’s lesson in irony.]
 

We need to ask the question about exactly why this government would be "proud to be distributing this year the greatest amount of free Meals and Food Stamps ever, to 46 million people?"  Answer:  DEPENDENCY= votes for the Marxist Democrats.

Back to the original post.

This man, in his younger years, worked every kind of job he could in order to help out his family. He started with a paper route when he was 13 years old.  He took odd jobs over the years that included roof work, painting, bar bouncer, bartender;  just to name a few.   He even took a job that he absolutely hated - as a collection agent.  It was a job that he got through a connection with his father.  He quit that job just a month later because he finally told his dad that he could not stand it.  Knocking on doors of people who owed money but could not pay was too much of a burden on his conscience.  It wasn't a job that he would ever had taken if he knew beforehand what it required him to do.  He didn't want to disappoint his dad, but there were so many reasons why he needed to leave that job and move on.

Back when he was growing up, the family moved a lot and both his dad (when he wasn't ill) and mom worked really hard to keep the family going.  This man attended a trade school and that is what got him into several jobs leading up to his 22 year career with a fast food company.

He once told me the story that when his dad was ill and unable to work, his aunt and uncle took the family in.  The relatives did not have a big house, so his bedroom was his sister's small, walk-in closet.

This man isn't rich today - but you might consider him to be more well-off than many others.  However, if the Democrats had their way, he would be forced to pay huge amounts in taxes that will come out of his retirement money*. 

I haven't even included any of the details about how his work helped "save" the company over the years he worked there.  I haven't included all the individuals he has hired over the years to do work for him, or about the charitable giving, or about the generosity towards his family.

It really bothers me to hear the BHO people continue to attack the so-called "rich" and blather on about them "paying their fair share"  and "spreading the wealth around."  That is a Marxist (a.k.a. communism) mindset, people!  Clear, plain, and simple!  However, the few liberals who visit this blog deny that label (of Marxist/communist* accusations against BHO - even Russia sees it)  and want to continue to demonize me - a member of the "other side."

Remember, dear people, that when it comes to Marxist ideology, there are the "elites" who run everything, dictate, and lord-it-over the plebeian who, (whether given up voluntarily, gradually or  suddenly because of dependency on government rather than God) end up having their rights, liberties, religious freedom, and general freedoms taken away by a dictatorial-type government.

I get scolded by some who come to visit this blog and claim that "I'm not very Christian" when I reply to their odd-ball comments in a harsh (but truthful) way.  Well, Jesus was harsh with those who would do harm to others; those who would lie, cheat, sin, steal and do evil (especially to children - but that's another topic) in order to get their political way.  This is what happens (and, did happen in the  Nov. 6, 2012 election) when government is taken over by reprobates and unrepentant types.  What they sell to the plebeian (whom they really only use to get elected) sounds good; until the common people realize what it will cost them in the end.  That cost is loss of freedom, liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness.

The first words that Jesus uttered when he began his 3-year ministry on earth were, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Mat 4:17

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

The liberal, progressive, socialist, Marxist, communist, anti-colonialists mock, disparage, debase, insult, ridicule, and demonize the opposition in such a way that I'm sure is not of God. 

Why? 

Because it is not only wrong in the eyes of most discerning people, but it is also not biblical!!   It is opposed to God's Word!   I knew this intuitively, but I didn't realize at what a profound degree this was true until I listened to Dr. David Jeremiah's message.  Then, it all made perfect sense!  Those who had fallen for the hype and chains of BHO's message [Update: by even labeling him as "their messiah???"**] were brought along by methods that included free stuff; but it was lumped in with class warfare, division, hatred, lies, and envy.  The "free stuff" was the hook, while the added vices of warfare, division, hatred, lies, and envy was the sinker.  Time will tell how these people will feel once they realize how badly they were duped.

Back to the main topic.

Please go to the link below to view and listen to the message.  Then come back to share your thoughts in the comment section here at Talk Wisdom.



David Jeremiah.org: Nevertheless, Give Thanks


[Note: To immediately get to the message portion, fast forward the cursor (at bottom of video screen) to 19:00 minutes ahead.]

Life is seldom without challenges, but one thing remains constant, and that is the blessing and guidance of Almighty God. In every situation we can and should give thanks.***
 

Outline:

THANKSGIVING MESSAGE

Dr. David Jeremiah

“Nevertheless, Give Thanks”
Daniel 6:10

November 25, 2012

Daniel 6:10

I. Be Thankful in Spite of the Pressure Against You

Daniel 6:5-9
Esther 8:8
Acts 13:28
Daniel 6:10
1 Kings 8:44, 48-49
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Daniel 6:10

II. Be Thankful in Spite of the Problems That Affect You

Daniel 6:10
Ephesians 5:20
Philippians 4:6
1 Thessalonians 5:18

III. Be Thankful in Spite of the Pain That Is Around You

***That quote from the video sermon page is a very tame description compared to what Dr. Jeremiah discusses in the message. Even the outline seems innocuous. But I guarantee that every person who would take the time to listen to the message that Dr. Jeremiah brings forth in his sermon would squirm in their seats at several points!  It's THAT GOOD in exposing what (and who) is behind the "rich vs. poor" mantra and the jealously and/or guilt that permeates us to the core regarding such disparagement.

I will tell you that there is nothing outwardly political in the video message. There is no mention of the election, or the two campaigns, or what transpired over the months leading up to the election on November 6, 2012.

But what I learned via the message can be directly applied against all the attacks that the BHO campaign used (apparently, successfully) against the Mitt Romney campaign, supporters and voters during the 2012 election campaign.

And guess what?   If you didn't already know or understand this:

Their tactics were opposed to what the Bible teaches!!!

I realize that most thinking and discerning people might already have realized this.  But the fact that Dr. Jeremiah shared Scripture and human interest stories that deeply counter the tactics used by that particular political group added a measure of proof about the truth of what I'm sharing today.

In order to hear the proof of my observation, you will need to view or listen to the sermon message.

The final portion of the sermon message - "Be Thankful in Spite of the Pain That Is Around You" is such a powerful, relevant, and at the same time both humbling and encouraging one!  That's the Bible - the humbling and encouraging book of the ages!!   I must admit that  I will never forget it!!!

The message is exceedingly helpful to all of us - rich or poor (and everyone in between), liberal or conservative, woman or man, black, white, Hispanic or any other race, color or creed. If you take the time to watch and listen to the entire message - you will be astonished at the end! You will also come away with a more thankful attitude despite the chaos going on all around us and the pain that we all go through individually, and even the pain experienced by groups of people at certain times on this earth.

Every person alive has pain.  There is no escape from it!  There are all different types of pain.  Some are excruciating to go through (been there, done that!); while others turn out to be mild disappointments (had them too).  But even in the midst of such pain, God is there to get us through it!! And...the secret is...ONLY GOD CAN ACCOMPLISH THIS FOR US!

There is nothing more important in this life than knowing God through His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord!! His forgiveness, mercy, grace and love surpasses all understanding; and if more individuals would seek God via His Word and find and accept His Living Word - Jesus Christ, our grief would be turned to joy in every circumstance on this earth as we wait in joyful hope of the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

May your Thanksgiving blessings continue on throughout the rest of this year,  in the year to come, and during all the days of your lives.

~  Christine

Hat tips to all links.

*******

*  A comment from the WND site gives us a horrible history lesson:

OldRockerguy
                     

In 1917 the Bolsheviks won the Russian Revolution and communism began in Russia. Vladimir Lenin became the Premier. Lenin died in 1924 and a power struggle for leadership followed between Joseph Stalin and Leon Trotsky. In 1927 Stalin won the struggle and took control. Leon Trotsky was thrown out of the party and forced into exile. Trotsky was later hunted down and killed by Stalin's agents in 1940 in Mexico. By 1928 Joseph Stalin was solidly in control of Russia and he began his "5-year-plans" for the collectivization of the country and the removal of all political opposition. The Ukraine area of Russia was the "breadbasket" of the country. It was inhabited by tribal groups of farmers that wanted to maintain their independence and identity. Stalin raised the quotas of wheat that were to be taken from these farmers by the state and thus engineered a famine in the Ukraine which resulted in the deaths of nearly 7 million Ukrainians by starvation. Other 5-year-plans resulted in the removal of many opposition factory workers that wound up in gulag slave labor camps that were scattered all across Russia. Most occupants of these gulags were overworked and under fed resulting in millions of deaths. Those of us that are over 50 are a problem for Obama. We are the ones that had the highest percentage of voters that opposed him. We remember the atrocities of communism. We remember the communist control over the eastern European nations after World War 2. We remember the Hungarian Revolution in the 50's, the Berlin Wall, and the uprisings and fight for freedom in Poland. We must be gotten rid of. Obamacare will deny us proper medical care and shorten our life span and the inability to control our retirement funds will undoubtedly result in substandard living conditions and permature deaths for many. Read your history books folks. History always seems to repeat itself. Those that don't will get screwed. Do not underestimate the evil in Barack Obama and his cohorts.
 

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**

#12 November 26, 2012 at 1:38 am

 

Bigkahuna commented:

 

Wow the sh@t is getting deep. These people are insane. Please tell me again how 9% unemployment and 15% in black Americans [unemployment] and 50% of black youth unemployed and a crappy economy with little hope in sight and massive debt and debt along with record foodstamps and welfare make him a god, a savior or anything else but a massive fraud and failure?
 

*******
Ultimately, we need to keep what Marcie says here in mind:

#48 November 26, 2012 at 9:22 am
Marcy commented:
It’s O.K. folks…we know how this story ends. Have faith in the one true God.

New Morning in America

What a fabulous video narrated by Sarah Palin! It sums up the excitement, the enthusiasm, the real hope and positive changes that will come as a result of the political tsunami that occurred on election day, 2010. Those who were voted out were replaced by the choices of WE THE PEOPLE to stand for us and do the WILL OF THE PEOPLE instead of what we have seen (Marxism, Czar thuggery, bloated government, relentless spending that didn't create jobs etc.) over the past 18 horrible months of Obama, Pelosi and Reid.



Hat Tip:

Gateway Pundit

Can view video here too:

YouTube: Together - SarahPalinAK

Is Your Soul a Watered Garden?

Despite the fact that the world seems to be turned upside down lately, Christians can still find peace and contentment. Even though the political climate here in America is daunting - maybe even terrifying - we know Who holds the future in His mighty hands. When people lose their money, their comfort, their morality, their loved ones, and have a new found fear about what is happening to our freedoms here in America, we can still have the joy of the Lord sustain us.

Loved this part in the devotional:

Oh, to have one's soul under heavenly cultivation; no longer a wilderness but a garden of the Lord! Enclosed from the waste, walled around by grace, planted by instruction, visited by love, weeded by heavenly discipline, and guarded by divine power, one's favored soul is prepared to yield fruit unto the Lord.

How do we "yield fruit unto the Lord?" We share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Recently, I gave the book "Traveling Light" by Max Lucado to one of my daughter's friends. I am praying that it will help her drop some of the "luggage of life" that can weigh a person down - even a young life like hers. I am praying that a seed for faith in Jesus Christ will be planted in her life - for she was not brought up in a Christian home (as far as I know).

Each person that I have given that book to has come back and told me how much it has helped them! Many have started reading the Bible as a result of reading that book! Praise God!

God's Word is the ultimate in wisdom. No where else can a person find the TRUTH. The Bible (and prayer!) are methods we can use to both "water" our own soul and bring souls to the place of being a "watered garden."

The above paragraphs were some of my thoughts this morning as I read the following C.H. Spurgeon devotional:

Faith's Checkbook by C.H. Spurgeon
Saturday August 29, 2009
http://bible.christiansunite.com/devotionals.shtml


Plentiful Refreshment

Their soul shall be as a watered garden. (Jeremiah 31:12)

Oh, to have one's soul under heavenly cultivation; no longer a wilderness but a garden of the Lord! Enclosed from the waste, walled around by grace, planted by instruction, visited by love, weeded by heavenly discipline, and guarded by divine power, one's favored soul is prepared to yield fruit unto the Lord.

But a garden may become parched for want of water, and then all its herbs decline and are ready to die. O my soul, how soon would this be the case were the Lord to leave thee! In the East, a garden without water soon ceases to be a garden at all: nothing can come to perfection, grow, or even live. When irrigation is kept up, the result is charming. Oh, to have one's soul watered by the Holy Spirit uniformly--every part of the garden having its own stream; plentifully--a sufficient refreshment coming to every tree and herb, however thirsty by nature it may be; continually--each hour bringing not only its heat, but its refreshment; wisely--each plant receiving just what it needs. In a garden you can see by the verdure where the water flows, and you can soon perceive when the Spirit of God comes.

O Lord, water me this day and cause me to yield Thee a full reward for Jesus' sake. Amen.

What Pleases the Lord?

Doesn't it seem that the troubles in this world that Jesus Christ warned us about have increased exponentially over the last few years? If this world, and everything in it, were all that "there is," how sad, depressed, and worried we should be at this time in our nation's history.

No matter what happens regarding the Obama ineligibility issue, I can STILL have the peace that surpasses all understanding because I belong to Jesus. No matter what transpires here on this earth, God is STILL on the throne of heaven - and His ultimate plan for our salvation and the salvation of His people - the Jews - will come to pass.

Non-believers often scoff at Christians for believing in the prophecies of the Bible. They don't believe in Christ, or the Rapture, or Christ's Second Coming. However, we have the proof that we need because God's Written Word has never failed us - and never will fail to achieve what is written in prophecy regarding the end times. With over 300 prophecies about Jesus (many of which have already been fulfilled - the rest to be fulfilled at his second coming) in the Bible, we can trust our Lord and Savior to do exactly what he has spoken through the Scriptures.

Who do YOU trust in this world?

Don't you find it very difficult to trust ANY politician these days? I think that the last presidential politician that I found quite trustworthy was Ronald Reagan. No one is perfect, but President Reagan was probably THE most trustworthy and when compared to our Founding Fathers through individual faith, hope, love, governance, and adherence to our U.S. Constitution, Reagan can be looked up to, highly regarded and fondly remembered for his pride, patriotism, security, and love for America.

Conservatives were thrilled with V.P. candidate Sarah Palin. She reflected many of the beliefs and policies of Reagan. How awesome it would have been to have her serve as vice president! She is a future, conservative candidate who will hopefully bring our nation back toward the Founding Father's original intent.

Today, I feel as though we are hopelessly surrounded by liars, cheats, usurpers, Marxists, Communists, socialists, licentious liberals and downright immoral politicians. And, those who should speak out against this onslaught of misery apparently refuse to do so.

Why?

Probably hundreds of reasons.

Perhaps the biggest reason is because they don't want to lose their jobs and source of income. The second reason is that they don't want to lose their power and prestige; therefore, they will go along with the crowd in order to keep the status quo - no matter how damaging, debilitating, and dangerous this will be - to our people, our military, our economy, our laws, our morality, our rights, our religious rights and freedoms, and our future as a nation.

The United States of America was built upon a love for God and the Judeo-Christian laws, ethics, and values. How very far we have drifted from the original intent of our Founding Fathers! If any one of our nation's founders could come back and see how our nation is being governed today, they would never believe it! Imagine how absolutely appalled they would be!

This nation was created as a Constitutional democratic republic. But we cannot survive as such unless we are a moral, God loving and God-fearing (revering) peoples.

In a previous comment thread, I shared the fact that one of the first acts of our new Congress was to suppress the Republican minority from influencing legislation and decisions over the next four years. This is just the tip of the iceberg, my friends. Look out and hold onto your wallet - we are about to be tsunami ed into economic, moral, and foreign policy turmoil by Big Government that wants nothing to do with republicanism nor conservative values. To them, the Constitution of the United States of America is either "just a piece of paper" or "a document that can be usurped" because a popular politician mesmerized and manipulated millions of voters through the use of appealing to their feelings rather than towards what is right, true and good for our nation. The Media of Mass Deception, unfortunately, helped keep the truth about Obama and his ilk from public scrutiny. Now, we are stuck with the possibility of a usurper being sworn into the highest office of the land.

I have no idea what will transpire between now and January 20th. Either SCOTUS will uphold our Constitution, or they will renege on their sworn oaths to do so and allow Obama into the White House.

I was thinking about what Christians will be doing over the next four years. It is quite possible that the Internet will come under Marxist government control and blogs like mine will be undermined or even shut down. It is quite possible that the "Fairness Doctrine" will eliminate conservative talk radio. Free speech will become "politically correct speech only" allowed.

I think that Christians will not only be suppressed from sharing the Bible (via "hate-crimes" legislation that is actually "thought crimes" in action) verses that "offend" some; but also will come under persecution as well. It is already happening. It will only get worse. The ACLU will see to it that Christians are silenced from openly sharing the gospel. Wait and see!

So what are we to do over the next four years?

I found a blog post (via "Dave" at Digg) that shares what is most important for Christians in this life. Through Scripture verses, it shares "What Pleases God." I found it very informative and comforting. I hope and pray that reading it will bless you and give you hope - the real kind - not the fake "hope" that has been touted by a politician whose views change direction every time the wind blows.

Jesus is the Rock of our salvation. Nothing can take us away from being His. He is the genuine Hope that lives within all believers. One day, we will each see him face to face at the culmination of all of history. When my work here on this earth is done, He will call me home. The excitement in my soul and spirit as I look forward to that day makes me shout, "I can't wait to see my Lord!" Meanwhile, I will continue to work at what pleases the Lord!

In Christ's service,

Christine

*******
Copy of post at "Beef on the Grill" blog:

Thursday, November 08, 2007

What pleases God? Let the Scriptures speak…

I read in Ephesians 5:10 where it says in the NIV, “and find out what pleases the Lord.” What pleases the Lord?

Hebrews 11:6: And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 13:16: …and do not forget to do good and share with others for with such sacrifices, God is pleased.

Romans 12:1-2: Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Psalm 69:30-31: I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an ox, more than a bull with its horns and hoofs.

Micah 6:7-8: Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.


I Timothy 5:4: But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

I Timothy 2:1-3: I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,

Colossians 1:10-13: And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

I Thessalonians. 4:1-12: Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more. Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Galatians 6:7-8: Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Romans 15:2-4: Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

1 John 2:17: The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.


Posted by Judi Seehusen at 10:49 PM

(some bold mine)


Hat Tip: Judi at Beef on the grill blogspot

Why Bethlehem?

Have you heard about the controversy going on up in Washington state regarding the atheists who put up a sign (right next to the Nativity scene, I might add) extolling the "virtues" (?) of the "Winter Solstice" while denigrating all others who believe in God (especially Christians who hold belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of the world) and who believe that God really does exist?

It's an interesting paradox. I always ask the question - if atheists are so sure that "there is no God," then why do they need to rail against those who do believe?

Think of it this way. Let's say that I believe that the color blue is the prettiest color and it's my favorite. I put up a mural in the California State rotunda that exhibits what "blue" is all about and the display has high meaning for me, as well as many others. A "color-atheist" (who happens to be color blind - mind you) comes along and sets up a display that states, "there is no color blue."

Why does he do this? To prove his own point. He wants lots of other people to believe what he believes. He also includes some derogatory statements about the color blue believers just for the sake of offending them.

Well - my analogy may not be the best, but what I'm trying to say is that those who don't believe in God often have an obvious hatred for those who do. They especially hate the gospel message that we are all sinners - desperately in need of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

This is precisely why both the Christian faith and Jewish faith are so rabidly hated. Jesus is the God-man who was born a Jew for the purpose of saving all of mankind from the eternal consequence of sin. People who are in bondage to sin don't want to hear that. They are repulsed by it. The Bible even tells us that "the gospel is an offense to those who are perishing."

I love studying the Bible. It is the most unique Book on earth! We NEVER stop learning from it! It is a Book that is forever teaching those who delve into its pages on a regular basis. The more I learn from it - the more I realize what I DON'T KNOW! Isn't that a fascinating paradox?

Sunday morning, I listened to Dr. David Jeremiah's sermon which was on the subject of "Why Bethlehem?" Did you know that the place called "Bethlehem" occurs 39 times in 38 verses of the Bible?

One out of the many key verses is this one in Micah:

Mic 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.

When you view and listen to the message, you will understand the significance of that verse! I would encourage everyone to go over to LightSource Ministries and view the video of the lesson. I learned so much new and fascinating information about why Bethlehem was in the Father's foreknowledge as the place that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, would be born.

Perhaps after viewing it, you might be a person who can say, "I knew that!" If you are, please comment! If you discovered something new (like I did) please share it!

Yesterday, our family went out and bought our Christmas tree. We put the lights on it and started decorating the rest of our home with two Nativity sets, a Christmas Village, green festive garlands with red bows tied to them, and placed our "Peace on Earth" lace mantel runner across the top of our large fireplace. While I was hanging our stockings from the mantel, my husband commented from the kitchen, "You (and our daughter) do such a great job of decorating our home for Christmas. We have the best kind of fireplace that makes it so homey and festive."

I agree!

Update: Here is a picture of my husband and I before we attended a wedding in November. You can see our mantel and fireplace behind us.

Here is a picture of us at the Justin Winery Cafe during our 25th Wedding Anniversary trip. My love bought me the necklace I'm wearing!




This year, both of my children got me some of the best birthday gifts. My daughter bought me a wooden plaque that states, "Keep Christ in Christmas." She also bought a Christian book and the new WOW Christian artists CD (great songs!). My son bought me two Christmas CDs from two of my favorite artists - Third Day and Casting Crowns; as well as two Christmas tree ornaments. They are beautiful to look at, but most of all, have beautiful messages on them.

One is silver with five hearts dangling down in a row which state, "Faith (Galatians 2;20), Hope (Romans 15:13), Love (Romans 5:5), Joy (Nehemiah 8:10), Peace (John 14:27) Jesus (Philippians 2:9-11)" with an accompanying Bible verse on the back!

Gorgeous!!

The second one is a delicate silver snowflake design that states, "JUST THINK - God compares you to no one else, you are one of a kind."

Aren't they both beautiful messages?? Love it!

Our tree is always decorated with meaningful ornaments that state the REAL reason for the Christmas season. I have been collecting them over the past 20 years or so. Now, many of the regular, "Christian message-free" ornaments that I used to use to fill up the tree aren't needed anymore.

I am so thankful that there are still Christian book stores that carry ornaments that reflect the true meaning of Christmas. Retail stores usually never carry them anymore.

I will close this post with the weekend Turning Point devotional message:

The Green Stuff: Christmas Trees

He came into the world…
Hebrews 10:5

Recommended Reading
Hebrews 10:5-10


In ancient Scandinavia, the evergreen tree was considered a symbol of life amid the bleak darkness of winter. Vikings reportedly cut down evergreens and brought them into their homes as a source of encouragement. In the 600s, Boniface, a British missionary, traveled across Europe using pines as object lessons of eternal life. Even the harsh winter couldn't kill them, said Boniface, who also used their triangular shapes to teach about the Trinity. For centuries afterward, people cut down trees and brought them indoors, creating a celebratory midwinter atmosphere. As an added benefit, the tree's fragrance provided a pleasing aroma during the confining months of winter.

According to tradition, it was Martin Luther who popularized trees as a Christmas symbol of the new life given us by the Christchild, and it was also Luther who wrote a carol that's been sung around Christmas trees for nearly 500 years: "From heaven above to earth I come, / To bear good news to every home."

May all the Christmas trees we encounter this year point our hearts upward toward our blessed Savior!

Give heed, my heart, lift up thine eyes! Who is it in yon manger lies? Who is this Child so young and fair? The blessed Christchild lieth there.
Martin Luther

Read-Thru-the-Bible
Hebrews 12:1 - 13:25 & James 1:1 - 2:26

HT's:

LightSource & Turning Point Ministries

David Jeremiah.org

*******
My recommendation for all of the pending SCOTUS Updates regarding Obama's ineligibility for POTUS is to make the following blogs daily visits:

1. Natural Born Citizen

Recent headline: WROTNOWSKI APPLICATION REFERRED TO FULL COURT BY JUSTICE SCALIA - DISTRIBUTED FOR CONFERENCE ON DEC 12 - SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF TO BE SUBMITTED TOMORROW

Excerpt:

Cort Wrotnowski’s emergency application for a stay and/or injunction as to the Electoral College meeting on Dec. 15 was today referred to the full Court by the Honorable Associate Justice Anotonin Scalia. It has been distributed for Conference of Friday December 12. The official case name is WROTNOWSKI v. BYSIEWICZ, United States Supreme Court Docket No. 08A469.

The Wrotnowski Supreme Court application was prepared by Leo Donofrio, Esq. and is centered on the same issue from Donofrio’s case which was discussed by the Supreme Court in its conference of December 5 - whether Barack Obama is not eligible to the office of President due to the fact that he was a British citizen at the time of his birth.

2. Citizen Wells

Excerpt:

Philip J Berg, Press Release, December 8, 2008, Injunction to stay Electoral Votes, US Supreme Court, Obama ineligible, Prohibit House and Senate count, Obama not natural born citizen.

3. The Right Side of Life

Wrotnowski v. Bysiewicz: Distributed for Conference by Justice Scalia

God's Grace Is Permanent

On this Lord's Day, Sunday, September 7th, 2008, I would like to invite you to watch a wonderful sermon broadcast by Dr. David Jeremiah. The topic of discussion is:

The Continual Praise of Grace

Nothing is Permanent but God's Grace

That is a strong and true statement! After listening and viewing the broadcast, I think that you will most likely agree!

During the sermon, Dr. Jeremiah quoted this:

Gratitude - The forgotten factor in happiness.

Hbr 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.

HT: Lightsource.com

Susan Smith's Newsletter

Susan Smith is Talk Wisdom's guest blogger today. The following is a copy of her April 5, 2008 newsletter which is emailed each week to subscribers. In this edition, Susan discusses many important facts about Christian faith, including how the Holy Spirit works in our lives; how Scripture leads us in truth; that the kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness, peace and joy; that it takes time to mature in our faith; and the importance of deliverance from sin for salvation. Lastly, she describes what transpired during a recent encounter over Easter weekend with two female Jehovah's Witnesses.

Read, enjoy and be blessed!

Christine

*******

Last week we talked about seeing God’s glory. The Holy Spirit often seems elusive. There are times when the Holy Spirit is working powerfully in our lives and it seems indefinable and mysterious. Often it is “after the fact” that we learn it was God all along who was molding and making us as the potter molds and makes the clay. The Lord does not hide truth from us, He hides truth FOR us! His desire is for us to seek His kingdom first.

The kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (ROM 14:17). The kingdom of God “consists in justice and peace and joy—and all in the atmosphere of the Holy Spirit” according to William Barclay’s translation. All scripture is divinely inspired and is useful for teaching the truth, for refutation of error, moral correction and for training in the good life (2TIM 3:16). It does not matter what translation of the Holy Bible you read. God’s written Word is true.

What a blessing we have here in the United States where multiple translations of the written Word of God are available. Who imagined even fifty years ago that these translations would be available all over the world today via the Internet? God does amazing things with the Internet. There are web sites and Christian blogs that are proclaiming God’s Word and His glory throughout the world every minute of every day. Jesus said “I will build my church” (MAT 16:18) and He is doing just that. The Lord is building His church His way and this is happening with or without you or me. Praise His Name!

There have been occasions when my flesh has puffed up with pride when others tell me I have a powerful testimony. Nothing good dwells in my flesh (ROM 7:18). Spiritual pride is a very dangerous sin. Can you grasp this? When anyone is set free from sin, then that person must accept by faith that he or she has become a slave to righteousness (ROM 6:18). God has made Jesus our wisdom, our goodness, our way to holiness and our liberation...to ensure if anyone is proud, he must be proud of what the Lord has done for him and if we boast, then we are to boast in the Lord (1CO 1:30-31). It is so easy to ignore this scripture especially right after one has been delivered from a specific sin.

Deliverance or salvation from sexual sin or drunkenness is not a greater miracle of God than deliverance from gossip, slander, angry outbursts, jealousy, envy, hatred or any other fleshly sin (GAL 5:20-21). Do you understand? Salvation from the power of any specific sin does not assure spiritual maturity. There is no guarantee of spiritual maturity just because the power of God has delivered you from some explicit sin. I have seen spiritual immaturity in my life many times since the Lord delivered me from homosexuality and drunkenness. Deliverance from fleshly sin is only the beginning of abundant life in Christ!

We grow in our knowledge of God and the Messiah (JOH 17:3) just as we grow in physical maturity from childhood to adulthood. Are you growing in spiritual maturity today? Spiritual growth is not always at the same speed and sometimes it is in the wrong direction. Knowledge of God and the Way we must walk come little by little, precept must be upon precept (ISA 28:10). There is a definite order in which we grow, because God is not the author of confusion (1CO 14:33). The Lord will not show us the next step until we have obeyed all He has given us today.

We should not expect ourselves to have a maturity beyond our years nor should we expect those younger than we are to have our maturity. We are without understanding and we are not wise when we measure ourselves by ourselves and compare ourselves with one another (2CO 10:12). We are foolish to use others as our standard of measurement. Jesus is the only perfect human being who has ever walked on earth. How do we measure against the Messiah? He has a perfect relationship with God.

Did my visitors on Easter weekend have a relationship with God? I saw them coming up the street and two ladies rang my doorbell. One woman had gray hair and she looked old enough to be the younger lady’s grandmother. When I opened the door, the young woman said, “We are handing out literature.” I smiled and told them they were welcome to come in. They thanked me and reluctantly entered my living room. I motioned toward the couch and told them to have a seat as I sat in a chair.

The older lady thanked me as she sat down and then she said, “We are Jehovah Witnesses.” I smiled and said “Praise the Lord. His Name is Jehovah. He is King of kings and Lord of lords.” She then said, “We believe Jesus is the son of God.” I smiled again and said, “God has given Him the Name above every name and at the Name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” My enthusiasm came from within. God had answered my prayer before the doorbell rang when I asked Him to fill me with His Spirit.

It was a joy to speak the words that came out of my mouth and this encounter reminded me of the long application interview for graduate school at the university with Dr. Bolte. The words simply came out! I did not think about what to say and it seemed as though my brain had been bypassed. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (MAT 12:34). God continues to transform my life by the renewing of my mind (ROM 12:2). We are commanded to be transformed by this renewing and it is an act of God. We cannot transform our own lives or renew our minds. God does this by His grace. It can be continuous. We are commanded to be filled with the Spirit (EPH 5:18). We must seek God if we want to be transformed and if we desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

It was almost as though God waved a “caution” flag in my mind when the older lady spoke again. She said in a different tone of voice, “So you believe in the Trinity.” The word “Trinity” cannot be found in the written Word of God. We are not to go beyond what is written (1CO 4:6). God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is a difficult doctrine for many to grasp. In Jerusalem, I had a Muslim friend tell me that Christians believe in three gods. Orthodox Jews believe God is Spirit and He cannot be flesh; therefore, they reject Jesus who Christians believe is God incarnate. I do not believe there is a person on earth who completely understands the Trinity, but I believe the Bible teaches the reality of the Trinity in both the Old and New Testaments. The Trinity is a spiritual revelation of God that I accept by faith.

The young lady sitting on the couch had said nothing, but I could tell she was listening. I told my visitors I believe God is three characters in one. Sharing my time in Israel was easy. I told them the Orthodox Jews recite a prayer everyday called the Shema: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is One” (DEU 6:4). Then I asked the older lady if she had children. She answered, “Yes” so I said, “Then you are a mother, a daughter and a wife...three characters, but you are only one person. I believe in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

It was a surprise when the older lady began to rise from the couch and she said, “Well we won’t keep you.” With excitement in my voice and a big smile I stood up and said, “But I want to keep you just as God wants to keep you. May I pray for you before you leave?” “No ma’am” the gray-haired lady said in a louder voice as they moved toward the front door. The younger woman held out a piece of literature and I said “no thank you” as I opened the door. I told them I read the living Word of God. “It divides between our souls and our spirits. It convicts us of sin.” When we stepped on the porch I again asked if I could pray for them.

The older lady again said, “No ma’am” and she added, “We are Christians too!” Then I implored once more, “You will not let me pray for you?” She said, “No ma’am!” The goodbye seemed sad as I said, “God bless you and have a wonderful day.” As they walked down the sidewalk there was sorrow in my heart. They chose to walk away.

The Bible tells us: O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the source of living water (JER 17:13). Have you ever walked away? I have. Praise God for His mercy. Have you ever shown contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads us toward repentance? (ROM 2:4) I have.

Is your name written in the Book of Life (REV 20:15) or will it be written in the dust today? God cursed the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The serpent eats dust (GEN 3:14). Do you ever feel as though an enemy is eating away at the land of your life? “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2CH 7:14). Do you want to be well?

We are created for God’s glory (ISA 43:7). We are told to “fear not” many times in the Bible. Remember when God commissioned Moses to bring the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt? This was long before Moses asked to see God’s glory. Moses asked God “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” The question was not important. God’s answer was. God said, “I will be with you” (EXO 3:12). There was no fear when my door was opened for the “witnesses” on Easter weekend. There was no question of who “I” was. God was with me and I saw a glimpse of His glory. Praise His Name! ~ Susan Smith

Sing to the Lord

Top Ten Best Christian Songs 2006 - Brief clips of 10 great contemporary Christian songs and their artists.

"Lifesong" by Casting Crowns is my cell phone ringtone.

Chris Tomlin will be performing at The Rock Church in November!! I'm so excited and looking forward to seeing and hearing this great Christian recording artist perform worship songs to God!

A worship song for Sunday morning:

How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin

Something Beautiful

Something Beautiful

by The Newsboys

"A Divine Encounter" by Susan Smith

My dear friend, Susan Smith, often sent me email updates when she was living in Israel. Her newsletters are stories about "Life in Israel." This email, however, was the story of her Divine encounter while traveling back to the U.S. It is quite an awesome and fascinating story. With Susan's gracious permission, I share it with all of you!

Blessings,
Christine

Life in Israel (update) 06July07

by Susan Smith

Hello from South Carolina. It is a great joy for this writer to be back in the United States for as long as the Lord keeps me here. What a privilege to be in a country where I can speak the Name of Jesus and ask another person in public if they are a Christian without fear of losing my job. This freedom was not realized on my short visits back to my home country over the past five years. It is a blessing to be born in the United States and to be a citizen of this land on earth between the waters of the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. God has made this country great. The one God of Israel, the creator of the universe, the Lord God Almighty has poured out his blessings on the United States of America and that is why this nation is viewed as the greatest country on earth at this hour.



My trip back was very comfortable. The midnight flight from Tel Aviv to Newark, New Jersey was uneventful until the last two hours. It was quiet on the plane and many passengers, including this writer, enjoyed restful naps during the overseas flight with very little turbulence. During and after breakfast my seatmate and I began to talk. He told me he was a Muslim. This man who lives in upstate South Carolina in the Greenville/Spartanburg area had a very interesting story he shared. He owns a company called Alliance Garbage and we laughed together when he told me he was a “garbage” man. Learning about landfills and how they are lined according to federal regulations was interesting to hear.



Even more interesting was the fact that this man has a pilot’s license and enjoys flying. He told me he graduated from the same pilot’s school in Florida as the 911 terrorist pilots. Wow! So there I sat next to a Muslim man who shared he attended the same school as the 911 terrorists. What a divine encounter! He said when 911 happened he was living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Three days after 911, FBI agents came knocking on his door. They questioned him intensely. He stood up during the interrogation and walked to his bedroom. One of the agents followed him. He retrieved all of his US Army medals he had received during his six years in the US Army including a tour in Bosnia. He explained to the agents that he was born in this country and loves the United States. The agents left and my seatmate appeared to have taken no offense as he told the story.



He shared that his mother lives in Jericho and his sister lives in Ramallah, Israel. He had been on a short visit to Israel to see his family. His sister runs a daycare center in Ramallah for about thirty children. One child in her care died some time ago of what was believed to be sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) when young babies die in their cribs without apparent cause. She was charged with murder and my friend on the plane went to Ramallah to attend his sister’s trial and to give her support.



Our flight left Tel Aviv at midnight and this writer arrived at the Ben Gurion airport about nine o’clock that last Saturday night in May. My friend on the plane said he arrived at five o’clock and barely made the flight. He told me he was questioned and interrogated for hours by Israeli security personnel. He said this was the first time he had ever been strip-searched. It seems when the metal detector was placed by the front of his blue jeans, the zipper caused the instrument to sound an alarm. He was required to undress for a guard to assure he was not carrying anything illegal. This man’s father was Arab and his mother is an Apache Indian. His mother is from the Four Corners area of the United States. The Four Corners is the only place in the United States where four states come together at one place. His mother was born in Arizona. The other states are New Mexico, Utah and Colorado.



My Muslim friend was very enjoyable company during the last two hours of the flight. Before leaving Jerusalem, this writer learned she would have an eleven hour layover in Newark. Continental Airlines no longer had the morning flight available on Sunday morning from Newark to Columbia, South Carolina. The long layover was of the Lord. His ways are above our ways and His thoughts are above ours (see ISA 55:9). All the days of my life and of yours were written in His book before one of them came to be (see PSA 139:16). My friend told me he also had a long layover before his flight to Greenville.



This man handed me my carryon luggage from the overhead bin as we prepared to depart the plane in Newark. I was thankful for the help and wondered if we would have a chance to talk anymore. We said good bye when I stopped at the restroom on the way to passport control and customs. The passenger lines were long and my Muslim friend was nowhere to be seen as the lines moved slowly. After getting through customs I wondered what the Lord had in store during my long wait. Walking toward my departure gate this writer was glad she brought a book to read. The waiting area was small downstairs for the commuter jet to Columbia. This writer went back upstairs on the escalator and purchased a drink before finding a seat. The airport seemed quiet at five o’clock in the morning.



While reading, I looked up and saw a man approaching my seat by the wall. It was the “garbage” man. He sat down and we began to talk. Our talk lasted for a good eight hours as we talked about Islam, Christianity and Jesus the Messiah. He told me he met his wife during an Army tour to Germany. She is from Poland and they have a ten year old boy and a younger girl. He watched my carryon bag when I needed to use the restroom and I did the same for him. The relationship was good and this writer is always thankful to meet another traveler whom God directs her to trust.



The garbage man took a walk and purchased candy for his children in the airport. I asked him if he had gotten a gift for his wife in Jericho or Ramallah. He said “no” so I offered him a partially used tube of Ahava hand lotion from Israel. As he thanked me, the Lord simply told me in my spirit that it was time to share my personal testimony. As I shared about my life as a drunkard, having a child out of wedlock and living in the sinful lifestyle of homosexuality, my friend was very attentive. I told him Jesus Christ has changed my life and I gave him the one CD of my testimony that happened to be in my carryon luggage. Now it was no accident that this writer just happened to place one testimony CD in her carryon bag as she was packing to leave Israel.



The Lord knew before this writer was born that she would meet this Muslim man and talk with him for eight hours in the Newark airport. God brought my life out of a prison of sin that I might confess, praise and give thanks to His name (see PSA 142:7, AMP) in a casual conversation with this man who said he was a Muslim. The Lord knows the heart of every person reading these words and His desire is for you to be delivered from the power of sin. The Creator of the universe wants you and me to increasingly perceive, recognize, discern and know precisely and correctly the Truth (see 1TI 2:4, AMP). Jesus the Messiah is alive. He is the Truth. He was raised from the dead by the power of God (see COL 2:12) and He is our savior and deliverer from any kind or class, type or variety of sin. He loves you.



We worship an amazing God. Are you free to confess the name of Jesus where you live? If you publicly confess with your mouth your belief that Jesus is Lord, and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. It is the heart’s faith which brings you into a right relationship with God, and it is the open assertion of that faith with the mouth which brings you to salvation (see ROM 10:9-10, Barclay). Do you believe? ~ Susan Smith

Meaning IN Life (part 2)

[Note: For the first segment in this series called, "Searching For Heaven On Earth," go here for the outline. You can look up the verses in the outline and get an idea of why Ecclessiastes 1:1-11 discusses "The Futility of Life."]

SEARCHING FOR HEAVEN ON EARTH
Dr. David Jeremiah

“Sorting Out Your Life”
Ecclesiastes 1:12 - 2:26

February 11, 2007

“vanity”-emptiness or without meaning
“under the sun”- the context for Solomon’s research
“profit”-what is left over

I. The Experiences of Life Under the Sun – Ecclesiastes 1:12 - 2:10

A. Searching for Meaning in Wisdom
Ecclesiastes 1:12-18

Ecc 1:12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem.

Ecc 1:13 And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised.

Ecc 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Ecc 1:15 What is crooked cannot be made straight,
And what is lacking cannot be numbered.

Ecc 1:16 I communed with my heart, saying, "Look, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge."

Ecc 1:17 And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind.

Ecc 1:18 For in much wisdom is much grief,
And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

Dr. Jeremiah shared a bit about a phenomenol student named Karen Chang. She lives in Fremont, CA and had a perfect score on the SAT's. She was a straight A student and a typical teen. However, she admits that she can be a bit of a procrastinator. Her teachers nick-named her "wonder woman."

Here was a young teen girl who held such a marvelous ability to gain knowledge and retain it. However, when a reporter asked her, "What is the meaning of life?" she answered, "I have no idea. I'd like to know that for myself."

In his poem, Choruses from The Rock (1934), T.S. Eliot states:

"All our knowledge brings us nearer to death,
But nearness to death no nearer to God."

Here's the first stanza, so you can better see the context of the quote:

The Eagle soars in the summit of Heaven,
The Hunter with his dogs pursues his circuit.
O world of spring and autumn, birth and dying!
The endless cycle of idea and action,
Endless invention, endless experiment,
Brings knowledge of motion, but not of stillness;
Knowledge of speech, but not of silence;
Knowledge of words, and ignorance of the Word.
All our knowledge brings us nearer to death,
But nearness to death no nearer to God.
Where is the Life we have lost in living?
Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?
The cycles of Heaven in twenty centuries
Brings us farther from God and nearer to the Dust.

Sounds like he got his inspiration from Solomon!

Ecc 1:17 And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind.

Ecc 1:18 For in much wisdom is much grief,
And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

If education alone could bring meaning, then every person with a PhD would be happy!

Trouble is, smarter people with a sinful nature are those who learn to do evil in a new way.


B. Searching for Meaning in Wild Living
Ecclesiastes 2:1-3

Ecc 2:1
I said in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure"; but surely, this also was vanity.

Ecc 2:2
I said of laughter--"Madness!"; and of mirth, "What does it accomplish?"

Ecc 2:3
I searched in my heart how to gratify my flesh with wine, while guiding my heart with wisdom, and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their lives.

Notice how Solomon tried amusement, mirth, pleasure, laughter, wine and madness. Such things failed to bring him happiness.

1. He tried amusement

Proverbs 14:13 - Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth [is] heaviness.

Perhaps we could visualize Solomon's palace like a casino, today, in Las Vegas.


2. He tried alcohol

Ecclesiastes 2:3 - I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what [was] that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.

C. Searching for Meaning in Work

Ecclesiastes 2:4-6

Ecc 2:4 I made my works great, I built myself houses, and planted myself vineyards.

Ecc 2:5 I made myself gardens and orchards, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them.

Ecc 2:6 I made myself water pools from which to water the growing trees of the grove.

In those previous verses, Solomon said "my" or "myself" six times. It didn't do anything for him.

Why was this so? There was no permanent meaning in the accomplishment unless it's after God!

The key is to not make them (accomplishments) the ultimate goal. It won't fill the longing of your soul. Such a longing can only be filled by God.

Look at the life of Ernest Hemingway. After "having it all" he chose to end his life via suicide. He is quoted as having said, "Life is just one damn thing after another."

Seeking meaning in the three ways described above (in knowledge, wild living, or work) alone is empty. What happens is, people are trying to get more out of them than they can deliver!

D. Searching for Meaning in Wealth

Ecclesiastes 2:7-10

Ecc 2:7 I acquired male and female servants, and had servants born in my house. Yes, I had greater possessions of herds and flocks than all who were in Jerusalem before me.

Ecc 2:8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the special treasures of kings and of the provinces. I acquired male and female singers, the delights of the sons of men, and musical instruments* of all kinds.

Ecc 2:9 So I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me.

Ecc 2:10 Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them.
I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure,
For my heart rejoiced in all my labor;
And this was my reward from all my labor.

Ecc 2:11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done
And on the labor in which I had toiled;
And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind.
There was no profit under the sun

Dr. Jeremiah desired to express how rich Solomon really was. Take a look at

1 Kings 10:14 -
Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred threescore and six talents of gold,

The amount of gold that Solomon had was probably valued at 25 million dollars in the days of Solomon. There was gold everywhere! All the drinking vessels were gold. No second place silver in that household! It's nothing compared to the value of gold. Solomons palace was filled with the best of everything; precious stones, exotic spices, gorgeous clothes, the best of foods.

Ecc 2:9 So I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me.

He had it all! Yet, it didn't bring true meaning and joy to life!

Johnnie Cochran had a saying, "The only value of money is so you don't have to worry about being poor."

But look at Ecc. 2:10-11

Ecc 2:10 Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them.
I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure,
For my heart rejoiced in all my labor;
And this was my reward from all my labor.

Ecc 2:11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done
And on the labor in which I had toiled;
And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind.
There was no profit under the sun.

II. The Evaluation of Life Under the Sun – Ecclesiastes 2:11-23

A. Man's Work Does Not Satisfy Him
Ecclesiastes 2:11-12

Ecc 2:11

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done
And on the labor in which I had toiled;
And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind.
There was no profit under the sun.

Ecc 2:12
Then I turned myself to consider wisdom and madness and folly;
For what can the man do who succeeds the king?--
Only what he has already done.

B. Man's Work Does Not Separate Him

Ecclesiastes 2:13-16

Ecc 2:13 Then I saw that wisdom excels folly
As light excels darkness.

Ecc 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head,
But the fool walks in darkness.
Yet I myself perceived
That the same event happens to them all.

Ecc 2:15 So I said in my heart,
"As it happens to the fool,
It also happens to me,
And why was I then more wise?"
Then I said in my heart,
"This also is vanity."

Ecc 2:16 For there is no more remembrance of the wise than of the fool forever,
Since all that now is will be forgotten in the days to come.
And how does a wise man die?
As the fool!

What has Solomon learned? That all of this doesn't fill the void in his life. He ends up empty. The reason? We are not created that way! The one avenue that gives us pure joy and fulfill is that which leads to God!

Ecc 2:17 Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind.

C. Man's Work Does Not Succeed Him

Ecclesiastes 2:18-23

Ecc 2:18 Then I hated all my labor in which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me.

Ecc 2:19 And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over all my labor in which I toiled and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.

Ecc 2:20 Therefore I turned my heart and despaired of all the labor in which I had toiled under the sun.

Ecc 2:21 For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; yet he must leave his heritage to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.

Ecc 2:22 For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun?

Ecc 2:23 For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity.

[Note: Depressed yet? It will be O.K.! Just keep reading! Relief is in sight...in the very next paragraph!]

What is Solomon's message to us all? What is the point of relaying all this depressing non-fulfillment information to us? Are you thinking...but I am enjoying my life, these things, my work, my wild life, my _______(fill in the blank)!

The crux of the matter is this:

If all you see is "under the sun" then there is no difference between the wise and the fool! The end result is that they are the same and it doesn't make a difference.

Except! (you knew that was coming....)

Except when you look at eternity!!!

Here's a simple illustration: Do you ever see a hearse pulling a U-Haul?

Of course not!

We have to get through all of this "bad news" to get to the Good News! What is meant in this portion of Scripture, is that you may build what you want, save what you want; but one day you won't be able to manage it.

So, what is the eternal meaning in the accomplishments in life?

We need to step back and get perspective. If we use only our 5 senses, we feel ultimate despair, discouragement and disappointment. Colossians 3:2 tells us the better way:

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."

What is the relief from "days that are sorrowful," "work that is burdensome," and the "heart taking no rest?"

Knowing the difference between vanity and the value of eternity!

That verse is worth repeating:

Colossians 3:2 - Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Now wait, it doesn't end there.

(Remember in my hints in the previous post where I stated, "2. ...has both a humorous meaning, and a more serious one, implying that the answer is to enjoy the ride."?)

Don't stop reading now...the next part is really great...I promise!!


III. The Enjoyment of Life Under the Sun – Ecclesiastes 2:24-26

A. True Enjoyment Is a Gift from God
Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

Ecc 2:24 Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.

Ecc 2:25 For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I?*

*2:25 Following Masoretic Text, Targum, and Vulgate; some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, and Syriac read without Him

Ecclesiastes is not a morbid book, it is an exciting book! It's not a message to just "check out."

It encourages us to get our heads straight and realize that everything we have is given by God! When we know this...really and truly believe and know this, then we experience the real thing - true joy. That's the gift from God that we receive that allows everything to make sense!

The gifts that we receive here, while on this earth are not the ultimate. Think of them as just a "down payment" to what He has prepared for us in eternity!

True joy - when we realize it- is a gift from the Lord!

God isn't a kill-joy.

As Jesus said in Jhn 10:10 - "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly."

But the Bible is filled with admonitions not to seek joy over there (where the thief resides).

Why?

Because you will miss it!

You will miss the true joy!

That personal, intimate joy!

When we have the joy that God brings- then we can enjoy the things he gave us!

We need to keep God in our "portfolio," so to speak!

Think of it this way. We are to hold all that we have in an open hand. If you close your hand - God can't bless you!

1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

Ecclesiastes 2:25

For who can eat, or who else can hasten [hereunto], more than I?*

*meaning: without Him!

The problem with finding meaning in pleasure is that you have to increase the intensity to get the same "buzz."

Look at how some choose to seek pleasure:

Alcohol
Smoking
Drugs
Gambling
Illicit Sex
Pornography

Isn't it true that the more you seek pleasure in these things the more addictive they can become? They are traps in the hand of the Enemy of our souls...and he know it!

But note this well.

We NEVER have to worry about the intensity of pleasure that God gives!!

People often say, "never say never." But in this case it's biblical!!

This is where the third hint that I had previously given in the first post comes in:

3. The only time to do something when it feels good is if it feels good to God!

Remember the movie, "Chariots of Fire?" The Christian preacher who ran in the Olympics stated, "When I run, I feel His (God's) pleasure." It's just one tiny illustration of what it means to do something that you enjoy, while at the same time, it is pleasing to God, too!


B. True Enlightenment Is a Gift from God

Ecclesiastes 2:26

For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

The enlightenment that I have personally received through knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and through studying His Word, the Bible has given me the greatest joy in my life...especially when shared with family and friends!

Dr. Jeremiah shared some examples.

Do you live in a beautiful house? Don't horde it! Use that gift to share God with others through conducting Bible studies or any activity where you can show others the joy of the Lord!

A person once asked Dr. Jeremiah, "if I win the lottery, should I give it to God?" Jeremiah replied, "you shouldn't be playing in the first place; however, if you ever do win give it ALL to God...the devil has had it long enough! Amen?"

Let's end with a beautiful promise verse:



Isaiah 55:1-3

Isa 55:1 "HO! Everyone who thirsts,


Come to the waters;
And you who have no money,
Come, buy and eat.
Yes, come, buy wine and milk
Without money and without price.

Isa 55:2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And let your soul delight itself in abundance.

Isa 55:3 Incline your ear, and come to Me.
Hear, and your soul shall live;
And I will make an everlasting covenant with you--
The sure mercies of David.

That's a great invitation, isn't it?


Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:


Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,


Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)


Eph 2:6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus:


Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.


Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

1. "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever".

Amen!