Poem: Brass Garden

Marketplace Christian


Flowers planted carefully in a brass garden,

The blossoms could soften the heart of the hardened.

The colors soothed us and gave us great joy.

But then our lives got busy and they were forgotten as toys.

They were left unattended, flowers in a brass garden.

We took a moment to allow life to catch up,

as we sat in the yard as our tea grew cold in our cups.

The blossoms were no more, but what stood in its space,

was a message from God that put us in our place.

We allowed time to pass and the world caught up.

Where the flowers were, seeds had planted their roots.

Weeds had taken over, more than shoots.

They took over the sod and drained all the life.

No more fighting for space, no more strife.

The garden of brass had no more room for flowery roots.

If we had only weeded the problem at the first breaking of
ground.

We could have saved our blossoms and all the others we've found.


The flowers were there still, wilted and brown.

The blossoms were just a memory, nowhere to be found.

The joy was gone and the birds made no sound.

I silently prayed, "let not my heart be hardened",

The answer was clear, we received our pardon.

Let's pull the weeds together, all the way to the roots.

Removing all signs of even the shoots.

once again we'll have joy and flowers in our brass garden.

by

Wayne Brooks
2/18/99

Holy Hands

He stood in his pew gazing at his hands. He wanted to "Lift Holy Hands" in worship although what he was looking at did not resemble Holiness. His hands were badly marked by years of hard manual labor. How could he raise them to the Lord he loved? He left each Sunday in the same way. He was ashamed of his hands. Neither gloves nor lotion could erase the years of wear. On his job he did his best like a child of God should. And gloves would only get in the way.

Then one Sunday they sung a song of worship saying, "It's all about you, Jesus". He decided he could not hold them down any longer. He started off low, lifting only a little and as his faith grew stronger, they made it up high. He stretched out his work-worn hands as far as they could go. Trying to put away the feelings of shame over how "un-holy" his hands looked. He saw in his spirit two hands coming down to hold his. He felt utterly astonished as he looked up at the hands of a man who had spent many years in a carpenter’s shop working with primitive tools. His hands were badly scared beyond repair from punctures made by wood chisels as he lovingly carved quality wood products for his customers. His hands were badly calloused from swinging an ax to cut down trees to make yokes for oxen. His hands were badly marred from what looked like large nail holes. He thought for-sure these hands were worst looking than his own and still he knew that these were truly Holy Hands reaching down to him.

Then he heard a soft sweet, but stern, voice speaking to him the word "Avodah". Although he felt himself an un-learned common labor and all other tongues sounded like Greek. He somehow knew that the word was speaking of "worship by working".

Well this was more than he could stand and he knew that because of the hands stretching down to him that his hands had truly been made Holy. Now every time he prayed, worshiped, or worked, he knew that through the Blood of Christ, he has been made clean and that he now had "Holy Hands".

3/4/02

A Call to Prayer for the Churches in Crisis

I found this card in a used book the other day. Since November 8 is this year’s International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, I thought I would share this to prepare us. I got my wife to type and change some of the wording to make it more common language. Not so churchy. For more info on the Persecuted Church, Click on the title of this post.

The church of Christ is in crisis Throughout the world
ABROAD:Suffering is terrible in many lands.
Imprisonment and death are very real for some.
Tension and strain are usual.
Alarming needs, both spiritual and physical abound.
Losses, like never seen before, are being suffered.
Heroism and steadfastness in the faith need encouragement.
AT HOME:
Where there may be lies, blindness,
Self-centeredness, spiritual poverty,
Lack of power and joy,
May it not rob Your church of her witness.
Loyalty and sacrifice need recognition and increase.

THEREFORE:A call to prayer and penitence is given here,
Calling Christians everywhere to show themselves
with the critical challenge of burdens abroad
and also with the indifferences at home—that it will
please God to set our souls and churches AFLAME
with His gospel of salvation in this dreadful
day of opportunity and judgment.

Here is a prayer for the persecuted Church:
"O Lord, we lift our prayers together to You
For Your church in crisis. Only You can lead it;
Only You can clean it;
Only You can save it for its task today.
Where it is troubled without, strengthen it within.
Where it is confused, deliver it from hopelessness.
Where fires of persecution rage against it,
Let it know that You have not forsaken it.
Where it is cast down, show that it cannot be destroyed.
In its comfort zone, excite it.
In its complacency, waken it.
In its blindness, show it Your face.
In its deadness, bring it to life.
In its loyalty and sacrifice, sustain it.

So, O Lord, may Your church be shaken awake
in this awesome day of judgment---
to its central place in history,
to its divine power on earth,
to its clear gospel of peace and salvation,---
and witness so to Thee
that men and nations may know
You ONLY are God."

“Set us afire Lord,
Stir us we pray!
While the world perishes,
We go our way
Purposeless, passionless day after day.
Set us afire, Lord,
Stir us we pray!”
Amen


Taken from a committee of the council of the Presbyterian Church
February, 1950

2 Chron 7:14 Call to Prayer for Nation

I normally don't pass on forwards, but I felt I needed to do this one. And I wanted to post it here. As stated the author is unknown,but I agree with it.
And for all of my international readers, this applies to your country also.

Wayne

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Bill Taylor
To: Sent: Sat, October 24, 2009 11:35:24 AM
Subject: Fwd: FW: 2 Chron 7:14

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 Chron 7:14

We are speeding towards one world government and the second
coming at a rapid pace. I remember reading about the children
of Israel who turned from God time and time again, only to realize
their mistake and pray for forgiveness. Each time, God would
forgive them and they would walk with him for a time. So, I am
going to ask you to join me in praying for our nation everyday.

God is in control!!!
Our president did not encourage participation in the National Day
of Prayer. He called it an event He thinks it should be private
prayer instead of Public Prayer.
May God Have Mercy On America & Protect Our Troops
In Texarkana last week, there were signs in people's yards that
said, " America , prayer is our only hope" with 2 Chron. 7:14
underneath. We certainly need God's help!
I have no idea who started this, but I certainly agree with this
e-mail. I heard a preacher on TV tonight who said if we pray for
our nation that things will turn around. After a day of contemplation
and soul searching, I have decided to reach out to my friends and
relatives and ask you to do something that has been troubling me
for a long time.

Our nation is/has been on the slippery slope for a long time. If you
look around you will find corruption, greed, moral decay, and a
steady move away from the things that made us great. The
principles upon which this nation was founded are no longer our
backbone. However, we can reverse this trend.

2 Chron. 7:14 in God's word he states, "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."
I am convinced that we must pray for our nation and its leaders and
ask for forgiveness. So I ask you to join me in this plea to our Lord.
Would you please send this to people in your address book and ask
them to pray everyday. If you do and they comply, we will lift up
millions and millions of prayers a day to our Creator. He will hear
us and in faith will answer.

Let me just add a quote from Ronald Reagan. "If we ever forget
that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."
I truly believe this is why the United States of America is in the
shape we are in today. Most people have forgotten that we are one
nation under God! Let us as Christians stand up and remind people
of this..!

Author unknown but I support them.

Holy Spirit, Take A Break

Did you ever wish the Holy Spirit would just take a break? Tonight at work was one of those days. One of the other drivers got in my way while I was pulling an order, blocking my way so he could get his. It really made me mad (or aggravated, I seldom get mad). I was forced to leave the area before I said something I would regret. Luckily I needed to change the battery in my lift. I really wanted to get mad and tell the boy what I thought. I think some of them are taking advantage of my loving nature. {LOL} But the Holy Spirit softly spoke those Oh familiar words, "get over it". So I went back and finished my load after he was out of the way. I had finished my order way before some of the others so I was told to help some of them with there's since it was almost time to knock off. Sooo while I was looking, guess who was the first one I came across?. You guessed it. Big Boy himself. He was stacking a pallet load. A real pesky part of the job. I paused to help him and could not help but "get over it".
And again while I was helping another driver with his load I noticed a couple of damaged cases on the pallet. I cleverly shifted them to face the damaged part inside so they would not show. It was 5 minutes until time to leave. But that Holy Spirit softly spoke those Oh familiar words," If you were the customer would you want those? and if Jesus was loading that pallet would He let that go?". So I fixed the pallet and replaced the case.
Some times you just want to tell Him to take a break. But as I felt later. I did the right things and the Lord was pleased. And that is what it is all about. Now I'll take the break.
Oct 2009 Working at Bremner Foods

On God's Time

In an article way back I wrote on the subject of being called to the workplace I stated that I wouldn't write about the basic things of the Christian life. I had stated that I felt these things were sure to be part of a believer's character and not something we should work on.

But on further examination I have seen a lack of these qualities in many true believers including myself. In this post I would like to offer some hint of the way we should conduct ourselves in the workplace. So that we may not damage the witness we desire to be. The one thing that never ceases to amaze me is how a believer who is trying to please God and witness to his co-workers can habitually show up for work late. Employees and employers know that this will sometimes happen, but I have noticed that some Christians make a habit of dragging in late almost everyday. You can rely on them always to be there, but in their own time. I had one older brother tell me years ago that when he was younger his boss started work at a certain time but had him coming in 30 minutes earlier. When he asked his boss why, he answered that he could count on one thing about him. That was that he would be late everyday at least 30 minutes. That put him at work on time.

Do we seriously believe the Lord is pleased with this attitude? How would we feel if all of our prayers and blessings from God where always late. Our witness of God would be like this: "My God answers prayers all the time. Always late, but hey, better late than never. Right?"

This attitude of serving our employer at our own pace usually spills over into the church. I find it easy to make it late to services. Surely it's different than work, I don't get paid to go to Church (Or do I?) But lately I've seen that it's not a matter of distraction that keeps us tardy but an attitude that we're get there when we get there. The whole world moves around us and "if " we make it at all, those waiting should count themselves blessed that we did.

I cannot picture the Lord Jesus as being late for anything. He was accused of being late for Lazarus but they found out different. God the Father told Him to wait on arriving in Bethany, but I'm sure He was never late getting to the carpenter shop or the synagogue. The whole life of Christ was spent being on God the Father's time and not His own. If we are to walk as Christ walked, should we also live our lives on God's time and not our own?

And remember; "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve (work for) the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:22-24

August 10, 2001

Temp #43: Attitude Towards Co-Workers

"Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:22 but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire."
Matthew 5:21-22

In reading this verse I am reminded that I need to watch what I say about people at work. In an environment where decisions don't make sense and very anti-family and just anti-common sense, I tend to refer to those making the decisions as stupid or idiotic. But here Jesus tells us not to call others Raca. Which most all teachers of scripture agree means empty-headed or useless person. How being subject to the courts applies to use is unknowable since we have no such laws against speaking these words. We must assume that if Jesus spoke of us being liable to , back then, earthly courts then surly we are liable to a Heavenly court. But weather liable or not, just because the Lord said not to do it is enough to warrant compliance.
In context this passage is in the "Sermon on the Mount" which deals a lot with judging others and our attitude to those over us. We seem to be told to put our trust in those over us as a sign of our right relationship with the Lord. I suppose if those over us make a mistake and it affects us negatively, then we must in turn trust the Lord to work it out to our or His benefit. Again the Kingdom of God is not about me but Him who rules it. Trust, what a wonderful attitude.

Temp #43: The Stand

Still working through the temp company. Three others were just hired on full time. Although I've been with BFG longer with PR, they have been in the department longer. One that was hired is leaving for boot camp and just quit. Why would anyone hire a guy knowing he was going to leave soon? The amazement of a worldly mind.
I've been playing pretty nice. Just reading my bible at break time and working hard unto-the-Lord. Pretty much keeping my mouth shut until the right time to say something. I don't comment of the filthy language because a lot of times I'm not included in the conversation.
But today while both shifts were meeting, one of the guys announced that they could now buy alcohol on Sundays in Alabama. And after much celebration from all (but me) around he added that he had heard it on the news that Montgomery (our capital) voted it in with out any opposition. Then the guy next to me went into how he was glad. Now he would not have to stock up on Saturday to be able to drink on Sunday.
Well this was about all I could take so I added in," Well this makes me feel great. My mother was ran over while walking home from church on a Sunday by a drunk driver. I appreciate it guys". Well you could feel the air sucked out of the room. Needless to say I was the most unpopular person working that night. One guy did stop to give some positive comments on what I had said and gave a testimony of the Lord delivering him through a Recovery Program.

What hit me the hardest is, were where our Pastors and denominational leaders at during this vote. Was it keep quit so they could pass it without hindrance?
We Christians need to get our Pastors on the ball or we are going to lose everything to the world.
I know, I've heard it before," if Alabama does not let it be sold (for taxes) they will buy it in Ga. or Fl.
Well next time my mom is in pain waiting for another operation to fix what was broke 30 yrs ago, I'll just tell her, "It's OK mom, if that guy did not hit you someone else would have". That will make things alright.
What else will we let go of. I forsee an abortion clinic out numbering our Churches. If that is possible.
Well, I felt I needed to make a stand on this issue. I did not lose my temper, but they could tell I was aggravated.
I pray that when things get bad for my co-workers and they need answers that they will seek out those willing to stand apart and seek answers to life. I know not what seed was planted, but I'll just let it grow.

(Later Note: I was told latere that it was decide during our last election. Sorry, just needed to rant, excuse me "exault". LOL

Resisting Sexual Temptation in the Workplace

With more interaction between men and women in the workplace, the battle to be more like Jesus and maintaining a Christ-like testimony has become harder to win. Besides the elementary disciplines of the Christian life, such as stay in the Bible, stay in prayer, and stay in Christian fellowship. There is more we can do to protect ourselves from the attacks of the enemy.
The Call
The first needful thing for us to do is realize that we as Christians are called to be Ambassadors for Christ wherever we are. Considering that most of us spend the largest part of our waking hours at work would suggest the Lord intends for us to serve Him in the marketplace.
And as an Ambassador, everything we do and say is a direct reflection on the One who has called us. Namely Jesus.
If one of the ladies from the office walks through the shop and all the guys quit working to stop and stare. How do you glorify God by doing likewise?
If the ladies in the office gather at the cooler to talk about the delivery guy who brings in the office supply, how will you further the cause of Christ by joining in?
The Enemy
Second, When you committed yourself to being a witness in the workplace, unseen enemies vowed to see you fail. If not destroyed, they will put forth their best effort to cause your failure. The only way to battle them is to resist {James 4:7} or cease being an Ambassador on earth for Christ and return to being a tourist, buying worldly trinkets that will not last.
It is hard to believe there are persons placed in our lives by the enemy to cause our downfall. For a long time my wife tried to warn me about getting too close to the women at work. Some who would love to seduce me and leave me in ruins. Of course I laughed it off, not believing that there were such people. Through years of management experience and dealing with employee relationship conflicts, I came to the conclusion that once again she was "right".
The Testimony
In Revelation 12:11, the Bible states:
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their TESTIMONY, and they loved not their lives to the death."
We know the blood of the Lamb cleanses us from past, present and future sins, and relieving the enemy of any claim to our spirit, soul or body. We also know we should not love our lives so much that we would trade our faith for it. But what many people don't know is that our testimony is one of the most powerful weapons against the enemy. He can dispute the scripture, but he can not dispute what the Lord has done for you.
We can live a good life in front of people, but without the confession of faith, we are just a "good" person. We are no different than the rest of the workforce.
To battle temptations in the workplace, I would first find ways to express my faith to others in a loving way. Anything from face-to-face discussion to simply speaking of your church or pastor during a regular conversation. T-shirts, bracelets and crosses are good, but anyone can wear them.
"For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation." Romans 10:10
By establishing your faith verbally, you will divide your co-workers into two groups: those who respect your position and those that do not. The enemy will use those who don't.
Along with voicing your faith, try bringing your Bible to work and maybe even reading it at the break table. Not just any good ole' boy would do this. And remember not to keep your head buried in the pages. Come up for air and breath the Spirit of Life on someone in need.
The Resisting
As mentioned before, we are commanded to resist the enemy, and he will flee. There are many ways of resisting. There is the refusing to commit the sin when tempted. And there is the "Karate Kid" way. You remember the movie. The kid was told the best defense against a blow was not to be there. I must believe that the best way is the latter. To do this I would first recommend you do not allow yourself to be placed in a position where the enemy can foster temptation.
If your supervisor pairs you with a partner of the opposite sex that is known for "sweet talking the ladies" or dressing seductively, ask to be changed. If this does not work, stay focused on your work and insist they do likewise. And of course seek an opportunity to be a witness. If you are in a position to decide company policy, insist on a dress code that demands that nobody dress in " attire that distracts others from their work".
The Relationships
The emphasis in evangelism now is for the evangelist to cultivate a relationship with the prospects before sharing Christ with them. This is widely known as "relationship evangelism". This is a good idea, but we must use caution when befriending someone of the opposite sex. Do not become caught up in the affairs of their home, married or sex life. The person may sound in need, but they might just feel lonely and wouldn't mind using you to temporarily fill that void.
Men, if a woman talks to you, she's trying to communicate something to you. Listen, and if it has a hint of intimacy., Flee! Do not get caught with her alone.
Ladies, If a smooth talking guy comes over to your work area uninvited, send him on his way. Unless it is work related.
The best way to treat a friend of the opposite sex is to treat them as a brother or sister. As stated in First Timothy chapter five and one thru two. There is no problem with having friends of a different gender. Just don't get off alone with them. Stay around the break area where there is safety and support. And never agree to meet after hours unless your spouse can attend.
For those truly in need, keep a list of trusted pastors and their wives and be prepared to refer to them.
Let me stress to you that this is not the final word on the matter. If we would just focus on the Lord, other interest will fade away. Do not forget to stay in the Word, prayer, and Christian fellowship. In these disciplines you can put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the scheming of the Devil {Ephesians 6:10-20}. And if you are still having problems, then there is always Matthew 5:27-30.

Atheist No More By Marijo Phelps

Through a series of events that God had put together, this atheist of nine years found herself praying. I was praying to the god I wasn't sure was really there. Life was a mess. I was hurting those I professed to love. I was drinking too much and making terrible choices.

My younger sister has changed tremendously. I had to ask questions. I scoffed and poked fun at her but underneath that tough exterior I was thoughtful. As soon as I put her on the plane, I found myself at the Christian bookstore getting the book on Bible prophesy she recommended.

Three weeks after reading the book, my husband and I had gone for a walk in a nearby park. I was crying but instead of release, the tears felt muddy as they dribbled down my face. Life was a tangled snarl and I was even more tangled.

Later that day, I found myself getting ready for work, taking a bath and talking out loud, to god, IF he was there. I needed help.

"I've made a wreck of my life. If you're there, I need you to forgive me and to have you take over." This went on for some time. I am not sure what I expected, but nothing "weird" happened. I felt calm and peaceful, like a huge bounder in a backpack was lifted off my shoulders.

"Hey, JO, are you ok in there, you've been in there an hour and a half now?" questioned my husband.

It was then I realized I was sitting in a bathtub filled with stone cold water. But I felt free for the first time ever in my life.

There was a born again nurse's aide at work. I spoke with her much. I began to read the Bible. I still had so many questions: How did I know this was really the literal Word of God? How could I believe every word? What was just "good stories" and what was real?

Did you really inspire these writers? Is every word literal? Can I trust this book?

I found myself reading in the Old Testament and came across Isaiah 40:22


"It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in." (RSV)

Then it "popped into my head" that when we studied history "in 1492 when Columbus sailed the ocean blue" they all thought if he went too far, he'd sail off the edge of the earth this scripture was written way before Columbus. Yet, whoever inspired this writing knew the earth was a circle and it sounded like he was sitting above that circle.

Next I found Psalms 103:11-12: "For as the heavens are high above the earth, so is his great steadfast love towards those who fear him, as far as the east in from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us." (RSV)

I started thinking about this. If you go north pretty soon you are going south because the earth spins on its axis which is from north to south

However, if you go east you keep going east forever and never go west.

The lights were coming on just like the sun rises each and every morning.

The person who inspired this knew that the earth was a circle and rotated on an axis. Who but God?

Shortly after this I was reading in the New Testament and found two scriptures regarding end times: Matthew 24:40-41 "Then two men will be in the field; one is taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one is taken and one is left."

And Luke 17:34-35 (speaking of the same end times event) Í tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. There will be two women grinding together; one will be taken and the other left." (RSV)

I mentally checked this out too. It was too early in time for electricity in the fields, no night lights, so those in the field and grinding had to be in the daytime. And those asleep, looked like it was nighttime. Showing the concept of an earth with part of it in day and the rest in night when this event happened.

Again, who but the Lord God knew about this at the time in history when these scriptures were written.

Thank you, Lord God, for caring enough to help me with my "issues" about the Bible. Thank you for looking upon my converted atheist's heart and teaching me, answering my questions and giving me much to think about in the years that followed.

I no longer wondered which parts of the Bible were "just good stories" and which were literal. I knew from that day on I could rely on what was written within those incredible and wonderful pages. And I knew that I would have these examples to share with anyone else who was questioning, like I was.

How much more could I be loved? How much more personable could my Lord and savior be? I came to find out that this was just the beginning, the very beginning. All these years later I am still learning and growing, daily thanking my incredible raboni, the Lord Jesus Christ.

About Self

Saved by His grace in 1974, from 9 years of professing atheism into His loving arms. RN for 23 years, missionary with YWAM then statistical analyst for Every Home for Christ over 9 years. Living with my husband in the middle of a mountain meadow. GRIN! Wanting to spread the good news

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

The Temp Job By C.M. Erickson

"You should take the accountant temp job." Lisa stated firmly.

Josh hadn't held down a steady job in over a year. Right now he was taking some work as a fill in UPS driver getting paid about eight dollars an hour. Lisa's full time job as a church secretary garnered a paltry nine dollars an hour. They had three young children at home and one on the way, and no insurance among the 5.5 of them. Winter was coming, and the price of heating gas was going up.

"The temp job is only good for a year, and they might not renew. Shawn promised me if I went for the permanent accountant job, he would guarantee me the slot. I've worked with a bunch of them before, and they even requested me. I want to provide some financial stability here for the family." Josh countered, desperation written on his face. The shame of not providing for his family ate at him every time he walked into their run down farm house with broken windows. The landlord never fixed anything, but at the same time, she never complained when they were late on the rent.

"I think you should take the temp job. We need the money. That's forty grand a year!! With that kind of money, I could quit at the church and be with the kids. We only have one car, and getting up early enough to drive you half an hour one way for your shifts, and then still getting to church at eight thirty in the morning is painful for the whole family. They could renew the temp job. You'd have a year to build a solid track record at work." Lisa stuck to her guns. Looking at her husband's face, she relented a little. "But you have to make the choice. You need to do what you think is right. I trust you to make the right decision for the family."

Josh applied for the permanent job. The interview was great, and Shawn told him afterwards that he was a definite shoo-in. Lisa was so relieved to hear the good news. She had never worked all the way through a pregnancy before, and wasn't sure if she could make it all the way. She'd had complications on her last pregnancy, and the reassurance that the rent and utility bill wouldn't be dependent on her was a massive burden off her shoulders. Relief was in sight.

Months passed. Christmas came and went with still no word. Lisa remained faithful, praying for patience and the peace that passes all understanding. Everyone knew the hiring office was slow. Then one day in mid January, Josh came into the church office visibly furious.

"I was the accounting office today on a UPS run, and I ran into Tim. I asked him what he was doing there, and he told me he had been accepted for the permanent accounting job and was getting the standard tests done before his taking the job became official. He told me Shawn had promised him the job and had really come through. I tried to track down Shawn, but when he saw me in the hall, he turned around and went the other way." Josh snarled.

Lisa decided this was not the time to bring up past conversations. She told her husband that God just had something better in mind for the family, trying to hide her disappointment. Josh refused to be placated and returned to work. Lisa prayed once again for strength to face the coming months of late bills, no heat, and a burgeoning pregnancy. God had carried her through worse storms, and she knew he would carry her and her family through this one as well.

Carolyn Erickson has lived a storied life, from graduating the United States Military Academy, to living in Germany for five years, to a tour to Iraq, to now an Army spouse. She is a freelance writer and personal trainer in her free time.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

What is a Marketplace Christian?

Although I post on many subjects. Marketplace Ministry is my Primary subject. Articles and resources for the Marketplace Christian. So you may ask, "What the heck is a Marketplace Christian". What is the difference?

To some in the Christian circle of followers the MC is a person who starts a business and then tries to bring his or her faith into that area of life. This is not entirely wrong.
Just as David Wilkerson in the 70's & 80's coined the phrase,"Street Christian" to describe those converts that feel a call to ministry. But unlike the standard believer that believes they must serve in the church loop. These Christians felt they needed to stay on the streets so they could reach their own.
Like wise I feel the Marketplace Christian is a person called to ministry, but feels they need to stay in the workplace to be the light the Lord intended them to be.
Not all are called to this area. The need for Church Pastors is a great need. The need for over seas missionaries is even greater.
There are many who live as a Bi-Vocational Minister, Lay-Minister or just a pastor of a small church that needs to work part time to support their family. I am speaking of a Christian called to reach their co-workers and does no desire to be supported by the Church. The Apostle Paul felt this way. He earned his way as a missionary for himself and those who traveled with him. He did this as long as he could. Although he did receive offerings and help from others, he did not charge for his teachings. Now I must say that this is not a rule. Not every Pastor or Missionary is called to support him or herself. Peter and the other Apostles it is believed were supported by the Church in Jerusalem.
The point is that it is a calling, a choice.
So in explanation that is what this blog was set up for. To supply resources for the MC. But because the number of called is so small, I've spread the range of the articles I write.

Prayerfully, you should find something you like.

Reveiw: "She still Calls Me Daddy" by Robert Wolgemuth

A Great book for new “Fathers-n-Law” and those that may be in the future. Dealing primary with the changing relationship of the father and daughter.
When I started the book, "She Still Calls Me Daddy", by Robert Wolgemuth, I was not familiar with Mr. Wolgemuth's previous works. The book was fresh and it stood on it’s own. I did not feel that I missed out on this book by not reading his previous books. Clearly his insight into family issues and relationships was very good. They are relevant issues for today and tomorrow. I do not believe that this book will become outdated.
His insights are associated in terms of the remodeling of relationships and the making of a new one. With real life stories from his own family, he illustrates the insights in this book. User friendly, each chapter has a remodeling “check list” to help summarize the lessons introduced.
I am not a new “father-n-law” but I learned a lot on what to expect when the time comes and things that I can do now to prepare. It is also a good help for those in the family counseling field. Every pastor needs to read it.
Member of the Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program.
http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

Used Chromosome Theory

{This is from a comment I made on Crosswalk Forum}
The first time I had heard of the fused chromosome theory was on a Nova episode. When I heard it the questions that came to my mind was:
1. Have science been able to fuse two chromosomes in the lab or is it the same as the life-from no life theory.(And even if it can be done in the lab does not mean it can be done el-natural)
2. If the ape chromosome fused to make a human , wouldn’t that create a jump in the line of evolution crossing out the links between Heidelberg man and Cro-Magnon. If evolution is a slow process, wouldn’t the creation die before being able to mutate.
3. Why is it so hard to believe that God (by definition is all-powerful and can do anything) created man as recorded in the Bible. Or what in an animal tells it to mutate or fuse. What force, what intelligence tells the creature to mutate to a more needful level. Naturaly it is just hard to believe. And I have seen no evidence that persaudes me to leave a believe system that has proven true to me for the past 31 years. My rejection of the spirit part of me would cause me to de-evolve so-to-speak in the scheme of things.
Can science prove without a doubt that the chromosomes fused by themselves naturaly. I can find no evidence of this in writing or on the web. We are told to believe just because some biased scientist say we should. I don’t think so. Show me the evidence.
Major Ian Thomas once wrote to the affect of (my paraphrase):” Anything that can be explained in human terms is probly not the work of God”. (Mystery of Godliness by Major Ian Thomas)
1Nov 18 2007

Death of a Bad Bad God

I came across this quote by Charles Darwin in a set of books my daughter borrowed from the college library. I have heard of many quotes saying that Darwin had recanted of his theories on his death bed and returned to faith in God. This turns out to be “evangelical wishful thinking”. There is not any proof of this. Even his son says that it was impossible. One author I read says that he became more atheistic as he grew older. This is also not provable. This quote brings out a lot of discussion but most can not be believed outside of the whole text of writings together. Like scripture this portion has to be read along with the rest of his writings to get a clear picture of his true beliefs and how they evolved. But one belief mentioned in this quote that stands on it’s own and that’s the one I want to look at. Here is the quote:
“But I own that I cannot see as plainly as others do, and as I should wish to do, evidence of design and beneficence on all sides of us. There seems to me too much misery in the world. I cannot persuade myself that a beneficent and omnipotent God would have designedly created the Ichneumonidre with the express intention of their feeding within the living bodies of Caterpillars, or that a cat should play with mice. Not believing this, I see no necessity in the belief that the eye was expressly designed. On the other hand, I cannot anyhow be contented to view this wonderful universe, and especially the nature of man, and to conclude that everything is the result of brute force. I am inclined to look at everything as resulting from designed laws, with the details, whether good or bad, left to the working out of what we may call chance. Not that this notion at all satisfies me. I feel most deeply that the whole subject is too profound for the human intellect. A dog might as well speculate on the mind of Newton. Let each man hope and believe what he can. Certainly I agree with you that my views are not at all necessarily atheistical. The lightning kills a man, whether a good one or bad one, owing to the excessively complex action of natural laws. A child (who may turn out an idiot) is born by the action of even more complex laws, and I can see no reason why a man, or other animal, may not have been aboriginally produced by other laws, and that all these laws may have been expressly designed by an omniscient Creator, who foresaw every future event and consequence. But the more I think the more bewildered I become; as indeed I have probably shown by this letter.”
Charles Darwin from: “Life and letters of Charles Darwin”Vol. 2 Letter to Asa Gray 1860 pg. 312 Johnson Reprint Corp. 1969
I have heard this argument for the “non-existence” of God for a long time. I remember one episode of a well known sit-com called Home Improvement were the character “Randy” announced to his parents that he was atheist. When asked why, he replied (as I remember it) that he could not believe in a God that allowed so much suffering in the world, or in words implying this. When Randy’s parents got upset and he asked them why he should believe, Tim answered that,”it was the right thing to believe”. I know Tim’s answer was pretty stupid and shallow. And made the believer character look pretty foolish. Now as I’ve gotten older and studied some on the subject I see how Randy’s answer was just as stupid. Just as Darwin and others who just can’t bring themselves to believe in a God that let’s bad things happen or create organisms that kill other organisms. This argument is so unscientific that I’m surprised that people claiming themselves smart and demand such a high proof of evidence from believers would use such a weak argument. And for an atheist to use the words “if” and “God” together would likely make him or her agnostic.
The newest phrase I’ve learned is “malevolent design”. How ever educated this sounds, it is not evidence and will not prove anything. Once again atheists demand that we prove our beliefs but offer no proof for themselves. To say that you believe that there is no God and if there was one, He would be an evil one not worthy of worship. Does this show a little bias to anyone? And they get their info from the Bible which they say they don’t believe is reliable. SOoo, they don’t believe in God because if he was true He would be bad because the Bible which they don’t believe says so. How confusing is this? And we as Christians are told that we do not use our brains and we believe in fairy tales. I really must ask, where is the proof?
Would you like to hear the Christian explanation. If not, quit reading here. In the book of Genisis we are told that God created everything (I am simplifying this down for you thinkers) and said, ”It is good”. Now God had given instructions for the created humans that they were free to eat anything in the garden but the fruit from one tree. The day they ate it, they would spiritually die. Now the tree was not poison or deadly. It was good. God gave the humans a free will, but limits to their freedom. Who knows why. That is not an issue. Anyway, they disobeyed and they, the garden and the earth was cursed with the result of sin. The results of this sin cursed the earth all the way down through history. It changed animals. Lions could no longer lay down with lambs. They ate them. Roses were more than just beautiful, they had thorns. Gold was no longer transparent as mentioned in the description of heaven’s golden streets. It became a crude yellow. This also corrupted bacteria and organs. One good example is that one type of cell rebelled and did it’s own thing in the human body instead of working with the rest. It is known as cancer. So all that God created is good. It is man that is responsible for all the bad on earth. They just like to blame God, who they don’t believe in. It is funny how we tell God to get out of our schools and our lives then blame Him when He doesn’t step in to divert a disaster. But, we humans are like that. Until we are “born again” (not reincarnation but as explained in the Book of John Chapter 3) with a new spirit to replace the one that died in Eden. We will remain that way and blame our Creator.

Blue Collar Commentary on Romans 1:1

Romans 1:1 Paul uses the titles Bondservant (NCV) and Apostle. He only used this combination once more in the book of Titus. In Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians and Timothy he uses Apostle and in Philippians he uses Bondservant. In Philemon he uses prisoner. And he uses neither in Thessalonians. There may be nothing special about these usages but we can see a principal here that illustrates a concept we can use. Note that in the KJV bondservant is translated as just “servant”. A bondservant is a slave that is bought totally and owns nothing and has no rights except what his or her master allows. In verse one of Romans Bondservant or servant is used before the title “Apostle”. This illustrates how we should be found faithful as a servant before our calling wether Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor and Teacher (Eph. 4:11) can be proved. Some receive their calling at an early time but do not move into it until they are trained by God in that calling. Whether schooling of just hard knocks. The whole experience of being a servant can be all the training we need. Moses and David’s life as a Shepherd helped in their calling as leaders of God’s Chosen. So we must be found faithful as a servant before the Lord uses us elsewhere. Joseph would never had risen as head of Potipher’s household if he had never been faithful as a servant. He would never had became lead trustee in the prison if he had not submitted and become the model prisoner. Some may yell, “I am not a slave but a friend of Jesus.” Quoting from John 15:11-15. Even so we must be found faithful even to be a friend. At one company I had worked at years ago after working as hard as I could I became good friends with the owner. Then after some time I became lax in my work as I became comfortable in my position. Just as many long timers in some companies. Soon my friendship with the owner became strained and I lost my job and my friend. Even being a friend of Jesus according to the Bible means that you obey His commands. So this relationship is a joyous servant/friend relationship. Some may not because they don’t feel they are called to anything. I believe that all of us are called to a ministry. And when we are ready the Lord will move us into it. For the benefit of the Church and His Kingdom.

Ed Freeman

You're a 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley, 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam. Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8 - 1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the MediVac helicopters to stop coming in.
You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out. Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day.

Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it... Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come. He's coming anyway. And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses. And, he kept coming back.... 13 more times...... And took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out. Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman, died last Wednesday at the age of 80, in Boise, ID ....... May God rest his soul......

I bet you didn't hear about this hero's passing, but we sure were told a whole bunch about some Hip-Hop Coward beating the crap out of his "girlfriend"
Medal of Honor Winner Ed Freeman!

Shame on the American Media

The Man Nobody Knows by Bruce Barton

I have just read the book," The Man Nobody Knows" by Bruce Barton. Written in 1925.
Bruce saw as a young boy in Sunday school that the Jesus tought was not the Jesus he was interested in. He was pictured as a weak charactor that got pushed around. I can relate to this picture of Him. I felt the same way when I was young.
In this book Bruce pictures a real Man Jesus in the since that He was wholey a Human Man's Man.
The book relates to business types and focus's on Jesus' Human side. Which is not a bad thing. We hear a lot of His divine side, and forget He was Human also just like us. It provides some real hope to us unperfect ones. He discusses the rise of Jesus' poperlarity in Human achivement instead of Divine help. I'm not sure this is a bad thing. WE are to be lead by the Holy Spirit in all of our ways, which Bruce left this out. But the miricle of the Lord is that He can work through humankind.
I suggest everyone read this, those in leadership it is a must. But read it with the guidence of the Holy Spirit. Digest the good, vomit the bad. And learn of Him.

An Allegory of the Body, Soul and Spirit

I have just finished the book, “If I Perish I Perish” by Major W. Ian Thomas. It revealed an allegory of the Body, Soul and Soul in the Book of Ester.
I will show here the allegory but first I would like to share this quote from Mr. Thomas.

“I'm tired of religion - and to be entirely honest I know of nothing quite so boring as Christianity without Christ.
Have you ever tried to start a car without fuel, until there wasn't a spark left in the battery? Then you will know exactly what I mean, for there are few things more frustrating than a car that will not go. Everything is nicely greased and in its rightful place, and all the working parts move dutifully, but try as you may, there isn’t the suspicion of a kick, nor the tiniest evidence of life in the engine. You might as well dump the thing, for all the chance you have of getting it on the move!
Countless people have stopped going to a place of worship simply because they are sick of going through the motions of a dead religion. They are tired of trying to start a car on an empty tank!
What a pity it is that there are not a few more people around to tell them that Jesus Christ is alive. I spoke of nothing more boring than Christianity without Christ, but I know of nothing so utterly exciting as being a Christian-sharing the very life of Jesus Christ on earth right here and now, and being caught up with Him into the relentless, invisible purposes of an almighty God, and with all the limitless resources of deity available for the job.”

“If I Perish I Perish”by Major W. Ian Thomas, c. 1967-1972 ; Zondervan Publishing; used without permission

The whole story of Ester is an exciting tale of God’s work in a people. Also in allegory it shows His work in us as individuals.
The main charcators are:
Queen Vasti
King Ahasuerus
Haman the Agagite
Mordecai the Jew
Ester the Maiden to be Queen

Ian Thomas wrote that the King symbolized the human Soul sitting of the throne of power. Haman is the carnal nature of man. Mordecai is the Holy Spirit and Ester as the human “Born again Spirit”. I will say that Queen Vasti is the fallen human spirit we are all born with although Mr. Thomas does not mention her in the allegory setup.

At the start of the story Queen Vasti (human spirit of disobedience) fails to do as the King (human soul says to do) The King puts away Vasti and gains a new queen, Ester (Born again Spirit). The king is Ok until he puts his trust in Haman (the enemy of God the flesh) and gives him power. Meanwhile Mordecai is kept out of the picture. He is Esters cousin who adopts her at an early age. Showing the work of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Adoption (Romans 8:14,15). But Mordecai has no power over the King while Haman is in charge and who wishes to destroy Mordecai. To make this short, through Mordecai’s relationship with Ester, He reveals the evil of Haman (the flesh) and Haman is Hung and Mordecai is put in power. Now I simplified this, but you must read the book. And Thomas recommends that you read his book, “The Saving Life of Christ”, first.

I recommend this and other books by Major Thomas

For info on Major Thomas and were to get his books go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_W._Ian_Thomas

Eze. 37:7 Dem Bones, Dem Bones

Eze. 37:7 in context speaks of the "Valley of Dry Bones", as a prophecy of Israel returning back to the land God had given them. Not as two separate nations like before but one whole and united nation.

Current preachers and evangelist have used it as an illustration of a dead lost man being breathed with new life. And rightly so used. Also many churches that have gone through a great lose in membership have received strenght from these verses with hope of risen again and being used by God.

Here I would like to bring out another biblical truth from these verses. In the Lord's dealings with us He has one goal in mind. To make us as Christ-like as can be. This goes for individuals, churches and ministries. In doing so we are striped of our carnal nature or "flesh". As little or as much as we will let Him.

During this process the Lord can and will us individuals, churches or ministries as He can and as we make ourselves available. It is when we are striped of all flesh and lie in a pile of dry bones that the Lord can do something great with us. Watching CSI on TV I've learned something interesting. When bones are dry to the point of being bleached like verse 2 says "very dry", all traces of the person is gone even the all important DNA.

Jesus is recorded in John 12:24 as saying, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." When we die to our selves with our dreams, passions, goals and destinies, then the Lord can stand us up. Put us together. Give us new strength and flesh. and most of all breathe His breath into us to make us a mighty army for His service.

So if you find yourselves or church/ministry "Very Dry" to the point of hopelessness, submit to His dealings and put-away yourself. Making yourself available to His makings. And there will be a "Great Shaking".

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls

"Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him".
Proverbs 24:17-18

I have worked with many people and have been mistreated many times by those over me. It seems that it is real easy to hope that the person gets demoted, fired or the business goes bad because I am not there. Or even go out of business. But the Lord tells us to "pray for our enemies and bless those that abuse you".(Paraphrase Matt. 5:44) I wonder how many companies that have treated their employees bad and still do well because the people of God secretly prayed to see them "get theirs" and fall. Therefore, God turned His wrath from them.
Next time you see a person fall that had treated you wrong, let the Lord guide you in ways to bless him. Who knows maybe the Lord will defeat an enemy by making him a friend. And above all if we are bought by Christ and therefore not our own, we have no right to be offended by others. We must turn it over to our Master Jesus and trust Him to take care of it His way. We then have no worry or stress over it.

On Being A New Testament Church Part 4: Fellowship

Continuing from my previous post on Being A New Testament Church I would like to take up were I left off. Verse 42 of the Second Chapter of Acts states that, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, in breaking of bread and in prayers".
In my opinion their actions are centered on "fellowship". We could say it this way,” And they did not give up fellowshipping around the apostle's teachings with communion and prayer".
First, they did not give up fellowship. Not because of a busy schedule and not because they did not like someone in the church.
Second, they fellowshipped around Bible study. The lecture type of preaching is good for individual growth. Bible study around fellowship is good for the spiritual growth of the church group. Not just the teachings of the original apostles, but contempary apostles mentioned in Ephesians 4:11 in which there is not reason to mention that these will teach according to the scriptures.
Third, they fellowshipped around meals, which included the "Breaking of Bread" or communion. This service is invaluable in the spiritual growth of the Church. As the early Christians shared there meals together, this observance helped them to stay focused on the whole purpose of being together.
And fourth, they fellowshipped around prayer. More than just having a small prayer time during a service, but fellowshipping around the prayer time; sharing, uplifting each other in prayer.
These four focuses in fellowship are all part of the "becoming a New Testament Church". The verses after 2:42 shows the fruits that define a NTC.
In truth the fruits do not define us when we meet, but when we as a Church operate as individuals and as a part of the Body of Christ on Earth. Have you ever met a person that lived like a non-believer and then found out that they attended a church? It is hard not to judge the Church by those individuals and the Bible teaches that we should not do so, but we see the fruits of the Church. And I believe that if the principles in 2:41-42 are lived, then the Church will not have to worry about being judged by non-believers. And we can truly believe that we are New Testament Christians therefore making up a New Testament Church.
In conclusion I must admit that no group of scriptures in themselves will point out a formula for building a New Testament Church, but only a group of people who love Jesus and are committed to serving Him together, lead by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God will ever become what the New Testament Church was and did.
Or better still will become to Latter-day Church

Quote On Reformation and Revival by Francis A. Schaeffer

"The Church in our generation needs reformation, revival, and constructive revolution. At times men think of the two words, reformation and revival, as standing in contrast one to the other, but this is a mistake. Both words are related to the word restore.
Reformation refers to a restoration to pure doctrine; revival refers to a restoration in the Christian life. Reformation speaks of a return to the teachings of scripture; revival speaks of a life brought into its proper relationship to the Holy Spirit.
The great moments of Church history have come when these two restorations have simultaneously come into action so that the Church has returned to pure doctrine and the lives of the Christian in the Church have known the power of the Holy Spirit. There cannot be true revival unless there has been reformation; and reformation is not complete without revival.
Such a combination of reformation and revival would be revolutionary in our day-revolutionary in our individual lives as Christians, revolutionary not only in reference to liberal Church but constructively revolutionary in the evangelical, orthodox church as well.
May we be those who know the reality of both reformation and revival so that this poor dark world may have an exhibition of a portion of the Church returned to both pure doctrine and Spirit-filled life."
Death in the City by Francis A. Schaeffer, InterVarsity Press, 1969-1976, Page 12

Epistle of Temp #43

The new job is going well. I am Temp #43. As mentioned before I am employed with a temp agency and assigned to a snack foods production plant were we make snack foods of peanuts, almonds and cashews. Forget the peanut scare. That was across the Al-Ga. border.
I have a one hour lunch which I am not used to, were I can read. I'm in the process of reading "100 Days in the Arena by David Winter. I is divided in to 100 days of reading using quotes and writings from the early church fathers. (example: Polycarp...etc.)
Here is one that is good,"When I put off the old, that I had longed to lose, then I put on the new, the Lord Christ, whom I had longed to find..." Day 43 Augustine of Hippo (The readings are longer centered around the quotes)
I printed a copy of the letter of Polycarp to the Philippians. It is mostly quotes from other scriptures, but it is a valuable link to the early teachings of the Disciples.
We are studying in Church the Holy Spirit and how to be Baptized, Filled and lead-by Him.
I hope to write soon on these issues as used in the workplace. Your comments are needed.

Employed Again

I started work last monday at Bremner Food Group here in Dothan. I am working through Personal Resources.
I would like to thank all those who prayed for me and offered encouragement.
I realize in our present economy this job could be gone. But one thing I have learned and that is not to put our trust in Companies, people, or government. Unless the Lord is using such in His grand work in our lives.
I have heard many say things like," If we give God our best, He will give us His best" and when commenting on volunteering at church that,"we will get paid in the end". Well I am here to say that the Lord has already given His best. And yes the Bible has a lot to say about sowing and reeping. And that is good. But we must grow in our faith to the point where our giving is because we love the Lord and He has already given our best. When we come to this point we can truly trust in God to take care of us. My children do not have to do anything for us to take care of them. So why do we think we must give in order to get from our heavenly Father.

Unemployed Again: Update

Still have not found any "Paying" work. Had some problem with my unemployment claim, but it is now resovled.I have been volunteering at the "Ark Ministry Center" where I ateend Church. And my Brother-n-law and wife have been teaching me furniture uphostery.I have been reading a book intitled "Shattered Vocations", it has sparked in me an old calling.I am at the point where the job-for-pay is not that emprtant. To find a job that will provide for my family and help me to keep in miostry without support from the Church. A "tentmaking ministry".So I am open to anything as long as it keeps me in my calling. I interviewed with Cook's Pest Control last Wedensday. It went good. I did not know that Cook's was a christian based company. They let me know that right off-the-bat. That was refreshing.Anyway, thanks for the prayers and support. Wayne

Unemployed Again

Once again I find myself unemployed. Dunbarton Corp in Dothan layed about 32 of us off because of lack of work. (So order some Slimfold doors and Redi-frame door frames) I left this time with my head high and trying to please the Lord. They informed us well in advance that they were going to do it. By seniority. When they called me in to give me the bad news, I told them that they were just doing their jobs and that I understood how hard it was. I have had to hire and fire many in my life. I asked them if I could pray with them and they consented. Afterwards I went to each Manager and supervisor that I had had and told them I appreciated the chance to work for them.
When asked what I would do from my co-workers , I replied that I would do what I had did when I took the job. Trust God. The company could knock God off His throne.
So here I am unemployed and trying to be lead by the Holy Spirit in my job hunt.
I know this sounds really weird to you unbelievers, but if you have a better way, let me know. I've tried it all on my own and it did not work.
That is the lesson that we as a nation will learn. No man or group can heal our land. Until we admit that we need God to pull us out of the mess we got ourselves into.
I pray for you Mr. President, but
You can not bring real change,
You can not bring real hope,
Only the Lord Jesus can.
Yes you made History, but it is not as big as the history Jesus Christ will make when He returns.

No Real Change and No Real Hope

I got this email the other day and wanted to commit. I see a lot of truth here. It is a shame that we really have not come far at all. Yes we have a black president, but wouldn't it be great to be such a nation that race did not even make a difference. Did not MLK dream mean that there would not be a difference. I beg to say that there will not be any real change until Jesus Christ rules in our leader's hearts and HOPE is only found in Him (Jesus).
==================================================================
"WHITE" Pride"
This is great. I have been wondering about why Whites are racists, and no other race is.....
Proud to be White Michael Richards makes his point..............
Michael Richards better known as Kramer from TVs Seinfeld does make a good point.
This was his defense speech in court after making racial comments in his comedy act.
He makes some very interesting points... Someone finally said it.
How many are actually paying attention to this?
There are African Americans, Mexican Americans, Asian Americans, Arab Americans, etc.
And then there are just Americans.
You pass me on the street and sneer in my direction.
You call me 'White boy,' 'Cracker,' 'Honkey,' 'Whitey,' 'Caveman'... and that's OK.
But when I call you, Nigger, Kike, Towel head, Sand-nigger, Camel Jockey, Beaner, Gook, or Chink ..
You call me a racist.
You say that whites commit a lot of violence against you... so why are the ghettos the most dangerous places to live?
You have the United Negro College Fund.
You have Martin Luther King Day.
You have Black History Month.
You have Cesar Chavez Day.
You have Yom Hashoah.
You have Ma'uled Al-Nabi.
You have the NAACP.
You have BET...
If we had WET (White Entertainment Television), we'd be racists.
If we had a White Pride Day, you would call us racists.
If we had White History Month, we'd be racists.
If we had any organization for only whites to 'advance' OUR lives, we'd be racists.
You have a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, a Black Chamber of Commerce, and then we just have the plain Chamber of Commerce.
Wonder who pays for that??
A white woman could not be in the Miss Black American pageant, but any color can be in the Miss America pageant.
If we had a college fund that only gave white students scholarships...
You know we'd be racists.
There are over 60 openly proclaimed Black Colleges in the US .
Yet if there were 'White colleges', that would be a racist college.
In the Million Man March, you believed that you were marching for your race and rights.
If we marched for our race and rights, you would call us racists.
You are proud to be black, brown, yellow and orange, and you're not afraid to announce it.
But when we announce our white pride, you call us racists.
You rob us, carjack us, and shoot at us.
But, when a white police officer shoots a black gang member or beats up a black drug dealer running from the law and posing a threat to society, you call him a racist.
I am proud... But you call me a racist.
Why is it that only whites can be racists??
There is nothing improper about this e-mail.
Let's see which of you are proud enough to send it on.
I sadly don't think many will.
That's why we have LOST most of OUR RIGHTS in this country.
We won't stand up for ourselves!
BE PROUD TO BE WHITE!
It's not a crime YET... but getting very close!

Welcome to Obamastan

Here is a fine example to what we have coming. We as a nation (although I did not vote for him) have choosen what he says he will put in our pockets in stead of moral conduct. God will give us what we want, but in the end we will see it isn't what will help us. We will all have to make a dicission on who or what we will trust. Obama, our jobs, our government, ourselves or The Lord. I choose God/Jesus.
Those who voted for Obama and put him in office will give account to God for every unborn murdered in his administration. I will answer for the war, I can deal with that. Can you deal with millions of death babies.
There is no HOPE outside of Jesus!!!
================================
Obama reverses Bush abortion-funds policy
By LIZ SIDOTI and MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press Writers Liz Sidoti And Matthew Lee, Associated Press Writers 23 mins ago
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Friday struck down the Bush administration's ban on giving federal money to international groups that perform abortions or provide abortion information — an inflammatory policy that has bounced in and out of law for the past quarter-century. Obama's executive order, the latest in an aggressive first week reversing contentious Bush policies, was warmly welcomed by liberal groups and denounced by abortion rights foes.
The ban has been a political football between Democratic and Republican administrations since GOP President Ronald Reagan first adopted it 1984. Democrat Bill Clinton ended the ban in 1993, but Republican George W. Bush re-instituted it in 2001 as one of his first acts in office.
A White House spokesman, Bill Burton, said Obama signed the executive order, without coverage by the media, late on Friday afternoon. The abortion measure is a highly emotional one for many people, and the quiet signing was in contrast to the televised coverage of Obama's Wednesday announcement on ethics rules and Thursday signing of orders on closing the Guantanamo Bay prison camp and banning torture in the questioning of terror suspects.
His action came one day after the 36th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion.
The Bush policy had banned U.S. taxpayer money, usually in the form of Agency for International Development funds, from going to international family planning groups that either offer abortions or provide information, counseling or referrals about abortion as a family planning method.
Critics have long held that the rule unfairly discriminates against the world's poor by denying U.S. aid to groups that may be involved in abortion but also work on other aspects of reproductive health care and HIV/AIDS, leading to the closure of free and low-cost rural clinics.
Supporters of the ban say that the United States still provides millions of dollars in family planning assistance around the world and that the rule prevents anti-abortion taxpayers from backing something they believe is morally wrong.
The ban has been known as the "Mexico City policy" for the city a U.S. delegation first announced it at a U.N. International Conference on Population.
Both Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who will oversee foreign aid, had promised to do away with the rule during the presidential campaign. Clinton visited the U.S. Agency for International Development earlier Friday but made no mention of the step, which had not yet been announced.
In a move related to the lifting of the abortion rule, Obama is also expected to restore funding to the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA), probably in the next federal budget. Both he and Clinton had pledged to reverse a Bush administration determination that assistance to the organization violated U.S. law known as the Kemp-Kasten amendment.
The Bush administration had barred U.S. money from the fund, to contending that its work in China supported a Chinese family planning policy of coercive abortion and involuntary sterilization. UNFPA has vehemently denied that it does.
Congress had appropriated $40 million to the UNFPA in the past budget year but the administration had withheld the money as it had done every year since 2002.
Organizations and lawmakers that had pressed Obama to rescind the Mexico City policy were jubilant.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said the move "will help save lives and empower the poorest women and families to improve their quality of life and their future."
"Today's announcement is a very powerful signal to our neighbors around the world that the United States is once again back in the business of good public policy and ideology no longer blunts our ability to save lives around the globe," said Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Population Action International, an advocacy group, said that the policy had "severely impacted" women's health and that the step "will help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies, abortions and women dying from high-risk pregnancies because they don't have access to family planning."
Anti-abortion groups and lawmakers condemned Obama's decision.
"I have long supported the Mexico City Policy and believe this administration's decision to be counter to our nation's interests," said Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
"Coming just one day after the 36th anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade decision, this presidential directive forces taxpayers to subsidize abortions overseas — something no American should be required by government to do," said House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio.
Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., called it "morally wrong to take the taxpayer dollars of millions of pro-life Americans to promote abortion around the world."
"President Obama not long ago told the American people that he would support policies to reduce abortions, but today he is effectively guaranteeing more abortions by funding groups that promote abortion as a method of population control," said Douglas Johnson, legislative director of the National Right to Life Committee.
___
AP White House Correspondent Jennifer Loven contributed to this report.
ocia http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090123/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_abortion_ban

Miracle on the Hudson

The news reports of "Good Morning America" did reports and interviews on the landing of the plane in the Hudson River yesterday. The title of the coverage was, "Miracle On The Hudson". After all the interviews and reports. The conclusion was that thanks to the pilot (an ex-fighter pilot), plane attendants and heroic passengers, no one was lost. Truly the training of the crew and experience of 9/11 played a valuable part in the success of the rescue.
To say it was a miracle would be a misuse of the word. A "miracle" is something that can not be explained in human terms. Amazing as the incident was and wonderful that no one was drowned. The whole success could be explained as the heroic actions of everyone involved. Down to the boats that were ready to respond as soon as the plane hit the water. Miracle, no. If the plane had burst into flames and flew into a building instead of an expert pilot steering it into the water and all survived, that would have been a miracle.
Now I'm not belittling the actions of the heroes that took charge and saved the day. They deserve their credit for a great job done. But it was not a miracle.
Only the Lord God, Jesus does real miracles. And the vain use of the word has belittled it's meaning. I have expereinced miracles first hand. They do exsist. And a lot of God's workings may not be called a miracle. The fact that the harbor boats were right there within close ranage could be crideted to God's working, but not a miracle.
I beleive in the next couple of years we will re-dicover the meaning of this overused misunderstood work. MIRACLE

Being The New Testament Church, Part 3 Being Added

“… and that same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
Acts 2:41b

After those that heard Peter and believed in the massage he spoke, the messege of Christ crucified and risen, there were about 3,000 souls added to their number. It is interesting to see that the 3 thousand were called souls and not persons or bodies.
In manufacturing when we need an unskilled person to perform small tasks in order to keep regular employees doing their production work, we call on a “temp” agency to provide these persons. These persons are referred to as “warm bodies”. Now not all temp laborers are in this category. Most go on to prove them-selves and gain employment with the company that has contracted them. I have worked as a temp and after being proven reliable, gained a full time job. But those who do not push for a steady job and are just content them-selves to a pay-per-day get by day-by-day attitude moving from job-to-job are the “warm bodies” of the industry. They work to get what they can and move on.
The industry is looking for those who apply themselves and work for the betterment of them-selves and the company. Seeing that they are both hand-n-hand.
They want those who commit their whole soul or mind, emotions and intellect to the enterprise.
The adding to the Church is that same way. The Lord wishes to add those who will commit their whole soul to the Church. He wants those who will give mind, emotions and intellect to the growth of the Church. Committed to the growth of themselves and others. Seeing that they are all the same in His eyes. One cannot grow with out the other.
Disturbingly the Church as a whole is full of “warm bodies” that only come to fill their own needs. And when the group stops providing the fulfillment, they move on to the next group doing as little as possible for the most they can get. They go for the preaching until they think they have heard it all before. They go to put their kids in the nursery until some other kid makes theirs mad or the attendant doesn’t do like they want. They attend so they can put their teens in a youth group so the youth pastor can straighten out the mess they have made with their youth. And when he or she cannot do the impossible, they move on.
We need those the Lord has added to our number, committed to the full success of the New Testament Church. They will be givers that can also take a gift and use it for the glory of the Lord.
This is all a part of being the New Testament Church.