Bonnie's Daily Scriptures - Recently Updated Pages

HOME, SHARING WORDS OF HOPE.

BonnieL. — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:39:42 CDT

GOD IS GOOD AND HE CONTINUALLY BLESSES US.

HONOR HIM AND HE WILL CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU.

GOD TRULY IS LOVE ITSELF.

THE DAILY SERMON-LIFE LESSONS

BonnieL. — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:48:47 CDT

LISTEN TO AUDIO BIBLE.

THE BIBLE ON ONE PAGE.

Ephesians 5:25-26

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy.

Thoughts on today's verse

For husbands, there is sacrificial love in our purpose and purpose in our sacrifice. We give up ourselves to love our wives. But Jesus is the example here, and he gave up everything. His purpose? Simply to make us holy. Our motives are to be equally as sacrificial and pure in surrendering our rights to bless and love our wives.

Prayer:

Holy God, help our families to be full of love and may it begin with me, today. In Jesus name I pray.

Amen

Phil Ware

All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired!

God comes, God ministers, God cares, God saves, God redeems, and God keeps his promises.

I love you, O LORD, my strength.

Those who believe in Jesus—his death and resurrection—will not be judged (John 3:18).

First John 5:14 says, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

DAILY WORDS AND THOUGHTS

BonnieL. — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:47:43 CDT

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God comes, God ministers, God cares, God saves, God redeems, and God keeps his promises.

PRAYER ROOM

BonnieL. — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 23:34:47 CDT

PRAY BOLDLY FOR SPECIFIC REQUESTS AND WATCH GOD ANSWER IN POWERFUL WAYS.

BELIEVE and thy will be done!'

"And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spoke unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing."
LUKE 9:11

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous man is effective and has great strength."
JAS 5:16

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him.

All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired!

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be made full. John16:24

Lord, I desire to be firmly rooted and built up in Christ today so I may walk in Him.

POETRY WISDOM

BonnieL. — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 23:32:22 CDT

Isaiah 43: 18-20

Do not earnestly remember
The former things of the past,
Neither consider the things of old,
Following the same old paths
Behold, I am doing a new thing,
Do you not see it, nor understand?
It springs forth as rivers flowing
Through a desert and barren land
It makes a way in the wilderness,
Refreshing those that honour me,
So do not be looking back on the past,
But look forward to what can be.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY

BonnieL. — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 23:34:01 CDT

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True Freedom

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

When you think of the word “freedom,” what comes to your mind? Most people automatically think of a physical freedom. They think of being able to go anywhere and do anything they want. Or they think of the first amendment of our country’s Constitution. But true freedom, which is the freedom we have in Christ, is much more important than the physical freedoms we think of. When we live our life outside of God’s priorities for our life, we will soon find ourselves locked up in the cages of sin.

Think about your life right now. Have you been taken captive by an over-stuffed schedule or by a consuming debt due to your desire to live outside of your means? If so, chances are that your priorities are out of order. Jesus came so that we could be free from the bondage of this world. Surrender your priorities to God so that you can celebrate your true freedom in Christ today.

Prayer Lord, It is so easy to fall into the bondage of mixed up priorities. Sometimes, other things can seem more important to me, but help me to remember that true freedom is only available through my obedience to you. In Jesus’ name I pray,

Amen.
Ed Young

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK.

We should "search the scriptures daily" to learn if we are being taught the truth.

No matter what you may be going through today, exercise that muscle of faith. Trust God to do just as He has promised.

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT

BonnieL. — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:21:18 CST

Walk boldly and wisely....There is a hand above that will help you on.

Listen to Audio Bible

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:
For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil;
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and Earth.
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in form this time on and forevermore."
Psalms 121

Footprints

One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

When the last scene of my life shot before me
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
There was only one set of footprints.
I realized that this was at the lowest
And saddest times of my life.
This always bothered me
And I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.

"Lord, you told me when I decided to follow You,
But I'm aware that during the most troublesome
Times of my life there is only one set of footprints.
I just don't understand why when I needed You most, You leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid,

for you are close beside me.Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Dear Lord,
I need Your encouragement each day. Lead me to promises in Your Word that will strengthen me when I'm weary and build me up when I feel torn down. Help me see and believe what You see in me, and then share it with others. I pray You will give me just the right words at just the right time. In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, is not pompous,
it is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered,
it does not brood over injury,
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.

St. Paul, 1 Corinthians 13:4

In the midst of earth's turmoils, keep your eyes on Heaven!

Psalms 27

Perfect - believe and blessings will be upon YOU too!

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

BonnieL. — Wed, 23 May 2012 08:28:31 CDT

THESE ARE MORE EFFECTIVE THAN 911!

When

You are sad, phone John 14
You have sinned, phone Psalm 51
You are facing danger, phone Psalm 91
People have failed you, phone Psalm 27
It feels as though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139
Your faith needs stimulation, phone Hebrews 11
You are alone and scared, phone Psalm 23
You are worried, phone Matthew 8:19-34
You are hurt and critical, phone 1 Corinthians 13
You wonder about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
You feel like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39
You are seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30
It feels as if the world is b igger than God, phone Psalm 90
You need Christ like insurance, phone Romans 8:1-30
You are leaving home for a trip , phone Psalm 121
You are praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87
You require courage for a task, phone Joshua 1
Inflation's and investments are hogging your thoughts, phone Mark 10:17-31
You are depressive, phone Psalm 27
Your bank account is empty, phone Psalm 37
You lose faith in mankind, phone 1 Corinthians 13
It looks like people are unfriendly, phone John 15
You are losing hope, phone Psalm 126
You feel the world is small comp ared to you, phone Psalm 19
You want to carry fruit, phone John 15
Paul's secret for happiness, phone Colossians 3:12-17
With big opportunity/ discovery, phone Isaiah 55
To get along with other people, phone Romans 12

ALTERNATE NUMBERS
For dealing with fear, call Psalm 47
For security, call Psalm 121:3
For assurance, call Mark 8:35
For reassurance, call Psalm 145:18

ALL THESE NUMBERS MAY BE PHONED DIRECTLY.
NO OPERATOR ASSISTANCE IS NECESSARY.
ALL LINES TO HEAVEN ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY.
FEED YOUR FAITH, AND DOUBT WILL STARVE TO DEATH

The LORD will keep you from all harm, he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

A bright future awaits you ahead

BonnieL. — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:11:38 CDT

The christian life is in no way boring or static - God´s Spirit is always at work in this life to make the truth plainly to all (John16:13)

- the new Testament in it´s totality is a great work of the Holy Spirit through the apostles of Christ, especially the epistles of Paul the apostle
- the last book of the new Testament ( Revelation ) is a glimpse of things at the end of the age
- the great struggle between God´s plan and His enemy(satan the deceiver)
- this world as we know it is a temporal creation that will be consumed with God´s eternal plan
- everyone should make the best effort to read the Bible and find out more about all this
- don´t be shy, a great bright future awaits you ahead !!!!!

Have a great day !!!
Filipe

Grieving the Lost of a Child

mother915 — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 02:23:52 CST

First; I want to Thank Bonnie the moderator of this website for allowing me to post on this topic. Bonnie is a sweet and kind person and hope you read her encouraging words.

It is my hope and prayers this Thanksgiving will give you strength, wisdom, and comfort to have a nice day. The holidays are always rough for us in the lost our child(ren) regardless of how they've died. They will hold a special place at the table with us tomorrow as a memory of being blessed by God in giving birth, some our adopted by caring and loving people inwhich God blessed us to apart of these preicous children.

Dec 26, 2011
I am going to take the time to keep writting on this site in hopes that my losses, strenghts, weaknesses, good or bad days will help you to get threw each day.

Happy New Year---2012 to everyone on our site. It's been awhile since I'v writenn; I thought I would write a few pages.
We are faced with another new year with out our love one; even thro we know they are safe in the arms of our beloved Jesus. Each year brings on new challenges of how to handle our grief, life and except the death or separation of our children. For some, they are still stuck in the grief; having more depression and acceptance of being gone. Other's push back in their minds not to dwell on it by over induge in their by work, read, exercise or just don't want to think about it. This is ok! however, a few years down the road it can sneak up on you quietly and then you are back where it all started.

Other teachings of Grief sometimes help and sometimes makes it wrose. I suggest to you is Keep close to God for he will give you his love, strength, wisdom and courage. I find it helpful when I read the bible and read someof the scriptures on how God suffered for us and our sins. In (Ps 38:11) "Because of my wounds, my friends and neightbors avoid me and my relatives stay far away. "
This is so very true in life. Just the other day I called my brother to wish him a Merry Christmas only for him to hung up on me.; more salt added to my wound didn't help me threw the holidays. Since my son's death there has been no contact with them (this is of their choice) and be honest with you it isn't really because of Doug's death; this feud between us has gone on since we were kids. They are using my son's death to punish me for their own shortcomings. However, it still bothers me cause I am a truly believer God put us here to be a family.We can't pick our family members but we can our friends but then when we least think they are are friends they too walk away.
.
Their our many people whom just don't care, nor try to understand or want to give support to us Military Sucide suiviors ;let alone another person whom's child has a sickness and is award to the state yet theres so many sceno's for loosing our child (rend) People can be so cruel yet they haven't found our Lord Jesus to ask for forgiveness and following him. They just don't understand because they've never gone threw loosing a child and God for bid they do then they will know what it is like.

Has I go threw my grief, many other tragic events in my life and learning to deal with it all I find myself using the roller coaster ride in "Silence "cause the lack of support from others, friends, family and they don't want to hear it. They sometimes don't know what to say; it's up to us to guide them; when it is us that needs the warmth, compassion, to hear our child's name along with so many different emotions we feel.
Dr.Phil sometimes says we teach others how we want to be treated by allowing them to treat us badly. I believe this to be true but when it come to death it's another ball game.

Trying to get people to understand the intensity of pain that results from child loss is similar to teaching a child that the heat from fires burns. Most parents who go threw the lost of a child feel they don't get enough support or help; only to make the pain more intensify to them and no one to turn to help them. My son's 1st anniversary came and my brother called left the message saying"your years' up. How Cold! What he met to say is "Get Over It" and move on. Easy for him to say he still has his children (Thank God)
There's so much to write about and in time in hope to reach other's and help them understand what a grieving parent goes threw and for them next time they find out parent, siblings, cousins etc will try to understand and reach out in a "Positive" way to help end the "Stigma" that comes with Suicides. I will contiue later til then please pray for our Troops;veterans amd Fallem Hero's and their families.

Happy New Year Love Martha

March 6, 2012

It's been along time since I wrote anything on this site about the grieving of a child and so each day I hope to write something for you. Please take you time to read and hope this article will help reach out to those whom are suffering from their lost. The one thing to help heal is to be supportive of one another and share your thoughts of how you are getting threw the hurt and pain. For me it's a journal that will last til I died. I had a cousin last week said 6ys was to long to grieve & how I went off on her. It's easy to go off quickly because I get so tired of dealing with insensitive people. Anyway, she called again the other night and I told her under no circumstance I didn't like what she said and how bad it hurt. I told her it's my grief and it will be with me til I died and it's my right to grieve has long as it takes. Anymore, I refuse to deal with people whom isn't supportive. This I told her if we continue to talk then the conversation needs to be tone down.

I want to heal; some days are better, some are worse but when you have someone that isn't interested in listen and be supportive we are wasting our precious time. this is when we need other that have gone threw what we have gone threw.

I would like to tell you some wonderful that is going to happen next month in Cincinnati. Rest in peace Matt! Matt is from the Cincinnati area and was capture/killed in his memory they set up a school scholarship to be put in a fallen hero's name for a school and student of our choice. The only requirement was the student had to write an essay. They decided to honor my son this year for the state of Ohio. I am deeply honored and looking forward to this special event for us Gold Star Mothers. I will update you after I return to let you know all about it.

BIBLE NOTES AND SCRIPTURES

BonnieL. — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 10:07:50 CST

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

1 Peter 5:8 tells us," Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."James 4:7 says, "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you". You have been given authority in your life over the devil. This verse makes it clear—you can resist him. But your authority in Christ as a believer only operates as you have submitted yourself to God's authority through obedience. If you are disobedient in areas of your life, knowingly disobedient, your authority in Christ will not work.

Everyday living is an exercise in decision-making. Today andevery day you must make choices: choices about what you willdo, what you will worship, and how you will think. When indoubt, make choices that you sincerely believe will bring you toa closer relationship with God. And if you’re uncertain of yournext step, pray about it. When you do, answers will come—theright answers for you.

We need not fear, for with every step, and in every place, God is near.

"For nothing is impossible with God."
Luke 1:37

There is no miracle out of God's reach.

1Corinthians 13:4–8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Our lives as Christians are a living witness to others and we cannot break the laws of God without hindering others from coming to Christ. We must live our lives in purity before a sinful and wicked world. We should not be living according to their standards but according to God's standard in the Bible. No couple should live together outside the bonds of marriage. Many say they live together before marriage to see if they are compatible as they don't want to divorce. This may sound like a justifiable reason for committing the sin of fornication, but in God's eyes it is still sin. Statistics however, show that those who live together before marriage are more likely to get a divorce than those who do not. Living together shows a total lack of trust in God and a failure to commit to Him the choosing of a mate. Christians who are living in this situation are out of the will of God and need to repent and seek God as to whether this person is the right one for them. If it is God's will for them to be together they should marry. Otherwise, they need to change their living arrangements.

God's plan is to build, strengthen, and protect the family. Satan's plan is to undermine, weaken and destroy. Make no mistake, Satan has declared war on the family. And many people have been willing accomplices, because they biblical principles are ignored or disobeyed. And when they are, the devil moves in. So put on the whole armor of God, and the devil will flee from you.

God doesn't bless alternative lifestyles, such as live in lovers. He will not honor them.

As a Christian, most of the dramatic changes will be how you spend your time. You are no longer living for yourself but for God.

Place God before all else, even family. Balance Christian service with worship. Spend time feeding your soul through His Word, the Bible.

Pray regularly, pray without hindrance, pray expecting answers, and pray persistently.

One way God speaks to us is called, " The still small voice." It is a tug on your heart from God. He is talking to you through your heart, or your conscious.

The greatest commandment of all is in Mark 12:29-31. " You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength."

The second greatest commandment is, " Loveyour neighbor as your self."

First John 5:14 says, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired!

O God, you are my Hope. I trust in you and your promises. But I admit that at times, like even right now, I struggle with the confidence that you will act in response to my prayers and do what I've trusted you with my life to do. Please fill me with your Spirit, comfort my doubts, and kindle my passion so that I may serve you with boldness and share your grace with others. Through my Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.

God wants his people to earnestly seek his will and to pray for it,and thus to become agents of the blessing God brings.

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

"Submit yourselves therefore to God,
resist the devil, and he will flee from you"
(James 4:7)

Philippians 4:13.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15

He Overcomes
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

If you find yourself falling into the spiritual traps of worry and discouragement, consider the words of Jesus. It was Christ who promised, “I have overcome the world.” This world is indeed a place of trials and tribulations, but as believers, we are secure.God has promised us peace, joy, and eternal life. And, of course,God always keeps His promises.

Dear Lord, let my hopes always reside in You. If I become discouraged, let me turn to You. If I grow tired, let me find strength in You. You are my Father, and I will place my faith,my trust, and my hopes in You.Amen

Walk boldly and wisely....There is a hand above that will help you on.

"Be still and know that I AM GOD"

Jesus said, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.”

Jeremiah 29:13 says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Hebrews 11:6 says, “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.”

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).

James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

The Bible, the Wordof God,holds the keys to your everyday life. From children,to finances, from marriage to jobs, this Book is the bestand will cause you to be successful in every areain you life.

If you are experiences marital problems, don't go to a marriage counselor who is promoting the latest version of the world's self-help program, and will cost you a lot.Just go to a bookstore and buy a Bible.It is the best marriage manual you will ever find.

"Lord, you told me when I decided to follow You,
But I'm aware that during the most troublesome
Times of my life there is only one set of footprints.
I just don't understand why when I needed You most, You leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."

Dear Lord,
I need Your encouragement each day. Lead me to promises in Your Word that will strengthen me when I'm weary and build me up when I feel torn down. Help me see and believe what You see in me, and then share it with others. I pray You will give me just the right words at just the right time. In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall.

Walk boldly and wisely....There is a hand above that will help you on.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Look full in the face of Jesus… Drink in His Word… Faith comes by hearing the voice of Jesus.

Faith is of God. Fear is of Satan. Walk in faith.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:

The good news is that God wants us to realize our purpose. He didn't create us to live with no direction, just wandering aimlessly through life. Too many times, we complicate God's plan for our lives. As believers, God's highest purpose is for us to walk in a close relationship with Him and to reach others with His love

Holy God and Tender Father, you are my great delight. When all others fail, you are still God. You are a rock and fortress, you are a tender shepherd, and you are a solid mountain that cannot be shaken. Your blessings and grace shower upon me and fill me with joy. I can't wait for the day I get to see you face to face and delight in your presence. Until then, I will see you faith to face and rejoice in anticipation. Through Jesus I pray.

Dear God, nothing is impossible for You—keep me always mindful of Your strength. When I lose hope, give me faith;when others lose hope, let me tell them of Your glory and Your works. Today, Lord, let me expect the miraculous, and let me trust in You.Amen

God’s Holy Word makes it clear: absolutely nothing is impossible for the Lord. And since the Bible means what it says,you can be comforted in the knowledge that the Creator of the universe can do miraculous things in your own life and in the lives of your loved ones. Your challenge, as a believer, is to take God at His word, and to expect the miraculous.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
No one goes wrong waiting for the Lord to send His best in His perfect timing. Of course, believers don't receive everything they request. At times God simply says no. In other cases, He adjusts our desire to match His own. In our humanness, we can't possibly know all the details of a situation. So we ask for what we think we need, based on our limited information. A submissive heart accepts the omnipotent Father's gentle redirection. When the awaited object of desire comes, it may not look like what the believer originally requested, but it will be exactly what he or she needs. Waiting patiently on the Lord is an awesome witness. When He responds, others see the reality of God, His faithfulness, and the wisdom of our commitment. In addition, our own faith is strengthened. Wise believers know that blessing will come in God's good time.

GODS JUDGEMENT

BonnieL. — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 10:04:04 CST

The Severity of God

In Romans, chapter 11, Paul is talking about how the nation of Israel had largely rejected Christ as the Messiah. Israel’s rejection of Christ actually opened the door for the Gentiles to come into the kingdom of God. Paul uses very picturesque, powerful language, comparing Israel to natural branches that were cut off from the root; and the Gentiles, he says, are like branches from a wild vine that get grafted in to the natural plant.

Romans 11:22 says, “Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.” Consider the goodness and severity of God. I want to talk to you about the severity of God right now—an aspect of God’s character that some tend to forget. God is a righteous Judge. God is a God of justice and judgment as much as He is a God of love and mercy; and those two parts of His character do not contradict. They actually complement one another. I will be looking at three areas in which God carries out judgment.

1. GOD’S INDIRECT JUDGMENT—THE LAW OF SOWING AND REAPING

Galatians 6:7-8 says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” What we sow, we will eventually reap. God is not mocked because He is the One that put this law into motion. It is not talking about direct judgment from God, but, rather, indirect judgment from God. Sin has a built-in judgment. God has sown this inescapable law of sowing and reaping into the very fabric of life.

In Genesis, chapter 27, we have the story of Jacob and Esau, the sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Now Isaac loved Esau, who was a wild boy. Esau loved to hunt and he loved the outdoors. The Bible says he was covered with hair. His brother Jacob, however, was a mama’s boy. He liked hanging around the camp. Mama took a shine to Jacob over Esau. One day Esau was out hunting, and he became utterly famished. Jacob, living up to his name (Jacob means “deceiver” or “supplanter”) saw a weakness in Esau that he exploited. Jacob had made this beautiful pot of lentil stew, and Esau said, “Give me some of your stew. I am famished!” Jacob said, “No problem. Just give me your birthright.” The birthright was a big deal in those days. The firstborn was entitled to quite a bit; and Jacob saw a way that he could edge in and manipulate the situation. Esau said, “My birthright is not going to do me any good if I am dead. Sure, you can have it. I have got to eat!” So Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. Now it was very, very wrong for Esau to treat his birthright so lightly, but it was equally as wrong for Jacob to manipulate the situation and to steal something that was not rightfully his.

Later, Isaac was going to give Esau his blessing—again, no small matter. When the Old Testament patriarchs laid their hands on their kids and gave the blessing, it was prophetic. What they said came to pass. Isaac was blind at this time. Before Isaac gave the blessing, he said to Esau, “Go out into the field. Hunt some game, and make me the savory stew that I love so much, and then I will give you the blessing.” So Esau got his bow and arrow, and headed out for the country. Rebekah told Jacob, “Come here and do what I say. You put on Esau’s clothes so that you will smell like Esau.” She went and got a goat from the herd, killed it, and made a savory stew. Then she somehow put some of the goatskin on Jacob’s arms so that he appeared hairy. She said, “Now go take it in to your father and pretend to be Esau. You will get Esau’s blessing as well as his birthright.” Jacob obeyed his mother.

Genesis 27:18-24 says, “So he went to his father and said, ‘My father.’ And he said, ‘Here I am. Who are you, my son?’ Jacob said to his father, ‘I am Esau your firstborn; I have done just as you told me; please arise, sit and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.’ But Isaac said to his son, ‘How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?’ And he said, ‘Because the Lord your God brought it to me.’ Isaac said to Jacob, ‘Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really my son Esau or not.’ So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, and he felt him and said, ‘The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.’ And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him. Then he said, ‘Are you really my son Esau?’ He said, ‘I am.’”

Jacob left and Esau arrived, bringing the stew to his father. Genesis 27:33-36 says, “Then Isaac trembled exceedingly, and said, ‘Who? Where is the one who hunted game and brought it to me? I ate all of it before you came, and I have blessed him—and indeed he shall be blessed.’ When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, ‘Bless me—me also, O my father!’ But he said, ‘Your brother came with deceit and has taken away your blessing.’ And Esau said, ‘Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright, and now look, he has taken away my blessing!’ And he said, ‘Have you not reserved a blessing for me?’ Isaac did bless Esau, but with a much lesser blessing. Jacob had to skip town because Esau wanted to kill him. Rebekah said to Jacob, “Go to Uncle Laban’s place, and live there.” So Jacob went to Uncle Laban’s, and Laban had two daughters, Rachel and Leah. As soon as Jacob laid eyes on Rachel, he fell for her. Rachel was beautiful. Leah was nice. Jacob said to Uncle Laban, “I want to marry Rachel.” Laban said, “Okay. Work seven years for me, and you can have her.”

Genesis 29:20-23 and 25 say, “So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her. Then Jacob said to Laban, ‘Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her.’ And Laban gathered together all the men of the place and made a feast. Now it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter and brought her to Jacob; and he went in to her. So it came to pass in the morning, that behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, ‘What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served you? Why then have you deceived me?’ Deceived . . . by somebody pretending to be somebody else . . . imagine that! “Do not be deceived. God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” When Jacob reaped, he reaped good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. This problem was going to be with him for the rest of his life. He reaped exactly what he had sown.

Laban said to Jacob, “I will give you Rachel too, but you have got to work for seven more years. So Jacob put in 14 years for the two women. When he was going to leave, he said to his wives, “I served your father with all my heart; and he has deceived me! He changed my wages ten times!” So Jacob was deceived and did not receive what was rightfully his; in other words, he got exactly what he had sowed, but it came back tenfold.

On my first trip to Australia, I went to a big youth conference, and they had a guest speaker in from the states. I had an attitude because I had come to hear the Ozzie guys who had started the movement. I leaned over while this guy was preaching and said, “I did not come all the way from the U.S. to hear some guy from the states preach!” I did not receive much from the message. Well, a year or two later I was speaking at a large conference in Sydney, and some people from our church were with us. I had just gotten through doing a big session, and the people from our church came to me afterwards and said, “Pastor, we were so angry while you were preaching! There were a bunch of Americans sitting behind us, saying things like, ‘We didn’t come all the way over from America to listen to some American preach!’” The very words that I had spoken came back to me, and I realized I was just reaping what I had sown.

God has sown the law of sowing and reaping into the fabric of life. You need to be careful how you treat your business partners, your associates, and your clients. You may take some shortcuts and may end up ahead in the short run, but what you sow will come back to visit you; and when it comes back, it will come back in spades. How we treat other people in personal relationships comes back to us as well. We cannot get away from this law.

In 2 Samuel 23:8, it lists the names of David’s mighty men and tells some of their exploits. The men on this list were the most honorable, famous, and well-loved men in all of Israel. Every one of them was completely loyal to David, and David knew each of them. In verse 39 (2 Samuel 23:39) we read about the last of these men, Uriah. Uriah was a loyal and famous man, and he was a mighty warrior. He was someone who would lay his life down for David in a heartbeat, and David knew this. Second Samuel 11:2-5 says, “Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold. So David sent and inquired about the woman. And someone said, ‘Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?’ Then David sent messengers, and took her; and she came to him, and he lay with her, for she was cleansed from her impurity; and she returned to her house. And the woman conceived; so she sent and told David, and said, ‘I am with child.’” David immediately set to work to try to cover it up. He sent to Joab, saying, “Send me Uriah from the battle.” Uriah came up to the palace. David asked some general questions about the people and the battle, and then said, “Okay, go on home. I will send you back to the battle tomorrow.”

Instead of going home to his wife, Uriah went out and slept on David’s porch with his servants. David called for Uriah and asked, “Why didn’t you go sleep with your wife?” Uriah said, “David, it would be wrong! My brethren are risking their lives, and they are sleeping in the open field. I would never do such a thing and dishonor my brothers! Should I go and lie with my wife while my brothers are risking their lives? Not until they come home to their families will I go to my family!” He showed such loyalty! David said, “Stay another day, and then I will send you back.” David had Uriah come back the next night and got him drunk, thinking, “All right, I have worn him down a bit. Now he is going to stagger back to his house and sleep with his wife.” But Uriah, being a man of absolute honor and integrity, again slept on the porch with David’s servants and would not go visit his wife. So David wrote a letter, sealed it, gave it to Uriah, and said, “Give this to Joab when you get back to the battle.” The letter said, “Put Uriah in the hottest part of the battle, and then have all the troops withdraw from him so that he will die.” Joab did it. When David found out Uriah was dead, he took Bathsheba as his own wife. He thought, “Good. My sin is covered. No one is going to know.”

The baby was born, and then Nathan the prophet came to David one day and said, “David, something is going on in Israel. You need to hear about this. There is this really poor guy who had only one little lamb. It was like one of his children. It drank out of his cup and came into his home. Now, the man’s neighbor was a really rich guy. He had flocks and herds in abundance. One day he had a visitor come. Instead of taking a sheep from his own herds, he went to the poor neighbor, took away his one little lamb, killed it, and served it as a meal to his guest.” David was irate. He said, “The man that has done this will die!” Nathan said, “It is you! You are the man, David.” Second Samuel 12:7-14 says, “Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man! Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your keeping, and gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more! Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon. Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.” Thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.”’ So David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die.’”

Everything that Nathan prophesied to David came to pass. David had trouble from his own house. One of his sons, Amnon, became infatuated with his own half sister, Tamar. Amnon brutally raped Tamar. After he raped her, he hated her. Her full brother, Absalom, killed Amnon. David’s heart was broken. There was rape, incest, and murder going on in his own family! Then Absalom took over the kingdom and drove David out. Absalom set a big tent up on the roof, got all of David’s concubines—his wives, as it is put—and had intercourse with all of them in the sight of all of Israel. The child, as Nathan had said, died. David reaped what he had sown. The Bible says that the Lord did it, but it was only in the sense that God put the law into motion of sowing and reaping—the built-in judgment of sin.

Some will ask, “Doesn’t the Bible say that the Lord forgave David and put his sin away?” Yes, but consider this: It was only after David was exposed that he repented. Nathan exposed him after David had been covering his sin for more than a year. David never planned on repenting. He had been in broken fellowship with God for a year. The wheels had turned to the point where David was now going to have to eat the fruit of what he had sown.

We had a neighbor that had fig trees in their backyard, right up against the fence. The trees always dropped leaves and figs in our backyard. I pulled a few of them out because they started to grow in our yard. Then I just left one, and it seemed like overnight there was a 14-foot fig tree with its own figs in our backyard. I ate the fruit of that tree. I could have pulled the fig tree in our back yard up when it was a few feet tall pretty easily; but when it was 14-feet tall, it was impossible. The fruit was there, and it was all over the place. That is the way sin is. There is a cycle. In James 1:15, we read that sin, when it is full grown, brings death and destruction. There is a process. Sin is like a seed. Whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap. The seed goes into the ground; and if the process is not interrupted, it will germinate. It will grow. There will be a sapling and then a full-grown tree. When the fruit comes, we will eat the fruit. God, in His mercy, however, has given us an implement to interrupt the cycle of sin, death, and destruction. The implement is called confession and repentance.

I think if David had ever said, “Oh, God, what have I done? Forgive me!” then that shovel of repentance would have gone in and dug up the seed, or pulled out that sapling; but by the time Nathan exposed David, it was a full-grown tree with ripe fruit hanging off of it, and Nathan said, “David, you are going to eat the fruit.” David genuinely repented, and God said, “Okay, the one thing I can do for you is spare your life.” It was God’s mercy that brought Nathan to expose the sin because it ultimately would have cost David his life; but he did still have to eat the fruit.

First Corinthians 11:31 says that if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. Judging yourself does not mean to beat yourself over the head and condemn yourself. It just means to repent. Confess your sin to God, and then turn and start doing the right works. When you do that, you use that shovel of repentance. You dig the seed of sin up. It does not have a chance to go through that whole cycle and bring the fruit into your life.

2. GOD’S DIRECT JUDGMENT—GOD WILL PROTECT HIS HOUSE

Does God ever get directly involved in judgment? Yes. We see it happen throughout the Old Testament and in the New Testament as well. Sometimes God would divinely intervene and judge nations, and sometimes individuals. He judged Miriam; He judged Korah when he stood against Moses with the whole congregation behind him—the earth opened up and swallowed Korah and the other ringleaders; He judged Ananias and Sapphira—the Bible says they agreed to tempt (or test) the Spirit of the Lord. They both dropped dead. I think their judgment had to do with the fact that the church was still in an infant state—very vulnerable—and the deceit of Ananias and Sapphira had the potential to get into the bloodstream of the church like leaven gets into bread. It could have affected the whole church. God will protect His house. When His family is in danger, God will move in, even with direct judgment, if necessary.

Galatians 5:7-10 says, “You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.” That word “obey” (verse 7) means to hold onto the truth. Someone had come in and sown false doctrine, and the church had let go of the truth that salvation is by grace, through faith. Again, this is a situation where something was threatening the entire life and vitality of the church. Paul said, “This is no little thing. This doctrine—this persuasion—that has come is going to work like leaven and infect the whole church. In connection with the church being jeopardized, Paul speaks of judgment falling upon the person responsible.

In the last thirty or so years of ministry I have been a part of many churches and Christian organizations. I have friends with churches across our country and in other countries around the world. I have observed that, almost without fail, those (either within the church or outside of the church) that have publicly come against God-ordained leadership; those that have knowingly, and with purpose, sown seeds of dissension and discord in God’s house; and those who, after being warned, continually sow destructive doctrine that jeopardizes the life of a church, almost always come to ruin. They experience tragedy, illness, or spiritual shipwreck. I think it is a judgment from God, but not so much that God does something to them; I think it is a matter of God lifting His protective hand from them. Friend, you do not ever want that to happen, not even for a day. I think most of us have no idea how many things God protects us from. Think about King Herod. He was on the outside of the church. He stretched forth his hand, the Bible says, to harass some in the church. He killed James, the brother of John, with a sword; and, seeing that it pleased the Jews, he also seized Peter and put him in prison. Herod was going to execute Peter, but God led a cosmic prison break, sending an angel to get Peter out of jail. Herod killed all the guards that were watching Peter. Then he gave an oration, and the people started clapping and chanting, “It is the voice of a God and not a man.” The Bible says that an angel of the Lord struck him, and Herod died. That was divine judgment. Herod tried to silence the word of God, but the very next verse says, “And the word of God multiplied and increased.”

3. GOD’S COMING JUDGMENT

Hebrews 9:27 says, “For it is appointed for men to die once; but, after this, the judgment.” First Timothy 5:24 puts it this way: “Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later.” Eventually sin catches up with everyone. There is going to be a judgment for us as believers. After we finish these earthly lives, we will all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. We are not judged with regards to salvation. Our salvation is sealed when we accept Christ as our Savior, but we will be judged according to our works (Romans 14, 2 Corinthians 5). Second Corinthians 5:9-11 says, “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body (while we are living this earthly life), according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.” At that judgment seat, our motives will come to light, and we will be judged for our works, and our stewardship of the resources, talents, and influence that God has given us. We will be judged for how we treated others, and whether we fulfilled the will of God, or even sought the will of God, in our lives. Our rewards for eternity will either be given to us or stripped from us on that day. It is really quite a sobering thought, but I would not be a good pastor if I did not talk to you about this. Paul talks about the terror of the Lord. That word for “terror” means alarm. If Paul, with all that he did for the Lord in his life, talks about standing before the Judgment Seat of Christ and being alarmed, that unnerves me! I know that I will have to stand before Jesus, and I will give an account to Him for my stewardship of the resources that He has given me. I will have to answer to Him for whether I completed His will for my life, or whether I even really sought earnestly to find it. I will have to answer for whether I had His kingdom and His righteousness first in my life, or whether it was my kingdom that came first (and His kingdom was somewhere way down on my priority list). Every one of us will stand before that judgment seat, and it is going to be a terrifying day. Consider not just the goodness, but the severity of God.

I heard a story about a guy in ancient China who conned his way into the royal orchestra as a flute player. He could not play a single note; but when the band would play, he put the flute up to his mouth and just pretended to play. He got a handsome little salary, and was taken care of. Everything was great until one day the emperor asked for a solo from everyone in the orchestra. The guy realized he was finished. He did not have time to learn the instrument, and so he feigned sickness; but the royal physician was not fooled. Rather than standing before the emperor, the man took poison and committed suicide. The explanation used to describe the circumstances of his suicide gave birth to a phrase that has actually found its way into the English language. They said he refused to “face the music.” When it comes to the Judgment Seat of Christ, every one of us will face the music. Is His kingdom first in your life? Do you have a concern for eternal souls? Do you love God’s house like God loves His house? Does your heart burn with a fire for Jesus? Have you consciously prayed about it and tried to find God’s will or plan for your life? We will have to give an account. All the secret stuff is going to come out! The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:14, “For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” Rewards will be given or stripped away for eternity at that judgment seat.

There is an entirely different judgment for the unbeliever; and, again, it is one that is inescapable. Revelation 20:11-15 says, “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” I cannot think of anything more sobering than that. Hell is not eternal. It is a holding place. Eventually hell will give up its dead, and they will have to stand before God. Their lives will be read. All their deeds, good and bad, will come out. Because their names are not written in the Book of Life, they are thrown into the Lake of Fire called the second death. The Bible says the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever.

The only way to avoid that judgment is to get your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. The way that happens is by embracing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Jesus said, in John 5:24, “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” Thank God I get to miss that great White Throne Judgment! God’s mercy and love extend a pass for every one who will embrace it.

I remember reading a story years ago by H. A. Ironside about a group of pioneers moving across the central states of our country. Some land had been opened up in a distant place for homesteading. The pioneers travelled by covered wagons, being pulled by oxen. It was slow going. They were horrified one day to see a long line of smoke coming towards them from the west. They realized it was a prairie fire. The grass was burning savagely, and the wind was blowing the fire towards them. There is no way to escape it. The line of smoke went for miles and miles in every direction. One person had the presence of mind to do something. He commanded a fire to be lit in the grass behind them. They lit the grass on fire, and the wind caused the fire to spread over all the prairie. Once it was burned over, they move the wagons into the area where the fire had been. The coming fire could not burn where the area had already burned. To me, this is a picture of those that are safe in Christ. As the old poem puts it: “On Him almighty vengeance fell which would have sunk a world to hell. He bore it for a chosen race and thus becomes our hiding place.” The fire of God’s judgment burned themselves out in Christ as He hung upon the cross, and now I stand in Him, in that place that has already been burned over, and I am safe. The fires of God’s wrath burned Him in my place. When I embrace Jesus Christ, I am secure and safe. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

I want to invite you to pray. If you are not sure where you stand with God, or if things are not right between you and God, trust me, you do not want to go to that Great White Throne Judgment. God, in His mercy, caused you to read this warning. There is a way out. It is not just a heart that says, “Yeah, man, if there is a fire escape, I am going to take it!” It is more than that. I am talking about a life that is submitted to the Lord—a life that is truly changed. Yes, he that does believe in the Son will not come into that Great White Throne judgment; but the Christian life is far more than that. It is not just praying some little prayer that really does not mean much of anything, so that you can get off the hook legally. It is about giving our hearts and souls to God. It is what our insides cry out for anyway. You will never find satisfaction in another lover, another drug, or more stuff. There is a God-shaped vacuum in your life that can only be filled through a relationship with Him. God makes us part of His family when we put our trust in Jesus Christ. The Bible says if we believe God raised Him from the dead and confess Him as Lord, we will be saved. We are saved from wrath, and saved from ourselves; but, more than that, we come into a relationship with God. We become part of God’s family. We begin to walk and talk with our Creator. Will you pray a simple prayer? All God is looking for from you is to put a sincere heart behind it. If you are willing to ask Jesus into your life and let Him change you, come with your baggage. Come with your sins. Come with your hang-ups, just like you are, and He will not turn you away. Call out to Jesus in sincerity, asking Him to cleanse you of your sin and to be the Lord of your life. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Your life will never be the same.

Bayless Conley

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BonnieL. — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:11:47 CST

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AMAZINGBIBLE.ORG
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http://www.outbackjack.info/outbackchristians.html

YOUR CROSS Outreach Ministry.
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The Chapters of Life Series.
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BIBLE TIMELINES ONLINE
http://www.bibletimelines.org/index.html

Virtual Christian Library-Comforting, Challenging,
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http://net-burst.net/search.htm

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BonnieL. — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:01:12 CST

CHRISTIAN DATING WEBSITE
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http://www.freewebs.com/lovelightdevotions/prayerroomdiscussion.htm

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BEAUTIFUL PICTURES TO VIEW

BonnieL. — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:42:53 CDT

NICE PHOTOS

"But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure is taken for misery, and their going from us to be utter destruction: but they are in peace."WISDOM OF SOLOMON

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BonnieL. — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 02:45:22 CST

Walk boldly and wisely....There is a hand above that will help you on.

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PACMAN
http://www.premiumkids.com/pacman.shtml

BEST RECIPE LINKS.

BonnieL. — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 02:44:41 CST

Walk boldly and wisely....There is a hand above that will help you on.

Link to the CHRISTIAN WOMAN'S PAGE, a page for woman to Live for Passion and Love for Jesus Christ.
Also has some nice recipes!
http://www.christianwomanspage.org/thm-ps-hhhhearth-janellemonade.asp

RECIPE LOVERS
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Link to site- RECIPE LOVERS
Recipe's below.

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RELATED LINKS.
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the room by Brian Moore

tteerrrryy — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:58:35 CST

THE ROOM

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings.

As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened It and began flipping through the cards.

I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match.

A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.

A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger."

"Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.

When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I have listened to," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it - shamed, not so much by the quality of music but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.

When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.

An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind, "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card.

I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it.

The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on it's handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.

No, please, not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again.

He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was, "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards.

I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.

He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

1.	I believe in one God, existent in three persons, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

2.	I believe in the deity of Jesus Christ. His virgin birth, His atoning death, His bodily resurrection and His ascension to the Father.

3.	I believe that we are all sinners separated from God, lost and in need of salvation.

4.	I believe that salvation is a free gift from God, by grace and must be received through faith, apart from works.

5.	I believe in the visible, personal and -millennial return of Christ Jesus.

6.	I believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God. I believe that when a person accepts Jesus as his personal Lord and Saviour, he can never be lost again.

7.	I also believe in the personality of Satan, his power, his wiles and his eternal destruction in hell.