The newest edition of the Christian Carnival is up at Brain Cramps for God. He calls it the Holiday Fruit Basket Edition. There are many good articles to read, so go over and check them out.
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For someone who has been married for over forty two years, I think marriage is alive and well. But, as one looks around, you sometimes wonder if that is really so. There are so many divorces, even among Christians. "Until death do us part" has no meaning any longer, it seems. The attitude is 'if we don't jive,then we will just divorce. And, many never even legalize their union; they just merely co-habit. These are certainly not good for onlookers who question marriage for themselves.
Birds of the Air has a great blog on 'Marriage at it's end?'. He spoke about how many states have 'no-fault divorce' where it's easy to get out of an unwanted marriage. He also talks about Christians who do nothing to help the state of marriage. They will identify themselves as Christians, and still shack up and divorce, therefore, laying aside the Word of God on these matters. This is a bad message going to the secular public.
To me, marriage is a union between a man and woman, committed to each other. If they have children, they then set the example for those children to live by. It sends the message that marriage is a great thing to those children, and to be desired, rather than just shacking up. Too many have lost their focus in their marriages, getting divorces without realizing the after effects on the children, as well as the one left behind. If a marriage is interrupted when children are home, don't fool yourself and think your children won't be effected. Some will go through life wondering if they were the reason for the divorce. It is hard for children to comprehend about adult relationships, and see themselves as the cause, even though they are told it is not so.
I do not think that marriage is on the way out, because it is sanctioned by God. He tells us in His Word to marry and 'multiply'. And, multiplying can only be done through a man and woman. Marriage is also to be only between a man and woman, although society today is trying to change God's law, and say that marriage should not be seen as just between a man and woman. They find ways to have children - with man and man or woman and woman. This is not a healthy marriage, no matter what society says. There would never be any question in people's minds, if that were so, because we would have no reason to question it. But, I digress to the Word: Leviticus 20:13.
The world may look at things differently than Christians. Their definition of marriage can be different, as well as their belief that different ways are a sin. Cohabitation is shown on television, and homosexuality is flooding the mainstream, as well. As more and more 'come out of the closet', marriage will be more and more subjected to the ands, ifs, whys, and buts. But, that never will change the Word. It will never take away the right of a child to have both a father and mother. And, it most certainly will never change my thought on marriage, that it is sanctioned by God, and between a man and woman. And, I thank God for my husband who also thinks the way I do. We both came from a home where our parents were together as long as 56 & 67 years before the death of a spouse. May our marriage last as long!
Linked to Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Pirate's Cove Tuesday Linkfest
Technorati Tags: Marriage, Divorce, God
Trouble or sickness comes our way every day. But, it's the way we handle these things that make us who we are. And, today, David Sumrell is alive to tell all about his promise to God, when he was faced with cancer which was about to take his life.
Sumrell was told he had melanoma cancer which had spread throughout his body and to his brain, and he was too sick to take chemotherapy. But, he gave thanks to God, when he heard the news, and was ready to get down to business. He asked God to let him write 3 books in his honor, and, if God was ready for him to die, then he was ready.
Today, Sumrell has not only carried through with his commitment to God with the 3 books, he is now free of cancer without taking medication.
CBN has asked David to allow them to do his story on national television, and has just verified the medical information. It is a tremendous honor for David to be able to share his story, and how the demand for his books is ever increasing.
Book Review
An Afternoon with Cody
Author: Rex Forrest Johnson
Publisher: Pine Hill Press
Sioux Falls, SD"He had a lot to say. I was becoming a very interested listener." page 21
What started out to be an ordinary trip to get an interview for sports columnist Walter Withers turned out to be a life-changing event. His trip to Minneapolis was detoured to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a long way from his destination. He was stranded in an unfamiliar airport, surrounded by lots of people, waiting to go on another interview closer to Sioux Falls. But this airport would gain him a friend and a new outlook on life.
During the 7 or more hours Withers was in the airport, he saw many passengers come and go. But, those 7 hours would change his life forever. Cody Brill was a very intelligent man who had been around a long time, experienced many things in life, including the life-changing experience that he was about to share with Withers. Withers had no clue as to why this guy was in the airport, nor that Cody actually knew the man to whom his employer had sent him to interview this time.
The author did a great job in bringing the reader into the airport along with these two men. You sense the atmosphere in the room, the attention Withers gives to Cody, and the excitement with which Cody explains every little detail. When the long talk is over, Cody has done his job in explaining spiritual things to Withers, and he is a completely changed man. His character has changed from secular ways to the way of loving and forgiving.
My name is Barbara Sanders, wife, mother and grandmother. I am a homemaker, who enjoys computing and reviewing books. This copy of 'An Afternoon with Cody' was given to me by Active Christian Media for review. I give the book 5 stars.
Linked at Conservative Cat
Technorati Tags: Book Review, An Afternnoon With Cody, Author, Rex Forrest Johnson
Too many times, we think that something is not possible. And, that is cutting God out of the process, because scripture says 'with God all things are possible' (Matthew 19:26). And, to say anything else is not true.
As Christians, we understand that God is
We often put God in a box, and think He will only do what we want Him to do, or what we 'think' He can or will do. But, often, we are proven wrong. God is able to do 'exceedingly, abundantly, above anything we ask or think' (Ephesians 3:20).Throughout the nearly 1,400 year history of Islam, Muslims have resisted the Christian gospel. Many Christians tried to reach them with the good news with little success.
But according to many reports from the Middle East and around the world, that history is changing.
"I see many, many Arabic-speaking people turning to Christ, accepting Him as Lord and Savior,” said Nizar Shaheen, host of Light for the Nations, a Christian program seen throughout the Muslim world. "It's happening all over the Arab world. It's happening in North Africa. It's happening in the Middle East. It's happening in the Gulf countries. It's happening in Europe and Canada and the United States-in the Arabic-speaking world. Everywhere, people are accepting Jesus."
"What's happening nowadays in the Muslim world has never happened before," said Father Zakaria Henein, an Egyptian Coptic priest is one of the foremost evangelists to the Muslim world. He says a cross-section of Muslims are accepting Jesus Christ. "Young and old, educated and not educated, males and females, even those who are fanatic."
"There is an end-time phenomenon that is happening through dreams and visions," said Christine Darg, author of The Jesus Visions: Signs and Wonders in the Muslim World. “He is going into the Muslim world and revealing, particularly, the last 24 hours of His life-how He died on the cross, which Islam does not teach-how He was raised from the dead, which Islam also does not teach –and how He is the Son of God, risen in power."
"We receive lots of letters about people who have had dreams about the Lord, visions, even miracles,” Shaheen said. “When they watch the program, they say yes, we had a dream or a vision, and they accept Jesus as Lord."
God will have His church ready when He comes. When we see those that do not believe in our God coming to Him, and facing persecution and often death, one realizes that He is indeed a powerful God, and there is nothing He can't do.
Linked at Conservative Cat
Woman Honor Thyself
Pursuing Holiness
Technorati Tags: God, Muslims, Jesus Christ, Gospel,
Visions, Dreams
I just read Greg Crosby's article over at JWR, entitled "Not my world". Oh, how I identify with everything he is saying!
I walk in the malls, or walk down the streets, and I wonder what has happened to people to make them want to dress like bums! I want to say, 'men (boys), pull up your pants. I don't want to see your undies or MORE! Put on a decent, fitting shirt. And, please, oh, please, learn to WALK!' And, to the women (girls), 'Do you not want to look decent anymore? Why do you wear clothes meant for teenagers, women? And, teenagers, why do you want to show your body parts, that should be covered, to the world? And, why do you think these pants with holes are so cute, or that wearing those tight-fitting, midriff-showing shirts are so appealing?"
People need to get a grip on life! I miss seeing people dressed nicely. I often feel like I'm out of place, when I am dressed in clothes that fit, that look decent, and do not show body parts meant only for my eyes, or the eyes of my spouse! Honestly! Clothes manufacturers have gotten the craze these days. They have forgotten there are people out there, namely the older generation that likes to becovered, that wants to look more our age in the things we wear, and are not hip on wanting to be stylish in today's terms. I want women's slacks to go back to the waist. I want women's blouses, shirts, sweaters, etc, to get longer, and some of them looser. Middle-aged and older women do not look good in clothes meant for teenagers. And, I dare say, teenagers do not look good in most of today's clothes made for them.
Boycotts are called for all different things. Perhaps it's time, we people who want to be able to buy decent-looking clothes, should boycott the industry. Do you think it would make a difference? Perhaps not, since today's parents are allowing their teenagers to dress in the provocative clothing that is being put in every store. Until parents put a handle on the buying of such clothing, the clothing industry will keep producing. And, while they keep producing, we will continue to have to look at the bare midriffs, the 'behinds', flabby bellies, and more, of those folks who are willing to compromise their looks for fashion. As for me, I'll continue to 'be out of touch' with today's fashion, wear clothing that fits my body and my age,and continue to look for those clothiers that do think about the older generations. I know there must still be some out there!
Linked at Conservative Cat
Cao's Blog - Friday OTB
Woman Honor Thyself
Technorati Tags: Clothes, Fashion,
You read that title and thought, 'no way, not my church.' But, look at what is happening around the world today. We never thought other things would happen here, either. We never expected the 9/11 attacks, but it came. They promise us more of the same, and worse.
We never thought prayer would be taken out of the schools, but it came by the way of one woman - not one tried to stop her. And, now, Christian clubs are having a hard time surviving in the schools. And, one day, someone will rise up and make such a fuss, they will fall by the wayside completely.
The church is now faced with the threat of hate crimes - a church will be unable to preach against the abominations spoken about in the Bible. Of course - God didn't speak the word homosexual in the Bible. But, whose eyes are blind, when they read the words " If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination:" ? ( Leviticus 20:13)
Persecution is coming to your church, and it might be sooner than you think. Take heed to what the Lord says- "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."
Bill Haymin has written a great article in the American Chronicle, entitled 'The Soon Coming Sufferings of the Church in America'. Drop by and read it; it's a great and enlightening article.
Technorati Tags: Persecution, Church, America, Bible
Get the Thursday Thirteen code here Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!View More Thursday Thirteen Participants1. Caryle
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My grandson, who will be 13 on December 11th, has always admired Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. It is a shame that youngsters are not challenged to learn more about the Presidents of the US and have good head knowledge of each. It excites me to hear him talk about Lincoln, and I do encourage him to keep reading other information about the President. "With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds.... "
Thanks to Don Surber for blogging on Lincoln today in his post 143 years ago today. Exactly 143 years ago today, Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address. I remember having to learn the Gettysburg Address when I was in high school. I wonder how many of our high schoolers could quote any of these words today.Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Lincoln won the Republican nomination for President first in 1860. On January 1, 1863, he issued the Emancipation Proclamation which declared the freedom of the slaves within the Confederacy. Lincoln never let the world forget that the Civil War involved an even larger issue. This he stated most movingly in dedicating the military cemetery at Gettysburg: "that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain--that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom--and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
This brings to mind what is going on in the world today - the war in Iraq. So many are calling for the soldiers to jump ship before the country is stable. i wonder what Lincoln would have to say, were he here today, and President. Would his words still ring true today? I certainly think they would.The spirit that guided him was clearly that of his Second Inaugural Address, now inscribed on one wall of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D. C.:
"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds.... "
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Is It Just Me?
The Uncooperative Blogger
Stuck on Stupid
Technorati Tags: Abraham lincoln, Gettysburg Address, President, Republican
On January 2, 2007, there will be a new Speaker of the House. Nancy Pelosi, Democrat from California, will assume the duties of outgoing speaker Republican Dennis J. Hastert. And, she says she is going to try and make this a working Congress; bi-partisan, if you will. Time will only tell if the Democrats can make good on their promise to be a better governing body than the Republicans.
For 6 years, all we have heard is how the Republicans are ruining our American way of life, no matter how the outlook is on things. Our economy is so much better, and it seems we are living in the best of the times. But, I doubt that it will ever pass the lips of a Democrat that we are having such a good time. The Republican administration has been accused of every thing that has gone wrong or will go wrong in the future. Yet, we have heard no real ways the Democrats will fix things that the Republicans has supposedly messed up.
The President passed a bill to build a security fence between Mexico and the United States. But, will there be money appropriated to build the fence? Or, will there be a hold out, since it was done by Bush?
Hopefully, this Congress, led by Speaker Pelosi, will stop and put their thinking caps on, and realize that there are people out here that will be affected by every decision they make. It doesn’t matter if the decisions have to do with illegal immigration and building of the fence or the Iraqi war, or a number of other things, people outside of the Congress will have to deal with the decisions of the Congress. But, Congress must also remember, whatever decisions they make will be met with either approval or disapproval from Republicans and the President. If Pelosi does try to co-operate with the ones on the other aisle (Republicans), then perhaps some things can be accomplished the next two years. But, she will be met with resistance, if she doesn’t play her cards right.
Ken Hughes says:Let’s pray the new congress realizes they’re the servants not the masters and act accordingly.
And, I certainly agree with that!
Linked at Conservative Cat
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The Right Nation
Don Surber
Technorati Tags: Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, Congress, Democrats
I know you are thinking, why is she posting T.G.I.F.? We are all glad it's Friday. But, that is not the reason. Those initials have other connotations. In other words, 'things are not always what they seem'.
T.G.I.F., in this instance, means, 'Thank God, I'm forgiven'. When God forgives you of your sins, they are removed 'as far as the east is from the west' and He no longer remembers them, unlike man. Satan will continue to bombard you with how you can't truly be a Christian, because of your 'past trangressions'. And when, he does, remind him that the blood of Jesus has covered every sin; they are no longer there on your record. You are the 'forgiven of God' and you are blessed!
So, make this a thankful Friday. Give thanks to the Father that He has forgiven you, that you are walking in the light of His Truth, and you are blessed on this beautiful Friday.
Psalms 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Technorati Tags: Friday, Thankful, God, Father, Truth
I am a country girl, born and raised in a small town. I grew up with gardening, milking cows, raising pigs and chickens, and other duties that we were given. We had a little land, but not considered ‘a farm’. But, I knew what a real farm was, because I often worked in the afternoons or weekends for farmers who needed workers to hoe or gather their crops. Sometimes we were given some of those vegetables to take home with us.
Gardening is a hard task, at best. If you don’t have big tools, you often are give out, legs aching, when you finish the task of cleaning the land, plowing the garden spot, and then planting the crops. Afterwards, when the crop comes up, and weeds tend to raise their nasty heads, the work has really begun. You have to work hard in order to make a crop of vegetables, and not have them starved out by those pesky weeds.
But, I know a Gardener who once took the dust of the ground and made man – not a mere vegetable, although He is also behind all those seeds and plants we now put in the ground to become tomorrow’s food. He then breathed life into that man, and made him a living soul.
God is the Alpha (beginning) and Omega (end) Gardener. There is none like Him. He has all the resources to make the most magnificent garden in the Universe. Think back to the Garden eastward of Eden. He put in every tree imaginable, good for food, and also put in the tree of life. But, He also put in the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Then, he placed that man, Adam, along with his helpmate, Eve, among those beautiful plants, to help keep that garden. And, that’s where the story takes a rough turn: Adam and Eve partook of the tree that God had given Adam instructions to stay away from, and they were thrown out of that beautiful, safe, and luxurious garden made by the ultimate Gardener.
Although, man has had to pay for those mistakes, God is still a gracious God. He allows us to make our own way. He expects and wants us to follow His ways for our life, but we get sidetracked at times, and go about it the wrong way. But, He is still there, after our heart, prodding and plowing with His Word, speaking to our hearts in a manner we should not be able to resist, although many do. No matter what we decide, whether to let the Gardener do His work in ‘our garden’ or go astray, He is still the Gardener of the past, the present, and the future. You can choose to let Him plant in you a garden of good fruit, or you can hoe the weeds in yours. It is your choice.
HT: The Evangelical Ecologist – Knowing the Gardener
Farm graphic by Sandy's Place
Linked at Conservative Cat
Technorati Tags: Gardener, God, Eden, Alpha and Omega
Be sure, whatever you do, good or bad, there is one who knows all. I know you have heard the saying, 'no man is an island unto himself.' How true this is, considering the God of the Universe has an all-seeing eye, and a ear that hears, no matter how quiet you are or how low you whisper.
This was true in the case of Florica, who was being held in a communist prison. She had seen women leave the prison, never to be heard from again. She had no idea if they were free, or perhaps they were killed. She probably knew her day would come soon. But, she held on to the thought that whatever God's will for her life was, she would resign herself to accept it. Being human and a woman, surely she thought they would put her to death. But, she still held on to her hope in God.
Her name was finally called by the major. He made sure that she knew he realized 'her god' had made no interventions for her release. He also made it known to her that he was more powerful than her god. He told her that, in a communist society, no god is needed. I can imagine what Florica was thinking! But, she told him that she realized he was powerful, and perhaps had good records on her. She said: "But God keeps records, to. Neither one of us would have life without him. So whether he keeps me here or sets me free, I'll accept that as best for me."
Three days later, Florica was released. Romans 3:19...that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
From 'Extreme Devotions' by The Voice of the Martyrs..pg 250
Technorati Tags: Communist Prison , Syria, God, Intervention,
Freedom,
Christian Newswire has an article about Pastor Rick Warren's trip to Syria. Apparently, the Syrian News Agency is giving glowing reports of what Warren had to say while in Syria. Pastor Warren expressed admiration of Syria and the coexistence he saw between Muslims and Christians, stressing that he will convey this image to his church and country." Rick Warren also is quoted as saying that 80 percent of the American people oppose what the Administration is doing in Iraq. We at VCY America Radio Network are appalled and angered that Rick Warren is praising a nation that has long supported international terrorism and that desires the utter destruction of Israel. The U.S. State Department reports that Syria--along with Iran--gives the Lebanese militia Hezbollah "substantial amounts of financial, training, weapons, explosives, political, diplomatic, and organizational aid." The State Department also has documented that Iranian arms destined for Hezbollah pass through Syria on an ongoing basis. Syria has also let Hezbollah operate in Lebanon and attack Israel, the results of which were seen in the July, 2006 violence between Hezbollah and Israel in which many lost their lives. Experts further believe that Syria is the source of the weapons and insurgents that are taking the lives of Iraqi and American soldiers on a nearly daily basis in Iraq. Contact: Ingrid Schlueter, Crosstalk Radio Talk Show, VCY America Radio Network, 414-881-5852
Seems his meeting with the Syrian Mufti gave him the impression that there is true co-existence between Muslims and Christians in Syria. He says the United States government has distorted the Syrian image before the world. And, apparently, Warren is buying this.
Stuck on Stupid Midweek OTB
Technorati Tags: Syria, Rick Warren, Muslims, Christians, America
It is almost a given that Nancy Pelosi will become Speaker of the House. And, for majority whip, the second highest position in the House Democratic leadership, she is backing Jack Murtha over Maryland moderate, Steny Hoyer. She is already showing her authority before taking over the office.
Barney Frank, Massachusetts Rep., said he thought she was making a mistake.Pelosi loyalists worried that backing a loser early on would hurt her authority down the road, and project an image of a divided party.
She sat out to down play her support for Murtha the past few days. But, others say she is very serious; she is certainly going all out to back Murtha. She has already made 40 calls to incoming freshman, on Murtha's behalf. She's drumming support!And that will make a real difference. One senior Democratic House member who was leaning toward Hoyer told TIME her vote was entirely dependent on the seriousness of Pelosi's interest in the race. Told that Pelosi was calling around in support of Murtha, the member said her vote was Pelosi's to claim: "The Speaker usually gets what the Speaker wants." Magnified across scores of calls, that kind of attitude could spell trouble for Hoyer.
So, the strings are being pulled, and they are answering. Her lieutenants are now in full support of the Murtha candidacy and they feel confident that he will win out over Hoyer. Some believe this is a gamble on Pelosi's part. If he wins, she has made a strong statement. But, he could also spell trouble, considering his ties with the 1980's Abscam affair (investigated but never charged).A full blown ethics scandal would be a disaster for the Democrats as they enter their moment in the sun. And if Murtha loses, it's doubly bad for Pelosi. Not only would she have picked sides and lost, but she will have gone down fighting.
Linked to Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Blue Star Chronicles
Technorati Tags: Politics, Nancy Pelosi, Democrats, Speaker of the House, John Murtha, Congress
These are some great posts this morning; well worth your reading! Learn about your congress.
The highest honor that can be paid a fallen hero was given to Cpl. Jason Dunham to Scio, NY. He would have been 25 years old yesterday - the 231st birthday of the Marine Corps. The Medal of Honor will go posthumously to Cpl. Jason Dunham of Scio, N.Y., who would have been 25 years old yesterday - the 231st birthday of the Marine Corps. "You might say that he was born to be a Marine," Bush said in announcing the award at the dedication of the new National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Va.
Dunham was searching a car when the guy took him by the throat. When Dunham kneed him, the guy dropped the grenade. Cpl. Dunham took his helmet and placed it over a thrown grenade and then threw his own body over the helmet to shield his own buddies from the impact of the explosion. He died 10 days later at National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Technorati Tags: Marines, Marine Corps, Medal of Honor
Book Review
Simplifed exclamations about God’s will
Author: Jeffery Gante
Tate Publishing LLC
Mustang, OK
“God did give us free will. He gave us the free will to choose His will or our will.” Pg 15
Christian Booksellers Association and Zondervan Publishers did a research where they found that Christians in the United States own, on an average, nine Bibles. Christian Resources International Executive Director Fred Palmerton's organization receives around 250 letters a month from ministers and workers in other countries that don't have one Bible. Most of these people are from Africa, Asia, and South America. And, this troubled him.
Palmerton and CRI put together a program called Operation Bare Your Bookshelf, a project which makes it easy for Christians to send Bibles and other Christian materials overseas. Anyone can visit their website, fill out the forms, and they will send you all the materials needed to send those books overseas. Volunteers and recepients are matched by denomination to insure the right books get to the right people. You can find out more details, when you visit their site.
Linked at Conservative Cat
Technorati Tags: Bibles, Books, Christian, Ministers
Election day was November 7th, just 3 days ago. But, the effects of it have already begun to be felt. I was just visiting Stacy over at the Persecution Blog, and found her blogging about how she felt persecuted during her time at the voting poll Monday.
Seems Stacy was approached by one of the women working the polls about the shirt she had on, as she came to vote. The shirt had the message, "Be a doer of the Word". This got the volunteers to talking about the Lord. But, apparently, the conversation struck a nerve with the head man, who asked her to leave. He accused her of proselytizing and trying to sway other voters. She said she was the only one in the room besides the volunteers.
This might seem a little bit trivial to some. But, the day is fastly approaching when we will not have the freedom in America that we have today. In fact, our freedoms are slowly being eroded. Things are getting so politically correct, it is going to be hard to even open your mouth without facing a penalty of some sort, perhaps jail time. This may sound a little overboard, but just have patience; it is coming!
Election night was a nightmare. The very thing we feared, as Christians, happened. People who were unhappy with the Iraq war were sold a bill of goods by the liberals, and they bought the whole bill! And, now the rest of us will have to bear the outcome with them. Stacy's own blog article has gotten her 3 comments - one for her, and the other two are attacks on her and her Christianity. Christianity has already been given the back burner, or thrown completely off the stove, in some instances. And, I believe, as the next few years go by, there will be more and more instances of Christian persecution in the states.
Another great read from Beyond The Rim - 'Changes, They Are A-Comin'
Linked at Conservative Cat
Pursuing Holiness
Blue Star Chronicles
Technorati Tags: Persecution, Election, Christianity
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
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If you were ever into country music, you have to remember Tammy Wynette and George Jones’ duet together – “We’re gonna hold on”. But, of course, they did not hold on to each other. Humans are unpredictable. They mean well, at times, but lose sight of the overall picture, and venture out into the ‘greener pastures’. And, when they get there, they realize the pastures are not any greener than they were on the other side.
Humans mess up things by themselves! So much has been said about the fall of Pastor Ted Haggard. But, remember, he has a family. And, his son, Marcus Haggard, is pastor of Boulder Street Church in Colorado Springs. During his Sunday sermon, he said, “We don’t shoot our wounded.” His church will stand behind him, and give him support as he struggles with the allegations against his father."We all sin," the younger Haggard said. "If there is one thing we Christians should never really be surprised by - it's that people sin. That's rarely a shocker for us. We understand that better than anybody else on planet Earth."
During our times of struggle, we need to remember that God is the I AM; He is there when nobody else will be. He is the Almighty – the One who can see us through the toughest times, chastise us with love when needed, and wrap His arms around us when we are broken. Too many times, though, we don’t see a way out, and keep going along in our own ways, rather than holding on to our faith, and turning the situation over to God. We need to learn when to ‘hold on’, and when to ‘let go’. Seems us humans haven’t really learned the WHEN yet.
Linked to: Conservative Cat
Technorati: God, Family, Christian
It looks like voter turnout was high today, in spite of the rain we had around here and in other parts of the United States. We voted around 6PM Central time, and our voting precinct was full, and, as we left, a long line was forming. Many workers have to drive a long way in order to vote after work, so I am sure there were people coming in right up to the deadline for voting.
The races are too close to call for those that would make a difference in whether the Senate or House would change hands from Republicans to Democrats. But, if your favorite man/woman did not win, and you did not vote, you can't raise your voice and blame it on others. So, hopefully, you did go and vote, regardless of the weather or other factors that could have caused you not to vote.
I heard a local Birmingham radio personality say today that, of the 98% of people who will not vote in this election, those people either don't care and just are too lazy to get out and vote, or are people who aren't well-informed. I haven't talked to many who were not going to vote; therefore, I don't really have an opinion on that. But, I think it was very important that each registered voter went to the polls and voted today. Every vote counts!
Skip over and read Random Yak's post - Election Day Roundup - "That's Gonna Leave A Mark"
Linked at Conservative Cat
Don Surber
Third World County
Also linked to Adam's Blog - "And The Rest Is In The Hands Of God"
Technorati Tags: Vote, Republicans, Democrats
But, this is not your usual prison warden. Nor, is he from the United States, but from North Korea. "'I am no longer ashamed of my faith.' VOM is a non-profit, interdenominational ministry working worldwide to help Christians who are persecuted for their faith, and to educate the world about that persecution. Its headquarters are in Bartlesville, Okla., and it has 30 affiliated international offices. It was launched by the late Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, who started smuggling Russian Gospels into Russia in 1947, just months before Richard was abducted and imprisoned in Romania where he was tortured for his refusal to recant Christianity.
North Korea is known for it's human rights violations and also for it's disallowance of any Christian faith. So, can you imagine the surprise when a warden in the detention camp where a young Christian couple had been suddenly showed up at their door? Not only, that he was the one who had ordered their release.
The warden had helped torture a young Christian teen, depriving him of food, in order to get him to recant his belief in Christ. But, he was unsuccessful. In fact, it so haunted him after the teen died, that he released this young couple, and then went to their house to talk about it. He was so moved by this young man willingly giving up his life without giving up his faith in Christ. He learned from this couple that this teenager, nicknamed "Pencil", had learned of Jesus from them, before being dispatched to Korea to spread the gospel, and it made him different.
The warden took the couple back to his house after talking with him about Christ at theirs. He wanted them to meet his family and other prison workers and their families. The report from VOM says that, after the couple presented the message of Jesus to the people gathered in the room, this warden's own mother came forward and said she had been a believer for 50 years. 'I am no longer ashamed of my faith,'
Linked at Conservative Catshe said, then turned to the rest of the people gathered in the room. 'Who wants to have Jesus in their heart?'" the report said.
The people in the room received Christ as their Saviour. Then a water baptism followed.
Blue Star Chronicles
Technorati Tags: Christian, Christianity, Faith, North Korea, VOM
When the British Airways employee was suspended for refusing to remove the cross from her neck, we heard lots about this on our news. So this brought about a look at what the cross means for those Christians in the Muslim world.
To those of us living in the Western world, we look at the cross on a chain as a piece of jewelry. But, to those non-western Christians, it means much more. It identifies them sympolically with their faith, church, and community.
The Muslims look on the cross with hatred, because it identifes the so-called 'false religion'. But, those Christians, who live in the Muslim world, the cross symbolizes the persecution and martyrdom they have had to endure for centuries.
Muslim hatred for the cross is evident in the hadith (traditions) that foretell the Muslim belief that, in the End Times, Jesus will reappear as a Muslim and will break all crosses. In history for example, Caliph al-Mansur (754-775) forbade the public display of the cross and destroyed the crosses on top of many churches.
Forbidding the public display of crosses continues to be the case in modern day Saudi Arabia. Fatimid Caliph al-Hakim (996-1021) forced Christians to wear a five-pound cross around their necks as a sign of humiliation.
"They want to be identifed as marked followers of Christ.
Regardless of the truth of an allegation, when seeds of doubt have been placed in the minds of the people, they can destroy a person's reputation, his family, and even his life.
Allegations have been made by Mike Jones of Denver, a former gay male escort, against Rev.Ted Haggard, pastor of New Life Church in Denver, Colorado. He is saying he had a 3 year long affair with the pastor. Pastor Haggard says this is not true, and that he has never had an affair outside his marriage with his wife.
Jones made his allegations known to the public on a radio station in Colorado. He says he is coming forward because he feels Rev Haggard is being hypocritical in his stance against gay marriage. Sounds a little fishy, just a few days short of the elections, but he says he has recorded voice messages and a letter with $200 that this preacher gave him.
Only time will tell. But, Jones is having a polygraph test on the radio show today. Nevertheless, Haggard has stepped down from his pastorate temporarily. He has also resigned as leader of the National Association of Evangelicals. In the meantime, the Christian community needs to be in prayer for this pastor, the situation, and also for all the rest of America's Christian leaders. None are immune to attacks such as these, and they need our prayers daily.
Other links to this story: Gay affair charge leveled at Pastor Ted Haggard.
Linked at Conservative Cat
Is It Just Me?
Pursuing Holiness
The Liberal Wrong Wing
I think not! Senator John Kerry has cried 'wolf' so many times, his fellow Democrats are getting tired of hearing him. This time, they have tried to distance themselves from him and what he has said, dismissing it as wrong, and he should give an apology to the soldiers in Iraq. As Kerry combatively refused to apologize, giving a combative news conference in Seattle and impugning "despicable Republicans" for attacking him. He personally attacked White House spokesman Tony Snow as a "stuffed suit … mouthpiece" and talk-radio host Rush Limbaugh as "doughy," making the story bigger and bigger. I am of the opinion that Kerry has to be mad at life, or perhaps he thinks he is high above criticism. He personally attacked Tony Snow and Rush Limbaugh and all Republicans. This did nothing except to hurt his reputation, which was already spoiled, in my opinion. He should have zipped his lips long before this. The Democrats should have 'corralled' him long ago! This was not a breakdown in communication. It was a showing of the true Kerry, still mad at the world for his loss in the 2004 campaign, and his hatred for Bush. I admire the Democrats who came out against his speech, and those who have distanced themselves from him. But, it was all done for political reasons, not that any of them will distance themselves from him in Congress. "He has since that campaign kind of been like a guy in the weight room, training and building up his muscles, spoiling for the next fight," Crowley said. "It explains why when there's a faint whiff of something similar in the air, he wants to go out and get it right. But the problem is I think now he's overreacting. He's overcompensating." Politics can be cruel. It's a profession of power and adulation and unbelievable highs, and one of impotence, rejection and lows that most people cannot begin to fathom. It can wreak havoc on a man's soul. I will not hold my breath to see how much this has done to the 'soul' of John Kerry. If anything, this will make him more intent on proving he was right, and this was just an attack by those "despicable Republicans". HT: John Scarborough - What is wrong with John Kerry? Linked at Conservative Cat Technorati Tags: John Kerry, Democrats, Iraq, Politics
How could anyone take what he said to those students in Pasadena, California, on Monday, and believe it was a joke? Words speak for themselves. I believe the scripture that says, 'out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks'. And, I believe Kerry proved it with the following words:"You know education," he said. "If you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework, and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well, and if you don't you get stuck in Iraq."
No matter how you 'slice a orange', you will not get an apple from it. So it is with this speech. Perhaps he 'meant' to say something linking the President to the Iraq war, because Kerry is against it, after 'he was for it'. But, he didn't do that. He used education as the standard - either you learn and make something of yourself, or you are off to Iraq, where you are stuck. And, that is not a true statement, but it is Kerry's belief. Many of our servicemen and women are college graduates, and some have high degrees. But, they voluntarily joined the armed forces,intent on going wherever they were sent for their tour of duty. It was a job they felt compelled to do. But, according to Kerry's statement, he makes it seem that the soldiers in Iraq are not smart.
I believe Kerry hurt himself as a politician with that statement. He is remembered for his attack on the military when he came back from Vietnam, and it won't be forgotten. With this added on, there are perhaps many military families who got a big sting from that speech the other day. And, the so-called apology was an after thought, and on paper, instead of in person. Seems he was trying to patch up the problem he had made for himself and for the Democratic party. Otherwise, they would not have distanced themselves from him. It was not the Republicans that jumped on the bandwagon this time; it was his on constituents in Congress.
The Evangelical Ecologist has this week's Christian Carnival up. Dory of Wittenberg is being recognized this week for keeping the Carnival going. There is also a story about a real tent revival in 2002 before the Carnival starts, which is very good.
There are many great posts this week, perhaps more than I've seen in awhile. I believe there is something for everyone this week. So, go check them all out. I am about to do the same.
Linked at Conservative Cat
Technorati Tags: Christian Carnival
