Silent night, HOLY night..

He will be called Holy father, Prince of peace, and His kingdom will last forever

Elementary School Tragedy in Newtown, Ct.

What is going on???  Tragic, mass killings back to back, to back...   One uglier than the next.



Not much information is out about the individual (Adam Lanza) other than after killing his own mother he then opened  fire on children at an elementary school.   The 20 year old man wore all black and tactical gear, and had an assault rifle and two handguns.



This comes only days after another maniac in a hockey mask opened fire in a Portland, Or.shopping mall killing two people including himself.  



And not long before that, there was another nut job that opened fire in a movie theatre in Colorado with his hair painted up like "the joker" from the Batman movies, and in the same state where the Columbine tragedy took place a in 1999.   Those evil dorks that killed teachers and students in Columbine High School called themselves "The Trench coat Mafia" carrying a lot of guns and ammunition.



This type of violence is on the rise and no one can deny that there is definitely something evil impacting our society.  The fact that many people consider this as the "thing to do" is pretty desperate and pathetic.  

So now the "bad boy image" has gone from James Dean to Screech-looking computer dweebs on a vengeance and who ain't gonna to take it anymore!   And there are apparently a lot of them out there with the increased cases of bullying in the schools.  



There are reports that this young man might have suffered from Azberger's syndrome which they say is not considered a mental illness.  It's referred to as a higher level dysfunction in relation to



 When asked if there's a correlation between Azberger's syndrome and violence, the "experts" say there isn't.   But I find that answer might lack some information because Azberger's Syndrome has only recently been in public attention as cases have seemed to increase within the last 10 or 15 years.  Therefore, there wouldn't be too many studies connecting it with violence to begin with.  For people who suffer from Azberger's Syndrome, they tend to have social abnormalities in personality and manifests itself in isolating behaviors as well as a high singular obsessive focus on certain things and activities.  One child could display a repetitive and obsessive behavior in painting while another one could display this in violent video games in which case, one might not cultivate a progressive fantasy in violence but the other might.



This being said, the shooter's mother who was first murdered by her son before the shooting spree at the elementary school was said to be an avid firearms collector.   If there was anyone who knew the violent propensity of her son, it had to be her.   But then why would she have guns at his reach?   Perhaps she was an avid collector of firearms and the son had an obsession with guns... who knows?  We don't know that he himself owned any guns - perhaps he would need to be at least 21 years of age for that.  But even before his 21rst birthday, firearms would be related to their demise.



Regardless of whether his Azberger's Syndrome had any involvement in his murderous rampage, the fact that he can kill his mother, smash his computer to prevent the police to investigate his motives and then prepare himself like Rambo with guns and dressed in all black demonstrates how intent he was in committing his crimes.  And then when confronted, committing suicide by shooting himself.    This shows plenty mental capacity.



But we're left now with the nation arguing for "gun control" when it should be arguing for "better gun control".   One ridiculous politician suggested our teachers and principles need to be armed to protect our schools.   And just when I thought what came out of that politician's mouth was like the words of "Sylvester the Cat" preaching a sermon, behold, more people are commenting and agreeing with him.  In fact, firearm sales went up after the elementary school shootings because people think their gun rights are going to be minimized. 



There truly isn't a reason to have high powered assault rifles of war in any household. Perhaps the argument of protecting ones family with a loaded hand gun might be a strong one.  But I personally can't take a chance raising children and having a loaded gun in the house.  And if it's not loaded and ready to go in case of an emergency, what good is it? 



If we could actually depend on our justice system and our communities and people would actually look out for one another instead of every man and woman for themselves, we could definitely have a better argument against gun ownership.



But this indeed is a case for "more" gun control because we need to go after these high powered assault weapons of war and something has to give especially when we're coming under attack as in "revenge of the nerds".... or "revenge of the demented gamer-dweebs"!  




And my stomach turned when I saw Quentin Tarantino justify his Whack-blood-drenched- gory movies that each have more senseless killing than an actual script.   Absolute garbage I would never watch. 



The far right says their war guns aren't to blame and the far left say it's not their gory movies and video games, and sin runs rampant along the whole continuum.  



And they're all wrong because it's the wicked heart inside of man that wants to flirt with shooting and killing toys and the depravity in humankind that fetishes with the anger, hate, violence and lust within our entertainment.   This is undeniably the cause of what happens in any human catastrophe like that of these recent senseless killings.   And although evil does indeed play a huge part in this people are always inclined to ask that same question.....   "Why would God allow this to happen"?



The Bible teaches that there's only ONE God.   But it also teaches that there is only ONE road to God, and that is the man, Jesus.  Jesus said any other way to God and one would be considered a thief because He and He alone is the "Door".   Therefore, I won't speak for other religions.



However, self proclaimed Christians are often asking the question "Why would God allow this to happen"?  And it's a shame because those fundamental answers are found in the Word of God.   You can't humbly seek God's wisdom when reading the Bible and not find to these answers.   But it is when we read the Bible like it's required reading or a Mark Twain book that won't be blessed with God's wisdom.    Jesus said, that when you seek Him with ALL YOUR HEART, you shall find him.     



As sad as it is when 20 beautiful children and 6 dedicated school staff are brutally killed, it's admittedly just as devastating when families are buried in a earthquake in some 3rd world country.  Or when children lost their lives in the Oklahoma City bombing, or hundreds and thousands of children die from starvation around the world, etc.   Indeed, these are the realities we never want to face but are forced to when they happen near to us.

But anyone who can't see the parallel between these murders of babies in an elementary school and the deliberate assault of scissor-like tools tearing babies apart while safe in the womb really has to take a hypocrisy check.



The Bible teaches that because of sin, Death is our enemy.   However, Christ conquered Death for us when He took on the punishment that was meant for us because of God's judgment on sin.   So the only way to combat sin and minimized the affect of sin within our lives is to give ourselves over to what is Truth, Just, Love, Holiness and by submitting to the author of Truth, Justice, Love and Holiness.   There's no other Way.... there's no other Truth,  and there's no other Life.   (John 14:6)

A time to die....

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,... " - Hebrews 9:27








People know that it's said and predicted in the scriptures that we're all appointed a time to die. Once we leave THIS KNOWN EXISTENCE, we'll be out of the realm of earthly time, and into an UNKNOWN EXISTENCE we're very foreign of. The scriptures teach that everything will be known as well as anything that is to be remembered of that former existence, in this life. @ which time, we can no longer make up anything that we've done.. .just like even now, we can't make up for things we've done here in this existence, even so, we won't be able to go back to this existence and change our attitudes, our thinking, our hearts, and our actions, etc.



Just as we all agree that DEATH is a reality so we also agree that none of us know WHEN our time of death will come. Death doesn't stop short for the poor or wealthy, elderly or young, powerful or famous of which we know is a fact. Therefore, how are we to be, act, think or how are we to live as people who know that the mystery of death is literally upon us? This fact affects us all.

Is it practical, rational, or even intelligent to walk in indifference to this inevitable fact of life and death? Is it a coincidence that inevitable death is perhaps the most morbid and unpleasant of all conversations known to man?


This is where we run into the search for TRUTH. The world is divided between two different types of humans... those that are searching for truth and those that believe they've found the truth.


Which are you?



If one believes they have found and have the truth, then one has to comfort themselves enough to believe they have a solid foundation to believe in that "truth".


But if one is still in search for truth here is what Christ said concerning Himself....


"I am the way, the Truth and the life, no one comes to the father but by me".  -  John 14:6


Jesus is claiming that He is the Truth and the only way to God. These words are very clear.

He is also claiming to be "the life" and the only "way".


As in the words of Joshua, "....choose you this day who you will serve but as for me and my house, I will serve the Lord" - Joshua - 24:15.


We all have to make a decision and if we think that we're not, consider this.... the holy scriptures teach that God has given enough revelation of who He is to all humanity. God's existence is demonstrated by our creation, how we relate to one another, and in everything He's created around us, etc.


It's simply a matter of whether we're honestly seeking the Truth and the Bible teaches that once we've found the Truth, the "Truth will set us free". Set us free from what? Set us free from anything that bounds us... ie confusion, uncertainty, lies, evil, sin, mysteries, ourselves, death, judgment, etc., etc.


Jesus said "Those who seek me with all their hearts will find me". But anyone who already claims to know the truth, won't be looking for the truth. Likewise, anyone who doesn't want to face the truth, won't be looking for the truth either.


The scriptures does not make a distinction between nonbelievers and those who choose not to actively decide, where to put their faith, or agnostics or atheists but are regarded as those who reject the Truth (Christ) of God.


Jesus said "You can't serve two masters.. .you'll either love one or hate the other". The Bible teaches that to reject that which has already been revealed to mankind is a sinful rejection of God and counts towards eternal separation from God.


How often have we unwillingly driven or walked passed a cemetery and our minds had to stop in it's train of thought. What thoughts are evoked when we're looking into that cemetery? Do we consider passed loved ones who have died or do we start thinking about our own inevitable time of death?...


So the question is ... Have you found the Truth, or are you still looking for it?


It might be that you already know of the Truth but have to believe it enough to put your faith entirely on the Truth. And when it comes to life and death, to walk in the Truth is to have an dynamic change of one's life all together.



" Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” - John 8:12



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Thanksgiving Day 2012:

Our prayers go out to all those affected by the recent hurricane. All those people who are now literally homeless and who have had to abandon their homes to move in to shelters. Our prayers are with our country; praying that our leaders will make sound decisions in this time of vulnerability that blankets us internationally. Our prayers are concerning all these conflicts in the middle east and the increasing persecutions going on all over the world. The famines, pestilences and injustice around the world.

For all those who have lost loved ones, may God's peace be on them for continued strength in hard times.




We pray for the economy that if God wills, we might be able to recover soon.

Let the realities of life's vulnerabilities remind us of where our ultimate faith, trust and refuge should come from. And let us humble ourselves as we turn to Him for strength and hope during these challenging times.
In this Thanksgiving Day 2012 it is when we have lost something that we can more clearly see what we have left, and out of that give praise to God and thanksgiving before the Lord.

Peace to all!

Hurricane Sandy gone, the pain remains...

Endless prayers for all those effected in every way by this historical disaster.   This is something that for years seemed like a hollywood script to New Yorkers and North Easterners everywhere but it actually happen.  This crisis is a sureal cable tv program that many didn't ever think could happen but here it is, a reality. 

AT PEACE WITH GOD:

Our earthly state:

            "The whole world lies in the lap of the evil one".    - 1 John 5:19 

Resistance to the Truth of God:

...."   For great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”     - 2 Kings 22:13  

Oh wo to us if we do not stop, listen and obey the Word of the Lord to move from being enemies of God to being at peace with God through His mercy and grace in Christ Jesus!

THE WHEAT AND THE WEEDS:

The parable of the sower / The parable of the weeds :

Matthew Chapt. 13








That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.”



The Purpose of the Parables

Then the disciples came and said to him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” And he answered them, “To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says:

“‘You will indeed hear but never understand,

and you will indeed see but never perceive.

For this people’s heart has grown dull,

and with their ears they can barely hear,

and their eyes they have closed,

lest they should see with their eyes

and hear with their ears

and understand with their heart

and turn, and I would heal them.’

But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.



The Parable of the Sower Explained

“Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”



The Parable of the Weeds

He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weedsc among the wheat and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the servantsd of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”

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Let him that have an ear, hear what the Word of the Lord is saying!   Here Jesus is describing what will happen in OUR future to all those who can understand. But for those who willingly do not "want" to listen so that they deliberately won't understand, judgement will fall upon them.



I liken it to a person who's drowning but refuses to even look in order to see someone stretching out their hand to save them.





The first parable speaks about the various types of hearts and how they recieve God's Word. Then He quotes Isaiah in the OT describing the stubborn hearts of those who choose not to understand. The parable of the weeds describes the blending of the wheat and the weeds or the saved and the unsaved, and how one day, God will have them seperated; wheat to be saved, and weeds to be disgarded and burned because it has no use and can't bare good fruit.



"He who has ears let him hear".

God is mercy, and God is grace - Amen!

The Spirit of Anti-Christ -

The amazing thing about these conspiracy theories is not whether they are legit or not but the fact that people have the need to fabricate this stuff with gross repetition and the fact that people are hungry for peace.




The Bible teaches that in the last days, people will be yearning for world peace (not God's peace) and eventually fall for the one who will come counterfeiting the works of God in order to fool people who are already in denial of Christ the Lord. Because of their denial of Christ, people will be fooled and lead by this soon-to-come- world leader, and the end result will be global domination, a one-world government, and the emergence of satanic universal control that will usher in the last days as we know it.



Okay, I added some dramatic apocalyptic language in there for some added drama but truthfully, every time this type of language has been used in any type of media source including Hollywood or fiction books, its because the Bible has always been the ORIGINAL SOURCE of this type of message throughout the ages, and that's where it all originated from!



(The Lord of the Rings, Avatar, 2012, Armageddon, just to name a few of the recent movies.)



Any other predictions of the end of the age or the end of life like Nostradamus, the Mayan calendar, etc.,are only shadowy comparisons to what the Bible predicts about the end of days! (Read Matthew chapter 24)





As things become more and more desperate in our world (famine, wars, catastrophes, deceases, corruption, social inequalities, etc.) and just about everyone agrees these conditions are increasing; we'll see the rise of agencies and political powers that will point in the direction of global solutions. The agendas and ideologies that will stick will be the one's that include:



A- universal economic policies

B- universal religious inclusivity.



On the surface, this seems all good but when you shine the light of Biblical prophesy over this, you see the truth, and what it's really about.



Yes, the only reason why this seems like a Hollywood production is because again, Hollywood and Disney have earned billions of dollars recreating and plagiarizing these scripts right out of the pages of the Bible for years!



For decades, agencies dedicated to the unification of global powers have been in existence. And the ideology of combining "all religions" is not new either. Many have tried to say that all major religions have the same attributes of peace in common and thus can be combined. This isn't about all of us joining hands to sing "Kumbaya" but rather to sow the seed of a one-world religious ideology.



This ideology usually takes the form of what a lot of people are calling "Christ Conscientiousness" and what they call the combining the goodness of all teachers of peace together (Gandhi, Buddha, Mother Theresa, Mohammad, Jesus, the Dali lama, etc.).



A lot of new-agers and high profile TV personalities like Oprah are preaching this without pulpits.



These philosophies, ideologies and teachings that are conceptualized and suggested in the media to the masses and in all it's subtle forms, are taking root in people's minds and will one day be a big enough influence to take root in perceptions about what is truth.



Therefore, any political or religious body that determines to become overly INCLUSIVE for the sake of spiritual or economical cohesiveness is one we should all be weary of.



The video presented is something I came across on YouTube a few years ago regarding man named Benjamin Creme who has been announcing the coming of a "World Teacher, Maitreya" for over 30 years. The figure who is supposed to come is largely regarded as someone who is supposed to teach the world "how to do it", how to live in peace and share the world's resources, etc. Apparently, in his latest video Creme states that finally, the Maitreya has appeared on a national TV program and watched by over 12 million people but hasn't revealed himself as Maitreya but as "one of us" as Mr. Creme puts it.



Even non religious people can see that this rings way too much like the coming of the anti-Christ! But I find that like I've mentioned above, the need for a world leader to come and find a way to global peace and harmony in economy and religion, is in the hearts of many. What can't be denied is that people all over the world are looking for their peace maker to come. Islam which has worshippers in the billions, have an apocalyptic figure who's to come and make peace also.



So the world is dying for some peace maker to come and bring all the answers - whether they are religious or not!



So much so that all that is needed is for that ONE person to come and actually FIND a global peace and economic plan and that will be enough to tip the utopia right over the edge into all out acceptance!



Yes, the world is indeed that gullible!

The Germans were with Hitler and history has the bad habit of repeating itself. Who doesn't know mankind is predictable?

"Nothing new under the sun".

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

Do not hinder the children !!!

Our child at 12 weeks

"But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God." -  Mark 10:14

Let us suffer to bring up our children in the fear of God as commanded by our Lord.
To fear Him is to know Him, to know Him is to love Him, to love Him is to depend on Him in everything, and to depend on Him in everything, is to inherit the kingdom of heaven.

The signs of the times!

The 3rd Jewish Temple is underway!!



For 20 years now, the plans for the restoration of the 3rd Jewish Temple of God has been in the works in Isreal. Today, the Temple Institute in Isreal has completed the blueprint and the model of what the 3rd Temple will look like, they've trained and designated people for temple service and have constructed and prepared all the temple service instruments and garb.



Everything is set in place to begin building. The Jews are convinced that the location of the temple is located at the highest point of the temple mount which is now occupied by the dome of the rock. The area is now controlled by Islamists who control the temple mount and consider the dome of the rock to be the 3rd holiest sight in Islam. But the jews are convinced that if they were able to escavate under the dome of the rock, they would find enough artifacts to prove that the dome was built in the exact location where the 2 previous Jewish temples stood. Islamists deny that the previous jewish temples were in the same location where the dome of the rock now sits but the Jews claim that muslims routinly created an area of worship over previous jewish sites of worship.



Today, political powers are working towards having both Islamists and Jews share worship time at the temple mount.



Christians follow biblical phophesies that describe that the 3rd Jewish temple will indeed be built with the assistance of a man of "peace" that will come and offer a peaceful solution for the jews and arabs in that area. However, this man and political force will later turn on the Jewish people, and persecute them, and thus the world will find itself in the last days of human history.

“... But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains."   - Mark 13:14

"... And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.” - Daniel 9:27

"...His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. - Daniel 11:31

 

..."And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and to test him they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, It will be fair weather, for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening. You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.... " Matthew 16: 1-3

THE WORTHY RACE TO RUN:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

CORNY FB WALL MESSAGES:

Sometimes you just have to ask why are Facebook walls draped with so much self-help, motivational- pep talk-type positive messages directed towards people? Why is the self-help section In every book store SOOOO huge???



I'm not asking why these things exist, I'm asking why are they so prevalent and take up so much room in our lives???



Have you ever noticed that MOST of these messages ARE NOT new ideas or new philosophies but simply REMINDERS of things and concepts we already know and understand?



So why do we have to continually be reminded about the same ol things day to day, to day, to day in order to cope.. etc. ????



Things like, "When you fall down, if you can look up, you can get up".... by Wes Brown (one of my personal favorites).



Or .... "If you think positive, you'll be positive".



In the early 90's I was very much into a lot of motivational speakers like We Brown, Napoleon Hill, Wayne Dyer, etc.





These are simply "perspectives" that we already knew but somehow needed to be reminded of in order to alter our current state of mind from negative to positive. Perhaps b/c of the situation or frustration or dilemma we're currently in.. we're not able to re-focus back to a state of mind that we should have been in to begin with.



So if we would have been in that state of mind to begin with (positive), we probably would not have had to be reminded to go back to that "positive" state of mind. ...hmmm? Ever consider that?



But the problem is #1 why do we have to continually be reminded, and re-reminded over and over again to get back to these "positive" perspectives? As we know, we have to deal w/ dilemmas every single day. And as soon as one dilemma seems to disappear, we learn that tomorrow brings 3 more dilemmas in life. Isn't this true?



So why can't we stay in that positive state of mind knowing fully well that problems, frustrations and issues are such a normal part of life??



Or is it that even with all the self-help, positive thinking and pep talk we read and receive,.... it's still not enough? So then although we hear all those positive messages... we turn around and say.... "yeah, yeah, I know, I know".... but the issues and the problems are MORE than these "would be" motivational antidotes.



I believe that this is the case. Although we all like and appreciate all those pep-talk, positive and self-help motivational messages... it's just NOT ENOUGH for us as humans.

It's one thing to HEAR them and another thing to LIVE them.

It would be ultra-difficult to know WHY this is the case but for ONE REASON.

... Because these are EMPTY PROMISES. They're good messages but empty promises. To me, a promise is anything that is suppose to achieve and sustain that which was sought after. And in most cases, these messages make us feel good but then by the end of the day if not, 5 mins later, we feel empty again.



These positive messages, although they tickle the consciousness, they do little to penetrate the individual soul. And now you're thinking this sounds a little too "SUPERNATURAL"..... It's because it is! IT'S SPIRITUAL.



As you know, many people can't tap in to real Spirituality. The Bible teaches that true spirituality can only be attained by a personal relationship with God, Jesus Christ.



So although the Bible doesn't teach that we're supposed to live in bliss here on earth before He returns, it does teach something that NO empty motivational message can ever do for us.



It teaches that God promises to be there with us if we truly love him.



"All things work together for good to those who love God". - Romans 8:28



"Seek first the kingdom of heaven and all its righteousness and everything else will be added unto you". - Matt. 6:33



"That where your treasures are .... your heart will be also". - Matt. 6:21



"If anyone thirst let them come to me"! - John 7:37




So here we see that whatever we desire the most will motivate where we derive our happiness from.



If one's happiness is derived from a strong desire for power then nothing on earth, not even the most awesome motivational messages will satisfy the soul because it's that one thing we're stuck on that's keeping us from appreciating life.



If we're lonely and only the "perfect man or woman we seek" is where we derive our happiness from... then we can't move on until we find that person we desire.

Sometimes what we desire for ourselves isn't what a perfect God would want for His child.

God doesn't operate on the limitations of time but we do... and we can't see the end from the beginning like God can. God says


" I'm the beginning and the end ". - Rev. 22:13.



So we see that we have to continually pop the empty calories of self-help, motivational pep talk messages but it will never edify the soul..... because only a TRUE relationship with Christ will get us to stop searching. You can only stop searching when you've FOUND the Truth. The Bible teaches .... "And you will KNOW the Truth and the Truth will set you free". Jesus said....



" I AM the TRUTH, the way and the life...." - John 14:6



One can only be set free by FINDING and then KNOWING the Truth and Jesus is the Truth.


Now we see that there's a big diff. between positive messages that have NO substance to them and promises of God that HAVE substance, foundation, Truth to them.



A major difference.



And although bliss is never promised while on earth..... "Jesus said ...


" I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” -   John 16:33



From now on... let a TRUE relationship with Christ be the foundation of our motivation to go through life. Not some empty words that are candy-coated around OUR OWN HUMAN limitations. Our strength within doesn't even exist apart from God. Instead, let the constant need of those empty positive messages be a proof to us that we obviously need MORE to hold on to. Strength only comes from within.... IF we have Christ w/in us.



Consider these scripture verses....



"Apart from me, you can do nothing" ... - John 15:5

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" ... - Phil 4:13

"Ask anything in my name and you shall receive".... - John 14:14



:)

To God be the glory always, amen!

COLORADO SHOOTING (AGAIN)

70 people shot, 12 people dead in that Colorado movie theatre.




And still people are in the media trying to shift blame away from our violent gun-happy, shoot 'em up culture!



Ironically, it was said that two new violent action movies were postponed from coming out this weekend because of this Colorado incident.



Still therapists and many people in the acting world say that statistics can't demonstrate a correlation between many years of violent movies, video games and music to weak-minded individuals who just happen to snap, and turn violent out of nowhere.



I guess in this case, it was a coincidence that this young dude was rumored to have been obsessed with the Batman movie.



In the courts, mental illness is usually ruled out whenever premeditation is established. In this case, you can't mount up a small army-like arsenal of firearms, setup a master plan of of mass murder in a movie theatre and boobie-trap your own apartment, and not find premeditation.



Not far from the shootings, I believe is where the 24 year old man, James Holmes purchased his murder weapons. In Colorado, there is very little restriction from purchasing sling shots, hunting equipment and mass murder weaponry that should only be used by our nation's military.



When I think about how more advanced in military weaponry our average thugs are in comparison to our past military personnel who have protected our freedom in past wars, I truly freak out.   What a shame that this creep, holmes' grandfather was said to be a decorated Lt. Col. who served in the Okinawa campaign during World War II, and retired in 1963.  His murderer grandson used more advanced military weapons to attack and kill the people his grandfather risked his life for in WW II.



And how ANY justification can be found for owning a flame thrower or a 50 caliber machine gun... words can't express! But you can actually purchase these in some states.



None of this should shock people but it should really anger us b/c there's a huge section of the American people that are stubbornly blind. How can anyone say that violence is not on the rise? How can people not see that our society is taking a very obvious nose dive into hellish depravity?



The saturation of mounting accounts in the news of elder abuse, child abuse, spousal abuse, murder-suicides, pedophiles, robberies, terrorism, mass murder, drug cartel related murders, narcotics overdose deaths, etc, etc.



When citizens can literally see what's going on in their streets, read their newspapers for themselves, etc. Someone will always come around and say that violent crime is down by some percentage...



I say, "Don't believe the hype"!


And for those people who defend the notion of a small percentage of people who snap after being influenced by violent media... we have to remember that the individual's goal is to "take out" as many as possible in one sitting!  In this case for example, we're talking 70 families that are now affected by this violent trauma to their lives!  That doesn't add up to small numbers to me.


Where else do young people not involved in anti-government militias or military training learn how to strap-up and execute a mass murder like this? Could it be the plethora of mass murder simulation video games young dudes are exposed to.. or perhaps all those bloody and gory movies that keep coming out?... nawwww! It can't be!



Then what could it be????.... It's not mental illness.... It's not the anger, evil and mass murder in today's movies... then what could it be? 



Truth is common sense ALWAYS defeats statistics. Because you can't rely on statistics. Stats can be biased ... but when you're honest and you have just a humble amount of common sense, you don't need the blind to show you the way or the truth.



Things are bad and the Bible teaches that in the "last days", they're expected to get worst. Question is.... are these the last days?



"... And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.

- Matthew 24:12

The Microchip is here!

The following link is regarding companies here in the US that are planning to merge together to create the type of microchip technologies Christians everywhere have feared. The article quickly opens up on the obvious criticism from Christians with references found in the Bible in a mocking type fashion. The article then misinterprets scripture by suggesting that the anti-christ will actually appear like his description in the book of Revelation.

What is shocking however is not whether these companies will eventually merge or whether the government will purchase this technology, or even whether it'll be used for storing people's private information (for medical tracking, ID storing, monetary credit, etc.) but that the technology is already in existance; and it surely is.   The article doesn't deny that these products merging can not set in place this type of data collecting.

It's just a matter of time when it'll be put to use for the above necessities by whatever "powers that be".

"Keep watch then because you don't know the day nor the hour when the Son of man will come"
                 - Matthew 25:13

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505123_162-42843185/microchip-implant-controversy-a-mark-of-the-beast-or-the-coming-singularity/?tag=bnetdomain


As it is now, there are consumer reporting corporations that collect people's online activity to be able to sell off our private data, and although they claim what they do is legal, investigating the data that they collect is not happening and there doesn't seem to be any regulation.  Acxiom corp out of Arkansas is one of those companies.

The Word for today:

" You believe that there is one God. That's fine! Even the demons believe that and tremble with fear. " James 2:19

" For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. " Romans 2:13

Romans 6 : Dead to Sin, But Alive to God

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?    By no means!
How can we who died to sin still live in it?   Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?   We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.   For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.   We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.    For one who has died has been set free from sin.   Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.   We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.   For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.   So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.   Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.   Do not present your members (body) to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members (body) to God as instruments for righteousness.   For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

The emerging new Christianity:

‘Pregnant man’ Thomas Beatie splits from wife:

In a recent yahoo article (titled above), a pregnant transgendered woman who was featured on TV showed that she was pregnant.  The wow factor about that story was that this person looked so much like a man after many years of surguries.  But then she wowed the public even more when she decided she wanted to be a man but have children after all the hormones and treatments she's taken to become a man.    This person was able to legally change their whole identity from a woman to a man and have artificial insemination to bring 3 beautiful children into this world.  Now it's being reported that she's seperating from her "wife". 

This is so gender convoluted, that it's enough to make anyone dizzy.
I really believe those that claim that they want to help these people in this case, the media, are the first to abuse them.  The media has spotlighted more and more people with these gender identity issues.   The Chaz Bono story is another really sad story of singer, Cher's daughter named Chasity who went through reassignment surgury to become a man then changed her name to Chaz.

It's also extremely sad when people in their often confused struggle in life with these identity issues decide they want to become parents, and submit children to their already perflexed world.

Our society and culture has become so perverted and backward that they've given acceptance to things like this.

click on link to read the yahoo article:

http://tv.yahoo.com/blogs/upshot/pregnant-man-thomas-beatie-splits-wife-222259218.html

Titanic: 100 years later -

April 1912.  I find it amazing that 100 years ago before my grandparents were even teenagers, there were people just like you and I taking a cruise ship across a continent and what they must have experienced that April night.    A nightmare no one will ever forget.  I think about all the subsequent tragedies that have happen and continue to happen every day.  On that day, I can only imagine the cries that went out to God.  And I think that because we're created in God's image as the Bible teaches, it might be human instinct to cry out to God in a situation like this.  There might not have been enough time to do anything other than to cry out to God and pray in that hour of need.  Just like during hurricane Katrina, the earthquake in Haiti or any personal tragedy one can find themselves in, etc.   But why wait for tragedy to strike?   A tragedy can mean practically anything; from a death in the family to receiving really bad news from your doctor.  Having the strength in faith that God Himself will be with me even through death is more hope than anyone can ever imagine and that hope is offered freely to every one of God's creations because of His overwhelming love and forgiveness.  The Bible states "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call on Him while He is near" - Isaiah 55:6.   "It is appointed man once to die, then the judgement" - Hebrews 9:27.


"Behold now is the accepted time... Behold NOW is the day of salvation" 
                                           - 2 Corinthians 6:2

This is said to be the last known picture taken of the Titanic before its demise

1200-1500 people were said to have gone down with the ship.

" Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts"  -  Hebrews 4:7

To accept or not to accept -

A man is starving in the wilderness searching for food, on and on he goes about searching, and searching earnestly.  He still can't find anything to eat.  Then he comes to a fresh pond where he searches and searches for fish in that pond. Finally he finds ONE nice-sized fish and he tries and tries to catch it - FINALLY - he catches it almost already fainting from the exaustion and hunger, but then lets the fish go back in the pond, and he walks back into the wilderness to continue his search.   ......
_____________________________________________________________

"Then you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free"

- John 8:32




But you have to accept the truth when and if you're fortunate enough to find it.



Some want to "create their own" truth and will reap the drastic results of that decision.  The common advice today is ... "Believe what seems right to you" or "Do the best you can"... but these are snares in one's path.



"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."

- Proverbs 14:12


 

Then there are those who find safety in following the crowd and public opinion.





"For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it."

-  Matthew 7:13



"But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

-  Matthew 7:14



 The gate and the way isn't difficult because they're hard to find but instead because they're difficult to accept.



The Truth is the Truth whether we accept it or not just like there's no arguing with the law of electricity or the law of gravity.  We never try to debate with the laws of the universe, we simply just try and accept them.

"Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance. Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live".... 



- Isaiah 55:2-3



Jesus said " I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life"... No man comes to the father but by Me".

He is the Way to salvation.
He is the Truth that sets one free.
And He is the Life that leads to abundance.

Atheist Billboard in Brooklyn

How disrespectful. This is obviously done to try and antagonize the religious community in this neighborhood. What that knucklehead fails to see is that beliefs aren't entities outside of actual human beings so to disrespect other people's beliefs is indeed disrespecting those people that have those beliefs.  There's no such thing as respecting people and not respecting their beliefs; especially if those beliefs aren't harming anyone else.

If he only meant to draw out any non-religious people who live in the area (like this person claims), there are a lot better ways to do it other than to step on the toes on those that are religious.    But this is part of the abuse and persecution growing in the world today, and persecution and prejudice that we'll continue to see growing more and more.

This is a perfect example of someone who can't attain morals through "relativistic reasoning" because he can't tell the difference between what's offensive and what's not.  Notice his relative morals through his mis-guided "reasoning".  It's either that or the organization needs to fire him and get someone who's better at marketing.

THE BOLD PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE!

Rick Santorum saying that he vows to combat the porn industry!
Yeah I know, "Talk is cheap" and politicians talk smack all the time... but "What if"????... and who else is making promises like these???.... No one else is.

Lets pray that God lead the right candidate to the top.
Lets allow our TRUE Christian convictions to determin who we're going to vote for in November.

The Bullying Epidemic

What in the in the world is going on with this bullying thing????...   Granted, times are different today because of technology, social networking like facebook, etc.   But there is also a lot going on here that people are not discussing or even pondering because many of these kids are killing themselves in their desperation.  Where do these kids learn about suicide like this??   Where are the parents, brothers and sisters, and teachers while all this is happening??  What the??? ....  As it is, this report mentions a 36% of adults being notified?... What's going on with these kids that they don't even trust or have enough confidence in their parents or anyone else to help them before these problems become out of hand?  ...  This is another social issue of our time that is the RESULT of something else going on wrong in the home, and although there aren't a lot of studies opening up on the causation of this, that I've read about ... this just seems like kids living all alone in their own secret world, outside of their families and being completely isolated.  

Back in the day, if I had issues with someone in school, a fight would settle it and if it didn't, I used to run home to get my big brother or my mom was ready to come in to the school to find out what's going on.   And even if that might not seem like enough, it was always enough to bring attention to things and squash the issues most of the time.   But today, I think kids are encouraged to handle their business all by themselves and perhaps the kids life outside of the home is exclusively the kid's business.  They either don't want their parents involved or the parents aren't doing enough to get involved; and the school system perhaps isn't doing enough to bridge that gap.  

It's no secret that our schools are in shambles academically.  It's also dropping the ball on these issues and like mentioned before, this might be a product of a more extensive social problem within our culture where technology might be part of the problem but a bigger problem might lie within  family issues in the home.

If a child doesn't have the confidence to bring in their family support when they're having issues in school, then it's easy to see how there might be problems at home even before there are problems in school.  We need to teach our kids, that regardless of anything, their main "peeps" is FAMILY... The one's that have their same blood flowing through their veins.   Then they'll develope enough self esteem to know where their true support lies in all circumstances.

Whitney Houston - The passing of another icon

When I think about the amazing talent of Whitney Houston I have consider the talents that God bestows on us as humans. The talent of creating a skyscraper, the talent of producing and magnificant painting, the talent of a having a scientific mind, or being an amazing leader, etc., etc.



All these talents come from God. Like many other incredible performers, Whitney Houston was said to have honed her singing talents growing up in church.



I'm not surprised by the amazing media attention regarding her recent death. It's a shame her personal life and battle with drugs also sits side by side with her phenominal music career.



But her music melted the hearts of millions of people myself included, and her music like many amazing performers has a way of drawing us back to who we were and what we were doing when her songs came out. Because of the power and beauty of that natural talent, fans of her music are frozen in time when we hear one of her beautiful songs. Her untimely passing will not be able to tune out the beauty of those memories nor the beauty of her recorded voice.





She's numbered among the many tragedies of an early super-stardom success. Having passed away at the age of 48 means that she was really young when she was at the peak of her music career. We've seen that a lot of young "super stars" have had it really bad during the course of their lives; trying to reconcile that super-stardom with "reality". When their starlight starts to dim, they experience rejection and their lives are turned upside down.





Although she wasn't known for singing for the glory of God, her music is still a testimate to our humanity in all it's imperfections and vunerabilities. Perhaps if she sang about finding love and sent people in the wrong direction looking for it, I just see it as an extention of our own personal romantic tragedies, and most of us have them. I still see it as honest. And coming from a person who herself might have had a tragic romantic experiences, it's all the more honest.





But we make the mistake sometimes of personalizing these beloved artists as though we truly know them when it's more like an infatuation than a real love. It's a natural thing having music so ingrained within our culture. We become intuned to passionate expressions that we can all relate to and thus embrase the expressions as though we're embrasing the artist themselves.



To me the sensationalism of it all also becomes a problem when you become infatuated with an emotion rather than a "real" thing. It's almost like "loving love" ... It might sound sweet but in all honestly, it doesn't make any sense.



I think our love for the arts also produces a lot of this sensationalism when we find ourselves becoming over- emotional about non tangible things. I think it's the same mentality that a lot of artists live in and it gets mentally consumed by their fans.



I think this "un reality" can be dangerous and deceptive and although I can relate to popular music and how it has affected my life and past experiences, I can now intellectually disect those emotions from the true reality and understand the difference.

WE MUST PROTECT OUR CHILDREN

Interview Offers Glimpse Into Killer's Mind - ABC News


It's everywhere... everywhere we read, every channel we surf, every search engine...

More and more news of depraved acts being commited. It's intensifying despite the argument that the increase is due to more media outlets. Forget that and Do believe the hype!

The same media that'll deny the causation of greater depravity because of secularization is the same media that'll try and convince you... " It's just " normal " or that our society isn't experiencing a decrease in morality. With the proliferation of violence in our music and our movies; the irradicaton of the respect for human life; our dislocated standards of our family values... etc., etc., etc.

If one can't see it, it's because one doesn't want to. Denial is a powerful thing.

(click on the above title link) to read yet another sad, sad account of an evil child predator who so casually could destroy the life of a innocent 7 year old, Jorelys Rivera and then hang himself in prison.

Again, another one who jumps from the frying pan right into the fire of eternal hell.


Romans 12:9 ".. Hate what is evil ".

Mark 10:14 ... " When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. "

Spanking kids can cause long-term harm: Canada study

Spanking kids can cause long-term harm: Canada study



Proverbs 13:24

" He that spares his rod hates his son: but he that loves him chastens him early. "


Notice how this controverial topic is brought up stating that 80 studies demonstrate that diciplining children can cause harm to them. The article doesn't list how this evidence was collected or examples or descriptions of evidence to this effect. We'll just have to look up these studies and read up on them ourselves to get more necessary information because the article fails to. Also, the article doesn't make the distinction between what is defined as corporal punishment, its intensity, frequency nor does it mention childrens' ages, etc.

In college, I remember my psychology professor told me that he did not believe in spanking his children. However, he told his students the story of a particular day when his young son ran ahead of him into traffic despite his calling out the young boy's name. The boy decided not to stop and ran across into traffic almost getting hit by cars. My professor told us that he had to spank his son and the reason he gave us was that he could not take the chance of that ever happening again. He later made sure he explained to his son why he spanked him. If ever his son tried crossing the street without his father again, it would almost certainly mean him getting run over by a car. The "next time" could indeed be the last time.

In a society where parental disobedience and the negative societal influences of drugs, individualism, selfishness and indifference plagues our families, taking away a parent's right to use discretion on how to use discipline on their own kids is practically like letting our kids be raised by a pack of wolves.


(Click on the above title to read the full article)

Killers getting younger all the time:

Is this 15 yr old the face of a demon-like killer?  It was for her 9 year old neighbor whom she stabbed, strangled and slashed her throat, and then hid her body in the woods.  Afterwards wrote in her journal that it was an "ahmazing and pretty enjoyable experience" after heading off to church.  She is now serving a life sentence for the murder.   And just like a lot of young thrill killers recorded, she   just wanting to know what it felt like to kill someone.

Where are they getting this from?  Are they insane?  Most aren't.  Somewhere, somehow, I believe they're influenced to do stuff like this and the legal repercussions isn't ever enough to stop them.  Moral repercussions? ... They don't seem to have any morals to begin with.   Common sense must beg the question, "What is it in these young lives that awakens the curiosity about comitting such a hanious act"?  Where did they learn such insensitivity to another individual?   If we're honest and respond normally to our own conscience and convictions, I believe common sense itself takes us to the real answers.    Yet psychologists and even crimminologist can only come up with theoretics and fanciful speculations in behavioral and organic cerebral studies, etc.and have you looking like a dog chasing his own tail. 

(Click on the above titled link to read the full story)

A personal Devotional

God's love and blessings are overwhelming.


Can you see how blessed we are on all levels so that we could get closer to God and have thanksgiving in our hearts so that it comes out of our thoughts, then out of our mouths every single day and at the end of each day.

 "In everything, give thanks unto the Lord". That's what the Bible says and it's true. When you're truly thankful, you give thanks in everything and for everything.


When you're thankful for "everything", you can't find time to complain and peace fills your heart.



When that time of grief comes, when that time of loss comes, you have something to look back at and recognize that you can find room to accept some grief and some loss in light of the more abundant blessings that have been bestowed upon you.




Thanksgiving produces faith and faith produces strength and strength produces peace and peace produces praise and praise produces joy. And these are the fruits of the spirit  of God that become the character of Christ that ultimately makes one a Christian.



All praise to God Amighty in the highest.

Our prison system something to joke about -

From the above Yahoo article (click on title link):

" A convicted murderer on death row in North Carolina wrote a taunting letter to his hometown newspaper about his life of "leisure" in prison and making a mockery of the legal system. "

"Is the public aware that I am a gentleman of leisure, watching color TV in the A.C., reading, taking naps at will, eating three well balanced hot meals a day," Hembree asked in the letter. "I'm housed in a building that connects to the new 55 million dollar hospital with round the clock free medical care 24/7."


He also asks if the public knows that the chances of his "lawful murder" taking place in the next 20 years, if ever, are "very slim."


I get so frustrated when I hear about the tons of cases that seem to have really weird conviction penalties.  Different states have different penalties for different types of crimes.  It's not uncommon to hear about career crimminals getting off on technicalities and sometimes the laws seem to protect the crimminals rather than the victims.    Because human justice is "relative" justice, it'll always be hard for us to know what is just.  But God's laws are based on his sovereign judgment and is all perfect. His laws are the same today, tomorrow and always.  When a crimminal gets away with a crime here on earth, he'll get his just punishment in due time, and there's no escaping God's judgements.   The Bible states that even our thoughts and intentions will be judged.

The Bible states:   " It's a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God".

The groundwork is being laid: The mark of the BEAST and the ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT

Over 30 years ago when I accepted Christ into my heart, I heard sensational conspiracy theories like this and was taught that the Bible predicted events like these that would take place in the future.  But how much of a theory has to be fictional in order for it to be a conspiracy theory?  The sad part is that Christians have been discussing a technology like this to be developed for over 30 years and we still can't put it to rest.  


".......... And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."  -  Romans 13:11


"........He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name.   - Revelation 13: 16-17.

MATTHEW LOUIS CECCHI -

I remember following a case on CourtTV over 10 years ago regarding a little 9 year old boy named Matthew Louis Cecchi who was murdered in a public bathroom in Oceanside, CA. That case was perhaps one of the first cases that got me started on watching a bunch of other "reality TV" programs like "Coldcase files", "FBI Files", "America's Most Wanted", etc. I consider these to be the real "Reality shows" b/c unlike the nonsense that's on TV now, "Real World", "Basketball wives", "Mob Wives", "Real Housewives of ....", etc., they're actually true accounts.




Sadly, they're true accounts of the nasty stuff that goes on w/in our society. I've been hooked on these programs for over 10 years now and seldom do I come across repeats. Hopefully, these programs won't get people desensitized to what goes on w/in our society. I know it won't desensitize me. Every day, we find something like this in the news.



The reason why I make note of this old case now is b/c I recently found out that the murderer in this case, Brandon Wilson, a young 20 year old punk who killed little Matthew, committed suicide in his San Quentin deathrow prison cell. I then started to focus on little Matthew and felt a real heaviness w/in my heart for his family and the aunt who escorted him to the bathroom but stood outside to wait for him while this murderer slashed his throat inside the bathroom. By faith, I know that immediately little Matthew was in the presence of God. However, by committing suicide, Brandon Wilson has jumped from the frying pan, right into the fire of eternity.


(Click on the above link title to read more about this story)

The New Atheists are Not Intellectually "Bright"

William Lane Craigs opens up that can of whipass regarding "The New Atheists" today considered to be "The Brights".  Yet most of the recent best sellers list of authors on this "New Atheist" movement seem to be more like what the "WWF Pro Wrestling" is to real sports.  Maybe Hulk Hogan should start writing books too!

Pastor Raul Ries' testimony -