Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Gems of Wisdom from the Hurricanes of Life
Gems of Wisdom from the Hurricanes of Life
by Janet Perez Eckles
Life's events can take us through rough waters, sudden storms, or periods of calm seas. I've experienced them all. And when rating the intensity of storms, my blindness wasn't the worst. But really, do emotional storms have ratings? They all hurt, they all jolt us, and they all cause us to rethink our lives. In my case, these storms propelled me to a higher place. Actually, it's a good place--where the view is clear enough to see God, the Captain in control.
When hurricanes shook the foundation of my world, I threw my arms around the pillar of God's Word. And while fierce winds blasted my face and thunder roared above, nothing could pry me away from holding on to His promises. Then when dark clouds parted and winds died down, I dusted off emotional debris. To my delight, gems of wisdom shone through--gems that had fallen in the midst of the pouring rain. Here are some I collected in the pocket of my heart:
Trust in feelings and emotions, and your path will not be sound; trust in God and God alone, and you'll walk on solid ground.
We know defeat when our feet refuse to step out of the puddle of discouragement.
Pain is like a bucket of water. The longer we hold onto it, the heavier it gets.
More effective than sleeping pills is slipping gratitude into our thoughts.
Forgiveness opens the door to freedom.
Turmoil can boil only when fueled by worry.
Focus not on the real estate you hold but on the One who holds the real state of your destiny.
The green of envy highlights our worst features.
Life tastes better when seasoned with kind words.
Constant work may bring results; but work blended with commitment to God's Word results in sweet peace.
Patience is the muscle that strengthens the soul.
We know compassion only when love is our passion.
Anger visits places where fear dwells.
We miss the beauty ahead when gazing into the rearview mirror of life.
Broken plans are often God's divine detours.
Resentment clogs the pipeline of peace.
A positive attitude is the passport to places where others don't get to travel.
No matter what conditions, circumstances, or cares blow your way; no matter how vehemently you may deny it, God, the Captain of your destiny, has each moment planned, each day designed, and each moment orchestrated by His skillful hand.
Prayer: Gracious Lord, help me trust in You at all times, even during life's storms. And when I'm discouraged, remind me of the many blessings You have already given me. AMEN
by Janet Perez Eckles
Life's events can take us through rough waters, sudden storms, or periods of calm seas. I've experienced them all. And when rating the intensity of storms, my blindness wasn't the worst. But really, do emotional storms have ratings? They all hurt, they all jolt us, and they all cause us to rethink our lives. In my case, these storms propelled me to a higher place. Actually, it's a good place--where the view is clear enough to see God, the Captain in control.
When hurricanes shook the foundation of my world, I threw my arms around the pillar of God's Word. And while fierce winds blasted my face and thunder roared above, nothing could pry me away from holding on to His promises. Then when dark clouds parted and winds died down, I dusted off emotional debris. To my delight, gems of wisdom shone through--gems that had fallen in the midst of the pouring rain. Here are some I collected in the pocket of my heart:
Trust in feelings and emotions, and your path will not be sound; trust in God and God alone, and you'll walk on solid ground.
We know defeat when our feet refuse to step out of the puddle of discouragement.
Pain is like a bucket of water. The longer we hold onto it, the heavier it gets.
More effective than sleeping pills is slipping gratitude into our thoughts.
Forgiveness opens the door to freedom.
Turmoil can boil only when fueled by worry.
Focus not on the real estate you hold but on the One who holds the real state of your destiny.
The green of envy highlights our worst features.
Life tastes better when seasoned with kind words.
Constant work may bring results; but work blended with commitment to God's Word results in sweet peace.
Patience is the muscle that strengthens the soul.
We know compassion only when love is our passion.
Anger visits places where fear dwells.
We miss the beauty ahead when gazing into the rearview mirror of life.
Broken plans are often God's divine detours.
Resentment clogs the pipeline of peace.
A positive attitude is the passport to places where others don't get to travel.
No matter what conditions, circumstances, or cares blow your way; no matter how vehemently you may deny it, God, the Captain of your destiny, has each moment planned, each day designed, and each moment orchestrated by His skillful hand.
Prayer: Gracious Lord, help me trust in You at all times, even during life's storms. And when I'm discouraged, remind me of the many blessings You have already given me. AMEN
Monday, December 21, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Living Emmanuel - Day Two in the Advent of a New Tradition
Living Emmanuel - Day Two in the Advent of a New Tradition
Being WITH.
So, Sunday was the first day of advent and the advent of my new Christmas tradition – choosing daily for the 40 days of advent to be WITH God and to be WITH another.
It’s easy to begin such a venture on a Sunday. There was plenty of time to focus on God – before everyone else rose for church, during the worship service at church and during a long quiet afternoon alone. I felt strong in the Lord and confident that He was present and I was present with Him.
Being WITH others was no challenge either. There were several opportunities to be in the presence of other s, listening, trying to hear them and speaking words of truth and encouragement.
I love using the Celtic Daily Prayer devotional because there are scripture verses and prayers for the morning, noon, evening and bedtime with many reminders to pray for others. By day’s end, I had a list of prayer concerns.
OK, so now it’s Monday. Not so easy. The second day of the new tradition and I consider cheating by counting all the encounters yesterday for today.
But, no. Like every saint before me, my challenge is to love God and live the faith in the midst of the muddle of everyday life.
There is a community of believers in the UK, the Northumbria Community, who believe in the Celtic monastic tradition of ordinary Christians living simple lives before God integrating contemplation and community with a commitment to availability (to God and others) and to vulnerability (to God and others). This idea resonated with me years ago when I first encountered it and I have embraced it.
So, back to Monday. Before I got out of bed, I reached for my devotional, my Bible and my journal. I did read through everything but I was already distracted. I could hear my husband - up already and suffering from sickness. I heard my daughter’s snooze alarm going off and wondered if she would rouse herself soon. I wondered if my son had gotten himself off to classes. I thought about my brother’s job interview today.
I gave up on meditation and addressed the distractions. By the time, I was seated again at 10, I realized I felt like my friend whose children visited for the holidays. They enjoyed their time together but she wasn’t sure they’d really connected. I showed up for God but I didn’t really connect. A reminder to me of why I am not a good morning devotional person. Rather than check my emails, etc, I set about to remedy this with another time with God. Connection reestablished.
So now, I need to look for the opportunity to really be WITH another person today. Crazy that that seems like a Herculean task but Mondays are a day I devote to home and homeschool. I don’t go into my part-time job on Mondays so I like to get my daughter’s week organized. The rest of the week will be full of people so – since my husband is flying off for business tomorrow, I decide it makes the most sense to try to really be there for him today. Once that thought occurs to me I am chagrined that it was not obvious to me earlier.
I am learning to pay attention to God and to life. Sometimes, often, we miss what is right in front of us. That’s what advent preparation is all about. Paying attention so we don’t – like the Pharisees – miss what is right in front of us.
How about you? Are you trying the challenge? Emmanuel. God with us. How are you being WITH God and WITH others during Advent?
Posted by Lori Stanley Roeleveld at 2:05 PM Reactions:
Labels: Advent, adventure, being with, Christmas, devotion, Emmanuel, God with Us
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
From one Pumpkin to Another
A woman was asked by a coworker, 'What is it like to be a Christian?'
The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.'
God picks you from the patch, brings you in,
And washes all the dirt off of you.
Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed.
Then He carves you a new smiling face and
Puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'
Monday, October 12, 2009
Verse of the Day
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:20-21)
Words About Prayer
Prayer does not and cannot change the purpose of [...] God. For every right and good thing we might ask for He has already planned to give us. But prayer does change the action of God. Because He cannot give against our wills, and our willingness as expressed by our asking gives Him the opportunity to do as He has already planned."
S. D. (Samuel Dickey) Gordon
S. D. (Samuel Dickey) Gordon
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The IRS is Going to Require All Firearms to be Listed on Income Tax Returns-Fiction!
Summary of eRumor:
This story is that Congress is considering legislation that will require all firearms that a person owns be listed on that person's personal income tax return. Additionally, it may require fingerprints and tax of $50 per gun. This is said to be in SB2099, a bill in the United States Senate.
The Truth:
This was either a misreading of the actual bill or an intentional misrepresentation of it.
SB2099 was known as the "Handgun Safety and Registration Act of 2000." Some versions of the eRumor have changed the dated to 2009 but that was added by someone along the way. The bill died in a Senate committee and was never passed into law.
TruthOrFiction.com reviewed some of the history and the text of the bill as well as a portion of the IRS code it sought to amend.
The bill would amended the National Firearms Act (NFA) to require registration of handguns in the same way as machine guns and short-barrel weapons. That process have would include photographs, background checks, fingerprinting, and restrictions on interstate transport. It would have also required a $5 tax for transferring ownership and a $50 tax per gun on gunmakers.
Nothing in the law required gun owners to list their guns on their income tax returns. That confusion may have come from the fact that the law refered to the Internal Revenue Service, but only because the act it sought to amend, the NFA, was a part of the Internal Revenue Service Code.
Also, there was language in the bill that refered to "return" information, but that wasn't about personal income taxes. It was about a database of gun registration information which this bill would have sought to allow law enforcement agencies to access online.
updated 08/07/09
Summary of eRumor:
This story is that Congress is considering legislation that will require all firearms that a person owns be listed on that person's personal income tax return. Additionally, it may require fingerprints and tax of $50 per gun. This is said to be in SB2099, a bill in the United States Senate.
The Truth:
This was either a misreading of the actual bill or an intentional misrepresentation of it.
SB2099 was known as the "Handgun Safety and Registration Act of 2000." Some versions of the eRumor have changed the dated to 2009 but that was added by someone along the way. The bill died in a Senate committee and was never passed into law.
TruthOrFiction.com reviewed some of the history and the text of the bill as well as a portion of the IRS code it sought to amend.
The bill would amended the National Firearms Act (NFA) to require registration of handguns in the same way as machine guns and short-barrel weapons. That process have would include photographs, background checks, fingerprinting, and restrictions on interstate transport. It would have also required a $5 tax for transferring ownership and a $50 tax per gun on gunmakers.
Nothing in the law required gun owners to list their guns on their income tax returns. That confusion may have come from the fact that the law refered to the Internal Revenue Service, but only because the act it sought to amend, the NFA, was a part of the Internal Revenue Service Code.
Also, there was language in the bill that refered to "return" information, but that wasn't about personal income taxes. It was about a database of gun registration information which this bill would have sought to allow law enforcement agencies to access online.
updated 08/07/09
Saturday, October 10, 2009
I Have Borrowed this Recipe from A Friend
From "A Blog of Joy and Hope" I borrowed this recipe:
A healthy recipe..
4 cups of love
2 cups of loyalty
3 cups of forgiveness
1 cup of friendship
1 cup of understanding
1 cup of hope
1 cup of tenderness
4 quarts of faith
1 barrel of Laughter
1 quart of tears
take Love and Loyalty, and mix well with Faith. Blend it with Tenderness, Kindness, and Understanding. Add the friendship and Hope. and roll in laughter and sprinkle with tears. Bake it with Sunshine and serve daily to one and all. (unknown author)
---I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40
A healthy recipe..
4 cups of love
2 cups of loyalty
3 cups of forgiveness
1 cup of friendship
1 cup of understanding
1 cup of hope
1 cup of tenderness
4 quarts of faith
1 barrel of Laughter
1 quart of tears
take Love and Loyalty, and mix well with Faith. Blend it with Tenderness, Kindness, and Understanding. Add the friendship and Hope. and roll in laughter and sprinkle with tears. Bake it with Sunshine and serve daily to one and all. (unknown author)
---I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40
Friday, October 9, 2009
Jobs and Job----Another MountainWings Moment
MountainWings A MountainWings Moment
#9282 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------
Jobs and Job
=============
If you ask the typical Christian what book and character of the
Bible represents the most severe trial, the vast majority will
identify Job.
Job was a man who had it all, then lost most of it and suffered
tremendously. There is often reference to "The Job Experience,"
and many of us will one day or are currently enduring a type of
Job experience of pain, ridicule, and suffering.
I urge you to remember this when it comes:
Job went through tremendous loss after he had been granted much.
He lost his ten children. When all was restored, everything he
had was restored double except his children. He only got ten
children back, why didn't he get twenty children?
Because he will likely see the original ten children again, he
didn't lose them, he was only parted from them in his lifetime.
Some of you will lose jobs or your current nightmares and
sleeplessness are due to the fear of losing your job. It's no
accident that job is spelled just like Job, and for many losing
your job will be your Job Experience.
It will be restored.
Scholars claim the book of Job is the oldest book of the Bible.
Perhaps intense trials at some point in our lives is the oldest
human condition.
Keep the faith, don't lose heart, and remember, like Job, you
won't lose it all, and when restoration comes, your latter days
will be greater than the former.
The book of Job has 42 chapters.
~A MountainWings Original~
Forward this issue to a friend or send them the link below:
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/9282.htm
Thank you for inviting MountainWings into your mailbox.
Change a life, give a friend MountainWings.
See you tomorrow.
#9282 Wings Over The Mountains of Life
-------------------------------------------------
Jobs and Job
=============
If you ask the typical Christian what book and character of the
Bible represents the most severe trial, the vast majority will
identify Job.
Job was a man who had it all, then lost most of it and suffered
tremendously. There is often reference to "The Job Experience,"
and many of us will one day or are currently enduring a type of
Job experience of pain, ridicule, and suffering.
I urge you to remember this when it comes:
Job went through tremendous loss after he had been granted much.
He lost his ten children. When all was restored, everything he
had was restored double except his children. He only got ten
children back, why didn't he get twenty children?
Because he will likely see the original ten children again, he
didn't lose them, he was only parted from them in his lifetime.
Some of you will lose jobs or your current nightmares and
sleeplessness are due to the fear of losing your job. It's no
accident that job is spelled just like Job, and for many losing
your job will be your Job Experience.
It will be restored.
Scholars claim the book of Job is the oldest book of the Bible.
Perhaps intense trials at some point in our lives is the oldest
human condition.
Keep the faith, don't lose heart, and remember, like Job, you
won't lose it all, and when restoration comes, your latter days
will be greater than the former.
The book of Job has 42 chapters.
~A MountainWings Original~
Forward this issue to a friend or send them the link below:
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/9282.htm
Thank you for inviting MountainWings into your mailbox.
Change a life, give a friend MountainWings.
See you tomorrow.
Does God Hate?
What made me decide to google this question? Does God Hate? I told a fellow Christian that God loves the person commiting the sin, but He hates the sin. Hate is such a strong word. I wanted to do some research about the subject and the following is what I found when I Googled "Does God Hate?
http://www.trosch.org/the/god-hates.htm
Does God Hate ?
Hatred, anger, vengeance, and the wrath of God !
"Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,
for I am suffering torment in these flames." [Lk. 16:24]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you believe in the teachings of Sacred Scripture as being truth,
then continue reading. If you do not accept the Bible as authoritative
then do not bother reading further as you are without faith.
No one has the authority to diminish or reverse God's Holy Word!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In our present age there is a tremendous focus on the statement, "God is love." There are only two passages that make this statement in the whole of Sacred Scripture. Both of these passages are found in close proximity in the same book of the Bible. God is Love, means that God is the source of love and is loving – but, disobedience brings hate and wrath. NOTE: Mankind does not need to be told many times what it wants to believe anyway. What needs to be strongly reinforced is what men do not want to believe.
"Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love." [1 Jn. 4:8]
"We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love,
and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him." [1 Jn. 4:16]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While it is certain that God does love –this is the reason Jesus died on the cross– it is equally certain that God not only loves, but that He also Hates.
Some synonyms for hate (to detest) are: venom, rancor, revenge, malignity, abomination, abhorrence, animosity, abhor, execrate, scorn, despise, look at with loathing, spit upon, anathematize, curse, swear eternal enmity, dislike intensely, shudder at, have enough of, be repelled by, feel repulsion for, have no use for, object to, bear malice, bear a grudge against, spurn, shrink or recoil from, disparage, shun, nauseate, tread or trample underfoot, denounce, resent, curse, be sick or tired of, reject, revolt against, hold cheap, deride, have no taste or stomach for, disfavor, look down upon, feel malice toward, be malevolent, hold in contempt, be disgusted with, view with horror, owe a grudge to.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is the Lord open to forgiving everyone?
(Jesus) answered them, "The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that 'they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.' " [Mark 4:11-12]
Not only those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit, but also others are not to be considered worthy of forgiveness due to the gravity of their offenses. Those who knowingly commit grave evils after receiving instruction in truth are accountable to the Lord.
"But whoever blasphemes against the holy Spirit will never have forgiveness,
but is guilty of an everlasting sin." [Mark 3:29]
Does God hate?
Many passages in the New Testament talk of God sending certain classes of people to Hell. God would never send anyone He loved to Hell. When one has ultimately rejected God's love, God stops loving them and places them where they can be of no disturbance to those who have completed their process of acceptance of His love, that is, those who have reached eternal life.
It should be obvious that God hates evil together with those who have deliberately chosen evil. If one believes that God has not and will not ever send a human being to Hell, then such person is a heretic and is under the penalty of automatic excommunication.
"Many are invited, but few are chosen." [Mt. 22:14]
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." [Mt. 7:13-14]
Since Jesus made it clear in the Gospels that over half of the population will go to Hell, then it must be acknowledged that God hates at least 50% of those who die (everyone will die). It should also be obvious that the fallen angels lost God's love and became hated by God who then took vengeance against them. COMMENT: If you have read this far and are asking yourself, "Where is the Biblical proof for the statement that over 50% do not enter Heaven," then you have missed the significance of the two preceding "quoted" passages from the Gospel of Saint Matthew. (Many read the Word of God without making an effort to understand what is being said. Jesus often did not speak plainly so that those not worthy of salvation would not have understanding of His messages and be saved.) One also might reflect upon Zechariah 13:8-9.
"Learn then that I, I alone, am God, and there is no god besides me. It is I who bring both death and life, I who inflict wounds and heal them, and from my hand there is no rescue. "To the heavens I raise my hand and swear: As surely as I live forever, I will sharpen my flashing sword, and my hand shall lay hold of my quiver. "With vengeance I will repay my foes and requite those who hate me." " [Dt. 32:39-41]
"Honesty is lacking, and the man who turns from evil is despoiled. The LORD saw this, and was aggrieved that right did not exist. He saw that there was no one, and was appalled that there was none to intervene; So his own arm brought about the victory, and his justice lent him its support. He put on justice as his breastplate, salvation, as the helmet on his head; He clothed himself with garments of vengeance, wrapped himself in a mantle of zeal." [Is. 59:15-17]
Sacred Scripture on God's Hatred
"You are not a god who delights in evil; no wicked person finds refuge with you; the arrogant cannot stand before you. You [God] hate all who do evil;" [Ps. 5:4-5]
"Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, LORD, faithful God. You hate those who serve worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD." [Ps. 31:5-6]
"Your throne, O God, stands forever; your royal scepter is a scepter for justice. You love justice and hate wrongdoing; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellow kings. [Ps. 45:6-7]
"For I hate divorce, says the LORD, the God of Israel, And covering one's garment with injustice, says the LORD of hosts; You must then safeguard life that is your own, and not break faith." [Mal. 2:16]
N.T. "Your throne, O God, stands forever and ever; and a righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom. You {Jesus} loved justice and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, anointed you with the oil of gladness above your companions"; [Heb. 1:8-9]
N.T. "But you have this in your favor: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I {Jesus} also hate. " ' "Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the victor I will give the right to eat from the tree of life that is in the garden of God." ' [Rv. 2:6-7]
"As long as the Israelites did not sin in the sight of their God, they prospered, for their God, who hates wickedness, was with them. But when they deviated from the way he prescribed for them, they were ground down steadily, more and more, by frequent wars, and finally taken as captives into foreign lands. The temple of their God was razed to the ground, and their cities were occupied by their enemies." [Judith 5:17-18]
"Abominable wickedness the LORD hates, he does not let it befall those who fear him. When God, in the beginning, created man, he made him subject to his own free choice." [Sir.{AKA: Ecclesiasticus} 15:13-14]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is because God's love can and often does turn to hate that He is to be feared. It is prudent to fear (have great respect for) the power of God.
N.T. "Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I (Jesus) hold the keys to death and the netherworld." [Rv. 1:17-18]
Sacred Scripture on Vengeance
"Then the just shall rejoice to see the vengeance and bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked." [Ps. 58:10] Then it will be said: "Truly there is a reward for the just; there is a God who is judge on earth!" [Ps. 58:11-12]
"But this is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, vengeance on his foes! — The sword devours, is sated, drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts holds a slaughter feast" [Jer. 46:10]
"My vengeance upon Edom I will entrust to my people Israel, who will deal with Edom in accordance with my anger and my fury; thus they shall know my vengeance, says the Lord GOD." [Eze. 25:14]
"A jealous and avenging God is the LORD, an avenger is the LORD, and angry; The LORD brings vengeance on his adversaries, and lays up wrath for his enemies;" [Nahum 1:2]
N.T. "Do you not think that a much worse punishment is due the one who has contempt for the Son of God {how many there are who show contempt for Jesus by receiving Him in the Holy Eucharist with unconfessed sins}, considers unclean the covenant-blood by which he was consecrated {many reject the teaching of the Bible and the Church about the real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist and are under condemnation}, and insults the spirit of grace? We know the one who said: "vengeance is mine; I will repay," and again: "The Lord will judge his people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." [Heb. 10:29-31]
"God indeed will not delay, and like a warrior, will not be still Till he breaks the backs of the merciless and wreaks vengeance upon the proud; Till he destroys the haughty root and branch, and smashes the scepter of the wicked;" [Sir.{AKA: Ecclesiasticus} 35:22-23]
N.T. "Then (Jesus) said to them, "Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?" But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out and his hand was restored." [Mk. 3:4-5]
Sacred Scripture on Wrath
N.T. "He said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance; and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones." [Lk. 3:7-8]
N.T. "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him." [Jn 3:36]
N.T. "The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them." [Rm. 1:18-19]
N.T. "Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance? By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God," [Rm. 2:4-5]
N.T. "God must be true, though every human being is a liar, as it is written: "That you may be justified in your words, and conquer when you are judged." But if our wickedness provides proof of God's righteousness, what can we say? Is God unjust, humanly speaking, to inflict his wrath? Of course not! For how else is God to judge the world?" [Rm. 3:4-6]
N.T. "What if God, wishing to show his wrath and make known his power, has endured with much patience the vessels of wrath made for destruction?" [Rm. 9:22]
N.T. "But if you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword without purpose; it is the servant of God to inflict wrath on the evildoer. Therefore, it is necessary to be subject not only because of the wrath but also because of conscience." [Rm. 13:4-5]
N.T. "All of us once lived among them in the desires of our flesh, following the wishes of the flesh and the impulses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us," [Eph. 2:3-4]
N.T. "Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient." [Eph. 5:5-6]
N.T. "Because of these the wrath of God is coming (upon the disobedient)." [Col. 3:6]
N.T. "As I swore in my wrath, "They shall not enter into my rest." ' "Take care, brothers, that none of you may have an evil and unfaithful heart, so as to forsake the living God." [Heb. 3:11-12]
N.T. "Out of his mouth came a sharp sword to strike the nations. He (Jesus)will rule them with an iron rod, and he himself will tread out in the wine press the wine of the fury and wrath of God the almighty." [Rev. 19:15]
"You have brought your wrath and anger down upon us, as you had warned us through your servants the prophets:" [Bar. 2:20]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"So Moses told the people, "Select men from your midst and arm them for war, to attack the Midianites and execute the LORD'S vengeance on them." [Nm. 31:3]
"Now, therefore, says the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel: Ah! I will take vengeance on my foes and fully repay my enemies!" [Is. 1:24]
"A jealous and avenging God is the LORD, an avenger is the LORD, and angry; The LORD brings vengeance on his adversaries, and lays up wrath for his enemies;" [Nahum 1:2]
N.T. "We know the one who said: "vengeance is mine; I will repay," and again: "The Lord will judge his people." [Heb. 10:30]
"Delay not your conversion to the LORD, put it not off from day to day; For suddenly his wrath flames forth; at the time of vengeance, you will be destroyed." [Sir.{AKA: Ecclesiasticus} 5:7]
"The Most High himself hates sinners, and upon the wicked he takes vengeance." [Sir. 12:7]
"Think of wrath and the day of death, the time of vengeance when he will hide his face." [Sir. 18:24]
"Mockery and abuse will be the lot of the proud, and vengeance lies in wait for them like a lion." [Sir. 27:28]
"The vengeful will suffer the LORD'S vengeance, for he remembers their sins in detail." [Sir. 28:1]
"wreaks vengeance upon the proud; Till he destroys the haughty root and branch, and smashes the scepter of the wicked;" [Sir. 35:23]
"You anointed kings who should inflict vengeance, and a prophet as your successor." [Sir. 48:8]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions to ask oneself
Does God set good example or bad example?
When instructing us does God always tell the truth?
Did God make up stories that were not focused upon reality?
Is not the intent of the Word of God to give lessons in faith and morals?
Why would God teach about salvation if there are no consequences for sin?
Does God expect us to follow His example?
Can God love evil or those who willingly become evil and do not repent?
While it is clear that God the Trinity intended to give those They created [Gn. 1:26] every opportunity to do what is right and just – and that They did everything in Their power to avert us from doing wrong, and that by Jesus' personal witness They desired to encourage people to turn from evil – it should also be clear that those who reject Their forbearance (patient restraint) are deserving of nothing but Their eternal hatred and wrath.
Just as there is a point in time that God no longer loves –no longer has forbearance– but hates, so it is expected that there be a point in time in which His followers will cease being forebearing and act in accordance with the dictates of justice as guided by the Word of God. While Jesus did not want the common sinner (inadvertent or humanly weak sinner) to be uprooted (one that might repent), His eternal Word also made it clear that there are grave evils that must be dealt with quickly.
"A bruised reed he will not break,
a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory." [Mt. 12:20]
"Moses also said to Korah, "Listen to me, you Levites! Is it too little for you that the God of Israel has singled you out from the community of Israel, to have you draw near him for the service of the LORD'S Dwelling and to stand before the community to minister for them? He has allowed you and your kinsmen, the descendants of Levi, to approach him, and yet you now seek the priesthood too. It is therefore against the LORD that you and all your band are conspiring. For what has Aaron done that you should grumble against him?" [Nm. 16:8-11]
Then, when Korah had assembled all his band against them at the entrance of the meeting tent, the glory of the LORD appeared to the entire community, and the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Stand apart from this band, that I may consume them at once." But they fell prostrate and cried out, "O God, God of the spirits of all mankind, will one man's sin make you angry with the whole community?" The LORD answered Moses, "Speak to the community and tell them: Withdraw from the space around the Dwelling" (of Korah, Dathan and Abiram).
Moses, followed by the elders of Israel, arose and went to Dathan and Abiram. Then he warned the community, "Keep away from the tents of these wicked men and do not touch anything that is theirs: otherwise you too will be swept away because of all their sins." When Dathan and Abiram had come out and were standing at the entrances of their tents with their wives and sons and little ones, Moses said, "This is how you shall know that it was the LORD who sent me to do all I have done, and that it was not I who planned it: if these men die an ordinary death, merely suffering the fate common to all mankind, then it was not the LORD who sent me. But if the LORD does something entirely new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them alive down into the nether world, with all belonging to them, then you will know that these men have defied the LORD." No sooner had he finished saying all this than the ground beneath them split open, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their families (and all of Korah's men) and all their possessions. They went down alive to the nether world with all belonging to them; the earth closed over them, and they perished from the community. But all the Israelites near them fled at their shrieks, saying, "The earth might swallow us too!"
So they withdrew from the space around the Dwelling (of Korah, Dathan and Abiram). And fire from the LORD came forth which consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering the incense." [Nm. 16:19-35]
Those who are complacent (indifferent) about sin are among the worst of sinners. Those who do not believe in sin are, with uncommon exception, delusional (living in a world of fantasy). If you are interested in finding out whether or not you have been deceived by the humanism that is present not only in the world but also in the Church, you should read the book found on this web site entitled, "Make All Things Right with God." While the basis for the book is preparation for the Sacrament of penance –now commonly referred to as the Sacrament of Reconciliation,– it gives many explanations regarding sin not found elsewhere. If you are truly self-righteous, like the publican in the Gospel passage, you will not benefit from reading the book. Whether God sends you to Heaven or Hell is a result of the choices you make while in this life.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind."
Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this and said to him, "Surely we are not also blind, are we?" Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you are saying, 'We see,' so your sin remains." [Jn. 9:39-41]
Hypocrisy (within the context here used is the having of knowledge of God and using it for one's own benefit while rejecting its truths) is the greatest evil that exists short of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Such hypocrisy is the substance of self-worship, the worshiping of a false God. It is self-idolatry. The extreme of hypocrisy would be the having of a mandate to teach, to have authority over souls, to rise in authority, and then use the authority of Jesus to one's own personal advantage. To call oneself a follower or a disciple of Christ and not put that discipleship into action is also hypocrisy.
The failure to use one's position of authority for the good of souls through whom glory is given to God is grave abuse. Giving glory to God is not achieved though the singing of numerous songs of praise by those not putting His Word into practice.
"Whoever speaks on his own seeks his own glory,
but whoever seeks the glory of the one who sent him is truthful,
and there is no wrong in him." [Jn. 7:18]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A last comment: Some say that one sends oneself to Hell by sinning. In one sense this is true. But, no one actually enters Hell through his or her own action. No one willingly places himself into a condition of pain and eternal suffering. Just as the fallen angels were rounded up and forced into the eternal pool of fire, so will it be with all who are found guilty of commission or omission on judgement day. They will be sent to (forced into) Hell at the judgement of God.
There would have been little reason for Jesus to have died on the cross in the manner in which He did unless God had been trying to convince us of the horrible consequences of sin. A minor cut or even a pinprick, in obedience to God the Father, would have been sufficient to satisfy the requirement of shedding blood for sin if sin was rare or there were no grave consequences for sin in the next life.
The gravity of the evil conditions, under which Jesus suffered and died, were intended to give witness to the consequences of sin for those who earned the hatred of God. If one does not come to recognize how evil sin is, and turn away from evil, God the father will project hatred and offenders will suffer His eternal wrath. Considering the gravity of the suffering that the innocent Jesus endured, we are expected to understand that His sufferings were small in comparison to what unrepentant sinners will have to endure for eternity. (NOTE: The quotations below are all from the New Testament)
N.T. "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you accursed,
into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." [Mt. 25:41]
" 'Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king,
bring them here and slay them before me.' " [Lk. 19:26-27]
"The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom
all who cause others to sin and all evildoers." [Mt. 13:41]
"The king was enraged and sent his troops,
destroyed those murderers,
and burned their city." [Mt. 22:7]
". . . then he will send out the angels and gather (his) elect
from the four winds,
from the end of the earth to the end of the sky." [Mk. 13:27]
Father David C. Trosch
3rd Sunday of Advent, 1998
Revised: 17 December 1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 1993-2003 by Father David C. Trosch - All Rights Reserved
Permissions granted for non-profit purposes.
http://www.trosch.org
This web site is produced and provided as a service by Life Enterprises Unlimited.
Contents may be reproduced ?unchanged? provided source, with link, is noted.
Operational expenses need to be covered. – For Credit Cards Click >>>
http://www.trosch.org/the/god-hates.htm
Does God Hate ?
Hatred, anger, vengeance, and the wrath of God !
"Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,
for I am suffering torment in these flames." [Lk. 16:24]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you believe in the teachings of Sacred Scripture as being truth,
then continue reading. If you do not accept the Bible as authoritative
then do not bother reading further as you are without faith.
No one has the authority to diminish or reverse God's Holy Word!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In our present age there is a tremendous focus on the statement, "God is love." There are only two passages that make this statement in the whole of Sacred Scripture. Both of these passages are found in close proximity in the same book of the Bible. God is Love, means that God is the source of love and is loving – but, disobedience brings hate and wrath. NOTE: Mankind does not need to be told many times what it wants to believe anyway. What needs to be strongly reinforced is what men do not want to believe.
"Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love." [1 Jn. 4:8]
"We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love,
and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him." [1 Jn. 4:16]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
While it is certain that God does love –this is the reason Jesus died on the cross– it is equally certain that God not only loves, but that He also Hates.
Some synonyms for hate (to detest) are: venom, rancor, revenge, malignity, abomination, abhorrence, animosity, abhor, execrate, scorn, despise, look at with loathing, spit upon, anathematize, curse, swear eternal enmity, dislike intensely, shudder at, have enough of, be repelled by, feel repulsion for, have no use for, object to, bear malice, bear a grudge against, spurn, shrink or recoil from, disparage, shun, nauseate, tread or trample underfoot, denounce, resent, curse, be sick or tired of, reject, revolt against, hold cheap, deride, have no taste or stomach for, disfavor, look down upon, feel malice toward, be malevolent, hold in contempt, be disgusted with, view with horror, owe a grudge to.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is the Lord open to forgiving everyone?
(Jesus) answered them, "The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that 'they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven.' " [Mark 4:11-12]
Not only those who blaspheme the Holy Spirit, but also others are not to be considered worthy of forgiveness due to the gravity of their offenses. Those who knowingly commit grave evils after receiving instruction in truth are accountable to the Lord.
"But whoever blasphemes against the holy Spirit will never have forgiveness,
but is guilty of an everlasting sin." [Mark 3:29]
Does God hate?
Many passages in the New Testament talk of God sending certain classes of people to Hell. God would never send anyone He loved to Hell. When one has ultimately rejected God's love, God stops loving them and places them where they can be of no disturbance to those who have completed their process of acceptance of His love, that is, those who have reached eternal life.
It should be obvious that God hates evil together with those who have deliberately chosen evil. If one believes that God has not and will not ever send a human being to Hell, then such person is a heretic and is under the penalty of automatic excommunication.
"Many are invited, but few are chosen." [Mt. 22:14]
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." [Mt. 7:13-14]
Since Jesus made it clear in the Gospels that over half of the population will go to Hell, then it must be acknowledged that God hates at least 50% of those who die (everyone will die). It should also be obvious that the fallen angels lost God's love and became hated by God who then took vengeance against them. COMMENT: If you have read this far and are asking yourself, "Where is the Biblical proof for the statement that over 50% do not enter Heaven," then you have missed the significance of the two preceding "quoted" passages from the Gospel of Saint Matthew. (Many read the Word of God without making an effort to understand what is being said. Jesus often did not speak plainly so that those not worthy of salvation would not have understanding of His messages and be saved.) One also might reflect upon Zechariah 13:8-9.
"Learn then that I, I alone, am God, and there is no god besides me. It is I who bring both death and life, I who inflict wounds and heal them, and from my hand there is no rescue. "To the heavens I raise my hand and swear: As surely as I live forever, I will sharpen my flashing sword, and my hand shall lay hold of my quiver. "With vengeance I will repay my foes and requite those who hate me." " [Dt. 32:39-41]
"Honesty is lacking, and the man who turns from evil is despoiled. The LORD saw this, and was aggrieved that right did not exist. He saw that there was no one, and was appalled that there was none to intervene; So his own arm brought about the victory, and his justice lent him its support. He put on justice as his breastplate, salvation, as the helmet on his head; He clothed himself with garments of vengeance, wrapped himself in a mantle of zeal." [Is. 59:15-17]
Sacred Scripture on God's Hatred
"You are not a god who delights in evil; no wicked person finds refuge with you; the arrogant cannot stand before you. You [God] hate all who do evil;" [Ps. 5:4-5]
"Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, LORD, faithful God. You hate those who serve worthless idols, but I trust in the LORD." [Ps. 31:5-6]
"Your throne, O God, stands forever; your royal scepter is a scepter for justice. You love justice and hate wrongdoing; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellow kings. [Ps. 45:6-7]
"For I hate divorce, says the LORD, the God of Israel, And covering one's garment with injustice, says the LORD of hosts; You must then safeguard life that is your own, and not break faith." [Mal. 2:16]
N.T. "Your throne, O God, stands forever and ever; and a righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom. You {Jesus} loved justice and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, anointed you with the oil of gladness above your companions"; [Heb. 1:8-9]
N.T. "But you have this in your favor: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I {Jesus} also hate. " ' "Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the victor I will give the right to eat from the tree of life that is in the garden of God." ' [Rv. 2:6-7]
"As long as the Israelites did not sin in the sight of their God, they prospered, for their God, who hates wickedness, was with them. But when they deviated from the way he prescribed for them, they were ground down steadily, more and more, by frequent wars, and finally taken as captives into foreign lands. The temple of their God was razed to the ground, and their cities were occupied by their enemies." [Judith 5:17-18]
"Abominable wickedness the LORD hates, he does not let it befall those who fear him. When God, in the beginning, created man, he made him subject to his own free choice." [Sir.{AKA: Ecclesiasticus} 15:13-14]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is because God's love can and often does turn to hate that He is to be feared. It is prudent to fear (have great respect for) the power of God.
N.T. "Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I (Jesus) hold the keys to death and the netherworld." [Rv. 1:17-18]
Sacred Scripture on Vengeance
"Then the just shall rejoice to see the vengeance and bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked." [Ps. 58:10] Then it will be said: "Truly there is a reward for the just; there is a God who is judge on earth!" [Ps. 58:11-12]
"But this is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, vengeance on his foes! — The sword devours, is sated, drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts holds a slaughter feast" [Jer. 46:10]
"My vengeance upon Edom I will entrust to my people Israel, who will deal with Edom in accordance with my anger and my fury; thus they shall know my vengeance, says the Lord GOD." [Eze. 25:14]
"A jealous and avenging God is the LORD, an avenger is the LORD, and angry; The LORD brings vengeance on his adversaries, and lays up wrath for his enemies;" [Nahum 1:2]
N.T. "Do you not think that a much worse punishment is due the one who has contempt for the Son of God {how many there are who show contempt for Jesus by receiving Him in the Holy Eucharist with unconfessed sins}, considers unclean the covenant-blood by which he was consecrated {many reject the teaching of the Bible and the Church about the real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist and are under condemnation}, and insults the spirit of grace? We know the one who said: "vengeance is mine; I will repay," and again: "The Lord will judge his people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." [Heb. 10:29-31]
"God indeed will not delay, and like a warrior, will not be still Till he breaks the backs of the merciless and wreaks vengeance upon the proud; Till he destroys the haughty root and branch, and smashes the scepter of the wicked;" [Sir.{AKA: Ecclesiasticus} 35:22-23]
N.T. "Then (Jesus) said to them, "Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?" But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out and his hand was restored." [Mk. 3:4-5]
Sacred Scripture on Wrath
N.T. "He said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruits as evidence of your repentance; and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones." [Lk. 3:7-8]
N.T. "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him." [Jn 3:36]
N.T. "The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them." [Rm. 1:18-19]
N.T. "Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance? By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God," [Rm. 2:4-5]
N.T. "God must be true, though every human being is a liar, as it is written: "That you may be justified in your words, and conquer when you are judged." But if our wickedness provides proof of God's righteousness, what can we say? Is God unjust, humanly speaking, to inflict his wrath? Of course not! For how else is God to judge the world?" [Rm. 3:4-6]
N.T. "What if God, wishing to show his wrath and make known his power, has endured with much patience the vessels of wrath made for destruction?" [Rm. 9:22]
N.T. "But if you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword without purpose; it is the servant of God to inflict wrath on the evildoer. Therefore, it is necessary to be subject not only because of the wrath but also because of conscience." [Rm. 13:4-5]
N.T. "All of us once lived among them in the desires of our flesh, following the wishes of the flesh and the impulses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us," [Eph. 2:3-4]
N.T. "Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient." [Eph. 5:5-6]
N.T. "Because of these the wrath of God is coming (upon the disobedient)." [Col. 3:6]
N.T. "As I swore in my wrath, "They shall not enter into my rest." ' "Take care, brothers, that none of you may have an evil and unfaithful heart, so as to forsake the living God." [Heb. 3:11-12]
N.T. "Out of his mouth came a sharp sword to strike the nations. He (Jesus)will rule them with an iron rod, and he himself will tread out in the wine press the wine of the fury and wrath of God the almighty." [Rev. 19:15]
"You have brought your wrath and anger down upon us, as you had warned us through your servants the prophets:" [Bar. 2:20]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"So Moses told the people, "Select men from your midst and arm them for war, to attack the Midianites and execute the LORD'S vengeance on them." [Nm. 31:3]
"Now, therefore, says the Lord, the LORD of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel: Ah! I will take vengeance on my foes and fully repay my enemies!" [Is. 1:24]
"A jealous and avenging God is the LORD, an avenger is the LORD, and angry; The LORD brings vengeance on his adversaries, and lays up wrath for his enemies;" [Nahum 1:2]
N.T. "We know the one who said: "vengeance is mine; I will repay," and again: "The Lord will judge his people." [Heb. 10:30]
"Delay not your conversion to the LORD, put it not off from day to day; For suddenly his wrath flames forth; at the time of vengeance, you will be destroyed." [Sir.{AKA: Ecclesiasticus} 5:7]
"The Most High himself hates sinners, and upon the wicked he takes vengeance." [Sir. 12:7]
"Think of wrath and the day of death, the time of vengeance when he will hide his face." [Sir. 18:24]
"Mockery and abuse will be the lot of the proud, and vengeance lies in wait for them like a lion." [Sir. 27:28]
"The vengeful will suffer the LORD'S vengeance, for he remembers their sins in detail." [Sir. 28:1]
"wreaks vengeance upon the proud; Till he destroys the haughty root and branch, and smashes the scepter of the wicked;" [Sir. 35:23]
"You anointed kings who should inflict vengeance, and a prophet as your successor." [Sir. 48:8]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questions to ask oneself
Does God set good example or bad example?
When instructing us does God always tell the truth?
Did God make up stories that were not focused upon reality?
Is not the intent of the Word of God to give lessons in faith and morals?
Why would God teach about salvation if there are no consequences for sin?
Does God expect us to follow His example?
Can God love evil or those who willingly become evil and do not repent?
While it is clear that God the Trinity intended to give those They created [Gn. 1:26] every opportunity to do what is right and just – and that They did everything in Their power to avert us from doing wrong, and that by Jesus' personal witness They desired to encourage people to turn from evil – it should also be clear that those who reject Their forbearance (patient restraint) are deserving of nothing but Their eternal hatred and wrath.
Just as there is a point in time that God no longer loves –no longer has forbearance– but hates, so it is expected that there be a point in time in which His followers will cease being forebearing and act in accordance with the dictates of justice as guided by the Word of God. While Jesus did not want the common sinner (inadvertent or humanly weak sinner) to be uprooted (one that might repent), His eternal Word also made it clear that there are grave evils that must be dealt with quickly.
"A bruised reed he will not break,
a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory." [Mt. 12:20]
"Moses also said to Korah, "Listen to me, you Levites! Is it too little for you that the God of Israel has singled you out from the community of Israel, to have you draw near him for the service of the LORD'S Dwelling and to stand before the community to minister for them? He has allowed you and your kinsmen, the descendants of Levi, to approach him, and yet you now seek the priesthood too. It is therefore against the LORD that you and all your band are conspiring. For what has Aaron done that you should grumble against him?" [Nm. 16:8-11]
Then, when Korah had assembled all his band against them at the entrance of the meeting tent, the glory of the LORD appeared to the entire community, and the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Stand apart from this band, that I may consume them at once." But they fell prostrate and cried out, "O God, God of the spirits of all mankind, will one man's sin make you angry with the whole community?" The LORD answered Moses, "Speak to the community and tell them: Withdraw from the space around the Dwelling" (of Korah, Dathan and Abiram).
Moses, followed by the elders of Israel, arose and went to Dathan and Abiram. Then he warned the community, "Keep away from the tents of these wicked men and do not touch anything that is theirs: otherwise you too will be swept away because of all their sins." When Dathan and Abiram had come out and were standing at the entrances of their tents with their wives and sons and little ones, Moses said, "This is how you shall know that it was the LORD who sent me to do all I have done, and that it was not I who planned it: if these men die an ordinary death, merely suffering the fate common to all mankind, then it was not the LORD who sent me. But if the LORD does something entirely new, and the ground opens its mouth and swallows them alive down into the nether world, with all belonging to them, then you will know that these men have defied the LORD." No sooner had he finished saying all this than the ground beneath them split open, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their families (and all of Korah's men) and all their possessions. They went down alive to the nether world with all belonging to them; the earth closed over them, and they perished from the community. But all the Israelites near them fled at their shrieks, saying, "The earth might swallow us too!"
So they withdrew from the space around the Dwelling (of Korah, Dathan and Abiram). And fire from the LORD came forth which consumed the two hundred and fifty men who were offering the incense." [Nm. 16:19-35]
Those who are complacent (indifferent) about sin are among the worst of sinners. Those who do not believe in sin are, with uncommon exception, delusional (living in a world of fantasy). If you are interested in finding out whether or not you have been deceived by the humanism that is present not only in the world but also in the Church, you should read the book found on this web site entitled, "Make All Things Right with God." While the basis for the book is preparation for the Sacrament of penance –now commonly referred to as the Sacrament of Reconciliation,– it gives many explanations regarding sin not found elsewhere. If you are truly self-righteous, like the publican in the Gospel passage, you will not benefit from reading the book. Whether God sends you to Heaven or Hell is a result of the choices you make while in this life.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind."
Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this and said to him, "Surely we are not also blind, are we?" Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you are saying, 'We see,' so your sin remains." [Jn. 9:39-41]
Hypocrisy (within the context here used is the having of knowledge of God and using it for one's own benefit while rejecting its truths) is the greatest evil that exists short of blaspheming the Holy Spirit. Such hypocrisy is the substance of self-worship, the worshiping of a false God. It is self-idolatry. The extreme of hypocrisy would be the having of a mandate to teach, to have authority over souls, to rise in authority, and then use the authority of Jesus to one's own personal advantage. To call oneself a follower or a disciple of Christ and not put that discipleship into action is also hypocrisy.
The failure to use one's position of authority for the good of souls through whom glory is given to God is grave abuse. Giving glory to God is not achieved though the singing of numerous songs of praise by those not putting His Word into practice.
"Whoever speaks on his own seeks his own glory,
but whoever seeks the glory of the one who sent him is truthful,
and there is no wrong in him." [Jn. 7:18]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A last comment: Some say that one sends oneself to Hell by sinning. In one sense this is true. But, no one actually enters Hell through his or her own action. No one willingly places himself into a condition of pain and eternal suffering. Just as the fallen angels were rounded up and forced into the eternal pool of fire, so will it be with all who are found guilty of commission or omission on judgement day. They will be sent to (forced into) Hell at the judgement of God.
There would have been little reason for Jesus to have died on the cross in the manner in which He did unless God had been trying to convince us of the horrible consequences of sin. A minor cut or even a pinprick, in obedience to God the Father, would have been sufficient to satisfy the requirement of shedding blood for sin if sin was rare or there were no grave consequences for sin in the next life.
The gravity of the evil conditions, under which Jesus suffered and died, were intended to give witness to the consequences of sin for those who earned the hatred of God. If one does not come to recognize how evil sin is, and turn away from evil, God the father will project hatred and offenders will suffer His eternal wrath. Considering the gravity of the suffering that the innocent Jesus endured, we are expected to understand that His sufferings were small in comparison to what unrepentant sinners will have to endure for eternity. (NOTE: The quotations below are all from the New Testament)
N.T. "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you accursed,
into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." [Mt. 25:41]
" 'Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king,
bring them here and slay them before me.' " [Lk. 19:26-27]
"The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom
all who cause others to sin and all evildoers." [Mt. 13:41]
"The king was enraged and sent his troops,
destroyed those murderers,
and burned their city." [Mt. 22:7]
". . . then he will send out the angels and gather (his) elect
from the four winds,
from the end of the earth to the end of the sky." [Mk. 13:27]
Father David C. Trosch
3rd Sunday of Advent, 1998
Revised: 17 December 1998
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 1993-2003 by Father David C. Trosch - All Rights Reserved
Permissions granted for non-profit purposes.
http://www.trosch.org
This web site is produced and provided as a service by Life Enterprises Unlimited.
Contents may be reproduced ?unchanged? provided source, with link, is noted.
Operational expenses need to be covered. – For Credit Cards Click >>>
Friday, October 2, 2009
Here is Friday's MountianWings Moment: What a wonderful way to end your day!
Happy Landings
===============
When I was in graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh,
I would change buses downtown, in front of a place called
"Happy Landings." The logo featured the front end of a smiling
plane.
I remember thinking to myself, "Next year, when I have a job,
I can afford to go night clubs like this. Then I'll be happy."
In doing so, I gave myself permission to be miserable in the
present.
I have lived most of my life that way.
When I was 15, I said to myself, "When I get a car, THEN I'll
be happy."
Later, "When we get a bigger house, THEN I'll be happy." And,
"When I get a better job, THEN I'll be happy."
Only recently have I realized that, although I have hopes for
the future, THIS IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS. Be happy...right now.
Here is what I now do:
When I go to bed, before I fall asleep, I make a list of three
things that I am grateful for that day.
Here is my list from yesterday (simple, little things):
* Listening to the Phillips Craig and Dean CD playing in my
car as I had the roof off waiting for my daughter to get off
work yesterday evening.
* Going with son and other daughter in his Jeep to pick up
dinner at Boston Market.
* Even though I am 52 years old, I still feel like I did in
high school. No aches. No pains. This is truly a miracle that
could be taken away from me at any time. But most days I just
take it for granted.
See what a difference it can make in your life if the last thing
you think about before your drift off to sleep are YOUR
blessings?
Happy Landings!!
Happy Landings
===============
When I was in graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh,
I would change buses downtown, in front of a place called
"Happy Landings." The logo featured the front end of a smiling
plane.
I remember thinking to myself, "Next year, when I have a job,
I can afford to go night clubs like this. Then I'll be happy."
In doing so, I gave myself permission to be miserable in the
present.
I have lived most of my life that way.
When I was 15, I said to myself, "When I get a car, THEN I'll
be happy."
Later, "When we get a bigger house, THEN I'll be happy." And,
"When I get a better job, THEN I'll be happy."
Only recently have I realized that, although I have hopes for
the future, THIS IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS. Be happy...right now.
Here is what I now do:
When I go to bed, before I fall asleep, I make a list of three
things that I am grateful for that day.
Here is my list from yesterday (simple, little things):
* Listening to the Phillips Craig and Dean CD playing in my
car as I had the roof off waiting for my daughter to get off
work yesterday evening.
* Going with son and other daughter in his Jeep to pick up
dinner at Boston Market.
* Even though I am 52 years old, I still feel like I did in
high school. No aches. No pains. This is truly a miracle that
could be taken away from me at any time. But most days I just
take it for granted.
See what a difference it can make in your life if the last thing
you think about before your drift off to sleep are YOUR
blessings?
Happy Landings!!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Rules from God
Rules from God for 2009
Rules from God for 2009
1. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7
3 . Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!!..... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as w e have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !!.. To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up !!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !!.. Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything;
Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6
Pass this on and brighten someone's day, and remember:
God answers prayer:
VERY SPECIAL DELIVERY
May the Lord open up
The windows of heaven
And pour you a blessing
That you will not have room
Enough to receive it all.
May the Lord bless
You exceedingly and abundantly,
Above all you could ever hope for.
May the Lord bless you
That you may walk in a
Financial overflow.
May you fall in love with Him
For the rest of your days
In the Name of Jesus .
Amen!
Rules from God for 2009
1. Wake Up !! Decide to have a good day.
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up !! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7
3 . Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. "He who guards his lips guards his soul." Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!!..... For what you believe in. Stand for something or you will fall for anything.. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as w e have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !!.. To the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up !!... For something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !!.. Your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything;
Instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6
Pass this on and brighten someone's day, and remember:
God answers prayer:
VERY SPECIAL DELIVERY
May the Lord open up
The windows of heaven
And pour you a blessing
That you will not have room
Enough to receive it all.
May the Lord bless
You exceedingly and abundantly,
Above all you could ever hope for.
May the Lord bless you
That you may walk in a
Financial overflow.
May you fall in love with Him
For the rest of your days
In the Name of Jesus .
Amen!
A Strange Birthday Present---MountianWings Originial:
A Strange Birthday Present
=================
It is a strange birthday present.
Today is my mother's birthday. She is 76. People often think
that she is in her 40s. She looks just that young and is
amazingly spry and agile. My mother went with us when I took
my company on a trip to New York. We walked several miles.
Only one other woman could keep up with my mother.
So what was her strange birthday present?
First, there's really not much material that she doesn't have.
Trying to buy something for her is extremely difficult because
she has everything material that she wants. Her gifts have to
be of a different nature to really make an impact.
So I attached her gift in an email.
Was it a gift certificate to a fancy store?
Nope.
Was it a voucher for an exotic vacation?
Nope.
Was it a notice of the arrival of flowers or candy?
Nope.
So what was it?
It was prayers.
Prayers for her?
Nope.
It was your prayers. Forty-six pages of your prayers.
About the number of years people think is her age.
You see, my mother leads the Wednesday prayer service at our
church. Each week, the prayer team prays over the MountainWings
prayer requests one by one. I pray over them first during the
week and then the team prays over them each Wednesday.
So I attached this week's prayers as I usually do with a Happy
Birthday note.
My mother gets great joy from helping others. She really does.
Perhaps that is one of the things that has preserved her youth
and health. So the attached prayer requests and the opportunity
to go to the Heavenly Father on your account gives my mother joy.
Just as she has diligently prayed over her six sons,
so shall she pray over you.
For the prayers of a righteous mother availeth much.
~A MountainWings Original~
Note: To hear how my mother sounds, go to TheOnLineWord.com and
enter her name, Robbie Bronner, in the search box.
=================
It is a strange birthday present.
Today is my mother's birthday. She is 76. People often think
that she is in her 40s. She looks just that young and is
amazingly spry and agile. My mother went with us when I took
my company on a trip to New York. We walked several miles.
Only one other woman could keep up with my mother.
So what was her strange birthday present?
First, there's really not much material that she doesn't have.
Trying to buy something for her is extremely difficult because
she has everything material that she wants. Her gifts have to
be of a different nature to really make an impact.
So I attached her gift in an email.
Was it a gift certificate to a fancy store?
Nope.
Was it a voucher for an exotic vacation?
Nope.
Was it a notice of the arrival of flowers or candy?
Nope.
So what was it?
It was prayers.
Prayers for her?
Nope.
It was your prayers. Forty-six pages of your prayers.
About the number of years people think is her age.
You see, my mother leads the Wednesday prayer service at our
church. Each week, the prayer team prays over the MountainWings
prayer requests one by one. I pray over them first during the
week and then the team prays over them each Wednesday.
So I attached this week's prayers as I usually do with a Happy
Birthday note.
My mother gets great joy from helping others. She really does.
Perhaps that is one of the things that has preserved her youth
and health. So the attached prayer requests and the opportunity
to go to the Heavenly Father on your account gives my mother joy.
Just as she has diligently prayed over her six sons,
so shall she pray over you.
For the prayers of a righteous mother availeth much.
~A MountainWings Original~
Note: To hear how my mother sounds, go to TheOnLineWord.com and
enter her name, Robbie Bronner, in the search box.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The Prayer of Jabez
The Lords Pray is the prayer that I have always fashiond my prayers. Today our Guest Speaker taught from this scripture. He said since he has been praying in the way Jabez did. His work has prospered. I always like to follow through with research when I am peresented with a new or different way of worshiping my Savior. In His name is how we should pray. In the name Of Jesus!
Prayer of Jabez:
What is it?
The Prayer of Jabez comes from the Bible. In 1 Chronicles 4:10, we read: "And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that Thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that Thine hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." The prayer is composed of four parts. First, Jabez asks God to bless him. Second, he asks God to enlarge his territory or increase his responsibility. Third, he prays that God will be with him and stay close. Lastly, Jabez asks that God keep him from harm so that he will be free from pain.
Prayer of Jabez: Why is it important?
The Prayer of Jabez reveals that Jabez understands what many people do not -- there is only one God and He should be the center of our work God wants to bless every life. But, we must first make the choice to invite God into our life and ask for His blessings. Jabez wants to succeed and increase his sphere of influence for God. The specific sphere of influence is not important. What is important is that when we want to reach for goals and accomplishments that we have God on our side. Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." It is critical to understand and practice this in a close relationship with God. Further, it is equally important to stay close to God and rely on His continued support and guidance throughout life. Jabez clearly knows and prays specifically to the One who can protect him from evil and pain -- God. At the end of the verse it is clear that God approved of this faithful prayer by granting it. It is also important to see that Jabez was passionate in his plea to God: "He cried out to the God of Israel." God wants to hear that we need Him through passionate prayer.
Prayer of Jabez: What does it mean to you?
The Prayer of Jabez reminds us that everybody struggles with choosing to rely on himself or God. Whether you are a focused Christian
or just searching to find out more about God, life is a growing process. However, it is very clear in reviewing the Prayer of Jabez, as well as the rest of the Bible, that God is faithful in caring for those who seek Him. Jabez sets a great example of how God wants everyone to come to Him through constant and passionate prayer. If you are looking to start a relationship with God or improve your existing relationship with Him, start with prayer. God answers prayers when you trust Him (1 Chronicles 5:20). Prayers to God also please Him (Proverbs 15:8). We can all learn from Jabez and faithfully pray to God always in everything that we do.
Prayer of Jabez:
What is it?
The Prayer of Jabez comes from the Bible. In 1 Chronicles 4:10, we read: "And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that Thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that Thine hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested." The prayer is composed of four parts. First, Jabez asks God to bless him. Second, he asks God to enlarge his territory or increase his responsibility. Third, he prays that God will be with him and stay close. Lastly, Jabez asks that God keep him from harm so that he will be free from pain.
Prayer of Jabez: Why is it important?
The Prayer of Jabez reveals that Jabez understands what many people do not -- there is only one God and He should be the center of our work God wants to bless every life. But, we must first make the choice to invite God into our life and ask for His blessings. Jabez wants to succeed and increase his sphere of influence for God. The specific sphere of influence is not important. What is important is that when we want to reach for goals and accomplishments that we have God on our side. Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." It is critical to understand and practice this in a close relationship with God. Further, it is equally important to stay close to God and rely on His continued support and guidance throughout life. Jabez clearly knows and prays specifically to the One who can protect him from evil and pain -- God. At the end of the verse it is clear that God approved of this faithful prayer by granting it. It is also important to see that Jabez was passionate in his plea to God: "He cried out to the God of Israel." God wants to hear that we need Him through passionate prayer.
Prayer of Jabez: What does it mean to you?
The Prayer of Jabez reminds us that everybody struggles with choosing to rely on himself or God. Whether you are a focused Christian
or just searching to find out more about God, life is a growing process. However, it is very clear in reviewing the Prayer of Jabez, as well as the rest of the Bible, that God is faithful in caring for those who seek Him. Jabez sets a great example of how God wants everyone to come to Him through constant and passionate prayer. If you are looking to start a relationship with God or improve your existing relationship with Him, start with prayer. God answers prayers when you trust Him (1 Chronicles 5:20). Prayers to God also please Him (Proverbs 15:8). We can all learn from Jabez and faithfully pray to God always in everything that we do.
This is a Story about Honesty and what we should not do
The Date
=========
According to a MountainWings subscriber. . .
Cross my heart this happened to someone. This guy lives in
Westchester, NY and goes to school at Ithaca College. For two
years, he has wanted to ask a certain girl (who is also from
Westchester and also goes to Ithaca) out on a date but has
never had the courage.
Finally, one day over the summer, he sees her at home and
musters up the courage to ask her out. She accepts, and they
make dinner plans for Saturday night.
Friday night, this guy goes out with all of his buddies and
drinks like Prohibition is coming back.
Saturday, he is in such bad shape that he can't make it
through twenty minutes without either throwing up or using the
bathroom. After several hours of this, he is able to stop
throwing up, but he is still running to the toilet every 20
minutes. He doesn't want to cancel the date, because he's
afraid he won't ever talk to her again.
So they meet in Westchester and take the train to New York
City (about a 30 minute ride). They get to the restaurant, and
he excuses himself during the appetizers to use the bathroom.
They enjoy the rest of the appetizers without interruption, but
he has to go back again during the entrees.
They decide to get dessert. During dessert, our hero feels
another rumbling, but doesn't want to look like a complete
bathroom freak, so he holds it. After a few minutes, the
rumbling subsides, but he still has a bit of gas stored up.
He decides to let this little bit of gas fly right there at
the table (discreetly, of course). Unfortunately, this little
bit of gas came with another little surprise. "Oh no!" he
thinks (and feels the surprise). Instead of running to the
bathroom right away, our hero immediately leans on the arms of
his chair to keep from sitting on this surprise. He maintains
this yoga position for the rest of dessert, trying to figure out
what to do before his tan pants (a) start to smell or (b) start
to show stains on the outside.
He quickly pays for dinner, and they leave the restaurant.
Oh, by the way, he is walking like a cowboy.
On the way to the train station, they pass The Gap clothing
store.
"Do you mind if I run in and buy a sweater that I was
looking at last week?" he asks.
"No problem, I'd like to look around too," she replies.
They go into The Gap. Fortunately, at The Gap, men's fashions
are on the right, women's are on the left. They split up.
Our hero grabs the first sweater within reach and hurries
back to the khakis. After selecting a pair that most closely
resembles his current outfit, he brings both items to the
register. His eyes are on his date (still on the other side of
the store) to make sure that she doesn't see him buying the
pants. He doesn't even want the sweater, so he says through
clenched teeth (just in case his date can read lips from 40 feet
away) "Just the pants." "What?" asks the Gap girl.
"Just the pants!" (Eyes still trained on his date.)
Gap girl: "Oh, OK."
He pays for the pants and walks over to his date; then they
leave the store. They board the train just before it leaves the
station and find two seats in the middle of the car. Without
sitting down, our hero excuses himself and walks to the bathroom
in the back of the car.
He gets to the bathroom as the train departs, and quickly
rips off his pants and boxer shorts. He rolls them into a ball
and throws them out the window. After cleaning himself off, he
opens the Gap bag and pulls out...
just the sweater.
=========
According to a MountainWings subscriber. . .
Cross my heart this happened to someone. This guy lives in
Westchester, NY and goes to school at Ithaca College. For two
years, he has wanted to ask a certain girl (who is also from
Westchester and also goes to Ithaca) out on a date but has
never had the courage.
Finally, one day over the summer, he sees her at home and
musters up the courage to ask her out. She accepts, and they
make dinner plans for Saturday night.
Friday night, this guy goes out with all of his buddies and
drinks like Prohibition is coming back.
Saturday, he is in such bad shape that he can't make it
through twenty minutes without either throwing up or using the
bathroom. After several hours of this, he is able to stop
throwing up, but he is still running to the toilet every 20
minutes. He doesn't want to cancel the date, because he's
afraid he won't ever talk to her again.
So they meet in Westchester and take the train to New York
City (about a 30 minute ride). They get to the restaurant, and
he excuses himself during the appetizers to use the bathroom.
They enjoy the rest of the appetizers without interruption, but
he has to go back again during the entrees.
They decide to get dessert. During dessert, our hero feels
another rumbling, but doesn't want to look like a complete
bathroom freak, so he holds it. After a few minutes, the
rumbling subsides, but he still has a bit of gas stored up.
He decides to let this little bit of gas fly right there at
the table (discreetly, of course). Unfortunately, this little
bit of gas came with another little surprise. "Oh no!" he
thinks (and feels the surprise). Instead of running to the
bathroom right away, our hero immediately leans on the arms of
his chair to keep from sitting on this surprise. He maintains
this yoga position for the rest of dessert, trying to figure out
what to do before his tan pants (a) start to smell or (b) start
to show stains on the outside.
He quickly pays for dinner, and they leave the restaurant.
Oh, by the way, he is walking like a cowboy.
On the way to the train station, they pass The Gap clothing
store.
"Do you mind if I run in and buy a sweater that I was
looking at last week?" he asks.
"No problem, I'd like to look around too," she replies.
They go into The Gap. Fortunately, at The Gap, men's fashions
are on the right, women's are on the left. They split up.
Our hero grabs the first sweater within reach and hurries
back to the khakis. After selecting a pair that most closely
resembles his current outfit, he brings both items to the
register. His eyes are on his date (still on the other side of
the store) to make sure that she doesn't see him buying the
pants. He doesn't even want the sweater, so he says through
clenched teeth (just in case his date can read lips from 40 feet
away) "Just the pants." "What?" asks the Gap girl.
"Just the pants!" (Eyes still trained on his date.)
Gap girl: "Oh, OK."
He pays for the pants and walks over to his date; then they
leave the store. They board the train just before it leaves the
station and find two seats in the middle of the car. Without
sitting down, our hero excuses himself and walks to the bathroom
in the back of the car.
He gets to the bathroom as the train departs, and quickly
rips off his pants and boxer shorts. He rolls them into a ball
and throws them out the window. After cleaning himself off, he
opens the Gap bag and pulls out...
just the sweater.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
WEAR A PINK RIBBON SIMULAR TO THIS TO REMIND THOSE AROUND YOU TO GET A MAMOGRAM
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A BUDDY TO REMIND GETTING A MAMOGRAM, GET ONE A.S.A.P.
Friday, September 25, 2009
MountianWings:Friday---Bad Decisions---
Bad Decisions
==============
I had a few bad decisions that I made recently.
When I went back and thought about it, I said, "Wisdom was
crying out to me when I chose to make those bad decisions."
If I had only listened!
How many of you ever felt like just kicking yourself?
If you had only listened to the voice of reason; to the voice
of wisdom, Godly wisdom down in your heart, down in your
spirit...
...that tried to warn you, that tried to save you, that tried
to preserve you.
Get wisdom; get understanding. Forget it not; neither decline
from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not and she shall
preserve thee. Love her and she shall keep thee.
Excerpted from The MountainWings Power Minute, listen to the
original MountainWings Power Minute here:
http://www.powerminute.com/p/pm09239.mp3
Get your FREE daily Power Minute at http://www.PowerMinute.com
Forward this issue to a friend or send them the link below:
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/9268.htm
==============
I had a few bad decisions that I made recently.
When I went back and thought about it, I said, "Wisdom was
crying out to me when I chose to make those bad decisions."
If I had only listened!
How many of you ever felt like just kicking yourself?
If you had only listened to the voice of reason; to the voice
of wisdom, Godly wisdom down in your heart, down in your
spirit...
...that tried to warn you, that tried to save you, that tried
to preserve you.
Get wisdom; get understanding. Forget it not; neither decline
from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not and she shall
preserve thee. Love her and she shall keep thee.
Excerpted from The MountainWings Power Minute, listen to the
original MountainWings Power Minute here:
http://www.powerminute.com/p/pm09239.mp3
Get your FREE daily Power Minute at http://www.PowerMinute.com
Forward this issue to a friend or send them the link below:
http://www.mountainwings.com/past/9268.htm
Monday, September 21, 2009
Deanies Health Pages Discussion Board
...Have you ever heard of Don Colbert’s Seven Pillars of Health? He is a well-respected author who has written a ton of health books about natural health. He has something going for him that a lot of other natural health professionals don’t have going for them: he is a medical doctor as well.
I get a kick out of seeing medical doctors embracing some “alternative” or “natural” methods for helping people live a healthy life. As I see it, both sides are needed, but many times both sides want to say that the other is unnecessary. So why not use natural means to prevent as much as possible, but when you break a bone, then go visit your Doc? That seems reasonable to me!
Anyway, back to the challenge, Don’s book is divided up into 40 chapters, designed to be read on a daily basic. They cover 40 of his keys to living a health life. I am going to read the book and take you along with me. I am not sure how long it will take me to get through all 40 days – maybe a couple month
I get a kick out of seeing medical doctors embracing some “alternative” or “natural” methods for helping people live a healthy life. As I see it, both sides are needed, but many times both sides want to say that the other is unnecessary. So why not use natural means to prevent as much as possible, but when you break a bone, then go visit your Doc? That seems reasonable to me!
Anyway, back to the challenge, Don’s book is divided up into 40 chapters, designed to be read on a daily basic. They cover 40 of his keys to living a health life. I am going to read the book and take you along with me. I am not sure how long it will take me to get through all 40 days – maybe a couple month
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Are You...?
A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales
convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they
would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner.
In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these
salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display
of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or
looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for
their nearly missed boarding. All but one.
He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings,
and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple
stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without
him, waved goodbye, told one of them to call his wife when they
arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later
flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were
all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did.
The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying,
tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same
time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd
swirled about her, no one topping and no one to care for her
plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the
apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her
display.
As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered
and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the
girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are
you okay?" She nodded through her tears. He continued on with,
"I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly." As the salesman
started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to
him, "Mister". He paused and turned to look back into those
blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made
his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and
bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"
Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not?
To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference
as we live and interact with a world (shopping, working,
reacting to others that are serving us) that is blind to His
love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He
would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and
going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds
day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been
bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you
and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our
damaged fruit.
Let us live like we are worth the price He paid.
~Author Unknown~ Tags:
convention in Chicago. They had assured their wives that they
would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner.
In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these
salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display
of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or
looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for
their nearly missed boarding. All but one.
He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings,
and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple
stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without
him, waved goodbye, told one of them to call his wife when they
arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later
flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were
all over the terminal floor. He was glad he did.
The 16 year old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying,
tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same
time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd
swirled about her, no one topping and no one to care for her
plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the
apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her
display.
As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered
and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the
girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are
you okay?" She nodded through her tears. He continued on with,
"I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly." As the salesman
started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to
him, "Mister". He paused and turned to look back into those
blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered. Then slowly he made
his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and
bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"
Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not?
To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference
as we live and interact with a world (shopping, working,
reacting to others that are serving us) that is blind to His
love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He
would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and
going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds
day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been
bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked you
and me up on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our
damaged fruit.
Let us live like we are worth the price He paid.
~Author Unknown~ Tags:
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Prayer Request for Sandy's family
I recieved word from a volunteer co-worker this afternoon that our friend Sandy Wessel passed into her eternal home around noon today. Please keep her family lifted up in your prayers during this most difficult time. Thank you all for the prayers!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
4o Day Character Makeover: Master Action Plan For Chapter 8--- Perseverance---Day 53--- - Christian Women Take Root!
4o Day Character Makeover: Master Action Plan For Chapter 8--- Perseverance---Day 53--- - Christian Women Take Root!This blog is my most favorite, it is my Testimoney about my life with Jesus!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Pray fo Sandy
I have a volunteer co-worker that is very ill and is not expected to live. She has so many things wrong with her. Last Wednesday she had an aneurysm in her brain causing her to have strokes. She is on a life support. I know that God is in control!!! "Her name is Sandy Wassel." She is at K. U. Medical Center. I am requesting prayer for her healing! In Jesus' name I pray!!!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Happy Birthday to my sister Lucy!
You are my sister, my friend, supporter and encourager!!
May you celebrate many many more very Happy Birthdays!!!
I will always love you more that I can express with words!
Your Sis and Friend Always,
Deanie
Ps. This is my new Blog called 'Deanie's World."
Monday, August 31, 2009
My Testimony
I have a very deep Faith in God who is my Heavenly Father!
I have been saved by the shed blood of his Son Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvery. I beleave in a Risen Saviour who now sits on the right hand of God. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit co-equal. Jesus will return to claim His chosen people, the called according to His Will. Jesus has said in His Holy Word the Bible that no one comes to the Father but by me.
Our Anniversary is March 28th. 1965. I have been married to a wonderful man for all these years! He loves God and His ways. We have always seeked Gods will in our lives. I am a mother of two fine sons, a mother-in-law to two special girls and I have one very handsome grandson who is twenty one. I am a retired activities director at a long term care facility. I volunteer at our local food pantry, it is called The Samaritan Center.. I feel so blessed to have been able to help there since I have retired. My hobbies are flower arranging in baskets and other containers, also wall decorations. I have had the honor of designing and creating the flowers for several weddings. My husband and I enjoy fishing at the lake near by us. We both enjoy flea marketing and reminscenscing about the good old days gone by.
Our lives evolve around our children, family and friends and our church family. I also have the privilege of singing in the choir at our church. A little Southern Baptist Church that is over one hundred years old.
I especially like to spend all the time I can on my computer. I have made so many friends online the past ten years. The computer is such a good learning experence for me with always something new to do, such as blogging and my groups.
I have loved Jesus as my Savior since I was eleven years old. I depend on Him to direct my life as I could do nothing without Him.
I have been saved by the shed blood of his Son Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvery. I beleave in a Risen Saviour who now sits on the right hand of God. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit co-equal. Jesus will return to claim His chosen people, the called according to His Will. Jesus has said in His Holy Word the Bible that no one comes to the Father but by me.
Our Anniversary is March 28th. 1965. I have been married to a wonderful man for all these years! He loves God and His ways. We have always seeked Gods will in our lives. I am a mother of two fine sons, a mother-in-law to two special girls and I have one very handsome grandson who is twenty one. I am a retired activities director at a long term care facility. I volunteer at our local food pantry, it is called The Samaritan Center.. I feel so blessed to have been able to help there since I have retired. My hobbies are flower arranging in baskets and other containers, also wall decorations. I have had the honor of designing and creating the flowers for several weddings. My husband and I enjoy fishing at the lake near by us. We both enjoy flea marketing and reminscenscing about the good old days gone by.
Our lives evolve around our children, family and friends and our church family. I also have the privilege of singing in the choir at our church. A little Southern Baptist Church that is over one hundred years old.
I especially like to spend all the time I can on my computer. I have made so many friends online the past ten years. The computer is such a good learning experence for me with always something new to do, such as blogging and my groups.
I have loved Jesus as my Savior since I was eleven years old. I depend on Him to direct my life as I could do nothing without Him.
I Did "The Love Dare" on Christian Woman Take Root with Julie Arduini---
I am so blessed that I have a husband that does not withold his love and affection from me, his wife from his youth. We were so young and brave. We were so very young!! I could not have imagined loving him more than I did then. You know I think that I do love him more than I did then. When our love matures it changes, we change and that is when our true love for each other is really tested.
Charles was 21 yrs. old and I was 20yrs. old when we pledged our Wedding Vows! I remember the minister saying 'in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit'
We both had Gods Son Jesus through the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us in our marriage. We did not always listen to His directions. We have both been guilty of not waiting to hear Gods wishes or commands. All through our marriage He has been with us. Even when we thought He might have forgotten about us. I have failed our Lord many times. He has never failed me. He has lifted me out of many deep places in my life, all of that time I have had a wonderful husband. We have depended on Gods Will in our lives for little decisions and for large or life changing things.
I will be posting my Promises for our marriage as soon as I get them written.
Charles was 21 yrs. old and I was 20yrs. old when we pledged our Wedding Vows! I remember the minister saying 'in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit'
We both had Gods Son Jesus through the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us in our marriage. We did not always listen to His directions. We have both been guilty of not waiting to hear Gods wishes or commands. All through our marriage He has been with us. Even when we thought He might have forgotten about us. I have failed our Lord many times. He has never failed me. He has lifted me out of many deep places in my life, all of that time I have had a wonderful husband. We have depended on Gods Will in our lives for little decisions and for large or life changing things.
I will be posting my Promises for our marriage as soon as I get them written.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)