Spotting False Teachers

Spotting False Teachers
2 Peter 2:1-3

People have an expectation that those who talk about God must also be serv-ing Him and His people's best interests. I wish that were always true. However, the many warnings about deceivers entering the church are as relevant today as when the New Testament writers penned them.

In case you think I am overstating the problem, let me point you to the words of Jesus: "See to it that no one misleads you" (Matt. 24:4). He warned that many would falsely claim God had sent them. Christ was not talking only about events in the decades of the early church. His caution was directed at the generations to come—particularly those living during the present earth's last days.

The apostle Peter gives a helpful test with which to evaluate teachers and preachers of God's Word:

A deceiver attempts to manipulate and exploit his hearers. He uses half-truths, exciting promises, and flowery language to draw in followers. In particular, we're to be on guard against the erroneous doctrine that denies the truth of the entire Bible.
Many false teachers will have a problem with sensuality.
Most will also be greedy and materialistic. If we observe these habits in the life of a leader, we must reject his or her teaching.
How can you see past a false teacher's camouflage, cunning, and/or charisma? Filling your mind with Scripture will enable you to compare what someone says and does with biblical truth. Follow the Psalmist's example: treasure God's Word in your heart so that you will not sin against Him (Ps. 119:11).

For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.
Click here to watch Dr. Charles Stanley & In Touch Ministries Video Online
and click here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com.

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Obamacare To Hike State Taxes

Dick Morris and Eileen McGann: Obamacare To Hike State Taxes While Obama has been at great pains to make a show of avoiding taxes on the middle class to pay for his health care changes, his proposed increase in Medicaid eligibility will have a huge impact on the 39 states whose income cutoffs for the program are below those required in the new federal legislation.

Our Most Popular Page Is...

Hi all....

Well, I wanted to make a repost here of our most popular page. After doing some blog history, you, our readers, have surfed for this article and I am reposting the link here:

http://plowlady.blogspot.com/2009/01/prayers-to-save-troubled.html

I am grateful for the help it is giving to so many of our readers. The only advice, from personal experience, that I can give you that is the 100% truth behin it is this...take a look at yourself. Seriously. It isnt about the other person, they are reacting to something/someone you have become. Whether you feel justified or not, whether you blame the other person or not...it truly doesnt matter, because for YOU to be a better you for your relationship - an even if it doesnt work - you will be a better you. Trust me on this, I know....

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WithoutConsent.com

WithoutConsent
What you don't know can hurt you.

WithoutConsent is about informed consent. We promote transparency in the pharmaceutical industry and the governments that regulate it ... because you can't make good choices with bad information - or no information at all.

Clinical trials with "fast-track" swine flu vaccines that contain an adjuvant - substances that turbocharge the immune system's response to the vaccine - are underway on four continents. The adjuvant is an oil called squalene, which causes incurable autoimmune diseases in animals. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system attacks the body instead of defending it.
Over the past 35 years, scientists in laboratories like UCLA Medical Center and the Karolinska Institute, which awards the Nobel Prizes in Medicine and Physiology, have published papers showing how squalene injected into rodents will cripple them. They used squalene to induce diseases like rheumatoid arthritis in animals (the animal version is called "adjuvant arthritis") in order to search for a cure in humans.

Click on this link for a comprehensive list of papers showing squalene's toxicity.http://www.without-consent.com/media/SqualeneReferences-AnimalToxicology.pdf] SqualeneReferences-AnimalToxicology.pdf If you go to the National Library of Medicine database called Pubmed, you can search for the papers on the WithoutConsent list and read abstracts of their content. Type in the search terms "squalene, autoimmune" and it'll call up a short list of papers on the subject. Some you can download for free.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/

Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline - the pharmaceutical companies selling swine flu vaccines with the squalene adjuvants MF59 and AS03 respectively, say the shots are safe. The European Union (EU) and China agree. They've licensed influenza vaccines that contain squalene; and having denied adding squalene to its vaccines for years, the U.S. Department of Defense reportedly adds squalene to "military vaccines," according to the Sept. 28 edition of The New York Times.http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/28/health/policy/28vaccine.html?scp=1&sq=mcneil,%20flu&st=cse Here's what this medical-industrial complex isn't telling you. Small mammals injected with this oil not only develop the animal versions of rheumatoid arthritis, squalene also induces the animal "model" for multiple sclerosis called Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis (EAE); as well as the antibodies specific to systemic lupus erythematosus. The morbidity rate is 100 percent.

The European Medicines Agency report on GlaxoSmithKline's new swine flu vaccine called "Pandemrix" says on pg. 17 that it contains 10.69 milligrams of squalene.http://www.without-consent.com/media/EMEASqualeneDose.pdf

An appendix to the report says on pg. 29 that subjects injected with the vaccine suffered "Headache, Tiredness, Pain, redness, swelling or a hard lump at the injection site; Fever, Aching muscles and joint pain." It says these complaints were "very common" - occurring with more than 1 in 10 doses of Pandemrix. http://www.without-consent.com/media/EMEAAdverseReactions-Pandemrix.pdf

In 1 out of 1,000 doses, subjects reported "Allergic reactions leading to a dangerous decrease of blood pressure, which, if untreated, may lead to collapse, coma and death; Fits, Severe stabbing or throbbing pain along one or more nerves and Low blood platelet count which can result in bleeding or bruising." In 1 in 10,000 doses, volunteers reported "Temporary inflammation of the brain and nerves causing pain, weakness and paralysis that may spread across the body; and Narrowing or blockage of blood vessels with kidney problems."

Can something cause arthritis and MS in animals be safe in humans? Decide for yourself. Our inaugural newsletter reports information that you won't read anywhere else.http://www.without-consent.com/WithoutConsentNewsletterNumberOne.html
We're not going to tell you what to do about this - except to get informed.
Your health could depend on it.

Vaccine revolt! Swine flu vaccine support crumbles as flimsy rationale for H1N1 shots becomes apparent

Vaccine revolt! Swine flu vaccine support crumbles as flimsy rationale for H1N1 shots becomes apparent

Helping Your Husband Grow

Helping Your Husband Grow
Wives can't change their husbands, but wives can and do have a tremendous influence on their husbands. How can you make that influence positive?

1. Men respond positively to praise. One of the most common complaints men make in my office is: "Dr. Chapman, in my work I am respected. People come to me for advice. But at home, all I get is criticism." What she considers suggestions, he reads as criticism. Her efforts to stimulate growth have backfired.
Give him praise. The fastest way to influence a husband is to give him praise. Praise him for effort, not perfection. You may be asking, But if I praise him for mediocrity, will it not stifle growth? The answer is a resounding "No". Your praise urges him on to greater accomplishments.
My challenge is to look for things your husband is doing right and praise him. Praise him in private, praise him in front of the children, praise him in front of your parents and his parents, praise him in front of his peers. Then stand back and watch him go for the gold.

2. Requests are more productive than demands. None of us like to be controlled, and demands are efforts at controlling. "If you don't mow the grass this afternoon, then I'm going to mow it." I wouldn't make that demand unless you want to be the permanent lawn mower. It is far more effective to say, "Do you know what would really make me happy?" Wait until he asks, "What?" Then say, "If you could find time this afternoon to mow the grass. You always do such a great job."
Let me illustrate by applying the principle to you. How do you feel when your husband says "I haven't had an apple pie since the baby was born. I don't guess I'm going to get any more apple pies for eighteen years"? Now, doesn't that motivate you? But what if he says, "You know what I'd really like to have? One of your apple pies. You make the best apple pies in the world. Sometime when you get a chance, I'd really love one of your apple pies. Chances are he'll have an apple pie before the week is over. Requests are more productive than demands.

3. Love is a two way street. If a wife wants to enhance her husband's ability to give her emotional love, perhaps her greatest influence will be in loving him. In my book, The Five Love Languages, I talk about the importance of discovering your husband's primary love language - the thing that really makes him feel loved: words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, physical touch, or acts of service. Once you discover it, pour it on. Husbands are drawn to wives who are meeting their emotional need for love.
Can you do it, even if he is not loving you. God did. He loved us when we were unlovely. But that's God. I'm me. I know, but you are God's child and He can empower you to love an unlovely spouse. I've seen it many times. A wife chooses to speak her husband's love language, even though she doesn't feel loved by him. He warms up and in time begins expressing her love language. Can emotional love be re-born in a marriage? You bet. But someone must begin the process. Why not you?

4. Defensiveness reveals the inner self. A wife says, "Why does my husband get so defensive? All I have to do is mention that the grass needs mowing and he goes ballistic."
This husband is revealing his self-esteem hot spot. Some experience in his past has tied his sense of self worth to mowing the grass. Your mention of the grass translates "She thinks I'm not doing my job. I work like crazy, and now she is on my case about the grass." He sees it as a negative statement about his worth.
I know you didn't mean it that way. That's why I suggesting you observe his defensiveness, so that you can learn what is going on inside of him. We don't know these emotional hot spots until we touch one. It would be a good idea to make a list of all your husband's defensive reactions. Note what you said and did and how he responded. This insight will help you discover another way to discuss the topic that will be less threatening to his self-esteem.
Both husbands and wives hold a tremendous influence on their spouse. However, it is up to you whether your influence is positive.

Adapted from The Family You've Always Wanted by Dr. Gary Chapman. To find out more about Dr. Chapman's resources, visit www.fivelovelanguages.com.

Your Imperfect Man and Gratitude...

"Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone."Romans 12:18, NLT

You know something.....there is so much complaining in this world, so much what about me attitudes, just so much self, self, self...that the actual key to happiness is....you want to know? I will tell you...it is putting self LAST...yep...its that simple.

If your man annoys you, does leave his mess for you to clean up, does spend time with his buddies, does buy for himself, etc....THANK GOD YOU HAVE HIM! I am incredibly blesse with a he-man, who has a heart of gold-towards everyone and everything...lesson for me learned!

So what if he leaves his messes for you: be thankful that you are the woman in his life to clean up after him...you would miss it if he wasn't there.
So what if he spends time with his buddies: have you made him WANT to come home to you?
So what if he buys for himself: one day, he will get it WITHOUT your guilting him, to WANT to buy for YOU

The list goes on here, but the bottom line is this...he chose you, have YOU changed into someone he doesn't WANT to want?

Think about it...I bet if you really looked in the mirror and saw the person you have turned into, you will see how you need to renew yourself. The benefit of him wanting to do, give and be with you is so tremendous....it all starts with you...who do YOU want to be? Do you want to be the woman he has in his life? Do you want him to do/give for you?? I bet you do....so start today...make small changes...smile more often (a smile IS a sacrifice to God - smile even if you don't want to!) Be nice when you would normally jump on him, say something agreeable to him....think woman, think! If you want to keep your man, be the woman HE WANTS YOU TO BE!

Be grateful that you have that big lug laying next to you, in the same house with you, providing for you...all in the best way he can FOR YOU! Show your gratitude....it can move mountains that you thought were impossible to move.

Do everything without COMPLAINING or arguing, so that you may becomeblameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depravedgeneration, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out theword of life.... Philippians 2:14-16

Gifts that smell nice...Crafts

Gifts that smell
by Shellie
Cinnamon Pot Trivet - Great at Christmas time
Pot Pourri Pie - Mmm an everlasting pie!
Dream Pillow- These are great for insomniacs
Christmas Ornament Diffuser - Diffusers are very popular right now
Coffee Bean Candle - Coffee lovers will adore this one
All Our Soap Recipes- They ALL smell so Good!
Scented Wax Dipped Teddy Bears - I know it's teddy Torture
Divided Spice Pot - Great table topper gift
Fragrant Rocks - Bag these up for a quick scented gift

Christmas Ornaments from Pine Cones

This weeks featured video from DIY Craft Videos shows you how to make Christmas Ornaments from Pine Cones.

There is not in the world a kind of life...

There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet anddelightful than that of a continual conversation with God. -- Brother Lawrence

Free Unity booklets give readers a spiritual boost

Free Unity booklets give readers a spiritual boost
Each year, Unity creates a number of free inspirational publications. The notes below are from inspired readers. To download any of these booklets or to order printed copies, click the links below.
Survival Guide for the Soul: An All-in-One Manual for Spiritual Practice “If everyone had the booklet Survival Guide For the Soul, they would never need another book. … Thank you so much. I love it!"
Pearls of Healing Wisdom "Words will never be able to convey how much inspiration and hope this (booklet) has given to me. I love everything!"
Earth Blessings: Prayers for Our Planet “My husband and I … tried to put our insights into prayer for our earth and our families' use of the environment. … (We) will come back to (this booklet) each summer.”
Reclaiming Christmas: 26 Days to Spiritual Rebirth Advent begins November 29, 2009. This booklet includes articles and journaling questions to lead you on your spiritual journey through the Advent season.
Children’s Advent E-booklet: Christmas Is Coming! 2009This free e-booklet features fun holiday games, projects, affirmations and stories. Designed for parents and children to share the joy of the season together.
2010 Unity Calendar: A New Year, A New YouThis free annual Unity Calendar includes beautiful photos, positive affirmations and inspirational Bible verses.

Hey....Got a Clogged Sink or Tub??

You aren't going to believe this, but while at the last hotel we stayed at, the tub was so clogged up, by the time you were done with one shower, the tub was filled nearly to my knees! So, I had to think quick because I had zero access to draino or anything to help.

I scooped out the water into the toilet, grabbed my shop vac, cut a hole in the bottom of a disposable PLASTIC drinking cup, but the cup over the end of the nozzle of the vacuum, sealed it on with a rubber band, stuck the hose down the drain, used the cup to form a cover around the drain, and turned it on....would you believe the clog came out in less then ten seconds?!

Yep, no costly chemicals, no calling the main office, nothing but a good ol shop vac and plastic cup.

Now That's ingenuity!

Crochet Flower Crafts

1. Crochet Chrysanthemum
2. Crochet Carnation
3. Crochet Calla Lily
4. Crochet Marigold Pin
5. Crochet Violets Pin
6. Crochet Flower Embellishment
7. Crochet Flower Dishcloths
8. Crochet Pansies
9. Crochet Flower Market Purse
10. Crochet Flower Motif Scarf
11. Crochet Roses
12. Crochet Flower Slippers
13. Crochet Flowers Afghan
14. Crochet Flower Baby Set
15. Crochet Flower Rug
16. Crochet Daffodils
17. Crochet Orchid
18. Crochet Daisies
19. Crochet Rose Slippers
20. Crochet Flower Cuffs for Kids
21. Crochet Pansie Teapot Cozy
22. Crochet Felted Posy Bag
23. Crochet Daisy Dishcloth
24. Crochet Daisy Teapot Cozy
25. Crochet Hairpin Rosette

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Obamacare: Big State Tax Hikes

Dick Morris and Eileen McGann: Obamacare: Big State Tax Hikes Anxious to avoid raising taxes too much to pay for their health care proposals, the Obama administration and its congressional allies hit on a great new idea: Make the states raise their taxes to fund the program, instead.

The U in JesUs

The U in JesUs

Before U were thought of or time had begun, God even stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true You can't spell out JesUs and not include U. You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name, For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died. It even takes U to spell crUcified. Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew, and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U. When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension, He felt there was one thing He just had to mention. "Go into the world and tell them it's true That I love them all - Just like I love U."
So many great people are spelled with a U, Don't they have a right to know JesUs too? It all depends now on what U will do, He'd like them to know, But it all starts with U.

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” –John 15:16

"True thanksgiving means ..."

True thanksgiving means that we need to thank God for what Hehas done for us, and not to tell Him what we have done for Him. -- George R. Hendrick

Talk To Your Kids About This Article...

Police: Facebook Page Targets Redheads
CNN

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 22) -- The beating of 12-year-old boy by a group of classmates at a Southern California middle school may be linked to a Facebook posting encouraging kids to target redheads, authorities say.
The redheaded boy was beaten up by a group of seventh- and eighth-graders at A.E. Wright Middle School in Calabasas in two separate incidents Friday, according to a statement released Sunday by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
A Facebook page stating that Friday was "Kick a Ginger Day," referring to redheads and possibly inspired by an episode of the "South Park" series, may have sparked the injuries at the middle school, authorities said.
The boy's injuries were not serious, and no one has been arrested, authorities said Sunday.

Gifts for pets - Crafts

Gifts for pets
by Shellie
Dog Wiener Wrap - Let's assume they have a dog
Trendy Pet Collar - How trendy is your pet?
Cat toy Plushies- Literally toys for your cat
Cat Nip Sachets - Meow catnip Delights
Recycled Dog Collar - Uses a recycled shirt not a recycled dog
Tugga Toy - Recycle Old T-shirts to make this one
Cat Harness - Crochet a leash For your cat
Pet Heat Pack - Keep your pal warm with this no sew project

Update...

Thats all for now....time for Honey Bear to get up and we get back out on the road. As always, BE THE HEART OF YOUR HOME and you will never fail!

Free Cookbooks From Taste of Home

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Home Decorating eBook from Dow

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14 favorite free sewing patterns for aprons

14 favorite free sewing patterns for aprons has some really cute patterns, including ruffles, a pillow case and multiple pockets.

MOM BLOGGERS CLUB AMBASSADORS

If you would like to become one of the newest Mom Bloggers Club Ambassadors the application is now online. Application deadline is December 15 and the competition is always fierce. If you love the Mom Bloggers Club and want to be a leader in our community, be sure to apply. Good luck!

Update...

You know, it is so true - when it rains, it pours!

We finally are at a spot with internet access and I only have 20 minutes online, so not sure what I can post today, but just know I am thinking about you, our readers!

It is raining...no, not raining, POURING outside here. Right now, we are in Pennsylvania, on our way to Ohio, but we have to let the rain stop a bit before moving on.

Our pc crashed yesterday and it was a microsoft program that crashed it! So, once again, we lost all of our important data that was waiting for us to find the time to move it to a portable hard drive - bummer.

Anyway, I probably wont post today, but will as soon as we take another break. We are headed to Denver, so I am sure I will get time to post in the next few days.

In the meantime, keep your chin up, a smile on your face and know, God is taking care of everything!

Hugs,
Mar

For Some Smokers, Even Home’s Off Limits

nytimes - For Some Smokers, Even Home’s Off Limits http://bit.ly/uUKK6

Decoding Organic Labeling

Decoding Organic Labelingby Rosel Kim
Ever wondered what goes behind the little "certified organic" label on what you eat? Organic certification is a complex process...
Read More >>

Craft - The Manly Man-ghan

Click here for free instructions for The Man-ghan

The "I Can't" Funeral

The "I Can't" Funeral
Author: Phillip B. Childs

Donna's fourth-grade classroom looked like many others I had seen in the past. Students sat in five rows of six desks. The teacher's desk was in the front and faced the students. The bulletin board featured student work. In most respects it appeared to be a typically traditional elementary classroom. Yet, something seemed different that day I entered it for the first time. There seemed to be an undercurrent of excitement.

Donna was a veteran small-town Michigan schoolteacher only two years away from retirement. In addition, she was a volunteer participant in a countywide development project I had organized and facilitated. The training focused on language arts ideas that would empower students to feel good about them and take charge of their lives. Donna's job was to attend training sessions and implement the concepts presented. My job was to make classroom visitations and encourage implementation.

I took an empty seat in the back and watched. All the students were working on a task, filling a sheet of notebook paper with thoughts and ideas. The ten-year-old student closest to me was filling her page with "I Can'ts."

"I can't kick the soccer ball pass second base.""I can't do long division with more than three numbers.""I can't get Debbie to like me."Her page was half full and she showed no signs of letting up. She worked on with determination and persistence.I walked down the row glancing at students' papers. Everyone was writing sentences, describing things they couldn't do."I can't do ten pushups.""I can't hit over the left-field fence.""I can't eat only one cookie."By this time, the activity engaged my curiosity, so I decided to check with the teacher to see what was going on. As I approached her, I noticed that she too was busy writing. I felt it best not to interrupt."I can't get John's mother to come in for a teacher conference.""I can't get my daughter to put gas in the car.""I can't get Alan to use words instead of fists."

Thwarted in my efforts to determine why students and teacher were dwelling on the negative instead of the positive "I Can't" statements, I returned to my seat and continued my observations. Students wrote for ten minutes. Most filled their page. Some started another."Finish the one you're on and don't start a new one," were the instructions Donna used to signal the end of the activity. Students were then instructed to fold their papers in half and bring them to the front. When students reached the desk, they placed their "I Can't" statements into an empty shoe box.When all of the student papers were collected, Donna added hers. She put the lid on the box, tucked it under her arm and headed out the door and down the hall. Students followed the teacher. I followed the students.Halfway down the hall the procession stopped. Donna entered the custodian's room, rummaged around and came out with a shovel. Shovel in one hand, shoebox in the other, Donna marched the students out of the school to the farthest corner of the playground. There they began to dig.

They were going to bury their "I Cant's!" The digging took over ten minutes because most of the fourth graders wanted a turn. When the hole approached three-foot deep, the digging ended. The box of "I Cant's" was placed at the bottom of the hole and quickly covered with dirt.Thirty-one 10- and 11-year-olds stood around the freshly dug gravesite. Each had at least one page full of "I Cant's" in the shoebox, three-feet under. So did their teacher.At this point Donna announced, "Boys and girls, please join hands and bow your heads." The students complied. They quickly formed a circle around the grave, creating a bond with their hands. They lowered their heads and waited. Donna delivered the eulogy."Friends, we gather today to honor the memory of "I Can't." While he was with us on earth, he touched the lives of everyone, some more than others. His names, unfortunately, has been spoken in every public building - schools, city halls, and state capitols and yes, even The White House.

We have provided "I Can't" with a final resting place and headstone that contains his epitaph. He is survived by his brothers and sisters, "I can, 'I will' and "I'm going to Right Away.' They are not as well known as their famous relative and are certainly not as strong and powerful yet. Perhaps someday, with your help, they will make and even bigger mark on the world. May 'I Can't' rest in peace and may everyone present pick up their lives and move forward in his absence. Amen."As I listened to the eulogy I realized that these students would never forget this day. The activity was symbolic, a metaphor for life. It was a right-brain experience that would stick in the unconscious and conscious mind forever.Writing "I Can'ts," burying them and hearing the eulogy. That was a major effort on the part of this teacher. And she wasn't done yet. At the conclusion of the eulogy she turned the students around, marched them back into the classroom and held a wake.

They celebrated the passing of "I Can't" with cookies, popcorn and fruit juices. Donna cut out a tombstone from butcher paper. She wrote the words "I Can't" at the top and put RIP in the middle the date was added at the bottom, "3/28/80."The paper tombstone hung in Donna's classroom for the remainder of the year. On those rare occasions when a student forgot and said, "I Can't," Donna simply pointed to the RIP sign. The student then remembered that "I Can't" was dead and chose to rephrase the statement.I wasn't one of Donna's students. She was one of mine. Yet that day I learned an enduring lesson from her.Now, years later, whenever I hear the phrase, "I Can't," I see images of that fourth-grade funeral. Like the students, I remember that "I Can't" is dead.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” - Philippians 4:13

God Is NOT Unjust

God Is NOT Unjust
Author: Sis. Oluchi Nwankwo

Have you ever been pushed by circumstances to wonder if God is really just and fair to you as a child of God? If He is just, why is He quiet and seemingly unbothered about this very mountain that has lingered in your life and the many problems you’ve been going through? Whenever we are misled to compare ourselves with the wicked, we murmur and ponder if there is actually any benefit in Christ, any consolation? Does God really care for the righteous? Does He actually take note of the sacrifice you’ve been making for His Kingdom, all your labour of love, commitment and service, all your prayers and fasting, all and all? These arguments are from the pit of hell and tend to portray God as being unjust to those that love Him. Sometimes it hits you like a spear; yes, it is the enemy’s dart, which should be promptly rejected and rebuked by the word of faith.

You are not alone in this satanic assault. At a point, David veered off this way and was almost lost until he went into the house of God and found out the horrifying end of the wicked. David himself declares in Psalm 73:1-20: “TRULY God is good to Israel , even to such as are of a clean heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well near slipped, for I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked … Behold, these are the ungodly who prosper in the world, they increase in riches. Verily, I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in innocency. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me. Until I went into the sanctuary of God: then understood I their end”. We really need to get into the closet with God to catch a revelation of the great judgement that awaits the ungodly and the far exceeding weight of glory kept for those that believe. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any man should perish, but that all should come to repentance 2 Pet. 3:9.

Even Prophet Jeremiah was misguided by the trouble of his times to imagine that God was rather not very fair to him, but God promptly commanded him to repent and return to the Lord in order to be able to stand before Him. Thank God, Jeremiah did (Jer.15: 18-21). Let us reject these lies of the wicked one.

Hebrews 6:10 declares without any figment of doubt that God is NOT unjust. He is faithful and righteous forever; a rewarder of those that diligently seek him. Child of God, it doth not yet appear to the eyes of men, what God is doing in your life. But thus says the Lord of Hosts: “... in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him, then shall you return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that serves Him not” (Malachi 3:13-18). Beloved, rejoice, again I say, rejoice for “Eyes have not seen, nor ears heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things God has prepared for them that love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9).

The Word of God reassures that God will not forget your labour of love for Him and your help to the brethren. God can never repay evil for good, nor good for evil since that will be unfair. God does not ask you to come unto Him, only to cast you away at the last day. Oh no, He will not reward your sacrifice with wickedness. No, no, no, He will never dump you if you cling unto Him to the end. He is neither a deceiver nor a fake. He is not a 419. You cannot put in treasures in Heaven and reap any less at the coming of the great Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Child of God, God will not abandon those who lean on Him. God will not fail you in the day of reckoning. Brother Paul says: “For the which cause I suffer these things: nevertheless, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is ABLE to keep that which I have committed to Him against that day (2nd Tim. 1:12). Whatever has been committed to the Lord will be rewarded in full measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. Every tear will be wiped away. Every cup of water given in the name of the Lord shall be rewarded abundantly, says the Lord. He is not unjust to forget your good deeds like some bosses and employers often do. Again, He takes note and will not lose the records in Heaven “where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” and where there are no fire outbreaks to burn off your name from the Book of Life! Be encouraged. It is WELL with you.

Beloved, do you realise that God took an oath never to fail you (check it out in Hebrews 6:13-19). By His Oath and the Resurrection of Christ from the dead, supported by the immutability of His Counsel and Will, God confirms that you are not worshipping and serving Him in vain (1st Cor. 15:12-19). Your faith in Christ is never futile or delusive. “For surely there is an end; and your expectation shall not be cut off” Prov. 23:18.

Dear, ride on to serve thy Lord, no matter the situation. A song says: ‘Trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey’. Let’s rekindle our love for the Lord, let’s re-establish our faith, let’s rededicate our selves unto the Lord. Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord is our motto.

Sis. Oluchi Nwankwo, an evangelist, preacher and teacher of the Word of God, writes from Port Harcourt , Rivers State Nigeria . She is an Associate Training Secretary of NIFES on part time among Nigerian Christian students in tertiary institutions. E-mail: Oluchi.S.Nwankwo@spdc.shell.com

“Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.” –Hebrews 6:14

When you list out your life priorities...

Jesus is Enough for Me!
Christian Soul Care Devotional
“Inviting God’s touch in your soul”
Bill Gaultiere

Jesus is enough for me!” Do you believe this?

Probably you would say that you do. When you list out your life priorities I can image that you write “Love God” or “Follow Jesus Christ” at the top of your list.

My question for you is: Have you organized your whole life around being devoted to Jesus? Is your relationship with Jesus the source of your well-being and identity?

Eight years ago (I had been a Christian for over 30 years at that point) I started doing this. What an adventure my life has become! Christ has become more and more pre-eminent in my thoughts, desires, and conversations. Love, joy, and peace have become more and more pervasive.

Praying Psalm 131 is a spiritual practice that has helped to form my heart to mean it when I say, “Jesus is enough for me!” I memorized this short Psalm (in the JB Phillips version) and I meditated deeply on it a number of times over a two-year period. One morning I fasted and prayed at the ocean and mostly all I did was pray through this Psalm.

This led to composing my “Jesus is Enough” prayer, which is a paraphrase of part of Psalm 131. What a blessing this prayer has been to me! It helps me to devote myself to living in “passionate indifference” to all things except Jesus. What joy to delight in Jesus and discover that he is our sweet sufficiency!

I invite you to examine your life. One-by-one identify the people, passions, and projects that are important to you. Consider that without Jesus at the center they leave you empty. Make Jesus your All in all as you pray: “Jesus is enough for me.”

To pray “Jesus is Enough” meditatively you need to go through it slowly. (And you may need to print this devotional out and do your prayer in a quiet, serene place away from your computer!) Offer the prayer one line at a time, letting the last word or image of each line echo throughout your soul as you pause quietly before going onto the next line. At the end when you pray only the name of Jesus simply remain in stillness with your Lord, letting Jesus hold you…

(After you’ve had ample time to enjoy “abiding in Christ”, try offering this prayer for the people the Lord puts on your heart, praying: “Jesus is enough for _________.”)

Jesus is Enough (A Prayer from Psalm 131)
Jesus is enough for me to keep my soul tranquil and quiet like a child in its mother’s arms – content…

Jesus is enough for me to keep my soul tranquil and quiet like a child in its mother’s arms…

Jesus is enough for me to keep my soul tranquil and quiet…

Jesus is enough for me to keep my soul tranquil…

Jesus is enough for me to keep my soul…

Jesus is enough for me to keep…

Jesus is enough for me…

Jesus’ smile is enough…

Jesus’ embrace is enough…

Jesus’ breath is enough…

Jesus is enough…

Jesus…


Here’s the archive of past Christian Soul Care Devotionals

Hope is ...

Hope is patiently waiting expectantly for the intangible tobecome reality.
-- Avery D. Miller

HOMEMADE CARPET FRESHENER

HOMEMADE CARPET FRESHENER
1/2 cup of borax
1/2 cup of baking soda
1 teaspoon of cloves and/or cinnamon (cloves help keep moths out of the closet too)
Or, if you've got pets, instead of the spices, use about 20-25 drops of sweet orange oil (I use the spices AND the orange oil), which is a natural flea repellent; be sure to mix in the oil into powder mixture thoroughly and never use directly onto your pets.

Thanks to Rebecca's Hearth and Home

Free Sewing Patterns

Bird Pattern
Apron Pattern
Sewing Machine Cozy
Grocery Tote Pattern

Free Costco Cookbooks (download)

They are on the right side, click each button for each book - print, read or download - they are 200+ pages

(Thanks to Freebie Fanatics )

Biker spreads Christian message from motorcycle

Biker spreads Christian message from motorcycle
Read it here

Retrain Your Mind

I love the inspirations Joel & Victoria Olsteen send out:

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind…"(Romans 12:2, AMP)

Many people today don't realize that the reason they're not happy, the reason they're not enjoying life is simply because they've trained their minds in the wrong direction. They've trained their mind to worry. They've trained their mind to complain. They've trained their mind to see the negative. But just as we can form these negative mindsets, we can retrain our minds and form positive mindsets.

One of the main keys to developing a positive attitude is to learn how to stay grateful. When you stay grateful, you are focusing on what's right rather than what's wrong. This doesn't happen automatically, you have to discipline yourself to focus on the positive. You have to make a conscious effort every single day until a good habit is formed.

Remember, when you live with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, you are shielding yourself from the attacks of the enemy. The seeds of discouragement cannot take root in a grateful heart. Neither can bitterness, envy, or strife. When you have a grateful heart, you are strong. You are empowered, and you can confidently enjoy the good life He has prearranged for you!

"Father in heaven, today I surrender my thoughts and mind to You. Help me retrain my thoughts so that they are in line with Your will for my life. I choose to have a positive attitude of faith and expectancy and thank You for empowering me to enjoy the good life You have for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

A Generation of Sociopaths

I have been a staunch advocate AGAINST this freakin ME generation since it affected my life - it is THE most selfish desires, selfish wants, self seeking, self gratification, self satisfying and self deteriation - it is in itself, self destruction - but those involved cannot see it when they see their lives as blessed, they found the secrets, they are having...FUN...

The ME generation are kids who grew up with no direction, no rules, no supervision, no parental love and connection. It is the generation where it is easier to give up on a kid, ignore it, scold it, destroy it, etc...then it is to SHOW them what values and morals are all about. It wasnt about beating the snot out of them, it wasnt about runaways, it wasnt about all of that.....two family incomes, single parenting (done wrong), it was about having kids, but not RAISING CHILDREN.

I know what its like to be a single parent, WORKING....I did it all too. No money, no security, no ability, work-work-work....etc. I was there too. It has NOTHING to do with whether you lived in the projects or well off, it has to do with your choice on morals, character, rules....rebellion.

No one needed to turn to this ME generation, NO ONE. It is/was created by the lack of parenting.....and I really dont care if I get any flack on this one, its true. I was there, I was right there...and my son grew up to be a man! He grew up with morals, convictions, the knowledge of right from wrong, he grew up with unconditional love, direction, guidance..HE GREW UP.

So, with that said, here is an interesting article I think is a great read regarding this very subject:

A Generation of Sociopaths
Glenn Beck gets it. He understands something I’ve been seeing and writing about as a columnist for the last seven years. He understands that the downfall of America will not come from the outside. It will come from the inside. It will happen because we failed to pass on to our children the values that made our nation great – and to remind them to pass those values on to their children. You can read the rest here

Some great points of truth here are:

"me generation." … A generation that was brought up by parents who wouldn't spank them because it was too barbaric and were graded in purple pen because red is too frightening. A generation who got trophies no matter what place they finished.

When we replace belief in objective truth with moral relativism we are telling people they are the one true source of morality. And that leads them to believe they are all, in a sense, little gods and goddesses who should not be told what to do. Pretty soon we are spending all of our time dealing with little sociopaths who believe they are the center of the universe

Sewing - Mini Quilt

Mini Quilt Wall Hanging

free download of John Piper's Desiring God for the month of November!

Desiring God & christianaudio have partnered together to offer a free download of John Piper's Desiring God for the month of November!
John Piper & Desiring God aim to spread a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ. Learn how they accomplish that and how you can join them in the mission by visiting http://www.desiringgod.org/.
Instructions: Add the DOWNLOAD version to your cart and use the coupon code DG2009 during checkout to receive it for FREE. Enjoy!

Desiring God (Unabridged) by John Piper
Scripture reveals that the great business of life is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. In this paradigm-shattering classic, newly revised and expanded, John Piper reveals that the debate between duty and delight doesn't truly exist: Delight is our duty.

Population Control in an Aging Society

Most would agree that conserving resources and minimizing adverse impacts on the environment make sense, but something has gone terribly awry within the Green Movement. Environmental extremists championing "population control" as a means of protecting Mother Earth show that they have little regard for the human species.
Some recent comments by prominent Green advocates suggest that one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the global carbon footprint is to reduce the population. As means to that end, they advocate aggressive birth control and abortion. Their argument is simple enough: fewer people put less strain on natural resources, use less energy, and generate less pollution. Wealthy countries, so the thinking goes, are particularly suited to implement this strategy because they have ready access to birth control and legalized abortion

The "Extreme Green" are perfectly comfortable with encouraging members of the human species to destroy their young, but mortified that human beings would disturb an eagle's nest or a turtle's egg. Setting aside this moral confusion, there are significant social and economic implications of population control policies on societies already struggling to cope with a rapidly aging population

Read the rest here