Challenge Of Faith Ministries
Changing Seasons
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Challenge Of Faith Ministries Changing Seasons |
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"THE STING OF DEATH! DEFEATED!" "CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!" BECAUSE OF HIS "BODILY RESURRECTION" FROM THE DEAD, WE TOO WHO BELIEVE IN HIM AS LORD AND SAVIOR, SHALL LIVE WITH HIM ETERNALLY!" "BUT IF THE SPIRIT OF HIM WHO RAISED UP JESUS FROM THE DEAD DWELLS IN YOU, HE WHO RAISED UP CHRIST FROM THE DEAD WILL ALSO GIVE LIFE TO YOUR MORTAL BODIES THROUGH HIS SPIRIT WHO DWELLS IN YOU....FOR AS MANY AS ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, THESE ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD. FOR YOU DID NOT RECEIVE THE SPIRIT OF "BONDAGE" AGAIN TO "FEAR" BUT YOU RECEIVED THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION BY WHOM WE CRY, "ABBA FATHER!" THE SPIRIT HIMSELF BEARS WITNESS WITH OUR SPIRIT THAT WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD. AND IF CHILDREN, THEN HEIRS, HEIRS OF GOD AND JOINT HEIRS WITH JESUS CHRIST." Romans 8:11-17 "THE ANGEL ANSWERED AND SAID TO THE WOMEN, "DO NOT BE AFRAID, FOR I KNOW THAT YOU SEEK JESUS WHO WAS CRUCIFIED. HE IS NOT HERE, FOR HE IS "RISEN" EVEN AS HE SAID. COME, SEE THE PLACE WHERE THE LORD LAY, AND GO QUICKLY AND TELL HIS DISCIPLES THAT HE IS "RISEN" FROM THE DEAD, AND INDEED HE IS GOING BEFORE YOU INTO GALILEE; THERE YOU WILL "SEE" HIM! SO THEY WENT OUT QUICKLY FROM THE "TOMB" WITH FEAR AND "GREAT JOY" AND RAN TO BRING HIS DISCIPLES WORD!" Matthew 28:5-8 "AFTER HE THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT HAD GIVEN COMMANDMENTS TO THE APOSTLES WHOM HE HAD CHOSEN, TO WHOM HE ALSO "SHOWED" HIMSELF "ALIVE" AFTER HIS SUFFERING BY "MANY INFALLIBLE PROOFS" BEING "SEEN" BY THEM DURING "FORTY DAYS" AND SPEAKING OF THE THINGS PERTAINING TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD." Acts 1:2-3 HE'S ALIVE, HE'S ALIVE, HE'S ALIVE AND I'M FORGIVEN, HEAVENS GATES ARE OPENED WIDE! YES FRIEND, HE'S ALIVE AND HAS OPEN ARMS TO RECEIVE ALL INTO HIS DIVINE FAMILY IF YOU WILL OPEN YOUR HEART AND ACCEPT HIM AS YOUR PERSONAL "LORD" AND "SAVIOR!" "IF YOU CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH "JESUS" AS "LORD" AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT GOD HAS "RAISED" HIM FROM THE "DEAD" YOU "WILL" BE "SAVED!" FOR WITH THE "HEART" ONE BELIEVES UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND WITH THE "MOUTH" CONFESSION IS MADE UNTO "SALVATION!" Romans 10:9-10 Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com ************************************************************* "THREE TREES!" Once there were THREE TREES on a hill in the Woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the FIRST TREE said, "Someday I hope to be a TREASURE CHEST! I could be decorated with intricate carvings and everyone would see the Beauty. I will hold Diamond Rings and Bracelets and many other Valuable Possessions. Then the SECOND TREE said, "Someday I will be a MIGHTY SHIP. I will take Kings and Queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the World. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the Strength of my Hull. Finally, the THIRD TREE said, "I want to grow to be the TALLEST AND STRAIGHTEST TREE IN THE FOREST. People will see me on top of the Hill and look up to my Branches, and think of the Heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the GREATEST TREE OF ALL TIME and people will always remember me." After a few years, a group of Woodsmen came upon the TREES. When one came to the FIRST TREE, he said, "This looks like a STRONG TREE, I think I should be able to sell the Wood to a Carpenter, and he began cutting the TREE down. The TREE was happy, because he knew that the Carpenter would make him into a TREASURE CHEST. At the SECOND TREE, the Woodsman said, "This looks like a STRONG TREE, I should be able to sell the Wood to the Shipyard." The SECOND TREE was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a MIGHTY SHIP! When the Woodsman came upon the THIRD TREE, the TREE was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down, his Dreams would not come true. One of the Woodsman said, "I don't need anything special from this TREE. I'll just take this one, and he cut it down. When the FIRST TREE arrived at the Carpenter's Shop, he made the Wood into a FEED BOX FOR ANIMALS. It was then placed in a Barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The SECOND TREE was cut and made into a SMALL FISHING BOAT. His Dreams of being a MIGHTY SHIP and carrying Kings and Queens had come to an end. The THIRD TREE was cut into pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the TREES forgot about their Dreams. Then one day, a MAN AND WOMAN came to the Barn. She gave Birth to a SON and placed the Baby in the hay in the FEED BOX that was made from the FIRST TREE. The Carpenter wished he had made a Crib for the Baby, but this MANGER would have to do. The FIRST TREE could feel the importance of this EVENT, and knew that it had held the GREATEST TREASURE OF ALL TIME! Years later, a group of men got in SMALL FISHING BOAT made from the SECOND TREE. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a GREAT STORM AROSE and the TREE didn't think it was STRONG ENOUGH to keep them safe. But the Men woke the sleeping Man, and He stood and said "PEACE BE STILL" and the Storm stopped. Now, the TREE knew that it had carried THE KING OF KINGS IN ITS BOAT! Finally, someone came and got the THIRD TREE! It was carried through the Streets as the People MOCKED THE MAN who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the MAN was Nailed to the TREE and RAISED IN THE AIR TO DIE AT THE TOP OF THE HILL. When EASTER SUNDAY came, the TREE realized that it was STRONG ENOUGH to stand at the TOP OF THE HILL and be as CLOSE TO GOD as was possible, because JESUS, THE SON OF GOD, HAD BEEN CRUCIFIED ON IT! (EYE-OPENING) Friend, GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE! A PLAN TO BRING FULFILLMENT TO YOUR LIFE! IT MAY NOT BE EXACTLY WHAT YOU MAY HAVE DREAMED FOR YOUR LIFE, BUT GOD NEVER MAKES A MISTAKE, AND HIS WILL IS ALWAYS BEST. GOD'S WAY IS THE BEST WAY; GOD'S WAY IS THE RIGHT WAY; I'LL TRUST IN HIM ALWAYS FOR HE KNOWS THE BEST! UNDERSTAND IT ALL BEGINS WITH A PERSONAL ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR. TRUST HIM, FRIEND, HE WILL NEVER FAIL YOU. Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com ************************************************************** "WHO IS THIS?" On PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2005 in Churches all over the world, The Body of Christ will Celebrate the Glorious Entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, riding on a Lowly Donkey. "Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two Disciples, saying to them, "Go into the Village opposite you, and immediately you will find a Donkey and a Colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you will say, "The Lord has need of them, and immediately he will send them." All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophet, saying, "Tell the Daughter of Zion, behold your KING is coming to you, Lowly and Sitting on a Donkey, a Colt, the Foal of a Donkey." So the Disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. They brought the Donkey and the Colt, laid their clothes on them and set Him on them. And a very Great Multitude spread their clothes on the road; Others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. Then the Multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying "HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD! HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST!" And when He had come into the JERUSALEM, all the City was moved, saying, WHO IS THIS?" Matthew 21:1-10 Prior to this Glorious Presentation of Himself to the Nation, this question was raised again and again because of the Powerful Works Jesus performed before their very eyes. Nicodemus, one of the Rulers of the Jews, approached Jesus and pointedly and plainly said, "Rabbi, we know that You are a Teacher come from God, FOR NO ONE CAN DO THESE SIGNS THAT YOU DO UNLESS GOD IS WITH HIM." John 3:1-2 Nicodemus was absolutely correct, however, what this Ruler did not realize was that God standing right there in his presence in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, TRUE GOD AND TRUE MAN! On another occasion, the Jews surrounded Jesus and said, "How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I TOLD YOU, AND YOU DO NOT BELIEVE. THE WORKS THAT I DO IN MY FATHER'S NAME, THEY BEAR WITNESS OF ME. BUT YOU DO NOT BELIEVE, BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT OF MY SHEEP. AS I SAID TO YOU, "MY SHEEP HEAR MY VOICE AND I KNOW THEM, AND THEY FOLLOW ME. AND I GIVE TO THEM ETERNAL LIFE AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH, NEITHER SHALL ANYONE SNATCH THEM OUT OF MY HAND. MY FATHER WHO HAS GIVEN THEM TO ME, IS GREATER THAN ALL; AND NO ONE CAN SNATCH THEM OUT OF MY FATHER'S HAND. I AND MY FATHER ARE ONE!" When they heard these words spoken by Jesus, "THEY TOOK UP STONES AGAIN TO STONE HIM!" Jesus answered them, "Many good works I have shown you from My Father, for which of these do you stone Me? They answered, "For a good work we do not stone you, BUT FOR BLASPHEMY, AND BECAUSE YOU BEING A MAN, MAKE YOURSELF GOD!" John 10:22-33 There is no question that the Leaders of the Day understood only too well what Jesus was claiming for Himself. HE WAS CLEARLY CLAIMING FOR HIMSELF, DEITY! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE GOD MANIFESTED IN FLESH" "IN BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD.....AND THE WORD BECAME FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US AND WE BEHELD HIS GLORY, AS OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN OF THE FATHER, FULL OF GRACE AND TRUTH." John 1:1-14 Jesus said, "For I have come DOWN from Heaven, not to do My Own will, but the will of Him who sent Me....I AM the Living Bread, WHICH CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN! I AM the Bread of Life, He who comes to Me shall never Hunger Spiritually, and He who believes in Me shall never Thirst Spiritually. FOR THE BREAD OF GOD IS HE WHO COMES DOWN FROM HEAVEN, AND GIVES LIFE TO THE WORLD." John 6:33-51 WHO IS THIS? Who is this One Riding into Jerusalem on a lowly Donkey? The Apostle writes: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. Who being in the form of God, POSSESSING THE VERY ESSENCE OF DEITY, did not consider it ROBBERY TO BE EQUAL WITH GOD, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a Bondservant, and coming in the likeness of Men. And being found in appearance as a Man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto DEATH, EVER THE DEATH OF THE CROSS. Therefore God also has highly EXALTED HIM, and given Him a Name that is ABOVE every Name, THAT AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW, AND EVERY TONGUE CONFESS THAT "JESUS CHRIST" IS "LORD" TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER." Philippians 2:5-11 Friend, He came to give YOU LIFE, AND LIFE MORE ABUNDANT! Have you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. Open the Door of your Heart, and BID HIM ENTER WHILE YOU MAY! If you will humbly do that, you too will say, HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID. BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST. TRUE TO HIS NAME, HE WILL "SAVE NOW!" SAY THOSE WORDS OF DOUBTING THOMAS, WHO WHEN HE SAW JESUS ALIVE, SAID "MY LORD, AND MY GOD!" Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com ************************************************************** "THE MASTERPIECE" The second of five brothers, "MICHELANGELO" was born on Monday, MARCH 6, 1475 at Caprese in Tuscanny. Although born in a small Village of Caprese, Michelangelo always considered himself a "SON OF FLORENCE!" His Mother, Francesca Neri, was too sick and frail to nurse her child, so he was placed with a Nurse in a family of STONE CUTTERS, where, as he said, "I sucked in the Craft of Hammer and Chisel with my Foster Mother's milk." When he told his Father that he wanted to be an Artist, his Father said as he flew into a rage, "Artists are Laborers no better than Shoemakers." When Michelangelo turned 13 years old, he Shocked and Enraged his Father when he told that he had agreed to Apprentice in the workshop of the Painter Domenico Ghirlandaio, and after one year of learning the Art of Fresco, went on to study at the School of Sculpture. Shortly after, he was invited into the household of Lorenzo de' Medici, the Magnificent. I read an article that stated, when Michelangelo was a young lad, sitting at the table with Friends, he shaped the Butter on the plate into a Lion. When those present saw what he had done, they said, "Don't waste your time Sculpturing Butter, work on Imperishable Marble. One of the high points in his Artistic Career, was the Marble Statue of DAVID. He used David as a model of Heroic Courage. He felt this young Biblical Hero demonstrated INNER SPIRITUAL STRENGTH, AND HIS "FAITH" IN GOD, "THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY SHIELD" Enabling this Young Shepherd to Overcome the Enemies of Israel. The Marble "PIETA" still in its original place in Saint Peter's Basilica, is one of his most famous Works of Art, and was completed before he reached the age of twenty-five. Mary is shown Seated Majestically, holding the DEAD CHRIST across her lap. Of his work Giorgio Vasari stated, "It is certainly a miracle that a FORMLESS BLOCK OF STONE could ever have been reduced to a Perfection that Nature is scarcely able to create in the flesh." The SISTINE CHAPEL CEILING was a project that was Physically, and Emotionally Torturous for Michelangelo. He said, "After Four Tortured Years, more that 400 Over Life-Sized Figures, I felt as Old and as Weary as Jeremiah. I was only 37, Yet Friends did not Recognize the Old Man I had Become." When someone said to this Artist, why do spend so much time working with Stone and Marble, he answered, "I see an Angel Imprisoned in the Block of Stone, and as I Remove the Excess Stone, the Angel is Released." The Crowning achievement of this Great Artist was his work at St. Peter's Basilica, where he was made the CHIEF ARCHITECT in 1546. He said, "Many Believe, and I Believe, that I have been designated for this WORK BY GOD, in spite of my Old Age. I do not want to give it up. Although this Man had many personal problems in his Life, his passion, I believe is found in these words, I WORK OUT OF "LOVE" FOR GOD, AND I PUT ALL MY "HOPE" IN HIM. His Biblical Works of Art are to this Day, Very Special to the Multitudes who Visit! The last words concerning his Final Masterpiece were, "The Course of my Life has finally REACHED in its Fragile Boat over Stormy Seas, the COMMON PORT, where we must ACCOUNT for all our PAST ACTIONS. No Painting or Sculpture can Quiet my Soul, NOW turned to the DIVINE LOVE that Opens to Embrace Me in HIS Arms. On February 18th in the year 1564 Michelangelo died, GIVING HIMSELF TO GOD. He made his WILL in three sentences in front of his Physician and his Friends, saying, "HE LEFT HIS "SOUL" TO GOD, HIS "BODY" TO THE EARTH, AND HIS "MATERIAL POSSESSIONS" TO HIS NEAREST RELATIVES." Friends, NEVER FORGET, GOD IS THE SUPREME ARCHITECT AND SCULPTURE! He didn't need Stone or Marble, to do HIS Marvelous Work of Creation, He just Spoke the Word and it Was DONE. "In the beginning GOD CREATED the Heavens and the Earth." Genesis 1:1 "The Heavens Declare the GLORY OF GOD; And the Firmament shows HIS "HANDIWORK!" Psalm 19:1 "The Heavens are YOURS, the Earth also is YOURS; The World and "ALL" its Fullness, FOR YOU HAVE FOUNDED THEM!" Psalm 89:11 "YOU LORD in the beginning laid the FOUNDATION of the EARTH, and the HEAVENS are the "WORK" OF YOUR HANDS." Hebrews 1:10 When the Eternal Sculpture made Perfect Man we read, "And the Lord God "FORMED" MAN OF THE "DUST" OF THE GROUND, AND BREATHED INTO HIS NOSTRILS THE BREATH OF LIFE AND MAN BECAME A LIVING SOUL. Genesis 2:7 The Psalmist wrote: "For you "FORMED" My inward parts; YOU covered Me in my Mother's Womb. I WILL PRAISE YOU, FOR I AM "FEARFULLY" AND "WONDERFULLY" MADE, MARVELOUS ARE YOUR "WORKS" AND THAT MY SOUL KNOWS VERY WELL." Psalm 139:13-14 Suffering and Greatly Tested Job wrote: "YOUR "HANDS" HAVE "MADE" ME AND "FASHIONED" ME!" Job 10:8 Yes, GOD IS THE SUPREME SCULPTURE! Not only in the Creation of Man, but in the REGENERATION of Fallen Mankind. "And You has He QUICKENED, made ALIVE, who were DEAD in Trespasses and Sin." Ephesians 2:1 "If ANYONE be in CHRIST JESUS, HE IS A "NEW" CREATION, OLD THINGS ARE PASSING AWAY, AND BEHOLD ALL THINGS HAVE BECOME NEW!" II Corinthians 5:17 God is WORKING, YES, CHISELING AWAY ON OUR LIVES, SHAPING US INTO VESSELS FOR THE MASTER'S USE, TO "WILL AND TO "DO OF HIS GOOD PLEASURE. The Apostle Paul wrote: "Till we all come in the Unity of the Faith and the Knowledge of the SON OF GOD, to a "PERFECT MAN" to the MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST...Speaking the Truth in Love, and Growing up in all things into Him who is the Head, CHRIST!" Ephesians 4:13 "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON!" O yes Friend, GOD is using His DIVINE TOOLS, "WORKING" with His Chisel, and when He Removes the EXCESS WEIGHT OF SIN WHICH SO EASILY ENSNARES US, THE CHRIST WHO LIVES WITHIN US IS GOING TO BE RELEASED AND WILL BE MAGNIFIED IN OUR BODIES TO THE GLORY OF GOD. I'm sure we all would willing say, "Please be Patient with Me, God is still CHISELING AWAY ON ME! And we have this Glorious Promise: "Being Confident of this very thing, that He who has BEGUN a GOOD WORK in You, will COMPLETE it until the DAY OF JESUS CHRIST!" Philippians 1:6 "Beloved, now we are Children of God, and it has not yet been Revealed what we Shall Be, BUT WE "KNOW" THAT WHEN HE IS REVEALED, WE SHALL BE "LIKE HIM" FOR WE SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS." I John 2:3 "For our Citizenship is in Heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will TRANSFORM our lowly body that it may be CONFORMED to HIS Glorious Body, according to the WORKING by which HE is Able even to Subdue All Things to Himself." Philippians 3:20-21 HALLELUJAH'S AND PRAISE, TO OUR SUPREME ARCHITECT AND SCULPTURE! IS HE YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR? Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com ************************************************************* "ON PRESIDENT'S DAY, PRAYER IS VITAL!" "Therefore, I exhort FIRST of all that Supplications, Prayers, Intercessions, and Giving of Thanks be made for "ALL" Men; For Kings and "ALL" who are in AUTHORITY, that they may lead a Peaceable Life in all Godliness and Reverence. For this is Good and Acceptable in the sight of GOD our SAVIOR, who desires "ALL" Men to be "SAVED" and come to the KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH." I Timothy 2:1-4 Tremendous Responsibilities fall upon the shoulders of our President. Decisions that affect our Nation, our Citizen, and Nations of the World rest upon him, and his Staff. How much we need to be in "PRAYER" for President George W. Bush, that the Lord may grant him WISDOM and DIRECTION in all the affairs that relate to the NEEDS of our Country, and of those beyond our Borders. God has spoken and made clear that "RIGHTEOUSNESS EXALTS A "NATION" BUT "SIN" IS A REPROACH TO ANY PEOPLE." Proverbs 14:34 It is encouraging to read some of the past President's statements spoken while holding this High and Lofty Position. "I have been Driven many times to my Knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go." "I believe the BIBLE is the BEST GIFT GOD has given to Men. All the Good from the SAVIOR of the World is communicated to us through this BOOK." "I like to see a Man Proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a Man live so HIS PLACE WILL BE PROUD OF HIM."(Abraham Lincoln) After Lincoln's reelection to the Presidency, he made this forceful statement that "He would be the most "SHALLOW and SELF-CONCEITED BLOCKHEAD" on Earth, if he ever thought he could do the job "WITHOUT "WISDOM" WHICH COMES FROM "GOD" AND NOT FROM MEN." "Associate yourself with Men of GOOD QUALITY if you esteem your own REPUTATION, for 'tis better to be "ALONE" THAN IN "BAD" COMPANY." "I hope I shall always possess FIRMNESS and VIRTUE enough to maintain what I consider the most ENVIABLE OF ALL TITLES, THE CHARACTER OF AN "HONEST" MAN." (George Washington) " Speaking in honor of George Washington, John Hall Ingham, said, "This was the Man "GOD" gave to us when the hour proclaimed "THE DAWN OF LIBERTY BEGUN!" "Peace like Charity, begins at Home!" "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today; LET US MOVE FORWARD WITH "STRONG" AND "ACTIVE" FAITH." (Franklin D. Roosevelt) "The Men of Normandy had FAITH that what they were doing was Right; FAITH that they fought for all Humanity; FAITH that a JUST GOD would grant them Mercy on this Beachhead or the next. It was the deep knowledge, and we PRAY GOD we have not lost it, that there is a profound Moral Difference between the use of FORCE for LIBERATION, and the use of FORCE for CONQUEST." (Ronald Reagan) "Our FAITH based Institutions display that same spirit of PRAYER and SERVICE in their Work every day. Lincoln's call is still heard throughout the land. People of FAITH have no corner on compassion. BUT, People of FAITH need Compassion if they are to be TRUE to their most cherished Beliefs. For PRAYER means more than presenting "GOD" with "OUR" Plans and Desires, PRAYER means opening ourselves to GOD'S PRIORITIES!" (George W. Bush) I love the statement that our FIRST LADY, Laura Bush made about her husband: "HE IS STRONG ENOUGH TO SHOULDER THE TOUGH AFFAIRS OF THE NATION, BUT "HUMBLE" ENOUGH TO ASK THE "LORD" FOR HIS "DIVINE" HELP!" We must always remember that the Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent God still "RULES" from His Heavenly Throne in the affairs of the Nations. As the Prophet Daniel wrote: "THE MOST HIGH GOD "RULES" IN THE KINGDOM OF MEN, AND GIVES IT TO WHOMEVER HE WILL!" Rest assured, Friend, GOD IS IN CONTROL! He is WRITING HISTORY! He is moving all things to the great consummation, when the Lord Jesus Christ will come again and establish His Eternal Kingdom here on Earth, for "HE IS THE KING OF kings, and THE LORD OF lords, and of "HIS KINGDOM, THERE SHALL BE NO END." The wonder of it all is found in these precious words of Scripture: "Grace from Jesus Christ, the Faithful Witness, the Firstborn from the DEAD, and the "RULER" over the kings of the Earth. To Him who "LOVED US" and "WASHED US" FROM OUR "SINS" IN HIS OWN BLOOD; AND HAS MADE US KINGS AND PRIESTS TO HIS GOD AND FATHER, TO HIM BE GLORY AND DOMINION FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN!" Revelation 1:5-6 "BLESSED and HOLY is he who has part in the First Resurrection. Over such the Second Death has no Power, but they shall be PRIESTS OF GOD AND OF CHRIST, AND SHALL REIGN WITH HIM A THOUSAND YEARS." Revelation 20:6 Yes Friend, if you belong to JESUS CHRIST; If He is your LORD AND SAVIOR; YOU WILL ONE DAY "REIGN" WITH HIM! WHAT A DAY THAT IS GOING TO BE! DON'T MISS IT! Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com \ ************************************************************* "THE DEEPEST EXPRESSION OF LOVE!" "RED HEARTS" are on display everywhere, reminding us that the Season of "LOVE" has arrived once more. "LOVE" indeed is in the Air, and we know "What the World Needs Now Is "LOVE!" Above all, God's "LOVE" Touching and Enhancing Every Relationship. King Solomon wrote these choice words about "LOVE!" "Set me a SEAL upon your Heart, as a SEAL upon your arm; for "LOVE" is Strong as Death; Jealousy is Cruel as the Grave; the Coals thereof are Coals of Fire, which has a most Vehement Flame. Many Waters Cannot Quench "LOVE," nor can the Floods Drown it. If a Man would give for "LOVE" all the Wealth of his House, it would be utterly despised." Song of Solomon 8:6-7 This is a Strong Statement on Commitment to utter Faithfulness, and a Seal that forever Ratifies a Contract. A "LOVE" that is irreversible: A "LOVE" no Earthly Influence can Destroy or Drown. With that in Mind, let's REFRESH our Hearts and Minds with GOD'S Declaration of what "LOVE" is Really all about. "Though I speak with the Tongues of Men and of Angels, BUT have not "LOVE," I AM BECOME SOUNDING BRASS OR A CLANGING CYMBAL. And though I have the Gift of Prophecy, and Understand all Knowledge, and though I have all Faith, so that I could Remove Mountains, BUT have not "LOVE," I AM NOTHING! And though I bestow all my Goods to Feed the Poor, and though I Give my Body to be Burned, BUT have not "LOVE," IT PROFITS ME NOTHING! "LOVE" Suffers Long and is Kind; "LOVE" does not Envy; "LOVE" does not Parade Itself, is not Puffed Up; Does not Behave Rudely; Does not Seek its Own; Is not Provoked; Thinks no Evil; Does not Rejoice in Iniquity, but Rejoices in the Truth; Bears "ALL" Things, Believes "ALL" things, Hopes "ALL" things, Endures "ALL" Things. "LOVE" NEVER FAILS! But whether there are Prophecies, they will Cease; Whether there are Tongues, they will be Stilled; Whether there is Knowledge, it will Pass Away. For we Know in Part, and we Prophecy in Part, but when that which is Perfect has Come. then that which is Imperfect shall Disappear. When I was a Child, I Spoke like a Child, I Thought as a Child, I Reasoned like a Child; BUT when I became a Man, I put Childish Ways Behind Me. Now we See but a Poor Reflection as in a Mirror; Then we shall See Face to Face. Now I Know in Part; Then I shall Know Fully, even as I am Fully Known. AND NOW THESE THREE REMAIN, "FAITH" "HOPE" AND "LOVE!" BUT THE GREATEST OF THESE IS "LOVE!" IT IS IN THE MANIFESTATION OF GOD'S DIVINE "LOVE," IN "EVERY" RELATIONSHIP, THAT WE SHOW THE "GENUINENESS" OF OUR "FAITH" IN THE "CRUCIFIED" SAVIOR, AND THE LIVING "HOPE" WE HAVE THROUGH HIS "RESURRECTION" FROM THE DEAD. Friend, "We have an Inheritance that is Incorruptible and Undefiled and that does not Fade Away, "RESERVED" IN HEAVEN FOR US WHOSE FAITH RESTS ALONE IN THE SOON COMING KING OF kings, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!" HAVE A HAPPY "VALENTINE'S DAY" EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR! Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com ************************************************************* "HAIL TO THE CHIEF!" As President George W. Bush walked to his seat on the Platform, the U.S. Marine Band played "HAIL TO THE CHIEF!" On this date, JANUARY 19, 2005 the 55th Inaugural Ceremony was held and George W. Bush, and Richard B. Cheney were sworn into office as President and Vice President of the United States of America. Before an open Bible, they swore to uphold the Constitution of our Great Country, SO HELP ME GOD! It was George Washington who first pronounced the words "SO HELP ME GOD" at his inaugural Ceremony and President's have followed his example to this day. Washington also gave the shortest Inaugural Address to commence his second term that was ever given. It contained only 135 words. He also KISSED THE BIBLE after taking the Oath of Office. Although played to announce the entrance of the President back in the 1800's, it was in 1954 that the Department of Defense made "HAIL TO THE CHIEF" the official music to announce the President of the United States. PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE is an important street in the United States Capital, Washington, D.C. The street runs for SEVEN MILES, but the stretch from the White House to the United States Capital Building is considered the most important. This STREET, though little more than a wide dirt road, was first named "GRAND AVENUE" by Washington and Jefferson, but when the Capital was moved from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., as Consolation for the move, IT WAS RENAMED PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE. With the Inaugural Address of President Bush completed, and after they had Dined, the Parade began with thousands marching down the Avenue, and thousands along with the President, the First Lady, and family watching as each who participated march by. The Navy, The Army, The Air Force, The Marines, The Coast Guard, The Merchant Marines marched with their Bands playing their stirring music. Other Bands and Groups from so many different States were involved, and of course, TEXAS AND WYOMING, were well represented! WHAT AN "EXCITING" EVENT! There is no question that the next FOUR YEARS will be difficult years for our President. With the Terrorism that is taking place around the world, as well as the desire of the Terrorist to do their evil damaging work here at home; with the Media looking for anything negative about the decisions President Bush has made or will make; and most assuredly, there will be some Democrats, who will have their own interests at heart, more than the President's SUCCESS, and knowing, as the President's term draws to an end, he will be a LAME DUCK President, IT COULD BE A REAL CHALLENGE AND A DIFFICULT PERIOD OF TIME. HOWEVER, GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE, and in spite of all that could be NEGATIVE, our PRESIDENT has clearly stated HE HAS A FAITHFUL "PRAYER LIFE" with our Heavenly Father, and you and I "MUST" uphold him in our "PRAYERS" daily. "GOD is ABLE to do the EXCEEDING ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL WE ASK or THINK!" Ephesians 3:20 In fact, taking the liberty to speak for President Bush, I know for him, the words "HAIL TO THE CHIEF" have a different significance. for he would say, "HAIL TO THE CHIEF," THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO IS HIS LORD AND SAVIOR. "Behold, I lay in Zion a "CHIEF CORNERSTONE" AND HE WHO BELIEVES ON HIM, JESUS CHRIST, WILL BY NO MEANS BE PUT TO SHAME!" I Peter 2:6-7 When Wesley Pruden, Washington Times Editor in Chief, asked the President about his "PRAYER LIFE" he said, "I will have my hand on the BIBLE...I fully understand that the job of the President is and must always be protecting the great right of people to Worship or not Worship as they see fit.....That's what distinguishes us from the Taliban. The Greatest "FREEDOM" we have, or ONE of the Greatest FREEDOMS, is the right to Worship the way you see fit. And on the other hand, I DON'T SEE HOW YOU CAN BE PRESIDENT, AT LEAST FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, WITHOUT A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD!" The Apostle Peter wrote about "THE MOST HIGH CHIEF!" "And when the "CHIEF" SHEPHERD APPEARS, YOU WILL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF GLORY THAT DOES NOT FADE AWAY." I Peter 5:4 Say Friend, DO YOU KNOW "THE CHIEF SHEPHERD?" He LOVES you and proved it by DYING ON THE CROSS, PAYING THE PRICE FOR YOUR SINS, TO SET YOU FREE FROM ALL GUILT AND CONDEMNATION. ""Whoever CALLS upon the Name of the LORD shall be SAVED!" IS IT TIME TO CALL? LIFE WILL NEVER HAVE ITS FULL MEANING WITHOUT A "PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP" WITH THE LORD! Comments click here: www.challengeoffaith.org ************************************************************* "DID YOU? ARE YOU? Well Friend, did You "MAKE" some New Year Resolutions? Are you "KEEPING" them? What did you "RESOLVE" to do in this New Year 2005? It has been stated that about 34% of Americans planned to make a New Year's Resolution this year. It is quite interesting to note the Survey that the Marist College Institute For Public Opinion took at the beginning of the Year 2004. The TOP "RESOLUTIONS MADE BY AMERICANS WERE: (1) Get a better Job = 15%, (2) Be a better Person = 15%, (3) Lose Weight = 10% (4) Stop Smoking = 9% (5) Spend Less Money = 9% (6) Exercise More = 6% (7) Improve Health = 5% (8) Get Closer To God = 4% (9) Stop Drinking = 4% (10) Be More Kind To Others = 4% (11) Go Back To School = 4% For many, it is a Fresh Challenge to start a NEW CHAPTER OF LIFE with NEW GOALS, and a sincere HOPE of improving the QUALITY OF LIFE! Sad to say, it has been estimated that only about HALF of the New Year's Resolutions survive through SPRING! All the RESOLUTIONS on the list are COMMENDABLE, but, did you note that only 4% of those who took part in the Survey made a RESOLUTION to "GET CLOSER TO GOD" which is really the MAJOR KEY in reaching our GOALS! As the Apostle Paul stated, "I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME." Philippians 4:13 To GET CLOSER TO GOD, YOU must FIRST begin by Accepting JESUS CHRIST as your LORD and SAVIOR, for Christ said, "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, No one can come to the Father except by Me." John 14:6 As the Apostle Peter proclaimed: "Neither is there SALVATION in any other, for there is NO OTHER NAME under Heaven, given among Men by which we must be SAVED." Acts 4:12 Once you take this step of Faith and become a Child of God, the Believer's GOAL is well summed up in this Hymn we have often sung: "DRAW ME NEARER, NEARER BLESSED LORD, TO THE CROSS WHERE THOU HAS DIED; DRAW ME NEARER, NEARER BLESSED LORD, TO THY PRECIOUS BLEEDING SIDE." Among the "RESOLUTIONS" that all of us in the Redeemed Family of God should focus upon, are: "Having our eyes wide open to the Mercies of God, let us "RESOLVE" to "Present our Bodies a Living Sacrifice, Holy, Acceptable to GOD, which is our Spiritual Worship. And not to be Conformed to this World, but TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING of our MINDS, that we may prove what is that Good and Acceptable and Perfect Will of God." Romans 12:1-2 Let us "RESOLVE" that we will not let "Our Liberty in Christ become a "STUMBLING BLOCK" to those who are Weak." I Corinthians 8:9 To "Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness!" Matthew 6:33 Husbands, let us "RESOLVE" to assume the Spiritual Leadership in the home, and "To Love our Wives just as Christ Loved the Church and gave Himself for Her....And Wives to be Faithful Helpmates to Husbands, as to the Lord...Father's not provoking our Children to wrath, but to bring them up in the Training and Admonition of the Lord.......Children "RESOLVING" to obey their parents in the Lord for this is right." Ephesians 5:22-25 - 6:1-4 How strong is the attack of Satan on our Homes today. Families being destroyed because of Sin that so easily besets us. Let us "RESOLVE" to be Faithful "Ambassadors, to whom God has committed the Word of Reconciliation. Ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us, to implore those who are yet with out Christ to be RECONCILED to God." II Corinthians 5:19-20 Holding Fast and Holding Forth the Word of Truth! Let us "RESOLVE" to have our LIVES and our HOMES in ORDER, for JESUS said, "Therefore, YOU also be READY, for the SON OF MAN IS COMING AT AN HOUR YOU DO NOT KNOW!" Matthew 24:44 O Yes, there is so much more, like FAITHFULLY READING THE WORD OF GOD, AND MAINTAINING A STEADFAST "PRAYER LIFE!" AND WHEN "SPRING" COMES, TO BE ABLE TO SAY, MY "RESOLVE" is STRONG and will continue through the "SUMMER" through the "FALL" AND "WINTER" and until JESUS COMES AGAIN. Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com ************************************************************* "A "HAPPY" OR "BLESSED" NEW YEAR? Someone has stated, "there are only TWO KINDS OF PEOPLE in our world today: those who are "HAPPY" because they have had Good Fortune, and those who are "NOT HAPPY" because they have not experienced Good Fortune. Their main emphasis in life is that "HAPPINESS" is the result of external circumstances. How many times have you heard people speak about their "BAD LUCK" over situations that put a large dent into their "HAPPINESS!" Please note, the Redeemed Body of Christ does not believe in "LUCK" WHETHER GOOD OR BAD! "HAPPY" is a word that is derived from the root word "HAP" meaning that which is by "CHANCE!" Therefore all that "HAPPENS" in our world that affects our lives; all the varied "CIRCUMSTANCES" that comes our way, determines whether we will be "HAPPY" or "UNHAPPY!" Friend, I am so thankful that this is "NOT" the PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE that GOD has given to us in the HOLY SCRIPTURES. Jesus said, "These things I have spoken to you that "MY JOY" may "REMAIN" in you, and that your "JOY" may be Full." John 15:11 Yes, Friend, no matter what the CIRCUMSTANCES! The Word of God states: "BLESSED" is the Person in whose Heart God Himself has taken up residence. To all who have received JESUS CHRIST as LORD and SAVIOR this charge is given: "Do you not know that your Body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a Price; therefore, Glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are GOD'S!" I Corinthians 6:19-20 "YOU will show me the Path of Life for IN YOUR PRESENCE THERE IS FULLNESS OF JOY!" Psalm 16:11 Perhaps Instead of saying "HAPPY NEW YEAR" we should say "A BLESSED NEW YEAR" for it "MIGHT NOT" be a "HAPPY NEW YEAR" "IF" our "HAPPINESS" is destroyed by circumstances that might bring Sorrow, Pain, and possibly, even a Departure of a Loved One. A "BLESSED NEW YEAR" is one that the TRIALS OF LIFE cannot Destroy! TRUE BELIEVERS are not "BLESSED" because of what the world may give, but because of what GOD has given through the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Fortune, Good or Bad, should never be the "KEY" to a true Believer's HAPPINESS! Digest carefully these words recorded by the Apostle Paul: "Rejoice in the Lord Always. And again I will say, REJOICE!" And then, this Giant Servant of Christ penned these words: "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have "LEARNED" in "WHATEVER" state I am, to be CONTENT! I know how to be "ABASED" and I know how to "ABOUND!" Everywhere and in "ALL" things I have "LEARNED" both to be "FULL" and to be "HUNGRY" both to "ABOUND" and to "SUFFER" NEED. I CAN DO "ALL" THINGS THROUGH "CHRIST" WHO STRENGTHENS ME." Philippians 4:4-13 Did Paul mature to this level of Faith and Trust immediately at his Conversion? NO NEVER! He said, "I HAVE "LEARNED!" O yes, Christian Friend, he "LEARNED" as he endured much Pain, Rejection and Physical Suffering for the cause of Christ, that his "JOY" was not dependant upon these severe circumstances that touched his life, but on the PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST, his LORD and SAVIOR. That's why he and Silas, after being BEATEN with many STRIPES, and put into PRISON with their FEET placed in STOCKS, could at Midnight, Pray and Sing Hymns of Praise to God, that resulted in the conversion of the Philippian Jailer and his family. What a Testimony! YES, EVEN IN PRISON THEY WERE "REJOICING IN THE LORD!" The Prophet Habakkuk wrote: "Though the Fig Tree may not blossom, nor Fruit be on the Vines; Though the labor of the Olive may Fail, and the Fields yield no Food; Though the Flock may be cut off from the Fold, and there be no Herd in the Stalls, YET I WILL "REJOICE" IN THE LORD! I WILL "JOY" IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION!" Habakkuk 3:17-18 As we face this challenging "NEW YEAR" with all its Potential and Uncertainty, remember, "THE LORD DIRECTS OUR STEPS!" Proverbs 16:9 And the Lord has promised, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU!" Hebrews 13:5 A "BLESSED NEW YEAR" TO ALL! Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com ********************************************************************************** "IT HAPPENED IN A STABLE!" The Marvelous Scriptural Account of "CHRISTMAS" and the BIRTH OF BABY JESUS, is the TRUE ACCOUNT OF THE DAY WHEN HEAVEN TOUCHED EARTH! "Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the City of Nazareth, into Judea, to the City of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the House and Lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, WHO WAS WITH CHILD. So it was that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. AND SHE BROUGHT FORTH HER FIRSTBORN SON, AND WRAPPED HIM IN SWADDLING CLOTHS, AND LAID HIM IN A MANGER, BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ROOM IN THE INN." Luke 2:4-7 What CONDESCENSION TO BRING US OUR ETERNAL SALVATION! The story is told of a poor drunkard who was awakened one morning in a very strange bed. He had been so under the influence of alcohol the night before, that he didn't know where he had stumbled and fallen in his drunken stupor. Finally it dawned upon him that he was in a "STABLE" close beside a cow. He laughed grimly as he thought of breakfast. In his mind he went down the list of those who might be persuaded to help him with a meal. "NO, I CAN'T ASK ANY OF THEM, THEY WOULD SAY I HAVE FALLEN TOO LOW." Then suddenly, he heard the BELLS RINGING, and began to realize it was CHRISTMAS DAY. As he lay in the STRAW, his mind began to question. What was that STORY about the Shepherds, the Angels, a Stable, and a Manger? Well, he thought to himself, he wasn't the first one to lay his head on the STRAW in a STABLE. He concluded, "Maybe the reason "HE" slept in a Manger in a Stable was so that "HE" could help someone like me, a fellow too low for anyone else to help!" Great conviction swept over his SOUL as he remembered his early Christian training. KNEELING IN THE STRAW, THE POOR OUTCAST RAISED THE "PENITENT'S HUMBLE PRAYER, "GOD BE MERCIFUL TO ME A SINNER!" Then, like the Shepherds of old, he too found "GOD IN A STABLE!" O Friend, listen carefully, "There was a day unknown before in History, when God came down to dwell as Man. As a humble Babe He came, the Lord of Heaven, O Child what LOVE He must have had for you and for me. That was the Day when God revealed Himself to Man, through Jesus Christ His only Son, what a perfect life He lived, what Wisdom taught us, but most of all what LOVE HE had for YOU and for ME. LOVE CAME DOWN THAT HOLY NIGHT, LOVE CAME DOWN TO "SAVE" US ALL, AND ONE DAY LOVE NAILED HIM ON A CROSS, TO TAKE "MY" PLACE, HIS NAME IS LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, HIS NAME IS JESUS. HIS NAME IS LOVE!" "FOR GOD "SO LOVED" THE WORLD!" Friend, THAT INCLUDES YOU! RECEIVE CHRIST TODAY AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR, AND BEGIN TO LIVE! Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com ********************************************************************************** "ARE YOU ON THE "VICTORY" SIDE?" I did not know this until today, but DECEMBER 17, IS "UNDERDOG DAY!" Can you believe that? One of the great Nascar Race Drivers is Jeff Gordon, who has won so many spectacular Nascar Events. Our Son Brent, has a small restaurant, "THE TIN MUFFIN CAFE" and it was quite an exciting moment to see Jeff Gordon sitting at one of the tables, enjoying the good food the Staff prepares daily. Now if HE and I were in a PRIVATE RACE at the DAYTONA BEACH RACEWAY, who do you think would be the "UNDERDOG?" You would be an outright LIAR if you said Jeff Gordon would be the "UNDERDOG!" I recall the year the New York Yankees and the Florida Marlins were playing for the WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP. The Yankees with their POWERHOUSE HITTERS, and PITCHERS were FAVORED to sweep the series in four games or five at the most. The lowly Marlins, were a MISFIT in the minds of so many. THEY WERE DEFINITELY THE "UNDERDOG!" I'm sure you know the rest of the story, for the "MARLINS" taught the "YANKEES" a tremendous lesson, NEVER TAKE AN "UNDERDOG" LIGHTLY! YOU MAY GET THE SURPRISE OF YOUR LIFE. AND DID THEY EVER! THE "UNDERDOG" MARLINS BECAME THE WORLD CHAMPIONS! Just as there is a gigantic movement to create a ONE WORLD GOVERNMENT, which in time will come to pass as the Scripture states, so, there is a great movement today in RELIGIOUS CIRCLES to build a ONE WORLD CHURCH where everyone's belief is to be accepted on EQUAL TERMS with the belief of everyone else. In other words what you believe is no better than what I believe. After all, we are all traveling toward Heaven, and we may be traveling up different roads to get to the top of the mountain, but we will all finally get to the same place. The BLOOD BOUGHT Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is a THORN IN THE FLESH to this goal of A ONE WORLD CHURCH. When you consider the "NUMBERS" of those in the world seeking to build this ONE WORLD CHURCH, THE REDEEMED BODY OF JESUS CHRIST LOOKS LIKE AN "UNDERDOG" and there are voices today clearly saying, these people who believe there is NO OTHER WAY THAN JESUS CHRIST to get to Heaven, MUST BE ELIMINATED! "THE REDEEMED CHURCH - UNDERDOGS?" NO, NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS! "WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH "HIM" WHO LOVED US!" Romans 8:37 HE is "THE "ONLY" POTENTATE, THE KING OF kings, and LORD OF lords, WHO "ALONE" HAS IMMORTALITY DWELLING IN UNAPPROACHABLE LIGHT.." I Timothy 6:15-16 "Now to HIM, "CHRIST" WHO IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU FROM STUMBLING, AND TO PRESENT YOU FAULTLESS BEFORE THE PRESENCE OF HIS GLORY WITH EXCEEDING JOY, TO "GOD" OUR "SAVIOR" WHO "ALONE" IS WISE, BE GLORY AND MAJESTY, DOMINION AND POWER BOTH NOW AND FOREVER, AMEN" Jude 1:24-25 JESUS CHRIST, the KING OF kings, and LORD OF lords, plainly stated, "I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE, "NO ONE" COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT BY ME!" John 14:6 Can that be said any clearer? One day He said to His Faithful Servants: "REJOICE BECAUSE YOUR NAMES ARE WRITTEN IN HEAVEN." Luke 10:20 WHY REJOICE? Because it will be a sad day for those "WHOSE NAMES HAVE "NOT" BEEN WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF "LIFE" OF THE "LAMB" SLAIN FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD." Revelation 13:8 For "He who BELIEVES in the SON has Everlasting Life, and he who DOES "NOT" BELIEVE the SON, shall not see life, but the Wrath of God abides on him." John 3:36 OUR "VICTORY" IS GUARANTEED! Join the "VICTORIOUS FAMILY OF THE REDEEMED" by placing a LIVING FAITH in the LIVING LORD, who gives a LIVING HOPE! YOU WILL NEVER BE AN "UNDERDOG" WHEN CHRIST IS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR! ********************************************************************************** "TORA! TORA! TORA!" We pause on this day DECEMBER 7, 2004 to remember the tragic day when "PEARL HARBOR" was attacked by the Japanese Air Force. MITSUO FUCHIDA earned a place in HISTORY as the leader of Japan's surprise attack on Hawaii aimed at the U.S. Navy Ships based there, and other Military bases as well. It was FUCHIDA who sent the Famous Radio Message Code Words, "TORA! TORA! TORA! (Tiger, Tiger, Tiger). This three word message told Fuchida's Superiors, planner Minoru Genda, and Admirals Nagumo and Yamamoto that the complete surprise attack had been ACHIEVED. Fuchida was wounded at the Battle of Midway, and reassigned to a Staff Position in Japan for the duration of the war. He decided to write the book on the "MIDWAY BATTLE" when he realized that all the Official Records had been destroyed. Most people around the world will remember this Japanese Imperial Navy Pilot for the successful attack at PEARL HARBOR, and faithful service to his Country, BUT few will remember him for his most "GLORIOUS SERVICE" FOR THE KING OF kings, and LORD OF lords, JESUS CHRIST. In 1949, when FUCHIDA had an "ENCOUNTER" with a Faithful Missionary, he opened his heart to the Word of God, and became a TRUE CHILD OF GOD, WHEN HE ACCEPTED JESUS CHRIST AS HIS LORD AND SAVIOR. In 1952, when Mr. Fuchida, himself, became a Missionary, the slightly-built former Pilot said, "That his HEART was filled with "REVENGE" at the time of the Pearl Harbor attack. But, he added, "CHRISTIANITY had opened his eyes, and I hope through "CHRIST" to help Young People of Japan LEARN A GREAT LOVE FOR AMERICA." In 1959, he toured the United States as a member of the WORLDWIDE CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY ARMY OF SKY PILOTS. Speaking that year at the Memorial Baptist Church, in Brooklyn, New York, he said, "That after the war he observed American Missionaries in Tokyo FEEDING THE STARVING and Teaching the "WAYS OF CHRIST!" "Such "FORGIVENESS" he said, "made him want to KNOW more of the CHRIST they professed to LOVE." One of his noted messages was titled, MY TESTIMONY, "FROM PEARL HARBOR TO CALVARY!" I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Fuchida in West Berlin, Germany, when I traveled with the Gospel Furtherance Society Team! On the Platform, were two Americans, a German, a Japanese, and together, we had the opportunity to share the Good News of the Gospel with many Displaced Persons who had just escaped from behind the Iron Curtain. It was a moment in my life that I shall never forget. You could feel their deep Spiritual Hunger as they listened to the Word spoken, and warmly received the Gospel Literature we presented to them. On May 30, 1976, Fuchida died at the age of 73. In the moment of his death, his MOST MEMORABLE FLIGHT was no longer Japan to Pearl Harbor, but as a "BORN AGAIN" BELIEVER IN THE "LORD JESUS CHRIST, IT WAS FROM KASHIRHARA, JAPAN TO HEAVEN'S GLORY, FOR "TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY IS TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD!" II Corinthians 5:8 Friend, when you breath your LAST BREATH and your EARTHLY LIFE Life has come to an end, will your flight take you to "HEAVEN'S GLORY?" YOU CAN WITH "FULL ASSURANCE KNOW" THAT YOU WILL SPEND ETERNITY IN THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST, IF YOU WILL RECEIVE HIM AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR. "FOR WHOEVER CALLS UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED!" Romans 10:13 "BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND YOU SHALL BE SAVED!" Acts 16:31 Comments click here: djvb7777@aol.com ********************************************************************************* "FIVE KERNELS OF CORN!" When we think of the Early Pilgrims who came to the New World on the Mayflower in November of the year 1620, we picture them celebrating "THANKSGIVING DAY" feasting, with their outdoor tables filled with plenty of food. We can picture the table with a beautiful Turkey, Corn on the Cob, Peas, and of course it would not be complete without that good 'ol Pumpkin Pie. A great Day of Celebration and Feasting. BUT, was that really how it was in that FIRST GATHERING when they paused to give "THANKS" to the LORD in that first Bleak and Freezing Cold Winter? The difficulties they endured in those beginning days, were so "SEVERE" that "MANY" became ILL, and some STARVED TO DEATH passing on to their Eternal Reward. Have you ever wondered what really was OFTEN on their PLATES to EAT? Well Friend, it was "FIVE KERNELS OF CORN!" How would you like that for your "THANKSGIVING MEAL?" And, would you pause to give THANKS? On this SPECIAL FAMILY DAY, many will follow the tradition of placing "FIVE KERNELS OF CORN" on each Plate as a reminder of what those Brave Pilgrims endured seeking "FREEDOM" TO WORSHIP THE LORD WITHOUT FEAR OF OPPRESSION AND TO FAITHFULLY SPREAD THE WORD OF GOD. FOR WHAT ARE YOU "THANKFUL?" Make a list and begin to "COUNT YOUR MANY BLESSING, AND TAKE TIME TO NAME THEM ONE BY ONE!" I know I am so "THANKFUL" God never breaks a PROMISE! "O Cleansing Word, O Precious Word, Your Promises are Forever True. They Give Me Grace to Live for Christ, Their Truths are Fresh and New." (anon) Yes, the Promise of God that we are Saved by "GRACE" and not by "WORKS" is one for which we must be forever and ever THANKFUL! Let's face it squarely, if we had to depend upon our Good Works to get to Heaven, we would be forever LOST! "Now to him who WORKS, the wages are not counted as GRACE, but as DEBT. But to him who does NOT WORK, but BELIEVES ON HIM WHO JUSTIFIES THE UNGODLY, HIS "FAITH" IS COUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Just as David also describes the Blessedness of the Man to whom God Imputes (puts to his account) RIGHTEOUSNESS, APART FROM WORKS." Romans 4:4-6 As you gather together with Family and Friends on this THANKSGIVING DAY, let's be sure we pause to give THANKS to God for the manifold blessings He has so graciously bestowed upon us, for His Blessings are New and Fresh with every passing morning. Living in a World that is in tremendous Chaos and full of much Uncertainty, it is a JOY to know as Believers in CHRIST, THAT WE ABIDE IN THE ONE WHO IS IN FULL CONTROL! NEVER DOUBT IT, FRIEND! HE HOLDS THE FUTURE IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND, and we can REJOICE that we have a PERSONAL ASSURANCE that we BELONG to CHRIST for TIME and ETERNITY, all because of His Death on the Cross as our Substitute, and His Glorious Resurrection from the Dead. Soon He will come again to call HOME all whose FAITH rests in HIM. WHAT A FABULOUS "THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION" THAT WILL BE! That is when "HE shall wipe away all TEARS from our EYES; there shall be no more DEATH, nor SORROW, nor CRYING. There shall be no more PAIN, for the FORMER THINGS have passed away, and BEHOLD, I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW!.... THESE WORDS ARE TRUE AND FAITHFUL!" Revelation 21:4-5 A BLESSED "THANKSGIVING DAY" TO ALL! Comments click here: djkvb7777@aol.com *********************************************************************************** "THE POWER OF A SPOKEN WORD!" On NOVEMBER 19, 1863, DURING THE CIVIL WAR, PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN delivered the SHORT, but POWERFUL "GETTYSBURG ADDRESS" at the site of the Battle of Gettysburg, in Pennsylvania, to dedicate a part of the Cemetery for those who had lost their lives in the Battle. Lincoln wrote the address to ensure that the battle would be seen as a great Union Triumph, and to define for all the Northern States the purpose in fighting the war. Some Historians think his speech was inspired, and though Lincoln thought the world would little note what he had to say, his speech is among the Best Remembered in American History. "Four score and seven years ago, our Fathers brought forth on this Continent, a New Nation, conceived in LIBERTY, and dedicated to the proposition that ALL men are CREATED EQUAL. Now we are engaged in a great Civil War, testing whether that Nation, or any Nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great Battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that the Nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But in a larger sense, we can not DEDICATE, we can not CONSECRATE, we can not HALLOW this Ground. The Brave Men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these HONORED DEAD we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation, UNDER GOD, shall have a new birth of FREEDOM; and that Government of the People, by the People, for the People, SHALL NOT PERISH FROM THE EARTH." Almost TWO THOUSAND YEARS AGO, "ONE" of the MANY "MOST" IMPORTANT SPEECHES the Ears of Men could ever HOPE TO HEAR, was delivered by "ONE" who left the Glories of Heaven to come to this Earth to "REDEEM" Mankind, and provide through HIS Death, and Resurrection an OPEN DOOR to Heaven for ALL who would believe in Him. Who is this ONE? His Name is THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! His Message is called "THE BEATITUDES" "Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: BLESSED are the Poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. BLESSED are those who Mourn, for they shall be Comforted. BLESSED are the Meek, for they shall Inherit the Earth. BLESSED are those who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness, for they shall be Filled. BLESSED are the Merciful, for they shall obtain Mercy. BLESSED are the Pure in Heart, for they shall SEE GOD. BLESSED are the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God. BLESSED are those who are Persecuted for Righteousness Sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. BLESSED are you when they Revile and Persecute you, and say all manner of Evil against you Falsely for MY sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for GREAT is your REWARD in Heaven, for so they Persecuted the Prophets who were before you. You are the SALT OF THE EARTH, but if the SALT LOSES ITS FLAVOR, how shall it be Seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A CITY that is set on a HILL cannot be HIDDEN. Nor do they LIGHT A LAMP and put it under a BASKET, but on a LAMP-STAND, and it gives LIGHT to all who are in the House. LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS, AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN." Matthew 5:2-16 How much the Lord longs to BLESS US and LEAD us into a FULFILLED LIFE. What did He say? "I AM COME THAT YOU MAY HAVE LIFE, AND HAVE IT MORE ABUNDANTLY!" John 10:10 True Life begins with a look of FAITH to CALVARY, where Jesus Suffered and Died paying for the SIN DEBT that we Owed! "O the Love that drew Salvation's plan! O the Grace that brought it down to man. O the Mighty Gulf that GOD did Span at CALVARY. Mercy there was Great and Grace was FREE. Pardon there was multiplied to me. There my burdened SOUL found LIBERTY, AT CALVARY!" Accepting Christ's FREE GIFT of Eternal Salvation, we become the LOWER LIGHTS for HIM who is THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD, TO SHINE FOR JESUS TILL WE SEE HIM FACE TO FACE. Christian Friend, "Trim your Feeble Lamp my Brother, some poor Sailor tempest tossed; trying now to make the Harbor, In the darkness may be lost. Let the LOWER LIGHTS be burning, send a GLEAM across the Sea; some poor Fainting Struggling Seaman, YOU MAY RESCUE, YOU MAY SAVE. We know, ONLY JESUS SAVES, but we can be LIGHTS leading folks to the FOUNTAIN OF LIFE! 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"NATIONAL VETERANS DAY" On November 11,
1918, at 11 a.m., WORLD WAR I ended. This Day
became known as In 1921, an "UNKNOWN" WORLD WAR I American Soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a Hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the City of Washington D.C. became the focal point of REVERENCE FOR AMERICA'S VETERANS. There is a SITE on a HILLSIDE called MOUNT CALVARY overlooking the great City of JERUSALEM! It is the focal point of "REVERENCE" FOR THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. At "CALVARY," the most "IMPORTANT BATTLE" of ALL TIME was fought. It was the BATTLE fought against SATAN, the father of all lies; against SIN and the SEPARATION and JUDGMENT it brings between the Soul and God; and the issue of ONE'S ETERNAL DESTINY! On that Glorious Day, almost 2000 years ago, the ETERNAL SON OF GOD, JESUS CHRIST was nailed to a CROSS! Yes Friend, "He laid aside all His Heavenly Glory, to be God's Word in the Image of Man; All to show us that LOVE, GRACE, AND MERCY, was the MYSTERY and WONDER of HIS ETERNAL PLAN. Then He carried our SINS on to CALVARY, with no Sin and no Guilt of His Own. He was nailed to a CROSS of MY making, but He used it to BRIDGE o'er the GULF TO GOD'S THRONE. NO WONDER WE CALL HIM SAVIOR. NO WONDER WE CALL HIM LORD. JESUS GOD'S "PERFECT" FAVOR, COST MORE THAN THIS WORLD COULD EVER AFFORD. HE RANSOMED HIS LIFE FOR MY PARDON</ |
