Bring on the Rain

I had a wonderful idea all of a sudden on how to explain my oldest son, Landon, about salvation. I grabbed a line paper, and a red pencil. I told him that the red pencil was Jesus' blood that he shed for us on the cross. I made several marks on the paper and said those were called SIN. We thought of several examples of what sin could be and marked them down!



I said that we could not go to Heaven with a dirty paper. God wants a clean paper.



So we took the red pencil and erased all the marks of "sin" off the paper. Now the paper was clean and white! I said, Jesus' blood washes away our sins! Now our paper is clean and we can go to Heaven!



YAY!

This recent Sunday, we had a visiting pastor. He is the vice president of West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, CA. He pointed us to these scriptures in Psalm 37 and it gave me such great peace in my heart! I had to share it with all of you as well! During these times of worry and stress, and it seems that the wickedness in this world is prospering so fast, we still have refuge under the shadow of the Lord's wings.

The Recipe for Peace

1. FRET NOT THYSELF because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of inquitity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.

2. DELIGHT THYSELF also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

3. COMMIT THY WAY unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

4. REST IN THE LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

5. CEASE FROM ANGER, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.

6. WAIT ON THE LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shall see it.

(Psalm 37:1-8, 34)

Last night, I was having a wonderful time fellowshipping with two of my girlfriends. One of them asked me why God allowed his children to suffer. That question stayed on my mind and this morning, I decided to search the scriptures. Let this be helpful to all who have asked the same question.

For the Glory that Awaits Us

Romans 8:18
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Ephesians 3:13
Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory

1 Peter 2:19
For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.


For Our Salvation and Consolation
(Note: consolation means comfort and relief)

2 Corinthians 1:5
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:6
And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

Hebrews 2:10
For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.



God hath Worketh Trials in Us to Mold Us and Shape Us

Romans 5:3-5
And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.


Sufferings Shall Bring Forth Joy at the End

1 Peter 4:13
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

I wrote this because I did not want you all to feel despaired after this last post, and I hope this shall be an encouragement to you!

We may see all those things happening in our country, as I listed in the previous post on "America Holocaust," and feel frightened or frustrated. Many men in the Bible have also cried out to God when their countries were turning away from God's will. They cried out to God, just as we have been when all those things have been happening. Habbakuk is one of these men, and he said,

"O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!

Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.

Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth." Habbakuk 1:2-4

Habbakuk wondered why God did not come quickly to avenge the righteous and why he waited so long to punish evil. The world was covered in inquitity and wickedness. Evil was abounding. Habbakuk asked God why he was allowing the wicked to prosper and for the world to continue this way? Does that sound like us?

Then God replied,

"Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe, though it be told you." Habbakuk 1:5


God already has a plan. God's judgment and wrath does not sleep very long. The Lord has seen everything happening in our country right now and everything is still under his control. The leaders in this world may THINK they are in control, but God is above them on the everlasting throne.

As his people, we shall learn to trust God and to live by faith no matter what's happening in our nation. Terrible plans are being formed by the enemy and satan is working in the powerful places on Earth, but the Earth fits in the hollow of God's hand. He is above it all and he reigns. His plans can crush the enemy's plans.

"And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry." Habbukuk 2:2

God has an appointed time for his plans to be fulfilled. Everything is happening exactly the way God knew it would as it is written. He shall fulfill his plans, and we shall have victory. There SHALL be an end to the wickedness in the world. As we approach these times, we shall look up for our redemption draweth nigh. Let us rejoice and wait on the Lord.

Here are the special names of God in the Hebrew tongue! I learned the list of names in the Biblical Doctrine class at my church and it stuck with me since. I found it useful when I praise God and worship him! These names also show the many awesome qualities of God!

Jehovah Rophe- Our Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26)
Jehovah Tsidkenu- The Lord our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)
Jehovah Shalom- The Lord our peace (Judges 6:24)
Jehovah Nissi- The Lord our banner (Exodus 17:15)
Jehovah Shammah- The Lord is present (Ezekiel 48:35)
Jehovah Sabaoth- The Lord of armies (Isaiah 44:6)
Jehovah Jireh- The Lord will provide (Genesis 22:14)
Jehovah Rohi- The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23:1)
Jehovah Mekeddeshem- The Lord who sanctifies (Leviticus 20:7-8)

I do my best thinking at night time as I lay in bed before I sleep. I tell myself to remember in the morning, but then I never do. Sometimes I'll just pull myself out of bed and write it down!

Tonight, I was thinking about how we could explain joy. Happiness is circumstantial and it depends on what we are facing, whether it be bad or good. Joy is a fruit of the spirit and it is a gift from God as we grow in our walk with him. Joy is always abiding, no matter what the circumstances are, no matter what we are facing.

As Christians, we live above the circumstances. We're not really IN it, like a lost person without God would be. Life is full of waves, tidal waves, tsunamis, storms, unpredictability, and people get tossed about and go up and down along with life's motions. As successful Christians, we sail right through it. The perfect illustration is when Jesus walked on water. There was a storm, but Jesus wasn't in it, he wasn't tossed with it, or drowning. Jesus just sailed over it.

Jesus showed Peter, a mortal, imperfect man how to walk on water. It was possible by faith and by keeping our eyes on Jesus. We have that opportunity to walk on water over the stormy seas of our lives just like Peter did.

What a gift!

Hi everyone!

I need your help! I decided yesterday that I am tired of eating junk food. I eat a huge bag of candy corn every week and I've been buying liters of cola often amongst other junk. I have been neglecting my health and even went to the hospital recently because of dehydration. That was over a month ago and I have not changed any habits. I know need to.

I am finally fed-up because it doesn't feel healthy at all. I thought, well, I want to start serving more healthy meals and start working out to feel better. I also want my (two very picky) boys to learn to eat healthier too. I'd love if any of you guys could share some recipes that we could enjoy as a family (with kids in mind too). Any ideas would be awesome!

I appreciate it, thanks :) :)

I admit that one of my biggest daily struggles is the feeling of rejection. Every day I wake up with the feeling, and it's very hard for me. Today, I was struggling with that feeling and God brought something to my mind. The Lord reminded me that even HE, the sweet Saviour, was rejected on the cross. Jesus also goes through rejection every day as thousands of people reject his gift of love. When I realized that, my feelings of rejection became so small in comparison.

I'm so grateful that I have a God who understands. I know I have a God who will never reject me but love me unconditionally. I know that even if I was the only person on this Earth, Jesus would still have come to die for me. I want to learn to be like Jesus, that even though I may be rejected from someone, I still want to learn to love unconditionally regardless.

Thousands of people, or even millions, struggle with the same problem I do. The perfect solution is to come to the God who has his arms open wide and says:

"For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b

I had a Bible study this afternoon and found great teachings about the world in 1st John. I have lived in the world before. I have thought like the world, I have talked like the world, I have been accepted by the world and thrived in the world.

Right now, I live in God. The old things are gone, and all things are new. Everything that is old and of the world will be destroyed, and the those who follow God will last. If a person is of the world, then they shall perish with the world.

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." 1 John 2:15-17

I no longer miss the world or care for anything in the world. After we live in God, and plunge ourselves in him, the world seems dull in comparison. It becomes empty, meaningless and so dark. Our feelings and perspectives of the world change when we live in God. We receive so much love and grace with the Lord, and find real purpose living in his will. Then, we are not of the world anymore, but sons and daughters of God.

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knowest us not, because it knew him not." 1 John 3:1

My question for you is, are you separated from the world? Is it obvious to everyone around you that you belong to the Lord? When we are of God, the world will reject us, mock us and cast us out like it did to Jesus. That comes with the territory as Christians, but we rejoice because we are His.

"Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." 1 John 3:13

The world has it's own style for their own kind. Worldly people talk after worldly things, in a worldly manner, and they will not receive the Word that we speak of because they are in the world. We will seem like we are speaking utter nonsense to them. They cannot perceive the truth unless God reveals it to them. They are lost.


But sometimes, even with random chance of meeting, we will find a brother or sister in Christ and they will hear us. We will recognize each other as brethren in Christ. I love it when that happens! We share the spirit of truth and are able to recognize who has the spirit of truth, and who has the spirit of error.

"They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God; he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error." 1 John 4:5-6

And great joy is knowing this, that Jesus Christ has overcome the world. He hath the victory! Those who abide in him shall also overcome the world!

"Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5:5

I wrote this because in this life we live, we all must choose whether we are of the world, or of God. We must be in one or the other. We cannot have both feet on both sides, the Father will not dwell in us if we do that. Let us turn our backs to the world, and follow the precious footprints of Jesus Christ. Let us all become his own.

Today was one of those days.

I woke up the kids from their nap and hurriedly wrapped a gift for a young boy's birthday party that was starting in a half hour. I drove the kids to the edge of town only to realize I was a day early for the party.

Then I felt bad for the kids and decided to drive them to a park that we saw from the road. We walked quite a distance to arrive to this new park, but realized it was a dog park, not a children park. We walked all the way back to the van.

I drove away and noticed my gas was empty. I pulled over at a gas station with my key in my hand, and as I came back to the car, I realized the key wasn't in my hand anymore. I looked everywhere, and even dug through the very 'sanitary' garbage can. The kids and I were stranded at the gas station for a good while until my mom got a ride and brought me a spare key.

And I came home, and nearly fell over the front door when my heels got stuck between the wedge at the door.


Ever have one of those days? :/

More people are spending time on the internet than ever before. There is easy access to every kind of information available online, chat rooms, social networks, instant messengers and emails. We also get to know many new people from all over the world. It is fun and exciting, but it can also be dangerous. Talking to strangers online is just as dangerous as talking to a stranger on the street.

Here is some information to help everyone learn about internet stalking and how to protect themselves from that.

There are three general types of internet stalkers:

1. Obsessional Stalkers: You may have known them, had a friendship with them, and ended it but they refuse to accept that the relationship is over even when they have been told repeatedly it is. They may still contact you in emails and instant messengers, or persistently try to add you on Facebook, MySpace, or other social networks. Do not think they are harmlessly in love because many of them may have been emotionally abusive, controlling and even carry a criminal record for stalking.

2. The Delusional Stalkers: They have never had a relationship with the person outside of their own mind. They could have mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or erectomania. What they have in common is a false belief that keeps them tied to their victims, even things like walking on the same side of the street, buying the same brand of orange juice, etc. There may be delusional stalkers who are determined to prove their love to the victim somehow believing they will return the same feelings. This can be dangerous, like the stalker of Jodie Foster who shot President Reagan for her.

Delusional stalkers are often loners, unmarried, socially immature, and don't really have much people skills to keep friendships and relationships. They often stalk victims who are unattainable such as celebrities, married people, and tend to draw to those in helping professions such as doctors, thearapists, teachers etc. They can be very difficult to get rid of and can be around for years.

3. Venegeful Stalkers: They get angry at their victims over slight (either real or imagined) problem. They are dangerous because they can stalk the victim but believe themselves to be the "victims." This commonly includes disgruntled employees, ex-spouses, etc. They may show a flame war, want to argue with you, disagree with you, and may even create a website about you. They can go as far as tracing you, calling you at home, at work, sending you hate mail or even going as far as finding you offline.


How to Protect Yourself.

-If you are a minor, please contact an adult immediately. This kind of thing cannot be kept a secret. Let your parents know right away! And parents, guard your children. Always know who they are talking to!

-Stop all contact with this person. Do not respond to them anymore. Do not continue the conversations, do not argue with them, just cut off all ties with them.

-Block their emails, their IMs, and any other access they may have to you. Disappear online by changing your identity and if necessary your Internet Provider. Your safety is more important than the inconvenience of having to change your online identity.

-If there are threats being made, make a report to your local police station. Bring any logs or emails with you as evidence. Keep all correspondence in order for them to be able to be traced.

-Be on guard when you are online. Do not share your information. Do not give out your home address or phone number. Do not give any information that could reveal where you are.

-If you feel uncomfortable around someone online, listen to your feelings!


Go to this website for more information:
http://www.wiredsafety.org/cyberstalking_harassment/stalker.html

I got this great interview idea from Daughter of the King! I thought it would be so fun to do with my son who is 4! I'll try not to giggle ;)


1. What is something Mom always says to you?
Landon, clean, pick up, throw in the garbage!

2. What makes Mom happy?
Make stuff clean.

3. What makes Mom sad?
If you be mean?

4. How does Mom make you laugh?
If you be silly!

5. What was Mom like as a kid?
You meet my dad?

6. How old is Mom?
Um, twenty four?

7. How tall is Mom?
Um, really far?

8. What is Mom's favorite thing to do?
Um, do work!

9. What does Mom do when you're not around?
Um, just wait?

10. If your Mom becomes famous what will it be for?
Um, to be happy!

11. What is Mom really good at?
Me.

12. What is Mom not good at?
Um, being mad!

13. What is Mom's favorite food?
Eggs.

14. What do you and Mom do together?
Play!

15. If your Mom was a TV character who would she be?
Mommy!

16. How are you and Mom different?
Um, she makes babies.

17. How are you and Mom the same?
Um, we watch tv and ninja turtles!

Here is a list that includes the doctrines of Catholicism and what the Word of God says about each one. I have tried to make it simple and clear as I can. If you are a Catholic reading this, I plead with you to open your ears to God's Word and see if it aligns with what you have been taught in your church. God's scripture is the final authority on all things.

“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar”. Proverbs 30:5-6

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works”. Timothy 3:16-17


Here is a List of Doctrines by the Catholic Church and the Bible verses that debunk them:


1. Catholics go to a priest and ask them for the forgiveness of sins.

A: "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) Mark 2:10

(Only Jesus Christ has the power to forgive sins.)

2. Catholics pray to saints to intercede to God on their behalf.

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." Timothy 2:5

(And the Bible forbids us to speak to the dead. Saints are dead, and Jesus Christ is alive.)

3. Catholics believe that the Virgin Mary is the Queen of Heaven.

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her" Luke 1:38

(A handmaid is a female servant. The Vatican added "Queen of Heaven" to their Bible and it is forbidden to add unto the Bible. )

4. Catholics believe in the Immaculate Conception.

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." 2 Corinthians 5:21

(Jesus was the only perfect person on Earth and knew no sin. Mary was blessed to be chosen to open her womb for God, but she was not immaculate. She also made a sin offering for herself (two turtle doves: refer to Luke 2).

5. Catholics believe in Purgatory.

"Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Matthew 25:34

"Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." Matthew 25:34

(There is no purgatory written in the Bible. The Bible states there are only two places for us to go to. Heaven or Hell. There is no limbo land.)

6. Catholics call their priests "father."

"But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ." Matthew 23:8-10

(The Bible says not to call anyone father, rabbi or master because we only have one father in Heaven.)

7. Catholics bow down to the Pope.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

(The Pope is a man, and there is no man higher than another. All have sinned and all have fallen short. Only worship GOD and do not bow down before anyone else.)

8. Catholics Believe that they call down Jesus body to be broken and crucified again through communion.

"And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." 1 Corinthians 11:24-25

Jesus called us to the Lord's Supper, the breaking of bread and drinking grape juice to remember him only. It is a memorial to remember what Christ has done for us on the cross. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, he did it once and for all, and that was sufficient.

9. The Catholic Church creates their own rituals and observances while the Catholic people try to complete them all so they can earn their way to Heaven.

"All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers." Matthew 23:3-4

The Catholic Church creates a heavy yoke for their believers, more laws, rules, rituals and the majority of it is not a Biblical command. Jesus warned us of these. God's burden is light, not heavy. Come to him all ye weary.



Conclusion

I have written this to help Catholic people who are seeking for the truth. I am not against Catholic people, but my heart grieves for them to know the truth. I want Catholics to be free from the bondage by the Roman Catholic Church and to be free from the false gospel of works. I want Catholics to enjoy the true freedom offered in Christ Jesus. While some of you reading this may struggle in accepting it, because it is a hard thing to accept after believing in something for so long. I understand that. I pray you will open your hearts and your mind to finding the answer. It's so important while our time on Earth is short. Ask God, and he will show you the way. He wants you to find the answer and he wants you to find him.


"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

""For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever shall believe in him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10

There is salvation in Christ Jesus and in him alone. Man will not save you, church will not save you, your works will not save you, nothing else will save you but the blood of Jesus Christ. If there were any other way, he would not have died on the cross.

If you believe in your heart that Jesus died and rose again and confess him as your Saviour, you shall be saved. You will go to Heaven when you die and be with Jesus Christ. God made a simple and beautiful plan for us to go to Heaven while man tried to make it complicated. I encourage you if you have not done so yet, to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour today.

And to the Vatican: Jesus Christ has spoken to you in the entire chapter of Matthew chapter 23.

Many of us face many battles everyday; whether it be sickness, financial troubles, a broken marriage, or anything else. We may be like soldiers on a field, facing a battle. We may see Satan's army before us and feel hopeless at the sight of what we are facing. Yet God has spoken, and he has said this battle is not yours, but his.

"Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you." 2 Chronicles 20:15-17

Do not fight this battle, for this battle belongs to the Lord. God tells us to be firm, stand still and to trust in the victory we have in the Lord. Do not fear or waver, God is with us. If he be for us, who can be against us? Remember, God never loses a battle.

You may feel defeated because of the ruins that lay around you. Is everything such a mess that it seems hopeless? Yet, God has spoken. Whatever he sets to do, he shall do it. He restores what was lost, he fixes what is broken, heals what is damaged and not only that, but he can make it higher, stronger and better than it ever was before.

"Then the heathen that are left round about you shall know that I the LORD build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the LORD have spoken it, and I will do it." Ezekiel 36:36

And everyone around you will see what God has done. They will believe in him and glorify him for what he has done in you.

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" Ephesians 3:20

And anything is possible because of God's power that is given unto us to be used. God can do all that we ask, and do it exceedingly more than we ever dreamed of. Stop trying to do it yourself, because there's nothing we can really do. Let God be God, and he can create miracles.


"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

Are you facing a battle? Remember that the battle is not yours, but the Lord's.

I was battling discouragement for the past two days. I notice that happens when I allow myself to think about and dwell on things that seem hopeless to me. I realized that it was not of God, but a hindrance from the enemy. Discouragement is a tool that Satan uses to make us lose faith in God and waver. If you start to feel discouraged, remind yourself of the victory we have in Jesus Christ.

One example from the Bible is when God brought Moses and the Jews to the Promised Land, just as he said he would do. But, when they saw the giants in the land and the mighty city, they were discouraged. They had doubted in the Lord, and because of that, they couldn't enter the promised land. We all will face our own giants, but the only thing that can defeat us is our own discouragement.

"Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there." Deuteronomy 1:28

Here are some verses of reassurance from God to help us get through these tough times. I recommend choosing at least one scripture and mediating on it. Store these words of comfort from the Lord in your heart, and remain steadfast.

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"Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged." Deuteronomy 1:21

(God has given you victory and wants you to go and claim it. Do not fear or be discouraged, go and receive these things the Lord has prepared for you.)

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9

(Do not fear, God is with you in every battle you will face. With him, there is no such thing as impossible. In fact, God thrives on impossibilities. There is nothing too hard for him!)

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10

(Whatever you're going through, you are never alone. God gives us strength to get through it. He also never loses a battle. Trust in him and turn to him.)

As for me, I will not allow my discouragement to sink in. That is what the enemy wants and he will not have it from me. I believe in God and I believe in miracles. I will be steadfast and unwavering. Discouragement will not defeat me.

Today is the day that the judges will hear both sides of PROP 8 voice their cases before the court. We need to pray fervently today that God will control the hearts and minds of the judges and that those who are supporting to preserve marriage will speak effectively in court. If the courts overturn the ban, then what rights do we have as voters anymore? It will be void.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090305/ts_nm/us_gaymarriage

^"26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

²⁷And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

²⁸And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

²⁹Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

³⁰Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

³¹Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

³²Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." Romans 1:26-32

I learned from the Women's conference that we need to seek God in our everyday lives. Often times he is there, showing himself in small ways throughout our day, but he goes unnoticed. I want to practice paying attention and I want to learn to recognize God in my life.

Lately, it has been pouring rain. I have not seen this much rain fall in this area for years. We have been needing it because of the drought. I noticed that the tree that rests in plain view from my living room balcony was bare. But, as the rain continued on, the tree started blooming. Everyday, I see the flowers grow more and more.

It's like a love note from God to me, telling me that we need the rain to bring forth the blossoms. Just like in life, we must endure these things because what they bring forth is worth it. Remember, Winter brings forth Spring.

God brings me hope whenever I feel like I'm losing mine. He's so beautiful in so many ways. Without him, I would be grieving. With him, I find hope, joy, love and peace. So Lord... bring on the rain. I trust in you.

I felt inspired when I read a few scriptures in my Sunday School class this morning. It stayed with me all day and I knew I had to write about it. I want to go in depth with these scriptures and write about how we can easily be deceived. This is something we all need to evaluate within ourselves.

Deception has been a tool used by Satan since the beginning of creation. He was the serpent that deceived Eve with the fruit from the forbidden tree. Satan has been using deception ever since, and that is why he is called the father of lies.

Deception is when something is so close to the truth, but yet it's not the truth. Those are the hardest to distinguish, but by the spirit of God, we can have discernment. By the Word of God, we will know what's right and what's not. God equips us to escape Satan's traps.

1. Are you being deceived by religion?

Many people are involved in religion but they don't know God. They are not saved. We can do the entire enchilada: Be a faithful member of church, tithe our money, be involved in the ministry, or bringing the best fried chicken at the potluck, yadda, you name it, it won't save you. None of these things will get you to heaven.

Church will not save you. People will not save you. Religion will not save you. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can save you. There's a terrible false belief of universalism that says there are many ways to heaven, but that is bunk. Without Jesus Christ, nobody can enter heaven. If any other thing could get us to heaven, then why would Jesus die on the cross? That's because he knew it would be the only way.


"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

2. Are you being deceived by your zeal?

"Wow, look at all those people.. they're doing community services, feeding the hungry, visiting the widows, donating to charities, saving the spotted owls and all of the good deeds there are out there! They're so good.. they're definitely going to heaven!" Does that sound like you?

Do good people go to heaven? No. Does giving back to the world and doing community service redeem you? No. That's not your redemption. It doesn't matter how good you are or what you do, because it's not your works that save you. That won't even get you inside the lobby room of Heaven.

It's grace. God left his kingdom and his throne to come on Earth as a man to bear the sins of the world. Jesus never sinned once, but took our place of punishment and death so that we may take his place as heirs to God's kingdom. He traded with us! Why? Because he loved us that much.

Now it's all wrapped nicely as a gift for everyone, including you. It's up to you to receive it or to reject it. That's all there is to it and it's your choice. Nobody can make that choice for you but YOU alone.

3. Are you being deceived by yourself?

Do you say: "I am a good person."
God's answer: "but we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our inquities, like the wind, have taken us away." Isaiah 64:6

Do you have your own opinions on what is right and wrong and think you're just as good as the next guy?
God's answer: "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Proverbs 14:12.

Did you know our own ways lead to death? The only way we can go to Heaven is if we do it God's way. He's there already, wants you to go there too, and made a road map for you in the Bible. It's impossible for us, a sinful being, to enter the perfection of Heaven that knows no sin. So God made a plan to get us there with him, and it is so easy. Isn't that nice?


"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God." Romans 3:23-25.

4. Are you being deceived by the world?

Sin has it's pleasures, but they are only for a short time. None of these things will last and the end will bring forth death. It's like the story of how a trapper will catch a wolf. They put a knife inside an ice block and cover it in blood. The wolf continues to lick the blood until the ice melts and the knife gets them at the end. That's sin.

"Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." Hebrews 11:25

Are you fighting away an emptiness inside and looking to fulfill it in the world? Maybe you are searching for fulfillment in alcohol, drugs, narcotics, anything to get you feeling something. Maybe you're searching for it in promiscuous relationships, one night stands, looking for love in the wrong places. Maybe you're finding yourself on shopping sprees, buying things that only seem to satisfy you for a short time, and then you must have something bigger, better and more expensive.

You need the Saviour. That hole was meant to be filled by him and him alone. You'll never find it anywhere in the World. The World sure promises us with happiness but they are only temporary. Happiness comes and goes depending on the circumstances. With Jesus Christ, you can have joy and it will be abiding no matter what the circumstances are.

Conclusion

If you died in some freak accident today, where would you go? Would you go to Heaven, or would you go to hell? Now hell is a very real place. We don't die into some kind of eternal sleep or blackness. Unfortunately, I have to tell you the truth about hell but the good news is that you don't have to go there.

The Bible says that anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. If you believe that Jesus Christ is God's son who was sent to die on the cross for our sins, and that he rose three days later, you shall be saved. If you confess with your mouth that he is Lord and want him to be your Saviour, then kneel down and ask God to forgive your sins and ask him to be your Saviour today. I urge you not to put this off. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13

And if you have already done so, welcome to the family! Life just changes when we know what happens at the end. Suddenly all our problems just seem so minor and petty in light of eternity. This is all just temporary. What a day of rejoicing that will be when we finally see our Saviour face to face at last!