FUNDAMENTALISTWIVES

This blog is moved.....

2008-07-27T09:12:00.000+01:00

Hope to see you at http://tammytooley.blogspot.com/ instead!!!
Sorry for the late update.

God Was Busy!

2008-03-17T23:52:00.003Z

I received this from a friend and thought it was pretty good.

GOD was Busy:

A United States Marine was attending some college courses between assignments. He had
completed missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

One of the courses had a professor who was an avowed atheist and a member of the ACLU. One day the professor shocked the class when he came in. He looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, "God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform.? I'll give you exactly 15 minutes."

The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, "Here I am God. I'm still waiting."

It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Marine got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him; knocking him off the platform . The professor was out cold. The Marine went back to his seat and sat there, silently. The
other students were shocked and stunned and sat there looking on in silence.?

The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Marine and asked, "What is the matter with you? Why did you do that?"

The Marine calmly replied, "God was very busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid stuff and act like an idiot. So, He sent me."

Matthew 15 v.10-11: "And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man."

Mark 7 v.20: "And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man."

It would be much better for some people to stay quiet than to open their mouths and let the whole world know how foolish they really are.

We should be very careful what we ask for and say, we just might get our wish!

Until the Shout,
Country Mama

A Prayer Is Answered - and Fanny Crosby Writes Another Hymn

2008-02-25T14:26:00.002Z

Among many characteristics of the blond poetess Fanny Crosby, three stand out. She always carried a little American flag. She either held it in her hand or kept it in her bag, and it was buried with her when she died in 1915 at the age of 95. Though blinded in infancy, the petite "Aunt Fanny" (she was Mrs. Alexander Van Alstyne in private life) greeted friends and strangers alike with a cheerful "God bless you dear soul." And, according to her own statement, she never attempted to write a hymn without first kneeling in prayer. If this be true, Fanny Crosby spent considerable time on her knees. She wrote no less than 8,000 songs. So many that critics have said the chief fault with her work lies in that she was too prolific. But none can deny that many "pearls are found among the oyster shells."

Under contract for three hymns a week, Miss Crosby was often under pressure to meet deadlines. It was under such circumstances in 1869 that she tried to write words for a tune Composer W.H. Doane had sent her. But she couldn't write. Then she remembered she had forgotten her prayer. Rising from her knees, she dictated - as fast as her assistant could write - the words for the famous hymn, "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross."

But one day in 1874, Fanny Crosby prayed for more material things. She had run short of money and needed $5.00 - even change. There was no time to draw on her publishers, so she simply prayed for the money. Her prayer ended, she was walking to and fro in her room trying to "get in the mood" for another hymn when an admirer called. Greeting the stranger with "God bless you dear soul," the two chatted briefly. In the parting handshake the admirer left something in the hymn-writer's hand. It was five dollars--even change. Rising from a prayer of thanks the blind poetess wrote:

ALL THE WAY MY SAVIOUR LEADS ME
By Fanny Crosby 1820-1915

All the way my Saviour leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate'er befalls me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Saviour leads me;
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.

All the way my Saviour leads me;
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest for to me is promised
In my Father's house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song thro' endless ages;
Jesus led me all the way.

God bless,
Country Mama

Good O Meter

2008-02-05T15:38:00.000Z

How good are you? and how good is GOOD ENOUGH? Do you think bad and good sort cancel each other out?

Think about this. Take an example of a country where you lived in, for example in UK a person who commit raping will be jailed for at least 10 years, in Singapore stealing from the elderly can bring a person up to 3 times canning and a period in jail, in Indonesia is a crime to smugle drug and you can end up with a death sentence.

The idea is clear, if you commit a crime you must be punished! However human mind are inconsistent. In many religion, let's admit it, how many of them that require a person to do this and that? doing good works? helping the needy? fasting? meditation? even up to torturing their own body to repay the sin.

But when you think about it, does it work? If you tell your government that you will go on a year of fasting after raping a girl? or that you will torture yourself after murdering someone? Do you think the government will agree with you? Most likely they will think that you are completely insane. And this is human standard, how about God's standard?

That's right, you are insane if you think you can buy God's forgiveness with goodworks, being a samaritan, tithing, going to church, baptism, meditating, because the weight of your CRIME is DEATH according to the bible, and nothing you can do than to be executed!

Someone ask me, how can Jesus die in our place then? SIMPLE, all of us had commit a crime in the God's standard. And therefore, we have a date reserved for our execution. I can't be executed on your behalf nor can you took my place to be punished, because we ourselves had commit crime, you and I have our own plate of punishment to come. Therefore Jesus is the only substitution, because he had never commit any crime, and he is NOT suppose to be punished, but with all of His love, he decided to take our place.

It is may not sound fair, therefore it called GRACE!
Christian doing good works, being faithful to church, helping the needy, loving one another is NOT (I repeat is not!) to bribe God of His forgiveness. Rather it's to testify and to be thankful to God of how good He is, for He had die in our place!

What Are My Rights?

2008-02-02T20:42:00.000Z

A few years ago my husband preached on this subject (not necesarrily the title). It really caught my attention.

Do you notice in the society that we live in today how often you hear people talking about their rights? Do you notice how often you hear the phrase "It's against my human rights?" I hear this so much that it nearly makes me ill. It is very misused and abused.

We as Christians can many times get caught up in this problem also, as my husband so lovingly pointed out. The Bible says in I Corinthians 6:19-20, "What, know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

To make things short and sweet, as my husband said, "WE HAVE NO RIGHTS!!!" The only rights that we have are to spend an eternity in Hell. If we are the Lord's, then we know that we cannot do that. It says in I Cor. 6:20 that we are bought with a price. If we go into a store and buy something then we gain the right to have whatever we bought to work properly and able to be used for its purpose, correct? Well, since Jesus paid the price for our salvation He gained the rights to us. He has the right to expect us to do as we should not as we wish. NO RIGHTS!

Our rights are listed in Romans 12:1-2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." These are all things that we cannot do on our own. The same One who bought us is also the same One that equips us to do and be what He wills.

I'm not sure about you, but I'd rather live without MY rights. When I am having my way and I'm in control of things they tend to get messy and all warped out of joint, then I'm miserable. When I live as He would have me to, which means surrendered to HIS will (with MY rights dead and buried beneath the cross); life may not be a bed of roses, but there is a peace that passeth all understanding.

Whose rights would you rather be under?
1. Your own, which is mostly for selfish gain and self gratification or
2. The Lord's, who's ways are perfect, just, holy, etc., etc.

Until the Shout,
Country Mama

Three Things In Our Lives

2008-01-27T15:39:00.000Z

Three things in life, that once gone, never come back:
1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity

Three things in life that can destroy a person:
1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness

Three things in life that you should never loose:
1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty

Three things in life that are most valuable:
1. Love
2. Family & friends
3. Kindness

Three things in life that are never certain:
1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams

Three things that make a person:
1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard work

Three things that are truly constant:
Father - Son - Holy Ghost

Until the Shout,
Counrty Mama

Would You Consider Abortion in These Four Situations?

2008-01-24T17:25:00.000Z

copying from maranatha777 (visit her great blog!)

Would You Consider Abortion in These Four Situations?

1. There is a preacher and wife who are very, very poor. They already have 14 kids. Now she finds out she is pregnant with her 15th. They are living in tremendous poverty. Considering their poverty and the excessive world population, would you consider recommending abortion?

2. The father is sick with sniffles, the mother has TB. They have 4 children. The first is blind, the second is dead. The third is deaf and the fourth has TB. The mother finds she is pregnant again. Given the extreme situation, would you recommend abortion?

3. A man raped a 13 year old girl and she got pregnant. If you were her parents, would you consider recommending abortion?

4. A teenage girl is pregnant. She is not married. Her fiancee is not the father of the baby, and he is very upset. Would you recommend an abortion?

If you have answered “yes” to any of these situations:
In the first case you would have killed John Wesley, one of the great evangelists of the 19th century.
In the second case, you would have killed Beethoven.
In the third case you would have killed Ethel Waters, the great gospel singer.
In the fourth case you would have recommended the murder of Jesus Christ.
With U. S. abortion deaths topping 30 million, only God knows what we have sacrificed in lost human talent and creativity.

It Is Well with My Soul

2008-01-23T12:28:00.001Z

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Chorus:

It is well ----with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, tho trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin - oh, the bliss of this glorious tho't
My sin - not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and I bare it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul.

And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend,
"Even so" - it is well with my soul

Words by H.G. Spafford
Music by Philip P. Bliss

I praise the Lord for such hymns as these. To know the trials that these precious people of God have faced and yet they still have faith and confidence it the Lord Jesus Christ. What a blessing they have been to us down through the years. What a testimony!!

Until the Shout,
Country Mama

The Action (Mode) of Baptism:Sprinkling, Pouring, or Immersion?

2008-01-10T08:18:00.000Z

Baptism (Greek βάπτισμα and βαπτισμός, from βαπτίζω, baptizô, immerse, perform ablutions)
That's right, the word means IMMERSE, that's what the bible says... don't argue with me, argue with the bible.

Should baptism according to the gospel of Jesus Christ involve sprinkling, pouring, or immersion? Some denominations sprinkle water on the subject, others pour water, others immerse in water, and still others say it does not matter. What action or "mode" is the correct way to baptize? What should a Christian believe according to the Bible?

Introduction:
In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus commanded all people of all nations to be baptized.
Clearly baptism is an important requirement, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood topics in the gospel. What did Jesus mean when He said to baptize people?
The purpose of this study is to consider the action or "mode" involved in baptism.
Physically, what should be done when one is baptized? Is baptism sprinkling, pouring, or immersion?

*****

I. Different Views about the Issue
A. Some Denominations View This as a Matter of Choice (Is that biblical?)
Some churches sprinkle or pour water on the person's head. Most churches say there are several acceptable choices regarding the action involved in baptism. Others only immerse. Consider statements from various "Christian" denominations:
"Baptism may be administered by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, according to the choice of the applicant" - Church of the Nazarene Manual, 1972 ed., p. 33.
"What is the meaning of the word 'baptize'? 'Baptize' means to apply water by washing, pouring, sprinkling, or immersing" - Luther's Small Catechism, par. 244, p. 170.
"Dipping of the person into the water is not necessary; the Baptism is rightly administered by pouring or sprinkling water upon the person" - "Westminster Confession of Faith," par. 6.141, Presbyterian Book of Confessions, 1967 ed.
"How is baptism given? It is given by pouring water over the forehead of the person to be baptized ..." - A Catechism for Adults (Catholic), 1975 ed., p. 63.

B. Some Leaders of the Above Denominations Admit Immersion Is the Biblical Teaching.
"Luther urged, in opposition to the standard practice of pouring, that baptism should be by immersion. He pointed out that the word in the Greek language means 'To plunge something entirely into the water, so that the water closes over it,' and urged that immersion should be the mode of baptism. Today, however, the general practice of the Lutheran Church is to administer baptism by pouring, although immersion is also permitted" - A Compend of Luther's Theology, p. 167, via Handbook of Religious Quotations, p. 11.
John Calvin stated: "The word baptize signifies to immerse, and the rite of immersion was practiced by the ancient church" - quoted by Brents, p. 230f.
“The Scripture makes it clear enough that water is to be used, but it is not so plain at first sight that sprinkling or pouring of water will suffice. In Apostolic times the body of the baptized person was immersed, for St. Paul looks on this immersion as typifying burial with Christ, and speaks of baptism as a bath … [But the belief] that baptism can be validly given by immersion, infusion, or aspersion, is fully justified by tradition … Anciently … baptism was constantly given to adults and the rite of immersion prevailed …” – The Catholic Dictionary on “baptism” and “baptistery,” pp 60-64.
These quotations do not constitute conclusive evidence of the action of baptism, but should give people who practice sprinkling or pouring cause to consider the question we are studying.

C. Definitions of the Word "Baptize"
People often quote definitions from modern dictionaries.
This is used to prove the claim the word can mean sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. But modern dictionaries just define the word as used today. This does not prove what the word means in the language of the Bible.
Even our English words change meaning over time. "Gay" refers almost exclusively today to homosexuality, but it had no such meaning a century ago.
According to modern English dictionaries, the origin of the word "baptize" was a Greek word meaning "to immerse" (Random House College Dictionary). This describes the meaning used in Biblical Greek.
Dictionaries of Bible words show "baptize" means to immerse.
Thayer's lexicon on BAPTIZO says: "to dip, immerge, submerge."
Many other dictionaries show the basic, root meaning of the Bible word is to immerse. (See Vine, Arndt and Gingrich, etc.)
Remember, these dictionaries were written by members of churches that practice sprinkling and pouring. Surely they would have defined the words in a way that defended their church practice if they could have done so.
There are other Greek words for "sprinkle" (RANTIZO) or "pour" (CHEO). Had God wanted to authorize these, the words were available; but instead He chose a word the never means sprinkle or pour.
The Bible word for "baptism" means immersion, not sprinkling or pouring. But most people cannot study Greek to prove this. And dictionaries are written by fallible men. We need to search further, but surely we have reason to suspect modern sprinkling and pouring may not be correct.

D. Only the Bible Can Give a Conclusive Answer to This Question.
Matthew 28:18-20 - Jesus' command to be baptized is based on His authority over heaven and earth.
2 Timothy 3:16,17 - The Scriptures instruct us in righteousness and provide us to all good works. (James 1:25; 2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 3:3-5)
Matthew 15:9 - Following the doctrines of men in such matters makes our worship vain.
Galatians 1:8,9 - Anyone who preaches differently from the gospel is accursed.
This issue can only be settled on the basis of Bible teaching, not on church creeds or traditions.
Note that we do not need a verse that expressly says, "Do not sprinkle or pour." If the Bible teaches us to immerse and never authorizes sprinkling or pouring, then the latter should be rejected as being human in origin and different from the gospel
[2 John 9-11; Colossians 3:17; Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12; 3:5,6; Revelation 22:18,19; 1 Timothy 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:13]

*****

II. The Bible Evidence
The best way to understand a Bible command is to study the passages that refer to it in context comparing them to other passages on the subject. This is especially how we learn the meaning of words (children do this, so do authors of dictionaries).
Notice what baptism requires and consider what action fits what the Bible says.

1. Water
The element or substance used is not inherent in the word "baptize." But the element used in the baptism of the Great Commission - the baptism Jesus commanded everyone to receive - is water.
Acts 10:47,48 - "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized..." The command to be baptized refers to baptism in water.
Suppose someone wanted to be baptized in rose petals. Would that be obeying the command, or would that be changing it and following human doctrine? Note that no passage expressly says not to use rose petals, yet that would violate Scripture.
Other verses listed below also show the element in baptism should be water.

2. Much Water
John 3:23 - John baptized near Salim because there was much water there. John chose this particular location because baptism involves "much water."
Do sprinkling or pouring require much water? No! Baptism according to the Bible requires "much water." But sprinkling and pouring do not require much water.
Does immersion require much water? Yes, it requires enough to immerse someone in.
So Bible baptism requires "much water." Immersion fits, because it requires much water. Sprinkling and pouring do not fit, because they do not require much water. This helps us understand the meaning of "baptism" in the New Testament.

3. Coming to the Water
Acts 8:36-39 - They came to some water (v36).
Some folks think the eunuch pulled out a bottle of water and Philip used some of it to baptize him. Not so! The water used to baptize the eunuch was a body of water they came to as they traveled. Other Bible examples also confirm that people who were baptized went to the water. (See John 3:23; Mark 1:9; etc.)
When people receive sprinkling or pouring, do they need to go to the water? No, the water can come to them, because not much is required.
When people are immersed, do they need to go to the water? Yes.
Again, immersion fits the Bible description of baptism. Sprinkling and pouring do not fit.

4. Going Down into the Water
Bible baptism involves going down into the water.
Acts 8:38 - Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and he baptized him. This shows why baptism involves "much water" - it must be enough for the people to go down into!
Do sprinkling or pouring require going down into the water? No. When denominations practice sprinkling or pouring, does the person go down into the water? No. But Bible baptism requires going down into the water.
When a person is immersed, must the person go down into the water? Yes, so immersion fits the Bible description of baptism, but sprinkling and pouring do not.
But some folks claim you can "go down into the water" and then sprinkle or pour water on the person.
This is how Jesus' baptism is sometimes pictured.
But is this what denominations do? Does the person go down into the water, then water is sprinkled on him? No! Why argue about what could be done if you are not doing it? This "argument" simply does not defend what denominations do!
Why don't denominational preachers take the candidate down into the water to sprinkle or pour? Because it does not make sense to go to all the trouble. And it would not have made sense in Bible times either. If Bible baptism was sprinkling or pouring, preachers would have done what preachers do today when they sprinkle or pour.
Bible examples help us see what the "baptism" means. The fact is that denominations that sprinkle or pour do not do what the Bible says baptism involves. Only immersion fits the description.

5. Coming Up Out of the Water
Acts 8:39 - After the eunuch had been baptized, he came up out of the water. In order to come up out of the water, he first had to be down in the water.
Mark 1:9,10 - Jesus was baptized "in" the Jordan River, then came up from ("out of" - footnote) the water.
When denominations sprinkle or pour, does the person then come up out of (or from) the water? No, because they never went down into it!
When people are immersed, do they come up out of the water? Yes!
Bible baptism requires coming to the water, going down into it, and coming up out of it. None of these are involved in sprinkling or pouring, but immersion requires all of them. Immersion fits the pattern of Bible baptism, but sprinkling and pouring do not.

6. A Burial
Colossians 2:12 - Buried with Him in baptism in which you also were raised with Him.
In baptism we are buried with Jesus and raised with Him. As He was buried in the earth, we are buried in baptism.
Are people buried and raised in sprinkling or pouring? When Jesus was buried, did they sprinkle a little dirt on Him, like folks do in sprinkling or pouring?
Matthew 12:40 - He was buried in the heart of the earth.
Matthew 27:60,66 - He was laid in a tomb hewn out of rock and a great stone covered the opening. He was completely enclosed in the element.
In baptism we are buried (completely enclosed and surrounded) in water, as Jesus was buried in the earth.
Romans 6:4 - We are buried with Him by baptism.
Some say baptism is "just a symbol" of Jesus' burial, so it does not matter how it is done. There is a symbolic element in baptism, but how does that prove that the action does not matter?
Do the passages say Jesus was buried, but it doesn't matter whether or not we are buried? It says we are buried and we are raised in baptism. The one to be baptized must be buried and raised. When denominations sprinkle or pour, is the person himself buried and raised? No. In immersion is the person buried and raised? Yes!
Actually, symbols are important. We have no right to change the symbols Jesus' authorized.
In the Lord's supper, Jesus authorized bread and fruit of the vine as symbols of Jesus' flesh and blood. This involves symbolism, but may we say the symbols do not matter so we may use hamburger and Coke?
Also, in baptism we are buried in water. If this is just symbolic and symbols don't matter, may we use milk or rose petals?
When God ordains actions, even if they involve symbolism, we must respect the act as God commanded it, instead of changing it. Baptism involves a burial and a resurrection like Jesus' burial and resurrection. Immersion fits both God's command and the symbolism He ordained. How can sprinkling or pouring symbolize a burial and a resurrection?
If we are going to change God's command to bury a person in baptism and raise him up, then we may as well use hamburger and Coke in communion and baptize people in rose petals.
The fact remains that immersion fits the Bible description of baptism. Sprinkling and pouring do not fit.

7. A Resurrection
The same passages that say we are buried in baptism also say we are raised in baptism.
Colossians 2:12 - Buried with Him in baptism in which you also were raised with Him.
Romans 6:4 - Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Sprinkling and pouring are not Scriptural baptism, because they involve neither a burial nor a resurrection. Only immersion fits.
H. A Washing of the Body
Hebrews 10:22 - We have our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Note the contrast between the sprinkling of the heart and the washing of the body.
Hebrews contrasts the Old Testament to the New Testament. The Old Testament involved sprinkling of animal blood and ceremonial washings. [Heb. 9:13; Lev. 14:1-9; chap. 15; 16:4,24; 22:6; Ex. 29:4,21; etc.]
In the New Testament, the blood of Jesus is sprinkled on our heart to cleanse us from sin. This must be spiritual, since it cannot be physical. [Heb. 9:14]
But what is washed with water? The body! Clearly, this refers to baptism. Just as with the Lord's supper, baptism involves both an inner meaning and an outer action. In baptism the heart is cleansed of sin when the body is washed in baptism.
Denominations sprinkle or pour water on the head. But Bible baptism involves washing the body. In immersion, the body is washed. Immersion fits the Bible descriptions of baptism. Sprinkling and pouring do not fit.

*****

Conclusion
Scriptural baptism requires all the following:
* Water* Much water
* Coming to the water
* Going down into the water
* Coming up out of the water
* Burial* Resurrection
* Washing the body
Surely this shows us what "baptism" involves. Sprinkling and pouring fit only the first point (water); they do not fit any of the other points. Only immersion fits the Bible description of baptism.
No other form or action is acceptable.
Sprinkling and pouring are human in origin. They are changes from God's plan. Only complete immersion can be practiced according to Jesus' authority.
What if you once received sprinkling or pouring instead of immersion? Gospel baptism is immersion, not sprinkling or pouring. If you have not been immersed, then you have not obeyed Jesus' command! You have followed only the doctrine of men.
If you now wish to obey Jesus, you must do what He said to do: be baptized (immersed) as described in the passages studied above.

I CHOOSE

2008-01-07T18:35:00.000Z

edited by Country Mama

It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early mornig will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose. And so I choose.

I choose love . . .
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I choose joy . . .
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical ...the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose peace . . .
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I choose lonsuffering . . .
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I choose gentleness . . .
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I choose goodness . . .
I will go without a pound before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I choose faithfulness . . .
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My husband will not question my love and my children will never fear that their mother will not come home.

I choose meekness . . .
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I choose temperance . . .
I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ (through my own bible study and devotions and the preaching of God's holy Word). I choose temperance.

Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

I wonder what type of day you will choose?

Until next time,
Country Mama

Infant Baptism

2008-01-03T15:59:00.000Z

finally, I had time to edit this entry with KJV verses

Baptism not a requirement for salvation, it's an annoucement to the world that you had been SAVED!

Many churches practice infant baptism. Millions have been 'christened' as infants.
Infant baptism is performed in the name of the Lord, but does the Lord authorize it? Is it of human origin or divine? The child has no choice in the matter. Do parents have the right to have their infants baptized? Let us examine infant baptism in the light of the Word of God.

Terms defined
By 'infant' we mean a baby or small child who is too young to make a decision. Infant baptism is usually performed by sprinkling or pouring. Sometimes it is done by immersion, but most who read this will be familiar with the practice of sprinkling or pouring.

Infant baptism is not of divine origin
I say this without fear of successful contradiction. Jesus said: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16). Peter, led by the Holy Spirit, said: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). Truth is always in harmony with truth. Scriptural baptism is preceded by faith and repentance. Infant baptism is preceded by neither. To practice baptism before there is faith and repentance is to pervert the gospel. Anyone who preaches a different gospel is accursed (Galatians 1:6-9). When one practices infant baptism he is going beyond the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9).
The first recorded case of affusion was in the year 251. The first law for sprinkling was in 752. It was made by a pope who had to flee Rome (Edinburgh Encyclopedia, Article on Baptism).

Infant baptism nullifies the law of God
Jesus accused the religious people of His day of "Making the word of God of none effect " through their tradition (Mark 7:13). That is exactly what this man-made practice does. It makes the law of Christ of no effect. Jesus taught that every creature is to believe and be baptized, but they who advocate infant baptism nullify this command of Christ. They supplant it by a human law.
Jesus is to be obeyed. This the Scriptures teach: "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;" (Hebrews 5:9). Every one who practices and endorses infant baptism is guilty, either wilfully or ignorantly, of supplanting the divine law of believers' baptism. Are you, my dear reader, guilty?

What about household baptisms?
Some try to justify infant baptism on the basis of New Testament examples of household baptisms. It is argued that infants must have been included when whole households were baptized.

In most passages, however, where household baptisms are reported, hearing and believing are also mentioned, which infants are unable to do. Cornelius "A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, " (Acts 10:2). His household was saved as a result of hearing the gospel (Acts 11:14; 10:44,46). Paul told the Philippian jailer: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" (Acts 16:31). Did this include infants? Can infants believe? We read further: "And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house" (Acts 16:32). What was the response? "And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway" (Acts 16:33). That infants were not included is further indicated by what follows: "And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house" (Acts 16:34).
Crispus "believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized." (Acts 18:8).

To teach that infants were included in household baptisms is going beyond what is written. Furthermore, this human addition to the word of God is clearly contrary to what is written. It is to accuse the apostles of sinning by violating the terms of the Great Commission! God forbid. The 'household baptism' argument is simply a case of a drowning man grasping at a straw. If you, my friend, insist on going the way of rebellion do not try to take Peter and Paul with you!
Paul says we were buried with Christ in baptism, in which we also were raised with Him "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12). This shows that the baptism he practiced was not infant baptism.

Let the children come
"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven'" (Matthew 19:14). Perhaps this verse is used more than any other to support infant baptism. But does it say one word about it? Is there in all the chapter even one reference to baptism? Does not this verse teach that children are alright as they are? Jesus says "of such" is the kingdom of heaven. They are alright as they are! What good will a human ordinance do them?
Some say: "Well, it will not hurt them." It certainly may! They might think they have been baptized when in reality they have only obeyed the command of men and not the command of God.

Is it harmless to take the name of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit in vain? For that is what is done every time a child is christened. If I do something in a man's name when he has not authorized it, I am taking his name in vain. Every case of infant baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is a forgery.
You who practice infant baptism, how are you going to answer to God for having changed His law, for having put a human law in its place? I know you love your children, then how dare you deceive them, how dare you make them think this human ordinance can take the place of the divine command of believers' baptism?

Baptism and circumcision
Figuratively, baptism is compared with circumcision (Colossians 2:11,12). Because infants were circumcised in Old Testament times, some try to justify infant baptism by this comparison. In many points, however, baptism is different than circumcision. Who was circumcised? Israelites. Do those who practice infant baptism only baptize Israelites? Only boys were circumcised. Do those who practice infant baptism sprinkle only boys? Were not the Jews required to believe and be baptized?

Finally
If you have trusted in this human practice, renounce it at once. If you have taught it to your children, take your Bible and show them that you have been mistaken. Baptism is connected with salvation (1 Peter 3:21). Salvation is too important for one to be satisfied with a human substitute that will not save. Let me quote again the language of Jesus: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16).

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-02T13:56:00.000Z

Happy New Year, hope to see Jesus second coming this year!!!

Geek Wife

The Presence of The Present

2007-12-28T15:45:00.000Z

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift

II Cor 9:15

I hope your home today will be filled with joy, laughter and the presence of the loved ones. Perhaps even that eccentric uncle or the cheek-pinching aunt will make their annual appearance.

Children, grand children and maybe even some "greats" will fill the halls of your home with their rapturous echoes of delight. The food, festivities and the fun are all a part of making this day's presence on our calendar memorable.

Of course, the presence of the presents is always a high point at this holiday season. However I sincerely hope and I don't mean ti be sanctimonious that the present of HIS presence will be fully manifest at your house. The presence of the greatest Present ever sent to mankind is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is no longer a Babe in a manger but the coming King of all that exists in Heaven and on earth! What a present God gave the world that first Christmas Day!

Some of you dear readers may be absent from the presence of your loved ones today. The distant miles could not be traversed or scheduling conflicts were too huge to overcome, and you are alone.

Alone?
No, I think not, for the presence of God's greatest Present is with you today, Christ Jesus the Lord.
For He said "Lo, I am with you alway..."

Tim Green

Christian Fellowship

2007-12-23T22:36:00.000Z

We had a great time of Christian Fellowship in Pastor Roger Tooley's house right after the Carol service in Orchard house. To my apology, we are not allowed to take any picture in Orchard house and therefore there is no picture of our Carol service there at all. But in summary, we had a great time there and guess what.... they wanted us to come once every month to hold a mini service there!!! What a blessing!!!

So we head to pastor's house and had a little bit of games and chat about before continuing with the food (remember we are baptist... fellowship = food, hahaha!!!).

First... introducing the church crowd.

And then we have gift exchange... and Lo and behold, here comes... Pastor Christmas to distribute the gifts!!!

And children busy playing..!! We are INDEED had a great time. Thanks to Country Mama and Pastor for making such a pleasant fellowship. Stay tune for more picture of the the very first Candlelight service in our church.

Chrismas Carol Picture!

2007-12-16T20:22:00.001Z

I'll let the picture do the talking :-)

Geek Wife

Carol Service

2007-12-16T15:17:00.000Z

We just had our annual Carol Service at the church last night. Everything went well. It is hard sometimes when you do not have your own building to make sure everything makes it's way to the car. When we have special things like this, it makes it even more difficult because you have to take decorations as well. But, all in all I think the room looked very nice for about a 1/2 hour of work.

Talk about nervous! Here we were trying to get everything decorated as quickly as possible (once everything is toted in from the car) so that we have time to run through a few specials that were being sung. Not to mention trying to then give the pianist a chance to warm up also. Talk about a mad 1 hour time frame. Ha! Ha!

In the end it all turned out just fine. We had a few visitors and that was nice. One of our church ladies husband actual came in as well as her mum/mom. She travels about 25 miles to the services (for Americans that is nothing, but for here it is alot) and her lost husband usually sits in the car and waits for her. It was such a blessing to see him come in. Pray the Lord will convict his hard heart and that he will be saved. We had 2 Salvation Army ladies visit. It is nice to know that they will have heard the gospel at least once in their lives. Also, Mr & Mrs. Lane visited with us again. They are the grandparents of one of the young men in the church. They really enjoyed themselves. They stopped off at his house on the way home and was telling his family what a lovely time they had had. His mother was not well pleased. Pray for these folk, as they need the Lord.

We had an added blessing to the service. Bro. Hendy, from Indonesia; was able to be with us last night. It was a blessing to have him in the service. He is an accomplished pianist and played one of the very hard pieces for us. I believe the Lord sent him just for us!! He was sent here (Nottingham) with his job for about a month and was visiting one of the families at church whom he attend school with. He leaves next week and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him and for his willingness to help us.

Pastor did an excellent job preaching the message. It was really good. I know that it gets hard to go think of new ways to present the Christmas Story, but I thank the Lord for the message we heard last night. Some of the lost people had heard it before, but there were some who have never heard and I'm thankful that Pastor tells it straight (with love) and does not beat around the bush. Our society today is hard and calloused, sometime it takes being very direct to get their attention. It just depends on the kind of spirit that is behind the directness. You can say a whole lot more in love than you can get away with if you have a bad spirit about you. Anyway, he did a good job. Thanks, Preacher!!!!

Well, I think I'll go relax for a few minutes until it's time to get ready for church tonight. God bless!

Until the Shout,
Country Mama

Turning ONE is 2 days!!!

2007-12-13T12:39:00.000Z

My little 'bandel' of joy (bandel = naugthy in Indonesian) will soon turn ONE year old on 15th December. Guess what.... we had not plan for ANYTHING yet.
What a surprise!

Geek Wife

playing with my chihuahua dog doorstopper

see, this is no eyelashese extension, this is for real *wink wink*

the controversy around "Christmas tree"

2007-12-09T13:54:00.000Z

editted by Geek Wife

taken from Wikipedia

(this means that I didn't type ANY of this! On the other hand I am quite SHOCKED on my findings!!! Is this really what secular world think of us fundamentalist? scroll to the bottom most to find my comment)

A Christmas tree, Yule tree or Tannenbaum (German: fir tree) is one of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas. It is normally an evergreen coniferous tree that is brought into a home or used in the open, and is decorated with Christmas lights and colourful ornaments during the days around Christmas. An angel or star is often placed at the top of the tree, representing the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity story.

Roots
With likely origins in European pre-Christian cultures,[1] the Christmas tree has gained an extensive history and become a common sight during the winter season in various countries.

Illustration of Yggdrasil from the Ockelbo Runestone, Sweden.
Patron trees (for example, the Irminsul, Thor's Oak and the figurative Yggdrasil) held special significance for the ancient Germanic tribes, appearing throughout historic accounts as sacred symbols and objects. According to Adam of Bremen, in Scandinavia the Germanic pagan kings sacrificed nine males (the number nine is a significant number in Norse mythology) of each species at the sacred groves every ninth year.[2]

According to Church records, Saint Boniface (who, also according to Church records, had felled the Thor's Oak) attempted to Christianise the indigenous Germanic tribes by introducing the notion of trinity by using the cone-shaped evergreen trees because of their triangular appearance.[3]

Other notable traditions in relation to Christmas have also been derived from Germanic paganism, including the Yule log, Christmas ham, Yule Goat, stuffing stockings[4], elements of Santa Claus and his nightly ride through the sky, and surviving elements of Pre-Christian Alpine traditions in the Alps.
Throughout all the ages, evergreen plants were used for decoration in the winter, from laurel, mistle or conifer, and trees had a cultural importance (cf. maypole).

Origin
A Christmas tree from 1900.
The modern custom can be traced to 16th century Germany, but apart from that, there was neither an identifiable inventor nor a single town to have been the sole trigger for the tradition, which was a popular merge from much older traditions mentioned above; in the Cathedral of Strasbourg in 1539, the church record mentions the erection of a Christmas tree, in that period, the guilds started erecting Christmas trees in front of their houses, which hints to an even earlier tradition in the area. Ingeborg Weber-Kellermann (Marburg professor of European ethnology) found a Bremen guild chronicle of 1570 which reports how a small fir was decorated with apples, nuts, dates, pretzels and paper flowers, and erected in the guild-house, for the benefit of the guild members' children, who collected the dainties on Christmas day. Martin Luther is said to have decorated a small tree in house to symbolise the way the stars shined at night. Another early reference is from Basel, where the tailor apprentices carried around town a tree decorated with apples and cheese in 1597.

During the 17th century, the custom entered family homes. One Strasbourg priest, Johann Konrad Dannerstuart, complains about the custom as distracting from the Word of God.
By the early 18th century, the custom had become common in towns of the upper Rhineland, but it had not yet spread to rural areas. Wax candles are attested from the late 18th century. The Christmas tree remained confined to the upper Rhineland for a relatively long time. It was regarded as a Protestant custom by the Catholic majority along the lower Rhine and was spread there only by Prussian officials who were moved there in the wake of the Congress of Vienna in 1815.

In the early 19th century, the custom became popular among the nobility and spread to royal courts as far as Russia. Princess Henrietta of Nassau-Weilburg introduced the Christmas tree to Vienna in 1816, and the custom spread across Austria in the following years. In France, the first Christmas tree was introduced in 1840 by the duchess of Orleans.

The Queen's Christmas tree at Osborne House. The engraving republished in Godey's Lady's Book, Philadelphia, December 1850
In Britain, the Christmas tree was introduced in the time of the personal union with Hanover, Germany, by king George III's Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz but did not spread much beyond the royal family. Queen Victoria as a child was familiar with the custom. In her journal for Christmas Eve 1832, the delighted 13-year-old princess wrote, "After dinner...we then went into the drawing-room near the dining-room...There were two large round tables on which were placed two trees hung with lights and sugar ornaments. All the presents being placed round the trees...". After her marriage to her German cousin, Prince Albert, the custom became even more widespread. In 1847, Prince Albert wrote: "I must now seek in the children an echo of what Ernest [his brother] and I were in the old time, of what we felt and thought; and their delight in the Christmas-trees is not less than ours used to be". The generous Prince Stuart also presented large numbers of trees to schools and army barracks at Christmas. Images of the royal family with their Christmas tree at Osborne House were illustrated in English magazines, initially as a woodcut in the Illustrated London News of December 1848, and copied in the United States at Christmas 1850 (illustration, left). Such patriotic prints of the British royal family at Christmas celebrations helped popularise the Christmas tree in Britain and among the Anglophile American upper class.

Several cities in the United States lay claim to that country's first Christmas tree. Windsor Locks, Connecticut, claims that a Hessian soldier put up a Christmas tree in 1777 while imprisoned at the Noden-Reed House, thus making it the home of the first Christmas tree in New England. The "First Christmas Tree in America" is also claimed by Easton, Pennsylvania, where German settlers purportedly erected a Christmas tree in 1816. In his diary, Matthew Zahm of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, recorded the use of a Christmas tree in 1821 -- leading Lancaster to also lay claim to the first Christmas Tree in America. [5]

Other accounts credit Charles Follen, a German immigrant to Boston, for being the first to introduce to America the custom of decorating a Christmas tree.[6] August Imgard, a German immigrant living in Wooster, Ohio, is the first to popularise the practice of decorating a tree. In 1847, Imgard cut a blue spruce tree from a woods outside town, had the Wooster village tinsmith construct a star, and placed the tree in his house, decorating it with paper ornaments and candy canes. The National Confectioners' Association [7] officially recognises Imgard as the first ever to put candy canes on a Christmas tree; the canes were all-white, with no red stripes. Imgard is buried in the Wooster Cemetery, and every year, a large pine tree above his grave is lit with Christmas lights.

Many cities, towns, and department stores put up public Christmas trees outdoors for everyone to enjoy, such as the Rich's Great Tree in Atlanta, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in New York City and the large Christmas tree at Victoria Square in Adelaide. During most of the 1970s and 1980s, the largest Christmas tree in the world was put up every year on the property of The National Enquirer in Lantana, Florida. This tradition grew into one of the most spectacular and celebrated events in the history of southern Florida, but was discontinued on the death of the paper's founder in the late 1980s.

In some cities festivals are organised around the decoration and display of multiple trees as charity events. In some cases the trees represent special commemorative gifts, such as in Trafalgar Square in London, where the City of Oslo, Norway presents a tree to the people of London as a token of appreciation for the British support of Norwegian resistance during the Second World War; in Boston, where the tree is a gift from the province of Nova Scotia, in thanks for rapid deployment of supplies and rescuers to the 1917 ammunition ship explosion that leveled the city of Halifax; and in Newcastle upon Tyne, where the 15m-tall main civic Christmas tree is an annual gift from the city of Bergen, Norway, in thanks for the part played by soldiers from Newcastle in liberating Bergen from Nazi occupation.[8]

The United States' National Christmas Tree is lit each year south of the White House in Washington, D.C. Today, the lighting of the National Tree is part of what has become a major holiday event at the White House. President Jimmy Carter lit only the crowning star atop the Tree in 1979 in honour of the Americans being held hostage in Iran; in 1980, the tree was fully lit for only 417 seconds, one second for each day the hostages had been in captivity.
The term Charlie Brown Christmas tree is used in the USA to describe any sad-looking, malformed little tree. Some tree buyers intentionally adopt such trees, feeling sympathetic to their plights. The term comes from the appearance of Charlie Brown's Christmas tree in the TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas.

In New Zealand, Pōhutukawa trees are described as 'natural Christmas trees', as they bloom at Christmas time, and they look like Christmas trees with their red flowers and green foliage.The christmas colours are yellow green and white.

Controversy
The Christmas tree has seen an amount of controversy, mainly involving the secular and non-secular usage of the tree as well as groups who oppose usage of the tree on the grounds of interpretation of scripture and claimed pagan origins and/or pagan character of the custom. There are also those who view it as a Christian symbol. In 2005, the city of Boston renamed the spruce tree used to decorate the Boston Common a "Holiday Tree" rather than a "Christmas Tree". The name change drew poor reviews from the public and was changed back to "Christmas Tree" after being threatened with several lawsuits by Rev. Jerry Falwell and the Alliance Defense Fund. In the same year, Speaker of the House, Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., asked that the tree that decorates the Capitol grounds to be renamed back to "Christmas tree". It had been renamed "Holiday tree" in the 90s.[16]

Christianity
Jeremiah 10:1-5 in the Bible says the following (KJV):

[1] Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:
[2] Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
[3] For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
[4] They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not.
[5] They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good.

This is interpreted by some fundamentalist Christians as referring to a Christmas tree, and that therefore the Bible would explicitly forbid the practice. However, the more common interpretation is that the passage refers to idol worship, and it is the practice of making an object out of wood, silver, and gold, and then worshiping that idol, which is pagan.

Others feel that since "Christmas Trees" are not biblically ordained, they should not be used.

Such individuals and Christian denominations are unlikely to celebrate Christmas at all, for the same reason, such as the United Church of God.

Martin Collins from Bibletools.com believes that that the origin of the Christmas tree is tied to the ancient myth of Gilgamesh and Horus,[17] which they associate with character Nimrod in the Bible. Interestingly, that association places the origins of the Christmas tree in to a celebration Nimrod as the "Son of Heaven." By associating this symbol with Jesus, many Christians are replacing that pagan symbology with a Christian one by celebrating the Birth of Jesus on December 25th instead of the Birthday of Nimrod.

Most churches however use Christmas trees as decoration at Christmas time. Some churches use the same stripped Christmas tree as a Christian cross at Easter. See the Old English poem The Dream of the Rood. Both Ezekiel 47:12 and the Book of Revelation 22:2 use trees as a symbol of new fruitful life, comparative to the Tree of life denied Adam in Genesis 3:22-23. Paul makes the link between Adam and Christ clear in Romans chapter 5:

Adam is a type of the one who was to come. (v. 14)

In the same way the Christmas tree can be seen as mirroring the tree of life, a symbol or type of the Crucifix which brings redemption.

Syncretising traditions in Northern Spain, the Bilbao airport displays the foreign tree and the Basque Olentzero.
In some Catholic countries, the tree is seen as a recent Protestant or American influence detracting from the Mediterranean traditions of the Christmas crib. However in many Catholic homes, both types of decoration coexist.

*****

Geek Wife note : I actually had nothing against someone to put up Christmas tree, even after reading this article (but its quite shocking to me that wikipedia, the most famous encyclopedia on the internet mention what some fundamentalist view about it). Even though I don't put up christmas tree and this is my confiction, I certainly WON'T look down on one who does!!
God sees heart and not just the outward appearance. Just like when my pastor preaching about working on sabbath day. Many fundamentalist fail to know this and became like the pharisee. I know there is millions of christian that doesn't know what's behind christmas day, christmas tree, mistletoe etc, and I would think that God won't blame them for not reading wikipedia to learn that many things about christmas is actually pagan! It's became plain WRONG if you place all this things (decoration, gift, celebration) BEFORE the real meaning of christmas, that is the birth of the Saviour.

Standing on the promises!

2007-12-07T12:28:00.000Z

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
through eternal ages let his praises ring;
glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,
overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
listening every moment to the Spirit's call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all,
standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;
standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.

Josiah is officially can STAND (for 3 minutes 45 seconds without holding my hand)
Praise the Lord!

Geek Wife

Six Types of Tongues Part 6

2007-12-05T20:42:00.000Z

So far we have covered:

1) a backbiting tongue
2) a deceitful, lying tongue
3) a froward tongue
4) a naughty tongue
5) a perverse tongue

We will finish this series on a positive note. All of the above do not look very inviting, does the Lord have anything good to say about the tongue? Yes, and we will look at take a few minutes to look at it.

A Wholesome Tongue

Proverbs 15:4: "A wholesome tongue is a treasure of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit."

In contrast to the five other types of tongues previously studied, a wholesome tongue is a breath of fresh air or, as today's text describes it, a "tree of life." Unlike, the froward, perverse, naughty, deceitful and backbiting tongues, the wholesome tongue edifies or builds up other people. It refuses to speak deceitfully, hypocritically, selfishly or boastfully. The believer who possesses a wholesome tongue will "[keep] his soul from troubles" (Prov. 21:23). Just as the other types of tongues expose the true attitude of a wicked, deceitful heart, a wholesome tongue reveals a heart that is in conformity to the will of God, a heart that seeks to reflect the mind of Christ through words and actions that edify others.

The word wholesome in today's text is especially noteworthy, for the Hebrew word from which it is translated provides us with the key to discovering one of the primary purposes for possessing such a tongue. "A wholesome tongue" can also be rendered "a healing tongue." Rather than trying to tear others down, believers need to speak words of comfort, bearing one another's burdens and restoring those who are "overtaken in a fault" (Gal. 6:1-2). Imagine how much more pleasant life would be if we would use our tongues to heal rather than hurt. Of course, sometimes in order to "restore" an errant believer, words of rebuke are necessary. Nevertheless, every word we speak should be "with grace, seasoned with salt" (Col. 4:6), accomplished in a spirit of love (Eph. 4:15). Does the Lord view our speech as a putrefying "open sepluchre" (Romans 3:13) or as a beautiful "tree of life"?

Well, that is the end of our series. I pray it has been as much a help to you as it has been to me. I wonder what kind of tongue to we have? Some food for thought I reckon.

Until next time,

Country Mama

Six Types of Tongues Part 5

2007-12-05T20:22:00.000Z

We are now on # 5, and I am sorry that there has been such a long time in between them. Maybe things will slow down again after the first of the year, but who knows!

A Perverse Tongue

Proverbs 17:20: "He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief."

The word perverse in today's text means "overturned" or "changed." A perverse tongue, therefore, is one that distorts, changes or perverts that which is true. This tongue differs from many of the other tongues previously studied in that a perverse tongue does not necessarily involve spitefulness or intentional harm directed toward another person. Regardless of motive, all one needs to do in order to speak with a perverse tongue is to intentionally lie about someone or something. Despite the fact that many today often accept and sometimes even glorify dishonesty, God does not treat duplicity or deceitfulness lightly. In fact, He says He hates such wickedness and defines a "lying tongue" and "a false witness that speaketh lies" as and "abomination" to Him (Proverbs 16:16-19). Today's text presents the consequences of speaking with such a tongue --"He that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief."

Probably many of us have already learned the hard way that one lie often leads to another, and before we know it, we find ourselves in a terrible mess that could have been avoided had we only spoken the truth in the first place. While telling the truth may sometimes cause heartache and pain, lying will surely cause even greater distress, not only in our relationships with others but also in our relationship with God. By guarding our mouths against lying words, we "[keep our] soul from troubles" (Prov. 21:23) and keep our hearts pure and blameless before the Lord. As children of God, we must be careful that we "lie not one to another" (Col. 3:9), for a perverse tongue will result in calamity and inevitable chastisement from our Heavenly Father.

Something to think about,
Country Mama

I did NOT get lost!

2007-12-05T20:19:00.000Z

Howdy everyone! I bet you all thought that I had gotten lost somewhere in cyber space. Well, no such luck. November was crazy and December is not looking any better, so I figured I'd better get to finishing my series on tongues. It is coming right up.

Talk to you soon,
Country Mama

Freedom

2007-12-03T13:14:00.000Z

by Geek Wife

dedicated to Lord Jesus

taken from http://www.donghaeng.net/

Many things in this World PROMISED Freedom
But only Truth GUARANTEES Freedom

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 8:32

A travel warning

2007-11-27T09:11:00.000Z

forwarded by Geek Wife
A bit of useful advice - verified by the Dorset Police

The number does work from a mobile. This actually happened to someone's daughter.
Lauren was 19 yrs old and in college. This story takes place over the Christmas/New Year's holiday break. It was the Saturday before New Year and it was about 1.00pm in the afternoon, and Lauren was driving to visit a friend, when an UNMARKED police car pulled up behind her and put its lights on.

I would imagine this how unmarked police car looks

Lauren's parents have 4 children (of various ages) and have always told them never to pull over for an unmarked car on the side of the road, but rather wait until they get to a service station, etc So Lauren remembered her parents' advice, and telephoned 112 from her mobile phone. This connected her to the police dispatcher she told the dispatcher that there was an unmarked police car with a flashing red light on his rooftop behind her and that she would not pull over right away but wait until she was in a service station or busy area.

while here is the marked police car

The dispatcher checked to see if there was a police car where she was and there wasn't and he told her to keep driving, remain calm and that he had back-up already on the way. Ten minutes later 4 police cars surrounded her and the unmarked car behind her.
One policeman went to her side and the others surrounded the car behind. They pulled the guy from the car and tackled him to the ground...... ..the man was a convicted rapist and wanted for other crimes. I never knew that bit of advice, but especially for a woman alone in a car, you do not have to pull over for an UNMARKED car.

Apparently police have to respect your right to keep going to a "safe" place. You obviously need to make some signals that you acknowledge them I.e., put on your hazard lights) or call 112 like Lauren did.

Too bad the mobile phone companies don't give you this little bit of wonderful information. So now it's your turn to let your friends know about 112 (112 is an emergency number on your mobile that takes you straight to the police because 999 does not work if you have no signal). This is good information that I did not know!

Please pass on to all your friends, especially any females.

Interruption

2007-11-26T12:47:00.000Z

My husband made this :-)

I thought it's pretty neat stuff and decided to let the world know about it..!!!

Geek Wife

When woman's love is betrayed (part 3)

2007-11-25T19:39:00.000Z

Written by Geek Wife

Before I start to blog about this topic. I was reading this blog http://www.mylittlenewhope2.blogspot.com/ couple of days back, passed by one of my MSN contact. It's a blog by a broken-hearted wife whose husband left her for another 'attractive' colleagues of his. Believe me, this is may be the dozen'th time I heard such story. I do wonder in my mind, "how could he did that?"

So I did a bit of research, and found these : http://www.singaporemotherhood.com/forumboard/messages/5/446443.html?1186537631

http://www.singaporebrides.com/forumboard/messages/5/415510.html?1162649300

Those stories are REAL stories from women whose been cheated by their husbands. The more I read, my emotion start to boil to 100 centigrade. At least 70% of them was cheated WHILE they are pregnant. And most those men DENY when the wife ask about their affair. What a coward. If you ask me at that point (while reading those thread) who is deserve to go to hell... I think I would answer those adulterous husbands...!! But, here is my second thought.

The bible example.

And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured....

And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.
And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.
And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

Gen 29 : 16-17,30-32

And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, Thou must come in unto me; for surely I have hired thee with my son's mandrakes. And he lay with her that night.
And God hearkened unto Leah, and she conceived, and bare Jacob the fifth son.
And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.
And Leah conceived again, and bare Jacob the sixth son.
And Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.

Gen 30 : 16 -20

Here is a classic old time example. Yes, you might scream that it's their own fault that they practiced poligamy. But try to see things on Leah prespective. She is so broken-hearted because her husband doesn't love her, and instead go for his lust and fell crazy for her sister whom described as beautiful and well favoured. You might argue that Jacob wanted Rachel in the first place but was cheated by Laban and gave him Leah instead. Yet remember that God's will is not always aligned with human will. It's God plan for Jacob to wed Leah, because through one of her child Jesus Christ was born. But Jacob still after his own heart and wanted to have Rachel. His decision has cause unnecessary sorrow and heartaches.

Have you done your bit of being a good godly wife?
If you has done your best to be a good wife, you had done your part. It's another story if you has not done your bit and therefore compeling him to look for another 'resources' outside home. But if you had done what you can and being a submissive and loving wife/mother to your children, his affair has nothing to do with you.

However, I did see a pattern. Men tend to repeat their habit of "having affair" more than just once. It's an addiction, he keeps come back for more.

I did ask my husband about it. To his point of view, man and woman are different. It's just like our fondness to buy clothes, bags and shoes, the same way men feels about having a woman.... one is just not ENOUGH. I wanted to argue why he thinks that woman is like an asset (he compared me with bags...!!!) But it's plain to see, us woman doesn't think buying clothes, accessories, shoes, bags, cosmetics, furniture, childrens's clothes, furniture (and the list goes on...and on) again and again is wrong. My husband doesn't see it that way, to him, excessive buying (means buying without any 'needs' behind, which most of the case is) is just plain wrong, it's wasting of money. In other words, it's natural for us to lust in shopping mall wanting stuff that we already have the same way for men to lust seeing a woman even though he already have one!

Another input from my husband : for men, having physical relationship does not equate love, while women tends to think that way.

Divorce doesn't solve anything.
I do wanted to type "you better go and divorce that useless man" many many times while reading the links I pasted above. But after a second thought, I think those words come out of my bitter and hateful heart. Recalling my previous post about "Interview with Karen" she is right to point out that 'forgiveness' is the choice that sets her free from her bitterness past and present life and move on. It doesn't matter whether he repent from his sins, forgiveness is a one way deal. Put it this way, forgiveness is God's way to heal your sorrow. It's easier said than done, but I must testify that I've been through this road before and I've been blessed doing my part (forgiving him) and trusting everthing else into God's hand. Trust me it works! Afterall, God hated divorce... what He had put together no human can put asunder!

Only God can change him.
Many women wonder how can they change their husband. While many found them repenting and in matter of weeks is doing the same old sin, the answer is the change must be from the inside and not the outside. You can't change your husband, only God can change him from inside. Pray for him faithfully, let God deals with his sins and his heart.

If you are reading this and you are not Christian.
All human are sinner, and Jesus Christ died for our transgression far before we even say 'I am sorry'. If you think your spouses has offended you, let me tell you that we had offended God evenmore. He is a holy God, even a white-lie is a big stain in His eyes. He simply can not tolerate ANY sins. But God exceeding love for us has sent us His one and only son, to be punished in exchange for our sins.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Rom 5:8-11

God loves us more than our spouse's love, more than our parents' love. He loves us even when we are his ENEMIES..!!! Receive Him as your only saviour today. Let Him comfort of your soul. And let Him mended your broken spirit.

When woman's love is betrayed (part 2)

2007-11-24T10:31:00.000Z

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Psalm 40 : 1-3

editted by Geek Wife

*****

EMILY'S STORY

I write this out of love. Love for the porn addict, love for his wife, and most of all for the children.

I pray this chapter is used for God’s glory and honor, that it might somehow prevent families from being destroyed.

I remember listening to a panel of women James Dobson had on his radio program. They talked about being married for over 20 years and discovering their husbands were involved in pornography. It seemed so unfathomable to me that someone could be deceived for so long. I remember thinking how stupid those women were.

Little did I realize I would be one of those women less than a month later.It was like a birth process. Pain, agony, sweat, tears, hours of intense hurt, and finally truth.

My husband is a porn addict. I heard it. I reacted. For two weeks I was numb. Numb to after 20+ years knowing something was wrong, but not knowing what. A relief to finally know the truth. A relief to now live in reality – in light and truth rather than the unreality of darkness and deception.

*****

My husband would never tell me the secrets of his past before our marriage. I always thought if I loved him enough some day he would tell me. If I loved him enough. . . .We always had a difficult marriage. My husband was always withdrawn and quiet.

I thought I could help him. I was outgoing, attractive, and spontaneous. In our marriage I could never do anything good enough. I was constantly criticized and put down. I thought it was me so I started a self-improvement program, more counseling, more seminars. I learned more was never enough.

My world stopped, knowing something had died in me.My husband always seemed to be “tuned out” – in another world. He worked long hours and often fell into bed at 2 a.m. I missed him. I begged him to come home.I raised the kids as he pursued his career. I told myself I needed to help him.

I poured my heart and soul into his endeavor – supporting and encouraging. There were still problems. When he was home he would go into his office and read his books, newspapers, and reports, and again I would cry myself to sleep.

I had others confront him. I gave this man every chance to tell me about his pornography addiction.

Lies weave other lies. Secrets kill. Comparisons kill.

I feel every time he looked at an image and masturbated he took away a part of me that God intended to be mine. I remember seeing him masturbate and he was in his own world, set on his own pleasure, stimulated and excited by images of women he didn’t know.

It was a feeling of betrayal and heart-wrenching emptiness that a woman feels when she learns that her husband is living a lie. Pornography tears at the very thread of a woman and her femininity. My heart was ripped and uprooted – thrown somewhere into a desert with no place to find refuge. It’s as if I wasn’t enough. Not sexy enough. Not beautiful enough. Not thin enough. Not exciting enough. Women get significance from their relationships with their husbands and when he turns to another for satisfaction it cuts her deeply at the core.I started buying sexy nighties, acting sexier, and suddenly I realized I was bowing down to an idol. It hurt that he chose not to tell me . . . to not allow me to come alongside him as his helper.

*****

To this day he refuses to see the pain that he caused. It amazes me as a wife how we are involved in every other area of a man’s life – his profit margin, his ability to manage, everything – but when it comes to pornography, it’s hidden in deception.

A man’s way seems right to a man.

Porn addiction is very selfish. It takes and takes and doesn’t give back. It’s all for the user’s pleasure.Another lie is that porn does not hurt anyone. Such a web of deception. “And they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality, for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness” (Eph. 4:19).

There are consequences and the stakes get higher. It takes one lie to cover another. It saddens me how men can compartmentalize this sin. He has the little wife over here with precious children and this nasty sin over here for his private time, justifying it because he still loves his wife and children. You can’t walk simultaneously in the darkness and the light.I’m a wife. I’m a wife of a porn addict.

I’m relieved to know what it is, though I always knew something was wrong. Tears. Pain. Disgust. Betrayal. To face the death of a husband would be better than this. A widow has the support of the church. A porn addict leaves shame and divorce. It would be easier if he were dead. We wouldn’t have to face the public humiliation and shame.

******

Today is a new day. It’s early morning and I must get breakfast for my children. I take each day as it comes now. Just for today. My husband still chooses his sin and refuses to take responsibility for it. I have to let him go and let the Lord deal with him.

I can no longer be his excuse, his enabler.
It’s a new day and I’m moving on and my Deliver is by my side.

He is faithful. He will never leave me nor forsake me.
He will never break His promise.

To a woman who has been betrayed, this is my comfort.

Hear my cry.
Emily

This is the final chapter of a new book called The Silent War (New Leaf Press, 2000). The book was written by Henry J. Rogers, the chaplain of Interstate Batteries.

When a woman's love is betrayed...

2007-11-23T13:12:00.000Z

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord,

how oft shall my brother sin against me,

and I forgive him? till seven times?
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times:

but, Until seventy times seven...

Matthew 18 : 21 -22

*****

BY AUGUSTINE PANG
editted by Geek Wife

Interview with "Karen"
A great today's example of forgiveness
based on true story in Singapore

WHEN Karen got married, she made a VOW: In sickness and in health, till death do us part...
She took those words to heart. Even under the most cruel of circumstances, in a time of betrayal.

You would never have imagined how a happy marriage could end so tragically. When she spoke about it, the otherwise strong woman broke down and wept. Again and again.

Put yourself in her shoes.

You have three wonderful children. Your husband takes good care of the family. He loves you and the children, and works hard so all of you can live in reasonable comfort. In other words, a perfect marriage. What more could a woman ask for? Sure, Karen (not her real name), 50, had the usual worries, like her children's education and their careers. But her husband was the pillar on which she leaned. After all, they had been married for 28 years.

Then the pillar came crashing down.

*****

"It was sometime in 1996. A relative was in hospital and needed extra blood. I offered to help. But a month later, the hospital called.

"The staff told me to go down. I was puzzled. I thought my blood group matched my relative's."

The staff and a doctor sat Karen down. They tried to be nice. But they had to ask that inevitable question.

"You're married, but did you have a boyfriend?" the staff asked Karen.
"No, why? I only have my husband," said Karen.
"Are you sure?" the staff asked again.
"Yes, of course," said Karen, sounding a little agitated. "What's wrong?"
The staff paused, and with a deep sigh, said: "I'm sorry, we've examined your blood and you've got HIV".

Karen could not believe her ears.
"How can it be? I only sleep with my husband and I didn't have any blood transfusion," she said, almost in tears.

The staff said: "Maybe we should test your husband's blood."

Her husband, a marketing manager, agreed to be tested.
A few weeks later, the results arrived. It was confirmed: Her husband had full-blown Aids.
Karen said: "I saw my world collapse around me ... I was very, very angry. He didn't say anything."

*****

One day, out of the blue, she discovered the horrible truth: The man she loved, adored and cherished had, in moments of indiscretion, slept with other women when he travelled overseas.

And he had come back with Aids.

Worse, he had passed that dreaded disease to her.

She is now stricken with HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, which leads to Aids. Overnight, Karen became a statistic in the Ministry of Health records. Of the 930 people living either with the full-blown Aids or the Aids virus, 73 are wives.
Innocent women who were betrayed twice over by their husbands, who slept with other women and then callously put their wives at risk. Most of these women got the disease from their husbands, a spokesman from Action for Aids (AfA) told The New Paper on Sunday.

Karen is one of them.

What did she do? Did she leave him? After all, she had every right to do so.
Karen did exactly the opposite. Instead of allowing her anger to fester, she rose above herself, above her husband's infidelity, above an uncertain future, and cared for him - until he died.

Hers is an inspiring story of forgiveness. Of reconciliation. Of strength. Of courage.

HOW DID IT TURN OUT THIS WAY?
"What's the point of asking. Why ask why? Can the whys make me or him live longer? The angrier I got, the more I didn't want to ask him.

"My children asked me to divorce him. But I didn't feel it was right. Marriage is for life, it's sacred.

"Yes, he did a horrible thing. But he gets punished, too. And his is not just physical torture. He passed the disease to me. He suffered mentally as well."

Karen is not any ignorant wife. She is educated, speaks very well and once worked as an administrator in an MNC. Her three children are in their early teens to early 20s. The family lives in a five-room flat. There was no hint of bitterness in her replies when she spoke to TNP on Sunday. In fact she still kept referring to him as "my husband".

Every time she recalled the good times she had with him, or what good a father he was, she wept. She recalled watching her husband wither away.
As the days drew on, her husband grew thinner and weaker. He left his well-paying job.
In the last six months of his life, he was in and out of hospital.

"I would visit him early in the morning before I started work. After work, I would be there, till 10pm. My entire weekends were spent there."

Karen's 15-year-old daughter said: "My mum would specially cook nutritious meals for my dad.
"Sometimes, he ate only a few spoonsful because he had no appetite. But she made sure he did not go hungry.

"And she talked to him, a lot, just to keep his spirits up. She was on call 24 hours a day, even though she herself had HIV."

Care-giver Ms Pang said: "She (Karen) hardly uttered a single word of complaint... To think that she is the victim."

Karen's husband came down with bronchitis. Towards the end, his lungs and heart failed him.
From a well-built 70 kg, he was reduced to 43 kg.
One early morning in December last year, he died in his hospital bed. He was 54.

THE FUTURE
"It's tough without my husband. I have to do many things which he used to do. The children still need their father. Now, I try to be both father and mother. It's not easy."

Karen controls her HIV-infection through medication. She looks perfectly normal, though she does feel weak sometimes. Now, she devotes her time to her children and keeps herself occupied with activities so that she doesn't have time to think of the past.

How long did the doctors say you can live?
"They say I can live till a ripe old age. But I don't think so. I don't feel weak, but you never know."

What's going to happen to your children if you die?
"The older ones will have to take care of the younger ones. Their security will be this flat," said Karen, pointing to the well-furnished and tidy flat.

I asked her daughter: "Don't you hate your dad for leaving the family in this state?"

She said: "I'm not angry, I just thought it was a stupid thing (to sleep with other women) to do. Since I can't retrace the steps, I just have to make the best of the situation."

Karen said: "As a mother, I don't plant bad thoughts into my children's minds.
"Why bring so much hatred to them? They might just grow up hating their father, and hating men. That's not how I want them to grow up.

As I left her flat, I asked Karen: "What keeps you going?"
"God. He's my strength."

I Thank God.. I am NOT a Turkey!

2007-11-21T07:39:00.000Z

Happy thanksgiving to those who celebrate it..!!!

Geek Wife

Going to The Dogs

2007-11-16T16:24:00.000Z

taken from Baptist Bread (by Tim Green)

"...that I might by all means saved some." I Cor 9:22b

A man was confronted by a stray dog that had suffered a broken leg. This Samaritan-like fellow took the dog to a veterinarian and paid to have the homeless mutt's leg attended to, it was set by the vet and soon healed.

Some months passed abd this "healed" dog showed up at the pet doctpr's office with another dog that had broken leg..!!!!

Now, how could a DOG figure that out?!
I guess they are smarter than some of us give them credit for.

The thought I'd like to leave with you today to ponder is this :
You have been helped, why not get someone else to the Helper?
You have been saved, why not get someone else to the Saviour?
If a canine had enough "conviction" to believe that the same doctor that helped him might just be able to cure his companion, don't you think as a converted, committed Christian that Christ could help some of your friends?

Our text teaches us that by all means we should endeavor to reach the lost with the Gospel that changed our lives. Paul said he became weak to the weak and was available to be "made all things to all men". His goal was to see folk saved and that should be the highest priority of ever born again "dog" that has received a crumb from the Master's table.

David Cloud

2007-11-16T13:17:00.000Z

written by Geek Wife

What happen recently triggers me to write something about him.Yes, pastor David Cloud. He is definetely not a new name for a fundamentalist Baptist.But believe it or not, "many" baptist dislike his "negative" comment (or may be should say attitude) especially towards other saved-but-may-be-not-a-fundamentalist Christian.

Well, first of all, believe me... I did not side him because he is one of my pastor's good friend. In fact, sometimes I do tend to think as many other his 'hater'. These is some of the example that I've heard or read

"Can you stop complaining and do something about it?

Stop being negative...! Afterall it's just a small mistake compared to what that man had done, he produce a lot of Godly books.

Oh please don't say that bro. Cloud, you will have tons of enemies...!!!

Do this, you can try to google name "David Cloud" and it will come with TONS of critics and blog with many flashing word of disagreement. But what is it the purpose of his ministry? Is he really looking for enemy or just try to become popular by posting controversial stuff?

Obviously enough, Pastor Cloud, as a human, he CAN make mistakes too. Like this one for example on this blog written by another fundamentalist :
http://ebaptist.blogspot.com/2007/09/on-dishonesty-of-david-cloud.html
But needless to say, this is only a one side picture and Pastor Cloud (whether or not he thinks he had make mistake) has his side of a story to tell.

But enough of saying OTHERS prespective on him. This is what I think.

Last night I was reading Jeremiah when my husband was reading the literature Pastor Roger Tooley printed out for us. (FYI, it was Pastor David Cloud literature). And my husband said to me :
"Sometimes I feel I need to quit reading this literature. Everything sounds so negative and discouraging".
"That's true". I replied.
"Wonders why he decide to have this kind of ministry, would he feel so terrible himself then writting all these ? I feel awful inside just reading them."
Then both of us absorbed reading our own stuff.

"Hey... isn't Jeremiah sounded like Pastor Cloud?"

That's right, in fact, not only Jeremiah, but MANY other phropets, judges, apostle and even the Lord Himself rebuke other LOADS of times. The word 'rebuke' appear in the bible 119 times, and go count yourself for the word 'Woe'. So, why all these Godly man are so negative and sometimes sound overly judgemental?

It's because we, just like the Jew... are a stubborn, sinful, human. Needless to say that the same prophet need to warn the Jew numerous times over THE SAME THING. Ananias and Safira end up dead because they lied to the Holy Spirit (which to my standart I would say : I will close my ear as long as I got THE money).

So, a lesson to learn. We should be thankful there is a minister like Pastor Cloud who run this kind of ministry. It's not easy when another Christian (who include fundamentalist) thinks you are just over judging them, being too negative, or even talking nonsense while actually you tried to restore their relationship with the Lord.

My piece of advice is : if you happen to get his 'strong' word (or may be its directed to someone you know) just try to see is there a truth in it. If no, I believe He is not a unreasonable man whereby you can go to him and straight things up (If you have a ground to say). The bottom line is, it's not easy to become the enemy of this world... do pray for Pastor Cloud.

Should Christian celebrate Halloween?

2007-11-07T09:17:00.000Z

Background studies from Wikipedia

Halloween, or Hallowe'en, is a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31. Traditional activities include trick-or-treating, bonfires, costume parties, visiting "haunted houses" and carving jack-o-lanterns.

The term Halloween (and its alternative rendering Hallowe'en) is shortened from All-hallow-even, as it is the eve of "All Hallows' Day",[1] which is now also known as All Saints' Day. Some modern practices developed out of older pagan traditions, especially surrounding the Irish holiday Samhain, a day associated both with the harvest and otherworldly spirits. Irish and Scottish immigrants carried versions of the tradition to North America in the nineteenth century. Other western countries embraced the holiday in the late twentieth century. Halloween is now celebrated in several parts of the Western world, most commonly in Ireland, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom and occasionally in parts of Australia and New Zealand.

Many European cultural traditions, in particular Celtic cultures, hold that Halloween is one of the liminal times of the year when spirits can make contact with the physical world, and when magic is most potent (according to, for example, Catalan mythology about witches and Scottish and Irish tales of the Sídhe).

History
The modern holiday of Halloween has its origins in the ancient Gaelic festival known as Samhain (pronounced /ˈsˠaunʲ/ from the Old Irish samain). The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture, and is sometimes erroneously[2] regarded as the "Celtic New Year".[3] Traditionally, the festival was a time used by the ancient pagans to take stock of supplies and slaughter livestock for winter stores. The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead overlapped and the deceased would come back to life and cause havoc such as sickness or damaged crops. The festivals would frequently involve bonfires, where the bones of slaughtered livestock were thrown. Costumes and masks were also worn at the festivals in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or placate them.[4][5] When the Romans occupied Celtic territory, several Roman traditions were also incorporated into the festivals. Feralia, a day celebrated in late October by the Romans for the passing of the dead as well as a festival which celebrated the Roman Goddess Pomona, the goddess of fruit were incorporated into the celebrations. The symbol of Pomona was an apple, which is a proposed origin for the tradition of bobbing for apples on Halloween.[6]

In England
All Saints' Day (All Hallows Day) became fixed on November 1 in 835, and All Souls' Day on November 2, circa 998. On All Souls' Eve, families stayed up late, and little "soul cakes" were eaten by everyone. At the stroke of midnight there was solemn silence among households, which had candles burning in every room to guide the souls back to visit their earthly homes, and a glass of wine on the table to refresh them. The tradition continued in areas of northern England as late as the 1930s, with children going from door-to-door "souling" (i.e., singing songs) for cakes or money.

The English Reformation in the 16th century de-emphasised holidays like All Hallows Day or All Souls Day and their associated eve. With the rise of Guy Fawkes Night celebrations in 17th century England, most remaining Halloween practices, especially the building of bonfires, were moved to November 5.

In parts of northern England, there is a traditional festival called Mischief Night which falls on the November 4. During the celebration, children play a range of "tricks" (ranging from minor to more serious) on adults. One of the more serious "tricks" might include the unhinging of garden gates (which were often thrown into ponds, or moved far away). In recent years, such acts have occasionally escalated to extreme vandalism, sometimes involving street fires.[13]

Halloween celebrations in England were popularised in the late twentieth century under the pressure of American cultural influence, including a stream of films and television programmes aimed at children and adolescents, and the discovery by retail experts of a marketing opportunity to fill the empty space before Christmas. Between 2001 and 2006, consumer spending in the UK for Halloween rose tenfold from £12 m to £120 m, according to Bryan Roberts from industry analysts Planet Retail, making Halloween the third most profitable holiday for supermarkets.[14] This led to the introduction of practices such as pumpkin carvings and trick-or-treat[15] (see below). Nowadays, adults too may dress up to attend costume parties, pub parties and club parties on Halloween night.

Bobbing for apples is a well-established Bonfire Night custom now also associated with Halloween. In the game, attempts are made with one's mouth only to catch an apple placed in a water-filled barrel. Once an apple is caught, it is sometimes peeled and tossed over the shoulder in the hope that the strips would fall into the shape of a letter, which would be the first initial of the participant's true love. According to another superstition, the longer the peel, the longer the peeler's life would be; some say that the first participant to get an apple would be the first to marry.

Other practices common to Bonfire Night and Halloween include fireworks, telling ghost stories, and playing children's games such as hide-and-seek. Apple tarts may be baked with a coin hidden inside, and nuts of all types are traditional Halloween fare. Bolder children may in some areas play a game called "thunder and lightning", which involves loudly knocking on a neighbour's door, then running away (like lightning). This game is known as "knocky nine doors" in the north east of England, "knock-door-run", "knock-and-run", "knock-knock-zoom-zoom", "ding-dong-ditch", or "postman's knock" in parts of the country, and is also played on Mischief Night[citation needed]. However, traditions are being lost under the relentless pressure of the American media, and some of today's children will arrive at a door and intone "trick-or-treat" in order to receive money and sweets.

There has been increasing concern about the potential for antisocial behaviour, particularly among older teenagers, on Halloween. Cases of houses being "egg-bombed" (especially when the occupants do not give money or gifts) have been reported, and the BBC reported that for Halloween 2006 police forces stepped up patrols to respond to such mischief.[16]

*******

The bottom of the line is, Christian has a freedom to choose whether or not to celebrate Halloween (so called Christian-freedom). Do think about this, would you be joining a festival that celebrate death, devil/ghost and paganism? It's up to you to decide.

Geek Wife

5 years multiple entry business visa..!!!

2007-11-01T20:56:00.000Z

written by Geek Wife

Yes, that's true...!!! We've (all three of us) just get visas to United States of America. And it is B1 (business and leisure visit purposes), multiple entry valid for 5 years..!!!

Praise the LORD for HE is GREAT.

And the most amazing thing is, we've got it all approved in A DAY (and not 3 months or so which is more typical for citizen of Moslem country).
First of all, we DIDN'T (I repeat, we d-i-d n-o-t) apply for this type visa. We're simply applying for social visit or vacation visa (which normally valid for short period and single entry). We had never expected that the interviewer (whom happen to be a very polite bloke) grant us B1 visa instead. Considering he just ask me one question (which is, tell me about your job full stop).

The mighty queue outside US embassy... luckily, it much shorter when we were there..!!!

While in the queue, Yusdi happen to talk to a man in front of him (at least try to make the wait more "enjoyable"), and guess what... he is a Christian too..!! So they involved in a long chat. He said that he came from South Korea and had came to England to help the church here. He gave Yusdi a warm shakehand when he knew that he had met another born again christian. What an encouragement...!!!

We've spent the whole day to travel all the way to London and to queue (from 10 a.m to 8 p.m) and we were all exhausted. On the outward journey, our X4 bus broke down. But thanks God that it happened only several kilometre out of central bus station so a replacement bus quickly can be sent and we arrived on time at US embassy...!!! It has proven that God had purpose even for this. Because our bus was slightly late, we couldn't catch the silverlink train scheduled at 10.38, instead we had to take the one at 10.57, and that is the nicest silverlink train I've ever seen (it even still smells NEW...!!!) And....it goes straight from Milton Keynes train station non-stop to London..!!! (We buy a cheap day return, which normally stop numerous of times before reaching destination).

Oh yes, and another thing... yesterday we read the weather forecast for London was supposedly gloomy and cloudy. But nothing close to that today. It was glorious sunshine all day long. Guess our master is in control...!!!

And not forgetting the fact that our interview appointment was scheduled on the 1st November. Should it be the 2nd November, we all will be in deep trouble because silverlink train is on strike that day (which is tomorrow) and there will be NO train from northampton or milton keynes to London.

On the way home, we accidentally took the wrong bus (I mean, the right number... but WRONG DIRECTION). The bad news is, our ticket is single entry... that means to take another direction we had TO PAY AGAIN...!!! (And it was hefty 2 pound per person for 1.4 miles).
We were so exhausted, and I was so desperate that I nearly took a cab. But our great and mighty Lord stretched His merciful hand again.....We decided to catch the bus on opposite direction, and try to explain what happen to the driver. Without much arguing about, the driver whisper and said "Actually I don't care, I know what you mean, so just hop in.... you don't need to pay". That's truly amazing. Our Lord just save us our money.

So what we've learn today is, God is faithful... (even when we are not) and He is indeed the Master of EVERYTHING (we've seen this a lot today..!!!). His plan and His thought is much better than us human... by FAR. It's a wise choice to trust your life matter in His hand. For He is all knowing, and moreover... a merciful God. We had a tremendous encouragement today.

United States of America... here we come...!!!

Six Types of Tongues Part 4

2007-10-30T20:47:00.000Z

A Naughty Tongue

Proverbs 17.4: "A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue."

While the word naughty often brings to mind the image of a wayward child who regularly receives reproof for his foolishness or disobedience, the word naughty in today's text denotes something much more serious in the eyes of God. A naughty tongue, much like both the backbiting and the deceitful, lying tongues, says things with intention of promoting wickedness. A heart that is determined to harm another person, either verbally, emotionally or physically, fuels this cruel speech. A naughty tongue is a wicked, evil tongue that, as James 3.6 describes, "is set on fire of hell." Our text tells us that those who listen to the words uttered by a naughty tongue are liars, just as ones who heed "false lips" are evil doers.

Notice that a naughty tongue does not secretly utter slanderous words to another person, as does a backbiting tongue; but rather, its speech is uninhibited, spiteful and confrontational. When one verbally attacks someone in order to "set him straight" on a particular issue, then gentleness, meekness and humility are certainly not evident in his life, even though the Lord requires these fruits of the Spirit to grace one's speech. God's Word tells us that even though we might harbour anger in our hearts, we must not allow that anger to manifest itself in a sinful manner, and certainly lashing out with a naughty tongue at someone is sinful indeed (Eph. 4.25-27). To succumb to our flesh is to "give place to the devil," and no believer should ever yield his actions to the enemy of his soul. Believer, guard your tongue against speaking that which is hurtful or spiteful. God hates such language, and so should we.

Country Mama

Six Types of Tongues Part 3

2007-10-27T20:30:00.000+01:00

A Froward Tongue

Proverbs 10.31-32: "The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness."

Seldom do we hear the word froward used in modern-day speech, but in today's text that term describes an attitude of foolishness or perverseness that affects what a person says. In other words, the "froward tongue" does not concern itself with speaking that which is righteous and just. Instead, a froward person speaks foolish and perverse things that clearly reveal he is not walking in a right relationship with the Lord. Once again, it is necessary to recognize that such an attitude begins in the heart. Verse 32 of today's text says, "the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness." Wickedness, or unrighteousness, resides in the heart and life of the one who speaks with a froward tongue before he even utters a single word. What is our Lord's estimation of this sinful attitude and speech? Notice Proverbs 11.20 which says, "They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are His delight." Furthermore, Proverbs 8.12 tells us that God hates "pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth."

A froward individual walks in darkness (Proverbs 2.12, 13). He is divisive and mischievous (Prov. 6.12-14) and sows strife through his words and actions (Prov. 16-28). As believers, we are to guard our tongues and always act and speak in a way that reveals our love for God, our regard for truth and righteousness and our concern for our fellow believers in Christ. To speak that which the Lord deems "foolishness" or "perverseness" not only causes us to lose our testimony before others but also reveals that our hearts have wandered from a right relationship with our Lord.

Country Mama

P.S. Sorry it has taken a few days to get back to this, but everyone at our house has been ill this last week. I'm just now getting around to playing "catch-up".

Anthernet

2007-10-26T13:48:00.000+01:00

Funny enough sometimes we thought we know more than GOD.

written by
Geek Wife

Six Types of Tongues - Part 2

2007-10-20T19:03:00.000+01:00

Deceitful, Lying Tongue

Psalms 120.1-7:
"In my distress I cried unto the LORD,
and he heard me. Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful
tongue. What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou
false tongue?

Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. Woe is me, that I sojourn in
Mesech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar! My soul hath long dwelt with him
that hateth peace. I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war."

Deceit is always characterized by a heart that is hardened to the will of God. Such were the hearts of those who persecuted the psalmist in today's text. He cried out to God, "Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue" (v. 2).

We find from the context that these evil men hated peace (v.6) and despised the words of the psalmist (v.7). Instead, they loved "devouring words" because their tongue "[devised] mischiefs; like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully" (Psa. 52.1-4). They were so opposed to the word and will of God that they persecuted the psalmist by disseminating untrue, deceitful information about him to others.

Such lies and deception caused the author of this psalm to live in misery and even to cry out, "Woe is me" (v.5). King David also experienced the harm resulting from a lying tongue (Psa. 109.1-4) and cried out to God for deliverance. Wicked men inflicted much pain upon this Godly man by the untrue words they spoke against him.

It is possible for us, like the evil men in our text who had no fear of God, to use our tongues to make the life of another person miserable by being deceitful and speaking lies about him. However, such speech should never come from the lips of one who desires to glorify God and accomplish His will. As believers, we are to "consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works" (Heb. 10.24).

The Word of God tells us: "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour" (Eph. 4.25). The judgment of God (v.4) rests upon a deceitful, lying tongue, for Proverbs 6.16-17 declares that such is an abomination to Him.

Until tomorrow,
Country Mama

Six Types of Tongues - Part 1

2007-10-19T19:40:00.000+01:00

A Backbiting Tongue

Proverbs 25.23: "The north wind driveth away rain: so doth
an angry countenance a backbiting tongue."

Today's Bible text, although once again brief, contains invaluable counsel to the child of God who desires to guard himself from the contamination of hurtful speech. But before we can better discern the dangers of a backbiting tongue, we must first understand what it is.

The Hebrew word from which backbiting is translated denotes speech that is slanderously uttered in secret between two or more people.

Psalm 101.5 contains the same Hebrew word for backbiting used in today's text, but it reads, "Whoso privily (privately) slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off." The psalmist David is vowing here that he will not allow anyone to come to him and whisper in his ear false words about someone else. Thus, a "backbiting tongue" refers to the speech of one who quietly, secretly utters to a confidant untrue statements that are solely intended to slander another person.

As with yesterday's text, Proverbs 25.23 contains a correlation between the attitudes of our hearts and the words that flow forth from our mouths. Just as the wind controls the direction and destination of the rain clouds, so the anger in our hearts can control the direction and content of our speech and even our very countenance.

What should our response be to those who come to us with a backbiting tongue, eager to share with us "confidential" information about someone else? Like David, we should not allow them to utter even the first words of their slanderous speech (read again Psalm 101.5); but rather, we must let them know in no uncertain terms that we ourselves do not speak in such a way nor desire to be spoken to in like manner.

Keep thinking!!

'Talk' to you later,
Country Mama

Six Types of Tongues - Introduction

2007-10-18T22:10:00.000+01:00

I thought that it would be interesting to discuss this subject. We as women know that our mouths (tongues) can get us into serious trouble. I would like for us to look at the Scriptures and see what God's Word has to say about it these next few days. Maybe it will be a help and blessing to someone. I know as I looked into it myself it helped me.

Introduction

Proverbs 21:23:"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his
soul from troubles."

In this short text, while apparently simple and self-explanatory, is full of rich truths that can change our lives and our relationships with others if we will only heed and obey it. How often do we get ourselves into trouble because we fail to guard our speech? Or how many times have we felt anguish and despair over words we have uttered that we could not take back?

While we are not able to erase the things that we said in the past, we certainly can purpose to guard our tongues so that anything we utter from this day forward will not inflict any unnecessary pain on another or bring additional trouble upon our own souls.

To "keep" our tongue means to guard our speech and, in effect, to guard our hearts as well, for Jesus said, "those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; adn they defile the man" (Matt. 15:18).

James wrote that although the tongue is a "little member" within our bodies, it is capable of inflicting much pain (James 3:3-10). God's Word describes six types of tongues that can reside within the mouth of the believer: a backbiting tongue (Prov. 25:23), a deceitful or lying tongue (Psa. 109:2, 120:2), a froward tongue (Prov. 10:31), a naughty tongue (Prov. 17:4), a perverse tongue (Prov. 17:20), and a wholesome tongue (Prov. 15:4).

Our goal as believers in Christ is to refrain from allowing any tongue other than a wholesome tongue to reign in our bodies. If we desire to honour God in our lives and if we hope to flee unnecessary troubles and maintain a proper testimony before others, then we will guard our tongues and be sure that our speech is in accordance with His will.

Just a little food to get you thinking.

Until tomorrow,
Country Mama

TRAVEL PLANS

2007-10-18T14:12:00.000+01:00

And it is for FREE...!!!!

We truly don't deserve it do we?

Geek Wife

You're too harsh! You have no love!

2007-10-15T09:47:00.000+01:00

Edited by Geek Wife

I am so terribly tired of hearing from effeminate Christians who say I have no love and that I am too harsh in sharing the word. They say I am not loving and have no charity. According to who? Not the word of God.

DOES GOD ACCEPT WORSHIP FROM PEOPLE WHO TEACH FALSE DOCTRINE?

God does not accept worship based on a lie. He rejects it. He will only accept worship based on the truth.

John 4:23, ...the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

WHAT IS TRUTH? HOW CAN ONE KNOW IT?
...thy word is truth. John 17:17
DO WE NEED A MAN TO TEACH US THE TRUTH, THE WORD OF GOD?

Not according to the scriptures. The Holy Ghost Himself teaches.
...the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13

...the anointing which ye have received of him [God] abideth in you... the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 1 John 2:27
We are not taught of man.

...ye need not that any man teach you 1 John
Which things also we speak, NOT in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, 1 Corinthians 2:13 2:27

Men lie. We must rely on the Bible.

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar Romans 3:4
God is not a man, that he should lie...Numbers 23:19

WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO PREACH FALSE DOCTRINE LIKE THE CATHOLIC RELIGION?

Jesus said that they that worship the Father must worship Him in spirit and in TRUTH. The Catholic religion is full of blasphemy and murder. The Catholic religion tortured and killed millions and millions of Christians who refused to bow the knee to the papacy. So, how are we to respond to this false religion?

...have NO fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:11

The Catholic religion is proven darkness. Paul tells us here to HAVE NO FELLOWSHIP WITH THEM but rather REPROVE them. Who are you reproving? Unfortunately, you are having fellowship with them.

WHAT IF A MAN/RELIGION CHANGES THE GOSPEL MESSAGE?

Paul says let him/it be ACCURSED! He doesn't say, "Forget the non-essentials".

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. ...if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8-9

The Catholic religion brings another gospel--a sacramental gospel. What doth the scripture say? Let it be ACCURSED. What are you doing? Blessing them. What does the scripture say about blessing the heretic?

This:
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 2 John 1:11

Everytime you bless these people, YOU are a partaker of their evil! Professing Christians have been duped by Satan into desiring the things of men instead of the things of God.

They worry about "hurting people's feelings".

...Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. Matthew 16:23

According to the Bible, it's okay for people to be sad if it will work repentance in their heart.
...godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

HOW TO RESPOND TO PEOPLE THAT INSIST ON GOING THE WRONG WAY.

A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject. Titus 3:10

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. 1 Corinthians 16:22

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:5
HOW DOES GOD FEEL ABOUT THE WICKED?

God is angry with the wicked every day. Psalms 7:11

HOW DO WE SHOW LOVE FOR JESUS?

Real love is not a touchy-feely-make-everybody-feel-good proposition. It is doing what the Lord Jesus tells us to do.
He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me...He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings... John 14:21, 24

A lot of people are giving God lip service about loving Jesus and accepting Him as Lord and Saviour, but God does not accept us based on lip service.

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalms 51:17

WHO IS THE ONE WITH THE FALSE POSITION?

The people who say, "Forget the non-essentials we all just love Jesus" are dead wrong. Know ye not that there is more than one Jesus and that we're not all talking about the same one?
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, 2 Corinthians 11:4

The Catholic religion preaches another Jesus who Paul did not preach. Their Jesus lives inside a piece of bread. The JWs preach another Jesus. So do the Mormons, Christadelphians, Garbage Eaters, Muslims, Atheists, Satanists and every other weirdo cult. The NIV, Phillips, and other modern Bibles says things that God did not say and remove things that God did say. Falsehood everywhere.

CONCLUSION
Most people who write saying that I lack charity are NIV-reading ecumenical types who are shocked when confronted with the truth in a direct manner. They are so used to waffling that they don't want to handle forthtelling the Bible way.

I don't expect anyone to come to this site and just take my word for the information I'm sharing. You can look it up for yourself. It's verifiable. Go to some Catholic sites and check out the various tenets, compare the scriptures between the NIV/NKJV, etc. with the King James. The data is there in front of your eyes!

It's verifiable so what's your problem?

For some people who have come to this site, it is the first time they've heard the truth about their false religion or belief. Some people get saved as a result. Will I shut up because some ecumenists say, "You're not loving"? Nay, I will rather obey God. Do you despise me for sharing the word of life in boldness? Telling the truth is love.

Letting someone go to the lake of fire because you're too scared to tell them the truth is HATE.

Chastworth House - Travel Review

2007-10-11T09:50:00.000+01:00

Written by Geek Wife

I had recently visited Peak District, and had a chance to have a peek where Duke of Devonshire (I had no clue why he lives there since the area is supposedly Derbyshire) .

A bit about it...

Chatsworth House is a large country house 3½ miles north east of Bakewell in Derbyshire, England, originally built by Bess of Hardwick. It is the seat of the Dukes of Devonshire, whose family name is Cavendish. Chatsworth stands on the left bank of the River Derwent and looks across the river to the low hills that divide the valleys of the Derwent and the Wye. The Park is expansive, and the house is backed by rocky hills covered with bracken and heather. The house contains a unique collection of priceless paintings, furniture, Old Master drawings, neoclassical sculpture and other artefacts. Chatsworth's garden is one of the most famous in England. Chatsworth has been selected as the United Kingdom's favourite country house several times.

And here is some picture.

The main hall....

The library....

(is those books only accessories or someone acutally read it?)

The garden...

Fancy a visit??

Here is the official statehome website :http://www.chatsworth.org/

But do you know that I have a mansion nicer than this??

Yeah, in Heaven...!!!

John and Kim Tracy - Song's Review

2007-10-05T06:55:00.000+01:00

We've bought this CD from Bob Jones online store (also available here)

It's consist of beautiful traditional hymns and non-contemporary inspirational songs sang as well as played with saxophone.

Truly a beautiful pieces to enjoy..!!

God bless,

Geek Wife

My Anxiety HOLDING Me Back...!!!

2007-10-04T08:26:00.000+01:00

Have you learn the lesson yet?

Geek Wife

The True Saint Is Different

2007-10-03T20:13:00.000+01:00

Edited by Country Mama

The Church's mightiest influence is felt when she is different from the world in which she lives. Her power lies in her being different, rises with the degree in which she differs and sinks as the difference diminishes.

This is so fully and clearly taught in the Scriptures and so well illustrated in Church history that it is hard to see how we can miss it. But miss it we do, for we hear constantly that the Church must try to be as much like the world as possible, excepting, of course, where the world is too, too sinful; and we are told to get adjusted to the world and "be all things to all men." (This use of the passage, incidentally, points up Peter's saying that "Our beloved brother brother Paul" wrote some things which the unlearned and the unstable wrest to their own destruction.)

One sure mark of the Church's heavenly character is that she is different from the rest of mankind; similarity is a mark of her fall. The sons of God and the sons of men are morally and spiritually separated, and between them there is a great gulf fixed. When religious persons try to bridge that gulf by compromise they violate the very principles of the kingdom of God.

Men are impressed with the message of the Church just as far and as long as she is different from themselves. When she seeks to be like them they no longer respect her. They believe (and rightly) that she is playing false to herself and to them. The moral jar that results when an indoctrinated son of Adam meets a son of heaven is one of the most wholesome things that can happen to both of them.
And contrary to common opinion, men are more inclined to follow the way of Christ when they are compelled to make a radical alteration in their lives than they are when the way is made easy for them. The human heart senses its need to be changed, and when religion appears offering life without change, it is not taken seriously by thinking men. The superficial, the insincere, may embrace such a low-powered brand of religion, but the seeking heart must reject it as false and unreal.

All conformity to the world is a negation of our Christian character and a surrender of our heavenly position.

Let us plant ourselves on the hill of Zion and invite the world to come over to us, but never under any circumstances will we go over to them. The cross is the symbol of Christianity, and the speaks of death and separation, never compromise. No on ever compromised with a cross. The cross separated between two dead and the living. The timid and the fearful will cry "Extreme!" and they will be right. The cross is the essence of all that is extreme and final. The message of Christ is a call across a gulf of death to life, from sin to righteousness and from Satan to God.

The first step for any Christian who is seeking spiritual power is to accept his unique position as a son of heaven temporarily detained on the earth, and to begin to live as becometh a saint. The sharp line of demarcation between him and the wold will appear at once - and the world will never quite forgive him. And the sons of earth will make him pay well for separation, but it is a price he will gladly pay for the privilege of walking in fruitfulness and power.

Uncompromisingly,

Country Mama

Is Mother Theresa A Christian?

2007-10-02T13:07:00.000+01:00

Important woman of the world series.
edited by Geek Wife

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
II Corinthians 11:14

Blasphemy from the Lips of Mother Theresa
Here's a quote from Mother Theresa. She is the Catholic's Catholic.
Many praise her for her good works and use her as an example of a model Christian [Lord have mercy, Jesus]. You will see from the following quotes that Mother Theresa believes that Jesus is a piece of bread and that the Catholic "Mary" is leading her to Jesus [Lord have mercy, Jesus]. Mother Theresa is NOT SAVED and Jesus said that when the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. She is on her way to hell, taking others with her and I hope she is converted before it is too late.

In this quote, she is addressing priests at the Worldwide Retreat for Priests in October 1984, in Paul VI Audience Hall, Vatican City:

"At the word of a priest, that little piece of bread becomes the body of Christ...Then you give this bread to us, so that we too might live and become holy..."

[context of next statement: Yemen wanted nuns to help them but had no chapel] "I explained that I wanted to give them sisters, but the trouble was that, without a priest, without Jesus going with them, our sisters couldn't go anywhere [oh, so the priests control Jesus]...

I was so struck with the thought that only when the priest is there can we have our altar and our tabernacle and our Jesus. Only the priest can PUT Jesus there for us...Jesus wants to go there [oh, so Jesus is powerless without the priest], but we cannot bring him unless you first give him to us."

[still talking to priests] "...This is one of the reasons you are called 'another Christ.'" [note: the definition of antichrist is a false Christ! There's only one Jesus all else are impostors!]"
I make no apologies for loudly proclaiming that this is NOT my Jesus, this is NOT the Jesus of the Bible!!!! Look at what Mother Theresa said about "Mary" in the same speech:

"Let us ask [Mary] to be our Mother, guiding us and protecting us...she is always leading us to Jesus [The Bible doesn't say that!]

I Heard This With My Own Two Ears...
The event that I'm about to describe occurred just after I started to walk with the Lord.
I was visiting a Methodist service on a military base and a departing minister stood up before the congregation in his white robe looking pious. He said something like, "We must embrace our Catholic brothers and sisters. After all, they believe 99.5% of the things that we do."

That is a lie..!!!The only way a person can be my brother or sister is if they know Jesus Christ in the pardon of their sins and newness of life in accordance with the Bible. The Catholic believes that knowing Jesus is eating His flesh and drinking His blood through transubstantiation which is heresy. [According to the law in Leviticus 17:10 eating blood is strictly forbidden. The command remains in the New Testament--see Acts 15:20, 15:29, 21:25. Therefore, drinking the blood of Jesus cannot be justified no matter how you look at it.]

That man stood up in front of the congregation desensitizing people to the cult of Mary and it probably worked on most--but it ain't workin' here. Tell people the truth and pull them out of the flames of hell!
The worst danger of ecumenism (all religions getting together in unity) is telling heretics that their religion is okay. They will not try to find out the truth and the lake of fire will be their eternal home. Christians, fight ecumenism tooth and nail. You have the light--LET IT SHINE. Don't be afraid, tell the truth to Catholics and others in false religions so that they can be saved from certain eternal death. Base everything you say on the word of God--it's our sword.

One Time, No More
The sacrifice of Jesus Christ occurred one time never to be repeated. Hebrews 10:12-14 says,
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

The Answer to Our Question
Mother Theresa is not a Christian. She is an idolater that worships bread, wine, statues, and men. God commands His people to stay away from people like this. Don't use her as an example in Sunday School classes. Don't use her as an example anywhere. The Bible gives this clear command to Christians:

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

II John 9-11

[Editor's note: This article was written about 4-6 months before Mother Theresa died on 9-5-97.]

The following is a CNN article claiming Mother Teresa underwent exorcism.

Archbishop: Mother Teresa underwent exorcism
September 5, 2001 Posted: 10:05 AM EDT (1405 GMT)
By Satinder Bindra
CNN New Delhi Bureau

CALCUTTA, India (CNN) -- Senior church officials in Calcutta acknowledge Mother Teresa had an exorcism performed on her in the latter years of life.
The exorcism took place in a hospital where she had gone for cardiac problems, said Archbishop of Calcutta Henry D'Souza. The archbishop himself had been hospitalized at the same facility and shared the same doctor as Mother Teresa.
He said he noticed that while Mother Teresa was calm during the day, at night she appeared "extremely agitated." D'Souza said Mother Teresa would pull off wires and other monitoring equipment stuck to her body.

He said that is when he believed Mother Teresa "might be under the attack of the evil one." He offered to arrange for an exorcism for the elderly nun. She agreed.
"So I said let's do the prayer of exorcism over her.

So I called one of the priests who was a holy man in Calcutta," D'Souza said. "I told him, 'Please say the prayer of exorcism over Mother Teresa.' And he got a shock and said, 'Shall I pray and should I drive out the devil if it's there?'"
"I said, 'Yes, you do.'

But he says, 'What will the devil do to me?' I said to him, 'You command the devil to go if he's there. In the name of the church, as archbishop, I command you to go and do it.'"
After the exorcism was over, the archbishop said Mother Teresa "slept like a baby."

He emphasized that other great religious leaders faced similar challenges.
D'Souza said the revelations about Mother Teresa show that she was "both holy and human," making her even more special.

The archbishop also corroborated earlier reports on CNN that Mother Teresa felt abandoned by God at times during her life.
Those revelations were first made to CNN by Mother Teresa's closest confidante, Sister Nirmala, who now heads the order, Missionaries of Charity, established by Mother Theresa in 1950.

"This is part of the spiritual life of people, and God sometimes wants to unite the soul very closely to himself. He will allow them to feel abandoned by Him. And Jesus also on the cross felt he was abandoned," Sister Nirmala said.

She said Mother Teresa is most remembered for her humanness -- "How human she was, how loving she was. How she wanted to be just one of us."
D'Souza told CNN that Mother Teresa felt abandoned particularly in her early years -- feelings she revealed in letters.

He said in one letter she wrote that she had been walking the streets of Calcutta all day searching for a house where she could start her work.
"At the end of the day, she came back and she wrote in her diary, 'Today, I wandered the streets the whole day. My feet are aching and I have not been able to find a home. And I also get the temptation, of the tempter telling me, "Leave all this, go back to the convent in which you came."'"

She found her home and the rest is history. The Missionaries of Charity feeds 500,000 families a year in Calcutta alone, treats 90,000 leprosy patients annually and educates 20,000 children every year.
Millions of Indians marked the fourth anniversary of her death (she died September 5, 1997). The archbishop led a Mass Wednesday morning at the Motherhouse, where Mother Teresa lived. Statues in the house were decorated with garlands and her grave was bedecked in flowers.
The Vatican has begun the process of trying to declare her a saint who dedicated her life to the service of the poor.

"Today, Mother is with God. Now in his presence, she has more power with God. She is no more on earthly level," Sister Nirmala said. "She has passed to eternal life. There she is very, very powerful." [is that so?]

"Mother" Teresa - A study on Catholicism

2007-10-01T08:26:00.000+01:00

Important woman of the world series.
edited by Geek Wife

"Mother" Teresa was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu of Albanian parents in what is now Yugoslavia/Bosnia on 8/27/10. The diminutive nun arrived 1/6/29 in India, where she started assisting the needy and eventually established the now-global "Missionaries of Charity" organization.

"Mother" Teresa, and those who work with her, never try to convert to Christ the dying people for whom they care. Instead, "Mother" Teresa declares: "If in coming face to face with God we accept Him in our lives, then we are converting. We become a better Hindu, a better Muslim, a better Catholic, a better whatever we are. ... What God is in your mind you must accept" (from Mother Teresa: Her People and Her Work , by Desmond Doig, p. 156, as quoted by Dave Hunt, Global Peace and the Rise of Antichrist , p. 149).
Acknowledging that "Mother" Teresa is a good woman from the human perspective, does not answer the question: Is "Mother" Teresa a regenerate Christian in the Biblical sense--a woman and an organization with which Christians should associate and work?

The secular world has honored her with the Nobel Peace Prize (1979) and accolades on every hand. In 6/85, she received from President Reagan the highest United States civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom award. In 10/85, she received the "warmest ovation of the United Nation's 40th anniversary celebration." It is not all that surprising to see the world, Catholicism, and liberal Protestantism offer unqualified applause to "Mother" Teresa.

More significant and difficult to understand is the applause being given to her by those claiming to be Bible-believing Christians. This, though, is evidenced on every hand ("Is Mother Teresa a True Christian?" by David W. Cloud, pp. 5-6). "Mother" Teresa is a thorough-going Catholic. She is a great worshiper of Mary; she believes the cracker of the mass is Jesus Christ; she believes all men are children of God. In her speech before the United Nations in October 1985, she said, "We gather to thank God for the 40 years of the beautiful work of the United Nations for the good of the people. No color, no religion, no nationality should come between us--we are all children of God. ... When we destroy an unborn child, we destroy God" (11/11/85 Christian News ).

Other notable quotes from "Mother" Teresa (12/4/89 Time , pp. 11 & 13):

(a) "The dying, the crippled, the mentally ill , the unwanted, the unloved--they are Jesus in disguise . ... [through the] poor people I have an opportunity to be 24 hours a day with Jesus." [On another occasion, she again demonstrated her pantheistic religious philosophy: "Every AIDS victim is Jesus in a pitiful disguise; Jesus is in everyone.. ... [AIDS sufferers are] children of God [who] have been created for greater things" (1/13/86 Time ).]

(b) "You must make them feel loved and wanted. They are Jesus for me."

(c) "I love all religions. ... If people become better Hindus, better Muslims, better Buddhists by our acts of love, then there is something else growing there." [On another occasion, she again demonstrated her false gospel that 'there are many ways to God': "All is God--Buddists, Hindus, Christians, etc., all have access to the same God."]

It should be clear that "Mother" Teresa is anything but an Evangelical Christian. She is a self-sacrificing woman who is following a false religion. Consider some quotes from her speech at the 10/84 Worldwide Retreat for Priests:

(a) "At the word of a priest, that little piece of bread becomes the body of Christ, the Bread of Life."

(b) "Without a priest, without Jesus going with them, our sisters couldn't go anywhere."

(c) "When the priest is there, then can we have our altar and our tabernacle and our Jesus. Only the priest put Jesus there for us. ... Jesus wants to go there, but we cannot bring him unless you first give him to us. This is why I love priests so much. We could never be what we are and do the things we do without you priests who first bring Jesus to us."

(d) "Mary ... is our patroness and our Mother, and she is always leading us to Jesus."

No one would deny that "Mother" Teresa is doing a marvelous piece of wonderful humanitarian work among the poor and neglected of the world, but what gospel does she preach to them?

She is definitely not leading them to the one, true, eternal salvation through the finished sacrifice of Calvary. "Mother" Teresa provides the classic example of compassionate and charitable deeds divorced from truth. She says that her purpose is to bring her patients closer to the "God" in whom they already believe; so that a Hindu becomes a better Hindu, a Buddhist a better Buddhist, etc. (Vatican II says those of all religions are somehow saved through the Church.) She tells how to witness for Jesus: In an interview with a nun who works with "Mother" Teresa (reported in Christian News ), dying Hindus were instructed to pray to their own Hindu gods!:

"These people are waiting to die. What are you telling them to prepare them for death and eternity? She replied candidly, 'We tell them to pray to their Bhagwan, to their gods.'"

She was instructing these staunch Hindus to pray sincerely to their own Hindu idols and she felt that if they did this, God would certainly not judge them! No matter how plausible from man's earthly vantage point, when good works are conducted by unregenerate religious people, what is promoted is a cursed false gospel, encouraging the lost heathen to have hope in their false gods, even as they lay upon their death beds. In God's eyes, therefore, the entire endeavor is a cursed one, and no Christian should support, assist, or praise a work cursed by God!

The following is from an interview with a Catholic nun, "Sister" Ann, who worked in Kathmandu, Nepal, with "Mother" Teresa's organization Missionaries of Charity. The interview was conducted 11/23/84 at the Pashupati Temple.

Q: Do you believe if they die believing in Shiva or in Ram
[Hindu gods] they will go to heaven?

A: Yes, that is their faith. My own faith will lead me to God,
... So if they have believed in their god very strongly, if they have faith,
surely they will be saved. Q: Today it does not seem that the Catholic Church is
trying to convert anymore. I know that John Paul II is saying now that those of
other religions are saved. You do not believe they are lost anyway, right? A:
No, they are not lost. They are saved according to their faith, you know. If
they believe whatever they believe, that is their salvation.

Obviously, then, "Mother" Teresa is both a pantheist and a Universalist--Universalists maintain that Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and other non-Christians can get to heaven without saving faith in Christ; they are those who believe that all who sincerely follow their own religions or beliefs will be saved. "Mother" Teresa tells Muslims and Jews that they worship the same God that Christians worship. "Mother" Teresa has even called atheistic communists children of God!

"Mother" Teresa is very much in the mainstream of the ecumenical world evangelization project "Evangelization 2000." She was on hand in June, 1987, by invitation, to help dedicate the offices of Evangelization 2000 in Rome. She is an honorary member of Lumen 2000, the electronic media aspect of Evangelization 2000. The first issue of New Evangelization 2000 features "Mother" Teresa prominently with photographs of her, and one entire article entitled, "Mother Teresa Promises Support." (Reported in the 2/15/93 Bold Truth Press .) ["Mother" Teresa was also scheduled to join the Dalai Lama and hundreds of other world religious leaders at the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1993 in Chicago, Illinois. She was scheduled to lead a closed session of key participants on future co-operative efforts among the world's religions, but was forced to cancel for health reasons.]

"Mother" Teresa is also involved in various projects with New Agers and "one-worlders." In 1985, "Mother" Teresa attended a conference sponsored by the United Nations University of Peace whose featured agenda was a call to bring about the New World Order. Others participating in the "Spirit of Peace" conference included Marilyn Ferguson, leading proponent of the New Age movement; Prince Bernhardt of the Netherlands, commonly known as a leader of the one-world secret elitist society, the Bilderbergers; "His Holiness" Tenzin Gyatso, the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet; Helen Caldicott, president of "Physicians for Social Responsibility," an organization favoring U.S. unilateral disarmament; Bishop Desmond Tutu, proponent of leftist revolution in South Africa; and New Ager Robert Muller, Ass't. Secretary General of the U.N., in charge of co-ordinating the work of 32 specialized agencies and world programs. [Reported in "Ecumenism, 'Global Spirituality' and Mother Teresa," Christian Inquirer (April 1985), p. 26; and The Prophecy Newsletter (Vol. 1, No. 5, p. 6.)]

"Mother" Teresa also participated in the "Summit for Peace" in Assisi, Italy, in November 1986. This blasphemous prayer meeting was arranged by the Pope and was attended by leaders of many different religions, including Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, Shinto, Sikh, and North American Indian--all of whom united in prayers for world peace (11/10/86 Time , pp. 78-79). Biblical Discernment Ministries - Revised 3/96

[Mother Theresa died in 1997 and based on the gospel she taught and lived by, she is now awaiting the White Throne Judgment and will be judged for her sins. While many ignorant Protestant clergy still laud her as a true Christian, she was anything but. No one will ever deny she did true humanitarian work but she came in the name of a false gospel, she preached a false gospel, and died in that false gospel. The way of salvation is through Christ and Christ alone. No one can work their way to Heaven, for if we could, then Christ died in vain because salvation would have been available by human effort. Self-works are an affront to the Cross of Christ. Mother Teresa is another casualty of the false church of Rome. If you are reading this and want to follow in her footsteps, you have become seduced by a false system and in need of salvation. - Dr. Ken Matto]

What do your clothes say about you?

2007-09-29T19:06:00.000+01:00

Written by Dr. David Cloud

The following is from the author’s new book, “Dressing from the Lord,” which is available from Way of Life Literature. It is not available for order via the online catalog but can be ordered by phone or e-mail (866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org).

It is important to understand that clothing is a language. It is a “social message,” a fashion “statement.” The knowledge of this is the engine that drives the fashion industry, and the child of God needs to understand it, as well. I need to ask myself what message is my clothing broadcasting? Wikipedia defines fashion as “a prevailing mode of expression.” It acknowledges that “every article of clothing carries a cultural and social meaning” and observes that “humans must know the code in order to recognize the message transmitted.”

George Harrison of the Beatles, who rebelled against the way his father wanted him to act and dress, testified: “Going in for flash clothes, or at least trying to be a bit different … was part of the rebelling. I never cared for authority” (Hunter Davies, The Beatles, p. 39).

Note that Harrison’s flash clothing and non-conformity was intimately associated with his rebellion.

Mary Quant, the designer generally credited with inventing the mini-skirt in the mid-1960s, admitted that her aim was to entice men and promote licentiousness. She wanted something “daring” and “controversial,” which refers to pushing moral boundaries, something sexually immodest. It was regarded as a “symbol of liberation.” Some European countries banned the mini-skirt, saying it was an invitation to rape (Mary Quant, interview with Alison Adburgham, The Guardian, October 10, 1967). Quant also promoted a short hair style for women. Her fashions were statements and her clothing was a language.

Vivienne Westwood, who helped create the rock punk look, said, “I think fashion is the strongest form of communication there is. … It’s only interesting to me if it’s subversive: that’s the only reason I’m in fashion, to destroy the word ‘conformity.” (Jon Savage, Time Travel: Pop, Media and Sexuality 1976-96, p. 119).

David Kidd once posed the following question to a young college girl who was inquiring about his family’s conservative dress: “If you are shopping and see a girl in a long, loose fitting dress, what is your first impression of her?” Without any hesitation, she answered “that she is probably religious.” He concluded, “It behooves us to recognize that our manner of dress is a statement that either reflects or contradicts our Christian purpose” (The Fall and Rise of Christian Standards, p. 154).

Hair styles are also statements. Long hair on men and short hair on women are not merely harmless fashions, a mere sign of the times, but are statements of rebellion against God’s created order (1 Corinthians 11:14-15).

The androgynous unisex image is not innocent. It was created by rock musicians who intended to overthrow tradition. One of the rock songs of the 1960s called upon young men to grow their hair long and “let your freak flag show.” David Lee Roth of Van Halen testified: “[My long hair] is a flag. It’s Tarzan. I’ll always be anti-establishment” (cited by John Makujina, Measuring the Music, p. 73).

Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys sported long hair and popularized the “surfer cut” in the early 1960s. Commenting on the significance of this hair length, Wilson’s biographer observes: “The ‘surfer cut,’ as it came to be known, was a radical thing to behold in 1962. Few parents would permit their sons to sport the look” (Jon Stebbins, Dennis Wilson: The Real Beach Boy, p. 24). Dennis Wilson was a rebel and his appearance was merely a reflection of this. Observe, too, that the “surfer cut” was not that long compared to the long hair that came afterwards, but it was just long enough to be a bold statement of non-conformity. Small fashion changes can have large consequences.

Paul McCartney of the Beatles flippantly acknowledged their role in overthrowing sexual distinctions: “There they were in America, all getting house-trained for adulthood with their indisputable principle of life: short hair equals men; long hair equals women. Well, we got rid of that small convention for them. And a few others, too” (Barbara Ehrenreich, “Beatlemania: Girls Just Wanted to Have Fun,” cited by Lisa Lewis, The Adoring Audience: Fan Culture and Popular Media, p. 102).

Where did the “small convention” of “short hair equals men; long hair equals women” come from? Why was this an “indisputable principle of life” in America prior to the onslaught of Beatles’ style rock & roll in the 1960s? The answer is that America, because of its vast number of churches, had been influenced by the Bible in these things. It was Bible principles that the Beatles ridiculed and sought to overthrow.

Referring to the denim jean market in the 21st century, the web site fashionera.com observes that this market “is status ridden and has CODED TRIBAL SIGNS AND SIGNALS with it’s not so subtle stitching, logos, tabs, decorative pockets, shading and distressing.”

Abercrombie & Fitch, the clothing company that markets “edgy” clothing featuring loose sexuality, is “best known for its REBELLIOUS ATTITUDE” (“Flip-Flops, Torn Jeans, and Control,” Business Week, May 30, 2005). Thus even the world recognizes the message of Abercrombie & Fitch clothing. They don’t merely sell clothing; they sell an attitude via a certain style of clothing.

In “The World according to Abercrombie and Fitch,” David Seel observed: “SUCCESSFUL BRANDS IN AMERICA DON’T SELL PRODUCTS. THEY SELL LIFESTYLES” (Critique, 2000).

Therefore, clothing styles are not innocent. Each style preaches a message.

Pantsuits preach the feminist’s message of equality of the sexes.

Tight fitting, low cut, short and skimpy styles preach the world’s message of loose sexuality.

Ripped jeans preach the message of a cheap affectation of poverty, of “I don’t care” and thus slovenliness, and of moral casualness.

Slit skirts preach the message of sexual flirtation.

God’s people must beware of sending the wrong message with their clothing. We must understand that the clothing industry is not in submission to God and cares nothing about submitting to His Word.

It doesn’t do to say, “Well, my tight, ripped jeans don’t preach that message TO ME.” The important point is not what message the clothing preaches to any particular individual who wears it, but what message it preaches in the context of its history and in the context of society at large and to those who are forced to look at it.

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved” (1 Cor. 10:31-33).
[This article is from the author’s new book, “Dressing from the Lord,” which is available from Way of Life Literature.]

So, what do your clothes have to say?

Country Mama

p.s. By the way, C.H. Spurgeon is quoted as saying, "England gets its fashion from Paris and Paris gets its fashion from Hell!" Now, if he felt that way back how many years ago, you can guarantee that he would be appalled at what he would see today.

When Marriage Breaks The Law (Dating Series III)

2007-09-28T12:55:00.000+01:00

Any Christian foolish enough to date an unbeliever is foolish enough to marry one!

By Melody Green edited by Geek Wife

At first glance, it may seem that an article such as this unnecessary - that anyone who loves God could not possibly consider spending their whole life married to someone who doesn't!

Ahh.... I heard you are saying in your heart, my boyfriend is Catholics. He loves Jesus. Hang on your breath there misses, if you are consider Catholics, Seventh Day Adventist, Later Day Saint or Christian Scientist are truly saved Christian.... you have to check whether you understood how to be saved first of all.

Back to main topic. I receive letters daily from women who are desperately trying to serve God in a full and complete way, but are unable to do so because their husband loves and serves the world.

I am addressing this article to Christian women in particular, because in my counseling experience, they seem to make this mistake much more, frequently than men do.

However, the problems and the principles I will be talking about can obviously be applied to any Christian thinking of marrying (or for that matter even dating) someone who doesn't love Jesus with all of their heart. (This article is not for those of you who were first married and then became a Christian at a later date. Even though, as a result, you may now be married to someone who is not following Jesus, it was not a choice you made since becoming a Christian. This article is for single Christians who still have the "dating" and marriage question ahead of them.)

*****

Important Decisions
Marriage is the biggest and most important decision you will make after your decision to follow Jesus. And as I said before, all marriages start out with a "first date." One of the main problems is that too many Christians approach the idea of dating with far too casual an attitude. They have adopted the world's view on this, instead of God's. There is no such thing as "playing the field" when it comes to Christianity.

Sure it gets lonesome sometimes, but remember, every date has the potential of becoming a lifelong relationship. Spending time with the wrong person is opening yourself up to becoming emotionally involved to a point where it is not always so easy to turn and walk away. Once you have given your heart and your emotions to someone, you will be surprised at how difficult it is to have the desire to take them back - even if you know you should.

Here is part of a typical letter I have recently received from a young Christian girl. She has already been counseled and encouraged to do the right thing, but I wanted to share her predicament with you:

"I'm 16 and the daughter of missionaries here in the Middle East.
I've had a really close walk with the Lord, and He has been good to me in so many ways. But I met a guy at school. He's not a Christian, and we've been going out for over three months.
At the time, I believed it was fine, unless we married, which of
course I have no intention of doing because he isn't a Christian.
But lately I've spoken with someone who told me it was wrong, and that I should never have gone out with him in the beginning.
"This evening he came over while I was listening to the new tape of Keith's. Afterwards we were talking, and he laughed
at all the 'weird Jesus, and dumb Christian songs' that I listen to.
I let him know I was hurt by the way he laughed about the name of Jesus, and now I really feel bad inside because of it, and I feel we should end our relationship. But it's very hard because we really like each other a lot, and I'm afraid my witness will all go down the drain if we break up.

I'm really asking the Lord for wisdom now.
If you have a few spare minutes you could remember me in prayer."

- Kept Anonymous

Don't wait until it's too late. The time to ask Jesus for wisdom is before you start a relationship - not after. It is much easier than you think for your heart to overrule your conscience. Once your own desires are demanding priority, your zeal to put God first starts to quickly fade away. Your emotions are a powerful thing, and if you don't control them, they will control you! (Jer. 17:9)

Unequally Yoked

In the Bible, Jesus (and here, Paul) gave many illustrations using agriculture and animals as examples, since these were common things to everyone in that day. So what does it mean to be unequally yoked?

Picture if you will, two oxen tied together at the neck by a wooden crosspiece so they can pull a plow. They are two animals of the same species who have been joined together to do a specific job. They have been carefully trained to respond to the same commands, and once they are united, they are considered to be a team.

A wise farmer picks two animals of similar size, strength, and temperament because he knows they will work the best together. If one of them needed to be whipped before he would move, and the other one was terrified at even the sight of a whip, it would seem unwise to tie them together and expect them to work as a team.

One "teammate" would frantically try to run away, while the other one would stubbornly refuse to budge. In fact, if two like this were joined together, it seems that disaster might be at hand - with possible damage to the equipment, hurt and confusion to the "teammates", and of course, the work would never get done.

Our beloved Jesus is the wisest and most loving "Farmer" in all the universe. He knows that we would never be happy if we were bound to someone who was pulling us in the opposite direction from where we wanted to go. Our life would be one continual tug of war, and we would never be able to get on with the work that we were called to do. That is why He commanded us to marry "only in the Lord." (I Cor. 7:39)

If we are going to serve God in our marriage, then both partners must be in agreement about the job that needs to get done, how it's going to be accomplished, and who they are going to be taking their orders from.

It is really very simple.

I guess that's why it constantly amazes me that so many choose to ignore God's wisdom, thinking in vain that "it will all work out fine in the end."

Lack Of True Intimacy

"...for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"

(II Cor. 6:14)

When it comes right down to it, someone who loves Jesus just doesn't have that much in common with someone who doesn't. Sure, you may enjoy the same hobbies, or be engaged in the same type of work - but when it comes to the things that really matter, you will be miles apart.

In a marriage, when that first rush of excitement wears off, you will find yourself yearning for the true intimacy and oneness that can only be experienced with someone of "like mind." You will be unfulfilled and strangely lonesome in this closest of all partnerships if, due to different beliefs, you cannot experience true intimacy.

Neither of you would be able to share the deepest longings of your heart with each other, because your whole basis of looking at life - your very reasons for living - would be totally different. Your hearts and lives could never be truly united because there would be no common bond to draw you together and keep you together.

When I speak of marriage, I am speaking of a lifelong commitment to love, honor, cherish, and obey - till death do you part! How could you even consider making such a deep and binding commitment to someone who doesn't love Jesus? As a Christian, you have the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit to govern your life. But the Bible tells us that those without Jesus have the world, the flesh, and the devil to direct theirs. These are the very things we as Christians are told to overcome. (I John 2:14-17) How can you hope to overcome that which you have married, committed, and submitted your life to?

Marry Now-Reform Later
Many Christian girls seem to be pacified by the fact that their unbelieving boyfriend doesn't seem to object to their Christianity.

Even though he doesn't believe like she does, he seems extremely tolerant and even goes to church with her sometimes.
He really is a very nice guy, and his biggest vice is drinking a few beers with the boys while watching football.

She figures if she marries him, they will have a lot more time together, and then she can really "work on him" and get him saved. Sadly enough, she will find that it's not as easy as she thought it would be.

Eventually, her husband's acceptance of her Bible Studies and Christian friends starts to wear thin, and the tension between them begins to take its toll on their marriage. Most girls don't realize that if they are not strong enough to resist the temptation of marrying an unbeliever, they probably aren't strong enough to ever win him to the Lord!

Compromise
A believer, when put in this position, is many times tempted to compromise her faith in order to maintain a peaceful marriage. She can no longer serve the Lord in an open and free way because, if she does, her marriage may fall apart. What a terrible spot to be in! When you start to compromise, your walk with God becomes weak and undernourished. You will be guilty for your lack of obedience to God, which will tend to push you even further away from Him than you already are.

After awhile, frustration sets in for both of you because neither one is really free to do the things that make you happy. You don't have someone to love Jesus with, and he doesn't have someone to love the world with.

He doesn't enjoy your friends and activities, and you don't really enjoy his. You are longing for someone to share your joy in Christ-and he is getting different types of longings. He may even start to think that if you won't go out and have his kind of fun, maybe he'll find someone else who will! As you can imagine, in a situation like this, the pressure really starts to build.

Because you are both being held back from the things you want to do, bitterness and resentment enter into the picture, putting an even bigger distance between the two of you and causing more problems. In many situations, once the resentment does set in, the unbelieving mate just may have learned enough Scripture from you to hurl it like tiny bullets of truth to pierce your heart. After all, the Bible is true. And even though he may not believe it, he knows that you do - and he may love to see you crumble under conviction, condemnation, or confusion from his attacks upon you and your faith. The Word of God is a powerful tool... even in the hands of the unrighteous.

You may think I have painted an unrealistic picture of the ruin of a marriage, but I have read hundreds of letters - all full of the "same story." It's almost impossible for a marriage like this to survive (and they usually don't) unless the believer compromises his or her faith almost to the point of having none. So it's not only the probable death of a marriage I am talking about, but a possible spiritual death as well. I believe that's why the Bible gives us such a strong warning against a union of this kind.

The Proper Balance
Usually, those who want to hang onto their "right" to continue on in the same way with their old friends and their old lifestyle say, "But, I'm not supposed to isolate myself and associate only with Christians!" Well of course you re not. We are the "salt of the earth," seasoning the world with the love of Jesus. (Matt. 5:13,16) The world and the people in it need Christians.

How else will they ever find out about the only True Love that exists? But you mustn't ever forget that although we are in the world, we are never to be a part of it. We must always be careful to keep our eyes on the Lord and immediately flee any situation that may cause us to stumble and fall away from our heavenly calling. (II Tim. 2:22)

Too many Christians use the excuse of "winning their friends to the Lord" to keep one foot in the world, and so themselves remain partakers of worldly pleasures. God knows our hearts. If your friends or associates are causing your love for God to "cool off," it is far better to sacrifice that friendship, than to sacrifice your relationship with Jesus.

No relationship on earth is more important than your relationship with your Father in heaven. If you are not strong enough to resist temptation, then admit it and stay away from it. Don't worry about "your witness." If you fall away after knowing and preaching the truth, your onIy witness will be a bad one anyway!

Children
One thing people don't usually think about when they first get married is having children.

Usually it's the furthest thing from your mind as you're walking down the aisle. But somewhere down the line, you will probably want to start a family. But what is "a family"? Is it the mere presence of children that qualifies you as a family, or is it something else?

A family unit as I see it consists of a group of people bound together by love, a sense of loyalty, and a sincere desire to see each other reach their fullest possible potential and purpose in God.

Most traditionally, it consists of Mom, Dad, and some kids, although it can be larger or smaller according to circumstance or the leading of the Lord.
One thing for sure, where there is no unity, there can be no "family." Sure you can all live under one roof, but a common dwelling place does not a family make.

In an unequally yoked marriage, there will only be confusion and chaos in the home. Without the common bond of love for Jesus, there can be no unity. If the parents do not agree on how to raise their children, the children will raise themselves. If the parents have different standards for their children in the areas of discipline, responsibility, and acceptable behavior and attitudes, then the children will play one parent against the other to get their own way - and the parents will end up arguing over the results.

Of course, the children are the real losers in these battles, although they may not realize it at the time. A home like this will be in constant turmoil, and will be a very unhappy place for all who live there, parents and children alike.

If there is no agreement in the home about who God is, and what our response to Him should be, then it is very difficult for children to learn how to know and love Him. If our children are getting a different message from each parent, they will constantly be confused and forced to "take sides."
The greatest factor in our children learning about God is through the example we set for them.

Children usually transfer their feelings and impressions of their earthly father over to their idea of who God is. If their father is a righteous man and exercises godly judgment balanced with love and encouragement, then their image and understanding of God will most likely be good. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21) If he is unfair in his judgments, or an agnostic or indifferent to God, then they will have a hard time (even as an adult) seeing God's true nature and character.

What an unfair burden to put on a tiny child. It will not only cost him his memories of a happy and peaceful childhood - but in the end, it may cost him his very soul. Let's not even think of putting ourselves, not to mention our innocent children, through such pain and unhappiness as to bring them up in a household of strife and confusion.

If you are thinking of marrying an unbeliever, do you have the unrealistic expectation of raising your children for God when you can't even submit something as important as your marriage to Him? I would say that the prospect is highly unlikely, at best.

Conclusion
Those Christians who enter into marriage with an unbeliever will never (I repeat, WILL NEVER) experience the fullness and richness of marriage as God intended it to be. They will never enjoy true intimacy or the blessing of a family united by the common bond of Jesus' love. In fact, instead of experiencing that common bond (or "bonding") of love, they will experience the "common bondage" of frustration and discontent that may lead to separation or divorce.

For True Love is only possible when you know God, and when you can have His unselfish, uncompromising love for others, putting them above yourself. All else pales in comparison to the real thing. Don't be foolish. Don't settle for anything less than God's very best for you. If you are called to marriage, God has a perfect partner for you. But beware, the enemy is a matchmaker too.

Trust the Lord, walk in obedience, and He will meet your needs in His way and in His timing. Lean to your own understanding and insist on your own way and watch out - you just may get what you are looking for! You may also live to regret it.

Trust God...!!!

He will never lead you astray.

In closing, I want to say that if you are now in a relationship with an unbeliever, or if you have been in the past (while professing to be a Christian), I think you'd better examine your heart before the Lord. If you can find peace and contentment in a relationship with someone who doesn't love God, then you must ask yourself how much you really love Him. After all, if you find you have more in common with those who walk in darkness... it may be because you are both walking down the same path! (I John 1:6-7; John 3:21)

Don't deceive yourself. A sincere lover of God would never knowingly be joined to a lover of the world. Don't even think about submitting your life in marriage to a godless partner - that is, unless it won't bother you to live a godless life. Please pray about all that we have talked about and be quick to respond to the things God has spoken to your heart.

I love you very much, and I pray that you will reach the highest potential possible in Christ Jesus as you obey Him in all things. May God bless you as you seek Him.

You Should Not BELIEVE Scientist 100%

2007-09-27T07:30:00.000+01:00

I believe those who are in UK can understand what this mean.

Even applicable to bbc weather...!!!

Geek Wife

What type of church do you attend?

2007-09-26T19:45:00.000+01:00

McChurch

by Vernon C. Lyons

Ashburn Baptist Church

Our culture demands convenience Christianity. We want it short simple, fast and cheap.

The McBible does not have the tedious sixty-six books, but just a few with short sentences and simple words at the fifth-grade level. There are numerous pictures, and some pages have been ruled with lines so that you can add your own spiritual thoughts, just in case you get a new revelation.

The McWorship service is all sweetness and love, with nothing offensive.

The McSermon is easily digested with a minimum of nutrition and a maximum of fat.

Each McPrayer is centered on temporal and material things to keep the mind from wandering to the spiritual, which is often illusive for the modern American.

To keep the kids awake, the McHymns are done in hip-hop style.

McMarriages are performed for folk who like quickie relationships, and throw-away vows are the big feature. For those who still hold some traditional notions, there are premarital sessions with junk counseling.

The McPastor is a touchy-feely guy who majored in pop psychology and has an in-depth understanding of felt needs.

McSins, commonly called boo-boos, are easily forgiven with fast prayers and, of course, are soon repeated but not taken too seriously. There is an effort to virtually eliminate the negative and dwell completely on the positive.

This whole business is sustained by the McTithe, which is not ten percent but whatever stray pounds happen to be left in the wallet.

The McYouth program is short on Bible study and discipleship and long on fun and games. It's designed to give the kids what they want and to teen-sit them so their parents can go out and have fun in the evening without worrying about their kids getting into drugs and sex.

McChurch is staffed not by professionals but by hastily hired part-timers whose strongest spiritual slogan is "Have a nice day."

This is the church that offers McFellowship, which is not bonding but merely a quick "Hello," with a handshake, a hug and a hope that you do not become too responsible for the other person's life or spiritual well-being.

McSalvation does not have any deep doctrine of substitutionary atonement and regeneration, rather a simple human decision or a nod of the head is more than adequate to bring a person into McKingdom, where he hopes to live happily now and in the hereafter.

All of this ends up in McHeaven, where there are no golden streets but arches that appear over a broad entrance where the grill is scorching and the deep-fry grease super hot.

May I suggest that if you happen to be unfortunate enough to be attend this type of church that you find yourself an old fashioned, sin-killin', devil-hatin', bible-believin' and bible-preachin' church.

Jeremiah 6:16 says: "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. . . . . . "

Yours truly,

Country Mama

I am 31, and still no date..!!! (Dating Series Part II)

2007-09-25T19:17:00.000+01:00

by Pastor Jim

Life is difficult at times – and older Christian singles often come to a point that they believe there is no a Christian mate for them.

Someone comes into their life that is very strong morally and they begin to question whether or not they should go ahead and date this person.

Here are some points for you to consider if you are at such a point:

· It is very sad, but there are many unbelievers that are stronger morally than many Christians. They are good citizens, caring for those around them and willing to give sacrificially.

However, to begin a relationship with them is to invite one of the most significant incompatibilities into your life.

· God led Paul to write in 2 Corinthians 6:14

"Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers:”

Although it can be applied to many relationships, it is commonly accepted that Paul was speaking mostly to marrying an unbeliever. God, the one who wants the best for us, is very clear in His instruction.· “Unequally yoked” came from the application in Biblical days of putting two oxen together in the same yoke – that were very different. I see the picture of a big oxen being yoked to a small one and see them plowing around in a circle!!

· Although we should only be considering Christians who are “morally” strong, morals is not the real essence at stake in this consideration. God is saying that I want to “bless” your relationship – from the start and through the years. Think about it – if you marry an unbeliever – this person is saying that they do not believe this is an important element in your marriage. Marriage is about finding and building compatibilities – and this is a major area where it cannot be done.

· We are called to be witnesses to all men/women (Matthew 28). This instruction from Jesus means that we are charged with telling the Story of Jesus to all – and being a witness to them. Some are tempted to take this to mean that we are to date unbelievers and use themselves as examples to bring them to Christ. This is a misapplication of the Word of God.

“Dating” implies the desire to lead to marriage.

To date an unbeliever can often find the unbeliever doing and saying what is necessary in order to marry the Believer.

But guess what happens after the wedding and time begins to settle into the marriage?

The unbeliever has not really been changed by God’s Spirit and will turn and fight the very thought of honoring God in the relationship...!!!!

I encourage you to keep your focus on God and invite His direction in all your relationships. Do be friends with unbelievers and use the friendship (as you are led by His Spirit) to share the love, joy and peace you find in being a Christian.

Ask God to use you to bring them to Christ. However, do not cross the line. Leave it up to God to do the “saving”. If God uses you (or someone else) to bring them to Him, THEN and only then can you give consideration to entering into a deeper relationship. May God guide you and grant you wisdom in your journey.

I Kissed Dating Goodbye (Dating Series Part I)

2007-09-25T18:57:00.000+01:00

by Christian-Dating-Plus

If you are one of the many Christian singles dating an unbeliever, save yourself additional troubles by getting out of the dating relationship as soon as possible.

At the very least, the vast majority of Christians who date unbelievers or unsaved singles experience loss of sexual purity, loss of fellowship with the Lord and other believers, and heartache.

Additionally, all throughout the Bible God warns us for our own protection not to partner (be unequally yoked) with unbelievers (ex.:2Cor 6:14). History is littered with the ruined lives of those who have failed to obey this command. If even Solomon, the wisest man ever, messed up in this area, why do Christians think they can love Jesus and maintain romantic relationships (dating, marriage) with unbelievers?

Reasons Christians Give For Dating Unbelievers

“If I date them they may come to Christ.”

This old standby is known as Missionary Dating. I'm not exactly sure who came up with the term "missionary dating," but I love it because it so appropriately paints the picture.

Imagine this - a young girl, full of zeal for God, goes to a remote tribe of natives somewhere to evangelize the lost. She ends up having a special burden for the chief's handsome young son.
He seems interested in God, and so she starts spending quite a bit of time with him in hopes of winning him to the Lord.

Then, before you know it, her friends at the Missionary Society receive a postcard saying that she is getting married and won't be coming back. Was he converted? Well, not really - but she has full confidence that he will be shortly.

Meanwhile, she's happily getting ready to set up housekeeping in his hut full of idols (which, of course, she wouldn't think of worshipping), and dreaming of the wonderful future they will have together. If you heard of a situation like this, what would you think about this girl's chances for real happiness - or her professed love for the Lord?

Her actions certainly seem to contradict the very things she says she believes in.

I think it's safe to say that every marriage starts out with a simple date. Many Christians are deceived when it comes to this. They feel all right about dating an unbeliever, just as long as it doesn't "get too serious." They may think, "Well, one or two dates can't hurt any one. Besides, maybe I can lead him to the Lord. I just want to have some fun right now, but when it comes to settling down, I will definitely marry a Christian."

Then lo and behold, the next thing they know they have "fallen in love," and are desperately trying to rationalize their relationship and their upcoming marriage - to themselves, to their friends, and to God.

“My boyfriend (girlfriend) is of better moral standard than other
Christians I’ve dated.”

This sad commentary on the evangelical Christian church is in line with findings of Josh McDowell and George Barna that show there is no real difference in the sexual behaviour of Christians and unbelievers. For example, they find that 55% of Christian teens have sexual intercourse by the age of 18. We can only assume that this number rises as single Christians get older and have more opportunities.

“There are no available Christians in my church or
area.”

We got this one alot. Either all the good Christian men or women are taken, or the only available single ones are geeks or whackos. I’m sure you’ve met a few of these, right?

Christians Struggling With Dating Unbelievers
If you are a single Christian struggling with this issue, take courage! We are certainly not judging anyone because most of us have already been through it. Listen, the Lord deeply loves you, but wants you to make decisions that will make Him proud and prosper you at the same time. So think about and pray over the following points before making any dating decisions in this area.

God Keeps His Promises
That means He will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches. (Phil. 4:19, Psalms 37:4). Surrender to Him as you wait expectantly on Him. You will not be disappointed, but remember he makes things all beautiful in His time, not yours. Can you handle that?

Why Settle for Second Best?
Yes, there are some nice people out in the world who are more moral and cuter than some Christians you know. So what? The fact is there are multiple thousands of godly, attractive and passionate Christian singles waiting on God for the same thing you are. Got faith?

Remember What God Says
Don’t mean to be preachy, but I tend to conveniently avoid those parts of the Bible that go against what I am planning to do. So before going headfirst into a pile of crap, check out these verses carefully: 1 Cor. 15:33, 2 Cor 6:14-16.

Have You Exhausted All Your Resources?
Many singles in the church who feel there is no other alternative to dating an unbeliever, may have not looked at other options of where Christian singles meets other singles. If you are a Christian single who has further insights on dating unbelievers, please consider helping other singles by sharing your experiences.

Oh Me!!!!

2007-09-25T14:41:00.000+01:00

This article came out in Housekeeping Monthly on May 13, 1955.

* Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favorite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.

* Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work weary people all day.
*Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

* Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives.

* Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper etc. and Then run a dust cloth over the tables.

* Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. You husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

* Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part. Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum (hoover). Try to encourage the children to be quite.

* Be happy to see him.

* Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

* Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

* Make the evenings his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

* Your goal: Try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquillity where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

* Don't greet him with complaints and problems.

* Don't complain if he's late home for dinner. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

* Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.

* Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in low soothing and pleasant voice.

* Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

* A good wife always knows her place.

Talk about making a wife think?! I have spoken to a few older ladies and they have said that this is definitely the norm for those days. Kind of makes you wonder how many homes that are wrecked and ruined would still be together if even half of these examples were followed today. There would be no way to do this, other than to be living a Spirit-filled life. Although, laughingly, many people I have shared this with have wondered when the 15 minutes rest is supposed to come in!!!

Just some food for thought,
Country Mama

Scientist, Smart Yet Dumb

2007-09-24T20:10:00.000+01:00

written by Geek Wife

Don't agree with me? At least my physicist husband does.
Scientist sometimes think they are THE SMARTEST creature by far (probably only 50% true, a drop out like Bill Gates who get to hire them probably much smarter), and their 'invention' or 'discovery' (whatever you call it) would save the world.

Oh well.... someone sometimes get too carried away doing their job. ("I can't help it, I am doing this flagella motor for the past 13 years....What should I say if it is not motor after all?")

*********

Letter from the Smithsonian:
Paleonanthropology DivisionSmithsonian Institute207 Pennsylvania AvenueWashington, DC 20078

Dear Sir:
Thank you for your latest submission to the Institute, labeled"211-D, layer seven, next to the clothesline post. Hominid Skull."
We have given this specimen a careful and detailed examination, and regret to inform you that we disagree with your theory that it represents "conclusive proof of the presence of Early Man in Charleston County twomillion years ago." Rather, it appears that what you have found is the head of a Barbie doll, of the variety one of our staff, who has smallchildren, believes to be the "Malibu Barbie."

It is evident that you have given a great deal of thought to the analysis of this specimen, and you may be quite certain that those of us who are familiar with your prior work in the field were loathe to come to contradiction with your findings.

However, we do feel that there are anumber of physical attributes of the specimen which might have tipped youoff to it's modern origin:

1. The material is molded plastic. Ancient hominid remains are typically fossilized bone.

2. The cranial capacity of the specimen is approximately 9 cubiccentimeters, well below the threshold of even the earliest identified proto-hominids.

3. The dentition pattern evident on the "skull" is more consistent with thec ommon domesticated dog than it is with the "ravenous man-eating Plioceneclams" you speculate roamed the wetlands during that time. This latterfinding is certainly one of the most intriguing hypotheses that you havesubmitted in your history with this Institution, but the evidence seems toweigh rather heavily against it. Without going into too much detail let ussay that:
a. The specimen looks like the head of a Barbie doll that a dog haschewed on.
b. Clams don't have teeth.

It is with feelings tinged with melancholy that we must deny your request to have the specimen carbon dated. This is partially due to the heavy load our lab must bear in its normal operation, and partly due to carbon dating's notorious inaccuracy in fossils of recent geologic record.

To thebest of our knowledge, no Barbie dolls were produced prior to 1956 AD, and carbon dating is likely to produce wildly inaccurate results.
Sadly, we must also deny your request that we approach the National ScienceFoundation's Phylogeny Department with the concept of assigning yourspecimen the scientific name "Australopithecus spiff-arino." Speakingpersonally, I, for one, fought tenaciously for the acceptance of yourproposed taxonomy, but was ultimately voted-down because the species nameyou selected was hyphenated, and did not really sound like it might be Latin.

However, we gladly accept your generous donation of the fascinating specimen to the museum. While it is undoubtedly not a hominid fossil, it is, nonetheless, yet another riveting example of the great body of work you seem to accumulate here so effortlessly. You should know that our Director has reserved a special shelf in his own office for the display of the specimens you have previously submitted to the Institution, and the entire staff speculates daily on what you will happen upon next in your digs at the site you have discovered in your back yard.

We eagerly anticipate your trip to our nation's capital that you proposed in your last letter, and several of us are pressing the Director to pay for it. We are particularly interested in hearing you expand on your theories surrounding the "trans-positating fillifitation of ferrous ions in astructural matrix" that makes the excellent juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rex femur you recently discovered take on the deceptive appearance of a rusty 3/8 inch Sears Craftsman automotive crescent wrench.

Yours in Science,Harvey RoweCurator, Antiquities

I am a Fundamentalist...!!! Hear me roar

2007-09-24T14:59:00.000+01:00

Country Mama's Testimony:

First, I'd like to introduce myself. I was born and raised until I was 16 in Dayton, Ohio (don't hold that against me, I can't help it). My family did not attend church until I was almost 15 yrs. old. You want to talk about a shock to the system. They preached against everything I was doing and somethings I'd only thought about.

The church had very high standards and convictions (no trousers, shorts, sleeveless tops, TV's, etc., etc.), which I agree 100% with today and then some. As the weeks passed I knew that these people had something that I did not have.

One night my brother went forward, well I didn't want to be left out so I went also. I made a profession, but I didn't have possession.

The summer after my 16th birthday we moved to Tennessee. When I was 20 my home church was having a revival meeting with Dr. Sammy Allen. He had a man out of his church driving him that was on deputation to England. Well, to make a long story short, Preacher played matchmaker and we were married in Feb. of 95.

After we were married God started to deal with my heart. He was convicting me and I was terrified. I had made a profession and thought that I was alright, but I had doubts and fears. Our pastor (Bro. Allen) was preaching in Florida and we were there. He preached a message on "Sliding into Hell from a church pew, calling Jesus Lord." I knew that night that I was in trouble. I was so afraid that while we were traveling we would have an accident or the Lord would return. It was the most awful 2 months of my life. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. It didn't matter to me what people thought. You know, "She's suppose to be a preachers wife"; "She's a missionaries wife", etc. I was the one going to spend eternity in Hell, and it wasn't worth worrying about what others thought. I bowed and asked Christ to save me, take away my doubt, sin and everything else I could possibly think of.

Praise the Lord, He did....!!!!

I have failed Him
many times, but I can say without any qualms that He has NEVER, NEVER failed me.

We came to England in May of 96, I was 23 years old.
Talk about green. I've learned alot in these last 11 years, but still have much more to learn. God is good all the time. Amen!! I am also the mother of 2 beautiful children. A daughter aged 8 and a son aged 4 1/2; which I home educate.

Well, that's me in a nut shell. Thanks for taking the time to read this. May you have a blessed day!
Country Mama

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God

2007-09-24T08:07:00.000+01:00

by Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) Enfield, Connecticut
July 8, 1741

Their foot shall slide in due time
Deut. xxxii. 35

In this verse is threatened the vengeance of God on the wicked unbelieving Israelites, who were God's visible people, and who lived under the means of grace; but who, notwithstanding all God's wonderful works towards them, remained (as ver. 28.) void of counsel, having no understanding in them. Under all the cultivations of heaven, they brought forth bitter and poisonous fruit; as in the two verses next preceding the text. The expression I have chosen for my text, Their foot shall slide in due time, seems to imply the following doings, relating to the punishment and destruction to which these wicked Israelites were exposed.

That they were always exposed to destruction; as one that stands or walks in slippery places is always exposed to fall. This is implied in the manner of their destruction coming upon them, being represented by their foot sliding. The same is expressed, Psalm 73:18.

"Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castedst them down into destruction."

It implies, that they were always exposed to sudden unexpected destruction. As he that walks in slippery places is every moment liable to fall, he cannot foresee one moment whether he shall stand or fall the next; and when he does fall, he falls at once without warning: Which is also expressed in Psalm 73:18, 19.

"Surely thou didst set them in slippery places; thou castedst them down into destruction: How are they brought into desolation as in a moment!"

Another thing implied is, that they are liable to fall of themselves, without being thrown down by the hand of another; as he that stands or walks on slippery ground needs nothing but his own weight to throw him down.

That the reason why they are not fallen already, and do not fall now, is only that God's appointed time is not come. For it is said, that when that due time, or appointed time comes, their foot shall slide. Then they shall be left to fall, as they are inclined by their own weight. God will not hold them up in these slippery places any longer, but will let them go; and then at that very instant, they shall fall into destruction; as he that stands on such slippery declining ground, on the edge of a pit, he cannot stand alone, when he is let go he immediately falls and is lost.
The observation from the words that I would now insist upon is this. "There is nothing that keeps wicked men at any one moment out of hell, but the
mere pleasure of God." By the mere pleasure of God, I mean his sovereign pleasure, his arbitrary will, restrained by no obligation, hindered by no manner of difficulty, any more than if nothing else but God's mere will had in the least degree, or in any respect whatsoever, any hand in the preservation of wicked men one moment.

The truth of this observation may appear by the following considerations.

There is no want of power in God to cast wicked men into hell at any moment. Men's hands cannot be strong when God rises up. The strongest have no power to resist him, nor can any deliver out of his hands.

He is not only able to cast wicked men into hell, but he can most easily do it.

Sometimes an earthly prince meets with a great deal of difficulty to subdue a rebel, who has found means to fortify himself, and has made himself strong by the numbers of his followers. But it is not so with God. There is no fortress that is any defence from the power of God. Though hand join in hand, and vast multitudes of God's enemies combine and associate themselves, they are easily broken in pieces. They are as great heaps of light chaff before the whirlwind; or large quantities of dry stubble before devouring flames. We find it easy to tread on and crush a worm that we see crawling on the earth; so it is easy for us to cut or singe a slender thread that any thing hangs by: thus easy is it for God, when he pleases, to cast his enemies down to hell. What are we, that we should think to stand before him, at whose rebuke the earth trembles, and before whom the rocks are thrown down?

They deserve to be cast into hell; so that divine justice never stands in the way, it makes no objection against God's using his power at any moment to destroy them. Yea, on the contrary, justice calls aloud for an infinite punishment of their sins. Divine justice says of the tree that brings forth such grapes of Sodom, Luke xiii. 7.

"Cut it down, why cumbereth it the ground?"

The sword of divine justice is every moment brandished over their heads, and it is nothing but the hand of arbitrary mercy, and God's mere will, that holds it back.

They are already under a sentence of condemnation to hell. They do not only justly deserve to be cast down thither, but the sentence of the law of God, that eternal and immutable rule of righteousness that God has fixed between him and mankind, is gone out against them, and stands against them; so that they are bound over already to hell. John iii. 18.

"He that believeth not is condemned already."

So that every unconverted man properly belongs to hell; that is his place; from thence he is, John viii. 23.

"Ye are from beneath."

And thither be is bound; it is the place that justice, and God's word, and the sentence of his unchangeable law assign to him.

They are now the objects of that very same anger and wrath of God, that is expressed in the torments of hell. And the reason why they do not go down to hell at each moment, is not because God, in whose power they are, is not then very angry with them; as he is with many miserable creatures now tormented in hell, who there feel and bear the fierceness of his wrath. Yea, God is a great deal more angry with great numbers that are now on earth: yea, doubtless, with many that are now in this congregation, who it may be are at ease, than he is with many of those who are now in the flames of hell.
So that it is not because God is unmindful of their wickedness, and does not resent it, that he does not let loose his hand and cut them off. God is not altogether such an one as themselves, though they may imagine him to be so. The wrath of God burns against them, their damnation does not slumber; the pit is prepared, the fire is made ready, the furnace is now hot, ready to receive them; the flames do now rage and glow. The glittering sword is whet, and held over them, and the pit hath opened its mouth under them.

The devil stands ready to fall upon them, and seize them as his own, at what moment God shall permit him. They belong to him; he has their souls in his possession, and under his dominion. The scripture represents them as his goods, Luke xi. 12. The devils watch them; they are ever by them at their right hand; they stand waiting for them, like greedy hungry lions that see their prey, and expect to have it, but are for the present kept back. If God should withdraw his hand, by which they are restrained, they would in one moment fly upon their poor souls. The old serpent is gaping for them; hell opens its mouth wide to receive them; and if God should permit it, they would be hastily swallowed up and lost.

There are in the souls of wicked men those hellish principles reigning, that would presently kindle and flame out into hell fire, if it were not for God's restraints. There is laid in the very nature of carnal men, a foundation for the torments of hell. There are those corrupt principles, in reigning power in them, and in full possession of them, that are seeds of hell fire. These principles are active and powerful, exceeding violent in their nature, and if it were not for the restraining hand of God upon them, they would soon break out, they would flame out after the same manner as the same corruptions, the same enmity does in the hearts of damned souls, and would beget the same torments as they do in them. The souls of the wicked are in scripture compared to the troubled sea, Isa. lvii. 20. For the present, God restrains their wickedness by his mighty power, as he does the raging waves of the troubled sea, saying,

"Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further;"

but if God should withdraw that restraining power, it would soon carry all before it. Sin is the ruin and misery of the soul; it is destructive in its nature; and if God should leave it without restraint, there would need nothing else to make the soul perfectly miserable. The corruption of the heart of man is immoderate and boundless in its fury; and while wicked men live here, it is like fire pent up by God's restraints, whereas if it were let loose, it would set on fire the course of nature; and as the heart is now a sink of sin, so if sin was not restrained, it would immediately turn the soul into a fiery oven, or a furnace of fire and brimstone.

It is no security to wicked men for one moment, that there are no visible means of death at hand. It is no security to a natural man, that he is now in health, and that he does not see which way he should now immediately go out of the world by any accident, and that there is no visible danger in any respect in his circumstances. The manifold and continual experience of the world in all ages, shows this is no evidence, that a man is not on the very brink of eternity, and that the next step will not be into another world. The unseen, unthought-of ways and means of persons going suddenly out of the world are innumerable and inconceivable. Unconverted men walk over the pit of hell on a rotten covering, and there are innumerable places in this covering so weak that they will not bear their weight, and these places are not seen. The arrows of death fly unseen at noon-day; the sharpest sight cannot discern them. God has so many different unsearchable ways of taking wicked men out of the world and sending them to hell, that there is nothing to make it appear, that God had need to be at the expense of a miracle, or go out of the ordinary course of his providence, to destroy any wicked man, at any moment. All the means that there are of sinners going out of the world, are so in God's hands, and so universally and absolutely subject to his power and determination, that it does not depend at all the less on the mere will of God, whether sinners shall at any moment go to hell, than if means were never made use of, or at all concerned in the case.

Natural men's prudence and care to preserve their own lives, or the care of others to preserve them, do not secure them a moment. To this, divine providence and universal experience do also bear testimony. There is this clear evidence that men's own wisdom is no security to them from death; that if it were otherwise we should see some difference between the wise and politic men of the world, and others, with regard to their liableness to early and unexpected death: but how is it in fact? Eccles. ii. 16.

"How dieth the wise man? even as the fool."

All wicked men's pains and contrivance which they use to escape hell, while they continue to reject Christ, and so remain wicked men, do not secure them from hell one moment. Almost every natural man that hears of hell, flatters himself that he shall escape it; he depends upon himself for his own security; he flatters himself in what he has done, in what he is now doing, or what he intends to do. Every one lays out matters in his own mind how he shall avoid damnation, and flatters himself that he contrives well for himself, and that his schemes will not fail. They hear indeed that there are but few saved, and that the greater part of men that have died heretofore are gone to hell; but each one imagines that he lays out matters better for his own escape than others have done. He does not intend to come to that place of torment; he says within himself, that he intends to take effectual care, and to order matters so for himself as not to fail.
But the foolish children of men miserably delude themselves in their own schemes, and in confidence in their own strength and wisdom; they trust to nothing but a shadow. The greater part of those who heretofore have lived under the same means of grace, and are now dead, are undoubtedly gone to hell; and it was not because they were not as wise as those who are now alive: it was not because they did not lay out matters as well for themselves to secure their own escape. If we could speak with them, and inquire of them, one by one, whether they expected, when alive, and when they used to hear about hell ever to be the subjects of that misery: we doubtless, should hear one and another reply, "No, I never intended to come here: I had laid out matters otherwise in my mind; I thought I should contrive well for myself: I thought my scheme good. I intended to take effectual care; but it came upon me unexpected; I did not look for it at that time, and in that manner; it came as a thief: Death outwitted me: God's wrath was too quick for me. Oh, my cursed foolishness! I was flattering myself, and pleasing myself with vain dreams of what I would do hereafter; and when I was saying, Peace and safety, then suddenly destruction came upon me.

God has laid himself under no obligation, by any promise to keep any natural man out of hell one moment. God certainly has made no promises either of eternal life, or of any deliverance or preservation from eternal death, but what are contained in the covenant of grace, the promises that are given in Christ, in whom all the promises are yea and amen. But surely they have no interest in the promises of the covenant of grace who are not the children of the covenant, who do not believe in any of the promises, and have no interest in the Mediator of the covenant.
So that, whatever some have imagined and pretended about promises made to natural men's earnest seeking and knocking, it is plain and manifest, that whatever pains a natural man takes in religion, whatever prayers he makes, till he believes in Christ, God is under no manner of obligation to keep him a moment from eternal destruction.

So that, thus it is that natural men are held in the hand of God, over the pit of hell; they have deserved the fiery pit, and are already sentenced to it; and God is dreadfully provoked, his anger is as great towards them as to those that are actually suffering the executions of the fierceness of his wrath in hell, and they have done nothing in the least to appease or abate that anger, neither is God in the least bound by any promise to hold them up one moment; the devil is waiting for them, hell is gaping for them, the flames gather and flash about them, and would fain lay hold on them, and swallow them up; the fire pent up in their own hearts is struggling to break out: and they have no interest in any Mediator, there are no means within reach that can be any security to them. In short, they have no refuge, nothing to take hold of, all that preserves them every moment is the mere arbitrary will, and uncovenanted, unobliged forbearance of an incensed God.

APPLICATION
The use of this awful subject may be for awakening unconverted persons in this congregation. This that you have heard is the case of every one of you that are out of Christ.-That world of misery, that lake of burning brimstone, is extended abroad under you. There is the dreadful pit of the glowing flames of the wrath of God; there is hell's wide gaping mouth open; and you have nothing to stand upon, nor any thing to take hold of, there is nothing between you and hell but the air; it is only the power and mere pleasure of God that holds you up.

You probably are not sensible of this; you find you are kept out of hell, but do not see the hand of God in it; but look at other things, as the good state of your bodily constitution, your care of your own life, and the means you use for your own preservation. But indeed these things are nothing; if God should withdraw his band, they would avail no more to keep you from falling, than the thin air to hold up a person that is suspended in it.

Your wickedness makes you as it were heavy as lead, and to tend downwards with great weight and pressure towards hell; and if God should let you go, you would immediately sink and swiftly descend and plunge into the bottomless gulf, and your healthy constitution, and your own care and prudence, and best contrivance, and all your righteousness, would have no more influence to uphold you and keep you out of hell, than a spider's web would have to stop a falling rock. Were it not for the sovereign pleasure of God, the earth would not bear you one moment; for you are a burden to it; the creation groans with you; the creature is made subject to the bondage of your corruption, not willingly; the sun does not willingly shine upon you to give you light to serve sin and Satan; the earth does not willingly yield her increase to satisfy your lusts; nor is it willingly a stage for your wickedness to be acted upon; the air does not willingly serve you for breath to maintain the flame of life in your vitals, while you spend your life in the service of God's enemies. God's creatures are good, and were made for men to serve God with, and do not willingly subserve to any other purpose, and groan when they are abused to purposes so directly contrary to their nature and end. And the world would spew you out, were it not for the sovereign hand of him who hath subjected it in hope. There are black clouds of God's wrath now hanging directly over your heads, full of the dreadful storm, and big with thunder; and were it not for the restraining hand of God, it would immediately burst forth upon you. The sovereign pleasure of God, for the present, stays his rough wind; otherwise it would come with fury, and your destruction would come like a whirlwind, and you would be like the chaff of the summer threshing floor.

The wrath of God is like great waters that are dammed for the present; they increase more and more, and rise higher and higher, till an outlet is given; and the longer the stream is stopped, the more rapid and mighty is its course, when once it is let loose. It is true, that judgment against your evil works has not been executed hitherto; the floods of God's vengeance have been withheld; but your guilt in the mean time is constantly increasing, and you are every day treasuring up more wrath; the waters are constantly rising, and waxing more and more mighty; and there is nothing but the mere pleasure of God, that holds the waters back, that are unwilling to be stopped, and press hard to go forward. If God should only withdraw his hand from the flood-gate, it would immediately fly open, and the fiery floods of the fierceness and wrath of God, would rush forth with inconceivable fury, and would come upon you with omnipotent power; and if your strength were ten thousand times greater than it is, yea, ten thousand times greater than the strength of the stoutest, sturdiest devil in hell, it would be nothing to withstand or endure it.

The bow of God's wrath is bent, and the arrow made ready on the string, and justice bends the arrow at your heart, and strains the bow, and it is nothing but the mere pleasure of God, and that of an angry God, without any promise or obligation at all, that keeps the arrow one moment from being made drunk with your blood. Thus all you that never passed under a great change of heart, by the mighty power of the Spirit of God upon your souls; all you that were never born again, and made new creatures, and raised from being dead in sin, to a state of new, and before altogether unexperienced light and life, are in the hands of an angry God. However you may have reformed your life in many things, and may have had religious affections, and may keep up a form of religion in your families and closets, and in the house of God, it is nothing but his mere pleasure that keeps you from being this moment swallowed up in everlasting destruction. However unconvinced you may now be of the truth of what you hear, by and by you will be fully convinced of it. Those that are gone from being in the like circumstances with you, see that it was so with them; for destruction came suddenly upon most of them; when they expected nothing of it, and while they were saying, Peace and safety: now they see, that those things on which they depended for peace and safety, were nothing but thin air and empty shadows.

The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked: his wrath towards you burns like fire; he looks upon you as worthy of nothing else, but to be cast into the fire; he is of purer eyes than to bear to have you in his sight; you are ten thousand times more abominable in his eyes, than the most hateful venomous serpent is in ours. You have offended him infinitely more than ever a stubborn rebel did his prince; and yet it is nothing but his hand that holds you from falling into the fire every moment. It is to be ascribed to nothing else, that you did not go to hell the last night; that you was suffered to awake again in this world, after you closed your eyes to sleep. And there is no other reason to be given, why you have not dropped into hell since you arose in the morning, but that God's hand has held you up. There is no other reason to be given why you have not gone to hell, since you have sat here in the house of God, provoking his pure eyes by your sinful wicked manner of attending his solemn worship. Yea, there is nothing else that is to be given as a reason why you do not this very moment drop down into hell.

O sinner! Consider the fearful danger you are in: it is a great furnace of wrath, a wide and bottomless pit, full of the fire of wrath, that you are held over in the hand of that God, whose wrath is provoked and incensed as much against you, as against many of the damned in hell. You hang by a slender thread, with the flames of divine wrath flashing about it, and ready every moment to singe it, and burn it asunder; and you have no interest in any Mediator, and nothing to lay hold of to save yourself, nothing to keep off the flames of wrath, nothing of your own, nothing that you ever have done, nothing that you can do, to induce God to spare you one moment. And consider here more particularly,

Whose wrath it is: it is the wrath of the infinite God. If it were only the wrath of man, though it were of the most potent prince, it would be comparatively little to be regarded. The wrath of kings is very much dreaded, especially of absolute monarchs, who have the possessions and lives of their subjects wholly in their power, to be disposed of at their mere will. Prov. xx. 2. "The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: Whoso provoketh him to anger, sinneth against his own soul." The subject that very much enrages an arbitrary prince, is liable to suffer the most extreme torments that human art can invent, or human power can inflict. But the greatest earthly potentates in their greatest majesty and strength, and when clothed in their greatest terrors, are but feeble, despicable worms of the dust, in comparison of the great and almighty Creator and King of heaven and earth. It is but little that they can do, when most enraged, and when they have exerted the utmost of their fury. All the kings of the earth, before God, are as grasshoppers; they are nothing, and less than nothing: both their love and their hatred is to be despised. The wrath of the great King of kings, is as much more terrible than theirs, as his majesty is greater. Luke xii. 4, 5.

"And I say unto you, my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and
after that, have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom you
shall fear: fear him, which after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell:
yea, I say unto you, Fear him."

It is the fierceness of his wrath that you are exposed to. We often read of the fury of God; as in Isaiah lix. 18.

"According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay fury to his adversaries."

So Isaiah lxvi. 15.

"For behold, the Lord will come with fire, and with his chariots like a
whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire."

And in many other places. So, Rev. xix. 15, we read of

"the wine press of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty
God."

The words are exceeding terrible. If it had only been said, "the wrath of God," the words would have implied that which is infinitely dreadful: but it is "the fierceness and wrath of God." The fury of God! the fierceness of Jehovah! Oh, how dreadful must that be! Who can utter or conceive what such expressions carry in them! But it is also "the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God." As though there would be a very great manifestation of his almighty power in what the fierceness of his wrath should inflict, as though omnipotence should be as it were enraged, and exerted, as men are wont to exert their strength in the fierceness of their wrath. Oh! then, what will be the consequence! What will become of the poor worms that shall suffer it! Whose hands can be strong? And whose heart can endure? To what a dreadful, inexpressible, inconceivable depth of misery must the poor creature be sunk who shall be the subject of this!
Consider this, you that are here present, that yet remain in an unregenerate state. That God will execute the fierceness of his anger, implies, that he will inflict wrath without any pity. When God beholds the ineffable extremity of your case, and sees your torment to be so vastly disproportioned to your strength, and sees how your poor soul is crushed, and sinks down, as it were, into an infinite gloom; he will have no compassion upon you, he will not forbear the executions of his wrath, or in the least lighten his hand; there shall be no moderation or mercy, nor will God then at all stay his rough wind; he will have no regard to your welfare, nor be at all careful lest you should suffer too much in any other sense, than only that you shall not suffer beyond what strict justice requires. Nothing shall be withheld, because it is so hard for you to bear. Ezek. viii. 18.

"Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I
have pity; and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet I will not
hear them."

Now God stands ready to pity you; this is a day of mercy; you may cry now with some encouragement of obtaining mercy. But when once the day of mercy is past, your most lamentable and dolorous cries and shrieks will be in vain; you will be wholly lost and thrown away of God, as to any regard to your welfare. God will have no other use to put you to, but to suffer misery; you shall be continued in being to no other end; for you will be a vessel of wrath fitted to destruction; and there will be no other use of this vessel, but to be filled full of wrath. God will be so far from pitying you when you cry to him, that it is said he will only "laugh and mock," Prov. i. 25, 26, &c.

How awful are those words, Isa. lxiii. 3, which are the words of the great God.

"I will tread them in mine anger, and will trample them in my fury, and their
blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment."

It is perhaps impossible to conceive of words that carry in them greater manifestations of these three things, vis. contempt, and hatred, and fierceness of indignation. If you cry to God to pity you, he will be so far from pitying you in your doleful case, or showing you the least regard or favour, that instead of that, he will only tread you under foot. And though he will know that you cannot bear the weight of omnipotence treading upon you, yet he will not regard that, but he will crush you under his feet without mercy; he will crush out your blood, and make it fly, and it shall be sprinkled on his garments, so as to stain all his raiment. He will not only hate you, but he will have you, in the utmost contempt: no place shall be thought fit for you, but under his feet to be trodden down as the mire of the streets.

The misery you are exposed to is that which God will inflict to that end, that he might show what that wrath of Jehovah is. God hath had it on his heart to show to angels and men, both how excellent his love is, and also how terrible his wrath is. Sometimes earthly kings have a mind to show how terrible their wrath is, by the extreme punishments they would execute on those that would provoke them. Nebuchadnezzar, that mighty and haughty monarch of the Chaldean empire, was willing to show his wrath when enraged with Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego; and accordingly gave orders that the burning fiery furnace should be heated seven times hotter than it was before; doubtless, it was raised to the utmost degree of fierceness that human art could raise it. But the great God is also willing to show his wrath, and magnify his awful majesty and mighty power in the extreme sufferings of his enemies. Rom. ix. 22.

"What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endure with
much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction?"

And seeing this is his design, and what he has determined, even to show how terrible the unrestrained wrath, the fury and fierceness of Jehovah is, he will do it to effect. There will be something accomplished and brought to pass that will be dreadful with a witness. When the great and angry God hath risen up and executed his awful vengeance on the poor sinner, and the wretch is actually suffering the infinite weight and power of his indignation, then will God call upon the whole universe to behold that awful majesty and mighty power that is to be seen in it. Isa. xxxiii. 12-14.

"And the people shall be as the burnings of lime, as thorns cut up shall they be
burnt in the fire. Hear ye that are far off, what I have done; and ye that are
near, acknowledge my might. The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath
surprised the hypocrites,"

Thus it will be with you that are in an unconverted state, if you continue in it; the infinite might, and majesty, and terribleness of the omnipotent God shall be magnified upon you, in the ineffable strength of your torments. You shall be tormented in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb; and when you shall be in this state of suffering, the glorious inhabitants of heaven shall go forth and look on the awful spectacle, that they may see what the wrath and fierceness of the Almighty is; and when they have seen it, they will fall down and adore that great power and majesty.
Isa. lxvi. 23, 24.

"And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord. And they shall go forth and look upon the carcasses of the men that have transgressed against me; for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched, and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh."

It is everlasting wrath. It would be dreadful to suffer this fierceness and wrath of Almighty God one moment; but you must suffer it to all eternity. There will be no end to this exquisite horrible misery. When you look forward, you shall see a long for ever, a boundless duration before you, which will swallow up your thoughts, and amaze your soul; and you will absolutely despair of ever having any deliverance, any end, any mitigation, any rest at all. You will know certainly that you must wear out long ages, millions of millions of ages, in wrestling and conflicting with this almighty merciless vengeance; and then when you have so done, when so many ages have actually been spent by you in this manner, you will know that all is but a point to what remains. So that your punishment will indeed be infinite. Oh, who can express what the state of a soul in such circumstances is! All that we can possibly say about it, gives but a very feeble, faint representation of it; it is inexpressible and inconceivable: For"who knows the power of God's anger?"
How dreadful is the state of those that are daily and hourly in the danger of this great wrath and infinite misery! But this is the dismal case of every soul in this congregation that has not been born again, however moral and strict, sober and religious, they may otherwise be. Oh that you would consider it, whether you be young or old! There is reason to think, that there are many in this congregation now hearing this discourse, that will actually be the subjects of this very misery to all eternity. We know not who they are, or in what seats they sit, or what thoughts they now have. It may be they are now at ease, and hear all these things without much disturbance, and are now flattering themselves that they are not the persons, promising themselves that they shall escape. If we knew that there was one person, and but one, in the whole congregation, that was to be the subject of this misery, what an awful thing would it be to think of! If we knew who it was, what an awful sight would it be to see such a person! How might all the rest of the congregation lift up a lamentable and bitter cry over him! But, alas! instead of one, how many is it likely will remember this discourse in hell? And it would be a wonder, if some that are now present should not be in hell in a very short time, even before this year is out. And it would be no wonder if some persons, that now sit here, in some seats of this meeting-house, in health, quiet and secure, should be there before to-morrow morning. Those of you that finally continue in a natural condition, that shall keep out of hell longest will be there in a little time! your damnation does not slumber; it will come swiftly, and, in all probability, very suddenly upon many of you. You have reason to wonder that you are not already in hell. It is doubtless the case of some whom you have seen and known, that never deserved hell more than you, and that heretofore appeared as likely to have been now alive as you. Their case is past all hope; they are crying in extreme misery and perfect despair; but here you are in the land of the living and in the house of God, and have an opportunity to obtain salvation. What would not those poor damned hopeless souls give for one day's opportunity such as you now enjoy!

And now you have an extraordinary opportunity, a day wherein Christ has thrown the door of mercy wide open, and stands in calling and crying with a loud voice to poor sinners; a day wherein many are flocking to him, and pressing into the kingdom of God.
Many are daily coming from the east, west, north and south; many that were very lately in the same miserable condition that you are in, are now in a happy state, with their hearts filled with love to him who has loved them, and washed them from their sins in his own blood, and rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. How awful is it to be left behind at such a day! To see so many others feasting, while you are pining and perishing! To see so many rejoicing and singing for joy of heart, while you have cause to mourn for sorrow of heart, and howl for vexation of spirit! How can you rest one moment in such a condition? Are not your souls as precious as the souls of the people at Suffield, where they are flocking from day to day to Christ?

Are there not many here who have lived long in the world, and are not to this day born again? and so are aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and have done nothing ever since they have lived, but treasure up wrath against the day of wrath?
Oh, sirs, your case, in an especial manner, is extremely dangerous. Your guilt and hardness of heart is extremely great. Do you not see how generally persons of your years are passed over and left, in the present remarkable and wonderful dispensation of God's mercy?
You had need to consider yourselves, and awake thoroughly out of sleep. You cannot bear the fierceness and wrath of the infinite God.-And you, young men, and young women, will you neglect this precious season which you now enjoy, when so many others of your age are renouncing all youthful vanities, and flocking to Christ?
You especially have now an extraordinary opportunity; but if you neglect it, it will soon be with you as with those persons who spent all the precious days of youth in sin, and are now come to such a dreadful pass in blindness and hardness. And you, children, who are unconverted, do not you know that you are going down to hell, to bear the dreadful wrath of that God, who is now angry with you every day and every night? Will you be content to be the children of the devil, when so many other children in the land are converted, and are become the holy and happy children of the King of kings?

And let every one that is yet out of Christ, and hanging over the pit of hell, whether they be old men and women, or middle aged, or young people, or little children, now harken to the loud calls of God's word and providence. This acceptable year of the Lord, a day of such great favours to some, will doubtless be a day of as remarkable vengeance to others.
Men's hearts harden, and their guilt increases apace at such a day as this, if they neglect their souls; and never was there so great danger of such persons being given up to hardness of heart and blindness of mind. God seems now to be hastily gathering in his elect in all parts of the land; and probably the greater part of adult persons that ever shall be saved, will be brought in now in a little time, and that it will be as it was on the great out-pouring of the Spirit upon the Jews in the apostles' days; the election will obtain, and the rest will be blinded. If this should be the case with you, you will eternally curse this day, and will curse the day that ever you was born, to see such a season of the pouring out of God's Spirit, and will wish that you had died and gone to hell before you had seen it. Now undoubtedly it is, as it was in the days of John the Baptist, the axe is in an extraordinary manner laid at the root of the trees, that every tree which brings not forth good fruit, may be hewn down and cast into the fire.

Therefore, let every one that is out of Christ, now awake and fly from the wrath to come. The wrath of Almighty God is now undoubtedly hanging over a great part of this congregation: Let every one fly out of Sodom:

"Haste and escape for your lives, look not behind you, escape to the mountain, lest you be consumed".

Meet "The Wives"

2007-09-23T20:19:00.000+01:00

written by geek wife.

Right, this my first entry. I would like you to get to know a little bit about 'us' (so called the fundamentalist wives).

So... what in earth anyway the term 'fundamentalist' means?
Well, here you goes....

Fundamentalism is a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching.

(The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary)

Fundamentalism is a usually religious movement or point of view characterized by a return to fundamental principles, by rigid adherence to those principles, and often by intolerance of other views and opposition to secularism.

(The American Heritage Dictionary)

So... there you go, as plain that it said that we are a bunch for christian with non compromising bible principles. Now enough on looking on wikipedia or dictionary. I would like you to meet the writer. This blog is written by a group of women, not only one, therefore the entry may not be in cronological order. And obviously, one of the editor would be me (my nick will be 'geek wife' as I am the technical person here... sort of becoming person TO computer INTERFACE) while the main contributor will be 'country mama'. I may bring up more bloggers as we are coming along.

Right, a little bit about me. I am saved back in 1995 as a 15-year-old high school girl in small village in Indonesia. Back then, I only know not more than 'I am a condemn sinner who in desperate needs of forgiveness'. I would say that I am not a very well grounded christian at that time even though I went to church pretty often (like twice or thrice a week), I try not to miss any message from the preacher. But hey, I still can't say it is wrong (even when I didn't do it) to dance, social drinking, gambling on lotto, hang out in night clubs, swearing, reading horoscope, have pierce and tatto all over the places, not tithing, agreeing on gay/lesbian relationship, and wearing a skirt that hardly hide your underwear??? I thought I am just an open-minded christian, that's it...!!! Until one day, I visit a baptist church in North Jakarta. It has turn my life around. I found the reason to believe that Bible is the Word of God, and all our live principles can be observed from it.

Now move on, I landed in UK two years ago. I was still in shock when I discovered that looking for fundamentalist church in England is like looking for a diamond in a pile of hay. Sadly, so called 'Christian country' like England has compromise way too much with the world. Many of the pastor is not a local pastor, and support still come from overseas (mostly states) because the church (because of small congregation size) can't afford to pay the pastor salary yet, how sad. Science become the religion of the country, often I found church full of old folks, immigrant or lower income people. One time I overheard a person chatted in a bus, he said 'American christian (on a hint on fundamentalist) are narrow minded people'. Well, I tempted to confronted that guy on the bus and say HEY, I am a fundamentalist christian, and I am holding a computer engineering bachelor degree, my husband is a bio-physics PhD in Oxford university, my parents are both physician. If you think I am narrow minded, you better look who is stupid here.

I guess it is the matter of a heart, nothing to do with liberal/narrow minded, high/low IQ. Human is a religious being, that's what God meant us to be. So if you took out God from their lives, they will go and try worship other thing. Mostly money, job, science or themselves. So who you are whorshipping today?