Christmas Party...

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer. 

It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration. 

I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates.  The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to send me an invitation. 

The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face...and I wanted to be with them and share their table. In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years all close their doors to me. 

Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were all drinking; there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at everything. They were having a great time. To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho!  He seemed drunk. He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying : "Santa Claus, Santa Claus".... as if the party were in his honor ! 

At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each other ; I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and  ....  do you know .... no one hugged me. Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one ? 

I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left. Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me. I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you. Today, I only want that you believe this with all you heart. 

I want to share something with you. As many didn't invite me to their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one has ever imagined, a spectacular party. I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on the guest list will be invited to the party. Those who don't answer the invitation, will be left outside. 

Do you know how you can answer this invitation? it is by extending it to others whom you care for... 

I'll be waiting for all of you to attend my party this year... 

See you soon..... I love you ! 

-Jesus-

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Let's put Jesus back into Christmas. This is not a holiday season, but the Christmas season.

Let's not care about those who want to take Christ out of Christmas.

Remember Jesus is the reason for this season!!!

The Final Inspection

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass,
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.


"Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"

The soldier squared his shoulders and
said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough,
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep,

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here,

They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand,

I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand."
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod,

As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell."

A Prayer

Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness.
Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God.
And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.
I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers, for each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.
I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly.. AMEN.

Tax Time

A tax assessor came one day to a poor Christian to determine the amount of taxes he would have to pay. The following conversation took place:

"What property do you possess?" asked the assessor.

"I am a very wealthy man," replied the Christian.

"List your possessions, please," the assessor instructed.

The Christian said:

"First, I have everlasting life, 

 John 3:16

Second, I have a mansion in heaven, 

John 14:2

Third, I have peace that passes all understanding, 

Philippians 4:7

Fourth, I have joy unspeakable, 

1 Peter 1:8

Fifth, I have divine love which never fails,  

1 Corinthians 13:8

Sixth, I have a faithful wife, 

Proverbs 31:10

Seventh, I have healthy, happy obedient children,  

Exodus 20:12

Eighth, I have true, loyal friends,  

Proverbs 18:24

Ninth, I have songs in the night, 

Psalms 42:8

Tenth, I have a crown of life,  

James 1:12

The tax assessor closed his book, and said, 

"Truly you are a very rich man, but your property is not subject to taxation."

Deck Of Cards

During the North African Campaign,
a bunch of soldier boys had been on a long hike,
and they arrived in a little town called Casino.

The next morning, being Sunday,several of the boys went to church.
A Sargeant commanded the boys in church,
and after the chaplain had read the prayer,
the text was taken up next.

Those of the boys who had a prayer books took them out,
but, this one boyhad only a deck of cards,
and so he spread them out.

The Sargent saw the cards and said, "Soldier, put away those cards".

After the services were over, the soldier was taken prisoner,
and brought before the Provost Marshall.
The marshall said " Sergeant, why have you brought this man here?"
"For playing cards in church Sir."
"And what have you to say for yourself Son?"
"Much, Sir," replied the soldier.
The marshall said, " I hope so, for if not,
I shall punish you more than any man was ever punished."

The soldier said, "Sir, I have been on the march for about six days,
I have neither Bible nor prayerbook, but I hope to satisfy you, Sir,
with the purity of my intentions."

And with that, the boy started his story.

"You see sir, when I look at the Ace,
it reminds me that there is but one God,

And the deuce, reminds me that the bible is divided
into two parts, the old and the new testament.

When I see the three, I think of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost.

And when I see the four,I think of the four Evangelists who preached
the Gospel There was Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

And when I see the five, it reminds me of the five wise virgins
who trimmed their lamps, there were ten of them,
Five were wise and were saved, five were foolish,
and were shut out.

When I see the six, it reminds me that in six days,
God made this great Heaven and Earth.

When I see the seven, it reminds me that on the seventh day,
God rested from His great work.

And when I see the eight, I think of the eight righteous persons
God saved when he destroyed this Earth.
There was Noah, his wife, their three sons, and their wives.

And when I see the nine, I think of the lepers our Saviour cleansed,
and, nine out of the ten, didn't even thank him.

When I see the ten, I think of the ten commandments,
God handed down to Moses on a table of stone.

When I see the king, it reminds me that there is but one King of Heaven,
God Almighty.

And when I see the Queen, I think of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Who is Queen of Heaven,

And the Jack of Knaves is the Devil.

When I count the number of spots in a deck of cards,
I find 365, the number of days in a year.
There are 52 cards, the number of weeks in a year.
There are four suits, the number of weeks in a month.
There are twelve picture cards, the number of months in a year.
There are thirteen tricks, the number of weeks in a quarter.

So, you see Sir, my pack of cards serves me as a Bible,
an Almanac, and a prayerbook.

And Friends, the story is true, I know,
I was that soldier.

A video on the song 

Hoping Your Box Is Empty

It was on the fifteenth day of the 12th month celebrating his 75th birthday when he decided it was time.

Having been happily married, raising three boys, and continuing with great success, the family business handed down from generations before him, this now frail man had to make a decision.

His health had not been good over the past few years and the stress of keeping the business on course was beginning to wear on him.

The challenge was in deciding which one of his sons would take his place.

Each boy had the experience. Each one was capable of helping it grow in the future.

But each had different personal values.

As they gathered together to celebrate Father's birthday, he quietly pulled them aside from the rest of the family to announce his retirement.

"Father, I can't imagine a day without you as the head of the business," one said.

"We are sure to falter without you, but you deserve some rest," another said.

"You are this company," the last chimed in.

Then there was an uneasy silence. Surely the question playing on their minds was "who would take his place?"

The old man turned and walked toward the corner of the room where there were three boxes.

"Come, each of you take one of these boxes. They are of equal size. By the first day of the new year when we return here to celebrate, I want each of you to bring your box filled with what you believe to be the most valuable assets of this business. Based on your choices, I will decide who will take over as the chairman," father said.

There was much grumbling, confusion and discussion as father left the room.

During the next 16 days the families and employees could sense a strong competitive spirit between the boys. One carried the box nearly everywhere he went. Another ran from department to department asking for records and inventories. The third simply left the box at his desk.

It was January 1st and the family had once again gathered to celebrate. Right after dinner father called the boys aside.

"Well, it is time. Please share with me what you have placed in your box," father said.

The first son, eager to out do the others, jumped to his feet and began sharing.

From the box he pulled the business ledger, saying "This father, is the true measure of our success. There is no greater representation than the bottom line."

"Simple and direct," father said.

Pointing to the second son, he asked for him to share.

"Where is your box?" father asked.

"It is outside on the back of truck. The box you gave me was much too small. I have ten of our employees out there ready to bring in each of the items I have gathered."

Father walked to the window and from that distance could see his son had gathered many of his own personal possessions; a boat hitched to the back, collections of rare art, antiques and what appeared to be two uniformed guards standing next to a large box.

"What is in the box?" fathered asked.

"My wife's jewels," the son replied. "Shall I order them to bring them in?"

"No! I have seen enough," father said.

With a deep sigh and tone of sadness, he said to the last son, "What valuables do you have to share?"

The son rose to his feet and handed his father the box.

The old man looked inside and with great shock and surprise looked up at his son.

"It's empty!" father said. "Are you telling me that you have found nothing of value in the family business?"

"To the contrary," he said. "What I found most valuable I could not place in a box, on the back of a thousand trucks, or scribbled on the bottom line of a ledger."

Father's face lit up as he returned to his chair.

"How does one measure the value of commitment, quality, honesty, and trustworthiness? What size box would hold the loyalty of our employees and customers? Would the charities we supported through the years fit into the largest trucks in our fleet? How big of an auditorium would I need to gather the families of our coworkers who have benefited from our generous pay and health plan? Where would I place the local companies we have committed to deal with so that the community we live in stays strong? Finally, father, the most valuable possessions I personally hold are the love of you and mother, family values, your wisdom, compassion and love of God. Look again inside that box. They are not there. The result of all of that is here standing before you."

It was clear what decision was made that day.

There will come a time when each of us will be asked by our Father to share what we value most.

I hope your box is empty.

<<< . >>>

Celebrating my birthday today, I hope that when the day of judgment comes, my box would be empty too...

Balance...

Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Heaven, God went missing for six days. Eventually, Michael the Archangel found him on the seventh day, resting.

He inquired of God, "Where have you been?" God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction and proudly pointed downwards through theclouds

"Look Michael, look what I have made." Said God.

Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, "What is it?"

"It's a planet," replied God "and I've put life on it, I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance."

"Balance?" inquired Michael, still confused.

God explained, pointing to different parts of earth.

"For example, North America will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while South America is going to be poor. The Middle East over there will be a hot spot and Russia will be a cold spot. Over there I've placed a continent of white people and over there is a continent of black people."

God continued pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot and this one extremely cold, and this one coveredin ice."

The Archangel, impressed by God's work, then pointed to a small land mass and said, "What's that one?"

"Ah," said God. "That's Malaysia, the most glorious place on Earth. There are beautiful lakes, rivers, streams and hills. The people from Malaysia are going to be modest, intelligent and humorous and they're going to be found traveling the world. They'll be extremely sociable, hard-working and high achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as diplomats and carriers of peace."

Michael gasped in wonder and admiration but then proclaimed, "What about balance, God? You said there will be BALANCE! So if Malaysians are going to be that great, you must've created some really corny people to balance them out"

What did God say next? In the true spirit of choice, God told of the choices He had set out for Malaysia. You choose your ending...

Ending 1

God replied wisely, "Wait until you see the idiots I'm putting right next to them. They're called Singaporeans!!"

No hard feelings for our southern neighbours its just a joke... Received this when I was based in Singapore a few years back...

Ending 2

God replied wisely, "Patience Michael... As I said before that there will be balance... For the first 50 years of independence, the country will live in harmony.

Then on the 50th year, a man called Samy Vellu will cause a demonstration by the Indians in the country due to his ego which rivals the one Satan has...

The Malays will then be goaded to demonstrate to defend their rights as well by a man frog called Ibrahim Ali...

The Chinese on the other hand will be fascinated by the length of one Chua Soi Lek's manhood while simultaneously looking on in glee as the other races bash each other...

They would all even fight to name me...

And in the aftermath of it all, the country is returned to the natives of Peninsular Malaysia as well as that of Sabah & Sarawak...

What Is Love?

This note was written about a year ago by a friend, Lynne.

I thought that what she had to say was really beautiful. I believe that what she said is so profound in its' simplicity...

What is real love?

First person who is in your mind when you open your eyes in the morning, when you are about to sleep at night,whenever you are alone, when everything reminds you of her/him and yet you are ready to let go as long as he/she is happy;

Always have a soft spot for her/him; just like how our parents forgive us when we do something wrong; you will always there to forgive and have faith/trust for him/her to be better!


Where is love?..

Where the heart is... the rest just follow. When the heart is full of love, you will LISTEN with your heart not just hear; you will pay attention with your whole mind and not just your eyes;

That's called "communication". There's no love if there's no communication (heart, mind, eyes, body language)


Who will be loved?..

The one who loves himself or herself first. When you can take care of yourself, then, you can take care of others. I will be attracted to someone who loves/enjoys/makes the best of her/his life and be a better person.


Why we fall in love? ..

To gain extraordinary strength to achieve more in our lives; to have companion to share your finite time on this earth.



When will love come?..

When we are least aware of it..so, don't search..it might just be under your nose.


How do we fall in love?..

When we cant stop talking about that person to everyone with a smile on your face! When you drink mocktail, and yet both of you giggle like kids, laughing like you are drunk!
True love starts with companionship, then followed by friendship, which was bonded by respect, then develops into crush or mutual understanding.. Finally evolves into lovers/admirers that was built by love and affection..

Made in concern.. Tied by loyalty and honesty and hardened by trust. True love is when two people know each other imperfections, limitations, shortcomings, and flaws, and in spite of that they accept without hesitation and without hope for a change.

You will know that when you are in love...

Hope

What is hope?

Hope is something to be remembered
Hope is trust beyond comprehension

To see light in the darkness
To see the brightest sun in the midst of heavy storm
To hear beautiful music in the midst of noise and thunder
To smell the scent of roses in the midst of garbages

To see opportunities and chances in the eyes of every people
To see the best in someone else
To love beyond expectation
To wish nothing in return

To take care of strangers
To love your enemy
To smile in the midst of mourning
To yearn for peace and solitude
And to trust in God
That is hope for me..

Faith

Faith is something abstract
It is not a thing that can be seen
It has to be believed,


People says 'you have to see first before your believe'
But God says 'blessed are they who believe without seeing'


Faith is believing in something when things seems so wrong
Faith in something somehow
God will work it out
In His way and not in ours,


Faith is keeping a trust on something that seems impossible
To believe that out of nothing
God can do all things
A trust that stays in our hearts
Even though people are ridiculing us for our beliefs,


Faith is a healing deed
It gives strength to our hearts
Gives spirit to our body
It is therapeutic for the losers mind
And the essentials for the beautiful mind
The enhancers for the great minds,


Faith comes from God
And to God it must be returned
And may you find solace in your faith
As Hope and Love has given you.

It All Begins With U...

Before U were thought of or time had begun,

God even stuck U in the name of His Son.

And each time U pray, you'll see it's true

You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.

You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,

For U, He was born; that's why He came.

And His great love for U is the reason He died.

It even takes U to spell crUcified.

Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand

 He rose from the dead, with U in His plan.

The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,

and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,

He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.

"Go into the world and tell them it's true.

 That I love them all - Just like I love U."

So many great people are spelled with a U,

Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?

It all depends now on what U will do,

He'd like them to know - But it all starts with U.

 

Laus Deo ( Praise be to God )

On the aluminum cap atop the Washington Monument in Washington, DC are two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact ... most visitors to the monument have no idea they are even there and ... for that matter ... probably could care less!

But there they are ... 555 feet, 5.125 inches high ... perched atop the monument to the father of our nation. Overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.

Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, unnoticed words ... out of sight and, one might think, out of mind ... but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the world.

And what might those two words ... comprised of just four syllables and only seven letters ... mean? Very simply ... "Praise be to God!" Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848 when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty-five years to finally cap the memorial with the tribute Laus Deo!

"Praise be to God!"

From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure ... a visitor can take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major segments. And from that vantage point one can also easily see ( whether plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant , or Divine Intervention ) a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape ... with the White House to the North. the Jefferson Memorial to the South ... the Capitol to the East ... and the Lincoln Memorial to the West. 

A cross you say?

How interesting! And ... no doubt ... intended to carry a meaning for those who bother to notice. "Praise be to God!"

Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. "Praise be to God!"
 

When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy ...
"one nation, under God."

I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well, now is your opportunity ... read on!

"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large." "And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Laus Deo!

As you might have guessed ... I kind of like the idea that our Pledge of Allegiance includes the phrase "under God." It is clear when one studies the history of our great nation that Washington's America was one of the few countries in all the world established under the guidance, direction and banner of Almighty God, to whom was given all praise, honor and worship by the great men who formed and fashioned her pivotal foundations. And when one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol ... one will easily find the signature of God.

We are a nation under God!!! 

Laus Deo!

A Response To A Letter From Heaven

We received your letter from heaven above,
and we were sure it was written with all of your love.

You asked us not to be unhappy because you're out of sight,
well, you left so many beautiful memories we guess it's all right.

The day you had to leave us is a day we will never forget.
We all gathered around your bedside knowing who you met.

He picked you up and hugged you and said "I welcome You."
We realized it was over, there was nothing we could do.

He told you he missed you while you were gone,
but that your family would be here later on.

There was much to do, you were part of his plan
and until we all get there we won't understand.

He gave you a list of things to do,
one of them was to watch over the ones who loved you.

For when our day is over, and all our chores are done,
we feel your presence as you said and we think it's kinda fun

When we do think of you, and all those loving years,
we just can't help it, it just brings us to tears.

Crying does relieve some pain,
but it keeps coming back again and again.

We probably wouldn't understand what plan God has for us,
but we can see that you're happy, so his plan we all shall trust.

Although your life is over one thing is for sure,
we do feel you are closer to us then ever before.

You mentioned in your letter of some tough times ahead,
and we know you will be watching with many tears to shed.

May we follow your advice,

" Give to the world, and the world gives to you."
We always trusted your philosophy, so this we know is true.

You told us to find someone in pain and sorrow,
and let them know there's a better tomorrow.

You should be content, your life was worthwhile!
We have many many pictures that make us all smile!

When we see someone feeling sad and low,
we will pick them up and tell them "we love you so."

How did you know that when we have you on our mind
we walk a little slower cause we know you're right behind.

And when our time is over, we know we must die too.
We'll know just where we're going, 

WE'RE COMING HOME TO YOU!!!

Letter From Heaven

"To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.



Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every
morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."



"It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."



God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do,
and foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you... in the middle of the night.


When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years,
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.



I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.





There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too....
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.



If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night... "My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented.... that my life has been wothwhile,
Knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.



So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in you footsteps only half a step behind.



And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.... you're coming here to me.

- Ruth Ann Mahaffey

Telling God To Get Out

Billy Graham's daughter, Anne, was being interviewed on the Early Show by Jane Clayson, regarding 9/11/2001. She was asked, "How could God let something like this happen?" Ms. Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, "I believe that God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are. But, for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman that He is, I believe that He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand that He leave us alone?" 

This form of rejection seemed to begin when Madeline Murray O'Hare complained she did not want any more prayers in our schools. And we said, "OK." (Side note: Madeline was murdered, and her corpse was found) 

Then, someone said, "you better not read the Bible in school"... the Bible that says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said, "OK."

Then, Dr. Benjamin Spock said, "we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem." 

And we said, "an expert should know what he's talking about," so we said "OK."

Then, someone said, "teachers and principals better not discipline our children when they misbehave. And the school administrators said no faculty member in this school better touch a student when they misbehave, because we don't want any bad publicity, and we surely don't want to be sued." 

And we said, "OK." (Side note: There's huge difference between disciplining and touching, beating, smacking, humiliating, kicking, etc.) 

Then someone said, "let's let our daughters have abortions if they want, and they won't even have to tell their parents." 

And we said, "OK." 

Then some wise school board member said, "since boys will be boys and they're going to do it anyway, let's give our sons all the condoms they want, so they can have all the fun they desire, and we won't have to tell their parents they got them at school." 

And we said, "OK." 

Then some of our top elected officials said, "it doesn't matter what we do in private, as long as we do our jobs." And agreeing with them, we said, "it doesn't matter to us what anyone, including the President, does in private as long as we have a job and the economy is good."

And then someone said, "let's print magazines with pictures of nude women and call it wholesome, down-to-earth appreciation for the beauty of the female body." 

And we said, "OK."

And then someone else took that appreciation a step further and published pictures of nude children, and then stepped further still by making them available on the Internet. 

And we said, "OK... they're entitled to their free speech."

And then the entertainment industry said, "let's make TV shows and movies that promote profanity, violence, and illicit sex. And let's record music that encourages rape, drugs, murder, suicide, and satanic themes." 

And we said, "it's just entertainment, it has no adverse effect, and nobody takes it seriously anyway," so we said, "OK."

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. More than likely, if we think long and hard enough about it, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with... 

"WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."

-----

"Dear God, Why didn't you save the little girl killed in her classroom?" Sincerely, Concerned Student. 

"Dear Concerned Student, I am not allowed in schools." Sincerely, God.

Teach Me To Forgive

One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking in the woods. As he thought about his life this day, he knew many things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him back when he had a job.

His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated him. He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the illness he had that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with anger, resentment and frustration.

Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there, and with  tears in his eyes, he prayed

"Lord - You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed.

Today, you have told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, because I cannot. I don't know how. It is not fair Lord. I didn't deserve these wrongs that were done against me and I shouldn't have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray that you teach me to do this one thing I cannot do - Teach me To Forgive."

As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt. He could not turn to see what it was because where the oak tree had been was a large square piece of wood in the ground. He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them. He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a cross. He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head.

Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precious face. As their eyes met, the man's tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.

"Have you ever told a lie, He asked?" The man answered, "Yes, Lord."

"Have you ever been given too much change and kept it?" The man answered, "Yes, Lord." And the man sobbed more and more.

"Have you ever taken something from work that wasn't yours," Jesus asked? And the man answered, "Yes, Lord."

"Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in vain?" The man, crying now, answered, "Yes, Lord."

As Jesus asked many more times, "Have you ever"? The man's crying became uncontrollable, for he could only answer, "Yes, Lord."

Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt something fall on his other shoulder. He looked and saw that it was the blood of Jesus. When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and there was a look of love the man had never seen or known before. Jesus said, "I didn't deserve this either, but I forgive you."

 

It may be hard to see how you're going to get through something. But, when
you look back in life, you realize how true this statement is...
 

"If God brings you to it... He will bring you through it."

My Attorney

After living what I felt was a "decent" life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table. 

As I looked around I saw the "prosecutor." He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen.

I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose ppearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.

The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room. I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, "Let us begin."

The prosecutor rose and said, "My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this man belongs in hell."

He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. 

As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done?

Satan finished with a fury and said, "This man belongs in hell, he is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise."

When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, "Hi, Dad," and then He turned to address the court.  

"Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this man deserves to be punished."

Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, "However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine."

My Lord continued with, "His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy."

As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said,"There is nothing else that needs to be done. I've done it all."

The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words bellowed from His lips... "This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed."

As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and having,
 

"I won't give up, I will win the next one."

I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, "Have you ever lost a case?"

Christ lovingly smiled and said, "Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, 'Paid in Full.'"

If you do not pass this along to 10 people immediately, absolutely nothing will happen. Passing this on to anyone you consider a friend (as I have done here), will bless you both.

Iraq & The Bible

Very interesting, but unsubstantiated.

DID YOU KNOW...

1. The garden of Eden was in Iraq. (It sure doesn't look much like Paradise on earth today thanks to Saddam)

2. Mesopotamia which is now Iraq was the cradle of civilization!

3. Noah built the ark in Iraq.

4. The Tower of Babel was in Iraq.

5. Abraham was from Ur, which is in Southern Iraq!

6. Isaac's wife Rebekah is from Nahor which is in Iraq.

7. Jacob met Rachel in Iraq.

8. Jonah preached in Nineveh - which is in Iraq.

9. Assyria which is in Iraq conquered the ten tribes of Israel.

10. Amos cried out in Iraq!

11. Babylon which is in Iraq destroyed Jerusalem.

12. Daniel was in the lion's den in Iraq!

13. The 3 Hebrew children were in the fire in Iraq (That's good news to know that JESUS has been in Iraq too as the 4th person in the fiery furnace!)

14. Belshazzar, the King of Babylon saw the "writing on the wall" in Iraq.

15. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, carried the Jews captive into Iraq.

16. Ezekiel preached in Iraq.

17. The wise men were from Iraq. (where are the "wise" men today?)

18. Peter preached in Iraq.

19. The "Empire of Man" described in Revelation is called Babylon which was a city in Iraq!

ALSO, DID YOU KNOW...
Israel is the nation most often mentioned in the Bible. But do you know hich nation is second? It is Iraq! However, that is not the name that is used in the Bible. The names used in the Bible are Babylon, Land of Shinar, and Mesopotamia. The word Mesopotamia means between the two rivers, more exactly between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The name Iraq, means country with deep roots. Indeed Iraq is a country with deep roots and is a very significant country in the Bible. Here's why.

* Eden was in Iraq--Genesis 2:10-14
 

* Adam &Eve were created in Iraq--Genesis 2:7-8
 

* Satan made his first recorded appearance in Iraq--Genesis 3:1-6
 

* Nimrod established Babylon &Tower of Babel was built in Iraq--
  Genesis 10:8-97; 11:1-4
 

* The confusion of the languages took place in Iraq--Genesis 11:5-11
 

* Abraham came from a city in Iraq--Genesis 11:31; Acts 7:2-4
 

* Isaac's bride came from Iraq--Genesis 24:3-4; 10
 

* Jacob spent 20 years in Iraq--Genesis 27:42-45; 31:38
 

* The first world Empire was in Iraq--Daniel 1:1-2;2:36-38
 

* The greatest revival in history was in a city in Iraq--Jonah 3
 

* The events of the book of Esther took place in Iraq--Esther
 

* The book of Nahum was a prophecy against a city in Iraq--Nahum
 

* The book or Revelation has prophecies against Babylon, which was the old name for the nation of Iraq--Revelation 17 &18

No other nation, except Israel, has more history and prophecy associated it than Iraq.

And also did you know ...

This is something to think about! Since America is typically represented by an eagle. Saddam should have read up on his Muslim passages... The following verse is from the Quran, (the Islamic Bible)

Quran (9:11) -- For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace. 

Note the verse number.