Memorial Day, Honoring A Debt We Cannot Repay

More Than A Day Off, or a Day for Picnics and Bar-B-Ques

When I entered the cemetery I removed my hat out of respect and honor. The flags were waving in the slight breeze, each one placed on the edge of the plaque of the grave of each fallen hero. The resting place of my grandfather is at the Riverside National Cemetery in Southern California, a location of many graves of brave men and women who gave voluntarily for liberty, and the American Way. Line after line of simple grave makers mark the final resting places of the brave. The graves are alone, yet among their brothers and sisters in arms.

Standing over his grave marker, it brought back the memories of my visit to the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia near Washington DC, my visit to the tomb of the unknown soldier, and the rows and rows of crosses and grave markers I observed there.

My memories also harkened back to the first time I stepped into the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. As with Riverside National, I removed my cap as I stepped upon that sacred ground. I read the names in silence, tears welling up in my eyes. The dead called to me, asking me not to weep, for they gave their lives willingly, so that others might live, and live with the promise of freedom.

There were those at the USS Arizona Memorial that were less respectful, leaving their caps on, talking loudly, letting their children run around the solemn place. It made me desire to shout out, "Hey, show some respect!" But I didn't. Perhaps they didn't understand. Maybe they didn't know the price for freedom that veterans like myself have experienced. Perhaps they didn't view the fallen as brothers and sisters, and as heroes that gave the ultimate sacrifice so that our liberty might live.

My grandfather fought in World War II, and though he survived the war to live a long life, many of his fellow soldiers did not. Many of his friends and fellow troops lie in foreign lands. Many lie in graves, much like my grandfather's, in National Cemeteries across America. All of these heroes are owed a debt of unspeakable gratitude by Americans, and Memorial Day is that opportunity to do so.

With the recent war against the Islamic Jihad, and the continuing service of our fine military personnel, yet another generation of those who have proudly served and died in the service of our country is owed our thank you, and deserves our prayers.

Some ask how we can repay this debt, and show our gratitude.

One way to thank these fallen is to pause on Memorial Day to remember their sacrifice, and to thank them with our prayers for paying the cost of our freedoms. After all, our liberty has been bought and paid for with the blood of these brave heroes.

1.2 Million Americans have given their lives for our freedoms across more than two centuries and in more than a dozen wars and armed conflicts.

At the cemetery a small American flag is planted in the ground next to each grave's plaque. May they stand tall, and wave reverently.

Never forget. Keep the faith. Remember those fallen in service to the country, and to preserve the liberty of you and I.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Thanking Mom on Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day, 2009. I am the eldest of 3. I married my high school sweetheart 25 years ago, and despite the rough twenty years that began our marriage, in the last five years we have reached a level of happiness as a couple that cannot be explained in a simple blog post.

As the father of two, and the grandfather of two, hindsight is twenty-twenty. I now look at my parents with a set of eyes I did not possess when I was younger. Mom, after a very short marriage to my biological father, married a man that had just finished a tour in Vietnam as a United States Marine. He is technically my step-dad, but he will forever be "Dad."

Mom was an only child, and he was the fourth of eight kids. She grew up in a nearly typical suburban setting without brothers or sisters to fight with, while he spent a lot of time as a child on a dairy farm in Arkansas, and part of his life bouncing around suburban areas in California, nearly as if he was chasing mom during his childhood, meanwhile fighting daily with his siblings. They seemed like an unlikely couple, and sometimes they were. It was mom, though, that always held things together.

Dad worked hard, showing his love through his dedication to provide for the family. Often, that is how men show their love. Mom stayed at home, and though at the time I considered her limited (since my eyes were not as wise and understanding as they are now), I never realized she was more of a mother than I could ever realize.

Dad often worked long hours, sometimes more than one job, and his day always ended with his head slumped back (mouth open) while he slept in the recliner chair in front of the television. His daily labor provided food on the table, and the slow progression from apartment living in rough neighborhoods to a modest home in an outlying suburban area just south of Corona.

Mom was always there for homework, baseball games (practically the team mom every time, even if she wasn't technically the team mom), cross-country meets, and prayer. Every Sunday she ensured we were in church, even if dad preferred to stay home and dicker around the house, or watch the NFL. She bought us Bibles, took us to school, and hosted slumber parties full of rowdy friends from school. She was a referee when us kids began to fight, a detective when nobody owned up to bad behavior, and a chef when we were all hungry. He disciplined us, and she warned us she'd tell him of our misbehavior if we didn't straighten up. Dad rarely had a chance to sit and relax, until he hit the recliner at night, and mom rarely stopped cleaning, mixing Kool-aid, telling us kids to clean our rooms, and cooking to keep the home his castle.

As I grew up in that household, I watched mom with untrained and immature eyes. Not realizing the error of my understanding, I always wondered why mom didn't get a job to help dad pay for things. Most of my friends had moms that worked, and it seemed strange that my mom expected my dad to pay for everything. I saw how much he sacrificed to take care of his family, and mom not only didn't work, but sometimes it seemed like her emotions were always getting the best of her. He provided a great example for me to emulate, but I sometimes wished mom had a little more on the ball when it came to being a part of the big wide world. Her lack of willingness to participate in an ever-changing world that included working moms concerned me. I almost began to resent her, a little, for making the poor man work so hard, while contributing so little to the financial well-being of the family. Sure, she was dependable at home, there for us at all times, and she was the main reason we went to church, but from an economic point of view, I foolishly sometimes saw her more as a hindrance, than anything.

I married at 18, and my wife was a working girl, even if it was a job at a fast food restaurant. I appreciated the help as we began our lives together relatively poor, living in a difficult neighborhood, and struggling just to put food on the table. Because of our schedules we often saw each other rarely, and as a Navy man, when sea-time came, sometimes I would not see her for months at a time. But, we were both working, both contributing, and both happy with our careers of the moment.

My wife was not necessarily a feminist, but I suppose she was about as close as you could get to becoming one without actually being one. However, as she realized our son was needing her more and more, and it broke her heart having him babysat all the time, even if the folks watching him were trusted family and friends, she eventually asked me if she could stop working. At first I was bothered by the request. Was she trying to be more like my mom? Did she not wish to contribute to the economic stability of our family anymore?

I agreed to allow her to quit working, and immediately the changes in our lives became apparent. Our son was happier, now that mom was home, and I began to enjoy a cleaner home and the occasional meal on the table when I got home from a long day at work. Eventually, she got to the point where she was up with me in the early morning hours, making me breakfast and packing me a lunch. It was difficult becoming the sole bread winner, but her contribution to making my life easier as I worked my fingers to the bone to provide, was greatly appreciated.

It wasn't until many years of marriage passed when I finally stopped and began to analyze my childhood. I looked back at my mom, viewing her in a different light than I had before. Dad wasn't sacrificing as I assumed, because he actually wanted to provide for his family, and he did it by putting his best foot forward in every job he held. Mom, happy to do for him, made sure that none of us kids had to sacrifice anything. She made breakfast, packed lunches, and had dinner hot on the table when dad walked in the door. And her emotions were not as debilitating as I thought. After all, her tears she sometimes shed were not of anger, but of love, and sometimes frustration, as life changed, and her babies were babies no longer. It must have been difficult watching the children she had poured so much love and time into grow up, replace her with a spouse, and leave without really giving her a proper goodbye.

Mom provided us with faith-based foundations that included lessons in values, standards, and love. Her strength made childhood easy, and looking back I realize she was a much stronger person than I ever was willing to admit. In fact, to my surprise, I realized that she was the rock of the family. Mom was the one that could always be depended on. Her love and support was like clockwork. Her faith and love a solid foundation for a family that needed her dearly.

My folks are still married, and now for all those years of being there for him, Dad is doing more for her in the form of adding to the house, and buying her the nice things she could never have while kids were running wildly around through the house.

Now, as I watch my wife, and her growth as a wife and a mother, I realize that she has given me the same gift my mom gave Dad. She is always there for me, providing a home, rather than simply a house, and doing for me in ways that I never dreamed she would. We have become friends, cherished lovers, and dependable servants to each other - and it has made our marriage stronger. I no longer expect her to do anything, and in response, she does everything - just as mom did for dad. In response, it makes me want to provide all I can for her, to be a better man, to make her life as enjoyable as I can.

And I think I appreciate my wife more, as I look back at my childhood, because of mom. It was because mom provided an example of what a mom and a wife ought to be, that I recognize how wonderful of a mother and wife my wife has become. And it is because of mom instilling morals, values, and the love of God in me that I am able to truly appreciate all that my wife has become.

Thanks mom, for your courage, caring, and love. Thanks for being a cook, nurse, referee, detective, and cleaning lady. Thanks for scolding me, loving me, cheering me on, and telling dad when I went too far with my mischief. And thanks to my lovely wife, too, for continuing the example of what a mom ought to be. My love for these two women in my life is boundless, and I cannot thank either of them enough, other than to say it is because of them that my life is truly blessed.

Thank you, and Happy Mother's Day.

"She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
"Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all."
Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates."

(Proverbs 31:27-31)

How Would You Introduce Jesus Christ?

Steve Harvey, Comedian @ Yahoo! Video

Serving The Lord and Reading The Gospel

Warren W. Wiersbe in Chapter five of the book, What to Wear to the War, says this: When it comes to serving the Lord, we should always be on the move and making progress. However, when it comes to the Gospel, we need to be unmovable and inflexible. We need to stand firmly on the unchanging Gospel, for it needs no improvement.

Message of Easter

Happy Easter.

Interestingly, after seeing the cover of Newsweek proclaiming this is no longer a Christian nation, I read an article in my local newspaper today that said two-thirds of Americans are planning on attending church services this Easter. That’s a lot of people who are basically supposed to be abandoning Christianity, if you believe Newsweek.

Easter is one of those holidays that everyone enjoys. The kids love the egg hunts and candy, but Easter is not necessarily about bunnies or colored eggs. Easter is about the Resurrection of Jesus. Specifically, the holiday is about Jesus being crucified and risen again from the dead.

I realize that in these troubled times it is sometimes difficult to keep our eyes on the Lord. Easter, however, is one of those days out of the year that many folks who would not normally look to Christ decide to come to church and worship Him. Some folks are full of faith, and are regular attenders, and that is great as well. But for everyone, Easter is an opportunity to remember His sacrifice.

Today I am looking forward to joining my family and friends in celebration of the gift the Lord has given us. Afterward, we are going to congregate at my mom's house for a special meal, and an opportunity to spend time with some members of my family that I don't get to see very often.

For some folks, Easter may be a very different story for them. Easter might simply be a reminder, like Christmas, of someone who is no longer with them. And with every year that passes, these lost loved ones are remembered and missed. So, for some, because of this, Easter can be a bittersweet day.

Death can seem cruel and harsh. And to be honest, I believe that is exactly how the disciples felt when they saw the beaten, bloodied body of Jesus hanging on a Roman cross on Calvary. Jesus had been betrayed by one of their own, Peter had denied Him three times, and then, in addition to the crucifixion, a Roman soldier thrust his spear into Jesus Christ’s side, and out of it came blood and water.

When the beating heart of Jesus Christ ceased its activity the disciples felt it was over. They assumed that death was the end of Christ.

Imagine the surprise of the disciples when they found an angel waiting for them with good news. The angel said, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him." (Mark 16:6 NKJV).

They thought He was dead, yet this angel had proclaimed He Lived.

Jesus Christ's death and resurrection means that we as believers do not have to be afraid of death. It can be hard for us to accept that our bodies are wearing out, and that death is on the horizon. However, the Bible says we will have new bodies one day. "And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." (Romans 8:23 KJV).

You see, our bodies are not who we are. They are simply rotting shells. The real me is my soul, my spirit. Our bodies will eventually give up and die, but my soul will live on.

He is the resurrection and the life, and if we believe in Him, though we were dead, yet shall we live.

Happy Easter, and God Bless.

Easter Was No Accident

I remember watching a short film called The Bridge about a man that sacrificed his son in order to save many lives. He loved his son very much.

One day, he took his son to his job where the man was a bridge operator over a river. The bridge had a train track that ran over it, and it was the man's job to raise and lower the bridge whenever a ship came along the river that had high stacks and would be unable to sail under the clearance of the bridge. The son, at one point in the video, becomes trapped in the gears of the equipment as a train approaches, and the bridge is up. The man must make a decision. If he leaves the bridge up, his son survives, but the passengers on the oncoming train will all surely die. If he lowers the bridge, the people on the train will live, but his son will die a gruesome death.

Max Lucado refers to this tale in his book, God Came Near. He reminds us that though the tale is powerful, and a touching parallel to the sacrifice our Lord made for us when He was crucified on The Cross, there is a major difference between the two stories. The tale about the bridgemaster tells of events that occur that forces the man to make a terrible decision when faced with a horrible dilemma. The Bridge tells of an unfortunate accident that forced the man into making the difficult decision of pulling the lever, lowering the bridge, and allowing his son to die so that the many people aboard the oncoming train may live.

As did the man in the tale, God the Father twisted in grief as Jesus Christ was sacrificed on that cross on Calvary. All of the sinners of the world were given a gift through this sacrifice, though most of them didn't even realize it was happening as it occurred, nor are willing to accept it to this day. But the death of Jesus of Nazareth was no accident. God was not suddenly faced with a horrible decision, and had to pull a lever. The crucifixion was in accordance to God's plan. The cross was no accident. The moment Adam and Even used their gift of free will to become disobedient to God the wheels were set in motion. Our Lord intentionally planted the tree from which the cross would be carved. He willingly placed the iron ore in the ground from which the nails would be cast. He voluntarily placed Judas, who would betray Jesus, in the womb of a woman. Pilate was assigned to Jerusalem, Calvary was thrust up from the earth, and the tomb was at the ready long before the crucifixion took place.

Jesus was born to die on that cross.

When Easter approaches, Christians begin to talk more and more about the resurrection, as well they should. It is this glorious event that confirms all that Jesus said and did while He walked the Earth. He is the only historical figure to conquer death, to rise from the tomb and walk among his followers again. Oh, what a glorious morning that must've been. But in the celebration of Easter, we often fail to remember the terrible events that led to His glorious triumph over death.

The birth, life and death of Jesus Christ was prophesied over 700 times in the Old Testament. From Genesis to Malachi, his birth, life, and death is provided to us in vivid detail. We celebrate his birth and resurrection with Christmas and Easter, as well we should. But why is it that often Christians want to avoid discussing the crucifixion?

Jesus was crucified, and without the horror of the crucifixion, the Resurrection would not have occurred. Jesus Christ suffered through agony and pain, suffering in ways that Mel Gibson's Movie "Passion of the Christ" could not even capture in its gruesome depiction of Jesus Christ's final twelve hours. The horror of His death was worse than what the movie depicted, or anything they could ever depict. The suffering was greater than any of us could ever understand. He bore the sins of the entire world, past, present, and future, at that moment in time, and the weight of all that sin was so tormenting to bear that He cried out in torturous suffering, "My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me!"

On Easter, while you are singing during the church service, be uplifted, inspired, and remember that because He was victorious over death, we are saved. But while you are praising Him, also remember that there is no Easter Sunday without Good Friday. Worship Him, but spend time remembering what Jesus Christ experienced during those final hours before the spear was thrust into his side, and His human heart stopped beating.

The betrayal, the cries by the crowd to "Crucify Him!", the beating He received under the orders of Pilate that was so horrid that his inner organs could be seen through the openings of His flesh, the ropes that bound Him as He was led to the cross, the nails that were driven into His hands, the very existence of the soldiers that ensured He was dead on the cross, nor the tears shed by His followers - though each an important and integral part of the story of Christ - were not necessary. They were not necessary because Christ needed not be betrayed, He would have surrendered Himself if need be. He would have driven the nails into His own hands, if need be. He would have died the horrible death, no matter how the events that led to it transpired. He would have sacrificed Himself anyway. It was an act of Grace. A devoted plan of redemption set in motion thousands of years before. The Crucifixion, His lifeless body in The Tomb, and His glorious Resurrection on Easter was no accident. It was a plan set in motion from the beginning so that anyone that so believeth in Him may have salvation.

Pure Love. Pure Devotion. A Pure Lamb for Man's Transgressions.

Is the Lord Trying To Tell Us Something?

Ecclesiastes 10:2 (King James Version)

2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.

Ecclesiastes 10:2 (New Living Translation)

2 A wise person chooses the right road;
a fool takes the wrong one.

Ecclesiastes 10:2 (New King James Version)

2 A wise man’s heart is at his right hand,
But a fool’s heart at his left.

Fascinating coicidence that Liberalism, Secularism, and Ungodly Ideologies are considered to be "The Left" and Conservatism is considered to be "The Right." Or is it a coincidence?

The Message of Salvation

Quote the Bible without full context as atheists do and you can easily paint God as a tyrant. For every reasonable argument you can come up with to defend the Scripture, the non-believer, who is determined to convince you that the Bible is not the inspiration of God, will come back with a never ending list of atrocities and injustices in the Bible. Their aim is to put you on the defensive, and trap you into believing that they have proven the Bible, of which they have misrepresented, and text that you may not have the full understanding of because in many cases recognizing the full context may take more than a casual glance at the Biblical passages referenced, as being in error.

I believe that the Bible is God's inerrant and inspired Word. I study its text constantly, continuously hungering for the teaching the Scripture offers me. But salvation is not dependent on how well I know the Bible, or whether or not I am capable of arguing against the attacks against it.

The message is about Salvation. Sure, it helps that over 25 percent of the entire Bible contains predictive prophecies that have been literally fulfilled (of which is true of no other book in the world), and I believe that Creation testifies to an intelligent designer that could be none other than the God I believe in. But what is most important is that the sins I remain in separates me from God, but because of His love for us, God did the only thing that could satisfy His justice, holiness, and love for us by coming to Earth in the Person of Jesus Christ and taking our sins upon Himself.

Once I accept that gift, and allow His Grace to envelope me, it is then that I understand the Word of God, and recognize that a Christian's Faith does not stand in the supposed wisdom of man, but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:4-5)

In other words, I am not saved because of the message of the Bible, but because of the love of the Lord. Remember, the early believers in Christ were not converted by the text of Scriptures because the text did not exist in full form, yet, and most of them in that age could not read. They were saved by the spoken word. The foundation of faith is not written on a page, but exists in the person of Jesus Christ who then writes His Love and Sacrifice on your heart.

I am not downplaying the importance of Scripture. I am saying that while the enemy's poison darts are being thrust at you by challenging passages of the Bible without the full context attached, your response need not be an academic defense of a scholarly nature explaining to the poor soul the true meaning of the text they are challenging. The message should be the Cross. Salvation. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, and whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Christian Spectacles

In the movie, National Treasure, the characters had to wear special spectacles (The Ocular Device) to view the otherwise invisible clues on the back of the Declaration of Independence. They saw things, because of what they had available to them, that others could not see.

As Christians, in this choatic world of political upheaval, we see things different as well because of our faith in Jesus Christ.

Supporters of the rising global and socialist movements see a brave new world on the horizon. The opposition of the Obama Administration, and Democrat led Congress, sees idiocy and a downward spiral into the very socialism we defeated when the Soviet Union collapsed, and the Berlin Wall came down. As Christians, we see spiritual warfare coming to a head. The end times are upon us, and we are fearful, yet rejoice because The Rapture may be in the near future.

However, because we recognize the work of Satan in a world where moral principles have been abandoned, and people are setting aside personal liberty for the comfort of a strong, central government that claims they will take care of everything, it does not mean that we should, as Christians, lay down our arms and proclaim "It is the Will of God, and these things must come to pass." We are expected, in obedience to Scripture, to fight against evil when we recognize it. After all, the Armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-20, notice, has no protection for the back - meaning that we ought not be the kind of Christian that exposes our back to the enemy, or runs away proclaiming that the existence of such evil is God's Will, and we should do nothing. Our spiritual armor is not designed to protect us when we run away for good reason. These are defensive weapons designed to confront the enemy, head on.

Despite viewing the world in a way that the non-Christian cannot, we must be aware that everyone is affected by what happens in society. Even though we may see connections to prophecy, or believe we are in the end times, it does not excuse us to accept these things because we believe there is nothing we can do about it. We are commanded by Scripture to combat that which is against God, and to do nothing is the ultimate in disobedience to Him. We must, as Christians, be involved, and battle the evil that is upon us.

Jesus' Ministry Was Preaching, Teaching, and Healing

Matthew 4:23 (King James Version)

23And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

Repentance and Salvation

2 Corinthians 7:10 (King James Version)

10For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Atheists, Darwin, Ray Comfort

No atheist is actually an atheist. Some of the actually recognize this, and call themselves deists, or agnostic. The question in an atheist's conscience is not truly whether or not there is a God, but whether or not that God is the same as the God represented in Biblical Scriptures.

In politics, this issue rises often, because without a relationship with God the atheist (or deist, or agnostic, or. . . ) has a need to feel the void in their spritual character. When government tries to do this, and be the "god" to all citizens, it comes across a major obstacle. Government can't be all things to all people when God is already filling that role. Hence, the reason that socialism is a Godless political ideology. To exist it must eliminate the competition.

Interestingly, when the "God Debate" arises in religious or political debates, the self-proclaimed atheist (or deist, or agnostic) often responds angrily, doing all they can to discount the very Creator that believes in them and loves them. Not all non-believers do this, mind you. Some recognize the principles of Judeo-Christian teachings. For a few it is just a matter of whether or not they are ready and willing to allow their "self" to die, and be reborn as a believer.

Pastor Ray Comfort, in his latest book (as well as others he has written) has taken the time to address the atheist's conscience. Ray Comfort's book, You Can Lead an Atheist to Evidence but You Can't Make Him Think (available at WNDbooks.com), answers actual questions from atheists to Pastor Comfort's blog at Atheist Central.

The book is a "Darwin Day" gift to those people who reject the notion that there is a God out there that loves them.

Ray Comfort is the co-host with Kirk Cameron of the nationally sydicated TV show "The Way of the Master," as well as being a leader in the evangelical Christian Community. His ministry, Living Waters Ministries, is active in the evangelical community and hosts conferences and teaches Christians how to evangelize. Ray has been a guest on news shows like ABC's Nightline debating the existence of God, and now will be on Political Pistachio Radio tonight to do the same.

Come one, come all, atheists, agnostics, deists, and Christians alike. All calls will be accepted, all arguments will be responded to. Join us tonight at 7:00 pm Pacific Time/10:00 pm Eastern on Political Pistachio Radio as we welcome guest Ray Comfort, author of You Can Lead an Atheist to Evidence, But You Can't Make Him Think.

Listen Live, or Catch The Archive Later HERE.

Deception Covering The Eyes Of Christianity

Satan is in full attack mode, and the Church is in his crosshairs.

Read about disturbing trends in the Lutheran Church HERE on the Christians Against Leftist Heresy Site.

A Christian Nation

When someone says that America is a Christian Nation, shivers go up the spines of non-believers. They imagine that the statement must mean that the Christians desire a theocracy, not much different than the one our founding fathers fled from when they came to the New World from England. Images of The Crusades and Inquisitions appear. These people are unreasonably angry and bitter at God, offended by the very God that they claim does not exist.

It must be difficult to be these people that believe there is no God, or that He is just some force out there in the universe that can be channeled through some mystical, astrological method. But why would someone do so? Why would they deny common reason and logic that proclaims every building has a builder, and all of these miraculous things that make up our universe needed a creator. They would rather believe that the most complex systems, beings, and natural laws are a coincidence. All that we experience happend by chance.

They do not come to this conclusion by intellectual reasoning, however, or at least intellectualism may not be the driving force. The rejection of God is easier to accept for them because then they can justify their sin.

Even Stephen Hawking, one of the greatest minds in history, believes in God. He once stated, "It would be very difficult to explain why the universe should have begun in just his way, except as the act of a God who intended to create beings like us."

Of course, there is another driving force behind those that reject God. We have to remember that the battles against Christianity are really not just between flesh and blood. The war is against powers and principalities.

Our founding fathers, save for a few like Ben Franklin, were Christians, and though they did not want our government to be sanctioning any particular religion, as England did, they did desire that the American People be deeply religious. If that was not so, the references to God in the founding documents and writings from that era would not be present.

One last point, and this one is for you non-Christians: Why is it you don't have the courage to whisper to Muslims what you love to scream out at Christians?

The Lord Never Gives Us More Than We Can Handle

Corinthians 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Life has been difficult of late, but the above verse reminds me that the Lord is there, and His Will may be a mystery to me, but He is in control, and will ensure I grow through it. The Storms of Life make us Stronger.

The True Meaning of Christmas

For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given:
and the government shall
be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counselor,
The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Christianity Illegal / Outlawed in some Countries

Attacked by Protesting Gay Activists

I have proudly displayed a "Yes On 8" sign on my big rig for weeks. I proudly display a couple of Christian bumper stickers on my car and pick-up truck. The thanks I have gotten for that is profanity launched at me from protesters, middle fingers pointed in my direction by motorists and pedestrians after viewing my "Yes On 8" sign, name-calling (often coupled with profanity), people slamming their hands on my hood and fists on my side window, and items thrown at me (and once hitting me on the side of the head since I had my window down) by members of the homosexual community here in California.

They call for tolerance as they cry out for me to denounce my faith so that they can justify their immoral behavior.

And they have the nerve to call Christians "haters."

Christianity, based on biblical text, determined homosexuality to be a sinful behavior long before the crisis we now face regarding gay marriage in today's society surfaced. As evidenced by the ongoing push for gay marriage, homosexuality is passing into the mainstream of an ever increasingly secular society. The gay lifestyle is even making inroads within some Christian denominations.

Sex is a creation of God. He pronounced in Genesis that all of His creations are good. Therefore, sexuality is not sinful, and is a wonderful part of God’s plan for a married relationship.

God put a limit on sexual activity, however: sex is meant to be enjoyed in the context of marriage – not outside of it. Specifically, sex is to be enjoyed within the context of a marriage between a man and a woman.

Genesis 2:24-25 - Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Hebrews 13:4 - Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

The sexual sins of homosexuality, promiscuity, adultery, prostitution, et cetera, are sins simply because they do not conform to the limit of sex being a marital activity.

As much as the pro-gay agenda wants to proclaim that homosexuality is normal, or somehow an unchosen part of who they are, understand that God made men and women different, both emotionally and physically. He created mean and women to fit together anatomically with parts that match up. The homosexual is trying to justify unnatural unions in blatant disregard for God’s natural design!

God gave us sex, and the single rule of marriage for its use. To use sex for a purpose outside of God’s plan of marriage between a man and a woman is unnatural, and a perversion.

As a kid I remember when I first read the story of the men of Sodom and Gomorrah and how they rejected the offering of Lot's daughters because they wanted Lot's angelic visitors so that they could have sex with them. I shuddered with disgust at the thought of men being so blinded and twisted by their sinful desires that they would be pounding on the door like animals in heat demanding sex with a couple of strange and unknown men. I understood immediately the sinfulness of their perverted desires, and how, as also stated in Jude chapter seven, Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction was due to their sexual perversion.

Romans 1:26-27 - For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly. . .

I don't think it gets any clearer than that that biblical text proclaims homosexuality to be a sin.

Now, in today's secular culture, the gay subculture is using the media and the schools as their mouthpieces and tools for marginalizing those that take a moral, biblical stance on the issue. As a Christian it is wrong to act out violently or hatefully against homosexuals as has some in the Christian Community (Such as Phelps and his Westboro followers), but that does not mean that we should willfully allow the perversion to take hold in our society, either.

Remember, however, that these people are struggling with this sin, just as others struggle with other habitual sins - and in the end they are simply people who live without Christ.

God gave us his laws for our benefit, to protect us from the consequences of sin. We have free will, and often we stumble, but sometimes our sins affect more than only ourselves. As in the case of homosexuality, HIV and AIDS is no longer exclusive to homosexuals, though still much more rampant and spreading more quickly among the gay community. Now, as a result of homosexual and bi-sexual behavior, the disease is among the heterosexuals, and it places our children at risk as well.

Because of the impact this behavior is having on our children, and the impact it is having on the overall morality of the society we live in, we must not be afraid to stand up and champion the cause of morality. The homosexuals may be using names against Christians like "bigots" and "homophobes" for believing that homosexuality is a sin, but we cannot let their name-calling soften our stance on God’s moral code. The gay agenda can only weaken our stance, or shake our resolve, if we allow it. We must show love, and we must continuously champion God’s love toward the homosexual without condoning his or her behavior.

If Christ's love shines through us, our example of the morality God desires may speak to some of the people imprisoned by this perverted behavior.

A Time To Think

It has been a while since I have posted on this blog. Honestly, my schedule has gotten pretty busy, and most of my efforts have been on my Political Pistachio Blog. But now that the election is over, I have had time to think, and pray.

It amazes me how Christians have come under fire by the Liberal Left and The Gay Rights Agenda. In California, after the passing of Proposition 8 that defines marriage as between a man and a woman, homosexuals are rioting and protesting daily, more often than not in front of churches.

They seem to think this is a "Civil Rights" issue, when it is really nothing more than them wishing to justify their immoral behavior and take down Christianity a notch while they are at it.

Jesus said that we would be hated because of His Name in the end times.

A couple times in the Old Testament prophecy says that in the last days wrong will become right and right will become wrong.

Makes one think we are in those days, doesn't it?

Normally on this site I have a verse for the day and write a commentary on it, but I think I am going to write a little more personal from here on out. We'll see what happens. Anyway, thanks for reading, and I will try not to be such a stranger here on out.

God Bless,

Doug

Gracious and Merciful God

Nehemiah 9:31

Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.

Our prayers and our duty is to Serve and Glorify God. As we do so we need to remain humble, thankful, and watchful. Pride and obstinacy are sins which ruin the soul and rapidly become an addictive drug demanding a constant need for more and more. It is difficult to persuade the broken-hearted to hope, but we serve a God ready to pardon. He is gracious and merciful.

Success

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

If you evaluate yourself against the world's standard of success, you may feel like a failure. Yet according to God's standard, you are always rich -— rich in God's grace, and a glorious success in His eyes.

As the Darkness Comes. . .

Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. - Psalm 112:4

When you belong to God, there is no need to be afraid of dark times that may sweep over you. For God is our sun, our light to guide us through to the end.

Life Without Limbs. . . No limbs, No limits, No Worries!

The Genius Club Movie

Political Pistachio Radio to discuss the film in the near future. . .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHAT IF 7 GENIUSES TRY TO PROVE GOD’S EXISTENCE?

Los Angeles, CA 08.01.08

Prove God exists? What if 7 geniuses take a stab at it?

Billed as the ‘world first apologetic movie’ and the winner of the prestigious Dove Family Seal, the theatrically-released movie, ‘The Genius Club’, is being released nation-wide on DVD this September 2nd by the producers of “Left Behind”.

Starring Stephen Baldwin, the film is about seven geniuses, with IQs over 200, who are plucked from their lives on Christmas Eve to try to solve the world’s problems in one night. If they fail, the world will come to an end. The group attempt to solve God’s existence. By morning, the group finds redemption in themselves and quite possibly the world.

The film was released in select theaters around the world and has been featured on CBS News, ABC News, and advertised on ‘Regis and Kelly’, ‘The Today Show’, ‘Fox News’, and “The View”.

More info: http://www.CloudTenPictures.com and http://www.TheGeniusClubMovie.com

The Armor of God

My mother used to tell me that you can't reason with the unreasonable. A friend once told me to "Never argue with an idiot; they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience."

The fact of the matter is, we are unable to survive in spiritual warfare and suffering without spiritual strength and courage, and without placing the battle in His hands. The attacks will come, and if we try to battle them on our own, we will be defeated. Without the Christian armour, we are doomed to fail because the combat is not against human enemies, nor against our own corrupt nature. The warfare is spiritual, and our advisary is a skilled fighter, willing to break any rule, and assault us against our souls. He knows, laid bare, our souls are unstable, and by merely defacing the heavenly image of our hearts he will gain ground in this war - turning many away from the world as they watch our fruit wilt under the attack.

We must find resolve in God's grace, lending full trust to our cause and our Lord, donning the armor that is designed to sustain the fiercest assaults of the enemy.

Ephesians 6:10-20

10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

The Truth

John 8:32 (King James Version)


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

Christopher Laurie, Son of Pastor Greg Laurie, dies in Automobile Accident

Christopher Laurie, the Son of Pastor Greg Laurie of the church I attend, Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, died this morning in an automobile accident.

The elder of two sons, Christopher Laurie was 33 years of age and leaves behind a wife and daughter. Recent news, provided by the family during the Church trip to Israel, also reveals that Christopher's wife is pregnant with the couple's second child.Christopher's vehicle struck a Caltrans Truck from behind on the eastbound lanes of the 91 Freeway in Corona. The accident occurred this morning, but was not completely cleared until 3:00 pm.

Our prayers go out to the Laurie family.

An Ordinary Person in Extraordinary Times

"The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."

— 2 Chronicles 16:9

In the world of changing morals and a worldview based on deception and pleasure, I wonder if it is at all possible for revival.

The world, as some would say, is going to "Hell in a hand-basket." And during this time of great challenges, it is not the time to become complacent and lukewarm. The world has yet to see what God can do, and those of us that are totally committed to him will be the vessels that revival shall come through.

The Book of Acts is about ordinary men and women doing extraordinary things because they allowed God to have His way in their lives. In the same way, God wants to use us to turn this ailing world upside down for Christ.

The world is trying to change us, discredit Jesus Christ, and convince you that you can't make a difference. The world wants you to believe that it is too late, the train has left the station, and you were not on board.

We must place it in His hands, and ask Him to use us.

The world has yet to see what God can do through His Church - Are we up to the task? Do we wish to be the people that He uses to usher in a revival?

One of these days our lives will end and the shells we reside in will be buried in the earth. Our lives on Earth will be ended. What will those we leave behind say of our lives? What will we say of our own time spent here on Earth?

How great it would be if we could say, after it is all over, like Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful" (2 Timothy 4:7).

The Divine Institution of Marriage between Man and Wife - Genesis 2:24

24Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

God caused deep sleep to fall on Adam. He then brought the woman to the man. She was his second self, a help-mate for him. How good was God to him! How good was God to bring him a companion that was human like him, but created different for a reason.

She completed him, being his companion that was not created from his head to top him, or his feet to be under him, but from his rib to be beside him, yet under his arm to be protected by him.

Peace and Safety - Sign of the Times

1 Thessalonians 5

1But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

5Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

7For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

8But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

12And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

16Rejoice evermore.

17Pray without ceasing.

18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19Quench not the Spirit.

20Despise not prophesyings.

21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

22Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

25Brethren, pray for us.

26Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

27I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Happy Memorial Day 2008

To all of those brave souls that fight for our freedom, and to those that have made the ultimate sacrifice and are no longer with us. . . Thank You.

Judging Books By The Cover

"...The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
1 Samuel 16:7 NLT

Truth Has Fallen in the Street, Holy Bible: Isaiah 59:14

And judgement is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.

Happy Mothers Day

Proverbs 31:28 (King James Version)

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

About Homosexuality

What does the Bible say about Homosexuality? Romans 1:27

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

Edith Burns and EASTER

This came to me in my e-mail. I don't know who wrote it, or who Edith Burns truly was, but the story enables her to live on. Warning: Have some tissue handy.

THIS IS ONE GREAT STORY AND I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO SHARE IT WITH YOU!


Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas. She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was EdithBurns.

One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: 'Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?' Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved.

Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,'My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?'

Beverly said, 'Why yes I do.Edith said, 'Well, what do you believe about Easter?'

Beverly said, 'Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up.' Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Dr. Phillips said, 'Beverly, don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room.

After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said, 'Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?

Dr. Phillips said gently, 'Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient.' With a heavy heart he said, 'Your lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long.

Edith said, 'Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!'

Dr. Phillips thought to himself, 'What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!'

Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show=
up. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, 'Will, I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter.

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse.

Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a 'religious nut'. She had been a nurse in an army hospital. She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.

One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick.
Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot. When
she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, 'Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you.'
Phyllis Cross said, 'Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work. I'm not interested.

Edith said, 'Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family.'
Phyllis Cross said, 'Then you will never die because that will never happenand curtly walked out of the room
Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, 'God
loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you.

One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a
magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, 'I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day Phyllis Cross said, 'Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, 'Doyou believe in Easter but you have never asked me.

Edith said, 'Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait until
you asked, and now that you have asked.' Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, 'Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?

Phyllis Cross said, 'Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life 'Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.

Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, 'Do you know what day it is?' Phyllis Cross said, 'Why Edith, it's Good Friday.

Edith said, 'Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!

Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some ofher duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter liliesand wish her a Happy Easter.

When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on John 14: 'In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.' Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, 'And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down here cheeks, said, 'Happy Easter,Edith - Happy Easter!'

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, 'My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?
If you believe in Easter, forward this on. God works in wonderful ways, and to believe in his power is to truly be free. If Jesus had e-mail, he'd do the same for you.

(Actually, maybe He just did)

'Father, bless this person in whatever it is that You know he or she may beneeding this day'

Matthew 5:14

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

As Christians all eyes are upon us. Though it is by grace that we are saved, not by works, our fruit is what the world watches. Do we sin, even after the Saving Grace of our Lord? Of course. Like all humans, we are fallible. Perfection is hardly a trait that any Christian (or anybody but Christ) is capable of. But as a Christian, a changed creature with an enlivened spirit, habitual sin is something that should not be a problem anymore. In all of my thoughts Jesus dwells within them, and in all of my actions His light should be apparent. By proclaiming Christ as our savior we are calling upon eyes to watch us, and it is up to us to represent Him with good fruit. A lukewarm Christian can be more damaging to Christianity than a non-Christian who bashes Christianity. Let the Light of Jesus shine through all that we do and say.

Following Christ

“Take up thy cross and follow Me,”
I hear the blessed Savior call;
How can I make a lesser sacrifice
When Jesus gave His all? —Ackley

Because Jesus bore the cross for us, we should be willing to take it up for Him.

An Easter Message from Greg Laurie

Surrender at Gethsemane

Have you ever felt lonely? Have you ever felt as though your friends and family had abandoned you? Have you ever felt like you were misunderstood? Have you ever had a hard time understanding or submitting to the will of God for your life?

If so, then you have an idea of what the Lord Jesus went through as He agonized at Gethsemane.

Hebrews tells us, "This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it" (4:15–16 NLT).

Consider the fact that Jesus, who was God, was omniscient. He was all-knowing. Therefore, He was fully aware of the horrors of the crucifixion that awaited Him.

He knew His disciples would abandon him. He knew Judas Iscariot would betray Him. He knew that Simon Peter would deny Him. He knew they would rip His back open, press a crown of thorns into His head, beat Him, spit in His face, and crucify Him. Worst of all, He knew that all the sins of the world would be placed upon Him.

The Bible tells us that Jesus was "a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3 NLT). But the sorrow He experienced in Gethsemane on the night before His crucifixion seemed to be the culmination of all the sorrow He had ever known and would accelerate to a climax the following day. The ultimate triumph that was to take place at Calvary was first accomplished beneath the gnarled old olive trees of Gethsemane.

Jesus told Peter, James, and John, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch" (Mark 14:34). Jesus' sorrow and anguish was so powerful, it threatened His very life.

In the face of this dreadful prospect of bearing God's full fury against sin, Jesus knelt to the ground and began to pray. This was not a quiet whisper of a prayer. Hebrews 5:7 tells us, "While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could deliver him out of death. And God heard his prayers because of his reverence for God" (NLT).

It is interesting that the very word Gethsemane means "olive press." Olives were pressed there to make oil, and truly, Jesus was being pressed from all sides that He might bring life to us. I don't think we can even begin to fathom what He was going through.

Maybe you are at a crisis point in your life right now—a personal Gethsemane, if you will. You have your will; you know what you want. Yet you can sense that God's will is different.

Would you let the Lord choose for you? Would you be willing to say, "Lord, I am submitting my will to Yours. Not my will, but yours be done"? You will not regret making that decision.

Sometimes, we are afraid to do this because we have a false concept that God's will for us is not good. You might be thinking, "How about His plan for Jesus? That didn't seem very good."

No question, it was very difficult for Jesus, to say the least. No question, He faced the full wrath of God against all sin.

But look at what it accomplished. It brought about your salvation and mine. Because of what Jesus went through at Gethsemane and ultimately at the cross, we can call upon His name. Though it was an unfathomably painful, horrific transition, it was necessary for the ultimate goal of what was accomplished.

Maybe you are going through a difficult time. Ultimately, it will be so much better if you allow the Lord to choose His plan for you. One day, you will be able to look back and say, "Lord, thank you for making that choice."

God's plans for you are good. As Jeremiah tells us, the thoughts that God thinks toward you are "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" (29:11).

In our moments of uncertainty, in those times when we think that everyone has let us down, remember that Jesus has been there and is there for us. God's plans for you are so much better than the plans you have for yourself.

Will you let Him choose?

- - - Greg Laurie

Good Friday

As Easter approaches, Good Friday signifies the event that defines Christianity. Around the globe Christians are observing a remembrance of the last supper, Christ's prayer in the Garden, His crucifixion, and Jesus Christ's resurrection. On Good Friday Christians recognize the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, a death on a Roman Cross that concludes in the complete joy of Christ's Easter morning resurrection.

This is a time to recall and reflect upon the enormity of Jesus' passion and death, and to celebrate the believer's redemption from sin and victory over death.

The empty tomb, then and now, has been a constant scandal, as well as a lightning rod of controversy. Many have attempted to disprove it, for the implications of that empty tomb are massive. Feel free to learn more about the gift Jesus Christ has given us through his death by joining the celebration at a local church this weekend. Worship Services will be held around the nation to celebrate Christ's triumph over death, and to celebrate His enormous gift to humanity.

"He is Risen, He is Risen."

How Can God Use Me?

As Jesus approached Jerusalem for the last time, He
sent two disciples into the city to bring Him a
donkey. He told them, “If anyone asks you, ‘Why are
you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because
the Lord has need of it’” (Luke 19:31).

As we approach our sunset years, we may ask ourselves,
“Can I still be useful to God? Is there some service I
can render that will fill my days with significance?
Am I needed?”

Of course you are! God needs you just as He needed the
donkey to carry Him through the streets of Jerusalem.
He has always needed something or someone to get His
work done. He still has useful work for you to do.

Perhaps your work will be one brief task, like the
donkey’s single act of service. Or it may be some
activity that will fully occupy your years until your
Master calls you home. It may be an opportunity to
share your faith with someone, to intercede for him,
or to love him through quiet acts of mercy, friendly
visits, or to extend some small courtesy. There will
always be something for you to do.

In the meantime, you and I must stand and wait,
preparing ourselves through prayer, Bible reading, and
quiet listening—ready for the moment that our Lord has
need of us.

Will you be ready when He needs you? — David H. Roper

I’m available for God to use me,
Available, if God should choose me;
Should it be now or then, it doesn’t matter when;
I want to see lost souls be born again. —Anthony

God has work for all His children, regardless of age
or ability.

2 Corinthians 5:1-8

Assurance of the Resurrection

1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Malachi 3:3

I received this by e-mail from a friend of mine, and I thought you would enjoy it:


Malachi 3:3 says; 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.' She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'

He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire , remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

Pass this on right now. This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end.

You Can Depend On Jesus Christ

The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His,
And He is mine forever. —Baker

You can rest in the arms of Jesus—He’ll never let you down.

Courage and Faith

Lord, give me the courage to rise above fear,Even of danger, because You are near;I would be faithful to face any foeWhile I am walking with You here below. —Hess

Courage will follow when faith takes the lead.

1 Peter 3:7

Husbands. . . dwell with [your wives] with understanding. . . that your prayers may not be hindered.

Marriage thrives in a climate of love and respect.

Center of the Bible

Q: What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?

A: Psalms 117



Q: What is the longest chapter in the Bible?

A: Psalms 119



Q: Which chapter is in the center of the Bible?

A: Psalms 118



Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118

Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118

Add these numbers up and you get 1188.



Q: What is the center verse in the Bible?

A: Psalms 118:8



Q: Does this verse say something significant about God's perfect will for our lives?



The next time someone says they would like to find

God's perfect will for their lives and that they want to

be in the center of His will, just send them to the

center of His Word!



Psalms 118:8

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Now isn't that odd how this worked out (or was God in the center of it)?


When things get tough, always remember...

Faith doesn't get you around trouble, it gets you through it !!

God Bless You!

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.

Humility preserves peace and order in all Christian churches and societies; pride disturbs them. Where God gives grace to be humble, he will give wisdom, faith, and holiness. To be humble, and subject to our reconciled God, will bring greater comfort to the soul than the gratification of pride and ambition. But it is to be in due time; not in thy fancied time, but God's own wisely appointed time.

Be diligent, though many will not bear sound doctrine.

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane [and] vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”

2 Timothy 2:15-16