Tuesday, March 22, 2011

FUNNY ISN'T IT?(recited by Ben Stein - CBC)

. This post was in J Thomas Plumleys Blog and was written and recited by Ben Stein on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary. My confession: I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors were Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against.
That's what they are: Christmas trees.

It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it, it shows that we are all brothers and Sisters celebrating this happy time of year. ..................................................................................................................................... It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a crèche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away...

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him?

I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to. In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe 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 He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?' In light of recent events... terrorists attacks, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained "she didn't want prayer in our schools," and we said "OK".. Then someone said "you better not read The Bible in school." The Bible 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" (Dr Spock's son committed suicide). We said "an expert should know what he's talking about. "And 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. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.' Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace. Are you laughing yet? Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process. . . .

don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in. My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully, Ben Stein

Saturday, March 19, 2011

PUMPKIN FLUFF PIE link to Never Fail Pastry

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Before I give you this tasty recipe, I thought you might find this article I came across interesting:
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The Historical Pumpkin
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The pumpkin is actually a gourd, belonging to the same family tree as cucumbers, squash, and melons. It's name derived from the Old French word: pompion which derived in turn from the Greek word Pepon which means "cooked by the sun". Most likely native to Central America, the pumpkin was grown extensively by the North American Native Americans prior to the European invasion. It was served boiled and baked, made into a soup and was also dried and made into a meal that was used as commonly as cornmeal in breads and puddings. The fruit was also preserved by being cut into rings and hung to dry. The dried fruit was put to use through the winter months. So, it is quite likely that the pumpkin pie you serve on Thanksgiving Day had its roots in that first Thanksgiving feast. In fact, it is said that in one Connecticut community early in the nation's history when molasses could not be acquired for pumpkin pies, the annual Thanksgiving celebration was delayed until the commodity could be acquired. A seventeenth century writer described pumpkin preparation in this way:
"The Housewive's manner is to slice them when ripe and then into Dice, and so fill a pot with them of two or three gallons and stew them upon a gentle fire the whole day. And as they sink they fill again with fresh Pompions not putting any liquor to them and when it is stirred enough it will look like Baked Apples, this Dish putting Butter to it and a little Vinegar with some Spice as Ginger which makes tart like an Apple and so serve it up to be eaten with fish and flesh."
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Colonial uses of the pumpkin are also chronicled in this ancient verse:
For pottage. and puddings.
and custard, and pies Our pumpkins and parsnips
are common supplies. We have pumpkins at morning
and pumpkins at noon If it weren't for pumpkins,
we should be undoon.
The first pumpkin pies of the colonies were made by hollowing out the pumpkin and discarding pulp and seeds and filling the shell with creamery milk and spices, much like this recipe. Pumpkin pie prepared in this fashion was said to be a favorite of George Washington.
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Pumpkin Pie sans Shell .
Ingredients:
. 1 5-8 lb. pumpkin 6 eggs 2 1/2 C whipping cream 3/4 C brown sugar 2 tbsp. molasses 1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ginger 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 3 tbsp. unsalted butter Cut the lid from pumpkin as you would for making a jack-o-lantern. Remove pulp and seeds from pumpkin, scraping quite clean. Save seeds for toasting later, if desired. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and add the cream, sugar, molasses, and spices. Beat smooth and pour into the pumpkin shell. Dot with butter and replace lid.
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Set pumpkin on a cookie sheet covered with aluminum foil and place in a 350 degree oven for 2 hours or until the mixture has set up like a custard pie. Time will vary with size of pumpkin.
Serve directly from the pumpkin and instruct dinners to be sure to take a bit of the shell with each scoop.
Garnish with whipped cream. Serves 6-12, depending on size of pumpkin. Here's the pie recipe which I got from this cookbook from my mom which was made at a church in Calgary. (My kids and I REALLY enjoyed it.) This is very easy to make and is a nonbake recipe. I found that when I was using the oven for other baking, this helped me to get more desserts made when I was in a rush.
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If you click the title, you will get a link to an excellent pie pastry recipe. Will put a simple recipe for a graham wafer crust (if you prefer) on the bottom of this recipe. Also, if you plan to use fresh pumpkin, will give instructions on how to prepare it last but do this the day before you choose to make your pie so that you won't fill flustered for time. You can use the jack-o-lantern from Halloween. Just scrape out the wax and you're ready to go. . .
PUMPKIN FLUFF PIE RECIPE
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Ingredients: 1/2 lb Plain Marshmallows (about 32 full sized) 2 Tbsp Milk 2/3 cup Pumpkin (replacement - cooked carrots, blended) 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon 1/4 Tsp Ginger 1 Tsp Lemon Juice 1 Cup Whipping Cream, WHIPPED At med low heat, half melt marshmallows with milk folding over and over in medium pot. Remove from heat and continue folding until the mixture is smooth. Cool, add pumpkin which has been seasoned with spices and lemon juice. Fold in whipping cream.
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*** For less fattening pumpkin pie, try replacing whipping cream with plain yogurt and omit the lemon (since it has a bit of a sour taste.) Astro Original - Balkan Style is quite nice. Pour into 12" baked pie shell or graham wafer crust (whatever you prefer) Chill for 2 hours. . .
Graham Wafer Crust: Preheat the oven to 350 degree F with a rack in the center of the oven. Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or about 10 whole crackers, crushed
2 Tbsp White Sugar 8 Tsp unsalted butter, melted To crush the crackers, place them in a heavy ziplock bag and roll with a heavy rolling pin until completely crushed. Melt butter in small pot. Thoroughly mix in graham cracker crumbs and sugar in melted butter. Scrape the mixture into the pie pan, and use your fingers to press the mixture evenly onto the bottom and sides of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven to cool. Pour in pumpkin mixture and cool for 2 hours
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Good with whipping cream on top. I like the real thing.
PS If you are wanting to use a fresh pumpkin, a small to medium one will do.
Preheat the oven at 350 F. Line some cake pans with tin foil. You will need 2 big bowls if you have them or 2 big pots or 1 of each. Also, you will need a blender and a large knife.
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Cut the top off and scrape the inside of the pumpkin out. Save the seeds in a bowl to bake later and throw the stringy stuff into your compost bin or in the garbage. Cut the pumpkin into manageable pieces, as you will be scraping the pumpkin off of the skin. If it is a small one, perhaps you should cut it into 8 pieces. Strategically place the pieces faced up in the tinfoiled pans so they are snug. Cover the pumpkin with tin foil also so that it cooks evenly. Bake for about 3/4 of an hour or when you poke them, the knife/fork will come out easily. Poke different pieces as some might cook faster than others. When it is done, take out and cool. Take a large spoon and scrape the pumpkin off into a large bowl and blend until smooth. Pour into the other container.
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Take out what you need for your pie and put the rest in freezer bags or in some containers and freeze.
. This site has some good tips for cooking pumpkins and some other stuff as well: .
May I suggest trying some pumpkin soup. It is quite a nice soup.
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Here are some links for pumpkin soup recipes: .
http://www.mom-mom.com/pumpkin_soup_recipes.htm http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pumpkin-Soup/Detail.aspx

SPIRITUAL HEALTH & Link to: 10 Weird Ways Stress Makes You Sick

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Some of my articles I posted have to do with physical health and others regard spiritual health. Although physical health is very important, spiritual health should be our ultimate goal.
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A lot of times, if we are not doing good spiritually, we become physically sick. Why? Because spiritual happiness carries few burdens. I am sure that most of you discover that your immunities go down when you have to many worries on your plate of life. You become sick. For example; years ago I had something bad happen in my life which made me verrrry stressed out. I became very sick with bronchitis. I felt physically drained from all my emotional turmoil. "Stress suppresses the immune system." Right now, I have a daughter that gets sick every time she is stressed out. Her stomach acts up. "Anxiety and stress can cause the body to produce more digestive acid."
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I have heard that one of the reasons my shoulder muscles ache is because of stress. "Tension triggers the sympathetic nervous system to reduce blood flow to the muscles, which makes them prone to spasms." When I am stressed my memory gets really bad. "High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can temporarily impair your ability to recall well-known information" Cancer is a result of stress, poor eating & sleeping habits and sometimes is inherited.
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Doctors are saying that to help people get better, laughter is good medicine and I believe that if people have a negative effect on the patient, they are not allowed to see them. Through our own experiences, we know negative things will affect us.
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The Bible has MANY words speaking of how to overcome our worries:
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Jesus said to give your burdens to him. . .
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Matthew 11:28 - 30
28) Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
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30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
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King Solomon the wisest man of his time talks about a merry heart. . .
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Proverbs 17: 22
A MERRY heart does GOOD, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.
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Proverbs 15: 13
A MERRY heart makes a CHEERFUL countenance, But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
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Verse 30: The light of the eyes REJOICES the heart, And a GOOD report makes the bones HEALTHY.
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Jesus said not to worry. . .
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Matthew 6: 25 - 34
25 ) Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
26) Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
27) Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?
28) So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;
29) and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30) Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31) Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32) For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
33) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and ALL these things shall be added to you.
34) Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
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Luke 12: 6 & 7 6) Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God.
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7) But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
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Peter said to cast ALL our cares upon JESUS, for he CARES for YOU!!! :
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I Peter 5: 6 & 7
6) Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
7) casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
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God did not intend us to have stress in our lives when he created us. In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve did not have worries as they depended on God completely. The all wise, loving God was their friend! They only started worrying when they ate of the fruit of the tree of good and evil. They made a choice that had a negative effect on there lives and mankind (their predecessors) health and livelihood went spiralling down.
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God, our creator, has set ways for us to live. If we obey his word (through his spirit - THE REST) and lean on him, we will have more fulfilling lives. The Creator of the automobile knew that the car needed certain things done to keep it working at its maximum potential. That is how it is with God. We will be able to function better than ever before.
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THE REST. . .
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Jesus said that if we believe on him as the scriptures say, out of our bellies will flow rivers of living water. (The spirit)
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John 7:37-39 37) On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.
38) He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
39) But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
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Jesus told you must be born of the water and the spirit and when born of the spirit there will be a sound that will be compared to the wind. When the wind blows, you hear the results of it (the rustling of the leaves etc.) but you can't see it.
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John 3:3-8
3) Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
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4) Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
5) Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7) Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
8) The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
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He also said they that believe shall speak new tongues. . .
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Mark 16:16 & 17
16) He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
17) And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;.
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Isaiah said this regarding the rest. . .
.Isaiah 28:11-13
11) For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people,
12) To whom He said, “This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest", And, “This is the refreshing”; Yet they would not hear.
13) But the word of the LORD was to them, “Precept upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little,” That they might go and fall backward, and be broken And snared and caught.
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Acts mentioned to do something to get the rest. . .
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Acts 2:1-21
.1) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
.2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
.3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. .
The people s response. . .
.5) And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
.7) Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?
.8) And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?
.9) Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
10) Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
11) Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.”
12) So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”
13) Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”
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Peter said. . .
14) But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.
15) For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.
16) But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17) ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.
18) And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.
19) I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
20) The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.
21) And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.’
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Verses 37-42
37) Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
38) Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (THE REST)
39) For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
40) And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.
41) Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
42) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
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You can get the Rest where ever you are but, you are going to need spiritual food to keep you healthy. If you will eat, the spirit will revive your faint soul by administering to you all the much needed word of God . This is medicine. If you are not taking care of your spiritual man by properly feeding it, you will become so sick that you will die spiritually.
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Doctor Jesus can heal you or bring you back to life (if you let him). It's like someone gets so sick he/she is dying and needs to go to the hospital to get well. An intravenous (the spirit) to give the medication (his word) will need to be admininstered. The church is the hospital. Jesus is the doctor to our sick spiritual man and can make us better through the venue of his spirit. The preacher who is the head nurse, through the doctors instruction, administers the medicine intraveniously and God's people are assistant nurses that makes sure things are taken care of such as checking to see if you're ok.
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Friday, March 18, 2011

ONE MAN'S STORY: Link to Midnight Reflections

. One day I checked out the above link and found this beautiful poem that was inspired by God to Jacqueline in the early hours of the morning. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Here it is: . By JSC June 23, 2008 .
Let me tell you a story that I promise is true;
it may seem familiar because it not very new.
It’s about a man beaten by this world’s awful games,
once proud and strong now full of sin and shame.
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The Devil had his fun; and started up a fight,
beating the man senseless, it was an awful sight.
He was left in a gutter to die, no use to anyone;
until that precious day when he met the risen Son.
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To that Hill called Calvary, this man just simply went;
to surrender his broken life, that seemed already spent.
Those burdens rolled off his back into the deep blue sea;
the chains and shackles were gone and he was set free.
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Then the Angels stopped and listened, with hearts so full of cheer.
Not a noise in heaven could be heard, as the music grew near.
A song broke forth that made the entire Heaven’s ring;
“Praise God, I’ve been redeemed,” the man began to sing.
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All at once the angels let out a victory shout.
They striked up the band, and danced all about;
'cause never will you hear any angel sing that song.
For only to the sinner saved by grace does it belong.
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Because Jesus paid a high price ever so long ago.
So He could take a blackened heart, make it white as snow,
then create a new man and give him a new start;
a new life, a clean soul and a joyful heart.
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But, the journey seem hard on the narrow way.
The man at first struggled and fell but, never would he stray.
He learned that the only way he could ever stand,
was on his knees and hold tight to Jesus’ mighty hand.
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When the dark night came and clouds hid the light,
the enemy came in; he felt he was loosing the fight.
Where did Jesus go? He use to be so near.
The man knew he shouldn’t be scared but oh how he feared.
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He felt he was walking through that Valley of Death,
wondering when he would draw his last and final breath.
This was to much to bear the burden was to great;
he knew he had to trust God but would this be his fate?
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Then silence fell, as the morning began to break;
the wounded soldier stirred then started to awake.
Where once he stood in that great battle’s heat,
he now stood with his enemies’ dead around his feet.
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The battle was too great, the night was oh so long;
but, there was only One who could ever be so strong,
To wipe out the enemies to make them all fall.
The One and Only, my All in All.
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In that great battle O’ how he had cried;
but, now his heart overflowed with joy inside.
On that battlefield where he barely had a chance,
now can be seen a man doing a grateful dance.
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For when you have the King of kings riding by your side,
you'll find the Greatest Warrior, being God your guide.
One thing's for sure and will always stay the same,
the enemy will always tremble at mention of His name,
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From mountaintops to valleys low, places he has gone,
from tragedies and miracles, yet the man journeyed on.
He did his duties faithful; he had a servant’s heart,
faithful in the little things he did his little part.
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So when death was coming to take this man away,
he hoped that he would hear Jesus simply say;
“Thou good and faithful servant, I must say well done.
You will rule with me and your life has just begun."
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So into the same arms that brought him out of sin,
those loving arms now welcome him in.
Once was a popper, now royalty, he's child of the King;
forever in heaven always to worship, praise and sing.
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But as I come to a close, this story now must end;
yet there is one last message that I promise I would send.
Remember this man, whos' life story I just shared.
Tell it to your family and friends for whom you care.
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Jesus is your Savior and your closest friend;
bread of Life, Almighty in whom you can depend,
the Alpha and Omega, Jehovah Lord of Hosts;
omnipresent Spirit, filling the universe we boast.
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Be faithful and true in all that you do
and no matter what, Jesus will never leave you.
Press towards the mark of heaven that’s above
and don’t forget to show neighborly love.
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So when death comes to take you away,
you will also hope to hear Jesus say,
Thou good and faithful servant, I must say well done.
You will rule with me and your life has just begun.”
. ~It was Sunday night and the day had been awesome after 3 people received the gift of the Holy Ghost. It was after midnight , I was exhausted and I felt much peace. After listening to the song, Untitled Hymn by Chris Rice, I had thought it would be neat to put a short story behind the song, something that could be combined with the song. But the story poem took on a life of its own and the song soon forgotten. So I sat down at the computer to scribble it out. It was 5:30 that morning that I finally stopped, now to excited to sleep, I sat crying. It wasn’t my writing it was God’s work; I was just honored to get to type it out. ~

Thursday, March 17, 2011

FIREY DARTS: Link to the Roman Empire Site

. Hello Gods dearest. How are you today? Do you have the victory over satans fiery darts today? Remember, when he starts condemning you, that you already have had many victories and the battle you are fighting is going to be over SOON as God IS in the overcoming business. This fight will be Gods if you keep giving your battles to him. Through Jesus name baptism, his spirit AND the word you can win!!!
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II Corinthians 10:3-6
[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
[4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
[5] Casting down arguments, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
[6] And having in a readiness to REVENGE all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. I heard this once, that we can revenge what we have done wrong by making up for it with right things. If you have repented (which means turned your back on sin or wrong doings), YOU ARE ALREADY ON YOUR WAY!!!! KEEP IT UP!!!
Ephesians 6:10-18
[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the scheming tricks of the devil.
[12] For 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.
[13] Therefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
[14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, A breakdown of the girding up of your loins:
http://www.realarmorofgod.com/gird-your-loins.html and having on the breastplate of righteousness (Gods righteousness and living righteously);
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In order for the breastplate of righteousness to work, The breastplate was constructed of strips of metal fastened together by leather. This was the standard issue to legionnaires during the reign of Augustus. The piece of equipment weighed 20 to 30 pounds and its design was to protect the vital organs. When the legionnaires shield or sword failed to stop the enemies darts or swords, the breastplate would deflect their weapons.
Righteousness is represented as a breastplate providing essential protection for the most vital organs; the main one being our spiritual heart. The breastplate of righteousness is forged by a combination of the perfect righteousness God imparts to us and our obedience to his commands for righteous living (walking in holiness by forsaking sin). We are to maintain its upkeep in our daily walk.

**Our obedience is important because it proves that our hearts are in agreement with God and that our faith is genuine. We are to understand that IT IS NOT OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, but His.
with the preparation (Preparation: the work or planning involved in making something or somebody ready) of the gospel (good news) of peace;
When we live a righteous life; our vital organs are protected from enemy attack. For example, the Christian who knows the word of God (Sword of the spirit) and has great faith (shield of faith); but lives ungodly, he or she is open to enemy attack, regardless how well the other pieces of equipment are used. That person has put down the breastplate of righteousness; therefore, their vital organs are exposed to attack.
[15] And your feet shod (Shod/dress: to put on clothes (in this case shoes) appropriate for a particular occasion.) -That being a Christian & saving the loss.

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The Shoes or sandals of the Roman soldier were no normal footwear. Great care was taken by Rome to supply the soldiers with appropriate footwear for their assignment. Their shoes (or boots) consisted of an elaborately cut and laced sandal of which the sole was layered of metal and leather with ‘hob nail’ spikes extending one-half inch, to in some cases ‘inches,’ from the sole to plant into the ground to keep them from being moved. Some had toe spikes and or built-in spurs with which to do damage to the enemy. The uppers of the sandals were often armored by small overlapping pieces of metal riveted to the leather straps. In addition, attached to the uppers of the sandal were removable metal greaves that extended up over the kneecap protecting the knees, shins and ankles.
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**Those spikes on the bottom of these shoes were also useful to stop the soldiers from slipping when they are walking on all kinds of terrain. Now if you STUDY the gospel you are going to know the roots of the gospel - the death (repentence, burial (baptism) & resurrection (receiving the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues). Through preparation or study you will be able to fight and you will have less chance of slipping when the enemy comes against you.**
Before you go somewhere, you have to make preparation to dress and equip yourself for the occasion, climate and terrain. If you are going downtown, are you going to put on your mountain climbing boots, leather shorts, backpack and climbing gear? If you are going into the jungle swamps, do you wear your arctic parka, insulated long underwear and snowshoes? The same kind of preparation is required concerning the gospel. Which shoes do I need? How should I prepare them?
[16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, with it you SHALL be able to quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked.
60”x30” rectangular shield made of six layers of thick animal hide specially tanned and woven together making them as tough and durable as metal yet relatively light weight. The leather shields could be soaked in water before battle so that in the event the enemy would rain fiery projectiles on them, the fire would be extinguished on impact.
[17] and take the helmet of salvation (which protects the mind from Satans mind games)
The helmet was the most noticeable piece of armor. It was often ornate, intricately decorated and plumed with brightly dyed feathers or horsehair. Some parade dress helmets had course horsehair plumes that would extend to the waist. The Roman helmet was designed so that blows from sword, hammer or ax could not pierce it but would be deflected and yet allow the soldier maximum visibility.
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Jesus always spoke the word to fight temptation of the devil and so can we):

The sword of a Roman soldier of that day, was a feared weapon. Short, lightweight and well balanced, it was quick and deadly. The two razor sharpened edges of the broad blade could easily slice a roast. And, the flared and tapered point was designed to easily penetrate and disembowel the enemy. It was well known that if a Roman soldier ever unsheathed his sword -- he would use it.
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication (a humble and sincere appeal to God who has the power to grant a request) in the Spirit, and watching with all perseverance (steady and continued action or belief, usually over a long period and especially despite difficulties or setbacks) supplication for all saints . . . Also (if you are baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sin Acts 2:38), when you fall, you can plead Jesus' blood and keep going. God does not remember the sins that are under his blood so Satan does not have a leg to stand on. . What does plead mean? This is how you can look at it. . . .God is the judge, you are in his court of law, and Satan is the accuser of your sin or wrong doing. You have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins. 1. Offer argument in support of something: You argue a case against Satan in support of yourself in Gods court of law. 2. You use a reason or circumstance to excuse your sin: The waters of baptism (represents the blood that was shed on the cross), excused your sin. . 3. Innocence is declared: You plead NOT GUILTY because there is no evidence (your sins were washed away) in response to a charge or charges in the court of Gods law. . . Phillipians 4:13 . I can do ALL things THROUGH CHRIST which STRENTHENS me.
Judge NO contest. 
IT IS THROWN OUT OF COURT!!!! yAAAAAYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
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PS:  Adding this really good  link of a message my pastor preached Oct 5/11 that talks about "putting on the armour of God".  (If you can't get it check the sermons on this site: http://www.truthchurch.com/ ) 

Here is the message: 


Blessings

C
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