By Danelle Carvell
I'm reposting a past entry that wasn't up for long because it needed further editing. A video to go along with this post is included. And, of course, there are comments under the video by those who choose to deny God. This girl's talent is amazing and what she's trying to tell us through her art is worth our attention. God does reveal himself to us. This is one example.
This week I was inspired to write about faith when I heard a young girl say this: "The most important thing is faith, because without faith you can't communicate with God." The girl I'm referring to is Akiane Kramarik, an amazing artist who is only 15. She started drawing when she was four. Her work is incredible and she says the reason that she paints is because she wants her art to draw people's attention to God.
I write for the same reason. And if you'd ask me why I believe in God and what I get out of it, I would have a lot to say. But first let me define what faith is. Faith is confidence or trust placed in another. I have faith when I'm convinced there is a God, I'm convinced that He knows best, I believe Jesus is who He claims to be and He has the power to save me. I also have faith when I believe the Bible is God's word and that it is absolute truth.
But why do I have faith and what does it do for me? I have faith because I've experienced amazing answers to my prayers, answers that only God could bring because he knows me so well. I have faith because I'm stronger when I'm close to God through prayer and reading scripture. I have faith because it's just too hard for me to believe that every cell in my body just flew together by accident. I have faith when I look at the sun and know that if it were any closer I would burn up and if it were any farther away I would freeze. It's just too hard to believe that the sun appeared by chance at the exact distance from the earth to sustain human life. When I look at a butterfly, I have faith that something so perfectly beautiful didn't arrive through some big accidental bang. Evidence of a creator is all around me and rather than deny it, I choose to believe.
What does believing do for me? As I stated earlier, faith in God brings answers to prayer. Mark 11:24 says believe what you pray for and you will have it. Faith in God brings you a connection to God's power. God's power travels through an atmosphere of faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God, who is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him ( Hebrews 11:6). I don't think this means that we can get anything we want by simply believing God will give it to us. I think it means that the blessings God wants to give us can only come to us through faith, through believing that God is who He says He is, and by seeking Him daily through prayer and reading the God inspired pages of the Bible.
One thing faith won't give you is a life without problems. I have problems. For the past four years I've struggled with chronic insomnia, brought on by an injection of FDA-approved Lupron, prescribed by my doctor. When I go two nights in a row without sleep, my body responds by shaking uncontrollably. Shaking is a universal response to sleep deprivation. When I'm in this exhausted state, I can't drive or do much of anything. I've missed family gatherings and important events because of my sleep problems. To make matters worse, people say I should be able to rise above this problem if I'm a Christian. Even people close to me have made insensitive comments that are far from supportive and understanding.
How can I rise above something that God is allowing me to experience? I learned a long time ago never to question anyone's health problems. The bottom line is you don't know what they're going through, and you don't know what afflictions God is allowing in their lives. The notion that a Christian can rise above every problem is hogwash. The bible says that the righteous will have many afflictions and God will deliver us out of our afflictions in His own time. I can only rise above what God allows me to rise above, and in His timing, not mine.
I often wonder why I have to live like this. Then I ask myself what I would be doing if I could sleep like a normal person. I would be right back in the workplace working a full-time job, knocking myself out for money. I wouldn't have the time or the desire to write this blog and like most busy people I wouldn't have time for God. If I slept well, I wouldn't need God. I wouldn't have to pray myself through each day. So right there are two reasons why God might be allowing this affliction in my life: It keeps me closer to Him and it keeps me doing the work He wants me to do right now.
Sometimes God allows affliction in our lives because the affliction puts us where God wants us. Afflictions can humble us when we're getting prideful. Suffering can bring us to our knees and bring us closer to God, which is what He wants most. The key to getting through the suffering is faith. Someone without faith would have a much harder time dealing with chronic insomnia. I didn't deal with it well at first. I got so worked up with tears and frustration because my sleep switch is broken. Looking back, I can see how my faith has grown. Now I completely surrender the night to God. I don't get frustrated, even if I lay there exhausted but wide awake till the sun comes up. After four years, I've learned to trust God. I have faith that God will see me through. I get through it because the Lord helps those who trust in Him (Nahum 1:7). I've learned to depend on that promise. So building one's faith is another reason God allows us to experience afflictions.
Faith is powerful, but so many of us don't bother tapping into that power. People without faith are fearful, yet they would never admit it. Faith is the only thing that can combat fear and give us confidence. Without faith you are left to a life of worry and wondering what will happen next. Without a connection to God, all you have is your own power, which is nothing compared to supernatural power. Miracles can't be performed without faith. In Mark 6:5-6 when Jesus was rejected at Nazareth, He wasn't able to heal the people. But in Luke 8:43-48 when a woman believed that just by touching the robe of Jesus she would be healed, her faith brought her a miracle and she was instantly made well. Miracles and healings are only possible in an atmosphere of faith.
My final word on faith is that you can't fully understand its power until you try it for yourself. A life without faith is a life lived without the awesome power of God. Just look at the examples of people who do amazing things through faith. The young artist, Akiane, who inspired me to write this blog is just one example. Without her faith, without her connection to God, do you really think that she could paint those spectacular paintings? God is the giver of talent. He gives us the ability to do awesome things. But if you're not connected to that source of power, you will never know what great and mighty things you could accomplish. You'll never experience a miracle. You won't have your prayers answered. You won't be in God's favor and receive the rewards and blessings He wants to give you. And you won't have the strength to successfully endure life's difficulties. With all that in mind, faith truly is the most important thing. Why would anyone want to live without it?
To view the video of Akiane's amazing art talent, you can go to the labels list on the bottom right side of my page and click Videos
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
THE LOUDEST CRY
By Danelle Carvell
Men are good at delivering lectures. I guess it makes them feel manly. Perhaps they should pound their chests while delivering their harsh words and then drag their wives to the cave by their hair. That’s the vision I get of men who like to lecture, cavemen with not an ounce of tenderness.
Men are good at delivering lectures. I guess it makes them feel manly. Perhaps they should pound their chests while delivering their harsh words and then drag their wives to the cave by their hair. That’s the vision I get of men who like to lecture, cavemen with not an ounce of tenderness.
Women can lecture too. It's called nagging.
Gary Smalley, author of Love Is A Decision, has counseled many couples and families in crisis and he says that one of the loudest cries he hears among men, women and children is the desperate plea for tenderness and gentleness from people who love them.
Why are gentle, respectful words so important to people? Because they makes us feel valuable. Words and actions are either powerful weapons of destruction or they are powerful tools for building people up and making them feel valued and loved. No one wants to be kicked like a dog every day in their own home. No one wants to walk in the door and receive a lecture before having a chance to take off their shoes. Yet this is the reality for many American families. What goes on behind closed doors is more caveman than kindness.
We need to stop valuing things more than people. We need to stop fussing about things that aren't nearly as important as the people in our lives. Sometimes lectures are necessary,. When children need guidance, they might need a good talking to. But lecturing is a parent’s role. It's not something we should be giving to a spouse. Unless we want to kill the love. That's what lecturing does. Like a leach, it sucks every ounce of love from the person's heart. And soon they don't want to be around us. People need love, not lectures.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
EXPECTATIONS OF MARRIED LIFE
By Danelle Carvell
One of the most eye-opening discussions you and your partner will ever have is the "How will marriage change our lives?" talk. It's a very necessary discussion because it will reveal the silent expectations that each of you have about married life. For example, I had a silent expectation that my first husband would stop spending time in bars after we married. He didn't, and it made me angry.
On the other hand, he probably expected to eat better than boxed frozen chicken and french fries every night. His mother was a good cook, so he probably expected the same from his wife. For the first five years of our marriage, I was at home with our son all day, so I had time to cook. I could have at least made an effort, but he never told me what he expected from me. And I never told him my needs. Therefore, we were disappointed constantly by our unmet expectations.
We all come into marriage with an idea of what it will and should be like. Should spouses check with each other before making major purchases? Will you feel betrayed if your husband shares intimate details about your marriage with a friend? How do you know that your ideas about marriage are even close to his? Doesn't it make sense to share your expectations with your future husband and then listen to his ideas?
You can't cover it all in one sitting, so anticipate an ongoing analysis of all the ways that you expect marriage to change your lives. Telling each other everything you want, everything you need, and everything you expect marriage to be is vital. By eliminating the surprises, you'll avoid arguments later. You'll know what you're getting into, and you'll be better prepared for all the challenges of being a wife and mother.
Couples who don't discuss their expectations face one hurdle after another and it is so emotionally exhausting to live that way. So talk! I know I didn't cover everything, but if you talk about the subjects I mentioned you'll have a great start toward understanding each other and meeting each other's needs by revealing all those silent expectations.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
HOW'D WE GET HERE? WHAT NOW?
An Evening with David Jeremiah, live from Washington, DC was broadcast this past Sunday night. I took notes so I could share his insight about the challenging days we live in. First he explained why America is in the mess that it's in, and then he presented four things that we need to do in order to stay afloat while our nation circles the drain.
How Did We Get In This Mess?
Social Security
Social Security is an unsustainable program that now functions as an unfunded entitlement program. The money that comes in from social security is used for other government payouts, so it's not really what it claims to be.
War and National Defense
Although defending our nation is important, it has been a drain on our economy. In 2008, 41.5% of the world's war expenses were attributed to the US. It costs 1 million dollars per soldier per year for deployment to Afghanistan.
Growth of Big Government
Our government doesn't produce anything, yet it is our nation's largest employer. One in five people works for the government.
National and Private Debt
Americans have been living beyond their means for decades. Our national debt is 14 trillion dollars. Our social security debt is 17.5 trillion. Our medicare debt is 89.3 trillion. That's a total of 120 trillion dollars. On top of that, the debt we owe to China is 798.9 million. And the debt we owe to Japan is 746.5 million. The Bible tells us that the borrower is servant to the lender.
Jeremiah said that there is no way to avoid inflation now. The Federal Reserve continues to create money out of thin air with nothing to back it. Every country that has tried this experienced massive hyperinflation. The price of everything will continue to creep up. We're not in a cycle that will soon recover, no matter what economy experts say. Hyperinflation will continue. There's no way to avoid it.
What ShouldWe Do?
Keep Your Head In The Game
People say the news is so bad they don't watch it. They don't want to know what's happening. The Bible doesn't give us permission to stick our heads in the sand because the bad news depresses us. Jesus scolded the Sadducees in Matthew 16:3 for not being able to discern the signs of the times. We are to be men and women who watch and study.
Keep Your House In Order
Find out what's going on in your house. If you don't know the truth about where you are, how will you know what to do? Take a personal inventory of your debt and start now to minimize it. When you're paying ten dollars for a loaf of bread will you be able to pay your debts?
Keep Your Heart In Your Faith
Jeremiah said people tend to stop praying and going to church when they experience difficult times. They quit reading their Bibles at a time when they need it most. They might even drop out of a bible study or other ministries they're involved in. But there's never a day so dark that we can't be involved in the ministry to which God called us. Now is a time for great ministry in America. People are searching for answers. The darker the night, the brighter the light. What are you doing for God during these dark days?
Keep Your Hope In God
We were never meant to put our hope in our financial statements. We need to remember that this world is not our home. We're simply passing through. When things seem hopeless, maybe the reason is to remember where our hope should be in the first place. True faith believes in God even when we don't know what He's up to. Jeremiah said that if you've accepted Christ as your savior, then the ultimate issue in your life has already been decided. Where you will spend eternity is already decided. What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? Keep your eyes on where you're going. God has a wonderful plan for your life if your heart is right with Him. Every problem and pleasure on Earth will pass. Eternity is forever.
How Did We Get In This Mess?
Social Security
Social Security is an unsustainable program that now functions as an unfunded entitlement program. The money that comes in from social security is used for other government payouts, so it's not really what it claims to be.
War and National Defense
Although defending our nation is important, it has been a drain on our economy. In 2008, 41.5% of the world's war expenses were attributed to the US. It costs 1 million dollars per soldier per year for deployment to Afghanistan.
Growth of Big Government
Our government doesn't produce anything, yet it is our nation's largest employer. One in five people works for the government.
National and Private Debt
Americans have been living beyond their means for decades. Our national debt is 14 trillion dollars. Our social security debt is 17.5 trillion. Our medicare debt is 89.3 trillion. That's a total of 120 trillion dollars. On top of that, the debt we owe to China is 798.9 million. And the debt we owe to Japan is 746.5 million. The Bible tells us that the borrower is servant to the lender.
Jeremiah said that there is no way to avoid inflation now. The Federal Reserve continues to create money out of thin air with nothing to back it. Every country that has tried this experienced massive hyperinflation. The price of everything will continue to creep up. We're not in a cycle that will soon recover, no matter what economy experts say. Hyperinflation will continue. There's no way to avoid it.
What ShouldWe Do?
Keep Your Head In The Game
People say the news is so bad they don't watch it. They don't want to know what's happening. The Bible doesn't give us permission to stick our heads in the sand because the bad news depresses us. Jesus scolded the Sadducees in Matthew 16:3 for not being able to discern the signs of the times. We are to be men and women who watch and study.
Keep Your House In Order
Find out what's going on in your house. If you don't know the truth about where you are, how will you know what to do? Take a personal inventory of your debt and start now to minimize it. When you're paying ten dollars for a loaf of bread will you be able to pay your debts?
Keep Your Heart In Your Faith
Jeremiah said people tend to stop praying and going to church when they experience difficult times. They quit reading their Bibles at a time when they need it most. They might even drop out of a bible study or other ministries they're involved in. But there's never a day so dark that we can't be involved in the ministry to which God called us. Now is a time for great ministry in America. People are searching for answers. The darker the night, the brighter the light. What are you doing for God during these dark days?
Keep Your Hope In God
We were never meant to put our hope in our financial statements. We need to remember that this world is not our home. We're simply passing through. When things seem hopeless, maybe the reason is to remember where our hope should be in the first place. True faith believes in God even when we don't know what He's up to. Jeremiah said that if you've accepted Christ as your savior, then the ultimate issue in your life has already been decided. Where you will spend eternity is already decided. What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? Keep your eyes on where you're going. God has a wonderful plan for your life if your heart is right with Him. Every problem and pleasure on Earth will pass. Eternity is forever.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
OUR GREATEST NEED
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."-- Edmund Burke
"God intended for Christians to be the "salt of the world," to have a preserving influence on our nation, holding it back from moral spoilage and decay...Today we must stand up for God in our democratic republic, using the voice He has granted us...God's people can make the difference in this nation if they are willing to pay the price of personal involvement."
The above quotes were taken from an amazing book I recently discovered, The Rebirth of America. Published in 1986, this book reads as if describing the decayed state of our nation today. Filled with moving articles and essays by a variety of authors, the book is a masterpiece that should be displayed in every home and read by every American. I spent all day immersed in its pages and can't put it down. The book is borrowed, but I'm ordering my own copy as I see that Amazon has used titles for as little as one dollar.
Americans have lost their way in part because they do not know their own Christian heritage, the book claims. In its pages, that heritage is declared, the bedrock foundations of our freedoms are explained, and the dramatic stories of America's great spiritual awakenings and their impact are told. This side of early America has been either ignored or distorted by the history books.
America desperately needs a rebirth today. Our greatest need is a spiritual awakening. In the coming weeks, I'll be sharing quotes and ideas from this book, sometimes summarizing what the various authors are saying. If we don't care about our own lives, we should as least care enough to invest in the lives of our children and grandchildren. We should be willing to put in the work required to bring positive change to our nation. This book addresses what we need to do. It's time to get involved. It's time to step out of the church pews and get busy affecting the world around us. It's time to be salt.
"God intended for Christians to be the "salt of the world," to have a preserving influence on our nation, holding it back from moral spoilage and decay...Today we must stand up for God in our democratic republic, using the voice He has granted us...God's people can make the difference in this nation if they are willing to pay the price of personal involvement."
The above quotes were taken from an amazing book I recently discovered, The Rebirth of America. Published in 1986, this book reads as if describing the decayed state of our nation today. Filled with moving articles and essays by a variety of authors, the book is a masterpiece that should be displayed in every home and read by every American. I spent all day immersed in its pages and can't put it down. The book is borrowed, but I'm ordering my own copy as I see that Amazon has used titles for as little as one dollar.
Americans have lost their way in part because they do not know their own Christian heritage, the book claims. In its pages, that heritage is declared, the bedrock foundations of our freedoms are explained, and the dramatic stories of America's great spiritual awakenings and their impact are told. This side of early America has been either ignored or distorted by the history books.
America desperately needs a rebirth today. Our greatest need is a spiritual awakening. In the coming weeks, I'll be sharing quotes and ideas from this book, sometimes summarizing what the various authors are saying. If we don't care about our own lives, we should as least care enough to invest in the lives of our children and grandchildren. We should be willing to put in the work required to bring positive change to our nation. This book addresses what we need to do. It's time to get involved. It's time to step out of the church pews and get busy affecting the world around us. It's time to be salt.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
SIGNS OF HIS PRESENCE
"He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." --Colossians 1:17
The video below is one more example of how amazing our Lord is. He gives us signs of his presence everywhere we look, even in the smallest details, but many choose not to see. Read Colossians 1: 9-20 for the full explanation of what God has done for us and what He will do for those who seek Him.
The video below is one more example of how amazing our Lord is. He gives us signs of his presence everywhere we look, even in the smallest details, but many choose not to see. Read Colossians 1: 9-20 for the full explanation of what God has done for us and what He will do for those who seek Him.
Friday, February 11, 2011
THE GOOD AND BAD OF JUDGING OTHERS
The topic of judging others has been on my mind lately. I believe everyone has done this and some do it on a daily basis. The question I'm pondering is, Is it ever okay in God's eyes to judge others?
The second article below explains that it is a Christian's duty to point out sin in a believer's life. In other words, as long as we are confronting sin, it's okay to judge someone for their actions. (Matthew 18:15-17). But that confrontation needs to take place in a loving manner.
So the questions we must ask ourselves are these: Is the behavior that I'm judging really sin? and, Am I confronting that sin in a loving way?
The article below, Why We Judge does not appear to be written
from a Christian perspective, but it does address some interesting reasons why we wrongly criticize and judge others. The second article is short and sweet in its biblical perspective of judging others. What I got from these articles is a better understanding of why people criticize and the difference between good, necessary criticism and bad unnecessary criticism.Let's face it, we all talk about what's going on in the lives of others. I believe talk becomes gossip when our words aren't spoken in love. If we talk about another's problems out of a genuine concern for them or people around them, that's not gossip.
So I guess we always need to be asking ourselves why we're talking about this person. And if we criticize, we need to ask ourselves if we're actually concerned about the person and those affected, or are we just finding entertainment in their sorrows. Is the goal behind our words to express concern or to analyze their problems?
God, please help me to point out wrongdoing in a loving manner and to walk away from gossip. Help me not to judge people unless their actions go against your word, your ways and your teachings.
Why We Judge
By Alicia Smith | Follow me on Twitter
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Judgment is the process of forming an opinion of something by making a comparison. While judgment can play an important role in decisions we must make to live productively, sometimes the thoughts we hold are what prevent us from having what we most desire.
Judgments are based on thoughts we hold about people and things. These thoughts are the filters through which we view our world. The limiting beliefs that we hold about ourselves, about what we can or cannot do, are judgments.
Judgments can be a tool that causes separation between people rather than bringing them together. Judgments play a significant role when it comes to marketing our business as well. How do judgments of yourself, clients, colleagues, and strategic partners get in the way of your success? Before we can understand that, it’s important to understand the underpinnings of why we judge in the first place.
1. We don’t know how to love. It was Mother Teresa who said, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” No two things can occupy the same space at the same time. If you hold judgment in your thoughts, then there is no space or place for anything else.
2. We are insecure. Insecure people spend all of their time trying to make their world secure. They base their security on their perceived ability to control the world around them. They feel that if they live, work and play in a world where everyone believes and acts as they do, then everything will be fine. While this notion is far-fetched and hardly grounded in reality, judgment enters the picture when anything threatens to shake up this “perfect world”. Any person, idea, or event that doesn’t fit within their perceived world is seen as wrong and unsuitable. The cure for insecurity is knowing that there is nothing we can control in this life except the thoughts we think.
3. We are influenced by our past conditioning. So much of what we hold as “truths” is really not truths at all. Instead they are thoughts that were handed down to us by our parents, teachers, our church, and other important people and institutions that we’ve come into contact with during our lifetime. Often times these “truths” were based on misinformation and fear. Unfortunately, because these thoughts were instilled while we were very young and vulnerable, they’ve taken hold. These thoughts have become the filters through which we view our life experiences. To overcome this, we must raise our awareness that we are making judgments. Is this thought my own, or some lie I’ve inherited from some earlier time in my life? This calls us to stand up for what we believe in, rather than what others think we should believe in.
4. We are afraid of something in someone else. One of the most common reasons that you judge is rooted in fear that you have of someone else. This usually plays to some insecurity around the idea that the other person has more power than you do. You might be fearful that this person knows something that you do not or that they are trying to use that knowledge to somehow control or change you. And underlying this is that they will take something from you, that you will be left with less than you have, or that you will be left with being less than you are. The remedy for this is to let other people be who they are. There is nothing to fear in others. The fear that we harbor is usually contrived on our own end. To overcome this, adopt an attitude of curiosity and inquiry. Try to set aside your own preconceived ideas about other people and their intentions. The best way to counteract fear is to open up the lines of communication by starting a simple conversation. It is amazing how quickly our judgments of others can evaporate when we’re basing our decisions on what is so, rather than what we think is so.
5. We are afraid of something within ourselves. Judgmental behaviors can also rear their ugly head when we don’t want to face something about ourselves. Often what we fear most is that uncertainty we might feel – that the foundation of our judgments, the thoughts and attitudes we embrace, are balanced on a foundation that is cracked and compromised. We might judge others because we, in fact, find that we don’t, in fact, measure up. Our judgments of others are really mirrors of the judgments we make against ourselves. It takes courage to look at who we are, what we think, and the responsibilities that arise from the actions we take. If we fear something inside ourselves, we must find out what it is. We must expose it to light, so that we can deal with it constructively.
6. We are hiding the fact that we don’t understand something. Judgment is one of the most common tactics used when someone is trying to hide their ignorance of something. Rather than come from a place of fear, a more productive way would be to open up communications. Instead of cutting yourself off from people and opportunities because you don’t understand something, do something about it. Learn more, find out more, and open your mind to taking in new ideas and experiences. By opening our minds to learning more, we can help our hearts to open as well. There is no place for judgment when one comes from a place of love and understanding.
7. Our position of power feels threatened. It is a common reaction for most people to come from a place of judgment when they feel that their position of power is being threatened. These folks tend to see the world as “black and white” – one winner and everyone else losers. They often are quite self-centered, as they cannot appreciate the rights and uniqueness of others. This behavior is common with those who suffer from low self-esteem. They derive their value, and therefore their power, by how they think others perceive them, rather than their value coming from an internal sense that they are, indeed, a valuable and worthwhile individual. While this can be a tough issue to overcome, its solution starts with having an awareness that it is happening.
8. We are unaware about how our thoughts become reality. As our society evolves, more and more folks are seeing the power of their thoughts-- that what they think about, tends to manifest. One of the most poisonous things about judgment is that it tends to create separation among people. It divides people into camps – the winners and the losers, the “we’re right” and “you’re wrong”, the “I know”, and “you don’t”. There is usually no good that comes from judging ourselves and others. It is a perspective that comes from a place that there is something wrong, less than, or not good enough. Why not come from another place – what’s right and good about the situation? We, alone, make the choice about the things that we think about, why not choose a better and brighter path? Why not spend our time and energy thinking about things that will bring us happiness – things that will step us closer to the vision we have for our life? It all starts with our thoughts.
9. We aren’t evolved enough to have empathy for others. People who judge are unequivocally less evolved than others who can accept others for who they are and how they think. All of the great religions and philosophies of the world teach the importance of love and acceptance. Those who have not yet learned those lessons spend their lives embroiled in internal and external conflict because they cannot accept others. Highly evolved beings are concerned with how they interact with the world. They come from a place of understanding and empathy. They know that responsibility requires that they do and be more. If a habit of judging is adversely affecting the quality of your life, take a look at the philosophy of your life. Do you really believe in higher things or are you merely “parroting” what looks good in the eyes of others. Those who live their beliefs rather than talking about them don’t have the time, energy, or inclination to put others down. Those types of thoughts and behaviors have no place in the life they’ve chosen to live. Think about what you believe in. Ask yourself if you are living your beliefs. If not, do some serious soul searching and find out why. A problem defined is half resolved.
10. It’s a habit. Like most everything else we do in our life, judgment can be a habit. But habits are just unconscious, learned behaviors. Like any behavior we have, they can be unlearned. There are several things to consider when breaking a habit. First, you need to clearly understand your habit and what it is rooted in. Judgment is fundamentally rooted in fear. Next, you have to want to change. You need to be able to visualize the type of person you desire to be and all the benefits that will accrue to you as a result. Finally, you need to take action to change. It takes time, determination, and discipline to change something that you’ve done for a long time. Working with a coach or other professional can be helpful in providing you the support that you might need to make an important change like this.
Judgments are based on thoughts we hold about people and things. These thoughts are the filters through which we view our world. The limiting beliefs that we hold about ourselves, about what we can or cannot do, are judgments.
Judgments can be a tool that causes separation between people rather than bringing them together. Judgments play a significant role when it comes to marketing our business as well. How do judgments of yourself, clients, colleagues, and strategic partners get in the way of your success? Before we can understand that, it’s important to understand the underpinnings of why we judge in the first place.
1. We don’t know how to love. It was Mother Teresa who said, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.” No two things can occupy the same space at the same time. If you hold judgment in your thoughts, then there is no space or place for anything else.
2. We are insecure. Insecure people spend all of their time trying to make their world secure. They base their security on their perceived ability to control the world around them. They feel that if they live, work and play in a world where everyone believes and acts as they do, then everything will be fine. While this notion is far-fetched and hardly grounded in reality, judgment enters the picture when anything threatens to shake up this “perfect world”. Any person, idea, or event that doesn’t fit within their perceived world is seen as wrong and unsuitable. The cure for insecurity is knowing that there is nothing we can control in this life except the thoughts we think.
3. We are influenced by our past conditioning. So much of what we hold as “truths” is really not truths at all. Instead they are thoughts that were handed down to us by our parents, teachers, our church, and other important people and institutions that we’ve come into contact with during our lifetime. Often times these “truths” were based on misinformation and fear. Unfortunately, because these thoughts were instilled while we were very young and vulnerable, they’ve taken hold. These thoughts have become the filters through which we view our life experiences. To overcome this, we must raise our awareness that we are making judgments. Is this thought my own, or some lie I’ve inherited from some earlier time in my life? This calls us to stand up for what we believe in, rather than what others think we should believe in.
4. We are afraid of something in someone else. One of the most common reasons that you judge is rooted in fear that you have of someone else. This usually plays to some insecurity around the idea that the other person has more power than you do. You might be fearful that this person knows something that you do not or that they are trying to use that knowledge to somehow control or change you. And underlying this is that they will take something from you, that you will be left with less than you have, or that you will be left with being less than you are. The remedy for this is to let other people be who they are. There is nothing to fear in others. The fear that we harbor is usually contrived on our own end. To overcome this, adopt an attitude of curiosity and inquiry. Try to set aside your own preconceived ideas about other people and their intentions. The best way to counteract fear is to open up the lines of communication by starting a simple conversation. It is amazing how quickly our judgments of others can evaporate when we’re basing our decisions on what is so, rather than what we think is so.
5. We are afraid of something within ourselves. Judgmental behaviors can also rear their ugly head when we don’t want to face something about ourselves. Often what we fear most is that uncertainty we might feel – that the foundation of our judgments, the thoughts and attitudes we embrace, are balanced on a foundation that is cracked and compromised. We might judge others because we, in fact, find that we don’t, in fact, measure up. Our judgments of others are really mirrors of the judgments we make against ourselves. It takes courage to look at who we are, what we think, and the responsibilities that arise from the actions we take. If we fear something inside ourselves, we must find out what it is. We must expose it to light, so that we can deal with it constructively.
6. We are hiding the fact that we don’t understand something. Judgment is one of the most common tactics used when someone is trying to hide their ignorance of something. Rather than come from a place of fear, a more productive way would be to open up communications. Instead of cutting yourself off from people and opportunities because you don’t understand something, do something about it. Learn more, find out more, and open your mind to taking in new ideas and experiences. By opening our minds to learning more, we can help our hearts to open as well. There is no place for judgment when one comes from a place of love and understanding.
7. Our position of power feels threatened. It is a common reaction for most people to come from a place of judgment when they feel that their position of power is being threatened. These folks tend to see the world as “black and white” – one winner and everyone else losers. They often are quite self-centered, as they cannot appreciate the rights and uniqueness of others. This behavior is common with those who suffer from low self-esteem. They derive their value, and therefore their power, by how they think others perceive them, rather than their value coming from an internal sense that they are, indeed, a valuable and worthwhile individual. While this can be a tough issue to overcome, its solution starts with having an awareness that it is happening.
8. We are unaware about how our thoughts become reality. As our society evolves, more and more folks are seeing the power of their thoughts-- that what they think about, tends to manifest. One of the most poisonous things about judgment is that it tends to create separation among people. It divides people into camps – the winners and the losers, the “we’re right” and “you’re wrong”, the “I know”, and “you don’t”. There is usually no good that comes from judging ourselves and others. It is a perspective that comes from a place that there is something wrong, less than, or not good enough. Why not come from another place – what’s right and good about the situation? We, alone, make the choice about the things that we think about, why not choose a better and brighter path? Why not spend our time and energy thinking about things that will bring us happiness – things that will step us closer to the vision we have for our life? It all starts with our thoughts.
9. We aren’t evolved enough to have empathy for others. People who judge are unequivocally less evolved than others who can accept others for who they are and how they think. All of the great religions and philosophies of the world teach the importance of love and acceptance. Those who have not yet learned those lessons spend their lives embroiled in internal and external conflict because they cannot accept others. Highly evolved beings are concerned with how they interact with the world. They come from a place of understanding and empathy. They know that responsibility requires that they do and be more. If a habit of judging is adversely affecting the quality of your life, take a look at the philosophy of your life. Do you really believe in higher things or are you merely “parroting” what looks good in the eyes of others. Those who live their beliefs rather than talking about them don’t have the time, energy, or inclination to put others down. Those types of thoughts and behaviors have no place in the life they’ve chosen to live. Think about what you believe in. Ask yourself if you are living your beliefs. If not, do some serious soul searching and find out why. A problem defined is half resolved.
10. It’s a habit. Like most everything else we do in our life, judgment can be a habit. But habits are just unconscious, learned behaviors. Like any behavior we have, they can be unlearned. There are several things to consider when breaking a habit. First, you need to clearly understand your habit and what it is rooted in. Judgment is fundamentally rooted in fear. Next, you have to want to change. You need to be able to visualize the type of person you desire to be and all the benefits that will accrue to you as a result. Finally, you need to take action to change. It takes time, determination, and discipline to change something that you’ve done for a long time. Working with a coach or other professional can be helpful in providing you the support that you might need to make an important change like this.
About the expert(s):
| Alicia is a nationally recognized coach, consultant and trainer. She has developed over sixty-five training programs and has trained and coached over eighty thousand individuals in their own business or as employees in service, non-profit, governmental and manufacturing. Alicia Smith, trainer, consultant, coach What does the Bible mean that we are not to judge others?From the website Got Questions.org  Answer: This is an issue that has confused many people. On one hand, we are commanded by the Lord Jesus, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). On the other hand, the Bible also exhorts us to beware of evildoers and false prophets and to avoid those who practice all kinds of evil. How are we to discern who these people are if we do not make some kind of judgment about them? Christians are often accused of "judging" whenever they speak out against a sinful activity. However, that is not the meaning of the Scripture verses that state, "Do not judge." There is a righteous kind of judgment we are supposed to exercise—with careful discernment (John 7:24). When Jesus told us not to judge (Matthew 7:1), He was telling us not to judge hypocritically. Matthew 7:2-5 declares, "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." What Jesus was condemning here was hypocritical, self-righteous judgments of others. In Matthew 7:2-5, Jesus warns against judging someone else for his sin when you yourself are sinning even worse. That is the kind of judging Jesus commanded us not to do. If a believer sees another believer sinning, it is his Christian duty to lovingly and respectfully confront the person with his sin (Matthew 18:15-17). This is not judging, but rather pointing out the truth in hope—and with the ultimate goal—of bringing repentance in the other person (James 5:20) and restoration to the fellowship. We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We are to proclaim what God's Word says about sin. 2 Timothy 4:2 instructs us, "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction." We are to "judge" sin, but always with the goal of presenting the solution for sin and its consequences—the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Recommended Resource: Hard Sayings of the Bible by Kaiser, Davids, & Brauch. |
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
WHEN NOT ON OUR KNEES
By Danelle Carvell
Once again, it's time to ponder. The latest topic I'm pondering is whether prayer is the only answer to America's ills or should we be doing more? Does it help to sign petitions and send letters of protest to the decision-makers in government? Does it help to attend tea party rallies and other gatherings like them? Should we even bother voicing our opinions when our voices go unheard by the people we're trying to influence?
I recently sent an e-mail to everyone in my address book. I don't do that often. I may have sent three multi-addressed e-mails in the past year. The subject was Obama's recent approval of Monsanto's GMO alfalfa, which if planted will eventually contaminate organic farms and the organic foods they produce. The e-mail was asking for signatures to protest Obama's decision. I received three replies to this e-mail. The first two were requests that I remove their names from my address book, which I did. And the third reply said this:
"How much time per day do you spend praying for our nation and elected officials? Have you wept and fasted and lifted our sin-filled nation up for repentance before the Lord? God can stop Obama. I put my faith in Him.
I did pray and fast for our nation and its leaders the day I received the above reply, as I started to explain to the one who sent it. But my explanation sounded defensive, so I didn't click Send. Her accusatory tone stung a bit, as if she's the only one who spends time on her knees. But my goal is not to argue with people, but to inform them of the things they should be putting to prayer. With so much going on in the world, it's a full-time job keeping track of all we need to pray about. I've encouraged prayer and fasting before on this blog, most notably in Keep Your Eyes and Prayers on Israel and in But There Is Hope, which is the most popular post according to my stats.
But back to the original question I'm pondering, Is prayer the only answer to America's ills, or should we be doing more? I asked my husband about this and he said he's beginning to believe that prayer is our only hope. Phone lines and e-mail in Washington were so overloaded by protesters to both the stimulus bill and the healthcare bill that both the email and phone systems were shut down. Yet these bills were passed with no consideration of how Americans felt about them. So what good is e-mailing a petition if that petition won't be taken into consideration by our elected officials?
I believe the good is in making people aware of injustice and exposing the corrupt decisions of our elected leaders. That's what we accomplish when we protest, attend rallies, and voice our opinions about evil practices and government corruption. Christians are called to be the salt and light of the world, and we can't do that when we're locked in a room away from the world. Prayer is our first line of defense, but it's not the only thing we can do. I think God expects more of us. And many times we let Him down by remaining silent and doing nothing.
For more on this topic, read Fighting the Good Fight by Jim Carvell under the Biblical Truth category at the bottom right side of this blog.
Once again, it's time to ponder. The latest topic I'm pondering is whether prayer is the only answer to America's ills or should we be doing more? Does it help to sign petitions and send letters of protest to the decision-makers in government? Does it help to attend tea party rallies and other gatherings like them? Should we even bother voicing our opinions when our voices go unheard by the people we're trying to influence?
I recently sent an e-mail to everyone in my address book. I don't do that often. I may have sent three multi-addressed e-mails in the past year. The subject was Obama's recent approval of Monsanto's GMO alfalfa, which if planted will eventually contaminate organic farms and the organic foods they produce. The e-mail was asking for signatures to protest Obama's decision. I received three replies to this e-mail. The first two were requests that I remove their names from my address book, which I did. And the third reply said this:
"How much time per day do you spend praying for our nation and elected officials? Have you wept and fasted and lifted our sin-filled nation up for repentance before the Lord? God can stop Obama. I put my faith in Him.
I did pray and fast for our nation and its leaders the day I received the above reply, as I started to explain to the one who sent it. But my explanation sounded defensive, so I didn't click Send. Her accusatory tone stung a bit, as if she's the only one who spends time on her knees. But my goal is not to argue with people, but to inform them of the things they should be putting to prayer. With so much going on in the world, it's a full-time job keeping track of all we need to pray about. I've encouraged prayer and fasting before on this blog, most notably in Keep Your Eyes and Prayers on Israel and in But There Is Hope, which is the most popular post according to my stats.
But back to the original question I'm pondering, Is prayer the only answer to America's ills, or should we be doing more? I asked my husband about this and he said he's beginning to believe that prayer is our only hope. Phone lines and e-mail in Washington were so overloaded by protesters to both the stimulus bill and the healthcare bill that both the email and phone systems were shut down. Yet these bills were passed with no consideration of how Americans felt about them. So what good is e-mailing a petition if that petition won't be taken into consideration by our elected officials?
I believe the good is in making people aware of injustice and exposing the corrupt decisions of our elected leaders. That's what we accomplish when we protest, attend rallies, and voice our opinions about evil practices and government corruption. Christians are called to be the salt and light of the world, and we can't do that when we're locked in a room away from the world. Prayer is our first line of defense, but it's not the only thing we can do. I think God expects more of us. And many times we let Him down by remaining silent and doing nothing.
For more on this topic, read Fighting the Good Fight by Jim Carvell under the Biblical Truth category at the bottom right side of this blog.
THE ULTIMATE SITE FOR EVERYTHING 70's
http://www.casagordita.com/70s.htm
If you haven't had your fill of the seventies, this is the only site you need to visit. Here you'll find the history of the platform shoe and the invention of the game Pong. Weaved into the writer's memories of the 70's are links to everything about that decade. You can go back to 1972 and see Chicago live, or have a front row seat at a James Taylor concert. You can check out vintage photos from high school yearbooks across the US, see an episode of Sonny and Cher, featuring a young Michael Jackson, or learn how pet rocks and mood rings came about. There's even a link called 8 Track Heaven, a guide to the world of 8 Track tapes, and a site dedicated to the posters of the 70's. The TV shows, commercials, movies, cars, games, clothes, music, dances, even the wallpaper of the seventies can be found here. You could spend weeks exploring this site. It goes on forever. I'm sure you'll come across some things that don't represent a Christian worldview. I'm not endorsing anything on this site or allowing the content to represent my blog, Salt & Light. I had fun exploring this site and I think you will too.
If you haven't had your fill of the seventies, this is the only site you need to visit. Here you'll find the history of the platform shoe and the invention of the game Pong. Weaved into the writer's memories of the 70's are links to everything about that decade. You can go back to 1972 and see Chicago live, or have a front row seat at a James Taylor concert. You can check out vintage photos from high school yearbooks across the US, see an episode of Sonny and Cher, featuring a young Michael Jackson, or learn how pet rocks and mood rings came about. There's even a link called 8 Track Heaven, a guide to the world of 8 Track tapes, and a site dedicated to the posters of the 70's. The TV shows, commercials, movies, cars, games, clothes, music, dances, even the wallpaper of the seventies can be found here. You could spend weeks exploring this site. It goes on forever. I'm sure you'll come across some things that don't represent a Christian worldview. I'm not endorsing anything on this site or allowing the content to represent my blog, Salt & Light. I had fun exploring this site and I think you will too.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
MUSIC, MEMORIES, AND MONDAYS
We're stepping back in time for today's post. Take a few minutes to enjoy music of the seventies about our least favorite day of the week. I don't remember listening to the Mamas and the Papas, but Karen Carpenter's angelic voice was a favorite of mine as a child growing up in Pillow, Pennsylvania. I had many of her songs recorded on my treasured battery-powered tape recorder that I carried everywhere. If you continue clicking on the Carpenters video, you'll see a young Suzanne Somers hosting a show called 8 Track Flashback and you'll hear more memorable music by the Carpenters. This music takes me back to my childhood. It's amazing how music is so attached to our memories.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
LOVE IS IN THE BOUNDARIES
By Danelle Carvell
When I was a kid, all I needed was to see a certain look on my dad's face and I snapped to attention. The thought of arguing with him or protesting my punishment never crossed my mind. He spoke. I listened. And I immediately did what he asked. Disrespecting my parents was not an option. I didn't dare talk back or even question the discipline I received.
Fast forward thirty plus years. Children today have no such respect for their parents. In some cases the parents are to blame because they don't enforce rules or follow through with discipline. They strive to be their child's buddy rather than an authority figure. To keep the peace, parents allow their children to do whatever they want and fail to instill good character traits that will help them survive as adults. When they leave home, those kids can't even function in the real world because they are lazy, undisciplined, disrespectful, and still expecting to get their own way.
A child raised without boundaries soon discovers that employers and bill collectors aren't as forgiving as the parent who longed to be a pal. Did those parents do their kids any favors by being soft? They raised children who have no life skills because they weren't taught those skills at home... simple things like picking up after yourself, being responsible, respecting others, being honest and keeping your word. They might lose a job, be deserted by a spouse, or even get in trouble with the law because they weren't trained by parents who dared to discipline, parents who dared to teach them that poor choices and bad behavior have consequences.
I"m glad I was raised by a strict father who only had to snap his black leather belt to bring his children in line with his authority. I can't imagine where I would be if I had been allowed to have everything I wanted and do whatever I pleased. I can't imagine a childhood without boundaries.
When I was a kid, all I needed was to see a certain look on my dad's face and I snapped to attention. The thought of arguing with him or protesting my punishment never crossed my mind. He spoke. I listened. And I immediately did what he asked. Disrespecting my parents was not an option. I didn't dare talk back or even question the discipline I received.
Fast forward thirty plus years. Children today have no such respect for their parents. In some cases the parents are to blame because they don't enforce rules or follow through with discipline. They strive to be their child's buddy rather than an authority figure. To keep the peace, parents allow their children to do whatever they want and fail to instill good character traits that will help them survive as adults. When they leave home, those kids can't even function in the real world because they are lazy, undisciplined, disrespectful, and still expecting to get their own way.
A child raised without boundaries soon discovers that employers and bill collectors aren't as forgiving as the parent who longed to be a pal. Did those parents do their kids any favors by being soft? They raised children who have no life skills because they weren't taught those skills at home... simple things like picking up after yourself, being responsible, respecting others, being honest and keeping your word. They might lose a job, be deserted by a spouse, or even get in trouble with the law because they weren't trained by parents who dared to discipline, parents who dared to teach them that poor choices and bad behavior have consequences.
I"m glad I was raised by a strict father who only had to snap his black leather belt to bring his children in line with his authority. I can't imagine where I would be if I had been allowed to have everything I wanted and do whatever I pleased. I can't imagine a childhood without boundaries.
Friday, February 4, 2011
WHEN YOU SEE ALLTHESE THINGS
Changes in global weather patterns, astrological events connected to the sun, and the decline of America as it moves toward a one-world government. People everywhere are asking, what is going on? Flooding of biblical proportions, unusual storms that cover every US state with snow except Florida, citizens uprising in protest, birds falling from the sky, tons of fish washing ashore dead. Jesus commands us to recognize the signs that are taking place in our world today.
Last Friday, Hal Lindsey presented a program about current world events in relation to Bible prophecy. I found this program to be very interesting and worth sharing. You can go to Hal Lindsey's link under World Events and Prophecy at the right side of my blog and find it there. The program I'm talking about is the January 28, 2011 broadcast. As usual, the most interesting part is at the end, so don't click off until you've seen the entire show.
Last Friday, Hal Lindsey presented a program about current world events in relation to Bible prophecy. I found this program to be very interesting and worth sharing. You can go to Hal Lindsey's link under World Events and Prophecy at the right side of my blog and find it there. The program I'm talking about is the January 28, 2011 broadcast. As usual, the most interesting part is at the end, so don't click off until you've seen the entire show.
LOVE PICKS UP THE SLACK
By Danelle Carvell
Don't you hate it when you bring groceries home and all family members swarm into the kitchen like vultures to check out the bounty? First my husband tells me I bought the wrong brand of Rock Salt for the driveway. Then my daughter asks, "Where's the food?" She couldn't tell me exactly what it was I forgot to buy, but she wasn't happy with the selection. Even the dog was sniffing the bags. This is what I came home to last night at about 8:30. I had left the house at 4:00 with a pizza in the oven and warm toppings on the stove. And now, with a splitting headache, and before I began putting groceries away, I had to first put away the leftover pizza and toppings which had been sitting on the stove for four hours.
It took less than a minute to put the leftovers in the refrigerator, and I couldn't help but ask my husband why he couldn't put dinner away instead of letting it sit on the stove for four hours. His comeback was, "For the same reason you didn't take care of the ice on the driveway while I was at work." This just made me more agitated. I didn't see any similarities between food going to waste and the icy driveway, especially when the first thing he said when he walked in the door was, "I thought the sun would have melted it." Now all of a sudden it's my fault. He was better off blaming the sun.
All this got me thinking about the roles of men and women and what exactly are we responsible for at home? I grew up thinking that the outside work was a man's responsibility. I never saw my mother mowing grass or shoveling driveways. Her work was inside the home. This same role system worked for me in my first marriage. My ex-husband never asked me to shovel the driveway or do any outside work. So it felt a bit strange for me to be expected to de-ice the driveway.
I pondered this whole thing for a while, wondering if my husband was right about the driveway or if he was just trying to justify his own lax by pointing out the things I overlook. I found my answer in Proverbs 31, which describes some of the things a virtuous woman does around the home. When I got to the part about her planting a vineyard, I realized that a woman's work isn't limited to inside the walls of her home. But I had to keep in mind that the woman described in Proverbs wasn't employed by anyone else. She didn't go outside the area of her home to work. Today, women are driving to work and putting in forty hours a week, then coming home to even more work with laundry, cooking, dishes, etc. Are women really expected to take care of the driveway and the lawn on top of all that? Why do men get to relax when they get home from work, while women get home from work and their work day is only half finished?
If I'm going to take the time to de-ice the driveway, it would mean that some other chores would have to be put on hold. As long as that was understood, I wouldn't mind tackling outside work. I think it all comes down to helping each other and respecting the fact that sometimes we just can't get all the work done in one day. There will be visible dust on the dressers at times and dishes in the sink. And anyone who wants to complain about that should perhaps roll up their sleeves and get busy.
Every couple, before they consider marriage, should sit down and agree on what their roles in that marriage will be. Who will write out the checks and pay the bills? Who will take out the trash? Who will take care of the lawn? But we also need to be flexible in our roles so that we can help each other. There's no reason why I should come home at 8:30 to a messy kitchen, especially when I wasn't even there to eat. And in my husband's eyes, there's no reason why he should come home to an icy driveway when I was there all day. It makes sense that people who love each other should help each other. If I was down with the flu for three days, would it be loving to let the dishes pile up in the sink?
My husband received a notice call to jury duty yesterday. So there's a chance that I'll be shoveling the driveway even more. He told me a story about his ex-wife disappearing for six weeks after being called to jury duty. Maybe there's more to that story, but the point is that we can't be so totally dependent on other people doing things for us. We need to learn to help ourselves and be willing to help others. When a man has three days off work and his wife doesn't, shouldn't he be willing to pick up around the house while she's not there? The problem in many marriages is that husbands and wives aren't willing to serve each other. They care more about being served. The Bible tells us that those who serve are the greatest among us. I guess I'll have to keep that in mind when I'm out taking care of the driveway while my husband is at work. And He will have to remember that while he cleans the kitchen when I'm not around.
Marriage is more than the joining of two people with defined roles. Sometimes we have to take on chores that normally are done by the other person. We have to carry the other person's load when they can't. That's what love is all about, helping each other. If we can't do that, then we should stay selfish and single because we clearly don't deserve to be married.
Don't you hate it when you bring groceries home and all family members swarm into the kitchen like vultures to check out the bounty? First my husband tells me I bought the wrong brand of Rock Salt for the driveway. Then my daughter asks, "Where's the food?" She couldn't tell me exactly what it was I forgot to buy, but she wasn't happy with the selection. Even the dog was sniffing the bags. This is what I came home to last night at about 8:30. I had left the house at 4:00 with a pizza in the oven and warm toppings on the stove. And now, with a splitting headache, and before I began putting groceries away, I had to first put away the leftover pizza and toppings which had been sitting on the stove for four hours.
It took less than a minute to put the leftovers in the refrigerator, and I couldn't help but ask my husband why he couldn't put dinner away instead of letting it sit on the stove for four hours. His comeback was, "For the same reason you didn't take care of the ice on the driveway while I was at work." This just made me more agitated. I didn't see any similarities between food going to waste and the icy driveway, especially when the first thing he said when he walked in the door was, "I thought the sun would have melted it." Now all of a sudden it's my fault. He was better off blaming the sun.
All this got me thinking about the roles of men and women and what exactly are we responsible for at home? I grew up thinking that the outside work was a man's responsibility. I never saw my mother mowing grass or shoveling driveways. Her work was inside the home. This same role system worked for me in my first marriage. My ex-husband never asked me to shovel the driveway or do any outside work. So it felt a bit strange for me to be expected to de-ice the driveway.
I pondered this whole thing for a while, wondering if my husband was right about the driveway or if he was just trying to justify his own lax by pointing out the things I overlook. I found my answer in Proverbs 31, which describes some of the things a virtuous woman does around the home. When I got to the part about her planting a vineyard, I realized that a woman's work isn't limited to inside the walls of her home. But I had to keep in mind that the woman described in Proverbs wasn't employed by anyone else. She didn't go outside the area of her home to work. Today, women are driving to work and putting in forty hours a week, then coming home to even more work with laundry, cooking, dishes, etc. Are women really expected to take care of the driveway and the lawn on top of all that? Why do men get to relax when they get home from work, while women get home from work and their work day is only half finished?
If I'm going to take the time to de-ice the driveway, it would mean that some other chores would have to be put on hold. As long as that was understood, I wouldn't mind tackling outside work. I think it all comes down to helping each other and respecting the fact that sometimes we just can't get all the work done in one day. There will be visible dust on the dressers at times and dishes in the sink. And anyone who wants to complain about that should perhaps roll up their sleeves and get busy.
Every couple, before they consider marriage, should sit down and agree on what their roles in that marriage will be. Who will write out the checks and pay the bills? Who will take out the trash? Who will take care of the lawn? But we also need to be flexible in our roles so that we can help each other. There's no reason why I should come home at 8:30 to a messy kitchen, especially when I wasn't even there to eat. And in my husband's eyes, there's no reason why he should come home to an icy driveway when I was there all day. It makes sense that people who love each other should help each other. If I was down with the flu for three days, would it be loving to let the dishes pile up in the sink?
My husband received a notice call to jury duty yesterday. So there's a chance that I'll be shoveling the driveway even more. He told me a story about his ex-wife disappearing for six weeks after being called to jury duty. Maybe there's more to that story, but the point is that we can't be so totally dependent on other people doing things for us. We need to learn to help ourselves and be willing to help others. When a man has three days off work and his wife doesn't, shouldn't he be willing to pick up around the house while she's not there? The problem in many marriages is that husbands and wives aren't willing to serve each other. They care more about being served. The Bible tells us that those who serve are the greatest among us. I guess I'll have to keep that in mind when I'm out taking care of the driveway while my husband is at work. And He will have to remember that while he cleans the kitchen when I'm not around.
Marriage is more than the joining of two people with defined roles. Sometimes we have to take on chores that normally are done by the other person. We have to carry the other person's load when they can't. That's what love is all about, helping each other. If we can't do that, then we should stay selfish and single because we clearly don't deserve to be married.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
ART TO SATISFY YOUR SOUL
Today is a snow day, so I'm not home alone as I usually am. My daughter has her head in her laptop and hubby is out shoveling the driveway. He tried to get me out there, but I told him I had to post my blog. Most days I wake up unsure of what I'm going to share. As subjects enter my mind, I write them down. On my list right now is my desire to post a tribute to artists, those people who bring such creativity to life.
I'm not sure I should call myself an artist, although I can draw and paint. The thing is, I seem to be lacking the passion of a true artist. My passion is writing. But I do have a sister who is deserving of the title. I'm amazed at how she keeps producing finished works of art. People seem to have this idea that it must be the greatest job in the world to sit in a studio and paint all day. But painting is work like any other job. And like writing, it requires much mental effort.
Artists see things differently. They appreciate sights that others take for granted. It's the artistic eye that notices the pink underside of clouds above a warm, glowing sunset and the way ice in a glass captures the surrounding light. Artists are often good at photography, because they have an eye for composition and they see a potential great photo in subjects that others would walk right past. They're not afraid to move in on their subjects and view life close up.
What makes an artist an artist is the desire to create something beautiful, lasting, memorable. Artists need to stir others to emotion. They need to know that their work provokes feeling. Because if no one is moved by their work, then the work is for nothing. While artists use colored pencils and paint, I use words, but the goal is the same. Both artists and writers desire to create something that stirs memory and emotion, satisfying the soul with peace, joy, and comfort.
The blogs below are by artists. Take some time to soothe your soul with their creativity. The first one listed is my sister's blog.
myheritageart.blogspot.com
http://happylittletreesstudio.blogspot.com/
http://www.artistswhoblog.blogspot.com/
http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/
http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/
http://aliceinparislovesartandtea.blogspot.com/
I'm not sure I should call myself an artist, although I can draw and paint. The thing is, I seem to be lacking the passion of a true artist. My passion is writing. But I do have a sister who is deserving of the title. I'm amazed at how she keeps producing finished works of art. People seem to have this idea that it must be the greatest job in the world to sit in a studio and paint all day. But painting is work like any other job. And like writing, it requires much mental effort.
Artists see things differently. They appreciate sights that others take for granted. It's the artistic eye that notices the pink underside of clouds above a warm, glowing sunset and the way ice in a glass captures the surrounding light. Artists are often good at photography, because they have an eye for composition and they see a potential great photo in subjects that others would walk right past. They're not afraid to move in on their subjects and view life close up.
What makes an artist an artist is the desire to create something beautiful, lasting, memorable. Artists need to stir others to emotion. They need to know that their work provokes feeling. Because if no one is moved by their work, then the work is for nothing. While artists use colored pencils and paint, I use words, but the goal is the same. Both artists and writers desire to create something that stirs memory and emotion, satisfying the soul with peace, joy, and comfort.
The blogs below are by artists. Take some time to soothe your soul with their creativity. The first one listed is my sister's blog.
myheritageart.blogspot.com
http://happylittletreesstudio.blogspot.com/
http://www.artistswhoblog.blogspot.com/
http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/
http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/
http://aliceinparislovesartandtea.blogspot.com/
Monday, January 31, 2011
DON'T DENY THE POWER
I believe that God is far more powerful than people give Him credit for. Some Christians don't believe in Supernatural healing, praying in tongues, or angelic visitations. They take passages from the Bible and try to prove that none of those miracles are for today. This makes no sense to me. Why would God allow those things when Jesus walked the earth, but then take them away when He ascended into Heaven? Why would God limit His power at any point in time?
God is God. He never changes. And if He wants us to draw close to Him, why would He remove the miracles that prove His existence? We can't always believe something is true because we were taught by man that it's true. Sometimes we have to pray for the truth to be revealed to us by God. No one will ever convince me that God does not perform miracles today. I think it is ridiculous to think that He saved all His supernatural power for a certain time and place, but now He's keeping all those miracles hidden in a box somewhere. I know people who pray in tongues and I do it myself. This isn't something I do in front of others. But I know that God gave me the ability to pray in a Heavenly language to reveal how real the Holy Spirit is and to strengthen my faith. I constantly pray for God to reveal Himself to me. Sometimes asking is all that's necessary. There are actually 60 benefits to praying in tongues.
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His miracles have never ceased. Until our perfect savior comes, the supernatural will continue to take place on earth and the Holy Spirit will continue to fill saved believers who sincerely ask for the gifts of the spirit..
--Danelle
They have a form of godliness but they deny the power thereof by their faithlessness
God is God. He never changes. And if He wants us to draw close to Him, why would He remove the miracles that prove His existence? We can't always believe something is true because we were taught by man that it's true. Sometimes we have to pray for the truth to be revealed to us by God. No one will ever convince me that God does not perform miracles today. I think it is ridiculous to think that He saved all His supernatural power for a certain time and place, but now He's keeping all those miracles hidden in a box somewhere. I know people who pray in tongues and I do it myself. This isn't something I do in front of others. But I know that God gave me the ability to pray in a Heavenly language to reveal how real the Holy Spirit is and to strengthen my faith. I constantly pray for God to reveal Himself to me. Sometimes asking is all that's necessary. There are actually 60 benefits to praying in tongues.
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His miracles have never ceased. Until our perfect savior comes, the supernatural will continue to take place on earth and the Holy Spirit will continue to fill saved believers who sincerely ask for the gifts of the spirit..
--Danelle
They have a form of godliness but they deny the power thereof by their faithlessness
By Don Koenig
Paul tells Timothy in his second letter what it will be like in the last days:2 Tim 3:1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
This passage describes what it will be like in the world in the last days even among those who claim God but never came to the knowledge of the truth to be saved. It is logical then that this passage is talking about those who have some form of religion. It also says that it occurs in the last days so it is only common sense that the end time religious organizations of the world would contain these faithless people.In the passage above what does it mean that they have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof”?I believe this verse is saying that these people claim that there is a God but they actually live their lives as if God does nothing supernatural on the earth and can do nothing outside of natural laws and the works of man. They keep the God of creation in some box in the heavens where He can accomplish nothing in His own creation. They claim to be people of faith but the only faith they display is in humanistic works. A second but equally important meaning is that they claim to believe in God but they deny the Son of God who by His power created all things in heaven and earth (Eph 3:19, Col 1:16).
This is the state of affairs today in most religion of the world. Islam claims to know God but they think that they have to conquer the world for Him and they deny His Son. Jews claim to know God but Israel makes decisions contrary to their own God given scriptures and they still deny His Son. Eastern religious and new age religions claim to know of God or gods but they think that they will exist on earth until, by their own efforts, they become one with the higher powers of the universe. Most in religion today have a form of godliness but they live as if God does nothing supernatural. They live as if God can do nothing outside of the efforts of man. Their God is no God at all.
Christianity should be our main focus since we can not expect religions that deny that God has a Son whom created all things to know truths about God. This instruction to turn away from them was written to Christians. There are many who call themselves Christians that display by their faithlessness that they are really Christian atheists. These phony "Christians" display a form of Godliness but they deny His power. Paul tells us to not to follow them.Obviously then, the limits they put on God must be very evident in outward expressions that display their faithlessness or a true believer could not turn away from such people. If we are in the last days and such people exist in the institutional churches as Paul clearly said they would then we should be able to identify them so we can obey his instructions to turn away from them. Who then within Christianity today can we identify as those having a form of godliness while denying God's power?
A few examples where confessing Christians display a form of Godliness but deny His power are given below - we are told not to follow these reprobates concerning the faith I am sure you can think of many more examples:
- Those that are faithless to believe that God raised His Son Jesus physically from the dead
- Those who are faithless to believe that the Son of God became a man within Mary without the help of any man
- Those who do not believe that the Son of God was the atonement and propitiation for all of mankind's sins
- Those who reject or add to the good news of salvation through God's grace by faith in God's only begotten Son
- Those who do not believe that God's Son is fully God they make him a lessor god
- Those who claim salvation comes through the good works of man
- Those who think man will bring a paradise on the earth through his own efforts
- Those who believe that the world was created by time and chance
- Those who do not believe the supernatural events of the Old Testament
- Those who do not believe the supernatural works of the New Testament
- Those who do not believe God's prophets
- Those who say that God created the universe but believe that God does not intervene in it
- Those who deny that there will be a final judgment of evil by God
- Those who do not believe in the power of prayer to God to change things
- Those who are do not believe that the Bible is the word of God sufficiently preserved by God for our faith and practice
- Those organizations that use deviant, predatory and misleading fund raising techniques displaying the faithlessness of their leadership
- Those organizations that display more reliance on psychology and philosophies of men than faith in God and the power of prayer
Certainly, there are many more examples of those that live their lives like Christian atheists. The term applies because they make God nonexistent by denying that He has supernatural power on earth. One thing should be clear to all of us. Those who display a form of Godliness but deny His power should not be those we follow or hold in esteem even if they like to fondly call themselves "Christians".
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Sunday, January 30, 2011
WHAT IS HELL LIKE?
23 Minutes in Hell
By Linda Joseph
While there are many ideas about what Hell might be like, Bill Wiese has actually been there. He has written a book about his experience entitled 23 Minutes In Hell. In the following paragraphs, I have condensed and summarized his description from Sid’s March 27, 2006 Messianic Vision interview with him:
“On a night in late November of 1998, I went to bed at my usual time, but I could not get to sleep. At 3 AM, I was still completely alert. Suddenly, I began to have a strong sensation of falling down through the floor. As I fell, I started to feel very hot so hot that I wondered why it did not kill me. When the falling sensation finally stopped, I found myself burning hot, and in total darkness. Somehow, I knew I was in Hell.
“For just a moment a light flickered and revealed that I was in a prison cell with stone walls and bars on the door. In the cell with me were foul smelling, disgusting creatures. They were 11 or 12 feet tall, with bumps and scales and grotesque distortions. They were communicating among themselves, blaspheming God continually with a terrible hatred.
“These creatures also had hatred toward me, and wanted me to suffer. One of them picked me up and dug his claws into my chest repeatedly until my flesh was torn and shredded into ribbons. The pain was indescribable. Then somehow, my flesh would all go back together, and he would do it again and again. I had no strength to fight them off, but even if I did, their strength was a thousand times that of a man. I was helpless against whatever they wanted to do to me.
“Even though I was once attacked by a shark, I had never felt pain and terror like this. I knew this was not a dream. All my senses were working properly, and I could think and reason. I knew for certain that I was in Hell, but strangely I had no thought whatsoever of Jesus, even though I had been a Christian most of my life.
“My consciousness was continually penetrated by the agonized screams of multitudes of other people. And although I was aware of people screaming all around me, there was no communication, or contact, or any human comfort whatsoever.
“The heat was unbearable. There was no water, and I was so thirsty, but you don’t get one drop of water. It is a struggle to breathe, and what air I did breathe seemed toxic, with a foul, putrid quality that smelled of sewage and death and burned flesh. You need sleep there also, but you never get to sleep either. There is no peace or comfort or rest of any kind from the torment. And you know that it will never end.
“After a while the demons let me crawl away from them, and I was able to see people in another area burning in flames in a pit. I could see their arms flailing and hear their screams, but nothing would ever get them out. That is the worst the hopelessness of knowing that it will never end, and that nothing will ever get you out. I experienced many other terrible things described in my book.
“After a while, Jesus appeared and took me into His arms. In His presence I felt such a deep, tender love and I knew I was safe. The terrible demons suddenly appeared weak and small as ants in the presence of the Lord. Jesus said, “All you have to do is cast them out in my name.” Demons have to bow their knee to His name.
“Hell was not created for people, but for the devil and his angels. The Lord loves us more than any human love we could ever experience, and the pain of what He suffers when one of His children ends up in Hell is indescribable. He was crucified on this earth to save us from this torment, but it is not automatic. Being a good person is not enough. You must receive Jesus; there is no alternative.
“As Jesus held me in His arms, we left Hell and ascended until I was above my house, and I could see my body lying in my house. Jesus told me that He had given me this experience so that I could warn people how real and how terrible Hell is. So many have lost the understanding of what it is that people need to be saved from. Believers must understand how urgent it is to warn people about this eternal suffering. The time is growing short - very, very short.
“After a while, I was sent back into my body. The instant I hit my body, the terror and pain of what I had experienced hit me full force. I began to scream uncontrollably, and I knew that if something did not reduce the horror of my memories then I would die. My wife heard me screaming and rushed to me. I begged her to pray for me, and after a long while of her praying, I began to feel calmer.”
It was weeks before Bill could talk about the experience with others. And, as he expected, he was met with some skepticism. However, from my perspective as a psychologist, Bill’s experience was real, and not imaginary or a dream. Bill’s wife Annette added this: “Bill and I have been conservative Christians, active in church for most of our lives. We do not drink or use drugs, and have never before had any unusual experiences. Bill is a steady-as-he-goes, consistent, unemotional guy. There is no doubt in my mind that what he experienced was real.”
And here is what Sid said about him: “I have checked this guy out with people who know him well, and he has credibility. I believe that the Lord has given him this experience as a warning to all those who would dismiss Hell as symbolic place. It is a very real place, and I urge everyone to become passionate to save those who will end up there if they do not meet Jesus. Get Bill’s book: it will change your destiny.”
You can listen to the entire interview by going to the Messianic Vision radio download for the week of March 27, 2006.
In concluding, Bill said that he expected many would be skeptical about this experience. However, he has a mission to tell everyone that he can about it, and wrote this book, 23 Minutes in Hell, because he feels an urgency that there is very little time left. Jesus told him two times: ‘Tell them I am coming very, very soon.’
If you would like to share an experience of healing, please write to me at at ljosef@usa.net.
Linda Josef is a Christian psychologist who is working on a book about supernatural healing with Messianic Vision. The book should be available in the next few months. If you have a story of healing that you would like to share, or wish to ask questions or make comments, you can write to Linda at ljosef@usa.net.
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By Linda Joseph
While there are many ideas about what Hell might be like, Bill Wiese has actually been there. He has written a book about his experience entitled 23 Minutes In Hell. In the following paragraphs, I have condensed and summarized his description from Sid’s March 27, 2006 Messianic Vision interview with him:
“On a night in late November of 1998, I went to bed at my usual time, but I could not get to sleep. At 3 AM, I was still completely alert. Suddenly, I began to have a strong sensation of falling down through the floor. As I fell, I started to feel very hot so hot that I wondered why it did not kill me. When the falling sensation finally stopped, I found myself burning hot, and in total darkness. Somehow, I knew I was in Hell.
“For just a moment a light flickered and revealed that I was in a prison cell with stone walls and bars on the door. In the cell with me were foul smelling, disgusting creatures. They were 11 or 12 feet tall, with bumps and scales and grotesque distortions. They were communicating among themselves, blaspheming God continually with a terrible hatred.
“These creatures also had hatred toward me, and wanted me to suffer. One of them picked me up and dug his claws into my chest repeatedly until my flesh was torn and shredded into ribbons. The pain was indescribable. Then somehow, my flesh would all go back together, and he would do it again and again. I had no strength to fight them off, but even if I did, their strength was a thousand times that of a man. I was helpless against whatever they wanted to do to me.
“Even though I was once attacked by a shark, I had never felt pain and terror like this. I knew this was not a dream. All my senses were working properly, and I could think and reason. I knew for certain that I was in Hell, but strangely I had no thought whatsoever of Jesus, even though I had been a Christian most of my life.
“My consciousness was continually penetrated by the agonized screams of multitudes of other people. And although I was aware of people screaming all around me, there was no communication, or contact, or any human comfort whatsoever.
“The heat was unbearable. There was no water, and I was so thirsty, but you don’t get one drop of water. It is a struggle to breathe, and what air I did breathe seemed toxic, with a foul, putrid quality that smelled of sewage and death and burned flesh. You need sleep there also, but you never get to sleep either. There is no peace or comfort or rest of any kind from the torment. And you know that it will never end.
“After a while the demons let me crawl away from them, and I was able to see people in another area burning in flames in a pit. I could see their arms flailing and hear their screams, but nothing would ever get them out. That is the worst the hopelessness of knowing that it will never end, and that nothing will ever get you out. I experienced many other terrible things described in my book.
“After a while, Jesus appeared and took me into His arms. In His presence I felt such a deep, tender love and I knew I was safe. The terrible demons suddenly appeared weak and small as ants in the presence of the Lord. Jesus said, “All you have to do is cast them out in my name.” Demons have to bow their knee to His name.
“Hell was not created for people, but for the devil and his angels. The Lord loves us more than any human love we could ever experience, and the pain of what He suffers when one of His children ends up in Hell is indescribable. He was crucified on this earth to save us from this torment, but it is not automatic. Being a good person is not enough. You must receive Jesus; there is no alternative.
“As Jesus held me in His arms, we left Hell and ascended until I was above my house, and I could see my body lying in my house. Jesus told me that He had given me this experience so that I could warn people how real and how terrible Hell is. So many have lost the understanding of what it is that people need to be saved from. Believers must understand how urgent it is to warn people about this eternal suffering. The time is growing short - very, very short.
“After a while, I was sent back into my body. The instant I hit my body, the terror and pain of what I had experienced hit me full force. I began to scream uncontrollably, and I knew that if something did not reduce the horror of my memories then I would die. My wife heard me screaming and rushed to me. I begged her to pray for me, and after a long while of her praying, I began to feel calmer.”
It was weeks before Bill could talk about the experience with others. And, as he expected, he was met with some skepticism. However, from my perspective as a psychologist, Bill’s experience was real, and not imaginary or a dream. Bill’s wife Annette added this: “Bill and I have been conservative Christians, active in church for most of our lives. We do not drink or use drugs, and have never before had any unusual experiences. Bill is a steady-as-he-goes, consistent, unemotional guy. There is no doubt in my mind that what he experienced was real.”
And here is what Sid said about him: “I have checked this guy out with people who know him well, and he has credibility. I believe that the Lord has given him this experience as a warning to all those who would dismiss Hell as symbolic place. It is a very real place, and I urge everyone to become passionate to save those who will end up there if they do not meet Jesus. Get Bill’s book: it will change your destiny.”
You can listen to the entire interview by going to the Messianic Vision radio download for the week of March 27, 2006.
In concluding, Bill said that he expected many would be skeptical about this experience. However, he has a mission to tell everyone that he can about it, and wrote this book, 23 Minutes in Hell, because he feels an urgency that there is very little time left. Jesus told him two times: ‘Tell them I am coming very, very soon.’
If you would like to share an experience of healing, please write to me at at ljosef@usa.net.
Linda Josef is a Christian psychologist who is working on a book about supernatural healing with Messianic Vision. The book should be available in the next few months. If you have a story of healing that you would like to share, or wish to ask questions or make comments, you can write to Linda at ljosef@usa.net.
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Saturday, January 29, 2011
THE BIBLE COMES TO LIFE
Isaiah prophecied that civil war will come to Egypt. Isaiah 19:2 says, "I will set Egyptians against Egyptians, Everyone will fight against his brother, and everyone against his neighbor, City against city and kingdom against kingdom." This prophecy is being fulfilled before our eyes. Will it conclude in the fulfillment of Psalm 83? --Danelle
Friday, January 28, 2011
"I Will Set Egyptians Against Egyptians"
By Bill Salus
These are the days when the Bible is its own best commentary. Imagine Isaiah the prophet standing on the streets of Cairo today speaking in front of a mainstream news camera declaring:
The burden against Egypt. Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud, And will come into Egypt; The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst. “I will set Egyptians against Egyptians; Everyone will fight against his brother, And everyone against his neighbor, City against city, kingdom against kingdom. The spirit of Egypt will fail in its midst; I will destroy their counsel, And they will consult the idols and the charmers, The mediums and the sorcerers. And the Egyptians I will give Into the hand of a cruel master, And a fierce king will rule over them,” Says the Lord, the LORD of hosts. (Isaiah 19:1-4, nkjv)
Like a swift moving cloud, Isaiah predicts the rapid deterioration of events in Egypt. Civil unrest causes Egyptians to fight against each other. This fighting spreads from household to household and grows into a kingdom war. Probably quoting Isaiah 19:2, Christ warned kingdoms would rise against each other in Matthew 24:7. Unlike nation coming against nation, which alludes to world wars, “kingdom against kingdom” refers to regional conflicts. Christ taught these prophecies would come upon the world like birth pains. Like a woman about to deliver her newborn, these events are foretold to come with increased frequency and intensity each building upon the other.
Rumors of regional kingdom wars presently abound in the Middle East. Egypt and Saudi Arabia reportedly conducted joint military exercises in 2010 preparing for a possible confrontation with Iran. Iran represents the Persian kingdom and Egypt and Saudi Arabia the Arab kingdom. Additionally, the apocalyptically minded president Ahmadinejad of Iran has threatened on several occasions to wipe Israel, representing the Jewish kingdom, off of the map.
Psalm 83 predicts the Arab kingdom will someday rise against the Jewish kingdom to banish the name of Israel forever. Both Egypt and Saudi Arabia along with eight other Arab populations join the Arab kingdom in this pending prophetic war.
Isaiah’s prognosis for Egypt worsens as you read the rest of his chapter nineteen. Isaiah 19:5-12 tells us unprecedented religious and economic strife plagues the nation according to the purposes of the Lord. Apparently, this disastrous condition befalls Egypt because of its future involvement in Psalm 83 since we read in Isaiah 19:16-18 that Israel will take over five cities in Egypt and cause Hebrew to be the spoken language inside their city limits. One of these cities will be called “the City of Destruction,” implying the I.D.F. destroys this city.
In that day Egypt will be like women, and will be afraid and fear because of the waving of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which He waves over it. And the land of Judah will be a terror to Egypt; everyone who makes mention of it will be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts which He has determined against it. In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear by the LORD of hosts; one will be called the City of Destruction. (Isaiah 19:16-18, nkjv)
Will the civil strife developing in Egypt cause the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak, who supposedly has cancer and turns 83 on May 4, 2011? Many expected his son Gamal Mubarak to be his replacement; however, Gamal and his family have reportedly fled to the U.K. for safety. If the Mubarak government is overthrown will the Muslim Brotherhood fill his office with one of its own fulfilling Isaiah 19:4? The Muslim Brotherhood, presently banned in Egypt, hates Israel and supports Jihad against the Jewish State. Hamas, also participating against Israel in Psalm 83, is their political arm inside of the Gaza. Hamas, like the Muslim Brotherhood, calls for the destruction of Israel.
Will the present protests inside Egypt metastasize into the fulfillment of Isaiah 19? If so will the coming cruel leader be the one who leads Egypt into the Psalm 83:6-8 confederacy? All of this is unknown but entirely possible. One thing is for certain; the Middle East appears to be on the verge of going apocalyptic.
January 2011 has seen the governments of Lebanon, Tunisia, and Egypt become severely challenged. The government of Jordan is expected to be next. Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan are involved in Psalm 83 and Tunisia appears to take part in the Ezekiel 38 & 39 prophecy. It appears high time Christians familiarize themselves with the prophecies of Isaiah 19, Isaiah 17, Jeremiah 49, Psalm 83, and Ezekiel 38 & 39. These are a few of the world changing prophecies stage setting on the prophetic horizon.
Posted by AUTHOR / LECTURER at 8:30 AM
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Friday, January 28, 2011
"I Will Set Egyptians Against Egyptians"
By Bill Salus
These are the days when the Bible is its own best commentary. Imagine Isaiah the prophet standing on the streets of Cairo today speaking in front of a mainstream news camera declaring:
The burden against Egypt. Behold, the LORD rides on a swift cloud, And will come into Egypt; The idols of Egypt will totter at His presence, And the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst. “I will set Egyptians against Egyptians; Everyone will fight against his brother, And everyone against his neighbor, City against city, kingdom against kingdom. The spirit of Egypt will fail in its midst; I will destroy their counsel, And they will consult the idols and the charmers, The mediums and the sorcerers. And the Egyptians I will give Into the hand of a cruel master, And a fierce king will rule over them,” Says the Lord, the LORD of hosts. (Isaiah 19:1-4, nkjv)
Like a swift moving cloud, Isaiah predicts the rapid deterioration of events in Egypt. Civil unrest causes Egyptians to fight against each other. This fighting spreads from household to household and grows into a kingdom war. Probably quoting Isaiah 19:2, Christ warned kingdoms would rise against each other in Matthew 24:7. Unlike nation coming against nation, which alludes to world wars, “kingdom against kingdom” refers to regional conflicts. Christ taught these prophecies would come upon the world like birth pains. Like a woman about to deliver her newborn, these events are foretold to come with increased frequency and intensity each building upon the other.
Rumors of regional kingdom wars presently abound in the Middle East. Egypt and Saudi Arabia reportedly conducted joint military exercises in 2010 preparing for a possible confrontation with Iran. Iran represents the Persian kingdom and Egypt and Saudi Arabia the Arab kingdom. Additionally, the apocalyptically minded president Ahmadinejad of Iran has threatened on several occasions to wipe Israel, representing the Jewish kingdom, off of the map.
Psalm 83 predicts the Arab kingdom will someday rise against the Jewish kingdom to banish the name of Israel forever. Both Egypt and Saudi Arabia along with eight other Arab populations join the Arab kingdom in this pending prophetic war.
Isaiah’s prognosis for Egypt worsens as you read the rest of his chapter nineteen. Isaiah 19:5-12 tells us unprecedented religious and economic strife plagues the nation according to the purposes of the Lord. Apparently, this disastrous condition befalls Egypt because of its future involvement in Psalm 83 since we read in Isaiah 19:16-18 that Israel will take over five cities in Egypt and cause Hebrew to be the spoken language inside their city limits. One of these cities will be called “the City of Destruction,” implying the I.D.F. destroys this city.
In that day Egypt will be like women, and will be afraid and fear because of the waving of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which He waves over it. And the land of Judah will be a terror to Egypt; everyone who makes mention of it will be afraid in himself, because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts which He has determined against it. In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear by the LORD of hosts; one will be called the City of Destruction. (Isaiah 19:16-18, nkjv)
Will the civil strife developing in Egypt cause the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak, who supposedly has cancer and turns 83 on May 4, 2011? Many expected his son Gamal Mubarak to be his replacement; however, Gamal and his family have reportedly fled to the U.K. for safety. If the Mubarak government is overthrown will the Muslim Brotherhood fill his office with one of its own fulfilling Isaiah 19:4? The Muslim Brotherhood, presently banned in Egypt, hates Israel and supports Jihad against the Jewish State. Hamas, also participating against Israel in Psalm 83, is their political arm inside of the Gaza. Hamas, like the Muslim Brotherhood, calls for the destruction of Israel.
Will the present protests inside Egypt metastasize into the fulfillment of Isaiah 19? If so will the coming cruel leader be the one who leads Egypt into the Psalm 83:6-8 confederacy? All of this is unknown but entirely possible. One thing is for certain; the Middle East appears to be on the verge of going apocalyptic.
January 2011 has seen the governments of Lebanon, Tunisia, and Egypt become severely challenged. The government of Jordan is expected to be next. Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan are involved in Psalm 83 and Tunisia appears to take part in the Ezekiel 38 & 39 prophecy. It appears high time Christians familiarize themselves with the prophecies of Isaiah 19, Isaiah 17, Jeremiah 49, Psalm 83, and Ezekiel 38 & 39. These are a few of the world changing prophecies stage setting on the prophetic horizon.
Posted by AUTHOR / LECTURER at 8:30 AM
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Friday, January 28, 2011
WHY REJECT SUCH HOPE?
The last time I got in a conversation about the rapture, I was met with some harsh criticism. She told me that you can't take the Bible literally and I should come back and talk to her after I read the entire Bible. In other words, I don't know what I'm talking about. Another person told me that the rapture is science fiction. I dont' know how you can read the scripture mentioned in the article below and then blow it off as science fiction. And if we can't take the Bible literally, what good is it?
--Danelle
The Rapture - What Is It ? When Will It Happen ? Where Is It In The Bible ?
by: Robert W. Benjamin
Just about everyone has heard someone mention ' The Rapture ', when they talk about the return of Jesus Christ. There probably isn't a word that causes as much conflict as the word rapture, does. I here folks constantly saying: ' There is NO word rapture in the Bible! '.
I have read the NIV version of the Bible from beginning to end, and it is true the word 'rapture' was not found. I have also read parts of and studied the King James Bible since I was a child, and I have never seen the word, ' rapture ', in it. So is the rapture made up ? NO. The Rapture is clearly mentioned in the bible, let me explain.
"Rapture" is derived from the Latin verb: 'rapere', of 1 Thess. 4:17—"we will be caught up," ['to carry off' - or 'catch up']).
A Dictionary meaning for Rapture says: ' The transporting of a person from one place to another, especially to heaven '.
So when we mention the Rapture, we are not saying the actual word is in the bible, but what it means is, the removing or taking away of the christian believers just before the seven year tribulation begins.
Here are just a few of the many references of the Rapture in the Bible (NIV Version):
Christ will bring raptured Church (his believers) to place he prepared : John 14:1-3 - "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
The followers of Jesus will be removed to safety while those still on the Earth will face the tribulation period: Revelation 3:10 - " Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. "
In the verse above we are told that the 'followers' of Jesus, those that have kept his commands (followed his commandments) and accepted him as lord and saviour, will be kept from the time of trouble (tribulation), so here we have the proof of a pre-tribulation rapture. In 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17 we are told how this incredible event will take place:
1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17 - "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."
There are even more references to the church being delivered from the tribulation. Also, remember what happened back in the days of Noah. In a sense there was a rapture that occured then also. Noah and his family, the only true believers and followers of God, were removed from the earth (raptured) by the safety of God to the Ark, while the rest of the earths people suffered and died.
If you would like to know a lot more about the ' End Times ' , and read some great Christian articles on such subjects as 'Being Saved, Armageddon, The Rapture, and much more, visit the website called: ' Signs Of The End Times '
http://www.rb59.com/end-times
By Robert W. Benjamin
Copyright © 2006
You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.
--Danelle
The Rapture - What Is It ? When Will It Happen ? Where Is It In The Bible ?
by: Robert W. Benjamin
Just about everyone has heard someone mention ' The Rapture ', when they talk about the return of Jesus Christ. There probably isn't a word that causes as much conflict as the word rapture, does. I here folks constantly saying: ' There is NO word rapture in the Bible! '.
I have read the NIV version of the Bible from beginning to end, and it is true the word 'rapture' was not found. I have also read parts of and studied the King James Bible since I was a child, and I have never seen the word, ' rapture ', in it. So is the rapture made up ? NO. The Rapture is clearly mentioned in the bible, let me explain.
"Rapture" is derived from the Latin verb: 'rapere', of 1 Thess. 4:17—"we will be caught up," ['to carry off' - or 'catch up']).
A Dictionary meaning for Rapture says: ' The transporting of a person from one place to another, especially to heaven '.
So when we mention the Rapture, we are not saying the actual word is in the bible, but what it means is, the removing or taking away of the christian believers just before the seven year tribulation begins.
Here are just a few of the many references of the Rapture in the Bible (NIV Version):
Christ will bring raptured Church (his believers) to place he prepared : John 14:1-3 - "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
The followers of Jesus will be removed to safety while those still on the Earth will face the tribulation period: Revelation 3:10 - " Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. "
In the verse above we are told that the 'followers' of Jesus, those that have kept his commands (followed his commandments) and accepted him as lord and saviour, will be kept from the time of trouble (tribulation), so here we have the proof of a pre-tribulation rapture. In 1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17 we are told how this incredible event will take place:
1 Thessalonians 4: 16-17 - "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."
There are even more references to the church being delivered from the tribulation. Also, remember what happened back in the days of Noah. In a sense there was a rapture that occured then also. Noah and his family, the only true believers and followers of God, were removed from the earth (raptured) by the safety of God to the Ark, while the rest of the earths people suffered and died.
If you would like to know a lot more about the ' End Times ' , and read some great Christian articles on such subjects as 'Being Saved, Armageddon, The Rapture, and much more, visit the website called: ' Signs Of The End Times '
http://www.rb59.com/end-times
By Robert W. Benjamin
Copyright © 2006
You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.
A MIRACULOUS SIGN AND STILL THEY DON'T BELIEVE
DAILY DEVOTIONS
By Greg Laurie
Friday // January 28 // 2011
Today's Bible Reading: Exodus 21-22, Psalm 12, Acts 4God's Sign to a Lost World
One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority."
— Matthew 12:38
My granddaughter Stella loves to pull pranks on people using a little box of tricks I bought for her. She hasn't learned the ways of deception very well, because people always know what she is doing. Even though they know what is going on, they go along with her anyway, and that makes her happy.
Sometimes we think that if we could do a miracle for our unbelieving friends, they would come to faith in Christ. We might be thinking, If I could just pray and this person was healed, they would believe right there. I know they would. If I could just do something dazzling. . . . But you know what? That wouldn't convince them.
Even though Jesus raised people from the dead, and even after He was bodily raised from the dead and people saw Him with their own eyes, they still rejected Him.
When some religious leaders approached Jesus one day and asked Jesus for a miraculous sign, they were essentially saying, "Hey, do a trick for us, Jesus!" But Jesus told them, "Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights" (Matthew 12:39–40).
In effect, Jesus was telling them, "Here is my sign to a lost world: I am going to a cross. I will die, and I will rise again from the dead. You can accept that and be forgiven, or you can reject that and not be forgiven. So that is your choice." And that is our choice as well.
Share by e-mail Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Copyright © 2011 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
By Greg Laurie
Friday // January 28 // 2011
Today's Bible Reading: Exodus 21-22, Psalm 12, Acts 4God's Sign to a Lost World
One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority."
— Matthew 12:38
My granddaughter Stella loves to pull pranks on people using a little box of tricks I bought for her. She hasn't learned the ways of deception very well, because people always know what she is doing. Even though they know what is going on, they go along with her anyway, and that makes her happy.
Sometimes we think that if we could do a miracle for our unbelieving friends, they would come to faith in Christ. We might be thinking, If I could just pray and this person was healed, they would believe right there. I know they would. If I could just do something dazzling. . . . But you know what? That wouldn't convince them.
Even though Jesus raised people from the dead, and even after He was bodily raised from the dead and people saw Him with their own eyes, they still rejected Him.
When some religious leaders approached Jesus one day and asked Jesus for a miraculous sign, they were essentially saying, "Hey, do a trick for us, Jesus!" But Jesus told them, "Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights" (Matthew 12:39–40).
In effect, Jesus was telling them, "Here is my sign to a lost world: I am going to a cross. I will die, and I will rise again from the dead. You can accept that and be forgiven, or you can reject that and not be forgiven. So that is your choice." And that is our choice as well.
Share by e-mail Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Copyright © 2011 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
YOU WERE MADE FOR MORE
www.madetocrave.org
Anyone who has struggled with food issues needs to read Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst. This is not a diet book, it's a motivational tool that will make you realize why you overeat, and it will give you the desire to change bad habits that may have plagued you all your life. "This book could be the missing companion you've needed with every healthy eating plan you tried and cried over," says Lysa. "I believe it will help you find your "want to."
Lysa confesses that she struggled with food choices and weight for way too long. At one point she weighed nearly 200 pounds. "I thought about, craved, and arranged my life too much around food," she said. Abandoned by her father, Lysa began comforting herself with food as a little girl. That emotional emptiness became a trigger for her overeating. "Emptiness has a way of demanding to be filled," she wrote.
Lysa discovered that the only way she would conquer her cravings was if she redirected them to God. "Nothing changes until we make the choice to redirect our misguided cravings to the only one capable of satisfying them," she said. She began by asking God for the desire to be healthy. "I had to seek a spiritual "want to" empowered by God Himself," she said..."I had to see the purpose of my struggle as something more than wearing a smaller size and getting compliments from others."
Lysa realized that she didn't have a weight problem, she had a spiritual problem. She craved food more than she craved God. And her sense of identity and worth were tied to the wrong things. Her overeating was a desperate attempt to silence the cries of a hungry soul. "God created us with a longing to be filled," Lysa says. "It's a longing God instilled to draw us into deep intimacy with Him...If we fail to understand how to fill our souls with spiritual nourishment, we will forever be triggered to numb our longings with other temporary physical pleasures."
This book is nothing short of amazing. Since I've been reading it, I see myself changing my own bad habits. This book made me realize that eating in excess is a sin and being ruled by food distances me from God. "Food was never meant to fill the deepest places of our hearts reserved for God alone," Lysa says.
I give this book five stars because it delivers a very strong motivation to get healthy and it offers an exact plan for redirecting our cravings so that we don't run to food for comfort, but instead we learn to run to God. Women have been dealing with food issues since Eve made that big mistake in the Garden. It's nothing to be ashamed of. We all have issues with something. This book will motivate you to finally have victory over the pull of the refrigerator. It will make you realize that you were made for more. Check out the link at the top of this post for a schedule of Lysa's web casts in which she discusses the book Made to Crave.
Anyone who has struggled with food issues needs to read Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst. This is not a diet book, it's a motivational tool that will make you realize why you overeat, and it will give you the desire to change bad habits that may have plagued you all your life. "This book could be the missing companion you've needed with every healthy eating plan you tried and cried over," says Lysa. "I believe it will help you find your "want to."
Lysa confesses that she struggled with food choices and weight for way too long. At one point she weighed nearly 200 pounds. "I thought about, craved, and arranged my life too much around food," she said. Abandoned by her father, Lysa began comforting herself with food as a little girl. That emotional emptiness became a trigger for her overeating. "Emptiness has a way of demanding to be filled," she wrote.
Lysa discovered that the only way she would conquer her cravings was if she redirected them to God. "Nothing changes until we make the choice to redirect our misguided cravings to the only one capable of satisfying them," she said. She began by asking God for the desire to be healthy. "I had to seek a spiritual "want to" empowered by God Himself," she said..."I had to see the purpose of my struggle as something more than wearing a smaller size and getting compliments from others."
Lysa realized that she didn't have a weight problem, she had a spiritual problem. She craved food more than she craved God. And her sense of identity and worth were tied to the wrong things. Her overeating was a desperate attempt to silence the cries of a hungry soul. "God created us with a longing to be filled," Lysa says. "It's a longing God instilled to draw us into deep intimacy with Him...If we fail to understand how to fill our souls with spiritual nourishment, we will forever be triggered to numb our longings with other temporary physical pleasures."
This book is nothing short of amazing. Since I've been reading it, I see myself changing my own bad habits. This book made me realize that eating in excess is a sin and being ruled by food distances me from God. "Food was never meant to fill the deepest places of our hearts reserved for God alone," Lysa says.
I give this book five stars because it delivers a very strong motivation to get healthy and it offers an exact plan for redirecting our cravings so that we don't run to food for comfort, but instead we learn to run to God. Women have been dealing with food issues since Eve made that big mistake in the Garden. It's nothing to be ashamed of. We all have issues with something. This book will motivate you to finally have victory over the pull of the refrigerator. It will make you realize that you were made for more. Check out the link at the top of this post for a schedule of Lysa's web casts in which she discusses the book Made to Crave.
Monday, January 24, 2011
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