Forum

Today I want to talk about two things. First, is that as today is my birthday I have been reminded of how merciful God is toward me in letting me live 19 years. The second is that I have recently been challenged and convicted in how I have taken advantage and sometimes purposely neglected to study and follow the rules of information that is expressly stated (though it might be written in small letters) and kept myself ignorant so I wouldn't feel guilty. Have you ever done that? Have you known that it wouldn't be the wisest thing to do something but still not knowing for sure and so you made sure to keep yourself ignorant of the truth? I think that is what a lot of people do nowadays actually. Probably a lot of us do that with spiritual things as well as things relating to everyday life. Now I am not justifying my behavior at all. Please don't get any fancy ideas or think that it would be fun to fool around with those kinds of things. I just wanted to share that with you so that you know that as long as we live, no matter how old or mature we are (or think we are) God still teaches us and sanctifies us through our mistakes and convicts us of it using the Holy Spirit, our parents, friends and Bible to name a few. As individuals, in order for us to learn wisdom and grow through the mistakes and bad decisions we've made, we have to humble ourselves and confess it to those whom we may have offended as well as to God to whom we have offended the most. I had to do that today and believe me, it's not very fun. I am sure though that it is something that Jesus would want me to do especially as He lived His life as an example to us by following the will of the Father, but being perfect at the same time. It probably wasn't an easy job. Remember, He was tempted even as we are sometimes, but He passed the test and through His resisting, we have the gift of eternal life because He conquered death so that we should no longer be afraid to die. ...knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. Romans 6:8-12 So, back to God being merciful and giving and sparing life. Recently especially, we have all been rejoicing with the mother's of new babies and pregnant mothers as well. By the way, I hope you all have been praying for God's blessing and for safety and health to be with those mothers. It is a joy and a time of celebration when a baby is born because it is a gift that God has been gracious enough to grant to a family during the time on earth so that they can train and raise them up to be wise men and women for God. Us as the kids have to remember that. God has placed us under our parents authority, so because God is all-wise and knows what is best, we have to trust His judgment and respect our parents. Now...about information, ignorance and decision making. I think Romans 13:1-7,11-14 sums it up pretty well even though it is specifically talking about government and authorities. I think it can be applied to, well, laws and copyrights and stuff like that. Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we firstbelieved. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Let's be Semper Fidelis (always faithful) to the One who gave us life.

http://www.bibleornot.org/being-still-and-doing-nothing-are-two-very-different-things/

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 A neighbor girl, the one I tutor, went to VBS this summer and memorized this verse. Since then, she has recited it to me almost every time I go over which is great and fantastic! So, I am challenging you as well as myself to memorize 1 Timothy 4:12 in the next week. It shouldn't be too hard (with God's help of course:). Using this verse and some others, we will learn about purity; what it is and what purity requires. Join me as we study together as sisters in Christ. Pure means figuratively to surrender or deliver up, liberty, to be bright or made clean, to purge away, polish, figuratively to be innocent, clear, chosen, repaired, chaste and sincere. So, being pure goes right with sanctification because God is working in us to put off the old and put on the new person. We are being cleaned and purged through the trials of life. Pure in heart aka guarding your heart against making something or esp. someone an idol. Idol means making “it, them”more important than God or allowing thoughts to cause you to sin against God by neglecting other duties that are required. He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the Lord,and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Psalm 24:4-5 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 Pure in spirit has to do with keeping God first and making time to study His Word and talk to Him. He wants you to meditate on His Word throughout the day. Start with memorizing the scripture at the beginning of this letter. Think about what it means and how you can apply it to your life in how you should act. Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart... 1 Peter 1:22 To have purity in conduct, body, and actions requires a mind that is firmly set on God and knows how He wants us to act as His children. Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts... Ephesians 4:22 Purity in your mind, thoughts and words will dictate a kind and wholesome mouth that praises God and puts away evil, corrupt speech. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45 One of the definitions of pure was innocent which means blameless, exempt from paying, free, guiltless, having done no wrong. Isn't that what Christ did for us in dying on the cross? He paid the penalty for us and took our sins on Himself so that now we are...any of the above meanings of innocent. He is still working in us though. We are not perfect yet. My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” Daniel 6:22 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” Matthew 27:24I found this definition on a Christian single women website. I thought it was clear and well-put. The definition of purity involves the way you interact with people. It includes what you think about and how you spend your time. Christian purity is a matter of totally committing your life to God. Purity is more than just setting a few limits in your relation to guys. It’s more than a list of do's & don’ts. The definition of purity is a TOTAL commitment of your life to God (a commitment to Godliness in every area of your life). If that seems a bit far-reaching, keep in mind the goal of a Christian single woman is not win any popularity contests or impress people, but to honor God with her life. Don’t try to find out how far you can go, but rather determine how you can best honor God with your life, your mind, your body.

Tomorrow is election day for the people in the U.S. as you know and I just want to remind my people not to forget to vote. Also, don't NEGLECT to vote either. God has given us this freedom among other things. Don't shirk your duty and priveledge. Thank you & May God have mercy on our country.

A Summary of the Life of Martin Luther10/26/12 As you know, this month we celebrate Reformation Day. Not all of you may know what it is exactly about. Before I studied it (by my mom's prompting), the only thing I knew was that we remembered Martin Luther's life and how he posted the 95 thesis on the door of Wittenburg Church. So, basically, I am going to give you an outline of his life, interesting events that happened to him and try to illuminate some of the struggles he went through so that we can learn from his life. I know this is a really long letter, but I hope that you will persevere and read to the end even if it takes you a couple of days because I guarantee that you will learn a lot about Martin Luther, like I did. Martin Luther was born on November 10,1483 and was baptized by Father Rennebrecher the next day. Martin was born on St. Martin's Day and as you can guess, his parents named him Martin in honor of it. His parents were devout Catholics. They took very seriously their children's upbringing. His mother, Margaret Ziegler Luther, was a workman's wife whose job it was to carry wood from the forest. As a child, Martin and his brothers and sisters memorized the Lord's prayer, the Ten Commandments and the Apostles Creed. As Martin turned 8, Hans Luther, Martin's father was elected to the town council where he continued to serve with distinction until his death. As he began to lease mines and smelting furnaces to operate for himself, the burden of poverty began to lighten for their family. Not long after that, Martin started Latin school in Mansfield as the son of an independent and respected family. In 1497, Martin and his friend, John were sent to a school in Magdeburg. Martin and his friend sang on the streets for their bread. His voice and feeling for music were exceptionally good and would bring him enjoyment throughout his life. He was also part of the cathedral choir. In May 1502, at age 18, Martin went to Erfurt school which was known for it's studies of law, theology and arts. He sang there also. In May 1505, Martin entered the faculty of law. He felt a calling for the monastery, but didn't want to disappoint his father. He met a world of humanists and poets who were bringing renown at Erfurt. In June, Martin, now nearly 22 left school to visit his home. We don't know why, but it could have been possibly because there was a bad plague at Erfurt or even because he wanted to talk to his father about his distaste for the law. But on the return of his visit, he was caught in a lightning storm and knocked from his horse by it. Fearing instant death, he vowed his life to the monastic calling if St. Anna would save him. (Interesting, I know.) Yet, undoubtedly his decision had already been made, but the lightning bolt surprised him into acknowledging it. On July 17, 1505, Martin joined an Augustinian monastery. In the fall 1505, a plague killed 2 of Martin's brothers. Drawn to see the importance of it, Hans Luther agreed that Martin could stay at the monastery. In September 1506, Martin said his final vows to pledge his life to God. At age 23, Martin was to be made priest. On May 2, 1507, Martin was to say his first mass. In 1508, Martin was moved from Erfurt Monastery to Wittenburg Monastery. On March 9, 1509, Martin took his first degree in theology at Wittenburg. Not long after Martin was sent back to Erfurt. In October 1510, Martin journeyed with a messenger to Rome to the Papal See (which comprises the government of the Catholic church). Martin was stunned and unable to understand how immoral the Catholics were in Rome (which was supposed to be the most sacred-type of places to be a Catholic). Luther saw and felt a Rome abandoned to money, luxury and kindred evils. In January 1511, Martin started back to Erfurt from Rome. Martin was sent back to Wittenburg Monastery where he stayed until his death. In May 1512, Martin journeyed with a superior (part of the hierarchy of the catholics) friend to Cologne for a district meeting. On October 18, 1512, Martin received a Doctor of theology degree. 6 days later, Martin was admitted to the university senate to teach. In 1516, while he was teaching systematic theology, he published his first book. He was elected as district vicar for the monasteries of Meissen and Thuringe. On All Saints Day, Martin posted 95 propositions on the university's bulletin board and sent it to friends. The propositions were mainly against the selling of indulgences. Martin became greatly discouraged at the continued indulgence selling so during the consecration of the Cathedral church on October 31, 1517, Martin posted his 95 sentences with a brief preamble on the bulletin board which at that time was the wooden doors of the church. He was forced to direct a campaign for the clarification of the gospel and the reform of the church against the selling of indulgences. Martin also wrote a letter the same day to Bishop Albert of Brandenburg who had to bear the responsibility of the selling of indulgences (which was to raise money for the building of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Albert opposed Luther and brought it to the attention of those in Rome who were not in the mood to give serious consideration to a question of piety. Pope Leo X was immersed in secular affairs and had little understanding of the religious. Martin wrote to Leo X in May 1518 simply seeking for the pope to understand his position and carefully consider the matters at issue, but Leo X was not ready to give careful consideration at that time. He ordered that the fires of rebellion be quenched and simply thought that the theses were written by a drunken monk who would see things clearer when he was sober. Accordingly, the matter was brought up at the meeting of the order at Heidelberg the same year. Luther was present and in order not to involve his order in the issue, he resigned as district vicar. At 35, Luther was at his greatest strength, but he was forced to defend his action before a representative of the pope in Augsburg. The Cardinal Cajetan was unwilling even to let Luther talk. Luther with respect accorded him his rank at first, but after getting nowhere with the Cardinal continually talking Luther tried to interrupt. This made the Cardinal shout in order to keep talking when at last Luther lost his moderation and began to shout also. At the second meeting, Luther apologized for his conduct, but at the third and last meeting it was the same story: a call for recantation and a refusal and wish to discuss the issue. John Eck, a professor of theology challenged Luther and his Wittenburg colleague, Andrew Bodenstein to a public discussion in Leipzig. He knew that if he could wring from either of them heretical statements then Rome could silence both men. Two hundred students along with the professors went with them to Leipzig. When they arrived, there was a constant menace of rioting. Guards were placed at the inns where they lodged and armed groups went with them from inn to church and to the council chamber where the debate was to be held. Luther entered the lists July 4, 1519. The duke was present and Eck was the dominant figure. Eck moved the debate into a field Luther did not want. He wanted to drive Luther into admitting a position similar to that held by heretical groups throughout church history so he could label him a “heretic.” After bringing up the history and works of different men and groups, Eck finally got Luther to admit that popes and councils could err which was a damning doctrine in those days. Eck was triumphant and Tetzel (who sold the indulgences) was overjoyed. Luther sensed that dark days were ahead, but he felt strength also. In the early summer of 1520, Pope Leo X signed the bull Exurge Dominewhich called upon Luther to recant within sixty days or be excommunicated. On the early morning of December 10, Luther headed a march of zealous youth who supported the truth of the Gospel and Luther outside the city walls to burn the books of papal decrees with other such books and the bull calling for his recantation. In August, he published To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation on the Improvement of the Christian Estate. In it, he attacked the sole, arbitrary authority of the papacy. Later in October, he published On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church which examined the sacramental system of the Roman church. In November, Luther wrote The Freedom of the Christian Man. He also wrote commentaries on the book of Genesis and Psalms. On January 3, 1521, Leo X signed the final bull demanding excommunication. On Feb 13, Aleander, a representative of Rome spoke to the diet of Worms for three hours demanding that Luther be condemned without a hearing because to them Luther had already been condemned because of the bull. On March 26, Luther received the summons from Charles V, calling him to appear at Worms. He left for Worms on April 2ndcarrying his lute to wile away long hours in the inns. They arrived on the morning of April 16. He was summoned the day after to appear at the meeting of the diet. At age 38, he was sturdy and large boned, but not stout. He had strong, resolute, fiery and animated feature, but his heart was still unsoiled by the terrors of public warfare. Once his case came before the diet, he was told to say nothing except to answer to questions. He thought the request was a bit strange as he was told that he was to appear to defend his reasoning. Eck then pointed to a pile of books on a table and asked if Luther would recant of the positions he set forth in them. Luther was surprised at this sudden demand. Stunned, he seemed powerless to talk, but his friend came to the rescue stating,”Let the names of the books be read.” Luther was recovered by the time the titles had been read. He spoke slowly stating that the books were his and asked for time to consider whether he would recant his beliefs to see if it was indeed the biblical truth, so that he would not rashly decide anything. The diet then allowed Martin to have time to consider and to be back the next evening at the same time. He remembered the verse that says,”Whoever will deny Me before men, him I also will deny before my Father.” He spent much time in prayer that night and at the end his mind became clear. He would be honest. When summoned, Luther entered the session cheered by German knights and soldiers. Luther replied to the demand of whether he would recant with a reply in detailed words that he would not because in them was the truth. If he did, God would be right to “turn loose an intolerable deluge of woes.” In proper custom, he spoke in Latin, but many of the northerners who spoke German who could not understand it cried for it in German. John Eck was amazed that Luther would speak that way and restated his question whether Luther would recant or not and asked him to answer in a simple answer. Luther said briefly and exactly, “Unless I am convinced by scripture or by right reason—for I trust neither popes nor in councils, since they have often erred and contradicted themselves—unless I am thus convinced, I am bound by the texts of the Bible; my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I neither can nor will recant anything, since it is neither right nor safe to act against conscience. God help me. Amen.” Eck was furious and called again for recantation. Luther replied while the tumult increased. Tension arose over the days following. Luther silently slipped out on the morning of April 26, feeling no longer needed, accompanied by the same few friends with whom he had come. On the way, he visited many friends and relatives. While traveling on a narrow road through the forest, he was surprised by a company of armed horseman. They forced his carriage to stop and whispered something to Luther, who turned and told his friends that he had to leave, but that all was well. After a hard days ride, they arrived at the castle of Wartburg where Luther was turned over to the commandant. Word spread rapidly that Luther had been kidnapped though little was known about what exactly happened. Luther himself was taken by surprise, but was assured once he reached the castle where he was treated with honor and respect. He was dressed as a knight and addressed as “Sir George.” The first few weeks of hiding passed quickly, but soon became restless to give evangelistic leadership to the people of Saxony. So, he began to translate the New Testament into the German language. He also wrote sermons on the Gospels and Epistles as well as on the subjects of the Mass and on monastic vows. About that time, he read the Edict of Worms which called on the people to surrender him for his proper condemnation with a warning to all who gave him shelter, aid of any kind or had anything to do with any of his books. Finally in the spring of 1522, Luther slipped away from Wartburg still wearing his disguise traveling toward Wittenburg. Along the way, only two Swiss students even suspected that he was Luther. In the summer of 1524, a rebellion started where peasants began to use force taking castles, rioting, fighting against those over them and more directly against the abuses of the ruling class. The peasant leaders stated their position in the famous Twelve Articles drawn up during the winter of 1524-1525 and adopted in a council at Memmingen on March 7. Luther read the articles and agreed with them. Soon after, he wrote his Exhortation to Peace on the Twelve Articles of the Swabian Peasants.He spoke to the nobles and the peasants. He believed firmly in the peasant's right, but he also believed in the rights of the civil government. He hoped for arbitration, but it was too late. Luther preached against the revolution and argued for relief—not for the destruction—of his people. Rioting was everywhere, but he was forced to choose between two evils sensing anarchy in his native land. In May, he wrote the pamphlet Against the Thievish, Murderous Hordes of Peasants. He was not deserting the peasant cause, but he had faith in the Saxon princes and knew that the peasants were being thoughtless. The decisive battle of the revolution was fought near Frankenhausen on May 15; peasants with pitchforks and wood axes awaited a miracle while well-armed knights on armored horses with stout lances and sharp swords swept down on them. Luther worked for the peasants, but physical violence was not the way to deal with problems. Erasmus saw the peasant rebellion as being partially caused by Luther's unbridled attack on the pope and emperor so stated in a pamphlet. Luther gave the matter serious thought and published his reply in December 1525 in his pamphlet On the Slavery of the Will. As relating to marriage, Luther defended marriage of the clergy on the grounds that it was the first picture of humanity presented in the opening chapters of Genesis. Luther himself married the daughter of the chief magistrate of Wittenburg; they lived together for almost half a century in quiet contentment. Catharine von Bora was twenty-six and Luther was forty-two when they married on June 13, 1525. Their first child, Hans was born on June 6, 1526. During this time, reconciliation was still attempted, but it was made hard because of the Edict of Worms. Because of the strain of circumstances and preaching daily, Luther's health began to show signs of weakness somewhere about the year 1521 experiencing nausea and vomiting, nervous headaches, severe digestive disturbances and even fainting. He was able to summon the strength to bear the burdens of home and church, nonetheless. Their son, Hans fell seriously ill and for eleven days could neither eat or drink. The plague came about this time and Luther feared for Catharine's life as she was pregnant with their second child. During this time of deep misery and uncertainty, Luther wrote A Mighty Fortress is Our God. Catharine weathered the plague the last few weeks of her pregnancy and their daughter was born December 10 and named her Elizabeth, but she was not strong and didn't even live to be a year old. Seeing the lack of instruction of the people by the pastors, Luther wroteThe Smaller Catechism and finished it in two years. In 1529, Charles V called for a second diet to meet at Speyer. He succeeded in getting a majority vote to prohibit reformed worship. In response, the Lutheran areas presented a formal protest to the diet which was signed by representatives of at least 19 cities. On May 4, almost a year later, Magdalene Luther was born. Zwingli and Luther drew up a document that stated fifteen cardinal doctrines, showing their agreement in all but the last, which concerned the Lord's supper, which they both signed. Luther defended the doctrine of the Real Presence. Luther finished the translation of Jeremiah, began Ezekiel and completed all the lesser prophets as well as publishing some of Aesop's fables in German and writing twelve other works. Around this time, Luther's father, Hans died. When Luther heard it, he rose, took his psalter and entered the study where he stayed for almost two days in unnerved sorrowing. But prayer and faith again were his sources of strength. After returning home after waiting at Coburg Castle for the finishing of the Diet of Augsburg, the severity of Luther's headaches, rheumatism, recurring digestive disturbances, neuritis in his chest and a dizzying disease in the middle ear all plagued him. He completed the translation of the Bible in 1534. The last edition to have his personal supervision came in 1545. Among many other hymns, Luther wrote Away in a Manger, No Crib for His Head. Over the years, eleven orphaned relatives found support in Luther's home. The Luther's had no privacy and even pawned their wedding gifts refusing to sell his written works stating that they were not for sale as they were the gifts of God. When Magdalene became seriously ill in September 1542, Luther entered the depths of human sorrow already having lost on daughter in infancy. She died not long after. Their children Hans 19, Martin 14, Paul 12, and Margaret 10 were older now, but so was Luther and Katie. The infirmities of age weighed heavily on him. Often, he felt a strong sense of companionship with the dead of his family: his parents and two daughters. On January 23, Luther left home again trying to resolve a dispute. Katie begged him not to go because of his health, but Luther had known his duty for too long. After the dispute was settled, Luther became sick. He felt a tightness in his chest that wouldn't leave. Two of his sons who had gone with him were by his side when a terrific pain seized him. He whispered,”Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.” In his final moment, his halting voice whispered the glorious message,“Who...hath...my word...shall...not...see...death....” Then he died. His body was taken back to Wittenburg and buried on February 22 in the cathedral church. Written by Jessica McNeil Information taken from Martin Luther by Edwin P. Booth

Stand Strong in Liberty bystevec828 When I was a kid I was taught in school the song “My country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty”, yes the patriotic song ‘America’. Little did I realize the depths of that song, but as we look back at the framers of our country and constitution as adults we can see the intent that all people should be free. It took nearly 100 years and a civil war to make that the law of the land to free those in slavery, 60 more years to give women the right to vote and then another 50 years for congress to pass the equal rights amendment. So today we should be able to sing ‘America’ all the more, knowing that the law of the land islibertyfor all. “Stand fast therefore in thelibertyby which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” – Galatians 5:1 NKJV Any student of American history can see that the principles upon which our country was formed come from the Bible. Just go into the Supreme Court and see the Ten Commandments on the wall, not to mention the use of swearing on the Bible in all courts. We are a country founded on the principle oflibertyfor all, just like we (hopefully) practice in our lives and in our churches. And thatlibertyis worth standing up for and fighting for. We are one nation, under God, made free. And we should stand fast, or in other words, we should not be moved from the proposition thatlibertyis our God-given right. But let’s use good judgement in this proposition. Not only should we defend our own freedom, we should defend the freedom of all people. Just look what the Bible has to say: “Then you recently turned and did what was right in My sight—every man proclaiminglibertyto his neighbor; and you made a covenant before Me in the house which is called by My name.” (Jeremiah 34:15 NKJV). It is right in God’s eyes that we should proclaimlibertyto our neighbor, who is everyone. And we should stand against those who seek to bring the American people into subjection, both abroad and domestically. Let’s remember that the hard work and sacrifice required to make this the sweet land oflibertyhad only begun on July 4th. And the work goes on today. Let’s also remember thatlibertyfor all is what God intends, so let’s stand strong in theperfect law of libertywe find in the Bible and in Jesus Christ.

Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Coming of the Lord by stevec828 I recently received and email from my parents that included today’s quote, and it was so inspiring that I thought I would share. I had heard this quote since I was a child, but never realized the origin and the context of it. “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Coming of the Lord.” – The Battle Hymn of the Republic, Julia Ward Howe, written November 1861 and first published February 1862 This quote is the opening line of the patriotic hymn “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” that was written and made popular during the civil war. I remember singing this song as a kid with silly lyrics like “Mine eyes have seen the coming of the glory of the Lord, he is coming down the alley in a 67 Ford” and “Glory glory hallelujah, teacher hit me with the ruler”. How many of you did that? Do kids still do that today? Actually, the email that sparked me to look into this hymn had a link to a group of high school choirs with a childrens choir in the mix. I’ll bet they sing it with some funny words too. But seriously, when you look into the words and origin of this hymn, it’s quite inspiring. The original melody came from popular spiritual written in 1856 but was then adopted with new words written by a Union soldier about the abolitionist John Brown’s body, how though he was dead his soul is marching on in the army of the Lord. Julia Ward Howe reportedly had heard it while seeing a review of the troops in Virginia and the next morning wrote the lyrics we know today. You can read the full account in Wikipedia. So, here is a song, that was being used by soldiers in the northern army as a marching cadence with an anti-slavery theme and motivation for their cause; it then is transformed into a patriotic anthem of the righteous cause of God. The truth that those who oppress others and those who reject the living God will meet the sword of His justice is nothing less than chilling. And the willingness that American soldiers have, from the revolution until this present day, to die that others may be free is profound. Read the lyrics, i think you will be as amazed as I was. Here are the full lyrics of the song Battle Hymn of the Republic as it was originally penned by Julia Ward Howe in November 1861. The version published in February 1862 is a little different, and then another verse was added later that year or as late as 1863. There are a bazillion recordings of this song on Youtube, so enjoy! LYRICS TO ORIGINAL VERSION OF BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC BY JULIA WARD HOWE Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.He is trampling out the wine press, where the grapes of wrath are stored,He hath loosed the fateful lightnings of his terrible swift sword,His truth is marching on. I have seen him in the watchfires of an hundred circling campsThey have builded him an altar in the evening dews and damps,I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps,His day is marching on. I have read a burning Gospel writ in fiery rows of steel,As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal,Let the hero born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel,Our God is marching on. He has sounded out the trumpet that shall never call retreat,He has waked the earth’s dull sorrow with a high ecstatic beat,Oh! be swift my soul to answer him, be jubilant my feet!Our God is marching on. In the whiteness of the lilies he was born across the sea,With a glory in his bosom that shines out on you and me,As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,Our God is marching on. He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,He is wisdom to the mighty, he is succour to the brave,So the world shall be his footstool, and the soul of Time his slave,Our God is marching on. Glory, glory, hallelujah!Glory, glory, hallelujah!Glory, glory, hallelujah!Our God is marching on. Glory, glory, hallelujah!Glory, glory, hallelujah!Glory, glory, hallelujah!His truth is marching on.

http://www.bibleornot.org/my-crown-is-called-content-a-crown-it-is-that-seldom-kings-enjoy/

http://www.bibleornot.org/you-cant-keep-a-good-man-down/

Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm? On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton , Colorado , was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful. They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. The following is a portion of the transcript: Since the dawn of creation there has been both good &evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers. The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart. In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death.. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. Your laws ignore our deepest needs, Your words are empty air. You've stripped away our heritage, You've outlawed simple prayer. Now gunshots fill our classrooms, And precious children die. You seek for answers everywhere, And ask the question "Why?" You regulate restrictive laws, Through legislative creed. And yet you fail to understand, That God is what we need! Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts. As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge.. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone! My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!" ..........Darrell Scott

http://www.bibleornot.org/the-impossible-truth-sir-arthur-conan-doyle/

2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. Well, it's almost the end of another month. Doesn't it seem like these days, months and years go by so fast? It sure does to me. When I come to the reality of all the time that has gone by recently, the first question that comes to my mind is...Have I made the best use of all the time God has given me? Always, there are days I can think of where I have not used the time as wisely as I know God would of wanted me to. Proverbs 10:4 says, He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. That is a good reminder of what will happen in real life if we don't put our "shoulder to the wheel" as they say and work hard in what God has set for us to do. Even in our own homes we have to do our share of the work or our parents are unhappy and the house is messy. Right? Do YOU know what God has set for you to do right now? If you don't, I highly suggest that you pray and ask God consistently to show you what it is. He will show you when He chooses. God has different plans for each of us. All of our families have different needs, but we all serve the same Lord by serving our family, friends and church even if it is in little ways. Proverbs 24:30-34 says, I went by the field of the lazy man, And by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest; So shall your poverty come like a prowler, And your need like an armed man. We need God's help to resist being lazy or choosing not to do what God has set before us to do, even if we don't like it or don't want to do it. Here are some suggestions on what to pray for. Be sincere when you pray! :) We can pray this. It's taken from Psalm 139:23-24. Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Ask God how you can best serve your family. Ask Him how you can serve Him best in your daily, and perhaps monotonous, work that God has given you to do right now.

Salutations to All of my Sisters and All of my Brothers. Open your Holy Bible's. We'll talk about Prophet Muhammad(PBUH)'s existence in the Old And New Testament. It can confuse us, but "Muhammad" specified in Psalms, Torah and Bible. You want to see some evidences, right? Yea, let me show them. [John 14-2] : Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.[John 14-16] : And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;(That Comforter is Prophet Muhammad. Before it was "Paraclete" but it translated as "Comforter")[John 14-30] : Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. ("The Prince of the World" one of the names of Muhammad)[John 16-7] : Neverthless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.[Exactly, yes.][John 16,8] : And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. [John 16-9] : Of sin, because they believe not on me;[John 16-10] : Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;[John 16-11] : Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.[John 16-12] : I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.[John 16-13] : Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.[This verse is very explicit.][John 16-14] : He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.Read these verses carrefully...It wants attention.If these evidences are not clear... we will find... other evidences. [Deuteronomy 33-2] : And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.(In this verse, with the phrase "the LORD came from Sinai," the prophethood of Moses is mentioned; with the phrase "rose up unto us from Seir" (Seir being a mountain near Damascus), the prophethood of Jesus (the Paran Mountains being the mountains of Hijaz), gives tidings of the prophethood of Muhammad, all will agree. Moreover, confriming the sentence, ( "...This is their similitude in the Torah and their similitude in the Gospel...(Quran, 48:29)") is the following verse of the Torah concerning the Compninons of the Prophet who would Shine from the Paran Mountains: )[Deuteronomy 33-2]: ....and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.[Deuteronomy 33-3]: Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shallreceive of thy words.[Isaiah 42-1] : Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine select, in whom my soul delighteth; I have pu my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the gentiles. [Isaiah 42-2] : He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street.[Isaiah 42-3] : A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.[Isaiah 42-4] : He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for hislaw.[Isaiah 42-5] : Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth theearth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:[Isaiah 42-6] : I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give theefor a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;[Isaiah 42-7] :To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of theprison house.[Isaiah 42-8] : I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to gravenimages.[Isaiah 42-9] : Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tellyou of them.(Here the verses explicitly describe Muhammad, the prophet at the end of time.)[Micah 4-1] : But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. [Micah 4-2] : And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths:(These verses obviously describe the most bleed mountain in the world, Mount Arafat, and the worship proclamations of "God is Most Great!" of those making Hajj, who will flock there from all climes, and the Community of Muhammad, famous for the Divine Mercy it will receive.)[Psalms 72-1] : Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king's son.[Psalms 72-2] : He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment.[Psalms 72-3] : The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness.[Psalms 72-4] : He shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in piecesthe oppressor.[Psalms 72-5] : They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations.[Psalms 72-6] : He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.[Psalms 72-7] : In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. [Psalms 72-8] : He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.[Psalms 72-9] : They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust. [Psalms 72-10] : The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.[Psalms 72-11] : Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.[Psalms 72-12] : For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.[Psalms 72-13] : He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.[Psalms 72-14] : He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.[Psalms 72-15] : And he shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba: prayer also shall be made for himcontinually; and daily shall he be praised.[Psalms 72-16] : There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon: and they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth.[Psalms 72-17] : His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.(These verses describe the Glory of the World, the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) in most clear fashion. Apart from Muhammad, what prophet has come since David who has spread his religion from East to West, made kings pay tribute, and brought rulers to submission as though prostrating: to whom every day one fifth of mankind offer benedictions and prayers, and whose light have irradiated from Medinah? Has there been any other? Ok. )These are very clear evidences, if we can understand. And the name, "Paraclete" in the Gospel, or Faraqlit , is defined in Biblical interpretation as "the one who distinguishes true from falsehood." It is therefore the name of who in the future will lead people to the truth. Also Jesus said in Quran: And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said: "O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of God (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving Glad Tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad." [The Battle Array, 61-6][Revelations 22-21] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

http://drbobgonzales.com/2011/when-godly-brothers-disagree-the-division-of-paul-and-barnabas/

Saturday, May 05, 2012 This Morning's Meditation C. H. Spurgeon "I will be their God, and they shall be my people."—2 Corinthians 6:16. HAT a sweet title: "My people!" What a cheering revelation: "Their God!" How much of meaning is couched in those two words, "My people!" Here is speciality. The whole world is God's; the heaven, even the heaven of heavens is the Lord's, and He reigneth among the children of men; but of those whom He hath chosen, whom He hath purchased to Himself, He saith what He saith not of others—"My people" In this word there is the idea of proprietorship. In a special manner the "Lord's portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance." All the nations upon earth are His; the whole world is in His power; yet are His people, His chosen, more especially His possession; for He has done more for them than others; He has bought them with His blood; He has brought them nigh to Himself; He has set His great heart upon them; He has loved them with an everlasting love, a love which many waters cannot quench, and which the revolutions of time shall never suffice in the least degree to diminish. Dear friends, can you, by faith, see yourselves in that number? Can you look up to heaven and say, "My Lord and my God: mine by that sweet relationship which entitles me to call Thee Father; mine by that hallowed fellowship which I delight to hold with Thee when Thou art pleased to manifest Thyself unto me as Thou dost not unto the world?" Canst thou read the Book of Inspiration, and find there the indentures of thy salvation? Canst thou read thy title writ in precious blood? Canst thou, by humble faith, lay hold of Jesus' garments, and say, "My Christ"? If thou canst, then God saith of thee, and of others like thee, "My people;" for, if God be your God, and Christ your Christ, the Lord has a special, peculiar favour to you; you are the object of His choice, accepted in His beloved Son.

Riddle me this. Why is it that some people go to heaven and others go to hell? I've heard it said that we have all fallen from grace and cannot earn our ways into heaven. If that's the case, then what is the difference between one who does believe and one who doesn't believe in God? Aren't those who believe in God just as evil as those who don't? We can't earn our way into heaven, right? Or is it that faith is the only way to achieve grace? And only Christian faith in particular? Then why is it that only some of the world is brought up Christian, and others Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Shinto, Sikkhist, Buddhist, etc.? Is God favorable to those who believe in him? Even though he said that nobody can achieve goodness? It seems an unfortunate consequence for those who have not been taught to believe in the correct God. What should they do? Question Islam? Question Hinduism? Risk going to one of their hells? Why would God set such a condition, knowing very well that not everyone would have a decent chance of accepting his grace in the manner that he prescribes?

JESUS CHRIST - THE GOD WHO DIED Is Jesus Christ God? YES HE is! But consider the following two important truths: First, if Jesus is really God, HE CANNOT DIE. Nobody has the power to kill God. Second, the Bible said that death is the penalty for being a sinner (Romans 6:23). Since Jesus commits no sin, HE MUST NOT DIE too. BUT JESUS DIED. Why? Apostle Peter answered this question in I Peter 3:18 which says, “For Christ died for sins once and for all, a good man on behalf of sinners, in order to lead you to God.” HALLELUJAH! Jesus died on our behalf so that we, who deserved to go to hell, out of God’s grace and mercy, might be given the right to become sons of God (John 1:12). Is there any reason why we should not surrender our life to Him and serve Him as our Lord and Savior? If you have not done that yet friend, do it now!

WHO IS JESUS? … thou shalt call His name JESUS for He shall save His people from their sins. Matt. 1:21… His name shall be called WONDERFUL Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, the PRINCE OF PEACE Isaiah 9:6… God hath made that same Jesus … both LORD & CHRIST Acts 2:36… Behold the LAMB OF GOD which taketh away the sin of the world! John 1:29… they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of THE LAMB Revelation 15:3… behold the LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH Revelation 5:5… and the BRIGHT & MORNING STAR Rev. 22:16… and our hands have handled, of the WORD OF LIFE I John 1:2… we hve an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ THE RIGHTEOUS I John 2:1… whereby the DAYSPRING from on high hath visited us. Luke 1:78… Before Abraham was, I AM John 8:58And I saw, and bare record that this is the SON OF GOD John 1:34… are now returned unto the SHEPHERD and the Bishop of your souls. I Peter 2:25… We have found THE MESSIAS which is, being interpreted, the Christ. John 1:41… I am the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. John 14:6… through the knowledge of the LORD & SAVIOUR Jesus Christ, II Peter 2:20… a name written, KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS Revelation 19:16… I am the LIGHT OF THE WORLD John 8:12I am ALPHA & OMEGA the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, And which was, and which is to come, THE ALMIGHTY Revelation 1:8 JOY TO THE WORLD THE LORD HAS COME

WHO IS JESUS? … thou shalt call His name JESUSfor He shall save His people from their sins. Matt. 1:21… His name shall be called WONDERFUL Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, the PRINCE OF PEACE Isaiah 9:6… God hath made that same Jesus … both LORD & CHRIST Acts 2:36… Behold the LAMB OF GOD which taketh away the sin of the world! John 1:29… they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of THE LAMB Revelation 15:3… behold the LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH Revelation 5:5… and the BRIGHT & MORNING STAR Rev. 22:16… and our hands have handled, of the WORD OF LIFE I John 1:2… we hve an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ THE RIGHTEOUS I John 2:1… whereby the DAYSPRING from on high hath visited us. Luke 1:78… Before Abraham was, I AM John 8:58And I saw, and bare record that this is the SON OF GOD John 1:34… are now returned unto the SHEPHERD and the Bishop of your souls. I Peter 2:25… We have found THE MESSIAS which is, being interpreted, the Christ. John 1:41… I am the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. John 14:6… through the knowledge of the LORD & SAVIOUR Jesus Christ, II Peter 2:20… a name written, KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS Revelation 19:16… I am the LIGHT OF THE WORLD John 8:12I am ALPHA & OMEGA the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, And which was, and which is to come, THE ALMIGHTY Revelation 1:8 JOY TO THE WORLD THE LORD HAS COME

So many people wonder how can we witness in the modern day? Any ideas?