Revelation Road : The Black Rider Review

Revelation Road:The Black Rider was a lot of fun to watch. It reminded me of the Mad Max movies and they even mentioned that connection in the extras. This is the third movie in the series and well worth watching.

Josh McManus is trying to rescue a kidnapped girl. She's injured and he ends up in a town where the leader refuses to help unless Josh goes and finds the 'Shepherd' and brings him back to the town to be turned over to the authorities.  Sofia, the leader's daughter tags along uninvited. Do they find the shepherd? Watch the movie and find out!

The absolute delight in this film is Kevin Sorbo who plays Honcho, the leader of thieves. The market place scenes are wonderful and very realistic to what could happen in the absence of any real social structure.

As they say in the extras, rather than concentrate on major world events like most post rapture stories, the emphasis in this series is on what is going on in the lives of everyday people and how they're living.

This movie is highly recommended.

Of Course, Cats go to Heaven

My oldest cat, Sammy, was put to sleep tonight. He was calm and happy to sit in my lap. I asked God to send Little One and Tabitha, who he'd grown up with and had already passed, to meet him. Not only did He send them, but also Dids, who was my cat from years ago and had never met Sammy.

They waited patiently for the formalities to be over and comforted me while I waited. Jesus showed up too, kissing my forehead. When it was over and Sammy had exited his body, the girls greeted him. Christ then took them all with him to heaven.

While I will mourn Sammy's loss, I know he and my other cats are reunited. They'll be playing at Jesus feet until one day, I join them.

The Second Death

Rev 20: 12-15 KJV

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell (the grave) delivered up the dead which were in them; and they were judged according to their works.

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (A final spiritual and physical death.)

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Rev 21: 8 JKV

But the fearful, the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcereres, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (A final spiritual and physical death.)

There are several interesting things being said in these verses.

First off, where to the dead come from who are to be judged?

According to the God's Word, death, hell or correctly translated the grave, and the sea.

What happens to death and hell?

They're cast into the lake of fire, along with everyone whose name is not found in the book of life after they've been judged.

What is the second death?

It is a final spiritual and physical death.

2 Thessalonians 1: 8 -9 KJV

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power.

Can you imagine anything more horrible than to wake up from death. Be judged by God. See His glory and Jesus, Know that the choices they made in life lead them here. Then to be sentenced to the lake of fire and suffer a final physical and spiritual death? No wonder there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

Whoa! Wait a minute...we're taught that they suffer all eternity. Do they?

Rev. 20: 10 JKV

And the devil that decieved them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and forever.

Notice who WILL be suffering day and night for all eternity. The devil. The beast and the false prophet. Nothing is said about anyone else.

Yes, very aware of what tradition teaches. But the Bible does exhort us to study the word of God ourselves, not just absorb what is taught or been passed down via theology.

Study these verses yourselves. Do word studies on them. Find out what they really say. And don't be afraid if they rock your theology. God wants us informed what He really means. Not tradition. 








 

At the Cross, the dutiful son

As Westerners, we miss a very important event at the cross. Mary, Jesus mother, was there. The Bible never says what happened to Joseph, but we can assume he was dead. As the first born son, it was Jesus responsibility to care for his aging mother. Everyone in the Eastern cultures know this.

So, here he is, dying, and Jesus makes sure his mother is taken of by one of his disciples. What a beautiful and touching image of him making sure she would be loved and cared for, and not tossed out in the streets penniless.

A very significant event. An important one. Don't over look it!

Greater

Greater is the One living inside of me, than he who is living in the world.

A very powerful phrase in the currently popular song, Greater by Mercy Me.

God has already won the battle. The devil lost.

Too bad most Christians don't live like it. 

God's Not Dead - movie review

A college professor demand's all his students write on a piece of paper, God is dead. Sign it and turn it in. One student, a Christian, can't bring himself to do that. What happens is that he is given the chance to prove his case and the class gets to decide - despite what this might and does cost him.

A wonderfully written and pretty well acted film that speaks to all of us who have been in this position. And asks the question, if it were you, would you stand up for what you believed in?

Great guest appearance by the Newsboys who sing, of course, God's Not Dead.

The Watchers - Revelation, a Review

Recently I watched the Christian Science Fiction film, The Watchers, Revelation. It follows the adventures of two families as they encounter 'Aliens', the government's knowledge of these beings, and the final outcome.

Spoiler alert. I do talk about some of the scenes in the film. 

My reaction was, great, here's another film depicting aliens as demons. Sure enough, that was exactly what happened. The only interesting twists was that the demons were supposedly 'helping' mankind by supplying information about advanced technology. It was a repeat of what happened in Genesis and the sons of god who mated with human females. Only problem was, the demons who caused that particular disaster where thrown into a special place in hell where they'll stay until the final judgement. One assumes it was to keep them from doing the same thing again.

Second, bad acting. The only decent characters was the 'leader' of the aliens and the little girl.

There were some good moments. The explanation of supposed UFO's with their erratic movements that defy physics. The idea it could be angels flying makes much more sense rather than advances in technology we don't yet understand.

True creative inspiration comes from God. The little girl's creation of a  holographic computer monitor for a science fair project.

Great representation that science compliments  God's word, not destroys it nor replaces it.

Solid family values. The relationship between the uncle and his nephew is shown to be warm, despite a long separation and the mother being protect of of her child.

Government knowledge of these beings. Believe it or not, the US Gov has a contingency plan for alien invasion. One wonders how much our leaders actually know about the spiritual side and are mistaking them for X-tees. (They don't have one for a potential ice age, which is much more likely to happen since is has in the recent past. 1400-1500 to 1850. It was called the little ice age.)

Nice examples of angels, both fallen and those still serving God. The sword fight over the little girl with flaming swords is probably one of the best scenes. 

Over all reaction, good for one viewing only. Not something I'd make of a point of watching very often. Happy I only paid $5 for it. 

Citizens and the Book of Life

Phillipians 4:8

With other fellow-laborers, whose names are in the book of life.

According to Bible Manners and Customs it was custom, sort of followed in today's society, to have registries with the names of their citizens, both those born there and those adopted. Heaven is shown the same way. There is a book with the names of God's children in it. It's referenced in Revelations as well during the final judgement called the Book of Life.

In the latter, those whose names are not found, are thrown into a lake of fire, but only after God has judged them according to their deeds. What type of judgement is not really clear. However, according to the ancient customs when one lost their citizenship, they're name is erased from the registry. Makes one wonder if they will be forgotten for all time by those who survive and dwell with God.

P. 463

God shall supply

But my god shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

A verse to live by, even in these still unsteady times.

Attitude of Gratitude

Americans never seem to be grateful for what they have. There is always the next shiny toy, the bigger house, the faster car.

Yet, if everyone would just stop and be grateful for what they had, life would be much simpler and more fulfilling.

If you have the following - be thankful.

A roof over your head.
Food on your table.
Clothes on your back.
A job.
People who love you.
Good health.
Any other good thing you've been blessed with. 


Be thankful.
Be content.
Dance before the Lord in pure job.
Praise the Heavenly Father.
Sing, or make a joyful noise.

If we'd spend more time being thankful, rather than grumbling about what we don't have, our lives would be happier.

Think about it. 

Dancing before the Lord

2 Samuel 6: 14-23.

Everyone knows the story of King David dancing before the Lord in the streets clothed only in a linen ephod, which was a priestly garment, or a type of girdle.  And David danced with all his might.

They brought the ark of covenant back to Israel & made sacrifices.

Now, his wife Michal, Saul's daughter, saw this and told him how it was unbecoming a king and how dare he!

He told her straight out is was before God who had chosen him. He basically said, I will be honored in my own house. And Michal, never had a child. Which was a very bad fate of any married woman.

This situation reminds me of today's churches. The more conservative think dancing before God is a horrible thing, while more charismatic churches encourage it. And the latter is right, considering the above example. And those who do believe in dancing, leave the more conservative and go find a place where they can worship fully.

One wonders, what will be the reaction of the conservatives when they reach heaven and see all the dancers in God's throne room....

 

Song, Dance and Playing Instruments

Psalms 33: 1-3. KJV

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; for praise is comely for the upright.
Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument with ten strings.
Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.

The importance of worship with song and instruments is mentioned many times in the book of Psalms, yet in today's churches, it's simply a prelude to the teaching. Something to be hurried through. Not savored or enjoyed. Or done instead of a pastor preaching or teaching.

During this month, we'll be studying song, dance and the playing of instruments and how, in God's eyes, they are VERY important.

God Loves You

God loves you. A simple message. A true one. There are no conditions. He always forgives you. He always forgets what you did wrong. He longs to see you and will rejoice when you dance in heaven. Or on Earth. He longs for your worship. For your time. Just to be with you. God loves you!

Thrive

Casting Crowns new song, Thrive, has been playing on KLOVE. It's my new favorite song, and I'm known to turn it up on the radio as I'm driving. I have to giggle because the other commuters, most of which hate their jobs. I can tell by the expressions on their faces, can't figure out how someone can be so joyful.

The bridge goes like this:

Joy unspeakable,
Faith unsinkable,
Love unstoppable,
Anything is possible!

We really were made for more than ordinary lives. How that speaks to my heart!

How about yours?

Are you happy?

Are you happy? A simple three word sentence with huge impact. Many people go through life surviving, doing what they think they should, chasing a dream that turns into a night mare. Very few go after what they really want because they've been programmed to think that's abnormal.

After watching the Hallmark movie, Stranded in Paradise, it got me  thinking. Was I happy? Were all the survival jobs I worked for over three decades really worth it? Did I really step out and taste life?

Oh, I did a few times, but those were rare. Mostly I worked for thankless and disloyal employers, enduring positions I detested, for one reason - Money!

The Bible says that the love of money is the root of all evil. Our government worships it. Many churches worship it. Every person in our society thinks it's important. Is it? It's ink on paper. Pure and simple.

Are you happy? Are you doing what God called you to do, or are you following the dictates of society?

Noah - movie review

The movie Noah caused quite a stir, not to mention drawing criticism from the more conservative religious elements. However, if they'd step back and realize that Hollywood film makers take liberties with just about every story they adapt to film, and look at the adaptation for what it is, they might find there are many elements to admire.

What are they? Well, let's start with the supernatural element. The touches all over all in this film. Angels falling to Earth wanting to 'help' mankind. Noah dreaming about the planet drowning in water. Grandfather blessing Shem's barren wife and final blessing on the grandchildren at the end by the relic that glows.

The wickedness of mankind. Graphically illustrated in several scenes. The barren planet since it had been used up. Humans thinking they are equal with God and could do with the world and its creatures as they please. It showed why God would have cleansed the Earth to begin with.

It's talks about the great cities of man and the technology the angels brought with them. It shows the genetic manipulation of animals, which the Bible does talk about. Yes, the reference is in there. Double check the story. It speaks of the impure animals.

Ultimately, it is a story of redemption. How one man and his family found favor in God's eyes and survived. They obediently built the ark and survived.

Interesting thing, the story of the flood is in just about every culture. Mankind did remember. They changed the details to fit their mythology, but they do remember. Even science has recently found evidence to support it.

So, take a second look at Noah. It's a good film and an attempt at telling a Biblical story with all sorts of surprises mixed in.

What is God?

What is God?

The Bible says God is spirit and love.

Also, it says man is made in His image.

So what is man?

Love and spirit.

Question is, if man is made in God's image, love and spirit, is it possible He made other beings in His image as well?

A good question to ponder. 

In the End

 The Bible instructs us to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, strength and love your neighbor as ourselves.

It's hard to love other people when they cuss at you, or flip you off on the highway, or cut in front of you in the grocery store, or...the list goes on.

 Instances where this is particularly difficult are customer service positions, when you're just doing your job and the customer is being unreasonable. Have to wonder why there aren't classes on how to be a good customer, instead of the poor clerk being ragged on , and underpaid, about something they have no control over.

And then employers wonder why their turnover is high?

Love your neighbor as yourself. Difficult in today's out for myself society. Impossible? Some days. Other days, just release them to God. It'll keep you from being upset with them and in the end, isn't it better to keep yourself positive and happy?

Broken Principle - Ignore?

Can a Christian work for an employer who is unethical? They can, if they keep their mouths shut. However, eventually, a clash is going to happen and the Christian is going to either willingly or not, move on.

Why?

Because the job grates against the holy spirit. The Christian knows what is going on is wrong. That principle is being broken. And the Christian simply can't ignore it.

And shouldn't.

What's Best

Our society has a bad habit of thinking that this person, or that one, knows what is best for everyone.

Really?

I see this in the workplace, in congress and even the highest office of the land.

The only person who truly knows what is best for us is God. He has a plan for our life. He trumps everyone.

Bear that in mind the next time you think, 'If they'd just do what I want, everything would be fine.'

Violating Principle - Sad Results

Something happened at work this week that violated my sense of right and wrong. While I do agree my job helps certain individuals in the aging market, the measures my employer will take to garner their business is troubling. In fact, some of it is border line harassment, and has been called such by many prospects.

Rather than being upfront with them, they put seniors through a process that manipulates them, in order to allow a home rep to visit them. Many of those visits don't actually end in sales, and the few that do, from what I've heard, they're actually grateful to have freedom in this part of their lives.

Still, what right does anyone have to prey on someone's pain? The basic principles being violated make me shudder. I have to change my goal from my employer's agenda to making sure I bless every single person I talk to. I can't say I like their process and I've actually had more success being upfront with people rather than manipulating them.

Unfortunately, this is a symptom of what is wrong with American business. With the Great Recession, anyone else agree it was actually a Depression? Employers have gotten used to using everyone, including employees, to their end. Then when they can't keep good people or business sinks, they can't figure out what they did wrong.

The sad part is, how many people buy in to the deception and blindly follow.

Dreams and their meanings

On Sid Roth's It's Supernatural, last week's guest spoke about sleeping and receiving information or prophetic dreams from God. The guest spent year's researching dreams in the Bible and put together a Christian book on symbols in dreams and the Biblical take on what they mean, rather than the current popular secular meanings.

The guest even shared personal experiences and the outcomes when warnings were acted on, like preventing their church from dividing when two major families had a disagreement. With prayer and counseling, they got through the crisis.

This is a powerful  and informative segment. Highly recommended and available on the It's Supernatural website.

 

Faith Based Films Upswing

On KLOVE this morning, the DJ's were talking about the interest Hollywood is taking in faith based films. There certainly has been more than usual and when DVD's, even I've noticed a better selection of titles from companies such as Sony.

One upcoming film that I looking forward to is the remake of Left Behind with Nicolas Cage. While the actor is a curious choice, I have seen him in many films and enjoyed his performance. I've been following the updates on Facebook and even viewing clips as they've become available. Am hoping it is a good, well made movie. Yes, I did enjoy the original trilogy and was very disappointed when there weren't any others made.

There are many good faith based films out there and no doubt more in the works. All of us can thank the Christians who have been working in the movie industry and encouraging studios/producers, etc. that there is an audience out there who will go see these films.

The Genesis Code review

The Genesis Code is an excellent Christian attempt to blend science and the Biblical account of creation. It features budding young scientists who aren't sure they believe in God and by researching the findings against the creation story, discover more proof than they thought they'd find.

It also features several side stories, including a budding young hockey player, a Christian journalist who falls for him, and a dying mother. It poses many moral questions and the outcomes while predicable, are also believable.

On a scale with one the lowest and five the highest, this movie rates about four stars. Mainly because the whole explanation of time sequence was much longer than it needed to be.

A great film for those who say science and creation contradict each other.

Waiting on God's Timing

Waiting on God's timing can be frustrating, but also ultimately rewarding. Look how long His children waiting in captivity in Egypt before they were freed - four hundred years. Look how long it took until Jesus was born. More generations than we can count. Look how long we've waited for Christ's return - we're still waiting.

We have to trust that God's plan is perfect, even when we think He's crazy. Or wondering what's taking so long. He knows so much more than we do about what is good for us.

So wait we do. 

Tear Bottles

Psalms 56:8 : Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into they bottle: are they not in thy book?

This is an ancient Oriental custom where all righteous tears are saved in a bottle and buried with the person as proof for God. All other types of tears are not saved. However, in this verse, it's saying the proof is not needed and that His children's good works are recorded in God's book.
 
Light through an Eastern Window by Bishop K.C. Pillai pp.115-116.

I Am

My, dear, dear children. I am watching over you. Today. Tomorrow. For all your days. Know that I see you, and love you. Know that I Am there. Protecting. Providing.

For I Am, that I Am.

Blessings

We need to be thankful for every day that we have and what blessings God bestows on us.

Blessings you say? What blessings?

 A red tail hawk soaring in the breeze overhead.

Birds singing in the budding trees.

Ducks and geese landing and swimming in the water.

White and pink blossoms unfurling on the trees.

The perfect song playing on the radio.

These are just a few blessings I've gotten during the past week.

What are yours?

You are His

Is your relationship with God intimate? Is He the first person you think of and speak to in the morning and your last thought and goodnight?

Do you take Him with you throughout your day? Does He stand beside you while you put dishes in the dishwasher? Is He ever present at work? Do you release your Children and Spouse to him when they're away from you? Or even while they're with you?

Do you trust Him to the point that no matter what happens, you know He's going to catch you?

Beloved, He holds you in the palm of His hand. You are precious and wonderful to Him. His love for you is everlasting and He longs for the time you will be Him forever and forever.

And when that time comes...will you run and throw yourself in his arms? Or slink away in shame because your life did not glorify Him or you think you're not worthy?

Child, there will be dancing in heaven before His throne and a feast such as we have never seen.

He chose you, before the foundation of the world. He knew you would be His and believe in His son, Jesus Christ.

You are His. Rejoice. Dance. Enjoy.

Easter - Christian or Pagan?

The debate rages. Is Easter a Christian Holiday or a Pagan one?

What's your opinion?

Surprise Avenues

Be careful what you pray for. You never know what doors God will open up and often, they'll surprise you.

As humans, we tend to think along traditional avenues when trying to solve a problem. God, on the other hand, will take his children off the beaten path, and provide in a way one might not often think of. It puzzles the world, and amazes His followers.

Great example, The Hiding Place. Both a book and a film, it shows how God took care of His children in one of the worst and darkest times of human history.

Best quote from it: There is no pit that is so deep, that God is not deeper still.

So don't look at adversity and dark times in your life as 'God has deserted me'. Instead, hold onto your heavenly father's hand and trust Him to be with and lead you through them.

Is today your last?

Who do you live for every day?

God?

Yourself?

Do you live every day as if it's your last?

It could be.

All it takes is one inattentive driver having a bad day and Bam!

Are still things you'd like to accomplish for God's glory?

Then do it!

Don't wait!!!!

Later...never...ever...comes.

Every day is a gift.

Live it to the fullest.

Taken by Surprise

God has an odd sense of timing. I'm standing in the middle of Artist Alley during AnomalyCon and He drops both a vision and an update about what my future holds. He startled me and I blurted something, in the presence of other people that went along the lines of , will you stop telling me things, etc. Later, I apologized.

I like that God tells me things. It's just that my heavenly Father has an odd sense of timing. Or maybe He just knows that is when I'll be listening. Or maybe, in that instance, it was a witness to someone else with what is possible when you believe in God.

No, I won't share the message. Not yet. But I know what is coming and I couldn't be more excited!

God's Got This

When you feel like you're dropping off the edge of the Earth.
When you think it can't get any worse.
When you wonder what you could possibly have done that was so wrong.
Remember.
God's Got This.

You are His masterpiece.
You are his precious and beloved Child.
You are an heir God and a joint heir with Jesus Christ.
You are already sitting on the right hand of God.
You are healed. Physically. Emotionally. Mentally.
You live more than abundantly.
You are taken care of via His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.
You can do all the things Christ did and even more because Jesus sits in heaven.
You can speak in Tongues, speak forth prophecy, discern spirits, have words of knowledge and wisdom. And that's only the beginning of the spiritual gifts!
You name is written in the Lamb's book.
You will be raised from the dead or changed when Christ returns.
You're going to get to meet all those wonderful people you've read about in the Bible.
You get to live in heaven - forever.

So Remember.
God's Got This. 

Jewish Feasts and Miracles

I'm a loyal follower of Sid Roth's - It's Supernatural. The guests are, as a rule, interesting, and reminds all of us that God's Kingdom is more than just going to church.

Last week, his guest was Perry Stone. He spoke of the Jewish feasts and asked a very good question - why don't modern day Christians celebrate them? After hearing what he has uncovered about them, we should be.

This week, his guest is Aliss Cresswell. She runs a shop in England and advertises miracles and interrupting dreams. Her stories are fascinating about those who have been healed and have accepted Christ.

If curious, you can watch these programs at: http://sidroth.org/television/tv-archives.

God is alive and well today, ready and willing to perform miracles. Do you believe He can?

Lack of Knowledge

The Bible is like any work of literature. In order to understand it, one must first be aware of customs, history, symbols, the importance of numbers, figures of speech - all those things that Literature teachers attempted to teach their students in school.

Yet, this is largely ignored by seminaries and pastors. Instead, most get a type of moral teaching, while true understanding of God's word goes untouched and mostly unnoticed by most church goers.

God himself in the book of Timothy encourages all of his followers to study His word, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. Those who do are often looked down upon the supposed teachers because often what is found, is somewhat different from what is being taught.

Tradition is fine. Truth is better. Even God said his people were destroyed due to lack of knowledge.

Knowledge is the one thing every believer should go after.

Extraordinary Measures

Extraordinary Measures is wonderful film, based on true events, about the actions taken by a father to save two of his children. He didn't wait around for medical science to come up with something to help, he actively got involved and helped make it happen. Of course, it helps the film stars two favorite actors, Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford.

The movie reminds me of how God goes to extraordinary measures for his children. He sent his only begotten son to pay the price for sin and allows us, once more, back into the throne room. Not only that, but the price also paid for physical, mental and emotional health. Remember how, after the first passover, there was not one feeble person among the Jewish nation as they fled Egypt for the promised land? That's available today.

According to Romans we have the right to call God 'Daddy'. We are His heirs and joint-heirs with Christ. We are adopted. What that means is that God chose us and will NEVER toss us away. We are free from condemnation. We are more than conquerors through He who loves us.

Wow!

Not to mention the promise of Christ's return where the dead will rise first and put on immorality, and those of us who are alive will be changed and caught up in air. Ever will we be with the Lord! (Thess.)

Are you ready to embrace the Extraordinary Measures God has for you?

Dreams and Visions

Being part of Acts 2:17 can be a bit disconcerting sometimes. God doesn't warm me when a vision or bit of knowledge will be dropped into my head. Usually its quiet but on occasion, its shocking and takes me by such surprise I not really sure I wanted to know.

For those who aren't familiar with the verse. (KJV)
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions and your old men shall dream dreams.

Granted the verse says men. Not uncommon in an era when men ruled. However, the Bible also tells us that God is no respecter of persons. Why else would one of the judges, Deborah, have been placed in her position. Or Ruth married into the line of King David, or Queen Esther saved her people.

So, here I am, one of those being told or show things that will be happening in the future. Scary sure, But also very exciting.

Star of David

I recently had a supernatural experience. I was listening to Joel Olsten talk about our spiritual genetic inheritance, when Jesus himself appeared in my living room. He placed his hand against my forehead and left the Star of David. Now, I'll admit I was half asleep when this happened. His action jolted me awake.

Now, why Jesus would appear and mark me in such a fashion, I have no idea.

I have done some research on what the Star of David means beyond being a symbol of the Jewish people. It is a symbol of unity between God and humanity. It is a symbol of unity, honor and repect. It is a symbol of God ruling the universe. And much, much more.

Myself, I'm honored to carry such a symbol. No, if you looked at me, you wouldn't see it. But I know its there.

Perhaps, just perhaps, I received it because I'm researching my Jewish roots and respect them. After all, Jesus himself was Jewish. We as Christians tend to forget that.

Next Step

Recently, I've been struggling with whether or not keep our current house. I finally went to God in prayer and asked what to do. Not surprisingly, the answer came from His small, still voice. The conversation was three short sentences.

God "Is this really the house you want to spend the rest of your life in?"

 Me "No, not really."

God "Well, there you go."

Now I'm at peace and ready for the next step of my life.

Prayers and Christian Lives

What should life really be like for a Christian? I think too often we settle for less than who God made us to be. Or else we madly dash after what our culture teaches us we should want.

After a dramatic change in my life, I've been learning to listen to my heavenly Father and to pray for things that I don't even have yet. No, I'm not talking about treating God like Santa Claus. I'm talking about praying for those things that God instructs you to. Things that will bless and enrich your life.

My prayer time is during my commute in the morning. I listen to KLOVE and talk to the Father. It's a sweet time. I've even been known to pray for those involved in accidents or as a firetruck or ambulance passes lights and sirens blaring.

I even pray for complete strangers. Or if someone does something for me, like letting me into traffic, I'll ask God to bless them. It'll be interesting when I get to heaven to find out what the results of these prayers were.

Unconditional Love

Christmas in Conway is an excellent example of unconditional love given by a man to a woman. The story is set in a small town. A woman comes home from the hospital into the care of a hospice nurse. Her husband has a hard time dealing with both a stranger in the house and the looming death of his wife.

His wife makes a comment about the night he proposed. They were on a ferris wheel. Thus begins the search for a ferris wheel to give his wife a second wonderful memory of what was the best day of his life.

There are struggles, a neighbor who complains he's destroying the beauty of their historic neighborhood. The owner of the junk yard who runs him off more than once before agreeing to the sale of the old ferris wheel. A selfless sacrifice of a brand new motor home in trade.

Forgiving a young man who stole something very precious from him and ends up helping completing the task to bless the husband's wife.

This film gives a wonderful example of how a man should love woman, in the worst possible set of circumstances. A lovely example for any man who watches it.

So, find a copy today. Pop the popcorn and sit down together to watch this wonderful movie.

Good Question

Why is modern Christiandom,on the average, like the 400 years of spiritual darkness that fell on Israel before John the Baptist and the birth of Christ?

Why do modern theologians, the ones who teach the leaders of the church, tell them myths like, tongues was only for the early church to spread the gospel, instead of telling them truthfully it's for us today as well?

Why are many of the 'religious' programs on TV only begging for money instead of ministering to people?

All very good questions.

Any one have any good answers?

Forgiving

Foregiveness. One of the hardest things to do in a culture who teaches to blame others, hold a grudge, get revenge...

Yet it is necessary for the cleansing of our soul and allow us to move past the hurt to whatever good thing God has in store for us.

It isn't an easy process. Yet we can't allow the hurt and pain to fester. We certainly can't allow it to leave a destructive scar from which we never recover. Such things cloud our mind and affect the way we view the world, and most importantly, other people.

Yes, we are wronged. Forgiving the other person is NOT saying, what they did was right. It is releasing our pain and hurt and moving on with our lives.

So, whatever pain, hurt or bad thing has happened, know that is is possible to forgive, heal and move on with God's plan for your life. It won't be easy. It won't happen overnight. In the end, it will be the best thing you can do for yourself.

Remember, God forgives your sins and then forgets them after you tell him you're sorry.

We can do no less for others who do the same to us.