Are You Bound In Sin?

If you are bound by a life-controlling sin, don’t suffer in silence. Salvation includes freedom from spiritual bondage.

Some people are transformed overnight when they surrender their lives to Jesus. They throw their drugs out the window, apologize to the people they’ve wronged, break off unhealthy relationships and make a 180-degree turnaround. I love dramatic conversions.

But the process of change is slower for most of us. While the new birth is indeed an instantaneous experience, salvation is not. We aren’t just “saved” in an emotional moment at a church altar; we are “being saved” on a daily basis.

Like Lazarus, who emerged from his tomb wrapped in grave clothes, we can experience the miracle of salvation and yet remain bound.

Jesus told those standing near Lazarus, “Unbind him, and let him go” John 11:44. 

We too need someone to unwrap us. Go to a Christian and ask them to help unwrap you from the sin you are bound in.

Only then will you be free.

How Great Thou Art

A Gracious Thank You To Vance Perry Productions

Silently Fallen Tears

A challenge was put before us
 on the day the terrorists came,
and it doesn't change a thing for us
 to find someone to blame.

Even God has put before us
 to always stand for what is right,
and we have come to realize
 this sometimes means that we must fight.

We stand tall in this great country
 to uphold our faith in God.
And to gladly give the glory,
 where so many feet have trod.

We must realize He's with us
 on whatever road we take,
if we but ask His guidance,
 He will victors of us make.

He can use us for His glory
 as we stand to show the world,
that we can fight against Satan,
 no matter what he's hurled.

The obstacles in our path
 will be so strongly rolled away,
and we will be united with
 our loved ones some sweet day.

Praise God for all the souls
 who will proudly stand and say,
"We give to God the glory",
 as we defend ourselves this way.

So we uphold each other in prayer
 and glorious praise,
and we trust that God will brightly shine
 a light along the way.

The world is now watching,
 to see what we will say,
and we must go forth proudly
 to defend what God has made.

So with prayer and supplication
 we send our troops to war,
and we must never loose sight
 of what all of this is for.

For our children's children
 will reap what we have sown,
and we pray for His great mercy
 when He finally calls us home.

And for all who do not make it,
 and for all who come back here,
we know that God is catching
 each silently fallen tears.

~Used with permission~
By Denise Lanford

It Is Still A Beautiful World!

Go placidly amid the noise and hate,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly:
and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorantly;
they too have a story to tell.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble,
it's a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees or the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And weather or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its shame, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world!

~Unknown~

93 Down: "Let's Roll!"

USA - 9/11 evokes many images; passenger planes colliding with glass, steel and concrete, exploding in a brilliant orange-red flash; one at a time, the sky-bound towers collapsing, pulled down by gravity in their weakened states, to meet their doom as heaping piles of smoldering debris; firemen solemnly hoisting a flag above the New York rubble in honor of their fallen brethren and all of America; what was considered the most secure building in our country billowing smoke as military and firefighters fought to rescue those trapped within one of its five sides.
For me, when I think of 9/11 it's not an image I have of that horrific day but a feeling, and it is that of the indelible spirit shown by the 40 passengers and crew on the flight from Newark, NJ, to San Francisco, CA, United 93. These individuals were faced with one of the most frightening situations one could conceive and they chose to respond by fighting for freedom, fighting for their lives. They knew full and well, through conversations with loved ones on the ground, where they were headed - into some building. They knew that rising up might just be the last thing they ever did, but they knew, too, they had no other choice for hope but through their own efforts; that no one was going to be able to save them. And while flight 93's end as a gaping, smoking hole in the earth near Stonycreek Township, PA, serves as many people's teary-eyed remembrance of that day, to me that crater holds the hope and spirit for America in these times of ours.
Imagine yourself there; feeling secure in your life enjoying (or not) a flight to a far-off destination, perhaps home. Perhaps it's as routine as your everyday life, or maybe it could be one of just a few flights, if any, you have ever taken and you're already nervous about every bump and bit of turbulence you encounter ... Then the unthinkable - movement, flashes of blades, blood, screaming. It could be that you didn't notice, that your seat was far in the rear and you were unaware of the unfolding situation. Maybe you had your headphones on, staring out the window daydreaming of your loved ones, and the rhythms of your tunes drowned-out the commotion. But, maybe you're seated right next to it, staring face-to-face with senseless violence and you're gripped with fear. Whatever your situation, you come to find that your plane has been hijacked; that you will be alright as long as you obey, but if you don't the plane will explode. As you're herded together with other passengers and crew you might share stories of what you have seen or heard, or you might just ask questions of those who know more. You might be panicking or not, or angry that you couldn't have stopped it earlier, but, everything you have ever known about this type of situation tells you to stay-the-course, that everything will work-out once you land - something the hijackers are telling you will happen. Soon, however, new information comes to light and you begin to see the bigger picture. The true direction of the plane is toward the complete oblivion of it, you, and perhaps thousands of others.
How analogous it is of these times of ours, now. Today, the passengers are, in fact, the whole of the American public going about their everyday lives as best they can in these uncertain financial times - which are indeed more dire than reported, but I'll leave that for others to comment on. The pilots steering us on a collision-course toward the complete destruction of our founded Republic are, none other than, our elected "representatives." They are the ones speaking of community civic responsibility and push agendas filled with constitutionally repugnant socialistic ideals. The plane that is our home of the brave and free society has been hijacked.
For years, increasing public demand that the government provide for it - anything, everything - has been born out of a feeling of personal entitlement and that anyone and everyone else is to blame or is responsible. The lack of this personal responsibility in our society to be able to care for one's self has left the cockpit door open, and those willing to provide the hoped-for change stepped across the threshold and have suddenly, violently, altered our republic's course.
Now, there are some passengers (Americans) that see this as a needed course correction; that believe with all of their hearts that life will be better wherever we are taken. They are the ones that have cried for more government provision. They are the ones that don't see that, ultimately, you have no one to rely on other than yourself. But soon, even these people, will see the path in a new clarity as even their rights are infringed. If only they were willing to listen to something other than their own tune long ago ...
There is, however, a growing majority that know the direction the plane is traveling is toward more complete control over personal liberties, freedoms and choices - that the best intentions of any socialized system becomes controlled by fascism or turns toward communism - both of which are inherently unsustainable, and are everything our founders fought to prevent. This majority, huddled in masses, yet scattered across the country, share stories, truths, and continually expose the agendas of those leading us toward the impending doom of our nation, as we know it. This majority knows how easily government provision turns to government ownership of its citizenry. They know that providing for all means lavish dinners for leaders while everyone else waits in bread lines. (But hey, no one is starving, right?) They know that when someone disagrees, they are arrested, and when someone speaks and acts out, they disappear. They know this because it is what every other society that has chosen a path toward socialist control has faced. And, they know that they don't want this for their country - that this isn't the destination they have chosen.
So, my questions are: When do we honor the example taught us by the 40 who gave their lives to stop an obvious attempt to destroy so many? When do we make the simple statement, "let's roll" and rise up to take back control from those who would steer us toward oblivion? When is enough going to be enough?
The Tea Party has already happened. It's time for action. Personally, I'm ready to roll.

 By Ron Lee US~Observer

A Spiritual Garden

Plant 7 rows of Peas (P's):
1. Prayer
2. Promptness
3. Patience
4. Preparation
5. Perseverance
6. Politeness
7. Purity
Plant 7 rows of Squash:
1. Squash Gossip
2. Squash Indifference
3. Squash Criticism
4. Squash Negative Thinking
5. Squash Envy 
6. Squash Jealousy
7. Squash Hatred
Plant 7 rows of Lettuce (Let us):
1. Let us be unselfish and loyal.
2. Let us be faithful to duty.
3. Let us search the scripture.
4. Let us be weary in well doing.
5. Let us be obedient in all things.
6. Let us be truthful.
7. Let us love one another.
No garden is complete without Turnips (Turn-ups):
1. Turn up with a friendly smile.
2. Turn up for Church.
3. Turn up for Bible Study.
4. Turn up for Prayer Meeting.
5. Turn up with determination to do your best in His service.
6. Turn up to praise God and not man.
7. Turn up to receive the Holy Spirit and not to quench the Spirit.
After planting, may you:
II Peter 3:13 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Cultivate well. Keep saturated with love. Reap a Harvest of Peace, Joy and Happiness.
~Author Unknown~

Rainbow Blessings

If you own a Bible, you are abundantly blessed. About 1/3 of the world does not have access to one.
If you wake up each morning with more health than illness, you are blessed to rise and shine, to live and to serve in a new day.
If you have anyone on the planet, just one person that loves you and listens to you, count this as a blessing.
If you can freely attend a church meeting without fear, than you are more blessed than over 1/3 of the world.
If you have a yearning in your heart to parent a child, you are blessed because you still desire what you cannot see.
If you pray today or any day, you are blessed because you believe in God's willingness to hear your prayer.
If you pray for someone else, you are blessed because you want to help others also.
If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep-all at the same time-you are rich in this world.
If you have a brother or sister in Christ that will pray with you and for you, then you benefit from a spiritual unity, bond, and agreement, which the gates of hell cannot stand against.
If you have any earthly family that even halfway loves you and supports you, you are blessed beyond measure.
If you attend church with a church family that offers you one word of encouragement, you are blessed with some form of fellowship.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, or some spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the world's wealthy.
If you can go to bed each night, knowing that God loves you, you are blessed beyond measure.
If you can read this message, you are more blessed than about 2/3 of the world.
If you have never had to endure the hardship of battle, imprisonment, or torture, you are blessed in indescribable measure.
If you have a voice to sing His praises, a voice to witness God's love, and a voice to share the gospel, you are blessed. About 1/3 of the world does not even know who the one true God is.
If you can hold someone's hand, hug another person, touch someone on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.
If you can share a word of encouragement with someone else, and do it with His love in your heart, you are blessed because you have learned how to give.
If you have the conviction to stand fast upon His Word and His promises, no matter what, you are blessed because you are learning patience, endurance, and tenacity.
If you hold your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because most peple can, but won't.

Beyond Life's Gate

Nala was buried under the apple tree, her last wish has been granted and she now rests in peace.

Click here for musical version...
In Memory of Pets

Beyond Life's Gateway there's a path
Of endless joy and peace,
A path along a sunny way
where cares and troubles cease,
and may you find some comfort
In remembering ,today,
The one who's gone Beyond Life's Gate
Now walks that sunny way.

Rest in our Father's loving arms, babygirl. I love you!

Stand In The Gap...VOTE!

Hold the presses! The Democrats, after several voice votes, reinstated Jerusalem and the word "God" into their party platform. But not until there was such an uproar about it that the political capital loss without reinstatement was greater than their principles against such. This is the art of politics in action. It is not exclusive to the Democratic Party and this kind of thing has gone on since the beginning of party politics--one of the main reasons why George Washington in his farewell address warned against political parties. Notwithstanding, that the Democrats would be forced by public opinion to reinstate in their platform something they do not believe is pathetic.

Public funded abortion and defeating the Defense of Marriage Act for the sake of same sex marriage are still in the Democratic platform. And by the campaign posters depicting the occupant of the Oval Office as Jesus Christ and "heaven sent", etc., perhaps their concept of "God" is not necessarily Biblical. Having said that, there is nothing Biblical about a Mormon nominee. Mormonism is a cult. Their Jesus is not the Yeshua Ha Mashiach of the Bible. I know there are folks out there who argue he is the same, but the characteristics and qualities of the true Yeshua are not the same as the Mormon Jesus. Having said that, the Mormon value system supports Israel, is pro-life, pro-marriage, and capitalist not socialist.

Indeed, both party's candidates are not ideal to the true Christian. America, in her present state, is in a prophetic decline. I say "prophetic" because there are many verses in the Bible that address what happens to a nation whose leadership embraces killing the unborn, homosexuality, the enemies of Israel, covetousness of your property and so on. Suffice it to say that Proverbs 29:2 is a catch all for what we are experiencing: "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn." The history behind each candidate's belief system is fraught with red flags or what should be red flags for any Christian, irrespective of "political party."

Many say that they will not vote. They say they will not vote for evil. I would say that by not voting, or by voting for a non-viable candidate, it is allowing the present system to advance. We have to ask our conscience if that is what the Lord would have us do. Be clear. This time in our history is similar to when Israel had rulers who did not do right in the sight of YHVH. There was no choice for the Israelites. Even though we have not much of a choice, we do have a choice--that men fought and died for to afford us such; a choice that I still believe was a blessing from YHVH. Our choices have a bearing on our destiny, as the Lord said in Ezekiel 22:30, "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none."

Yes, our nation has fallen into spiritual disrepair. The solution indeed is not political. But like the wall around Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah, we have to start somewhere. We need to stand in the gap. We need to be wise about our choices. YHVH will know our hearts through both our prayers and our actions. We cannot give up. We need to choose life that ourselves and our children may live. Let us be a prophetic, not pathetic people. 

www.dailyjot.com

The Center Of His Word

The shortest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 117
The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119
The center chapter in the Bible is Psalm 118

There are 594 chapters before the center of the Bible
There are 594 chapters after the center of the Bible
Add these together and you get 1188
What is the center verse in the Bible?
Psalm 118:8

Does this verse say something significant
about God's perfect will for our lives?
The next time someone says they would
like to find God's perfect will in their lives,
and they want to be in the center of His will,
just send them to the center of His Word!

Origin of Left & Right

I have often wondered why it is that Conservatives are called the "right" and Liberals are called the "left."
By chance I stumbled upon this verse in the Bible:

"The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left." 
Ecclesiastes 10:2 

Thus sayeth the Lord. Amen.
 
Can't get any simpler than that.

And now for a Spelling Lesson-------
 
The last four letters in American..........I Can
The last four letters in Republican.......I Can
The last four letters in Democrats.........Rats

End of lesson. Test to follow in November, 2012.
 
Remember, November is to be set aside as rodent removal month. 

The Story Of Nala & Ayla

Mama Nala and Baby Ayla

Nala was adopted when she was 2 years old. Her name was given to her, named after a character from
The Lion King animated series.

When Nala was 4 years old, we decided to breed her with a male Pitbull, whose name was Giinga. 

The liter was of 8 beautiful puppies, our aim was for a female, so to name her Ayla.

Ayla was of a character in the movie "The Clan of The Cave Bear" starring Darryl Hannah. Ayla was of the "Lion Clan", hence Nala of the Lion King. Here's the story of the movie: The Clan Of The Cave Bear

Ayla was eventually adopted out at a year old. 

Nala remained on the farm and enjoyed the fishing and the hunting.

Nala remained with us until her recent death at 14.7 years old. 

Her loss is a tremendous hole in our hearts and home.

Until we meet again, may she rest in peace.

Unfailing Love

by Chris Tomlin
You have my heart
And I am Yours forever
You are my strength
God of grace and power

 

And everything

You hold in Your Hand

Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My unfailing love
Unfailing love

You are my rock
The one I hold on to
You are my song
And I sing for You

And everything 

You hold in Your hand
Still You make time for me
I can't understand
Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love
Unfailing love

And everything 

You hold in Your hand
Still you make time for me
I can't understand
 

Praise You God of Earth and sky
How beautiful is Your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love
Unfailing love

I will praise You
Praise you God of earth and sky
How beautiful is your unfailing love
Unfailing love

And You never change God You remain
The Holy One
My Unfailing love

Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love
Unfailing love