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THE DOLPHINS TEACH US FAMILY LIVING

  

When we lived in Aransas Pass one of our favorite past times was to ride the ferries across the bay. The highlight of the ferry ride was to see the dolphins swimming and jumping out of the water.

Unaware of their protective nature we were only interested in their beauty. Until one day while my father was doing some deep sea construction work, there was a shark swimming toward him. Out of nowhere, a dolphin came by and ran the shark off. Learning of this, it gave us a better understanding about the nature of these beautiful creatures.

Dolphins are very family oriented. They run in pods and the pods include male, females, babies and elderly dolphins.

Dolphins are very calm and friendly but there are times they get very aggressive. One of the times they become aggressive is when something starts to attack one of the elderly or young dolphins. Another example is when a shark tries to attack a human.

The healing process in dolphins is faster than in any of the other mammals. A deep shark attack heals extremely fast, thus making them less vulnerable.

Most dolphins enjoy socializing and playing. They spend much of their time playing with other dolphins but they will also become very playful with humans as well as other sea creatures and with humans. A favorite past time for many dolphins is to tease and interact with others in a playful manner.

The dolphin has the greatest communication skills of all the sea creatures. They spend most of their time communicating with one another with what seems to be squeaks and squeal to us.

The dolphin's eyes are connected to two separate areas of its brain. While one section sleeps the other section of the brain is awake and active watching for predators. Making sure nothing sneaks upon the pod.

We need to be like the dolphins and take the time to communicate with, play with, and protect both our younger and our older generations from harm.

The scripture teaches us the value of family living. Let's be more like the dolphins and care for our orphans, children and widows. We need to take the time to show them the attention, the love and protection they need.

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (James 2:17)

 

WRAPPED UP

It's so easy to get wrapped up in the holidays and the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking and getting the presents wrapped and placed under the tree.   Our greatest need is to be wrapped up ourselves. 

We need to allow the Savior to wrap his arms of love around us.  When people look at our lives this holiday season may we radiate with these beautiful wrapping.

 

II Peter 1:3-7

According as his divine power

hath given unto us all things '

that pertain unto life and godliness,

through the knowledge of him

 that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Whereby are given unto us

exceeding great and precious promises:

that by these ye might be partakers

of the divine nature,

having escaped the corruption

that is in the world through lust.
And beside this,

giving all diligence,

add to your faith virtue;

and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance;

and to temperance patience;

and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness;

and to brotherly kindness charity.

WHAT PORTRAIT ARE YOU LEAVING BEHIND?

 

People are watching you every day. They are watching what you do and what you say. It surprises me sometimes when a person says, "I read this on your Facebook page."

The reason I am surprised is that I never see them on my Facebook page. They never click on, "like" and never leave a comment. There have been several who say, "I read your posts everyday and follow your comments to others." Wow, this surprises me. People are watching more closely than I thought.

Our children are more likely to do what we do than what we say. Many times we go to the extreme to teach them what we want them to be when they become adults. Then, we who are hoping to teach them, walk out into the world and do the opposite.

I've seen parents live a consistent Christian life as long as the children lived at home. The minute their kids were off to college, the parents were off to a new life without the Lord.

When this happens, the whole slate of what you taught has been wiped clean. These children see that what you taught them meant nothing in your own personal life.

My father-in-law and mother-in-law were not the type of Christians who went on mission trips or even went door to door, witnessing to others. The things they did do, that spoke louder than anything they ever said, was to attend church regularly, read their bible regularly and love the Lord their God regularly until their last breath.

As the artist in charge of painting your life, what picture are you painting from start to finish?

 Are you having to start all over every few years because of the inconsistency of your lifestyle or does your portrait consist of building blocks, each year, adding more and more color to your work?

When your life is over and people look at the portrait you drew of yourself, what stands out to them?

Even if you don't want them to be watching, you can't stop them. Close your eyes and picture in your mind the people that have passed away. Your mind immediately draws an image. The same will be true about you.

Jesus left an image of himself for us to see and live by. He not only died on the cross but he rose again so you and I can be free.

All we have to do is receive the gift of himself he left for us.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.( Galatians 2:20)

 

 

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

 

Our little granddaughter, who is attending a preschool, was one day asked by her teachers what she wanted to be when she grows up. She answered, "A church." They asked her several times and each time she responded with the same answer.

Upon hearing this story, there have been several responses to her statement. One lady said, "Somebody needs to sit her down and explain to her what a church is." I'm thinking to myself, "No Ma'am, somebody needs to explain to you what a church is."

A church isn't a building in which we meet. It is the people, who are members, which make up the body of Christ.

Many people have been taught the church is holy, and we are to show reverence toward it. No running. Sit still. No drinks. Take your hat off … and the list goes on. They will pass this teaching down to their children.

These same people will do sinful things to their bodies and think nothing about it. We should be respectful in the building where we worship but the most important thing to remember is that our body is actually the temple of the Holy Spirit. We need to spend each day making sure that it's our bodies that we are to keep clean and pure.

I hope my granddaughter never quits saying she wants to be, "A church" when she grows up. Our body is the temple of God.

What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (I Corinthians 6:19-20)

COUNTERFEIT OR REAL?

This is a question asked by many, "Is God real or have we just created this being and everyone started worshipping him?"

 I see more people confused as time passes by about who God really is.

If we were to visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, we could see money printed that would be crisp and new. There are people who counterfeit, attempting to make something that looks identical to the real thing. No matter how they try, perfection can't be reached. The counterfeit money is put into circulation and is very hard to identify, but experienced bankers can tell the difference.

Have you ever heard of someone trying to counterfeit monopoly money? The answer is "no" because it's fake money to begin with. Why would anyone want to counterfeit fake money which has no value?

The same is true with the word of God. Satan knows the word of God is sharper than any twoedged sword. Satan desires to appear real and the only way he can come close is by trying to counterfeit the word of God. He is doing such a convincing job of it that many people today are confused.

Many ask others over and over to prove the reality of God. I'm here to say the word of God proves he is real. Satan himself proves God's existence by his desire to counterfeit the word of God.

The very act of counterfeiting his word proves God is real. There is only one way to recognize the difference and that is to read the word of God and know it as well as a banker knows how to recognize real money.

If it's hard for us to recognize counterfeit money, why would we think it easy to identify a spiritual counterfeit?

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (Isaiah 40: 28-29)

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11)

PROSPERITY OF ADVERSITY

Have you ever traveled to a foreign country? It always amazed me as a small child to travel into Old Mexico. Living in America where even the poor had an abundance of wealth, it was an eye opener to go to a land where people lived with so little or with nothing at all.
 

Many times we would stay a week or more and share the gospel with the people there. Even as a very small child it was obvious that their lives were surrounded by the love of their friends and family. Their wealth wasn't in their homes, cars, boats or clothing. They had little money but they had something that many America's were missing.

 

The people in Old Mexico had adversity and they knew this was their way of life. The thing they had learned was to gain prosperity from their adversity. The people in this region taught their children at a very young age to deal with adversity in a way that brought forth prosperity in their inner being.

 

Isn't this what most people are searching for? They are thinking that a new car, new house, or new mate will bring them the prosperity they are searching for. We have become a nation that is internally bankrupt but externally full of prosperity.

 

The problem with this is; when your house is gone your inner being is empty. When your car is gone, than you are broken. You are left spiritually bankrupt.

 

What happens to the person that has learned prosperity of adversity? When all the wealth of this world is removed from their being, they are still prosperous. When their body is attacked, their soul is still prosperous.



Prosperity of adversity is the greatest riches of all,

To learn that whenever bad comes our way: it's a bridge and not a wall.

The bitterness that we once had, was laid down at our feet,

They became the stepping stones of success and not a path of great defeat.

The greatest servants in the world, have learned adversity to extreme,
Learning not to focus on the hurt but focusing on Christ supreme.
Finding the Lord will always catch us, no matter how far the fall,
When it seems the bottom was falling out, on the Lord is who to call.

The bridge of crossing is easier now as we watch the waters flow,
The trials are being washed away so that we will be free to grow.
As the time passes by, so do the things that once did weigh us down,
Prosperity of adversity is not a weight, but it's a crown.
(Written by Sherry Long)
Inspired by a sermon preached by Charles Stanley

II CORINTHIANS 12:10-12

And he said unto me,

My grace is sufficient for thee:

for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will

I rather glory in my infirmities,

that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities,

in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions,

in distresses for Christ’s sake:

for when I am weak, then am I strong.


WHAT THE CLOUD HAS TO SAY ABOUT CHRIST'S RETURN

As we have been watching nature and seeing how that God uses even nature to manifest himself to mankind I think it only fitting to look at the cloud and see what it's saying about the return of Jesus Christ. 

There was a television program on last night that is lining the way for a new computer system called, the "Planetary Computer."  Before the last few years this system was not within reach but since the creation of  "The Cloud" new doors have swung open for the Planetary Computer.

As I began to hear what the people on this program was saying I started researching this new computing system.  Augmented Reality will be universal, a computer that reaches into all the regions of the world.  The name of this Planetary System is called "The HOG", which is short for "THE HAND OF GOD."  The people on the program said it will revolutionize the way we live.  This computer system in itself would cause fear to set in many people, but advertising it correctly will entice others to join in on the adventure. 

REVELATION 13:6

And he opened his mouth
in blasphemy against God,

to blaspheme his name,

and his tabernacle,

and them that dwell in heaven.

A world that will help those with medical, needs emotional needs and computing needs. It also will be filled with games and unlimited knowledge.

Within five years our world will have completely changed according to this program. We were once human but now we will be little god's.  We will all be super human.  Our human intelligence will escalate faster and more advanced than ever before in history. 

Are we that gullible to accept something that should terrify us, if it's not advertised correctly? 

There are many other things about the "Planetary Computer" that is paving the way to the anti-Christ but one of the things we need to be aware of is the willingness of mankind to allow mind control.  What seemed like something we would never agree to, we will jump at the chance to engage with the "Planetary Computer" in order to keep up with our world and it's technology.

REVELATION 13:1-9

And I stood upon the sand of the sea,

and saw a beast rise up out of the sea,

having seven heads and ten horns,

and upon his horns ten crowns,

and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard,

and his feet were as the feet of a bear,

and his mouth as the mouth of a lion:

and the dragon gave him his power,

 and his seat, and great authority.

And I saw one of his heads as

 it were wounded to death;

and his deadly wound was healed:

and all the world wondered after the beast.

And they worshipped the dragon

which gave power unto the beast:

and they worshipped the beast, saying,

Who is like unto the beast?

who is able to make war with him?

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking

great things and blasphemies;

and power was given unto him

to continue forty and two months.

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God,

to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle,

and them that dwell in heaven.

And it was given unto him to make war with the saints,

and to overcome them:

and power was given him over all kindreds,

and tongues, and nations.

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him,

whose names are not written in the book of life

of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

If any man have an ear, let him hear.

 

WHO'S CALLING THIS GAME?

Have you ever seen a team that walked off the field at half time and refused to return for the second half? This would be bizarre. Even a team that is loosing forty-nine to seven will keep playing until the last seconds run off the clock.

How much more exciting is the game when the losing team comes back after half time and start scoring touchdown after touchdown until finally winning the game, shocking the fans from both teams?

Have you ever met a person that tries to call the game in their life before the game is over? They are only a quarter's way through life and have already given up. These people seriously need to see life for what it really is. The games not over until the Lord calls it.

When we start out on the journey of life we are expecting everything to go smooth. No bumps and no bruises. I'm here to tell you, it will not stay that way. If you plan for bumps and bruises you will not be disappointed because they come with the journey. As we journey through this life we must learn how to handle the bad things that come our way, instead of quitting.

You can take the time to think about the bad things but if you sit dwelling on it too long then you will get run over. Life goes on even if you chose not to, other people keep moving, changing, growing and succeeding and the only way for you to do the same is to get into the game.

There are by far, too many players that are still in the locker room sitting on the bench dwelling on the things that went wrong in their childhood. Unable to move forward because they are locked into the past. They are blaming parents, brothers, sisters, cousins and teachers for things that happened that caused them pain.

The game is not over and the whistle has been blown to play ball. It's time to get off the bench and walk back onto the field. Get your eyes on the clock that is running instead of the time in the first half of your life.

Don't call the plays in your life until the game is over. Let the Lord be the one to call the final play. Keep your eyes on him. It's the only way to complete the game of life.

ISAIAH 40:28-31

Hast thou not known?

hast thou not heard,

that the everlasting God,

the LORD,

the Creator of the ends

of the earth, fainteth not,

neither is weary?

there is no searching

of his understanding.

He giveth power to the faint;

and to them that have no

might he increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint

and be weary,

and the young men

shall utterly fall:
But they that wait

upon the LORD shall

renew their strength;

they shall mount up

with wings as eagles;

they shall run,

and not be weary;

and they shall walk,

and not faint.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends.  I must say this was one of the most enjoyable Thanksgivings that I've had in a long time. 

Steve and I spent the day with our children and grandchildren.  Matt as brought his beautiful girlfriend Tara Lynn and we just had a wonderful day.

Josh's neighbor, Johnnie, or better known to me as Sweetpea is always a delight to get to see.  I must say she is absolutely the most delightful woman I think I have ever met.  I stayed the night at her house a few months back and felt like I was a teenager getting to have a slumber party.  She just oozes with excitement.

Thanksmas in November

 



Each year we do Christmas on Jan 3rd since this has been the only time all the family could get together.  We decided this year we would have Christmas on Thanksgiving.  After a wonderful Thanksgiving meal and a night of Christmas, it was decided it would be a Long family tradition to call it Thanksmas and celebrate it this way each year. 

To top the day off, we went to the park and took family pictures.  Lisa took her graduation pictures today since she is graduating from Texas Tech on December 15th. 

Our Thanksmas Day was spent with lots of laughter, hugs and kisses.  I must say that I am a blessed woman to have such wonderful children and grandchildren. 

PSALM 127:3

 

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:

and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

 

 

WE ASK TO BE USED BUT WE DON'T WANT TO BE EQUIPPED

I cannot recall the times when growing up, I would say, "Jesus use me?" In my thinking I could be a missionary, sharing the gospel to some foreign country and helping others to learn to read and cook.

The Lord saw a different road than the one I thought I'd take. My life was semi-easy until the time my mother took her life, at which point I thought my world would end. Still I would pray, "Jesus use me."

I've always heard if you pray for patience then you will have to go through tribulation. I wasn't praying for patience so I assumed my path wouldn't be one of tribulation. I found out I was wrong.

It was the words I was praying that caused me so much pain. I was saying, "Jesus use me."

What commander would send out his soldier to the battle field not knowing what the soldier was to do?

That soldier would be shot down and his body sent back to the United States in a casket the first day. The military knows the value of preparing a soldier to know when to retreat and when to fight. They know to prepare him and his unit for anything that might come against them. The commander understands the value of boot camp.

 My Heavenly Father, hearing my prayer, knew that some Spiritual boot camp would be just what I needed. It was the very thing I was resisting but the only thing that would prepare me for what he had chosen for my life.

There have been a lot of bumps and bruises but the training has served me well. It's the battles I've fought and seeing God bring me through them that have strengthened me and made me what I am today.

Be careful what you pray. The Lord may see it's time to send you to Spiritual boot camp to prepare your way.

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

SETTING THE MARK

 

If I don't set a mark, no mark to recall

My dreams I'll accomplish, never walking, never fall
But if I set the mark right at my feet,

it doesn't take much, and then I'm in reach.

 

And if I set the mark closer, even closer to you,

I will have to stretch in order to view.

If I set the mark clear up to the sky,

just trying a little will teach me to fly

 

If I set the mark as high as the stars,

I may not reach it but I'm a winner by far.

Where have you set it, the mark for your life?

Have you set it real low or did you set it real high?

 

The highest goal ever to be reached

was set by Paul and thus we should teach.

It's the high calling of the Lord Jesus Christ

May we teach it and preach it until the day that we die.

(written by Sherry Long)

 

PHILLIPPIANS 4:13-14

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things which are behind,

and reaching forth unto those

things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize

of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.


 

ENTANGLED WHALE SHARK IS A REMINDER TO RESCUE THE PERISING

 

Have you read the article or seen the video about the whale shark? It was in the waters near Socorro Island, about two hundred fifty miles south of Baja.

The pregnant shark became entangled in a very heavy duty rope. The rope had cut away at its flesh to the point the shark seemed to be giving up the battle for life. There were deep gashes where it appeared that it had wrestled for quite awhile to free itself. Its fins were greatly damaged from this struggle, leading it to give up the fight.

Some local divers as well as many tourists were greatly concerned about the shark's survival. As the divers began to cut the tangled rope, the whale seemed motionless. The instant one of the divers released the ropes from around the fins of the whale shark; its life was renewed and immediately it swam away.

This story reminds me of not just one or two, but millions that have been entangled with the chains of Satan. Are we going to just leave them this way and let Satan suck the life out of them or go to the necessary depths to see that they are set free?

Jesus didn't just call Isaiah. He is also calling each of us to help free the captives. May the Lord enlighten our eyes to see those in need of the Savior, in chains of darkness, needing to be set free.

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD that he might be glorified.

(Isaiah 61:1-3)

 

http://article.wn.com/view/2012/12/06/Divers_rescued_trapped_whale_shark_in_Mexico/

THE MONKEY TEACHES HOW TO BE HAPPY

"If it makes a monkey happy, then I'll try it too."

Steve and I have used this saying for years around our house. We try to eat one banana every day. I don't know if it helps but it's funny. There are times we remind each other we need to eat more bananas.

Have you ever wished mankind could be more like some of the other creations God made?

The monkey is so carefree and happy, swinging from the trees, content with whatever comes his way.

Mankind seems to be so unhappy sometimes. Why is this? God gave us more to be happy for than any of his other creatures.

We should be rejoicing and jumping with joy over what he has done for us.

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. (Psalm 34:8)

I believe all we do should involve the Lord, whether it is eating, drinking, or working. We should give God praise.

We should use all five senses in worship and praise for our Lord.

Ø  Whenever we taste something that is good, give God praise.

Ø  Whenever we touch something that is good, give God praise.

Ø  Whenever we smell something that is good, give God praise.

Ø  Whenever we hear something that is good, give God praise.

Ø  Whenever we see something that is good, give God praise.

The word raise is in the word praise. Don't pass it by. Take the time to raise your voices, raise your hands, and raise your eyes to the Creator of all good things.

If all God's people put this into effect our world would be changed. We have no reason not to be praising God for all he has done for us.

Some business owners in places we've been have told us, "The worst group of people to serve is the Christians."

Shame on us for acting this way! We need to start exercising our praise in private so that when we are in public, it's our nature to offer praise instead of criticism.

Our lives are filled with hurried people, running to the store; getting items for parties or events. There are long lines in the store and on the roadways in which we must wait. If you have to, put a banana in your grocery cart or car as a reminder to be happy. Whatever you do, show people the love of God.

The verse below uses the word "comfort." When you show forth God's praise and joy to others, it can bring them great comfort so let's take the time to do as the word of God says.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

(II Corinthians 1:3-4)

ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR GOODNESS OR FOR GOD?

When we start Kindergarten, we learn some basic things such as how to tell the difference between two objects. We learn which objects match and those that do not.

The same is true with the word of God. There are certain things in our lives we can match one to the other.

The one concept people tend to mismatch is goodness. When we try to match goodness with anything but God, it is incorrect.

The word "goodness" comes from the root word "good," which means "morally excellent."

One of the things God said after he created each day was, "It is good." In other words, he was saying it pleased him. So we see the word "good" pleases God.

When he created mankind He said, "It is very good."

When God referred to his creation it was truly at the stage of perfection. It had not been tainted by sin. When he created mankind, he didn't say, "It is good." He said, "It is very good." The scripture also says we were created in His image, in the image of God. We were created pure, holy and righteous before the Father.

And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Genesis 1:31)

The scripture refers to God as being good. If this is true, then we can say goodness refers to holy, pure and right.

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 136:1)

Once sin entered into the world, all things changed. Mankind made a mess of things. We see in Mark's gospel that there is none good except for God himself after the fall of mankind.

And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. (Mark 10:18)

There is a group of people that say they are striving for the goodness of mankind. They connect goodness with keeping the earth clean and other programs that promote this type of morality. They strive to be great outstanding citizens.

What they don't understand is that although many of them say they don't believe in God, they are still pursuing his character. God's very character is goodness.

Their inner being is still striving for purity, holiness and righteousness even though they have convinced their mind that there is no God.

We find our goodness in God, for he is good. In Christ we are complete for he is our all in all.

 

HOW DO YOU GAUGE YOUR LIFE?

   For the last two weeks I have been having trouble with my trucks instrument panel. It seems either all the controls work or  none of the controls work.

   Switching out all the fuses and putting a new battery on the truck didn't help. The bottom line is my truck is not trustworthy at this point. Until I can figure out what needs, it will continue to be untrustworthy.

   As we were driving to Midland the other day we had to guess at how fast we were driving. Wouldn't you know that we would pass two highway patrols and have to just hope we were within the speed limit. We did not get pulled over, so I think we were safe.

   Do you ever feel your life is like this?

   You may go through life feeling you have nothing with which to use as a guide. You may feel you have no direction.

   We need to word of God as the instrument panel in our lives. The word of God has all you need in it for every situation in life. The Holy Spirit will be our gauge. He will lead, guide us and comfort us.

   Thy word have I hid in mine heart,that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11)

   For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14)

   How often do you look to your spiritual instrument control for guidance?

   We need the word of God to show us if we are moving in the wrong direction, going too fast or to slow. When we look to the Spirit of God for our guidance, then he will faithfully lead us.

   He will not be like the instrument panel in my truck that only works part of the time. He is faithfully there.

   Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering;

(for he is faithful that promised;)(Hebrews 10:23)

THANKSGIVING PRAISE

Where do you find happiness? Is it in your car, your house, or you job? There is more depression in the 21th Century than ever before. What has happened to our joy?

When the Pilgrims came over on the Mayflower they had nothing. They had no homes, no beds to sleep in and no cars to drive. Yet we see they set aside a celebration time in order to give thanks to God for helping them settle in this great land.

They looked to God for their provisions and he provided. He sent the Native Americans to teach the Pilgrims how to plant. Once their crops grew and produced, instead of saving up and hoarding all they had, they celebrated, invited the Native Americans to join them in praise to the Father.

In the 21st Century, we have up to two or three cars per household, some families have a huge house and also own a cabin or a summer home. Each of these homes is decked with expensive items. Yet we are much more ungrateful than the generations that went before us that had nothing.

We continue to hoard and gather increase so that we can look better than others, when in fact we should be doing as the Native Americans did and take the time to help others out, even if we don't know them. We don't have to be like them. We don't have to be the same skin color or from the same denomination. We need to have a heart for people in need.

Have you taken the time this Thanksgiving Season to ponder on the mighty things the Father has done for you? Have you shared your increase with others who may be in need?

David continually praised God for all he had been given. He took the alphabet and told of the goodness of the Lord in Psalms 119. Read the whole chapter. I have listed only the first four alphabets below but look it up and spend some time meditating on it. It might do us good to do the same as David and write down our thankfulness based on the twenty-six letters of our alphabet.

We are blessed far more than any nation, more than any previous generation, therefore we should be able to praise so much better. What does your praise look like?

ALEPH

Blessed are the undefiled in the way,

who walk in the law of the LORD.
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies,

and that seek him with the whole heart.
They also do no iniquity:

they walk in his ways.
Thou hast commanded us to

keep thy precepts diligently.
O that my ways were directed

to keep thy statutes!
Then shall I not be ashamed,

when I have respect unto

all thy commandments.

thereto according to thy word.
With my whole heart have I sought thee:

O let me not wander from

I will praise thee with uprightness of heart,

when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

BETH.

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?

by taking heed thy commandments.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart,

that I might not sin against thee.
Blessed art thou, O LORD:

teach me thy statutes.
With my lips have I declared all

the judgments of thy mouth.
I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies,

as much as in all riches.
I will meditate in thy precepts,

and have respect unto thy ways.
I will delight myself in thy statutes:

I will not forget thy word.

GIMEL.

Deal bountifully with thy servant,

that I may live, and keep thy word.
Open thou mine eyes,

that I may behold wondrous

things out of thy law.
I am a stranger in the earth:

hide not thy commandments from me.
My soul breaketh for the longing

that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed,

which do err from thy commandments.
Remove from me reproach and contempt;

for I have kept thy testimonies.

Princes also did sit and speak against me:

but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
Thy testimonies also are my

delight and my counsellors.

DALETH

My soul cleaveth unto the dust:

quicken thou me according to thy word.
I have declared my ways,

and thou heardest me:

teach me thy statutes.
Make me to understand the way of thy precepts:

so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
My soul melteth for heaviness:

strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
Remove from me the way of lying:

and grant me thy law graciously.
I have chosen the way of truth:

thy judgments have I laid before me.
I have stuck unto thy testimonies:

O LORD, put me not to shame.
I will run the way of thy commandments,

when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

U R THE DIFFERENCE IN NATURE VERSUS NURTURE

Have you ever heard the argument of nature versus nurture? Nature is what we naturally would do on our own. Nurture is the things we do because we have people in our lives leading and guiding us.

Some argue we are who we are because of our natural disposition.

Others argue we do the things we do because of how we were taught.

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Galatians 5:17)

U R the difference between nature and nurture. U R the one who can make a difference in others' lives. A child that is brought up in a home with great nurturing skills will be more capable in the work place and more able to succeed in life.

Those that have been nurtured in the word of God are better able to stand against the wiles of the devil. U R the one that needs to be doing the nurturing.

I'm saddened to say this, but the generation now entering adulthood didn't have the nurturing of prior generations.

We are paying the price for this lack of nurturing and will continue to pay the price.

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, continent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (II Timothy 3:1-5)

What happens to children left to rear themselves? They have more of a tendency to their natural ways.

The scriptures warn us about this. Our nature is naturally sinful. Watching my grandchildren, as adorable and sweet as they are; the sin nature can be seen trying to rear its head.

They need the nurturing of their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and teachers in order to bring them up in the admonition of the Lord.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first Commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:1-4)

Did this verse say "fathers" because they are the only ones to do it? No, but the father, being the head of the house, needs to set the pattern and guide his family in the right direction.

There is a huge responsibility on the fathers to be setting the pace for his family to follow. Remember U R the one that can make a difference in the world around you, as you nurture your children.

A HEART OF PURSUIT

The Lord is pursuing you. He has done this for quite some time. You were created in His image, to be like him. He has longed to be your companion, friend and comforter.

It is one thing for him to pursue you but it's quite different for you to pursue him. Have you ever longed to pursue after the Lord? It can be a life changing event.

Have you ever been in a relationship where you began to pursue after someone?

There seems to be something missing unless that person shows you interest also. You can dress up, spend time talking with them, and even cook meals for them, and them continue not seeing your interest. After some time you might eventually give up.

Jesus Christ took his pursuit for you to the extreme. He didn't ask you to leave your father, he left his. He walked upon the dry dusty earth in order to pave the way for you to have eternal life. He went so far as to die on the cross for you. "Hello! Do you not see what all he has done to pursue a relationship with you?"

He isn't like a earthly friend; he doesn't give up and walk away.

You may have longed for this relationship for quite some time not even realizing the very thing you need to do is pursue the Lord. Let's take time out of our daily schedule to begin this pursuit for God.

But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. (Deuteronomy 4:29)

THE HARMONY OF THE BIRD'S AND THE TREE'S

Have you ever stood gazing, gazing at the sky,

To see all the treetops and the birds flying by?

Do you ever just ponder and see what they mean?

Do they have a story just waiting to be seen?

 We see the great eagle, a picture of strength,

America the beautiful, not afraid, didn't flinch.

The tree that was standing in the courtyard of praise.

It toppled like legos, then a cedar was raised.

 

Eziekel told it in seventeen verse ten,

The east wind will blow and she'll wither within.

They thought they were quoting how great we would stand,

Yet instead they were prophesying the death of our land.

She once stood with branches helping Israel to stand,

Now she shuns the great country clinching her hand.

She turned her eyes, her dreams and ambitious to pursue,

She built the World Trade Center, to show her power anew.

To the rebellious house, "Know ye not what these things mean?"

Is this the budding of the fig tree, which Isaiah had foreseen?
Israel's Independence proclaimed in nineteen forty-eight,

"This generation will not pass until all these things take place."

 

As we have seen, as the times passing by,

The fulfilment of prophecy before our very eye

It's time to Stop, Listen and Pray.

The bird's and the tree's say, "It's not far away."

(Written by Sherry Long)

 

This poem was based on the information provided below


 

EZIEKEL 17: 7-12

 

There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation.

It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine.

Say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Shall it prosper? shall he not pull up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it wither? it shall wither in all the leaves of her spring, even without great power or many people to pluck it up by the roots thereof.

Yea, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew.

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof, and led them with him to Babylon;

 

ISAIAH 9:10

The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.

 

SPEECHES FROM POLITICAL FIGURES
 

On Sept 12, 2001, the senate majority leader Tom Daschle quoted Isaiah 9:10 thinking he was giving hope to America when in fact he was reading the words of difiance from the children of Israel.

On Sept 11, 2004 John Edwards whole speach was based on Isaiah 9:10. The very vow that provoked God to bring calamity upon Israel, was given by this man. John also like Tom Daschle thought he was bringing great comfort and inspiring the people of Amercia to move on, unaware of the true meaning of this scripture.

 

BY CHANCE OR BY DESIGN

Were these two events by chance or is the hand of God moving upon these people to bring about the end times. That is for each person to decide for themselves. But let's not forget that the Lord did say to watch and be ready for he will come as a thief in the night. He said he will show us signs but we must continue to watch and wait.

THE CATERPILLAR SHOWS HOW TO MAKE IT THROUGH OUR UPS AND DOWNS

 

Do the ups and downs get to you? Sometimes life's trials can be quite overwhelming. Then, there are times that everything we do turns to gold.

Have you experienced these two very opposite contrasts in your lifetime? I can assure you, I have!

There's not a one of us that has had as many ups and downs as the caterpillar. Take the time to watch him as he moves. Every step requires his body to go up and down many times. This little guy just keeps on pushing forward even with all the ups and downs. He never gives up.

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; (Romans 12:12)

We need to be more like the caterpillar. Set your eyes on a goal. No matter what gets in front of you, no matter how many times situations get you down, just keep on keeping on – knowing the end result is far greater than the pain you are enduring.

Parents, there is a valuable lesson here in rearing your children also. If the caterpillar never experiences the traumatic stages of life, he will never develop into a beautiful butterfly.

When you are a helicopter mom or dad and hover over your children, this can be harmful to your child. You don't want them experiencing anything bad, sheltering them from daily battles. This act keeps them from developing fully.

It's the ups and downs and the hard things in life that develop and prepare the child for a greater life.

Before changing into a beautiful butterfly, the caterpillar has to experience the stages of struggles in its life.

After this creature has gone through the trials of daily living, one day it will attach itself to a branch and will spin silk around itself. The caterpillar appears to be motionless inside of this cocoon. Even though we can't see what is taking place, there is one of the most awesome transformations occurring. It will emerge from its cocoon and we will be able to see its magnificent beauty.

This little creature still isn't finished with the process of its ups and downs of growing. If the caterpillar stopped at this stage and didn't complete the last step, he would never fly.

The caterpillar must still go through one more struggle – HUGE struggle. Once it emerges from its cocoon, it sits with its wings hanging downward. Attached to the cocoon, it starts to pump fluid through its wings.

One breath, two breaths, "ah, that should do it." No, he must keep this process up for close to two hours! When he has completed all these struggles, that's when this magnificent creature is ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

When we attach ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ, he will help us go through all of those struggles and there will be nothing that can stop us from being like the caterpillar that has gone through metamorphosis, "Beautiful, equipped with what we need, ready to do his service.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)

DON'T BE LIKE THE JELLYFISH

 

Don't be like the jellyfish that has no brain, no vertebrae, no central nervous system, and most importantly no heart. It can only feel by using the loose network of nerves on its outer skin that sends information to a central nerve ring.

The jellyfish spends all of its time floating around in the dark. When it's exposed to light it will retreat back into darkness.

The jellyfish is a beautiful creature when it glows in the dark and it is intriguing to watch, much like the beauty in our present day world.

Have you ever tried to get your hands on a piece of that beauty?

 This type of beauty will leave you weeping. The sting of a jellyfish can be quite painful or even deadly.

You may be like the jellyfish, pushing away from the light of Jesus Christ. He has shown his light to you through his word and through friends and family. It's just human nature to push away from the light. You may have used hundreds of excuses as to why you can't come to the light of Jesus Christ or why you don't want to come to the light.

The fact still remains; you are in need of the savior. It's time to quite pushing away from him.

You feel he has ignored you, so you are just doing the same based on your feelings.

You say, "He wasn't there when great trials came my way or when death knocked on my door." His light has always been there. You may have been the one that pushed away from it.

Don't let your feelings be top surface as that of a jellyfish. Trust the Lord with all your heart and let him shine his light of truth so your soul and set you free!

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. (Ephesians 1:17-21)

 

HORSESHOES SHOW US THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARING OUR FEET FOR THE MINISTRY

When we lived in Ignacio, Colorado we used to go up Missionary Ridge, outside of Durango Colorado, and round up cattle. We would begin before sunrise and by midnight have all the cattle brought down the mountain.

The mountain was steep and required that the horses be prepared for the event. The Faverinos, the ranch owners, would go to great lengths to make sure the horseshoes were solid and secure, the saddles were proper and each horse was strong enough to endure the elements needed for the roundup.

With all the preparation needed for their horses, it surprises me to know that wild horses do not need horseshoes. It seems they would need horseshoes more than their domesticated kin.

The reason wild horses don't need their feet shod is because they live continually out in the rough. Their hooves stay hardened due to the rugged terrain they cover every day. The elements of life required for their daily living does not consist of protection, softness or relaxation.

 Once a horse has been domesticated it takes on a new life. The horse is brushed, put into fenced areas with soft luscious grass, and given a stable with hay and shelter against the storms. Because of all the protection it is given, its hooves become softer. As the hooves soften, the horse's daily chores become painful. He begins to have pain shoot up his legs due to the softness of the hooves.

In order for the horse to be able to function properly, the craftsman has to come along and put horseshoes on to prevent the horse from becoming crippled. After the craftsman performs this task, the horse is ready to handle just about anything.

Before you came to know Christ, you were much like a wild horse. Your life was hardened and your daily routine kept it that way. You were unaware of the love of God and his provisions.

Once you came to know Christ, you were removed from the elements that kept you rough and hardened. Now, you have entered into God's presence where there is rest and comfort.

When you go back out into the world, it will not be as before. You are sheltered in the arms of God and safe from life's storms. This doesn't mean you will not experience any storms in life but when the storms come, God will be there as a place of refuge for you just as the horse now has a stable, a place of refuge in which to be safe from storms.

When you go back into the rough terrain, you now need to prepare differently. If there were snow on the ground, would you need to be wearing your brightest pink spiked pumps? No, we must prepare our day for the things we will be facing.

When our family lived in Colorado, I had to make sure I had my heavy snow boots on when stepping outside into the elements or my feet would soon be frozen. I could not have done the things I had planned for that day.

Upon first moving to Colorado, I tried the pumps on the snow and ice and my bumps and bruises taught me to prepare differently the next time I ventured out.

How do you prepare your feet for the rugged elements of life? As the scripture says, having "Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" This is something we need to do daily, just as you would put on your regular shoes. If you were preparing for a normal day, you would ask yourself this question, "What is the weather going to be like?"

The same is true with your spiritual life. You need to prepare for the elements you will face during the day. Don't start your day without putting on the whole armor of God.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:10-18)

We need to cover our feet with the truth, which is the word of God. Before, we allowed our feet to take us places we should not have gone.

Now that we belong to God, we need to prepare our feet to go into new places. Places where we can carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to others.

As you prepare for your day, be sure and put on the whole armor of God.

Don't forget about your feet. We see from the horseshoe, it is very important to have our feet covered and prepared.

You may have entered the world before to drink and have a good time. This time when you enter, your feet are prepared to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

Satan wants more than ever to draw us back into the wild. If we are not grounded in the word of God, our feet will slip easily back into his traps of deception and rough terrain.

REPOTTING YOUR FAITH

Have you ever noticed a plant in a small flower pot? It can grow and be beautiful but will only grow so far. There comes a time that the roots get root bound and the growth is halted.

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:7)

For many years I had plants and didn't understand the concept of repotting. I didn't consider that it needed fresh soil or a larger pot in order for them to flourish and become healthier plants.

Sometimes we are like these plants. We need to repot our faith, remove it from its original container – shake the old soil loose. We need to study the scripture and put new soil around our heart.

 Why not go on a shopping spree through the scripture and find new soil today? Many of these scriptures you have used for twenty years. They are great scriptures, but it's time you find some fresh ones. Plant your faith in something larger than you have ever done before. Go ahead, try it!

Your faith may have previously been placed in the smallest container possible. Maybe you have found that you can trust God with the little things in your life, but are having trouble allowing him to handle the bigger things.

It's easy to trust him in areas that are going smoothly; however, trusting him in rougher areas is much harder.

Make a list of areas where you need to have a greater faith. Set your heart in those areas and watch your faith grow.

And he said unto them, where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. (Luke 8:25)

 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (II Corinthians 5:7)

THE FAMILY BOOK OF ADVENT

On the link shown below, you will find
information about this book and also
you can preview chapter seven
of this book.
 

 Please take the time and preview
and let you friends and family

members know this book is available.

http://www.faithfamilystyle.com/family-book-advent/

 

WEARING A MASK

 

None of us wants to admit we are wearing a mask but if the truth be known, we all are. Each person born has a mask on. Since it was placed on us at birth we may not even be aware we have it on.

Adam and Eve were the first people that put on a mask. After Adam and Eve sinned they realized they were naked and made clothing for themselves out of leaves. They began to hide from God for the very first time. They have continually passed their masks down to every generation that followed them. The mask they put on was the mask self-righteousness.

And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. (Genesis 3:9-12)

Once they sinned, the very first thing they did was to hide from God. When God called out for Adam in the garden, Adam hid. The Lord asked him why he hid himself. Adam said, "I was naked and hid myself."

The Lord asked Adam, "Who told thee thou wast naked?"

Adam immediately said, "The woman whom thou gavest to me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." If it hadn't have been for her, this would have never happened was Adam's analysis. Adam didn't see himself as someone vulnerable to making a mistake.

God had walked with Adam every day in the garden. God knew him in a very intimate way. The minute Adam sinned, he immediately reached for the mask. This object became a wall between Adam and God.

Before Adam sinned, he was okay with God seeing him as he was. The word "intimacy" could be broken down to mean "into me, see." Once he sinned, he was filled with fear, shame and blame. He didn't want the Lord to see him as he was after that point.

Are you wearing a mask to hide from God?

Are you afraid of the intimacy (into me, see)?

When Adam and Eve sinned, there was nothing prior set up for them to have forgiveness. They had never lived this life before. We see the blood of an animal promptly being shed so Adam and Eve could have covering.

Blood sacrifices started being made in the Old Testament. Sacrifices were not to pay for the sins of the people but they were a picture of what was to come. It was pointing to the day Jesus Christ would shed his blood on the cross so we would no longer have to wear the mask. We would be allowed to experience intimacy with the Lord.

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (Hebrews 9:22)

The Lord is asking you to remove the mask. This object is keeping a wall built up between you and God. By wearing it, you are saying, "Lord, I do not want you to look into me!"

He already knows what is there but he is waiting patiently for you to remove the mask and admit to him who you really are.

The Lord knew exactly where Adam and Eve were in the garden, yet he called out to them and asked them, "Where are you?" He wanted them to vocalize their need. Once this was done, the Lord met that need.

The Lord is longing and waiting to have a relationship with you but he cannot do it until you remove the mask. It may be one that you need to remove, or it may be ten masks.

Some may be wearing the mask of religion. This mask can do as much damage as any of the other ones. This one can give the world a sense that you have intimacy with God, when in fact, he isn't able to have a relationship with you because of the rituals and false pretenses you have learned to put on.

You could be at the point in your life that you have removed all the masks and when the Lord asks, "Where are you?" there is no response.

In order to have that relationship with him, you need to answer his call. Tell him where you are.

When you have removed all the masks, tell him and let him know you are searching for that intimate relationship with him. Seek the Lord with your whole heart, and I promise, he will meet you where you are.

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; (Ephesians 2:14-15)