Sunday, January 31, 2010
Dangers of Spiritual Formation (by Bob DeWaay)
Don't miss this excellent article, further explaining the occult dangers of contemplative prayer.
Tim Keller Continues to Promote Mystic Gurus, Romanticizing Rome
Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, promotes mystic guru, Peter Scazzero, continuing to blend Roman Catholicism with the evangelical church. Read details in article by Ken Silva here.
'Are We Sexist?' (By Daniel Mann)
According to Nicholas D. Kristof, the church is sexist and must repent:
“When religious institutions exclude women form their hierarchies and rituals, the inevitable implication is that females are inferior…Religious groups should stand up for a simple ethical principle: any human rights should be sacred, and not depend on something as earthly as genitals” (NYT, 1/9/10 – quoted from Time Magazine, 1/20/10).
What then should role distinctions depend upon? Normally, it’s a matter of “achievements.” If Kristof is rejecting sex-related role distinctions, why not also all role distinctions? Don’t they also imply “inferiority?” Kristof is a NYT editor, a very prestigious and influential position. By comparison, I would think that his position might make others feel inferior? Perhaps it would be best if society would rotate these “superior” positions so as to prevent the formation of an “inferior” underclass?
I would guess that Kristof might answer this way: “I worked hard to get to where I now am.” He might even be correct about this, but didn’t he come from a position of privilege, which enabled him to attain his lofty status? Perhaps he had more nurturing parents than others? Why then should he benefit from these incidentals if they serve to reinforce the “inferiority” of others?
Of course, I’m being absurd, but if Kristof is concerned about the status of women in religious institutions, shouldn’t he also be concerned about the question of status in general?
In addition to this, there is also his notion of “superiority and inferiority” itself which he is prejudicially wielding against the religious. Isn’t he uncritically imposing his Western status-laden values? Why does he assume that the pastor’s role is superior, while the church secretary’s role is inferior? Or that the breadwinner’s role is superior to the child-raiser’s role?
I choose to believe that Kristof’s intentions are pure, and that he genuinely believes that he is championing the cause of women. Instead, however, the implications of his charge are both insulting and dismissive of the very vital roles traditionally performed by women, roles in no way inferior to those of men, as he implies.
Perhaps, because of his Western bias, Kristof fails to perceive the way that he is demeaning the very roles where women have performed best and in which they experienced the greatest sense of fulfillment. The other side of the story needs to be told. Western propaganda has deprived many women of motherhood by luring them into careers which promised to rescue them from their “inferior” status. In general, it has been contemptuous of the traditional role of the woman, causing her to loose face.
Shouldn’t we have long left this naïve, radical egalitarianism behind? Haven’t the disciplines of neurology and physiology firmly established the profound differences between the sexes and therefore, their variant needs and abilities? If these have been scientifically established, why then does Western culture continue to insist on the elimination of any role distinctions? Doesn’t this insistence simply represent an attempt to exalt a secular religion over traditional religions?
I haven’t done any empirical studies on the subject, but I’d venture to say that countries that have been strongly influenced by the Bible demonstrate the best track record regarding their treatment of women. Yes, I’m aware that secular and communistic societies are good about talking the feminist talk, but I’d also like to observe their “walk,” especially over the long haul. Meanwhile, I think that it might behoove Mr. Kristof to reconsider his indictments while he reexamines his own religious commitments, along with their implications.
http://www.MannsWord.blogspot.com/
“When religious institutions exclude women form their hierarchies and rituals, the inevitable implication is that females are inferior…Religious groups should stand up for a simple ethical principle: any human rights should be sacred, and not depend on something as earthly as genitals” (NYT, 1/9/10 – quoted from Time Magazine, 1/20/10).
What then should role distinctions depend upon? Normally, it’s a matter of “achievements.” If Kristof is rejecting sex-related role distinctions, why not also all role distinctions? Don’t they also imply “inferiority?” Kristof is a NYT editor, a very prestigious and influential position. By comparison, I would think that his position might make others feel inferior? Perhaps it would be best if society would rotate these “superior” positions so as to prevent the formation of an “inferior” underclass?
I would guess that Kristof might answer this way: “I worked hard to get to where I now am.” He might even be correct about this, but didn’t he come from a position of privilege, which enabled him to attain his lofty status? Perhaps he had more nurturing parents than others? Why then should he benefit from these incidentals if they serve to reinforce the “inferiority” of others?
Of course, I’m being absurd, but if Kristof is concerned about the status of women in religious institutions, shouldn’t he also be concerned about the question of status in general?
In addition to this, there is also his notion of “superiority and inferiority” itself which he is prejudicially wielding against the religious. Isn’t he uncritically imposing his Western status-laden values? Why does he assume that the pastor’s role is superior, while the church secretary’s role is inferior? Or that the breadwinner’s role is superior to the child-raiser’s role?
I choose to believe that Kristof’s intentions are pure, and that he genuinely believes that he is championing the cause of women. Instead, however, the implications of his charge are both insulting and dismissive of the very vital roles traditionally performed by women, roles in no way inferior to those of men, as he implies.
Perhaps, because of his Western bias, Kristof fails to perceive the way that he is demeaning the very roles where women have performed best and in which they experienced the greatest sense of fulfillment. The other side of the story needs to be told. Western propaganda has deprived many women of motherhood by luring them into careers which promised to rescue them from their “inferior” status. In general, it has been contemptuous of the traditional role of the woman, causing her to loose face.
Shouldn’t we have long left this naïve, radical egalitarianism behind? Haven’t the disciplines of neurology and physiology firmly established the profound differences between the sexes and therefore, their variant needs and abilities? If these have been scientifically established, why then does Western culture continue to insist on the elimination of any role distinctions? Doesn’t this insistence simply represent an attempt to exalt a secular religion over traditional religions?
I haven’t done any empirical studies on the subject, but I’d venture to say that countries that have been strongly influenced by the Bible demonstrate the best track record regarding their treatment of women. Yes, I’m aware that secular and communistic societies are good about talking the feminist talk, but I’d also like to observe their “walk,” especially over the long haul. Meanwhile, I think that it might behoove Mr. Kristof to reconsider his indictments while he reexamines his own religious commitments, along with their implications.
http://www.MannsWord.blogspot.com/
Review of 'The Shack' (by Tim Challies)
Tim has posted a longer, more thorough review of The Shack, which can be downloaded here.
Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) Flirting With Romantic Catholicism
YouTube- 'Sanctus' DVD trailer --a short video from "Fresh Expressions"
The Virginia Baptists truly are moving one step closer to Rome:
http://watcherslamp.blogspot.com/201...closer-to.html
http://watcherslamp.blogspot.com/201...=Google+Reader
The Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) is holding it's annual church growth conference, 21-C : Leading Today's Church Transition Into Tomorrow January 29-30, 2010.
Among the church planting experts are respresentatives from the UK's Anglican and United Methodist emerging church movement, Fresh Expressions.
The Virginia Baptists truly are moving one step closer to Rome:
http://watcherslamp.blogspot.com/201...closer-to.html
http://watcherslamp.blogspot.com/201...=Google+Reader
The Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV) is holding it's annual church growth conference, 21-C : Leading Today's Church Transition Into Tomorrow January 29-30, 2010.
Among the church planting experts are respresentatives from the UK's Anglican and United Methodist emerging church movement, Fresh Expressions.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Mission Field of Guadalajara, MX
Josef at table outreach
Josef at table of Bibles, books and tracts where everything is free to people. This outreach of evangelism is based on apologetics.
He needs help--a new sign for this table explaining that everything is free, and he needs Bibles and more tracts...
I used to pray with Josef's wife, Lina, when I was at Grace Community Church in the prayer room. I feel led to partner with them through LTW in prayer and resources...
Please pray about giving to provide for and expand this table outreach in Guadalajara, MX. Details are in the previous blog post about this mission field and how God is using Josef and his wife as missionaries. They contacted me about working with LTW in a table outreach. Please help us pray about this and give to provide more tracts, Bibles and sermons in Spanish in this exciting ministry of evangelism!---------------------------------------------------
I wrote Josef back, and here is my letter about my next idea for this table outreach. Please consider giving to meet the needs of this table outreach location. The sign will cost about 25.00 and will probably be a little more than that to ship, but he needs a sign...Also, he needs more Bibles in Spanish...Great, great photos. I want to send you a small sign for your table reading “A Free Gift for You”. It is light and easy to ship. It will make your table(s) look better. It is small, an 8/10 size. What is your address? I don’t think you need a banner for the tables in this area, just a small sign explaining that everything is free.
Praying Seriously About Expanding to Guadalajara, MX
Josef knows a friend of mine in ministry, Mike Gendron. He is already using tracts written by Mike. Plus, as you will read below, I used to pray with his wife at Grace Community Church in the prayer room when this ministry first began at Venice Beach! We feel the Lord's hand on this partnership, but we are still praying about it. Below is our discourse by email. You will find my response after Josef's excellent description of this mission field and their needs.
Hi Dwayna,
...I showed my wife the pictures you sent and as soon as she saw them she said, "Oh that's Dwayna!" Apparently, she used to go to the same prayer meeting as you at Grace [Community Church]. Her name is Lina, maybe you remember her? We are very interested in this type of ministry.
Last week, the Lord opened a door for us, and without even intending to set out to try to secure a position for a table in a local 'tianguis' (outdoor street market), we were just pushed into it and obtained a place for free. We now have a spot available there for every Thursday to set up a table with tracts, booklets and Bibles. We did it for the first time last Thursday and the response was great. We were able to give out several hundred Gospel tracts (ones that we print here at a discounted price), have some good conversations, and give out 10 Bibles. This was all in about 5 hours, and at a very small local market. The Bibles were only given to those who showed great desire for a Bible and don't own one in their homes, and even so, 10 still went out! We were able to really preach to a young man in his early 20's that really received what we said (the Gospel), and even had tears in his eyes seeing his great need for faith in the Savior. Several more took other literature, including booklets in Spanish of the testimony of an ex-priest from the 1800's (you can read it here: http://www.puregospeltruth.com/the-gift-of-god---testimony-of-a-former-roman-catholic-priest-named-charles-chiniquy.html). It was only a test run, but it went very well.
There are also other places in the city where we can possibly obtain booths in the markets if the Lord opens the doors and provides the resources. It was a wonderful way to draw the attention of people, have conversations, and get Bibles into the hands of those who don't have one. One lady actually prayed that morning, "Lord, let there be a Bible at the market today that I can buy", and sure enough, she came and ran into our booth and recieved one for free with gratefulness and thanks to God. This is amazing, because it's not normal to find a Bible at these side street markets. I personally have never seen one at any! But, God had a plan! So, it looks like the Lord is confirming our steps.
First it started with a desire to do this type of ministry, then with prayer, then with mentioning it to my wife, then with stumbling across your website and reading about your ministry and being surprised that there are others doing this who have good doctrine (when I wasn't searching for anything of this sort), then with having a place at the local market here pushed onto our lap. I have also talked to the pastor of our church here in Guadalajara, and he likes the idea also. I talked about how it would potentially be a great way to get some of the other members involved in ministry and reaching the lost, especially the older women of the church (but not limited to the older women). There are older women who have been in the Gospel for many years but still don't have any type of active ministerial involvement (other than evangelizing in their own circles of influence of course), and this is something that may be very appealing to them and allow them to get active in sharing their faith more regularly and will even bring others to the church. His counsel was that I spell everything out on paper, exactly what we'll be doing, include pictures from those already doing it, and get all prepared to present it, then we will call a meeting with all the women of the church and present the idea to them and see if there is any voluntary interest among them. We both believe that some will respond with interest. Also, we will keep it open to men too, and to married couples, etc. Then we will have to find markets and areas to place booths and figure out a way to supply the resources as best we can to set up the tables. So that is the discussed plan among us thus far. Of course, I myself, along with my wife and other brethren, plan on continuing to have a table in the market to preach at ourselves at least once a week in addition to this. Who knows, maybe it's possible to saturate this city of over 9 million souls with Gospel tables?
Now, a little but about Guadalajara. It is the second largest city in Mexico in the state of Jalisco. It is dead center of what is known to missiologists as the "Circle of Silence". It is basically a circle on a map that highlights the area around us, encompassing 6 states. In this "circle", less than 2% of the overall population identify themselves as evangelicals. Most are devoted Catholics. So Guadalajara is the largest city in this circle where the Gospel is scarce and is a perfect beachhead from where the Gospel can go forth abroad, with many frequent visitors from the neighboring states and areas. Our mission is to preach Christ, and see God win souls and to make disciples.
We also have a vision of coming alongside native believers and helping to bring them into maturity and sound doctrine and equipping them to evangelize their own people, that the work may be uniquely "theirs" as natives and not "ours" as foreigners. We evangelize regularly in the busy city squares, most of the time using methods such as open air preaching, personal evangelism, handing out tracts and conversating with people, etc. We also have Bible studies to teach the converted. I also lead a youth/singles group at our local church here and preach to them regularly, as well as other ministerial teaching and preaching activities in the church and at events. There's so much to do but few laborers and resources, and because of this, we need help to provide more materials and help mobilize the believers here into effective ministry.
These are a few things the Lord has us doing right now to give you an idea of the work here. The main problem we're going to have if we continue is the cost of the materials. The Bibles end up costing between $2.50 and $3 a piece for soft-cover newsprint-paper Bibles. Plus tracts, plus booklets. It's an easy $30 we need every week to support just one booth, plus 4 weeks per month. I know the Lord will make a way if it is all His will, so I'm not worried, but just practically laying out reality. I do know the church will have some capacity to support their own work as well for what they do, but I don't know exactly what it will all look like.
Well, there is more I could say but I don't have time to type all morning! For more information about us, visit our website and read all the pages on it: www.puregospeltruth.com -You can especially go to "Updates" and read the last few months of updates we have sent out including our recent trip to a village in Guerrero, another Mexican state in great need of the Gospel.
I will tag you onto our email newsletter also and you'll get a notification from InJesus. So, what exactly do you do with the ministries you help? Can you explain to me in detail? If the Lord permits we try to work together, what exactly will it all entail? Thanks and blessings in Jesus.
In Christ alone,
Josef Urban
http://www.puregospeltruth.com/
---------
My response WITH A PRAYER FOR GOD TO PROVIDE:
Josef,
We simply partner internationally when it comes to resources and prayer. We list updates, prayer needs, resource needs (such as more Bibles and tracts) for more people here in America to give to meet….We ship out materials, many for people involved in the occult, to table outreaches who need unique materials for Buddhists, etc. We often make a banner reading “A Free Gift for You” for the tables and ship that to the locations. Since shipping is so expensive internationally, we would be happy to reimburse you for a banner if it is something your table needs….Anyway, we just want the table to look the best and be the best (with the proper materials such as Bibles, tracts, books, sermons and articles) TO MEET THE PEOPLE RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE AND GIVE THEM ANSWERS TO LEAD THEM TO JESUS.
I have posted what you have sent me asking others to pray about our partnership….
GOD BLESS YOU.
[...]
Dwayna
Hi Dwayna,
...I showed my wife the pictures you sent and as soon as she saw them she said, "Oh that's Dwayna!" Apparently, she used to go to the same prayer meeting as you at Grace [Community Church]. Her name is Lina, maybe you remember her? We are very interested in this type of ministry.
Last week, the Lord opened a door for us, and without even intending to set out to try to secure a position for a table in a local 'tianguis' (outdoor street market), we were just pushed into it and obtained a place for free. We now have a spot available there for every Thursday to set up a table with tracts, booklets and Bibles. We did it for the first time last Thursday and the response was great. We were able to give out several hundred Gospel tracts (ones that we print here at a discounted price), have some good conversations, and give out 10 Bibles. This was all in about 5 hours, and at a very small local market. The Bibles were only given to those who showed great desire for a Bible and don't own one in their homes, and even so, 10 still went out! We were able to really preach to a young man in his early 20's that really received what we said (the Gospel), and even had tears in his eyes seeing his great need for faith in the Savior. Several more took other literature, including booklets in Spanish of the testimony of an ex-priest from the 1800's (you can read it here: http://www.puregospeltruth.com/the-gift-of-god---testimony-of-a-former-roman-catholic-priest-named-charles-chiniquy.html). It was only a test run, but it went very well.
There are also other places in the city where we can possibly obtain booths in the markets if the Lord opens the doors and provides the resources. It was a wonderful way to draw the attention of people, have conversations, and get Bibles into the hands of those who don't have one. One lady actually prayed that morning, "Lord, let there be a Bible at the market today that I can buy", and sure enough, she came and ran into our booth and recieved one for free with gratefulness and thanks to God. This is amazing, because it's not normal to find a Bible at these side street markets. I personally have never seen one at any! But, God had a plan! So, it looks like the Lord is confirming our steps.
First it started with a desire to do this type of ministry, then with prayer, then with mentioning it to my wife, then with stumbling across your website and reading about your ministry and being surprised that there are others doing this who have good doctrine (when I wasn't searching for anything of this sort), then with having a place at the local market here pushed onto our lap. I have also talked to the pastor of our church here in Guadalajara, and he likes the idea also. I talked about how it would potentially be a great way to get some of the other members involved in ministry and reaching the lost, especially the older women of the church (but not limited to the older women). There are older women who have been in the Gospel for many years but still don't have any type of active ministerial involvement (other than evangelizing in their own circles of influence of course), and this is something that may be very appealing to them and allow them to get active in sharing their faith more regularly and will even bring others to the church. His counsel was that I spell everything out on paper, exactly what we'll be doing, include pictures from those already doing it, and get all prepared to present it, then we will call a meeting with all the women of the church and present the idea to them and see if there is any voluntary interest among them. We both believe that some will respond with interest. Also, we will keep it open to men too, and to married couples, etc. Then we will have to find markets and areas to place booths and figure out a way to supply the resources as best we can to set up the tables. So that is the discussed plan among us thus far. Of course, I myself, along with my wife and other brethren, plan on continuing to have a table in the market to preach at ourselves at least once a week in addition to this. Who knows, maybe it's possible to saturate this city of over 9 million souls with Gospel tables?
Now, a little but about Guadalajara. It is the second largest city in Mexico in the state of Jalisco. It is dead center of what is known to missiologists as the "Circle of Silence". It is basically a circle on a map that highlights the area around us, encompassing 6 states. In this "circle", less than 2% of the overall population identify themselves as evangelicals. Most are devoted Catholics. So Guadalajara is the largest city in this circle where the Gospel is scarce and is a perfect beachhead from where the Gospel can go forth abroad, with many frequent visitors from the neighboring states and areas. Our mission is to preach Christ, and see God win souls and to make disciples.
We also have a vision of coming alongside native believers and helping to bring them into maturity and sound doctrine and equipping them to evangelize their own people, that the work may be uniquely "theirs" as natives and not "ours" as foreigners. We evangelize regularly in the busy city squares, most of the time using methods such as open air preaching, personal evangelism, handing out tracts and conversating with people, etc. We also have Bible studies to teach the converted. I also lead a youth/singles group at our local church here and preach to them regularly, as well as other ministerial teaching and preaching activities in the church and at events. There's so much to do but few laborers and resources, and because of this, we need help to provide more materials and help mobilize the believers here into effective ministry.
These are a few things the Lord has us doing right now to give you an idea of the work here. The main problem we're going to have if we continue is the cost of the materials. The Bibles end up costing between $2.50 and $3 a piece for soft-cover newsprint-paper Bibles. Plus tracts, plus booklets. It's an easy $30 we need every week to support just one booth, plus 4 weeks per month. I know the Lord will make a way if it is all His will, so I'm not worried, but just practically laying out reality. I do know the church will have some capacity to support their own work as well for what they do, but I don't know exactly what it will all look like.
Well, there is more I could say but I don't have time to type all morning! For more information about us, visit our website and read all the pages on it: www.puregospeltruth.com -You can especially go to "Updates" and read the last few months of updates we have sent out including our recent trip to a village in Guerrero, another Mexican state in great need of the Gospel.
I will tag you onto our email newsletter also and you'll get a notification from InJesus. So, what exactly do you do with the ministries you help? Can you explain to me in detail? If the Lord permits we try to work together, what exactly will it all entail? Thanks and blessings in Jesus.
In Christ alone,
Josef Urban
http://www.puregospeltruth.com/
---------
My response WITH A PRAYER FOR GOD TO PROVIDE:
Josef,
We simply partner internationally when it comes to resources and prayer. We list updates, prayer needs, resource needs (such as more Bibles and tracts) for more people here in America to give to meet….We ship out materials, many for people involved in the occult, to table outreaches who need unique materials for Buddhists, etc. We often make a banner reading “A Free Gift for You” for the tables and ship that to the locations. Since shipping is so expensive internationally, we would be happy to reimburse you for a banner if it is something your table needs….Anyway, we just want the table to look the best and be the best (with the proper materials such as Bibles, tracts, books, sermons and articles) TO MEET THE PEOPLE RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE AND GIVE THEM ANSWERS TO LEAD THEM TO JESUS.
I have posted what you have sent me asking others to pray about our partnership….
GOD BLESS YOU.
[...]
Dwayna
Thursday, January 28, 2010
More to Come...
Time has run out on me again, and I am about to fall asleep on my computer. I am off to spend some time in prayer and read. I did not get everything done today I planned to do. I plan to post my review of the book God Calling, plus photos and a summary of the mission work in Guadalajara, tomorrow morning on the blog, first thing.
I am reminded, when I can't get everything done, that what matters most to God is my love relationship to Him. It is good to have "nothing between my soul and the Savior" like the old hymn sings and feel Him close to me. No "ministry" can substitute for that loving relationship only He can give as I hunger for His Word and obey.
With my life hidden with Christ in God (Romans 12:1),
Dwayna
I am reminded, when I can't get everything done, that what matters most to God is my love relationship to Him. It is good to have "nothing between my soul and the Savior" like the old hymn sings and feel Him close to me. No "ministry" can substitute for that loving relationship only He can give as I hunger for His Word and obey.
With my life hidden with Christ in God (Romans 12:1),
Dwayna
Empty Inside? There is FULLNESS in living for Jesus...(from 'Look Unto Me')
http://www.lookuntome.com/
From the fullness of his grace we have all received. (John 1:16)
From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
These words tell us there is a fullness in Christ. There is a fullness of His necessary Deity, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" (Col. 2:9). There is a fullness of His perfect manhood, for it was through Him "bodily" that the Deity was revealed. There is a fullness of the atoning effectiveness of His blood, for "the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). There is a fullness of justifying righteousness in His life, for "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:1). There is a fullness of the divine extensive scope of His prayers, for "he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" (Heb. 7:25).
There is a fullness of victory in His death, for "by his death" He destroyed "him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil" (Heb. 2:14). There is a fullness of the effectiveness of His resurrection from the dead, for through it "he has given us new birth into a living hope" (1 Peter 1:3). There is a fullness of triumph in His ascension, for "when he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men" (Eph. 4:8). There is a fullness of blessings of every sort and shape--a fullness of grace to pardon, of grace to regenerate, of grace to sanctify, of grace to preserve, and of grace to perfect. And there is a fullness at all times--a fullness of comfort in times of affliction, and a fullness of guidance in times of prosperity. There is a fullness of every divine attribute--including a fullness of wisdom, of power, and of love. There is a fullness beyond our capacity to even comprehend, much less to fully explore. "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him" (Col. 1:19). What a fullness this must be! And to think that we all receive! Indeed, what fullness there must be when the stream is always flowing, yet the well continues to spring up as free, as rich, and as full as ever. Come, dear believer. Get all your needs supplied. Ask largely, and you will receive largely, for this fullness is inexhaustible, and is stored where all needy souls may reach it. It is found in Jesus-Immanuel--"God with us" (Matt. 1:23).
From the pen of Jim Reimann:
Yes, there is a fullness in Christ and, as Spurgeon says, "This fullness is inexhaustible." In fact, one of the most beautiful aspects of the divine fullness of each of His attributes is that His fullness overflows into the lives of His children, yet is never diminished. My own human strength can only take me to a certain point before I grow weary and ultimately become exhausted. However, His strength through the power of the Holy Spirit is always available to me as I walk in obedience to Him. Dear Father, may these words of Jesus be evident in my life today, and may others come to the fullness only He can provide:
"Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:14). "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me ... streams of living water will flow from within him" (John 7:37-38).
From the fullness of his grace we have all received. (John 1:16)
From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
These words tell us there is a fullness in Christ. There is a fullness of His necessary Deity, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" (Col. 2:9). There is a fullness of His perfect manhood, for it was through Him "bodily" that the Deity was revealed. There is a fullness of the atoning effectiveness of His blood, for "the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). There is a fullness of justifying righteousness in His life, for "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:1). There is a fullness of the divine extensive scope of His prayers, for "he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" (Heb. 7:25).
There is a fullness of victory in His death, for "by his death" He destroyed "him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil" (Heb. 2:14). There is a fullness of the effectiveness of His resurrection from the dead, for through it "he has given us new birth into a living hope" (1 Peter 1:3). There is a fullness of triumph in His ascension, for "when he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men" (Eph. 4:8). There is a fullness of blessings of every sort and shape--a fullness of grace to pardon, of grace to regenerate, of grace to sanctify, of grace to preserve, and of grace to perfect. And there is a fullness at all times--a fullness of comfort in times of affliction, and a fullness of guidance in times of prosperity. There is a fullness of every divine attribute--including a fullness of wisdom, of power, and of love. There is a fullness beyond our capacity to even comprehend, much less to fully explore. "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him" (Col. 1:19). What a fullness this must be! And to think that we all receive! Indeed, what fullness there must be when the stream is always flowing, yet the well continues to spring up as free, as rich, and as full as ever. Come, dear believer. Get all your needs supplied. Ask largely, and you will receive largely, for this fullness is inexhaustible, and is stored where all needy souls may reach it. It is found in Jesus-Immanuel--"God with us" (Matt. 1:23).
From the pen of Jim Reimann:
Yes, there is a fullness in Christ and, as Spurgeon says, "This fullness is inexhaustible." In fact, one of the most beautiful aspects of the divine fullness of each of His attributes is that His fullness overflows into the lives of His children, yet is never diminished. My own human strength can only take me to a certain point before I grow weary and ultimately become exhausted. However, His strength through the power of the Holy Spirit is always available to me as I walk in obedience to Him. Dear Father, may these words of Jesus be evident in my life today, and may others come to the fullness only He can provide:
"Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life" (John 4:14). "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me ... streams of living water will flow from within him" (John 7:37-38).
Church History (Letter to John Wesley)
And if I must speak freely, I believe your fighting so strenuously against the doctrine of election and pleading so vehemently for a sinless perfection are among the reasons or culpable causes, why you are kept out of the liberties of the gospel, and from that full assurance of faith which they enjoy, who have experimentally tasted, and daily feed upon God's electing, everlasting love."
--George Whitefield
"A Letter from George Whitefield to the Rev. Mr. John Wesley"
http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/wesley.htm
Quick Update/New Outreach in Atlanta Soon to Come...
I had a great meeting today at my church, First Bapt. Atlanta, to give more information about our outreaches with prayer about the new outreach we hope to begin in 'Little Five Points' for God's glory as soon as possible.
Yesterday I worked more in the storage unit and prepared some materials to give to my pastor at First Bapt. Atlanta to let him see a sample of our resources for this new ministry. It was so encouraging to be understood in my church...for my love for Jesus and encouraged to live for Him no matter the cost. After all, such love in my heart to tell others about Jesus comes from Jesus!
Now, after my meeting at church, I am off to Staples to get supplies for the new outreach in Atlanta. It will cost at least 300.00 to get everything we need (table, banner, sign, plastic bins for materials and dollies to transport the table and supplies to the outreach location.) Please consider being a part of God's work by meeting these financial needs in this new ministry.
Also, I am ordering a sign for the table in NYC at Staples. With shipping, the sign is going to cost 60.00. It will read: "Have you heard the Good News? (John 14:6)".
Tonight I plan to post photos and a summary from Josef in Guadalajara, MX and finish a new book review I have co-written on God Calling. (I hope to begin working on the next ministry update tomorrow. It continues to be a busy time. I have a coupon for all of the supplies at Staples, and I want to purchase these things for the new ministry before the coupon expires, so I am off to get everything for the new outreach here in Atlanta today.)
Yesterday I worked more in the storage unit and prepared some materials to give to my pastor at First Bapt. Atlanta to let him see a sample of our resources for this new ministry. It was so encouraging to be understood in my church...for my love for Jesus and encouraged to live for Him no matter the cost. After all, such love in my heart to tell others about Jesus comes from Jesus!
Now, after my meeting at church, I am off to Staples to get supplies for the new outreach in Atlanta. It will cost at least 300.00 to get everything we need (table, banner, sign, plastic bins for materials and dollies to transport the table and supplies to the outreach location.) Please consider being a part of God's work by meeting these financial needs in this new ministry.
Also, I am ordering a sign for the table in NYC at Staples. With shipping, the sign is going to cost 60.00. It will read: "Have you heard the Good News? (John 14:6)".
Tonight I plan to post photos and a summary from Josef in Guadalajara, MX and finish a new book review I have co-written on God Calling. (I hope to begin working on the next ministry update tomorrow. It continues to be a busy time. I have a coupon for all of the supplies at Staples, and I want to purchase these things for the new ministry before the coupon expires, so I am off to get everything for the new outreach here in Atlanta today.)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Thinking About Heaven
I am in the process of placing an order for all our outreach locations on tracts, booklets and books by Randy Alcorn on Heaven.
http://www.epm.org/books/heavenDetail.php
http://www.epm.org/books/heavenDetail.php
Defining the Believer's Biblical Call to Judge
From Pastor Bob DeWaay
http://www.cicministry.org/worldview.php
16 Defining the Believer’s Biblical Call to Judge Part 1
Many times, after publishing an article that disputes the claims of someone’s published work, I am asked if I had talked to the person privately. There are those who claim that debating ideas in the public arena should not happen unless there was a prior Matthew 18 process of adjudication. It is my position that Matthew 18 does not apply to the public interaction of theological ideas. In this series of articles, I shall examine various New Testament passages that explain what we must and must not judge.
HTML PDF
17 Defining the Believer’s Biblical Call to Judge Part 2
This is part two in a three part series of articles which examine various passages from the New Testament concerning believers making judgments. The purpose of these articles is to help believers use discernment while avoiding making judgments about things they cannot know. We will begin part 2 by explaining the often misunderstood passage in Matthew about judging by fruit.
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18 The Believers Call to Judge part 3 – Naming Names
In part 2 we studied Paul’s warning to the elders in Ephesus that wolves would arise in their midst. In this final segment of this series we shall examine Paul’s practice and teaching regarding correcting false teachers that arise in the church, including naming them by name.
HTML PDF
http://www.cicministry.org/worldview.php
16 Defining the Believer’s Biblical Call to Judge Part 1
Many times, after publishing an article that disputes the claims of someone’s published work, I am asked if I had talked to the person privately. There are those who claim that debating ideas in the public arena should not happen unless there was a prior Matthew 18 process of adjudication. It is my position that Matthew 18 does not apply to the public interaction of theological ideas. In this series of articles, I shall examine various New Testament passages that explain what we must and must not judge.
HTML PDF
17 Defining the Believer’s Biblical Call to Judge Part 2
This is part two in a three part series of articles which examine various passages from the New Testament concerning believers making judgments. The purpose of these articles is to help believers use discernment while avoiding making judgments about things they cannot know. We will begin part 2 by explaining the often misunderstood passage in Matthew about judging by fruit.
HTML PDF
18 The Believers Call to Judge part 3 – Naming Names
In part 2 we studied Paul’s warning to the elders in Ephesus that wolves would arise in their midst. In this final segment of this series we shall examine Paul’s practice and teaching regarding correcting false teachers that arise in the church, including naming them by name.
HTML PDF
Old-Time Religion
My mother, as a little girl, putting her offering in the church offering plate at Sevier Heights Bapt. Church (Knoxville, TN).
Emergent Delusion
Understanding The Times with Jan Markell
Emergent Delusion -- Pastor Bob DeWaay returns to talk about an Emergent conference he attended. He describes total spiritual darkness. Why do people rush to the defense of Rob Bell, Brian McLaren, Doug Pagitt and others, when they incriminate themselves with their own words? Why do once-solid evangelicals flee to jump on board this heretical movement?
Emergent Delusion -- Pastor Bob DeWaay returns to talk about an Emergent conference he attended. He describes total spiritual darkness. Why do people rush to the defense of Rob Bell, Brian McLaren, Doug Pagitt and others, when they incriminate themselves with their own words? Why do once-solid evangelicals flee to jump on board this heretical movement?
The "Anti-Israel Revelation" of Preterism
The Anti-Israel Revelation – January 27
“Emergent Church” guru Brian McLaren is a key figure on the Evangelical Left who is trying shift Evangelicals, who are America’s most pro-Israel demographic, into a more neutralist stance. Currently, he is leading a delegation through Israel and “Palestine” to broadcast the sins of Israeli oppression against Palestinians by “listening, learning, thinking, observing, reflecting.” His blog is providing daily updates of his discoveries, all of which confirm his previously often declared bias against Israel.
View Full Article
“Emergent Church” guru Brian McLaren is a key figure on the Evangelical Left who is trying shift Evangelicals, who are America’s most pro-Israel demographic, into a more neutralist stance. Currently, he is leading a delegation through Israel and “Palestine” to broadcast the sins of Israeli oppression against Palestinians by “listening, learning, thinking, observing, reflecting.” His blog is providing daily updates of his discoveries, all of which confirm his previously often declared bias against Israel.
View Full Article
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Decatur Church Offers "Taize Worship"
Read article here on the apostate practice of Taize worship at a church in Decatur, GA.
Also see:
http://www.discernthetime.com/messageboard/showthread.php?t=4802&highlight=Taize
Also see:
http://www.discernthetime.com/messageboard/showthread.php?t=4802&highlight=Taize
"Google Goes Jihad"
GOOGLE AND FAVORED TREATMENT
(from The Berean Call)
Google, the Internet's ubiquitous search engine, is under fire this week for censoring negative search results about Islam. If you type "Christianity is" into the Google search box, there immediately pop up a series of suggested completions to the sentence, most of them derogatory: "Christianity is [expletive]," "Christianity is not a religion," "Christianity is a lie," "Christianity is false," "Christianity is wrong," "Christianity is fake." No positive suggests come up. Likewise with "Buddhism is," and the sentence is once again completed with numerous negative suggestions: "Buddhism is wrong," "Buddhism is not what you think," and so on. But type in "Islam is," and nothing comes up at all. The negative suggestions inundating the searcher for other religions are nowhere to be seen.
Google, however, says it was all a mistake, and denies have done anything to favor Islam. "This is a bug," insisted a Google spokesman, "and we're working to fix it as quickly as we can." Oddly enough, however, even with all of Google's technical savvy, this "bug" persisted for days and continues as of this writing, long after Google's announcement that it would quickly be fixed.
Or perhaps it isn't so odd, in light of Google's long-established penchant for favoring the hard Left and its allies in the global jihad. Critics have complained for years about Google's tendency to decorate its logo colorfully for cherished days of the Left such as Earth Day and International Women's Day, while ignoring Christmas (aside from bland Holiday greetings) and Easter. What's more, Google-owned YouTube has more than once removed material critical of Islamic jihad supremacism, while allowing blood-curdling pro-jihad and vile anti-Semitic material to remain on the site. Google's policies on removing videos all too often has appeared to follow a consistent Leftist line: anti-American, anti-Israel, pro-jihad.
Read article from Frontpage here .
(from The Berean Call)
Google, the Internet's ubiquitous search engine, is under fire this week for censoring negative search results about Islam. If you type "Christianity is" into the Google search box, there immediately pop up a series of suggested completions to the sentence, most of them derogatory: "Christianity is [expletive]," "Christianity is not a religion," "Christianity is a lie," "Christianity is false," "Christianity is wrong," "Christianity is fake." No positive suggests come up. Likewise with "Buddhism is," and the sentence is once again completed with numerous negative suggestions: "Buddhism is wrong," "Buddhism is not what you think," and so on. But type in "Islam is," and nothing comes up at all. The negative suggestions inundating the searcher for other religions are nowhere to be seen.
Google, however, says it was all a mistake, and denies have done anything to favor Islam. "This is a bug," insisted a Google spokesman, "and we're working to fix it as quickly as we can." Oddly enough, however, even with all of Google's technical savvy, this "bug" persisted for days and continues as of this writing, long after Google's announcement that it would quickly be fixed.
Or perhaps it isn't so odd, in light of Google's long-established penchant for favoring the hard Left and its allies in the global jihad. Critics have complained for years about Google's tendency to decorate its logo colorfully for cherished days of the Left such as Earth Day and International Women's Day, while ignoring Christmas (aside from bland Holiday greetings) and Easter. What's more, Google-owned YouTube has more than once removed material critical of Islamic jihad supremacism, while allowing blood-curdling pro-jihad and vile anti-Semitic material to remain on the site. Google's policies on removing videos all too often has appeared to follow a consistent Leftist line: anti-American, anti-Israel, pro-jihad.
Read article from Frontpage here .
Review of "Avatar" by Joe Schimmel
http://www.goodfight.org/a_v_avatar_one_world_religion.html
By: Joe Schimmel
James Cameron’s movie, Avatar, is a spellbinding blockbuster whose effects are so astonishing that they vividly transport the audience into another worldly realm where worshipping a tree and communing with spirits are not only acceptable; they are attractive. Avatar is also markedly pantheistic and essentially, the gospel according to James Cameron. This pantheistic theme that equates God with the forces and laws of the universe is outwardly depicted by the heroes and heroine in the movie who all worship Eywa, the "All Mother" Goddess, who is described as "a network of energy” that “flows through all living things.”
Overall, the movie is strewn with ritualistic magic, communion with spirits, shamanism, and blatant idolatry as it conditions the audience to believe these pagan occult lies. In addition, the audience is led to sympathize with the Avatar and even ends up pulling for him as he is initiated into pagan rituals. Even the lead scientist becomes a pagan in the end, proclaiming that she is "with Eywa, she's real," and goes to be with her upon her death.
While James Cameron’s fictitious depiction of nature religion lends itself well to the new age lie that Native American religions were life affirming and harmless, Mel Gibson’s portrayal of Mayan priests, beholden to blood thirsty deities that demanded the blood of their sacrificial victims, was far closer to the truth. Cameron’s sugar coating and romanticizing of savages and ancient nature worship depicted in Avatar flies in the face of the facts found in ancient codexes and archeological finds that reveal that the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas, all engaged in mass human sacrifice, including taking the lives of innocent children to appease their demon gods.
Given James Cameron’s track record of attacking Christianity, and specifically Christ’s resurrection in the roundly discredited documentary, The Lost Tomb of Jesus, it should not be surprising that he would write and direct a $300 million dollar propaganda piece that promotes the worship of nature and spirits.
Clearly, Hollywood has had a steady hand in turning America away from her conservative Christian roots to new age occult beliefs and practices. Pantheism appeals to the Hollywood crowd because it teaches that we are all God and that we need not be concerned about being obedient or accountable to a personal God who created the universe. However, it is not only Christ-rejecting directors who are seeking to get the world to embrace the worship of the earth under the guise of their imaginary Mother Earth Goddess; it is also the leader of the global warming movement himself, Al Gore.
In his book, Earth in the Balance, Gore suggests that we return to the worship of nature and upholds various nature worshipping sects and Native American religions as a model:
“This pan religious perspective may prove especially important where our global civilization's responsibility for the earth is concerned…Native American religions, for instance, offer a rich tapestry of ideas about our relationship to the earth…All things are connected like the blood that unites us all.” (Al Gore, Earth in the Balance - Ecology and the Human Spirit, 1992, p. 258-259)
Seeking a new age synthesis that combines various occult traditions, Gore favorably quotes the Hindu teaching, “The Earth is our mother, and we are all her children," (Ibid. p. 161). Incredibly, Gore further claims that we should seek new insights from goddess worshippers of the past and blames Christianity for its near elimination:
"The spiritual sense of our place in nature…can be traced to the origins of human civilization. A growing number of anthropologists and archeo-mythologists…argue that the prevailing ideology of belief in prehistoric Europe and much of the world was based on the worship of a single earth goddess, who was assumed to be the fountain of all life and who radiated harmony among all living things…The last vestige of organized goddess worship was eliminated by Christianity…[I]t seems obvious that a better understanding of a religious heritage preceding our own by so many thousands of years could offer us new insights…" (Ibid, p. 260)
Gore goes on to declare that we need to find a new nature-based religion and quotes New Age theologian, Teilhard de Chardin, in support of the “new faith” of the future:
"This point was made by the Catholic theologian, Teilhard de Chardin, when he said, ‘The fate of mankind, as well as of religion, depends upon the emergence of a new faith in the future.’ Armed with such a faith, we might find it possible to re-sanctify the earth." (Ibid, p. 263)
With leading Hollywood directors and Washington political figures leading the way, America is quickly returning to the paganism that shrouded the world in spiritual darkness for millennia. May God help us heed the warning of the apostle Paul, found in Holy Scripture, who warned that the worship of nature in ancient times was the result of turning from the worship of the one true God who created nature in the first place:
“For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.
They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.” (Romans 1:21-25)
By: Joe Schimmel
James Cameron’s movie, Avatar, is a spellbinding blockbuster whose effects are so astonishing that they vividly transport the audience into another worldly realm where worshipping a tree and communing with spirits are not only acceptable; they are attractive. Avatar is also markedly pantheistic and essentially, the gospel according to James Cameron. This pantheistic theme that equates God with the forces and laws of the universe is outwardly depicted by the heroes and heroine in the movie who all worship Eywa, the "All Mother" Goddess, who is described as "a network of energy” that “flows through all living things.”
Overall, the movie is strewn with ritualistic magic, communion with spirits, shamanism, and blatant idolatry as it conditions the audience to believe these pagan occult lies. In addition, the audience is led to sympathize with the Avatar and even ends up pulling for him as he is initiated into pagan rituals. Even the lead scientist becomes a pagan in the end, proclaiming that she is "with Eywa, she's real," and goes to be with her upon her death.
While James Cameron’s fictitious depiction of nature religion lends itself well to the new age lie that Native American religions were life affirming and harmless, Mel Gibson’s portrayal of Mayan priests, beholden to blood thirsty deities that demanded the blood of their sacrificial victims, was far closer to the truth. Cameron’s sugar coating and romanticizing of savages and ancient nature worship depicted in Avatar flies in the face of the facts found in ancient codexes and archeological finds that reveal that the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas, all engaged in mass human sacrifice, including taking the lives of innocent children to appease their demon gods.
Given James Cameron’s track record of attacking Christianity, and specifically Christ’s resurrection in the roundly discredited documentary, The Lost Tomb of Jesus, it should not be surprising that he would write and direct a $300 million dollar propaganda piece that promotes the worship of nature and spirits.
Clearly, Hollywood has had a steady hand in turning America away from her conservative Christian roots to new age occult beliefs and practices. Pantheism appeals to the Hollywood crowd because it teaches that we are all God and that we need not be concerned about being obedient or accountable to a personal God who created the universe. However, it is not only Christ-rejecting directors who are seeking to get the world to embrace the worship of the earth under the guise of their imaginary Mother Earth Goddess; it is also the leader of the global warming movement himself, Al Gore.
In his book, Earth in the Balance, Gore suggests that we return to the worship of nature and upholds various nature worshipping sects and Native American religions as a model:
“This pan religious perspective may prove especially important where our global civilization's responsibility for the earth is concerned…Native American religions, for instance, offer a rich tapestry of ideas about our relationship to the earth…All things are connected like the blood that unites us all.” (Al Gore, Earth in the Balance - Ecology and the Human Spirit, 1992, p. 258-259)
Seeking a new age synthesis that combines various occult traditions, Gore favorably quotes the Hindu teaching, “The Earth is our mother, and we are all her children," (Ibid. p. 161). Incredibly, Gore further claims that we should seek new insights from goddess worshippers of the past and blames Christianity for its near elimination:
"The spiritual sense of our place in nature…can be traced to the origins of human civilization. A growing number of anthropologists and archeo-mythologists…argue that the prevailing ideology of belief in prehistoric Europe and much of the world was based on the worship of a single earth goddess, who was assumed to be the fountain of all life and who radiated harmony among all living things…The last vestige of organized goddess worship was eliminated by Christianity…[I]t seems obvious that a better understanding of a religious heritage preceding our own by so many thousands of years could offer us new insights…" (Ibid, p. 260)
Gore goes on to declare that we need to find a new nature-based religion and quotes New Age theologian, Teilhard de Chardin, in support of the “new faith” of the future:
"This point was made by the Catholic theologian, Teilhard de Chardin, when he said, ‘The fate of mankind, as well as of religion, depends upon the emergence of a new faith in the future.’ Armed with such a faith, we might find it possible to re-sanctify the earth." (Ibid, p. 263)
With leading Hollywood directors and Washington political figures leading the way, America is quickly returning to the paganism that shrouded the world in spiritual darkness for millennia. May God help us heed the warning of the apostle Paul, found in Holy Scripture, who warned that the worship of nature in ancient times was the result of turning from the worship of the one true God who created nature in the first place:
“For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.
They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.” (Romans 1:21-25)
Haiti's Disaster & Hollywood's Avatar
by Vishal Mangalwadi:
The 9 million people of Haiti, largely of African descent, living in approximately 10,000 square miles in the paradise-like Caribbean island of Hispaniola, constitute the only nation in the world which gained its independence through a successful slave rebellion in 1804. Sadly, Haiti remains the poorest country in the Americas.
Its independence was inspired by the secular idealism of the French Revolution and launched in a voodoo ceremony on August 14, 1791 that included sacrificing a pig, drinking its blood and making a pact with the demonic supernatural.
In 200 years, none of its 32 coups, multiple dictatorships and democratic elections has succeeded in building political freedoms. Lawlessness, insecurity, instability, and dependency permeate Haitian society, preventing their independence from attaining either the economic potential witnessed during the colonial period or that of Caribbean tourism today.
On January 12, 2010 Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince was devastated by an earthquake of 7.0 magnitude: as many as 200,000 people are estimated killed and now, more than a week later, 20,000 people are reported to be dying every day due to lack of food, water and medical aid.
The Disaster: Natural or Cultural?
On 17 October, 1989 an earthquake of 7.0 magnitude also struck the San Francisco Bay Area in California in the United States of America: Only 63 people died. At that time the Bay Area had over 5 million residents; Port-au-Prince has less than a million.
Why this difference? The Bay Area was built on a culture of law, justice, freedom, and consequent trusting social order which makes prosperity possible. In contrast, in spite of many wonderful exceptions, Haitian society is built on a culture of immoral corruption, oppression, social mistrust and resultant poverty. Builders routinely disregard the rules for constructing safe buildings because political, bureaucratic and law enforcement institutions move on the wheels of bribery. In plain words: while Haiti's earthquake was natural, its disaster is cultural. Therefore, even though individuals need immediate relief, the only way to rebuild Haiti is to transform its culture.
Can the Avatar Save Haiti from its Corruption?
In order to overcome its culture of corruption and poverty, Haiti needs many heroes like Jake, in James Cameron's megahit movie Avatar. Jake was an outsider but, like Jesus Christ, he incarnated among a people in great need and became one of them. He chose to sacrifice his own life in order to save a vulnerable people that he dearly loved. The Avatar's hero is ideal but its scriptwriter is naïve. The people of Haiti practice Voodoo spiritism because they understand and know reality better than Hollywood's romantic idealists. The Haitians know that they do not know the supreme creative spirit, they call Bondey. Since they cannot know or reach Bondey, they assume that the Creator is also incapable of reaching them, revealing Himself to them, loving them enough to discipline them or to incarnate in their midst to save them. French Roman Catholicism had tried to convert their slaves in the 17th century; therefore, some Catholic trappings adorn Haitian Voodoo. Yet, because most Haitians believe that the Creator does not care enough to interfere with human affairs, Haitian Voodoo does not fear or serve the unknown, absentee Creator. Nevertheless, the Haitians do not think that only the material world is real. They know that spirits exist: some of them get possessed and spirits communicate with their religious leaders. Their devout priests claim to receive certain supernatural powers from the spirits. The Haitians call these spirits Lwa or loa and fear and serve them.
Like many Indians as well as the Na'vi people in Avatar, the Haitians believe that these spirits govern nature. Disasters, such as the present earthquake, have taught Haitians that the spirits that govern nature or possess individuals are not always good and benevolent. They may contribute to life, but they also bring disease, disasters and death. As the movie puts it the Mother Earth Force doesn't take sides between good and evil. It is amoral. It merely restores balance - for example, if you turn forest into desert, you take the consequences. Indian Tantriks (occult priests) know well, no god or goddess sacrifices his/her life to save others. Quite the opposite. They may demand the blood of your neighbor's child before they grant your petitions. Therefore, just as many of our "holy" tantriks and ascetics become demoniacs, many Haitians have also become like the gods and goddesses they worship - capricious, greedy and unpredictable. Haiti is different than the Bay Area because Haitian society is built on a worldview the universe is not cosmos ruled by the Word of One benevolent and just Creator. They think we live in a multiverse - a chaos - governed by many unpredictable deities. This worldview does not encourage a systematic study of nature (science) or an attempt to govern and manage nature (technology). Since the multiverse has no Law-Giver who will hold us accountable, there is no need to be a law abiding citizen - especially if you can bribe human rulers just as your priests bribe the gods.
Could Cameron's Portrayal of America be Prophetic?
Cameron's Avatar portrays secular America as a brutal super-power, ever-ready tosacrifice simple,nature-worshipping people at the altar of amoral economic greed. America has had ugly moments in its history. Haiti, however, is seeing a very different America - a nation that is quick to sacrifice billions of dollars in aid; a nation filled with churches that are sending thousands of volunteers to serve the helpless; an army that will spend its resources to rescue the trapped and save aid workers from mobs of greedy, spirit-worshipping Haitians who will loot food from the mouths of lonely elderly and vulnerable orphans.
Unfortunately, James Cameron's Avatar could turn out to be a prophetic portrayal of 21st century America. Following the European Enlightenment, American intellectuals also learned what Indians and Haitians have always known-the human mind, by itself (without divine revelation) cannot know the Creator, His moral law or His saving grace. (However, does our inability to reach Him, prevents Him from incarnating to save us as Jake saved the Na'vi?) The Enlightenment's intellectual arrogance is choking Europe and America's ability to see God's grace and revelation. Although professing themselves to be intellectuals, they are continuing to march towards a Haitian-like destiny: America's godless, secular intelligentsia have succeeded in eliminating the spirit and guidance of our Creator from the educational process. As a result, public universities have become factories churning out amoral and progressively immoral leaders.
The brightest of these university graduates now control a significant section of corporate America. Their amoral, greed-driven financial management caused the economic crisis that began at the end of 2008. Honest tax-payers were forced to bail out Wall Street, but the crisis continues to haunt hundreds of millions in America and around the world.
Amoral "intellectual" elitism is now crippling American politics. At the moment of writing, President Obama's #1 domestic priority - Healthcare Reform - lies derailed, in shambles. "Reforming" healthcare sounds like a good thing. But if the ruling party is really doing something good, why does it have to bribe its own Senators and trade unions with hundreds of millions of dollars to pass a "Reform" bill?
Following politics, (spirit-and-morality-rejecting) secular materialism will drive the American army into the arms of amoral-greed-driven capitalists. At that point America will become worse than a Saddam Hussein who marched his tanks into Kuwait to loot its oil wealth. When that happens, America will be what Avatar portrays - incomparably more dreadful than Hitler's Germany.
Cameron may be prophetic in his portrayal of America, yet, America can be saved from its encroaching corruption and destruction. It can repent and return to the biblical spirituality that founded and still undergirds (albeit frailly) the Bay Area's culture of just, compassionate and law-abiding capitalism powered by scientific research and technology. Tens of thousands of Indians that now lead the technological and financial sectors of the Bay Area demonstrate that India (or Haiti) do not need to remain "backward." Cameron's Avatar is fiction, but the marvelous truth about Haiti, India, America and Europe's future is that God has in fact incarnated in human history. The historic Avatar actually sacrificed his life to save us from our sin. Therefore, we do not need to live as slaves of sin that is the real cause of Haiti's cultural disaster. We can move forward. But we must hold on to what James Cameron does not yet know: the spirits of trees, rivers, astrology and mythology cannot save us. We know that we are not Nobel Savages of Hollywood's romantic idealism...The Na'vi's accepted their savior after significant resistance. We need humility to confess our need of the Incarnated Divine Love who would sacrifice himself to save us from our sin, including the sin of worshipping false gods, whether of trees and demonic deities or of greed for power and material progress at the cost of the welfare of humanity and nature. Since Haiti's disaster is cultural, the most effective way to help transform it while meeting immediate need is to channel developmental aid (in contrast to the relief aid) is through Bible believing local churches that seek to cultivate biblical spirituality.
It is true that many biblical churches have not yet assumed the responsibility to transform their wider culture. They don't understand why the true Avatar (Incarnation) challenged corruption in the heart of his own culture when he drove out those who were turning the central culture shaping institution, the Temple, into a den of robbers. Nevertheless there are good churches in Haiti and one can connect with some of the effective and trustworthy churches through [various] organizations.
The 9 million people of Haiti, largely of African descent, living in approximately 10,000 square miles in the paradise-like Caribbean island of Hispaniola, constitute the only nation in the world which gained its independence through a successful slave rebellion in 1804. Sadly, Haiti remains the poorest country in the Americas.
Its independence was inspired by the secular idealism of the French Revolution and launched in a voodoo ceremony on August 14, 1791 that included sacrificing a pig, drinking its blood and making a pact with the demonic supernatural.
In 200 years, none of its 32 coups, multiple dictatorships and democratic elections has succeeded in building political freedoms. Lawlessness, insecurity, instability, and dependency permeate Haitian society, preventing their independence from attaining either the economic potential witnessed during the colonial period or that of Caribbean tourism today.
On January 12, 2010 Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince was devastated by an earthquake of 7.0 magnitude: as many as 200,000 people are estimated killed and now, more than a week later, 20,000 people are reported to be dying every day due to lack of food, water and medical aid.
The Disaster: Natural or Cultural?
On 17 October, 1989 an earthquake of 7.0 magnitude also struck the San Francisco Bay Area in California in the United States of America: Only 63 people died. At that time the Bay Area had over 5 million residents; Port-au-Prince has less than a million.
Why this difference? The Bay Area was built on a culture of law, justice, freedom, and consequent trusting social order which makes prosperity possible. In contrast, in spite of many wonderful exceptions, Haitian society is built on a culture of immoral corruption, oppression, social mistrust and resultant poverty. Builders routinely disregard the rules for constructing safe buildings because political, bureaucratic and law enforcement institutions move on the wheels of bribery. In plain words: while Haiti's earthquake was natural, its disaster is cultural. Therefore, even though individuals need immediate relief, the only way to rebuild Haiti is to transform its culture.
Can the Avatar Save Haiti from its Corruption?
In order to overcome its culture of corruption and poverty, Haiti needs many heroes like Jake, in James Cameron's megahit movie Avatar. Jake was an outsider but, like Jesus Christ, he incarnated among a people in great need and became one of them. He chose to sacrifice his own life in order to save a vulnerable people that he dearly loved. The Avatar's hero is ideal but its scriptwriter is naïve. The people of Haiti practice Voodoo spiritism because they understand and know reality better than Hollywood's romantic idealists. The Haitians know that they do not know the supreme creative spirit, they call Bondey. Since they cannot know or reach Bondey, they assume that the Creator is also incapable of reaching them, revealing Himself to them, loving them enough to discipline them or to incarnate in their midst to save them. French Roman Catholicism had tried to convert their slaves in the 17th century; therefore, some Catholic trappings adorn Haitian Voodoo. Yet, because most Haitians believe that the Creator does not care enough to interfere with human affairs, Haitian Voodoo does not fear or serve the unknown, absentee Creator. Nevertheless, the Haitians do not think that only the material world is real. They know that spirits exist: some of them get possessed and spirits communicate with their religious leaders. Their devout priests claim to receive certain supernatural powers from the spirits. The Haitians call these spirits Lwa or loa and fear and serve them.
Like many Indians as well as the Na'vi people in Avatar, the Haitians believe that these spirits govern nature. Disasters, such as the present earthquake, have taught Haitians that the spirits that govern nature or possess individuals are not always good and benevolent. They may contribute to life, but they also bring disease, disasters and death. As the movie puts it the Mother Earth Force doesn't take sides between good and evil. It is amoral. It merely restores balance - for example, if you turn forest into desert, you take the consequences. Indian Tantriks (occult priests) know well, no god or goddess sacrifices his/her life to save others. Quite the opposite. They may demand the blood of your neighbor's child before they grant your petitions. Therefore, just as many of our "holy" tantriks and ascetics become demoniacs, many Haitians have also become like the gods and goddesses they worship - capricious, greedy and unpredictable. Haiti is different than the Bay Area because Haitian society is built on a worldview the universe is not cosmos ruled by the Word of One benevolent and just Creator. They think we live in a multiverse - a chaos - governed by many unpredictable deities. This worldview does not encourage a systematic study of nature (science) or an attempt to govern and manage nature (technology). Since the multiverse has no Law-Giver who will hold us accountable, there is no need to be a law abiding citizen - especially if you can bribe human rulers just as your priests bribe the gods.
Could Cameron's Portrayal of America be Prophetic?
Cameron's Avatar portrays secular America as a brutal super-power, ever-ready tosacrifice simple,nature-worshipping people at the altar of amoral economic greed. America has had ugly moments in its history. Haiti, however, is seeing a very different America - a nation that is quick to sacrifice billions of dollars in aid; a nation filled with churches that are sending thousands of volunteers to serve the helpless; an army that will spend its resources to rescue the trapped and save aid workers from mobs of greedy, spirit-worshipping Haitians who will loot food from the mouths of lonely elderly and vulnerable orphans.
Unfortunately, James Cameron's Avatar could turn out to be a prophetic portrayal of 21st century America. Following the European Enlightenment, American intellectuals also learned what Indians and Haitians have always known-the human mind, by itself (without divine revelation) cannot know the Creator, His moral law or His saving grace. (However, does our inability to reach Him, prevents Him from incarnating to save us as Jake saved the Na'vi?) The Enlightenment's intellectual arrogance is choking Europe and America's ability to see God's grace and revelation. Although professing themselves to be intellectuals, they are continuing to march towards a Haitian-like destiny: America's godless, secular intelligentsia have succeeded in eliminating the spirit and guidance of our Creator from the educational process. As a result, public universities have become factories churning out amoral and progressively immoral leaders.
The brightest of these university graduates now control a significant section of corporate America. Their amoral, greed-driven financial management caused the economic crisis that began at the end of 2008. Honest tax-payers were forced to bail out Wall Street, but the crisis continues to haunt hundreds of millions in America and around the world.
Amoral "intellectual" elitism is now crippling American politics. At the moment of writing, President Obama's #1 domestic priority - Healthcare Reform - lies derailed, in shambles. "Reforming" healthcare sounds like a good thing. But if the ruling party is really doing something good, why does it have to bribe its own Senators and trade unions with hundreds of millions of dollars to pass a "Reform" bill?
Following politics, (spirit-and-morality-rejecting) secular materialism will drive the American army into the arms of amoral-greed-driven capitalists. At that point America will become worse than a Saddam Hussein who marched his tanks into Kuwait to loot its oil wealth. When that happens, America will be what Avatar portrays - incomparably more dreadful than Hitler's Germany.
Cameron may be prophetic in his portrayal of America, yet, America can be saved from its encroaching corruption and destruction. It can repent and return to the biblical spirituality that founded and still undergirds (albeit frailly) the Bay Area's culture of just, compassionate and law-abiding capitalism powered by scientific research and technology. Tens of thousands of Indians that now lead the technological and financial sectors of the Bay Area demonstrate that India (or Haiti) do not need to remain "backward." Cameron's Avatar is fiction, but the marvelous truth about Haiti, India, America and Europe's future is that God has in fact incarnated in human history. The historic Avatar actually sacrificed his life to save us from our sin. Therefore, we do not need to live as slaves of sin that is the real cause of Haiti's cultural disaster. We can move forward. But we must hold on to what James Cameron does not yet know: the spirits of trees, rivers, astrology and mythology cannot save us. We know that we are not Nobel Savages of Hollywood's romantic idealism...The Na'vi's accepted their savior after significant resistance. We need humility to confess our need of the Incarnated Divine Love who would sacrifice himself to save us from our sin, including the sin of worshipping false gods, whether of trees and demonic deities or of greed for power and material progress at the cost of the welfare of humanity and nature. Since Haiti's disaster is cultural, the most effective way to help transform it while meeting immediate need is to channel developmental aid (in contrast to the relief aid) is through Bible believing local churches that seek to cultivate biblical spirituality.
It is true that many biblical churches have not yet assumed the responsibility to transform their wider culture. They don't understand why the true Avatar (Incarnation) challenged corruption in the heart of his own culture when he drove out those who were turning the central culture shaping institution, the Temple, into a den of robbers. Nevertheless there are good churches in Haiti and one can connect with some of the effective and trustworthy churches through [various] organizations.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Work Today and Missions Conference Tonight
Today I have worked on sending out the remainder of receipts for donations in 2009, and I have begun working with a sign company for a new sign for our NYC table. The team has decided on "We've Got Good News", and they are going to get back to me on a Bible reference for the sign.
Plans for this week: finishing an online "store" for the web site, plus adding the locations of outreach in the Philippines and Pickering (North Yorkshire, England). I also hope to finish a book review on God Calling. I have also asked one of the web designers to get our table outreach location in "Jerusalem" posted on the LTW web site by the end of the week.
I am off now to attend a missions conference...
Making the most of my time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15),
Dwayna
Plans for this week: finishing an online "store" for the web site, plus adding the locations of outreach in the Philippines and Pickering (North Yorkshire, England). I also hope to finish a book review on God Calling. I have also asked one of the web designers to get our table outreach location in "Jerusalem" posted on the LTW web site by the end of the week.
I am off now to attend a missions conference...
Making the most of my time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15),
Dwayna
Helping Orphans in Haiti
I am recommending One Vision International, a Christian missions organization led by my mother's pastor's son, John Miller.
I hope to be posting more information about meeting the needs of the orphans in Haiti through this outreach.
http://www.onevisioninternational.org
http://www.sevierheights.org
I hope to be posting more information about meeting the needs of the orphans in Haiti through this outreach.
http://www.onevisioninternational.org
http://www.sevierheights.org
Loving God Wholeheartedly
From Charisse, LTW Research contributor:
"A ruler questioned Him, saying, 'Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?' And Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.' And he said, 'All these things I have kept from my youth.' When Jesus heard this, He said to him, 'One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.' But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. And Jesus looked at him and said, 'How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!'" Luke 18:18-24
Jesus started listing the 10 commandments from the middle moving to the end. Interestingly, not speaking the first several commandments [which are] "'You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,...'" Deuteronomy 5:7-9
Why? Because the young man would not have recognized his failure to obey the commandments unless it was demonstrated by his unwillingness to let go of his god of money and possessions. This gave me pause to check my own willingness to let go of anything that would hinder me from loving God wholeheartedly.
"A ruler questioned Him, saying, 'Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?' And Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments, DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, DO NOT MURDER, DO NOT STEAL, DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS, HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER.' And he said, 'All these things I have kept from my youth.' When Jesus heard this, He said to him, 'One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.' But when he had heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. And Jesus looked at him and said, 'How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!'" Luke 18:18-24
Jesus started listing the 10 commandments from the middle moving to the end. Interestingly, not speaking the first several commandments [which are] "'You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,...'" Deuteronomy 5:7-9
Why? Because the young man would not have recognized his failure to obey the commandments unless it was demonstrated by his unwillingness to let go of his god of money and possessions. This gave me pause to check my own willingness to let go of anything that would hinder me from loving God wholeheartedly.
Testimony from Pastor Recker (Heritage Baptist, NYC)
Here is excellent news concerning our NYC outreach... from Pastor Matthew Recker, at Heritage Bapt. Church:
"...It was great having all three of the team at Heritage [Baptist Church] yesterday: Christine, Heidi, and Suzie. They are doing a great job and also a man has come for two weeks who received a book from their table!"
"...It was great having all three of the team at Heritage [Baptist Church] yesterday: Christine, Heidi, and Suzie. They are doing a great job and also a man has come for two weeks who received a book from their table!"
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Work Today
I had a GREAT time at church today with another fantastic sermon from my pastor, Charles Stanley. I am excited about working with many of the Singles when this ministry in 'Little Five Points' begins. Many of the Singles at First Bapt. Atlanta love evangelism and apologetics, so it will be wonderful to see this new ministry of evangelism and apologetics begin this spring. (It is easier said than done. I am relying on God to help us with every step. Even parking seems challenging, as I did not see a parking lot close to where I feel we are meant to set up.)
Today, I am working with our bookkeeper, and I am in the process of sending everyone a receipt for donations made in 2009. They will be sent out via email.
This is quite a bit of work. Of course, there is just not enough time to answer all of my emails or read all of the articles sent my way, but I am experiencing God's rest as I am enjoying spending all of my time doing this ministry to the praise of His glory. What an answer to prayer to work without distraction and be focused on all He has for me to do.
I was saved for Jesus and not myself, and nothing thrills my heart like living close to Him in obedience and telling others about His pure and precious love. Thank you for the prayers.
In His joy,
Dwayna
Today, I am working with our bookkeeper, and I am in the process of sending everyone a receipt for donations made in 2009. They will be sent out via email.
This is quite a bit of work. Of course, there is just not enough time to answer all of my emails or read all of the articles sent my way, but I am experiencing God's rest as I am enjoying spending all of my time doing this ministry to the praise of His glory. What an answer to prayer to work without distraction and be focused on all He has for me to do.
I was saved for Jesus and not myself, and nothing thrills my heart like living close to Him in obedience and telling others about His pure and precious love. Thank you for the prayers.
In His joy,
Dwayna
How About Praying to the Dead?
A friend asked me for a Bible verse, which teaches that God does NOT want us praying to the dead. Isaiah 8:19 is one verse that says God does not want us praying to the dead. :-) Plus, Romans 1 addresses how God wants us to worship Him and not His creation (i.e., people). Verses against astrology include Deut. 17, Deut. 18 and Isaiah 47.
So, although our pop-culture views this practice as benign through the promotion of the occult from Hollywood, contrary to popular belief, God does not want people praying to the dead.
So, although our pop-culture views this practice as benign through the promotion of the occult from Hollywood, contrary to popular belief, God does not want people praying to the dead.
Update from the Philippines
From Nitoy:
...Our last Soul Fuel, January 23, 2010 we had the leaders and junior officers with us. It was a great opportunity to meet again and catch up on things. We had a great time with our Bible Study, for our topic is very timely; it's about leadership, led by Bro Leo...Then we had our meeting. Sir Harry encourages to let God use us for His purpose.
It 's funny that as we are doing our Soul Fuel discussing leadership, there is an ongoing seminar on the Freedom Hall (where we had the movie event featuring “Facing The Giants”). The guest speaker was Congressman Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (or Bong-Bong) talking about leadership. It puts a smile in our faces. We really need leaders. Not just leaders but godly, Bible believing leaders. Please pray that God will continue to put the burning passion to future leaders of ROCK.
...Here are the pics at our blog http://rockthecampus.wordpress.com/updates/
more pictures and vidz on our Facebook account:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Batangas-City-Philippines/ROCK-Reaching-Out-for-Christs-Kingdom-Ministry/135861000588?ref=mf
Thanks for reading our updates. God bless you. Thank you for your support and prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Nitoy
...Our last Soul Fuel, January 23, 2010 we had the leaders and junior officers with us. It was a great opportunity to meet again and catch up on things. We had a great time with our Bible Study, for our topic is very timely; it's about leadership, led by Bro Leo...Then we had our meeting. Sir Harry encourages to let God use us for His purpose.
It 's funny that as we are doing our Soul Fuel discussing leadership, there is an ongoing seminar on the Freedom Hall (where we had the movie event featuring “Facing The Giants”). The guest speaker was Congressman Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (or Bong-Bong) talking about leadership. It puts a smile in our faces. We really need leaders. Not just leaders but godly, Bible believing leaders. Please pray that God will continue to put the burning passion to future leaders of ROCK.
...Here are the pics at our blog http://rockthecampus.wordpress.com/updates/
more pictures and vidz on our Facebook account:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Batangas-City-Philippines/ROCK-Reaching-Out-for-Christs-Kingdom-Ministry/135861000588?ref=mf
Thanks for reading our updates. God bless you. Thank you for your support and prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Nitoy
New Articles Posted
We are going to be using some of these articles, especially the fact sheet on the 'Hebrew Roots' cultic movement, at our table outreach locations to give to the lost, as well as Christians:
http://www.SeekGod.ca/index.htm
http://www.SeekGod.ca/index.htm
LTW to Orphans
Recently I got an update from a man in Liberia asking me to help some orphans there by at least posting photos and a list of their needs. Touched by this plea, I seriously considered doing whatever I could do to help these orphans. The photos moved my heart to take this opportunity to the Lord. After prayer, however, I have realized that there are simply too many unanswered questions concerning this situation in Liberia. For instance, I have no way of knowing whether the orphans are learning about Jesus or if they are raised in Islam. I also don't know the director. Though I was invited to come and visit, I let the director know that it was not a practical opportunity for me, and I would not be able to come. I have removed the post about orphans in Liberia, because there is just too much I cannot know from a personal standpoint. I wish we could help everyone everywhere, but we simply cannot.
What this has made me want to do is to help the orphans of Haiti. There is a Christian who leads an outreach to orphans in Haiti, and he is the son of my mother's pastor, Hollie Miller. (We use Hollie Miller's sermons also in our table outreach locations throughout the country.) Hollie's son, John Miller, leads One Vision International, and he is in need of donations for the orphans as he is telling them also about Jesus and working as a missionary there.
As I was praying about what to do about the orphans in Liberia, realizing I did not know anyone personally in that situation, God brought John Miller to my mind and has burdened me to partner with him in providing for the orphans of Haiti by posting on their needs. Hopefully more will be written about One Vision International on the blog soon, as I get more information and photos.
"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress and keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:27
What this has made me want to do is to help the orphans of Haiti. There is a Christian who leads an outreach to orphans in Haiti, and he is the son of my mother's pastor, Hollie Miller. (We use Hollie Miller's sermons also in our table outreach locations throughout the country.) Hollie's son, John Miller, leads One Vision International, and he is in need of donations for the orphans as he is telling them also about Jesus and working as a missionary there.
As I was praying about what to do about the orphans in Liberia, realizing I did not know anyone personally in that situation, God brought John Miller to my mind and has burdened me to partner with him in providing for the orphans of Haiti by posting on their needs. Hopefully more will be written about One Vision International on the blog soon, as I get more information and photos.
"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress and keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:27
Saturday, January 23, 2010
God's Amazing Pruning Process
As I prayed today, I was reminded that God's plan is not for my life to be easy. However, it is VICTORIOUS through Jesus my Lord!
“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
"The Shadow of the Dalai Lama"
Here is a site to give to Buddhists to show a non-sectarian view of the true spirituality of Buddhism. (Warning: some of this is overtly perverted).
http://www.trimondi.de/EN/front.html:
http://www.trimondi.de/EN/front.html:
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Importance of Fearing God
Just today I was reading verses in the Bible about how the wicked have no fear of God. I also heard an excellent sermon recently on the importance of fearing God. We should never have the attitude of taking advantage of God's grace, because He is a God of justice, a "consuming fire."
Matthew 10:28 "Fear not them who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." [This is also an excellent verse to give to people like Hindus who believe in reincarnation, a belief system suggesting the soul returns to earth in cycles of transmigration. This verse stumps them. :-)]
http://www.newswithviews.com/Duke/selwyn128.htm
Matthew 10:28 "Fear not them who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." [This is also an excellent verse to give to people like Hindus who believe in reincarnation, a belief system suggesting the soul returns to earth in cycles of transmigration. This verse stumps them. :-)]
http://www.newswithviews.com/Duke/selwyn128.htm
Praying about Expanding to Gudalajara, Mexico in Evangelism and Apologetics
Letter I received today from pastor in Mexico inquiring about starting a new table outreach of evangelism there:
We are in Guadalajara right now. It's the 2nd largest city in Mexico. Heavily Catholic and also the headquarters of homosexuality in Mexico.
So how do you set up your tables? What do you put on them exactly? What other details are involved?
I have been interested in some time in setting up a Gospel booth at a local market here. I think it would be easier to get brethren to do this type of ministry also then to get them to open air preach and all like we've been doing. In this way more women, especially the older women in our church, could get involved.
In Christ alone,
Josef Urban
http://www.puregospeltruth.com/
My response:
Josef,
Please go to the web site, and on the home page, you will find photos scrolling of our table outreaches. We really just want to make materials available for people for free who are searching for answers. However, nothing is given out randomly. The table serves as a forum for people to approach us. When they approach us, we can tell them what it means to be saved if they are interested, realizing that only God can open their eyes and make them interested enough to quicken them to life. (Ephesians 2:1-2). Realizing that it is all God’s work, we can rely on Him to bring the people over.
The web site is: http://www.lightingthewayworldwide.org/
Depending on the mission field, we have materials on the table to answer questions and meet them where they are in their objections to the Bible... By God’s Spirit, we are used to tell others what the Bible says about how to be saved. It is such exciting work! Of course, we have free Bibles, too, for the people.
Let me know if you are interested. I would love to work with you and partner by posting your updates and prayer requests and sending you materials for Catholics and New Agers…
The first step is to send me photos of the mission field (if there is any pagan spirituality, etc. embedded in the area). Then, you just set up a table and pray for God to bring the people over. LTW partners with ministries internationally in resources for the table outreach locations. It is a wonderful way for the church to go “into the world and preach the Gospel” in these postmodern times.
Jesus said, "I am the way the Truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
In His love,
Dwayna
We are in Guadalajara right now. It's the 2nd largest city in Mexico. Heavily Catholic and also the headquarters of homosexuality in Mexico.
So how do you set up your tables? What do you put on them exactly? What other details are involved?
I have been interested in some time in setting up a Gospel booth at a local market here. I think it would be easier to get brethren to do this type of ministry also then to get them to open air preach and all like we've been doing. In this way more women, especially the older women in our church, could get involved.
In Christ alone,
Josef Urban
http://www.puregospeltruth.com/
My response:
Josef,
Please go to the web site, and on the home page, you will find photos scrolling of our table outreaches. We really just want to make materials available for people for free who are searching for answers. However, nothing is given out randomly. The table serves as a forum for people to approach us. When they approach us, we can tell them what it means to be saved if they are interested, realizing that only God can open their eyes and make them interested enough to quicken them to life. (Ephesians 2:1-2). Realizing that it is all God’s work, we can rely on Him to bring the people over.
The web site is: http://www.lightingthewayworldwide.org/
Depending on the mission field, we have materials on the table to answer questions and meet them where they are in their objections to the Bible... By God’s Spirit, we are used to tell others what the Bible says about how to be saved. It is such exciting work! Of course, we have free Bibles, too, for the people.
Let me know if you are interested. I would love to work with you and partner by posting your updates and prayer requests and sending you materials for Catholics and New Agers…
The first step is to send me photos of the mission field (if there is any pagan spirituality, etc. embedded in the area). Then, you just set up a table and pray for God to bring the people over. LTW partners with ministries internationally in resources for the table outreach locations. It is a wonderful way for the church to go “into the world and preach the Gospel” in these postmodern times.
Jesus said, "I am the way the Truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6
In His love,
Dwayna
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Muslim Televangelists
"They have found a way to interject religion into a more modern lifestyle. In other words, your behaviour is what defines a good Muslim - not how many times you recite the Koran in one week, or how many times you go to the mosque," Ms Abdo argues.
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102948177774&s=3945&e=001cSMwMuNh-IwYY6mqogbFLwMlgSdn77DM851NUReYW-lMM8V3ISK2fHUCFq5r2FhPEe--sPa7YXtBl10hms1ta9UPK-tu-TuJkhXwfI6U4cpJStp8LF52OpGYknFKMxmmWLRWKknqwHkw1unofUq-XCzH7yldYOyK
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102948177774&s=3945&e=001cSMwMuNh-IwYY6mqogbFLwMlgSdn77DM851NUReYW-lMM8V3ISK2fHUCFq5r2FhPEe--sPa7YXtBl10hms1ta9UPK-tu-TuJkhXwfI6U4cpJStp8LF52OpGYknFKMxmmWLRWKknqwHkw1unofUq-XCzH7yldYOyK
The God-given Desire to Live for Him
Does God love prayer from people who hate His law? No! Today's devotion makes me think of how Jesus wonderously keeps His own as the Good Shepherd and gives His own the desire to follow Him. Last Monday night's Bible study, with Jim Reimann teaching, was excellent. These verses were brought out to show God's disdain for prayer from someone who hates His Law! "He who turns his ear away from listening to the Law, even his prayer is an abomination." Proverbs 28:9. "The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, how much more when he brings it with evil intent!" Proverbs 21: 27
------------------------------
January 20
Abel kept flocks. (Genesis 4:2)
From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
As a shepherd Abel dedicated his work to the glory of God, offering a blood sacrifice on his altar. Therefore the Lord accepted Abel and his offering. This early example of a Christ-type is quite unmistakable and clear. Like the early morning's first ray of light barely illuminating the east at sunrise it does not reveal everything, but it clearly demonstrates the great truth that the sun is rising.
As we see Abel, a shepherd and a priest, offering a sacrifice of sweet aroma unto God, we detect Christ, bringing before His Father a sacrifice that Jehovah eternally accepts. Without cause Abel was hated by his brother in the same way the Savior was hated. The natural and carnal man hated the Accepted Man, in whom the Spirit of grace was found, and refused to rest until His blood had been shed.
Abel fell, sprinkling his altar and his sacrifice with his own blood, foreshadowing the Lord Jesus being slain by the hatred of mankind while serving as a priest before the Lord. "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). May we weep over Him as we see Him slain by the hatred of man, staining "the horns of [His] altar" (Ex. 29:12) with His own blood.
Abel's blood spoke to God, for "the LORD said to Cain, ' ... Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground'" (Gen. 4:9-10). And the blood of Jesus has a powerful voice, yet the focus of its effective cry is not vengeance--it is mercy.
Standing at the altar of our good Shepherd is precious beyond all measure! To gaze upon Him bleeding as the slaughtered Priest, and to hear His blood speaking peace to His flock--peace to our conscience, peace between Jew and Gentile, peace between mankind and their offended Maker, peace throughout ageless eternity for all blood-washed people--is precious beyond all preciousness.
Abel was the first shepherd in the chronology of time, but when it comes to the matter of excellence Jesus will forever be first in our hearts.
O great Keeper of the sheep, "We your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever" (Ps. 79:13) with our whole hearts as we see You slain for us.
From the pen of Jim Reimann:
What a glorious picture we see today of the scarlet thread of redemption that is so beautifully woven through every book of the Bible! When we carefully read the Old Testament we cannot help but see Jesus on every page. Time after time, it's as though our gracious Heavenly Father, is saying, "Don't miss this!" or "Here's another picture of Who is coming."
Let us join with the Psalmist in prayer today, saying:
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar" (Ps. 118:26-27).
Thank You, Father, that Christ "entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption" (Heb. 9:12).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LookUntoMe.com
For information on Jim's other books and his tours to Israel, visit:
JimReimann.com
------------------------------
January 20
Abel kept flocks. (Genesis 4:2)
From the pen of Charles Spurgeon:
As a shepherd Abel dedicated his work to the glory of God, offering a blood sacrifice on his altar. Therefore the Lord accepted Abel and his offering. This early example of a Christ-type is quite unmistakable and clear. Like the early morning's first ray of light barely illuminating the east at sunrise it does not reveal everything, but it clearly demonstrates the great truth that the sun is rising.
As we see Abel, a shepherd and a priest, offering a sacrifice of sweet aroma unto God, we detect Christ, bringing before His Father a sacrifice that Jehovah eternally accepts. Without cause Abel was hated by his brother in the same way the Savior was hated. The natural and carnal man hated the Accepted Man, in whom the Spirit of grace was found, and refused to rest until His blood had been shed.
Abel fell, sprinkling his altar and his sacrifice with his own blood, foreshadowing the Lord Jesus being slain by the hatred of mankind while serving as a priest before the Lord. "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). May we weep over Him as we see Him slain by the hatred of man, staining "the horns of [His] altar" (Ex. 29:12) with His own blood.
Abel's blood spoke to God, for "the LORD said to Cain, ' ... Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground'" (Gen. 4:9-10). And the blood of Jesus has a powerful voice, yet the focus of its effective cry is not vengeance--it is mercy.
Standing at the altar of our good Shepherd is precious beyond all measure! To gaze upon Him bleeding as the slaughtered Priest, and to hear His blood speaking peace to His flock--peace to our conscience, peace between Jew and Gentile, peace between mankind and their offended Maker, peace throughout ageless eternity for all blood-washed people--is precious beyond all preciousness.
Abel was the first shepherd in the chronology of time, but when it comes to the matter of excellence Jesus will forever be first in our hearts.
O great Keeper of the sheep, "We your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever" (Ps. 79:13) with our whole hearts as we see You slain for us.
From the pen of Jim Reimann:
What a glorious picture we see today of the scarlet thread of redemption that is so beautifully woven through every book of the Bible! When we carefully read the Old Testament we cannot help but see Jesus on every page. Time after time, it's as though our gracious Heavenly Father, is saying, "Don't miss this!" or "Here's another picture of Who is coming."
Let us join with the Psalmist in prayer today, saying:
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you. The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar" (Ps. 118:26-27).
Thank You, Father, that Christ "entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption" (Heb. 9:12).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LookUntoMe.com
For information on Jim's other books and his tours to Israel, visit:
JimReimann.com
Where Do We Get Hope If Not From God?
From International Society for Women in Apologetics:
...A worldview that ignores the existence of God does not have a coherent answer to the question of the existence of hope. However, in a Christian worldview that sees the world as being created by a God interested in the smallest details of each person’s life, hope is natural. It is the expected outcome. How does one, who believes in a Creator that works all things together for the good of those who love Him, lose hope? Found in the midst of many trials, Paul was able to affirm: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day, (2 Cor.4:16-17).” Even to hope against all hope is not illogical when the hope is anchored in God, because the believers have enough evidence that proves the worthiness of God as the object of hope. As everyone seems to have new hopes at the beginning of a new year, we should question on what we base our hopes. Wouldn’t it be a good topic in our conversations with our non-believing friends?...-- Delia Ursulescu
...A worldview that ignores the existence of God does not have a coherent answer to the question of the existence of hope. However, in a Christian worldview that sees the world as being created by a God interested in the smallest details of each person’s life, hope is natural. It is the expected outcome. How does one, who believes in a Creator that works all things together for the good of those who love Him, lose hope? Found in the midst of many trials, Paul was able to affirm: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day, (2 Cor.4:16-17).” Even to hope against all hope is not illogical when the hope is anchored in God, because the believers have enough evidence that proves the worthiness of God as the object of hope. As everyone seems to have new hopes at the beginning of a new year, we should question on what we base our hopes. Wouldn’t it be a good topic in our conversations with our non-believing friends?...-- Delia Ursulescu
Reading the Baptist Classics
I am recommending this and plan to order...
Can you name the Baptist pastor who served one church for over 50 years, and left us a marvelous testimony of his faith? Did you know that a famous Baptist wrote a book similar to Pilgrim's Progress, and that it was also a best seller? Who was the young Baptist pastor who dedicated himself to missions only to be prevented from going? What foreign missionary became a Baptist, while on his way to the mission field, through careful study of Scripture?
You will find the answers to these questions by spending 2010 in the company of 11 classic Baptist books (July and August are combined). We are pleased to announce A Year with Baptist Classics a reading program designed to encourage worship of our great God, to help Christians grow in their faith, and to introduce outstanding books and authors from Baptist history. By reading one book each month, you will be deeply blessed, have a greater understanding of the Christian life, and learn of the Lord's kind dealings with others.
Solid Ground Christian Books is working together with Dr. James Renihan, Professor at The Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies, in Escondido, California to encourage the brethren to take a year to read eleven books from those committed to the Doctrines of Grace and the Baptist Faith. We are offering at least a 40% Discount off each of the eleven titles, and a 55% discount off the entire Baptist Classics Pack when ordered together.
Here are the books we have chosen:
January - Benjamin Keach The Travels of True Godliness This is a work, written in the style of The Pilgrim's Progress, tracing the growth, struggles and temptations faced by 'True Godliness.' It is an enjoyable journey depicting the path of growth in holiness.
February - Andrew Fuller: A Heart for Missions (Pearce Bio) One of the best Christian biographies ever written! Samuel Pearce was the Baptist version of Robert Murray McCheyne--a young pastor known for godliness and zeal whose life was brief but impact was profound.
March - Hercules Collins Devoted to the Service of the Temple A mighty man of God, Hercules Collins was a pastor of a very large London Congregation during the 17th century. This little book very helpfully collects some of his wonderful doctrinal and devotional writings.
[...]
View Entire Baptist Classic Package
Can you name the Baptist pastor who served one church for over 50 years, and left us a marvelous testimony of his faith? Did you know that a famous Baptist wrote a book similar to Pilgrim's Progress, and that it was also a best seller? Who was the young Baptist pastor who dedicated himself to missions only to be prevented from going? What foreign missionary became a Baptist, while on his way to the mission field, through careful study of Scripture?
You will find the answers to these questions by spending 2010 in the company of 11 classic Baptist books (July and August are combined). We are pleased to announce A Year with Baptist Classics a reading program designed to encourage worship of our great God, to help Christians grow in their faith, and to introduce outstanding books and authors from Baptist history. By reading one book each month, you will be deeply blessed, have a greater understanding of the Christian life, and learn of the Lord's kind dealings with others.
Solid Ground Christian Books is working together with Dr. James Renihan, Professor at The Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies, in Escondido, California to encourage the brethren to take a year to read eleven books from those committed to the Doctrines of Grace and the Baptist Faith. We are offering at least a 40% Discount off each of the eleven titles, and a 55% discount off the entire Baptist Classics Pack when ordered together.
Here are the books we have chosen:
January - Benjamin Keach The Travels of True Godliness This is a work, written in the style of The Pilgrim's Progress, tracing the growth, struggles and temptations faced by 'True Godliness.' It is an enjoyable journey depicting the path of growth in holiness.
February - Andrew Fuller: A Heart for Missions (Pearce Bio) One of the best Christian biographies ever written! Samuel Pearce was the Baptist version of Robert Murray McCheyne--a young pastor known for godliness and zeal whose life was brief but impact was profound.
March - Hercules Collins Devoted to the Service of the Temple A mighty man of God, Hercules Collins was a pastor of a very large London Congregation during the 17th century. This little book very helpfully collects some of his wonderful doctrinal and devotional writings.
[...]
View Entire Baptist Classic Package
Church Growth "Trade Show"
So many pastors seem to want a big church these days, as if the way is not "narrow" that leads to life. We sure will be surprised when rewards are reaped in heaven from a God who sees the heart. --Dwayna
From Christian Research Network:
In cooperation with The Leadership Network, et al, Church Planters.com is sponsoring The Velocity 2010 Conference in February. Professionals from the postmodern spiritual marketing sector include:
Ed Young, Jr. – Seeker Sensitive
Rick Warren – Purpose Driven
Alan Hirsch – Missional
Steve Furtick – Purpose Driven/Seeker Driven
The show presents the attractional, missional, and the incarnational church growth methodologies to engage the culture for God.Editor’s note: Engaging the culture with Sola Scriptura would put a lot of professionals and conferences out of business.
http://christianresearchnetwork.com/?p=14884
From Christian Research Network:
In cooperation with The Leadership Network, et al, Church Planters.com is sponsoring The Velocity 2010 Conference in February. Professionals from the postmodern spiritual marketing sector include:
Ed Young, Jr. – Seeker Sensitive
Rick Warren – Purpose Driven
Alan Hirsch – Missional
Steve Furtick – Purpose Driven/Seeker Driven
The show presents the attractional, missional, and the incarnational church growth methodologies to engage the culture for God.Editor’s note: Engaging the culture with Sola Scriptura would put a lot of professionals and conferences out of business.
http://christianresearchnetwork.com/?p=14884
What's Happening to InterVarsity?
Read the new article posted on the LTW web site "What's Happening to InterVarsity?" here.
When some move to make the words of Jesus in the gospels greater than the words of Paul, the very authority of the Bible is at stake.
Recently, a national director of an IV department told me of his distaste for "God killing his Son." I responded, in shock, that the Father and the Son had agreed to this rescue mission to ransom sinners, but he seemed unfazed. Are there really those in IV leadership who have so bought into the heresy peddled by Brian McLaren, Rob Bell, Steve Chalke and their ilk that they now see substitutionary atonement as cosmic child abuse?What's at stake is orthodox Biblical theology...
...A new call is coming from some segments of IV: "Deeds, not Creeds!" What an awful statement (which is a creed, by the way). And from the movement that championed great theologians and great theology! This statement stems from the idea, in part, that the words of Jesus have greater weight than the words of Paul. Have some in IV really gotten to the point where they look on the Apostle Paul as a man who was merely giving his opinion when he said, "Watch your life and doctrine closely?"
When some move to make the words of Jesus in the gospels greater than the words of Paul, the very authority of the Bible is at stake.
Recently, a national director of an IV department told me of his distaste for "God killing his Son." I responded, in shock, that the Father and the Son had agreed to this rescue mission to ransom sinners, but he seemed unfazed. Are there really those in IV leadership who have so bought into the heresy peddled by Brian McLaren, Rob Bell, Steve Chalke and their ilk that they now see substitutionary atonement as cosmic child abuse?What's at stake is orthodox Biblical theology...
Monday, January 18, 2010
Reasons to Believe the Old Testament (by Daniel Mann)
The Old Testament: God’s Word
The Wellhausen Hypothesis (The Documentary Hypothesis) had asserted that the OT had been nothing more than the product of numerous editors who cut and pasted the OT together from a shabby assortment of previously existing documents in order to suit their political agendas. However, this hypothesis has been overturned by numerous forms of evidence.
One line of evidence argues that the OT reflects a Divine agenda rather than a human one. Here are just a very limited number of evidences that we might consider:
Our Patriarchal forefathers are shown to be scoundrels – pimps, cheats and liars – not the heroes that the Jewish commentaries portray them as being. They are hardly the role-models that we’d invent in order to make our religion appealing to perspective buyers.
The future monarchy (Deut. 17), rather than being presented as God’s ideal, appears to be God’s reluctant concession to His stubborn people. Furthermore, kings are warned that they are no better or more deserving than others and are subject to the same laws. This legislation does not reflect the interests of the monarchy or ruling class whose interest it would have been to promote a strong monarchy.
The laws protecting the poor and marginalized could not have been the product of the rich and privileged. The poor could glean grapes and grain from the vineyards of the rich (Deut. 24:24-25). Such a law could not protect the interests of the rich and powerful who characteristically make such laws to protect their own interests,
Whenever soldiers feared for their safety, the law encouraged them to go AWOL (Deut. 20) – hardly the legislation of a ruling class wanting to protect its interests.
The Levites would not legally be entitled to any inheritance. Why would the priestly caste ever institute or allow such legislation unless it came from above!
The ordained holidays do not commemorate any historical event -- the Passover is the one clear exception – but instead seem to be prophetic. However, nations do not establish such holidays. No one would embrace them!
Instead of encouraging Israel that they had a winning religion that would make the Israelites successful, Moses assured them that they would fail (Deut. 30:6). This is something that human designers of a religion wouldn’t do lest their people mutiny.
Instead of giving the Israelites a sense of superiority, Moses and the Prophets consistently revealed how utterly unworthy they were of anything from God. Why would Israel accept such a revelation unless the hand of God had been so manifestly present!
In contrast to the Documentary Hypothesis, all of these teachings are anomalous. I don’t think you will find them in other religions or legislation. They reflect the hand of God and not human interests.
The Wellhausen Hypothesis (The Documentary Hypothesis) had asserted that the OT had been nothing more than the product of numerous editors who cut and pasted the OT together from a shabby assortment of previously existing documents in order to suit their political agendas. However, this hypothesis has been overturned by numerous forms of evidence.
One line of evidence argues that the OT reflects a Divine agenda rather than a human one. Here are just a very limited number of evidences that we might consider:
Our Patriarchal forefathers are shown to be scoundrels – pimps, cheats and liars – not the heroes that the Jewish commentaries portray them as being. They are hardly the role-models that we’d invent in order to make our religion appealing to perspective buyers.
The future monarchy (Deut. 17), rather than being presented as God’s ideal, appears to be God’s reluctant concession to His stubborn people. Furthermore, kings are warned that they are no better or more deserving than others and are subject to the same laws. This legislation does not reflect the interests of the monarchy or ruling class whose interest it would have been to promote a strong monarchy.
The laws protecting the poor and marginalized could not have been the product of the rich and privileged. The poor could glean grapes and grain from the vineyards of the rich (Deut. 24:24-25). Such a law could not protect the interests of the rich and powerful who characteristically make such laws to protect their own interests,
Whenever soldiers feared for their safety, the law encouraged them to go AWOL (Deut. 20) – hardly the legislation of a ruling class wanting to protect its interests.
The Levites would not legally be entitled to any inheritance. Why would the priestly caste ever institute or allow such legislation unless it came from above!
The ordained holidays do not commemorate any historical event -- the Passover is the one clear exception – but instead seem to be prophetic. However, nations do not establish such holidays. No one would embrace them!
Instead of encouraging Israel that they had a winning religion that would make the Israelites successful, Moses assured them that they would fail (Deut. 30:6). This is something that human designers of a religion wouldn’t do lest their people mutiny.
Instead of giving the Israelites a sense of superiority, Moses and the Prophets consistently revealed how utterly unworthy they were of anything from God. Why would Israel accept such a revelation unless the hand of God had been so manifestly present!
In contrast to the Documentary Hypothesis, all of these teachings are anomalous. I don’t think you will find them in other religions or legislation. They reflect the hand of God and not human interests.
Daniel Mann
Fasting from TV Again
People who have been reading my blog for years will not be surprised to read that I am fasting from TV again. :-) God puts this on my heart from time to time to be more focused on Him. It is usually through a serious time that He burdens me to do this, and this is one of those times. I just feel the need to pray about this new ministry soon to begin in Atlanta (with MUCH preparation for it yet to go) and for our leaders in every location. Plus, without the television, I can read more and spend less time with the news, quickly glancing at it on the computer.
Last night I drifted off to sleep listening to a sermon and plan to hear at least one per day. I was reminded last night that there are no "great men of God", just weak, helpless, silly, simple-minded, rebellious....sinners with a GREAT Savior. A sign that we belong to God is how He never lets us go. Paul Washer said in a sermon that a person could get in a car and plan to drive far away from God, but if he or she is truly His, He will be there to meet them wherever they go. How true! How glorious! The reason the lost can sin so easily is because they are reserved for the day of judgment. Paul Washer spoke about how that from the womb, God said, "Jacob I loved; Esau I hated." Jacob sinned a lot, but God was always there to correct and meet Him. Not so with Esau.
Tonight, I have Bible study and then I plan to work on a few more "thank-you" gifts, which will all be mailed out tomorrow. I will then be done with the thank-you gifts for 2009 and ready to work on my next ministry update. I have one article to finish, which I have co-written, as a book review on God Calling. Plus, I need to post about a ministry to orphans in Liberia. Then, I will send out the ministry update along with receipts for 2009 to all who made donations.
Denying myself today so Jesus can live through me,
Dwayna
Last night I drifted off to sleep listening to a sermon and plan to hear at least one per day. I was reminded last night that there are no "great men of God", just weak, helpless, silly, simple-minded, rebellious....sinners with a GREAT Savior. A sign that we belong to God is how He never lets us go. Paul Washer said in a sermon that a person could get in a car and plan to drive far away from God, but if he or she is truly His, He will be there to meet them wherever they go. How true! How glorious! The reason the lost can sin so easily is because they are reserved for the day of judgment. Paul Washer spoke about how that from the womb, God said, "Jacob I loved; Esau I hated." Jacob sinned a lot, but God was always there to correct and meet Him. Not so with Esau.
Tonight, I have Bible study and then I plan to work on a few more "thank-you" gifts, which will all be mailed out tomorrow. I will then be done with the thank-you gifts for 2009 and ready to work on my next ministry update. I have one article to finish, which I have co-written, as a book review on God Calling. Plus, I need to post about a ministry to orphans in Liberia. Then, I will send out the ministry update along with receipts for 2009 to all who made donations.
Denying myself today so Jesus can live through me,
Dwayna
LTW Update: New Ministry Soon to Begin in Atlanta
I drove out to an area called "Little Five Points" today for the first time. Yes, it is the perfect place in Midtown Atlanta for a table outreach of apologetics.
I had planned to take a short walk in Piedmont Park, but could not find parking, so I kept driving to find Little Five Points. Until today I had only heard of the area, so it was good to drive through it. I agree about it being a great place for evangelism. I could not find parking, because it was only available along the side streets as far as I could tell. It also looked like a dangerous area at night, so this will be a day ministry, hopefully on Saturdays. I will be in touch with a team of people here in Atlanta to work with me in this ministry and provide prayer support through my church at First Baptist Atlanta. I am praying for someone to co-lead it with me, so it can continue weekly when I am out of town.
My next trip is to Los Angeles and then to NYC to work with the ministry teams there. I am not sure when this outreach in Atlanta will begin. Hopefully, by March.
LTW Update: The Philippines
I have just sent Nitoy "Expelled" to show the students, which is a documentary exposing the 'theory' of evolution. I have also sent him the excellent DVD on Intelligent Design, "Unlocking the Mystery of Life." The following update is from Nitoy:
Lots of projects are set for the ministry of ROCK for this first quarter of the year. It will also be crucial for our senior leaders who will graduate this year. From our president Jason Caro to our members, we will surely miss them. But they won't go without leaving an impact. This January our Soul Fuel is about leadership, and our meeting will be on finding leaders. Please uphold us as we find people who will lead the campus ministry with a single heart to God. We also need guidance and wisdom specially with me as I follow my calling. Remember us always as we do God's work.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Coming Down from High Places
I remember when this ministry first began at Venice Beach and was really growing, a Christian came up to my table and said, “Remember. Stay low.”
He motioned with his hand downward and repeated, “Stay low, Dwayna.”
I heard a sermon last week by Paul Washer. In it, he said, “Come down from those high places. Be humble. You serve a lowly God who is humble and kind.”
But this same ‘lowliness’ is MIGHTY in Spirit. Because the Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead lives in me. Just to KNOW Him and feel Him near is worth staying ‘low’.
People sometimes ask me how this ministry began. The truth is, it cost me my life. How it brings tears to my eyes that God would ever let me give my life to Him and stay low for all glory to go to Jesus, the One who redeemed me.
I was witnessing to someone a few years back who had recently had an extramarital affair. She said she was a Christian, but serving God through Bible study and being a wife and mother was “boring.” I asked her if she had ever gotten all alone to sing hymns down on her knees to God. Though she was a singer, she responded as if she had never met Him like that in worship all alone. It is not boring to have the God of all creation as your Friend. He meets His own through the power of the Holy Spirit, and, yes, He is enough. After all, we only want such a time in prayer, because He wants it more with us.
Resting a little while with Him in prayer and worship,
Dwayna
He motioned with his hand downward and repeated, “Stay low, Dwayna.”
I heard a sermon last week by Paul Washer. In it, he said, “Come down from those high places. Be humble. You serve a lowly God who is humble and kind.”
But this same ‘lowliness’ is MIGHTY in Spirit. Because the Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead lives in me. Just to KNOW Him and feel Him near is worth staying ‘low’.
People sometimes ask me how this ministry began. The truth is, it cost me my life. How it brings tears to my eyes that God would ever let me give my life to Him and stay low for all glory to go to Jesus, the One who redeemed me.
I was witnessing to someone a few years back who had recently had an extramarital affair. She said she was a Christian, but serving God through Bible study and being a wife and mother was “boring.” I asked her if she had ever gotten all alone to sing hymns down on her knees to God. Though she was a singer, she responded as if she had never met Him like that in worship all alone. It is not boring to have the God of all creation as your Friend. He meets His own through the power of the Holy Spirit, and, yes, He is enough. After all, we only want such a time in prayer, because He wants it more with us.
Resting a little while with Him in prayer and worship,
Dwayna
Update from Jerusalem Table Ministry
From Rami and the witnessing team in Jerusalem. These are missionaries really on the front lines, even in danger of losing their lives in the Moslem neighborhood where they live.
We thank you for your praying for Israel, especially for the Muslims. Also, we thank you for your donation to buy materials to give free to the people. For me the year 2009 was a very big blessing also with it's problems & many bad words & fights from the people .I saw the hand of our Lord do many things with the people not only with the Moslims, but also with Christians from your prayers and love and encouragement for us .
We love you, & we pray for you & we always remmber your love for us . We hope that this year 2010 to be blessing & to hear about the salvation in your country in the name of our Lord Jesus. We need your prayers for us, because we live in a Moslem area. Because we are speaking about the Lord, we need to leave our home to another but all the houses that we found are more than 700$ & it's too expensive for us . Pray for the team of the table ministry in this year at the New Gate in Jerusalem. Pray that God will fulfill His perfect, complete will for this ministry. And we pray for God to give this ministry a bigger budget to continue.
CMA
P.O.box 50
Jerusalem 91000
Isreal
Team of the table ministry
Rami Mishriky
We thank you for your praying for Israel, especially for the Muslims. Also, we thank you for your donation to buy materials to give free to the people. For me the year 2009 was a very big blessing also with it's problems & many bad words & fights from the people .I saw the hand of our Lord do many things with the people not only with the Moslims, but also with Christians from your prayers and love and encouragement for us .
We love you, & we pray for you & we always remmber your love for us . We hope that this year 2010 to be blessing & to hear about the salvation in your country in the name of our Lord Jesus. We need your prayers for us, because we live in a Moslem area. Because we are speaking about the Lord, we need to leave our home to another but all the houses that we found are more than 700$ & it's too expensive for us . Pray for the team of the table ministry in this year at the New Gate in Jerusalem. Pray that God will fulfill His perfect, complete will for this ministry. And we pray for God to give this ministry a bigger budget to continue.
CMA
P.O.box 50
Jerusalem 91000
Isreal
Team of the table ministry
Rami Mishriky
Sweet Hour of Prayer
"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me." Luke 9:23
I love my church, First Baptist Atlanta, so much. It is old-fashioned in that everyone brings his or her Bible and reads from it! :-) Seriously, the Lord always speaks to my heart through the sermons and the fellowship with other Christians.
After church, I had a sweet time in prayer all alone with God, in one of the vacant Sunday School rooms. I plan to set a time daily to continue to fight my battles down on my knees. I have a lot of work before me to get this new outreach off the ground here in Atlanta. What a privilege to know Jesus on the front lines and see Him defeating Satan in my life time and time again.
Only by His grace,
Dwayna
I love my church, First Baptist Atlanta, so much. It is old-fashioned in that everyone brings his or her Bible and reads from it! :-) Seriously, the Lord always speaks to my heart through the sermons and the fellowship with other Christians.
After church, I had a sweet time in prayer all alone with God, in one of the vacant Sunday School rooms. I plan to set a time daily to continue to fight my battles down on my knees. I have a lot of work before me to get this new outreach off the ground here in Atlanta. What a privilege to know Jesus on the front lines and see Him defeating Satan in my life time and time again.
Only by His grace,
Dwayna
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Update from Tel Aviv
From Dov and Olga:
Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
(Psalm 82:4)
Dear praying friends,
We have added a second weekly Bible study for drug addicts in Tel-Aviv – in cooperation with another group of believers who have got a similar ministry as ours. These additional Bible studies are taking place on Mondays and are really blessed. Please keep praying for the addicts.
We are grateful to all of you who are praying for Tanya and to all who has helped her financially. Every gift is very important to us, since it is the first time in our ministry that we have taken financial responsibility for an entire family upon ourselves. We saw Tanya’s critical situation and took this risk – the obligation to support her for at least one year – though we had not had all the necessary funds for the whole period… Each time, however, when I start worrying and loosing sleep, the Lord encourages me by a timely donation from some person or organization. Praise Him! It is also encouraging to go on and meet Tanya’s friends from the shelter for regular Bible studies.
Tanya has lived in Haifa for two months already. It is not easy for her to adjust to independent life outside the shelter. They also used to give her antidepressants in the shelter, so now she is more nervous without the pills and it is harder for her to overcome difficulties. Tanya is in contact with believers who visit her regularly, but she does not attend any congregation services anymore, for her little son becomes too restless and disturbing there.
She has not been able to find a job yet, since she has got no official status yet and no documents, and since her kids are in the kindergarten only till 1:30pm. However, when Tanya still lived in the shelter, she finished a hairdresser course, so we hope she will be able to apply her skills eventually.
I also ask you to pray for me. I feel exhausted quite often these days, as besides my responsibility over the home churches in the Negev, I have 5 weekly Bible studies – with different message for each, since the groups vary so much from each other. In addition, I am taking care of Tanya and also go to the rehab in Haifa (in fact, I would really like to visit it even more often), and, of course, there is always much work to do at home, with Yossi. Please pray that God would give me strength and also provide helpers for the ministry.
Thank you very much for all your prayers and may God bless you,
Dov and Olga Bikas
dovbikas@gmail.com
P.O.Box 1181
Arad 89110 Israel
Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
(Psalm 82:4)
Dear praying friends,
We have added a second weekly Bible study for drug addicts in Tel-Aviv – in cooperation with another group of believers who have got a similar ministry as ours. These additional Bible studies are taking place on Mondays and are really blessed. Please keep praying for the addicts.
We are grateful to all of you who are praying for Tanya and to all who has helped her financially. Every gift is very important to us, since it is the first time in our ministry that we have taken financial responsibility for an entire family upon ourselves. We saw Tanya’s critical situation and took this risk – the obligation to support her for at least one year – though we had not had all the necessary funds for the whole period… Each time, however, when I start worrying and loosing sleep, the Lord encourages me by a timely donation from some person or organization. Praise Him! It is also encouraging to go on and meet Tanya’s friends from the shelter for regular Bible studies.
Tanya has lived in Haifa for two months already. It is not easy for her to adjust to independent life outside the shelter. They also used to give her antidepressants in the shelter, so now she is more nervous without the pills and it is harder for her to overcome difficulties. Tanya is in contact with believers who visit her regularly, but she does not attend any congregation services anymore, for her little son becomes too restless and disturbing there.
She has not been able to find a job yet, since she has got no official status yet and no documents, and since her kids are in the kindergarten only till 1:30pm. However, when Tanya still lived in the shelter, she finished a hairdresser course, so we hope she will be able to apply her skills eventually.
I also ask you to pray for me. I feel exhausted quite often these days, as besides my responsibility over the home churches in the Negev, I have 5 weekly Bible studies – with different message for each, since the groups vary so much from each other. In addition, I am taking care of Tanya and also go to the rehab in Haifa (in fact, I would really like to visit it even more often), and, of course, there is always much work to do at home, with Yossi. Please pray that God would give me strength and also provide helpers for the ministry.
Thank you very much for all your prayers and may God bless you,
Dov and Olga Bikas
dovbikas@gmail.com
P.O.Box 1181
Arad 89110 Israel
Adult Stem Cell Research in CA
From Family Research Council:
Meanwhile, adult stem cells are helping thousands of patients now. The IBD editorial sums things up well: "It is ESCR researchers who have politicized science and stood in the way of real progress. We are pleased to see California researchers beginning to put science in its rightful place." To see some examples of real science with adult stem cells that are treating real people now, visit FRC's new website to hear true stories from patients.
Back in 2004, Californians passed Proposition 71 to direct $3 billion to embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) and cloning. The people were promised that the investment in embryonic stem cells would lead to cures and huge economic returns for the state. As Investor's Business Daily notes in an editorial, "Five years later, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine...is diverting funds from ESCR to research that has produced actual therapies and treatments: adult stem cell research. It not only has treated real people with real results; it also does not come with the moral baggage ESCR does." Only four of the Institute's 14 recent grants involve embryonic stem cells. According to Alan Trounson, CIRM's director, "If we went 10 years and had no clinical treatments, it would be a failure." That would definitely be the case with embryonic stem cells!
Meanwhile, adult stem cells are helping thousands of patients now. The IBD editorial sums things up well: "It is ESCR researchers who have politicized science and stood in the way of real progress. We are pleased to see California researchers beginning to put science in its rightful place." To see some examples of real science with adult stem cells that are treating real people now, visit FRC's new website to hear true stories from patients.
Friday, January 15, 2010
LTW Update: Boulder
With all the bad news in the world today, what a joy it is to go before God in prayer and worship with songs to Him. I plan to do that very thing when I get done posting this update from BOULDER.
God has given us a dynamic team with Jonathan and Carrie co-leading with Patty and with Trevor also committed to witnessing with us. I love it with all my heart, and I wish I could be in more than one place at a time. However, only our precious, precious Lord is omnipresent. When I was a child, I used to sing a song about Jesus asking, "...Why is He precious to me?" Why would we want to go and tell others about Him? Why would someone like Patty (who has written summaries to follow below) want to give of her time to FIGHT for someone's eternity down on her knees in prayer or go tell them about Jesus in cold weather like a soldier with an eternal cause?
The reason we tell is because our God is more than just an impersonal "god" or energy spirit, which books have been written about. By His omniscient Holy Spirit, He lives within us. He never leaves us, and His spirit is not neutral. His Spirit is HOLY. He makes us better. He makes us like Him. This triune God intercedes for us, interrupts our plans for our protection and directs our paths for His name's sake. He is a PURE, HONEST God we can personally love!
While I was at Venice Beach witnessing, I used to ask the people involved in occult spirituality if their god loved them. They had no idea what the question even meant, much less how to answer. I asked, "Does your god love you?" MY GOD LOVES ME, and that is why I love Him so. We can't help but tell about such love.
God has given us a dynamic team with Jonathan and Carrie co-leading with Patty and with Trevor also committed to witnessing with us. I love it with all my heart, and I wish I could be in more than one place at a time. However, only our precious, precious Lord is omnipresent. When I was a child, I used to sing a song about Jesus asking, "...Why is He precious to me?" Why would we want to go and tell others about Him? Why would someone like Patty (who has written summaries to follow below) want to give of her time to FIGHT for someone's eternity down on her knees in prayer or go tell them about Jesus in cold weather like a soldier with an eternal cause?
The reason we tell is because our God is more than just an impersonal "god" or energy spirit, which books have been written about. By His omniscient Holy Spirit, He lives within us. He never leaves us, and His spirit is not neutral. His Spirit is HOLY. He makes us better. He makes us like Him. This triune God intercedes for us, interrupts our plans for our protection and directs our paths for His name's sake. He is a PURE, HONEST God we can personally love!
While I was at Venice Beach witnessing, I used to ask the people involved in occult spirituality if their god loved them. They had no idea what the question even meant, much less how to answer. I asked, "Does your god love you?" MY GOD LOVES ME, and that is why I love Him so. We can't help but tell about such love.
[As I read the summary below, I thought of the book 'The Light That Was Dark' that they have in Boulder in the storage unit for this outreach. I am going to call Patty and see if we can't get this man involved in Wiccan spirituality this book. We need to warn the man about demons and ask if we could read him Bible verses about the demons. He is confused, believing in a dark 'light'.]
Here is an excellent summary from Patty, our new co-leader in Boulder:
I walked the mall for about an hour, not being very bold today, but donating a dollar along with a tract to the many street musicians. It was only 45 degrees today, but there were as many people out as on a nice spring day. One guy was shirtless, wearing his backpack. Outstanding among the musicians was a 7-year-old violinist (with his dad). He had a half-size violin and was playing very difficult music. I have a few pictures but have misplaced my cable to connect to the computer. [I took a few pictures January 10 in Boulder, but my camera cable is misplaced so I can't add them to the computer yet. I was by myself as Trevor is in MN and Jonathan had car troubles. Trevor will be back soon and is committed to the Boulder ministry. Jonathan and I will alternate weeks, to make sure someone is always there.] I talked briefly with a woman named Raelene who is selling the Denver Voice newspaper and trying to get her life together. She said she hopes she is going to heaven, because she is trusting the Lord now and has help from a pastor in Longmont, from "The Well" Christian church or group, she explained. Her background includes sexual abuse and substance addictions. Please say a prayer for her to continue to walk with Jesus and experience victory. And for a path out of homelessness.
Noon at the 16th Street Mall:
...I was out today during the noon hour, and want to request prayer for a man with whom I talked. I'm guessing he is in his thirties, and when I asked him if he has any spiritual beliefs, he said he was Wiccan. Not having any experience with that belief system, I asked him how he had become Wiccan. He said that was the religion of both his mother and grandmother. He agreed to let me ask a few questions to test his goodness, but said he had only told one lie ever, and had never stolen anything, nor used God's name in vain, but he admitted to lusting. He said he's not headed to hell, because he doesn't believe in it. I asked what he thinks will happen to him when he dies, and he said he'll go to a higher plane. Then he told me he was homeless, had leukemia and was told he has two years to live. I asked if he could get medical treatment through a government program, and he said, no, they will only help when the cancer has attacked his organs. Basically for pain management as he dies. So sad. I said I was curious to know what he liked about being a Wiccan, what he believed, and that led to some interesting stories about the goddess and the horned god. At one point I gave him my name and asked for his. He said "they call me The Cave Man", because he was born in a car and liked to explore caves. We talked for 15-20 minutes. He said he had to go to class, and when I asked if he was a student he said, "No," it was for rehab for addictions. [So, this is what the 'horned god' can offer for a life?] I felt prompted to give him $5, and he looked really surprised and thanked me. I told him I'd pray for him and to seriously consider what we'd talked about, then said "Take care, Cave Man." He said, "Call me Jay" and shook my hand. Please pray that he will let his heart be touched by the Holy Spirit and surrender his life to the one, true, living God.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Grace That Won't Let Us Go
Someone sent me a link to David Wilkerson preaching a sermon entitled "When A Man of God Loses His Faith," taken from an Old Testament text. www.holydesperation.com . Sadly, I was not surprised. There is no mention of God's grace under the New Covenant. David Wilkerson speaks as if it is our responsibility to keep ourselves. Praise God, that is wrong! Here is my response:
Jesus will NEVER let go of His own. Because of Jesus, we are now under grace. We don’t want to take advantage of that grace if He truly lives in us---but IF HE TRULY LIVES IN US, HE WILL NEVER LET US GO. David Wilkerson is not talking enough about God’s grace. Again, read John 17, John 10, Romans 8, Ephesians 1. God will never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever let His own go. NOT BECAUSE OF OUR WORKS. Because of Jesus.
Indebted to serve Him with all of my heart,
Dwayna
Jesus will NEVER let go of His own. Because of Jesus, we are now under grace. We don’t want to take advantage of that grace if He truly lives in us---but IF HE TRULY LIVES IN US, HE WILL NEVER LET US GO. David Wilkerson is not talking enough about God’s grace. Again, read John 17, John 10, Romans 8, Ephesians 1. God will never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever let His own go. NOT BECAUSE OF OUR WORKS. Because of Jesus.
Indebted to serve Him with all of my heart,
Dwayna
Once Again, He's Faithful to Me
“But you are to cling to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day…for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, just as He promised you. So, take diligent heed to yourselves that you love the Lord your God. For if you ever go back and cling to the rest of these nations, these which remain among you, and intermarry with them, so that you associate with them and they with you, know with certainty that the Lord your God will not continue to drive these nations out from before you: but they will be a snare and a trap to you and a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes until you perish from off this good land, which the Lord your God has given you…and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the Lord your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, and not one has failed.” Judges 23: 8-14
I read that text last Monday night and got tears in my eyes at the Bible study taught by Jim Reimann. I had just had a fender-bender car accident the day before, and I had a lot on my mind. My bookkeeper had mysteriously disappeared, and I had to get the totals done for 2009. As it turned out, the bookkeeper had lost his cell phone; we worked yesterday, and all was completed with the bookkeeping this week for me to send off my personal taxes today. But, I didn't know what would happen Monday night as I prayed to God for help. He comforted me with the passage above, and, once again, He was faithful. My car is getting fixed by insurance, and the heaviness I felt on Monday has all been lifted.
I prayed and said, "Lord, You are all I have." He calmed my fears once again and was more than enough for me this week.
He is the most wonderful Husband and Provider. A "foreigner" can offer me nothing with a faithful God like mine.
In His joy and rest,
Dwayna
I read that text last Monday night and got tears in my eyes at the Bible study taught by Jim Reimann. I had just had a fender-bender car accident the day before, and I had a lot on my mind. My bookkeeper had mysteriously disappeared, and I had to get the totals done for 2009. As it turned out, the bookkeeper had lost his cell phone; we worked yesterday, and all was completed with the bookkeeping this week for me to send off my personal taxes today. But, I didn't know what would happen Monday night as I prayed to God for help. He comforted me with the passage above, and, once again, He was faithful. My car is getting fixed by insurance, and the heaviness I felt on Monday has all been lifted.
I prayed and said, "Lord, You are all I have." He calmed my fears once again and was more than enough for me this week.
He is the most wonderful Husband and Provider. A "foreigner" can offer me nothing with a faithful God like mine.
In His joy and rest,
Dwayna
Excerpts of the Health Care Bill
Listen here for documentation on America's health care bill posted on YouTube.
I couldn't take much of it. It was too hard for me to hear.
I couldn't take much of it. It was too hard for me to hear.
Asking God for More Monthly Support for NYC Outreach
I am asking God for an extra 200.00 a month for ordering supplies for the NYC outreach table. I am about to place another 100.00 order for tracts alone. We need Bibles and tracts monthly. (This does not include extra orders for books).
Please pray about supporting LTW specifically to meet the needs of this NYC outreach. The team is setting up every single Sunday, and, praise God, they are running out of evangelistic resources and Bibles faster than any other location.
Thank you for the prayers. Satan hates this!
Please pray about supporting LTW specifically to meet the needs of this NYC outreach. The team is setting up every single Sunday, and, praise God, they are running out of evangelistic resources and Bibles faster than any other location.
Thank you for the prayers. Satan hates this!
Work Today
Off to bank to make deposit and then mail off personal taxes for 2009
Phone calls/emails to NYC team about weekly needs for outreach table
Called Matthew Carpenter, currently pastor of First Bapt. NYC to see about working with him as well when he pastors new church in NYC. (We would then be referring people to Heritage Baptist and Matt's church where he becomes pastor, probably a church plant in NYC).
Shipping out 5 packages, including package to the Philippines
Preparing a few more "thank-you" packages to people who made donations in 2009
Posting on blog updates from Boulder outreach table ministry and Israel table ministries
Answering emails and phone calls about new Atlanta outreach for this spring
Scanning photos for the next music video for photos to scroll to my new rendition of "Old-Time Religion" for YouTube and other sites
Scanning "10 Reasons to Avoid Seeker-friendly Churches" (based on Scripture) for outreach tables and mailing these out tomorrow. (Permission granted from Warren Smith, author of 'A Beautiful Deception').
Prayer time and Bible reading (What a joy!)
Phone calls/emails to NYC team about weekly needs for outreach table
Called Matthew Carpenter, currently pastor of First Bapt. NYC to see about working with him as well when he pastors new church in NYC. (We would then be referring people to Heritage Baptist and Matt's church where he becomes pastor, probably a church plant in NYC).
Shipping out 5 packages, including package to the Philippines
Preparing a few more "thank-you" packages to people who made donations in 2009
Posting on blog updates from Boulder outreach table ministry and Israel table ministries
Answering emails and phone calls about new Atlanta outreach for this spring
Scanning photos for the next music video for photos to scroll to my new rendition of "Old-Time Religion" for YouTube and other sites
Scanning "10 Reasons to Avoid Seeker-friendly Churches" (based on Scripture) for outreach tables and mailing these out tomorrow. (Permission granted from Warren Smith, author of 'A Beautiful Deception').
Prayer time and Bible reading (What a joy!)
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