God's Wisdom Through Christ... :) Shangy! >Here are the details on our ShangyFunList: Group Web Site: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ShangyFunList.html Group email address: bcrsystems@earthlink.net Shangrala Family Fun: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/ ================ *~* A REMINDER: PLEASE Send me sweet, interesting, funny, inspiring, family type forwards ANY TIME here... bcrsystems@earthlink.net I Need them, Love them, Use them, and Share them! THANK YOU!! AND For Facebook Users: Please Like Me here... http://tinyurl.com/cma6all AND Please Share This email with All Your Friends And Family! ^~^ May God SUPER BLESS You As You Do! THANK YOU! ================ __ __ ,-' `' \ _---``-- / _ _ ; __ `. / / `' \; /`----- ) / .-/ ,( ), \-. ; | \( \ / )/; | - _5 `7 -; / ( ___-' `-____ | ( ___`-_ \ ____| \ / `,/ \ _(\__ / \ \ ; \ .' /' `i. / | | \ _-'( _\__-/ `- | | ` ,` `_ | BP * Don't forget to follow us on social media for our latest updates and uproarious funny and inspiring pages! On Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y8dcm8x7 On X (Twitter): http://tinyurl.com/n5uf3dxv ================ >-->2 HOT Off The 'Shangy' Press :) Our too hot to handle new page is from our friends LouiseAu and Geniann. These will give you plenty of chuckles and smiles for your day! Be sure to check this page out here: .--. _______ .-" .' .---u""" """"---._ ." % .' "--. % __.--' o "".. " (____. ": `----.__ ". `----------__ ". ". . ""--. ". ". ". bIt ""-. ". "-.) ""-. ". "". ". "". ". "". ". "". ". ^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^"". "^~^~^~^~^ ^~^~^~^ ~^~ ^~^~^~ Animal-Snaps Photos! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/animalsnaps.html Our next piping hot new page is from my daughter Tammy and our friend Geniann. It is a sweet one that will tickle your funny-bone and give you your aww quota for the day. Be sure to check this one out here: ,________________ / \ \ |.-| | .-', | ,_______ | / | """""| | | O\__.--| '-' | ,=` _|______________| ',,,==` `~~~~|||~~~~~~~` ` ||| ||| ||| ||| ||| ||| ||| ||| \\ |||, // jgs . ..::::\\\||////::::.... '' ' "" ' '"" "" "" '' ""' "'' Dog-Snaps Photos! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dogsnaps.html --- ...So adorable! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: Did you have a good New Year and holiday celebration? We hope so. We have an interesting write-up for you today that we found on the Internet. We don't usually publish such items (we can't find the author either) but we thought those of you who are a product of the 50s and 60s would get a kick out it. It does bring back some great memories -- and yes, it IS a wonder we survived! ,----------. ( Skandal! ) `----------' O o ,-. .:\ '`-. |:| __ b `;-( ,' | ( \|||_ ,-----(.-''--``-------. /_______`'______________\ / SSt\ >HOW DID WE SURVIVE THE 50s? First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking. As infants and children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this. We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because, WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING! We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the street lights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were OK. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround- sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or chat rooms. WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them! We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes. We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them! Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law! These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL! We had the good fortune to grow up as kids in America, before the government regulated so much of our lives "for our own good." Give thanks, for such an age will never occur again. -- author unknown --- ...We have several fun nostalgia pages with pictures for this: Blast From the Past! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/blastfrompast.html Back In Time! (how many of these do you remember?) http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/backintime.html Remember Bumper Cars? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/bcar.html Nostalgic Golden Memories! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/goldenoldie.html Celebrities - Then and Now! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/celebrities.html =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Using Your Gifts in the New Year “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?"1 We talked about the importance of seeing ourselves how God sees us, rather than being influenced by the world’s expectations. In addition to being chosen by God and dearly loved, he also equipped us with special gifts to use in our ministry for Him. Whether we realize it or not, all of our life experiences, skills acquired, our culture, and our natural talents have all been given by God. He has given us opportunities to strengthen our different skills to prepare us to fulfill his purpose for our lives. Esther was a Jewish woman who loved God. She was going about life, never thinking of all that would take place in her near future. She didn’t see herself as special or more important than anyone else in God’s plan, yet she was given the unique opportunity to save her people from destruction. Being the wife and queen of the Persian king gave her access and influence that others didn’t have. The fact that she was greatly loved by her husband also allowed her to find favor with him. God gave her the courage and wisdom needed to act on behalf of her people and save them from death. God doesn’t make mistakes. All that has happened in your life and where you are right now is for a reason. The question is, how will we choose to use our gifts? A year from now, as you look back on the next several months, what do you want to see? Do you want to be exactly where you are now, simply doing things that you have always done? Or do you want to see how you have made a difference in this world and furthered God’s Kingdom? The choice is ours. Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for the gifts that you have given me and for making me unique. Please show me how to use these gifts to impact others and bring them to a personal relationship with you. Help me live according to your calling for my life and serve others in love. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus Christ’s name, amen. 1. Esther 4:14. Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this great teaching Our Gifts And Callings! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/giftscallings.html <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Seeking God's Wisdom (edited) "The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness."1 Proverbs is a mine of wisdom and contains a wide range of life advice. But be warned, it won't always give you the advice you expect. We are bombarded with supposed "keys" to success: "Seven Ways to Get Rich in the Twinkling of an Eye" or "Ten Methods to Succeed at Work." There are too many suggestions that propel us to the glory of the world. While some are helpful, they do not come close to the depth contained in the book of Proverbs. God's wisdom is not limited to helping us gain something or make us rich. God's wisdom transforms us. The Holy Spirit-filled words contained in Proverbs produce life and fulfillment in a way that human wisdom could never reach. Why? Because only the Scriptures lead us to God Himself. Instead of material prosperity, God's Word brings prosperity to our entire being, as it is a transformation at the soul level. God's Word is the best source of life advice. It heals the soul by drawing us to God. Today's passage provides keys for the workplace. However, it doesn't matter if you're working or not, these three timeless principles can influence any aspect of your life: Integrity. The Lord approves of exact weights (verse 1). For example, a produce seller who weighs merchandise fairly for his customers. The point is clear: he acts with integrity. Integrity is who you are when no one is watching. Whenever you work, remember what Proverbs says, do it God's way, that is, honestly. Scammers may be able to make quick profits, but they're never worth it. Prioritize your character over your gain and trust God for the rest. You won't regret it. Humility. Pride is what precedes destruction. True wisdom is found in humility. When we're surrounded by proud people, it's easy to fall into the comparison game and always try to outdo others. Surely that is not God's style. Humility is the true path to success. You know what they say: "Humility is not thinking that you are less than others, but thinking less about yourself." Resist pride, serve others, and marvel at how your life in God's hands progresses. Fidelity. This is a lost art in our society. Sometimes infidelity is even applauded. However, God's Word is clear: "Unfaithful people are destroyed by their duplicity" (verse 3). Living a faithful life - with God, with your spouse, with your children, with your friends, with your boss, co-workers and students - is something that will benefit you over time. Decide to be a faithful friend, someone others can trust. That way you will reflect Jesus, because he is the faithful friend who never fails. Meditate for a moment on these words: integrity, humility, and faithfulness, and think about how you can use them in your day-to-day life. Ask God for His help and allow His wisdom to guide you. Suggested prayer. Dear God Almighty, help me to live today with integrity, humility, and faithfulness not only in my work, but with all the people around me, even when it seems difficult. Please give me your wisdom to live according to your will and help me make choices that reflect your character. Thank you for your loving guidance in all that I do and thank you also that I know you are with me and care for me. In Jesus Christ's name, Amen. 1. Proverbs 11:1-5 (NVI). Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this great Teaching The Wisdom of the Word http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/The_Wisdom_of_the_Word.htm =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: .---. .---. ,';' `.';' `.. f :Bo. ` d88: `\ /d88P' `\ ; /d888P' `. ',d8&8P' : ;d8&7' | :8: | qx >An Honest Heart An honest heart is an open heart. If we are dishonest in any way with ourselves or with others, it means we are in hiding. There is a wall, a barrier behind which we conceal something of ourselves. Subtle tension will be our companion, and while most of us learn to live with it, it drains our energy and tightens our muscles. On the other hand don't be too honest with others - feel their pulse - sometimes others are not ready to hear what's in your heart. But know that when you are honest you will experience a level of inner relaxation that you had forgotten was even possible. -<>- >A Special grocery list Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food. John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once. Visualizing the family needs, she said: 'Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can.' John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store. Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family. The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, 'Do you have a grocery list?' Louise replied, 'Yes sir.' 'O.K' he said, 'put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries.' Louise, hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed. The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down. The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, 'I can't believe it.' The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement. It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said: 'Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.' The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store. The other customer handed a hundred-dollar bill to the grocer and said: 'It was worth every penny of it .. Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs.' THE POWER OF PRAYER: When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. Just stop right now, and say a prayer of thanks for your own good fortune. Then please send this to all your friends and relatives. I believe if you will send this testimony out with prayer in faith, you will receive what you need God to do in your and your families' life. So dear heart, trust God to heal the sick, provide food for the hungry, clothes and shelter for those that don't have as we do. Amen & Amen -<>- \\\ ____ ________``` \ =|- [________] \ | =| | _ | | \ __ ejm |__=|- O--(_) `.______.' \ O=======(__) /|\ (/(|(\ >NEW YEAR RECIPE Take twelve, fine, full-grown months, see that these are thoroughly free from all old memories of bitterness, rancor, hate and jealousy; cleanse them completely from every clinging spite: pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short , see that these months are freed from all the past; have them as fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time. Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. This batch will keep for just one year. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot in this way), but prepare one day at a time, as follows: Into each day put twelve parts of faith, eleven of patience, ten of courage, nine of of work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), eight of hope, seven of fidelity, six of liberality, five of kindness, four of rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad, don't do it), three of prayer, two of meditation, and one well selected resolution. If you have no conscientious scruples, put in about a teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor. Pour into the whole love ad libitum and mix with a vim. Cook thoroughly in a fervent heat; garnish with a few smiles and a sprig of joy; then serve with quietness, unselfishness, and cheerfulness, and a Happy New Year is certain. -<>- _ _ ( Y ) \ / \ / \ /^\ _ ) //^\\ -= (_) =- ( // \\ ) // \\ / \ __ // \\ |=^| // _ \\ __|= |__// (+) \\ /LLLLLLL// ~ \\ /LLLLLLL// \\ /LLLLLLL// \\ /LLLLLLL// |~[|]~| |~[|]~| \\ ^| [|] // | [|] | | [|] | \\ | [|] ^| |_[|]_| |_[|]_| |^ ___|______| | /LLLLLLLLLL|_____________________| /LLLLLLLLLLL/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ /LLLLLLLLLLL/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ ^||^^^^^^^^/LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL\ || |~[|]~|^^||^^^^^^^^^^||^|~[|]~|^||^^ || | [|] | || |~~~~| || | [|] | || || |_[|]_| || | [] | || |_[|]_| || ||__________|| | o| ||_________|| .'||][][][][][|| | [] | ||[][][][][||.'. ."'||[][][][][]||_-`----'-_||][][][][]||"." .(')^(.)(').( )'^@/-- -- - --\@( )'( ).(( )^(.) '( )^(`)'.(').( )@/-- -- - -- -\@ (.)'(.),( ).('). ".'.'." ." '.". @/- - --- -- - -\@ '.".'.".'.".'." jgs'' ".".".'.'@/ - -- -- -- -- -\@".'..'".'."'.'.' '.".".''.".''."@/ -- --- --- -- - -\@.".''.".''.".'". >Love in the Home If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love, I am a housekeeper--not a homemaker. If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements, but have not love, my children learn cleanliness--not godliness. Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh. Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window. Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk. Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys. Love is present through the trials. Love reprimands, reproves, and is responsive. Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, runs with the child, then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood. Love is the key that opens salvation's message to a child's heart. Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection. Now I glory in God's perfection of my child. As a mother, there is much I must teach my child, but the greatest of all is love. --Author Unknown -<>- |..| ? ? c >| ? \'/ /><\ unknown >Here is a good one for the New Year! In Florida, an atheist became incensed over the preparation of Easter and Passover holidays. He decided to contact his lawyer about the discrimination inflicted on atheists by the constant celebrations afforded to Christians and Jews with all their holidays while atheists had no holiday to celebrate. The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the long passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel and declared, "Case dismissed!" The lawyer immediately stood and objected to the ruling and said, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and many other observances. Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah... yet my client and all other atheists have no such holiday!" The judge leaned forward in his chair and simply said, "Obviously your client is too confused to even know about, much less celebrate, his own atheist holiday!" The lawyer pompously said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any such holiday for atheists. Just when might that holiday be, your Honor?" The judge said, "Well it comes every year on exactly the same date - April 1st! Since our calendar sets April 1st as 'April Fools Day,' consider that Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, in my opinion, if your client says there is no God, then by scripture, he is a fool, and April 1st is his holiday! Now have a good day and get out of my courtroom!" Way to go, Judge! AMEN! Rev. Russell J. Roide, S.J. St. Ignatius College Prep -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) I Believe... http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/believe.html Dreamy Ladies!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/dreamy.html God's Paintings!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/gpaints.html Just Have Faith!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/faith.html Adam In Paradise!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/adam.html Thoughts For Today!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thoughts.html Attitude Is Everything!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/attitude.html God's Water Paintings!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/water.html Just Thinking!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thinking.html What Is Love 2!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/wlove2.html Love Thoughts!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/love.html Small Thoughts!- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/smallthoughts.html Who Is This Jesus?- http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/jesus.html A Kairos Moment!- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/kairosmoment.html Straying From The Light!- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/straying.htm -<>- THE RENEWED MIND - The Believer's Key To Power http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Basics/THE_RENEWED_MIND.htm How to Become a Christian - How to Get Born Again / How to Get Saved / Romans 10:9 & 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzblR8YDQ0 Bible https://quod.lib.umich.edu/k/kjv/ Bible Study Index http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Contents.htm The Way Bible Articles https://thewayinternational.com/english/ Spirit & Truth Index: https://stfi.org/ Bible Teaching Videos - John Schoenheit Spirit And Truth https://tinyurl.com/2gyn3f35 The Lion Weekly Digest is a newsletter delivering the week's top articles from The Lion straight to your inbox. Find all of the stories: https://readlion.com/ Latest From PragerU: https://www.prageru.com/ -<>- >In The Worldly News: President Donald J. Trump https://www.donaldjtrump.com/ White House Actions - 2026 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/ Trump executive orders and actions, 2025-2026 https://tinyurl.com/musd7m3x DOGE Latest News https://doge.gov/ DOGE Latest Savings https://doge.gov/savings From The Daily Acorn: Positive News https://www.thedailyacorn.com/ Latest From Lifezette: https://www.lifezette.com/ Latest From Hannity: https://hannity.com/ Latest From American Action News: https://americanactionnews.com/ Latest From Reliable News: https://reliablenewsnow.com/ Latest From Newsmax: https://www.newsmax.com/ Latest From Expose: https://expose-news.com/ Latest From AFA: http://tinyurl.com/j7lakqw Latest From OperationRescue: http://www.operationrescue.org/ Latest Product Alert: Nestle recalls infant formula batches in 25 countries over toxin risk - Massive Multi Category Recall: Drugs, foods, cosmetics, and pet products for contamination http://www.emergencyemail.org/products/?fmt=text Latest Health Alert: Urgent Food Safety Warning: Ground beef contaminated with E. Coli http://www.emergencyemail.org/health/?fmt=text Click to Give Free https://greatergood.com/clicktogive/ggc/home ========================================================== * _| __ (__ Question _) | * jgs >-->Have you noticed? There are many lessons to learn from what has happened and is happening to Venezuela. I've often thought that the people brought their misfortune on to themselves way back when they thought they needed to work less and get more free things from the government. It turned out that wanting socialism over capitalism costs them dearly. Their country was one of great fortune. Much like the United States their people lived in much comfort due to their hard work and capitalists ways. AI confirms saying "Venezuela was considered rich primarily from the 1950s to the 1980s, when it had one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, largely due to its vast oil reserves. During this period, it was often referred to as one of the wealthiest countries in Latin America." See this: How Latin America’s Wealthiest Country, Venezuela, Fell So Far: The typical Venezuelan earns one-third of what the typical Latin American earns and one-seventh of what the Japanese and the Finns make. According to the United Nations, 90 percent of Venezuelan households are impoverished, and 7.7 million people have fled the country. The annual inflation rate is 160 percent, which sounds terrible until you hear it reached 130,000 percent a few years ago. https://tinyurl.com/44ur8buh What happened? Spiritually speaking, the country went from doing God's will by being a Capitalist country to going against God's will by becoming a Socialist country. God warns us of this here: _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Ezekiel 14:13-14 (13) "Son of man, if a country sins against me by being unfaithful and I stretch out my hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it and kill its men and their animals, (14) even if these three men-Noah, Daniel and Job-were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign LORD. The famine was so bad in Venezuela that the people were forced to eat their beloved pets - just as God warned. You say, well, that was the Old Testament and doesn't pertain to us now. Really? Here is God's will concerning this to us now: 2 Thes.3 [10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. The 'warmth of collectivism' as our new mayor of New York city spouts off about only brings famine to the people. The same was tried during Stalin's days. AI says "Stalin's collectivization involved consolidating individual peasant farms into large collective farms, known as kolkhozes, between 1928 and 1940. This policy aimed to increase agricultural productivity and support rapid industrialization, but it led to widespread resistance, famine, and millions of deaths among the peasantry." ___---| /::::::| /:::::::| /`------'|__ ___..:::......::::---, \::::::::::::::::::/' \::--::--::-r' | X | | ___ / \ _-' ___booooo________ooo-/~~~~ _\00ooo_________ooooood___ ////88888888888888888'_/_||_\888888888888888888888\\\\\ /////8888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888\\\\\\ //////8888"""888888""8888888888888888""888888""""888\\\\\\\ ||||| 87 88888888888887 "8 |||||| ||| 7 8888888888888 V |||| V d8888888888888 || 88888888888888 / 888888888888888 88888888888888888 `8888888888888' MMMMMMMMMMMm MMMMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMMM `MMMMMM|MMMMMM MMMMMM|MMMMM MMMMMM|MMMMM MMMMMM|MMMMM MMMMMM|MMMMM MMMMMM/MMMMM MMMMMM\MMMMM MMMMMMMM|MMMM MMMMMMMM|MMMMM `MMMMM'MMMMMM' /MMMMM`MMMM' ///||\/MMMMM\ ///|||\\//||\\ ||||||||//||\\\ ||||||||||||||| |||||| |||||| |||| |||| || -Hugh It reminds me of 'If he only had a brain...' Visit here: Stalin’s Policy of Collectivisation and the Soviet Famines: A Historical Overview https://tinyurl.com/4a3j6v35 Like my history teacher told me as to why he loved history was that it was a great predictor because it repeats itself. People seem not to learn from people in history and repeat the same mistakes over and over again. Somehow expecting a different result. However, Communism/Socialism has never worked for the majority of the people. Never. Duh. Mayor Mandami needs to get a brain. Either he is really stupid or he wants to destroy America from within. The people of NY City need to wake up before it is too late. Communism - Socialism is evil. It brings about hardship, poverty and famine to the people - all except those who are the leaders. This has been going on long enough in Venezuela and it took God through President Trump with Christ as his head to end communist socialist Maduro's rule and the horrible oppression he reigned against the Venezuela people. He will face justice now. May God bless Pres. Trump and the people of Venezuela as they return the country back to what it once was through Christ Jesus. See this great teaching: _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` Return To Me - God! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/return.html ========================================================== >-->From God'sDailyWord: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Resolve To Be Transformed Every year I send out the same first message titled Off The Throne where we are challenged to release the control of our lives into the hands of God. The next message is always related to goals and resolutions. I am one who is quite supportive of resolutions. Sure, many resolutions will fail. In fact, I made a point of staying away from the gym the first few days of the year – very crowded! But is that any reason not to set goals for the new year? And what if... On New Year's Day, in 2003, I made a resolution to run a certain number of miles. It's not really important what the goal was, but it motivated me to start running. After a few years I stopped, but I began again in my early 50s - and now, at 66 years old, I have become a pretty good ultra runner. I recently set the world record for the most miles in a 48 hour race for anyone 65 years old or over. God continues to bless me with many exciting opportunities, and I have the ability to encourage lots of other runners. I'm very glad I made this resolution many years ago, but, of course, there are resolutions which carry much more significance than running or any other physical goal, definitive things we can do which have eternal significance. Jesus said it well as He admonished the Pharisees: "You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. First clean the inside...and then the outside also will be clean" (Matthew 23:25-26). Many make resolutions focused on external things like exercise or diet. Few resolve to make the more important changes. The Bible speaks about the initial transformation which occurs when we become a "new creation" in Christ. We call this initial transformation Salvation, and it is ALL by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). But the Bible also speaks about the on-going transformation as we draw closer to God and achieve the peace and contentment found only in His presence. This is a process called sanctification. Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." Bible reading would make a great resolution for 2026. Another good resolution might be to live by more of the things we have already read! If you began a plan last year but did not finish, please don't be discouraged. Rather, consider what you accomplished and simply continue. It really makes no difference if you finish the Bible in one year or in two or three. But a habit of reading and studying God's Word can make a lasting transformation in our life. I will continue to post daily reading sections at the bottom of every devotional message. On our list of things to do differently this year - our list of resolutions - I pray we include more time with God in prayer, more time in His Word, more time loving Him with ALL our heart, seeking His presence, and earnestly desiring to know, and do, His will. I also pray we all do a better job of learning how to love one another as Jesus first loved us. Let's pray for one another, that we would draw ever closer to our Heavenly Father and experience His love new and fresh every day. In this new year, let's make eternal resolutions as we resolve to be transformed! Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Genesis 13:5-15:21; Matthew 5:27-48; Psalm 6:1-10; Proverbs 1:29-33 --- ____ _( )_ ( _ _ ) (_")" __) \=_/ _)\___ /-----'\ (( ( \ ( |_\ /\__\ ) //) | \\ ( __//(____\ \\ ) /_,/ | \ \\_ | | ) /-,|=* |____A_| | | | | | / ( ( < | \\ \ | | \ | |/ \|__ |\ \( gnv__/| _\) ...Yes I have made very few resolutions at the beginning of the year because I know I get tired of them and don't follow thru. As a teen, I kept throwing away my pack of cigs resolving to never smoke again, only to wind up taking it up shortly afterward. Same with losing weight. That was always a problem. I love food. My problem was also that I was the youngest at home. My mom had to work so during school, I'd run home and prepare a quick meal for my 3 siblings and myself. I made it fairly so that no one got more than the other person. We'd sit and eat and watch a little TV and then they'd have to go to high school while I cleaned up and then ran back to my elementary school. My problem was two-fold. But the #1. reason my resolutions did not work was that I didn't really want to quit. Later, I really wanted to lose weight when I was 16 or so and had started The Way bible study - so I did. And later at the beginning of the year in 2000, I really did want to stop smoking so I did. All with determination and giving it to God to help me, worked out great. Once you have a habit, the only way anyone is going to quit that habit is by their own free will. I had people shaming me over and over and over again as a kid. I only got depressed and felt bad. The only time I really succeeded in losing weight was when it was mainly my idea - not my mom, or my brothers, or my sister or my classmates - but me with the help of God. Totally my own will power. That was the same with smoking. Once I really made up my mind to quit for my daughter and my husband, I did it within a few days. To the point I cannot stand smoke around me now. It's Gross. So if you want to help someone overcome their bad habit of drugs, alcohol or whatever it is - remember - unless THEY really want to quit, it won't work. They may stop for a bit, but go right back to doing it. Rehab only works when the person uses their own will power to make it work - no one can do it for them. You can see how I did it here - Quit Smoking. http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/quitsmoking.html My husband went on to smoke for several years after he had originally stopped and I wrote this article. However, he did finally quit by using doctor patches but he still laments not being able to smoke. Not me! I am thankful to be done with that nasty, stinky, costly habit! I am sure you can do it too - but only if you REALLY want to - Just ask God to help. :) <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Request A Prosperous Life In the middle of a very long list of genealogies, recorded in the book of 1 Chronicles, there are a few short verses about a man named Jabez who was a descendant of Judah. We never read about him again, but it appears Jabez was included in this list because of his bold request...and God's gracious response. 1 Chronicles 4:10 "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' And God granted his request." Passages on asking and receiving can be difficult to teach. For example: "How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11). These passages are full of truth, but those who preach a message of assured prosperity for Christians have abused the scriptures to say God wants everyone to be financially rich and all we must do is ask or repeat a special prayer. Although this type of prosperity teaching receives a wide following, it is far from God's truth. But God DOES want us to prosper: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jeremiah 29:11). And He wants us to ask! "You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives" (James 4:2-3). God has a plan to prosper us, but we often do not receive His blessings because we are asking to satisfy our own selfish desires or cover worldly fears. We ask with the wrong motives! We also fail to prosper because we don't understand God's definition of prosperity. A Godly prosperity has little to do with finances or possessions, and a great deal to do with peace and contentment. A prosperous life is also one which bears much fruit and completes the work God has asked us to accomplish; "I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do" (John 17:4). How petty (small thinking) to believe that God's prosperity only involves the riches of this world which rust and fade away. A truly prosperous life begins by drawing and remaining near to the presence of God. Without first abiding in His presence, we won't even know what will allow us to prosper; "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). As we draw near to God, He places the desires on our heart which lead to true prosperity - then we must ask. It's in the asking, in the expectation of the answer, and in the process of waiting, that we exercise our faith and prove it to be real. Let's ask God to increase our territory - to increase our realm of influence in His Kingdom. Let's ask Him to keep us in His protective arms, give us His abundance of peace, and accomplish great things in and through our lives. Let's draw near to God and boldly request a prosperous life. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** Nahum 1:1-3:19; Revelation 8:1-13; Psalm 136:1-26; Proverbs 30:7-9 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See this teaching PROSPERITY AND HEALTH http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/PROSPERITY_AND_HEALTH.htm ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: .--._..--. ___ ( _'-_ -_.' _.-' `-._| - :- | _.-' `--...__| .-' '--..___ / `._ \ `. `._ | `. `._ / '. `._ :__________....-----' `..`---' |-_ _- |___...----..._ |_....--' `.`. _...--' `.`. _..-' _.'.' .-' _.'.' | _.'.' | __....------'-' | __...------''' _| '--''' |- - _ | _.-''''''''''''''''''-._ _.' |\ .' _.' | `._ |:.' `._ _.' | `..__ | | `---.._.--. _| | | _ - | `-.._|_.' .--...__ | - _| .'_ `--.....__ | .'_ `--..__ .'_ `. .'_ `-. `--..____ _`. ```--...____ _..--' ;;;:::. (\| - _ ```---.._.' .. ;::| - _ |/) ;;;:::. (o) ;;::., |_ - - |;;;: (\'/) ::;; (o) | -_ -_L ``::;;;. .;;' (\ '/) | -_ _ G (o) ..;; ''' ;:;;.,|(o) _-B(\'/) ;;;;::: ;::(\'/);;:|;:; ;' >THE DETOURS MAY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU DO After leaving the White House, Harry Truman retired to Independence, Missouri. He decided to make a road trip from there to Washington, D.C., and New York by car. He was traveling without security or escort—just the President and Mrs. Truman. On June 21, 1953, he arrived in Frostburg, Maryland. While having lunch at the Princess Diner, a local Democratic Party leader came by their table and asked the President if he would be willing to visit his elderly bedridden mother who recently had broken her hip. He said she had been a Democrat for 92 years and was pretty sick. Truman went—two miles from town. Truman said, "We had a nice chat. That little detour may not sound like much, but it was the high point of our whole motor trip." On that trip he would have lunch with 44 senators at the Capitol, have lunch in New York with the editor of Life magazine and visit the United Nations; but the high point was that chat with a 92-year- old invalid. Preachers, church leaders and members should remember how precious the time is that we spend with those who are in need. --Author Unknown (The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com) -<>- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` >THE BEGINNING OF A BACKSLIDE If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12 A small army was marching toward Jesus. Swords and spears and shields and torches moved toward Him in the dark as a mass of people came to arrest Him. They were in a frenzy, spurred on by their mob mentality: Yeah, let's get Him! Who are we getting again? You know how mobs are. They kind of play off each other; they don't even know what they are protesting. They get caught up in the emotion of the moment. That is probably what was happening as the mob closed in on Jesus of Nazareth, who had never broken any of their laws. And just to show that Jesus was not a helpless victim, but a powerful victor, He stood up and said, "Who are you looking for?" (John 18:7). "Jesus the Nazarene," they told Him. So He said to them, "I am He." And at those words, John's Gospel tells us, all of the people who had been pressing in so close to each other "drew back and fell to the ground!" (verse 6). Have you ever played dominoes? That is probably what it was like as this crowd flattened out. This would have been a good moment for Judas to reconsider his decision to betray Jesus. But Judas apparently could not wait to do what he was about to do. And he would blindly follow his course to hell. I have seen rational people who know better do the most insane things imaginable under the power of sin. Solomon, who was known for his wisdom, openly and blatantly sinned against God. That is why we need to be careful. We think we can handle sin. We say, "Oh, this won't be a problem for me. I am very strong." But that is the beginning of a backslide. as seen in Daily Devotion with Greg Laurie -<>- .---. /_____\__ .===. _ _ `\/6.6\/--` / _/\ \ / )%.===.%( \ ( _ ) \/6.6\/ | // ,,, \\ | ,'---', ( _ ) \/ \/6.6\/ \/ .===. / _ \ _)---(_ /\ ( _ ) /\ / ,,, \ /\/ (_) \/\ / `~` \ ^^ /()-()\ ^^ ( /6.6\ ) \ | (_) | / /\/ \/\ / /o o\ \ )( _ )( \| |/ \ | | / (._\ Y /_.) (_/;---;\_) |_____| \|_____|/ (O_`&`_O) / `"*"` \ | | | | L | / / \ \ ( (_.@._) ) | | | |__|__| / ()/^\() \ /'._\|/_.'\ \__|__/ | | | /. . . . . . .\ /. . . . . .\ |_|_| |_|_| `"`"`|`|`|`"`"` `"`"|"|"|"`"` jgs _|_|_|_ _|_|_|_ _|_|_|_ _|_|_|_ (___|___) (___|___) (___|___) (___|___) >WHATEVER HE IS SHOWN The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher. Luke 6:40 (NIV) Thoughts Those of us with kids always wonder what they'll be like when they grow up. Actually, it is hard, sometimes, to even think of them as adults. But, it happens--they do grow up, quickly! As they grow physically, mentally, and spiritually, it's up to us as their parents to get them started right, to be their teachers. Think about it. What they learn from us, their parents, is the most important part of what they become. And how do they learn? Mostly by watching. My Dad used to say, "Don't tell me, show me." How true that statement is. Yes, I hope my son learns hunting, shooting, and camping from me, and that he acquires a life-long love for outdoor activities. That's a legacy that I want to pass on to him, and he to his kids someday. But, those things are nothing compared to what he really needs to learn from me and see in me. Things like faith, forgiveness, tithing, dependability, and Bible study; how to treat a wife and his kids right; and how to disciple others so that they will also grow in our Lord. So, as he grows up, will my son be like his teacher? Yes, he will. He will be whatever I've taught him to be. More than that, he will be whatever I've shown him that I am. In the final analysis, I pray that I'm found to be a worthy teacher. Makes me stop and think. I hope it does you, too. (Cliff S) Action Point Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it," (NKJV). Take time to train your children, maybe even the kids next door. Teach them how to hunt, fish, and camp safely. Especially teach them about the Lord, all that He's done for us, and all that He is going to do for us in the future. Sportsmen's Tip of the Day Teach your kids gun safety and ethical hunting by example. Remember, they'll hear your words, but they'll do what they see you do. as seen in Sportsmen's Daily Devotional -<>- _ _|_|_ ,|_| |_|_ || | | |_| || | | | | || | | | | _|| | | | | ||)\ ^ ^ ^ | || | | || | | || | | \\ | \\ / ejm )\ ( / \ \ / \ \ \ \ >FILL MY CUP LORD, I lift it up while I pray, Come fill it with the bread of Heaven, Holy Spirit fill me with Your love today! Fill my Cup, Lord, I lift it up Only Your living water can satisfy the soul, Your outstretched hands are reaching down, To cleanse and make me fully whole. Fill my Cup Lord with Your love Help me to know You are always near, When the storms beat upon me, Lord fill my Cup up with prayer. There are so many who are craving For the things that cannot satisfy, Come to Jesus, He will quench your thirsty soul, He'll fill your Cup and make you whole. (c) October 2011- Bernice Ward -<>- _ ///-._ ////////-._ /////////////-. ////////////////`. //////////////// .'`. //////////////// . '.'`. '|`'//////////// . .'.::|` : `'/////// . '.':| | . . `'// ' _|- ::| |. .-._ . | . | .':: | |:|:| | ' ' '.::| | |:|:| :. . .'.':| | . |:|:| . | .._.::: : `':| | ' ////-:| |. . | '/////////-._ | . . : .//////////////-._ : : ///////////////////-._ |. |////////////////////////-._ | . . :`'//////////////////////////-._ | . _.-\\\\``'//////////////////////////-._ | /\\\\\\\\..``'//////////////////////////". : . . /. \\\\\\\\\. .``'///////////////////// .'`. : / _ \\\\\\\\\. ``'//////////////// . .'`. | . / (@) \\\\\\\\\. . . ``'/////////// . '.'::|. {`)._ '| _` .\\\\\\\-`:|#| . . ``'////// '. .'.:| `-{_/`| ||::. \\'`.:|:.|#| |#| . ``'/ ' .##:'::: `-| ||||| |`.'::|::|#| |#| |#| . . '| . .|##|'.:| pils | ||||| : .'::|:.'#| |#| |#| |#| | |##|'::| | ||||| .| .'.:|::.'' '#| |#| |#| . : ' |##|'.:| {`\:|||| : .'::|:_.:. . '#| |#| | .|##|'::: `-{_/'|_ |_.-'/}_/'-._ '#| :. |##:'.:| `'{._('}_)-' `-}_}(-._ . . | ' '` .'::| `-' `-.} /-._ . : .'.'_:-'\ `-}_}(-._ | . _.-')_(-' `-/_)`-.:.-{ \{-' `-{_'_)-'' ^ >WE NEED REVIVAL (Written by N.L. DeMoss) [Edited] We Need Revival When: . . . we do not love Him as we once did. . . . earthly interests and occupations are more important to us than Eternal ones. . . . church dinners are better attended than prayer meetings. . . . concerts draw bigger crowds than prayer meetings. . . . we have little or no desire for prayer. . . . we would rather make money than give money. . . . we put people into leadership positions in our churches who do not meet scriptural qualifications. . . . our Christianity is joyless and passionless. . . . we know truth in our heads that we are not practicing in our lives. . . . we make little effort to witness to the lost. . . . we have time for sports, recreation and entertainment, but not for Bible study and prayer. . . . preaching lacks conviction, confrontation and divine fire and anointing. . . . we seldom think thoughts of Eternity. . . . God's people are more concerned about their jobs and their careers, than about the Kingdom of Christ and the Salvation of the lost. . . . church services are predictable and "business as usual." . . . believers can be at odds with each other and not feel compelled to pursue reconciliation. . . . Christian husbands and wives are not praying together. . . . our marriages are co-existing rather than full of the love of Christ. . . . our children are growing up to adopt worldly values, secular philosophies and ungodly lifestyles. . . . we are more concerned about our children's education and their athletic activities than about the condition of their souls. . . . sin in the church is pushed under the carpet. . . . known sin is not dealt with through the biblical process of discipline and restoration. . . . we tolerate "little" sins of gossip, a critical spirit and lack of love. . . . we will watch things on television and movies that are not holy. . . . our singing is half-hearted and our worship lifeless. . . . our prayers are empty words designed to impress others. . . . our prayers lack fervency. . . . our hearts are cold and our eyes are dry. . . . we aren't seeing regular evidence of the supernatural power of God. . . . we have ceased to weep and mourn and grieve over our own sin and the sin of others. . . . we are content to live with explainable, ordinary Christianity and church services. . . . we are bored with worship. . . . people have to be entertained to be drawn to church. . . . our music and dress become patterned after the world. . . . we start fitting into and adapting to the world, rather than calling the world to adapt to God's standards of holiness. . . . we don't long for the company and fellowship of God's people. . . . people have to be begged to give and to serve in the church. . . . our giving is measured and calculated, rather than extravagant and sacrificial. . . . we aren't seeing lost people drawn to Jesus on a regular basis. . . . we aren't exercising faith and believing God for the impossible. . . . we are more concerned about what others think about us than what God thinks about us . . . we are unmoved by the fact that 2.5 billion people in this world have never heard the name of Jesus. . . . we are unmoved by the thought of neighbors, business associates and acquaintances who are lost and without Christ. . . . People complain about prayers not being allowed in schools but churches can't get people out for prayer meetings where it is allowed . . . the lost world around us doesn't know or care that we exist. . . . we are making little or no difference in the secular world around us. . . . the fire has gone out in our hearts, our marriages and the church. . . . we are blind to the extent of our need and don't think we need revival. as seen in Laugh and Lift Available Free by E-mail every other day. To SUBSCRIBE: Send an e-mail with SUBSCRIBE CUP O'CHEER in the subject line to cheer316@sc.rr.com. ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: . .' \ .' . .' ...'.` ___.-. .' ...'.' _.---' `..' ...'.' __.---' .' ...'.' .--' .' ...'.'. /` .' ...'.' `. / .' ...'.' `. / .' ...'.' `-. / .' ...'.' `. / ` _.-.' ...' `-._____.-' / / .' ...' /` /.'. ...' / .' .`.' \ / .' ...' | \ / /\ .' ...' \ | / / .' ...' / \ | /_/ .' ...' / | | |' `._..' .-------.__________.' .' .'---- .' | | | .' .... | | .' ...'| \ __.' | ___ / \...' \_`------------------._____ ___.---' / .-' | | \__/ `--.__ _.-' /.-' \__/ `------' ' VK Note from Chris Hi all, I've got a long (and unexpected) letter today where I'll be sharing some info regarding a friend of mine that while sad, I hope will ultimately be an encouragement to all of us today. Some of you may remember last August that I asked you to pray for an elderly friend of mine named Glenda. I first asked you if you'd pray with me for her salvation as I was leaving to visit her in another state as a "ministry trip" of sorts. She did indeed end up accepting the Lord and when I got back I asked you to continue to pray for her that the Lord would protect her and seal up the work that was done - esp. because of her inability to read or speak well or hear/process info well, and a hostile family environment she was forced to be in (because of her health she went to live with her son/daughter-in-law) meant that she had no further real growth opportunities as a brand new believer/had no support network/couldn't read the Bible, etc. Anything further pretty much had to be the Holy Spirit speaking direct to her. And most of us know how the enemy often likes to play with new believers' minds - planting thoughts of doubt, etc. (and come to think of it, he keeps trying this same old trick no matter HOW long we've been in the Lord). Well, I wanted to let you know that she has gone on to be with the Lord. I don't know many details, but it was apparently a murder-suicide. They found her and her son quite a long ways from home in a parked car (him driving), and he apparently shot her and then himself. His wife had filed a missing person's report the day before they found them. The interesting thing is that I sent him a text message the same day they died because I was thinking of her and thought I'd maybe be able to get back out to see her in a few days. I didn't receive an answer. Nor did I receive one when I sent one about 1 1/2 months prior for the same purpose. Although I don't know, I am almost positive that there is a whole religious back-story to the whole thing. See, her last big hangup in coming to Jesus is she knew that if she did so, that that meant she was acknowledging that her family was NOT right with Jesus. I shared Scriptures and talked with her about how she couldn't make a decision for anyone else or know their hearts, but that she needed to take care of herself. In Matthew 10:34-39, Jesus tells us: "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn "'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.' "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." We all like to think of Jesus as the great "peace maker" - and He IS for those that believe in Him - He indeed brings peace with God and with others that also believe too. But Jesus draws a DIVIDING line between those who have accepted Him/will accept Him, and those that will not. And this dividing line can be seen to this very day. Our whole society - our whole world - and yes, often times families themselves - are divided over what to do with Jesus Christ. I pointed out how tragic it would be if she died without Jesus and ended up in hell because she didn't want to make waves with her family, and then subsequently her son/family came to the Lord later. I explained she didn't know what the future would hold there, so she needed to make sure that SHE was right with the Lord. Well, she did. She decided that "it was time" (previously the year before she told me that she "wasn't ready" - largely I believe because of the "family reason" mentioned above) and she prayed to receive Christ. Since I knew she wouldn't likely ever have an opportunity to be baptized, we did a makeshift baptism in my car (with a small bottled water!). :) However she was then concerned about what she should say or not say to her son/daughter-in-law. I explained that because of her speech/health, it would probably be hard for her to explain and them to understand. But then I also realized that it really wasn't my place to discourage someone from sharing about their new faith in Jesus and so I told her that on the other hand, it might be helpful to say something - that she'd just need to see. (FYI: If you're wondering how I could communicate with her with her health problems, it was the Holy Spirit all the way - I seemed to instinctively know what she was meaning/trying to say and then would repeat back to her to double-check). Well, again, although I don't know details (and nobody but her and her son know exactly what happened, so this is a bit speculative), I am almost positive that she did say some things, which possibly ended up sparking conflict. There are a couple of clues from what I do know that strongly suggests that to me. It would definitely not surprise me if the conversation right before the trigger was pulled was religious in nature, and that specifically she had to make a choice whether she was going to stick with Jesus - with the truth that she had found and accepted - or not. Basically a choice between Jesus or her son - a last minute faith test of sorts. I have confidence in Jesus that He gave her the strength she needed in those moments. When I had last left her, I committed her to the Lord and asked Him to keep her safe in Him - and this is also the prayer request I mentioned back then that many of you joined me in as well. I have confidence that Jesus gave her all she needed and that indeed she is with Him now rejoicing in Heaven. And I rejoice for her there! (FYI: Though I have been grieving a bit, I am not going through a huge amount of grief regarding her being gone - she was a friend but not super close in my day-to-day life any more) And now you may be wondering why I am sharing all this today. It is simply because there are a couple of lessons I have learned & that this story draws out, that I felt might be worthwhile to share (and why share another non-personal L&L item when I've got a personal one staring me in the face, right?) :) The first relates to both the faithfulness and justice of God. See, Glenda was my neighbor when I was a kid growing up. A kid that desperately needed love and affection tangibly expressed. I was the kid everyone made fun of/had no friends/had a chaotic home life, etc. I was often lonely and felt very unloved. Glenda, however, opened her home to me and quite honestly it became a sort of refuge for me for a few years - esp. my chaotic jr. high years - a real blessing. Right around that time, she started getting very heavy into the New Age after her husband died. I'm talking the full deal: channeling spirits, etc. Although I had not yet "accepted Christ", I thought I was a Christian - I had grown up being taught some about God, etc.) Since I was at the age when I was really starting to understand things myself, Glenda & I often got into religious discussions - I would give her the "Christian" point of view as best I understood it, and she would tell me what she believed. The fact that she went from where she was (when I was a kid and she was providing a help to me) to accepting the Lord in the car with me (as an adult) having come to see her years later was just beautiful. She helped me in a practical sense as a kid. And I got to share Jesus with her and help her in a SUPER DUPER practical sense as an adult! God knew her heart and He saw her actions. And I just really believe that the whole thing just showcases God's faithfulness and His justice. (It also shows that He answers prayer - in HIS time!) Moving on to the next lessons I learned: After I accepted Christ, I tried to explain to her about my "born again" experience. But she just felt it was like any experience like she had had - because after all, "all roads lead to Heaven". New Agers (or the many that don't use that title but share similar beliefs) can be some of the trickiest bunch of people to witness to because they'll say that everyone is OK, and that illusion can be awful hard to break through. Flash forward now to about 5 years ago. Upon visiting her (I hadn't seen her in a few years), I noticed she was quite a bit softer in regards to the Gospel then she had been the last time I saw her, though she was still a ways off (believing in evolution, not wanting to accept the reality of hell, etc.). I got her a Bible as well as a Bible Answer book that gives answers to questions skeptics ask, etc. I continued praying for her. Each time I would see her (which was only a few), we would talk some and I'd witness a little, and she would seem a little closer. Then she had a stroke and it became very difficult for her to communicate and/or process info - it got jumbled in her brain - though I didn't fully understand this. In 2009 when I saw her after the stroke, I naively thought that she would be able to listen to a CD with some teachings, so I tried to "cheat" (I'll explain) and give her a CD to listen to and I left her with some materials to read. See, I wanted to just leave her with some stuff and let her on her own come to Christ. Basically, I wanted the "easy way out" so to speak. I didn't really feel "qualified" - that I even COULD really lead her through the Scriptures and fully explain everything and address all her concerns (and she had a number!) - so I left her to read/hear what the "professionals" had to say, etc. Now, granted, I left her with some good stuff. But that is not what she needed. She needed a person to really demonstrate Christ to her and show her that it's real in their life! How often do we as believers try to take the "easy way out" with someone? Oh we'll maybe tell them about Jesus, get them a book, and pray for them. But are we really willing to commit the time necessary to personally show the love of Jesus practically and share personally - to show this real faith that we say we believe in? Evangelism is often portrayed as something that is very quick and requires little of us. We give a quick spiel on the Gospel, and then people are just supposed to flock to make decisions for Christ. Now, when you're talking about an evangelist in a stadium full of people, the evangelist's message is indeed likely to hit some of the people that happen to be "ripe" and are ready to make a decision. But the reality in our own personal one-on-one relationships is that it takes time. Our friends and family want to see the PROOF of Jesus in our life - they want to see that it is REAL - not just that we can spout an "opinion" (what they think is an opinion anyway) to them. And this requires demonstrating the love of Jesus practically - and also showing His love by showing that we love them enough that we're willing to be committed to them in whatever it takes to remove hindrances from them coming to Jesus. Basically we need to show that we love and care about them - and make sure they know who's love it is working through us (though we don't need to bash them with that, either). It's basically us just being real and sharing Jesus and His love as best we can. Back to Glenda: After trying several times to get her to listen to the custom CD I made her of teachings (she kept having trouble figuring out how to get it to play), and also upon discovering that even with it playing she couldn't process what was being said, nor could she read the materials I gave her, I realized I was going to have to get COMMITTED and do it myself. I was going to need to engage with her - to go through the Scriptures - to answer her questions. And this meant I needed to spend TIME. And this all honestly really scared me because I didn't feel "able" - but God IS able and I found out I just needed to rely on Him to work through me! (whew, what a relief!) I thought I might have a real challenge because of the communication barrier. But I discovered that the Holy Spirit was greater than that barrier. He enabled me to understand her and her to understand me! I tried to keep my speech simple (for the most part tried to explain like I would to a child). God took care of it. While other people had trouble understanding her, I always seemed to innately know what she was trying to say (I believe this was the work of the Holy Spirit in me!) I started coming and visiting her weekly. But I didn't just start bashing her with Scripture - I tried to be wise and look for good timing to try to turn the topic to spiritual things - which would inevitably lead to her saying something that would give me a clue as to where she was at - which I could then address and take her to the Scriptures. I also tried to help her with practical things: when her sprinklers were broken, I tried to help fix them, etc. Although I could have done better, I showed an interest in her and what was going on in her life. Then my mom's cancer came on the scene (many of you remember this in '09) and I stopped going over to see her (temporarily I thought). When I last left her, she was getting very close to accepting Jesus, but wasn't quite there. When I next went to visit her several months later, I found that her house where she had lived for over 30 years was empty. I was very distraught because I started thinking she might have died and I felt like I hadn't done all I could and she was "so close." I pleaded that if she hadn't died that Jesus would save her! As I was crying out to God, I had a sense that I needed to go back to her house and when I did so I ran into the realtor who explained that she had gone to live with her son & his wife. And that brings the story up to where I started this message today. Eventually (you would think it would have been right away but I didn't have peace about it for some time), I made a trip to see her - and I knew that this was THE time for her. And sure enough, it was. And that's a part of the lessons I learned: timing. There's a process that people go through to be willing to accept Jesus - and it's different for all. For some it's relatively short and others very long. As I said earlier, with the way we portray evangelism, it's easy to get discouraged when you share with someone and they don't respond or seem to make much progress. But it's just another seed, a bit more water, along the way. And eventually there's a time where if they're going to respond, they will, and the harvest will come. And sometimes we don't even get to see the harvest - we're just one of the seed-spreaders or waterers - and someone else gets to help them overcome that last hurdle. But it's all important. The thing for us is just that we do the best we can to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit regarding timing and what we are to do & when. And this also leads me to to another big thing I've learned: just how hard the devil will fight to keep 1 person! He fought awful hard for Glenda - and when he had her move away when she was "so close" I'm sure he thought that was the end of the story. But he was wrong. God nudged me and when the time was right, made the way for me to see her. And though I had to fight against the enemy all the way there, the Lord took care of it and gave me all the strength & grace I needed. And I'm sure that with whatever happened between her and her son, the devil thought he was accomplishing something great - but I believe by faith that Jesus ultimately turned the tables on the devil in that too (and even this message going out to thousands helps in that!). Jesus specializes in such things. Another thing I learned is that while my presenting Scriptures to Glenda and sharing God's truth was important, my personal testimony and those I know were also very important and made the way for her to be more receptive to God's Word. Our testimony is important. And it doesn't have to be "glitzy" by human standards either - just our honest testimony. Me sharing about how I changed when Jesus came in my life, and how my dad changed when Jesus came into his life, made an impact on her because it was real people that she knew. People can argue doctrine with you, but it's real hard for them to argue with your personal experience - your testimony. Finally, I want to share this which is what I'm just really grasping now: 1 Peter 1:6-9 (NKJV) says "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith - the salvation of your souls." We all once we come to Christ will likely have our faith tested. We encounter trials that test us. And the goal of these testings is to show the genuineness of our faith (and help purify and increase that faith)- which will bring praise & honor & glory to Jesus. And we receive the goal of our faith: the salvation of our souls! I just have had quite a testing with the asthma attack I asked prayers for the other day (by the way, I'm doing better though not 100% yet - thank you for your prayers). And to be honest, there are things through that testing that I realized I wasn't trusting Jesus as much as I should - in other words, God is using it to work on my faith and purify it more and more for His glory. But one of the things I'm just really getting in a deeper way is that we all are pretty much going to go through these trials that prove our faith. I have learned that God will take us to the issues we need to deal with. For instance some of the stuff in 2009 and early 2010 with my mom's cancer was about me needing to be willing to "let go" of my mom - to not have her in a place above Jesus in my heart. And BOY was that an extremely painful process. But the end result is good. And it will bring Jesus glory and honor and praise as the Scripture above says. Glenda, while being a new believer with no real support, still had to go through a very significant trial to prove the genuineness of her faith. And as I supposed much earlier, I suspect that in some way it probably went to the issue of Jesus vs. family. And I trust that just as God has never left me and has helped me with my trials, He helped her in hers. And by faith I believe she's dancing with Jesus now! The situation was a horrible tragedy - but not ULTIMATELY for her. Being shot by your own child is horrible. But after that, she went to Jesus and is in perfectness with Him. We're all going to die, it's just a matter of when and how. We're all just here for a short while, and we all, though maybe not having to go through the same type of death Glenda did, will face a "final trial" of sorts too. The important thing in life is that we get right with Jesus - because that affects all eternity. The real tragedy isn't for her, but for her son. It saddens me that it didn't work like I was hoping. I was hoping that since she was elderly, that when she died, I would be able to go to the funeral, and then would have an opportunity to talk to her son/family and hopefully be an instrument to help "get them on the bus" too. It didn't work that way, and I don't know why - only God does. Only God ultimately knows what was in her son's heart - it's all in God's hands. But for Glenda, I am believing that as His child, she has indeed received the "end" or "goal" of her faith - the salvation of her soul. Now though, I may have a small window, to be able to at least try to share the Gospel with a few other relatives (her sister and daughter-in- law). If you would, pray with me for the opportunities to present and that God will give me great wisdom and guidance. Although this has been long today and I debated writing so much or even sharing at all, I decided that the whole situation just provided a number of "takeaways" for me and hopefully by extension, others as well. It is my prayer that something in this today has been helpful or encouraging to you. Love in Christ, Chris Thought for Today "Heaven will be the perfection we've always longed for. All the things that made Earth unlovely and tragic will be absent in heaven." - Billy Graham --- |..| ? ? c >| ? \'/ /><\ unknown ...I wondered I wondered why God led me to this email from Chris. As I read it, I understood. It is connected to what has been going on. God gives us wisdom and it is up to us to go with it. President Trump knew he had to help the people of Venezuela because it was not only the right thing to do but it was according to his God-given America first agenda. We cannot be secure in our hemisphere with enemies surrounding us and threatening us. I believe Christ is at President's head and leading him to do God's will. It is why God spared Trump not only once but twice from being assassinated. God wanted to use him to bring America back to Him. Trump has brokered peace around the world to several countries last year showing our Prince Of Peace is with him. But with what is happening now with Venezuela and possibly Cuba and others, one may wonder about it. But just as Chris outlined, In Matthew 10:34-39, Jesus tells us: _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword." Christ always rights the wrong by doing God's work. ========================================================== _ _( } -= _ << \ `.\__/`/\\ -= '--'\\ ` -= // jgs \) >-->Move Me Out Of The Way, Lord I run to the front To take the control But in the end It's harm to my soul. I must be in charge I think I know best "It's my life," I say. I'm leading the quest. Who knows me better Than I know me Though you look You do not see. There's only one Who truly sees me He knows who I am And who I could be The author and finisher Of my holy faith The love of my life He receives all my praise He truly sees me The intent of my heart He understands all He sees not in part The depth of His love For this wretched mean It boggles my mind So I don't understand Why I insist On running my life When in the end It cuts like a knife When I look upon The wreckage I've wrought It all came to ruin It all came to naught It's come to the point Where All I can say Is move me, dear Lord Move ME out of the way Make me decrease Make me small Make me, in the end The least of all Subdue my ego O' Lord bind my pride Have your way, Father Just move me aside To you be the glory Creator of life The author of peace Moderator of strife Flesh cries to be seen Pride desires to be known But I know the glory Is yours alone. So, Lord hear my plea and answer me true. Keep me from running ahead of you. Move me to the rear, drive me to my knees. Lead me to the light, move me Father, please. ~Norris K. Oler~ >Updated FUN STUFF URLS - Oh Yeah, Shangy! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/urls.html FUN URLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->ShangyFunList AD RATES: $35 will get your a message (of up to 40 words) out to all web site list readers. Email me to secure dates. Ad Request ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->FULL LENGTH - FREE On line AUDIO Foundational Teaching Seminar NEW LIFE IN CHRIST! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -->This is for all you who love food and DARE to make it at home Yep. You guessed it - Recipes. These are Tried and True, Yummy to the Tummy, good old fashioned home cooking recipes that are EASY to do Visit Shangy's Easy-Does-It Home Recipes: http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/easy.html Home Recipes >Got A good Recipe? 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