Have A Happy Blessed Halloween... :) 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 JoAnn and Vivian. These bears are so adorable, it is hard not to find them simply irresistible. They are big bundles of fluffy fur that often turn into roly-poly cuties at any given time. Be sure to check this and its funny video out here: ,mMm.,------.,mMm. (GNP' `?ND) P dMm. ,mMb ? ( ?X_O O_XP ) ( qp ) bdsm \ `--'`--' / _____ ,__) (--|__) _.._ _| _, _| (_|| |(_|(_| ( Cute Panda Bears! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/panda2.html --- ...Full of SMILES! Thanks Ladies! Our next pipping hot new page is from our friends Linda and Geniann. My daughter was just remarking that with AI it is really hard to tell what photos are real. I told her that is one thing great about my website, all the photos ARE REAL unless it is otherwise mentioned. I love photography so I strive to showcase only the best ones like the ones on this new page. Visit here for some quite awesome real photos: .-""""- F .-' F J I I L `. L `-._, `-.__.-' ## ### # #### _____ ## .---#####-...__ .--' `-### .--..-' ###### ""`---.... _____.----. ###`.._____ .' ####### a:f ### / -. ####### _.--- ### .( ####### # : `--... ###### # `. ``. ###### : :. ##### .' ) ### .' / ## _.' | .## ,:' | ' .' < ' | / | ' . ` Amazing Photos 7! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/amazingphotos7.html --- ...Most mind bending and stunning! Thanks Ladies! =========================================================== >-->From Heartwarmers: You wouldn't believe On All Hallow Eve What lots of fun we can make, With apples to bob, And nuts on the hob, And a ring-and-thimble cake. -- Carolyn Wells A very interesting story today and it fits in well with Halloween this weekend. We didn't know that clowns had a code and that code was strictly upheld -- looks like David didn't know either. New clowns BEWARE! _ _( )_ (_ O _) (_) ,-. _ _________/_ _________/_ \( )_ \ / / \ / / (_ O _) )=====@=( )=====@=( (_) ____/_________\____ ____/_________\____ | /^\ /^\ | | /~\ /~\ | _| \0/_\0/ |_ _| \a/_\a/ |_ (_ _ (_) _ _) (_ _'(_) _ _) \( \___/ )/ \( \___/ )/ \\\___/// \\ ,-. // ,-._\\___//_,-. __ \\___// __ |* *`-._,-' * | |* *--._,--'* | | * * (_)* * *| | * * (_)* * *| |* _,-' `-.* | |* ,-' `-.* | `-' `-' Stef00 `./ \,' >TEARS OF A CLOWN by Kathleene S. Baker David glanced into the rearview mirror of his car, double-checked his makeup, and straightened his gawdy, polka-dot tie. "I really do look good!" he muttered and smiled at his reflection. With head held high, David strode across the parking lot to his workplace. He had rummaged through tables at Goodwill and visited garage sales to gather items for his perfectly coordinated outfit. Polyester slacks, in a large red, white, and blue check, were his favorite find. After a good spit-shine, his second-hand, navy and beige, wing-tip shoes looked like new, though he wished they fit a bit better. He feared by the end of the day he'd be crippled from blisters -- his red, orange and yellow striped socks weren't quite thick enough for comfort. "David! You look fantastic this morning." Obviously one co-worker approved of his attire as he'd barely walked through the door before she piped up. David politely tipped his red derby hat, exposing a shock of orange hair. "Thanks, Fran, and so do you. You should wear that shade of purple more often." They both chuckled. David stuck his thumbs under his suspenders and gave them a tug. Compliments from co-workers continued. David was all but giddy. Devon, Jerry, and David didn't have clients for another half hour, so they stepped into the mall smoking area. Soon the shop would buzz with folks and it might be afternoon before they'd have another smoke break. The three were puffing and chatting, when out of nowhere, she charged like a mad bull. "What are you doing?" screeched the young, shorthaired woman as she closed in on them. The three looked at one another and then at her -- they had not a clue what she wanted. With the stealth of a panther she pounced! David hit the tile floor face first. His red derby hat adorned with a yellow and orange band bounced to a stop several feet away. The attacker grabbed hold and stayed atop David. "What do you think you are doing?" What brought this on, David wondered. His pals stood paralyzed, their eyes enormous. He looked up at them -- why aren't they doing anything to get this crazed woman off of me? With an angry voice the wild woman began lobbing questions. "How long have you been a clown? "Uh, well since about 7:30 this morning," David snapped. Within moments a crowd had gathered. David struggled to get on his feet. Several people offered him a hand. Still, the strange attacker kept a tight grasp on one arm. "Are you a professional clown?" Her dark eyes were flashing. "No!" David spat. "Then where did you get that costume?" David explained he'd assembled his costume from a mishmash of items found at Goodwill. She looked skeptical, very skeptical! The livid female kept at it. "Who did your makeup? It looks too professional." "I did my own makeup, thank you! But, I'm not a professional clown if that's what you're driving at. The Regis Hair Salon dresses for Halloween each year and this year I'm a clown. Got it? We do it for fun." She continued her death grip on David's arm! "How many hours will you wear that clown suit today?" "I'll wear it until I'm finished with my customers and then we're going out to party! Now would you let go of me and leave me alone?" Glaring at the cigarette still on the floor, she loosened her grip and began to explain. "Look, I am a professional clown! Clowns do not smoke." She poked David in the chest with her forefinger and ordered, "Do not smoke while dressed like that! I mean it. Don't let me see you do it again." "Lady, don't poke me! I'm a clown for Halloween and that's all. If you are finished manhandling me, I'm going to work." As David walked toward the salon she gave him one more warning, "I don't want to see you smoking in that clown outfit again today!" The early morning assault left a damper on the usual Halloween merriment at the salon. As for David, the day had been downright ruined. The few smoke breaks he took were wrought with angst for he knew his assailant was lurking somewhere in the mall and might strike like a cobra at any moment. Constantly looking over his shoulder, he felt like a criminal on the run. He vowed to never again dress as a clown. In days to come David made it a point to learn about professional clowns. He found there is more to "clowning" than entertaining others with nonsensical fun. They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and smoking is not tolerated when dressed "in clown." Still, he found little solace in their principles after being subjected to an attack on his person by a crazed woman. Strict Code of Ethics, indeed! An old song played incessantly in David's mind the rest of that horrid Halloween day, "Tears of a Clown"... -- Kathleene S. Baker __________________________________________________ Kathleene is from Texas. You can visit her site here: http://www.txyellowrose.com =========================================================== >-->From Daily Encounter: , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Be Fearless 'But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes, who were about to be murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah; so he was not killed. He remained hidden with his nurse at the temple of the Lord for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.'¯1 There are so many amazing women in the Bible that we hear of often. However, today we are going to take a look at a woman who is not so commonly spoken of (but she should be!) - Jehosheba. Perhaps one of the reasons she is not so popular is that the story surrounding her bravery, and her background in general, is a little confusing. Long story short, she was the daughter of Jehoram, king of Israel, and half sister to Ahaziah. Ahaziah's mother was Athaliah, who was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, the evil king and queen. When Athaliah's son, Ahaziah, is killed, she set out to murder the entire line of David! She killed her own grandsons!! However, without Athaliah knowing, God used Jehosheba to hide one single descendant of David named Joash. God could have raised an entire army to rescue the line of David. Instead, he used one fearless woman named Jehosheba. For six years, she hid Joash, which I am sure was no easy task. And where did she hide him? A place where the Baal worshipping, evil queen wouldn't go - the House of the Lord. God promised David that his throne would last forever and that was fulfilled with the birth of the Messiah. God is faithful and always keeps his word. And just how he had a plan for Jehosheba, he has a plan for you and me as well. What is God asking us to do today? Are we willing to stand up for what is right and be fearless? God doesn't necessarily need an army; he can use just one to get the job done. Will you trust Him and let Him use you today? Suggested prayer: Dear God, the evil in this world is still great. The enemy is trying to use whatever way possible to stop your work and keep others from knowing you. Please show me what you want me to do. Help me be fearless and trust you with my life. I choose to be that ONE who is available and willing to be used by you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus Christ's name, amen. 1: 2 Kings 11:2-3 (NIV). Today's Encounter was written by:Crystal B. <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >God is There 'Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.1 I am certain that there have been times in our lives when we feel unworthy of God and his goodness. We all make mistakes and take 'detours'¯ from God's path for us. Regardless of how many times we stray, however, we cannot hide from God. His purpose for us is still there and He will find ways to lovingly bring us back to Himself. The story of Jacob is one that many of us know well. He and Esau were twin brothers, but Jacob was the younger twin. Therefore, Esau, being the firstborn, was in line to receive a special blessing from his father, Isaac. Jacob tricked his father into giving him the blessing instead, which, understandably, causes much anger in Esau. Their mother, Rebekah, hears of Esau's desire to kill Jacob, so she speaks to Isaac, and they send him off to find a wife within her family. Now, you may expect to find God when you are serving him with all your heart, but this was not the case with Jacob. He was actually on the run! Jacob was a trickster who had deceived his father into giving him Esau's birthright. Perhaps he is the last person we would consider 'worthy' to fulfill God's promise to his parents and grandparents. However, It was on this journey that God met Jacob. God had chosen Jacob to birth a nation of God's people, and regardless of his mistakes, God was still going to fulfill his plan for Jacob's life. Jacob just needed to be reminded. In Genesis 28:16 Jacob says, 'Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.'¯ He, like some of us, actually thought he could hide from God! But as the verses above remind us, God is everywhere, and he wants to use us despite our mistakes. If you are trying to run from God's will, I urge you to stop. His will for your life is much greater and rewarding than anything you can accomplish on your own. Surrender to Him and know that if he has chosen you, He will be with you ALWAYS! Suggested prayer: Dear God, forgive me for the times I have strayed from your will. There is nowhere I can go to hide from your presence. Please use my life for your glory. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, amen. 1. Psalm 139:7-10 (NIV). Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B. When copying or forwarding include the following: "Daily Encounter by Richard (Dick) Innes (c) 2016 ACTS International. =========================================================== >-->From Archives InspiredBuffalo: "Happy the man who has broken the chains which hurt the mind, and has given up worrying, once and for all." -- Ovid "Fear; if allowed free rein, would reduce all of us to trembling shadows of men, for whom only death could bring release." -- John M. Wilson "The reason why worry kills more people than work is that more people worry than work." -- Robert Frost "The key to change... is to let go of fear." -- Rosanne Cash -<>- |) /\ |\ | /` | |) \/ | \| \] . __________ |) /\ |\ | /` | /________ /| |) \/ | \| \] . | X|I | | | | | | |) /\ |\ | /` | |IX * III| | |) \/ | \| \] . | | | | |____VI___| | |) /\ |\ | /` | | / | | |) \/ | \| \] . | / | | | / | | |) /\ |\ | /` | |( ) | | |) \/ | \| \] . ejm |_________|/ |) /\ |\ | /` | |) \/ | \| \] . >Church, It Is Time To Wake Up!!! Why in the world are you so passive? With politics, school, government and such you're not active. The world is crying out to you from everywhere. Tell me are you listening, do you even care? Do you think you're already in Heaven and you're not around? HEY, come back to earth cause the world is going down. It was sad when they wanted same s%x marital rights: It was sadder when you wouldn't sign the petitions against it or put up a fight. You hide in your four corners behind your church walls. If you want your light to shine you've got to come out and stand tall. Separation between church and state is not how it should be. It is in God we put our trust I will not let them fool me. On this Godly foundation is how we were formed So don't be afraid to blow your trumpets and sound your horns. It is vital to vote so that you too may have a voice But if you're a deadbeat you don't have a choice. Do you think that our God will not hold us accountable for this? Think again because this is not true it is only your wish. When you stand before the Lord and he ask what was your contribution It has been man's job to set things in order every since the creation. What you need is balance both natural and spiritual. Don't get hung up on things that are one sided and make it a ritual. "Get up and get involved," says God, don't keep me in this box tied up with rope. If I am not allowed to move thru you then the world has no hope. You could be President, Supreme Court Judge, Governor or Mayor. Just think, with me in office there would be none other that could compare. IT IS IN YOU, I PUT IT THERE WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? I'll be there to lead you and guide you: I myself will open the door. Don't fear anything that man can say or do to you It is me they are up against: they just don't have a clue. Before the foundation of the earth you were predestined to win. Don't abort your destiny and purpose because of omission and sin. My people are living below my plans and they can't with others share. The mentality you have is not of prospering it is that of welfare. I told you the earth belongs to me and the fullness there of: Don't settle for crumbs when I have prepared for you a complete feast and I did it with my love. By Karen A. Hogan --- ... ;::::; ;::::; :; ;:::::' :; ;:::::; ;. ,:::::' ; OOO\ ::::::; ; OOOOO\ ;:::::; ; OOOOOOOO ,;::::::; ;' / OOOOOOO ;:::::::::`. ,,,;. / / DOOOOOO .';:::::::::::::::::;, / / DOOOO ,::::::;::::::;;;;::::;, / / DOOO ;`::::::`'::::::;;;::::: ,#/ / DOOO :`:::::::`;::::::;;::: ;::# / DOOO ::`:::::::`;:::::::: ;::::# / DOO `:`:::::::`;:::::: ;::::::#/ DOO :::`:::::::`;; ;:::::::::## OO ::::`:::::::`;::::::::;:::# OO `:::::`::::::::::::;'`:;::# O `:::::`::::::::;' / / `:# ::::::`:::::;' / / `# unknown ...Speaks of today I am astonished at how many sit by and are led figuratively to their slaughter by cheering and voting for this NYC mayor candidate Mamdani or as many refer to him 'commie mandani' because he is all about a socialist agenda promising lots of free stuff to the people just like every communist dictator before him has done. The problem with his way is that it is against God who wants the best for people because he loves them. God knows full well that if people are lazy and wanting a free ride, that they are heading to their own destruction as history has shown us time and time again. Like many smart people say - 'Eventually you run out of other peoples money' and the free ride turns into a ride to hell with misery and starvation just like we have seen happen over and over again. Like the communist socialists countries of Cuba and Venezuela. The leaders get fat while the people suffer. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` God does not lie. He warned us about this: 2 Thessalonians 3:10 'For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.' 'we commanded you' - not asking - it is so important! Nothing about the disabled but only about those able bodied people who won't - who refuse to work. 'And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.' -Psalm 90:17 Ephesians 4:28 'Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.' We live in the 'Age of Grace' which is the time when God allows us to do whatever we want to... _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` See this teaching: THE SEVEN ADMINISTRATIONS http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/THE_SEVEN_ADMINISTRATIONS.htm God has stated His will for us in His bible. We can choose to not do what God wants us to do, but those who go against God, suffer the consequences - Gal.6 [7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Which God says is this: 'that if any would not work, neither should he eat.' ( ) |\ _,--------._ / | | `.,' `. / | ` ' ,-' ' \/_ _ ( / (,-.`. ,',-.`. `__,' |/#\ ),-','#\`= ,'.` | `._/) -'.\_,' ) ))| / (_.)\ . -'// ( /\____/\ ) )`'\ \ |V----V|| ' , \ |`- -- -' ,' \ \ _____ ___ | .' \ \ `._,-' `- `.__,`---^---' \ ` -' -.______ \ . / ______,- `. ,' ap The devil makes disobeying God look oh so inviting. Who wouldn't want a bunch of free things paid for by rich people... Free healthcare, free busing, free housing, free child care and free food? - to name a few. However, someone has to pay for this stuff. You wind up stealing from the rich to pay for your laziness. Eventually you run out of other people's money and you are left with nothing but scraps of this or that - and you still have to work your bottom off just to earn those scraps the government spreads around to all the people since the leaders take the lions share for themselves first. Again look to Cuba and Venezuela for examples of how well socialism is working out for all the people. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` See this teaching: The Implications of SLOTHFULNESS https://tinyurl.com/4zfdpvj5 Mamdani's own mother says he is not an American and will never be an American - his heart is for India! His dad blames Abraham Lincoln who ended slavery in America as the inspiration for Hitler and the Nazis. Mamdani is anti-Israel, anti-Jews, anti- police, anti-Capitalism, anti-freely owned property, anti-free business, anti-free speech and anti-America's Constitution. He has said his goal is turn all of America into a socialist (communist) run government controlled country. He is friends with terrorists and is one himself since he wishes to destroy America as our original Founders intended it to be. _______ | | | |---+---| | | O|_ | | \/\ \ | | /\) ejm | |`' |\__ |___|___| `\ It is time you get off your duff and go warn your fellow Americans in your churches, schools, social media etc. Get the word out so ignorance doesn't kill America's freedoms and Capitalism - which is God's way to prosperity for all the people not by the devil's socialism or communist way. We cannot have people who hate America in power as our government leaders. May God Super Bless You Through Christ Jesus As You Do! I am encouraged as I remember this Angel Prophecy... . , )). -===- ,(( ))). ,((( ))))). .:::. ,(((((( ))))))))). :. .: ,((((((((' `))))))))))). : - : ,(((((((((((( ))))))))))))))))_:' ':_(((((((((((((((' `)))))))))))).-' \___/ '-._((((((((((( `))))_._.-' __)( )(_ '-._._((((' `))'---)___)))'\_ _/'((((__(---'((' `))))))))))))|' '|((((((((((((' jim `)))))))))/' '\(((((((((' `)))))))| |(((((((' `))))))| |((((((' /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ /' '\ '---..___..---' >George Washington's Vision and Prophecy About America George Washington’s Vision as Recorded in the Library of Congress: ‘While the stars remain, and the heaven send down dew upon the earth, so long shall the UNION last.’ And taking from his brow the crown on which blazoned the word ‘UNION,’ he placed it upon the Standard while the people, kneeling down, said ‘Amen.’” ‘Son of the Republic, what you have seen is thus interpreted: Three great perils will come upon the Republic. The most fearful for her is the third. But the whole world united shall not prevail against her. Let every child of the Republic learn to live for his God, his land, and UNION.’ With these words the vision vanished, and I started from my seat and felt that I had seen a vision wherein had been shown me the birth, the progress, and the destiny of the United States.” “Such, my friends,” the venerable narrator concluded, “were the words I heard from Washington’s own lips, and America will do well to profit by them.” The first-hand account of this vision was given in 1859 by an old soldier named Anthony Sherman. He gave it to a writer, Wesley Bradshaw, who published it. The account was taken from the reprint in the U.S. war veterans’ paper The National Tribune, in December 1880. The National Tribune is now called The Stars and Stripes. This article was reprinted in the Stars and Stripes December 21, 1950. https://tinyurl.com/42282rky May God ALWAYS Bless America! -<>- \ /\ 7_\ \, / {))) _/|,~, ((( / ())) )__/)))) /(\|((( | (/ /_|\\ | \ \|\(` | \ // \\ | \ ejm // \\ |_____\ == == -- -' >HUMILITY: THE DEFINING MARK OF A MATURE CHRISTIAN Speaker: Pastor. Joby Soriano Power, glory, success: what do these words bring to mind when you hear them? Throughout human history, they have captured the hearts and minds of men and women. In our society today, a person's self-worth is usually measured by his net worth. But the mark of a true believer is humility and submission to authority. In the eyes of the world, humility and submission are weaknesses rather than strengths. And yet Jesus Christ himself lived in humility and asked us to do the same. Today, even church believers have been influenced to go their own way and do their own thing to make their mark. "Grab all you can and make it to the top" is the in thing nowadays. The result is that there's a crisis in humility throughout the churches. When the world looks at most Christians, they see proud, self-centered, self-seeking people that distract them instead of attract them to Christ. How can we return to the biblical attitude of humility? First, what is `humility'? Is it being shy, and unimpressive? Is it a sign of weakness and cowardice? Do you fear humility because you might be the object of ridicule and abuse by others? On the contrary, true humility leads us to Christ and leads us to our full potential in Him. The biblical humility that God demands makes us a stronger person and results in better relationships. Humility is realizing that all that is good in us, all of our special gifts and abilities, all that we have and all that we accomplish is from God, not ourself. As Ken Blanchard puts it, "Humility does not mean you think less of yourself. It means you think of yourself less." What should we do to attain biblical humility? SUBMIT TO SPIRITUAL LEADERS. In the first part of Peter's epistle, we are told to submit to the human institutions and leaders that God has given us. Peter then goes on to say that we must submit to our employers. And then wives are told to submit to their husbands even if they are unreasonable and aren't following the Lord. Peter also writes: "You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders..." (1 Peter 5:5a). The word subject here is the word for humbly obey. We should humbly obey those whom God has chosen and ordained to be spiritual leaders. Who are the spiritual leaders? These are the elders, the pastors, the Bible teachers, and the D-Group leaders. The instruction from Peter for young men to be subject to spiritual leaders applies to all believers. This must be voluntary submission because the leaders cannot force you to follow and obey them. God's way is for you to submit from the heart to God and then to your spiritual leaders by honoring, respecting, obeying, and listening to them. The spiritual leaders, on the other hand, are clearly instructed not to lord it over God's people. Instead, they are to lead by being a godly example for people to follow. The Bible says in Hebrews 13:17, "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." This is the balance between spiritual authority and leadership and the believers' submission. The leader is accountable to God for all his actions. Part of humility is accountability. This is not just the accountability between you and God, or you and your wife, or you as parent to your children. This is an accountability between you and a more mature brother or sister in Christ who is discipling you. This is for your spiritual growth and protection. Pride would keep us from being transparent with others. Don't let pride be the cause of your own downfall. Live in humility before God and to others, and God will bless you in ways that you cannot even imagine. BE HUMBLE TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER. Peter writes: "...all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another" (1 Peter 5:5b). This includes every single one of us - young or old, male or female, rich or poor; it doesn't matter who you are or what you are. The word `clothe' comes from the Greek word `ENKOMBOOMAI", which means putting something on yourself and tying it with a knot or ribbon. It was the word used to refer to a servant's apron. Humility during the time of Peter, just like today, was not a virtue. The only humility tolerated in those days was the involuntary humility of slavery. And basically, Peter is saying, "All of you, put on a garment of a slave and take on voluntary humility." He was relating this to the time when Jesus got on His knees and washed the feet of His disciples. How does this apply to us? We need to make a deliberate decision in our hearts to follow God's Word and serve others. "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself" (Philippians 2:3-4). We should be like Jesus and treat others as more important than ourselves. That's a great challenge because many of us without realizing it may consider ourselves to be superior to others. It's a daily battle to fight sinful pride in our lives. We've need to stop being self-centered, self-righteous, and all the other `self'' word. We should change the way we see ourselves because in all honesty, all that is good in us is because of God's grace and mercy for apart from Him we are nothing but wretched sinners. Is there a valid reason why we should be humble? Peter writes: "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to humble" (1 Peter 5:5c). The word `proud' is a compound word in Scripture, the first part meaning above and the second part meaning to appear. So if you put them together it means `to appear to be above.' We are proud every time we think that we are better than other people. And God hates the proud. Pride led Lucifer out of heaven. Pride removed Nebuchadnezzar's sanity and resulted in him living like a wild beast for seven years. "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling. It is better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud" (Proverbs 16:18-19). Another reason to be humble is because God gives grace to humble. Throughout the Bible, God gives victory to those who are humble. For example, God told Gideon to use 300 men to fight 100,000 soldiers. God instructed Joshua to conquer Jericho by having the Israelites walk around the city 1 time a day for 6 days, 7 times on the 7th day and blow the trumpets and shout, a ridiculous strategy from a human stand point. King Jehoshaphat was told by God how to fight a war in which his army was greatly outnumbered. Logically speaking, what God asked these men to do did not make any sense and yet they submitted to Him and humbly obeyed Him. What was the result? There was victory in their midst because God poured out His grace on them. In the same way, we need to submit to God daily. There is nothing greater than having the infinitely powerful and wise God on our side. We must be humble and obedient to God just like Jesus Christ was. "(Jesus) humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name" (Philippians 2:8-9). Matthew 20:28, "Jesus said, "For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give My life as a ransom for many." Humility does not come naturally. It is opposed to everything our sinful nature wants us to do. Humility is a choice, it's a decision you make on a daily basis by the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. 1 Peter 5:6, "Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time!" --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See These teachings: THE LIFE-STYLE OF A BELIEVER Part 1 A Prolegomenon on Christian Ethics https://tinyurl.com/4nn6ude2 THE LIFE-STYLE OF A BELIEVER Part 2 A Prolegomenon on Christian Ethics *** Important: Please read Part One before continuing. https://tinyurl.com/36phf3tk -<>- >Links for Your Enjoyment :) The Best Pillows 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/pillows2.html Humorous Ads 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/humorad2.html Humorous Signs! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/hsigns.html IRONIC Isn't It 2? http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/irony2.html Magical Tiny Snails! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/snails.html Maxine On Fall! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/maxineonfall.html The REAL Mowgli! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/realmowgli.html Most Unique Trees! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/uniquetrees.html Our Amazing World! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/amazingworld.html Thank You Lord! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/thanks.html Are Angels Real? http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/BibleStudy/angelsreal.html Sweet Baby Animals 2! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/babyanimals4.html Rescued Squirrel! http://www.ShangralaFamilyFun.com/rsquirrel.html Akiane Child Prodigy! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/prodigy.html Value What You Have! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/valuewyh.html You Are The Only You God Has! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/BibleStudy/onlyyougodhas.html Full Fall And Halloween Index! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/halloweenindex.html -<>- Bible Genealogy https://tinyurl.com/bddfn6vd 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 Fruit Of The Spirit http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Promises/The_Fruit_of_the_Spirit.htm What Is True Worship? http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Advanced/What_Is_True_Worship.htm Speaking in Tongues: What It Is Not (Part 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEJCpOEuw-g Part 2 of 4 Speaking In Tongues: What It Is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3N3hmaHLTE Part 3 of 4 Speaking in Tongues: What Is It For https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nptK7vYy0yA Part 4 of 4 Speaking In Tongues: How to Do It https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKqyiVuDMeE 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/ Truth Or Tradition.com Index: https://www.truthortradition.com/ 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/ Latest From Mommy Underground: https://mommyunderground.com/ Latest From Christian Life Daily: https://www.christianlifedaily.com/ -<>- >In The Worldly News: President Donald J. 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The king concluded the only way to win the war was to first eliminate Elisha: "'Go, find out where he is,' the king ordered, 'so I can send men and capture him'" (2 Kings 6:13). When the king found where Elisha was staying, he sent his army to surround the city. When Elisha's servant woke and saw the army, he became very frightened; "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" (2 Kings 6:15). But Elisha comforted his servant by helping him see the real battle. 2 Kings 6:16-17 "'Don't be afraid,' the prophet answered. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' And Elisha prayed, 'O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.' Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." Our false perception is the biggest cause of fear and frustration; in fact, I might boldly say it is the only cause! If we live without faith, our perception is restricted to what we see with our eyes and hear with our ears. With this limited input, it's no wonder so many live in fear - it's no wonder so many become frustrated and discouraged with their day to day life. But as our faith and understanding of God increase, we are able to trust in what we cannot physically see or hear. We can live in peace, knowing that "the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). Battles occur in and around us every day, battles which cause us to become heavily burdened. We desire to walk down God's path, but the pulls and attacks of the world seem relentless. We need to remember that His plan and provision is always perfect - always working toward the good. Somehow we must understand that the battle we see with our physical eyes and analyze with our mind is never the real battle; "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood" (Ephesians 6:12). Our spouse, parents, children or co-workers are not the enemy; neither is our church, the government, the economy or our health. These temporal things are not the true cause of our pain, nor should they ever become the source of our joy. The real battles are always spiritual... and we are NEVER alone! Let's draw ever nearer to God until we gain a true understanding of how much He loves us, and how much He is fighting for us; "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Jesus Christ has already won the ultimate battle! We must now trust Him and give Him more of our heart. Heavenly Father, we desire to see You clearly and joyfully walk without fear. We pray that You draw us into Your presence... and open our eyes! Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** 1 Kings 7:1-51; Acts 7:30-50; Psalm 128:1-6; Proverbs 16:31-33 --- _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` ...See These Teachings The Natural Realm Vs. The Spiritual Realm https://tinyurl.com/35zvvy4k The Holy Spirit Field - Questions Answered http://www.absolutebiblestudy.com/Word/The_Holy_Spirit_Field.htm <:))))>< , , /////| ///// | ///// | |~~~| | | |===| |/| | B |/| | | I | | | | B | | | | L | / | E | / |===|/ jgs '---' >Spiritual Companions Elijah revealed some long term spiritual needs which could not be ignored; "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty... {but} I am the only one left" (1 Kings 19:14). Elijah felt alone in his devotion to God and alone in his ministry. This loneliness was affecting his judgment as well as his ability to persevere under stress. He needed a spiritual companion who would encourage him and walk by his side. God recognized this need and sent Elisha; "anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet" (1 Kings 19:16). God was not replacing Elijah, but since he had many opportunities for future discouragement, God provided someone to share the burden, provide motivation, and be trained for future service. Elisha was in the field plowing with a team of oxen when Elijah first called him to follow. Elisha's response was immediate and decisive, and he was devoted to Elijah for the remainder of his ministry. 1 Kings 19:21 "He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant." God never intended for us to go into battle alone. While He is always at our side, ready to intervene, His Word also directs us to draw upon the strength of others; "Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness" (Hebrews 3:13). Immediately after creating the first man, God said; "It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18). We were created to be people who need one another; "Two are better than one... if one falls down, his friend can help him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Jesus demonstrated this wisdom as He sent messengers to proclaim that the Kingdom of God is near; "the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him" (Luke 10:1). Difficult tasks require mutual support and encouragement. As we travel down God's path, let's listen to His counsel and not walk alone. Let's entrust our lives to our Heavenly Father and seek other believers who will encourage us to remain in His presence and aligned with His perfect will. Let's pray that God would bless us with courage and strength... and also with an abundance of committed spiritual companions. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries **** Reading Plan **** 2 Samuel 20:14-22:20; Acts 1:1-26; Psalm 121:1-8; Proverbs 16:18 --- ,-`"-=') =/////// ,== _,_(((((-`6\ ==.| /,,...\\\C _| .--. ((((\\\\\` _, /;_| )9 )))))./ `. / } _\,_ ,-'))) \ / /=-. ,-./ \/ '))) . /\_/ / \ (,-.%\ / /-' ') \/\ / ( \ (/ \ ' /( ' `-/ \( \ ,- / ( `-' \ . / / \ \ &_) /\ \ | ( /--.- \ \----,------=;% | _/ _); `. ` `-. .`\ ) +++/ \ ,," %&-. ; \\| `-` `-=.;_,.__.__\_,/ )_/___+_/_________\,"(_//_(__)______:-._) gpyy ...I am reminded Yesterday I saw a meeting of Turning Point USA... J.D. Vance, Erika Kirk draw thousands to Ole Miss Turning Point USA event Erika Kirk was encouraging the crowd saying: “I can hear Charlie say ‘Go reclaim that territory babe,’” she said. “And at this moment every single one of us has a choice to make — whether we stand for freedom or are just going to fall for everything else... You are the courageous generation, all of you, Gen Z, you are the courageous generation.” She urged students to live boldly as Christians and citizens, quoting Scripture and warning against fear, saying "please stand firm against the wickedness of the devil and the schemes of man." This huge gathering is what God encourages us to do. Be together with like-minded believers to strengthen and bless us. We are the body of Christ. We need each other for our own happiness and strength. We uphold each other. _______ / /_ / -/- / / / / / / /_______/ / jgs ((______| / `"""""""` See this teaching: Words of Edification, Exhortation, and Comfort https://tinyurl.com/bdy76jw5 ========================================================== >-->From CupO'Cheer: \\ ///// | | (| _ _ |) |` | '| | __ | >>>___/\_^__/\___<<< / ||| \ Mike Hertz >BEFORE YOU GO The elderly parking lot attendant wasn't in a good mood! Neither was Sam Bierstock.. It was around 1 a.m., and Bierstock, a Delray Beach, Fla., eye doctor, business consultant, corporate speaker, and musician was bone tired after appearing at an event. He pulled up in his car and the parking attendant began to speak. "I took two bullets for this country and look what I'm doing," he said bitterly. At first, Bierstock didn't know what to say to the World War II veteran. But he rolled down his window and told the man, "Really, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you." Then the old soldier began to cry. "That really got to me," Bierstock says. Cut to today. Bierstock, 58, and John Melnick, 54, of Pompano Beach - a member of Bierstock's band, Dr. Sam and the Managed Care Band, have written a song inspired by that old soldier in the airport parking lot. The mournful "Before You Go" does more than salute those who fought in WWII. It encourages people to go out of their way to thank the aging warriors before they die. "If we had lost that particular war, our whole way of life would have been shot," says Bierstock, who plays harmonica. "The WW II soldiers are now dying at the rate of about 2,000 every day. I thought we needed to thank them." The song is striking a chord. Within four days of Bierstock placing it on the Web, the song and accompanying photo essay have bounced around nine countries, producing tears and heartfelt thanks from veterans, their sons and daughters and grandchildren. "It made me cry," wrote one veteran's son. Another sent an e-mail saying that only after his father consumed several glasses of wine would he discuss "the unspeakable horrors" he and other soldiers had witnessed in places such as Anzio, Iwo Jima, Bataan, and Omaha Beach. "I can never thank them enough," the son wrote. "Thank you for thinking about them." Bierstock and Melnick thought about shipping it off to a pro- fessional singer, maybe a Lee Greenwood type, but because time was running out for so many veterans, they decided it was best to release it quickly, for free, on the Web. They've sent the song to Sen. John McCain and others in Washington. Already they have been invited to perform it in Houston for a Veterans' Day tribute - this after just a few days on the Web. They hope every veteran in America gets a chance to hear it. GOD BLESS EVERY veteran.....and THANK you to those of you veterans who may receive this! Before You Go https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpljgJPFWl8 --- .---. ___ /_____\ /\.-`( '.' ) / / \_-_/_ \ `-.-"`'V'//-. `.__, |// , \ |Ll //Ll|\ \ |__// | \_\ /---|[]==| / / \__/ | \/\/ /_ | Ll_\| |`^"""^`| | | | | | | | | | | | | L___l___J jgs |_ | _| (___|___) ^^^ ^^^ ...It is a reminder Many of our veterans gave their all for our freedom in this country. All so we could be free to worship God as we chose. All so we could speak our minds and debate and say what we think to others - without causing hostility toward others. All so we could have the freedom to mostly do as we please according to the laws we decided to abide by enacted by our own chosen members of Congress in the government. Our flag represents our country and the men and women who fought for our freedoms. They and their families gave their time and some their life to keep our country free from those who would destroy it and our freedoms. They all stood up with God and faced our enemies. May God always bless them and their families through Christ our Lord. You may be surprised at all our Famous US Veterans! http://www.shangralafamilyfun.com/famousveterans.html -<>- (() ()) (() ()) (() ()) (() ()) (() .+. _.-//_\\-._ .'.-' XII '-.'. /`.'* *'.`\ / /* / *\ \ | ; _/ ; | | |IX (_) III| | | ; \ ; | \ \* \ */ / \ '.* \ *.'./ jgs '._'-.__VI_.-'_.' '-.,___,.-' >THE OLD WATCH By L. Wellington Miller, Westland, Michigan The night was quiet as I sat at my desk with some bookkeeping. I glanced over at the glass dome that displayed my father's pocket watch. Not that it was going to tell me the time. The old watch had stopped running after Dad died. Dad was a fireman for the Pennsylvania Railroad in the days of steam engines, and he truly worked all the livelong day, as the old song goes. In fact, he was away most of the time, coming back for a few days once a month to collect his paycheck. There was an uneasiness between us when he was home since we talked together so seldom. I never found words to tell him I loved him, or that I was proud of him and his work on the railroad. I sat quietly, just enjoying his company, the ticking of his watch sometimes the only sound in the room. The watch was a Hamilton, very popular with railroaders. It slipped easily in the small watch pocket that trousers had in those days. Sometimes I wished Dad could slip me in his pocket and take me with him on his journeys. My desk lamp illuminated the dome, and the watch's stainless-steel case shone inside. There was a small chip on the edge of its ceramic face, broken off once when it fell to the floor. Still, it kept running. "A guardian angel looks after this watch," Dad explained. I knew better. Dad spent an awful amount of time looking after it himself, winding it twice a day, an elaborate process which he allowed me to witness. It was like time stopped for a while. If the hour needed to be reset for some reason, my dad would put the palm of his hand over the crystal face plate and unscrew it from its case. At the two o'clock position on the edge of the ceramic face was a small lever that had to be pulled up. Once done, he set the correct time by turning the stem. When the lever was down and covered he could wind the watch. Dad retired in the 1960s. He became ill soon after and was hospitalized. I visited every day. We were mostly quiet, as always. He kept his faithful timepiece on the nightstand, but it didn't run well anymore. Dad was too weak to take care of it. On the day he died I picked it up. It was no longer ticking. That seemed right somehow. Later I bought the glass dome to display it. I never took the watch to a jeweler. I figured I wouldn't know how to maintain it anyway. That night sitting at my desk I felt sorry I had never told Dad how I felt. "Why, God? Why didn't I find a way to tell him?" I dropped my head into my hands. Something startled me. I heard a ticking sound, and looked up. It came from my dad's watch. Impossible. I slid the dome closer to the desk lamp. The second hand moved. The watch was running again. Almost as if Dad had heard my thoughts. As if he had heard my thoughts even when I was a boy, and knew I loved him. Perhaps a guardian angel did look after Dad's watch, and after me. -<>- >BE FUNKY Amanda's Cool Site I have to admit, I adore sites like this. Here at Be Funky you can completely change your photos with on click, and with all sorts of wild effects! To begin, click the Get Started Free button at the top of the page. Next, you’ll click Upload and choose where you want to get your image from. The image will load, and then you can use any of the image effects on the right side of the page (if you click the title they’ll open up and you can see the different options you have) the ones marked Plus cost extra money – skip those. You also have options along the top menu: Smart Enhancements, Adjustments, Goodies, and Text Editor! So don’t forget to play with those options as well. When you’re all done, you can Save, Print, or Share your image. To Save, you can chose where you want to save it. Print gives you the option of making a product or printing your image out. Share lets you share the image you’ve made over a social networking site. Have fun with this one! http://www.befunky.com/ from www.worldstart.com -<>- _|_ ____|____ #%@@ /~~~~.~~~~\ @@%# @%%#%%, /~~~~/ \~~~~\ ,%%#%%@ %%@@%%@%/~~~~/ : \~~~~\%@%%@@%% `@%%%@#@/____/ (X) \____\@%%%@#@` @@\@%%@`|.`.| ___ |.`.|`@%%@/@@ `#%/@ |:x:|| .||:x:| @\%#` || |:x:|| ||:x:| || -_|| _-|:x:||~ .||:x:|-_ ||_- !-!-!-!-!-|___||___||___|-!-!-!-!-!lc >YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH MORE BY LEARNING TO DO LESS 'He makes me lie down in green pastures...' Psalm 23:2 NIV Are you like the man who said, 'The devil never takes a vacation, so why should I?' Since when did the devil become your role model? The words 'He makes me lie down in green pastures' teach us that only the Shepherd can choose the path, prepare the pasture, and protect us. Our role is simply to follow, feed and fellowship with Him. Getting the idea? Of the Ten Commandments God gave to Moses, which one do you think required the most words? Adultery? No, that only took one Hebrew word. Murder? No, that only took one word too. The longest of the Ten Commandments is about taking a day off: 38 words! (Exodus 20:8-11) God knows us so well: He knew the store owner would say, 'Somebody's got to work that day; if I can't my son will.' So God says, 'Nor your son.' 'Then my daughter will.' 'Nor your daughter.' 'Then an employee.' 'Nor your servant.' God says, 'One day a week you'll say no to work and yes to worship. You'll slow down, sit down, lie down and rest. After all, I rested on the seventh day and the world didn't crash. So repeat after Me, 'It's not my job to run the world.' Charles Spurgeon said, 'The very sea pauses at ebb and flood; earth keeps the Sabbath of the wintry months, and man... must rest or faint, trim his lamp or let it burn low. In the long term we shall do more, by sometimes doing less.' The bottom line is that if you honor God's principles you will find rest for your body, mind and emotions. SoulFood Reading: 2 Pet 1-3, John 4:27-38, Ps 87, Pro 24:1-4 as seen in The Word For Today -<>- _|_ | / \ //_\\ //(_)\\ |/^\| ,%%%% // \\ ,@@@@@@@, ,%%%%/%%% // \\ ,@@@\@@@@/@@, @@@%%%\%%//%%%// === \\ @@\@@@/@@@@@ @@@@%%%%\%%%%%// =-=-= \\@@@@\@@@@@@;%#####, @@@@%%%\%%/%%// === \\@@@@@@/@@@%%%######, @@@@@%%%%/%%//| |\\@\\//@@%%%%%%#/#### '@@@@@%%\\/%~ | | ~ @|| %\\//%%%#####; @@\\//@|| | __ __ | || %%||%%'###### '@|| || | | | | | || ||##\//#### || || | | -|- | | || ||'#||###' || || |_|__|__|_| || || || || ||_/` ======= `\__||_._|| || jgs__||_/` ======= `\_||___ >MY CHURCH I want my church to be a place Where I can meet God face to face, And meditate upon His grace. I want each worship hour so sweet, That I can think each time we meet A presence comes and takes His seat. I want her doors to stand so wide No hungry soul who waits outside Will think that he has been denied. I want my church to be much more Than stone and timber, pew and doors, Or carpet laid upon a floor. But, oh, that which is found in me. So teach me, Lord, to show forth Thee. --Author Unknown (The Timothy Report, www.timothyreport.com) -<>- ._-'-_ . . ' /_-_-_\ ` . .' |-_-_-_-| `. ejm ( `.-_-_-.' ) !`. .'! ! ` . . ' ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! / / \ \ _-| \___ ___/ /-_ (_ )__\_)\(_/__( _) ))))\X\ (((( \/ \/ >ILLEGAL Among hot-button political issues, illegal immigration certainly ranks toward the top... I am not naive enough to think I have all the answers, nor am I interested in discussing the political aspects in this article. I do find some interesting similarities, however, between this subject and a current controversy within the Lord's body. Some American citizens espouse an "open borders" policy. Most of them would modify their position to keep out narco-terrorists and others who would overtly harm us. But short of that, they do not believe that anyone should be denied entrance into the country. They insist that illegal immigrants are hard-working, law-abiding folks, despite the fact that crossing the border illegally prevents any accurate application of the description "law-abiding." Those advocating open borders paste the label "anti-immigrant" on fellow-citizens who oppose their view. __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown This reminds me of some of my brethren who insist that anyone with some sort of faith in Jesus is a brother or sister in Christ, a fellow-citizen of Messiah's kingdom. They know better than to extend the right hand of Christian fellowship to atheists or others who would blatantly deny Christ. However, we are too narrow, intolerant, and exclusive, they complain, when we contend that only those who have believed and obeyed the gospel of Christ are actually to be recognized as Christians (Acts 2:37-38,47). After all, some who have been sprinkled for baptism or prayed the sinner's prayer for salvation, or have otherwise deviated from the pattern in the New Testament, are good, hard-working, devout people. They obey New Testament teaching in numerous other ways. Sometimes they might work harder than most who have obeyed the gospel! Other Americans maintain that those wishing to become citizens must comply with the lawful process Just so, we find brethren within the church who, like myself, stand firmly on the proposition that one wishing to be a citizen in Messiah's Kingdom must believe and obey the gospel of Christ (Acts 22:16). We love and admire many good things about people in the denominational world. We do not wish to keep them from citizenship. Indeed, we fervently pray they will obey the gospel; we tearfully plead with them to do so without delay! (Acts 17:30). But we have neither the desire nor the ability to modify the word of the Lord. We would be cruel, indeed, to pretend that someone is saved when, in fact, that person is still lost in sin. Unlike becoming an American citizen, entrance into Messiah's Kingdom involves no waiting in line, filling out endless paperwork, or obtaining approval from some bureaucrat. We can confess Christ this very moment and be immersed in water for the remission of your sins ( Romans 6:1-4). We will enter into a saved relationship with God, and the Lord will add us to His church. -Joe Slater Bible reading for 09.22.10: Galatians 1; Ecclesiastes 10 - 12 KneEmail: "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent." Acts 17:11 as seen in KneEmail 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. --- ___, _.-'` __|__ .' ,-:` \;',`'-, / .'-;_,; ':-;_,'. / /; '/ , _`.-\ | | '`. (` /` ` \`| | |:. `\`-. \_ / | | | ( `, .`\ ;'| \ \ | .' `-'/ \ `. ;/ .' '._ `'-._____.-'` `-.____| _____|_____ jgs /___________\ ...Interesting thoughts However, no country can house or feed or employ everyone from around the world. Open borders means open to everyone all of the time. Which we found out through Biden only meant that the citizens of the country suffer. Think of it like water. We all need water and like having as much of it as we want. However, if we get too much water, we have flooding. It ruins everything in its wake. So it is with open borders. We get a flood of people that we cannot handle. Like with a flood, the water is not always clean or healthy or good for us - just as with open borders Biden, let in a lot of criminals, evil gang members and even sickly people. We need to control the influx. Then we are truly blessed by it. __ /_/\/\ \_\ / /_/ \ \_\/\ \ \_\/ unknown As far as Christianity goes - the very word itself came from the bible saying that people who were born again had Christ inside of them - thus they were Christ-in - Christians. A person who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior and/or doesn't believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, isn't saved and does not have Christ in them - no matter how often they go to church or get dunked in water or do good deeds or act like they know the bible inside and out. These people are simply actors - not of God's chosen family. ========================================================== >-->From LaughAndLift: Beware of the tranquilizers of the devil. |\___/| / \ | /\__/| ||\ <.><.> | _ > ) \ /---- | -\/ / \ Artist Unknown >Spooks, Skeletons, and Saints (By Micca Monda Campbell) [Edited] "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15 (KJV) Many Christians don't know what to do with Halloween. They wonder if they should ignore it; protest against it; go along with it, or find alternative ways to participate without offending their faith. We often reason, nothing good can come from evil so why take part in this holiday? Yet, Joseph tells us in the bible that what is meant for evil God can use for good. In that case, Halloween can be an opportunity for us to do good! Some of you may be wondering if I've been living on a far away planet unaware of what Halloween is. No, I'm very much aware of its meaning and tradition. Before Christ, Halloween was part of the Celtic Feast of Samhain. This Druid priest celebration commemorated the beginning of winter. The Festivals consisted of animal sacrifices to the dead and bonfires in recognition of departed souls. Those who participated in the festival believed that goblins, demons, witches and elves were sent from the world beyond to harass the living. For self-protection, the Druid's would dress up like ghouls and goblins and involve themselves in demonic activities. They believed participating in this way kept them from being attacked by real witches and demons. The early church responded by moving All Saint's' Day from spring to fall and renamed it Hallows' Eve. In doing so, Christians used the pagan festival as a catalyst in which to proclaim Christ's death and resurrection. Halloween, for the early church, became a time to evangelize. They took something evil and used it for good. We would do well to follow their example. Halloween is full of trickery and illusions about mystical powers and the living dead. Christians today can use these illusions in comparison to the truth that Jesus overcame the grave by the power of God and is the true Resurrection and Life. Better yet, those who are in Christ will also conquer the grave and live forever in the presence of God. What good news to share on a dark day! There are many ways to share the good news of the gospel. My church has a Harvest Party on October 31 every year. The children play games and collect candy while the adults enjoy hayrides and wiener roasts. The most significant part about our party is the gospel room. This is where a drama is presented sharing about the good news of Jesus Christ and His saving power. One way for you to share Jesus with others is to invite an un-churched family to your church's festival. Another way to participate if you're a stay-at-home kind of person is not to turn off the lights and hide as some of us tend to do. Instead, be a shinning light on a dark night. Tie scripture or gospel tracks to some candy and hand it out at your front door with Christ-like love and joy. If you have the gift of hospitality, then have a Harvest party at your house. Invite friends, family, and neighbors to sit around a camp fire or your living room floor and swap Holy Spirit stories rather than ghost stories. Halloween is not a time for avoidance. It's a time to communicate with your children, family, and friends that, "yes," evil, death and the grave are real, but through Christ, we are more than conquerors over it all. What better time to share this good news with others then when our minds are on such things? It's an opportunity to take something meant for evil and use it for good. "Dear Lord, Give me your perspective on Halloween. Help me to be a shining light on this dark night by sharing about your saving power with my children, family and friends, in Jesus Christ's Name, Amen." Power Verses: 1 Corinthians 9:19 "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible." (NIV) Mathew 5:13, "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." (NIV) 1 Corinthians 2:14, "The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned." (NIV) ----- * * * * ) (\___/) ( * /( \ (. .) )\ * # ) c\ >' ( # ' )-_/ ' \\|, ____| |__ ,|// \ ) ( ` ~ ) ( / #\ / /| . ' .) \ /# | \ / ) , / \ / | \,/ ;;,,;,; \,/ _,#;,;;,;, /,i;;;,,;#,; (( %;;,;,;;,; )) ;#;,;%;;,, _// ;,;; ,#;, /_) #,; // // \|_ \|_ |#\ |#\ -" b'ger -" Follow up note from Chris: I really don't like Halloween. I hate seeing all the witches, spiders, devil costumes, and the general theme of death and fear! Is it just me or has anyone else noticed in the last few years that a lot more people are decorating for halloween, much like they do for Christmas. People have whole houses decked out with halloween lights, spider webs/spiders, goblins, witches, skeletons, etc. I've noticed a shift in our culture where more and more people seem to love to glorify this stuff more blatantly than before... even supposedly "Christian houses". Or maybe that's just in my local area, I don't know. Many people see it as just harmless fun - and that decorating with witches and skeletons is a part of that. I used to think that too. But I am convinced there is MUCH more behind the scenes with all that supposedly "harmless" stuff than we might realize. I certainly loved Halloween as a kid - you know back in the days when you actually could go trick-or-treating door-to-door. I'm not sure what changed there either, but it seemed to happen sometime in the 90's where less and less people started doing that. Again, maybe that's just my local area. I LOVED getting the candy, dressing up as fun things, etc. I never saw it too much as evil and so to me it WAS mostly just harmless fun. But as a Christian adult, as I've grown closer to Jesus, the more I've become acutely aware of "the other side" to this "holiday". In this culture where things are getting very black-and-white and the grey is disappearing, where we're either on the side of righteousness or wickedness, I recognize that halloween is on the side of wickedness. Fear is not of God and Halloween is all about fear! At the same time, like the author of this lift, I also am not content to just let the devil have his day. I do NOT believe that the best approach is to go hide in the darkness with all the lights off! I do believe that our children and family should be taught the clear distinctions of right and wrong and that we should not celebrate halloween as the halloween holiday that the world celebrates. We are to be light to a dying world, not stoop down to their dark level! And in this very serious world in which we live, in which all people are being forced to choose what side of the fence we will be on, I see it as imperative that our children see the clear distinctives in us! However, that doesn't mean, as the author of the above piece mentioned, that we as called-out believers in Jesus can't have some fun ourselves rejoicing in fellowship with one another, praying together, having some candy, even dressing as fun things, etc. But the best thing would be to use halloween as a great excuse to shine even brighter to a dark world. So, yes, I'm all for people handing out gospel tracts, etc. I know some people don't feel that's appropriate - for various reasons - and I do understand them and see the "other side". This is a conscience issue and is between you and Jesus. But to my way of thinking at least handing out tracts is doing SOMETHING on behalf of righteousness (and thus Jesus) on what otherwise would just be all about wickedness. I see the value in that. But like I said, I understand why some might have reservations on that as well. The point is, we don't need to just let the devil have his day. There are a myriad of things we can do to spread the love of Jesus. On a dark day, all the more important for us to shine even brighter. Let's do it! :) :) SUBSCRIBE INFO Want to receive a Christian inspirational item AND great clean humor in an email to you each day of the week? It's easy and FREE! Read all about Laugh & Lift at http://www.laughandlift.com --- _ /\ )\ _ __)_)__ .'`--`'. )\_ .-'._'-'_.'-. / ^ ^ \ .'`---`'. .'.' /o\'/o\ '.'. \ \/\/\/ / / <> <> \ : ._: 0 :_. : \ '------' _J_ | A |: \\/\_/\// : | _/)_ .'`---`'. \ <\_/> / : :\/\_/\/: : / .'`----`'./.'0\ 0\ \ _?_._`"`_.'`'-:__:__:__:__:-' /.'<\ /> \: o | .'`---`'.`` _/( /\ |:,___A___,|' V===V / /.'a . a \.'`---`'. __(_(__ \' \_____/ /'._____.' |: ___ /.'/\ /\ \ .-'._'-'_.'-:.______.' _?_ \' \_/ |: ^ | .'.' (o\'/o) '.'. .'`"""`'. '._____.'\' 'vvv' / / :_/_: A :_\_: \ / ^.^ \ '.__.__.' | : \'=...='/ : | \ `===` / jgs \ : :'.___.': : / `-------` '-:__:__:__:__:-' ...My Take We all had fun on Halloween trick or treat day. It gave the kids a chance to dress up as their favorite super hero or scary one. I loved giving out the candy and seeing the costumes of the kids. I had a doorman dressed in a scary outfit that would hand out the candy. This made the children overcome their fear of such a one so that they could get the candy. It was funny to watch. Those in the know, knew that if they said 'God Bless You' instead of 'trick or treat' they would get double the candy at my house. All in good fun to the Glory of God. After all, when I was a kid, the mean, nasty people were those who wouldn't give out candy. They were bad and considered selfish to us kids. I know better now, but we want our children to know that as Christians, we are giving, friendly and even more generous than those who are not of our Christian faith. ========================================================== >-->A Word From Billy Graham /\ ejm97 '\/ ' + ' + ' + ' + ' + ' + ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' __ ' \o . ' \\/ /\ / / "There is a story about a boy flying a kite. The kite was so high that it had disappeared into the clouds. A man came by and asked, `What are you doing, son, holding onto that string?' The boy answered, `I've got a kite up there.' The man looked up and said, `I don't see it.' The boy replied, `Well, I know it's there because I can feel the tug.' That's like the witness of the holy spirit within us. We may not see the evidence, but we feel a tug in our hearts constantly, letting us know that we are in touch with God. That is the witness of our holy spirit." -<>- ___ ,-'" "`-. ,'_ `. / / \ ,- \ __ | \_0 --- | / | | | \ \ `--.______,-/ | ___) \ ,--"" ,/ | / _ \ \-_____,- / \__-/ \ | `. ,' \___/ < ´--------' \__/\ | Wny \__// >-->Quiet Nudges "I have determined that throughout each day I will be alert to the Holy Spirit's working in my life. For example, one Sunday afternoon when I was about to sit down and relax with the newspaper, I suddenly remembered a relative whom I knew was lonely. I silently thanked the Lord for the quiet nudge and proceeded to follow through by visiting with my relative for part of the afternoon. I have come to realize that there is an effort required of us if we are to progress in the Christian life. But we need to trust God and rest in Him so that we can be aware of His quiet nudges" (Lorraine Joy Burt). -<>- ~*~ HAPPY SAFE AND BLESSED HALLOWEEN! ~*~ ___ \--/ .' `"-._ Since this is the time /`-' '-`\ / , `'-_.-. for goblins and bats, / \ / /`'. ,' _ | /.'|/\ /\|'.\ `-' `-. ,' ,'\\/ \/ \, ,' ee`-. Halloween spirits and / ./ ,(_ \ , ghosts and cats, (_/\\\ \__|`--' || ///\\| \ || ////||-./`-.} .--|| Weird happenings and / `-.__.-`_.-.| witches brew, | '._,-'`|___} `; / '. |/ || ,;'` | '.__,.-` || ':, These are the things | | || ,;' I wish for you: / / _,.||oOoO.,_ | | \-.O,o_O..-/ / / / \ May the only ghost | / / \ that comes to stay, | | | , | / | \ ) ( ) / Be the Holy Ghost jgs | \ ,'.(:, ),: (_.'. to guide your way. / /'.' ="`""="="=="= '. `'"---'-.__.'"""` ` "" "" `"" ,, , ,, ,\\//, .--') ,\\//, ,\\\///, ,, / / May the only spirit ,\\\///, \\\\//// ,\\//, | / you chance to meet, \\\\//// \\\/// ,\\\///, /'.\ (_.'\ \\\/// ###### \\\\//// \ / ###### ////\\\\ \\\/// '--. .---' Be the spirit of love ////\\\\ /////\\\\\###### ( " ) and warm friends sweet, /////\\\\\//////\\\\////\\\\ '-' //////\\\\\\/,///\\\/////\\\\\ _ ///////\_?_\\(_) //////\\\\\\, ( \ May the only tricks .'`---`'. _j_/////\\\\\(_) ) ) you are /.'a a \.'`---`'. jgs ( ( .-""-. A.-.A asked to do, |: ^ /.'d\ /b \ \ \/ \/ , , \ \' www |: ^ | \ \ =; t /= '._____.'\' VVV / \ |"". ',--' Be the trick '._____.' / // | || of getting /_,)) |_,)) a friend or two. >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? SHARE IT HERE: Share A Recipe **********************************************************************