Line Upon Line

A while back I read a news story about a 52 year-old woman in Illinois, who was arrested after she punched, kicked, and scratched a male stripper at her daughter's bachelorette party.

It seems Jacqueline McMahon was upset when the stripper ended his performance sooner than expected and, according to reports, had not paid enough attention to the bride-to-be.

Is that sad, or what?

Well, she pleaded guilty to charges of assault, and was sentenced to 30 days of court supervision. She also had to pay the 28 year-old victim $2,500. That should make him feel better. (Maybe he can buy himself a new outfit or something.)

Anyway, this is a case of what I call, "Unfulfilled Expectations."

Unfulfilled expectations are those times in life when things don't turn out the way you thought or hoped they would.

The older I get, the more I think that few things in life turn out the way we "thought they would" or "hoped they would."

When I shared these thoughts with someone recently, they suggested I might be a "fatalist."

Now, I wasn't quite sure what a fatalist was, but I didn't think it sounded like something I wanted to be.

A fatalist is defined as: "anyone who submits to the belief that they are powerless to change their destiny."

Well, I certainly don't believe that.

As a matter of fact, I am a strong believer in free will, and that the choices we make each and every day frame our lives -- and our destinies.

Nevertheless, there are times when things don't work out like we'd hoped (like when the male stripper doesn't pay enough attention to the bride-to-be).

But, rather than punching, kicking, scratching, and screaming when life doesn't go your way, you need to remember this:

"We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. " -- Romans 8:28

That, my friend, gives us reason to hope -- for when all is said and done, everything will turn out all right!

(You've got His Word on it!)

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think on these things...

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy.

-- Proverbs 13:12 (NLT)

When God promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, Abraham believed him. God had also said, "Your descendants will be as numerous as the stars," even though such a promise seemed utterly impossible! And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though he knew that he was too old to be a father at the age of one hundred and that Sarah, his wife, had never been able to have children. Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything he promised. And because of Abraham's faith, God declared him to be righteous. Now this wonderful truth -- that God declared him to be righteous -- wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. It was for us, too, assuring us that God will also declare us to be righteous if we believe in God, who brought Jesus our Lord back from the dead.

-- Romans 4:18-24 (NLT)

Now that I have your attention...

This week (October 26 - November 1) is Pornography Awareness Week.

Here's an excerpt from a "Question & Answer" interview with Eli Machen, LCSW, founder and president of The Omega Recovery Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, about the problems, dangers, and signs of sexual addiction:

Q: What is sexual addiction, and how much of a problem is it in our society today?

A: Sexual addiction is the continual repetition of sexual behavior with negative consequences. Most individuals can point to an age that the behaviors started and say they have increased in intensity, frequency, or danger over time.

Q: Even today, most people find sexual addiction a subject that makes them uncomfortable. People sometimes seem very unwilling to step forward and seek help or even ask questions about this illness. Why do you think this happens?

A: Most sex addicts experience a lot of shame around their sexual addictive behaviors. This shame and belief about themselves leads to covering up or being secretive with their behaviors, for fear of rejection or abandonment of loved ones.

Q: This week dedicated to Pornography Awareness is a relatively new emphasis. Do you see benefits from such efforts?

A: Yes, I do! There are many individuals who are not aware that what they struggle with can be named, treated and overcome. When individuals find out that they are not alone in their struggle and that they can overcome this addiction, they often experience hope for the first time in many years. Spouses who are married to sex addicts gain hope by learning that they can also change their lives and find a supportive community in which to heal and grow.

You can read the entire article and interview at Crosswalk.com

You might also want to check out this article from CBN news: Dark Secret: More Women Becoming Addicted to Porn

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think on these things...

Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. You are doing this already, and we encourage you to do so more and more. For you remember what we taught you in the name of the Lord Jesus. God wants you to be holy, so you should keep clear of all sexual sin. Then each of you will control your body and live in holiness and honor-- not in lustful passion as the pagans do, in their ignorance of God and his ways. Never cheat a Christian brother in this matter by taking his wife, for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. God has called us to be holy, not to live impure lives. Anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human rules but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

-- 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8(NLT)

When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn't talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or who are greedy or are swindlers or idol worshipers. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. What I meant was that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a Christian yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Don't even eat with such people.

-- 1 Corinthians 5:9-11(NLT)

Don't you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which belongs to Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! And don't you know that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, "The two are united into one." But the person who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Run away from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

-- 1 Corinthians 6:15-20(NLT)

Here's an excellent (in my opinion) assessment of the current firestorm surrounding remarks made by Army Lt. General William "Jerry" Boykin, by Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

According to Mohler, "A great deal is riding on this controversy. If Gen. Boykin is removed or reassigned, this will send a clear and chilling signal throughout the U.S. military. "Keep your faith to yourself and tow the politically correct line," will be the sum and substance of that signal."

He goes on to ask the question, "Is Christianity too politically incorrect for the U.S. Army?"

Hummm...I wonder?

You can read the rest of this article here. And you might want to check out Larry Elder's insightful article on the Boykin controversy at FrontPage Magazine and this, The Truth About General Boykin's Comments on Islam at CBN.

Oh, by the way, the Lt. General got it right -- at its core, the war on terrorism IS a spiritual battle. It's a struggle between light and darkness -- between good and evil.

Guess who wins?

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think on these things...

"Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name. 'They shall be Mine,'' says the Lord of hosts, 'On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.'' Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him."

-- Malachi 3:16-18

I've received Os Hillman's daily email devotional, "TGIF Today God is First", for a number of years now -- and there have been many days that God has used this gifted writer to encourage my heart.

I was especially blessed by today's devotional and I wanted to share it with you.

Thanks to Os for granting me permission to republish this important message here in "Line Upon Line."

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The Isolation Chamber

Sunday, October 26, 2003

by Os Hillman

Be still and know that I am God.... -- Psalm 46:10

There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of waiting. It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value. It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a season. It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities -- simply inactivity.

During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something new in us. It is an isolation chamber designed to call us to deeper roots of prayer and faith. It is not a comfortable place, especially for a task-driven businessperson. Our nature cries out, "You must do something," while God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God." You know the signs that you have been brought into this chamber when He has removed many things from your life and you can't seem to change anything. Perhaps you are unemployed. Perhaps you are laid up with an illness.

Most religious people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen. But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He brings them into a time of quietness that seems almost eerie. They cannot say what God is doing. They just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to themselves or to others.

Has God brought you to a place of being still? Be still and know that He really is God. When this happens, the chamber will open soon after.

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think on these things...

"The Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says, "Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength..."

-- Isaiah 30:15 (New Living Translation)

"The first time I was brought before the judge, no one was with me. Everyone had abandoned me. I hope it will not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength, that I might preach the Good News in all its fullness for all the Gentiles to hear. And he saved me from certain death. Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly Kingdom. To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen."

-- 2 Timothy 4:16-18 (New Living Translation)


More about Os and Angie Hillman

Marketplace Leaders was founded by Os Hillman in 1996 to help men and women identify and fulfill their God-given calling by applying biblical faith to their life and work.

Os and Angie Hillman conduct workshops, speak to churches and business groups, write and teach, and consult with businesses and ministries. Os began this new call after a 20-year career in marketing and advertising, owning and operating his own ad agency.

In addition to working with individuals, Os and Angie work with other workplace ministries through a separate division, the International Coalition of Workplace Ministries which holds annual summits for other workplace ministries, business leaders and pastors.

Thus, the goal of Marketplace Leaders is to help every man and woman fulfill God's calling upon their life. Os is the author of the popular "TGIF Today God is First.", a daily email subscription that is read by thousands throughout the world daily.

I don't think so.

A celebration of evil is not my idea of a good time.

Yet, the unsuspecting masses will spend October 31st the same way they have every other year -- by partying and paying homage to the dark side.

"It's all innocent fun," they'll tell you.

Again, I don't think so.

But, let the devil have his day -- the fact is, his time is short and his end is near -- very near.

There's nothing to fear -- God's still in control!

Rock beats Scissors...
Scissors beats Paper...
Paper beats Rock...
Light beats Darkness -- every time!

Instead of cursing the darkness, let's let Christ's light shine this Halloween -- and every day of the year.

Here's a link to some great info about Halloween on the CBN website. You should check it out. It traces the origin of Halloween, exposes some of the myths surrounding this "holy day", and reminds us of the dangers of playing in the dark.

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think on these things...

"Won't let Satan (phew) it out -- I'm gonna let it shine..."

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

-- 1 John 4:1-4 (NKJV)

"Before anything else existed, there was Christ, with God. He has always been alive and is himself God. He created everything there is--nothing exists that he didn't make. Eternal life is in him, and this life gives light to all mankind. His life is the light that shines through the darkness--and the darkness can never extinguish it."

-- John 1:1-5 (The Living Bible)

...Daylight Savings Time, that is.

In most places across the United States, you'll need to turn your clocks back 1 hour before you go to bed tonight -- or you could set your alarm for 2:00 AM to wake you up so you can turn the clock back an hour and then reset the alarm for whatever time you want to get up later.

Just set it before you go to bed.

According to the U.S. Naval Observatory website:

"Daylight time begins in the United States on the first Sunday in April and ends on the last Sunday in October. On the first Sunday in April, clocks are set ahead one hour at 2:00 a.m. local standard time, which becomes 3:00 a.m. local daylight time. On the last Sunday in October, clocks are set back one hour at 2:00 a.m. local daylight time, which becomes 1:00 a.m. local standard time."

Not all places in the U.S. observe daylight time. In particular, Arizona, Hawaii, and most of Indiana do not use it.

In 2003, daylight time begins on April 6 and ends on October 26.

In 2004, daylight time begins on April 4 and ends on October 31.

In 2005, daylight time begins on April 3 and ends on October 30.

Many other countries observe some form of "summer time", but they do not necessarily change their clocks on the same dates as the U.S.

Daylight time and time zones in the U.S. are defined in the U.S. Code, Title 15, Chapter 6, Subchapter IX - Standard Time.

What will you do with your extra hour?

Hummmm...

Well, that's something you can pray about.
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think on these things...

Then Jesus brought them to an olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, "Sit here while I go on ahead to pray."

He took Peter and Zebedee's two sons, James and John, and he began to be filled with anguish and deep distress.

He told them, "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me."

He went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine."

Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep.

He said to Peter, "Couldn't you stay awake and watch with me even one hour? Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!"

-- Matthew 26:36-41

In all my 53 years, I can't remember ever going to the theatre to see any movie on its opening day -- but that's what I did yesterday afternoon.

I went to the GKC Theatre at Birchwood Mall in Ft. Gratiot, Michigan to see "RADIO".

Here's my review...

There was death, but nobody got killed.

There was love, but nobody got naked.

There was hatred, but no bloody fights.

There was truth, but nobody preached.

Now, if you're looking for a movie where people get "blown away", where everybody's jumping in and out of bed with "whosoever will", or where the bad guys are the heroes, you will not like this movie.

But if you want to spend a couple hours or so watching a movie that will make you think about what's really important in life -- and give you a renewed sense of hope in the power of love and kindness -- then I think you'll like this film, which is based on the true life story of an unlikely hero, James Robert Kennedy.

Kudos to Cuba for his performance!

I'm glad I took a handkerchief instead of Kleenex. (I really hate getting those little pieces of tissue stuck above my eyeball.)

Just a couple other thoughts...

Be sure you hang around while the credits roll.

And it's best to go see this movie in the daytime. You'll really look silly coming out of the theatre at night with your sunglasses on.

I give "Radio" 3 THUMBS UP! (Can I do that?)

I just did.

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After you've seen the picture, you might want to check out these sites...

Yahoo! Movies: Radio
Radio: The Heart Of Anderson
T.L. Hanna High School
Christian Actress Makes Big Screen Debut in New Film "Radio"

With all the "stuff" that shows up on the movie screen these days, "Radio", starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ed Harris, promises to bring a breath of fresh air to the staleness of your local theatre -- and shine a light in the darkness, too.

Chuck Colson summarizes the film as a re-telling of the story of the Good Samaritan. You can check out his review at the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) website.

You can also go here to view the movie trailer.

I'm going to see this film -- but I'm going to take my sunglasses (and some Kleenex) to the theatre with me.

Hey, I cried watching the trailer!

"Radio" opens today at theatres nationwide.

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think on these things...

One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: "Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?"

Jesus replied, "What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?"

The man answered, " 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' "

"Right!" Jesus told him. "Do this and you will live!"

The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

The Story of the Good Samaritan

Jesus replied with an illustration: "A Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes and money, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.

By chance a Jewish priest came along; but when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by.

A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.

Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt deep pity.

Kneeling beside him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.

The next day he handed the innkeeper two pieces of silver and told him to take care of the man. 'If his bill runs higher than that,' he said, 'I'll pay the difference the next time I am here.'

"Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?" Jesus asked.

The man replied, "The one who showed him mercy."

Then Jesus said, "Yes, now go and do the same."

-- Luke 10:25-37 (New Living Translation)

Recently, our pastor asked each of us to write a Personal Mission Statement. He encouraged us to take some time and really think about what God has called us to do with our life.

Over the years, I've concluded there are two things in particular that God has called me to do.

The first is:

"To accurately and effectively communicate the truth of God's Word to others."

and, the second:

"To do everything I can do to help others do what they are called to do."

But as I gave my Personal Mission Statement some further thought, I felt I needed to add another point.

It is this:

"By word and deed, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to tell as many people as possible about God's love for them and the gift of eternal life that has been freely offered through Jesus Christ."

The more I think about it, I believe this might be something each of us should include in a statement of our life mission.

You see, there is no greater calling than that of an ambassador for Christ -- a representative of Heaven -- taking the message of God's love to the lost and hurting people of the world.

So, no matter whatever else God has called you to do, showing and telling people the "Good News" should be at the top of the list.

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think on these things...

"All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did. And God has given us the task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. We are Christ's ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, 'Be reconciled to God!' For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ."

-- 2 Corinthians 5: 18-21 (New Living Translation)

What if you were the only person standing between your next-door neighbor and an eternity in hell?

Who knows? You just might be.

What if that person were your boss, a co-worker, your husband, your wife, one of your kids, a boyfriend or girlfriend, an aunt or uncle, or a grandchild?

How about the check-out lady at the grocery store? The guy behind the counter at the gas station? The paperboy (or girl)? Or that kid who sits across the aisle from you at school?

If you could do anything to help turn their heart toward Heaven, you'd do it, wouldn't you?

You'd be willing speak to them and let them know that God loves them, wouldn't you?

You'd tell them that Jesus died on the cross for their sin, wouldn't you?

You'd be willing to pray for them, take them to lunch, invite them to church, and be there for them when they needed a friend, wouldn't you?

"Yeah, I know I should share my faith more; but life's too busy. Maybe if I had more time..."

"Besides, isn't that the preacher's job? I don't feel I'm qualified. I've never been to Bible school or anything"

"I'm too shy. It's really hard for me to talk with people. I just don't know where to begin."

Yes, I know, life is busy -- way too busy -- and many of us don't feel "qualified" to do the things God often calls us to do.

But, sharing the message of Christ with others is not solely the job of your pastor, the traveling evangelist, or the missionary -- it's the ministry of every believer -- it's your ministry.

And, if Jesus asked you to "go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere", you would go -- wouldn't you?

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think on these things...

"This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- and I was the worst of them all. But that is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life."

-- 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (New Living Translation)

"Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him. In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them."

-- Philippians 2:12-15 (New Living Translation)

Here's an excerpt from an Amazon.com editorial review for a new book of letters written by former President Ronald Reagan. The book is titled: "Reagan: A Life in Letters", edited by Kiron K. Skinner and Annelise and Martin Anderson (Free Press).

"Ronald Reagan may have been the most prolific correspondent of any American president since Thomas Jefferson. The total number of letters written over his lifetime probably exceeds 10,000. Their breadth is equally astonishing -- with friends and family, with politicians, children, and other private citizens, Reagan was as dazzling a communicator in letters as he was in person. Collectively, his letters reveal his character and thinking like no other source. He made candid, considerate, and tough statements that he rarely made in a public speech or open forum. He enjoyed responding to citizens, and comforting or giving advice or encouragement to friends. Now, the most astonishing of his writings, culled in "Reagan: A Life in Letters," finally and fully reveal the true Ronald Reagan."

The following quote is from one of those letters -- one that President Reagan had written to an old friend. It contains a lesson worth remembering on those days we find ourselves searching for answers to the questions of life, and looking for help in our time of need.

"During my first months in office, when day after day there were decisions that had to be made, I had an almost irresistible urge -- really a physical urge -- to look over my shoulder for someone I could pass the problem on to. Then without my quite knowing how it happened, I realized I was looking in the wrong direction. I started looking up instead and have been doing so for quite a while now."

What Are YOU Looking At?

Toward the end of the worship service this past Wednesday night at Life of Faith Fellowship, just as I was getting ready to teach God's Word, I had a strong impression that there were many in the congregation facing difficult situations and dealing with overwhelming problems.

I felt that some of them, however, were looking to things other than God for their deliverance.

As we continued to worship, I sensed God was reminding all of us that we need to keep our eyes and our hope on Him -- and Him alone.

I recall a time back in the late '70's, when I was traveling from our home in Tifton, Georgia to minister to a small group of believers in Arlington, Georgia. While driving along the two-lane road on my way to this little country town, God asked me a question...

"Why are you going to this meeting?"

Well, a "spiritual" answer would sound something like...

"I'm going to share the Word of God with these people who are hungry to know You."

But God knew the motive of my heart. As soon as He asked the question, I knew exactly what he was getting at.

You see, the last couple of times I'd gone over to minister to this group, there was a particular man present -- a southern Georgia plantation owner -- who had put a $100 check in the little basket they passed around at the end of the meeting to receive a love offering for me.

Honestly, at that time in our life, $100 was like $1,000.

At the very moment I was wondering whether or not this guy was going to be there that night, the question came crashing through...

"Why are you going to this meeting?"

I was busted!

I was going to Arlington hoping to pick up my $100 check.

"Wrong...you are the Weakest Link -- goodbye!"

But wait -- may I try again?

(Thank God for second -- and third, and fourth, and fifth -- chances.)

Immediately, I repented of my misplaced faith, and said in my heart, "I'm going to share Your Word with these people -- and it doesn't matter if I receive any offering tonight. I'm trusting You to supply all of our needs."

I said it -- and I meant it.

Ding, ding, ding, ding ding! We have a winner!

I realized that I had stopped looking to God as my Source, and instead, I had placed my hope in that little wicker basket and a generous Southern gentleman.

That lesson -- learned on the Georgia back roads -- has stuck with me all these years, and has served as a reminder to always keep my eyes on -- and my faith and hope in -- God.

So I ask you, "Who are you looking to for your deliverance?"

Maybe you need to stop looking around -- and start looking up!

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think on these things...

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night.
The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.
The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever."

-- Psalm 121: 1-8 (NAS)

"It is better to trust the Lord
than to put confidence in people.

-- Psalm 118:8 (NLT)

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

-- Philippians 4:19 (NAS)

I found these "one-liners" in my inbox this morning, forwarded to me by my mother.

Some of these are pretty good, so I thought I'd share them with you.

Thanks to the anonymous donors -- and thanks to you, Mom -- I love you!

Oh, and make sure you chew real good before you swallow -- I wouldn't want you to choke on any of these!

(There I go, sounding like Mom...)


"Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited -- until you try to sit in their pews."

"When you get to your wit's end, you'll find God lives there."

"People are funny, they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church."

"The phrase that is guaranteed to wake up an audience: 'And in conclusion...'"

"If a church wants a better preacher, it only needs to pray for the one it has."

"God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?"

"To make a long story short, don't tell it."

"Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set."

"We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges."

"I don't know why some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?"

"A lot of church members who are singing 'Standing on the Promises' are just sitting on the premises."

"Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous."

"Don't put a question mark where God put a period."

"Forbidden fruits create many jams."

"God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called."

"God grades on the cross, not the curve."

"God promises a safe landing -- not a calm passage."

"He who angers you, controls you!"

"If God is your co-pilot -- swap seats!"

"Prayer: Don't give God instructions, just report for duty!"

"The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us."

"The will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you."

"We don't change the message, the message changes us."

"You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him."

"The best mathematical equation I have ever seen: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given."

"The good Lord didn't create anything without a purpose -- but mosquitoes come close."

"Quit griping about your church; if it was perfect, you couldn't belong."

Heimlich Maneuver, anyone?

"It doesn't take a lot of strength to hang on. It takes a lot of strength to let go."
-- J.C. Watts, Jr., Oklahoma Congressional Representative

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

-- 1 Peter 5:6,7

In my continuing effort to promote a more beautiful world, I wanted to share this article from Ananova dated August 24, 2003.

Tests were carried out over six-months on more than 500 volunteers to examine different methods of wetting, lathering and rinsing hair.

The result is a strict combination which differs depending on the length of the hair.

The formula was devised by scientists at the research centre of beauty product brand Dove in Port Sunlight, Merseyside.

According to its scientists, only running water at a temperature of 36.7 C (about 98 degrees F) should be used.

People with short hair should use no more than 6ml (0.202884 oz) of shampoo, medium length 8ml (0.270512 oz), and long 10ml (0.33814 oz). Lathering should last 28 seconds and involve 20 rubs.

Hair should then be rinsed for at least 22 seconds and repeated once to ensure cleanliness from the root to the tip.

The experts say conditioner is essential to complete the perfect wash.

Again, the amount recommended depends on the length of hair - 2ml for short, 4ml for medium, and 6ml for long.

The conditioner should be applied with a wide-toothed comb and left for 57 seconds before rinsing with water at 36.7 C.

Finally, hair should be patted with a towel to absorb excess water, then left to dry naturally.

Kerys Mullen, technical manager at Dove, said: "A lot of people ask us about the best way to wash their hair so we decided to work out the ideal formula.

OK. Now you know, so there's no excuse!

P.S. For extra conditioning, and glorious shine, apply Psalm 149:4

On a recent 700 Club, Pat Robertson interviewed former Supreme Court nominee Judge Robert Bork. Bork's insight and comments on our judicial system are worth reading.

CBN News - Power Grab: The Judiciary's Left-Liberal Agenda

I was encouraged by this letter from Kenneth Hagin's wife, Oretha. I thought you might be, too.

A Letter from Mom

I attended a meeting of apostles and prophets in Bellevue, Michigan last week.

There were men and women from across the country -- Chicago, California, Maine, Ohio, Texas, Washington -- and around the world -- several from the United Kingdom and an apostle from Zambia who oversees 300 churches with a membership of 60,000!

Wow!

I think we all came away from these three days believing that this is "a new beginning that shall have no ending."

There were also some divine appointments and connections made at the meeting.

I met Tony Howson, an apostle from the United Kingdom. This was his first visit to the States.

I ended up bringing him back to Port Huron for a couple of days, showing him the sights and sounds of America. (You should have seen him at the Cracker Barrel restaurant. It was a case of sensory overload!)

Tony, Debbi, and I made a "spur of the moment" trip over to Frankenmuth for a Zender's chicken dinner and a stroll through Bronner's Christmas wonderland.

I believe that there will be some significant things that will come as a result of our time together, and I look forward to what God will bring to pass in the days to come.

This is an extraordinary time in which to live!