Line Upon Line

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday -- a time of family, food, and fellowship (and hoping the Detroit Lions win!). But, more than that, it serves as a reminder of the One from Whom all blessings flow.

Take some time today and give thanks to God for the blessings He's given to you -- and you might also consider how you can share those blessings with someone else. Like Abraham of old, God has blessed you in order to make you a blessing!

I hope 'Line Upon Line' is a blessing to you. It's a way I can share some of the good things God has given to me.

I pray that God will fill your heart and home with His awesome love and His amazing grace -- today and always!

I thought you might be interested in reading the text of the very first Thanksgiving Day Proclamation by our very first President, George Washington. This is powerful stuff!

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

This original Thanksgiving Day Proclamation appeared in the The Massachusetts Centinel, October 14, 1789.

think on these things...

Colossians 2:6,7 (NLT)
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done.

Genesis 12:1,2 (NLT)
Then the Lord told Abram, "Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's house, and go to the land that I will show you. I will cause you to become the father of a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and I will make you a blessing to others.

Matthew 10:8 (NLT)
Give as freely as you have received!

Revelation 7:11,12 (NLT)
And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell face down before the throne and worshiped God. They said, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and forever. Amen!"

If you're not familiar with this amazing story, you've got to cruise on over to the CBN website and read their interview with Eric Metaxas, author of 'Squanto And The Miracle Of Thanksgiving'. This book, written especially for children ages 5-10, tells the fantastic story of Squanto, a native American Indian, and how God used Him to minister to the Governor Bradford and the Pilgrims when they arrived in this strange new land.

This wonderful story will encourage your faith and give you an appreciation for the providence and provision of God.

think on these things...

Romans 8:28
And 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 12:1,2 (NLT)
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice -- the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. We might do well to recall the words he spoke in his inaugural address, January 20, 1961.

"In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility--I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it -- and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.

"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.

"My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

"Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own."

You know, this country and the world might be a better place if we started each day thanking God for life and breath, and asking, not what He can do for us, but what we can do for Him.

Just a thought.

think on these things...

Isaiah 6:1-8 (NLT)
In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. Hovering around him were mighty seraphim, each with six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with the remaining two they flew.

In a great chorus they sang, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty! The whole earth is filled with his glory!" The glorious singing shook the Temple to its foundations, and the entire sanctuary was filled with smoke.

Then I said, "My destruction is sealed, for I am a sinful man and a member of a sinful race. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord Almighty!" Then one of the seraphim flew over to the altar, and he picked up a burning coal with a pair of tongs. He touched my lips with it and said, "See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven."

Then I heard the Lord asking, "Whom should I send as a messenger to my people? Who will go for us?"

And I said, "Lord, I'll go! Send me."

Herein lies a powerful truth. One would be wise to take it to heart.

"A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he
begins to blame somebody else." -- American author John Burroughs (1873-1921)

And this is true for a woman, too.

think on these things...

Psalm 37:23,24 (NKJV)
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.

Proverbs 24:16 (NAS)
For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again...

Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

If you've spent any time on the Internet, you've probably received emails that warn of all sorts of dangers, threats, or increasingly, attacks on our Christian faith and values.

I received such an email today, alerting me to a marketing plan that cola maker, Pepsi, is supposedly proposing. Here's an excerpt:

DON'T BUY PEPSI IN THE NEW CAN

Pepsi has a new "patriotic" can coming out with pictures of the Empire State Bldg. and the Pledge of Allegiance on them. But, Pepsi left out two little words on the pledge, "Under God."

Pepsi said they did not want to offend anyone. If this is true then we do not want to offend anyone at the Pepsi corporate office. If we do not buy any Pepsi product then they will not receive any of our monies. Our money after all does have the words "Under God" on it.

Please pass this word to everyone you know--let your voices be heard. We want the words "Under God" to be read.

Now, the first thing I do when I receive one of these questionable letters, is run a search in Google to see if I can verify the facts.

For this one, I entered: 'pepsi can under God urban legend'. My search returned a number of pages on the subject. I went here, and found the information I needed. Just to be sure, I checked a couple of other sites, also, and found there's no truth to this rumor.

I did find this interesting article from Focus on the Family, Invasion of the Urban Legends, that's worth reading. It appears in 'Breakaway', their online magazine for teenage boys.

In the past, I've forwarded some of these urban legends, rumors, and internet hoaxes, only find out later that I was 'perpetuating a lie.' Well, I don't like that feeling. So now I try to check these things out before I pass them along -- and I encourage you to check them out, too.

Truth Or Fiction and About.com are good resources for current Internet hoax and rumor information.

On a technical note, you can make your searches easier by installing Google Toolbar on your web browser. The toolbar works with Microsoft Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP. It also includes a pop-up blocker if you're using Internet Explorer 5.5 or later. It's free!

think on these things...

Deuteronomy 19:15 (NLT)
"Never convict anyone of a crime on the testimony of just one witness. The facts of the case must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.

Psalm 15:1-3 (NLT)
Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless live and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.

Mark 4:23,24 (NLT)
Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and understand! And be sure to pay attention to what you hear. The more you do this, the more you will understand -- and even more, besides.

Proverbs 14:15
Only simpletons believe everything they are told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.

I try to spare you by not posting things here that have made their rounds on the Internet. But every once in a while, something comes across my screen that seems worth passing along.

So, pard'ner, I hope you enjoy this anonymous piece titled, 'Old Cowboy.' Weedoggies!

OLD COWBOY

One Sunday morning an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin. Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt and boots that were very worn and ragged. In his hand he carried a worn out old hat and an equally worn out Bible.

The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen. The people of the congregation were all dressed with expensive clothes and accessories.

As the cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him. No one greeted, spoke to, or welcomed him. They were all appalled at his appearance and did not attempt to hide it.

The preacher gave a long sermon about hellfire and brimstone, and a stern lecture on how much money the church needed to do God's work.

As the old cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached him and asked the cowboy to do him a favor. "Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask him what He thinks would be appropriate attire for worship."

The old cowboy assured the preacher he would.

The next Sunday, he showed back up for the services wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots, and hat. Once again he was completely shunned and ignored.

The preacher approached the man and said, "I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church."

"I did," replied the old cowboy.

"If you spoke to God, what did he tell you the proper attire should be for worshiping here?" asked the preacher.

"Well, sir, God told me that He didn't have a clue what I should wear. He says He's never been here before."

think on these things...

James 1:1-9 (NLT)
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others? For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor" -- well, doesn't this discrimination show that you are guided by wrong motives? Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn't God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren't they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? And yet, you insult the poor man! Isn't it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? Yes indeed, it is good when you truly obey our Lord's royal command found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself." But if you pay special attention to the rich, you are committing a sin, for you are guilty of breaking that law.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NLT)
You should also know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control; they will be cruel and have no interest in what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. You must stay away from people like that.

The following is from the Department of Veterans Affairs website:

Q. What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

A. Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.

A complete history of Veterans Day, and why it is observed on November 11, can be found on our Veterans Day History Web page.

Let's all take a moment to pray and give thanks for those men and women who have served, and for those who are presently serving to protect and preserve freedom throughout the world.

May God bless each one with His awesome presence and amazing grace!

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think on these things...

It is the soldier, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

It is the soldier, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the soldier,
who salutes the flag,
who serves under the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.

-- anonymous

There's been a lot of discussion in the past few months about persecution of Christians in the United States, and attacks on the truths and values we hold dear.

The Alabama Ten Commandments monument case, and the California Pledge of Allegiance ban are two incidents which have made headlines recently. And of course, there's the annual 'you can't pray before the high school football game, or if you do, you are forbidden to mention the name of Jesus in your prayer' and Christmas nativity display controversies.

Now, I'm not diminishing the significance of these attacks, but these things pale in comparison to the things endured by some of our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world.

In China, North Korea, Vietnam, India, and other places, Christians are subject to imprisonment and torture, having their children taken from them and placed in state custody, and in an increasing number of cases, being put to death. Church buildings have been burned and bulldozed down, and believers are increasingly threatened and harassed if they meet together publicly to worship the Lord.

Today, Sunday, November 9, 2003 has been designated as the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. It serves as a reminder of the suffering that is inflicted on believers throughout the world.

Here's an excellent article, by Kristin Wright, 'Standing with the Persecuted Church', that will help you get a better perspective on persecution. Kristen also includes links to websites that provide important information on the persecuted church.

Let's join our hearts together today -- and everyday -- and pray for those who are being persecuted for the name and cause of Christ. May God's grace be their strength and may His Word cause them to hope, in Jesus' name.

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think on these things...

And Jesus replied, "I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return, a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property -- with persecutions. And in the world to come they will have eternal life."
-- Mark 10:29,30 (NLT)

Don't ever forget those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail. When all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew you had better things waiting for you in eternity.

Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. "For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And a righteous person will live by faith. But I will have no pleasure in anyone who turns away." But we are not like those who turn their backs on God and seal their fate. We have faith that assures our salvation.
-- Hebrews 10:32-39 (NLT)

What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? Will God? No! He is the one who has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? Will Christ Jesus? No, for he is the one who died for us and was raised to life for us and is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? (Even the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-- Romans 8:31-39 (NLT)

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
-- Matthew 5:10-12(NKJV)

"If you believe in forever,
Then life is just a one-night stand.
If there's a rock and roll heaven,
Well you know they've got a hell of a band..."

-- Chorus from Rock And Roll Heaven
The Righteous Brothers

Bobby Hatfield knows for sure today. Bill Medley's partner of the 'Blue-eyed Soul' Righteous Brothers, died in his sleep Wednesday night in a room at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was found thirty minutes before the duo were scheduled to perform at Miller Auditorium on the campus of Western Michigan University.

Known for their hits, 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling', 'Soul and Inspiration', and 'Unchained Melody', the Righteous Brothers were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in March 2003.

I only hope that Bobby -- a 'Righteous Brother' -- knew the 'Righteous One' before he left us. Bobby Hatfield was 63.

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think on these things...

"Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know where I am going and how to get there."

"No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We haven't any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?"

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
-- John 14:1-6

Oh, how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies;
For they are ever with me.
I have more understanding than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.
I understand more than the ancients,
Because I keep Your precepts.
-- Psalm 119:97-100

I've got to tell you up front, I have not read Dan Brown's novel, 'The Da Vinci Code'.

From the look of things, I might be the only one who hasn't read it. At the moment, it's the #1 best-selling book at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

However, I did watch ABC's one hour special, The Mysteries of 'Jesus, Mary and Da Vinci' last night.

The program sought to find answers to suggestions made in the book's fictional storyline -- most significantly, the idea that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene, and that she bore His child. They interviewed author Dan Brown, Father McBrien from Notre Dame, and other theologians and 'scholars', in an attempt to uncover the historical record that would either support or deny this claim.

Now to some, the mere suggestion that Jesus was married while He was here on earth -- well, 'them's fightin' words.'

But I think the question can be asked without it being viewed as an attack on Christianity or the divinity of Christ. (Hey, at least the program assumed there was a guy named Jesus!)

So, is it possible that Jesus and Mary were happily married?

If you search the Bible (and you should), you will find no Scriptural evidence -- not even a hint or suggestion -- that Jesus was married to anyone, including Mary.

Now IF He was married, this has got to be one of the best kept secrets of all time -- wouldn't you think?

But, there is no mention of such a thing -- not from Peter, not from John, not from Paul -- not from anybody. It's just not there.

We do know that Jesus had a special place in Mary Magdalene's life -- for one thing, he cast seven demons out of her; but that in no way suggests that there was a sexual relationship -- or wedding bells.

I do recall Jesus attending a wedding in Cana of Galilee, but He was not the groom. (He did re-stock the bar, though.)

Well, I imagine there will be people talking about this today. There will be debates, and arguments, and disagreements to be sure. That's OK...it won't change the facts. At least it might get people talking about Jesus. Actually, you might want to use the question to open a conversation with somebody about Jesus.

Now there's an idea!

It's possible that ABC will be vilified for showing this. But, I really don't think the network was unleashing an attack on Jesus. I think they were out for the ratings, and just trying to do what they're in business to do -- make money. With the current success of the book, I wouldn't be surprised if they accomplished those goals.

By the way, I thought host Elizabeth Vargas did a great job with a tough subject. She was probing, yet sensitive in her search for the truth.

"I wonder if Jesus caught the program last night..."

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think on these things...

It was early on Sunday morning when Jesus rose from the dead, and the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons.
-- Mark 16:9 (NLT)

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.'' This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
-- Ephesians 5:25-32 (NKJV)

Oh, Jesus IS married...to His Church!

"Yeah, right!"

No, really.

Do you remember that little song, Ain't it Grand to Be A Christian?

"Ain't it grand to be a Christian, ain't it grand?
Ain't it grand to be a Christian, ain't it grand?
On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, ALL DAY SUNDAY!
Grand to be a Christian, ain't it grand?"

You see, it shouldn't matter what day of the week it is -- there ought to be an excitement and an anticipation in your heart, as you wake to each new day -- another opportunity to worship and serve the Lord!

Hey, if you're just living for the weekend, you're missing more than half your life!

Don't let one precious day slip by. Live each and every one to the fullest -- and remember...

"This is the day,
This is the day,
That the Lord has made,
That the Lord has made!

"I will rejoice,
I will rejoice,
And be glad in it,
And be glad in it."

Come on! Everybody sing!

"This is the day that the Lord has made.
I will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day,
This is the day,
That the Lord has made!"

There -- that's more like it!

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think on these things...

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, Mondays, and forever.
-- Hebrews 13:8 (RGV)

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
-- Psalm 23:6 (KJV)

Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!
-- Psalm 90:14

"People are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
-- Abraham Lincoln

think on these things...

And now just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust him, too, for each day's problems; live in vital union with him.

Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done.

Don't let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men's thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said.

For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with authority over every other power.

When you came to Christ he set you free from your evil desires, not by a bodily operation of circumcision but by a spiritual operation, the baptism of your souls. For in baptism you see how your old, evil nature died with him and was buried with him; and then you came up out of death with him into a new life because you trusted the Word of the mighty God who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead in sins, and your sinful desires were not yet cut away.

Then he gave you a share in the very life of Christ, for he forgave all your sins, and blotted out the charges proved against you, the list of his commandments which you had not obeyed. He took this list of sins and destroyed it by nailing it to Christ's cross. In this way God took away Satan's power to accuse you of sin, and God openly displayed to the whole world Christ's triumph at the cross where your sins were all taken away.

So don't let anyone criticize you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating Jewish holidays and feasts or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these were only temporary rules that ended when Christ came. They were only shadows of the real thing -- of Christ himself.

-- Colossians 2:6-17 (The Living Bible)

For years I've used Apple's iTunes for organizing and playing mp3 files on a Mac computer. I also use it with my iPod.

Although I'm a "MacMan" at heart, I use a Compaq Presario laptop when I travel, and a desktop eMachine for writing books and maintaining this Weblog.

When I heard that Apple released a version of iTunes for Windows XP and 2000, I downloaded a copy and installed it on this machine and the family computer downstairs.

It's great!

I also use MusicMatch Jukebox, WinAmp, and Real Player -- but, I like iTunes the best. It has a simple, straightforward interface and it's easy to use.

Like those other apps, iTunes has a streaming radio feature, too. It's easy to find some great Christian stations under the "Religious" heading in the Radio section.

You can download a copy of iTunes for Windows here.

The price is right -- it's free!

Give it a try. I think you'll like it.

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Here's some info about iTunes from Apple's website:

iTunes 4 is the best software jukebox in the world, with a great music store inside. With it, you can create your own personal digital music library to manage and listen to your music collection, all with drag-and-drop simplicity.

iTunes encodes high-quality MP3s as well as pristine AAC, all in a free application. If you don't like getting charged a subscription fee or paying for additional features like fast CD burning, your digital music experience is about to get a whole lot better.

iTunes 4.1 is available for Mac OS X.
iTunes 4.1.1 is available for Windows XP and Windows 2000.