Lead by Example - His Example

Still, My Soul be Still

2010-10-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

~STILL, MY SOUL BE STILL~

Still, my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow

Chorus:
God, You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit within me
To rest in You alone

Still, my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows

Still, my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise As stars appear when day is dimming

-by Keith and Kristyn Getty

"Surrender All"

2009-04-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

"Surrender All" is a beautiful song that I wanted to share with y'all because it has become like a prayer of my own. I'll include a sample for you to listen to at the end. Enjoy! :)

Surrender All

Take all I am, Lord, and all that I cling to
You are my Savior I owe everything to
Take all the treasures that lie in my storehouse
They cannot follow when I enter Your house

So I surrender all to You
I surrender all

Take all my cravings for vain recognition
Fleshly indulgence and worldly ambition
I want so much Lord to make You the focus
To serve You in secret and never be noticed

Take all my hunger for all that’s forbidden
Every desire and sin I keep hidden
Search me and know me I want to bring to You
A life that is holy and sanctified through You

© 2004 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)
Words and music by Rich Dalmas
As recorded on Worship God Live

Link for sample- http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/Media/SongSamples/M4130-13-51-Sample.mp3

Link to purchase MP3 download- http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=M4130-13-51

That last link also includes free downloads for the guitar chart, lead sheet, and a purchase download of piano score :D

Loved To Death

2009-04-13T01:25:00.000-07:00

HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY!!!

How was your Resurrection Sunday? Mine was very nice and refreshing :) It's such a blessing to have good fellowship with fellow believers!

This poem was read today by the writer of the poem in the church service I attended. The sincere way she read it made it even more special and meaningful :)

LOVED TO DEATH

King of all kings, Lord from on high,
He became common but for to die.
He rode in a king then was sold for slaves cost.
He gave up His glory that I not be lost.
Betrayed, accused, beaten and shamed,
For the sins of man this king would be blamed.
His body was broken His blood was shed,
A crown of scorns placed on his head.
"Forgive them Father they know not what they do."
He was speaking of me, was He also of you?
For with each sin I pierced His hand.
But before His Father blameless I'll stand.
Death could not keep Him, he rose from His grave.
As He told His disciples, He came to save.
Now ascended to reign on high,
He is my advocate in the sky.
Also, within me, a still small voice.
Not by my doing, it was His choice.
To save a wretch so wicked and lame,
But now in God's eyes we are one in the same.
Thank you, my Brother, for enduring that day.
For dying that in my heart you might stay.
Thank you, my Savior, for rising up,
For praying for me and drinking that cup.
Thank you, my friend, for dwelling in me
And causing this one, so blinded, to see.

-- Rebecca Hadley

Clayton's Story

2009-04-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

No excuses, You Have to watch this:

http://claytonsstory.com/

10 reasons to NOT ask Jesus into your heart: Todd Friel

2009-03-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

The music weeps, the preacher pleads, “Give your heart to Jesus. You have a God shaped hole in your heart and only Jesus can fill it.” Dozens, hundreds or thousands of people who want to get their spiritual life on track make their way to the altar. They ask Jesus into their heart.

Cut to three months later. Nobody has seen our new convert in church. The follow up committee calls him and encourages him to attend a Bible study, but to no avail. We label him a backslider and get ready for the next outreach event.
Our beloved child lies in her snuggly warm bed and says, “Yes, Daddy. I want to ask Jesus into my heart.” You lead her in “the prayer” and hope that it sticks. You spend the next ten years questioning if she really, really meant it. Puberty hits and the answer reveals itself. She backslides. We spend the next ten years praying that she will come to her senses.

Telling someone to ask Jesus into their hearts has a very typical result, backsliding. the Bible says that a person who is soundly saved puts his hand to the plow and does not look back because he is fit for service. In other words, a true convert cannot backslide. If a person backslides, he never slid forward in the first place. “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (II Cor.5) No backsliding there.
Brace yourself for this one: with very few if any exceptions, anyone who asked Jesus into their hearts to be saved…is not. If you asked Jesus into your heart because you were told that is what you have to do to become a Christian, you were mis-informed.

If you have ever told someone to ask Jesus into their heart (like I have), you produced a false convert. Here is why.
1. It is not in the Bible. There is not a single verse that even hints we should say a prayer inviting Jesus into our hearts. Some use Rev. 3:20. To tell us that Jesus is standing at the door of our hearts begging to come in.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” There are two reasons that interpretation is wrong.
The context tells us that the door Jesus is knocking on is the door of the church, not the human heart. Jesus is not knocking to enter someone’s heart but to have fellowship with His church.

Even if the context didn’t tell us this, we would be forcing a meaning into the text (eisegesis). How do we know it is our heart he is knocking at? Why not our car door? How do we know he isn’t knocking on our foot? To suggest that he is knocking on the door of our heart is superimposing a meaning on the text that simply does not exist.
The Bible does not instruct us to ask Jesus into our heart. This alone should resolve the issue, nevertheless, here are nine more reasons.

2. Asking Jesus into your heart is a saying that makes no sense. What does it mean to ask Jesus into your heart? If I say the right incantation will He somehow enter my heart? Is it literal? Does He reside in the upper or lower ventricle? Is this a metaphysical experience? Is it figurative? If it is, what exactly does it mean? While I am certain that most adults cannot articulate its meaning, I am certain that no child can explain it. Pastor Dennis Rokser reminds
us that little children think literally and can easily be confused (or frightened) at the prospect of asking Jesus into their heart.
3. In order to be saved, a man must repent (Acts 2:38). Asking Jesus into your heart leaves out the requirement of repentance.

4. In order to be saved, a man must trust in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31).

Asking Jesus into your heart leaves out the requirement of faith.
5. The person who wrongly believes they are saved will have a false sense of security. Millions of people who sincerely, but wrongly, asked Jesus into their hearts think they are saved but struggle to feel secure. They live in doubt and fear because they do not have the Holy Spirit giving them assurance of salvation.

6. The person who asks Jesus into his heart will likely end up inoculated, bitter and backslidden. Because he did not get saved by reciting a formulaic prayer, he will grow disillusioned with Jesus, the Bible, church and fellow believers. His latter end will be worse than the first.
7. It presents God as a beggar just hoping you will let Him into your busy life. This presentation of God robs Him of His sovereignty.

8. The cause of Christ is ridiculed. Visit an atheist web-site and read the pagans who scoff, “How dare those Christians tell us how to live when they get divorced more than we do? Who are they to say homosexuals shouldn’t adopt kids when tens of thousands of orphans don’t get adopted by Christians?” Born again believers adopt kids and don’t get divorced.

People who ask Jesus into their hearts do. Jesus gets mocked when false converts give Him a bad name.
9. The cause of evangelism is hindered. While it is certainly easier to get church members by telling them to ask Jesus into their hearts, try pleading with someone to make today the day of their salvation. Get ready for a painful response. “Why should I become a Christian when I have seen so called Christians act worse than a pagan?” People who ask Jesus into their hearts give pagans an excuse for not repenting.

10. Here is the scary one. People who ask Jesus into their hearts are not saved and they will perish on the Day of Judgment. How tragic that millions of people think they are right with God when they are not. How many people who will cry out, “Lord, Lord” on judgment day will be “Christians” who asked Jesus into their hearts?
So, what must one do to be saved? Repent and trust. (Heb.6:1) The Bible makes it clear that all men must repent and place their trust in Jesus Christ. Every man does have a “God shaped hole in their hearts,” but that hole is not contentment, fulfillment and peace. Every man’s heart problem is righteousness. Instead of preaching that Jesus fulfills, we must preach that God judges and Jesus satisfies God’s judgment…if a man will repent and place his trust in Him.

If you are reading this and you asked Jesus into your heart, chances are good you had a spiritual buzz for a while, but now you struggle to read your Bible, tithe, attend church and pray. Perhaps you were told you would have contentment, purpose and a better life if you just ask Jesus into your heart. I am sorry, that was a lie.

Take Napoleon, He "asked Jesus into his heart." Tell me, is he saved? (video)

One Nation Under God

2009-02-07T14:58:00.000-08:00

A little late in the season

2009-02-02T18:33:00.000-08:00

I know that the Christmas season has already past, but this video was too cute to pass up.

It also kinda puts some of us to shame. If a little boy of 3 years old can memorize a Whole chapter of the Bible, shouldn't we Try to?

Ideas anyone?

2009-01-29T14:46:00.000-08:00

Okay, I've been putting off titling my blog way too long! Philippians 3:14-16 is still a great verse that I love, but it's not too great of a title for my blog. Does anyone have any ideas for me? If you could, think of a verse to go with it :)

"Ray Comfort giving advice on using Tracts for witnessing"

2009-01-26T00:09:00.000-08:00

"Say 'I Do' all over again!" ;)

2009-01-14T21:56:00.000-08:00

Fireproof is coming out on DVD soon (Jan. 27, 2009!) and guess what? You can pre-order it! This link takes you to a page on Fireproof's website that has pre-order info:

http://fireproofthemovie.com/splash_dvd.php

In addition to the No. 1 inspirational film of the year, the Special Collector's Edition includes these bonus features:

Making of FIREPROOF: TV Special
Filming a Movie in 30 Days: FIREPROOF Video Blog (exclusive)
Commentary from the Kendrick Brothers
Spanish and Portuguese Language Options
Subtitles in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, Korean, and Arabic
Rescued Scenes, FIREGOOFS, and Firehouse Pranks
Casting Crowns Music Video for "Slow Fade" (exclusive)
Wayne's Firehouse Commentary (exclusive)
Fun with Mr. Rudolph (exclusive)
And much, much more!

We pre-ordered it months ago and CANNOT wait for it to come out on DVD! Oh, it's so close! :)

Featured Blog -fishwithtrish.blogspot.com

2009-01-13T15:57:00.000-08:00

A Little about the Blogger:

Trisha Ramos has been a Christian since her teens. After her conversion, she was immediately burdened for advancing the kingdom of God and sought to grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ, her Savior. Evangelism was the by-product of knowing that many of her friends and family did not know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Since becoming a Christian, Trisha has earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with a minor in Communications. She has spent several years in the public school system, teaching primary and secondary education. She is currently working on the completion of her Masters Degree in Education. In addition to that, Trisha attended bible college including two years of Biblical Greek.

After planning to make a life time career out of teaching, the Lord had other things in store for her. In 2005, she began working at Living Waters Publications and The Way of the Master in Bellflower, California. From that point forward she has not returned to teaching.

Trisha was on The Way of the Master Radio program for almost three years during the “Street Fishing” segments. Now, she can be heard weekly on Wretched Radio. She currently serves as a member of the Living Waters Staff. And in 2007

she managed the daunting task of coordinating a “13 countries in 13 days” European trip to shoot the fourth season of The Way of the Master television program. She has been speaking, teaching, and leading worship for various women's retreats, conferences, and event’s since 1997.

Trisha is the wife of Emilio Ramos, Teaching Pastor of Sovereign Joy Community Church in Keller, TX. She is active in Saturday night evangelism, serves on the worship team, and in children's ministry.

She and her husband, Emilio, reside in Fort Worth, TX.

What Others Are Saying...

"If you look up the word "diligent" in the dictionary, you will probably find the name "Trish." She is not only diligent, but she has a zeal for the lost, a good grip on biblical principles, and a deep and worshipful love for the God who gave her life. If I want something done quickly and done properly, I give it to Trish. I am honored to know her, and I thank God for the day she became involved in this ministry."

Ray Comfort

President/ Author/ T.V. Host

Living Waters Publications

"Having known Trisha for many years, I can confidently say that she is the real deal when it comes to living for the glory of God. She loves the Lord and the lost with a contagious passion. Her life is a living testimony of what it means to be a faithful ambassador for Christ."

Emeal Zwayne (E.Z.)

Vice President/ General Manager

Living Waters Publications

"Every week on the radio with Trish is like opening up a Christmas present. You never know what you are going to get when she hits the streets. She is one of the boldest, most straight forward, refreshingly candid and yet clearly loving people I have ever heard witness to anyone. To get an idea, listen to petite Trish ask a linebacker for a college football team, "Are you fornicating?" Talk about courage!
That is why every week is an adventure with Trish."

Todd Friel

Host

Wretched Radio / Formerly know as The Way of the Master Radio

Trish has some really great tips on witnessing along with videos of real witnessing encounters on both her blog and her site!

fishwithtrish.blogspot.com

fishwithtrish.com

WOW, This is great!

2009-01-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

This video is so powerful. Please, take the time to watch it.

PS. John's son-in-law, Kory Welch, sings two beautiful songs at the end!
http://www.korywelch.com/music.htm

Kirk Cameron Interviews John MacArthur

Take a Look at This!

2009-01-10T17:17:00.000-08:00

Right now I am sitting here typing on my laptop and relaxing after a very tiring day of surfing and no, I don't mean "surfing on the web" :) .................. Okay, okay, You got me! You're right, I don't know a thing about surfing. But I did balance on a really wobbly camper and raked leaves........ Does that count?...... oh.... that would be a no :( You probably have to be much more talented to do it anyways ;D (Ok, Serious now.......)Today, my last Saturday before school, was the day that my dad chose to take care of all of the fallen leaves. So, as you can imagine, I am quite Yucky right now, but eventhough I am yucky, I knew that I couldn't let y'all down. You depend on me, yucky and not yucky, to give you "the scoop" (however old and melting it is ;) You should be grateful that I took this time before my shower to tell you this news ;) ...........

Emily Furman, my little cousin with epilepsy (http://striving4god.blogspot.com/2008/10/emily-furman.html), now has a site that her parents created to help keep everyone updated on Emily! :D It's really neat and very informative! Go take a look!

http://caringbridge.org/visit/emilyfurman

Now that Emily has been rescheduled to go to Disney World, we need to "beef up"the sales of her Prayer Angel bracelets to help pay for the trip. We still have plenty left to sell and Emily's family is still a ways off from having enough money. Please help! :D

Ray witnessing to an Athiest

2009-01-05T21:11:00.000-08:00

Huntington Beach Open-air # 18

Every Saturday Ray takes a team to the Pier at Huntington Beach, CA, to preach the gospel in the open air, where many opinions and interesting individuals are encountered. Here is one of those encounters.

Wretched Radio -Ray witnesses to Sierra

2008-12-31T15:49:00.000-08:00

http://www.wretchedradio.com/

What's in a Name?

2008-12-30T10:49:00.000-08:00

What's in a name? Oh so much. Think of how a name has shaped history:

Alexander -- Who? The Great, as he stood before Gaza's gates, declared let me in or I'll destroy you! They didn't heed the name.
Albert who? That eccentric Swiss postal clerk with all his pages of calculations was overlooked by all, until he made it to Princeton and scribbled E = mc2 -- five little characters that have impacted the course of history more than any other scientific thought. Albert? Einstein, of course.
Some names mean power , as in Napoleon and Stalin and Mao.
Some names carry wealth as in Rothschild, Getty and Rockefeller.
Some names inspire bravery as in Washington, Churchill, Patton.
Some names portray beauty as in Leonardo, Titian, Van Gogh.

The greatest revelation of our Infinite God comes through His Name. The name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. There around 420 names of our God in three persons. In the Old Testament there are 223 and in the New Testament there are 195.

To the Old Testament saints the name Jehovah was an ointment poured forth shedding its fragrance over all. New Testament saints think of Him as JESUS. If ever there was a name that, as ointment poured forth," shed a fragrance over all of human life it is the name of Jesus!

The Name of Jesus is the saving name: "Thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).
The Name of Jesus is the sanctifying name. We are to do all things, in word and deed, in the name of the Lord Jesus (c.f. Colossians 3:17).
The Name of Jesus is the sovereign name. "At the name of Jesus every knee should bow" (Philippians 2:10). It is the name that charms our fears and bids our sorrows cease." It is the name that, as "music in the sinner's ears, brings life and health and peace."

But there is a name that has no bounds. It cannot be mortally defined. It is above all names . That name is JESUS!!!

This Devotional came from:

http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/discoverthebook/11528536/

I posted this small portion of the devotional because I thought it had some thought-provoking qualities to it :) However, I can not necessarily vouch for the whole devotional.

Man vs. God

2008-12-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

This past month, I have been going through a physical and spiritual drought. I've had a lot of things on my plate that I thought I could handle on my own and in my own time. I eventually learned otherwise the hard way. My busy load added a lot of stress, tiredness and a B + to my grades. In only the course of a month, it took my happiness in learning and turned it into something sour. I was mentally and spiritually down. Only now, after walking backwards for a month, I have begun to walk straight along the narrow way. This time, relying Fully on God to get me through :) Today, I was again gently reminded of my choice to rely on God in my devotions. Here is a portion of my devotions :)

Isaiah 40-
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2040

How many times do we try to handle things on our own? If we, as Christians, do trust in God and believe that He can handle anything and everything, how come we don't put this into practice everyday of our lives? How come we don't look to him to help accomplish even the littlest tasks that we have? Why do we trust in man so much when we know that our trust will come to nothing? Why do we liken man to God? (vs. 18). Isaiah 40 is a passage that clearly shows how Great and Trustworthy our God is and how He takes care to help and strengthen us if we rely on Him!

"I VOTED" Have you?

2008-11-04T11:42:00.001-08:00

I have to say, The "I VOTED" sticker is the best part about voting! =D

"Confessions of a CF Husband" (Cystic Fibrosis)

2008-10-31T17:17:00.000-07:00

This is the encouraging story of Nate and Patricia Suzanne Lawrenson.

Nate's telling:
http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/2008/02/fast-track.html

Tricia's telling:
http://65roses4pattysue.com/

A.W. Tozer - quotes

2008-10-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I LOVE quotes! I love how they usually contain great wisdom and scriptural applications. Some people I like to quote (besides Jesus and the Apostle Paul ;) are: A.W. Tozer, Charles Spurgeon, Dwight L. Moody, Jonathan Edwards, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, C.S. Lewis, Al Mohler, C.J. Mahaney, Alex and Brett Harris, John MacArthur, John Piper, Nancy Leigh Demoss, Helen Keller, and the list goes on and on........ and on ;) Quotes by preachers, book authors, and martyrs are my favorites.

Here are a select few of A.W. Tozer. They are some of my favorites:

"I did not go through the book (the bible). The book went through me"

"The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts."

"An honest man with an open Bible and a pad and pencil is sure to find out what is wrong with him very quickly."

"For not only does sound reason direct us to refuse the guidance of those who do or teach anything wrong, but it is by all means vital for the lover of truth, regardless of the threat of death, to choose to do and say what is right even before saving his own life."

-A.W. Tozer (Aiden Wilson Tozer) (1897 - 1963) American Pastor and Writer

"Conviction on the Waterfront"

2008-10-24T23:13:00.000-07:00

This video is a great example of a witness encounter using the law as a tool to show someone their need for a Savior. Mark Spence and Tony "The Lawman" Miano found this young man on the waterfront, in Long Beach (CA), during Ambassadors' Academy #1. He was staring into the water when Tony approached him and asked him for an interview.

Initially, the young man declined. But several minutes later, he ran up to Mark and Tony, saying that he had changed his mind and wanted to talk.

Make sure that you Post Your thoughts.......

Do Hard Things

2008-10-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

Todd Friel from the Way of the Master radio interviewed Alex and Brett Harris (younger twin brothers to Joshua Harris who wrote "I Kissed Dating Goodbye") about their new book "Do Hard Things" A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations. Here is parts 1 and 2 for you to listen to!

Book Review from challies.com ------

Do Hard Things is a book for teens—and a distinctly different kind of book for teens. “Check online or walk through your local bookstore. You’ll find plenty of books written by fortysomethings who, like, totally understand what it’s like being a teenager. You’ll find a lot of cheap, throwaway books for teens, because young people today aren’t supposed to care about books, or to see any reason to keep them around. And you’ll find a wide selection of books where you never have to read anything twice—because the message is dumbed down. Like, just for you.” But this book is a challenging book, and one written by teens and for teens. It is written by Brett and Alex Harris, whose greatest claim to fame (other than being the younger brothers of Joshua Harris) is being the minds behind The Rebelution—one of the internet’s most popular sites for teens and now a series of conferences. This book continues the message they’ve been communicating in every other forum.

That message is simple but far too often overlooked in society today: rebel against low expectations. They cast a vision of a better way of doing the teen years in which so many teens have been “conditioned to believe what is false, to stop when things feel hard, and to miss out on God’s incredible purpose for [the] teen years.” They look at five kinds of hard—five different kinds of hard things that can challenge the expectations of those around them: things that are outside of your comfort zone, things that are beyond what is expected or required, things that are too big to accomplish alone, things that don’t earn an immediate pay off and things that challenge the cultural norm. They describe each of these through stories and examples drawn primarily from their lives and from the lives of other “rebelutionaries” who have shared their stories with the authors.

-----

This is only a part of the book review. To read the rest copy and paste this link:

http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/book-review-do-hard-things.php

Texas pictures

2008-10-24T20:07:00.001-07:00

Lydia posted more pictures from Texas! The latest are of my cousin Charlene's family. Check them out, They're Beautiful!!!!!

http://www.lydiaphotography.com/

Emily

2008-10-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

The sweetest little girl that you would ever meet. She is no different than any other 8 year old. Except for the fact that she has suffered from a Very Rare case of seizures ever since she was two years old. Oh, and the fact that she has had muliple brain surgeries and procedures done to her, to try and stop her seizures, that makes her act as though she is not 8. Oh, and the fact that she can bearly speak and has a crocked smile from seizures. Oh and she is all smiles and hugs!..... I guess she is very different from any other 8 year old. Very different indeed. But she is no less a person. In fact, in many ways, she is so much more a person than a "normal" 8 year old, and even than you or me. She has the ability to have joy even when she is in the greatest pain. She is an inspiration to me, along with her parents. I am so encouraged by them every time I visit with them. They take every thing one step at a time praising, thanking God and asking of Him. He is their all, their provider, their sustainer. I look up to them. Because of their reliance on God, He has been able to do many wonders and miracles in the life of their little girl. Every day, it is a miracle that she is alive. They have given her to Him and have been real life examples that I can look at that show how much God gave to us when He sacrificed Jesus, His only son, on the cross on our behalf. Ken, Natalie, Emily and Rachel are suffering and need our prayers and support! Let's encourage them! Emily has been granted her wish of going to Disney Land with her family and cousin by a foundation that grants wishes to terminally ill children. They hope to go in December but are not sure if they can because they have to raise money to pay for the plane ticket, food and hotel for her cousin. Emily really has her heart set on having her cousin go with them. He is a great help to them, and is more like a brother to her. To raise money they are selling yellow bracelets that say "Emily's Prayer Angel" for 2 dollars. If you would like a form to fill out to purchase one to help Emily, I have them and can send one to you. This bracelet is also a great way to remind you to pray for her, and tell others about her.

Stand for Life Chain

2008-10-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

On October 5th I was a part of a Prayer Chain. Many people stood with me along a busy street praying and holding signs to show our Pro-Life views. We got many Boos, thumbs down and even curses, But we also go a good amount of thumbs up, cheering and smiles! It was an amazing experience. I felt so bold :) I felt like a True Jesus Freak!

On the back of the signs there were topics to pray specifically about, Scripture and songs to sing about, and instructions for how to act. The chain lasted for only an hour from 2:00 to 3:00. I don't know what everyone was thinking as they drove by us, but I know that God used this experience to strengthen my Pro-Life beliefs a ton!!! He also helped me see just how much we should be praying for everyone, Pro-Lifers and Pro-Choicers. Hope this encourages you
Christian! Let me know, comment!

Fireproof in Two New Theaters!!!

2008-10-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!
FIREPROOF is Opening Tomorrow in AUBURN and CHICO!!!! If this makes it easier for any of you to go see it, DO!!!!!! Support it ALL that you can!

First post from Texas!

2008-10-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

A picture of Emily and Rachel. I think all of you know who they are. If you don't, email me.

http://www.lydiaphotography.com/

The Way of the Master Season 3 Promo

2008-10-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

(You can purchase season 3 now for $99 [13 episodes]) The Way of the Master's site: http://www.wayofthemaster.com/

TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) schedule for The Way of the Master TV show: http://www.tbn.org/index.php/2/4/p/158.html

"Time Changer"

2008-10-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

This is the trailer for another movie that you can sit back, relax and not worry about what might be said or done. It is a Great movie, with an Important Message! Here's the plot:
The movie is set in the year 1890 and 2000--it's a unique and unusual story about a Bible professor named Russell Carlisle played by D. David Morin, who in 1890, has written a manuscript called, "The Changing Times". His theories are about to receive a unanimous endorsement from the board members of the Grace Bible Seminary...until Dr. Norris Anderson, played by Gavin MacLeod, expresses a "difficulty" he has with something Carlisle has written. Dr. Anderson believes what Carlisle has written could seriously affect the future of coming generations and the only way to convince Russell is send him into the future so that he can see for himself what damage his manuscript might cause. What the professor discovers in the year 2000 is a society that has no reverence or respect for God. He's not only shocked at how adults brazenly seem indifferent to what's morally and ethically right, but how children are disrespectful and worldly as well. With time running out he does the best he can do to leave a lasting impression on those he comes in contact with before he returns to 1890.

(Btw, I just got this video from You tube. I don't know if christianmovies.com is any good)

Let no one despise you for your youth -John Piper

2008-10-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

http://www.therebelution.com/blog/2008/04/john-piper-let-no-one-despise-you-for-your-youth/

MY SCIENCE CLASS

2008-10-09T14:58:00.000-07:00

Number Lock? Who uses it anyways?

Oh Yeah, I do :-/
Have you ever tried to type a Really, really long access code or phone number on a laptop with no number lock? It's pretty tough and takes a Long Time. That's what I've been doing for the past two months. Today I wanted to change my ways and have a computer technician fix my broken number lock key. Turns out, it can't be fixed by replacing my keypad Or my mother board. No, it will have to be sent back to it's maker, Dell :( Don't know when I will get it sent in. So, I guess I'll just have to live without the usage of my number lock for a while more :( I did learn something Neat today, I learned how to Dissect my Computer!!!!!! ;D
(PS. I appologize for the pictures being little blurry. I was in a rush. The technician had a phobia of cameras...... Really! :)

Post from Isaiah -God in Man's World

2008-10-08T16:45:00.000-07:00

Topic 4: Take a look at my (James Spencer, my professor) blog at the following web address: http://godinmansworld.blogspot.com Comment on the blog post entitled 'Automation' by answering the following question. How do we avoid becoming the sort of individuals or the sort of community that creates an automated God? What sort of practices must we incorporate into our individual and corporate life in order to maintain our focus on God's freedom?

Automation
Often times, the groups of which we are a part would have us believe that there are a limited range of options. As we become more and more entrenched within organizations or cultures, we find that there is a set standard, a status quo, which determines not only our range of options, but ultimately when and where we are allowed to exercise them. Even those who are "in charge" may find it difficult to break through the cultural barriers which limit their freedom to follow God and to maintain their integrity by constantly sacrificing themselves for the Other and the other.

For organizations and cultures to promote the sort of freedom that is characterized by obedience to God they must open themselves to criticism, to "reorganization", to death. The organization or culture that does not embrace its own mortality by allowing transformation to supersede control is the organization or culture that transcends itself. It moves beyond itself in order to follow an unpredictably faithful God whose ways are not our ways and whose thoughts are not our thoughts.

While being ostracized is a frightful, lonely thing, those who would not become part of the machinery, part of the mechanism that is a particular culture or organization, must risk such a fate. Organizations and cultures seek an automated god and an automated people. This god and these people are not in control of their own actions, but are determined by the organization, by the culture, and by those who safeguard the system.

As Christians, we do not serve an automated god, but a God whose actions are fully His own. We do not act at the whim of a particular organization or culture, but at the behest of the God who created all organizations and cultures. It is this God whom we serve (despite what certain organizations and cultures would like us to believe). We must walk faithfully and with integrity, with no regard for ourselves, as we follow the call of the God who is able to transform all things. -James Spencer

Post 4: God The Sovereign
Many people have the view that God can be automated, controlled. These people do not have a correct view of who God is. This is because they do not read and study the Bible. In the Bible we see God as being the powerful, Sovereign God, The One who is in control.

We have no business to even try to control God. God created us, not us-Him. As His creation, He has the power to do what He wills. His actions are not controlled by us in any way, shape or form. He cannot be turned on and off like a robot. He is a God “whose actions are fully His own”. If He was able to be controlled, then Adam and Eve might have tried to control Him when He sent them out of the Garden of Eden. The people might have tried to control Him when He flooded the earth and saved only Noah and his family ......etc. There are no records of such happenings.

By reading and studying the bible we can keep our view of God uncorrupted because we will know Him. We will also develop self-government, which is also greatly lacking in communities today. Since there is not much of self-government, the community has corrupted views. If individuals were to look towards the bible as the base for all views then their view and the community’s view of who God is would be that He is The Sovereign and cannot be controlled.

“He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” (1 Tim. 6:15-16) (ESV)

Questions to ask yourself:
Do I ever think of God as an "automated god"?
Am I basing ALL my views according to the Bible?
Am I studying the Bible daily and applying it to myself?

Post from Isaiah -Modern-day Implications of Prophetic Speech

2008-10-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

Topic 3:Discuss the modern-day implication of the following: Walter Brueggemann is a has written a number of books on the prophets, but his base assumption about the prophets is that they move against the social systems of their day in order to inspire imagination and open the world up to new possibilities. The social system 'orders, defines, values, and legitimates all life'. Such a system requires organizational support in the form of managers whose goal is to 'stabilize the system so that it is not noticed that it is a system, so that it seems it is the only reality, the only possible, thinkable reality'. The social system is, in essence, the world in which we live. Prophets speak against this world: 'The prophetic task in such a social world is to maintain a destabilizing presence, so that the system is not equated with reality, so that alternative are thinkable, so that the absolute claims of the system can be criticized'. The destabilizing effort of the prophets takes as its responsibility the attempt to counter the powerful forces of stabilization that are at work among the participants and benefactors of the social system?. In what ways have you seen Isaiah participate in such behavior thus far in your reading? What social system is he attempting to disrupt? Has the church adopted a stable social system? Does the church need to hear the words of the prophet? If so, what might this look like? Quotes taken from W. Brueggemann, "The Prophet as a Destabilizing Presence" in A Social Reading of the Old Testament (Minneapolis: Fortres, 1994)

Post 3: Disrupting Messages That Everyone Should Hear
Isaiah has given quite a few “disrupting” messages that were all from God. Some of things that he spoke against included idolatry and unfaithfulness to God and then he also noted that judgment was going to come on Israel because of its rejection of the southern kingdom and all that it stood for. Isaiah spoke against the relation that the people had with their sin. They were not wholly following God.

I believe that the church in general does not have a stable social system. It has become very liberal and in many of it’s beliefs, unbiblical. A big reason why it is unstable is because the families in the church are not self-governing families. They don’t study God’s word for themselves leaving them without the ability to discern biblical and unbiblical teachings.
This is not to say that every church is wrong and has undiscerning members. When it comes down to it, you have to judge each church separately. Some churches are as different as night and day.

The modern day church needs to hear the words of the prophet, because Isaiah has some applicable passages throughout it. One verse that the church should hear is Isaiah 2:22 - “Stop trusting man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?” Another verse is Isaiah 6:8 – “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!" The church needs to hear the words of Isaiah and apply them correctly to themselves.

Questions to ask yourself:
What kind of relationship do I have with my sin?
Am I wholly following God?
Am I applying what all of Scripture says to me?

Post from Isaiah - Ahaz Refuses a Sign

2008-10-06T18:38:00.000-07:00

Topic 2: In Isaiah 7, Isaiah confronts Ahaz and gives him a sign despite his refusal to ask for it. Why does Ahaz refuse to ask for the sign? Be sure to read the description of the political situation provided below and incorporate it into your answer.

“Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III was occupied with Urartu and Media between 737 and 735. During this time the western states were working to put together a coalition that might resist Assyrian incursions. Rezin (see next entry) had most likely played a major role in bringing Pekah to the throne of Samaria (see comments on Pekah in 2 Kings 15). It is suspected that the attack against Jerusalem was related to Ahaz’s pro-Assyrian (or at least neutral) position. The siege was intended to result in replacing Ahaz with an anti-Assyrian representative on the throne, who would then join in the coalition.”

Walton, John H.; Matthews, Victor H.; Chavalas, Mark W., The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press) c2000.

Post 2: The Real Reason Why
The Reason that Ahaz gave when he was asked to name a sign was, “….I will not put the LORD to the test.” (Isaiah 7:12). This reason makes him sound very “pious”. But from reading about his connections with the Assyrians, we know that Ahaz was probably not too worried about testing or even worried about offending God. In fact, he was rude to God by not accepting God’s gracious offer. Ahaz instead pretends to be “pious” and says “I will not put the LORD to the test.” He put on a “front” trying to hide his real reason from Isaiah, who gave him the message.
Ahaz believed that the Assyrians would help protect his kingdom. He relied on the Assyrians, who were men, and not on God. Ahaz would not claim the Lord as his God. He claimed the idols as his gods. Therefore, Ahaz was not willing to be under obligation to God. He did not rely on God and chose to show it by affronting God with, “I will not put the LORD to the test.”

Questions to ask yourself:
How often do I try to sound "pious"?
How many of those times was it a total lie?
Do I ever put on a "mask"? When? Why?

Post from Isaiah -Examples of Reverence

2008-10-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

Topic 1: The Supplement (our reading assignment) explained the special care taken by the Jewish people in pronouncing the name of Jehovah. What can we as Christians learn from this practice and from what the Bible says about not taking the Lord's name in vain?

Post 1: Examples of Reverence
We as Christians can learn from the Jewish people’s example of having reverence for God’s name. Every time we hear someone misuse God’s name, we should be willing to stand up for it and ask that someone to not blaspheme God, not because it offends us, but because it offends God. We know that misusing God’s name offends him, because the 3rd of the Ten Commandments says “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” I find that a lot of people don’t even know that misusing God’s name is a sin. So, they continue to use it as a way to express their disgust. This deeply offends God. All of His holy character is described in his name. It is who He is. The Jews found God’s name to be so special and so holy that they wouldn’t even pronounce it because they felt unworthy to form it with their lips. This teaches us just how holy God’s name really is. We need to express this holiness and be examples of showing God the reverence that He deserves.

A Questions to ask yourself:
Using the name of God/Jesus as a cuss word is not the only way that we misrepresent who God is, He can also be misrepresented in other forms......... What other forms might there be?
Am I guilty of any of them?

Fireproof and CCF

2008-10-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

You Gotta See this Movie!!!! (I usually don't recommend movies unless I know that they are bible based and have an applicable message).
The main character is played by Kirk Cameron. Who co-hosts The Way of the Master TV show equipping believers with the knowledge and courage to share their faith.
My family and I went to see Fireproof last Saturday, opening weekend. We had received free tickets from Campaign for Children and Families (CCF) for being their supporters. Randy Thomasson, CCF's president, asked Lydia if she would be the official photographer of the event. CCF bought out the whole showing at that theater for Saturday night. They bought tickets for everyone who went to see it. They also gave a special presentation after the movie. You can view a couple of pictures from the event on Lydia's web site: http://www.lydiaphotography.com/2008/09/ccf-fireproof.html
This movie was Excellently Well done! Of course I have a few small issues, BUT, they are pretty minor. Over all, the movie Fireproof is Very God Honoring! It was nice not having to cover my eyes or ears and just watch the movie! btw, I cried A Lot!!!! I only had to use a tissue Once though ;)
If more people go see Fireproof in theaters now, then more theaters will open their doors to it!!!

Watch The Trailer at: fireproofthemovie.com

Don't forget the Tissue BOX!!!!!!!! :D

Why do we do what we do?

2008-10-05T16:42:00.000-07:00

Trish Shares why:

http://fishwithtrish.blogspot.com/2008/09/this-is-why-we-do-what-we-do.html

A Cry From Iran

2008-10-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

This is a trailer of a movie that is a true story of a martyr for Jesus! It is written, produced and directed by the martyr's sons. Just to warn you, There is one short scene flashed before you of him being beaten and such. But it is really fast. I was Very touched by this movie. I encourage you to get the movie and watch it! It convicted me so much about how I need to be a Jesus Freak!

http://www.visionforum.com/search/productdetail.aspx?search=%22a+cry+from+iran%22&productid=47536

Must Reads

2008-10-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

-Jesus Freaks Volumes 1 and 2 -Jesus Freaks and the Voice of the Martyrs
-Do Hard Things-Brett and Alex Harris
-Hell's Best Kept Secret-Ray Comfort
-The Way of the Master-Ray Comfort
-Knowing God-J.I. Packer
-Any books -Nancy Leigh Demoss
-The Case for Christ -Lee Strobel-This book is written by a journalist, so you can imagine how well written it is.
-Desiring God-John Piper
-Don't Waste Your Life -John Piper
-Any by John MacArthur.
-One Thing you Can't do in Heaven - Mark Cahill
and the list goes on......:)

Just for girls:
Before you Meet Prince Charming -Sarah Mally
So Much More-Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin
-Biblical Womanhood in the Home - Edited by Nancy Leigh Demoss
-Emotional Purity - Heather Arnel Paulsen, B.W.S.
-Girl Talk - Carolyn Mahaney and her daughter....
again, the list goes on......:)

Hope I haven't overwhelmed you:) But let me encourage you to start reading books that will cause growth in your walk with the Lord and remember, what you put into your head will come out in your life. -Liz
PS. I'll probably make another list later!

--
"The vigour of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts." -George Müller (1805-1898)

Poetry -He is LOVE!

2008-10-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

One of my friends had the neat idea to write a poem together. We started a poem, but unfortunately it isn't going very fast. (I have to say I'm kinda "Poetry illiterate" :) But I liked the idea of writing a poem with a friend, so I wrote a different poem with my friend Lizzie. We chose to not write the average rhyming poem, but one that is more spiritually applicable. We are both new writers, so please, don't be too hard on us ;) and if you have an idea of a more unique title, leave a comment!!! Thanks!

(I started and then we alternated)

He is Love

Who can measure up to God's love?
Who can say I am deserving of it?

As the stars of the sky it is immeasurable.
As the bird-song at dawn, it is perfect and sacred.

It cannot be wholly described because of its vastness,
Yet it is inscribed in full glory for all to see--
Written on the hearts of His children.

Walking through the glade He whispers Love,
And even through the Darkness drawing nigh,
He chooses to show affection from above,
And loves me, comforting my every cry.

No one is deserving of this gift of love.
It can never be earned;
But yet, God gives it to all.
He is unconditionally Loving.

God loves us even when we fail;
And when storm-clouds of doubt abide,
He shows us that His love shall yet prevail--
We're always walking daily by His side.

How Great is God's love that He should even consider us--
Us, who have only done Him wrong.
Yet He loves us because He is Love.

~E.T. & E.P. (9-29-08)

En`cour´age`ment

2008-07-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Remember:
Romans 12:1-2
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (-ESV)

Let me encourage you to study this verse some more. There is so much to it. Every time I read it I find something different. Something else occurs to me that I should be doing or it reminds me of what I am doing and how I can better accomplish it.

Let me also encourage you to keep your daily devotion time with God. Don't skimp God. Our devotion time is what keeps us "holy and acceptable to God".

Also remember to pray for our Brothers And Sisters In Chains. (remember them by B.A.S.I.C.s). Learn more about them. Log on to persecution.com

Read Ephesians 4

Thanks guys for the responses that I've been getting back. They encourage me a lot! I'm praying for you. Please do the same for me -Liz

3rd day story of Hudson Taylor

2008-06-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

Me: "When Hudson arrived in China he couldn't read the signs. Why do you think he couldn't read them?"
Noah: "Because they were written in Spanish!"

Me: "Hudson couldn't speak to the people about Jesus yet. Do you know why?"
Noah: "Yes, because he couldn't speak Spanish!!!"

On Friday Noah still called Chinese Spanish. I guess to him, every language that isn't English is Spanish!

Here is a copy of an email that was forwarded to me that I thought went well with my post:

JESUS SAID, "LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME TO ME, AND
DO NOT HINDER THEM, FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
BELONGS TO SUCH AS THESE."
( MATTHEW 19:14 *NIV )

Dear Chelsea,
Children are a gift from God, and hold a very special place
in our hearts. And as any parent knows, out of the mouths of
babes come amazing things! So today we will take a look at
a message I received this week from one of our subscribers.

Now I hope that you will laugh as hard as I did when I first read
these, so let us begin.......

Kid's Bible Lessons:

A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of
the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and
left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her
students would catch the drama. Then, she asked the class,

"If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and
bleeding, what would you do?"

A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence,

"I think I'd throw up."

~**~**~**~**

STORY OF ELIJAH

The Sunday school teacher was carefully explaining the story
of Elijah the Prophet and the false prophets of Baal. She
explained how Elijah built the altar, put wood upon it, cut the
steer in pieces, and laid it upon the altar. And then, Elijah
commanded the people of God to fill four barrels of water and
pour it over the altar. He had them do this four times.

"Now," said the teacher, "can anyone in the class tell me why
the Lord would have Elijah pour water over the steer on the
altar?"

A little girl in the back of the room started waving her hand,
"I know, I know," she said, "to make the gravy!"

~**~**~**~**

LOT'S WIFE

A Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot's wife
looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Johnny
interrupted, "My Mommy looked back once, while she was
DRIVING," he announced triumphantly, "and she turned into
a telephone pole!"

~**~**~**~**

DID NOAH FISH?

A Sunday school teacher asked, "Johnny, do you think
Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?"

"No," replied Johnny. "How could he, with just two worms?"

~**~**~**~**

HIGHER POWER

A Sunday school teacher said to her children,
"We have been learning how powerful kings and queens were
in Bible times. But, there is a higher power. Can anybody tell
me what it is?"

One child blurted out, "Aces!"

~**~**~**~**

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Nine year old Joey, was asked by his mother what he had
learned in Sunday school.

"Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind
enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of
Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his engineers
build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely.
Then, he used his walkie-talkie to radio headquarters for
reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and
all the Israelites were saved."

"Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his
mother asked.

"Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd
never believe it!"

~**~**~**~**

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class
memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible;
Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the verse.

Little Bobby was excited about the task. But, he just couldn't
remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get
past the first verse.

On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23
in front of the whole congregation, Bobby was so nervous.
When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and
said proudly,

"The Lord is my shepherd and that's all I need."

"Eight Reasons Why I Don't Share My Faith"

2008-06-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

Splinters from a Rough Cross

2008-06-25T17:46:00.000-07:00

Today while Julia was telling the part of Jesus dieing on the cross at 5-day club a girl named Raiah asked "Wouldn't he have gotten splinters?". Her question made me think about how we sometimes forget how even the little things, like splinters, would have made it too painful for us to bear if we were the ones on the cross. Think about it! How painful it would have been to be beaten, whipped again and again on the same spot til flesh was all you had on that spot. No skin to bear the "brunt of it". Then have that bare, beaten flesh rubbed up and down on rough boards full of splinters while trying to do the simplest thing, breath. It hurt me when I only had one splinter in one finger at camp. How could I have complained when Jesus, God's perfect son, was hung on two roughly cut boards full of splinters that would go deep into Him whenever He moved? This was only one small part of His crucifixion. A part so small, only expounding on the small splinters from the cross. Imagine what the rest was like..........Reminds me that My God is so Great, so Strong and so Mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do! -What are your thoughts?

Video Promo for Voice of The Martyrs -Real People, Real stories

2008-06-24T20:10:00.000-07:00