Rearrange The Letters...

When You Rearrange The Letters…

DORMITORY becomes DIRTY ROOM
PRESBYTERIAN becomes BEST IN PRAYER
ASTRONOMER becomes MOON STARER
DESPERATION becomes A ROPE ENDS IT
THE EYES becomes THEY SEE
GEORGE BUSH becomes HE BUGS GORE
THE MORSE CODE becomes HERE COME DOTS
SLOT MACHINES becomes CASH LOST IN ME
ANIMOSITY becomes IS NO AMITY
ELECTION RESULTS becomes LIES - LET'S RECOUNT
SNOOZE ALARMS becomes ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S
A DECIMAL POINT becomes I’M A DOT IN PLACE
THE EARTHQUAKES becomes THAT QUEER SHAKE
ELEVEN PLUS TWO becomes TWELVE PLUS ONE

When Sinners Turn To Praise

By Fred Wikoff

It may be surprising to some that Chad McComas, the editor of this publication, is not the good guy that one might think. The truth is he’s a down right sinner.

I also have it on sound advice that the other writers for this publication are not as they appear. They all sound so squeaky clean and pious in their articles that one would naturally assume they are without blemish. But, I found that none of them even come close to being the saintly person one would expect of Christian writers. Sinners! They all are sinners!

Even worse, when viewing the evidence, I find that I’m as much a sinner as they are. The terrible truth is we are all sinners. All Christians are sinners. It’s a prerequisite to being admitted to Christ’s Church. If you’re not a confessed sinner, Christ doesn’t want you: “For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13

Christ says that righteous, do-gooders here on earth have received their rewards and they will have no further reward from the Father. (See Matthew 6:1-6) Only Satan is interested in these goody-too-shoes and holier-than-thou people. He knows that self-satisfaction for “good deeds” tends to draw credit and praise to one’s self instead of Christ. When we admire our own “goodness” and well-intentioned efforts, we mask the truth of God’s grace and rob Christ of the praise he rightly deserves.

Notice that Paul is especially careful to give Christ the credit for his evangelistic efforts: “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified . . . that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1Corinthians 2:2-6

Paul is equally quick to remind us of how Christ rescued him from his sordid past: “I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and insulted him; but I received mercy. . .” 1Timothy 1:13 He makes it clear that despite all his fame and mighty works that part of him still lives in the flesh: “For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want. But the evil I do not want is what I do.” Romans 7:18-19

What does being a sinner have to do with praise? It depends on how we see ourselves and Christ’s plea to “repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 If we see ourselves as righteous, hard working, sinless people who have earned God’s love then sin has nothing to do with praise. But if we are confessed and repented sinners our very act of turning from sin to obedience praises God.

Even the angels rejoice and give praise when we take that first step in accepting God’s offer of a full and complete pardon for our sins. (See Luke 14:4:10) Indeed, God’s saving grace is our sole basis for praising him. Without Christ’s victory over sin we would have no reason to praise him. But the moment Christ prevailed, sin turned to praise.

“While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone that believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38-40)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Praise God!

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise him all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father Son, and Holy Ghost. A-men.” (From Thomas Ken’s “Doxology”)

Fred Wikoff writes from Eugene, Oregon. EugeneSpud@msn.com

Film Review: Unrepentant

On March 6, 2007, a film called "Unrepentant" made its debut at Sundance Film Festival in California. It was created by Reverend Kevin Annett, a former minister of the United Church of Canada on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Annett's film exposes the collaboration between the Canadian government and the United Church of Canada to exterminate the Native Canadian people, and control their land and its resources.

From 1880 through the 1970's, Native children were forced from their homes and placed in "Christian" residential schools where they were systematically abused and murdered. Unspeakable damage has been done to the Native people in the name of Christ, but this genocide has been a well-kept secret.

As Reverend Annett and others uncovered the truth of what happened in the residential schools, he sought to bring reconciliation between the Native and Euro-Canadian people. He also asked the Canadian government and church to take responsibility for the crimes they committed. As a result, Annett has lost his job, his family, and his life is continually under threat. By bringing his film into the public eye, he hopes the world will pressure the Canadian church and government to take responsibility for their actions, and work to restore some of the damage that's been done.

As the film "Unrepentant" brings the world's attention to this situation, I can't help but think that the body of Christ here in America should become informed and prepared to respond with compassion and courage. As the world examines the behavior of the Canadian church, they will inevitably look at the American church and gauge our reaction to this breaking news.

We have an opportunity to obey God's numerous commands in Scripture to uphold justice, defend the oppressed and restore the name of Christ where it has been defamed. We have the chance to show respect, compassion and love towards the Native people who have survived this genocide and are still trapped in a system of oppression and poverty.

For more information regarding Kevin Annett and the crimes committed against the Native people of Canada, please look at Reverend Annett's website: www.hiddenfromhistory.org . He is an excellent resource for those who wish to be informed on this subject.

A concerned minister sent this review in. He chooses to be anonymous.

Five Ways To Defeat The Goliaths In Your Life

By Beverly Hill McKinney

We face things in our lives which seem insurmountable. Challenges such as health problems, indebtedness, marriage concerns, unmanageable children and more. These become Goliaths to us.

How do we face these giants? How do we deal with the fears and the overwhelming sense of hopelessness?

Recently, I had to undergo extensive medical procedures. It was totally new territory. I had always been healthy so the idea of facing this uncertainty caused me to experience great fear. It was a Goliath to me.

I knew I “should” feel the assurance of the Lord going with me. But, I was frightened. Did I believe all I had previously told others about trust and faith? Did I believe I could entirely depend on Him? My fear stood like Goliath threatening my trust in God. How would I overcome my fear?

My pastor retold the story of David and Goliath. David faced a huge obstacle. All around him the soldiers expressed fear and doubt about winning the battle against the enemy Goliath. He loomed like a huge rock in front of them.

David was undaunted. He cast aside the armor given to him and reached down to pick up five smooth stones. David didn’t see Goliath as a huge obstacle, but as a huge target! How could he miss a target that was that big?

So, I decided to look at the medical tests facing me--through the eyes of David. I realized that the five stones that David picked up represent five ways we overcome fear. I saw five things we can do to reduce fear when we face Goliaths in our lives.

1. Admit We Are Afraid.
Jesus asked His Father to take the cup of suffering from Him the night before the crucifixion. He had His own challenge, so we must believe that Jesus understands our fears. He is able to handle our trials. “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15

2. Ask For Prayer Support.
We must not be afraid to ask friends to pray with us and for us as we face our “Goliaths.” There is nothing like experiencing the prayers of others. As we immerse ourselves in prayer we have less time to worry. At the time of my medical procedures, I had the assurance of friends praying for me at that instant.

3. Find Verses On Courage And Peace.
God’s Word is full of encouragement. I write down verses that specifically speak to me and memorize them so I can recall them when I need them. Some verses that were important to me were:

Psalms 17:8 “Keep me as the apple of thy eye; hide me under the shadow of thy wings.”

Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Isaiah 43:1 “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.”

The verse that spoke most to me that week was Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

4. Sing And Listen To Praise Music.
God lives in the praise of His people. When we sing and listen to praise songs it calms us and helps us focus on our powerful God. At one point in my tests, I was quite frightened. I began to think of praise songs such as “Lord I Lift Your Name on High” and “I See the Lord, Sitting on the Throne, Exalted.” By repeating these praises a peace descended on me and I was able to finish the procedure with calm and assurance.

5. Thank The Lord
James tells us to consider it all joy for the trials we face. (See James 1:2-5) Paul tells us to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. That’s when the peace comes. (See Philippians 4:6,7)

As I sat in church on the Sunday awaiting the final test results, the greeting from our pastor that morning was, “Be strong and courageous. If you are facing obstacles in your life, remember these words.” Those were the exact words which started the verse I claimed that week as mine from the Lord.

A peace descended on me and I knew that whatever the outcome of the medical tests I had the assurance that I would be strong and courageous. Later that week my doctor called and told me all tests were negative. I was fine.

The results may not always be the same in everything we face, but our Lord has promised to always be there for us in our Goliath times. By remembering our five stones of attack we will be able to win the battles ahead.

Beverly Hill McKinney writes from Rogue River, Oregon. bmckinnehill@yahoo.com

Through The Eyes Of Children

By Daris Howard

It is springtime and my two youngest daughters have been cooped up in the house all winter and are fretting to get out every chance they get. They were born after we thought we were done having children and they have complicated our household in many wonderful ways. They have colored our lives with a tapestry of awareness that we should have had with our other children, but did not.

I help them on with sweaters, for even though it is late May, it is still chilly. Each of them puts a hand in mine and we step outside for an educational walk through the garden as I plan to show them the many wonders of spring. The first thing we come to are the wild roses that bloom along the ditches and canals near our house. Their fragrance fills the air with a scent that tingles the nose. My two-year old, Elliana, points to them. “What are those?” she asks.

Before I can answer, her four-year old sister, Heather, jumps in. “Those,” she says, “are called noses. They are called that because they smell so good. But be careful because those sharp things on them are called pokies.”

A large orange and black Monarch butterfly lands on the bushes next to us. Heather points to it. “Oh, look, Ellie, it’s a flutterby.”

As we stand there watching the ‘flutterby’ a flock of geese noisily wings its way north in formation above us. Heather points to them. “Those are called gooses. The noise they make is honking.”

Elliana looked impressed with her big sister’s knowledge. “Why are they honking?” she asked.
“Because,” Heather answered with an air of four-year old wisdom, “they are anxious to get home and the ones in the front are going too slow so the ones in the back want them to get out of the road.”

As we continued our walk through the garden a pungent smell filled the air. Heather and Ellie both sniffed and wrinkled their noses. Heather turned to her little sister. “That is called a ‘stunk’, and I’m sure I don’t need to tell you why it is called that.”

Our walk takes us through the strawberry patch that is waking from the cold winter and starting to put on flowers like a springtime snow. Heather points to them. “Do you know what these are, Ellie?” Ellie shakes her head so Heather continues. “These are called yum berries. That is their real name, but some people call them slow berries because they take too long before they can be eaten.”

I just kept quiet and listened to Heather describe the world around us with her vivid imagery and imaginative way. I realized this educational walk was more of an education for me than for them. God gave me eyes to see, ears to hear, a nose to smell, a mouth to taste, and fingers with which to feel, but he gave me children to cause me to stop and look. They help me pause and listen, remind me to take time out and smell the roses, help me be grateful for the flavors of the bounty around me, and cause me to reach out and enjoy touching what I see.

Thank you, God, for children.

Daris Howard writes from St. Anthony, Idaho.

Three Things In Life...

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back
1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity
Three things in life that can destroy a person
1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness
Three things in life that you should never lose
1. Hope
2. Peace
3. Honesty
Three things in life that are most valuable
1. Love
2. Family and Friends
3. Kindness
Three things in life that are never certain
1. Fortune
2. Success
3. Dreams
Three things in life that make a person
1. Commitment
2. Sincerity
3. Hard Work
Three things that are truly constant
1. Father
2. Son
3. Holy Spirit

Sent by Nancy Corliss from Anchorage, Alaska.

The Voice Of God

By JT Martinson

Speak to me God, I long to hear
Where is Your voice, I know You care.
Speak to me God, I'll open my eyes
I'll turn to You, please hear my cries.

Is that You in the wind?
It whispers sometimes
The mountains shake
The cathedral bell chimes.

Is that You when the earth is still,
When the cold frost freezes
And the flowers wilt?

Maybe it's You in the spark of a flame,
In the heat of the sun,
And the tears of the rain.

Or maybe You breath in the depths of my soul,
An inner voice,
That's ancient and old.

It's a Father's wisdom that comes from above.
And He often chooses to speak
In the echoes of love.

Where sometimes He's clear,
With words that are strong,
But many times He's subtle
In the tune of a song.

JT Martinson writes from Central Point, Oregon.

The Power Of Praise

By Chad McComas

Christians have a secret power that the Devil knows about. He does everything in his power to keep us from knowing and understanding this power and especially from using this power. He knows that when we use this power we have tremendous joy in our experience with God and His people and we experience success and victory in our Christianity where we once had failure and defeat.

Praise is our secret power.

Praise that wells up in our hearts and minds and exits through our lips can change the world. Praise changes attitudes and changes outcomes. Praise ushers in the power of God. Praise chases away the Devil and his schemes. Praise is the language of winners. Whiners complain. Winners praise in all circumstances and change those circumstances because of their praise.

Remember when Paul and Silas were thrown into jail in Philippi? They were beaten and tossed into an dirty, smelly, dark, cold dungeon of a jail. Some say that prisons in those days were down in cisterns that ran with raw sewage. It was definitely a tough situation. But Paul and Silas knew about the power of praise.

We read: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.” Acts 16:25,26

Because Paul and Silas choose to praise God in their difficult situation the whole town was affected. The jailer and his family were baptized. The other prisoners experienced something that changed the rest of their lives. The town leaders were shaken to the core. And from history we discover that Philippi had a church that made a mark. Even the letter that Paul wrote to them is one of the most positive and powerful.

Remember story of King Jehoshaphat when he faced the destruction of his kingdom from an army that was huge? Remember what God told him and what he did when he went to battle. It is an amazing story of the power of Praise.

"Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 Tomorrow march down against them…You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'" Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with very loud voice. Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the LORD your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful." After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: "Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever." As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.” 2 Chronicles 20:15-22

So…how often do we use the power of praise in our lives? What victories do we miss when we choose to whine rather than choose to be thankful and praise? James and Peter both talk about the troubles that Christians face. They both talk about the joy and praise that Christians need to practice in tough situations. They talk about how tough situations make us stronger. The stronger we get, the more we praise. The more we praise, the stronger we get! (See James 1:2-8 and 1 Peter 1:3-7)

Paul tells us, in the letter to Philippi, that we are to be in a constant attitude of praise. That attitude produces peace in our hearts that sets us apart from the rest of the world. Notice: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7

We have the secret power. Let’s use it and change the world!

Chad McComas is the editor of The Christian Journal and writes from Medford, Oregon.

The Great Exchange With God

By Troy Pomeroy

Our economy is based on exchange. People watch the paper, the news, and other sources to see what their stocks, gold, silver, and precious jewels are worth. These items have value because we have attached a value to them. That value rises and falls based on factors like need, supply and demand, and current trends. We will end up exchanging a little or a lot of what we do have for something we don’t have based on how important that something is to us.

God’s economy works in a similar way. We are supposed to exchange. The difference is we are supposed to exchange in each other’s lives – the things that are eternal. Most of the time we are exchanging in the temporary things of the world like cars, houses, gold, and silver. These are all enjoyable things, but will perish in the end.

From the beginning, God has desired a personal relationship with His children. That is spelled put clearly in the covenant relationship He establishes. Although we tend to make this difficult, it is really an easy relationship. It’s all based on a good exchange. We give Him praise and He gives us peace. In exchange for our heart, he fills us with hope. If we pray, we receive His promises. This is a good thing.

But it gets better. All of those exchanges or “trades” are easily made because they are good things and a sign of a positive, healthy relationship. It’s easy to give something of value to someone you love when they are giving something of value in return. God goes a huge step further. He also takes our garbage – our sins, mistakes, and imperfections. And he trades them for the most valuable commodity of all – eternity with Him. Most of us wouldn’t be willing to make that kind of trade, giving something of high value in exchange for something worthless or repulsive.

It proves how much He loves us and how much higher His ways are than ours. He takes our sorrow and sickness and gives us salvation. He carries our burden and gives us blessing. He removes our worries and gives us worth. It is beyond our ability to understand why and how He does this. Fortunately, we don’t have to understand it. All we have to do is make the great exchange!

Troy Pomeroy writes from Eagle Point, Oregon. pastortroy@epacenter.com

God's Answers To My Prayers Are...Sometimes Immediate, Sometimes Not

By Elizabeth Schatz

I get so tired of the rain! And it's raining again!

As we left church Sunday morning, it was raining---again. What was I to do with my daughter with autism while the rest of the family went to their Sunday school classes? Normally, I take my daughter on a walk, then we sit in our van and we do our own Sunday school lesson.

The others left and the tears flooded my eyes. God, I am so tired of it all! So tired of going forward. I don't want to go on anymore. Where are You, God? I need Your help right now. Please God, I need Your help! Amid the tears and crying out to God because of the struggles and difficulties in my life, I got my daughter and myself ready for our walk. When I opened the van door, it wasn't raining. "Thank You, God," I said aloud. "I know You are here. Thank You."

Later that morning I was hit with a migraine headache. I curled up on the bed, blanket over my head to keep the light out. I pressed my fingers, hands against my skull to try to stop the stabbing pain. The medicine wasn't working. I cried as the sharp pain intensified within my head. Please, God, make the pain go away. But the pain didn't go away. Instead of focusing on the pain and how utterly miserable I was, I repeated Blessed be the name of the Lord. The lyrics played through my mind: “Blessed be Your name. Though I walk through the wilderness, blessed be Your name. Blessed be Your glorious name. Blessed be Your name on the road that is marked with suffering. When the darkness closes in, Lord, still I will say, blessed be the name of the Lord. You give and take away. My heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be Your name.”

I repented of the times when I thought one girl in high school with me was a wimp when she had a migraine. I now knew how real the pain was and asked God to forgive my callousness and uncaring.

The pain continued---intense, unbearable, excruciating. Please God lessen the pain. Let me fall asleep so I don't have to feel this pain. I called upon the Great Physician to heal me, to take away, to lessen the pain. If there was even a microscopic lessening of the pain, I thanked Jesus and continued to pray, blessed be the name of the Lord .

The entire day passed. It was dark outside and I was still curled up in pain. It felt like my head was going to explode, the pressure was so intense and the pain so strong. Finally, at 7:30 pm I got up and readied myself for bed. I felt dizzy and moved at a snail's pace. I sat on the couch, leaning against the cushion. The rest of the family went to bed. I continued to ask God for healing, to take away the pain. The pain persisted.

I may have fallen asleep for short periods of time, but I heard the grandfather clock many times tolling at fifteen minute intervals. At 1:30 am the pain was much less intense, but my head still pounded. God, please make it stop. I took some ibuprofen and lay back down on the couch. Blessed be the Lord.

I awoke at five am and immediately noticed I felt no pain. Thank You, Jesus!
Why did God immediately answer my plea for His presence earlier in the day and then take fourteen hours to answer the second request? God knew I needed to know He is here for me, by stopping the rain, so through the pain of a migraine I would seek Him, praise Him, know He is here, for I needed that in my heart to get through the pain I was experiencing in my head.
Perhaps these two experiences are short lessons in how I am to rely on God and His infinite wisdom, mercy, and grace as I continue in a difficult marriage, one in which I've struggled for over a decade. God is here; He is watching over me, carrying me through the difficulties in my marriage. Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Elizabeth Schatz writes from Medford, Oregon.

Sister To Sister

By Patti Iverson

Peggy is more than a sister. She’s my twin! We are separate bodies, different personalities, disparate lives, but one heart and one Savior. She lives in California and I call her the ‘wicked (say with a growl) twin of the south” while me, in Oregon, am the “Good (falsetto voice) twin of the north.” Nobody buys it, but it always gets a laugh.

Memories are tricky details of life. We shared the same experiences growing up, but for some reason, Peggy’s memories diverge from mine. Of course, I say, “Peggy, you just remember wrong.” That always goes over real well.

Los Angeles in the 1950’s was a golden era. Orange trees, Hollywood movie stars, clean air, and good people were the norm. At the wee age of five we traipsed all over our small town of South Pasadena visiting (harassing?) neighbors, and going to the corner grocery store. We each guarded the quarter in our sweaty palms to buy a pack of Pall Mall cigarettes for mom and a half-gallon of milk for daddy. Then the owners would give us candy and we’d fight over it. Twins!

Our family only went to church on Christmas and Easter. Nobody knew what a “personal relationship” with Jesus was, but I am convinced He was there, watching over us all the time. Loving, guiding, and guarding, even though we did not know it at the time. God’s amazing grace. We were blessed by the Blesser Himself, and never even knew Who to thank! But Psalms 121 says: “The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life.” Ahhhhh! Awwwww! Awe.

The big kids on the block put on shows with music, drama, and magic acts. At twilight everybody joined up for Hide ‘n Seek. I recall being mad because Peggy wanted to hide alone, without me. How dare she assert her autonomous nature so early on in life? Harrumph!

Fun times playing house, dress up, arts ‘n crafts, swimming and all the other childhood joys during that delightful decade. We also fought our sibling battles with fervor worthy of the Civil War. Like those soldiers, we always had times of socializing and sharing common bonds between the bloodshed. I tied Peggy up during a rousing round of Cowboys ‘n Indians and pushed her off the front porch. Oh, how I cried along with her as if it were MY tooth that was chipped and bloodied. It sure wasn’t nice when she zoomed me down the lengthy banister during a sisterly skirmish! I’m still sorry for throwing that glass Prell shampoo bottle into the shower at her, cutting her back.

Occasionally we came together to join forces against a common enemy. One Easter Sunday, as we proudly walked up Meridian Avenue in our holiday finery with our new plush bunnies under our arms, a nasty boy named Ricky started his usual bullying. Well, ya just don’t mess with the twins on a religious holiday! We started fighting like a couple of banty hens. Flying bonnets, ripped lacy white socks and frilly dresses didn’t matter. Maryjanes, muddied and scuffed, kicked poor Ricky where he wished he’d been sitting. No more problems ever ensued with that neighborhood bully!

Both parents died when we were still in school, after lengthy battles with alcoholism and sorrow, which brought twinship bonds even more into focus. Years fly by. Marriages, babies, and life challenges strengthen us as sisters. ESP is a real thing between twins. (Not just extra sensory power, also extra spiritual power!) We held the same jobs, although thousands of miles apart, never discussing it beforehand. Clowns, preschool teachers, telephone operators, and activity directors are a few. One year we mailed each other the exact same tote bag for our birthday. I thought she was just cheap, and sending it back to me! Truly odd to me is how our illnesses/surgeries seem to follow us together. We’ve both had asthma/allergies, hysterectomies, arthritis, diabetes, and other maladies at the same time only to discover it when we chat on the phone. “You too? Your back hurts? Well then it’s your fault that I’m struggling up here!” Twins are really good at placing blame, y’know…

Now, as middle-aged, matronly grandmas, we continue to live, learn, and love as twins with the best bond of all: joyfully serving the Family of God with unconditional love for each other. (Even if she still has faulty memory!)

Patti Iverson writes from Medford, Oregon. randpi@charter.net

The Silver Ring Thing

Special Event For Teens…
The Silver Ring Thing Is Coming To Grants Pass

The Pregnancy Care Center of Grants Pass will be hosting the Silver Ring Thing, a national touring group promoting abstinence on Wednesday, May 9 at 6:30 pm. This 2 1/2 hour stage performace incorporates high-energy music, special effects, fast-paced video, personal testimonies, and comedy all delivered in a concert-style approach with which teenagers can respond and relate. The program conveys God's message of forgiveness and new beginnings with an opportunity to embrace a "second virginity."

Students who make a commitment to abstinence can purchase a sterling silver ring ($15) as a symbol and reminder of their decision. After each event, students who make this commitment are followed-up by SRT staff with 40 e-mails over the next four months that encourage and equip these students in their commitment.

A parent's seminar is also held at each event to educate parents about what is happening in today's youth culture and how they can encourage and support their child's abstinence commitment.

Youth Pastors are encouraged to bring along their youth group. The seminar will help build a generation of teens who are unafraid to both share and live the Gospel. The Silver Ring Thing is a relevant, new and real way to talk to youth about sexual purity. The program engages youth with a compelling and challenging approach, drawing them into a serious commitment of abstinence until marriage.

Here is what others are saying:
"There is no doubt that in our sex saturated culture, one of the greatest challenges we face is getting the abstinence message out to our students in a way that will have a powerful and lasting effect. To help in this crucial task, I can highly and without reservation recommend the Silver Ring Thing sexual abstinence program. There is no doubt that the Lord is working in a very powerful way through the ministry of the Silver Ring Thing."
Mark Orr, New England Regional Coordinator of the National Network of Youth Ministries

" The Silver Ring Thing blew us away!! Their show was relevant and captivating to our students and adults. Their message of salvation and commitment to Christ hit right to the heart of where this generation of young people is at. Our students still talk about SRT almost a year later. I highly recommend SRT to anyone wanting to impact this generation of young people to live lives of purity."
Kevin Valentine, Student Ministries Pastor of NorthRidge Church in Plymouth, Michigan.

Silver Ring Thing promotional materials are free and available. These include: A SRT DVD which features a two minute promo to share with a group gathering; a youth talking to youth promo to get teens excited about the event; “the letter” promo of teens talking about writing a letter to present to their spouse on their wedding day and more. Posters, invitation postcards, bulletin inserts and more. Call Jo Lisa at the Pregnancy Care Center – (541) 479-6264 to get materials or to volunteer.

Shoes In the Church

Author Unknown

I showered and shaved. I adjusted my tie.
I got there and sat in a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer as I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me
Touch my own. I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side
I thought, "Why must our soles touch?"
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine.
But it didn't bother him much.
A prayer began: "Our Father"
I thought, "This man with the shoes
Has no pride. They're dusty, worn, and scratched.
Even worse, there are holes on the side."
"Thank you for blessings," the prayer went on
The shoe man said a quiet "Amen"
I tried to focus on the prayer
But my thoughts were on his shoes again.
Aren't we supposed to look our best
When we walk through that door?
"Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought
Glancing toward the floor.
Then the prayer was ended
And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud,
Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters,
His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely hear
The shoe man's voice from the sky.
It was time for the offering
And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out. What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft "clink" when silver hits tin.
The sermon bored me to tears and that's no lie.
It was the same for the shoe man, for tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service as the custom is here.
We must greet new visitors and show them good cheer.
I felt moved somehow and wanted to meet the shoe man.
So after the closing prayer I reached over and shook his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark. His hair truly a mess.
But I thanked him for coming for being our guest.
He said "My name's Charlie. I'm glad to meet you my friend."
There were tears in his eyes, but he had a large, wide grin.
"Let me explain", he said wiping tears from his eyes.
"I've been coming here for months and you're the first to say "Hi."
"I know that my appearance is not like all the rest,
But I really do try to always look my best.
I always clean and polish my shoes before my a very long walk,
but by the time I get here they're dirty and dusty like chalk."
My heart filled with pain and I swallowed to hide my tears,
As he continued to apologize for daring to sit so near.
He said, "When I thought if I could touch you...then maybe our souls might unite."
I was silent for a moment, knowing whatever was said would pale
in comparison.
I spoke from my heart, not my head.
"Oh, you've touched me," I said, "and taught me in part that the
best in any man is what is found in his heart."
The rest, I thought this shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am that his dirty old shoe touched my soul.

Sent in by Kathy Anderst from Medford, Oregon.

Rush Hour

By Veronica Moore

Driving down the highway in rush hour traffic the Lord began to minister to me. When He began to speak to my heart, tears began to fall. I was so glad that the traffic was not as heavy as it usually was.

He said that I AM getting you ready. Everything that you are going through my child is according to MY plan. I AM the Lord God. I change not. When you don't hear MY voice I want you to trust MY plan. Take MY word. Take it one step at a time. I know you feel like giving up, but trust MY plan. I AM the Lord. I see, I understand, I have a plan. MY plan is to prosper you, give you hope, give you a future. I hear you, I see you, I care. I feel what you feel. I know what you are going through. I AM the Lord God. I change not. Take one more step, one more breath, one more day. You are no stranger to me you are MY child. Preparations that you go through are for you, for ME. The times when you feel all alone and those times when you are alone, remember, I will always be there. I see, I hear, I care! I AM the Lord God. I change not. I formed the world, you and every thing that exist. Every test, trial, struggle and storm, I direct! I won't leave you. I AM the Lord God. Can't you hear ME softly calling you, wiping the tears from your eyes? I AM the Lord God. I AM never far from your side. As I opened the red sea for Moses and the children of Israel, I have performed for you as well MY child. If you look back over that last ordeal you went through remember how I brought you out of it and through it and now you don't even remember it? I AM the same God that will deliver you again. I AM unlike lovers of your yesterday, that claim to love you, walk away leaving you with tears in your eyes, your feet on the floor and your back against the wall. I AM the Lord your God. I will never leave you, nor forsake you. I will be with you always. No place can you run or hide from ME. I died so that I could have You with me throughout eternity. I AM just getting you ready for what I have had planned for you since the foundations of the world. Trust me, I understand, I know, I care. GOD.

Veronica Moore

Creating Moments That Matter

By Trisha McCoy

Each year, Royal Family Kids’ Camps (RFKC) offers 6,000 abused, neglected, and abandoned children the opportunity to spend a week at camp. The 167 currently operating camps are designed to specifically meet the needs of the campers through the support of Christ-centered, loving adults who provide guidance and positive role modeling. In 2005, I went to an RFKC in Washington to learn how to establish a camp in Jackson County.

The transformation that I saw during my week at camp was beyond belief. I watched the campers, all under the age of 12, come off the bus broken and defeated on the first day. Their beaten-down spirits laid dormant inside fragile bodies, waiting to be sparked to life. By the end of the week, the kids were filled with hope. They were encouraged to play and create. They were given opportunities to succeed. And, most importantly, they were loved.

I came home at the end of the week ready to do whatever was necessary to start a camp in Jackson County. I worked with Kay Stainbrook, who attended training as the Phoenix, Oregon camp director, to start a local camp. We took 23 children to camp last summer.

Looking through the camper applications, it was clear that the defining moments in their lives were both painful and confusing. We took children to camp who had experienced the pain of rejection from multiple foster placements and failed adoptions. We took children who had been beaten by people who were supposed to love them. We took children who had never known what it felt like to be wanted.

Like the kids at the Washington camp, our campers came off the bus on Monday with their heads hanging low. During the week, they learned that there are people who will care for them and not hurt them. They learned they can be successful. Most importantly, they learned that they are worthy of love and that there is a Creator who loves them more than they will ever know.

Our camp staff also underwent a transformation during the week. Most of the counselors were hesitant to come to camp because they had no experience working with abused kids. But, by the end of the first day, they were having as much fun as the campers. The counselors had skinned knees, painted faces and grass-stained clothes. It was more difficult to get the staff to go home on Friday than the campers.

Somewhere in the middle of campfire songs and watermelon relays, love filled the campground and infected everyone that was there. The staff helped the children create moments of love and compassion to fight back the pain and rejection the kids live with during the other 51 weeks of the year. Instead of the life of despair that often follows an abusive childhood, these kids now have the potential for healthy, fulfilling lives. And maybe, they will come back someday and help the next generation of abused children.

I went to RFKC training because I wanted to do something to help the nearly 500 kids in Jackson County that are in foster care. But sometimes I think I benefit more from camp than the campers do. And, like most of the staff, I am already counting down the days until the kids get off the bus this summer.

If you would like more information about Royal Family Kids’ Camps or are interested in donating time or materials, please contact one of the local camps. We also ask that you prayerfully consider sponsoring a child this summer.

Phoenix, Oregon
Kay Stainbrook, Director
541-621-3857
Trisha McCoy, Assistant Director
541-941-1610
trishacastillo@aol.com

Grants Pass, Oregon
Denise Pemberton, Director
541-660-4392

Trisha McCoy writes from Phoenix, Oregon.

What's The Fuss About "Purity Balls?"

By Pam Frantz, Minneapolis, MN

A “Purity Ball” is an event held by fathers for their daughter. They are fancy affairs, with girls dressed in formal attire. At the event the young women sign pledges to remain virgins until married. Yet…the media is upset!

Quoting from an article in glamour.com: “The first ‘Purity Ball’ was held in 1998 by the founders of Generations of Light, a popular Christian ministry in Colorado Springs, Colorado. “We wanted to set a standard of dignity and honor for the way the girls should be treated by the men in their lives,” says Lisa, a warm, exuberant woman with a ready smile and seven children, ages 4 to 22. Lisa’s own father left her family when she was two and despite a kind stepfather she grew up not feeling valued or understood. “Looking back, it’s a miracle I remained pure,” she says. “I believe if girls feel beautiful and cherished by their fathers, they don’t go looking for love from random guys.“

The movement’s latest mission is to make abstinence cool, dubbing it “chastity chic.”
I find the whole idea wonderful. That is how it was intended since the beginning.
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

The act of intercourse actually meant something once. It wasn’t just recreational. It wasn’t just “something to do” if you liked a guy. So, I ask, what is wrong with encouraging a young woman to maintain her purity until marriage?

Glamour Magazine, (popular with the 15-24 age group) is just one voice in the media speaking out against “Purity Balls.” As the “Purity Movement” begins to swell, so does the press coverage railing against it. Glamour’s article denounces the whole concept of encouraging women to remain virgins until marriage. It quotes so-called “experts” in the field of psychology and health. The general consensus is that these girls are being set up for failure, and the ability to remain a virgin until marriage is unrealistic an emotionally and psychologically unhealthy. The studies indicate that girls who take the “purity pledge” are twice as likely to end up with STD’s because they won’t use condoms when they first have sex. Apparently these “pure” young women will eventually be swept up in the moment and not plan correctly for their sexual experience. The so-called “experts” seem to assume that women who have not pledged “purity” plan to have sex and always carry and use condoms.

The article goes on to indicate there is something intrinsically weird about dressing up in a ball gown and dancing with your dad. It suggests that girls feel uncomfortable being so close to their dads and are embarrassed discussing such personal matters with them. The article states that when the writer attended a ball, she felt the fathers seemed uncomfortable themselves, or if not uncomfortable, the father/daughter couples seemed too close, basically inferring that maybe there was something not quite right going on.

Well, I ask, what is wrong with a father expressing his care and concern for his daughter? Telling her she is beautiful and valued and that she is a gift that he will eventually bestow upon a worthy young man? What is wrong with instilling a sense of morality and decency in a daughter, and making it clear to her, in front of family and friends, that he will be there for her, protect her and watch over her?

The Glamour writer concludes her seven-page “Purity Ball” article as follows: “I deeply wish that the lovely things I have seen tonight - the delighted young women, the caring, doting dads- might evolve into father-daughter events not tied to exhorting a promise from a girl that may hang over her head as the struggles to become a woman. When Lauren Wilson hit adolescence, her father gave her a purity ring and a charm necklace with a tiny lock and key. Randy Wilson took the key, which he will hand over to her husband on their wedding day. The image of a locked area behind which a girl stores all of her messy desires until one day a man comes along with the key haunts me. By the end of the ball, as I watch fathers carrying out sleepy little girls with dropping tiaras and enveloping older girls with wraps, I want to take every one of those girls aside and whisper to them the real secret of womanhood: The key to any treasure you’ve got is held by one person: you.”

I ask what is wrong with that? In my eyes-not a thing.

Pam Frantz writes from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Praise Verses

Here are some praise verses to encourage you with...

“PRAISE be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3,4

“PRAISE be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3

“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of PRAISE.” James 5:13,14

“PRAISE be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in PRAISE, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1,3-7

“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but PRAISE God that you bear that name.” 1 Peter 4:16

Praise The Lord!

By Willa Johnson

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts; Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.”

During my childhood, every Sunday morning in church, after the offering, we stood and loudly proclaimed the Doxology, dragging out the “Amen..” Because the theme for this month is praise, I became curious about this beloved hymn seldom sung in churches today.

The music was written by Louis bourgeois in the 1500’s and became known as “The Hundreth” after words based on Psalm 100 were incorporated. We know that hymn today as “All People That On Earth Do Dwell.”

Thomas Ken, an Englishman, (1637-1711) wrote the words to what we know as the Doxology, based on Psalm 86:12. It has been said that those four lines of the hymn have been sung in all churches than any other song since then. In fact, it is believed they teach the doctrine of the Trinity better than any theological book ever written.

Let’s think about each line.

Line 1: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.”
Can that be right? ALL Blessings! Yes, I believe it’s true. After all, all good and perfect things come from God, the Creator. Even the things which cause us heartache and sadness usually occur because we misuse their purpose. A gun, a knife, a cane have all been instruments of death, but it is the individual misusing them; not the item itself.

Line 2: “ Praise Him all creatures here below.”
That means you, me and every other person alive. Even the animals among us seem to have an instinctual way of obeying their Creator.

Line 3: “Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts.”
At Christmastime, probably more than any other time, we think of choirs of angels proclaiming the birth of the Christ child. In Hebrews 1:14 we read: “Are they (speaking of angels) not all ministering spirits, sent fort to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” These heavenly hosts are with us today, guiding and protecting us and still singing praises to God.

Line 4: “Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”
There it is: the complete Godhead, Three-in-one, Triune being.
It’s true that the praise hymns we sing today are powerful and thrilling, because many are taken directly from scripture. But, to me, the simple four lines written over 300 years ago can’t be matched for the majesty they convey.

Willa Johnson writes from Phoenix, Oregon.

Praise Sends The Enemy Running

Praise manifests God’s presence, so praise repels the presence of the enemy, Satan. An atmosphere which is filled with sincere worship and praise to God by humble and contrite hearts is disgusting to the Devil. He fears the power in the name of Jesus, and flees from the Lord’s habitation in praise. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God” (Psalms 50:23).

When the children of Judah found themselves outnumbered by the hostile armies of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, King Jehoshophat and all the people sought the Lord for His help. The Lord assured the people that this would be His battle. He told them to go out against them, and He would do the fighting for them. So what did the children of Judah do? Being the people of “praise” (Judah actually means Praise), and knowing that God manifests His power through praise, they sent their army against their enemies, led by the praisers!

So on they went, ahead of the army declaring, “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endureth forever!” And the scripture says, “...when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten” 2 Chronicles 20:22

When God’s people begin to praise His name, it sends the enemy running! Become a person of praise and you will experience the release of the power of God!

Passover Haroset

By Deborah Davis

“Your love is better than wine… Sustain me with raisons, revive me with apples, for I am faint with love.” King Solomon from Song of Songs.

Song of Songs is a book of psalms written by King Solomon, is filled with beautiful verses on various foods, including honey, nuts, apples, raisons, figs, wine and spices. Many credit Song of Songs with the creation of the Passover food haroset.

Haroset is a traditional dish for Passover. On this holiday, Jews celebrate freedom from Egyptian slavery with a special dinner called a seder. A Passover seder was also the Last Supper that Jesus attended, and, for this reason, many Christians also host Passover seders.

There are two types main types of haroset. Ashkenazic Jews make a very simple haroset that usually consists of apples, walnuts, cinnamon, red wine/dark grape juice, and maybe raisons. This is the haroset that most Jews in North America eat each Passover.

Sephardic Jews make a spicier haroset. Unlike the Ashkenazim, the Sephardim do not have one recipe for haroset, or one typical type of haroset. What the various recipes agree on is that haroset should include fruit, and that it should be sweet and spicy. It may include apples, but may also have other fruits, such as oranges, dates, pomegranates, figs, bananas, coconut, almonds, pistachios, pecans, raisons, cranberries, walnuts, pine nuts, apricots, prunes, peanuts, sesame seeds or pears. It may be sweetened with red wine or grape juice, but may also include orange juice, white wine, wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, sugar, brandy, or jam. They may use cinnamon like the Ashkenazim, but they may also include other spices such as ginger, cardamom, cumin, coriander, cayenne, cloves, chili pepper, or nutmeg. If, as Elijah is believed to do, we could travel to all the seders, we would get to try many different kinds of haroset.

During the seder the story of the Jewish slaves’ escape is told and symbolic foods are eaten. One food is haroset, which is meant to represent the mortar that the Jewish slaves used to make bricks for the Egyptians. The haroset is eaten alone, and also with bitter herbs. The bitter herbs remind the Jews of the bitterness of slavery. By eating haroset with the bitter herbs, the sweet is combined with the bitter. Some say that this is symbolic of life.

Below are a few recipes for haroset. Why not try something new for your Passover seder?

Sephardic Haroset #1
2 Valencia oranges, cut into bite size pieces
1 sliced ripe banana
1 cup chopped pistachios
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon cardamom
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 cup honey
3 dates rolled in coconut, cut into small bite size pieces (These are available prepackaged at several local stores, or you could roll them on your own)

In a large bowl, place oranges and bananas. Add 1/4 cup honey and orange juice. Mix. Add remaining ingredients. Mix. Add 1/4 cup honey. Mix. Refrigerate 1/2 hour. Serve. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Sephardic Haroset #2
2 Oranges, cut into bite size pieces
1 1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup raisons
1 cup cut figs
1/4 cup muscatel or other sweet white wine
1/2 cup honey
1 Tablespoon chili pepper oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon cumin

In a large bowl, place almonds, cranberries, raisons, and figs. Mix. Add muscatel and chili pepper oil. Mix. Add black pepper, coriander, and cumin. Mix. Add honey and oranges. Mix. Serve. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Sephardic Haroset #3
2 apples, cored
2 bananas, peeled
4 dates, peeled
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup white grape juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon chili pepper
1 teaspoon lemon juice

In a food processor, chop apples, bananas, dates, and spices until finely chopped. Pour into large bowl, add juices, and nuts. Stir until juice is absorbed. Refrigerate 1 hour. Serve. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Ashkenazic Haroset
3 apples, cored
½ cup walnuts
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3 teaspoons honey
3 Tablespoons sweet red wine

In a food processor, blend until it is a paste. Serve. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Deborah Davis writes from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Journalist@DeborahDavis.Info

Our Deepest Fear

By Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate,
our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child
of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to
make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously
give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,

Sent in by Cassidy Janisch, Central Point, Oregon.

No More Pain

By Stewart Whittmore

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 1 Corinthians 7:10

Recently I returned from a memorial service for my godson, Roger. At the age of 45 and after much pain in his life, he passed on.

Roger called me "Uncle Stu" even though he was the son of my cousin Roger. He was liked and loved by many people. In fact, there was standing room only at his service. I don't think I have ever attended any memorial like it before.

Drugs and alcohol were the demons in Roger's life causing much pain for his family, especially his children. But with a heart of "godly sorrow" before he passed on, he received repentance and forgiveness. It led to his salvation and again demonstrated that we have a wonderful loving and merciful God.

The testimonies by his family and friends at the Spirit-filled service reflected his repentance and the sorrow he had caused to his family and to himself.

I easily identified with his addiction because those very same demons almost left me in a pit of despair causing tremendous pain in my own family.

The testimony that touched my heart the most was that sometime during his own painful time before he died he asked the Lord to "increase his pain" because of the pain he had caused his children. Not long after that petition Roger's pain ceased and he died in peace. It was if the Lord was telling Roger: "By (my) stripes (you) are healed."

Roger certainly taught me something that day about "godly sorrow.” As sorrowful as I am for the pain I have caused my family, especially my children, I never asked God to "increase my pain" because of my transgressions. It is obvious I still have a lot to learn.

Thank you, Roger, for that lesson. I wish I had lived a better life that influenced you in a Christ-like way while you were still with us.

I thank God that He is always in control and Jesus is the only Savior we need!
"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21:4

Thank You, Lord, that we sinners, including Roger will one day be home with you with "no more pain.”

"For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning." Psalms 30:5

Stewart Whittmore writes from Grants Pass, Oregon.

My Prayer List

By Lynn Ludwick

I was nearing the end of a spring-cleaning frenzy when I happened upon a basket of Christmas cards way back in a corner. Some I’d already seen, others I’d tossed in for later review. I meant to read them in January, but… Needing a break, I poured a cup of coffee and settled at the kitchen table.

As I read the cards and newsletters I jotted notes for my prayer journal. The list became a litany of woundedness: the aged who lug around their infirmities day after painful day; others claiming fewer years, but equally as sick; young people whose character is weak and there appears no strengthening on the horizon; adults hobbling along, crippled by unresolved issues; marriages, once bright and strong, now disintegrating. From Satan’s point of view the list would be considered a victory roster.

Discouragement threatened to settle like winter fog, yet I knew God maintained a different view of that list. He’d want me to pray for these folks because He is infinitely able to do something about their woes. “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

But other than Christmas communications, how many times do I happen upon bad news? I mean Bad News! The five or eleven o’clock TV reports comes to mind, as well as a quick scan of the newspaper. I could easily pray my way through the Mail Tribune.

Or how about a drive around town? Hopelessness bearing a cardboard sign inhabits freeway off ramps. Rebellion sporting in-your-face clothes and hairdos swaggers down a lonely street. Poverty pushes a borrowed grocery cart across a littered vacant lot, while failure trudges its way into the rescue mission. All reminders of just how fallen this sin sick, weary world is. And all reminders to pray, pray, pray. “Pray continually” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 suggests—no, commands. Is that so hard? Not if I maintain an ongoing conversation with God throughout my day. “Did you notice that guy? Please help him, Lord.” “Oh Father, my temper is threatening to escape, help me keep it in.” “Wow! You did awesome job on the sunrise this morning.” “What is that You just whispered to my heart?” Etc.

If I grow weary from noting the obviously needy, I need only look around me at church. The person praising the Lord next to me may appear prosperous, may flash an I’m-okay smile—but is it genuine or merely a survival ruse? I’ve flashed some of those fake smiles myself, all the while tears threatening to escape.

It gets even more personal. A spouse grouses, a child sasses. Anger erupts, right within our own four walls. Then it’s choice time. Do I, you and I, react in kind, or do we whisper a quick help-me-here-Lord prayer. Too often the easy choice is to join in the fray and go at it, blow-by-verbal blow.

Or how about breathing a prayer amid entertainment times? A friend recently read a book in which the redemptive story was portrayed, metaphorically. However when interviewed, the author just didn’t get it. He failed to see in his own words a picture of God in all His glory. Instead, it was a tale of I Am Man—I can do it all, on my own, thank you. Didn’t God clarify that sentiment through His servant Paul? “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 And how about this one? “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 It’s all about Him. All that said, when I read books or view movies, I have the opportunity to pray for the authors and actors.

I suspect when I start praying that way, the Holy Spirit will frequently tap me on the shoulder and whisper in my ear—“Psst, that situation over there needs to be brought before the Throne of Grace.” And it’s my privilege to do so.

My coffee was cold by the time I read the last annual accounting. I almost tucked the new list in my prayer journal, but hesitated. I’d leave it on the table and as I cleaned kitchen drawers, consult it. My, what a divine opportunity!

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy…” Philippians 1:4

Lynn Ludwick writes from Shady Cove, Oregon. Lynniegirl45@hotmail.com

Let Everything That Has Breath Praise The Lord

By Barry N. Shaw

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…” wrote the Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Ephesians (Ephesians 1:3). Paul explains why we should praise and give thanks to the Lord: “He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Before the creation of the world, He put our names in the Book of Life and chose us to be holy and blameless in His sight. By His grace we are forgiven for all of our sins. He has adopted us as His children through His son, Jesus Christ. He has given to us freely His grace and glory. He provides everything we need in life. In Him, we have redemption from our sins through the blood of His Son. He has graciously made know to us the mystery of His will- He has enabled us to hear His Word of Truth, the Gospel of our salvation, and to believe in Him. Having believed, He has marked in us His seal, His Holy Spirit, a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance…to the praise of His glory.” Ephesians 1:4-14 Our salvation is assured thanks be to God!

Psalms, a book of praise, emphasizes that we are to praise God for His great works in us: our creation and redemption. The five books of the Book of Psalms each end with the words, “Praise the Lord!” Psalms 41:13; 72:18-19; 89:52; 106:48 and 150:6.

“Praise ye the Lord” says the Psalmist in Psalm 150, the final great Hallelujah . (Hebrew for “Praise the Lord”) Psalm 150, the last Psalm in the Psalter, is the crescendo, the mountaintop of the Book of Psalms. It answers the questions where God should be praised (Psalm 150:1), why God should be praised (His acts of creation and redemption-Psalm 150:2) how He should be praised (with symphony and dancing- Psalm 150:3-5) and who should praise God (everything that has breath.-Psalm 150:6)


Let’s share Psalm 150 together:
Verse 1: “Praise the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens…

Verse 2: Praise Him for His might acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness…

Verse 3: Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise Him with the harp and the lyre…

Verse 4: Praise Him with tambourine and dancing, praise Him with the strings and flute…

Verse 5: Praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with the resounding cymbals…

Verse 6: Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”

We are to praise the Lord because He breathed the breath of life into our nostrils and He wants everything that has the breath of life to praise Him for the miracle He graciously gave us: life. We are to praise Him “in the mighty firmament, His sanctuary (Psalm 150:1) for The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” (Psalm 19:1)

We are to “glorify Him for his mighty acts according to His excellent greatness. (Psalm 150:2) Jesus said, “…believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.” (John 10:38). Some of the miracles of life created by His hand are the air we breathe, the food He provides, the clothes on our backs, the roof over our heads, the majesty of the earth we live in. The list is endless.

We are to praise Him with wind, string and percussion instruments. (Psalm 150:3-5) Imagine a choir of millions of voices accompanied by every musical instrument that ever was, all singing, dancing and playing in unison praising His name.

All are to praise Him: “Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord…” (Psalm 150:6) “He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.“ (Acts 17:25) What a precious gift our Lord has given us! It’s no wonder the psalmist shouts from the highest mountain, “Sing to the Lord, a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise.” (Psalm 96:1-4)
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Barry Shaw writes from the Applegate Valley, Oregon.

Hugs Please!

By Marlene K. Yundt

I am not the disease. I have a disease.

Recently, I was diagnosed with cancer. Being the extrovert that I am, I talk about it. It helps. I was surprised to find that some people seemed afraid to even touch me. Others avoided me altogether.

When my father had back surgery, I was just in grammar school. I recall a statement he made. “You find out just who your real friends really are when you go through a physical problem and you need the comfort of your friends.” There were a few who stood by his side, came to visit him in the hospital, called and sent cards. I think he could count them on one hand.

There is nothing so great as a hug and a smile. They are two of the most healing non-verbals I know.

Nearly 14 years ago, a friend invited a group of 20 ladies to get together in hopes of forming a permanent support group. We have one thing in common. We are all Christians. Each of us attends different churches. Our ages vary from 59 to mid-80’s. We have various former occupations and interests. A smaller branch of the original 20 meet once monthly for a meal. Over the years, half of this group has been diagnosed with at least one type of cancer. We have become a “Sisterhood,” a support group to each other. We have only lost one to cancer. She was our youngest, at 59. We hug.

Hugs have kept me going. It represents many things from the giver. It is a non-verbal way of saying, “I love you. I accept you just as you are. I am here for you. It is not your disease that matters, it is you.”

Many have shared their stories. That has been very special. I was about to enter the waiting room a few days ago. A lady in a wheel chair was trying to maneuver her way in and experienced some difficulty. “May I help you?” I asked. “Please” was her reply. I wheeled her into the room, turned on the TV and asked her for her favorite station. Another lady entered, then another. There was silence until I asked, “How is your therapy going?” They never stopped talking! It was wonderful and healing. It was insightful. It took me from feeling sorry for myself to realizing that others are experiencing many more difficulties than my own. They were each over-comers. I could almost tell by what they were wearing what type of cancer they have. Now, we greet each other and share stories. I feel comfortable with them – enough to give each a hug – and, always, a smile.

It was never necessary to exchange names or other personal information. If they chose to do so, they would.

Hugs and a smile, asking each how their therapy is going for them today opens up the opportunity to share the love of Christ with each. We do not talk about yesterday or tomorrow. We address today. That is where we are. It is what we have.

Have you hugged someone today who is hurting? Do you recall when you experienced a need for a hug? It is part of your and their therapy. It is healing. I know you care because you give something of yourself.

Marlene K. Yundt writes from Portland, Oregon. marlene.yundt@comcast.net

His Power

By Cindy Evans

The power of the Mighty One
Who flung the stars and stays the sun,
Who authored the life of everyone,
His power is here, this hour.

The power of the Holy Lord,
Giver of His Word, a two-edged sword,
Who ties three strands in a tight cord,
His power is here, this hour.

The power of our God on high,
Who floats the clouds across the sky,
Who on the earth ever keeps His eye,
His power is here, this hour.

The power of the Trinity
Who exists for all eternity,
Who answers the prayers of you and me,
His power is here, this hour.
Let us live then, in this power!

Cindy Evans writes from Duluth, Georgia.

Have You Ducked For Cover?

By Muriel Larson

Animals and people have a tendency to duck for cover when the going gets rough, don't they? There goes Peter Rabbit heading for his hole, with Farmer Brown hot on his trail!

Having holes handy is a matter of survival for rabbits. Holes are their escape hatches. Cats, dogs, and humans hunt down the gentle animals. The Lord gave them a keen sense of smell, sharp hearing, speed in running, and the instinct to make spare burrows into their homes. When an enemy appears, they head for one of their holes and disappear. There they are snug and safe.

Humans have found escape hatches, too. When we get hurt or our egos feel in danger of further downgrading, we tend to flee the danger. We say to ourselves, "I'm not going to expose myself to being hurt any more!" So we run away. We hide. We withdraw within ourselves.

HURTFUL JUNK
A thick, hard callous sometimes forms over the opening of our holes. It may consist of various materials such as bitterness, anger, envy, hostility, self-centeredness, or pride. But whatever it is formed of, it robs us of love, joy, and peace in life.

Sad to say, Christians are often plagued with this sort of thing. We are often subject to hurt inflicted by others, and nothing can sidetrack us from serving God like the discouragement of feeling unappreciated.

The Apostle Paul felt discouraged that the Corinthian believers were listening to false teachers instead of following his instructions. He set forth a defense of his apostleship in 2 Corinthians 10-12. Towards the end of his discourse he had the sweet grace to say: "Everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening." 2 Corinthians 12:19

PAUL’S RECIPE FOR HURTFUL JUNK
Paul wrote concerning trials he had had: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 Trials, hurts, and insults we suffer can result in a more meaningful reward for us if we let them.

We can run for a hole like a rabbit, hide, and become ineffectual Christians, burdened down with bitterness and self-pity. Or we can allow trials to perfect the image of Christ in us, to build character, to teach us patience.

It costs something to live for Jesus Christ. It costs us our pride, our self-centeredness, our money, our time--everything that has to do with us. But the rewards of facing life and hardships fearlessly for Him will far outweigh the cost!

In this life we can have the joy of walking with our Lord, seeing prayers answered, and becoming an example to believers as Paul was. We will reap that eternal glory as "we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

Dr. Muriel Larson writes from Greenville, South Carolina. MKLJOY@aol.com

Gratitude With An Attitude

By Kathy Anderst

"Praise Him in the morning, praise Him in the evening, praise Him when I'm young and when I'm old..." So goes one of my favorite worship songs. I say "one" because I have so many favorites.

Praise music is what lifts me up out of a late-winter slump, makes me glad to be alive and aware of God's presence. It makes me want to jump and dance for joy! Praising the Lord through music and spoken words can make any day better and any troubling circumstance seem a bit more manageable.

What is this phenomenon called praise? Why does it seem to jump-start a person’s endorphins-those "feel good" chemicals? Why does it seem to bridge the gap between me and my Creator? It's not just the upbeat music, which is a vehicle for the words, but it is the mere embodiment of gratitude.

Research seems to indicate that a permanent (vs. irregular or temporary) spirit of gratitude can give a person an edge on good health, actually boosting the immune system. Gratefulness, the idea of being thankful for everything, even if it does not appear to be a blessing at the time, can be good for us. This attitude of gratitude does something to my mind and changes my negative thoughts into positive feelings. It gives me the ability to thank God when my perceived reality is not always what I think it should be. It gives me the ability to enjoy every day as it comes, every task I endeavor.

A friend once shared her philosophy on gratefulness. She said: "When I feel like grumbling I take the "gr" our of grumble and put it in front of attitude. Then I can have gratitude in my attitude when things don't seem to be going my way.”

So simple, yet so profound. It was a real "aha" moment for me.

Another enlightening moment came via the movie "Facing the Giants." I had been told it was a great Christian movie and had put off seeing it. When our church decided to show it one Friday night, I took the opportunity to see what all the talk was about. I'm glad I watched it. In a nutshell, it is more than a movie about football, but all about gratitude and praise. When the coach of a Christian High School started facing his fears and failures in life and decided to take it to God, his life and the teams future starts to change. Why? Praise! He tells his team: "If we win a game, we will praise the Lord. If we lose a game, we will praise the Lord."

Praising the Lord is easy, when things are going well. But, what about when life is not going so well? The coach's life was a mess. He was learning to accept that for all practical purposes, his wife could not get pregnant, and was toying with the idea of adopting children. His car and his home were falling apart. He was behind on his bills. His team was consistently losing football games and because of it, his friends were abandoning him and trying to convince the assistant coach to fire him. When he made the decision to praise God no matter what, something changed. When God began to be glorified-things started turning around. He received a brand new truck as an anonymous gift. His team started praising God consistently and they won game after game, making it to the state championships and winning that. Because of his newfound strength in leadership and his influence, some of the formerly skeptical teammates became true believers and it triggered a revival in the entire school...and…his wife became pregnant.

To my knowledge, this is not a true story, but it dramatically brings home the point. Praising our Creator has far reaching ramifications. God being who He is, who “knit us together in the womb" and knows the complexities of our bodies and brains, must have wanted us to praise Him for a reason.

I am sure there is a scientific reason behind the many places in scripture where we are admonished to praise Him, and that He indeed loves our praise, as well as it having some good side effects. Reading the Psalms alone tells me that David was on to something.
So how is our praise-life? Is our attitude one of gratitude? Let’s give it try and see if it does not make a positive change in our lives.

I know I plan on making praise and gratitude a habit, and reaping the benefits!

Kathy Anderst writes from Medford, Oregon.

Fire On Mount Carmel

By Martin A. Recio

In our faith there are three epic mountain-top experiences. Here the fire of God burned around the heights, the lightning struck, and the thunder rolled. From these scenes of grandeur spoke the voice of God.

There was Mount Sinai, where the old covenant was made and the law given to Moses.
There was Mount Carmel, where the religion of Israel was restored and the power of Baal broken by the ministry of Elijah.

Then on the Mount of Transfiguration, both Moses and Elijah bore witness to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us look at Mount Carmel.

The Encounter
On Mount Carmel the prophet Elijah confronted Ahab, Baal, and 450 of his prophets. Prior to this confrontation, Elijah had appeared before Ahab. In one bold stroke he gave his message: The Lord God of Israel was not dead, but very much alive. The prophet proclaimed a drought in his name. And just as suddenly as he appeared, Elijah was gone, hidden from the presence of Ahab.

The rains ceased from the land for several years. When the time was full, again Elijah suddenly appeared. When they met, the king accused Elijah: “Art thou he that troubleth Israel?”
Elijah answered the King: “I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and thou has followed after Baal” I kings 18:18

The king answered not a word: for it was Ahab and Jezebel who introduced the worship of Baal to the nation. Then Elijah instructed the king to gather on Mount Carmel the representatives of Israel, and the 450 prophets of Baal, in order to test who was the true God. It was to be one prophet of the Lord God, Elijah, against the 450 prophets of Baal. And Elijah said to all the people: “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” I Kings 18:21

The Contest
The devotees of Baal worshiped as god, the powers of nature. Elijah, therefore, determined to display on whose side the powers of nature were truly arrayed. Each side took a bullock and prepared it for sacrifice, but did not light the fire beneath it. They would, instead, pray to their god, and the God who answered by fire, would be the true God. A cry of assent arose from the people. It was well spoken. The prophets of Ball were unable to complain about the nature of the test proposed by Elijah, since Baal was also worshiped as the god of fire.

The scene on Mount Carmel became extraordinary. The prophets of Baal called on their god from morning until noon, and nothing. They began leaping on the altar, and Elijah mocked them: perhaps their god was sleeping and had but to be awakened. They became frantic, cut themselves with knives until they bled. They carried on till near evening. “And there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any that regarded.” I Kings 18:29

Victory in Simple, Earnest Prayer
Elijah than told the people to draw near. He built an altar of stone in the name of the Lord God. He made a deep and wide trench around the altar. He laid wood on the altar and placed the sacrifice on the wood. And as instructed by the prophet, the people filled four barrels with water. Three times they poured the water over the sacrifice until it ran over the altar and into the trench. Then Elijah, the only prophet of the Lord on Mount Carmel, lifted up his voice in simple, earnest, prayer:
“Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word. Here me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that thou art the Lord God and that thou hast turned their hearts back again.” I Kings 18:37

And the fire of the Lord fell from heaven—it consumed the sacrifice and wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water in the trench. All the people fell on their faces and said: “The Lord, he is God: the Lord, he is God.” I Kings 18:39 They took the prophets of Ball to the brook of Kishon and slew them there.

The teaching is the same for us today: we have a God who hears and answers prayer. In any confrontation in life, we can turn to him faith and earnest prayer. We may not witness scenes like those on the mountain tops of Sinai or Carmel, where the fire burned around the heights; where lightning played and the thunder rolled; and out of whose grandeur the voice of the Lord God was heard.

But, we do have our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. We have God’s love shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given us. And our Lord alone is able to save to the uttermosts all who turn to him in faith and simple prayer.

Although we may be unable to call down the fire of God from heaven like Elijah, we can always call on the name of the Lord. Scripture invites to come near: “that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Martin A. Recio writes from Ashland, Oregon. webpages.charter.net/martinreciobooks

Fellowship Of The Unashamed

I am part of the “fellowship of the unashamed.” I have Holy Spirit power. The dye has been cast. I’ve stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity. I don’t have to be right, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by Presence, lean by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up or burn up till I’ve preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up and stayed up or the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop and preach till everyone knows. And when He comes to get His own, He’ll have no problem recognizing me…my colors will be clear!

This confession was found in the home of an African pastor who had been martyred for his commitment to Christ some years ago.

It was sent to us by Willa Johnson from Phoenix, Oregon.

I Was "Drug Toxic"

By Scott Spalding

My drug-toxic experience began in 1989. At first, I was only prescribed one medication. However, throughout the next 17 years (in addition to frequent caffeine use), the quantity of pharmaceuticals quite gradually increased to six. The slow nature of this increase ultimately led me down a very destructive path!

In addition, the strengths of roughly one-third of these prescriptions had also been gradually increased due to the "tolerance factor.” This trend eventually became a major stumbling block in my life - in a very self-deceptive manner! Like the proverbial frog in hot water (where his environment had also been heated very slowly), I recently experienced the ultimate "wake-up call.”

To make this dilemma much worse, I began to dissolve five-out-of-seven of these elements under my tongue (to ensure an effective release into the bloodstream). Although this sublingual method did work well, it took me quite a few years to finally comprehend its "trickle-down toxicity" effect. As I look back at this, I'm amazed at how I managed to actually "stumble over practical thinking.”

Several months ago, I noticed a soreness in my throat. I finally made the connection between the pain and my sublingual drug administration. Until that point in time, I had believed that the source of this pain was thyroid exhaustion from caffeine use.
Once I finally understood what was happening, a terrorizing panic came over me (due to fear of impending esophageal cancer). This intensive fear continued until my body became completely exhausted.

I responded by immediately dropping all meds completely. The combination of drug withdrawal and extreme anxiety took my body to such a low level of immunity that I picked up a new "Candida Albicans" and "Oral Thrush" type of combination which sadly has continued right through to the present.

To make matters worse, the "trickle-down effect" of dissolving prescriptions under my tongue ultimately created two new medical problems. First, it generated a chemical burn in my esophagus which gave Candida organisms a vulnerable place to reside. Second, it caused a "meltdown" of the cartilage structure in my throat which created a permanent "popping" effect during most of the times that I swallow.

Within a couple of days, I found myself engulfed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia symptoms, and even a green tongue! Like the proverbial frog, I suddenly found myself asking, "How in the world did I get here?"

At that point, I felt like I was having a "near death" experience. This led me into a very deep time of soul searching, resulting in very productive prayer and repentance. The end result of that horrible experience brought me much closer to The Lord. In fact, many needed things took place that would otherwise never have happened. This includes reconciliation with various people, and help with fear issues including phobophobia - which is the fear of fear itself.

I ultimately recognized the "toxic nature" of our Western culture. We never cease trying to fix everything with chemicals. I saw, for the first time, the full extent of our "chemical happy" society. In addition to pharmaceuticals, we have drive-through coffee stands on every corner, plus we are continuously exposed to cleaning products, paint supplies, perfumes, pesticides, garden products, beauty supplies, cigarette smoke, and of course, vehicle fumes, not to mention alcohol and illegal drugs.

As an outcome to my recent bad experience, my ultimate desire is that it can be used to warn the Body of Christ to avoid chemical exposure at all cost. Considering the threat of life-shortening illnesses, such as cancer, chemical avoidance is a wise precaution for Christians to take. The end result is a win-win situation where God's people can feel better throughout life, and enjoy a longer life for sharing Jesus with lost people!

Scott Spalding writes from Ashland, Oregon.

Book Review: God's Ultimate Passion

When I first saw Frank Viola’s book, God’s Ultimate Passion , I wasn’t that excited to read it. It was the title. It just sounded so, well, Christian-bookstore-ish that it turned me off. I’ve seen and read so many books with the words “passion” and “purpose” which is probably why I was so aloof to said title.

But I picked it up to read a little and the next day I was finished. I couldn’t put it down.
Viola does an exceptional work of unpacking metaphors and connecting biblical threads that deal with Christ and the church. Concrete. Poetic. Transforming metaphors. From Genesis to Revelation, Viola pulls together the sacred plans that God unveils for the Bride of Christ.
Pushing in full force the concrete elements and literary connections of Christ and the church - the piece de resistance of the biblical narrative Viola makes a substantial plea for the church to live in its true identity.

“According to Scripture, the church is not a human creation. Instead, it existed before creation (in Christ) and before culture began. God created the universe for the church and not the other way around. To put it another way, God created the universe so that He might have a Bride, a Body, a House, and a Family. This is the metanarrative that permeates the entire Bible.”
Brian Orme, pastor and religion writer for The Dayton Daily News.

Other Endorsements:
God's Ultimate Passion takes you on a guided tour of the Bible, tracing three interwoven storylines from Genesis to Revelation. It expresses the intensity, hope, and wonder of an engaged, grass-roots, visionary practitioner. It will help new readers of the Bible get the big picture, and it will help seasoned Christians remember what really matters.
Brian McLaren, author/activist (brianmclaren.net)

God's Ultimate Passion is a masterpiece that takes seven thousand years of human history and simplifies it so that the reader can understand what has always been God's passion. It looks beyond the hands of God into His mind and heart as it places our lives and purposes in divine perspective. This is a must read for those who believe and for others who want to believe. God's Ultimate Passion reads like a movie on paper . . . Great Job!
Dr. Myles Munroe, author of Rediscovering the Kingdom

Viola artfully weaves his own story into the drama of redemptive embrace, making God's love both a deeply personal affair as well as something of an existential quest in which we all have a part to play. As such it is "the old, old, story" retold for a new and contemporary audience. It is a great work of narrative theology made very accessible for any reader. This is clearly the work of a man who loves the Bible as much as he does the people for whom he writes. And it is a work well done.
Alan Hirsch, author of The Forgotten Ways , The Shaping of Things to Come, and founding director of Forge Mission Training Network

This poetic expose by Frank Viola is indeed a masterful work of art - a modern day mystical classic for sure. It is with a burning heart that I commend to you God’s Ultimate Passion.
Dr. James W. Goll, Encounters Network, author of The Lost Art of Practicing His Presence, The Seer, Dream Language, etc.

Some books are meant to be read and shelved. That’s not true of the “Classics.” Through the generations, books that are Classic speak to new generations who were not even born when it was written. It's a book for this hour, without a doubt. But it will be a book for years and years to come. It has captured truth in simple language that speaks to the heart, not just the head. God's Ultimate Passion is one of those books. Upon reading it, I have ordered a case to be sent to people I know who must digest its message. I thank the Lord for the anointing that is upon its pages.
Dr. Ralph W. Neighbour, author of Where Do We Go From Here? and founder of the Cell Church Movement

Frank sidesteps the maze of ecclesiastic labels to get to the heart of what church really is and how God sees it. Using the biblical metaphors of church, and fleshing them out with the whole sweep of Scripture, Frank gives us fresh insight into the church as Bride of Christ, House of God, as Household, Body of Christ and the Family of God. Frank's unique contribution has to do with passion and romance, elements of God's intention with his people. This is often missing in "missional" books written by men unhealthily driven by purposeful objectives and blinded to the passionate romance of enjoying God forever. It bothers me that our talk of being "missional" often misses this dimension. We see the church dressed in a business suit but never in high heels and evening gown. Frank reminds us that the church is glamorous and God is concerned with more than just getting the job done.
Andrew Jones, tallskinnykiwi.com

"God's Ultimate Passion" can be ordered from Amazon.com or
www.ptmin.org

Birthday - Again?

By Bob Hansen

I believe it’s human nature to grow tired of things. Some people tire of having the same job, decade after decade. Others tire of having to wash the dishes every day. Still others tire of children who toss their clothes on the floor (not referring to anyone I know).

And, until recently, I thought a person could also grow tired of birthdays. Yes, It was my time of year again, another birthday. I’m not overly concerned about growing older. It’s another step closer to heaven, after all. But, I thought I had grown weary of celebrating every single year. Perhaps after a certain age, a person’s birthday should be celebrated every fifth year, I thought.
To face the issue of presents every year seemed burdensome. “What would you like for your birthday?” My wife always says this with cheer and a look of hopeful expectation on her face. The question hits me hard and my mind spins looking for an answer. I sometimes say, “When I have a wife like you, I don’t need anything else.” Or the more spiritual version, “I find that having Christ in my life fulfills all my needs.” Both these statements are true, and my wife loves both answers, but she still needs gift ideas, so she’ll be back.

Besides the question of gifts, my wife also wants to know what I want to do on my birthday. I can never think of anything new or exciting. “We could go out to dinner, I guess.” I’m afraid my lack of enthusiasm shows. And giving this suggestion inevitably leads to a second question. “Where?”

That is a real stumper. If it were my wife’s birthday, she would have had no problem determining which restaurant would be the perfect choice. She has much stronger opinions about restaurants than I do. I’m sort of restaurant-illiterate. I suppose that’s obvious when I suggest we go to McDonalds.

Actually, I know this restaurant selection will not be allowed on a birthday, but it’s so fun to get a rise out of her by suggesting it. I’m sure she mentioned the incident to some of her friends. I can hear her saying, “Can you believe Bob tried to pick McDonalds for his birthday?”

The truth is that this last year, all my answers to the usual birthday questions were part of my cleverly devised plan—which I discovered after the fact. “What do you want to do on your birthday?”

“Work, as usual.”

“Where to you want to eat?”

“McDonalds.”

“What would you like us to give you?”

“Nothing.”

“What kind of cake would you like?”
“I don’t know.”

True, at the time, I only thought I was tired of birthdays, that I had out-grown them after having so many. Little did I know that I was actually crying out for attention. My apparent apathy was designed to test the love of my family.

It’s true, for if I had received what I asked, I would have been one unhappy puppy. I might have moped around for weeks, mumbling about how no one cares about me. My wife might have heard actual moaning coming from my lips.

Fortunately, there was little chance of that happening. My wife is the smartest cookie in the bag. She knew what I needed and she made sure I received it.

Despite difficult work schedules, my wife arranged for our entire family to be together the day before my birthday. There was a cake and the traditional song. Though I now realize that we should have insisted that our kids take voice lessons. That was one pitiful rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

Then, a couple of days later, I was taken out to lunch at one of our fine local establishments and was showered with gifts, despite my lack of suggestions. All in all, thanks to my wise wife, I had a warm and loving birthday.

Based on what I learned this year, my family has been notified that they should give special attention to my birthday every year. If I say that I don’t want anyone to make a fuss, they are to ignore me. For the truth is that I want a little fuss. Apparently, like everyone else, I do like feeling loved.

It occurs to me that, in these situations, God is a lot like my wife. He’s even better at seeing what I really need, despite what I say or even think. Many times, when I didn’t recognize any need, or ask Him for anything, He sends blessings anyway. At times like those, when I’m surprised by his love and attention, I can’t help but think…What a wonderful God I serve!

Bob Hansen writes from Chehalis, Washington.

An Old And New Festival (PUZZLE)

By D. M. Flynn

In the blank spaces below, write the word that best completes each clue. Use the NIV citations if you need help. The highlighted spaces point to a seasonal celebration.

Clues
1. All hard work brings a _____, but mere talk leads only to poverty (Proverbs 14:
2. The second book of the Bible.
3. A representative of the Pope at a foreign court (Italian).
4. Sad; disastrous or appalling (see 1 Kings 17:20).
5. Truthful lips _____ forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment (Proverbs 19: 12).
6. Simon Peter answered, “You are the _____, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).
7. Esther was one (see Exodus 22: 22).
8. Ezra was one; so was Baruch (see Nehemiah 7: 73; Jeremiah 36: 26).
9. Rounded cruciferous vegetable with sweet, somewhat peppery taste.

Answers
1. ____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
2. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
3. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
4. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
5. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
6. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
7. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
8. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
9. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____
(Solution appears on page.)

Solution: An Old and New Festival
Profit
Exodus
Nuncio
Tragic
Endure
Christ
Orphan
Scribe
Turnip

First and Last Columns: Pentecost.

D. M. Flyn writes from Brockport, New York.

Add Some Zip To Your Do Da! (Spice It Up!)

By Pam & Bill Farrel

Can your marriage continue to sizzle like it did when you were dating? Couples often complain that life and love become mundane and routine with each passing year. It doesn't have to! Try these relationship enhancers to put the spark back in your love life:

Look Back: Try a date that revisits some of those early memories of your life together. Take a trip to the place you first met, first kissed, or where your marriage proposal took place. If finances or distance are a concern, take a picnic together and bring a photo album of the early years and reminisce. Play "your" song and take a drive to your old neighborhood, high school, college, or favorite restaurant. Looking back can help reestablish those feelings that first drew you together, and it can remind you both of all the years of memories you have invested in each other.

Look Ahead: Keep a list of "dream dates" that you’d like to go on. Once a year remake the list and give it to each other as a "gift." Try giving each other a "love list" of at least ten things that are free that make you feel loved. Having these lists helps you surprise each other on a regular basis. Plan to invest in your marriage by attending a marriage seminar, conference or retreat. You may also invest in your relationship by giving a gift that says, "I love the person you are becoming. I'm excited about your life--and ours. Just wanted you to know I believe in your dream." When a spouse invests in the other’s dreams and plans for the transitions of life, he or she gains the ability to fall in love over and over again.

Seize the Moment: Invest in the now. Practice the art of touch. Reach over and hold a hand, give a squeeze, pat a back--if you're within arms distance--try to make contact. Leave a message on voicemail, fax a love note, e-mail a message that is filled with symbols and word pictures that only you two will understand. Try something radical--stop by home or your spouse's work, just to whisper, "I love you" then drop a single rose on the desk as you leave. Or call your mate and read a few verses from the Song of Solomon over the phone.

Romance doesn't have to take a lot of money, just a little bit of time spent thinking about your mate. After all, the gift your spouse most enjoys is you!

You can do a lot to encourage creativity in your mate. Trust and emotional safety build creativity. Over the next few days, listen for the area of insecurity in your spouse. Maybe the wife is a little anxious about her weight--or the husband a little melancholy over his fading youth. Make a list of ways you can “praise” or encourage the one you love in that area of concern. Then prepare a "gift of praise" designed to encourage. It could be something you say, something you do, or a tangible gift.

On those rare days when life is a bit slower, it is easy for me (Pam) to long for and pursue Bill because I have spent time quietly admiring him. On other, more hectic days, I have to choose to focus my distracted thoughts on Bill and my desire to be with him.

I have to plan to remember Bill romantically. His picture is on my key chain. I might give a quick "I love you" call to his office. When changing my clothes I might pull his suit out of his closet just to smell the remaining fragrance of his cologne. I keep the cards he's given me handy so I can reread one or two. But by far, the best way to prepare my heart to enjoy Bill, is to take a quiet minute in the car or at my desk, close my eyes and remember one of our special intimate moments. Choosing to set aside my distractions and focusing my thoughts on Bill draws my heart to his.

I (Bill) have to choose to focus on Pam as well. I keep many pictures of her in my office. I call home regularly throughout the day--sometimes just to hear her voice on the answering machine! I shut my eyes and remember past times together. I periodically like to go shopping for Pam. Buying her something romantic or sexy keeps my heart longing to be with her. And I keep a list of things I can do that Pam’s loves with me at all times
Make a List--Check it Twice

To discover what is romantic to each of you. Try these exercises:

1. Each of you make a list of ten free things that the one you love can do for you that makes you feel more loved. It can be anything--sometimes the obvious, like; “Say I love you;” or the not so obvious, “Take out the trash with out having to be asked!” Make a date to exchange lists and talk about why you wrote the different items on the list--that is where you’ll really gain some insight on what is romantic to the one you love. For example, since we’ve married, on my (Pam’s) list is, “Run a bubble bath for me, create candlelight, then come sit and talk with me, maybe even massage my back.” This way I am assured of Bill’s undivided attention and as I get a quiet uninterrupted niche of time carved out of a hectic schedule.

2. Make a list of “Dream Dates.” If money were no object, what ten dates would each of you like to go on this year? You may get some great birthday or anniversary ideas out of this one. Maybe you can’t afford Hawaii--but you can afford some island music and some passion fruit and guava juice and a theater tickets to “South Pacific.” Again, ask the one you love why these dates are romantic to him or her. They may or may not know. It could just be they are different than the movie-- dinner rut! To change the rut you may need to change the mood.

Pam and Bill Farrel write from El Cajon, California. This article was adapted from their book: Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti.

A Ministry For The "Chosen"

By Cynthia Bigelow

Adopted children are often told they have been chosen. In a sense, they have been.
Max Lucado says: “There are plenty of unplanned pregnancies, but I’ve never heard of an unplanned adoption.”

Parents tell their adopted children they have been chosen so they will feel special. For the most part, throughout childhood it does just that. However, by adolescence, some children begin to translate their adoptions in terms of rejection. Unarticulated feelings of abandonment by their birth family may begin to surface and play out as anger and self-destructive life choices. Even those raised by loving and supportive Christian parents are not immune to this.

The reality is, an adoptee’s life begins with loss. The importance of acknowledging this and teaching them to take feelings of uncertainty in their lives to the Lord, is part of the mission of Chosen International. This newly formed ministry is reaching out in the Rogue Valley to offer support to adopted children and their parents. Chosen International was created to help adoptees face some of the inescapable questions and unique challenges caused by their past. It operates in constructive, loving and Biblically appropriate ways. It is our desire to help teens embrace God’s plan of adoption for their lives and move forward into a spiritually and emotionally healthy adulthood. The vision of Chosen International is to share God’s desire to adopt us into His heavenly family, and to help adoptees develop a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ. “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” Ephesians 4:1-5

None of us choose the circumstances of our birth, but Chosen International is helping adoptees gain a clearer understanding of spiritual adoption. We share with them how to use the illustration of their own earthly adoption to share Christ with others and His desire to adopt them.

We are committed to integrating Biblically based beliefs with sound psychological principles. It is our desire to help adoptees discover their true heritage, which comes for the Lord. Race or nationality doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of life, as much as the understanding that one can and must claim his/her inheritance from the Lord. We want to help adoptees gain a feeling of security, knowing God is the father who will never abandon them. We want to help them understand that they have been CHOSEN.

Chosen International is still developing its programs which will include retreats and Bible study support groups as well as resource materials for adoptees, parents and teachers. We welcome others who share this desire to minister to what has been called an “unreached mission field.” Contact us at our website: www.choseninternational.org or you can contact Cindy Bigelow at: cjbigelow@choseninternational.org.

NOTE: Chosen Int’l will be holding a retreat May 4-6 at Lake Bradley Christian Camp in Bandon, Oregon. This retreat is designed especially for teens who were adopted (at any age) either domestically or internationally. All adoptees in grades 8-12 are encouraged to join with other adoptees for a weekend of discovering what God has to say about adoption and finding their identity in Him. Transportation arrangements can be made from Medford or Grants Pass. Contact our website or Cindy Bigelow at the above mentioned address for more details and information. Please see the ad on page 24.

Cindy Bigelow writes from Grants Pass, Oregon. cjbigelow@choseninternational.org

Life Is A Matter Of Perspective...

By Kevin Haney

Why do the things of the world seem so appealing? The things that something deep inside tells us will not be good for us? I think of the memories of my mother forbidding me to taste or touch, a high school staff interrogating me for reasons why I was not in the classroom, or the construction flagger assertively showing me the descriptive red octagon shaped hand held sign.
Why does my soul desire to pursue things that directly oppose any type of warning from some type of authority in my life? And why do I so often identify these forbidden actions or experiences as something gratifying, stimulating, satisfying or just plain fun?

“The same sun that hardens clay, softens butter”

Life is truly a matter of perspective. It is how we look at things. For example. One person spews out cursing and anger when at 3:45 am the phone rings interrupting a lucid dream of beach bathing on a warm deserted beach. The dream ends and the person is placed back into a cold December morning. He immediately notices that the pilot light on the oil heater has gone out. Heading for the opposite side of the house he discovers that his roommate has brought in his muddy mountain bike. In the dark he finds the sharp metal foot peddle grips with a quarter inch deep snag of flesh on the shin of his right leg as the phone rings one last time.

Another will say “thank you lord, because if I would have tripped and fallen, I might have been seriously hurt. Now I can relight the pilot light so the heater will warm the house for morning.
Perspective…

I remember “back in the day” when I was an adolescent of seeing my older peers guzzling extremely large quantities of beer. They were using the famous BEER BONG that enabled one to ingest an entire quart beer in one gulp. That looked like fun and being as competitive as I am I tried to ingest a large amount of beer, but then experiencing the spinning sensation along with the spewing up of the beer and the hot dog I also put down as well. After that day beer didn’t quit taste as good as it had once did. I had a totally new perspective.

I remember how much I enjoyed the colorful little gumdrops that I’d buy at the movie theater. They appealed to my creative artistic side. Later in life I was attracted to another crystal substance that seemed to resemble a beautiful frozen substance layering the icy landscape on Christmas morning. I vigorously sucked them into my nostrils. But the beauty soon turned into ugliness as over a period of weeks, months and years I found different ways of putting this substance into my body. I found myself unable to think, function or even live with out ever-increasing doses. The fun and excitement was being replaced by a soul stealing, evil-possessed obsessive urge that exceeded my need to eat. The drive took the place of my love for parents, wife, family and children. I got to the place where I was lying on the bed, rolled in a ball like a human pretzel, grinding my teeth, anxious, paranoid, broke, franticly trying to think of a way to come up with just $25 more for one more hit that would give me a few seconds of euphoria. Thank God I was finally able to get the help I needed to change my life. I had a whole new perspective on how to live!

I had a friend who was born into a wealthy family. He was placed in a military school from 1st to 12 th grade. His parents visited him monthly and he had home visits for holidays, but he didn’t realize what he had so he dropped out of his parent financed college. He wanted to live life his way. He wanted the fun, adult, independent life. He received thousands of dollars per month by inheritance, but his wife and children barely lived above poverty. He was using his funds to have fun. His perspective was all messed up. He continued down the slippery path that ended the moment he was injecting some of his pretty, illuminated fun-fill substance into his torn up vein…the only vein left that he could find. His body was found the next day with the needle hanging from his ripped up vein. Where did his perspective take him?

And his parents? They wanted to protect him from the poor, high school drop-out, white trash girl that he fell in love with and married. They set up his inherited fortune so that it was only distributed monthly. They were afraid that if the girl ever left him she’d take his money. But something changed…she committed her life to Jesus. He helped her through the tragedies. With no education and no skills she drew her strength from God and began pulling the family together. She started a house cleaning business. She changed her perspective and her life.

I often reflect on my memories. Life has had an interesting way of twisting my views and conclusions. God has made sure that my perspectives have changed. I’m so grateful. I praise Him for where he has brought me from and where He is taking me to.

And I’m still learning new perspectives. At times I still have a hard time putting on my seat belt or not speeding through a yellow light, but my desires are to grow into God’s ways not mine.
It’s all about perspective.

Kevin Haney writes from White City, Oregon.

Holy Ground

By Judith Ann Squier

Holy Ground is everywhere. I’ve seen it close up from my 40-inch stature, having been born without legs. I know for a fact our Holy, High God delights in associating with the lowly, the lame, the unlikely. Jesus explained the holiness of our lowliness this way: “You’re blessed when you are at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God…” Matthew 5:3 (The Message Bible)

I’ve spotted Holiness where no one bothers to look- amidst a homeless couple on the bench outside a church service. And, inside the ebbing life of a forgotten saint at Holiday Gardens, the nursing home on the outskirts of town. I could have sworn I saw Jesus in the illuminated face of a man imprisoned by Lou Gehrig’s disease. His only muscle control was in his eyes and the click of his tongue.

The great English poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, was laid low by a condition that rendered her an invalid, yet from her pen flowed holy wisdom:

“Earth’s crammed with Heaven
And every common bush afire with God
But only he who sees takes off his shoes.
The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.”

Jesus and I have hung out together, thanks to my countless hospitalizations and surgeries, special education because the public schools wouldn’t take me, and many summers shared with my kind at a crippled children’s camp.

My leglessness stepped on holy ground in a residential facility for the disabled in Germany when I visited Tante Hilde, a Holocaust survivor. That night I wrote in my journal:

“I stepped on Holy Ground today
In a bright corner tucked away.
An old gnarled woman some would say,
Ah, God’s heirloom on display.
Sunlight fills her bright, small room.
Gold framed faces grace her wall.
Tales of old, today untold,
But the guardian angels know it all.
Crippled from birth, Hitler’s prey,
Sentenced to die - a throw away.
Stowed away on the family farm.
Safe and secure in God’s strong arms.
This girl survived.
Tante Hilde’s alive!
Hitler’s gone.
His target lives on.
The chattering of parakeets fills her room,
An old woman’s pleasure with baby blue plume.
Outside her window geraniums bloom.
Beside her hand, on the table stands
A well-worn Bible unveiling God’s Plan.
Tattered and faded the pages are torn.
“Promises kept,” her radiant face adorn.
God went to great lengths to preserve this saint.
Not a picture of brokenness but a statement of strength.
And greater yet His Power to transform
Toothless, deaf, disabled and worn
Unexpectedly the place where His Glory is born.
I stepped on Holy Ground today.”

Seen any holy ground lately? Poor in spirit today? Emotionally bankrupt? Physically broken? Our ticket to hell might actually be a deed to Holy Ground. Let’s take off those tattered shoes, fall down and worship and allow the High and Holy One to pick us up.

Judith Ann Squier writes from Grants Pass, Oregon. Judyann777@aol.com

Holiness or Pharisaism?

By Fred Wikoff

“The proof of spiritual maturity is not how ‘pure’ you are but awareness of your impurity.”

This quotation from Philip Yancey’s book What’s so Amazing About Grace? sits on a shelf in my study. I keep it there to remind me that no matter how “good” I am, I can never attain the pureness necessary to stand before God. Only the crucified Christ can do that for me.

Yet, in spite of knowing better, there is still a temptation to become overly pleased with myself for at least trying to lead a pure and honorable Christian life. We pray, study, teach and tithe; and our feelings of self-importance grow. We might even start to think we are more deserving and closer to God than others because of our diligent service.

The Pharisees had similar thoughts and we all know what Christ told them about the impurity in their “good” lives. He compared them to whitewashed tombs, and called them blind guides and hypocrites. (See Matthew 23:1-28)

Of course we vow not to be like the Pharisees. Yet all too often we slip into the same trap of thinking that diligent commitment to God’s work, and keeping his commandments has a bearing on our righteousness. When this happens we are lured into thinking we have attained a degree of holiness or spiritual maturity, when just the opposite is true.

It has been said: “no man is so ignorant as he who knows nothing and knows not that he knows nothing. No man is so sick as he who has a fatal disease and is not aware of it. No man is so poor as he who is destitute and yet thinks he is rich.”

It is this very feeling of thinking we are rich in “good works” that condemns us, and reveals the Pharisasim in us. Unless we realize we are spiritually destitute regardless of our so-called “goodness” we are on dangerous ground: “For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13

God has no place in his kingdom for the self-righteous. If we base our holiness on our own well-intentioned efforts we will always fail. Isaiah says: “. . . all our righteous acts are like filthy rags . . . and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” Isaiah 64:6 And Paul reminds us: “None is righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:10

The need to fully perceive this is vital if we are to grow towards spiritual maturity. Yes, pureness and righteousness may be obtained, but only as an outright gift from God: “. . . God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 He died “. . . in order to present us holy and blameless and irreproachable before him.” Colossians: 1-22

Consequently, personal holiness is always a result of God’s grace, not the cause of it. It will never be our good works, but only Christ’s blood that makes us pure in God’s eyes; and possible for him to dwell within us. (See John 14:23) When this recognition takes place in our minds and hearts we open the door for Christ to do exciting and wonderful things through us.

Oswald Chambers said: “A saint is never consciously a saint . . . a saint is consciously dependent on God.” (Oswald Chambers in his devotional book, My Utmost for His Highest)

As we learn to completely yield ourselves to God, I believe that spiritual maturity is produced in our lives on the unconscious level until we are often not even aware of being used by Him. When this happens we become holy without even realizing it: “For God’s temple is holy and that temple you are.” I Corinthians 3:17

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2

Fred Wikoff writes from Eugene, Oregon. EugeneSpud@msn.com

Passing in a Storm

When I was young I went with my friend on her family sail boat. We were sailing in the Pacific Ocean when a huge fog rolled in. Amid the dense fog we felt lost and afraid. Then we heard a fog horn. Fear even deepened for us. We could tell from the deep sound that a large ship was near us. To our horror we looked up to see a ship only about six feet from our little vessel. In fear we watched and steadily moved forward. We knew this monster did not know we were under her large decks. Slowly the two ships moved in opposite directions. She never knowing we were below and we terrified that even her wake could end us. Eventually we passed and fell into deep relief.

Think about this reminds me of my Christian experience. Sometimes I too pass troubles. I must move forward, slowly and in faith. As I steadily move on; I must trust God to get me to safe harbors.

Psalms 51:15

Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.

Holiness

By Troy Pomeroy

Holiness is one of the defining characteristics of God. It sets Him apart from all the false gods and other things people worship. He is all powerful, all knowing, and His presence commands an attitude of reverence and awe. He is whole, complete and perfect. Next to Him, we realize how lacking we really are – and how much we need Him.

That is why the angels in Heaven cry “Holy, Holy, Holy!” in continual worship. It’s the holiness of God that causes man to fall face down before Him – not in fright, but in awesome respect of His total perfection.

Since we are made in His image, we are also called to be holy and live a life of holiness. This idea bothers some people because it seems religious. Sometimes a call to holiness is viewed as an attempt to get people to act a certain way or to control their behavior.

But, holiness is not a religious idea at all. In fact, the idea of holiness pre-dates organized religion as we know it. It even pre-dates Christ’s appearance in the flesh. Like all areas of our faith, holiness is not about structured religion, but about a relationship with our Creator. This aspect of our relationship was introduced way before man could implement church structures and develop doctrine. It even came before the Law.

Consider Leviticus 20:26: “And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.” (KJV) God had already at this point made a distinction between His people and those who were not His people by the covenant of circumcision. He had already told Abraham that His promise would be carried out through Isaac (child of the promise) and not Ishmael (child of the flesh).

In this simple command to be holy, is all that God would later reveal to us through various means about how to live. In it is the idea that since we are made to be like our Creator, we are to emulate Him. So we are to strive to be whole, complete, and perfect. Jesus even confirmed this in Matthew 5:48: “Be perfect , therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (NIV)

Obviously, no human except Jesus Himself is perfect. Only God is perfect, and yet we are to strive to be perfect. Achieving holiness is not demonstrating our ability to follow a set of rules without fault. Our Father knows we are not capable of meeting that standard, for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (NIV)

The heroes of the Bible were not perfect either. God took ordinary people and did extraordinary things in their lives. That is what makes their stories so valuable. They were real people facing real-life situations like all of us face. Through it all, God continues to teach His people to live in holiness and enter a meaningful relationship with Him.

Consider Abraham. God told him to “walk before me and be blameless.” Genesis 17:1 (NIV) Abraham had already made some major mistakes and would make more in the days ahead. God knew all this. So, when God Almighty visited Abraham, it wasn’t because He expected him to be without fault. God desired a covenant relationship. What He wanted then (and what He wants from us now) is His servant’s heart. To walk blameless means to follow God with honesty, sincerity, and integrity. It’s to follow God with all of our heart.

This was credited to David and Job as well. We know Job and David, like Abraham, were not perfect. David was known as a man after God’s heart and Job was found blameless before the Lord.

As modern Christians who face many challenges, this is encouraging. Our calling is not to a restrictive set of rules and regulations. It’s not a list of what we can and cannot do. Holiness can be made very simple. It’s acknowledging our God who is perfect and aligning our lives so we live like Him and with Him. Though we can’t on our own power achieve complete holiness, we can be like Abraham and follow God in sincerity of heart.

Troy Pomeroy writes from Eagle Point, Oregon. pastortroy@epacenter.com

Holiness Is Happiness

By John VonDoloski

The scriptures give numerous promises about the blessings that are associated with godliness. We are told that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” In comparison to godliness we are told “bodily exercise profiteth little.” In our culture we are constantly reminded of the benefits of bodily exercise: it lowers blood pressure, speeds up our metabolism, increase oxygen in the blood (thereby increasing our energy level), and numerous other benefits. However, Paul challenged Timothy to exercise himself rather unto godliness because the benefits of spiritual exercise far outweigh the benefits of physical exercise. Godliness has benefits both in this life and the life to come.

Godliness will improve our marriages, our parenting, our finances, our boss will even become nicer, I promise. As we grow in holiness, God doesn’t change our spouse, our kids, our finances or our boss, He will change us and our perspective of them. Sin gives us a warped, selfish perspective of reality. True godliness gives us God’s perspective.

Because of the many benefits of godliness, it is the primary goal of our enemy to thwart the attempts of God’s people to produce godliness in their lives. The Devil loathes to see the joy and blessings of godliness advertised to this world and other Christians. Because of that, he advertises the difficulties of attaining godliness and portrays it as being a life of bondage, stern discipline, and unhappiness. Nothing can be further from the truth.

That is the great device of the Devil, to convince God’s children that disobedience and rebellion is true happiness and that God is merely a cosmic kill-joy. That was the tactic he employed in the Garden of Eden. Look at the disastrous results it produced in the earth. It is such a tragedy that our enemy continues to deceive God’s people about the true joys of holiness.

One of the primary joys of heaven will be the removal of our sinful bodies, because sin is the true source of unhappiness and misery. Therefore, it stands to reason that the less sin we have in our lives while on earth, the happier we will be. The more sin that we have in our life, the less joyful we will be. The Bible calls them “deceitful lusts” because they do not produce the joys that they promise, but rather bring us into bondage, causing us to sink deeper and deeper into the pit of despair.

The battle cry of the Christian ought to continually be repeated: holiness is happiness!
“Holiness hath in it a natural tendency to life and peace.” Elisha Coles
“Thou hast an art above God Himself, if thou canst fetch any true pleasure out of unholiness.” William Gurnall

John VonDoloski writes from White City, Oregon. libertymedford.com

Holy Or Religious?

By Jim Holt

I have been a Christian for many years. I was an alcoholic running down the wide and spacious path that so many are taking these days and I needed a way out. I needed a different path because I knew the one that I was on, was the wrong one. It was never going to make me happy and I knew it.

I began my “Spiritual Journey” as I call it. I found Jesus Christ. This is when my life took a turn. I found hope. I was able to give up drinking. I received forgiveness of what I had done in my past. I was on fire for God and as I grew I knew I had a calling on my life to share His word. I attempted to walk as closely as possible with God.

Unfortunately sometimes this comes with an ego. I was on God's side. I was God's ambassador. The almighty who created all things, who did not let anything happen unless He allowed it, was on my side. What did I have to fear? I was with the “in” Christian group. I studied the Bible everyday. I knew it all and all that I did was right because I was walking with God.

One evening I was lying down reading my Bible. I set it down to take a break from reading. When I looked over at it again, a scripture stood out at me as though God was showing me this message. I will never forget it. It is 2 Corinthians 4:7: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” I thought, wow, thank you God for showing me this.

But the ego did not stop. I went on as usual. I felt all-powerful because I knew that God was working through me. The end was near. I had to prepare before it was to late. The end could come at any time.

I took 1 Peter 1:16 to heart: “for is it written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” But if I was going to be Holy what did this mean? In Strong’s Greek dictionary it says Holy is “sacred, blameless, religious, a saint." Webster’s dictionary:“1. Dedicated to religious use; sacred. 2. Spiritually pure; sinless 3. Deserving reverence or adoration.”

Was I holy? Well I was religious. I was dedicated to my religion. That was pretty much about it.
Now after many years of walking with God, I reminisce upon my past and where I am today. Here I sit a broken man, just as broken now as when I first met Jesus. Yes, I have a closer relationship with Him. I live a healthier, cleaner life. I try to uphold God's commandments. But, I am not sinless and the only reason I am here is because of God's grace and because God gave the greatest gift of all.

God sacrificed His only Son's life on the cross for me. It is only by accepting His gift and humbling myself that I can do some good for Jesus, while He allows me time upon this planet.
I realized that we are all sinful people living in a sinful world and it is only through the grace of God that we have the opportunity through the decisions we make, what we watch, the friends we hang out with, that we can be as Holy as we possibly can.

Our bodies are God's temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16: “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's spirit lives in you?” so, by following a Holy God through His grace and Jesus' shed blood, we all have a chance to be truly Holy when we finally meet Jesus and shed these earthly bodies. Until that time happens I am dedicated to living my sinful life as Holy as I possibly can to simply share the love that Jesus has for all the people of the world.

Jim Holt writes from Pinedale, Wyoming. jolynh@centurytel.net

Holiness Is What We Yearn For

By: Barry N. Shaw

To be holy is to be set apart —from sin and moral impurity. “As obedient children, we do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But as He who called you is Holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” 1 Peter 1:14-16 The evil desires Peter spoke of are summarized by John: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” 1 John 2:16

Two Biblical passages that illustrate John’s sin-summary are the Fall of Man in Genesis 3 and the Temptation of Christ in Matthew 4. In both cases we are presented with a picture of temptation to sin, to reject God and to be unholy. As compared to our Lord Jesus Christ who Paul called the “last Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45) and who resisted the temptation of Satan, Adam fell into Satan’s trap and took mankind with him. The Lord Jesus, being Holy, resisted Satan’s offers of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life and by so doing, lifted the human race out of the abyss.

In Genesis 2:17, God told Adam, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” When tempted by the serpent, Adam and Eve chose to be disobedient of God and ate of the tree resulting in the Fall of Man. Genesis 3:6. The first Adam succumbed to the lust of the flesh (the fruit was food), lust of the eyes (it was pleasing to the eye), and if eaten, gave man the knowledge of good and evil (man, not God, would determine right from wrong—pride of life). J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible Genesis 3 at 24.

Satan presented the same tests to Jesus Christ. “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. The tempter came to Him and said: ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Matthew 4:1-3 This was an appeal to the lust of the flesh. But Jesus, being with the Father, said: “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
Tempting Jesus with the lust of the eyes, “the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. He said to Jesus, ‘All of this I will give to you...if you will bow down and worship me.’” Matthew 4:8,9 “That was an appeal to the mind, as the tree was pleasant to the eyes.” McGee, Genesis 3 at 25. Jesus responded, “Away from Me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” Matthew 4:10

“Then the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw yourself down.’” Matthew 4:5,6 Jesus again resisted Satan’s temptation to show the world through a miracle that He could survive such a fall and save Himself—the pride of life. Jesus responded, “ It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test,’” Matthew 4:7

Our Lord was as a rock in resisting the same temptations posed to Adam. Adam yielded to temptation; Jesus stood His ground. In each case, the Lord responded with, “It is written” after which He proceeded to cite the Holy Scriptures of His Father in heaven as the basis to resist the temptations of life. Jesus offers us the same opportunity to resist the evil desires of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life by knowing, following, and speaking the Word of God.

As our Father, the Lord wants us to be holy as He is. Leviticus 11:44 If knowing the Word of God is the key to being set apart to God—of being holy—we, as His children must do as He taught—to live our lives “on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Filling our minds daily with the Word of God and speaking the words to ourselves and others gives us the strength to resist the temptations of the evil one, renders us as good disciples of the Lord, and pleases Him.

Be holy—for holiness is what we yearn for. It is written. 2 Corinthians 5:2

Barry N. Shaw writes from Applegate Valley, Oregon.

Family Gatherings

By Bob Hansen

Both sets of our relatives live close by (an hour or two away). This means that we always have something great to do on holidays and other special occasions.

Or course, when I was younger, the family get-togethers meant something different than they do today. Then it was a time of play. My cousins and I had great adventures on my grandmother’s farm. We spent much time in the barn, while the adults sat around and did nothing (our keen observation). We built many a hay fort worthy of mention in architectural magazines, to say nothing of the death-defying feats preformed with ropes from the great heights of the barn’s peaks.

I also remember several times when we played an indoor game called, “Paddle Pool” (I believe that was the name). The game of skill and courage was played on 18-inch square plastic rink and four opposing paddles that defended goals. The fast-paced struggles that took place on that battlefield fascinated us for hours.

And what were the adults doing during all those hours? They were sitting around, talking. How boring - such a waste of time!

But the years have crept up on me and now I’m one of those mature persons, and it’s my children who are bustling about while I sit and talk. Though now I see the wisdom in conversation.

I realized that the communication surrounding family gatherings is more extensive than I knew when I was younger. I’m speaking of the preparations my wife, and the other ladies, make for the events themselves. If it were me, a quick phone call would suffice. “What time are we meeting?” “What food should I bring?” And most important, “What time do we eat?” It would be a two-minute phone call—max.

But, I guess I’m missing something. When my wife makes the pre-gathering phone calls, the communication expands to a myriad of subjects. Often she spends hours on the phone, the day before the event, talking to her sister or her mother.

“You’ll see them tomorrow,” I point out. Or I say, “If you use up all your conversation topics now, you won’t have anything to talk about tomorrow.” At that wholly logical comment, she looks at me as if I just arrived from another planet.

I can only conclude that, though I have learned some things about the importance of talking, I’m still far behind my wife.

Let me give you an example that points out my lack. When I think of heaven, I think about how we will sit around and visit with friends while sipping lemonade. But I hope that’s not the only thing we will do. I envision fantastic adventures in spectacular mountain landscapes. There will be explorations and discoveries, challenges and accomplishments that are beyond my present ability to dream of. (“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, what God has prepared for those who love him.”—The Good Book).

But, I suspect my wife has different ideas. I’m pretty sure she is expecting a conversation-fest, where the hum of talking goes on and on and on. Someone will glance at their watch and comment, “Look at that, we’ve been talking for 57 years.” Though my wife will believe it has only been ten minutes.

If this weren’t bad enough, I believe she has a secret wish for me. I’ll bet she believes that in heaven, I, along with most other men, will be set free from our strange tendency to be closed-mouthed. We will experience the joys of continual conversation, especially talk about our inner most feelings. Ugh!

I feel certain that my view of heaven is more balanced than hers. For surely, adventures and hay forts will be needed in heaven as much as they are here on earth.

Bob Hansen writes from Chehalis, Washington.

Do You Even Know Where We Are?

By Beverly Hill McKinney

“Lord, where are you? Do you even know where we are?” I whispered in prayer.
It seemed the Lord was so far away and that He had forgotten us altogether. I knew I shouldn’t feel this way, especially being the minister’s wife.

“Father, I want to be a blessing to these women here in our first pastorate, but I am so hindered by unbelief.”

My worries were justified since our congregation was small and could only provide minimal support for us and outside work was scarce. My husband, Jim did supplement our income by working in the local potato cellars, but we still had very little money. I had also just learned I was pregnant and health difficulties kept me from working outside the home.

As I looked over our meager grocery supply, our mounting bills and thought about our coming child, I wondered how the Lord would provide for our needs. We had felt a definite call to this area and knew we were in God’s will, but doubt and mistrust began to fill my mind.

I asked the Lord for help with my loneliness and provision. I knew the Lord would not leave us, but in a moment of anxiety, I again cried out, “Where are You, Lord? Do You even know where we live?”

I expressed my doubt and fears to my husband. He knew we were in the Lord’s will and once again affirmed that God had given us the promise that He would never leave us nor forsake us. We prayed and asked the Lord to help us cling to that promise together.

A few weeks later, we received a letter from a large church in a city 400 miles away. They had written to the state headquarters for the names of home missionaries who needed help for the coming Christmas season. Unbeknownst to us, our names were on that list. They prayed about their selection and then wrote they had decided to “adopt” us for Christmas. A large grocery shower was planned at their church and Christmas gifts for us and our expected baby were being provided. At the end of the letter they wrote, “We selected you as we wanted to assure you the Lord cares and knows where you live.” I realized those were almost the same words that I had used when I cried out to the Lord. Tears of relief silently slid down my face as I reread their letter and saw again how God answered my prayers.

Later, just before Christmas, I had a friend visit me while her husband was duck hunting. She was not a Christian and also suffered from a severe form of cancer although she was just a young woman. It had been hard for me to talk to her about the Lord (my faith) because she was so closed to the gospel but I had prayed many years for her. As we visited, she wondered why we were pastoring in such a remote and lonely place. I shared with her our dreams about our ministry to this community and how we had come to truly love the people here.

Just then, a large pickup truck pulled into the driveway. I answered the door and there stood the pastor of the church that had adopted us. He had come to deliver the groceries and gifts his church had gathered and to give us a love offering. As he unloaded box after box of groceries and gifts, my girlfriend watched with astonishment. I had a short prayer with him for his safe return journey home.

My friend asked me who these people were that had been so generous to us. She did not understand all that had just happened. I explained that we had never met them but they were fellow Christians and the Lord had given them a love for us.

“You mean they gave you all this and they didn’t even know you?”

She could not understand how people could be so kind to someone they had never met. Her heart was touched by this gesture of true Christian love. This gave me an opportunity to share with her the Lord and the love that fellow Christians have for each other, even those they don’t personally know. I made tuna sandwiches from our new large supply of groceries. My friend continued to be amazed by the generosity of these peoples’ love for us. I silently prayed the Lord would use this shower of love to bring her to Him.

Some months later when I learned she had passed away, tears glistened as I remembered the opportunity I had to share Christ with her.

Later that year we moved to the town where our adopted church was located. We made a special effort to attend their services and personally thank the congregation for making the previous Christmas so special.

“You will never know how the words of your letter touched my heart and answered my prayers,” I said.

They were thrilled to be able to meet their adopted family and to hear how they had met our needs and were a direct answer to our prayers.

During this time, we were again seeking God’s direction in the ministry and our funds were meager. We daily prayed again for the Lord’s provision. One evening as I was preparing supper, I heard a knock at our door. There stood a member of the church with a large grocery sack in his arms. The Lord had burdened him for our need of groceries, especially meat. He was in the military and had been shopping at the nearby base commissary. The sack he emptied on our table contained package upon package of choice Grade A steaks. Later, as we were eating them, I thought how God had provided for us. Here we were with no money for groceries but we were eating choice steaks. At that moment, I realized God Knows and answers prayer!

Beverly Hill McKinney writes from Rogue River, Oregon. bmckinnehill@yahoo.com

Disciple Charades

By Lynn Ludwick

March—the month that can’t make up its mind. Is it spring, or still winter? That depends on the day, or even the time of day. It’s a month of surprise snowfalls, or shorts and sandals weather when the lawn needs mowing. So if the month plays games, why not join in? Grab a cup of hot chocolate and let’s play Disciple Charades. The object of the game is to mimic one of The Twelve, then let other players guess who you are.

For Peter, who comes first to mind, I’d act impetuous and arrogant, blurt outrageous statements without thinking. Further, I’d be overly confident, make rash promises I couldn’t possibly carry out, then fall flat on my face by denying my Lord. Oh my! It wouldn’t even require a lingering scent of fish for folks to guess that role.

On the other hand, Peter responded out of deep abiding love for his newfound friend and Lord. And when Jesus forgave him and the Holy Spirit invaded him, he was off and running, faithful and true. Despite a few later blunders, he received correction humbly and based his teachings on his mistakes. I’d rather emulate that aspect of Peter. He eventually said: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith…may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7

Another disciple we call “Doubting Thomas.” Seeking certainty before leaping isn’t a bad thing, but Thomas was overly cautious. Jesus spoke of the joy that faith brings to those who believe without the privilege of Thomas’ experiences. I too doubt when things aren’t as clear as I’d like.
While I don’t want blind faith, I do pray for a more trusting faith. I’ve not walked face-to-face with Jesus as Thomas did, but I do have The Bible. “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31

Then there are James and John, the dynamic duo competing for position. Even their mom helped out, kneeling down and asking Jesus a favor. “‘Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.’” Matthew 20:20-21 Mom and her boys vied for power positions in an earthly kingdom. Jesus replied: “You don’t know what you are asking…” (verse 22), then explained that His kingdom was spiritual and involved suffering. Further, God would assign their roles. So if we go around strutting and arrogant, telling folks what God’s going to do for us, our fellow Disciple Charades players will probably guess James or John. I’d best not give God the orders, but wait patiently for His plan. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord…” Jeremiah 29:11

If this game included cards and I drew “Judas,” I’d shudder. I may be arrogant, demanding, and even deny my Lord, but the thought that I would willfully betray Him scares me. Unlike Peter who wept and was restored, Judas gave up. I pray that I’ll weep over my sins. For the Charades game I’d count imaginary coins, plant a kiss, toss the coins away and use my hands to “hang” myself. But it would be hard not to put up my hand in a “STOP!” gesture, then fall to my knees weeping in confession and contrition.

As to the other Disciples, they all deserted Jesus. In the end, however, God claimed their hearts by the infilling of His Spirit and they took the world by storm.

I’m glad Jesus didn’t choose twelve perfect guys. They were self-centered, they ran off at the mouth, they blew it, and they just didn’t get it. They were ordinary folks—like us—providing God the opportunity to show what can happen when Jesus gets hold of an ordinary person.

Though my game is imaginary, my greatest desire is to mimic the Disciples’ ultimate dedication and service to the Lord—whether it’s March or any time of year. Let’s all grab that cup of hot chocolate (or coffee or tea) and contemplate how we’ll act out our days.

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39

Lynn Ludwick writes from Shady Cove, Oregon. Lynniegirl45@hotmail.com

Calm Your Chaos

By Patti Iverson

I don’t want to pray today,
Surely there’s another way?
I am busy and I don’t have time.
I’d rather sit and write a rhyme!
My head’s a muddle, my heart is worse.
So I’ll just sit and type a verse.
Is that the Lord, who’s calling me?
The Holy Spirit won’t let me be!
Thank you, God, when I don’t bother
You’re still here, my loving Father.

Psalms 46 screamed out to me in God’s quiet voice. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way… though the waters roar and foam…BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD…”

I am to be resting? Cease striving? Be still? Ha! Seems impossible some days. Yet I want to know God, to hear God, to love God. To experience Him is also to have a sense of silence and solitude, while I “practice the presence” of God. When Brother Lawrence used the word, “practice”, he wasn’t kiddin’! Anything of such worth and value takes practice. It’s so bad now that jokes are rampant about our “noise”. Two Martians discussing earth: “Don’t they EVER shut up on that planet?”

I knew I was in trouble one morning when I woke up not even saying hello to my precious Lord, or thanking Jesus for a great night’s sleep. My thoughts were I had to get the house clean, the pot roast in, laundry started, 10 projects begun or finished, and so the list goes... I didn’t even give a thought to pray and ask Him to bless my day or find out what He would like me to do for Him. I forgot to tell Jesus I loved Him, sigh…

Years ago, after a huge dinner, manly men used to slip into the paneled library to discuss life, smoke cigars, ‘n sip cognac. The ladies would adjourn to the lovely living room to embroider, sip tea, and share the latest in everything, including the local gossip. Now we don’t even enjoy short meals with friends and family yet alone long leisurely meals together, and “fergedaboudit” as far as a happy, relaxing time afterwards. No, we grab something to munch on the run and then run ourselves, our kids, and even other’s kids hither and yon, working, cleaning, doing everything from chores, meetings, classes, and obligations we have chosen over restful times. Even Sundays are not a day of rest anymore. It contributes to our stress, to medical issues of stomach disorders, acid reflux, and even, (gasp!), heart problems. Number one denial statement: “I’m not tense! I’m just terribly, terribly alert.”

It’s time to calm the chaos. What we need today are Christians with a “calm” plex. God has the best way. “Be still.” Cease striving. Learn how to be quiet. “I have found power in the mysteries of thought.” (Euripides 438 BC). I’m not so sure anybody just sits and thinks anymore. Have you? Ooooh, the quiet can be deafening! Sometimes our heart is the only quiet place we can be to calm our unquiet mind. It takes practice to sit and be still. No TV, radio, phones, computers, people, media. No world. Just you ‘n God—and peace. Ahhhhh…
In the hustle and bustle of our contemporary life it is really hard to tame the turmoil. Have you noticed everyone saying, “I’m too busy!” “It’s crazy around here!” “I meet myself coming and going!” Those people are kind of scary. I for sure wouldn’t want to burden them with any issue I may have. Sometimes you know you will be pressing them for their precious time just to invite them over for a cuppa tea or a night of bowling or fun conversation. They have no time, yet time is exactly what keeps things from happening all at once. I praise God for time! I want to be one who uses it, not just lets life happen saying “Yes” to every task, whim, or person who asks me for my time.

Where is the peace and joy of overly busy, overly committed Christian life? Dear folks laugh about it. Make excuses: “I’m not crazy- I’ve just been in a bad mood for 28 years.” Who wants all that hassle, chaos, and confusion? Not I! Nor the world that is watching us to see our faith in action, to see the Lord in our lives. God is not a God of confusion. If we are running around like chickens with our heads cut off they will seek peace and serenity elsewhere, as they sure won’t see it in us.

GOD GRANT ME THE SERENTITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE, COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN, AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.

It is good for us to have work for our hands to do. It is a fine and noble endeavor to serve our world and humanity, but not at the expense of losing ourselves and our heart to the world we our trying to serve, instead of the God we claim to love.
So, let’s practice HIS presence and calm our chaos. “Be still and know…”

Patti Iverson randpi@charter.net

Beauty for Ashes

By Lynn Hall

Fairy tales do come true. Amber was marrying her prince after all. I knew there was something magical about their story, when three years earlier, Amber called home from Ireland.
“Mom, I’ve met this great Christian guy. I really like him.” They had been hiking along a rugged coastline with friends, and Ed had reached down to help Amber up a rocky incline. When their hands touched, so did their hearts. It sounded like magic, and possibly the beginning of a good Irish love story.

Months passed, and finally their Europe semester ended, and alas, also the tales about Ed. Amber finished college, returned to the Rogue Valley, and began a career working in the communications field, which for the next few years kept her very busy. Then one day she called home again, and once more could not disguise the excitement in her voice.

“Mom, you’ll never believe this. I just got an email from Ed, the guy from Europe Semester. He visited our alumni website, saw my post, and emailed. Since then, we’re been doing a little text-messaging,” she added, as casual as possible. I could just see her checking her phone at that moment. I had to smile, realizing the story was not over after all, but probably right on track with one of God’s great mysterious plans. It had a twist of destiny woven into it, a little like Sleepless in Seattle, one of Amber’s favorite movies.

Only a year later, we were gathering in Ashland, Oregon to celebrate Amber’s and Ed’s wedding day. Callahan’s lodge would be the wedding site and resort for the wedding. Our family was delighted, as we had shared many great memories together there.

On Friday night, we saw a play together in Ashland, and on Saturday morning the girls had headed to a local Spa, where they would also dress for the wedding. At around 1:00 pm the whole wedding party was to meet near the fountain in Lithia Park, for a photo shoot.

The weather was spectacular, a sparkling September day. Leaves of gold gently lit on green lawns, while laughter and light intermingled, as the wedding party floated about, happy to be alive, and in a playful mood.

Amber was radiant, smiling at her reclaimed Irish prince, Ed, who had resurfaced in her life. Fascinating indeed, how they had both rediscovered each other again, after so long. Ed loved to tell how he had finally determined to truly trust God in this troublesome area of his life, just as Amber had been making a similarly serious commitment, a thousand miles away.

The wedding was at 4:15 pm and we had just finished with the photo shoot. I mentally went over my list as we strolled through the park to return to our cars. The gorgeous cake was waiting, ready to be set up, and the copper buckets of white hydrangeas, decorating the outside tables, should all be set out by now. It was all so exciting and beautiful, a dream coming true. We had spent the last two days decorating and it looked fabulous.

“Good,” I sighed. There was so little left to be done now, but to show up and walk down the isle. I felt like that was about all I could manage, as my feet ached already. What a good thing, after months of planning, to finally get to the high point in this love story.

Suddenly I recognized a familiar cell phone ring, and noticed Amber, now slowing down, looked incredibly cute in her bridal gown, cell phone to her ear. We have a growing collection of photos with Amber on her cell phone, so I am thinking this will be another great one to capture. Oddly, though, I notice she is not glowing anymore, and I sense something is dreadfully wrong. She has stopped walking now, her happy little entourage quiet, as they gather around her, engulfed by a darkening mood.

“Callahan’s is on fire…its burning to the ground. There is nothing left,” She declared, and snapping her cell phone shut, she turned, a look of great sadness on her face, and began to walk away, back up into the park. I was deeply moved as I saw her struggle.

Great love stories always have convoluted plots, like Cinderella, sitting alone, in the ashes of all her dreams. Evil comes along to rob us of our dreams, steal our faith, and attempt to destroy our hearts. Rank, evil ashes of lies drift by, looking for lodging, cracks in our willingness to trust God, and lies against His goodness leap like flames against our fragile hearts, whispering doubts that maybe it was too good to be true, after all.

I began to repeat my life verse, Romans 8:28: “God works all things together for good, for those who love him, and who are called according to His purposes.”

This day was preceded by many other days, full of learning to lean on Him, to surrender my soul to his Spirit, to learn to let go. Now, I begin to wonder if I was being prepared for this very day. I want to believe God is good, and that He can redeem this situation for good. I have no option, but to trust the outcome to Him.

Cell phones are ringing everywhere now reconfirming Callahan’s lodge is completely engulfed by huge flames. The building is burning to the ground. Guests are asked to join us at Lithia Park, near the fountain.

Somewhere in the depths of my soul, I hear a still small voice: “Worship me.” As I try to worship, the thought that God gives beauty for ashes is a comfort and peace to my soul. I realize that we still have the love. Love does not burn up. It is alive in our hearts, a gift from God, and we are sustained by His love in all of our circumstances, even when they are burning up.

Earlier, we had left the lodge with a great plan for this special day, our rooms full of personal items, gifts, all types of lovely, valuable things. It was so strange, to know that all of that stuff was now just ashes. That was true, but what was so awesome, was the growing reality that we still had the love. It had not been burned up, which continued to lift me spirit, as I needed to stay focused on what mattered most now. I needed God to hold me close.

After a bit, I looked over to see two generations of men, father and son, with their arms around each other, praying. My future son-in-law is being baptized in fire today, and I see, also, that he is being encircled in the arms of a strong love. That is so beautiful, that is what really matters in life, and my heart registers this truth.

Somehow I am beginning to believe that we will survive the trauma. Amber and Ed’s lives, for whatever purposes, have truly been woven together by the hand of God.

Ed’s renewed courage is greatly contagious, and soon he and Amber are back with us, both glowing again, as plans are readjusted, and realigned to the idea of the wedding taking place in the park. Shafts of golden afternoon light fall softly in splintered patterns across emerald lawns, as good friends busily collaborated to make hasty new plans within the surrounding local.
Details dovetailed together, beginning with a beautiful wedding site, which opened up before us, complete with chairs and musician, a gracious young man, who offered to stay and play for our wedding. Windmill Inn offered their ballroom for the reception, and some very brave caterers agreed to cater it all, right down to a new wedding cake!

A few short hours later, we gathered around to celebrate anew, in this beautiful God-given spot, in what appears to be a miraculously prearranged moment. Deep, deep gratitude and joy permeated the air as this little gathering of family and friends join with Amber and Ed, to complete their wedding ceremony in this newly revised story.

Moments before, a lovely shawl, garnered from one of the ladies, has now become a makeshift, yet lovely altar covering for the communion table, a nearby plastic chair.

As Amber and Ed stood before Ed’s grandfather, he graciously served them the sacred communion wine in a severed plastic bottle. How ironic, I think, and how very meaningful, for God to teach us such profound lessons here today. The beautiful goblet is replaced, but what is inside that cup, given for us, is indestructible love. What is inside of us, also, is what truly matters most.

A sparkle of laughter and love pass between Amber and Ed, igniting this moment, as they share their joy and union in the act of this new covenant meal. From the moment their hands first touched, something sparked between them, and now that love has brought them to this very moment. That same source of strength that carried them thru the fire on their wedding day, will continue to carry them always, through whatever life brings. Grace is a gift from Heaven, life is ultimately God’s story, and we are written into it. In that cup He offers to us, he offers Himself, and we are given beauty for ashes.

Lynn Hall writes from Central Point, Oregon.

Bad Day Turnaround

By Sandy Cathcart

"You were shown these things so that you might know that the Lord is God; besides him there is no other."
Deuteronomy 4:35 (NIV)

Ever have a bad day?

I certainly have. You know the kind…where you crawl out of bed to discover there’s no hot water for a shower. Then reaching into the refrigerator for some breakfast items, you spill the entire carton of eggs on the floor. While grabbing the broom to clean up the mess, you rip your blouse and discover that all your clean ones are still in the wash. So you don a wet one and head off to work, but then…where are those car keys? Finally, after retrieving the keys from behind the microwave, you jump in the car. Nothing but a sick er-er sound meets your ears. You suddenly realize you might as well have stayed in bed.

The above scenario has actually happened to me, but the one thing I left out was my reaction. Normally, I would have been sobbing half way through my morning, but this time was different. I had an agenda, a Biblical test of sorts. Instead of looking at all the bad things happening around me and crying in my soup, I decided to reverse things—to focus on the good and rejoice, because Jesus has overcome the world.

So, when the eggs fell to the floor, I simply reached for paper towels and started cleaning up the mess. I admit that by the time I discovered the car wouldn’t run my Biblical test nearly failed. Sniffing back a tear and straightening my shoulders, I walked back in the house, made a few phone calls, and decided to write instead. Life went on. God had a different plan for me than I had for myself.

This Biblical test gets more difficult when REALLY bad things happen. Even Jesus wept when He discovered His friend Lazarus had died. At such times, the rejoicing is simply over the fact that God understands our tears and pain. He’s been there too. But in those day-to-day moments when Murphy’s Law seems to rule, I’ve discovered freedom in focusing on remembering the good things God has done in my life. There are sooooo many. He touched me. Called me to be His child. Comforts me when no one else can. Oh, what a wonderful husband He gave me. What fabulous kids and grandkids. I am rich, even though I don’t have much money and I live in a very small manufactured house.

I feel the softness of the cold wind, even now, as I fling open my window and hear turkeys and squirrels chattering over who will be first to eat. It feels as if the breath of God is blowing all around me. I see the goodness of His creation as I stare into the big brown eyes of two incredibly perfect fawns that have just recently lost their spots. I hear His voice in the rustle of the giant Douglas Firs outside my porch. I feel loved and protected. I have a lot to rejoice over today.

Yet, even if I fail to see the good in today, I can look back and remember the good things God has done. Years ago, our house burned to the ground. Overnight, we were homeless with five children and two dogs. We had no insurance and less than ten dollars in the bank. Friends and family shared their homes with us. Strangers gave us clothes and furniture. I was a worship leader with no instrument. God led someone to pay the balance on a lay-a-way guitar, and someone else even gave me a piano. One by one, God more than met each and every one of our needs.

More recently, I recall how God touched my Grandson's heart as he sat in Juvenile jail over Christmas. How my friend Marianne is finding strength in God as she faces her battle with cancer. How God allowed me to clear my hectic schedule and be there for her. How God touched my uncle’s heart and brought him to Himself after I've been praying for Roy for over 30 years!

Amazing God. Amazing love. Oh, yes, let us be very careful to not forget. The Lord is God; besides Him there is no other! How can there be a really bad day when He’s in control?

Sandy Cathcart writes from Prospect, Oregon.

This Could Be The End Of Spiderman

Spider-Man 3
Release Date: May 4, 2007
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Director: Sam Raimi
Screenwriter: Alvin Sargent
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, James Cromwell, Rosemary Harris
Genre: Action, Adventure
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of intense action violence)

THIS COULD BE THE END OF SPIDERMAN
By David Bruce

“Every Hero has a choice, to face the darkness, or be consumed by it.” - Mary Parker

In "Spider-Man 3," based on the legendary Marvel Comics series, Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to his wife M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. The man who murdered Peter Parker’s uncle is identified and Peter allows his feelings of anger and revenge to well up inside of him.

His Aunt, Mary Parker, warns him, “Revenge is like a poison, it can take us over. Before you know it can turn you into something ugly.”

She was right, despite Peter’s optimism to save himself, he becomes consumed by this inner darkness and even enjoys it –for a time. “Power it feels good,” he says. “If you lose yourself to it”

There are always consequences. As the Bible says, “You reap what you sow.”

In Peter’s case, the consequences were broken relationships with everyone he dearly loved.

His wife, M.J., begins to notice the separation saying, “Don’t push me away”
Peter in denial of the reality of his darkness states, “Why would I push you away? I love you.”

Later M.J. confronts Peter again, “We have done terrible things to each other. We have to forgive each other, or everything we ever were will mean nothing.”

Peter finally realizes that he cannot save himself, “I need your help, I have to stop it.”

The Dilemma:
There is something very familiar about this Spider-Man story, because all of us have experienced inner anger, hostility, rage and even had revenge moments. Spider-Man’s incredible popularity is particularly due to his connection with the human dilemma.

The apostle Paul once wrote: “I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn, I can't make myself do right. I want to, but I can't. When I want to do good, I don't. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway.” - Romans 7:18-20

This sinful nature that Paul talks about is like the darkness we see over take Spider-Man. This inner darkness (sin) that is in all of us and it can control us. What can be done?

Paul went on to say, “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” - Romans 7:24-25a.

Finding Freedom From The Darkness Within!
Sin separates you from others and from God. Peter Parker certainly discovered this to be true when his inner darkness separated him from those he loved.

In Romans 3:25 we read: “For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us.”

God’s Incredible Promise:
Galatians 5:22-24 promises that when we give yourself to God, his “Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control... Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.”

Mary Parker is right, “Every Hero has a choice, to face the darkness, or be consumed by it.” Make this your day by making the right choice!

The Right Choice Begins with a Simple Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I put my trust in Jesus, who sacrificed his life for me. Please forgive my sins that have separated me from you. I accept Jesus as the leader and savior of my life. I ask that your Holy Spirit would fill me with love, joy and peace, helping me to overcome my inner darkness. Thank you for your promise of eternal life with you. In Jesus name, amen

Shrek the Third

Release Date: May 18, 2007
Studio: DreamWorks Animation
Director: Chris Miller, Raman Hui
Screenwriter: Peter Seaman, Jeffrey Price
Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Rupert Everett, Justin Timberlake, Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Cheri Oteri, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Amy Sedaris, John Krasinski, Ian McShane
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Fantasy
MPAA Rating: PG (for some crude humor, suggestive content and swashbuckling action)

Possible titles:
1. Who can I trust as Friend?
2. A Friend Happily Ever After
-By David Bruce

In the hit movie Shrek the Thrid, finds Shrek is in a royal mess wondering, “Who are my friends?”

Shrek and Fiona have been watching over the kingdom of Far Far Away, when King Harold falls ill. Shrek, of course, is looked at as the heir to the land of Far, Far Away. But Shrek and Fiona have no desire to take the throne. They want to return to the simple, less complicated life of their beloved home in the swamp. They must now find a suitable heir to the throne of Far Far Away and the most promising candidate for the position of king is Fiona's younger cousin, Arthur (or, Artie, as he is called).

Shrek recruits his friends Donkey and Puss in Boots to journey with him to find the rebellious Artie and convince him to be the new king of Far Far Away.

Unfortunately, he who proves to be much more of a problem than Shrek, Donkey, and Puss had bargained for. And to make things even more complicated, while Shrek is away, the cunning Prince Charming attempts a coup to take the throne of Far Far Away.

The Prince organizes a force made up of Captain Hook, The Wicked Queen, a Cyclops, Rumpelstiltskin, Mabel the Ugly Stepsister, and Little Red Riding Hood as well as an army of witches and walking trees.

The pregnant Fiona, her mother, Queen Lillian, and Doris the Ugly Stepsister recruit four of Fiona's closest princess friends, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, and Cinderella to help them hold off Prince Charming's quest for the throne, with added help from Pinocchio, the Three Little Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf, and the Gingerbread Man.

The Shrek movies are always fun. And this one is filled with intrigue, suspense and betrayal in which even Little Red Riding Hood joins forces against Shrek and Fiona. This story points to a real life situation, which we all wonder about: “Who are my real friends, and who can I really trust.”

In the Bible we read, “There are ‘friends’ who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother”

It has been said that…
A friend is one who
Knows you as you are
Understands where you’ve been
Accepts who you’ve become
And still, gently invites you to grow.
But who can be such a friend?

Ultimately in this life we can never be totally certain of our friends. But there is a friend who will never forsake you nor leave you, and His name is Jesus. If you are one of Jesus’ friends, He promises to “be with you always, even to the end of the age.”

And Jesus has proven that he is your friend “And here is how to measure it—the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.” “God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

Jesus has done his part to be your forever friend. Now you must do your part. You must decide to be his friend. Here is how the Bible puts it: “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”

A simple prayer to express your desire to be a forever friend of Jesus:
Dear Jesus, thank you for demonstrating on the cross your great friendship and love toward me. I want to turn from my old way and fully trust you with my life. Thank you for the forever friendship that you offer me freely. I now accept you as my personal friend, Lord and Savior. Amen.

There is no better “happily ever after” than to be a forever friend with Jesus.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Release Date: May 25, 2007
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Gore Verbinski
Screenwriter: Terry Rossio, Ted Elliott
Starring: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Geoffrey Rush, Chow Yun-Fat, Stellan Skarsgård, Jack Davenport, Kevin R. McNally, Lee Arenberg, Mackenzie Crook, Andy Beckwith, Reggie Lee
Genre: Action, Adventure
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of action/adventure violence and some frightening images)

Possible titles:
1. Fighting the Good Fight Until World’s End
2. The Plan To Win
3. The Winning Plan
4. A Battle to Win
5. Pirates Aren’t the Only Ones Fighting Battles
-By David Bruce

The plot of the entertaining and fanciful “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End” speaks a very real life situation that we all have in common. And just what is that? Well, first let’s review the POTC story:
After Elizabeth (Keira Knightly), Will (Orladno Bloom), and Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) rescue Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from the clutches of the Craken, they must face their foes, Davy Jones and Lord Cutler Beckett. Beckett, now with control of Jones's heart, forms a dark alliance with him in order to rule the seas and wipe out the last of the Pirates into extinction. Now, Jack, Barbossa, Will, Elizabeth, Tia Delma, and crew must call the Pirate Lords from the four corners of the globe, including the infamous Sao Feng, to a gathering that will make their final stand against Beckett, Jones, Norrington, the Flying Duthcman, and the entire East India Trading Company.

There is a real life lesson to be learned from this fictitious and fanciful story. Simply put, it is this: When you face very real life problems, you need a plan to win just as Captain Jack Sparrows, Elizabeth, Will and Captain Barbossa had.

Just as their famous compass had four points, so did their strategy:
1. Realization: They had to realize they were facing a battle with Davy Jones and Lord Cutler Beckett. The very lives of the Pirates were at stake.
2. Strategy: They needed a clear strategy to win against this dark alliance.
3. Reinforcement: They needed the help of others (the Pirate Lords ) to win
4. Goal: They needed to win. Failure was not an option.

In winning the important battles in your life you need the same 4-point strategy:
1. Realization: You need to realize the battle you are facing.
2. Strategy: You need a clear strategy to win.
3. Reinforcement: You need the help of others to win.
4. Goal: You need to win. Failure was not an option.

Although each of us face various and different battles in life, according to the Bible we all have one great battle in common! That battle is for our very souls and it can only have one of two outcomes: Life or Death. The Bible says that Satan’s purpose is to “kill and destroy.” And that Jesus’ “purpose is to give life in all its fullness.” Here is the 4-point strategy given to you in the Bible to win this battle for life eternal with God:
1. Realization: I have sinned and I face death. The Bible says “all have sinned” and that the results “of sin is death ” (separation from God).
2. Strategy: “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.”
3. Reinforcement: I need the help of “Christ Jesus, our Savior, who broke the power of death and showed us the way to everlasting life.”
4. Goal: Death defeated, eternal life won. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Take a moment, read this prayer, if it expresses your heart, simply repeat it as a prayer to God:

Dear God, thank you for loving me and for sending Jesus to win the victory over sin and death. I am sorry for all my sins that have come between you and me. I ask you to forgive me. I turn my life over to you by receiving Jesus as the leader and savior of my life. Thank you for the gift of eternal life. Help me to serve you faithfully every day. Amen.

--Written by David Bruce
Bible translation used: The New Living Translation

Evan Almighty

Evan Almighty
Release Date: June 22, 2007
Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: Tom Shadyac
Screenwriter: Steve Oedekerk
Starring: Steve Carell, Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham, John Goodman, John Michael Higgins, Jimmy Bennett, Wanda Sykes, Jonah Hill
Genre: Comedy


If God Spoke To You, What Would He Say?
-By David Bruce


In the previous movie, Bruce Almighty, Buffalo TV station newsman Evan Baxter, was being tormented by rival Bruce Nolan.

In Evan Almighty, time has passed and Evan has made up with Bruce. And Evan has moved on to bigger and better things. He has been elected to Washington D.C. as a congressman! Evan has, of course, left Buffalo, New York in pursuit of this greater calling.

But God has another calling for Evan and it isn't serving in America's politics. As incredible as it may seem the Almighty has handed Evan the mission of building a new ark, just as Noah built so long ago.

With time passing by and his family belittled by Evan's newfound realization, Evan will have to do the work that God has given him. After all, when God speaks all other options are ended. Evan Almighty is an unusual adventure of a man who just wanted to be a good citizen and serve his country, but ended serving God, and all of humanity. He found his higher calling in God.

Evan Almighty is fun because many of us wonder from time to time, “If God spoke to me, what would he say?”

Well, according to the Bible, God has spoken to you!

The Bible is referred to as “The Word of God” because it was written by people who “were moved by God” (1 Peter 1:21). So, in the Bible God has spoken us in a very personal way. Some have referred to the Bible as a “Love Letter from God.”

Just as the “Almighty” spoke to Evan, so God speaks to you through the Bible.

Question: What is the message that God gives you in the Bible?
Answer: John 3:16, a verse found in the Bible, sums it up very well:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

HERE IS HOW GOD SAYS TO RECEIVE THIS ETERNAL LIFE.

1. Recognize that you have done things you should not have done.
“For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard” --Romans 3:23.

2. Your sinful ways have separated you from God –the source of eternal life.
“But there is a problem—your sins have cut you off from God” --Isaiah 59:2

3. You must turn from your old life and look to the One who conquered death.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” --Romans 6:23. Jesus conquered death by dying on the cross and rising to life again.

4. God offers you this eternal life through Jesus Christ by becoming part of His Eternal family.
“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God” -- John 1:12.

God has spoken: New life being offered to you. You can begin receiving all that God has for you through this simple heartfelt prayer:

Dear God, thank you for loving me enough to send your only Son to die on the cross for my sins. Thank you for defeating death for me by raising Jesus to life again. I confess that I have sinned. I am sorry, please forgive me. I now acknowledge and accept Jesus as my Savior, and I promise to follow Him as my Leader. I thank you for the victorious and eternal life that You have given me trough my faith and obedience in You. This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Translation: The New Living Translation.