Pirates Aren’t the Only Ones Fighting Battles

Editor Chad's Comments:
The following article is a look at the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." In this short article writer David Bruce looks at the spiritual implications of the plot of the film. We all have to consider what we need to do on a daily basis to win the victory at "world's end." Christian believers have a plan. It has been laid out by the God of the universe and carefully executed to guarantee success. There is no doubt of what is coming...the only doubt is what we are doing on a daily basis to accomplish success and be prepared.

By David Bruce

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)

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.

David Bruce writes from White City, Oregon.

Bible translation used: The New Living Translation

Shrek...A King Giving Up The Kingdom For Friendship

The touching story-line in Shrek #3 is about a person next in line for the kingship, yet he has no desire to have the job. He’d rather live in comfortable surroundings with his friends. Friendships are so important for a good life. Friendships are more important than position or power. These never lead to true satisfaction…rather they only disappoint and leave one empty. The following article about friendship reminds us of some old stories of the power of friends and it points us to the only true friend we can count on.

Chad McComas
Editor of The Christian Journal

Movie Review with Message
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Friendship
By Troy Pomeroy

It has been said that if you have a few truly good friends in your lifetime, you are a blessed person. Indeed friendship can be counted amongst the greatest of God’s gifts that He imparts upon us. Like all of His creation, friends come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and personalities. And like God’s creational and spiritual gifts, they often come to us at exactly the right time and in exactly the right way that we need.

Sometimes friends care for us in the way that Abraham looked after and cared for his nephew Lot. They take us on their journeys and adventures and put our needs and the honor of our friendship above their own needs. And if we’re really lucky, they may bail us out of trouble we’ve gotten ourselves into.

Other times, good friends empathize with our trouble and bring comfort to us. This is what Job’s friends did when they “heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him.” (Job 2:11,NIV)

Friends can also share such deep love, commitment, and loyalty toward each other that they refuse to be separated. What a blessed thing it is to have a friend that is always by your side! This is the case with Elijah and Elisha. Three times Elijah tells Elisha to stay behind, and three times Elisha responds, “As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." (2Kings 2:2, 4, 6, NIV)

Similarly, it is also the case with Ruth and Naomi:
Ruth answered, "Please don't tell me to leave you and return home! I will go where you go, I will live where you live; your people will be my people, your God will be my God. I will die where you die and be buried beside you. May the LORD punish me if we are ever separated, even by death!" (Ruth 1:16-17, CEV)

Perhaps one of the most friendships in Scripture is between David and Jonathan: “Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. . . And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself” (1Samuel 18:1,3, NIV). This kind of friendship is somewhat rare and if found should be highly valued. It is a friendship that runs thicker than the blood of family. It is also an illustration of how we should love each other within the body of Christ. Under the right circumstances, friendships within the body transcend normal boundaries. This is further found in the relationship between the Apostle Paul and Timothy, whom Paul would refer to as his son.

Of course, there has never been a friend like Jesus, who would reveal the mysteries of and provide access to the Father. “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15, NIV)

What a strange and delightful thing that our Master and Lord would call us friends. All the wonderful qualities in the varieties of friends we enjoy are wrapped up in Him. And there are things yet to be expressed by Him and experienced by us. Those whom He knows and calls friends can look forward to that relationship for eternity. For the present time, however, we get the privilege of seeing glimpses of Him in the good qualities we enjoy in our friends.

Troy Pomeroy writes from Eagle Point, Oregon.

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What's In A Name?

By Lynn Ludwick

When I was starting my family, we had no idea whether the baby I carried would be a girl or a boy. We were prepared with a name for each. Ultrasounds were fairly new and for medical emergencies only. When granted the choice to know a baby’s gender, most parents in that era said no. We liked the mystery.

When my kids became parents I retained doubts about their foreknowledge. I’ve since discovered advantages, such as planning the nursery and selecting baby gifts. And, if they choose a name outside your grandparent-comfort zone, you have months to adjust. When the little arrives, you’re used to names such as Ocean, Mystery, Tinder, Unique, Canyon (really, I Googled them!) and the chosen name seems to fit.

“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.” Actually, Mr. Shakespeare, there’s a lot in a name.

My daughter called this morning, “Hey Mom, how ya doin’?” I like what she calls me—Mom. Or its derivations. In high school one son called me Mother, and his brother tosses out an occasional Ma. Yet millions of people call their mothers “Mom,” so what was special about this morning? Just this—I’m my kids’ mom and no one else’s.

I thought about our Lord’s name, Jesus. It was common in His day, and still is today in Mexico. Because of the very essence of who this particular Jesus is, however, the name has gained a uniqueness that makes saints smile, sinners sneer and demons duck. It’s a powerful name. When life hits bottom and we’re weary of our sin existence, we can call on His name. I’ve reverenced it aloud and felt pain subside. I’ve cried out “Jesus” along with, “Help!” and enjoyed protection. “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Psalm 8:1

“Sticks and stones will break your bones, but names will never hurt you.” Whoever first penned that, well all I can say is, what was he thinking?! A whack may leave a scar on the body and on the heart, but names carry equal destruction. Spoken persistently or even just once with vehemence, they claw at the soul and leave deep, festering wounds. “You are such a…” “You never do it right, you…” Those labels infer a person is incompetent, stupid, a loser, and basically say, “You’re unworthy.”

Even the way we say a name has impact. When my mother used all my names, first, middle and last, I knew I was really in trouble. And I did the same with my kids. I rarely said, “I love you, Name-Name-Name.”

Names can change. It happens with marriage or a court document. Immigrants often changed their names to blend in better in their new country. Nicknames are often dropped as a person approaches adulthood, or sometimes a nickname is adopted along the way. New positions in life change our titles and the title becomes our identity. My granddaughter Hazel calls me “Banana”—she noticed it rhymed with “Nana.” The man we elect to the White House becomes President So-And-So, or merely Mr. President. That makes me think about my titles. I may be Mom, Nana, or Banana (and even Grammar Lynn), but I don’t want to be Mrs. Mean or Mrs. Gossip or Mrs. Pain-In-The-Neck. I’d rather be Mrs. Kind, Mrs. Trustworthy, Mrs. Glad-You’re-Here. “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1

The best new position of all was when I became a Christian. My name forever changed from Sinner to Saint. From then on I was…r God’s child, part of a new family, those who “rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20 God knows my name and uses it. “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:3

While there may be other Lynn Ludwicks around, my name bears personal uniqueness, for no one shares my God-designated DNA or my history. I rejoice in being Mom to my kids, Nana/Banana/Grammar Lynn to my grandkids, and best of all, Child to God. A lot of responsibility in all that, but thankfully I don’t have to go it alone. I have The Book to guide me and the Holy Spirit within to lead and shape me. No matter what name I go by.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Lynn Ludwick writes from Medford, Oregon. Lynniegirl45@hotmail.com

Victim or Victor - Turning Our Eyes Back To The Lord

By Beverly Hill McKinney

How often do I ask the Lord to bless my life, protect me or perform a miracle and then am surprised when he does?

Do I really trust him? Do I approach his throne with confidence that he will hear and answer my prayer?

In the Bible, there are instances where Christ is asked to perform miracles and then the people are surprised when it happens.

Look in John’s gospel where Christ was preaching and the day grew late. The people were hungry and the disciples wanted Jesus to do something. Jesus asked how much bread was there. Philip answered not enough for this great crowd. Then Andrew mentioned a boy with a small lunch. Did he really expect Jesus to perform a miracle? Notice he said when mentioning the two small fishes and five barley loaves, “but what are they among so many?” Even the disciplines doubted when looking at circumstances.

In Matthew the disciples go into a ship with Jesus. A storm begins and they are frightened. They come to him and ask for his help. When he calms the storm, they are astonished and say, “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and waves obey him.” They asked, but didn’t really expect a miracle.

Remember when Lazarus died and Jesus came four days later to his home. Martha is crushed by sorrow and says to him that her brother would not have died if Jesus had been there. She doesn’t see or expect the miracle that Jesus has in store for her.

We also see Peter in Matthew 14 where he sees Jesus walking on the water. Jesus bids him come and Peter walks toward him on the water. But what happened? It says when he saw the wind and waves, he was afraid and began to sink. His problem, like those other individuals in the Bible, was they took their eyes off Jesus. They looked at circumstances and forgot His promises to them.

I remember times in my own life where I took my eyes off of the Lord. When we had first begun in the ministry and were far away from family with little daily provisions. I cried to the Lord, and like the children of Israel, asked if he had brought us to this place then forgotten us? I knew the Lord could provide but my eyes were looking at circumstances instead of being on Him.

Once again when I had medical tests and the Lord had assured me he would be with me. Even after His assurance, I felt fearful until He reminded me through a sermon the following Sunday that he knew what I was going through and would be with me.

When we lost one of our grandsons shortly after birth and grief seemed to overwhelm me it seemed so difficult to keep my eyes on Jesus. I began to look at others and ask the Lord “why.” . I had to make the conscious effort to once again focus on the Lord and his promises to me.

When we think of these stories from the Bible and even in our own lives, we often feel defeated and like victims. It is at those times when we take our eyes off the Lord and look instead at circumstances, that we become overwhelmed.

In Hebrews 13:5 the Lord tells us “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” The Lord has given this promise to all his children. When we are surrounded by circumstances or difficulties, it is important to remember to keep our eyes on Jesus and remind ourselves again that he will never leave us or forsake us. We do this by asking the Lord to reveal his promises daily through the Word and cling to those promises in the face of trials.

At that moment, we move from being a victim to a victor.

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

Editor Chad's Comment:
We all have the choice each day of being or acting the victim or the victor in life. There is no doubt that from reading what Jesus had to say that He wants us to live victoriously and live abundantly. The choice is ours...as Beverly points out.

Divine Appointment

By Lacy Enderson

“Then the LORD replied: "Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:2,3

Sometimes, when I drank, I became very spiritual. At least I thought I was spiritual. One time a girlfriend and I went to a bar to have a few drinks and dance. I had always referred to my friend as my spiritual advisor. When we drank together we talked about God. So in my humble opinion drinking was not a problem for us.

I heard it said once that if something brings you closer to God than it must be from God. Well the drinking brought us closer to God. So I justified it as being OK. This particular night we decided to enlighten the drunks in the bar and began to preach the Word of God while standing on barstools. It was probably a very funny sight to those who were listening to us. We were two drunk women going on and on about the Lord in a bar. We were on our soapbox and we were very proud of ourselves. I don't know how proud God was of us. He may have preferred for us to wait until we were sober to represent Him. Or maybe God touched someone that night and they went on to get saved. I can only hope so.

Today I spread the message of God sober and I stay out of the bars. Drinking was never God's best for me. I always knew He had better plans. But while I was still growing in my knowledge of God, He used what I had at the time. I don't suggest you run out and get drunk so you can start preaching. I don't recommend that at all. But don't underestimate the power and grace of God. He can do miracles anywhere He chooses.

Someday I hope to be preaching to a stadium full of people, sober!

Excerpt from Addiction: A Personal Story written by Lacy Enderson. lacysjourney.com

Temperance Takes Discipline

By Fred Wikoff

For years I equated the word temperance with town drunks and the Salvation Army. This word association went back to the mid-forties when, at age nine, I sold papers on Saturday nights across the street from Eugene’s most famed tavern.

In those days it seemed as if everyone in Lane County converged in downtown Eugene on Saturday nights. Amidst this carnival like atmosphere the Salvation Army band regularly positioned itself on the parking strip in front of the tavern, and with rousing hymns and forceful preaching, did their best to remind drinkers that there is more to life than the bottle.

If this seems a little narrow-minded and overbearing by today’s more liberal Christian standards you must remember that “strong drink” was at the top of the list of deadly sins of most conservative Christian congregations back then. And new, innovative treatment groups such as, Alcoholics Anonymous, were being watched with hopeful anticipation by the public.

Against this background, it took years for me to realize that temperance, or self-restraint has a much broader application than practicing moderation in alcohol consumption. Temperance is nothing but plain old self-control. And self-control touches every part of our lives.

Unfortunately self-control seems to be in short supply in today’s world. Lack of self-control can be blamed for everything from credit card problems to broken marriages, as well as excessive substance abuse. And unless we are willing to discipline ourselves to solve the lack of self-control, we are doomed to live with our problems.

“Without discipline we can solve nothing. With only some discipline we can solve only some problems. With total discipline we can solve all problems.” (M. Scott Peck, in “The Road Less Traveled.”)

The trouble is that living with the problem often appears more desirable than the discipline to solve it. This is why so many alcoholics must reach the bottom before discipline looks more attractive than the bottle; or take bankruptcy to make discipline more desirable than overspending; or a heart attack to make discipline more appealing than overeating.

Discipline involves taking personal responsibility for our actions; something that man has never been good at: “Eve made me do it.” (See Genesis 3:12) But it should be obvious to all Christians that accepting responsibility for our actions must take place if we are to be the examples God intended. We are God’s showcase . . . His light to the world. Thus it’s vital that we use discipline to assert self-control in all areas of our lives, but doubly so when it comes to sin.

We sin for the same reason we lack self-control in other areas of our lives. We sin because at the time it appears more desirable than to not sin. (See “If Sin Were Not Fun” in the February 2006 issue of The Christian Journal at LiftingTheCross.com

Fortunately, Christians have an important advantage in learning self-control to overcome sin: Christ’s promise: “I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor . . . he will teach you all things . . .” gives all believers the power to achieve the discipline necessary to overcome sin. (See John 14:16-26) And we can use this advantage to help us gain control over other problems in our lives as well.

Still, it takes desire on our part to seek and accept the Holy Spirit’s help. We have to want to change our sinful ways. God does not force his grace upon us, or ask us to comply against our will. But if we trust him he will give us the discipline to grow spiritually and the power to practice temperance in all things.

“For God’s temple is holy and that temple you are.” I Corinthians 3:17

“For this very reason make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these things are yours and abound, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8

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

Temperance Allows Us To Love Others

By Troy Pomeroy

When God made the earth, it was perfect. When He created His crowning glory, man, He declared what He had done was “very good.” He had prepared a paradise for man to inhabit and rule, and made life for man full of pleasures and good things.

Then man fell, and sin entered the world. Since that time, Satan has been busy tempting us with sin. He takes the good things of God and perverts them into something harmful to us. This is displeasing to God.

“What does this have to do with temperance?”

Temperance is restraint. It is a high virtue of Christianity. It has to do with limiting the amount of pleasure or instant gratification we receive for a higher purpose.

What is that higher purpose? Love. The reason we live is to love God and love people. By using restraint in our lives, we can resist temptation and fulfill this purpose.

It’s not that the things we are being temperate about are bad things. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. God only makes good things. But, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.

Let’s take two specific examples of things that God gave us for our pleasure – food and sex. We need both of these for practical reasons – food for nourishment and sex for procreation. Beyond their basic need, God also made them enjoyable.

God’s plan is for us to enjoy the things He made for us. Why else would there be so many choices of food? We can essentially choose from any food we like to nourish our bodies. Yet, there are foods that are good for us and foods that are not. If a person has high blood pressure, it’s in his best interest to watch his salt intake. A person who is lactose intolerant needs to avoid dairy products. And, all of us need to avoid eating too much, as it leads to obesity and many health problems. This displeases God.

God also has a plan for sex. A husband and wife are to enjoy each other sexually within the boundaries of marriage and it is mutually agreeable. Sex outside of the marriage covenant is a counterfeit, perverted version of a beautiful thing. Adultery, fornication, and homosexuality cause physical, emotional, and spiritual harm to the individual involved. This displeases God.

What does this have to do with temperance? The most immediate benefit of practicing restraint is for ourselves. By following God’s plan and enjoying what He has made for us, we get the benefits without the ugly consequences of sin.

More importantly, we get to show love by employing temperance. Having unbridled pleasure ends up enslaving us to that pleasure. We serve it instead of it serving us. When we are in that place, we are not putting God first. We are serving the thing instead of the Maker of the thing. By showing restraint, we take an active role in loving God, which is our first purpose. We can enjoy God’s provision of food, for example, without being a glutton.

Sexual temperance shows our love for people. Sexual abstinence before marriage communicates to our future spouse that he or she is more important than an immediate sexual need. In marriage faithfulness communicates love as nothing else can. We not only gain the blessing of living according to His plan, but we also get to love Him and His people by our self-control.
God intends that we live life to the fullest. The blessings come when we choose a lifestyle of temperance to love Him and love people!

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

Every Hero Has A Choice

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.

David Bruce writes from White City, Oregon. HollywoodJesus.com

Mid Life Marriage Makeover

By Pam Farrel

We were both standing with our teen kids at the “To Go” order desk waiting for our dinners to be ready so we could jump back into the fast lane of family life. Two strangers, two moms, striking up a conversation to bide the time until we both could zoom back into life’s never ending stream of responsibilities. As with most midlife women’s conversations, the topic soon turned to stress. Then, this very together leader I was chatting with asked me what I did for a living. When I shared that Bill and I have a relationship ministry, she said, “Well maybe you can help me with mine.” Then my new friend, did what many women in midlife do, she shared the story of all the stressors, all the responsibilities, all the built up frustrations that accompany many marriages—especially at midlife. She was ready to throw in the towel.

So what’s a mid life married person to do?

Get Real: When I shared that midlife marriages experience more stress because of the season of life we are in, my new friend seemed to gain hope. Think about it: Midlife moms are either older moms with little kids (exhausting), raising teens (more exhausting) or paying for graduations, cars, college, or weddings (expensively exhausting!) This doesn’t even take into account the rising number of grandparents raising their grandchildren (expensive and exhausting a second time around!) Then add to this, pressures from success: people want your wisdom, your connections, your volunteer time, your expertise in business or life. And for some add in pressures like: corporate downsizing, retirement transitions, health challenges like menopause or peri menopause for her and midlife crisis issues for him. In addition, many parents in midlife marriages are also dealing with teenage hormones and prodigal young adults sowing their wild oats. Often a midlife marriage seems dull and lifeless when all that is really going on is extreme pressure from the life stage you are in and you two just needing a vacation and some well deserved R and R! If you two will just hang on, get those kids out of the house and go a second honeymoon, things might just look a whole lot better!

Get educated: Midlife does come with a prepackaged set of obstacles to overcome, the major one being your age! High blood pressure, rising cholesterol levels, weight gain and diabetes, over 100 symptoms of menopause to deal with and the growing need for medications like Premarin, Prozac, Levitra, and Viagra —are just a few of the many physical issues that midlifers might have to deal with. If you get educated and get equipped, what looked like a negative can be turned into a positive. For example, when Bill and I hit 45, his blood pressure was up and my cholesterol was rising so we took back our schedule and added in some workout dates. We lost a little weight and gained some much needed romantic time. For our anniversary last year, we bought each other bikes and now we try to ride to romantic spots. After my brother had a heart attack, he and my sister in law began walking 2-4 miles every morning where they pray for each other, their family and chat about the coming day. It has become one of their most cherished times of the day. In my new book, Fantastic After 40, I help women gain some much needed insights for life, love and laughter after 40. (I also encourage women to join a group I started called Seasoned Sisters, a place dedicated to maximizing midlife and beyond). By getting educated, you can create a personalized plan for life and love that will be a win-win for both of you- and that will benefit your marriage and your family.

Get a new perspective: In our book, Every Marriage is a Fixer Upper, we interviewed couples who have been happily marred over 20 years. These couples made a deliberate choice: Instead of looking at all the things that are wrong and frustrating about their mate and life after 40, they instead opted to look at all the things they loved and would miss if their mate were no longer around. Last week, three of us women who are over 40 and have been married over 25 years, were sitting together taking about midlfe and marriage. We each said how much we’d miss our mate because he had become our best friend in life. I shared how on our 25th anniversary, we had a vow renewal ceremony and this time our vows sounded very different from the first go around because we knew what it really took to keep love alive for a lifetime. I commented that it was a choice. Bill sees all my flaws and knows them well and he chooses to focus on my strengths instead. For example, he calls my impulsivity “spontaneity”. I know Bill pretty much always runs late because he is such a people person, but I choose to focus on the fact he is great at relationships and just ask him to come home 10 minutes earlier than I really need him.

As I shared these simple principles, my new friend gained some hope. She said, “We did make a commitment at the alter. I know we meant it, but I think it is time for “us” to go on the front burner of life’s priorities for awhile. I want to get back to seeing him as my best friend and my lover. Maybe life will seem fun again then.” I smiled and winked at her knowingly. Because she said her commitment, out loud, in front of me --a stranger-- but more importantly, in front of her teens kids, I think she will rediscover her best friend and a second honeymoon might just be around the corner.

Pam Farrel writes from El Cajon, California. www.farrelcommunications.com

Rebuilding Christian Men

By Randy Knapp

When God created man in his own image, he wasn’t fooling around. He gave us power to be “masters over all life, to fill the earth and subdue it.” Sculpting with lavish abandon he infused us with His own nature. With wet clay still dripping from His fingertips, He completed His masterwork and set us free to explore the earth.

When He presented men with the gift of fatherhood, He wrapped His future hopes and dreams for all of mankind in a tiny naked bundle and placed it in our outstretched arms. With this act of faith, God said, “I trust you with My heart.” As with the servants of Matthew 25, God now waits to see how we’ll perform as stewards of His gift.

With what legacy will we bless our children? What will we teach them about love, responsibility, wealth, influence, or power?

When Jesus came to our world, He was confronted with our common realities, but He was not distracted by any of them. When He was hungry, He didn’t crave food to fill his stomach. He said God’s words would fill His need. When He was given access to power, He chose to kneel and serve power-hungry men. When He was presented with pain and disease, He vanquished it.

When He was confronted with death, He embraced it with all its horrors and triumphed over it.
In all these things He chose not to employ the conventional wisdom of His day. Jesus showed us that it is possible to walk on top of the water. Why do we slog through the mud puddles? Jesus told us that God dresses the grass and the flowers on some distant hillside in more beautiful clothing than kings could afford, and He can surely take care of our needs. Why do we worry about our next paycheck and how it will cover all our bills?

What Jesus taught us and what we aim for are sometimes in two entirely different realms. What are we going to do with the naked bundles of God’s hopes and dreams which He has presented to us? How can we teach our children about things we have yet to fully comprehend?
The elusive answer is not far away. Imagine that we are standing on the edge of a precipice, hanging onto a secure rope with one hand for safety. God’s dreams for us are dangling out in empty space just beyond our reach.

Jesus says that it’s okay to let go and leap. It’s called faith. He asked Abram to take that leap and he made a nation. He asked a little boy named David to take that leap and he made a kingdom. He asked a grieving mother to take that leap, and then He lifted her son off a funeral stretcher and gave him back to her alive and whole.

As long as we fear the plunge into the abyss, we will never let go of the things that hold us so securely to this earth. If it is possible to walk on water, I’m pretty sure that it is equally feasible to step out into thin air and grasp God’s dreams for us. All we have to do is learn to think in a new way – to view the world with a new paradigm, to see reality through the eyes of Jesus.
When we seek Jesus, we will find Him IF we seek Him with all our hearts. And the contrary is true. We will find nothing if we seek Him with less ambition. What is at risk is worth our all-out effort.

We certainly don’t need more money when families are falling apart. We don’t need new cars when children are dying for our attention. We don’t need bigger houses when our society is floundering.

What the world needs, and what will save our families and our society is Godly men striving together to accomplish one goal – to truly seek Jesus Christ, and to find Him.

The well-being of those tiny naked bundles is hanging in the balance. He’s confidently waiting to see if we’ll risk our lives to save them.

Randy Knapp writes from Medford, Oregon.

A Lineage Of Light

By Patti Iverson

Mothers and grandma’s hearts are heavy so much of the time. The little ones sent into their care are on the road to many hard, uphill struggles and even a few ferocious battles. But Jesus came so that we are to have life abundant, not drudgery!

~Joy~ we were created to be helpers! Not heroes, simply holy helpers. Some sacrifice their own lives, while others only their egos. Most, as Sydney Smith quoted, “…have done so much with so little, for so long, that they are now qualified to do anything with nothing”, and so are the perfect helpers for God in raising these wee ones. Anonymous, who is very wise, coined this beautiful prose about women:

A LINEAGE OF LIGHT
Ethereal being
Baby of air and hope.
From the four corners
The mothers and grandmothers are gathering
To knit together
The silver string
Of your inheritance.
They call out to you as they work …
Here is courage.
Courage to be generous
To stand up for right,
Courage to collect your flock and run when you need to.
Here is strength and capability.
Here are your own two feet
To walk on, to travel far and wide.
Two hands ~ to take, To give, and
To make music.
Here is Joy!
Spontaneity!
Here is a mouth
To smile with, to open wide with laughter, and to
Tell stories like your mothers and grandmothers.

Not everyone is blessed to have a Godly woman to raise and love him or her, yet there’s probably been a “mom” or female person somewhere in their life spouting mom-ilies and mom-isms enough to drive them crazy. Y’know the “new” adage, “If it’s not one thing, it’s your mother! Even if those venerable sayings came from crazy moms, they arose from a heart of love and wisdom ‘cause that’s the way God made them.

Moses’ mom: “That’s a good story. Now tell me where you’ve been the last 40 years.”
Einstein’s mom: “But can’t you do SOMETHING with that hair of yours?”

Columbus’ mom: “I don’t care what you’ve discovered. You should’ve written.”

Some things never change! Everything we do is because there probably was a woman in our past telling us to do it. Change your underwear; you could get hit by a bus. Brush your teeth. Do unto others as you’d have others do unto you. If you use it, put it back. Eat your veggies.

They taught us how to think, pray, eat, socialize, learn, hate, love, talk, walk, and simply be, serving either as a good example or a rather horrid one. Whew! As a mother, I’m truly tired! As a kid, I was truly confused! Mixed messages and all that, but that was THEN and this is NOW. I’ve had a really great God to change things around. He’s brought other mothers, grandmothers and women into my life to mentor, love, and come alongside me in this glorious game called Life.

Older women are called to be Titus 2 women, “…reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be dishonored.” Titus 2:3-5

Matthew Henry, an old, great, though very dead, commentator put it quite succinctly: “Women, use your Christian experience to guide and encourage, not daunt and discourage.” I’m still trying to figure out when I became one of the “older” women! Gosh, seems like only yesterday I was sitting at the most glorious feet of women of God who seemed ancient to me. After all, their kids were teenagers, even! Some were grandmas. Some GREAT g’mas! Oh well. Now I’m proud (gulp!) to be one!

As it says in the lovely poem above, we mothers and grandmothers, and Godly women are gathering. Gathering together to simply help those we love as our lineage of light. Shine on! Happy Mother’s Day to each and every one of the women—new, old, grand or great.

Patti Iverson randpi@charter.net

Life Touching Surprise

By DJ Note

It wasn’t what one might term an enormous gesture of generosity—nothing that would make the front page of the local newspaper, or be long remembered by anyone who looked on. And yet, I stood and watched with wonder during those few short moments as my heart was buoyed once again.

As I tallied up newly purchased treasures, small talk about the upcoming holiday volleyed back and forth between the customer and myself across the counter. “Oh, I love these,” I remarked. “They’re so pretty. Looks like you got the last one.” I placed the tiny treasure, along with her other purchases, carefully into a bag.

The customer displayed her proud conquest with a nod. “I saw them last week when I was in, but didn’t purchase one then. I was afraid there wouldn’t be any left.”

In addition to her other purchases was a small lapel pin of sterling silver in the form of an angel holding a small glimmering stone center. As I placed it in the bag, a woman standing in line behind my customer, wearing what appeared to be older second-hand clothing and holding a single fifteen-cent item, remarked softly, “Oh, that is so pretty. I saw those the last time I was here. I’m going to get one sometime.”

My customer simply smiled over her shoulder and resumed her position as I finished her transaction. I glanced at the lengthening line behind her. A young man holding a large reference book anxiously shifted his weight. I imagined him containing his patience as he counted to ten. The middle-aged neatly dressed office-type woman behind him offered half-a-smile as our eyes met, as if to say, will you get on with it? A hungry child began to fuss as his young mother who tenderly shushed at his impatience at having to wait for a snack. I accelerated my thank yous, and looked on with a smile at the woman in the tattered clothing.

Suddenly, the exiting customer with bag in tow, stopped in her tracks, turned, and reached into her bag of treasures pulling from it the silver angel with its shiny rhinestone. “Here.” It was all she said as she offered a beaming smile and the silver lapel pin to the woman waiting behind her.

“Oh! Are you sure?”

“Yes. It’s yours.”

The woman stood frozen in grateful surprise.

I gazed down the length of my waiting line to see impatient frowns uplift into tooth-filled grins of approval.

“Thank you. Thanks so much.”

Then the woman with her bag of goods quietly turned and walked away.
For one quiet moment the busyness of the day faded. The hustle and bustle of our self-consumed, task-filled lives stilled, it appeared everyone was caught up in the simple grandeur of this one small gesture that brought life back into our hearts. All too often the routines that crunch what little spare time we seem to have hurry us by what might be a perfect occasion to show a kindness to another, to encourage a child, or assist the aging. How many missed opportunities come and go right before our very eyes because we are too busy to notice?
One gave and one received. Just a small gift, but from a large heart hoping to fill another’s desire.

Quietly, I reflected on the simple testimony of selflessness that had played out before all who were present. The mood seemed lighter. I smiled and greeted the next customer in line. I felt warm all over. I think we all did.

DJ Note writes from the Rogue Valley.

God Is Like Frogs

By Bob Hansen

When my wife and I first moved to Chehalis, Washington, a simple drive down Main Street was an amazing adventure. Every establishment was unfamiliar. A drive-in restaurant seemed quaint, a local gas station, picturesque.

Now, many years later, I drive the same streets with no sense of wonder. Somehow, my mind has blended all the details of our community into a background tapestry that makes no impression on my mind. Of course, when a new store is constructed my eye catches the difference—for a few weeks. But soon it blends into common sameness, as if it had always been there.

This brings me, of course, to the subject of frogs. There are two ponds on our property, and that means frogs. At certain times of the year, they sing a sweet, though boisterous chorus at night. It’s odd how they croak along in unison, and odder still that the music is the loudest just when I’m trying to get to sleep. Hmmm.

Anyway, the music eventually becomes part of the backdrop world, almost unheard, and I drift toward a restful night. Then, in a split instant, the frogs all stop. The shocking change grabs my attention. I suppose it is an innocent thing. Perhaps they have reached the end of that particular song. Undoubtedly, after the frog director has chosen the next selection, he lifts the baton, signaling the beginning of another song.

I could get used to all of this. But frogs, especially large frogs, have other methods they use for surprising people. When I walk along the edge of a pond they jump from their hidden sunning spots, splashing into the water. You’d think that I could learn to expect this behavior. So far, no luck. And, if this were not startling enough, some of these bullfrogs are fond of making a loud squeaking sound as they leap, an obvious attempt at intimidation.

Lately, they have adopted another approach designed to scare me. (No one can convince me that frogs aren’t intelligent and plotting.) Just the other day, I was walking through one of our nursery’s greenhouses, some distance from the nearest pond. A glimpse of something out of place caught my eye. Was it a weed in a pot or a piece of harmless debris? I turned to look and what I saw caused me to jump. A living creature sat in the container. The slimy-looking, gray-green monster frog glared at me with menacing, liquid eyes. I could almost hear him saying, “We’re everywhere! And we’re watching you!”

Since they’ve developed this new technique they rarely jump into the water as a pass. Instead, they sit very still, scowling at me with obvious evil intent. The effect is not as shocking as sudden big splash, but I find that new strategy far more disconcerting.

God is like the frogs. I don’t mean that he has any sinister plans, like the frogs clearly do. Instead, I refer to the fact that I can’t get used to Him. At times I think I have figured God out and know how He does things. A sense of calm settles over my life and I feel relaxed. But I never stay in that comfortable place for long. Like the frogs who suddenly stop singing, God seems to shift His way of doing things by a moment of silence, followed by a new song.

It takes me a while to adjust, but eventually I see that God’s new approach is still in keeping with his eternal character. It was only my lack of understanding that fooled me for a moment.
And there are the times when I find Him where least expected. It’s like the frogs who have taken to sitting in plastic containers. Only God’s watching eyes doesn’t creep me out. I never know what approach He will take next.

The frog’s shifting tactics I find un-nerving. But I have decided that God’s ever-changing ways are a good thing. For with each shift, and resulting surprise, I find that I learn something new about Him. What could be better than that?

Bob Hansen writes from Chehalis, Washington.

If God Spoke To You, What Would He Say?

By David Bruce

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

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 us!
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 to 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 us through the Bible.

Question: What is the message that God gives us in the Bible?
Answer: John 3:16 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.”

How Do We Receive Eternal Life?
1. Recognize that we have done things we should not have done.
“For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard” --Romans 3:23.

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

3. We must turn from our 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 us 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 us. We can begin receiving all that God has for us 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.

David Bruce writes from White City, Oregon. HollywoodJesus.com

Doing It Like Jesus

By Linda Callahan

Merriam Webster defines temperance as:

1: moderation in action, thought or feeling: RESTRAINT

2a: habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions b: moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages.

If I think of temperance: I think of my lack of it, concerning eating. I just don't do it. Do I want to-yes, I do. But along comes some frustration and I am grabbing my car keys as I head for Taco Bell. My life is not temper-ant. I want to change and yet, seem to want indulgence more than restraint.

Sometimes I get so angry and frustrated with myself. "What's up with this?" I question. And then I eat even more punishing myself for being so stupid to "slip up again.” It's hopeless, I can't I am worthless. Sometimes I beat myself up more and then I go on a binge. What have I accomplished? Nothing! I have fallen into self-pity and self-abuse.

God is not a God of anger or abuse. He does not want me beating myself up when I fall. His love is for the hurting, sick and weak. When the prostitute was caught in the act of adultery Jesus did not say, "You whore, you deserve to die! Bring it on boys-kill her!" Instead he bent and started writing in the sand. I imagine that as Jesus wrote in the sand his head was bowed as tears ran down his face at the cruelty of his fellow brothers, and mixed with compassion for his obvious sinner. I also like to imagine that his act of compassion; was not acceptance of sin-but compassion to man.

“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, 'Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman. Now what do you say?....But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "IF any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a Stone at her'. Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, 'Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?'No one, sir, she said.'Then neither do I condemn you', Jesus declared. 'Go now and leave your life of sin.’” John 8:3-11

What did Jesus do?

1. He showed compassion.

2. He acknowledged her sin.

3. He defended her, and covered her shame.

4. He reassured her of her worth.

5. He showed her a loving God in action.

As I struggle with my addiction. I do not struggle alone. I have a loving Savior. I do not have my addiction overcome. I have prayed a lot and struggled a lot. Is God not faithful? Yes, he is. But perhaps as I struggle, I will remember to treat my other struggling brothers with compassion, gentleness and love. That is how Jesus does it.

Linda Callahan writes from Central Point, Oregon.

Temperance: The Process Of Control For Myself

By Chad McComas

I read the word “Temperance” and a vision of the early 20’s in the United States pops in. I think of the days of pro-abiton and the ladies temperance societies working hard to control alcohol drinking. The people tried to legislate a moral choice as they saw it. It just forced the issue underground and created a bootleg industry that clearly demonstrated that external controls didn’t solve the alcohol problem.

What is the moral of the story? We can’t control other people! We can only make choices for ourselves in life. The sooner we understand that our efforts and energies must be spent on building who we are in Christ the sooner we truly enjoy the process of growth that the Holy Spirit has us on and stop looking at others.

Jesus warned to stop looking for the speck of dust in our brother’s or sister’s eye and concentrate on the plank in our own eyes. (See Matthew 7:1-5)

When we think of “temperance” we must think of it for ourselves…not others. In fact, temperance is an old word used in the King James Version. More current versions, including the New King James Version, uses the word self-control. That’s revealing! SELF-control. It is the process of personal growing and personal maturing. It is me working on me rather than me working on you.

Notice verses using self-control.
“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.”
“As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you." Acts 24:25
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.” 2 Peter 1:5-9

But now the moaning begins. “I don’t have discipline in my life.” “I can’t do it.” “I can’t change the habits in my life.” “I’m powerless.” “It’s too hard.”

Yes…it’s too hard for us to change our lives and control our actions! BUT…it’s not too hard for God to do it! He puts the power inside us to enable us to have self-control. Paul told us that when we accept the Holy Spirit (ask for Him) He lives inside of us. He comes with…
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23

A life in Christ is a life of increasing self-control. It’s a life where we learn how to be balanced…to walk in the middle of the road and not go to extremes on either side. A lack of self-control is being controlled by outside forces. By people, places and things. Such a person is reactive in life.
A person of self-control is proactive in life. He takes what comes and grows from it. He has “self-control” in all matters and learns valuable lessons that prepares him for the next experience that comes along. He matures. James puts it this way:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” James 1:2-8

The world is full of stories of people who have no self-control and try to control others. They infest the world.

The Bible is full of stories of people who come to God and allow Him to give them self-control. They change the world.

We will change the world by accepting and practicing self-control. Proverbs 25:28

Christian One-liners

Christian One Liners

Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

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

Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.

It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

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

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

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

Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.

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

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

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

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

Peace starts with a smile.

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

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

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

Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He'll clean them.

Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.

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

Forbidden fruits create many jams.

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

God grades on the cross not on the curve.

God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

He who angers you, controls you!

If God is your Co-pilot - switch seats!

Don't give God instructions --just report for duty!

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

The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

We don't change the message…the message changes us.

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

The best mathematical equation: 1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.

Bible Numbers

Author Unknown

Many of the numbers in the Bible have deeper prophetic or spiritual significance. Both in the Old and New Testaments, numbers reveal hidden concepts and meanings that commonly escape the casual reader. And throughout history, men with great minds, like Augustine, Isaac Newton, and Leonardo Di Vinci, showed more than just a passing curiosity regarding the importance of biblical numbers. Jesus said, “The very hairs of your head are numbered.” Matthew 10:30 So obviously, Bible numbers should be carefully considered.

At least 12 numbers in the Bible stand out in this regard: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 40, 50, and 70. One or two biblical examples have been given below. These examples serve merely as an introduction and are not exhaustive.

1. Represents absolute singleness and unity. (Ephesians 4:4-6; John 17:21)

2. Represents the truth of God’s Word; for example, the law and prophets (John 1:45), two or three witnesses (2 Corinthians 13:1), and a sword with two edges (Hebrews 4:12). See Mark 6:7 and Revelation 11:3. It is also used 21 times in the books of Daniel and Revelation.

3. Represents the Godhead / Trinity. The angels cry “Holy” three times to the triune God (Isaiah 6:3). See also Matthew 28:19 and 1 John 5:7, 8.

4. Represents universal truth, as in the four directions (north, south, east, west) and the four winds (Matthew 24:31; Revelation 7:1; Revelation 20:8). In Acts 10:11, a sheet with four corners symbolizes the gospel going to all the gentiles.

5. Represents teaching. First, there are the five books of Moses. Second, Jesus taught about the five wise virgins and used five barley loaves used to feed the 5,000.

6. Represents the worship of man, and is the number of man, signifying his rebellion, imperfection, works, and disobedience. It is used 273 times in the Bible, including its derivatives (e.g, sixth) and another 91 times as “threescore” or “60.” Man was created on the sixth day (Genesis 1:26, 31). See also Exodus 31:15 and Daniel 3:1.
The number is especially significant in the book Revelation, as “666” identifies the beast. “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” Revelation 13:18

7. Represents perfection, and is the sign of God, divine worship, completions, obedience, and rest. The “prince” of Bible numbers, it is used