COUNTERFEITS – – – GOOD FOR NOTHING ?

April 23, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Counterfeits do exist—always have, always will.

So can anything good come from them?

Counterfeits are bad, but are they worthless?

– – –

Counterfeits come in paper form

Counterfeits come in human form.

+Counterfeits can buy stuff, for awhile.

+Counterfeits can do miracles.

+Counterfeits can look good.

+Counterfeits can fool some.

+Counterfeits can fool many.

+Counterfeits can’t fool God.

– – –

Counterfeits also come in supernatural form—aka satan, in the Garden of Eden.

He lost the war with God, to take over heaven, so . . .

Ever since then, he has given all his resources to messing with God’s creation and tricking His people to believe his lies and act on them.

“Did God really say . . .?”—–satan’s first words, to Eve—effective, and effective ever since

When you realize that satan can only create counterfeits and legitimize lies, then you can better counter him.

“He is the father of lies.”—–His Book

“We are not ignorant of his devices.”—–His Book

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”—–His Book

– – –

Jesus quoted the Word of God to cancel satan’s lies when he tried taking Him down when He was hungry.

The Word of God is our best weapon—“the Sword of the Spirit”—to detect satan’s counterfeits and to defeat them.

Spend time in your Bible, daily.

Focus on something from the Bible, first thing in the morning.

Focus on something from the Bible, last thing at night.

Leave your Bible open, where you will see it several times a day.

You will grow stronger spiritually, with more victories defeating the devil.

You will get more attacks from the devil, but you will learn how to deal with them, right away.

Filed Under: Educational, Faith Based, Inspirational

FORGIVE – – – MUSLIM ? OR CHRISTIAN ?

April 20, 2022 By Leave a Comment

What do you say to Muslims that you know?

If you are a Christian, you will want to tell them about Jesus.

How?

Genuine conversation about anything is good.

When you have an opportunity, ask them to share about their religion.

Honestly learn about what they believe.

Try to find out how satisfied they are with what they believe—how do they feel, beyond just what they have been taught.

If they ask you about what you believe, tell them simply what Jesus did to pay for your sins.

If they don’t ask, you can introduce the topic of what they do when someone hurts or offends them, or when they do that to someone else.

I don’t know what they are likely to say, but is unlikely that they will talk about forgiving.

It is also unlikely that they will talk about their god forgiving them.

Somewhere in your conversation, in your relationship, in your friendship, you can share how wonderful it is to hear about forgiveness, and experience enormous weight lifted from your heart and soul.

Muslims need to hear that the difference between Islam and Christianity is forgiveness.

Muslims have to earn heaven, and never know if they will make it (Muhammad didn’t know).

Jesus earned heaven for us, and He offers us a mansion there with Him, for free.

Every Muslim, every person, needs to hear that—perhaps from you.

Filed Under: Educational, Faith Based, Inspirational

END TIMES ? – – – WHO’S RIGHT ?

March 17, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Lots of scary stuff in the world today, in Biblical proportions, even getting attention of those who don’t usually regard the Bible.

Many educated folks lay out different detailed sequences of coming events, which may or may not be helpful, as they interpret Bible prophecy.

The average person has two choices—pick one scholar of theology and trust and follow—or, get tired of hearing about end times and ignore it all so you can go on with everyday life.

– – –

But there is one universal catch—unmistakable and unavoidable no matter what your theology or lack thereof.

We may not know how or when the world will end, but we all know we will end—we just don’t know when.

– – –

And, everyone in every culture in all history knows there is something after life ends here.

People try hundreds of different ways to get ready for that, but the only sure thing about all that—they can’t all be right.

What if I don’t pick the right one?

What if you don’t pick the right one?

– – –

Does somebody out there have the right answer, FOR SURE, for this one question?

Can I know how to get ready for the end—the end of my life here—regardless of the end of the world?

I have to know.

– – –

Consider this: the One Who started this life has something to say about this life, AND after this life.

“There is a way that seems right to man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

“I am going to prepare a place for you. I will come again, and receive you to myself, that where I am, you may be also.”

The One Who said that, would be Jesus.

He made all this, and He has something to say about all this, and He wrote it all down in a book, what we’re supposed to do about all this.

It’s not a mystery—it’s very simple—you can read it for yourself.

In fact, you’re probably reading this on the internet—so punch in John 3 and read the first 21 verses, for starters—it’s all about Jesus, Who died on the cross to forgive your sins and take you to heaven when you die, if you tell Him you accept.

– – –

Preppers for this life are often laughed at—until . . .

The stakes could be pretty high, if they are right.

Preppers for after this life are also often laughed at—until . . .

The stakes will be much, much higher, if they are right. Actually, not if they are right, but if Jesus is right.

– – –

So, THE question—are you in or out?—with Jesus, or not?—“He who is not with me is against me.”

That would be too big a gamble to be against Him, if Jesus is Who He says He is.

Your choice, now—no prepping after this life—after your end here.

There’s more, and you know it.

There’s a way, and you know it now.

Filed Under: Educational, Faith Based, Inspirational, Time

THEOLOGIANS AND BUREAUCRATS

March 10, 2022 By Leave a Comment

The term bureaucrats is generally used as a negative label, and bureaucrats are usually viewed as part of the problem rather than the solution to the problems in a society.

Theologians are highly regarded only by other theologians, and by those brainwashed to follow their teaching because of their impressive education, and tradition.

I am amazed how these two systems, one cultural and one spiritual, get away with controlling masses of people perpetually. It’s as though people actually feel a need to willingly check their mind in at the door of the government and the church. Then periodically the theologians and bureaucrats breed reformation and revolution when they get drunk on the opportunities that power gives and overstep their control of the people.

When common people have simply had too much . . . and react to spiritual as well as cultural dictatorships, both get bloody historically. But it also seems in every period of history, including the present time, that people think we have progressed to avoid the pitfalls of the past. We naively count on negotiations and diplomatic solutions to political impossibilities, while the powerful laugh and pursue their agenda. So we blindly plunge into repeating history at the hands of tyrannical killers.

And it’s not much different in the church than with the rest of the controllers of the world. In fact, the most powerful church leaders participate in appeasing bureaucrats and wannabe dictators. They believe themselves to be powerful enough to control the outcomes, and they have too much invested in their financial structure and in the dedication of their following to let go—can’t admit their humanity instead of their godlike authority.

There was a considerable period of time when the church did in fact have that absolute control, even over the government. The similarities between the church bureaucracy and the government bureaucracy overlapped until they became synonymous. The church was the government, and the spiritual well-being of the people suffered severely. The breaking point was the Reformation—and the church, the theologians, led the bloodbath themselves.

Oh my, we think we know better now, because we know so much more—superior spiritual insight that won’t let it happen again. Church leaders today, led by theologians, have so crafted a compatibility with the culture, rooted in money and all the stuff and power it buys, that they have become impotent to condemn evil, and then light the narrow way of Jesus.

That’s why America kills babies. Who is responsible for the current bloodbath of abortion (49 years, 60 million dead) and the coming bloodbath of tyranny?

That’s why America forbids children praying in school.

That’s why America forbids children reading the Bible in school.

That’s why America forbids children seeing the Ten Commandments in school, because “they might read them and might be influenced to obey them.”

“Evil triumphs when good men [Godly men] do nothing.”

“To do nothing in the face of evil is evil itself.”

Decide to stop depending on theologians or bureaucrats.

Instead, spend time reading your Bible and praying—very first thing in the morning, and the very last thing in the evening. Just do that.

Filed Under: Educational, Faith Based, Financial, Inspirational, Political---Cultural

FAST AND PRAY vs PRAY FAST

March 9, 2022 By Leave a Comment

Fast and Pray—the two go together, in the Bible, often.

We do well to read all about it, study it, see how it works, and do it.

For one thing, fast and pray does not happen quickly, does not usually bring immediate results.

It is not the time to pray fast and be done.

But fast and pray does matter to God, and He responds—in His time.

But what about pray fast?

I’ll mention two legitimate examples of pray fast in the Bible—very fast—with fast, instant answers from God, with active intervention to save the day.

Nehemiah was cupbearer to king Artaxerxes, and always had a cheerful appearance before the king (just good for business, for your livelihood, for your life). One day Nehemiah was sad when he brought the king his wine, and the king nailed it immediately—why are you sad, because I can tell you are not sick. Nehemiah was scared to death, and told the king he was sad because his beloved Jerusalem was in ruins. The king did not respond in anger, but asked Nehemiah what he wanted. Well, you don’t keep the king waiting at a time like that, before you answer. But the Bible says Nehemiah did a serious pray fast, first.

Nehemiah 2:4-Then the king said to me, “What do you request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven.

And without delay, the next verse:

Nehemiah 2:5-And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”

Probably another pray fast, waiting for the king’s answer—short wait.

Nehemiah 2:6-So it pleased the king to send me.

Now if you are really interested in knowing Nehemiah’s secret, and his true relationship with God, you must read chapter one of his book in the Bible. It explains how he was prepared for chapter two.

Pray fast in emergencies is great, but it is far greater if preceded by consistent, continual time with God, including fast and pray.

The other individual who had to pray fast in a crisis (an even more desperate emergency than Nehemiah’s) was known to be rash, brash, impulsive—but later became a powerful preacher with amazing results after the Holy Spirit filled him.

When the disciples were about to drown in a really bad storm on the lake, and saw someone walking on the water, at night, they were more scared by the ghost than the storm. Imagine twelve guys screaming out loud in fear, several of them seasoned fishermen on that very lake. Then Jesus identified himself, and Peter asked Jesus to prove it by telling Peter to walk to Him on the water also.

When Jesus said, “Come,” Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus—while the storm was still raging, waves and wind and all. It didn’t take long for a wave to get Peter’s attention away from Jesus, and down he went.

I always wonder if Peter went down at the normal speed of gravity, which would not take very long before he was gone. Now that is definitely a time to pray fast, and he did, “Lord, save me!” And He did!

So Peter and Jesus walked together on the water to the boat and climbed in. Then, and not before, the storm stopped instantly, including the wind and the waves, leaving a glassy calm on the lake, and leaving the disciples more afraid than before, in awe of Who was with them with such power.

We do well to learn the Biblical meaning of the Fear of the Lord.

Filed Under: Faith Based, Inspirational

CHANGE YOUR . . . – – – OR ELSE

March 9, 2022 By Leave a Comment

When Alexander the Great was in the thick of his conquering campaigns, a soldier was brought before him, for deserting. When Alexander saw that he was very young, his heart softened for a moment, and he simply asked, “Young man, what is your name?”

When the ‘boy’ answered, “Alexander, sir,” the general’s demeanor changed again, to rage.

Alexander rose to his feet, grabbed the soldier by the collar and lifted him off the floor.

He yelled in anger, “Young man, change your name—or change your ways!”

For us who name the name of Jesus, and call ourselves Christians—are we living our daily lives worthy of that name?

Filed Under: Faith Based, Inspirational, Political---Cultural

“But God, . . .” vs BUT GOD . . . !

March 4, 2022 By Leave a Comment

“But God is just trying to hold back some good stuff from you.”—–Satan, to Eve.

“But God, I’m an old man.”—–Abraham, to God, when He said he would have a son.

“But God, I can’t speak well.”—–Moses, to God, when He called him at the burning bush to lead His people out of slavery in Egypt.

“But God, I don’t want to preach to Nineveh and see them get saved.”—–Jonah, in his heart, running away from God’s call.

“But God, I’m the only one left serving you.”—–Elijah, to God, very depressed and threatened by wicked Jezebel, even after God’s showdown, showing up with fire at Mt. Carmel.

“But God, I serve you, while the wicked prosper.”—–David, to God, hunted down and running for his life, after anointed to be king, and even after crowned king.

“But God, I’m not married.”—–Mary, to the angel, when told she would be Jesus’ mother.

“But God, he’s been dead four days and stinks.”—–Martha, to Jesus, when he told them to roll the stone away from the tomb of her brother Lazarus.

“But God, I’ll never forsake you, no matter what the others do.”—–Peter, to Jesus, a few hours before he denied he knew Jesus, with profanity.

BUT GOD ! – – – I meant what I said. Satan will pay. You will pay. Everyone will pay. But my Son will pay for you.

BUT GOD ! – – – Abraham, I promise I will make a great nation out of you, starting with one son—in spite of the times you doubt and mess up.

BUT GOD ! – – – Moses, you have a brother to do the talking—and you have a rod that will speak again and again and will make people listen and believe that I sent you.

BUT GOD ! – – – Jonah, I will persuade you to do what I told you, in spite of your attitude and running away.

BUT GOD ! – – – Elijah, I still have seven thousand faithful to Me, who have not bowed the knee to Baal.

BUT GOD ! – – – David, I will inspire you to end every psalm in praise to me, that you start by complaining about the wicked.

BUT GOD ! – – – Mary, the Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.

BUT GOD ! – – – Martha, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.

BUT GOD ! – – – Peter, when you are converted (turned back to faithfulness following me), strengthen your brothers. And I’ll use your first sermon to save three thousand people.

Filed Under: Faith Based, General, Inspirational

WHY DO I WRITE ?

February 12, 2022 By 2 Comments

Why do I write on this site, for a decade now?

I love to write, and there is a purpose.

I write about lots of different things: personal, political, cultural, theological, spiritual, educational, heartfelt, humorous, thoughtful, timely, cryptic, sometimes trivial, hopefully with wisdom.

But my purpose is to frequently make good on my by-line.

“MAKING A DIFFERENCE . . .”

How?

By getting your attention through a variety of food for thought.

Creative

Enlightening

Inspiring

Challenging

Provocative

Soul Searching

Motivating

Making A Difference In Your Life . . .

. . . In The Parts That Are For Keeps

What is for keeps?

What is not?

+not our money

+not what our money can buy for ourselves

+not our pleasure

+not our job

+not our status (cultural, social, political)

+not our financial security

+not our retirement

+not our health

+not our government

+not our troubles

+not our plans

+not even our life

So, what if I make a difference in your life in any of the above?

Have I made a difference in the parts that are for keeps?

What are the parts that are for keeps?

Answer: Anything that will last after everything else is gone.

What is for keeps?

+people (you, me, loved ones, everyone)

What is for keeps?

+the Word of God

What is for keeps?

+where you go when you die

What is for keeps?

+what you do to get ready to die

What is for keeps?

+what you do to get someone else ready to die

What is for keeps?

+what you do to lay up treasures in heaven

FOR KEEPS !

+people (you, me, loved ones, everyone)—“God breathed life, and man became a living soul.” We all had a beginning—we’ll never have an end.

FOR KEEPS !

+the Word of God—“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of God endures forever.”

FOR KEEPS !

+where you go when you die—“It is appointed to man once to die, and after that the judgment.”—to heaven or to hell.

FOR KEEPS !

+what you do to get ready to die—“. . . whoever believes in Him (God’s Son, Jesus) will not perish, but have everlasting life.”

FOR KEEPS !

+what you do to get someone else ready to die—Jesus told a story about two men—one went to heaven, one went to hell. The man in hell pleaded for a drop of water to soothe his tongue, “tormented in this flame.” Request denied. “Can’t do it.” Then he pleaded for someone to come back from the dead to convince his five brothers to “not come to this place of torment.” Request denied. “They have the Word of God. If they won’t listen to that, neither will they be persuaded even if someone rose from the dead.” So how do the people you know hear the Word of God and avoid hell? You tell them what the Bible says to get ready to die—Jesus died on the cross to pay for their sin—“All have sinned . . .”—“Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”

FOR KEEPS !

+what you do to lay up treasures in heaven—spend your money, your time, your energy to help others in need and tell them about Jesus. “Whatever you have done for the least of these my brothers, you did it for Me.”

FOR KEEPS !—FOR FOREVER !

Filed Under: Educational, Faith Based, Financial, Inspirational, Political---Cultural, Time

A HOLIDAY FOR LOVE

January 29, 2022 By Leave a Comment

I don’t base my views of life on movies, but rather on the Word of God.

A movie that I watched a few days ago with the above title had a quotable moment from the main character expressing his change of heart and life. It was very good—so I share it and recommend the movie.

“Sometimes you have to lose your way, to find your heart.”

“I spent so many years trying to be something other than who I was, that I kinda forgot myself. Maybe now I’ll get my memory back.”

“Maybe we can just start over, and get to know each other from scratch.”

Filed Under: Inspirational, Movie Review

TOP TWO MOTIVATORS FOR ALL TIME

January 29, 2022 By Leave a Comment

One—To avoid the horrible torment of hell.

Two—To help someone else avoid the horrible torment of hell.

– – –

“. . . FOR ALL TIME”

The time is now.

Now is the only time we have to avoid hell.

Hell by default—Heaven by choice.

Heaven by Jesus only.

Don’t miss heaven for anything in this world, or anything in your mind.

Filed Under: Educational, Faith Based, Inspirational, Time
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