[shocked]

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13 NKJV)

It seems that everywhere we look, we see evil things happening, but we also hear people proclaiming a positive message about the times that we live in. The reality is, the day that we live in is evil, and this is due largely to the fact that we're fighting against an evil adversary. As long as we're living on this side of heaven and Jesus' return, there's going to be spiritual warfare which means there is going to be evil.

It's so important for us to recognize that the day is evil. When we look at life this way it will have three positive effects on our lives. First, it will protect us from being shocked to the point of inactivity. Too many believers are so surprised by what is happening around them that they curse the darkness instead allowing the Lord to shine through them. When we are expecting evil, we won't be intimidated or rendered ineffective by it. Expecting evil will also help ussharpas we maintain our cutting edge. Someone has compared the believer in this evil world to a deep-sea diver who needs to constantly remember that he's in a hostile environment. We simply can not afford to be careless with our Christanity when confronted by evil. Lastly, knowing that the day is evil will prompt us to share the gospel with those who are lost. Dante once wrote that the hottest places in hell are reserved for those who in a period of moral crisis maintain their neutrality. Although this doesn't express a clear teaching og the Scripture, it does drive home the urgency for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in this evilday.

Somebody once went on record as saying "Laws are becoming more just, rulers more humane, music sweeter, and books wiser;homes are happier and the individual heart more just and gentle." Shortly thereafter the First World War! As spiritual warriors we need to remeber that the days are evil and we need to live accordingly.

I help plant churches. I minister to prisoner's and do volunteer work at our local Seaman's Center, all for the glorification of God.

Choice, not chance determines human destiny.

....I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing:therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.    Deuteronomy 30:19

We have what we have. Let's try and make something of it. I belong to an organization called "A Million Dads" and if we can get companies from putting their names on ill fated tv shows then we as a people can help change things if we "really" want them changed. I voted for Bush and so did alot of other faith & moral based people. Rock bands and other gemicks don't work during something as impoetant as a presidential election. Kerry thought by being associated with "big" named people, that he would get the young vote; no, he did not. He thought by showing up at a few churches, he would get the faithful to vote for him; no he did not. It is over, so let us try and make something better for the next four years and as far as Hillary goes, I"ll have to leave this country also, if she was elected.

The greatest act of faith is when man decides he is not God.

"Know ye that the Lord he is God;it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  (Psalm 100:3

I still believe the Fedreal Government has to step in. To have, let's sat 50 different laws pertaining to marriage and abortion would really be something. I've got a little surprise for some of ytou; The Federal Government already tells the states what to do on 90% of the issues they face. We elect people from each state to go to DC and represent us. The problem comes to this, eventually if they are re-elected enough they get some power and they start pulling strings in the state leg. to get things done there that will be in favor of their party. BY the way , I am from Tx. and I did vote for Bush and I will not vote for Tom Delay, I voted against him the last time and I will this time. He is very power hunger.

This is almost overwhelming when you think about it. You must read to the end.

Moses and the people were in the desert, but what was he going to do with them?They had to be fed and feeding 2 or 3 million people requires alot of food.

According to the Quartermaster General in the US Army, it is reported that Moses would have to have had 1500 tons of food each day. Do you know that to bring that much food each day, two freight trains, each at least a mile long, would be required!

Besides you must remeber, they were out in the desert, so they would have to have firewood to use in cooking the food. This would take 400 tons of wood and a few freight trains, each a mile long, just for one day.
And just think, they were forty years in transit.

And, Oh yes! They would have to have water. If they only had enough to drink and wash a few dishes, it would take 11,000,000 gallons each day and a freight train with tank cars, 1800 miles long, just to bring water!

And then another thing!

They had to get across the Red Sea at night. Now, if they went on a narrow path, double file, the line would be 800 miles long and would require 35 days and nights to get through. So there had to be a space in the Red Sea,3 miles wide, so that they could walk 5,000 abreast to get over in one night!

But then, there is another problem..........each time they camped at the end of the day, a campground two-thirds the size of the state of Rhode Island was required, or a total of 750 square miles long.....think of it!

This much space for camping.

Do you think Moses figured all this out before he left Egypt? I think not!!!

You see, Moses believed in God. God took care of these things for him.

Now, do you think God has any problem taking care of all your needs?

I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today. To guide and protect you as you go along your way......His love is always with you, His promises are true, and when we give Him all our cares, you know  He will see us through.

Our GOD is an Awesome GOD!!!

So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult at best, just remember I'm praying and God will do the rest.

Thank God for what you have.

TRUST GOD for what you need.

2 Corinthians 12:1-10  PP1


2 Corinthians 12:1-10

The apostle's rapture


   Here we may observe,
   I. The narrative the apostle gives of the favours God had shown him, and the honour he had done him; for doubtless he himself is the man in Christ of whom he speaks. Concerning this we may take notice,
   1. Of the honour itself which was done to the apostle: he was caught up into the third heaven, v. 2. When this was we cannot say, whether it was during those three days that he lay without sight at his conversion or at some other time afterwards, much less can we pretend to say how this was, whether by a separation of his soul from his body or by an extraordinary transport in the depth of contemplation. It would be presumption for us to determine, if not also to enquire into, this matter, seeing the apostle himself says, Whether in the body or out of the body, I cannot tell. It was certainly a very extraordinary honour done him: in some sense he was caught up into the third heaven, the heaven of the blessed, above the aerial heaven, in which the fowls fly, above the starry heaven, which is adorned with those glorious orbs: it was into the third heaven, where God most eminently manifests his glory.
   We are not capable of knowing all, nor is it fit we should know very much, of the particulars of that glorious place and state; it is our duty and interest to give diligence to make sure to ourselves a mansion there; and, if that be cleared up to us, then we should long to be removed thither, to abide there for ever. This third heaven is called paradise (v. 4), in allusion to the earthly paradise out of which Adam was driven for his transgression; it is called the paradise of God <Rev. 2:7>, signifying to us that by Christ we are restored to all the joys and honours we lost by sin, yea, to much better. The apostle does not mention what he saw in the third heaven or paradise, but tells us that he heard unspeakable words, such as it is not possible for a man to utter-- such are the sublimity of the matter and our unacquaintedness with the language of the upper world: nor was it lawful to utter those words, because, while we are here in this world, we have a more sure word of prophecy than such visions and revelations. <2 Pet. 1:19>. We read of the tongue of angels as well as men, and Paul knew as much of that as ever any man upon earth did, and yet preferred charity, that is, the sincere love of God and our neighbour. This account which the apostle gives us of his vision should check our curious desires after forbidden knowledge, and teach us to improve the revelation God has given us in his word. Paul himself, who had been in the third heaven, did not publish to the world what he had heard there, but adhered to the doctrine of Christ: on this foundation the church is built, and on this we must build our faith and hope.
   2. The modest and humble manner in which the apostle mentions this matter is observable. One would be apt to think that one who had had such visions and revelations as these would have boasted greatly of them; but, says he, It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory, v. 1. He therefore did not mention this immediately, nor till above fourteen years after, v. 2. And then it is not without some reluctancy, as a thing which in a manner he was forced to by the necessity of the case. Again, he speaks of himself in the third person, and does not say, I am the man who was thus honoured above other men. Again, his humility appears by the check he seems to put upon himself (v. 6), which plainly shows that he delighted not to dwell upon this theme. Thus was he, who was not behind the chief of the apostles in dignity, very eminent for his humility. Note, It is an excellent thing to have a lowly spirit in the midst of high advancements; and those who abase themselves shall be exalted.
   II. The apostle gives an account of the methods God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure; and this he speaks of to balance the account that was given before of the visions and revelations he had had. Note, When God's people communicate their experiences, let them always remember to take notice of what God has done to keep them humble, as well as what he has done in favour to them and for their advancement. Here observe,
   1. The apostle was pained with a thorn in the flesh, and buffeted with a messenger of Satan, v. 7. We are much in the dark what this was, whether some great trouble or some great temptation. Some think it was an acute bodily pain or sickness; others think it was the indignities done him by the false apostles, and the opposition he met with from them, particularly on the account of his speech, which was contemptible. However this was, God often brings this good out of evil, that the reproaches of our enemies help to hide pride from us; and this is certain, that what the apostle calls a thorn in his flesh was for a time very grievous to him: but the thorns Christ wore for us, and with which he was crowned, sanctify and make easy all the thorns in the flesh we may at any time be afflicted with; for he suffered, being tempted, that he might be able to succour those that are tempted. Temptations to sin are most grievous thorns; they are messengers of Satan, to buffet us. Indeed it is a great grievance to a good man to be so much as tempted to sin.
   2. The design of this was to keep the apostle humble: Lest he should be exalted above measure, v. 7. Paul himself knew he had not yet attained, neither was already perfect; and yet he was in danger of being lifted up with pride. If God love us, he will hide pride from us, and keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered, to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan, which he did not send with a good design, but on the contrary, with ill intentions, to discourage the apostle (who had been so highly favoured of God) and hinder him in his work. But God designed this for good, and he overruled it for good, and made this messenger of Satan to be so far from being a hindrance that it was a help to the apostle.
   3. The apostle prayed earnestly to God for the removal of this sore grievance. Note, Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh we should give ourselves to prayer. Therefore we are sometimes tempted that we may learn to pray. The apostle besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from him, v. 8. Note, Though afflictions are sent for our spiritual benefit, yet we may pray to God for the removal of them: we ought indeed to desire also that they may reach the end for which they are designed. The apostle prayed earnestly, and repeated his requests; he besought the Lord thrice, that is, often. So that if an answer be not given to the first prayer, nor to the second, we must hold on, and hold out, till we receive an answer. Christ himself prayed to his Father thrice. As troubles are sent to teach us to pray, so they are continued to teach us to continue instant in prayer.
   4. We have an account of the answer given to the apostle's prayer, that, although the trouble was not removed, yet an equivalent should be granted: My grace is sufficient for thee. Note,
   (1.) Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not always answer it in the letter; as he sometimes grants in wrath, so he sometimes denies in love.
   (2.) when God does not remove our troubles and temptations, yet, if he gives us grace sufficient for us, we have no reason to complain, nor to say that he deals ill by us. It is a great comfort to us, whatever thorns in the flesh we are pained with, that God's grace is sufficient for us. Grace signifies two things:--
   [1.] The good-will of God towards us, and this is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort us, to support our souls and cheer up our spirits, in all afflictions and distresses.
   [2.] the good work of God in us, the grace we receive from the fulness that is in Christ our head; and from him there shall be communicated that which is suitable and seasonable, and sufficient for his members. Christ Jesus understands our case, and knows our need, and will proportion the remedy to our malady, and not only strengthen us, but glorify himself. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified; he ordains his praise out of the mouths of babes and sucklings.
   III. Here is the use which the apostle makes of this dispensation: He gloried in his infirmities (v. 9), and took pleasure in them, v. 10. He does not mean his sinful infirmities (those we have reason to be ashamed of and grieved at), but he means his afflictions, his reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses for Christ's sake, v. 10. And the reason of his glory and joy on account of these things was this-- they were fair opportunities for Christ to manifest the power and sufficiency of his grace resting upon him, by which he had so much experience of the strength of divine grace that he could say, When I am weak, then am I strong. This is a Christian paradox: when we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we see ourselves weak in ourselves, then we go out of ourselves to Christ, and are qualified to receive strength from him, and experience most of the supplies of divine strength and grace.
(from Matthew Henry's Commentary)

My brother who went through N.O. seminary, and has been preaching over 30 years, just told me about this subject not long ago. I do wish I had written down everything.

I need to become less agressive. I ask just to mention me in your prayers. I have a physical condition that jurts 24-7 and it keeps me "kind of agressive". Thanks to anyone that will mention me in their prayers.

I made a comment about more then one level or more than one heaven and here is the mention of it.

IICorinthians 12:1-4

What do you think the apostle Paul was talking about, when he said,"God knows-such a one was caught up to the third heaven."

That was really fantastic to read about. Jesus is an awesome God!!!!

Fred Somebody,
Thomas Somebody,
Susan Somebody,
and Joe Nobody
were neighbors,
but they were not like you and me. Thet were odd people and most difficult to understand. The way they lived was a shame.

All four belonged to the same church, but you would not have enjoyed worshipping with them.

Everybody went fishing on Subday or stayed home to visit friends.

Anybody wanted to worship but was afraid SOMEBODY wouldn't speak to him. So guess who went to church-NOBODY.

Really, NOBODY was the only decent one of the four. NOBODY did the visitation. NOBODY worked on the church building.

Once they needed a Sunday School treacher.

EVERYBODY thought ANYBODY would do it, and ANYBODY thought SOMEBODY would do it. And you know who did it? That's exactly right........NOBODY

It happened that a fifth neighbor ( an unbeliever ) moved into the area. EVERYBODY thought SOMEBODY should try to win him for Christ. ANYBODY could have made an effort. You probably know who finally won him:NOBODY!

This little parable brings to focus again the fact that each of us is personally responsible for God's work.

If we leave it for somebody or everybody or anybody, nobody will do it.

Let's work till Jesus comes!!!!

I have to hurry and go, but the Holy Catholic Church will not allow him to recieve the Holy Sacrements because of where he stands on killing babies. Do you people realize that 40,000,000 million babies have been killed since the whole law was passed.God will deal with us one of these days on this. Just think if Jesus had been aborted???!!!!

To me it is very simple, you have just killed the body that the Hole Spirt lived in. Once a person  commits this sin, he can not ask forgiveness, but I am Baptist also, so I do believe that person will go on to heaven. I have a baby brother that has been a Baptist pastor for 32 years and has his docorate and he has explained to me about the three different levels of heaven. Look it up.It is in the Bible , just at the moment, I can not remeber the location. I will try and find the scriptures and post more on this tomorrow.