Oklahoma Howdy to MalkyEL,

Thanks very much for the information. I can handle one or two at a time. I just didn't know what I would do if you said 20. Please send me the name, address, and language each time you have a request, and consider it done. I have an outstanding Christian Store where I do all of my business.

I only have two other questions:

1 - Will they allow the prisoner's name to be engraved on the cover?

2 - Will they allow a leather zip-up protective cover for the Bible?

Feel free to use a Private Message here or my regular Email:

blkidps@sirinet.net

Thanks for telling us about these needs. It makes me very happy to help.

Love In Christ,
Tom

My father taught me from a very young age that a firm (not squeezing, just firm) handshake is a proper handshake, and to only shake hands with a lady if she offers her hand first - then less firm but with both hands.

Oklahoma Howdy to JudgeNot,

   I practiced very firm and squeezing handshakes with boys who were going to take my daughter out for a date.  About the time I saw fear on the young man's face, I would ask where they were going and what time my daughter would be home. Maintaining close eye contact and cleaning your duty weapon when the young man arrives is also good. I'm extremely happy she married a fine young man and I don't have to worry about that anymore.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Oklahoma Howdy to Tigerlily,

ROFL - I'm glad you've been saving up some funnies for us. The sign picture made me think of signs all over Oklahoma that say "Watch for Ice on Bridge". We rarely have really cold weather, but we look for the ice, even on 110 degree days.

Love In Christ,
Tom

While on a road trip, an elderly couple (probably older even than Mr. & Mrs BEP) stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant and resumed their trip.

Brother JudgeNot,

     I resemble that remark, but I wear the glasses and my wife wears the hat.

Oklahoma Howdy to Paul2,

It's been some time since I studied the Rapture and the Tribulation Period in detail. I'm looking for my notes and passages of Scripture that I found very interesting. I think that one subject in this area would be very helpful to those who think that they can lose their Salvation. I'll try to get the specifics, but I bet you will know what I mean.

There are portions of Scripture that specifically deal with those who become saved during the Tribulation Period. Some use these Scriptures in attempting to prove that people can lose their Salvation, but they don't apply to the Church which is the Body of Christ that has already been Raptured. Yes, I believe in a Pre-Tribulation Rapture. If I remember correctly, a portion taken out of context is "Those who will endure until the end." Sorry, I had a "honey-do" to take care of and will be more specific later. I'm more afraid of my wife than I am of you.  

I've always thought that absolute assurance of Salvation was and is a precious Promise of God. If you could address the Tribulation Saints, I think that you will also address the doubts some portions of Scripture cause for God's children of today who WILL NOT be here during the Tribulation Period. I'll join in with you when I find my notes and finish the "honey-do". This is a hot topic for some, but I honestly believe that doubts about Salvation makes the devil happy.

Love In Christ,
Tom

BEP it is so a bible study...sorta    

Oklahoma Howdy to Shylynne,

   UM??, everyone forgot their Bibles and there are no Scriptures to discuss. Nobody even brought a commentary or a good book about the Bible.  

Don't take it personal - notice the smilies. The Bible Study Area is reserved for the Holy Bible, Scriptures, and discussion of Scriptures.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[REPENT AND SIN NO MORE!]

Oklahoma Howdy to Symphony,

I hope you don't mind 2 cents worth. I would suggest using the New Testament instead of the Old Testament to do away with the biggest cop-out for abominable behavior. Here's a few samples for you:

Romans 1:18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Romans 1:24  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:

Romans 1:26  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
Romans 1:27  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

Romans 1:32  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Brother, do we need to get together and hire body guards for you?  

An idea for a slogan:  REPENT AND SIN NO MORE!

Another one:  GAY WAS HAPPY - NOW IT'S SAD!

Another one (?):  STAND STRAIGHT FOR JESUS!

Another one:  GOD ACCEPTS NO ALTERNATIVES!

Love In Christ,
Tom

Hoekstra Devotion - February 18

A Reminder Concerning the Word of God's Grace:

The word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance . . . The word of the truth of the gospel . . . is bringing forth fruit . . . faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  (Act_20:32, Col_1:5-6, and Rom_10:17)

These three scriptures, interspersed in our previous meditations, indicate how God wants to use His word to impact us with His grace. The first passage describes God's word as "the word of His grace." God explains His grace to us through His word. He offers his grace to us through His word. He works His grace within us as we are nurtured in His word, trusting in what the Lord has to say to us. As God's word is taken into our lives, its capabilities are unleashed, demonstrating that it is "able to build you up and give you an inheritance." Those who believed at Thessalonica had such an experience with the scriptures. "For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe" (1Th_2:13).

The second passage declares that the word can produce fruitfulness in God's people. "The word of the truth of the gospel . . . is bringing forth fruit." Such fruit is the consequence of spiritual life maturing within us. Jesus taught that this life is brought to us by His word. "The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life" (Joh_6:63). The word of the Lord brings this life to us initially: "Having been born again . . . through the word of God which lives and abides forever" (1Pe_1:23).God's word then nurtures the life it originally brought to us: "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1Pe_2:2).

The third passage gives insight on faith, which is a vital element of living by grace. As we have seen, faith accesses grace. "We have access by faith into this grace in which we stand." (Rom_5:2). Here in the third scripture, we are told how faith develops in our lives. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." As we humbly receive God's word into our lives, our faith in whatever He is proclaiming can be growing.

In light of these grand truths concerning the scriptures, we would be wise to cultivate the same perspective of essentiality that Job had toward God's word. "I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12).

O Lord of grace and truth, thank You for giving us Your word, which is grace and truth. Forgive me, Lord, for not cherishing Your word as highly as I should. Everything that Your word can do, I am unable to do on my own. I cry out earnestly to You. Please work in me a deepening hunger for Your living and eternal word, in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Hoekstra Devotion - February 17

Once More on Grace and Good Works:

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.  (Eph_2:10)

In examining grace and good works we are again seeing God's grace is not only His willingness to forgive us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, but it is also His resource for shaping and using our lives as believers.

God desires that we become amply engaged in good works, to glorify His name in the edifying of His people and the reaching of the lost. Although we are not saved by good works ("not of works, lest anyone should boast" — Eph_2:8-9), we are saved unto good works ("created in Christ Jesus for good works").

Our hope of abounding in good works rests upon the gracious working of God on our behalf. First, He remakes us through new birth in His Son: "created in Christ Jesus." Then, He continues to work on us. We do not shape ourselves into an instrument that the Lord can use. God willingly takes that responsibility upon Himself.  "For we are His workmanship." God wants to shape our lives like a work of art, thoroughly crafting us in relationship to His purposes for each of our lives.

God's gracious work extends beyond new birth and subsequent fashioning. He even prepares the good works in which He wants us to eventually be engaged. "Created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand." Think of it. The Lord has already arranged the acts of service in which He intends for us to be occupied! Then, why are we not always involved in such good works? The answer is related to this phrase: "that we should walk in them." We do have a strategic responsibility in this process. We are to humbly and dependently walk with the Lord Jesus every day.
Jesus addressed this matter. "Then they said to Him, 'What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?' Jesus answered and said to them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent'" (Joh_6:28-29). Exercising faith in the Lord is what brings us into the workings of God for our lives. This involves believing in His plan, as revealed in His word. This includes trusting that His will is best for us. This comprises walking in reliance upon Him, allowing Him to guide us each day into the appropriate good works. Such a response brings service empowered by grace, as seen in the early church. "And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all" (Act_4:33).

Creator of heaven and earth, I thank You for creating me anew in Christ Jesus. I praise You for Your ongoing work in me. Please shape me into an instrument You can use. Lord, forgive me when I am irresponsible through self-will or self-sufficiency. Lord, I want to humbly and dependently follow You each day, in the light of Your word, Amen.

Hoekstra Devotion - February 16

Even More on Grace and Good Works:

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.  (2Co_9:

When considering the connection between grace and good works, God's ability is the priority issue. "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you." The Lord intends for us to be the objects of His ever flowing grace. Our God is fully capable of accomplishing such an outpouring of His grace.
The Lord desires to "make all grace abound toward you." He wants to impact our lives with every aspect of His grace ("all grace"). He has grace available in every category that we will ever need. He is ready to flood our lives with such grace ("abound toward you"). This term ("abound") could be illustrated by compelling waves consistently rolling up on the seashore, leaving their inevitable imprint.

God's grace impacts humble, trusting hearts in such a manner, imparting all that is needed for effective service. "That you, always having all sufficiency in all things." Whenever we place our dependence in the Lord, He supplies everything that is necessary ("all sufficiency") for everything He would have us to do ("in all things).

The immediate context relates this truth to financial provision; yet, the language goes far beyond any circumstantial limitation: "having all sufficiency in all things."  This speaks of any need in any situation. If we need grace for biblical family life, it is included here. If we need grace for running a godly business, it is offered here. If we need grace for witnessing, it is included here. If we need grace for church ministry, it is extended here. "That you, always having all sufficiency in all things."

Our God is a bountiful Master, who loves to lavish His resources upon His servants. "That you . . . may have an abundance." However, this bounty is not for personal whim or carnal indulgence. It is for "every good work." God's abundance is for the furthering of His will here on earth. So, we can be encouraged. If our desire is to serve our Lord, immeasurable spiritual treasures are available for our service.

This does not mean we are exempt from seasons of apparent lack. We have lessons to learn that must be taught during times of adversity as well as abundance.  "I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phi_4:12-13).

O Lord, giver of every good and perfect gift, remind me to look to You for abounding grace in every trial and in every opportunity. Lord, I know that I need You in the delightful times, just as much as in the agonizing times. Use me for implementing Your will in this rebellious world. I praise You that finding the grace I need for serving You depends on Your ability, not mine. Pour out Your grace, I pray, in Jesus name, Amen.

Oklahoma Howdy to Grace,

I might possibly understand your human perspective, but you disagree with God's perspective, the pure and simple Gospel of God's Grace.  Jesus Christ on the cross was a perfect sacrifice and GIFT that no human earned or deserved. If we took your perspective, mankind would not need a Saviour, but we all know that man is in desperate need of a Saviour.

You don't do any lost person a favor by twisting the Gospel of God's Grace into something that makes them feel good. Those lost people didn't call your crisis line with any problems Jesus caused for them. They were calling because of the problems sin and darkness causes, the opposite. If someone had shared the true and complete Gospel of God's Grace with them before, they may never have called that crisis line. Diluted and watered down Gospel is simply another lie to someone who is already wallowing in sin and darkness and suffering as a result. Their escape, help, and Salvation is in the undiluted and TRUE GOSPEL OF GOD'S GRACE.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Your searching will end here.  

http://www.shibumi.org/eoti.htm

Oklahoma Howdy to Lawyer,

Thanks for the GREAT! LINK! That's a definite time saver. I sincerely hope you enjoy Christians Unite.

Jump in and have some fun.

Tom

Oklahoma Howdy to MalkyEL,

Sister, may God richly bless you in your efforts and ministry.

I lost my connection to Christians Unite while trying to send you a private mail on this subject, so I don't know if you got it or not. Could you give us an idea about how many Bibles you need in each language (i.e. English, Spanish). I would like to buy the Bibles for them if the number isn't too great. If it is more than I can handle, I'll find a way to get it done.

I will also be looking for materials and praying for your ministry.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Oklahoma Howdy to Shylynne,

AMEN!

As an analogy, the Holy Bible is the 8 course meal, and anything else is simply an appetizer or an after dinner mint.

Love In Christ,
Tom  

Hm been several weeks ago on this, slightly off topic.

But just today in ref. to tigerlily's mention, straight ministers begin to stop marrying altogether, since now they'll be required to marry both hetero and homo-??

So if there are no marriage authorities save those who marry either both or only  homo-....


    ??

Oklahoma Howdy to Symphony,

I'm not aware of any legal requirement for a pastor to perform marriages. There are many pastors who refuse to marry straight people if he feels they are not sincere about taking marriage vows. Somehow I don't believe they can make it a requirement for pastors to marry everyone who walks in the door. As an example, a God-fearing pastor would not perform a marriage ceremony for a couple who walked in drunk, doped up, or naked (straight or not). If they made it a requirement for pastors to perform marriage ceremonies, all God-fearing pastors should stop doing them. In many cases like above and in gay marriages, the pastor would be participating in evil and using God's name to do it.

Love In Christ,
Tom