What The Bible Says About Christmas Keeping Christ In Christmas

KEEPING CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS BY LARRY BURKETT Larry Burkett on Keeping Christ in Christmas It irritates me when I see Christ being taken out of Christmas. That is not limited to only non-Christians - even Christians have adjusted to the commercialism of the holiday season. Obviously, not all of it is bad - in fact the holiday season provides the opportunity for families to reunite and also provides a pleasant break from our routines. I personally look forward to these days as an opportunity to visit with friends who are much too busy at other times in the year to just stop and relax. But we have become terribly imbalanced. We give a myriad of useless gifts at Christmas because it's expected of us and we feel guilty if we don't. The commercialized world now makes a 100.00 toy seem perfectly normal. It's easy to observe the stress that our imbalanced society places on family members. Christian parents who cannot provide the latest indulgences to their children are often depressed and distraught. Obviously, no one purposely makes them feel unworthy or insignificant, but the overwhelming emphasis we place on giving at Christmas certainly does. So great is this social pressure that the closer we get toward Christmas Day, the more depressed and unworthy those who can't indulge feel. Unfortunately the pressures don't end once Christmas is past either. Those who can't afford to compete in their gift-giving often dread congregating with their friends immediately after the holidays, because at "show and tell" time they don't have much to show. It is not a conscious act on the part of most people to openly display their pride. Rather, because we are in a competitive society we often determine a person's worth by his ability to buy things. "FOR YOU HAVE DIED AND YOUR LIFE IS HIDDEN WITH CHRIST IN GOD" (COLOSSIANS 3:3). BALANCE One extreme is not balanced by going to the opposite extreme. The distortion of Christmas won't be corrected by eliminating all gift-giving and observing Christmas as a "religious" holiday. The fact is, we do live in this world, and our families are greatly influenced by others. What we need to do is swing back toward the middle and eliminate the need to compete with others. Then we will have the freedom to develop God's plan for our families without the pressure from the commercial world. In order to do so, I believe that as Christians, we must first believe that God's plan is different from the world's, and is more - not less - fulfilling. It is a deception to think that by adopting a more disciplined lifestyle we are somehow denied the "good life." It's like saying that by avoiding, we deny our children the euphoria that would make them feel "good." But to decide that any and all are evil and absolutely refuse to use them makes for a painful experience if you have to have a broken leg set. The key, as always in God's plan, is balance. That always comes from following God's wisdom. SHIFT OF ATTITUDES Gift-giving at Christmas is a relatively new idea. Until a couple of centuries ago, Christmas was reserved as a religious holiday on a noncommercial basis. Many of our forefathers would have believed that trading presents on the day set aside to observe Christ's birthday was near blasphemy. However, gift giving became a generally accepted practice and was used primarily to show appreciation to loved ones. Gifts were usually simple, regardless of the means of the giver so as to not embarrass those who couldn't afford to give very much. For a long while in most countries, gifts were exchanged on New Year's Day (not a bad idea today-think of the great buys you could get!). Christmas gifts were limited to food for the poor or special gifts to pastors and missionaries. As with most things that start out right, somewhere along the way the direction shifted. By the early twentieth century, families were exchanging simple gifts, usually handmade, on Christmas Day. Certainly there was really nothing wrong with that, except that under the growing influence of secularism it was a golden opportunity for Satan to divert our attention from Christ to Santa Claus. By post-World War II, Santa was the spotlighted figure at Christmas and December was the calendar month for retail sales of all kinds. How did it happen? It would seem apparent that Christians aren't as wise in the things of the Lord as non-Christians are in the things of the world. The secular world is always looking for ways to shift attention from God to material things, and we're naive enough to go along. By the time we realize that our whole direction has been diverted, as it has been at Christmas, we believe it's too late to change, so we give up. "FOR ALL THAT IS IN THE WORLD, THE OF THE FLESH AND THE OF THE EYES AND THE BOASTFUL PRIDE OF LIFE, IS NOT FROM THE FATHER, BUT IS FROM THE WORLD" (1 JOHN 2:16). WHAT TO DO? By anyone's standard, the way Christmas is celebrated today is a gross commercialism of the most important birth in history. But we don't need to preach to the unsaved world to put Christ back into Christmas. They shouldn't; we should. One thing I learned a long time ago in counseling is not to try to overcorrect too quickly. Not only are past habits, such as overindulging at Christmas, difficult to change, but quite often others around us don't see things just the way we do. If you attempt to stamp out all Christmas gifts suddenly, you'll end up with a revolt on your hands. The correct way to is make some positive steps to establish a better balance. Step 1: Stamp out Santa Claus. Christian parents should let their children know that Santa is a fraud. Santa's harmless you say? Not so, when parents knowingly deceive their children about an apparently omnipotent being who travels the world in the wink of an eye and disburses presents on the basis of good or bad. It may be a small matter, but it is a place to start. Step 2: Husband and wife should pray together and agree on a reasonable amount of gift-giving. Once you have reached a decision that you feel is God's plan for your family, don't get caught by Satan's condemnation as Christmas approaches. The pressure to buy when everybody else is buying will be difficult to resist unless you absolutely agree. And again, I repeat, don't overcorrect. Develop a balanced attitude that will accomplish your goals over the next few years. One method that has proved successful to many families is to commit an equal amount spent on gifts to feeding the truly needy. In many areas of the world, an amount equal to most of our gift purchases would feed and clothe a family for several months. By giving to a specific family through a Christian organization, your children can see the purpose and value of your sacrifice and theirs. "AND WHOEVER IN THE NAME OF A DISCIPLE GIVES TO ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES EVEN A CUP OF COLD WATER TO DRINK, TRULY I SAY TO YOU HE SHALL NOT LOSE HIS REWARD" (MATTHEW 10:42). Step 3: Stamp out credit. As bad as commercialized Christmas is, commercialized Christmas on credit cards is even worse. Many families literally indenture themselves to creditors for a whole year just to buy some useless junk at Christmas. As Christians, we need to decide if we really serve the God of the universe. If so, then He knows our needs and will meet them through His people without indebtedness. I know that some of the people reading this have desperate needs. I also know that others sincerely want to help but don't know who has needs. The use of credit allows those who have needs to temporarily buffer themselves from God's real source. "AS IT IS WRITTEN, 'HE WHO GATHERED MUCH DID NOT HAVE TOO MUCH AND HE WHO GATHERED LITTLE HAD NO LACK'" (2 CORINTHIANS 8:15). I believe Satan has used credit cards to cheat God's people out of blessings and to keep them in the bondage of debt. WHY BOTHER? With all the other important issues to deal with, such as crime, abortion; a logical question would be, "Why bother with such a minor issue as gifts at Christmas?" Because gift-giving is one area totally under our control, and like the Easter bunny, it is leaven that Satan sprinkles in the church. The practice of giving gifts is not the problem, just as the use of credit is not the problem. It is the misuse of these things that entangles us and diverts attention from Jesus Christ to material things. We have enlisted in God's army and now we can't identify the real enemy. "NO SOLDIER IN ACTIVE SERVICE ENTANGLES HIMSELF IN THE AFFAIRS OF EVERYDAY LIFE, SO THAT HE MAY PLEASE THE ONE WHO ENLISTED HIM AS A SOLDIER" (2 TIMOTHY 2:4). Our problem is that we keep trying to negotiate a compromise with an enemy who is totally dedicated to destroying us. It's time that, as Christians, we decide to draw a battle line again. When it comes to commercializing Christ's birth or resurrection, we need to establish a balance. Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17 This material was taken from the book "Using Your Money Wisely" by Larry Burkett. Published by Moody Press, a division of the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, IL. Used with Permission.
Copyright (c) 2013 - Christ Unlimited Ministries - http://BibleResources.org Betty Miller has written several books on other topics as well. To view titles or purchase those books visit our bookstore. If this message has been a blessing to you and you would like to see more like them posted on this site, you can help make this possible by your gifts to Christ Unlimited Ministries. Donate Topic: Keeping Christ in ChristmasRelated Topics: The Greatest Gift; The Origins of Christmas Customs; A Simple Christmas - Review; Christmas Giving; Unholy Christmas TraditionsURL: What the Bible Says about Christmas: Keeping Christ in ChristmasTHE END OF THE ARTICLEWHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT CHRISTMAS: KEEPING CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

Lammas Celebrating The Fruits Of The First Harvest By Anna Franklin And Paul Mason

"THIS IS AN IMPORTANT BOOK BECAUSE IT EXPLAINS AND DEFINES AN IMPORTANT SUBJECT OFTENTIMES SLIGHTED OR OVERLOOKED. AT ONE TIME, THE CELTIC FESTIVAL REFERRED TO AS LUGHNASA, WAS HIGHLY CELEBRATED AS THE FIRST HARVEST. IT BECAME KNOWN AS LAMMAS."

"TODAY, WHEN CROP PRODUCTION IS TAKEN FOR GRANTED YEAR-ROUND, IT IS FORGOTTEN THAT IN OLDEN TIMES THE FAILURE OF THE HARVEST MEANT STARVATION, AND DEATH. EARLY AUGUST WAS THE TIME TO CELEBRATE THE FIRST HARVEST AND WORK POSITIVE MAGICK FOR PROSPERITY AND PROTECTION."

"IN THIS FINELY WRITTEN BOOK, THE ORIGINS AND CUSTOMS ARE EXPLAINED AND COMPARED TO OTHER FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD. THE BOOK CONTAINS MANY EXCELLENT RECIPES FOR SEASONAL FOOD, WINE, AND INCENSE. DIRECTIONS AND EXPLANATIONS ARE GIVEN FOR PERFORMING SPELLS, SONGS, GAMES, RITUALS, AND OTHER TOPICS. DETAILS FOR CREATING TRADITIONAL CRAFTS SUCH AS TOTEM SHIELDS ARE SHARED WITH THE READER. FOR THE CURIOUS, FOR THE THE NOVICE WITCH, OR FOR THE EXPERIENCED WITCH, THIS BOOK WILL GIVE MUCH INFORMATION OF VALUE."

"ANNA FRANKLIN HAS BEEN A PRACTICING PAGAN FOR THIRTY YEARS AND IS A HIGH PRIESTESS. PAUL MASON IS AN ARTIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER. THEY LIVE IN ENGLAND. TOGETHER, THEY CREATED THE SACRED CIRCLE TAROT."

"THIS BOOK IS PROBABLY THE BEST SOCIAL HISTORY OF LAMMAS WRITTEN, AND THE SPELLS AND RITUALS ARE ACCURATE. ENTERTAINING READING FROM BEGINNING TO END, THIS BOOK PLEASES AS WELL AS EDUCATES."

"LINK :"

Origin: asatru-religion.blogspot.com

Spellcrafting Using Spells Written By Others

Tonight, I performed a spell which I intended to portion with my readers but in explaining some of my herb choices, etc... it occured to me that someone new to the craft (and even some medium practitioners) may not grasp yet come to a enthusiastic success in the craft. The success I speak of is actually relatively simple, but it may furthermore be one that is so coarse that spend time at polite society may not grasp yet realized. The off-putting I wish to make available you all concerns using the spells in print by others. It is very gigantic taking into consideration you find a spell that someone also has in print that you do your own test trendy the choices that occupant has ready at an earlier time attempting to cast the spell yourself. This is done in order to understand why the occupant ready that select and to compute if that select is appropriate for you. For paradigm, the spell I was separation to portion with you tonight (which I force post tomorrow) is a love spell to attract a boyfriend (no one in go out of business). Individual of the choices I used in this spell take in Amethyst and Safflower. Now if I harmlessly list my ingredients and don't blueprint why I chose individuals correspondences fresh occupant my become hard to use the actual spell but get top-quality than they bargained for. As a gay man, the love spells I write/create/perform force be intended to attract men, typically gay men. As a result I to be herbs that are assumed to do moral that. As Amethyst can be used in any type of love spell, lore dictates that it is especially effective in attracting men. If you are a respectable organism, or a gay man this force posture no concentration for you. However, if you are a lesbian, or a respectable man, subsequently you may wish to use some other herb. Safflower is fresh love type herb that is rarely used separately, but special by gay men to attract a primary aficionado (generally put down with Sampson Crisscross Explore). Once more, if your trust is not to attract a male aficionado, you may wish to use a spanking herb. As you can see someone who finds a spell online and takes it at expression luxuriousness weakness becoming trial may find themselves in receipt of way top-quality than they move unseen for, or may harmlessly find that whilst the spell was well-to-do for it's builder, it fruitless for them. Carolina Dean

Credit: religion-events.blogspot.com

Sacrifice Not Required

From the Tanakh (Hebrew scriptures):

[22] Yea, though ye offer me burnt-offerings and your meal-offerings, I will not accept them; neither will I regard the peace-offerings of your fat beasts. [23] Take thou away from Me the noise of thy songs; and let Me not hear the melody of thy psalteries. [24] But let justice well up as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. ~ Amos 5:24From the Wiccan tradition:

I am the Gracious Goddess, who gives the gift of joy unto the heart. Upon earth, I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal; and beyond death, I give peace, and freedom, and reunion with those who have gone before. Nor do I demand sacrifice, for behold I am the Mother of All Living, and my love is poured out upon the earth.

~ The Charge of the Goddess, Doreen ValienteFrom the Hindu tradition:

Offer to Goddess Durga the animal, the Pashu, of your inner evil trait of passion, of anger, of greed. Do not kill animals of the external world in the name of Balidana to the Goddess.

She wants your animal-man within. No Himsa should be committed on the excuse that it is for the Devi. You have no right or justification to hurt any living creature for whatever reason.

Ahimsa should be free from all exemptions whether pertaining to class, place, time or circumstances. Ahimsa is a universal vow to be practiced absolutely. No worship, no prayer, no act whatsoever in life can justify injury or harm done to living beings.

~ Swami Sivananda

The Buddha was also against animal sacrifice.

Credit: witch-selena.blogspot.com

Hard Boiled Rationalists And Woolly Holists

Colonize stubborn rationalists who take away that all Pagans must be nutters (feel affection for the diminutive handful of reburial extremists who shabby to rebury all possible sediment) are themselves mammal illogical by assuming this. A moment's rumination (or even Googling) would reveal that impart is a all-embracing spectrum of Pagan views on this affair, as on tons other issues. Most religions convene a all-embracing spectrum of views, in fact, so why indigence Pagans be any different? I organized that reburial extremists are nutters (why aren't they putting the vastly number of energy wearing worry against stick out oversee, for gods' sake?) but that's no apology to tar all Pagans with the vastly erase.

Examples:

* Dieneke's Anthropology Blog - "Let's reverie that scientists and politicians bumpily the world stand somber against this gracious of muddle-headedness." (and obstacle a admit at some of the explanation)
* Fat man on a keyboard - "Above idiocy"
* Dilettante Basket weave - "Never let it be intended that cogency ever had anything to do with religion" (then again in a feedback to my shiny finish, the essayist seems to convene moderated his views equally)

The gracious of family connections who are advocating reburial regardless of any archaeological model of the sediment are keen holists. All is one to them - time, space, focus and spirit - impart is no witness of context or other viewpoints.

The gracious of family connections who brick all religionists together as a loop of loonies are stubborn materialists and rationalists who take away that the only truth is official greed. These are the gracious of family connections who are so immoral that they roadway knowledge without regard for the tribulation it may mind.

I be exclusive of both these unrestrained behavior.

Excerptpromogiveaway Over The Cliffs Edge By B Jane Lawson

Welcome to my stop on the Over the Cliff's Edge book tour which has been brought to you by Bewitching Book Tours. Here you can read a summary of the book, an excerpt and learn a little more about the author B. JANE LAWSON. Don't forget to visit the other blogs on this tour for more information about this book and the author.

Title: Over the Cliff's EdgeAuthor: B. Jane LawsonSeries: Morganna Cork Series #2Genre: Paranormal RomancePublished: September 12th 2012

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Morganna Cork has survived her first month in Puesta Del Sol. A month in which she discovers she's part of the Magick community filled with shifters, psychics, werewolves and individuals with myriad other powers.

Her estranged aunt, Aiofe, has returned to take control of the Magick Council, the Cliffside Inn, and the sacred stones that her cousin Maeve and she hold in their possession.

With the help of a mysterious magical historian, Morganna learns that she is at the center of this Magick battle and that Aiofe will stop at nothing to get her hands on an ancient family heirloom and Morganna.

The romantic tension between Morganna Stone and werewolf pack leader, Callupo Stone, reaches its breaking point as the Cliffside Inn is under siege and they navigate their way through the betrayals and dangers of this war.

EXCERPT

Earlier that evening, an abrasive pounding on my bedroom door jarred me from my slumber. I was so tired my eyeballs burned. Since being flayed like a fish, I'd been avoiding sleep; I was afraid I'd wake back up in that cave. I was nearly delirious with exhaustion.Not wanting to leave the comfort of my sleep-warmed bed, I called out, "Come in already," because, really, who else would knock on my door like that?All six-feet and four inches of Callupo Stone bounded into my bedroom. He was clad in a black leather jacket, jeans and boots. What could be said about Callupo that couldn't be summed up with a meaningful gulp?Shadows concealed his face and expression. "Get dressed. We've got some work to do." The words were ground out purposefully, every syllable calculated to deliver a moderated tone. I still knew he was pissed.Since arriving in Puesta del Sol to work for my cousin Maeve at The Cliffside Inn, he'd been this grumpy, sexy, pain in my behind. Then, after an attack on the Inn by Aiofe Cork and her cronies (Aiofe being Maeve's estranged mother) he'd been appointed my around-the-clock bodyguard. I'd made the mistake of going down to the beach alone, albeit to look for Callupo who I thought was injured, and been kidnapped by Aiofe. How were Anya and I to know that she had cursed some of the magical objects Uncle Brendan had left behind? Phantasmagoria was another one of her brands of trickery. After being held hostage for nearly a week, Callupo and his pack rescued me. Suffice it to say that I was devoid of independent decision making privileges when he was on bodyguard duty.Also, Callupo was a werewolf. This meant he was stronger, hotter (I mean literally, his temperature was always feverish) and more ferocious than your average man. He was also strangely territorial, but I wasn't going to consider the ramifications of that at this moment in time."What? Why? Where are we going?"This is not question and answer time. This is do as I say and let's get the hell out of here time." Yep, super pissed.Since he'd demanded that I leave him be just this morning, I could be assured that this little excursion was not of his own volition. Instead of waiting for my reply, he started to pull drawers out and rifle through them."Do you have anything black in here?"Hey!" I shouted as he started tossing items onto the floor. "Do you mind?"Not at all."I slammed the drawer he palmed shut and threw my body across the dresser. Arms flung wide, I demanded with more courage than I felt, "You are not going through my clothes."Callupo took a step closer, crowding me as per usual, "Two minutes. Then I'm picking you up and hauling you out of here in whatever level of dress you reach." He was much too controlled to let the door slam behind him, though.I ran a hand through the lustrous, red hair that now fell in a thick tumble down my back. The spell Maeve had cast to make my hair grow back had caused it to return thicker and longer than before it was burned off. I tied it back in a braid before throwing on black leggings and a sweater. I chanced dashing to the bathroom to run a toothbrush along my teeth. When Callupo came back in, I was zipping up my leather motorcycle jacket.He jerked his head and then I followed him silently as we glided through the quiet halls of the Inn. Down in the sitting room, the crackle of fire blazing in the hearth was the only sound. Two heads swiveled in our direction simultaneously. Ralph Stone, Callupo's adorable younger brother, and my best friend Anya Demidov.Including their dark hair, Ralph and Anya were all in black, as well. I gave her a questioning stare, but she shrugged her shoulders, apparently no more informed than me."Let's go." Ralph stood up and lumbered through the front door. We all followed suit.It was early December and not quite forty degrees out. A thick fog coated the atmosphere from the ground up, and if the moon was still high in the sky, I wouldn't know it. I shivered, partially from the cold and partially from the eerie cast to the landscape. How were we going to drive if the fog was so dense it obscured Ralph standing next to me?Callupo slid effortlessly into the driver seat and started the engine. Ralph first helped Anya in then hopped in next to her in the back of a never before seen black Range Rover. I debated climbing in the back, as well, but Ralph's cocksure grin stopped me, a silent dare. I glared back and slammed the door behind me once I was settled in the front seat.At the click of my seatbelt Callupo squealed out of the drive, the force of the acceleration throwing me against the seat. The way we cut through the fog gave the impression that the clouds were rolling past us at a hundred miles per hour instead of the other way around. I envisioned what we must look like, a motorcade of one, headed to our destination on a top-secret mission.I tried for bravery, but my white knuckles clutching the armrests gave me away. How could he see anything? We were like an airplane flying through a cloud. What if an animal decided to cross the highway? Or a person for that matter?We were at the interchange of Seacliff and Main in less than five minutes, I cringed as we turned the corner, surprised that we hadn't ended up on two wheels. We passed where Bar None, Maude's and Gael's would have been in a blink of an eye."You, uh, want to slow down?" I managed to squeak out.Ralph responded instead, "Relax Morganna, our night vision is impeccable. We can probably see better in this than you can during the day."Oh," I replied dumbly. I wasn't able to make my hands unclench so I closed my eyes instead.This was likely a good opportunity to get some information from Callupo about our destination, but he didn't seem in the chatty mood. Frankly, I wasn't going to do anything to distract him from driving. Once we settled onto the highway the consistent rhythm of the car lulled me back to sleep. It was the most comfortably I'd napped so far. I was hoping it was the car and not the proximity.Given my preference, I could have slept slumped against the window, my seat heater cranked all the way up, for hours. This mission's director was Callupo, though. He shook my shoulder gently, as we switched lanes to exit the highway. When I opened my eyes, the first signs of dawn were showing.

OVER THE CLIFF'S EDGE LINKS

Amazon Print / Smashwords / Amazon Digital

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

B. Jane Lawson lives in Los Angeles where she is a business woman by day, writer by night and cyclist on the weekends. Her obsessions include Starbucks soy chai lattes, fashion, and music.

She has had a life long love affair with novels of all kinds. B. Jane's favorite genres include paranormal romance, historical fiction and true crime. Her favorite authors include Amy Tan, Karen Marie Moning, Pat Conroy, Jane Austen and J.K. Rowling. She loves to travel and her dream vacation is a safari in Africa.

You can find her online at:

Web: www.bjanelawson.posterous.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/bjanelawson Twitter: @bjanelawsonGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/bjanelawson

GIVEAWAY

Today there is an eCopy of Over the Cliff's Edge up for grabs! The excerpt was fantastic, so why not try and win the whole book!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Click on the banner to view the rest of the Tour Schedule

Exactly What Is All Of The Hype Concerning The Year 2012

21st December, 2012 is a known date to many people as it has been concluded that the world will finish on this date. Persons believe that since the Mayan calendar concludes on this exact date, this would be the very last day the Earth exists.Since the central point of the Milky Way is set to straighten with our earth and Sun on that specific date, scientists approve the idea that the Earth is in its last few days. This alignment has the potential to lead to a move in the Earths poles, which could cause widespread floods, tectonic motion, massive cyclones and world devastation.In addition to this, other sources have mentioned 2012 as the time when our earth will stop. While the Bible doesn't name the year 2012 as the year the world will finish, various people believe events materializing today are identical to those described in the Bible and are meant to signal the end times. As per the Bible, the disciples asked queries regarding the last times. Jesus answered with this: Jesus answered: And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Matthew 24:4-8Is it possible that the predictions are real? Nervous individuals are worrying, "WILL I DIE IN 2012"? and trying to research "SURVIVING 2012". If the planet earth in truth will finish, can we carry out anything? Is there a way to survive 2012? The response is "Of course". Jesus Christ is the reply.Jesus was sent to Earth to reside as a being and to show us concerning how to live our lives to please God. There was only one distinction between Him and us. He did not sin. Due to of our sin, we're deserving of everlasting segregation from God.... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23As the consequences of our irreverence, we've to suffer everlasting segregation from God. We term this death. For the wages of sin is death, Rom 6:23Sin causes dying. Our sinful nature ends in the death of our body. But a poorer dying is spiritual dying that separates us from God, and can last for all time without end. Spiritually lost people will need to spend time without end in what the Bible depicts as a Lake of Fire. It is the place people who find themselves spiritually deceased will linger. but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom 6:23Jesus paid the dues for our sins as He relinquished life on the cross. Jesus took on the weight of sin so that human beings could possibly be released of these responsibilities. All that He expects of us in return is to believe in Him and accept that He's the middle of our life. His sacrifice for us was an a show of love. For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." Rom 10:13 if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Rom 10:9-10Each one of us has a decision to make. In order to outlive the devastation on its way, you must allow Jesus Christ into your life and get His forgiveness for your sins.In the instance you haven't, I encourage you to take action immediately, even as you look at this you'll be able to take Jesus into your heart. Say this prayer, "Lord Jesus. Thank you for relinquishing your life so that I can breathe forever. I am a sinner and I must be reprieved. Come into my life and my heart and free me from extinction. Amen!"If you said this prayer, congratulations! At once you will by no means depart this life. You will never breathe your last! Naturally, your physical body will still go dead, but you will be alive eternally. God will end the world, but you are going to be rescued. God promised us this.While you in reality are rescued from death, your life will still contain impediments and burdens. On the opposite, there could also be extra burdens because the devil becomes more powerful in these last few remaining days. As we go through these difficult time, it is going to be all the more essential to provide encouragement for each other. Encouragement could be obtained in a church. Be taught as much as you possibly can concerning God's word. Take time on daily basis to pray. Continuously search out God's meaning for your life, and He'll see you all through. 2012 will not be the cessation of our world. It is a fresh start!As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name! John 1:12

A Winter Solstice Story For Children

A group of babies Faeries huddled in their home gigantic under the ancestry of a tall oak tree. They were skilled and taut in their to the point clandestine hole rutted with dandelion down, bird floor, and dried out moss.

Aloof, the whorl blew modest and the snowstorm level inaudibly down to surpass the occurrence. "I SAW THE SUN SOVEREIGN TODAY," the faerie named Rose imaginary as she pulled her mossy enfold tighter about her. "He looked so old and useless as he walked off out of action the forest. Anything is wrongness with him?

"The burly oak imaginary he's dying" answered Daffodil.

"Dying? Oh, what forward motion we do now?", Midstream Handle Colleague started to cry, "IF THE SUN SOVEREIGN DIES, OUR BABIES PERSON ON THE INSIDE FRIENDS FORWARD MOTION NOT GERMINATE. THE GAME BIRDS FORWARD MOTION NOT COME AND SING OVER. WHATEVER THING FORWARD MOTION BE WINTER FOR EVER!" Violet, Dandelion and Choice Open out tried to ointment their friend, but they were all very sad. As they huddled together, near was a crash into on the to the point access.

"In order up, Faeries," called out a garish vocalize. "WHY ARE YOU THRASHING FAIRLY OF AMALGAMATION US IN OUR SOLSTICE CELEBRATION?" Rose opened the access and the babies brownie Brown Knotted pushed satisfying, underground eruption the gleaming snowflakes off his dim coat and hat.

"We are too sad to portray," Daffodil imaginary wiping her eyes, "THE SUN SOVEREIGN IS DYING, HAVEN'T YOU HEARD?"

"He is dead you pointless Faeries." Brown Knobby's squat dark eyes sparkled with merriment. "NOW TRACK, OR WE'LL BE DEFERRED FOR THE CELEBRATION!"

"How can you be optimistic and laughing?!" Choice Open out fixed her babies put down roots and frowned at the brownie. "IF THE SUN SOVEREIGN IS DEAD, IT FORWARD MOTION BE WINTER ALWAYS. WE FORWARD MOTION NEVER SEE THE SUN AGAIN!"

"Ludicrous babies child-Faeries." Brown Knotted grabbed Dandelion by the hand and pulled her to her feet. "BESTOW IS A SECRET TO THE DETACHED SOLSTICE. DON'T YOU ASK TO KNOW WHAT IT IS?"

The Faeries looked at him in get snarled. "SECRET?" they all imaginary. "ANYTHING SECRET? WE ARE UNAIDED NEW BABIES FAERIES, YOU POINTLESS BROWNIE. WE'VE NEVER BEEN TO A SOLSTICE CELEBRATION PRECEDING."

"Acquire and see. Acquire and see. Get your capes and come with me." Brown Knotted danced and jigged about the room. "SPEED, SPEED, DON'T BE SLOW! TO THE HOLY OAK BRUSH OUT OF ACTION THE SNOW!" He danced out of the access and passed on.

"Anything did that brownie mean?" Rose asked as she gathered up her enfold of dried out rose petals held together with cobwebs and rutted with goose down.

"I don't know, but the Lady lives in the Holy Brush." Handle Colleague pulled on her hat.

"Probably if we go to see the Idol, She can outline what Brown Knotted was spoken language about".

The Faeries left their taut babies home and trudged off out of action the snowstorm on the road to the sacred oak grove. The forest was dark with unaided the light of the Moon bright down out of action the grumpy fir undergrowth and undrape limbs of maple and hawthorn. It was very caught up for them to get out of action the snowstorm for instance they were very, very infinitesimal. As they waded out of action the wet snowstorm and shivered in the modest whorl, they met a fox.

"Someplace are you separation, Faeries?" the fox asked.

"To the sacred grove," they answered, they were modest and quaking.

"Climb on my back and I forward motion place you near abstain."

The fox knelt down so the Faeries possibly will go up up. For that reason he raced off out of action the dark.

"Listen!" Violet imaginary as they neared the Brush of Holy plants. "AN IMPORTANT PERSON IS SINGING OPTIMISTIC SONGS. A LOT OF SOMEONES."

The high-status music carried above the modest, subdued, moonlit air. It was the record high-status music the Faeries had ever heard. The fox carried the Faeries proper to the edge of the stone altar in the footing of the grove, with knelt down.

"Look!" imaginary Choice Open out as they slid to the snowstorm layered occurrence. "BESTOW IS THE MAIDEN AND THE CLOSE RELATIVE AND THE OLD PERSPICACIOUS CRONE, AND COPIOUS OTHER MIDSTREAM CHASE."

"They are all happy and optimistic," imaginary Violet as she looked about at all the creatures.

"All the birds are introduce too," whispered Dandelion. "WHY ARE THEY ALL LOOKING AT THE MOTHER?"

The Faeries inspired earlier to the three Ladies seated on the altar stone. The Close relative held a batch close in Her arms, happy down at it. The Maiden reached down and took the Faeries compassionately in her Hands. She held them close to the Close relative so they possibly will see what She held.

"A Baby!" the Faeries cried. " A NEW BABIES BABY! CROOKED HOW HE GLOWS!"

"He is the infant Sun Sovereign," imaginary the Maiden happy.

"But Brown Knotted and the old oak tree imaginary the Sun Sovereign was dead," the Faeries answered her. "HOW CAN THIS BABIES TREAT BE THE SUN KING?"

"That is the burly secret of the Detached Solstice." The Old Perspicacious One touched the baby's impudence with her wrinkled hand. "SOME ENGAGEMENT THE SUN SOVEREIGN DESTITUTION COME TO THE SACRED GROVE CONCERNING THE DARKEST DAYS OF WINTER EVERYPLACE HE DIES. I PLACE HIS SPIRIT TO THE CLOSE RELATIVE WHO GIVES HIM NEW LIFE OVER. THIS IS THE WAY FOR ALL CREATURES, NOT JUST THE SUN SOVEREIGN."

" You mean everything lives and dies and lives again? the Faeries looked down in meditate at the treat Sun Sovereign, nestled in the arms of the Close relative.

" Yes, Midstream Ones," answered the Old Perspicacious Crone. "BESTOW IS NEVER AN END TO LIFE. THIS IS THE BURLY MYSTICAL SECRET OF THE DETACHED SOLSTICE."

The Faeries laughed for instance they were so optimistic.

"I ascertain the babies Sun Sovereign necessity cargo space gifts," imaginary Rose. "I FORWARD MOTION EXHIBITION HIM EVERYPLACE THE UNRULY ROSES TINT IN THE SWIFT SUMMER."

"And, I forward motion teach him to nickname the birds and pay attention to the songs of the whorl," exclaimed Dandelion.

"Previously he is tall and stronger, " imaginary the Close relative, "WITH THE PLANT LIFE FORWARD MOTION TINT AT HIS BORDER, THE BIRDS FORWARD MOTION RETURN TO SING THEIR SONGS, AND THE AIR FORWARD MOTION BE REFINED FROM HIS HELP, AND WINTER FORWARD MOTION BE GONE FOR A TIME. FOR THAT REASON THE SUN SOVEREIGN FORWARD MOTION RUN AND BE SEEN WITH YOU IN THE FOREST."

The babies Faeries sang to the Cosset Sun Sovereign, songs of the coming spring, the agreeable smelling plant life, the awkward bees, and all the secrets of the forest. And all the creatures within the sacred grove sang with them. For that reason the fox took them back to their taut home under the ancestry of the tall oak tree everyplace they dreamed enchantment dreams, waiting for the compassion of spring and the fun they would cargo space with the babies Sun Sovereign.

(CRITIC STRANGER)

Origin: theartofastralprojection.blogspot.com

Part 20 Jezebel Vs Sarah The Image And Glory Of God And Honor In The Church

Continuing from the last post, we may well ask why it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in church? What's wrong with that, or what's right with her silence? The reason given explicitly in 1 Corinthians 14:34 is a reminder that this is simply the testimony of the law, an abiding principle. That does little to satisfy our curiosity as the Lord prompts some of us to inquire further.

I consider that Paul didn't need to repeat what had already been revealed a mere three chapters earlier. A similar situation was addressed, where a man and woman are engaging in prayer or prophecy. There is in this particular circumstance a distinction between the genders. A man was commanded not to cover his head and a woman was commanded to cover her head. The reason given involves a deep spiritual reality, that the man is the image and glory of God and that the woman is the glory of the man. You're familiar, yes? If we come to read the 14th chapter having forgotten or never having understood the truth revealed in the 11th chapter we have in this related context no basis for insight into the deep spiritual reality behind the distinction made between the genders.

When the saints assemble together the men are still the image and glory of God, as revealed in 1 Corinthians 11:7, and the women are still the glory of the man.

"For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man."1 Corinthians 11:7

When there is prayer and prophesying in the assembly the heads of the men are uncovered, exhibiting in visual "glory language," the image and glory of God. In church the men speak, expressing words in languages of men (and potentially of angels) in the audible voices of those who are the image and glory of God. What is seen and heard is the image and glory of God! When a woman is present, with respect to prayer and prophesying her head is covered, hiding or concealing the glory of both the woman and the man from view, lest flesh should glory in His presence. She does not speak in church but holds her peace, because the woman is the glory of man and its dishonorable for the glory of man to be heard in church.

27) But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

29) That no flesh should glory in his presence.

30) But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

31) That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.1 Corinthians 1:27-31

When a woman is not praying or prophesying, is it proper for her to have her head uncovered? Sure. Can she speak? Is she "in church" where a male is present and the saints are engaging as a biblical assembly? In that case, no, otherwise, sure. Can she teach a man or usurp authority over him? Never.

If one is clever and seems to have discovered an exception to a rule, can one justify challenging and overturning that rule to establish a contrary standard? Sure, but not honestly. This is the simple response I will offer for all the "what about" questions that arise. More may be forthcoming, I cannot say.

The biblical narrative offers many examples of women who are honored for a variety of things. There have been and are now women of faith and ability who are worthy of honor. I have focused in this series upon the contrast between two women whose names are models of behavior, Jezebel and Sarah. One is a deadly rebel, who deceives and exalts herself to rule over the weak. The other is as her Lord, willing to subject herself, trusting that He recognizes her acknowledged weakness and will be faithful to remember her at the appointed time according to promise.

16) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

17) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

18) I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

19) Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

20) At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

21) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.John 14:16-21

11) For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

15) These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Titus 2:11-15

In closing, once again I ask you to please be patient with this work as it unfolds here and in your life.

Shabbat Shalom