Three guys were tried for crimes against humanity.
Two guys committed crimes.
One guy didn't.

Three guys were given government trials.
Two guys had fair trials.
One guy didn't.

Three guys were whipped and beaten.
Two guys had it coming.
One guy didn't.

Three guys were given crosses to carry.
Two guys earned their crosses.
One guy didn't.

Three guys were mocked and spit at along the way.
Two guys cursed and spit back.
One guy didn't.

Three guys were nailed to crosses.
Two guys deserved it.
One guy didn't.

Three guys agonized over their abandonment.
Two guys had reason to be abandoned.
One guy didn't.

Three guys talked while hanging on their crosses.
Two guys argued.
One guy didn't.

Three guys knew death was coming.
Two guys resisted.
One guy didn't.

One ...
Two ...
Three guys died on three crosses.

Three days later,
Two guys remained in their graves.
One guy didn't.

~ Author Unknown ~

source: http://www.pennyparker2.coms

What a Life!.......Please watch this video.

Live as Children of Light...for it is light that makes everything visible in darkness!

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the heathens do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.


You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of anykind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:

"Wake up, O sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Culled from: Eph 4:17-32, 5: 1-21

In whose steps do you follow?

Jesus says, "Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

.....Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. (Psalm 1:1)

U.N. rights experts slam Nigeria gay marriage bill...

News: 8:50 a.m. February 23, 2007 GENEVA

On Friday 23 February 2007, four United Nations envoys, condemned a proposed Nigerian law banning same-sex marriages as a violation of international human rights law.

The independent experts, most of whom report to the Human Rights Council, the U.N. watchdog on fundamental freedoms, said the legislation amounted to an 'absolutely unjustified intrusion' into an individual's right to privacy.

(It would) contravene ... the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that 'all human beings are born equal in dignity and rights',' they said in a statement.

Homosexuality is already illegal in Nigeria but the government introduced a bill explicitly outlawing gay marriage after a number of Western countries authorised same-sex unions. Offenders face five years in prison under the legislation, which is currently before the House of Representatives.

'The bill contains provisions that infringe freedoms of assembly and association and imply serious consequences for the excerise of the freedom of expression and opinion,' the envoys' statement said.

The envoys are: Hina Jilani, special representative of the Secretary-General on human rights defenders; the special rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, Doudou Diene; the special rapporteur on violence against women, Yakin Erturk; and the special rapporteur on the right to health, Paul Hunt.

News culled from: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news

What does the Bible say about marriage and 'same sex marriage?'

© Jeremiah Films

"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."
—Genesis 1:27 (NKJV)

"And the LORD God said, 'It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.' Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. And Adam said: 'This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.' Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed."
—Genesis 2:18-25 (NKJV)

"And He answered and said to them, 'Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,'"
—Matthew 19:4 (NKJV)

"But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female.'"
—Mark 10:6 (NKJV)

What is the consequence of this disobedience?

© Jeremiah Films

"For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due."

—Romans 1:26-27 (NKJV)

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God."
—1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NKJV)

"Knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers,for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,"
—1 Timothy 1:9-10 (NKJV)

Comment:

It is well said that Marriage is a fundamental social institution that does not exist just for the emotional satisfaction of two individuals but for the greater good of the community. Societies that put emotional fulfillment before right actions and principles will soon give way to a multitude of addictions and deep corruptions and collapse. God will judge (according to His Word) any society that institutes same sex marriages.

"The simple fact is that marriage is uniquely important and strategic in raising up the next generation of citizens. That’s why a good government will have a special interest in supporting marriage. It is not just biblical teaching but observable fact that children flourish best in families headed by a father and mother committed to each other in life long marriage. Society blesses marriage because marriage blesses society. The future of society depends on the future of the family. It does not depend so directly on other types of relationships, and it certainly doesn’t depend on relationships that are sinful." -(David Feddes)

Today, pray and take a stand against the adoption of the gay marriage bill in Nigeria or any other nation. Gay marriage is not the will of God and when you pray according to God's will, He will answer and act. It may seem like you are not directly affected by this issue, but the concept of the homosexual lifestyle is spreading like wild fire and many nations are already legalizing as well as encouraging it. Check the following statistics:

Same-sex marriage is performed nationwide in countries like:
Netherlands (2001)
Belgium (2003)
Spain (2005)
Canada (2005)
South Africa (2006)

These other countries have also adopted same-sex marriage in some of their states:
Aruba
Australia
Austria
China
Estonia
France
Ireland
Latvia
Lithuania
New Zealand
Portugal
Romania
Sweden
Taiwan
United Kingdom
United States:
CA, CT, IL, MD, NY, NJ, OR, VT, WA

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage

What role can I play as a Christian?

Homosexuals, long accustomed to being looked upon with disgust by most people, are understandably anxious for acceptance by society, hence whenever they find themselves in positions of authority they seek to pronounce their lifestyle as acceptable to all. In spite of great pressure today from humanists and other liberals to get homosexuality recognized as an acceptable--if not even preferable--life style, the Bible makes it plain that it is really unnatural and animalistic wickedness that must be rejected by true Christians. They must not be encouraged to continue in their wickedness, for it may well cost them their eternal souls. Instead, they need to be "loved into the kingdom," being delivered first of all from their rebellion against God, then to Christ for salvation and cleansing.

We as Christians must remember that Christ died for their sins, as well as ours. They are still objects of His sacrificial love, and we should seek earnestly to bring them to Him for cleansing and deliverance. We are not to judge them, but to pray for them and use every opportunity we have to share the love of Christ with them.

Jesus on the Beach?...this is incredible!

The pictures below are from a beach in Maryland USA. It's unbelievable that someone created them from sand. Isn't the artwork awesome? The man who made them creates new ones each day, as the ocean washes away his work every day.





....From an email sent to us by Chidimma Eze.....Thank you Chidimma!

I asked God to take away my grief,
And God said "NO."
He said it was not for Him to take away,
But for me to work through.

I asked God to make my broken heart whole,
And God said "NO."
He said my spirit is whole.
My pain is only temporary.

I asked God to take away my pride
And God said "NO."
He said it was not for Him to take away,
But for me to give up.

I asked God to make
My handicapped child whole,
And God said "NO."
He said the body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience
And God said "NO."
He said patience is a by-product of tribulation.
It isn't granted, it's earned.

I asked God to give me happiness
And God said "NO."
He said He gives His blessings,
Happiness is up to me.

I asked God to spare me from pain
And God said "NO."
He said sufferings draw you apart from
Worldly cares and brings you closer to Him.

I asked God to make my spirit grow
And God said "NO."
He said I must grow on my own,
But He will prune me to make me fruitful.

I asked God if He loved me
And God said "YES."
He gave His only Son who died for me,
And I will be in heaven someday because I believe.

I asked God to help me love others
As much as He loves me
And God said,
"Ah, you finally have the idea!"

~ Claudia Weisz ~
culled from http://www.pennyparker2.com

God's Heart for the Poor - Arun Philip

The Word of God shows us a God who cares passionately for the poor.

Psalm 113:
1. Praise the LORD. Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
2. Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore.
3. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.
4. The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.
5. Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,
6. who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?
7. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
8. He seats them with princes, with the princes of their people.
9. He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.

John Stott, a British Christian leader who is noted as a leader of the worldwide evangelical movement noted that: “The psalmist is affirming something distinctive - indeed unique - about Yahweh, which enables him to ask the rhetorical question, Who is like the Lord our God?” From the heights of heaven above he stoops down and is mindful of the poor man and stretches out his hand and tenderly lifts him up and gives him a place of significance and honour. The world discards the poor man and looks down on a woman who has not born children. But our God cares for the poor man and the barren woman and acts on their behalf. There is no God like our God. “For it is not primarily the wealthy and the famous with whom he delights to fraternise. What is characteristic of him is to champion the poor, to rescue them from their misery, and to transform paupers into princes.”

This is repeatedly affirmed through out the scriptures.The God who lifts up the humble also puts down the proud.

Who are the Poor?

• Economically - no food, clothing or shelter

• Health - People with AIDS, TB, Leprosy, Epilepsy, & other incurable debilitating (weakening) diseases

• Challenged - Physically, Mentally

• Weak & vulnerable - Widows, (women/girls general), orphans, (children general), Old, Schedule Caste, Illiterate, Debts that cannot be paid back, Bonded labourers (slaves)

Hannah's song:

I Samuel 2:8a

"He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor."

Mary's song:

Acknowledges Mary's gratitude that God has chosen not some famous, noble or wealthy woman but a nobody - a woman of low state. He has done great things for her. "He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty." (Luke 1:51-53)

Stark contrasts:

* The proud are brought down - the humble lifted up and exalted

* The rich are impoverished - the poor enriched

* The well-fed are sent away empty - the hungry filled with good things

* The powerful rulers are toppled from their thrones - the powerless are given thrones to reign on

Who is like our God? His thoughts and ways are very very different from our ways and thoughts. Its upside down when compared to man's ways.

God has concern and care for the poor. He identifies with them.

The nation of Israel & the Poor ( In the Bible)

1. Don't exploit the poor & weak. Be compassionate & respect them.

Exodus 22: 25-27: "If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interest. If you take your neighbour's cloak as a pledge, return it to him by sunset, because his cloak is the only covering he has for his body. What else will he sleep in? When he cries out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate."

Deut 24: 10-13 "When you make a loan of any kind to your neighbour, do not go into his house to get what he is offering as a pledge. Stay outside and let the man to whom you are making the loan bring the pledge out to you. If the man is poor, do not go to sleep with his pledge in your possession. Return his cloak to him by sunset so that he may sleep in it. Then he will thank you, and it will be regarded as a righteous act in the sight of the LORD your God."

2. Employers don't exploit the poor worker.

Deut 24: 14-15: "Do not take advantage of a hired man who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother Israelite or an alien living in one of your towns. Pay him his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and is counting on it. Otherwise he may cry to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin."

3. Farmers take care of the poor.

Regular tithes were to be used to support the needy as shown in Deut 14: 28-29: "At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year's produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands."

Leave some for them...

Leviticus 19: 9-10 "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God."

Deut 24:19-22 "When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the alien, the fatherless and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the alien, the fatherless and the widow. When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the alien, the fatherless and the widow. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this."

Every 7th year leave the ground open...

Exodus 23: 10 "For six years you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops,but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what they leave. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove."

God's heart:

Deut 15: 3 -11 "You may require payment from a foreigner, but you must cancel any debt your brother owes you. However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, if only you fully obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you. If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tight fisted toward your poor brother. Rather be open handed and freely lend him whatever he needs. Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: "The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near," so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be open handed toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land."

* A responsibility

* A planned and systematic way

* Generously

* Promise of blessing:

• Prov 19:17 "He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord & the Lord will reward him."
  

• Acts 10: 4 "Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God."

Jesus and the Poor

Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour."

The Gospel is for all, but the poor are very specially singled out. Jesus told John's disciples to tell John in Matthew 11:4 as follows, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."

Jesus showed concern for the poor while he was on earth

Luke 12: 33 "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys."

Luke 14: 12-14 "Then Jesus said to his host, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Matthew 25: 34-40 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

Jesus and his disciples

* They shared a common purse - John 12:6

* Rich shared their resources with Jesus team - Luke 8:1-3

The Jerusalem Church

Acts 2: 44-45: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need."

Acts 4: 36-37: "Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet."

Acts 4: 34-35: "There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. God's command of Deut 15:4 'there should be no poor among you' is fulfilled"

Acts 6 describes the distribution of food for the needy. A Problem arose of some widows being neglected. The Apostles took the responsibility and chose Men full of the Spirit and wisdom, but how did they solve the problem?

Acts 6:6-7: "They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."

Great blessing follows caring for the needy. As the apostolic work grew new churches were planted but they showed concern for the poor and needy across the churches. In Acts 11:29, 30 see how support was sent to the Judean church.

Apostolic mandate

Galatians 2: 10 "All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.Gal 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

2 Corinthians 8: 13 "Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality."

James 1: 27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Link to Arun Philip

Many Playboy Playmates have died young!

The News:

By JESSICA GRESKO, Associated Press WriterSun 18 Feb 2007, 10:41 PM ET

The selection of Anna Nicole Smith as a Playboy Playmate in 1992 made her a member of an exclusive sorority. Her death at 39 put her in a more grisly club — Playmates who haven't reached their 50th birthday.

Automobile accidents, drug overdoses, homicides, a plane crash — all have claimed the lives of Playmates. The cause of Smith's death is still unclear.

"It's sad how many girls we've lost," said Peter Gowland, who photographed a number of centerfolds for Playboy in the 1950s and 60s with the help of his wife.

In 1968, Gowland photographed Paige Young. In 1974, she was dead of a drug overdose. Jayne Mansfield, another Playmate he photographed, died in a car crash in 1967 at 34."It's a curse to be beautiful," Gowland said.

More than 600 women have graced Playboy's centerfold since the magazine began publishing in the 1950s.

Their lives after the magazine have been both in and out of the spotlight, but their limited number and Playboy's wide circulation has meant that the death of one can become bombshell news.

Perhaps before Smith, the most headline-grabbing death of a Playmate was that of 20-year-old Dorothy Stratten. Just months after she became the magazine's Playmate of the Year in 1980, she was murdered by her jealous estranged husband.

Playboy founder Hugh Hefner has said he and others never really got over Stratten's death. The magazine ran a tribute to her and movies were made about her life.

Eve Meyer, a 1955 Playmate, was one of more than 550 people killed when two airliners collided on takeoff at Tenerife in the Canary Islands in 1977. She was 46. More recently, Ellen Louise Maligo, known in Playboy as "Star Stowe," was found murdered at 40 in Coral Springs in 1997.

Marilyn Monroe, the cover girl for the magazine's inaugural issue, famously died at 36 from a 1962 overdose of sleeping pills.

Tonya Crews, Carol Willis and 1970 Playmate of the Year Claudia Jennings all died in car accidents in the 1960s and 70s while still in their 20s. Playmate Willy Rey, pictured on Playboy's first stock certificates, was 23 when she died of a drug overdose in 1973.

Twenty-eight-year-old Playmate Elisa Bridges died in 2002 after being found unresponsive in bed. Playboy said she died of natural causes, but a coroner's report said Bridges died of an accidental drug overdose.

"There've been some that do too much booze and too much drugs, just as in the general population," said former Playboy editor Gretchen Edgren, author of "The Playmate Book: Six Decades of Centerfolds.

Culled from: "Many Playboy Playmates have died young" on Yahoo! News

What the Bible says:  

"You realize, don't you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God's temple, you can be sure of that. God's temple is sacred—and you, remember, are the temple."        1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (The Message)

"Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as aGift] from God? You are not your own, You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (Amplified Bible)

Comment:

As I read the news piece above, the question that came up in my mind was, could this be one of the many signs of God trying to bring us to the reality of His Word? God has invested in each one of us, Talents, thoughts, abilities, Gifts (both naturally born, God-given, and power from on high in the Holy Spirit), financial help, time, energy, opportunities, and just as the parable says, we will be held accountable for how we make use of these "securities." Many of these gifts from God are carried by your physical body - after all, it is your means of conveyance, how you communicate, how you are seen, how you do and think and feel.

God tells us in His Word how to please Him, what is appropriate for our bodies, and for our minds, and what is definitely NOT appropriate. It matters what you do with your body, including being very, very careful with dangerous foodstuffs, narcotics, alcohol and general lifestyle, and even thoughts. Surrender your body to the Lord.
    

Glorify God in your daily life!

Is Your Spirituality On the Balance With Pornography?

Thousands of people are filled with guilt because of their uncontrollable addiction to pornography. They indulge freely for the moment and feel the guilt until the next moment. I can’t count the number of times I have been told to read my bible more, pray more, study more or give more. It seems that we are constantly failing and coming short of where we are supposed to be in our spiritual walk. The standards appear to be increasing and we seem to be less able to even reach where we were the year before. We are constantly fueled by our guilt of not being up to par.Instead, Christ calls us to be fueled by the forgiveness that already exists. He calls us to live within the grace that he offers us with every breath. Instead of trying to live up to impossible standards that we can never reach he tells us to live under grace and with the love and passion for him. The difference is vital. One has us trying to reach a goal that is unattainable by us and already attained for us. The other has us living a life free of that impossible task; without that immovable burden. We have already reached perfection in the eyes of Christ, so there is no point in being guilty for not achieving it by our standard. The only way our spirituality can fully be experienced is by simply living it through the forgiveness that already covers it in Christ? Escaping Playboy spirituality means to practice discipline and self control. It means that we no longer will be seduced by the temporal gratifying things of life but will look only to that which lasts forever. It means that we will look to Jesus for water that will never have us thirsting again instead of the water that leaves us with seven husbands and still unsatisfied. It means that we won’t sit around and ask what we can do to make us look better, more attractive and comfortable but instead ask how we serve the people around us. It means that we won’t lavish guilt on people when they can’t meet our standards but we will journey with them to show them the forgiveness that already exists for them. It means that we will grow in deep relationships with people instead of hiding from them. It means a lot of things that we will each figure out on our own. Slowly we will pull ourselves away from the air-brushed images of spirituality that exist all around us and we will get the raw and freeing reality of Christ...............Please Click Here to read the rest of this article.

Culled from THEOOZE . com

God's Free Gift of Eternal Life - John 3:16

Note please: Remember to replace Lola's name with your own name. Lola 's Identity In Christ

John 1:12 Lola is God's daughter. But Lola received Him, and to Lola He gave the right to become God's daughter, because Lola believes in His name. John 15:5 Lola is a part of the true vine, and a channel of Christ's life. I am the vine. Lola is a branch. If Lola remains in Me, and I in her, she will bear much fruit, for apart from Me, Lola can do nothing. John 15:15 Lola is a friend of Christ. No longer do I call Lola a servant, for a servant doesn't know what her lord does. But I have called Lola a friend, for everything that I heard from My Father, I have made known to Lola. Rom. 8:17 Lola is a joint heir with Christ, she shares Christ's inheritance with Him. And if a daughter, then an heir; an heir of God, and a joint-heir with Christ; if indeed Lola suffers with Him, that Lola may also be glorified with Him. I Cor. 3:9 Lola is God's co-worker. For Lola is one of God's fellow workers. Lola is God's field, God's building. I Cor. 3:16 Lola is God's temple. Don't you know that Lola is a temple of God, and that God's Spirit lives in her? Eph. 1:5-6 Lola has been adopted by God as His daughter. Having predestined Lola for adoption as a daughter through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His desire, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He freely bestowed favor on Lola in the Beloved. Eph. 1:11 Lola has an inheritance in Christ. In Him also Lola was assigned an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His will. Eph. 2:5-6 Lola has been made alive with Christ and she is seated with Christ in the heavenly places. Even when Lola was dead in her trespasses, God made her alive together with Christ (by grace Lola has been saved), and raised Lola up with Him and made Lola to sit with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:10 Lola is God's workmanship, His handiwork. For Lola is His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that Lola should walk in them. Col. 1:27 Christ Himself is in Lola. To whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in Lola, the hope of glory. Col. 3:3 Lola 's life is hidden with Christ in God. For Lola died, and her life is hidden with Christ in God.

Lola Is Loved.

John 3:15-16 Lola has eternal life in Christ. Lola, believing in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved Lola , that He gave His one and only Son, that Lola, believing in Him, should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:18 Lola is not judged by God, because she is in Christ. If Lola believes in Him, she is not judged. But if Lola doesn't believe, she has been judged already, because she has not believed in the name of the only born Son of God. John 15:9 Lola remains in Christ's love. Even as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved Lola. Lola must remain in My love. If Lola keeps My commandments, she will remain in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and remain in His love. Rom. 8:14-15 Lola is a daughter of God. For if Lola is led by the Spirit of God, she is a daughter of God. For Lola didn't receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but Lola received the Spirit of adoption, by whom she cries, "Abba! Father!" Rom. 8:35-37,39 Lola cannot be separated from the love of God. Who shall separate Lola from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Even as it is written, "For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter." For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate Lola from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, Lola's Lord. Eph. 3:12 Lola may approach God with boldness and confidence. In whom Lola has boldness and confident access through her faith in Him. Col. 1:13-14 Lola has been rescued from the domain of Satan's rule and transferred to the kingdom of Christ. The Father delivered Lola out of the power of darkness, and translated her into the kingdom of the Son of His love. Heb. 4:16 Lola may come boldly before the throne of grace through Jesus Christ to receive mercy. Let Lola therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that she may receive mercy, and may find grace in time of need.

Lola Is Victorious.

John 8:31-32 Lola has been set free. If Lola remains in My word, then she is truly My disciple. Lola will know the truth, and the truth will make her free. Rom. 6:1-4 Lola died with Christ and she died to the power of sin's rule over her life. What shall we say then? Shall Lola continue in sin, that grace may abound? May it never be! If Lola died to sin, how could she live in it any longer? Or don't you know that when Lola was baptized into Christ Jesus, she was baptized into His death? Lola was buried with Him through baptism to death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so Lola also might walk in newness of life. Rom. 8:37 Lola is more than a conqueror in Christ. No, in all these things, Lola is more than a conqueror through Him who loved her. II Cor. 2:14 Lola is led triumphantly by Christ. But thanks be to God, who always leads Lola in triumph in Christ, and reveals through Lola the sweet aroma of His knowledge in every place. Gal. 2:20 Lola was crucified with Christ. Lola has been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer Lola who lives, but Christ living in her. That life which Lola now lives in the flesh, she lives by faith in the Son of God, who loved Lola, and gave Himself up for her. Phil. 4:13 Lola can do all things through Christ. Lola can do all things through Christ, who strengthens her. II Tim. 1:7 Lola has been given a spirit of power, love and self-discipline. For God didn't give Lola a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-discipline. I John 5:4-5 Lola has overcome the world. For Lola is born of God and overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world: Lola's faith. Lola overcomes the world because she believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Lola Is Complete.

I Cor. 6:17 Lola is joined with Christ, and she is one spirit with Him. But if Lola is joined to the Lord, she is one spirit with the Lord. II Cor. 5:17 Lola is a new creation. Therefore if Lola is in Christ, she is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new. II Cor. 5:21 Lola is the righteousness of God in Christ. For Him who knew no sin He made to be sin on Lola's behalf; so that in Him Lola might become the righteousness of God. Eph. 1:3 Lola has been blessed with every spiritual blessing. Blessed be the God and Father of Lola 's Lord, Jesus Christ, who has blessed Lola with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. Phil. 2:5-7 Lola has Christ's mind. Have this in your mind, Lola , which also was in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, didn't consider it robbery to be equal with God, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. Col. 2:6-7 Lola is firmly rooted in Christ and she is being built up and established in Him. As Lola received Christ Jesus, her Lord, she must walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, even as Lola was taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving. Col. 2:10 Lola has been made complete in Christ. And in Him, Lola is made complete, who is the head of all principality and power.

Lola Is Chosen.

John 15:16 Lola has been chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit. Lola didn't choose Me, but I chose Lola, and appointed her, that she should go and bear fruit, and that her fruit should remain; that whatever Lola will ask of the Father in My name, He may give it to her. II Cor. 1:21-22 Lola has been established, anointed, and sealed in Christ. Now He who establishes Lola in Christ, and anointed Lola, is God; who also sealed Lola, and gave her the down payment of the Spirit in her heart. II Cor. 5:18-19 Lola has been reconciled to God and she is a minister of reconciliation. But all things are of God, who reconciled Lola to Himself through Jesus Christ, and gave to Lola the ministry of reconciliation; namely, that God was in Christ reconciling Lola to Himself, not reckoning to Lola her trespasses, and having committed to Lola the word of reconciliation. Eph. 1:4 Lola has been chosen by God to be holy. Even as He chose Lola in Him before the foundation of the world, that Lola would be holy and without blemish before Him in love. II Tim. 1:9 Lola has been given a holy calling. God saved Lola, and called her with a holy calling, not according to Lola's works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to Lola in Christ Jesus before times eternal. Titus 3:5 Lola is washed and renewed by the Holy Spirit. Not by works of righteousness, which Lola did herself, but according to His mercy, He saved Lola, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. I Peter 2:9 Lola is a member of a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession. Lola is a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that Lola may show forth the excellencies of Him who called her out of darkness into His marvelous light. I John 2:28 Lola has boldness and is not ashamed. Now, Lola should remain in Him, that when He appears, Lola may have boldness, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

Lola Is Forgiven.

John 5:24 Lola has passed from death to life in Christ. Most assuredly I tell you, if Lola hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, Lola has eternal life, and doesn't come into judgment, but she has passed out of death into life. Rom. 3:24 Lola has been justified through grace. Lola is justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Rom. 5:1 Lola has been justified, completely forgiven, made righteous, and has peace. Being therefore justified by faith, Lola has peace with God through her Lord, Jesus Christ. Rom. 8:1-2 Lola is forever free from condemnation. There is therefore now no condemnation for Lola because she is in Christ Jesus, because Lola doesn't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made Lola free from the law of sin and death. Rom. 8:31-34 Lola is free from any condemning charges against her. What then shall we say about these things? If God is for Lola, who can be against her? He who didn't spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for Lola, how would He not also with Him freely give Lola all things? Who could bring a charge against Lola, because she is one of God's elect? It is God who justifies Lola. Who is He who condemns? It is Christ who died, and more than that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God and makes intercession for Lola. Eph. 1:7-8 Lola has been redeemed and forgiven and Lola is a recipient of His rich grace. In Him Lola has her redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of Lola's trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He made to abound toward Lola in all wisdom and prudence. Eph. 4:32 Lola has been forgiven in Christ. And Lola is to be kind to others, tenderhearted, forgiving others, just as God also in Christ forgave Lola. Please note that these Personalized scriptures are used here courtesy of www.PersonalPromiseBible.com, click here for details.

"Happy Valentine"

For God so lo V ed the world, That He gA v e His on L y Begott E n SoN T hat whosoever Believeth I n Him Should N ot perish, But have E verlasting life." John 3:16 Proclaim it to the World today!

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