37 Stories - "God Spots"

Sin waits. Don't look. Keep walking.

2009-09-25T04:32:00.001-07:00

Solomon found favor in the sight of God.

King Solomon became wiser and richer than all the kings of the earth.

But, King Solomon was obsessed with women.

King Solomon openly defied God in worshipping other gods.

God was furious with Solomon.

Things didn't end well for Solomon's family.

Surf to: http://www.1stchurch.org for Fresh Connections.

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Coloring outside the lines can be beautiful...

2009-09-24T04:22:00.001-07:00

Some think coloring outside the lines is wrong. It seems out of place to them. It even seems counterproductive. But consider the crippled handicapped child and how beautiful it is to even see the child pick up the crayon. Any color is good. It matters not where the color goes. It is just beautiful to see the color at all.

David colored outside the lines. In his experiences and with God's wisdom, he developed some rules to live by. These rules give insight into his life and can be applied to those like him.

You stick by people who stick with you,
you're straight with people who're straight with you,
You're good to good people,
you shrewdly work around the bad ones.
You take the side of the down-and-out,
but the stuck-up you take down a peg.

"I am but a crippled child. There is beauty in the colors I pick and the place I lay them down." ~the janitor

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Whatever! With God, bad might turn good...~the janitor

2009-09-23T04:16:00.001-07:00

Everyone knows David as the man after God's heart. He was king and a good king he was. God loved David and blessed him many times over. Blessings on David was not unusual. It was a way of life for him. Wouldn't you have loved to live the life of David?

But wait! What about the time Absalum, his son rose up in rebellion against the David and set out to kill him and crown himself king. That surely was not a good time in David's life. Or what about another son of his dieing because of David's sin with Bathsheba? Or what about the time... The list goes on.

It seems obvious to me, life is meant to be what it is. Sometimes events make us happy. Sometimes events make us sad. We need to remember, events are nothing more than happenings. They do not define who we are or who God is. They are just events.

In the good and bad, thank God for what you have and look forward to the next day with Jesus. Who knows, maybe God will see the trouble you are in and make something good out of it?

"And who knows, maybe God will see the trouble I'm in today and exchange the curses for something good." ~David

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"Oh yes, I'll dance to God's glory—more recklessly even than this. And as far as I'm concerned...I'll gladly look like a fool..." ~David

2009-09-22T04:51:00.001-07:00

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Eye Witness Report - Burkina Faso

2009-09-21T20:33:00.001-07:00

Natalie Rizvi

Yesterday, I got to see an area damaged by the flooding. There are people who lost everything, no one really knows the death toll, and thousands are living with no medical care, food or clean water. There is worry about a cholera outbreak which could be fatal esp. to children (you basically die of dehydration). I feel so helpless to help these people. There are children who have been refused medical care bc they can't pay and in one place 5000 people are staying incl 600 children under 5 yrs. They have been given 50 mats to sleep on and 40 sheets and there is a problem with gov't officials stealing food meant for the flood victims. I'm doing good though, we start teaching on Monday, so I'm excited about that. Anne-Marie is enjoying a pair of your boxers that you left.

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Will you give your life for 25 Bibles?

2009-09-21T20:25:00.001-07:00

Muslim Militants Slay Long-Time Christian in Somalia


Omar Khalafe

Al Shabaab extremists shoot 69-year-old after finding Bibles on him at checkpoint.

NAIROBI, Kenya, September 18 (CDN) — The faith journey of a long-time underground Christian in Somalia ended in tragedy this week when Islamic militants controlling a security checkpoint killed him after finding Bibles in his possession.

Leaving Mogadishu by bus at 7:30 a.m., Khalafe was carrying 25 Somali Bibles he hoped to deliver to an underground fellowship in Somalia. By 10:30 a.m. he had arrived at the checkpoint controlled by al Shabaab, a rebel group linked with al Qaeda that has taken over large parts of the war-torn country.

A source in Somalia who spoke on condition of anonymity told Compass that the passengers were ordered to disembark from the bus for inspection. The Islamic militants found 25 Somali Bibles in one of the passengers’ bags; when they asked to whom the Bibles belonged, the passengers responded with a chilled silence.

As the search continued, the militants found several photos in the bag. The source told Compass that the militants began trying to match the photos with the faces of the passengers, who were all seized by fear as they knew the inevitable fate of the owner.

The Islamic extremists saw that the elderly Khalafe resembled a face in one of the photos, the source said. They asked Khalafe if he was the owner of the Bibles; he kept quiet. They shot him to death.

Khalafe had been a Christian for 45 years, sources said.

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Church on Tap - hmmm...

2009-09-21T17:01:00.001-07:00

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What is your claim to fame?

2009-09-21T04:54:00.001-07:00

I once spent the day touring New York City with Mr. Ned Patterson, the previous son-in-law to E F Hutton. It was a God ordained time in my life. In our conservation, he asked me what my claim to fame was. He said his claim to fame was having once married the daughter of E F Hutton. What is your claim to fame and where was God in it?

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"The heart, your soul, the essence of your being...Jesus" ~the janitor

2009-09-21T04:50:00.001-07:00

God's anointed prophet Samuel was obedient. He was in touch with God. Samuel heard from God. Samuel reasoned with God. Samuel obeyed God. In Samuel's obedience, he went to Bethlehem looking for the one God would choose as leader of the nation of Israel. Samuel did the obvious. Samuel check resumes and observed the obvious physical characteristics. He was looking for the outstanding man that obviously fit the profile of leader.

Samuel picked Eliab. He was obviously king material. But God had someone different in mind. The story goes like this...

"But God told Samuel, "Looks aren't everything. Don't be impressed with his looks and stature. I've already eliminated him. God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart....

Jesse presented his seven sons to Samuel. Samuel was blunt with Jesse, " God hasn't chosen any of these." Then he asked Jesse, "Is this it? Are there no more sons?" "Well, yes, there's the runt. But he's out tending the sheep." Samuel ordered Jesse, "Go get him. We're not moving from this spot until he's here."

Jesse sent for him. He was brought in, the very picture of health— bright-eyed, good-looking. God said, "Up on your feet! Anoint him! This is the one." Samuel took his flask of oil and anointed him, with his brothers standing around watching.

The Spirit of God entered David like a rush of wind, God vitally empowering him for the rest of his life."

Likely, the job you currently hold is because you fit the profile of Eliab. Your resume met the needs of your company. Your profile was perfect for the job. But is the job really the right one for the you?

Could it be God has looked in your heart and sees a different man. Might God see a man willing to foolishly and fearlessly fight Goliath in His name? Might you be that man....

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Does God make mistakes?

2009-09-20T08:42:00.001-07:00

So i am praying about about provisions to go to Burkin Faso Africa.
God gives me a word about going in front of the emerging church. I
ask myself did God make a mistake or is His word and my prayer
related? Is there an emerging church in Africa that God wants me to be
a part of? Pray if God wants you to be a part of this adventure.
THANK YOU!

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What is it about an unplanned smile?

2009-09-19T15:45:00.001-07:00

A friend and I made a quick overnight trip to Port Aransas. I am 55 years and some think a bit out of touch with my age, because why in the world would a grandpa sleep on the beach under the stars? How long has it been seen you didn't act your age? lol

I have a friend named Fred. He is my friend for lots of reason, but I think mainly because he doesn't question my "out of the box" attitude on life. This the picture of him waking up on the beach. I called him spur of the moment. He packed up and enthusiastically accompanied me. Is there a Fred in your life? There needs to be.

As for the God Spot, I don't know the story, but I know the event. I was threading the line in my fishing pole the morning after a night sleeping on the beach. From a distance a older woman and young woman walked by along the water's edge. I looked at her and she waved and smiled. A very pleasant warm smile as she kept her pace and kept walking. I don't know. There was just something about the smile...

God bless and may you also be greeted by a chance unearned smile...

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"And then his hair began to grow back..." ~Samson

2009-09-19T15:20:00.001-07:00

Life is tough. Sometimes it is really tough. Remember the time in your life when you were totally defeated? For Samson, there was a time when he was betrayed, taken prisoner and had his eyes gouged out. It was a depressed time in his life. But then his hair began growing back...

"The Philistines grabbed him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza. They shackled him in irons and put him to the work of grinding in the prison. But his hair, though cut off, began to grow again....

and Samson cried out to God:

Master, God!
Oh, please, look on me again,
Oh, please, give strength yet once more.

God!
With one avenging blow let me be avenged
On the Philistines for my two eyes!

Then Samson reached out to the two central pillars that held up the building and pushed against them, one with his right arm, the other with his left. Saying, "Let me die with the Philistines," Samson pushed hard with all his might. The building crashed on the tyrants and all the people in it. He killed more people in his death than he had killed in his life." Judges

There was a time in my life not so very long ago when I was totally defeated. I was a broken man. And then my hair began growing back and I cried out to God. Maybe it is time for your hair to grow back and see what God has planned for you!

Claim victory! Be the person God designed you to be...

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"God's Spirit came upon Jephthah." ~Judges

2009-09-18T05:01:00.001-07:00

Has God's Spirit ever come on you in such a fashion you are willing to risk all in exchange for the fulfillment of God's will and purpose on your life? If you just read this sentence and you scanned over it with no impact, you need to read it again. Pray God will reveal truth...

And if you have risked all for the fulfillment of God's will and purpose, what price did you pay?

And if you have paid the price in times past, are you willing to pay the price again?

If so, then "Go!"

~ the janitor

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God says, "Go". So, I wait...

2009-09-17T21:23:00.001-07:00

Andrew in life group this evening had an "Ah Ha!" moment. The knowledge of God, the Word and Jesus made it from his head to his heart. It was inspiring to see his face light up as the knowledge became wisdom. Thank you Andrew.

There comes a time and for some many times, when God says, "Go". He wants you to go and scope out the territory He wants you to conquer. But even more than scope it out, he wants you to map it (as in document what it is you find). Then, bring it back in His presence. He will provide further instruction...

Why all the trouble? Abundance waits on the other side.

"Go. Survey the land and map it. Then come back to me .... in the presence of God." ~Joshua

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God continues to amaze!

2009-09-17T15:59:00.001-07:00

Joseph had a coat of many colors. Joseph was in close communication
with God. Joseph had brothers that thought it profitable to sell him
to slave traders. As Joseph sojourned across the desert in shackles
and his tongue swelling from thirst do you think he wondered where God
was? Was his prayer one of thanks or one of remorse? If you truly
believe God is who you have been led to believe He is. There is but
one answer. You are oblidged to give thanks in all things. Go
figure....

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For cat lovers the world around...

2009-09-16T06:19:00.001-07:00

http://lite.facebook.com/kimtasky/video/I-could-maybe-watch-this-forever/130538559905/

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I don't need you telling ME what to do!

2009-09-15T19:29:00.001-07:00

Have you ever felt that way? Early in my marriage I made a mistake. Cora thought I should be doing one thing and I thought I should be doing something else. I don't even remember what it was all about. Although you can bet Cora remembers...

Anyway, in the discussion I angrily said, "You are not my mother!"

It is difficult for me to have a boss. Is it just me or is it tough for everyone to have a boss? I ask, because I really don't know. I just know it is tough for me. I also know it was tough for the the Jews and probably still is. God gave them strict rules as to what they could do and what they could not do. Their actions determined God's blessing or curse.

The Word says, "God, our God, will take care of the hidden things but the revealed things are our business. " There were clearly some guidelines and laws the Jews were to follow. There were things they didn't understand because God kept them hidden. They were not to worry about the things they did not understand. God would take care of the hidden things. They were to be obedient to the things they did know.

Is that the way it is for you at work? Let God care for the things you don't understand and just be obedient with the things you do understand. Then watch God work for your good.

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Sorry. Don't want to be offensive, but...

2009-09-15T04:58:00.001-07:00

If you could hear God, what do you think He would say? Would He say to take a stick and cover up your excrement? Sorry. Even the thought of God saying this is a bit repulsive and offensive. And yet, that is exactly what the inspired Word of God says. If you get past the stench and picture you have in your mind, what was God really saying?

God wants to visit you in your garden of Eden. He wants to spend time with you enjoying the beauty of His creations. The last time He dropped in on you, did He smell a sweet fragrance or was there a stench present in His nostrils. It is unlikely God will spend a whole lot of time where the smell is offensive. It is likely, He just might rid the area of smell.

So the thought is, what are you doing to prepare your garden for God? What sweet fragrance of love are you adding to attract and encourage God to hang out with you? Cover up the stench and go buy yourself a fresh bouquet of flowers. Then, invite God to stay awhile. The visit will be memorable.

"Mark out an area outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourselves. Along with your weapons have a stick with you. After you relieve yourself, dig a hole with the stick and cover your excrement. God, your God, strolls through your camp; he's present to deliver you and give you victory over your enemies. Keep your camp holy; don't permit anything indecent or offensive in God's eyes." Deut

God bless,

archie

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"Jesus Walks" ~ Kayne West

2009-09-14T04:57:00.001-07:00

"So here go my single, dog, radio needs this
They say you can rap about anything except for Jesus
That means guns, sex, lies, video tapes
But if I talk about God my record won't get played, huh?"

What do you think? Does Jesus walk in a rapper?

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"God hates the proud, loves the humble." ~yep

2009-09-14T04:35:00.001-07:00

There is the story of how God gave an incredibly fruitful land to Israel after they escaped from Egypt. This happened a few thousand years, ago. In this adventure God's character is revealed and helps us understand the mind of Christ. It is wise we apply this understanding in our lives today. The message is not just for the Jew. The message is sent to the believer in "The Way" with just as much impact.

The message is this: God loves you like He loves His son. He has a place of abundance waiting for you. Because of His love for you, He will not allow you to enter His chosen place without humility and obedience. To that end, He will love you and discipline you until you become a person willing to return His love and obediently follow Him. The path to a good and fruitful life is really that simple.

A warning is this: Mankind is proud and forgetful. This character problem will likely bite us many times during our lifetime, just as it did the Jews in their lifetime of walking with Moses both in the desert and in the promise land. Moses is referred to as the humblest man in the world during his lifetime. Yet, he struck the rock and was not allowed to enter the promise land.

The challenge is this: You and I must become humble to enter God's place of rest. We must stay humble to remain there.

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Grace Point Church test launches www.livedout.org...

2009-09-13T18:25:00.001-07:00

It's been a year or so in the works, but Grace Point Church is preparing to launch a new website. I with the help of others have been working diligently toward this goal. Today, the site was announced to the church for its' review, appraisal and input. It can be seen at www.livedout.org . Be encouraged to click on the "CONTACT US" in the top right part of the main page. I look forward to hearing what you have to say and features you'd like to see.

Also today, you honored me with the gift of a new camera lens to show your appreciation. I thank you Grace Point Church! You are awesome to serve and work for. It was awkward for me to accept the gift from the stage (evidenced by my red face), but I appreciated your thought immensely. May God richly bless you in all you do and thank you for the gift.

It is my hope, the new web site is honoring to God and the message of Jesus Christ is proclaimed to the world.

Thank you again,

archie aka ~the janitor

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"Some cravings are best left unsatisfied..." ~the janitor

2009-09-12T04:35:00.001-07:00

I was chatting with Andrew from my life group. He has been sober since he was 26 years old. That was some 17 years, ago. He knows what it is like to be a drunk. He knows what the evil one will do in seemingly satisfying his cravings. He still hears that whisper ever once in a while that says, "Just one beer won't hurt".

" A wind set in motion by Godswept quails in from the sea. They piled up to a depth of about three feet in the camp and as far out as a day's walk in every direction. All that day and night and into the next day the people were out gathering the quail—huge amounts of quail; even the slowest person among them gathered at least sixty bushels. They spread them out all over the camp for drying. But while they were still chewing the quail and had hardly swallowed the first bites, God's anger blazed out against the people. He hit them with a terrible plague. They ended up calling the place Kibroth Hattaavah (Graves-of-the-Craving). There they buried the people who craved meat." ~Moses

"Some cravings are best left unsatisfied..." ~the janitor

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"So, do you think I can't take care of you?" ~God

2009-09-12T04:05:00.001-07:00

I'm convinced, our lives here on earth are purposed to bring Glory to God. In the process of God's purpose, we experience life specifically crafted by the Holy One to prepare us for spending eternity with Him.

Consider today is the 1st day of the rest of your life. There is a day in the future that will be the last day of your life on earth. Everything that happens between these two events are custom designed to bring you close to God and prepare you for spending eternity with Christ. Sometimes, we wonder if God can handle the in between parts of our lives Moses did.

"Moses said, "I'm standing here surrounded by 600,000 men on foot and you say, 'I'll give them meat, meat every day for a month.' So where's it coming from? Even if all the flocks and herds were butchered, would that be enough? Even if all the fish in the sea were caught, would that be enough?"
God answered Moses, "So, do you think I can't take care of you? You'll see soon enough whether what I say happens for you or not."

Look with anticipation toward God proving His love for you in the "in-between"... ~the janitor

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"Life is not what i thought it would be, it is so much more..." ~the janitor

2009-09-11T19:22:00.001-07:00

Growing up the son of a poor preacher, made an distinct impression on me. I promised myself I would never be poor and I would never be a preacher. It seems with God as my guide, I have accomplished what I never dreamed I would. I have become poor and God called me to pastor a number of years, ago. His calling on my life was apparently different from many preachers. God called me to pastor, but didn't say anything about preaching.

When I distinctly heard God impress His calling on me, I obediently walked down the aisle and shared it with my pastor of a rather large church. I was serving as deacon at the time. He said, "if I had heard God call me to be a pastor I should go to seminary". I instantly said, "God didn't call me to seminary. God called me to pastor." So in my obedience I do the best I can following my dad as a poor pastor... although not a preacher.

Truly, "Life is not what i thought it would be, it is so much more". ~the janitor

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"To miss your calling out of fear is to not have lived at all." Beth Moore

2009-09-11T18:32:00.001-07:00

Surf to: http://37stories.wordpress.com for more God Spots...

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Can you spot an opportune moment for either good or evil? It's your choice...

2009-09-10T21:04:00.001-07:00

Suppose you have been wandering in the desert for 40 days. You have had nothing to eat for the entire time you wandered. Now suppose you were a SUPER hero and you could turn rocks into bread. You had spent this time of fasting to recharge your SUPER hero batteries. It is now 40 days later and you are ready to kick the enemy through the goal posts of life!

Even as you are contemplating the creation of a nice hot loaf of bread, some evil villain comes up and begins taunting you. He begins egging you on with trash talk like, "Come on big guy. You're hungry. Do it. Go ahead. Do it.". So, why don't you?

Sadly, what was an innocent thought and surely within your capability has become a prideful thought. The thought of how good God is to provide you with SUPER hero power, has become the thought that you deserve to teach this evil villain a lesson in manners. After all you have not eaten in 40 days and this guy is laughing at you. What do you do?

I'll tell what you do. You recognize that the evil one has been waiting for just this opportune moment. You grin to yourself and walk away thinking the evil one is not so tough after all. God is pleased with your choices.

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Is your fear of God an insignificant holy reverence?

2009-09-08T03:36:00.001-07:00

There was a time when God was not nearly as full of grace as He appears today. In the time of Moses, He gave specific instructions on how He required His temple to be built and its' ordinances to be observed. Some thought they had a better idea and died for their creative genius or stupidity. It just depended on which side of the flame you stood as to your attitude.

"That same day Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, took their censers, put hot coals and incense in them, and offered "strange" fire to God—something Godhad not commanded. Fire blazed out from Godand consumed them—they died in God's presence." ~Moses

The priest had a tremendous responsibility to get things right before God. There was a price to pay for "errors". Today, as believers in "The Way", we are individually held as priests. We seem to goof up a lot of the time. It is truly by the grace of God, we are allowed each a new day to try and do better at what God has entrusted.

I pray today will be the day, we each bring a satisfying fragrance before God and He is honored by our thoughts and deeds.

~the janitor

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Burkina Faso, Africa - 1/4 annual rainfall in 1 hour

2009-09-07T17:52:00.001-07:00

Burkina Faso is the 5th poorest country in the world. The capital city last week they got 1/4 of their annual rainfall in 1 hour. Needless to say, everything is flooded. People have died, 150,000 people are displaced, their only hospital is closed and the damage is catastrophic.

I plan on travel to the capital of Burkina Faso, October 5th to speak at a men's conference. I had no expectation God had a flood planned in preparation for the event. It makes me wonder what experiences I will have while there. Here is the news article....

"OUAGADOUGOU, 7 September 2009 (IRIN) - Recent floods have shut down Burkina Faso’s main hospital, interrupting dialysis treatments, preventing HIV diagnoses and overloading health centres ill-equipped to take on surgical cases, according to the Health Ministry.

To date, there have been seven reported deaths and more than 100,000 people made homeless by the storms. Most of the displaced have sought refuge in dozens of sites throughout the capital Ouagadougou.

The Health Minister Seydou Bouda told IRIN on 7 September that the three wards still open at the hospital – maternity; ear, nose and throat; and eye care – are only taking emergency cases. “Even in normal times, Yalgado [hospital] needed heavy repairs,” said the health minister. “Now this situation has come, which has made the renovations more pressing.”

Bouda told IRIN the hospital must suspend its activities in order to rebuild and replace equipment. “There is no use in rushing to reopen as if nothing had happened.” On 1 September, the city received one-quarter of its typical annual rainfall in an hours-long deluge. "

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Thinking about throwing a "Social Network" party for a "Social Cause".

2009-09-06T14:28:00.001-07:00

I am floating a thought balloon skyward and seeing if there is any interest.

I've been thinking it might be a lot of fun to throw a party for social networkers like you and I. We could meet some place on a Friday or Saturday night in San Antonio that has great party food and free WiFi. Then, we spend the evening expanding our network, putting faces to names and just a great time.

As it would be a social network party, we should probably build into the party some worthwhile social cause that we could contribute toward. I'm thinking of some way to help those less fortunate than you and I. Possibly, take donations, get a kickback from the restaurant, sell tickets or whatever for a selected socially conscious cause.

I obviously have not thought this event through, but I think it would be fun and wondered if you might, also? Drop me a comment via FB, Twitter, Linkin, MySpace, Blogs or wherever you run across 37stories. That will be me! lol.

archie

Decipher this for my email address: 37stories at g mail dot com lol

look, i've found this forex trading system on John's website.

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"Remember the Sabbath and Keep it Holy," ~God

2009-09-06T07:14:00.001-07:00

There was a time not so long ago that there was a thing called, "The Blue Law". Today's younger generation probably doesn't have any idea what the blue law was. Do you know? Oddly enough, it was a law that required businesses to close on Sunday. There was a general opinion that Sunday was meant to be a day of rest. Wonder where anyone ever got that idea?

I've begun thinking about how I might incorporate God's instruction of rest on the Sabbath in my life. I have not figured it all out, but I know one thing for sure. Sunday is meant as a day of replenishment. It is a time to reflect on the things of God and make adjustments to my life that better incorporate and acknowledge the blessings of God. r

I don't think the Sabbath is necessarily on our day known as Sunday. The Hebrew calendar and ours don't perfectly align, but I do believe everyone has a Sabbath. It is that seventh day of your week, when you don't work and refocus on who it is that provided for you on the previous six days. I suppose if you work on modern day Sunday, that is ok but probably you run a risk of neglecting your Holy Day just because you are not in sync with the rest of the world. Make sense?

So take note of your Sabbath and make sure you keep it Holy. God really values His seventh day and I believe He is honored by observing you observe the day He gave you in a manner that is pleasing. The Sabbath is meant to be a Holy Day not a holiday.

"On a holiday, one might choose to raise hell. On a Holy day, one should choose to raise heaven." ~the janitor

Look what i've found, forex expert. Never seen it before.

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Make a new plan Stan...

2009-09-04T18:20:00.001-07:00

"...you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good..." ~Joseph

I'm sorry but it took me 55 years to begin to appreciate that God has a plan. Really! His plan is to bless our socks off and we say, "THANK YOU!" It is such a simple thought and yet 55 years later I am just beginning to appreciate how God works. So listen up if you dare. Here is the process...

Consume the Word. Listen for God's voice. Write His thoughts on your heart. Wait for Him to create the scenerio in your life that authenticates His thoughts. Then, ACT! God's Revelation requires action.

Get off your Lazy Boy recliner. Turn off the TV and get after it! Life is too short to wait for the next train. There will be no better train to hop on then the one God has waiting at the station. There is a ticket with your name on it. Go get it and get it punched!

~the janitor

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Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie...

2009-09-03T21:11:00.001-07:00

Let your mind drift back to the days when you dreamed. You innocently looked to the future and believed in the sunshine, lolly pops and rainbows everywhere. You believed God cared and would not only provide, but would provide abundantly. He would make the difference in your life. You believed in your dream and had every reason to believe life would be grand. What happened to that dream?

Joseph had a dream. He got laughed at. He got knocked around. He got thrown in a well to die. He was sold as a slave. He was put in prison. What happened to his dream? Did God forget about the boy Joseph? I think not.

I think we innocently expect a dream to be fulfilled the next day in some miraculous fashion. It seems to me God uses dreams in an entirely different manner. It is as if God gives us a glimpse in a dream of what our future holds if we choose a path of faithfulness and obedience. What we may not see is what lies between where we are today and where we will be as our dream unfolds.

The thing that got between Joseph as a favored son and Joseph as right hand to the king was a thing called life. We all experience life, but we must not let our dreams be killed by life. Life is the "connector" between the birth of a dream and the fulfillment of a dream. It is by God's grace, we experience life and enjoy the fulfillment of God's dream.

Now, what was that dream you once had? Pray that God will breath new life in it. Be encouraged that the experiences of your life (good, bad and ugly), have prepared you for the fulfillment of your dream. Trust in God for His completion of His dream in your life. He is the I AM.

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"Quotes of the Lost" my Pet Peeve

2009-09-03T04:48:00.001-07:00

A pet peeve of mine....

I am a fan of reading biographies and autobiographies of successful men. My favorite are men who have achieved much while living outside the box. I have read the life of Einstein, Edison and Tesla several times. My favorite was Tesla. This guy defined "out of the box" experiences. There was the time he shut down all the power in Boulder, Colorado. That was memorable. But as far as I can tell they were lost as a goose spiritually.

I could quote these great men of recent history or I could go back to hundreds of others who have achieved much in secular man's eyes. But why would I want to? What value is there to patterning my life after someone who has not patterned their life after God? Give me a break. Have you not spotted any good men of the Bible with something worth quoting. I am confused and peeved at the whole deal of "Quotes of the Lost" (my title for a new book).

I don't desire to be successful in other man's eyes. I desire to be successful in God's eyes. I believe God is comfortable with the life I have led. Maybe someday someone will find value in quoting ~the janitor.

But until then from today's Bible read...

Quote of the living: "And everything you give me, I'll return a tenth to you." Abraham

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Lion Chaser's Manifesto

2009-09-03T04:25:00.001-07:00

"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don’t let what’s wrong with you keep you from worshiping what’s right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don’t try to be who you’re not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. "

Mark Batterson

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One Hundred Year Old Man Makes Baby and Janus Joplin waits for delivery!

2009-09-02T04:45:00.001-07:00

"Abraham and Sarah were old by this time, very old. Sarah was far past the age for having babies. Sarah laughed within herself, "An old woman like me? Get pregnant? With this old man of a husband?" God said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh saying, 'Me? Have a baby? An old woman like me?' Is anything too hard for God? I'll be back about this time next year and Sarah will have a baby."

Have you ever been impressed with a thought from God? The thought being as laughable as Abraham and Sarah having a baby in their old age? Or maybe the thought was not laughable at all. It was just a thought that you believed was from God? God certainly desires to chat with us. I wish I had a better ear to hear.

My problem seems to be a bit like Abraham's. God spoke to Abraham. He might have heard the message, but it would be months before the message was authenticated by Sarah's bulging stomach with child. It would be many life times before there would be people of Abraham lineage more numerous than the stars. I wonder if Abraham was sure he had heard from God as he the waited for God to authenticate His message?

What has God spoke to you? Do you also wait for authentication?

Much like the Janus Joplin song of old, "...I wait for delivery each day until three. Oh Lord. Won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?"

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God loves a cheerful giver, but a liar not so much...

2009-09-01T20:04:00.001-07:00

"...a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession, and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? While you kept it, didn’t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn’t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to men, but to God.”

Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things."

I am a giver. I like to give. Today at the red light, I was going to give the professional beggar a buck. The police ran him off before I had a chance. But I had reached for the money and wanted to. I was a bit disappointed at the lost opportunity.

There was a time when God's Spirit came down and believers gave it all. There were no beggars among them. Everyone's needs were met. It must have been an awesome time. The uniqueness of the time was such that even nonbelievers wanted to be a part of the movement, but they just didn't quite get it. They sold what they had, just like their believer friends. It is just that they kept a little money back for themselves. After all it was their money. Right?

Sadly for Ananias and Sapphira they did not realize or appreciate the God of the Angel Armies was actively involved in the revival.

I think ignorance today can be just as deadly. Many times facts can be easily twisted or misrepresented with expectations of gain. It seems an easy thing to do at face value. After all, there is much to be gained and the likelihood of being found out is minimal. But God is alive and well with every right to judge. Ananias and Sapphira felt the tip of God's sword. Will you?

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Noah did everything just as God commanded him.

2009-09-01T04:52:00.001-07:00

"Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God." Genesis

And you know the rest of the story... Noah builds a boat big enough to hold a pair of all the animals and food to feed them for a few months. Noah built this ark at a time when the world around him did not know what rain was. He accomplished this seemingly ridiculous task, wasting an equivalent of millions of dollars and likely the locals said should have been used to feed the homeless. Likely, Noah was the joke of the town. And then it started raining...

This story should be a common story for each of our lives. We should walk with God and be found blameless among the people of our time. In our walk, we should hear God and be willing to step way outside the box. It is in these steps that we will seem ridiculous to some and wasteful to others. We will not fit into the normal lifestream. It is a walk of faith. Have you ever walked down the narrow path of faith?

The faith walk is a path less traveled. It can be lonely and the only encouragement may be from God himself. As for me, my walk of faith is encouraged by God in heaven and my wife here on earth. Following me is not an easy thing for Cora. Her walk of faith may even be more challenging than mine, because she trusts that I am hearing correctly from God and is willing to follow me regardless. I hope your mate is as supportive.

Something I have discovered in walking by faith is that God is ever present. That doesn't mean there is not significant pain along the way. It just means that God is there to help bare the burden. He does not bale out when I have contracted to build the boat and my friends begin laughing. God is there handing me the best hammer for the job. He is smiling and nodding His head in approval at the end of the day. He sees me totally exhausted and is happy to see one more plank has been firmly attached. He is God.

I think it highly unlikely you can live a life of obedience without building your ark. I believe there is a boat inside each of us waiting to be built. Pray God reveals His "out of box" experience designed for you and get on board. Only then will you have opportunity to experience His abundance.

God bless,

~the janitor

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This is uniqueness about some prayers...

2009-08-31T04:37:00.001-07:00

God likes to hear your prayers. He created it all. He owns it all. He is soveriegn over all. He is subservient to none. Do you get it? God is the I AM. He loves to spend time with his creation. He waits to hear your voice, tenderly, adoringly say Abba, Father. He desires the moment of intimacy between just you and Him.

When you uniquely find yourself where you need to be in the presence of God pray, "God what would you have me pray?" It is likely if you die to self and set all your selfish thoughts aside, God will write a new thought upon your heart. It will be a thought or desire to take with you and forever pray until you see it completed. It may be a day. It may be a lifetime, but it will be the desire of your heart as it is also the desire of God's heart.

This is a prayer you will not want to miss and leads toward living an abundant life. This is a prayer that will not fail.

Abundance: "the perfection of God's will and purpose in your life". ~the janitor

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George Mueller lived a life of faith so he later could rub your nose in it.

2009-08-30T19:20:00.001-07:00

You know I have been reading, reading and reading some more of the life and times of George Mueller. This has been wrapped around the completion of a read the Bible in 90 days effort. I started a new Bible focus this morning. This one will be a focus on characters. In recent history, I have focused on Mueller. In Biblical history, I am focusing on Joseph. I say this as an encouragement to you. Get "immersed" in the Word. Your life will never be the same.

Now some would say, "Gag me with a silver spoon. No make that, gag me with an entire place setting." All archie ever talks about is himself and what he perceives God doing in his life. I am very sorry you may feel that way, because there are others that are blessed to see God at work and encouraged by someone who unabashedly chases after God. So I guess you will either have to get over it or quit reading. My preference is you embrace what God is doing and keep reading.

George lived a life of faith so he later could rub your nose in it or so it seems, some might feel this way. Read a quote from George....

"Day after day now passed away and the money did not come. The month of January was come to an end, and February also, and the money had not come. Thus more than one hundred and twenty days were gone by, whilst day by day I brought my petition before the Lord that he would bless this sister, keep her steadfast in her purpose, and intrust me with this money for his work in my hands.

Amidst it all my heart was assured, judging from the earnestness which he had given me in prayer, and that I had only desired this matter to the praise of his name, that in his own time he would bring it about. But I never wrote one single line to this sister on the subject all this time. At last, on the one hundred and thirty-fourth day since I had daily besought the Lord about this matter, on March 8, 1843, I received a letter from the sister, informing me that the five hundred pounds had been paid into the hands of my bankers".

There is much to be learned from the faithful life of George. He says, "...the first and primary object of the work was, to show before the whole world and the whole church of Christ, that even in these last evil days the living God is ready to prove himself as the living God, by being ever willing to help, succor, comfort, and answer the prayers of those who trust in him:"

In other words, George lived a life completely sold out to rely on God's daily provision so that you and I might be encouraged to believe that God is actively and ernestly desiring to take an active role in your and my life. George testified in over a thousand pages of God meeting specific needs. How sad if we don't get it. How sad if the answer for us individually is to whip out a credit card and not let God work His favor in your and my life.

I for one, choose to wait on the Lord.

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George Mueller Reveals a Faith Secret.

2009-08-28T20:10:00.001-07:00

George Mueller was a man of faith. He served thousands of orphans in his life time. From his life's experiences, he shared his wisdom. The following is an explanation of how God worked His faith in George. The secrets revealed are significant, tested and authenticated by God working through George to care for His children. If you dare, read this and ponder it as God illuminates. God willing, your life will be forever changed...

"The last important point for the strengthening of our faith is, that we let God work for us, when the hour of the trial of our faith comes, and do not work a deliverance of our own.

Wherever God has given faith, it is given, among other reasons, for the very purpose of being tried. Yea, however weak our faith may be, God will try it; only with this restriction, that as, in every way, he leads us on gently, gradually, patiently, so also with reference to the trial of our faith.

At first, our faith will be tried very little in comparison with what it may be afterwards; for God never lays more upon us than he is willing to enable us to bear.

Now, when the trial of faith comes, we are naturally inclined to distrust God, and to trust rather in ourselves, or in our friends, or in circumstances. We will rather work a deliverance of our own, somehow or other, than simply look to God and wait for his help.

But if we do not patiently wait for God's help, if we work a deliverance of our own, then at the next trial of our faith it will be thus again, we shall be again inclined to deliver ourselves; and thus, with every fresh instance of that kind, our faith will decrease; whilst, on the contrary, were we to stand still in order to see the salvation of God, to see his hand stretched out on our behalf, trusting in him alone, then our faith would be increased, and with every fresh case in which the hand of God is stretched out on our behalf in the hour of the trial of our faith, our faith would be increased yet more.

Would the believer, therefore, have his faith strengthened, he must, especially, give time to God, who tries his faith in order to prove to his child, in the end, how willing he is to help and deliver him, the moment it is good for him."

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Another reason you don't need a health care system overhaul..

2009-08-28T17:18:00.001-07:00

This is a quote: "For proselyting missionaries who are serving outside the United States, medical expenses for illnesses or accidents that occur during the mission are paid by the mission."

So here is the deal. You just have to become a Mormon missionary and serve in a foreign country and all your health care needs are paid for. Is there a catch somewhere. Why doesn't everyone sign up?

I'm kidding of course...

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A day doesn't get any better than this for a prophet..

2009-08-28T06:15:00.001-07:00

Some God Spots are bigger than others. This is a GIGANTIC one. Enjoy!

"The king sent a captain with fifty men to Elijah. Meanwhile Elijah was sitting, big as life, on top of a hill. The captain said, “O Holy Man! King’s orders: Come down!” Elijah answered the captain of the fifty, “If it’s true that I’m a ‘holy man,’ lightning strike you and your fifty men!” Out of the blue lightning struck and incinerated the captain and his fifty.

The king sent another captain with his fifty men, “O Holy Man! King’s orders: Come down. And right now!” Elijah answered, “If it’s true that I’m a ‘holy man,’ lightning strike you and your fifty men!” Immediately a divine lightning bolt struck and incinerated the captain and his fifty.

The king then sent a third captain with his fifty men. For a third time, a captain with his fifty approached Elijah. This one fell on his knees in supplication: “O Holy Man, have respect for my life and the souls of these fifty men! Twice now lightning from out of the blue has struck and incinerated captains with their fifty men; please, I beg you, respect my life!”

The angel of God told Elijah, “Go ahead; and don’t be afraid.” Elijah got up and went down with him to the king. Elijah told him, “God’s word: Because you sent messengers to consult Baal-Zebub the god of Ekron, as if there were no God in Israel to whom you could pray, you’ll never get out of that bed alive—already you’re as good as dead.”

THOUGHT: How gracious is our God that He doesn't send a lightening bolt down on us when we let our things come inbetween Him and us. Consciously keep God in front of all you do today. Happy Friday.

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God Blesses Israel while US economy collapses. DUH!

2009-08-27T05:04:00.001-07:00

Ever wonder about the relationship of "Cause and Effect"? We pull prayer from school, bless the murder of children and abandon Israel. We see our economy collapse and we see Israel continue to gain in strength as a world power. Will anyone say, "DUH!" with me?

JERUSALAM, ISRAEL (Worthy News) – Israel's discovery of the world’s second largest natural gas field is much larger than previously estimated, according to a new report obtained by Worthy News.

The Tamar Gas field, offshore from Haifa, is now worth $8 billion, nearly double previous estimates of local analysts, said a report prepared by Wood Mackenzie Research and Consulting.

Tamar is the second natural gas discovery over the past 18 months. Natural gas will be flowing into Israel by 2012, officials said.

Analysts say the natural gas field will have a huge impact on the economy of Israel and is expected to make the Jewish state more energy independent.

"The state of Israel will make over $5 billion in royalties and corporate taxes from the production of the gas at Tamar field alone," said Gal Reiter, an energy industry analyst at Clal Finance & Brokerage, a leading Tel Aviv investment bank.

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"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. "Jesus

2009-08-27T04:38:00.001-07:00

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Get ready to have your socks knocked off!

2009-08-26T04:55:00.001-07:00

"Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near. " John

Now that is the way to start the day. A guaranteed blessing by those that read Jesus' revelations from God.

"Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth." Jesus

I pray this prayer upon my family and friends that the evil one will have no place in my life or the lives of my friends.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

God establishes His authority! There is such incredible richness in just a few verses as Revelations begins to unfold. God bless you in the day that will unfold for you to serve the Lord God almighty. Praise the name of Jesus.

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You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James

2009-08-25T18:05:00.001-07:00

I visited my aged mother today. I picked up new medication and took it to her. We sat and chatted a few minutes, remembering my dad. He passed a few years back. My mother speaks more frequently of my father these days. I think she is beginning to look forward to spending eternity with him.

My mother shared with me that in my father's last few weeks, he spoke of seeing Jesus at the foot of his bed. It was at a time when the pain was beginning to take it's toll on my dad. It was during these days, my mother leaned over and shared an intimate moment with my dad. She told my dad it was ok to let go. She said she was in fact praying that Jesus would come soon for my dad.

In those last days, my mother and father were a picture of what God's love is all about.

Thank you mom. Thank you dad.

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Somalia Islamic Militants Behead Four Christian Orphanage Workers

2009-08-24T20:48:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered why a person would choose death over life? When a person is having his finger nails torn out, why doesn't he or she deny Christ? When a person is thrown in prison with unimaginable inhumane treatment, why isn't Christ denied? To deny Christ, seems reasonable. Surely, He wouldn't want you to suffer?

MOGADISHU, SOMALIA (Worthy News)-- Christians in Somalia faced a tense day Thursday, August 13, amid fresh reports that fighters of the country's main Islamic insurgent group al-Shabab beheaded four Christian aid workers for refusing to renounce their faith in Christ.

International Christian Concern (ICC), a major advocacy group investigating reports of religious persecution, told Worthy News that al-Shabab members killed Fatima Sultan, Ali Ma'ow, Sheik Mohammed Abdi and Maaddey Diil after kidnapping them on July 27 in the coastal town of Merca, some 90 kilometers (56 miles) from the capital Mogadishu.

“The Islamists kidnapped and eventually beheaded the Christians after they refused to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ,” ICC said. The four Christians had reportedly been working for a local non-governmental organization that helps orphans in southern Somalia.

Yet people all over the world choose Christ over life. Can you make any sense out of it? The sanity is found in a single word, love. We are to love others as Christ loved us. The bar has been raised. The standard has been set.

To deny Christ is to choose death. To embrace Christ is to have life. It is really that simple.

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Take Note: Drifting is a dangerous place to be...

2009-08-24T04:32:00.001-07:00

"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will." ~Paul

Can you imagine the anger and hurt you might feel if you were placed into a circumstance where you allowed your only son to be sacrificed so that others would live? Then those that had the chance of life, ignored the opportunity. Tell me. How hacked would you be? What might you do in your anger?

It is not wise to drift. Immerse yourself in the Word...
--
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Is it possible that prayer might fail?

2009-08-23T20:20:00.001-07:00

"Yesterday afternoon, while walking in my little garden, and meditating and praying, I had an unusual assurance that the time was now come when the Lord would answer our request, which arose partly from my being able to believe that he would send the means, and partly from the fact that the answer could no longer be delayed without prayer

having failed in this matter, as we could not assemble the children again, after the Christmas vacation, without there being a stove put up. And now, dear reader, observe: This morning I received from A. B. twenty pounds, and we have thus much more than is required for a stove." George Muellar - Dec. 23, 1841

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Get past the blah, blah, blah of life, think about it: "GIFT OF GOD"!

2009-08-23T19:49:00.001-07:00

Paul: "I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline".

This excites me! Can you imagine? Sitting in a chair facing Paul. He looks you in the eyes. His face is scarred from the many beatings and stoning he has endured. His nose is crooked from being broken. His hands are as rough as a stone masons. But it is his smile that captivates you. It is full of love....

He leans over and places his hands on your shoulders. He begins praying in the name of Jesus, asking specifically that God will give you a bold spirit, full of power, love and self-discipline. Then you feel the warm of God flow through you and you know, that you know, beyond any shadow of doubt, you will never be the same person. Can you imagine?

God has not changed. If He is in you, His power is resident, also. As Paul says, "fan the flame".

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I am a blue blood believing baptist boy chasing after "IT".

2009-08-22T11:38:00.001-07:00

It seems like a life time ago, a pastor friend and I were on our faces before God crying out. "God. Whatever you plan on doing. Please don't let us miss IT." In God's grace and timing I think He has chosen to allow each to participate in "IT" as best as we were prepared to engage. He's grown us along the way to experience a deeper "IT" year by year.

Something I have noticed through the years is that "IT" seems to be only as deep as the body of believers "buy-in". Every "body" has a level of comfort that is indicative of the personality displayed in "IT". There is the deeply rich traditional church where "IT" can be found in a great pipe organ playing "Amazing Grace", but "IT" is threatened if one were to request a prayer of healing or some other manifestation of the Spirit that does not fit in.

I am a blue blood believing baptist boy that enjoys worshipping wherever I can find God. I was traveling one time and stopped in to an evening worship service at a Pentecostal church. I didn't know the songs and I wasn't comfortable to lift my arms. It wasn't long into the service that they began trying to drive out the devil. It turned out they were exuberant when they drove me out. They thought they had "IT". I thought I had "IT". Likely, we were both confused.

So here's the point of the blog. Your body of believers known as the local church may think they have "IT". It is likely you and I only have a very small portion of God's total "IT". It is also likely that everything outside your predetermined ideas of what "IT" looks like may be uncomfortable. But before you squash "IT" with expectations of casting out the devil, you might check to see if "IT" has a "blue blood believing baptist boy" chasing after the Spirit and visiting from out of state. :)

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Poor is relative as experienced by George Mueller.

2009-08-22T08:49:00.001-07:00

GM:The very necessity led me to expect help for this day; for if none had come, the Lord's name would have been dishonored.

After the Lord has tried our faith,

He, in the love of his heart,

gives us an abundance,

to show that not in anger,

but for the glory of his name,

and for the trial of our faith,

he has allowed us to be poor.

AR:The thought comes to mind. What is poor? For George poor is a creation of dreams. God gave him a vision to build orphanages to help thousands of children. He had no money. Because of the creation of this ministry, George had many needs and considered himself poor. His being poor was because of the needs created by the obedience to the dream.

This is much like my life. I dream big dreams or they seem big to me anyway. With the big dreams come big needs. Following God's guidance, the only answer for these needs is found in Him.

This relates to my question in mind of desiring to serve an abundant God, not a God of just enough. I've pondered whether George got his faith ideas right? Why wasn't George serving a God of abundance? He was obviously a man of God and great faith.

I am beginning to understand poor and abundance is relative. When chasing a vision that is big, tremendous blessings and provisions from God can seem just enough.

But the same provision with a small need or vision would appear abundant.

When chasing after God, does one ever NOT increase one's vision / needs to fit the provisions? It is as if God's abundant provisions create a vacuum God desires your visions and dreams to fill. Test this thought and all thoughts against His Word for truth. I am but a sinful man chasing after God.

TRUTH REVEALED! George was poor as a testimony of the enormity of his vision.

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12 Christians killed. 20 Churches burned. 1 Islamic leader dead.

2009-08-21T19:26:00.001-07:00

LAGOS, Nigeria, Aug. 7 (Compass Direct News) – With 12 Christians, including three pastors, confirmed killed in rioting ignited by an Islamic sect opposed to Western education, the Christian community in northern Nigeria’s Borno state is still counting its losses.

It is said the Islamic people in America are peace loving. It is said the Christian people of America are peace loving, also. I'm willing to believe both can be peace loving, but there is a disconnect with the world's experience on Islam. There are daily reports of Islamic sects killing Christians, but I have not seen any reports of Christians killing members of the Islamic faith. I wonder why that is.

I have to admit I am confused. The Islamic people I see in the US seem to be ok. I don't see them carrying guns and shooting people or cutting them up with machetes. Some do wear masks and I'd prefer them to assimilate a bit better, but being different is not bad. It is just different.

My confusion is how do the people of Islam get so confused that they think killing Christians is a good thing. I've never heard of Christians getting confused and think killing Moslems was a good thing. We both have books of faith, yet one finds strength in killing while another finds strength in being killed. It is all so confusing.

I know I am rambling just a bit, but the thought is stuck in my head. If I am a peace loving Christian and I become fervent in my faith, growing strong and fanatical about my beliefs, I become more peace loving. There may be some exceptions, but for the most part that's true. Yet if I am a peace loving believer of Islam and grow fanatical about my faith, I want to kill Christians.

Have I missed something? This isn't meant to bash Islam. I just don't get how you become totally consumed by your faith: one person is driven to kill and another person is driven to be killed. Both are ok with the outcome.

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Angel Gets Torched! Directed or Accidental?

2009-08-21T15:00:00.001-07:00

"SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (AP) , Workers have replaced the iconic gold statue of a trumpet-blowing angel that was scorched by lightning atop a new Mormon temple in South Jordan last month. The statue of the angel Moroni sits on the 60,000 square-foot Oquirrh Mountain Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was hit and damaged during a June 13 rain storm." Deseret News

I got to tell you, this is one torched angel! I can only imagine, construction workers for a Mormon temple live at high risk. I wonder if insurance cancels you if they find out you are building a Mormon temple. I mean think about it. God is looking down and He is asking, "you are going to worship who?" I don't think so. POW! WHAM! ZOP!

And the pleasant smell of ozone mixed with the smell of charbroiled.... Ah, yes. Would have loved to be there. Well, maybe not.

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You have to "HOLD ON"!

2009-08-21T04:25:00.001-07:00

"By this gospel you are saved, IF you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain." Paul

Paul said it not me. You have to hold FIRMLY to the word otherwise you have to believed in vain. You have to hold on firmly because the world and the evil one are constantly trying to tear your faith away from you. You may have walked through the gate, but the path is narrow. HOLD ON! Suffering will come. HOLD ON!

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Wad of Tickets

2009-08-20T17:12:00.001-07:00

huck E Cheese pizza. Pay a premium for mediocre pizza. Grandkids are
getting the best use of FREE tokens. As Omi paid for the pizza I
wondered which part was FREE? Anyway lots of fun smiles and hugs make
it all worthwhile.

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Why does his head glow?

2009-08-20T11:26:00.001-07:00

I'm thinking I'd like to get one of the hair dews that make your head glow. This is pretty cool.

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Hold on there! Nobody told me...

2009-08-20T05:01:00.001-07:00

"To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.... Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world." ~Paul

Which line did you get in when salvation was offered you? I just bet most of us didn't choose the line described by Paul and then we are surprised when life gets ugly. I wonder if I would have accepted Christ as my Savior if I'd read the fine print?
--
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El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de la Mancha

2009-08-20T00:26:00.001-07:00

The story of Don Quixote is likely the most impactful Spanish novel of all time. It is a novel about a man who insanely lives a life believing himself to be a knight. He perceives it to be a grand life, surrounded by all the charm of living life with purpose. As life comes to an end for Don, he regains his sanity only to die broken.

I suppose there is a little Quixote in all of us. We have our own private world to retreat to, where others are not allowed. In our privacy, we succeed doing battle with windmills and saving fair maidens. By the grace of God, we too regain our sanity and die broken, on our face before a loving God.

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This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine...

2009-08-19T14:48:00.001-07:00

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Where are the men of faith?

2009-08-19T04:32:00.001-07:00

There was a time, long past when men of faith were being talked about.

"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world... I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.... For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."" Paul 1st Century

Where are the men of faith, today? Where do the men of faith gather that they may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith? Sure, we can point to a man of faith such as: Billy Graham. We can point to many men of faith in our heritage, such as: George Mueller, John Wesley and the many founders of modern Christianity. But where are the men of faith today? I so long to gather with men of faith today that mustard the faith to seed the movement of a mountain for Christ....

--
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It is not in the seeking that you find life...

2009-08-18T04:27:00.001-07:00

"From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being." Paul

I find this thought provoking. Sure it is incredibly important for you and I to seek after God. If you do not have a personal relationship, the first step is to seek. But that is not enough. Many seek after God. Many make it a career to seek God. But if they never reach for God, they will never find God.

How sad to spend your life seeking and never reach out and find.

God bless,

~the janitor

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What is best for you?

2009-08-17T20:12:00.001-07:00

How many times in a life time will you wonder what is best for you? You pray for God's blessings on your life. You look at circumstances and choose. Surely this new job is best for me. But is it?

Just imagine for a moment that you are the evil one and you have the ability to manipulate circumstance. Now also suppose you know that God is getting ready to bless one of His children's socks off in some miraculous way. What would you do as the master villain of manipulation?

I know what I'd do. I'd offer you a big fat bonus and a raise, then move you and your family to some far off place. Likely, I could set your Christian growth back by years. They say, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth." I think it wise to look a gift horse at both ends, before you count your blessings.

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Don't you just love stories with great endings? What a God Spot!

2009-08-17T04:55:00.001-07:00

¹It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. ²He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. ³When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. ⁴After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.

⁵So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

⁶The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. ⁷Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.

⁸Then the angel said to him, "Put on your clothes and sandals." And Peter did so. "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me," the angel told him. ⁹Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. ¹⁰They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

¹¹Then Peter came to himself and said, "Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating."

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Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Then, they killed him.

2009-08-17T04:25:00.001-07:00

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What impact on you, when someone tells you of the wonderful thing God has done?

2009-08-16T14:56:00.001-07:00

"May 28. This morning, whilst sitting in my room, the distress of several brethren and sisters was brought to my mind, and I said to myself, "O that it might please the Lord to give me means to help them!" About an hour afterwards I received sixty pounds from a brother whom up to this day I never saw, and who then lived, as he does still, a distance of several thousand miles." George Muellar

I am in the process of reading several accounts consisting of thousands of pages of text written surrounding the life of George Muellar. It blows me away. George believed that God desired to be actively involved in his daily life on a minute by minute basis. When he had a need, he prayed. God answered prayer. It was that easy. It didn't mean he always got what he prayed for, it just means God answered his prayers.

When I read an account of how God specifically answered prayer in George's life I am encouraged. George's life was pregnant with God Spots. It is my heart's desire that in my sharing with you how God is working in my life, you would be encouraged also. It is with this motive I humbly share with you what God is doing.

Some might read my God Spots and say it is all about Archie. How prideful he must be. Surely he doesn't represent my ideal, I don't desire that any of it be about Archie. I desire it to be all about God. It is not what Archie does. It is all about what God chooses to do through me. He may choose to do nothing. He may choose to do big things. That is His choice. I just desire that through my sharing the God Spots of my life, that He is glorified and you are encouraged. Is that fair?

So humbly, I have accepted an opportunity to speak in Africa about a man of integrity. Do I share this because it is all about Archie? No I share this because I covet your prayer. It is way outside the box, even for me. So as the days click away rapidly for the Holy Freegan, please pray that I hear God's voice plainly and see His hand at work that I might encourage you with EPIC God Spots.

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"School officials face jail time for meal-time prayers." Huh?!

2009-08-16T09:59:00.001-07:00

A principal and an athletic director are facing criminal charges for a lunch-time prayer.

"In this particular case, Principal Frank Lay asked the athletic director to have a prayer for the meal at an honorary luncheon in celebration for some of the athletic achievements. And then in [another] situation, the clerical worker at an event where some employees of the school were present asked her husband, who is not an employee of the school, to have a blessing over a meal," he explains. "Because of those two events, these individuals now face criminal contempt."

In the end times, it is said that "good will seem bad" and "bad will seem good". It seems to me, we are getting even closer to the end of this world as we know it. Are you prepared to take the next step? What will you next step be? Where will you be? Is there any hope? There is a simple TRUTH. You can know. Ask.

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Apparently according to Friendfeed, God needs subscribers. Huh?

2009-08-16T09:13:00.001-07:00

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There is no 'wimp' in the name Jesus!

2009-08-16T06:01:00.001-07:00

When you think about the man Jesus, what image comes to your mind? Likely, it is a man with a trashed out look and his head hanging. Maybe his face is even bloodied and his back ripped open by a whip. A defeated image comes to mind. Right? Jesus voluntarily submitted to being captured, knowing full well the suffering he was about to endure. He didn't hide. He didn't deny. He challenged! Read on...

"I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said." (sounds bold and confident in spite of circumstance).

When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded. "If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" (speaks truth and challenges in the face of danger)

Jesus set the standard for us. He said we would suffer because of our identity in Him. He sent the Holy Spirit to protect us and abide within us. The Holy Spirit engulfs us. We are to be bold in our faith. We are to accept suffering as a way of life, but suffering is does not define a defeated lifestyle. We are victorious in our suffering just as Christ was victorious.

Please thing about this. We are trained to believe suffering is aligned with being defeated and those that don't suffer are successful. THIS IS A LIE. When you suffer for your identity in Christ, be bold. Be confident. Know that God has suffered before you and with you. Hold your head up. Be proud to be honored with the suffering of Christ. When you are slapped, spit on and persecuted. You are not defeated. YOU ARE VICTORIOUS IN AND WITH CHRIST!

God bless,

the janitor

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I am the way, the truth and the light. No man comes to the Father but by Me.

2009-08-15T07:18:00.001-07:00

The Children of the Devil

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me? He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."

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"Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" Jesus

2009-08-15T06:37:00.001-07:00

"Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.

When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten." Luke's account of a miracle by Jesus

This is the God I choose to serve. I choose to serve, believe in and pray to a God of abundance. I reject the thought of serving the god of "just enough". Father, I know you have set aside provisions to exceed my needs. I thank you for these provisions and pray that I might be faithful to You in all I do. I pray the message you send through me will a message of hope and love found only in You. Thank you again for your unseen provisions. ~the janitor

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Abundance may start in one of the poorest countries of the world

2009-08-14T15:20:00.001-07:00

I was reading Jim Thornber's blog and considering God's will in my life. I commented with:

I choose to live an abundant life. In that abundance, I find the perfection of God’s will and purpose in my life. How this plays out is with patience, perseverance and long suffering I look to see where God is working and ask to step along side. He always has His arms wide open when I take action according to His revelation.

In October I go to Africa to speak to men about integrity. This will be a first trip to one of the poorest countries in the world. It should be quite the “God Spot” and I believe to be the perfection of God’s will in my life.

This may in fact be the place I find abundance in one of the poorest countries of the world.

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The Widow's Offering - There are things to be gained from tradition...

2009-08-14T05:01:00.001-07:00

Burkina Faso, Africa

^"As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury.He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."

Much is being said about the emerging church. Some say the traditional church has done it all wrong. Others say it is because of the traditional church that the Word of Christ has been spread throughout all the nations. What do you say?

It was the tradition in the time of Jesus for members of the faith to give of what they had to further the work of God's kingdom on earth. It is traditionally the same today. We work. We get paid. We give to the church, worthy ministries or individuals who God has chosen according to His will and purpose.

I have been given the invitation to speak at a conference in Burkina Faso. This small poor country is located in the center of the west part of Africa. It is referred to as one of the poorest countries in the world. Annual income is estimated at $400 / year. That is a little over $1 / day. Is it possible for a family to even purchase food at $1 / day? I don't know. I doubt it.

If God puts it on your heart to help the people of Burkina Faso, it would be good to remember The Widow's Mite.

God bless,

archie

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God does for you, for His pleasure.

2009-08-13T05:04:00.001-07:00

"At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure." Luke

This is incredible! God wants us to benefit from our relationship with Him. He gets in the middle of our life, that we can choose to live abundantly. In His abundance, He is pleased. Did you get it? God gives to you, for His pleasure.

One more time. It's not about you, yet it's all about you. God will brings fullness to your life and He experiences great pleasure in you experiencing His LOVE!

It's is past time to just bow before Him and thank Him for all He has done. Praise the name of Jesus. Praise God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Thank you!

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Hillary Clinton under pressure spews truth...

2009-08-12T19:57:00.001-07:00

ABUJA, Nigeria — It was hot. She was tired. And it had been a long day in Africa.

“Wait, you want me to tell you what my husband thinks? My husband is not the secretary of state, I am. So you ask my opinion, I will tell you my opinion. I am not going to be channeling my husband.” hillary

It is said when squeezed, what's inside comes out. This was true for Hillary and is true for us as believers. With Christ inside...

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New York Times: Michael Jackson worth more dead than alive.

2009-08-12T19:14:00.001-07:00

The Times: "It has been 48 days since Michael Jackson died, and while family members of the late pop star are still at war with the executors of his estate, the answer to another question — how much the singer is worth in death — is becoming clear. He has already earned $100 million through a film deal and various merchandising contracts, and the executors expect another $100 million to roll in by the end of the year."

I never thought I'd be saying this, but it's true. Michael and I have something in common. We are both worth more dead than alive. We both have mansions that will increase in value. The difference is he may not get to enjoy his. I will be enjoying mine for eternity. Now that is appreciation!

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Josh Wilson - Savior Please (Willow Creek 2009)

2009-08-12T15:26:00.001-07:00

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Name That Tune... Let's Play!

2009-08-12T04:44:00.001-07:00

You seen the TV game show, "Name That Tune". It is where they play some notes of a song and the contestants try to guess the name of the song. The one that guesses with the fewest number of notes played wins.

I was doing my Bible read this morning and it brought me to a familiar story. I wondered how many words of the story I'd need to guess the story. What to play? Here goes...

The 1st two words from the middle of the passage is: "no room". What is the story?

How about these two words from another passage: "swept clean"?

I'll post the answer later so there are no read ahead cheaters.

Here's the point.

Sometimes I feel guilty about not knowing enough of the Bible. But when Bible stories come to mind with only two Words, I think you and I must be doing pretty well. The real challenge and test of our faith is whether we have applied the knowledge gained, in a wise way to our life.

Follow the Holy Freegan adventure with Archie and friends on...

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At game end, what's it going to be. Heaven or Hell?

2009-08-11T14:49:00.001-07:00

So I was talking to this guy that wanted food. That alone is funny. Somebody asking me, the self proclaimed Holy Freegan, for food? Proves God has a sense of humor.

I said to this guy, "What's it going to be. At game over. Is it heaven or hell".

He said, "huh?"

I said, "You know. When you die. Is it heaven or hell?"

He said, "Where's my food or something like that?"

I said, "So like when you die. Heaven or hell?"

He said,"Well it's like this. That is not for me to decide. I just do what I do and there is not anything I can do to choose. The decision is not made by me."

I said, "Nothing you can do to influence the outcome? Are you an axe murderer?"

He said, "No".

I said, "If you were, would you have done something to influence whether you will go to hell?"

He said, "Come on. Just give me my food and I will never come back."

I said, "hmmm".

So what's it going to be, "Heaven or Hell"?

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Life's not fair. The good and bad get whacked!

2009-08-11T05:02:00.001-07:00

The Word: "Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." Jesus

my word: Sometimes I just don't get it. Here stands a perfectly innocent fig tree. It is not the season for it to bear fruit. It is not harming anyone. Jesus comes along and curses it because he didn't get to eat of its fruit.

The Word: In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!" ... "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.

my word: True, Jesus appears hacked that he missed His morning meal. Jesus appears to be the originator of the Holy Freegan lifestyle. BUT that was not the truth being taught. The truth was that Jesus wanted His students to look past the perception of the reality they were experiencing and step into Jesus' reality. Jesus wanted them to understand that God plus anything is outside the norm for the dimension mankind lives in. Jesus wants His dimension to the believer's norm.

I hope that makes sense....

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She was standing there, holding a battered doll...

2009-08-10T17:11:00.001-07:00

A post by my friend Ich...

“Are you my Momma?”

She was standing there, holding a battered doll for dear life, probably her only possession.

We were on the beach, next to the Pacific.

She was knee high to a grasshopper, maybe three years old, four max and directed the question to my step daughter, a momma in her own right.

The little girl was an orphan in Mexico. She asked the question in Spanish. I didn’t understand her and my step daughter translated while holding the girl on her lap.

A few weeks later, friends of mine who owned a restaurant/bar on the coast asked me if I could help them on Saturday morning.

“Sure,” I replied.

The next morning I drove to my friends’ home and noticed quite a few children and mothers standing near the guard house.

Half hour later I was passing out tickets and welcoming children of all ages, including more than a handful of babies, for two bicycles. Over three hundred orphans and a few poor locals came to the lane dedicated to the annual festivity. They were each fed and given a bag full of clothing and one or two toys.

I noticed a boy frowning, not understanding why his bag was full of girl’s stuff. A moment later, I saw a girl with the same problem. I introduced the little tykes and helped them switch bags and received two big smiles.

This event sobered me to the realities of life, but also lifted my spirits at seeing so many delight in their good fortune at something that kids in more affluent places would not appreciate.

All the volunteers I knew, about twenty, were regular patrons at the Restaurant/Bar.

They helped make the orphans lives a little more pleasant.

As far as the little girl that this story started with, I looked for her that Saturday morning, but did not see her. We stayed in touch with her orphanage and had clothes and money sent there.

I discovered the owner of the hotel by the beach sponsored a day for the orphans a few times a year, lending personnel, giving food and other things so the children could enjoy.

The point of this God Spot, you never know where a God Spot comes from, when it happens or who may be involved

Visit Ichabod's blog at: http://plainview.wordpress.com/

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Fill in the blank: When I was young, I was so poor that...

2009-08-10T16:07:00.001-07:00

The task of not buying anything for 60 days to save for Africa has reminded me of my poor stories from growing up in the mountains of California. They went something like this...

I was so poor that ... Brer Rabbit Molasses on beans was considered desert.
I was so poor that ... you didn't wear out tennis shoes. You just changed out the rubber inner tube liner you picked up from a blown out tire.
I was so poor that ... my dad recommended motor oil in place of Brylcream.
I was so poor that ... a one dish meal meant exactly that. There was one dish.
I was so poor that ... I noodled for trout in the stream
I was so poor that ... I swam in the ditch we got drinking water from
I was so poor that ... I thought oranges were Christmas fruit

Thinking about the poor people of Africa I will be visiting, I bet it is easier for them to not buy anything. Likely dieting is a no brainer, also. I hope to save enough money in the next 58 days to leave something of value behind.

God bless the poor!
archie

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There would be NO rolling back of the stone, today!

2009-08-10T05:04:00.001-07:00

"There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and SAT ON IT. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. "

I can almost see an angel sitting on top of the stone that had been rolled away from Jesus tomb. Smugly sitting with his legs, crossed leaning up against the back side of the rock. Probably, cleaning his fingernails and just hoping someone would try and touch his stone. Taunting... "Come on. Make my day!"

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Although some are blinded by the light, it doesn't mean we should not shine.

2009-08-10T04:33:00.001-07:00

"I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God."

"Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.

Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered. Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him...

Just think... The entire future of mankind pivoted on a single truth. "I AM". Jesus could have denied the truth. Peter did, three times. Alas, Jesus spoke truth and suffered for all, that we might have life. Many were blinded by the light of our Savior, yet a few were faithful and became the early warriors of our faith.

Today is the day the Lord hath made. Shine bright!

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If you were from the poorest country in the world, how poor would you be?

2009-08-09T15:56:00.001-07:00

I have this opportunity to go to Burkina Faso, Africa. Anyone ever been there? It is one of the poorest countries of the world. I expect to be there in 58 days for a week. I will be with a Christian team leading a conference on "Men of Integrity". It's interesting that Integrity crosses all social economic bounds. It doesn't matter how much money you have. It doesn't matter how poor you are. Integrity still rules.

I really want to prepare myself for the experience in body, soul and spirit. To this end, I've adopted a new life style. In a nutshell, I am attempting to stay focused on God as a faith builder. I have chosen to spend no money for 60 days. My wife will continue her life, but I choose to spend zero dollars. This will accomplish a number of things. I've been wanting to lose weight. If I buy no food, I figure I will lose weight. I need to save money quick for the trip. If I buy nothing at all, I will have money to save.

So, this is day two. Total expenditure. $Zero. Banked the savings....

I hope one of the benefits of not having a meal guaranteed, to experience a small piece of what someone living in the poorest country of world experiences daily. I'm also hoping by an intense focus on God, to have a heart prepared for the people of need in Africa.

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Early enrollment open for the fall semester of the School of God

2009-08-09T06:53:00.001-07:00

Wouldn't you have liked to be taught your faith, face to face with the originator of your faith. Think about it. Jesus. The creator of all things. The knower of all things. The man with infinite love, justice and truth. Wouldn't you have liked to be in His classroom? Jesus apparently graded on a pass/fail system.

Peter was one of His 1st students. It was a tough class!

PASS: "When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven."

FAIL: Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!" Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

Much of the time I feel like I am placed in Jesus remedial learning class. Sigh...

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Apparently you can hijaack the power of Jesus name. Beware!

2009-08-08T07:40:00.001-07:00

'Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' Jesus

A couple thoughts come out of this Word from Jesus. First, you better make darn sure you are doing the will of God. Second, just because you hear someone call on the name of Jesus does not make him a Christ follower. Beware of false teachers...

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Day One - Bible Read as Freegan

2009-08-08T06:12:00.001-07:00

This is my first day to practice the rules of being a Holy Freegan and
I surf to my daily Bible read and what are the odds that this passage
would kick off the adventure. The purpose of my being a practicing
Holy Freegan is to sensitize myself to the needs of others as I
prepare to visit Africa. God has a strong message here for me and
likely confirmation I am hearing Him in the midst of this craziness.

1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat
down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely
say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be
glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they
persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Jesus

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Day One - As Holy Freegan

2009-08-08T05:46:00.001-07:00

Ten Rules of the Holy Freegan

Love the Lord my God with all my heart
Consume His Word daily
Pray without ceasing (tough one)
Purchase no food for myself (bank the savings)
Keep it snowing on my TV
Reduce energy consumption (gas, electric)
Don’t buy stuff for self and sell stuff I have
Be generous in helping others
Do not ask for money, humbly receive
Remember rule #1

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It's not a good day for those that have fought against Jerusalem

2009-08-07T20:10:00.001-07:00

In today's Bible read...

"This is the plague with which the LORD will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths." Zechariah

No doubt. Some will say, "But, that's just not fair!" But you know what? God created it all. God calls the shots. God makes the rules. The smart thing to do is to "Believe".

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HOLY FREEGANISM - A 60 Day Adventure

2009-08-07T10:05:00.001-07:00

Hi Friends,

I received this email from a longtime pastor friend of mine in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area.

Archie.

Would you look at the possibility of traveling with me and a small team of men to Burkina Faso, Oct. 5 - 12. One of the purposes of this trip will be a conference we will lead for the men and young men regarding, the Father's Heart. How to raise up men of integrity.

Blessings,

Darrel

So I've been praying about this opportunity and have several issues to resolve between now and then. Simple things like getting off work and having no money to travel to Dallas much less Africa. Maybe you can pray with me? I am excited at the invitation for a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest is to see God at work in meeting my needs and the needs of others in making this thing happen. Then, just think about all those God Spots!

I don't know how much a trip to Africa will cost, but I know it will be in the thousands. Thinking about the simple life of the people in Burkina Faso, I was reminded of an amusing conversation with my niece's boyfriend. I was laughing about the concept of dumpster diving as a way of life. The people taking on this sort of life style for a social cause have become known as Freegans. I had great fun with the thought. Today, the thought comes back to me for a different reason.

Freeganism is an anti-consumerist lifestyle whereby people employ alternative living strategies based on "limited participation in the conventional economy and minimal consumption of resources". Freegans "embrace community, generosity, social concern, freedom, cooperation, and sharing in opposition to a society based on materialism, moral apathy, competition, conformity, and greed."

My thought is to develop a set of Freegan rules to abide by in preparation for my trip to Africa. Application of these rules will hopefully prepare my body, soul and spirit for the trip and possibly better relate to those I will encounter along the way. Somes rules I hope to follow include:

Love the Lord my God with all my heart
Consume His Word daily
Pray without ceasing (tough one)
Purchase no food for myself (bank the savings)
Keep it snowing on my TV
Reduce energy consumption (gas, electric)
Don't buy stuff for self and sell stuff I have
Be generous in helping others
Do not ask for money
Remember rule #1

If you have ideas for what should go on the list, I'm open to suggestions. Remember the goal of this craziness is to prepare my heart for the trip. The side benefit will be to put money in savings for the trip, generated by taking on a Holy Freegan lifestyle. I think I just coined a new word. HOLY FREEGAN.

This journey in preparation for Africa will be insightful. I hope you will choose to follow the adventure with Archie and friends at http://37stories.wordpress.com and at my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Archie-Rhines/123570852505 .

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Give careful thought to your ways... God

2009-08-06T19:45:00.001-07:00

This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD. "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands."

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Big Bend Hike Day One by Mark Martinez

2009-08-06T15:39:00.001-07:00

This true story is told from the feeble memory of Mark Martinez. I stole it off Facebook for your enjoyment...

Back when I could hike more than a mile without getting winded, a group of friends and I decided to take a trip to Big Bend. Our expedition consisted of Archie, Jeff, Greg, and myself. It was my first adventure to Big Bend, and we are all excited to head out for a week of primitive camping and man time.

We arrived late and set up camp before nightfall. Since we were truly camping primitively, we set up a campfire to eat dinner. That night I don't remember much, except for the anticipation of spending the next day hiking. If I only knew the adventure that actually awaited us.

That morning, the temperature was cool. Not too cold, but the brisk morning typical in the Texas desert. It was cool enough that we decided to put on light jackets/long sleeve shirts, knowing we would need to peel off layers as the day progressed. Archie suggested we start off with a easy morning hike, following an easy trail. It sounded like a good plan, so we gathered some things we might need, mostly consisting of lunch and snacks (we're guys....food plays a big role in our lives).

So we started on our hike, full of energy and ready for an exciting day. If we only knew what we were in store for. The trail we were on was a slightly worn trail, marked clearly by stacks of stones to show us the way. It vaguely reminded me of the Hebrews wandering the desert marking places where God showed up with stacks of stones. We hiked for awhile, deciding to stop to eat lunch. Archie veered off the marked path and called us to come sit with him. He ended up showing us a beautiful scenic view of a valley. The scene really reminded us of God's majesty and genius as our creator. It was a very serene time, eating a good sandwich with great friends under God's canopy of life. After eating, we decided to finish up our morning hike so we could get on with more challenging hikes, preferably on the more steep mountain slopes. So we gathered our stuff and headed back to the path. Then the questions started to come..."Guys....where are the markers?". And then the declarations of wisdom started to be uttered also " Uh Oh!". As we walked all the hills and plants looked more and more alike. The more we drudged on, the more we realized we were seriously lost.

Greg started to panic, screaming "WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!!". I quickly acted and started slapping each side of his face until he calmed down. Not really, we all remained calm....coolly staring death in the face. Since we didn't except to be gone long, and it was suppose to be a quick hike, we didn't pack very much. Only the essentials, like lunch. Unfortunately, none of us thought essentials would include a map or compass. And for you youngins, this was before cell phones were common. I don't think any of us had one actually. Since this was going to be a four or five day trip, and we were lost on day one, we still had days before anyone would come looking for us. We were on our own.

As we continued to walk, we came upon a shallow dried creek bed. We decided that if we followed the creek bed south, we would eventually come to the Rio Grande. From there we could surely find the way back to civilization, right? So using the blazing sun as our compass, we headed south. By this time, temperatures soared to the average day time temperatures in the Texas desert. It was hot. So, like planned, we took off the long sleeve shirts/jackets and went to t-shirt mode. Our moods were good, hope lingering in the air. We knew which direction to go and had a plan. As the day proceeded, the shallow creek bed became deeper, with the banks gaining in elevation....3 feet....6 feet.....10 feet. Eventually we had to start climbing down different drops as the creek bed showed evidence of the potential river that could develop under heavy rains. These more challenging rock climbing drops were becoming quite fun, trying to find the just right foothold or hand hold to prevent a tumbling dive down 6 to 8 foot declines. So what if we had no idea how long till we got the Rio. This was guy time at its best. Then it happened. The pivot point of our expedition (well other than getting lost).

We came to a sheer decline. No footholds or hand hold could get us down. Decision time. Turn back and hope and pray for survival, knowing that some of those fun climbs down did not make the likelihood of going back up probable . Or find a way down and continue with our plan. It was getting late in the day, clouds coming in on the horizon. We had to get out of the creek bed in case a torrential downpour was on the way. We were running out of time. Greg started to panic and screamed, "WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!!!" This time Jeff did the honors and slapped the boy. Still kidding. We decided to put our heads together and keep going. Or actually, we put our extra clothing together. We tied all our extra shirts and jackets and tied it to a long walking stick we had found earlier. Using our McGiver like skills, we lodged the stick between two rocks at the top and lowered our make shift rope down. Even though it was a genius plan, we were still 10 to 15 feet short. We thought about taking off our jeans and shirts to extend our "rope", but eventually decided against it. Four guys in the desert in only skivvies didn't seem like the best idea. So we carefully started to head down, knowing that a wrong landing or a walking stick break could lead to disaster. A broken ankle out in the desert could lead to death.

I think I went down first, being the lightest and smallest of the bunch. My descent went down without incident. But as Greg and Jeff took turns, the strain on the walking stick became audibly apparent. As Archie prepared to come down, the tension was palpable. Sure enough, half way down the stick broke and shifted out of place. Clothes came tumbling down, with Archie leading the way. Thank God Archie didn't get seriously hurt. But the die had been cast...no going back. We kept going... except now our moods were apprehensive, not knowing how much longer we needed to go. Plus our last meal was early in the day, and as evening approached our bodies were worn down. In addition, we didn't know what laid ahead. We didn't know if another sheer drop waited for us. If it did, we were out of optional clothes and more importantly a usable stick as an anchor. If we came to a sheer drop, we were stuck. With rain coming the anxiety was just as ominous as the clouds drifting in. We kept going, with faith in our God as our fuel.

We eventually made it to the Rio Grande without further incident, barely beating the rain and the fall of night. However, when we made it the the river, some of our hopes were dashed. Instead of finding an easy path around the river, we were faced with a delta leading directly to the water, with 100 foot walls surrounding each side of the river. Our adventure for the day had come to an end. With night coming, and no where to go we decided to make camp. God willing, the next day would bring salvation, at least that was our prayer that night.

Stay tuned to day 2......

Richard Crippen

We should have an aging man's camping trip, consisting of as little physical activity as possible, but just enough to make us think we "still got it".5 hours ago

Mark Martinez

Now thats plan!!4 hours ago

Greg Sealy

It was a neat experience. It rained super hard the first night. We tried to burn the bamboo on the river's edge but it burnt too quickly.It rained that night too.We slept under a cliff with Archie's head in your lap and me between you and Jeff (Me, the only one with a long sleeve shirt on.) I had to gripe at both of you for waking me up with your shivering. 4 hours ago

Greg Sealy

Yall should come to Salt Lake. Some sweet camping here in he Mntns.4 hours ago

Greg Sealy

Hiking too.4 hours ago

Cora Rhines

I have a lot of memories of you guys sitting around telling the story the first time. I have tried to encourage Archie to wrtie the details from his view...each of you should. He retells it frequently, but it is not short! LOL 4 hours ago

Cora Rhines

Don't forget the night sleeping in a slit of a cave..4 men and 1 mylar emergency blanket...4 hours ago

Richard Crippen

I vote that if we do this, we include things like blankets.3 hours ago

Alex Hamilton

for once in my life, I agree with richard! about an hour ago

Richard Crippen

I think that's twice, and both since Facebook. about an hour ago

Greg Sealy

I think FB is a crappy way to keep friendships going. I dont know who you people are anymore. I'm talking to a Richard and an Alex that no longer exist. I mean, I know you're real but I have a memory of you guys from long ago and am talking to that Alex and Richard, not the ones who exist now. Who are you people? about an hour ago

Alex Hamilton

I am half the man I used to be about an hour ago

Greg Sealy

I still like you Alex no matter what your life choices lead to. about an hour ago

Richard Crippen

I think I might be the other half that Alex has left behind. about an hour ago

Alex Hamilton

I am not sure I want to consider you my better half, I am sure Cyndi and Shannon would disapprove. about an hour ago

Richard Crippen

I didn't say better, I said other. YOU said better. 52 minutes ago

Archie Rhines

Great job, Mark! Everything is historically correct except your whining and we really never left your back yard. Ha! Actually, a key part left out of day one is that we were dieing and Greg was concerned about us starting an illegal campfire. At least that is the way I remember it. Somewhere in the mix I think Jeff came up with a compass but didn't tell anyone because he was enjoying the adventure. I look forward to day two! archie 2 seconds ago · Delete

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Jonah was whale vomit. What will it be for you?

2009-08-05T19:07:00.001-07:00

And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time:Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you. Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh.

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"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs". Jonah

2009-08-05T19:06:00.001-07:00

Whoa! Hold on there. Don't hit the delete key. Read on...

An idol is anything that gets between you and God. Grace is His unmerited favor. Think about it! All you have to do is stop letting your "stuff" get between you and God and He promises you will be the recipient of His UNMERITED FAVOR! Duh! What are you waiting for?!

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Leadership Summit Happens Tomorrow!

2009-08-05T14:07:00.001-07:00

This is the time of year, when leadership minded ladies and gentlemen meet and hear from some of the most talented people of our time. The event is telecast worldwide and speakers are people you likely will never get this close to again. Check out the promotional site at:

http://www.willowcreek.com/events/leadership/2009/

Hopefully, we will see you at Grace Point Church tomorrow to enjoy an awesome time with others of like mind and spirit. If not, be watching my blog. I'm sure I will have something to say. :)
archie

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Today I hit 37,000 lurks on 37stories. Special!

2009-08-04T20:03:00.001-07:00

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Your days are numbered. Anyone counting? ~the janitor

2009-08-04T04:46:00.001-07:00

He who forms the mountains,
creates the wind,
and reveals his thoughts to man,
he who turns dawn to darkness,
and treads the high places of the earth—
the LORD God Almighty is his name.

.
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You don't need a rudder when you are drifting...~the janitor

2009-08-04T04:19:00.001-07:00

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Leading from the 2nd chair was a man of circumstance...

2009-08-03T19:44:00.001-07:00

My boss asked a question the other day that went something like, "what Bible character do you find your own life relating to?" I've done considerable thinking about that question. At lunch the other day, I asked my nephew the same question. It is a good question, worth pondering...

I listened to a pastor preaching on Joseph today. He was quite animated. I found the story of Joseph in Genesis 37 and more. I find myself relating to Joseph. Reading his story, it can easily be seen he was a man of circumstance. He didn't plan out his life and figure how he could lead from the 2nd chair to the king. He just lived life as faithfully as he knew how before a God that loved him. Then, life happened to him.

Much of the life I have experienced is not because I planned it that way. I was just as obedient as I knew how and life happened. When Joseph was thrown in a pit to die, he didn't plan it that way. When he was sold into slavery, he didn't plan it that way. When he became 2nd chair to Potiphar, he didn't plan it that way. When he was thrown into prison, he didn't plan it that way. Life just happened that way.

I think that is the way God wants it. He wants us to be as obedient as we know how. Then He makes or allows life to happen to us. It is our responsibility to be faithful regardless of the circumstance and believe that God is the creator of all things. He loves us and blesses us in the midst of living a life pleasing to Him --- in the midst of circumstance, seated in the 2nd chair.

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