Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Walking With A Perfect Heart
Perfect toward Him
By Jc Nathanael
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“...I will walk within my house with a perfect heart”
(Psalm 101:2, NKJ)
TODAY’S WORD from Jc nathanael
This time of year, people often take time to reflect and set goals for the New Year. But have you ever set “perfection” as a goal on your list?
Now, that may seem a little strange or unobtainable to many, but really, in God’s eyes perfection isn’t about performance. In fact, it isn’t about behavior at all. What God is looking for is a heart that is perfect toward Him. Scripture says that man looks on the outside, but God looks at the heart. That means that He is more pleased with someone who has a heart toward Him who may mess up than He is with someone doing all the right things for all the wrong reasons.
The condition of your heart is extremely important to God. When you have a right heart, you are humble before Him. You seek His ways. You get up each day with a desire to please Him. You submit every area of your life to Him, and you are willing to make adjustments and receive correction so you can grow and come up higher.
As you prepare for the coming year, make knowing Him your number one priority. Yield yourself to Him and let Him shape your character. Serve Him with all your might and let your heart be perfect toward Him!
By Jc Nathanael
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“...I will walk within my house with a perfect heart”
(Psalm 101:2, NKJ)
TODAY’S WORD from Jc nathanael
This time of year, people often take time to reflect and set goals for the New Year. But have you ever set “perfection” as a goal on your list?
Now, that may seem a little strange or unobtainable to many, but really, in God’s eyes perfection isn’t about performance. In fact, it isn’t about behavior at all. What God is looking for is a heart that is perfect toward Him. Scripture says that man looks on the outside, but God looks at the heart. That means that He is more pleased with someone who has a heart toward Him who may mess up than He is with someone doing all the right things for all the wrong reasons.
The condition of your heart is extremely important to God. When you have a right heart, you are humble before Him. You seek His ways. You get up each day with a desire to please Him. You submit every area of your life to Him, and you are willing to make adjustments and receive correction so you can grow and come up higher.
As you prepare for the coming year, make knowing Him your number one priority. Yield yourself to Him and let Him shape your character. Serve Him with all your might and let your heart be perfect toward Him!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Why We Know Santa Clause Is A False god!
A poem I would like to share, written by a friend.
Who has hair as white as snow and says "Ho Ho"?
Who is everywhere, in every store and mall,
Wearing his red suit and welcomes all?
Who is a carpenter that works with wood
And brings joy for boys and girls that are good?
Who knows when we are asleep and awake, oh for goodness sake?
Who in the clouds he rides with a blaze or spark in his eyes?
Who in a chimney or furnace doesn't burn,
And we stand in line to wait our turn?
Who checks a book or list of people good and bad,
if good we're not, oh how sad!
The poem is about Santa Clause, it is interesting to note that every trait mentioned here has a scripture verse from the Bible that describes God. Is it no wonder that some of us believe that Santa is a false god devised by Satan to deceive? I have been saying for years now that Santa was a false god and these points prove it. The little children of our country look to him every year for their gifts, not to Christ, and the parents of our land promote this just to see the happy faces of the children.
Lisha, in her studies came up with these verses that are proof of what we say about this false god that so many people think is just an innocent attempt at fun.
Revelation 1:14 and Daniel 7:9, speaking of the true God, says, "His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow.
Zechariah 2:6 (KJV) says of the One true God, "Ho Ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, Saith the Lord."
Proverbs 15:3 Speaking of the True God, "The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good."
Revelation 9:13 Speaking of the True God, "He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood."
Isaiah 63:2, Speaking of the True God, "Why are your garments red, like those of one treading the winepress?"
Matthew 11:28 Speaking of the True God, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Mark 6:3 "Isn't this the carpenter? (Speaking about our Lord Jesus Christ.)
Psalm 126:3 "The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy."
Psalm 126:3 "The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy."
Psalm 139:7-8 Speaking of the True God, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there."
Deut. 33:26 Speaking of the True God says, "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun who rides on the heavens to help you on the clouds in His majesty."
Rev. 19:12 Speaking of the True God says, "His eyes are like blazing fire...."
Rev. 1:15 Speaking of the True God says, "His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace..."
Rev. 20:12 Speaking of the True God says, "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened."
Revelation 20:15 Speaking of the True God says, "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he is thrown into the lake of fire.
Satan says in Isaiah 14:14 "I will be like the Most High" in his heart and he tries to tear us and Christ apart.
This message should be whole heartedly recieved to keep ourselves from being deceived. With another we have been sharing His story, but from now on it is my Lord Jesus who gets all the glory.
Written by Lisha McDonald
Monday, December 19, 2011
Chrislam: The Next Wave
The new wave coming at us with great force is one more piece of the puzzle and one more entry that completes the puzzle. This entity is called “Chrislam.” This may be one of the most frightening marriages since Billy Graham proclaimed Mother Theresa a godly woman. Mother Theresa worked hard all her life attempting to teach to the Indian people that we needed to work our way to heaven and that adding Christ to your existing religion will make you a better Hindu or whatever religion you wish to retain.
Jesus Christ made it clear in His Word that “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
There have been many clerics in the past, who have been promoting the idea of melding all religions into one, but they were hidden and worked covertly. The concept would have not been accepted in mainstream American churches as a widely taught concept, until now.
Now our culture and the world are ready, and very few believers (compared to the Christian population) raise an objection to this unholy alliance between Islam and Christianity. When we fuse these two entities together Christianity ceases to be Christianity, if fact those that promote it could not be saved or the Holy Spirit would warn them. The inklings from the Holy Spirit would be so strong there would be no need to even consider the question, there would be an automatic rejection of the idea.
Islam denies the deity of Christ, not to mention that the entire premise of the Islamic faith is based on a false moon god who has no son. If one were to read the Qur’an they would realize that it is a religion of war, torture and murder, while Christianity is based on self sacrifice, peace and love. Those who know the Qur’an and have come out of it will tell you that there is no concept of love in Islam.
The very foundations of Christianity are based on the premise that we are “desperately wicked” and are in need of a Savior. The Bible tells us that when we come to Christ desiring to be saved, He shows us that His love was so great that He gave up His life for us, in payment for the terrible debt that we owed. We have offended a Holy God and must repent, after which He saves us, cleanses and keeps us until He comes for us.
Jesus Christ made it clear in His Word that “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
There have been many clerics in the past, who have been promoting the idea of melding all religions into one, but they were hidden and worked covertly. The concept would have not been accepted in mainstream American churches as a widely taught concept, until now.
Now our culture and the world are ready, and very few believers (compared to the Christian population) raise an objection to this unholy alliance between Islam and Christianity. When we fuse these two entities together Christianity ceases to be Christianity, if fact those that promote it could not be saved or the Holy Spirit would warn them. The inklings from the Holy Spirit would be so strong there would be no need to even consider the question, there would be an automatic rejection of the idea.
Islam denies the deity of Christ, not to mention that the entire premise of the Islamic faith is based on a false moon god who has no son. If one were to read the Qur’an they would realize that it is a religion of war, torture and murder, while Christianity is based on self sacrifice, peace and love. Those who know the Qur’an and have come out of it will tell you that there is no concept of love in Islam.
The very foundations of Christianity are based on the premise that we are “desperately wicked” and are in need of a Savior. The Bible tells us that when we come to Christ desiring to be saved, He shows us that His love was so great that He gave up His life for us, in payment for the terrible debt that we owed. We have offended a Holy God and must repent, after which He saves us, cleanses and keeps us until He comes for us.
Islam will tell you that all those who will not choose Allah, should be killed. Interesting, Our God died for us and the God of Islam kills those who will not follow him and commands others to kill all the infidels. The opposite of Christianity is displayed in Islam.
Christ sacrificed His own life for us to demonstrate how much He loves us. Christ desires that all would be saved and gives everyone of us a choice to follow Him.
Allah kills those who will not follow him. The tenets of Islam teach the torturing of women and has wickedly devalues them. Christ taught men to love their wives and care for them as “the weaker vessel.” The term weaker vessel in the original language denotes a highly cherished and delicate pottery to be carefully cared for.
Allah teaches that there is no forgiveness for sins against one another and teaches to exact revenge . Christ teaches us to forgive those who have offended us and to bless those who curse us and spitefully use us.
As we can see from the comparisons, Islam is the opposite of Christianity and can in no way enhance the Christian walk, nor can Christianity remain Christian when it fuses with Islam.
I have to believe that a true believer would never entertain the idea of consolidating the pagan religions of the world with Christianity. This is the apostate church spoken of in the Bible. It is more than just moving away from the principles of the Word of God; it is a wicked attempt on the part of Satan to blur the lines between true Christianity and the pagan religions, confusing those who are already lost.
When we compare the attitudes of the Islamic faith with the attitudes of the Christian faith we will see that they are completely opposite and this makes sense, because Islam is a satanic religion, its author is the father of lies himself.
The greatest foundation of our Christian faith are that Christ, the Son of God came to die to pay the debt for sin that we owed, and that we can not work our way to heaven. Islam completely rejects this notion, when it says that Allah has no son and we get to heaven if our good works outweigh our bad works. The god of Islam says that a follower can get into heaven with 49% evil on his soul and Christ says that the Holy God of the Bible will not tolerate any sin in His presence. That is why Christ was the sacrificial lamb, it had to be a perfect sacrifice to pay the debt of sin and Christ the Son of God was that substitute for us. This is an incredible contrast that can not be ignored.
Islam and Christianity are polar opposites that can never meet. Those who follow Islam are headed for hell and those who follow the risen Christ are on their way to heaven, it is just that simple.
WARNING! Islam can never meld with Christianity! It is a religion orchestrated by Satan and he and all his minions will end up in the lake of fire along with those who will not trust Christ and Him alone.
Christ sacrificed His own life for us to demonstrate how much He loves us. Christ desires that all would be saved and gives everyone of us a choice to follow Him.
Allah kills those who will not follow him. The tenets of Islam teach the torturing of women and has wickedly devalues them. Christ taught men to love their wives and care for them as “the weaker vessel.” The term weaker vessel in the original language denotes a highly cherished and delicate pottery to be carefully cared for.
Allah teaches that there is no forgiveness for sins against one another and teaches to exact revenge . Christ teaches us to forgive those who have offended us and to bless those who curse us and spitefully use us.
As we can see from the comparisons, Islam is the opposite of Christianity and can in no way enhance the Christian walk, nor can Christianity remain Christian when it fuses with Islam.
I have to believe that a true believer would never entertain the idea of consolidating the pagan religions of the world with Christianity. This is the apostate church spoken of in the Bible. It is more than just moving away from the principles of the Word of God; it is a wicked attempt on the part of Satan to blur the lines between true Christianity and the pagan religions, confusing those who are already lost.
When we compare the attitudes of the Islamic faith with the attitudes of the Christian faith we will see that they are completely opposite and this makes sense, because Islam is a satanic religion, its author is the father of lies himself.
The greatest foundation of our Christian faith are that Christ, the Son of God came to die to pay the debt for sin that we owed, and that we can not work our way to heaven. Islam completely rejects this notion, when it says that Allah has no son and we get to heaven if our good works outweigh our bad works. The god of Islam says that a follower can get into heaven with 49% evil on his soul and Christ says that the Holy God of the Bible will not tolerate any sin in His presence. That is why Christ was the sacrificial lamb, it had to be a perfect sacrifice to pay the debt of sin and Christ the Son of God was that substitute for us. This is an incredible contrast that can not be ignored.
Islam and Christianity are polar opposites that can never meet. Those who follow Islam are headed for hell and those who follow the risen Christ are on their way to heaven, it is just that simple.
WARNING! Islam can never meld with Christianity! It is a religion orchestrated by Satan and he and all his minions will end up in the lake of fire along with those who will not trust Christ and Him alone.
God's Forgiveness Man's Responsibility
It is amazing how the Lord connects our relationship with Him with our relationship with man. Everything God has shown us in the Word about His character is a picture of how we are to act toward our fellow man.
When the Lord commanded us to come to Him for forgiveness and confession of sin, it was for the purpose of reconciliation. His death on the cross was His offering to us, to come and receive freely His forgiveness and salvation from sin and hell.
“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
God never says that He forgives if we are not repentant, or if we do not come.
Acts 3:19 “Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”
We must make the effort to come, and so is it true that we must go to our friends to be reconciled to them, just as we needed to with Christ. When we pass over this step of repentance with friends, we leave out a very important step in our own growth and we can not be reconciled to our friend fully.
So often we think that all we have to do is a good deed or two to make up for our sin against a brother, hoping that time will dissipate the wrong and the good deeds will outweigh the bad ones causing reconciliation. The problem with this understanding is that God requires us to confess our sins to Him and one to another. God does not like our gifts when we are attempting to buy His forgiveness.
James 5:16 “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
It is interesting to me that right after the statement, “confess your trespasses one to another” is the statement “the effective prayer of a righteous man avails much.” I believe these statements are together because our prayers are hindered when we refuse to go and confess to someone our sin against them, hoping the effect of our sin will dissipate like a fog as the warmth of the sun falls upon it. The problem with this theory is that it is not what God said for us to do. The sun of our good deeds on the fog of our sin, will not dissipate a harm or emotional hurt that we do to another believer. The offended may chose to obey God in the verse that says “bless those who curse you.” But there is always a mistrust in the heart of the offended because there has been no confession of wrong doing. The Offended is left with the conclusion that the offender must have thought it was alright to do what they did.
The Lord made provision for reconciliation with Him through our confession and acceptance of His free gift on the cross. It is also true of the believer who has offended someone. The provision of forgiveness is there in the heart of the offended, but the offender must confess to receive it.
Unfortunately our culture thinks that there is no confession required as the pagans think, that as long as enough good deeds are done to the offended it will wipe away all sin against them. This thinking comes from all the pagan religions of the world that say we must do more good works than bad works to earn heaven. Even in relationships we think of God the way we think of our personal relationships, that if we do enough good to them, it will wipe out all the offenses. God did not operate this way.
It is my belief that God wanted us to come and confess our sin and receive His free gift, the same way He desires us to go to the offended party and receive their free gift. But if we do not go to God to confess, and we do not go to the offended to confess, then we are still prideful and think that if we just do good works to obtain forgiveness to our God and to our friends, then we are living a Christianity of works, not only in our Christianity but also in our personal relationships. God is not concerned about many good works, He is concerned with the heart. Only those who confess can be reconciled to Him and the same is true in human relationships. God desires that we be reconciled and so does the brother who was harmed. The one, who does not confess, is the one who does not care more deeply about the relationship than they do their own pride.
If I have been wronged in some way, I will be suspect of the person who comes with gifts. Perhaps the gifts are to relieve their own conscience and really has nothing to do with the harm they have done to me. The relationship can be cordial but it is never close until the offending party is broken enough to place himself in a position of humility and coming in sorrow that He not only offended a Holy God, but that He harmed the one he claims to love.
Love and humility can not be separated. If we love God, we can not knowingly ignore the fact that we have harmed another human being. With this kind of humility there is no thought of “my rights.” The humble brother cares more that he may have harmed someone than he does about his own justifications for his sin.
If we are to follow Christ’s example and obey His Word, we will set aside any pride that may be keeping us from admitting our sin, or even just going to find out what our sin may have been if we think we have not sinned. If someone is offended, we must go to that person, not with the attitude of winning them to your side, but in humility desiring to find out where we failed.
Matthew 5:23-24 God does not say wait until your brother tells you, He says “IF you remember that your brother has something against you” then we are to go before our brother has a chance to tell you. If we do not know whether we have harmed someone and they clearly tell us, we do not look for ways to justify ourselves, we place ourselves in our friends shoes to attempt to understand why he was offended, this is love.
God’s way is best! It is never effective to bring gifts to the altar of God and expect that He will be pleased with us when we show no sorrow over our sin. The same is true of human relationships. It does no good to bring a gift to a hurting friend, when we caused the hurt, and never clearly state our sin against them. The gift becomes suspect, and the relationship can only remain superficial because there is the belief in the offended party that the offender was not sorry they harmed us, only sorry there is a strain on the relationship.
Satan loves when we can not talk things through and clear things up. He loves it when relationships remain superficial. We have a problem in our culture of treating human beings the way we treat God. If we can not openly speak with friends about our sin, we are probably hiding from God too.
God does not want our sacrifices, He wants our heart.
Man does not want our gifts, he wants our love.
Gifts only count when there has been love displayed previously.
Gifts given from a loving heart are two gifts given.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Sports Worshipers and their gods!
Today I have become appalled at the banterings of the loyal fans of Mr.Tebow the football player. I have been told that he kneels down to pray whenever he makes a goal on the playing field. I have several questions about this action that Mr. Tebow feels a need to express. My first question is; why doesn’t he also kneel when he looses a goal, since we are to give thanks in all matters of our life, even when we do not win.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
My next question is what would this young man be thanking God for, winning, the huge salary that he will get for being good at his sport or perhaps he is thanking the Lord for all the fans that got saved during his goal? Or could it be that some human lives were saved because he got his goal for the team?
Thirdly, why doesn’t Mr. Tebow do his kneeling in a quiet corner of the locker room or the privacy of his home?
Matthew 6:5 says “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the street, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”
Why do we not get excited about the little old man or woman who have spent the last 60 years on their knees in church every week. We never hear about them on face book, those who have been quietly in their pews seeking the face of God without fanfare. Perhaps we don’t hear about them because they are not famous or ball players.
Since sports have been a terrible distraction among believers, I have a hard time thinking that Mr. Tebows goal is of any value at all. As believers our focus should not be on games and playing but on the work of the Lord. I do not say that we should never play a game in a family setting, but to play for money is tantamount to the theater. It is for the purpose of entertaining people. Go see your sports and plays, but don’t claim that it has value before the Lord in evangelism unless it brings a clear message of a gospel of repentance. Then see how popular our ball player would be, even among his Christian fans.
Mr. Tebow, in my opinion is not being persecuted for his faith in the media. He is not being stopped from his kneeling, his salary is not being taken away, and his family is not being incarcerated. I would not call negative comments from the media “persecution.”
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 says "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness! And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said, 'I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.' therefore Come out from among them and be separate says the Lord. do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty."
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
My next question is what would this young man be thanking God for, winning, the huge salary that he will get for being good at his sport or perhaps he is thanking the Lord for all the fans that got saved during his goal? Or could it be that some human lives were saved because he got his goal for the team?
Thirdly, why doesn’t Mr. Tebow do his kneeling in a quiet corner of the locker room or the privacy of his home?
Matthew 6:5 says “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the street, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”
Why do we not get excited about the little old man or woman who have spent the last 60 years on their knees in church every week. We never hear about them on face book, those who have been quietly in their pews seeking the face of God without fanfare. Perhaps we don’t hear about them because they are not famous or ball players.
Since sports have been a terrible distraction among believers, I have a hard time thinking that Mr. Tebows goal is of any value at all. As believers our focus should not be on games and playing but on the work of the Lord. I do not say that we should never play a game in a family setting, but to play for money is tantamount to the theater. It is for the purpose of entertaining people. Go see your sports and plays, but don’t claim that it has value before the Lord in evangelism unless it brings a clear message of a gospel of repentance. Then see how popular our ball player would be, even among his Christian fans.
Mr. Tebow, in my opinion is not being persecuted for his faith in the media. He is not being stopped from his kneeling, his salary is not being taken away, and his family is not being incarcerated. I would not call negative comments from the media “persecution.”
This term “persecution” assigned to Mr. Tebow is a slap in the face of all the people around the world who are being tortured, jailed and their homes being burned and families murdered for their faith.
This young man may have a very good heart, but his actions lack maturity. I could support him fully if he were giving a clear gospel message during half time, or upon entry into the stadium. I have a hard time with believers who choose for their profession something that does not produce a viable product or service other than entertainment.
We have become a sports crazed society of narcissists. When believers will go to a stadium and shout and carry on over winning a goal, but spend little or no time in God’s house of prayer, this is a clue that our Christianity is seriously skewed.
I have been to church gatherings many times when the attendees will speak endlessly about the ball games and become embarrassed at someone wanting to discuss the Bible or things of the Lord, in His own house! These are all clues of a sin sick apostate church. When our people are fighting mad at the suggestion that we should stop our sports mania, but raise no objection when Christ’s name is being maligned.
I wonder too, how many fans of Mr. Tebow would be this excited about his display of religiosity if he were loosing, or if he refused to play a game on Sunday? I suspect that this whole matter has to do with his winning streak and popularity more than his supposed spirituality.
I am not the least bit impressed by a ball player who prays in public in front of thousands of fans, in violation of the Word of God. I am so very sorry that so many believers have been sucked into this mania and will use any excuse to continue in it.
We can see that this sports craze has infected the believing church by the rumors we hear of churches having “super bowl” parties right in the house of God. Has anyone seen the half time entertainment, it is an abomination. I have only seen one and heard from others who have seen them, something is wrong when Christians can watch and enjoy foot ball half time.
Shame on those believers who are undiscerning and defensive of this travesty, the sports world. Pray to repent from all of it. If we did away with all sports we would lose nothing, but perhaps we would gain more time with God and more time with our families.
This young man may have a very good heart, but his actions lack maturity. I could support him fully if he were giving a clear gospel message during half time, or upon entry into the stadium. I have a hard time with believers who choose for their profession something that does not produce a viable product or service other than entertainment.
We have become a sports crazed society of narcissists. When believers will go to a stadium and shout and carry on over winning a goal, but spend little or no time in God’s house of prayer, this is a clue that our Christianity is seriously skewed.
I have been to church gatherings many times when the attendees will speak endlessly about the ball games and become embarrassed at someone wanting to discuss the Bible or things of the Lord, in His own house! These are all clues of a sin sick apostate church. When our people are fighting mad at the suggestion that we should stop our sports mania, but raise no objection when Christ’s name is being maligned.
I wonder too, how many fans of Mr. Tebow would be this excited about his display of religiosity if he were loosing, or if he refused to play a game on Sunday? I suspect that this whole matter has to do with his winning streak and popularity more than his supposed spirituality.
I am not the least bit impressed by a ball player who prays in public in front of thousands of fans, in violation of the Word of God. I am so very sorry that so many believers have been sucked into this mania and will use any excuse to continue in it.
We can see that this sports craze has infected the believing church by the rumors we hear of churches having “super bowl” parties right in the house of God. Has anyone seen the half time entertainment, it is an abomination. I have only seen one and heard from others who have seen them, something is wrong when Christians can watch and enjoy foot ball half time.
Shame on those believers who are undiscerning and defensive of this travesty, the sports world. Pray to repent from all of it. If we did away with all sports we would lose nothing, but perhaps we would gain more time with God and more time with our families.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 says "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness! And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said, 'I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.' therefore Come out from among them and be separate says the Lord. do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty."
Friday, December 2, 2011
Part 5 Day 3B Our Trip To Israel
One of our excursions on this day was to the town of Nazareth Israel
In Nazareth
A young woman came out while we were eating to explain the religion of the Druze to us. The Druze religion was probably the most ridiculous religion that I have heard of. It goes like this; the original Druze left the Islamic religion for the sake of equality between the sexes. Their rules were basically that each person had a choice to be a “secular” Druze or a “religious” Druze. The secular Druze could live as they pleased, no matter how outrageous and every one in the sect accepted them and their choice. The religious Druze placed on themselves religious morals and clothing that restricted their behavior and living style. These religious Druze were accepted by the sect also. So let’s recap….Immoral secular Druze were allowed to be that way without challenge and that was alright and the religious Druze were allowed to be strict in their way of life without challenge and that was accepted by the secular Druze. Is this beginning to sound like the American culture?
The Druze practiced the old way of marriage, in that when a man got married, he did not leave his father’s home, he simply built on top of it another level and brought his wife there to start a family. Some of the Druze homes were eight stories high, this sect tended to have large families and could have as many as 50 people in one household. That is why the rooms were so large where we dined for lunch. These rooms were the gathering place for much of the family activity. My first question about this living arrangement was, “how do all these people get alone well enough to live with each other?” The answer became clear when we learned that there were no challenges to lifestyle since everyone “did what was right in their own eyes.” I guess that it would be easy to dwell together when no one cared about moral choices. Although my guess is that there is more conflict than the Druze would like to admit. After all when there are no morals or restrictions on behavior, there must be sin abounding, when sin abounds there are very hateful attitudes. Attitudes must be unrestrained if there are no expectations of conduct. If there are no moral standards then what prevents one Druze from stealing from another one, whether it be clothing or a spouse. There is a standard in terms of the pecking order in the family. The father and mother are highly respected and cared for in the family.
I recall a scripture that says; “Can anything good come out of Nazareth
Another place we visited on this day was the Nazareth Village
As we were walking the paths to see the actors in their roles we came to a corral that held several goats and one sheep. Outside the corral was a young man dressed as a shepherd. Another lady and I approached the corral to reach inside and pet the goats, but before we got to them they began to walk away. The Shepherd saw that we wanted to pet them so he said a couple of words in Hebrew and the goats immediately returned to the front of the corral. There was no hesitation at all and they moved quickly. I was deeply impacted by this, because it reminded me of the verse “My sheep hear My voice and they follow Me.” Then we watched the shepherd open the gate and walk away from us to take the goats to another place. Those goats stayed so close to him that they were practically stepping on his feet and they were jumping up on him. This was a picture of how our walk with Christ should look. Do we enthusiastically run after Him the way these goats desired to be with their shepherd? Later in the trip we saw another shepherd herding his sheep along the dry desert. I asked our guide Muriam where on earth was he going; there was no food or water in sight that we could see? She told me that the shepherd knows the places to go to get food and water and the goats know this, so they stay very close to him.
Another lesson for us from life was in this real life picture of a principle of our walk with Christ. Do we trust Him to know where we should go even if we cannot see with our eyes His purpose? Those goats trusted their master more than we trust our Lord.
Toward the end of the day we visited the Ethiopian In Take Center where Ethiopian refugees are housed and trained before being allowed to become citizens of Israel Israel
Our next and last stop was a very nice restaurant on the Sea of Galilee in Tiberius. The food was amazing. We sat in a candle lit room waiting for our food when a boat with fireworks, sailing up next to our tables that were situated on the dock next to the Sea. The music coming from the boat was our national anthem. As the music played and the fireworks flashed a group of Israeli children came and sang "God Bless America to us. It brought tears to some of our eyes that we were treated with such honor and that these people wanted to bless us and our country. It was delightful. The Restaurant had a roof but was completely opened to the Sea and the kitchen was in the middle where the food was prepared.
This was also the day that Gilad Shalete was released from captivity. He was a young man who was captured and held for ransom by the Palestinians some four years ago. We were in the Jesus Boat Museum Israel
Gwendolyn petting the Goats
The Shepherd and his goats and one sheep
A woman spinning her thread to make cloth. This is why cloth was so expensive in the days of Christ, imagine how long it would take person to make enough thread to make a garment.
At the Ethiopian Intake Center, these girls were sweetie pies.
The Druze house where we had lunch and learned about this sect who broke off from Islam
The Druze House
The Stairs Entrance to the Druze house
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