Day 169

Yahweh

Being Refined For The Refiner

"Look, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. I will act for My own sake, indeed, My own, for how can I be defiled? I will not give My glory to another."
Isaiah 48:10-11 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Most think that the "refiners fire" is for the benefit of the one being "refined." Nothing could be further from the truth.

Those being "refined" in the Refiner's Fire are being "refined" for the benefit of the Refiner... Himself... first and foremost... period.

As the text says... Yahweh does the refining of Man... for His own sake.

Of all the things you may have endured and thought of them as God refining you... please know that Yahweh is doing so for His own benefit.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

A man stopped to chat with a farmer who was erecting a new building. He asked, “What are you putting up?” The farmer replied, “Well, if I can rent it, it’s a rustic cottage. If I can’t, it’s a cow shed."

Life is not always fun or fair, but we must be willing to let God show us the benefit in the struggles that come our way. Remember the words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11-13:

“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

We must learn to trust God and to keep our options open for Him to bless us.

"God, thank You for being with us in the bad times as well as the good ones.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God, You are awesome!

Day 168

Yahweh

Deferred Wrath For The Name

"I will delay My anger for the honor of My name, and I will restrain Myself for your benefit and [for] My praise, so that you will not be destroyed."
Isaiah 48:9 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Yahweh will defer His anger for His own sake and for His own purpose.

Delusional Man believes it is for Man's sake that Yahweh restrains His Holy repulsion of Man's sin...never realizing how thin and shattering is the ice beneath Man's feet...and that this frail and failing foundation is all that holds Man above the abyss of wrath.

God...have mercy!

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Monday, November 29th, 2010. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"How happy is the forward look of faith! It meets all doubt with confidence in the living Christ. It looks beyond all present disappointment to the completion of His work. It counts itself His fellow-workman in all efforts toward the bettering of the world. Truly faith in God is the victory that over comes the world.

The writer of 1 John 5:4 tells us this, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 

"God, thank You for strengthening our faith as we walk with You. 
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God You are awesome!

Day 167

Yahweh

Knows Us Well

"You have never heard; you have never known; For a long time your ears have not been open. For I knew that you were very treacherous, and were known as a rebel from birth."
Isaiah 48:8 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

What this verse means in the Hebrew text is that Yahweh literally knows us... even before we are born... while in the womb.

Where the text refers to the time, "Your ears have not been open" literally means before the ears are opened in the womb of the mother. This was the significance of the Feast of Trumpets on the first day of the seventh month... for it is on that day the ears of the developing child are opened in the womb. Yahweh says that even before your ears are opened in the womb... I knew you.

Our translations should also end the verse by stating that the one in question was known as a rebel "from before birth." No one else knows us like this.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

The Chaplain's Corner




Guest blogger, Chaplain Paul, is one of the most effective chaplains in America today. He is an emergency responder to every situation.

Hey, this is the Chaplain again.

I've been thinking about prayer; Jesus had a lot to say about it.

"Pray continually"
"Ask and you shall receive"
"Watch & pray so you don't fall into temptation"

those are just a few of the admonitions about prayer that we find in scripture.

Revelation 5:8 tells us that the Lord saves our prayers - like we might save a recorded message from a loved one. Sometimes, when I have to be out of town for a while, I call home and say to my wife, "I just wanted to hear your voice." I think that's one of the reasons the Lord told us to pray - He likes to hear our voice.

He doesn't need us to pray so that He'll know our needs. He knows everything, including our needs - even before we ask. He doesn't need us to tell Him what's on our minds - He knows everything. He doesn't need us to tell Him anything, but He wants us to tell Him everything. He likes to hear our voice.

Is that cool or what? God likes to hear our voice. That makes me feel kind of special. In Psalm 91:15 the Lord said, "When you call to
me, I will answer you." When was the last time He heard your voice call His name?

He's still waiting on your call.

Sunday, November 28th, 2010. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"We do not understand:

Joy . . . until we face sorrow

Faith . . . until it is tested Peace . . . until faced with conflict

Trust . . . until we are betrayed Love . . . until it is lost

Hope . . . until confronted with doubts."

(Unknown)

How boring life would be if every pass was a touchdown, if every field goal was good, if life had no challenges. The challenges, opportunities, and trials we have are made sweeter by a walk with God who is always with us. Remember these words of Jesus in Matthews 28:20:

“Lo I am with you always."

"God, thank You for a daily presence initiated by You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God You are awesome!

Nov 28 -The Hope of Glory

Guest blogger, Stan Nussbaum, takes us on a journey through the messianic year calendar.



Welcome to the journey of our Messiah through the year with Dr. Nussbaum.

"For this is the secret: Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory."
Colossians. 1:27 (NLT)

Have you ever looked in the mirror in the morning and thought, “It’s me again”? Same old me. Same name. Same place. Same look. Same limitations. Same baggage. The only thing that isn’t the same is that the wrinkles are getting deeper.

If so, check the calendar. We are in the Season of Glory, and that has wonderful implications for the mirror at 7AM. Contemplating the Messiah’s glory is better than a shot of “Five-Hour Energy.” It touches the parts that Five-Hour Energy just can’t reach.

We have the hope of sharing the Messiah’s glory, and people who have hope look different than hopeless people. They live differently. They act differently. They initiate things. They stick with things. They take a long-term view of life, and they are not wrapped up in themselves or preoccupied with their aches, pains, or wrinkles. They are the best advertisements of the Messiah’s arrival.

As the Messiah’s people we resemble optimists but we are much more than mere positive thinkers, always “hoping for the best.” That is why the NLT (New Living Translation) of Col. 1:27 speaks of “assurance” instead of “hope,” as the older translations put it. The meaning of “hope” has eroded over the years. “I hope so” is now much too weak a statement to apply to us as we anticipate the glorious return of the Messiah. We hope the Messiah will come back? We hope we will share in his glory? Way too lame a way of saying it. We know he is coming back. We are dead certain of it.

How does current English speak of future things that are sure bets instead of mere “hopes”? We would say they are “guaranteed to happen.” This, of course, raises questions about who is guaranteeing the thing, whether they are able to get it to happen, and whether we missed anything in the fine print of the guarantee.

And here we arrive at one of the most amazing aspects of this totally amazing season—there is no fine print in the Messiah’s guarantee! The long-kept secret “is now as clear as daylight to those who love God.” He gives them “a vision of the full wonder and splendor of his secret plan. . . And the secret is simply this: Christ in you! Yes, Christ in you bringing with him the hope of all the glorious things to come.” (Col. 1:26-27, Phillips Trans., his italics)

Three words, “Christ in you.” Three words change wishful thinking to bedrock assurance. The Messiah is already in us. We talk of people who have “one foot in the grave.” The Messiah already has “one foot in our lives.” He is present with us through the Holy Spirit, who makes us look like him. And the other foot is coming soon! When he arrives in person, jumps into our lives with both feet, “We will be like him for we will see him as he is.” (1 Jn. 3:2) We will be like him completely because we will see him in all his glory.

So let’s look in the mirror again. Lo and behold, the body is aging but the person is aging in reverse! Our gnarly, sin-damaged, decrepit souls have found the Fountain of Youth, and they are getting younger and healthier by the day. And so the aging body somehow radiates an inner glory, a sign of the times that defies the signs of the body. The Messiah lives here! The messianic age has dawned within. (Luke 17:21)

Welcome: Jesus, Messiah, thank you for coming to the door of my life and putting one foot in. Come on in, all the way in. It will be wonderful to have you here.

Affirmation: I will share in the Messiah’s glory. It’s a hope and it’s a lock.

Saturday, November 27th, 2010. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Most people object to the speed of light—it arrives too early in the morning.” (Unknown)

Each day is a gift from God. If we truly understand that each day is a precious gift to us from The Creator, we would arise each day with greater anticipation than the day before. As we awaken, our tongues would give praise daily for this blessed gift, and oh, the thanks we would give as we lay our head down each night. The writer in Psalms 140:13 challenges us with these words:

“Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.”

Let us live daily in His presence.

"God, thank You for each day of Your presence.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God You are awesome!

Day 166

Yahweh

Using Sarcasm

"Listen to this, house of Jacob- those who are called by the name Israel and have descended from Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD and declare the God of Israel, [but] not in truth or righteousness. For they are named after the Holy City, and lean on the God of Israel; His name is Yahweh of Hosts."
Isaiah 48:1-2 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Sarcasm is one method that Yahweh will use to attempt to make a point to dull minds. If one doesn't realize that the inspired text will include points made with strong sarcasm then the point of the biblical text will be totally missed... and often the opposite of the true meaning will be seen.

This in Isaiah 48 is one such case. Read the text with an inflection of dripping sarcasm on the part of Yahweh as He derides the Hebrews for their pomp and noble attitudes based on nothing more than their assumed privileged birthright. Hear his disdain for their self-serving arrogance. Then... consider that they would have the audacity to use The Name in their self-service.

This is taking God's Name in vain.... and Yahweh will not tolerate such... not then... not now.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Following the Pied Piper

The fantasy world of entitlements, wealth redistribution, and benevolent government bureaucracy... is going to sink us... according to the chair of the FDIC... and the Bible.

"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender."
Proverbs 22:7 (HCSB)

Once again the Word of God is being proven true... even in the case of economics.

CNBC

Next Debt Crisis May Start in Washington: Bair

The US needs to take urgent action to cut its debt in order to prevent the next financial crisis, which may start in Washington, Sheila Bair, chair of the Federal Deposits Insurance Corp. (FDIC) wrote in an editorial in the Washington Post.

The federal debt has doubled over the past seven years, to almost $14 trillion, and the growth is a result of both the financial crisis and the government's "unwillingness over many years to make the hard choices necessary to rein in our long-term structural deficit," Bair wrote.....

Now... just for fun... notice what CNBC elected to leave out of their quote from Chairman Bair's editorial in the Washington Post....

"Total federal debt has doubled in the past seven years, to almost $14 trillion. That's more than $100,000 for every American household. This explosive growth in federal borrowing is a result of not just the financial crisis but also government unwillingness over many years to make the hard choices necessary to rein in our long-term structural deficit."

Did you catch the staggering reality of the current $100,000 debt that EVER American household NOW is in DEBT because of government... folly? And political progressives want to give government even more control of business and the economy?

Go check your checkbook and see where your $100,000 dollars is to pay back our government debt. Most Americans in reality are now officially economic slaves to our nation's debt... at the hands of our government.

The Pied Piper has been very effective in America... and the world... and the hammer is preparing to fall.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Friday, November 26th, 2010. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“If, instead of a gem or even a flower, we could cast the gift of a lovely thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as angels give.”
(George Macdonald, 1824–1905)

Whether it is a memory or an encouragement that actually moves us, the value of a special word spoken to us is priceless. How many times have we heard stories about someone whose simple word to a friend, or even stranger, moved that person to keep on keeping on. The writer of Hebrews 3:13 gives us this advice:

“Encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.”

"God, thank You for Your Word that encourages us daily.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God You are awesome!

My Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Yahweh!

On behalf of Your Name, Yahweh, I cry.

Rise up in defense of Your Name in this world! Bring those blood bought to the foot of the Throne... in wonder at the Glory of Your Name. Fill our minds with the truth of Your Name and the Majesty of Your Presence.

Expose the centuries of distortions, lies, and obfuscations of Your Name. Wake Your slumbering bride from her stupor to the banquet of Your Presence in Your Name.

Fill Your bride with a zeal of fire for discovery... to discover what has been lost for centuries... yet to embrace the opportunity of... now... with thanksgiving.

YahShua, Your Word was that The Spirit would teach and reveal all things. Honor Your Word by sending the Fresh Oil of spiritual truth... uphold the veracity of Your Word... by revealing Your Presence and Grace... through the unveiling of Your Name.

May, "Yahweh," resound and reverberate through the hearts and lips of Your people like thunders and quakes of joy. May the honor of Your Name be shouted from the roof tops... and lived in the lives of Your loved ones.

May Your Will be done here on earth... as in Heaven... Hallow Your Name.

This... my burden of thanksgiving.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Day 165

Yahweh

Yahweh of Hosts

"Listen to this, house of Jacob- those who are called by the name Israel and have descended from Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD and declare the God of Israel, [but] not in truth or righteousness. For they are named after the Holy City, and lean on the God of Israel; His name is Yahweh of Hosts."
Isaiah 48:1-2 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

"Yahweh of Hosts" speaks to headship of Yahweh over all natural as well as spiritual powers... in the physical and spiritual universes... in all of creation. This is of course only natural as Yahweh is the Creator of all there is... and as creator He reserves the right of dominion over creation.

Man.... in his arrogance attempts/assumes that the powers and attributes contained in the invoking of the Name "Yahweh of Hosts" are Man's to control/use... in other words... Man would put himself in the position of being lord over Yahweh and His Name.... using the powers of "Yahweh of Hosts" for Man's own personal pleasure/benefit/protection.

This is taking God's Name in vain.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Thursday, November 25th, 2010. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"A king who wished to express his affection for a private soldier of his army gave him a richly jeweled cup, his own cup. The soldier, stepping forth to receive the gift, exclaimed shamefacedly, 'This is too great a gift for me to receive.' 'It is not too great for me to give,' the king replied. God is a great giver." (Unknown)

God has given us the gift of His son, a gift some have trouble receiving because it is too great a gift for us to comprehend why He would give us something so valuable. One reason we have trouble wrapping our brain around this is that we never see such love demonstrated on earth today. The apostle John wrote this about the love of God in John 3:26:

“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

It is not for us to understand, but it is ours to give thanks to God for His gift. Let us be great in giving thanks.

"God, thank You for loving us and giving Your son Jesus as the ultimate gift.
Amen."

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Bro. Bill

God You are awesome!

Here is the full text of our nation's first Thanksgiving Proclamation by President Washington in 1789.

President Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation

General Thanksgiving
By the PRESIDENT of the United States Of America
A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houfes of Congress have, by their joint committee, requefted me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to eftablifh a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and affign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of thefe States to the fervice of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our fincere and humble thanksfor His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the fignal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpofitions of His providence in the courfe and conclufion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have fince enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to eftablish Conftitutions of government for our fafety and happinefs, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are bleffed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffufing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleafed to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in moft humbly offering our prayers and fupplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and befeech Him to pardon our national and other tranfgreffions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private ftations, to perform our feveral and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a bleffing to all the people by conftantly being a Government of wife, juft, and conftitutional laws, difcreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all fovereigns and nations (especially fuch as have shewn kindnefs unto us); and to blefs them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increafe of fcience among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind fuch a degree of temporal profperity as he alone knows to be beft.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand feven hundred and eighty-nine.

(signed) G. Washington

God Bless America.

xtnyoda, shalomed

PS. Did you notice that it was called by Washington a "DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER."

I probably need not say more.

Thanksgiving always brings many fond memories... and today I am honored to share a very faint memory for most... about some great American heroes that served in secret... and saved unknown thousands of lives... the Code Talkers.

Military dot com

Marines Honor Ties to Code Talkers

FOB DELARAM II, Afghanistan -- Many triumphs and sacrifices distinguish the military service of the Navajo people. Perhaps most famous, is the story of the Navajo Code Talkers. During WWII these men ciphered thousands of battlefield messages in the Pacific theatre, saving countless lives and helping end the war. Few of these men are still here today to tell their account, but as Lance Cpl. Devin Bidtah, a Navajo Code Talker descendant explains, their legacy still thrives, and their story that inspired so many, will be honored.

“The Navajos have a strong history in serving,” said Bidtah, a field radio operator with Regimental Combat Team 2. “As my Navajo elders are watching, I try not to upset them. Being out here, I try to do my best.”...

Because no written key to the secret language was permitted in theatre for fear it may be discovered, these Navajo became “walking codes,” carrying the source of their encryptions entirely by memory.

In the first two days of fighting at Iwo Jima, the Code Talkers transcribed more than 800 messages, with perfect accuracy.

At the war’s end, they were sworn to secrecy. The oath these silent warriors honored protected the secret techniques, but also served to deny them the accolades they deserved.

Decades later the Code Talkers were acknowledged, and awarded gold and silver congressional medals, one of which Bidtah found that fateful day he decided to join the Corps.

“It’s an honor,” Bidtah said. “It feels good knowing my cheii’ did something good for the Navajo people; his name; our family.”....

We are thankful.

Salute and Semper Fi!

xtnyoda, shalomed

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“A man may go to heaven without health, without riches, without honors, without learning, without friends; but he can never go there without Christ.” (John Dyer)

The above is a familiar quotation that sums up the truth Jesus was expressing in the words quoted in John 14:6: “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.” Jesus is The Way. We must be wary of accepting a cheap imitation that will lead us in the wrong way.

"God, help us to point others to You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God You are awesome!

Eating Socialist Arepas'

At least Chavez knows a socialist when he sees one.

Fox News report

Chavez Responds to Pres. Obama: We Would 'Eat Socialist Arepas' Together

CARACAS, Venezuela - During his most recent blanket television broadcast, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez took the opportunity to embrace President Obama, inviting him to join him in the construction of a new world order.

Chávez was responding to President Obama's recent quip about diverting Air Force One in order to pay Caracas a visit. Leaving a NATO summit in Portugal, the president joked, according to a tweet by CBS reporter Mark Knoller, about having "AF-1 fly home via South America so he could visit Hugo Chavez."

"Well, Obama, if you said that," Chávez remarked, "we'll receive you here. I'd shake your hand again."

Chávez went on, jovially stating that, were Obama to pay him a visit, both leaders would “sit down to talk, to eat socialist arepas,” a corn-based pancake popular in the country.

Does one really think that the president of the US can moderate his beliefs?

Not a chance.

It's going to be a rough two years ahead.

xtnyoda, shalomed

New Gloves Please or Resist

One of my questions about the TSA's "pat-down" thing... is... are those agents required to change gloves after each... pat-down? There are a LOT of germs of myriad varieties that can be passed along from one person to another through touch...

... and the TSA appears to be giving us the run-around?

World Net Daily

Those latex gloves Transportation Security Administration agents wear while giving airline passengers those infamous full-body pat-downs apparently aren't there for the safety and security of passengers – only the TSA agents.

.... Asked today about the possibility of contamination being spread from one passenger to another on the gloves of TSA agents, a spokesman for the CDC bailed.

"Please contact the Dept of Homeland Security and/or TSA on this issue,"

Seriously... if they have had their hands on another human without changing those gloves....

... do. not. let. them. touch. you.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Nov. 21 – The Messianic banquet

Guest blogger, Stan Nussbaum, takes us on a journey through the messianic year calendar.



Welcome to the journey of our Messiah through the year with Dr. Nussbaum.

"I tell you, many will come from the east and west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 8:11 (NLT)

One of the best things about the Season of Suffering is that all our suffering is so temporary. Today at last we enter the season where everything is permanent, the Season of Glory. The season is a crescendo of hope, love, joy, and peace leading up through Christmas to climax on New Year’s Eve with the celebration of the Messiah’s return.

What better way to launch the Season of Glory than with a huge Thanksgiving feast on November 25th! The Messiah, his Father, and his Spirit have carried us through the Season of Suffering and at this point in the Messianic Year we stare glory in the face.

Eat, drink, and be joyful, for tomorrow the Messiah is coming back! At the appointed time he will destroy all evil and strip all his enemies of their power. Forgiven, restored people of every nation, tribe, and language will sit down together to enjoy a feast with the Messiah himself at the head table. Fabulous! Glory, glory, hallelujah!

If we are celebrating the future on Thanksgiving Day, we could call it a feast of faith, but is any great faith required? The Messiah’s track record is perfect from creation through history up till now. Surely he will also bring the seventh and final blessing.

“He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope.” (Isaiah 42:4)

It’s as good as done, so certain that we get to give thanks for it in advance.

We may not be thankful about all our present circumstances but who cares? The Messiah never promised to change our circumstances or bring us instant success, wealth, or comfort. That is why there is a “Season of Suffering” in the Messianic Year but no “Season of Wealth,” and the “Season of Glory” is mostly about the future.

Even though the Messiah’s glory party has not started yet, our banquet reservations have been made, our tickets have arrived and we are supposed to be gearing up for it. The Messiah is already bringing heaven into our inner lives because we have welcomed him and he reigns within us. In fact, we are already getting samples of the banquet food, foretastes of what it will be like. We are injected with his glory by the presence of the Holy Spirit.

No wonder we are a little bubbly sometimes. That hidden inner glory bubbles to the surface of our lives as hope, love, joy, and peace (themes of the next four weeks). We couldn’t keep it in if we wanted to.

Since we are so sure about what is coming but we live in a world that is not, we have some work to do. We don’t just live in the foreshadow of the Messiah’s party; we are the foreshadow. A profound but little known verse nails this point beautifully, “The testimony about Jesus is the spirit of prophecy,” or as the NLT puts it, “For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.” (Revelation 19:10)

The world around us can see what is, but we can see what is coming. It is already within us. Our glory injection changes our lives and gives the world a sneak peek at the way the whole world will look when Jesus the Messiah returns to reign everywhere. We are prophecy in action, the future in the present, witnesses and exhibits of what happens when he takes over. We testify that he is the Messiah, the arriving King, the transforming King, the hope of the world.

This will be a party too good to miss. Let’s thankfully predict it. Pass the turkey, please.

Welcome: “Yes, come Lord Jesus. The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come!’”

Affirmation: There is a place at the Messianic banquet table with my name on it, and I can’t wait!

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“The difference between education and experience: Education is what you get from reading the small print. Experience is what you get from not reading it.” (Unknown)

In the past, many deals were made with a handshake, and when that happened, those involved knew they did not even need the handshake. A man’s word was as good as gold back when gold was stable and the traders hadn’t manipulated it. In spite of the rest of the world, let us follow these words from the writer of James 5:12:

“Let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay.”

"God, help us return to days of honesty and credibility.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God, You are awesome!

More child abuse this past week from the global warming alarmists... they just can't seem to keep kids out of their sights.

Here is a video that exploits children for the money grubbing alarmist's cause... get more federal grant money to try and convince us all of global warming so we will joyfully surrender our carbon footprints for the sake of making more money for the government subsidized (our tax dollars) green energy industry... fledgling one I might add... if not for our tax dollars.



And here is an on the ground photo of their scaremongering efforts as shared on What's Up With That's blog site. He has some informative commentary and more flicks about the atrocious event aimed at kids.



Real impressive stuff.

Not only have they no brains... they have no hearts.

xtnyoda, shalomed

"This is what we do"

Via The Borg Conspiracy and Brutally Honest

Monday, November 22nd, 2010. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"God knows, not I, the reason why His winds of storm drive through my door; I am content to live or die Just knowing this, nor knowing more. My Father’s hand appointing me My days and ways, so I am free."
(Margaret Sangster, 1838–1912)

Things don’t always turn out the way I want them to, but even that is not so important. The important thing is to know God is in control, and His ways are higher than my ways. The writer of Isaiah 55:8-9 gives us this word of God: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.” This is the LORD’s declaration.

“For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

"God, You hand guides my path and that is ok with me.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God You are awesome!

Suffering with the persecuted

Guest blogger, Stan Nussbaum, takes us on a journey through the messianic year calendar.



Welcome to the journey of our Messiah through the year with Dr. Nussbaum.

“Don’t forget about those in prison. Suffer with them as though you were there yourself.”
Heb. 13:3 (NLT)

In the very last week of this season of the Messianic Year, I have finally realized what its name should really be, not the Season of Shelter or the Season of Endurance but the Season of Suffering. I missed it because I was assuming the seven seasons should be named for seven attractive blessings the Messiah brings—life, freedom, power, etc. Suffering obviously does not fit the pattern.

We understand that the Messiah himself had to suffer. He was our substitute. He suffered so we do not have to. That is partly true, of course, but it leaves a huge question: why did the Messiah talk about suffering as the new “normal” for his followers?

How could the great, long-awaited Messiah, the Desire of the Nations, bring suffering to those who welcome him? If he were raising an army, we could understand it. Some soldiers would have to suffer and die in order to bring him to power. This is normal human thinking about suffering.

Jesus was not normal. He was a man on a unique dual mission—to bring the reign of God to earth and to show people what that reign would look like. He could have established God’s reign without suffering but that display of power would not have accomplished the second half of his mission. He suffered to reveal what power alone could never reveal—the depth of the love of God for us all.

If we welcome him, he sends us to continue both halves of his mission. He reigns in us (first half), and we show the world what his reign looks like, that is, what kind of people he turns us into as he takes over by his Spirit (second half).

By sending us to carry on his mission in a world that is still sinful, he sends us into harm’s way. Those who are busy with their own kingdoms, authority, and rights do not want him to take over their turf. They will fight us as they fought him, and we are to defeat them by responding as he responded.

His cross was the climax of his victory over Satan, and as we carry our crosses, the same victory dynamics are in play. There are three kinds of people—those who welcome the Messiah, those who oppose him, and the undecideds. When the undecideds see the resilience and love with which the welcomers respond to persecution by their opponents, they know whose side they want to join. The enemies lose all credibility, the undecideds welcome the Messiah, and victory is ours.

This has been happening for centuries and it continues to this day, especially in China. Today (Nov. 14th) is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (see www.persecutedchurch.org). As our thoughts turn to the brutal forms of persecution, let us not forget the many lesser forms that afflict millions of our brothers and sisters every day. Families disown them, classmates bully them, bosses deny them promotion, universities exclude them, intellectuals mock them, businessmen cheat them, communities refuse them burial.

Whether the persecution is life-threatening or not, unbelievers expect normal responses like fear, submission, bitterness, and revenge. When they see a messianic response, it demands an explanation. They ask, “How could you respond like that?” which being interpreted means, “Tell me about your Messiah and what he is doing to you on the inside.”

Let us pray on this special day that our persecuted brothers and sisters will be hearing that request a lot. Let’s read as much as we need to read or watch as much as we need to watch in order to start to feel what the persecuted feel.

Welcome: Suffering Servant of God, welcome to our lives. Tie us to all others who welcome you, and especially those who are persecuted for it.

Affirmation: I am the brother or sister of persecuted followers of the Messiah worldwide. I will take an interest in them. I will stop, think, feel, and pray.

The Chaplain's Corner




Guest blogger, Chaplain Paul, is one of the most effective chaplains in America today. He is an emergency responder to every situation.

Hey, this is the Chaplain again.

As you know this coming Thursday is Thanksgiving Day; a good time to pause and appreciate all the blessings we have - especially in this great nation. Spending some time in grateful reflection would be a good thing for each of us to do.

But, instead of just a day of Thanksgiving, what about a life-style of Thanks-living. How about being intentionally thankful every day? How about living our lives with an attitude of gratitude - instead of a continual case of the 'Gi-mes'.

Far too many people seem to be ungrateful, unhappy and dissatisfied; even some Christians. Many of us have been sucked into the mindset of the world. But God's Word says,

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
(1 Thes. 5:16-18)

Does that sound like your lifestyle? What about making a list of things to be thankful for. What would you put on the top? The Bible says,

"joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints..."
(Col. 1:12)

'The inheritance of the saints' that means Salvation. If you make a list of things you're grateful for, your eternal salvation, thru faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, should definitely be on the top of the list. That is, if you have it. Do you? Do you know that your sins are forgiven? Do you have a firm assurance that if you died today you would spend eternity with the Lord?

Sunday, November 21st, 2010. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"Do not let Sunday be taken from you. If your soul has no Sunday, it becomes an orphan."
(Albert Schweitzer, 1875-1965) Theologian, Philosopher, Physician, Organist ~ Embrace today !

We need a Sabbath to rest and reflect on the Holiness and the Omnipotence of our Creator. The Sabbath is not only for God but also is for the great need inside each of us--the need to take the time to spend time with God the Heavenly Father who wants us to be part of His family. In keeping with the importance of and the need for the Sabbath, the writer of Mark 2:27 reminds us of these words of Jesus:

“The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.”

"God, thank You for letting us draw aside to visit with You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God You are awesome!

How Liberalism self-destructed

JOEL KOTKIN of Politico has pretty well nailed it. I'm not sure that Joel really understands what he accurately describes... the rape of the Democrat Party by political progressives... who are not constitutional Americans... but rather Karl Marx Socialists.... but he at least has enough sense to understand what Americans have said during our recent election.

Democrats are still looking for explanations for their stunning rejection in the midterms — citing everything from voting rights violations and Middle America’s racist orientation to Americans’ inability to perceive the underlying genius of President Barack Obama’s economic policy.

What they have failed to consider is the albatross of contemporary liberalism.

Liberalism once embraced the mission of fostering upward mobility and a stronger economy. But liberalism’s appeal has diminished, particularly among middle-class voters, as it has become increasingly control-oriented and economically cumbersome....

Modern-day liberalism, however, is often ambivalent about expanding the economy — preferring a mix of redistribution with redirection along green lines. Its base of political shock troops, public-employee unions, appears only tangentially interested in the health of the overall economy....

....Often eager to micromanage people’s lives, contemporary liberalism tends to obsess on the ephemeral while missing the substantial. Measures such as San Francisco’s recent ban on Happy Meals follow efforts to control the minutiae of daily life ... contemporary liberals seem more concerned about controlling soda consumption and choo-chooing back to 19th-century urbanism. ...

If this defines success, you have to wonder what constitutes failure.

By all appearances the progressive's assault on the Democratic Party is hell bent on shoving it further to the left... and thereby further diminish the Democrats presence in Washington and our state capitols as well.

I don't think the progressives will ever figure out that Americans love their freedom... and their idea of freedom is not to have a government that grabs control of their lives in order to save them from themselves. And... that's fine... progressive's madness will further marginalize them until they will one day appear as an asterisk in the history of humanities desire for someone to save them from themselves.

Until then... freedom lovers will insist on living their lives based on bearing the brunt of responsibility for their own lives and actions... however bright or ignorant their choices might be.

xtnyoda, shalomed

The Borg Conspiracy posted it...

... and Brutally Honest shared it as well....

... when you get a few minutes take a look.

There are still some very bright spots in our world.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Day 164

Yahweh

Taking Yahweh's NAME in Vain #2

"Listen to this, house of Jacob- those who are called by the name Israel and have descended from Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD and declare the God of Israel, [but] not in truth or righteousness. For they are named after the Holy City, and lean on the God of Israel; His name is Yahweh of Hosts."
Isaiah 48:1-2 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Most people think that the command to not take God's Name in vain is a command to not "cuss"... and nothing could be further from the reality of the command. Let us visit this one more time to ensure that we understand the command... for it has tremendous significance for today.

This is exactly what humans began doing in Genesis after the fall narrative... they began to "call on the Name of Yahweh" for their own personal purpose... and few today realize that this statement at the end of Genesis 4, is actually a great condemnation and culmination of the effects of the fall listed in chapter 4.

"... At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord."
Genesis 4:26 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

This is again the same abuse God is referring to in Isaiah 48 concerning the taking of God's Name in vain.

Many in the Church are actually doing the same today. In the name of "faith" living... the idea is perpetrated that if one gets enough "faith" then one can control God... get what one wishes from God... make God a debtor to man... and Yahweh is not man's debtor.

Many of the same are under the punishment of God for their abuse of His Name.... and don't have enough spiritual sense to realize they are being judged by God.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Finally we have a major player in the global warming/climate change scam admitting that the entire charade is an attempted massive and global wide "redistribution scheme" intended to redistribute the developed world's economies to the underdeveloped world... and that mainly to Africa.

News Busters

If you needed any more evidence that the entire theory of manmade global warming was a scheme to redistribute wealth you got it Sunday when a leading member of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change told a German news outlet, "[W]e redistribute de facto the world's wealth by climate policy."

Such was originally published by Germany's NZZ Online Sunday, and reprinted in English by the Global Warming Policy Foundation moments ago:

(NZZ AM SONNTAG): The new thing about your proposal for a Global Deal is the stress on the importance of development policy for climate policy. Until now, many think of aid when they hear development policies.

(OTTMAR EDENHOFER, UN IPCC OFFICIAL): That will change immediately if global emission rights are distributed. If this happens, on a per capita basis, then Africa will be the big winner, and huge amounts of money will flow there....

(NZZ): That does not sound anymore like the climate policy that we know.

(EDENHOFER): Basically it's a big mistake to discuss climate policy separately from the major themes of globalization. The climate summit in Cancun at the end of the month is not a climate conference, but one of the largest economic conferences since the Second World War. ...

... developed countries have basically expropriated the atmosphere of the world community. But one must say clearly that we redistribute de facto the world's wealth by climate policy. Obviously, the owners of coal and oil will not be enthusiastic about this. One has to free oneself from the illusion that international climate policy is environmental policy....

For the record, Edenhofer was co-chair of the IPCC's Working Group III, and was a lead author of the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report released in 2007... As such, this man is a huge player in advancing this theory, and he has now made it quite clear - as folks on the realist side of this debate have been saying for years - that this is actually an international economic scheme designed to redistribute wealth.

Ahhh Yes... the great themes of "globalization" and "wealth redistribution."

This is right out of the political progressive's play book.

This is the most aggressive and world wide effort for world domination, power, and control that has ever been attempted in human history... unless you count the "Tower of Babel" of Bible fame.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Saturday, November 20th, 2010. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bear bad fruit—and man is his own gardener."
(James Allen)

We must remember to be careful what we plant as the apostle Paul wrote to encourage us in Galatians 6:7,

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

The apostle Paul gives us this advice to help ‘tend’ our garden in Philippians 4:8,

“Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

"God, help me choose to plant only those things that have lasting benefit.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Our God is an awesome God.

Day 163

Yahweh

Taking Yahweh's NAME in Vain

"Listen to this, house of Jacob- those who are called by the name Israel and have descended from Judah, who swear by the name of the LORD and declare the God of Israel, [but] not in truth or righteousness. For they are named after the Holy City, and lean on the God of Israel; His name is Yahweh of Hosts."
Isaiah 48:1-2 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Do you know what it means to take God's Name in Vain? The King James Version states it that way in the 10 commandments in Exodus 20:7. The Holman Christian Standard Bible translates it more clearly for our day.

"Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will punish anyone who misuses His name."
Exodus 20:7 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

This is exactly what God is referring to in Isaiah 48, and it is the true meaning of "taking God's Name in vain." It means to abuse the Name/reputation of God by taking His Name upon one's self in a wrongful manner. This is what the Hebrews were doing, taking God's Name upon themselves as though they were... special... and therefore gave themselves permission to live as they wished.

Yahweh will punish such as this... ever time.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Friday, November 19th, 2010. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“It’s not the load you carry that breaks you down; it’s the way you carry it.” (Unknown)

Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:29-30:

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy , and my burden is light.”

We do not have to shoulder the load by ourselves; we just have to walk with God and let Him sustain us each day. Every day with Jesus is better than the day before.

"God, thank You for being with me as my burden bearer.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Our God is an awesome God.

If the adherents of a religion cannot make it a truly "peaceful" religion... then they obviously will try to pass laws that would make it illegal to call the said religion "non-peaceful"... and this now on a world wide scale.

... So it goes kind of like this... "Ours is a religion of peace and tolerance... and if you say anything otherwise then we will lock you up in a prison for spewing hatred."

Where does logic like this come from?

One News Now

Pro-Islam U.N. resolution nearing vote

The United Nations is about to consider the "Defamation of Religions Resolution" -- but as Open Doors USA points out, the measure is really designed to protect only one religion: Islam.

The resolution, which has been floated at the U.N. in various forms for more than a decade, is touted as promoting tolerance and protecting religious freedom. "But in reality it does the exact opposite of that," explains Lindsey Vessey, a spokesperson for Open Doors USA.

"It's a resolution that is backed by the Organization of Islamic Conference States," she continues, "and it seeks to criminalize words or actions that are deemed to be against particular religions -- and of course we can guess what that is. It's particularly to protect Islam."

Vessey says the measure was originally introduced in 1999 as the "Defamation of Islam" resolution, but language was changed later to broaden its appeal. It contains multiple mentions of Islam, but only one of Christians and Jews. She explains that in its current form, it would give international legitimacy to blasphemy laws.

"So [it is] basically taking [those] laws in certain countries like Egypt and Pakistan that make it illegal to say anything negative of Islam, or anything that can even be perceived as negative of Islam and the Prophet Mohammed, ...and making that something that would be on an international scale," she says. According to Vessey, it could eventually impact the United States.

Open Doors has launched an online advocacy campaign -- "Free to Believe" -- that allows individuals to voice their opposition to the Defamation of Religions Resolution. The resolution is expected to be voted on later this week in a United Nations committee, and will likely be voted on before the General Assembly early next month.

And... how do you delude a "world body" such as the UN, that is supposed to be built on a mission for peace and tolerance... into becoming a voice and advocate for worldwide discrimination against those that simply speak the truth about the intentions... clearly taught... by an opposing group?

I don't know if you understand demonic delusion... but here it is on display for all to see... that have eyes to see.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Thursday, November 18th, 2010. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"Temper gets people into trouble. Pride keeps them there." (Anonymous)

The writer of Psalms 10:4 says,

“The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.”

I guess the Psalmist was calling a spade a spade understanding that wickedness is wickedness and pride many times manifests itself in wickedness. Let us confess our sins and return to the relationship God wants with us.

"God, let my pride be kept in subjection to You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Our God is an awesome God.

The "progressive" political and money scam machine players are gnashing their teeth over the public's growing awareness that the global warming alarmists don't have a leg to stand on... and it's not because the ice is melting nor the sea levels rising that they don't have a leg... it's because truth will ultimately win out over lies and deception.

Yahoo News Report AP

A new Pew poll shows a dramatic change in opinion on climate change among Republicans that seems to mirror a new tone on the issue taken up by GOP politicians.

In the poll, 53 percent of Republicans said there is no evidence for climate change, when only three years ago 62 percent of GOPers said they did believe in global warming. Almost 80 percent of Democrats and a majority of independents said there is solid evidence for global warming.

And a little more from the actual Pew Poll that is even more revealing...

....just 38% of Republicans say there is solid evidence the earth is warming, and only 16% say that warming is caused by human activity. In 2007, three-in-ten Republicans said global warming was the result of human activity. Also, by nearly a two-to-one margin, Republicans say scientists do not agree that the earth is getting warmer because of human activity. Few Republicans see global warming as a very serious problem (14%) or in need of immediate government action (24%)....

You might notice how the AP story quoted by Yahoo didn't even want to share the depth of the awakening to the global warming lies as demonstrated in the actual Pew report.

If one listens carefully one can almost hear the whaling in the distance, "I'm melting... I'm melting...!"... with all that's left is a pointed hat and a puddle of water on the sidewalk... and that's not melted ice either... it's exposed lies under the heat of objective observation by the dreadful deniers.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010. Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“If you have a talent, use it in every which way possible. Don’t hoard it. Don’t dole it out like a miser. Spend it lavishly like a millionaire intent on going broke.”
(Brendan Francis)

The talents we have are given to us by God so we are to use them for His glory and for the purpose for which we were created. For us not to use those gifts for His glory is a shame on us.  The writer of Psalm 9:1 tells us how to praise God:

“I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvellous works.”

"God, thank You for the abilities with which You have blessed us. 
Amen."

Bro. Bill

Our God is an awesome God.

OK... this kind of... logic... is... illogical.

Please notice in the... report... the number of times the words could, may, and possible are used. I could say that a meteor may impact the earth in 30 years. Would you give me a couple of million dollars of your money then to try and find out if a meteor might actually strike the earth since I have said that one might strike the earth?

If so... you may be as goofy as this report.

Where do these guy come from?

Reuters News Desk

Colder winters possible due to climate change-study

* Colder winters possible in northern regions

* Shrinking sea ice causes airstream anomalies

* Finding does not conflict with global warming

BERLIN, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Climate change could lead to colder winters in northern regions, according to a study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research on Tuesday.

Vladimir Petoukhov, lead author of the study, said a shrinking of sea ice in the eastern Arctic causes some regional warming of lower air levels and may lead to anomalies in atmospheric airstreams, triggering an overall cooling of the northern continents.

"These anomalies could triple the probability of cold winter extremes in Europe and northern Asia," he said. "Recent severe winters like last year's or the one of 2005/06 do not conflict with the global warming picture but rather supplement it."

Petoukhov, whose study is entitled "A link between reduced Barents-Kara sea ice and cold winter extremes over northern continents", said in a statement a warming of the air over the Barents-Kara Sea appeared to bring cold winter winds to Europe.

"This is not what one would expect," Petoukhov said. "Whoever thinks that the shrinking of some far away sea ice won't bother him could be wrong."

The U.N. panel of climate scientists say a creeping rise in global temperatures will bring ever more floods, droughts, heat waves and rising sea levels.

Now... all the while... the sea ice is actually growing very quickly in both our poles... and the South Pole is growing at a sobering rate.

Again, Northern Hemisphere, prepare for a very cold winter.

And... it will not be global warming causing it... rather Yahweh is making the climate change controllers (alarmists) to be seen for what they really are... man and not God. Only God can control the climate of this or any planet.

xtnyoda, shalomed