Daily Nugget

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“In the hopes of reaching the moon men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet.”
(Albert Schweitzer)

What all do we miss because we seek something of lesser value? We miss a sunset in chasing after something else. We miss a soaring eagle in watching a slug. We miss a child’s laughter in entertaining ourselves with the latest technology (radio, tv, computer, cd’s tapes, etc.), and on and on....The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:11:

“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

May we learn to see and value what is around us.

"God, thank You far all the beauty around us. Help us not to take it for granted.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

Ah ... there is the rub!

A responder named "Tom" connects the dots about the lying "scientists" promoting the global warming scam ... and knowingly doing so.

Here is Tom's statement as found in the comments section.

And the “agenda” that is behind the scam is obvious, once you stop thinking about pocketbook. The truth is, if you set people up in a world expecting heat and take away the energy sources needed for heating – don’t need them in a warming world, when you KNOW the world is entering a cooling phase, you are setting up millions, if not billions of people for death by freezing or starvation. Once you look past the pocketbook, it is so obvious,and these people should be procecuted from attempted murder, not just wrist slapped as if they were “only in it for the money.”

Scientists lie ...

People die.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Grieve how you see fit

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Tracy speaks today about ... right grieving ...

"Don't expect your life to ever be the same. And grieve how you see fit. Don't let anyone tell you that you are grieving wrong. Everyone grieves in a way unique unto themselves."
Tracy

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Tracy, and all who have lost a child. I pray that they will be able to face ... and embrace their grieving ... as their own.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Tuesday, November 29th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

A revival swept through the university at Princeton, New Jersey. Aaron Burr came to the president of the university and said: “Mr. president, I have made up my mind to consider the claims of Christ. Now, Mr. President, what would you do?” And the old president of the university gave him this advice: He said, “Burr, if I were you, I would wait until the excitement of the revival had subsided, and then I would think it out carefully.” Aaron Burr bowed his head a moment, and then he said, “Mr. President, that is exactly what I will do.” And, it is stated as a fact, that never again in his life did he express a desire to be a Christian, and they say he died without such an expression.

What if he had listened to these words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33 that say,

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Be careful where you get your advice. An eternity hangs in the balance.

"God, Give us discernment to only take advice that honors You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

The Power of Words

OK ... this is a MUST SEE!!!



Now ... let's live it.

H/T Tiger!

xtnyoda, shalomed

The way I feel

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Tina speaks today about ... advice ...

"At this point in my grieving, I really don't think any advice will change the way i feel."
Tina

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Tina, and all who have lost a child. I pray that Your presence will embrace their hearts and emotions ... for just a little while ... grant some peace.

xtnyoda, shalomed

The Chaplains Corner

The Chaplains 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.

Someone said trying to shop at Wal-Mart on Black Friday was enough to make a person lose their religion. Now I wasn’t there, and have no plans to ever be in that mess, so I really don’t know how hectic it was. But I was thinking about what they said, ‘it’s enough to make a person lose their religion.’

At first I thought, ‘that’s not true’ I didn’t agree with her statement. But after I thought about it a little bit I changed my mind. Those kinds of situations could be enough to make a person 'lose their religion'. The reason I say that is because religion is usually a long list of Dos and Don’ts. Things you can and can’t say.

Just look up the word religion in the dictionary and this is what you find: ‘An object, practice, cause, or activity that somebody is devoted to.’ Or, ‘An institutionalized or personal system of beliefs and practices.’ Or, ‘A set of strongly-held values and attitudes that somebody lives by.’ Don’t do this, and don’t do that, and try to follow the rules.; that’s religion. But it’s not Christianity.

I’m not a Christian because of anything that I do or don’t do. “Christ saved us because of his mercy, not because of any good things we did.” (Titus 3:5) Christianity is a one-on-one relationship between a person and the Lord, Jesus Christ. Religion is about what; Christianity is about Who. Religion is about walking the line; Christianity is about living life.

Jesus said, “I have come in order that you might have life—life in all its fullness.” (John 10:10) Religion or Relationship – which do you have?

Daily Nugget

Monday, November 28th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Governor Stewart, of Missouri, recognized, in a convict he was about to pardon, a steamboat mate under whom he served as cabinboy. He said: “I want you to promise that you will never again take a stick of wood and drive a sick boy out of his berth on a stormy night, because someday that boy may be governor, and you may want him to pardon you for another crime. I was that boy. Here is your pardon.”

In spite of all our sins against God, He has loved us and pardoned us. The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 5:8,

“God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

"God, thank You for Your mercy and pardon to us.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

Daily Nugget

Sunday, November 27th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"We only learn to behave ourselves in the presence of God."
(C. S. Lewis)

As a child, I remember my parents encouraging me to behave when I went to school or to someone else’s house. One of the contributing factors to my behavior was the fact that I knew they would check up to hold me accountable. Knowing we are always in the presence of God reminds us to behave.

In Matthew 28:20 Jesus reminds us,

“Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the earth.”

"God, thank You for Your presence that draws me near to You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

Yahweh, Day 222

Day 222

Yahweh

When The LION Roars

The word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, face the south and preach against it. Prophesy against the forest land in the Negev, and say to the forest there: Hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Lord God says: I am about to ignite a fire in you, and it will devour every green tree and every dry tree in you. The blazing flame will not be extinguished, and every face from the south to the north will be scorched by it. Then all people will see that I, Yahweh, have kindled it. It will not be extinguished." Then I said, "Ah, Lord God , they are saying of me: Isn't he [just] posing riddles?"
Ezekiel 20:45-49 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

The flame will ignite both the dry tree ... and the green tree. This is pause for consideration.

The dry tree represents those YahShua refers to as dead branches. They are to be burned. (John 16:6)

What many do not realize is that when Yahweh moves in judgment on a nation/culture ... being a sincere follower of God ... is no guarantee of immunity from the swift judgment of His displeasure. When The Lion of Judah Roars ... the righteous as well as the pagan ... will feel the hot breath of His sentence.

This should be reason enough for the salt of the earth ... to greatly desire to be used as salt ... and to never be satisfied as simply an ornament for viewing.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

England awakening to the fraud

The "press" in England is starting to see the fraud.

Climategate scientists DID collude with government officials to hide research that didn't fit their apocalyptic global warming

5,000 leaked emails reveal scientists deleted evidence that cast doubt on claims climate change was man-made
Experts were under orders from US and UK officials to come up with a 'strong message'
Critics claim: 'The stink of intellectual corruption is overpowering'
Scientist asks, 'What if they find that climate change is a natural fluctuation? They'll kill us all'

By Rob Waugh

More than 5,000 documents have been leaked online purporting to be the correspondence of climate scientists at the University of East Anglia who were previously accused of ‘massaging’ evidence of man-made climate change.

Following on from the original 'climategate' emails of 2009, the new package appears to show systematic suppression of evidence, and even publication of reports that scientists knew to to be based on flawed approaches.

And not only do the emails paint a picture of scientists manipulating data, government employees at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are also implicated.

One message appeared to show a member of Defra staff telling colleagues working on climate science to give the government a ‘strong message’.

The emails paint a clear picture of scientists selectively using data, and colluding with politicians to misuse scientific information.....

Follow the link for the rest of the report.

Follow the dollar.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Saturday, November 26th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

A little boy who was told by his mother that it was God who makes people good, replied, “Yes, I know it is God, but mothers help a lot.”

Our moms have greatly influenced our lives and have helped make us better citizens. Many others, as well, have helped shape and have guided our paths. We must count it a blessing to have had someone in our lives who cared enough to correct us and to point us to Christ.

The apostle Paul in Philippians 1:3 says,

“I thank my God uponevery remembrance of you.”

Is there someone you need to give thanks for?

"God, thank You for my parents and for the many others who have helped shape my life and are still encouraging me.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

A black morning after

Another Borg Conspiracy Grand Slam Homer!

Today is the much awaited and much ballyhooed 'Black Friday.' The one day of the year that is supposed to be permissible shopping insanity. But as with everything else in American culture, if you can do it tomorrow, you can probably do it today. So may retailers began their black Friday shop fest the night before.

Much was the same nationally it appears as it was here in west Georgia last night and today. Crowds of up to a thousand reported at area stores awaiting the kickoff to seasonal sales for this holiday season. Luckily, we haven't had any reported confrontations or assaults like are being reported elsewhere around the nation this morning.

I waited until well after daylight this morning and then proceeded to make my one outing to obtain a few things for my fur kids at our location PetSmart. Thinking that most of the insanity would be focused elsewhere, it turned out that my read was correct and I easily got in and out of the store with the things that I was interested in buying. Apparently, the run on cat litter and dog food ended well before I got there this morning, so i was able to get what I wanted and be gone in short order.

While driving home from my outing this morning it struck me, that I would not have weathered a frigid night in a parking lot for all the tea in China, or for some flat screen TV or ipad for that matter. But I will weather a cold hundred mile ride in winter to honor a fallen soldier, or sailor or airman or Marine.

I guess that is where the real deal exists for me. I cannot see standing in a line on a freezing morning just to get my hands on some toy or gizmo, but I can stand in a flag line for hours to honor the life of someone who's service affords me the ability to live my life in peace and freedom.

So the next time you hear all the bupkus about holiday shopping and racing around to get deals, try to remember what the real deal is or should be. I only wish as many people as have turned out for the morning after shopping frenzy, would one day find it in their heart to turn out to honor our heroes and their families when they come home.

Semper Fi.....

Semper Fi indeed Marine!

xtnyoda, shalomed

The Government Can!

Daily Nugget

Friday, November 25th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Professor Amos R. Wells says: “Sometimes a mountain avalanche is so delicately poised that the vibration of a voice will bring it down."

How many times has just a word or handful of words brought down friendships or even relationships between countries? Chose carefully the words you let rush past your teeth for once they get that far you may not be able to stop the impact they cause. Remember the words of the psalmist whose prayer in Psalms 19:14 was,

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer.”

"God, help my mouth to be controlled by a heart for You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

A Thanksgiving Hymn

Following is a challenging account of the writing of one of our meaningful Thanksgiving hymns via The Deacon's Bench.

German pastor Martin Rinkart served in the walled town of Eilenburg during the horrors of the Thirty Years War of 1618-1648. Eilenburg became an overcrowded refuge for the surrounding area. The fugitives suffered from epidemic and famine. At the beginning of 1637, the year of the Great Pestilence, there were four ministers in Eilenburg. But one abandoned his post for healthier areas and could not be persuaded to return. Pastor Rinkhart officiated at the funerals of the other two.

As the only pastor left, he often conducted services for as many as 40 to 50 persons a day–some 4,480 in all. In May of that year, his own wife died. By the end of the year, the refugees had to be buried in trenches without services.

Yet, while living in a world dominated by death, Rinkart wrote this timeless prayer of thanksgiving for his children:

Now thank we all our God With hearts and hands and voices;
Who wondrous things hath done, In whom this world rejoices.
Who, from our mother’s arms, Hath led us on our way,
With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

xtnyoda, shalomed

H/T DEKE

Daily Nugget

Thursday, November 24th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Happy Thanksgiving! Don’t let your forgetter work overtime at this season. Remember to give thanks to our God, Who is worthy of praise and thanks. The writer of Psalms 104:2 reminds us to,

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

"God, thank You, God, for my salvation and many other benefits.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

Yahweh, Day 221

Day 221

Yahweh

Face the south

The word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, face the south and preach against it. Prophesy against the forest land in the Negev, and say to the forest there: Hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Lord God says: I am about to ignite a fire in you, and it will devour every green tree and every dry tree in you. The blazing flame will not be extinguished, and every face from the south to the north will be scorched by it. Then all people will see that I, Yahweh, have kindled it. It will not be extinguished." Then I said, "Ah, Lord God , they are saying of me: Isn't he [just] posing riddles?"
Ezekiel 20:45-49 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Facing the South here is a reference to the Southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin, or at Ezekiel's time of Israel's history, the Southern alliance of these two tribes simply called, Judah.

Facing "Judah" Ezekiel is giving this message: even though you have within you the city of Jerusalem, in which you place so much confident self-righteousness, know that Yahweh is preparing to move in judgment against you, directly. Know that with all the privileges of God comes ... all the responsibilities of those privileges. To abuse the privilege of God is to defame His Name ... and Yahweh will not leave that unanswered.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

A Few (of the new) Juicy Climategate Emails

It is heating up for the global warming hucksters .... just not exactly how they might wish.

They validate EVERYTHING the skeptics have been saying. Viva les sceptiques!

“Climategate 2.0 is here!” says Steve Milloy at JunkScience.com. “We’ve covered juicy ones in the posts listed below. More on the way. Read ‘em all.”

Here’s a sample:

Department of Energy involved in hiding temperature data?

“Any work we have done in the past is done on the back of the research grants we get – and has to be well hidden. I’ve discussed this with the main funder (US Dept of Energy) in the past and they are happy about not releasing the original station data.”

“The technical term for this sort of conversation would be “conspiracy,” says Milloy.

Milloy has done such a good job of compiling these that I’ve simply copied his page. Since every one of the following links take you back to his website, I think that’s fair......

Ice Age Now has several direct links to different aspects of the global warming fraud (28 actually) ... links to the fraudsters themselves.

Go take a look at the overt lies being perpetrated on the world citizenry, then feel the righteous indignation ... as when our Christ overturned the money changers tables. Our "whip" is next years voting booth.

xtnyoda, shalomed

God is Strong

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Lisa speaks today about ... The source of strength ...

"To lean on the Lord ....where we are weak ...God is strong ....God will help you as you grieve....take it one day at a time..."
Lisa

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Lisa, and all who have lost a child. I pray that Your strength will be evident in each heart and mind ... and recognized for what it is ... and who You are ... present with each one.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“Yes'm, old friends is always best, 'less you can catch a new one that's fit to make an old one out of.”
(Sarah Orne Jewett)

No matter how you say it, old friends are precious and new ones gained just as valuable. The writer of Proverbs 18:24 says,

“A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

What a blessing it is to have a physical brother as a friend, and friends who are spiritual brothers and sisters.

"God, thank You for wanting to be our friend.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

Climate Gate #2

Newsbusters is helping to spread the latest revelations about the global warming scam.

from Newsbusters

Almost exactly two years since damning email messages were released from Great Britain's University of East Anglia showing a pattern of deception and collusion between scientists involved in spreading the global warming myth, a new batch of such correspondence has emerged that seems destined to get as little press coverage as the original ClimateGate scandal did in November 2009.

James Delingpole reported in Britian's Telegraph Tuesday:

Breaking news: two years after the Climategate, a further batch of emails has been leaked onto the internet by a person – or persons – unknown. And as before, they show the "scientists" at the heart of the Man-Made Global Warming industry in a most unflattering light. Michael Mann, Phil Jones, Ben Santer, Tom Wigley, Kevin Trenberth, Keith Briffa – all your favourite Climategate characters are here, once again caught red-handed in a series of emails exaggerating the extent of Anthropogenic Global Warming, while privately admitting to one another that the evidence is nowhere near as a strong as they'd like it to be.

In other words, what these emails confirm is that the great man-made global warming scare is not about science but about political activism. This, it seems, is what motivated the whistleblower 'FOIA 2011' (or "thief", as the usual suspects at RealClimate will no doubt prefer to tar him or her) to go public......

Follow the links when you get the stomach for it.

Follow the dollar.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

A nobleman once gave a celebrated actress a Bible, telling her at the same time that there was a treasure in it. She, thinking he meant religion, laid the Bible aside. She died and all she had was sold. The person who bought the Bible, on turning over its leaves, found a note for $2,500 in it. Poor creature! Had she read the book, she might not only have found the note, but the “pearl of great price.”

How many people toss and turn at the end of the day, never having opened the Bible, the Book that has the answers. The secrets found therein are the answers to life itself. Jesus reminds us in John 14:6,

“I am the way, the truth and the life.”

What a treasure!

"God, thank You for leaving us directions not only for today, but for every day.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

Proof for the existence of God

If you want a real-time current proof of the existence of God you don't have to look far. Just watch the weather.

Last week 193 nations were represented in Uganda to listen one more time to the IPCC predict that humanity is warming the planet, and saying that we also can cool the planet if we just reduce our "carbon footprint."

This is a regular event, for nearly 200 governments of our world to flatly state that humans are in control of the earth's climate.

So, instead of warming, we are getting the opposite, because man is not God, and God won't let the governments of our world act like we are God.

The cooling of the earth is direct and live evidence of the God of creation demonstrating that He is, and He will not be ignored by the governments of man.

Remember the Tower of Babel in Genesis? Man boasted that man would not be divided. God said something like, "Oh Yea!"

Same level of a dramatic, direct, response by God today, to the arrogance and boasting of mankind.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Australian government carbon madness

Australia is going totally Orwellian.

THE whitewash begins. Now that the carbon tax has passed through federal parliament, the government's clean-up brigade is getting into the swing by trying to erase any dissent against the jobs-destroying legislation.

On cue comes the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which this week issued warnings to businesses that they will face whopping fines of up to $1.1m if they blame the carbon tax for price rises.

It says it has been "directed by the Australian government to undertake a compliance and enforcement role in relation to claims made about the impact of a carbon price."

Businesses are not even allowed to throw special carbon tax sales promotions before the tax arrives on July 1.

"Beat the Carbon Tax - Buy Now" or "Buy now before the carbon tax bites" are sales pitches that are verboten. Or at least, as the ACCC puts it, "you should be very cautious about making these types of claims".

There will be 23 carbon cops roaming the streets doing snap audits of businesses that "choose to link your price increases to a carbon price".......

Seriously, can you think of anything more ... governmentally wicked? To levy a tax ... then tell a business that they do not have the right to inform their customers that their price increases are due to the government's added tax ... under threat of massive fines if they dare announce the obvious.

George's "1984" was just a little premature.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Monday, November 21st, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Too many of us are low-voiced and shallow-streamed in our gratitude. We are like the boy who had been swimming in a tiny pond, and who was taken for the first time to the ocean. After his little bathing suit was put on him, he was asked to wade in, but he looked aghast at the vast blue expanse and shrank back.

“Why don’t you take a dip?” urged his mother.

“Because,” he said with a great deal of dignity, “I don’t think this was made for little boys; it was made for big ships.”

It is interesting to watch the spectators around a swimming pool. Many want to be there, but several just want to watch. The writer of Psalms 140:13,

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

Let us learn to jump in and give God thanks for all He has done.

"God, Thank You for all Your mercies and benefits to us.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

The Chaplains Corner

The Chaplains 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.

This week is Thanksgiving. It’s a time that we should pause and be thankful for all the good things that are in our lives. But originally Thanksgiving was more than just a time to recognize the blessings. It was intended to be a time that we do more than just remember what we have – and remember WHO gave it all to us. A time that we acknowledge that it’s only by God’s grace and favor that we have the blessings that are ours.

Of course our culture today is doing all it can to eliminate God from society. Today’s political correctness has little place for the God of our forefathers and no place for Jesus. So our history books have been rewritten. Our children are not taught that on that first Thanksgiving the Pilgrims gave thanks to Almighty God for His provision. Instead they are told that it was just a time to express appreciation to the Indians for their help.

Please, don’t allow this week to slip by without taking time to remember that it is God that blesses you. And his greatest blessing is, the Lord Jesus Christ. Heb. 13: 15 tells us,

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”

Do you remember the old hymn, “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done.” We should have an attitude of gratitude, especially as Christians. And we need to remember, it’s all because of God’s love and grace extended to us thru Christ.

Daily Nugget

Sunday, November 20th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“The heart of the issue in worship is this: My life needs God's presence to work God's purpose in my life.”
(Jack Hayford)

God desires for us to worship Him. It is our privilege to be able to worship Him. There is a void that can only be filled by our accepting God for Who He is and paying the respect to Him that He is due. To do that, we must obey His commandments.

May our passion be as the writer of Psalms 42:1 describes,

“As the hart (deer) panteth after the waterbrooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”

"God, let our desire be to draw near to You to worship You and You only. Let our worship be You and not the works of our hands.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

F.I.N.E.

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Nancy speaks today about ... blessings ...

"The best advice was when someone asks 'how are you doing' respond with 'fine' and leave it at that, with fine meaning
F-fatigued,
I-irrational,
N-neurotic,
E-exhausted.
That way the person asking will hear what they want to hear and mentally you know the truth."
Nancy

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Nancy, and all who have lost a child. I pray the the agony they feel will never allow them to reject the concern of others, but to receive it with dignity, and Your Grace.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Saturday, November 19th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Socrates, that great father of philosophy, advised young men to carry a mirror. If they were good looking, they should remind themselves that an ugly life was out of keeping with good looks. If their appearance was not attractive, they were told to remember that handsome actions offset ugly looks.

The apostle Paul in Romans 12:1-3 tells us,

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.”

"God, let us be worthy of our relationship with You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

Yahweh, Day 220

Day 220

Yahweh

The Son of Man

The word of the Lord came to me: "Son of man, face the south and preach against it. Prophesy against the forest land in the Negev, and say to the forest there: Hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Lord God says: I am about to ignite a fire in you, and it will devour every green tree and every dry tree in you. The blazing flame will not be extinguished, and every face from the south to the north will be scorched by it. Then all people will see that I, Yahweh, have kindled it. It will not be extinguished." Then I said, "Ah, Lord God , they are saying of me: Isn't he [just] posing riddles?"
Ezekiel 20:45-49 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Our Messiah's favorite title for Himself, "Son of Man." It is from Ezekiel that our Lord gleans this title. It is worthy of note that our Lord's favorite reference to Himself is an identification with humanity.

This is in The Name.

xtnyoda, shalomed

The Blessing

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Timothy speaks today about ... blessings ...

"I wa...s blessed on May 24, 1985."
Timothy

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Timothy, and all who have lost a child. I pray the the blessing of the child they had, and the time they had with their child will be precious in their memories. Also, today, I pray for all with living children, that they each will realize how blessed they are ... while their child is still alive.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Friday, November 18th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Moody used to say, “You can always tell when a man is a great way from God—he is always talking about himself, how good he is. But the moment he sees God by the eye of faith, he is down on his knees, and like Job, he cries, ‘Behold, I am vile.’ ”This is not an easy realization to come to—to see that while we may be morally clean, we are vile in our own self-righteousness.

When we see ourselves in the light of the Lord, we will join the writer of Isaiah 6:5 when he said,

“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.”

"God, help us to see ourselves as we are.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

Potential

And a great big salute to the Dad.

Everyone else, let's stop the whining.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Thursday, November 17th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

At the Grand Canyon, a guide took a group of tourists to the southern rim. Among the sightseers were an artist, a minister, and a cowboy. After they had beheld the spectacle for a few minutes, the guide asked the artist, “Could you paint a picture like that?”

“Never!” the artist replied. “Only God could make that scene.”

The guide then turned to the minister. “Could you describe such grandeur in a sermon, Pastor?”

The minister shook his head. “No, sir. Such majesty defies mortal description.”

Finally, he turned to the cowboy. “And what do you think about this Grand Canyon, partner?”

The cowboy answered in wonderment, “I was just thinking—what an awful place to lose a cow!”

The unsaved look at Christ and see a good teacher, a moral man, but not the Son of God.

The apostle Paul in 1Corinthians 2:14 gives us these words from his point of view:

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

"God, help us to see others from Your point of view.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

365 firsts

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Rebecca speaks today about ... firsts ...

"That I would have 365 'firsts' without him....and take them one at a time. I have learned that the grief does not go away, the pain doesn't either...we just learn to cope better....love and miss you like crazy Jas!"
Rebecca

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Rebecca, and all who have lost a child. I pray that every first day that takes place after losing their child will be met with Your manifested Presence.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

"The great artist Michelangelo fastened a little lantern to his headpiece so that his shadow wouldn’t fall on the marble on which he was working. When self becomes obtrusive, it casts a shadow on all we do. This is true even in prayer."

The writer of John 3:30 reminds us,

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

"God, let others see less of me and more of You.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

Keep Faith

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Debbie speaks today about ... faith ...

"2 keep my faith n GOD"
Debbie

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Debbie, and all who have lost a child. I pray that they will find the strength ... to dig deep ... into the weakest and most vulnerable regions of their beings ... and find You there.

xtnyoda, shalomed

A Night To Remember

The Borg Conspiracy brings us this moving rendition.

This was posted on Justin Timberlake's facebook page yesterday. I think it is worthy of posting and re-posting. It is so refreshing to see a young celebrity stepping forward with a willingness to celebrate his country and its military and those serving in harms way. Semper Fi Justin, you are now one of my new BBF's and I am a new admirer from the class of old peeps who usually never looked that closely at you in the past. I am watching now.

To all my family, friends and fans,

I'm writing this out to all of you after attending an event that turned out to be one of the most moving evenings I've ever had...

I had the honor and privilege last night of attending The Basic School Instructor Battalion 236th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Greater Richmond Convention Center with Corporal Kelsey DeSantis...

I knew I would have an evening that I wouldn't forget... Something I could tell my friends about. What I didn't know was how moved I would be by the whole experience.

I've always been very vocal about my support of our Armed Forces. I've always felt like they offered us the opportunity to live our lives freely without the fear that so many other nations have to endure still to this day. And, they do it without asking for anything in return. I had this very feeling walking into this dinner. So, to say I was stoked to be there would be more than accurate.

As the evening got started, I met Kelsey and we made our way to the ballroom where the Marine Ball was going to be held. I stopped in an area designated as a kind of VIP for some of the officers, I think. I took some photos and shook hands with some of the men and women who take such great care of our freedom. It was nice to be there already.

Then, we moved to the ballroom where the dinner was set up... For a short while, I had the opportunity to sit with Kelsey, get to know her and get a tiny glimpse into what her life as a Marine was like. She talked about her training in mixed martial arts with a passion, a discipline, and a respect. It reminded me of how I hear my favorite athletes talk about their sport or, how I hear my favorites among my peers in music and film talk about their craft.

We sat in this huge ballroom and were the only ones there as, we had beaten the rest of the soldiers who were on their way in. So, we got a decent amount of time to chat before the ceremony started.

She seemed to me to be so humble and honest... Very cool. She also simultaneously seemed like she was nervous about the whole evening and if I was going to enjoy myself. "Are you ok?" she asked 2 or 3 times. "I hope you are having fun. I know you will once my crew of friends get here to the table." I have to tell you, it's not every day that I meet a 23 year old girl and she's more worried about if I'm having fun or if I'm comfortable! It hit me all of a sudden that these were the type of people that look after us and our freedom... Humble, concerned for others before themselves... This was the type of person our Marine Corps was building. I was really blown away.

It seemed like all of a sudden I was surrounded by her great friends and fellow Marines as the closest ones to her made their way to our table. She again assured me that I was going to love all of her friends--that they were a "kick-ass" group of people.

She couldn't have been more right. I laughed and laughed with all of them almost immediately and felt very close to them... They reminded me of my friends (the ones I like, at least). Cool, un-affected, and real. This was going to be a fun night.

What happened then took me by such surprise that I was almost brought to tears. In fact, our whole table was...

They started the ceremony. And, the next thing I knew I was watching a video about Pearl Harbor/WW2 and the September 11 terrorist attacks... It was a video with some first-hand accounts from some Marines who were there... Telling their stories of the sights and sounds of war and rescue. So vivid and real. So honest but, so filled with a sense of compassion and adoration for this wonderful country. They spoke with a pride that only they could have acquired through their experience as a US Marine. There was a common theme that I began to notice as well... No matter what the situation. No matter how dire...

They were there FIRST.

There on the front lines.

No questions... Just reaction.

While this tribute was playing, you could hear a pin drop. It was a surreal moment to be in that room with so many of our great Marines who have such a different type of connection to those stories. One that we who don't serve will NEVER understand. It was familial. It was like they were listening to their own blood brothers. I glanced around the room at young men and women, spouses and soldiers... At kids way beyond their years, really... All so deeply entwined. Not just by battle, even though we who have never endured anything remotely close to those experiences and have NO position to comment on... But, by having such life changing experiences through them and to not ever waver in their love and respect for our homeland. That's what I saw. A faith in us that has been tested time and time again. And, through it all, NEVER a drop of doubt.

I was truly moved.

The evening went on and we ate and took photos and drank and made jokes.

There were some speeches that prompted many "huahs" and applause. There was laughs. We even danced a little.

I felt so proud to be there. I felt like I was getting a chance to be among my heroes. It's funny too because a lot of them are SO younger than me.

The evening wound down for me as, I had to catch a plane. But, I have to say that I had so much fun with Kelsey and her crew of friends. They were just really nice people... Classy Marines but, not without a great sense of humor. Real individuals but, not without a sense of community.

I said my goodbyes to them but, not before I got a chance to tell them how much the evening had meant to me. They made me feel so welcome to be there and I'll never forget it.

We all have our own individual views on war... But, doesn't that speak to just another thing that makes this country so special?? The fact that we can all wake up every morning and BE individual with a pure sense of freedom..? But, one thing that can't be argued is that it's because of the people who VOLUNTEER their lives to make sure that it's protected at all times. And, like I said before, doing so while asking for nothing in return...

To all of you that serve every day for us... Ensuring our freedom, I say: My deepest gratitude to you. I've met so many of my heroes... From Michael Jordan to Michael Jackson. And, nothing makes me feel more honor and pride than when I get to meet one of you. Last night changed my life and I will never forget it.

To people like me who get to benefit from this type of person... One with character and courage. With strength and bravery. With humility and honor... I say: Send your thanks. Do it however you can. Write a letter, type an email... Hell, buy 'em a beer next time you run into someone from our Armed Forces in a bar. When they say thank you for that drink that cost you 3 bucks, they'll mean it. They won't take it for granted and, they won't forget it.

Thank you Corporal Kelsey DeSantis. Thank you for inviting me. And, thank you for being my hero.

- Justin Timberlake

Semper Fi!

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.


F.B. Meyer once said, “I used to think that God’s gifts were on shelves one above the other, and that the taller we grew in Christian character, the easier we could reach them. I now find that God’s gifts are on shelves one beneath the other. It is not a question of growing taller but of stooping lower; that we have to go down, always down, to get His best gifts.”

Receiving the gifts of God gives us the feeling of humility in knowing God can choose to use whomever He wills, and yet He chooses to give the gift to us. The greatest gift is salvation through Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul shares these words with us in Romans 5:8:

“God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

"God, thank You for Your love to us.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

Global Warming Fear Mongering in Kampala

The IPCC is at it again. And they are shrieking louder than ever before in their newest gathering of nations taking place this very day.

Following is just part of their scare-mongering in Kampala this week.

Southern Europe will be gripped by fierce heatwaves, drought in North Africa will be more common, and small island states face ruinous storm surges from rising seas, according to a report by UN climate scientists.

The assessment is the most comprehensive probe yet by the 194-nation Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) into the impact of climate change on extreme weather events.

A 20-page draft "summary for policymakers" obtained by AFP says in essence that global warming will create weather on steroids.

It also notes that these amped-up events -- cyclones, heat waves, diluvian rains, drought -- will hit the world unevenly.

Subject to modification, the draft summary will be examined by governments at a six-day IPCC meeting starting on Monday in the Ugandan capital of Kampala.

In the worst scenario, human settlement in some areas could be wiped out, the report warns.

"If disasters occur more frequently and/or with greater magnitude, some local areas will become increasingly marginal as places to live or in which to maintain livelihoods," it says.

"In such cases migration becomes permanent and could introduce new pressures in areas of relocation. For locations such as atolls, in some cases it is possible that many residents will have to relocate." .......

Chicken Little isn't going to be able to shout much louder that the sky is falling. The only problem is that it is going to be the temperature that is falling, and snow, instead of the temperature rising.

The only temperatures that are going to be rising are in the veins of the alarmists as they watch their predictions crashing to the ground by God Himself. As Yahweh said in Hosea, He is God and not man. Or we could say it this way, man is not God, and when man claims to do what only God can do, God will prove that man can't.

This would be really fun if there weren't so many people that are going to suffer because of all the lies of the alarmists. We should be preparing for a very cold coming generation.

xtnyoda, shalomed

The Chaplains Corner

The Chaplains 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.

Can you tell me the difference between Neglect and Reject? I guess the answer depends a lot on the context that you’re using those words in. But when it comes to the subject of your eternal salvation - there really isn’t any difference.

In God’s Word, the Bible, it says,

"How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"
(Hebrews 2:3)

Many people will spend eternity away from God, not because they rejected what Jesus did on the cross, but because they simply neglected it. They put it off, they made excuses, they said, ‘I’ll do that later’ but never got around to it.

You can get away with postponing a lot of things, but not God. This "great salvation" is what Jesus did by loving you so much that He died to pay the death penalty for your sin. But that salvation isn't your salvation until you make a commitment of your life to Him, like a drowning person would grab a lifeguard as their only hope.

When did you do that with Jesus? If you never have, and you don't want to risk losing the heaven that Jesus died to give you, then you need to give yourself to Jesus today?

Don’t you think you’ve neglected Him long enough?

Daily Nugget

Monday, November 14th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“He gives double who gives unasked.”
(Arabian proverb)

This has been proven time and time again. I have seen people, both in churches and as individuals who have been told what "their fair share" was, and that is what the gift was. I have also seen times when a need was shared, and the gift far exceeded the expectation.

We must not let someone’s limited vision stop our blessing. We must give as God leads us and not as based on the minimum or just what is expected.

The apostle Paul, the writer of 2 Corinthians 9:7 says,

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”

"God, thank You for our undeserved blessings you have given to us.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

Daily Nugget

Sunday, November 13th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“God often visits us...but most of the time we are not at home.”
(Anonymous)

God was there in the sunshine. God was there in the gentle breeze. God was there in the moon and stars. God was there in the song of the bird outside our window. God was even there in the rock we tripped over. How many times did He try to get our attention today?

The writer of John 1:1-5 said,

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

The light was on; was anybody home?

"God, thank You for seeking us daily. Let us be responsive to Your visits.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

A Belated Veterans Day Comment

A Belated Veterans Day Comment

I’ve waited until the day after Veterans Day to make my comment.

As a veteran myself, that served our nation during a time of war, and on the field of war. A veteran that fought and held the head of men dying in their own blood, who saw the last breath leave their bodies, that heard their last word, ‘Momma,’ that knew them personally, that knew their hopes and dreams, and weaknesses, and fears, and cried unashamedly when they lost life. (And still do at times.)

I have a few thoughts.

Do you think they fought and died so you can live a life of ease and luxury? Do you think they fought and died so you can whine and moan about feeling underprivileged, taken advantage of, feeling victimized, entitled to lives of excess for every pleasure you think you deserve?

If so, you honor them not. So next year, on Veterans Day, instead of your hollow words and symbols of gratitude, just go to your local Veterans Cemetery, and stand by a grave, and spit on it.

You want to ‘honor’ a veteran? Make something of you life, something that will actually benefit some other human being. Don’t live a life filled with selfish dreams and goals and ambitions, but dedicate your life to the advancement of others. That is what distinguishes the sacrifice of a veteran.

You want to honor a veteran … go and do likewise. Then we will feel honored, even though that is not why we served. We served because it was our duty.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Saturday, November 12th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

“A good laugh is sunshine in a house.”
(William Makepeace Thackeray 1811-1863)

When a beekeeper comes into the area of his hives, he is able to tell very quickly the mood of the hive. He can tell if there is harmony or anger just by the sounds the bees are making. The same is true in a home, classroom, club, church, and ultimately country. I love to come up to a room of children that I can hear long before I see them because of the laughter coming from the children’s play. Laughter is one of the sweetest sounds we will ever hear anywhere. The writer of Proverbs 17:22 shares these words of wisdom with us:

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

"God, thank You for laughter You send to us each day.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

Russian scientist predicts 100 years of cooling

The web site called Ice Age Now, is carrying the story coming out of Russia that should get our attention.

"In a study of cyclic behavior of the Sun, Russian scientists now predict 100 years of cooling.

These are not just any scientists. This forecast comes from astrophysicist Dr Habibullo Abdussamatov, head of the Russian segment of the International Space Station, and head of Space Research of the Sun Sector at the Pulkovo Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences....."

Follow the link to read the whole report ... then again ... prepare for a cold winter.

Yahweh is moving.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Only we can truly understand

Losing a child to death brings a myriad of emotions ... all complicated ... all different ... all difficult.



Susan speaks today about ... understanding ...

"Of course, this was from another bereaved mom as only we can truly understand what we're feeling-I was told to take one breath, one moment, one minute, one step, one day at a time and to not make any demands on myself. I tell other newly bereaved moms the same things."
Susan

Father, Yahweh, I pray today for Susan, and all who have lost a child. I pray that their shared experiences of losing a child will be shared with others that have lost the same.

xtnyoda, shalomed

Daily Nugget

Friday, November 11th, 2011.



Today's cherished Nugget from guest blogger Pastor Bill.

Today our country celebrates by giving thanks to our veterans for their service to our country. Many of our vets were so young they did not even know what they were fighting for; they just knew they wanted to serve our country, or were at least willing to serve when they received their "Greetings" letter from Uncle Sam.

Jesus said in John 15:13,

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

I thank God for those families whose loved ones paid the ultimate sacrifice. I want to thank those of you who served our country and were willing to lay down your life for us had it been necessary.

Take time to thank a veteran today!

"God, thank You for our country and for the men and women who have served our country and for those who are serving our country. God, we ask Your protection on our soldiers and wisdom for those who make the decisions affecting our soldiers and our country.
Amen."

Bro. Bill

God is Love! Let us reflect that love.

Why Your Tax Bill Might Surge Next Year

Are you ready for about a $3,500 dollar surge in your taxes next year? According to this report from Yahoo News this is exactly what is going to happen to many Americans.

Is congress forewarning you about the coming rather dramatic increases?

In a recent tax planning meeting with one of our clients, we shocked them with what their income tax future looked like for 2013 if Congress continues to do nothing to provide a long-term permanent set of tax laws (and it looks as if lawmakers are headed down this track).

They had no idea what tax breaks were expiring this year and next year, and how much it would cost them personally in extra income tax. But they aren't alone, many Americans and even tax professionals aren't aware that their tax bill could rise dramatically next year.

These clients are your average American family and their situation is a good example of the law changes that will affect all of us. Here's their tax situation with a table summarizing the expiring tax laws that are scheduled to occur in 2011 and 2012.

Meet the Smiths: 26-year-olds Bill and Joan have been married for five years and have two young children. Bill earns about $65,000 a year in sales and Joan has gone back to work and earns about $35,000 annually. Bill owes quite a bit on his college student loans and will pay about $3,000 in interest on them in 2013. With Joan working again, they are paying $3,000 for year-round child care. Joan inherited some AT&T stock from her grandmother, which pays her $1,000 in dividends every year. Finally, counting home mortgage interest, they have about $20,000 in itemized deductions.

The first big change affecting the Smiths will be a combined increase in income tax rates, and a tightening of tax brackets as a result of the expiration of the Bush tax cuts. We estimate this will cost them $960 in 2013.

Bill will lose the complete deduction of his student loan interest in 2013, costing about $840. The pair's allowable deduction for child care will drop to $2,400 from $3,000, and they will also see their credit for children drop in half, costing another $1,000.

The marriage tax penalty will come roaring back to hit the Smiths in 2013, costing an estimated $500. The tax on their dividend income will go increase to $280 from $150, adding another $130. Finally, although we did not calculate the effect, without Congressional action to once again "fix" the alternative minimum tax, the Smiths could owe this ugly tax as well!

Luckily for the Smiths — but not for many Americans — other major changes for 2013, which do not personally affect them, include a phase out of itemized deductions and personal exemptions if their income starts to climb.

In summary, because of tax laws expiring this year and next, we estimate that the Smiths will owe $3,598 more in income tax in 2013 than in 2011 with no change in their income.

Major Individual Income Tax Benefits Expiring 12/31/2011:

• Personal tax credits applied against income tax no longer apply

• Higher alternative minimum tax exemptions revert back to extraordinarily-low thresholds

• $250 school teacher expense deduction ends

• Mortgage insurance premium deduction expires

• State and local sales tax deductions expire

• Tuition and related fees deduction end

• IRA to charity tax-free transfers stop

• 2% Social Security tax reduction ends

Major Individual Income Tax Benefits Expiring 12/31/2012:

• Marriage penalty equalization ends

• Dividends taxed at capital gains rates removed, taxed at regular rates now

• Capital gains low tax rates expires

• Removal of itemized deduction phase out for higher income Americans

• Removal of personal exemption phase out for higher income Americans

• Child care deduction limit of $3,000 reverts to $2,400

• Child credit reduces from $1,000 per child to $500 per child

• Low 10% tax bracket for low income Americans is eliminated

• Lower income tax rates and smaller brackets expires

• Refundable adoption credit and reduced deduction

• American Opportunity college education credit expires

• Major reduction in earned income credits and refunds

• Income tax exemption for debt forgiven on home foreclosures and repossessions

• Deduction for student loan interest ends

• Education IRA limit drops from $2,000 to $500

Bob Jennings is a CPA, EA and CFP and author of "Understanding Social Security & Medicare."

Doesn't look like good news to me, and for the most part, it isn't news at all, at least as far as congress reporting this to our citizens is concerned.

xtnyoda, shalomed