Jubilee on Earth

True Love Points North!

2013-02-20T23:51:00.002-05:00

Friends, if you're wondering where I've gone to, I'm still here! This blog is not abandoned by any means -- I'm simply working on other projects. I'm up to my ears in work (thankfully!) and have many fun things in the works.

One of which is a new, personal blog. You can find that by clicking on the link below:

TRUE LOVE POINTS NORTH

True Love Points North is a blog about me and my fiance Alan (also called "Gunner"), who is currently incarcerated in a Michigan state prison. It explains a bit about where I live (and why I live there) as I wait out these last years for his homecoming.

That blog will chronicle my daily life and the challenges of living in a remote northern MI town, as well as some of the joys and beauty I encounter up here. I love to cook, play in the outdoors, garden, homestead, write, try out new technology, explore my surroundings and teach my furkids new tricks. I'll also be writing about some of the frustrations and hardships of prison life. I promise there will be something for everyone. Stick around! At the very least, some of the updates regarding Alan and his his life in a prison cell will prove interesting.

Thanks for reading!

The Mafia novel that the world has been waiting for!

2013-02-01T17:40:00.003-05:00

My post here is outside the genre of this blog, but I wanted to write about it anyway. I'm so proud of my fiance, Gunner Alan Lindbloom, who wrote an incredible Mafia novel set in Detroit. Not only is this a brilliant saga, but he also wrote it while serving time in a Michigan state prison. The book is completed, and it's ready to be edited for publication. The problem is, we're needing a little help. That's where Kickstarter comes in. We've officially launched this publishing project on Kickstarter, to humbly ask folks to invest in our project and help see this book to completion. If you love Mafia stories or just want to help by investing in a small, meaningful publishing project by a Christian man who's worked extremely hard, your donation would be greatly appreciated.

Here is the link to the Kickstarter project page:

TO BE A KING -- Kickstarter project page

Gunner and I know that this book has the potential to be the next Godfather saga. In fact, we also know that it has tremendous potential to be a Hollywood movie someday. We often sit and dream about the future of this novel. Will it one day be a blockbuster Academy award winner, with Ashton Kutcher or Channing Tatum playing the powerful and handsome Omnio "King" Falcone? Would Eminem's song "Welcome to Detroit" be the opening soundtrack? Will Robert De Niro play his grandfather, Don "The Butcher" Falcone? Will the movie and novel become part of history with some of the other great Mafia legacies, such as Goodfellas or Casino? (We've got the "A" list cast of characters all planned out, with the exception of the dark-haired Italian beauty, Contessa. Alan wants Mark Wahlberg in there somewhere, and I always thought that James Franco would be awesome as the ruthless "Cousin Anthony.") And of course, how amazing would it be to have Martin Scorsese produce the film? We know it's a big dream, but if you can't dream big, what's the point, right? =)

Here is the background of the book, from our Kickstarter page:

TO BE A KING is the gripping Detroit-based Mafia saga of Omnio "King" Falcone, written by a man serving time in a state prison.

While serving his 13 year prison sentence, Gunner Alan Lindbloom wrote a brilliant Mafioso novel called TO BE A KING. In late summer of 2010, after we had been writing each other for several months, I (his fiance) finally agreed to read his book. The Mafia genre really isn't my thing, so I pushed it off at first. But when I started reading it, I got sucked in right away. This guy can write! Yes, there are some crazy scenes in the book with violence and rough Mafia retaliations that left me reeling, but there is also a beautiful love story woven into the plot. The storyline is masterful, with intricate scenes and connections throughout the book that tie everything together quite ingeniously. I've never read any of Mario Puzo's books, but I liked this just as much -- if not more -- than the Godfather movies. There was enough romance in it to keep me interested, and the intriguing characters were compelling, commanding and alive. The book is set in Detroit, both in the vintage era and in modern times, which brings a very cool local element of interest to the novel. When I finished it, I was very emotional. The ending was superb. I knew that I had fallen in love with the man who wrote the words in that book, and I was unbelievably impressed. I'm an avid reader who devours books and has a very critical mind when it comes to stories and narration. Gunner is not only an imaginative storyteller who weaves an engaging tale, but he has a really enjoyable writing style and command of dialogue. It's unbelievable to me that this guy was a high-school drop out who never had any creative writing classes or formal composition training -- AND that he wrote this from a state prison cell. He has a true, raw natural talent. In addition to that, his own Sicilian heritage helped lend an element of truth and knowledge to this dark and powerful genre. There was no doubt that he had a best-seller on his hands, and so I offered to help edit it for him. One of the challenges is that he writes on a very rudimentary prison typewriter, which makes it tough to edit. I first have to scan each page and then OCR it, which is a long, drawn out, grueling process. Gunner is also currently going back to line-edit the book, to refine it a bit and make it that much more polished. It's our hope that we'll be able to formally publish the book in late 2013, if not sooner. When we get more of it edited, I'll post some chapters here for people to read. In the mean time, here's a synopsis of the book, written by Gunner himself:

Omnio "King" Falcone is the handsome young grandson of Don "The Butcher" Falcone, a once feared and powerful boss of the Detroit Syndicate, the city's reclusive coalition of Sicilian Mafia families. As the last Falcone, King is the heir-apparent to his grandfather's throne. Except there is one problem -- a big one. He is known to the Sicilians as a "dragoni," meaning one without pure Sicilian blood. As a result of his mixed ancestry, he has been ostracized by much of the Syndicate. Even worse, the Commission -- a secret pantheon of Mafia bosses from all over the country -- have restricted his rank and forbidden him from ever taking over his grandfather's tenured "Famiglia." Nevertheless, King is a born leader and a brilliant tactician. Even with the odds firmly stacked against him, he has risen through the Syndicate ranks. Many of the Family capos have grown to respect and fear him -- and for good reason. He commands a faithful crew of ambitious young wise guys who have sworn their lives to him. In turn, King has built them into a well-oiled and highly profitable extension of his grandfather's Famiglia. After years of hard work, methodical planning and forming strategic alliances, King is on the brink of finally being accepted by the Commission. But his house of cards comes crashing down when a beautiful young Mafia princess arrives into town from Sicily. Smitten, he decides he must have her as his own. Unfortunately, his arch nemesis -- his nefarious cousin Anthony -- has already laid claim to her. A war for her affection ensues. When the smoke clears, King is left serving a life sentence in federal prison while Anthony is elevated to Syndicate underboss, second in rank only to his father, the Syndicate's new "Capo di tutti Cappi," Boss of All Bosses. Don Falcone, however, does not intend to dishonor his ancestors by allowing the last of their bloodline to die in prison. He has kept a favor on the books for over fifty years, and when he finally calls it in, King emerges from prison a free man after having received a rare presidential pardon. Not only does King intend to take his rightful place at the head of his grandfather's storied crime family, he also intends to seat himself at the head of the entire Syndicate. But first he must dethrone his uncle and usurp his treacherous cousin. Can King Falcone execute his coup d'etat and seize the reins of the Syndicate, or will he incite an all-out Motor City mob war? Can he overcome his own mixed blood and earn the support of the Commission, or will they adhere to their ancient decrees and deny him the right to his grandfather's throne? To find out, read on and enter the secret world of La Cosa Nostra. Learn what it takes...

TO BE A KING

This is the novel the publishing industry has been waiting for! It's been decades since Mario Puzo's "The Godfather" saga was published, and the time is right for a new dramatic series. You will not be able to put this down, and with insider knowledge of the Detroit Mafia Syndicate, Gunner pens this book with a page-turning intensity that will keep you up late at night reading. With a beautiful love-story woven in and rich, detailed scenes that will blow your mind, there's no doubt that TO BE A KING is a future New York Times besteller. Currently unable to text, tweet, research or call on his own behalf, Gunner is relying on his supportive network of friends and family to help him see his dreams come true. His prison sentence was not all in vain -- the time spent typing away on his bunk has resulted in a novel that will change history. A big-screen film will be sure to follow.

The book is entirely completed. Gunner and I are simply working on the line editing process, which is cumbersome. The funds donated to this project would help to purchase him a new typewriter, provide OCR software to help convert his archaic typed manuscript into an editable Word doc, and the hiring assistance of e-book formatting and marketing. It would also allow me a few uninterrupted weeks of non-stop editing to be able to get this book ready for final publication. Updates will be posted along to the way to showcase our progression and keep our backers abreast of our progress to completion.

From both of us -- THANK YOU!

(more info at the Kickstarter link above)

Why Would God Allow The Shooting of Little Children?

2012-12-14T15:43:00.000-05:00

Almost 30 people, 20 of them elementary school children, were killed when a gunman, twenty-year old Adam Lanza, opened fire at an elementary school in Connecticut today. The reports are saying that the shooter has a connection to Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT, which I imagine will be explained soon enough. When I first caught wind of the details, I was horrified. Appalled. I felt sickened. The tears began to flow as I sobbed at my desk, taking a pause in my work to read the accounts of the still breaking tragedy. The number of deaths and injuries kept increasing, and stories from the survivors and their families were emerging on the internet. Who would do such a thing? How could someone be so sick in the head? I'm sure more details will continue to come to light as the investigation deepens over the next few weeks, but one thing is for sure -- he was either very mentally unstable, or on drugs, or purely evil. As I wiped the tears and read through all of the sad updates and messages of prayer on Facebook, one update caught my eye. "Why would God allow this to happen?"

I paused to think about that. Why WOULD God allow this to happen? But before I said the words aloud, I knew the answer. And I want all of my readers to know the answer, too. Satan is in charge of this world right now. Whether you believe that or not, it's the truth. In John 12:31, Jesus refers to Satan as "the ruler of this world." In 2 Corinthians 4:4, Paul writes, "Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ..."

Satan does not rule this world completely. God, of course, is still sovereign over all. Yet when Satan defied God in the beginning times (before man was created) and tried to boldly usurp His authority, God threw him down to earth. He gave Satan (and 1/3 of the angels who also followed Satan) domain over this planet. So if you want to use some imagery here, let's imagine there's a foreman of a union plant whose workers all belong to him, and work under him. Pretend for a moment that one particular worker, an evil, proud, boastful, manipulative guy who has delusions of ruling the world, gathered up about a third of the plant's workers and tried to overthrow the foreman in a big coup. The foreman, being smart and powerful enough to fend off this uprising, banished the rebel and his followers to another factory on the other side of the road. Then he sent a memo out, spreading this message, "While I cannot completely abolish the rebel and his followers at this point in time -- that's going to take some time and a few complicated stages -- for now, I gave him control over that plant across the road. I care about that plant and all of its contents very much, and believe me, I'll be keeping an eye on what goes on in his new domain. I imagine he's going to mess things up pretty badly over there. He's an evil man. But I'm going to let him. He has free and absolute reign over everything in his domain. His actions over there will one day contribute to his complete and final dismissal. I can't go into details, but just remember that there's a reason for this. In the mean time, you stick close to me. He is dangerous. Very dangerous. If you stay close to me and keep me involved in your daily work at all times, I can and will protect you. Yet if you don't, you're opening up yourself to his attack. He's a liar and a manipulator, and he will find a way to use you against me. Your only protection is me."

Got it? Have that scenario firmly entrenched in your brain? That's a loose, but pretty decent analogy of Satan's place on this earth. God gave him this planet and all of the precious things that reside within it. There's a reason for it. Satan's basically digging his own grave. The Bible tells us that in the end, Jesus will defeat Satan once and for all -- for good. For reasons currently unknown to us, there's a waiting period before that can take place. In the mean time, God and Jesus tell us very clearly -- YOU STICK CLOSE TO US. We will protect you.

In Ephesians 6, protection from Satan is described very clearly:

"Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." (Ephesians 6:11-18)

When believers put their full faith in Christ, they become protected by God. They are then in a tight knit group that stays close to Christ (i.e. the foreman in my analogy) so that the evil rebel cannot get to us. That's not to say it's a guarantee that we won't ever be tempted or attacked by Satan. He is so sneaky and masterful and lying that he may be able to find his way in through our defenses. But I assure you, the chances are much, much slimmer.

So what have we done? Have we protected ourselves against this evil one and his minions? Have we protected our children? Our families? Our friends and workplaces and schools? No. In fact, we've pushed God out. We told Christ, this man willing and able to protect us, that he isn't allowed in our public domains. "Sorry," the citizens of the U.S. have spoken out. "You have to keep yourself confined to a church."

That, my friends, leaves everyone open and vulnerable. If the good workers of the factory stood up and told the foreman, "Nah, we're good. We can take care of ourselves," and then proceeded to lock him away in his office where he can't be involved in the day-to-day activities, then the workers should not be surprised when they fall under attack.

"Where is God? Why did He allow this to happen? Why did He allow innocent children to die?"

HE didn't. You did. I'm sorry, but that's the cold, hard truth of it. The Lord our Father is Heaven with Jesus right now, weeping for the tragedy. Shaking their heads at something that could've been prevented. They know that if America chooses to stand outside of His circle of protection, they are going to get hurt. Over all these years, Satan has done a fantastic job of rotting our planet and running it into the ground. While there are some bright spots still, it's clear that the darkness and evil and corruption is becoming deeper and more wide-spread. God cannot step in whenever and whereever, like a super hero to stop every tragedy. Why? Because we're not puppets on a string. If God could simply step in and stop this shooting, then what else? What else should He be doing? Should he stop the man in the next town molesting his daughter? Or women in the next state who is beating her son with a whip? Should He intervene in Africa where little kids are dying from disease and hunger? Does it stop at only children, or should God also prevent abusive marriages, bank robberies, rapes, murders?

You must understand that humans have free will. The only single way they can be saved and protected in this life is to stick close to God, and give their life to Jesus. God has no more ability at this point to direct the actions of every human than that foreman would have to tether every worker up to him and drag each one around their workday under his complete and total control. Well, let me rephrase that. God DOES have the ability -- He is almighty and powerful, and can do anything. But what kind of life would that be for mankind, if God was sitting at a display screen of His super-heavenly monitoring system, directing everyone's actions like a puppet master? That's no kind of life, and He wanted more for us than that.

The end will come where Satan, Adam Lanza, and all of the other truly demented, sick or evil people will get their justice. The Bible promises us this. GOD promises us this. In the mean time, stick close to Him so you don't get caught in that snare. Fight to bring God and Christ back into our schools, our government, our public buildings and organizations. I don't want to turn this into a political rant, but so many liberals and non-religious people think it's a good thing to have "equality" and to "separate church and state." I've shown you what happens when you separate society from God. Our country and its people become open and vulnerable to evil. Some of Satan's evil is blatant and obvious, like this senseless shooting. Other schemes of his are not so obvious. They might be subtle. They are easy to recognize, though, if you can see clearly and know what to look for.

The Bible tells us that the fruit (result) of living in the Spirit (living with the Holy Spirit within us, as followers of Christ) produce things that are good.

"The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23)

The Bible also tells us that the fruit of the flesh (i.e. sin/Satan/living apart from God) are much darker in nature:

"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like." (Galatians 5:19-20)

As Satan is able to infiltrate our societies more and more, you'll see an increase of those acts, and any related acts or crimes (like rape, homicide, theft, etc.) that are carried out with those descriptions at the center of their core.

Which means, if America continues down the same path, we can expect more of this. More anger. More hate. More violence. It's tragic, but true. I am praying for the anguished friends and family of those victims. My eyes are filled with tears as I cry over this tragically sad and disheartening news. I assure you, God and Christ are crying, too. Rest assured, though, that those little ones are in Heaven with the Lord. May God bring peace to those who have been left behind to mourn them.

The Chick-Fil-A Controversy (UPDATE) -- Roseanne Barr Wishes Cancer on Christians

2012-07-30T18:14:00.001-04:00

As if this controversial issue couldn't get any more atrocious... alas, in steps Roseanne Barr. Yes, you may remember her as the crude, uncouth comedian who spit and grabbed her crotch after singing a horrible rendition of our National Anthem. It was by far one of the most embarrassing moments in our country's history. I have no doubt other countries were laughing at us, mocking our crass American way of behaving.

Unfortunately, she makes her appearance again. In an article from ABC, it's reported that she Tweeted out a message to those who follow her that said, "Anyone who eats S*** Fil-A deserves to get the cancer that is sure to come from eating antibiotic filled tortured chickens 4Christ."

I'm shaking my head in complete and total disgust. Over and over and over I hear the left screaming accusations of hate toward us Christians. Yet, ironically, the only hateful, ugly comments out there are coming from the left. Wait a minute... are the liberals being intolerant of the people they're demanding should be more tolerant? Yes, and they're doing it with spiteful, hateful words.

As one who lost both my mother and other members of my family to cancer, I'm truly offended and feel this should be taken very seriously. Amazingly enough, this incident occurred three days ago -- and I only first heard about it today. The hypocrisy of our nation is astounding. I guarantee if any conservative or Christian made a comment like that, the lynching would've been immediate. Yet a liberal Hollywood personality spews that garbage, and barely an acknowledgement passes.

How on earth could any human wish cancer on someone else? Am I the only one completely disgusted and sickened by what's going on here?

In a follow-up article, ABC reports that Roseanne Barr made a half-hearted, flimsy attempt at an apology, saying, "Rereading my tweet I realize that I used the wrong word -- I shouldn’t have used the word deserves.”

Again, I'd like to remind the public that Dan Cathy, the owner of Chick-Fil-A who when asked in an interview said that he supported the Biblical views of traditional marriage, did NOT EVER say that he wouldn't serve gays or hire them. In fact, I've searched and searched, and I cannot find any offensive, hateful or discriminatory quote from Cathy. At all.

Yet one simple search brings up thousands of accusations against him. The word "hate" is most often used. I have to pause here for a moment. Since when did the definition of hate change? See, I always understood it to mean a outward despising of something or someone. In fact, Dictionary.com defines the word hate as "to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward; detest."

But now, the angry, spiteful liberal left who truly does intensely dislike Christians and feels a deep hostility toward us have twisted and redefined the word to mean, "to disagree with what we think you should believe and feel." In other words, if you don't agree with the popular liberal view, you are defined as a hater.

In the past week or two, I've been told to get over my hate, to stop being a hater of gays. That's funny, because one of my most-loved friends in life is gay. I'd give my life for him. He's smart, compassionate, witty, funny and a great companion. While I don't support gay right or gay marriage, I don't hate him. I adore him. There isn't one single person on this earth I can say in all honesty that I hate. I hate sin, yes. That's a different thing. I hate MY sin. I hate the sin of those around me. I hate the sins that creeps up and temps us and draws us away from God. But that never once meant that I hate people. The only one single thing I truly hate in life is sin. (And maybe cold, dreary, snowy days in January. =)

I just don't get it. This country has never been so divided by political views. Yet it runs much, much deeper than that. It's even deeper than religious views. All I ever see coming from the left on these controversial issues are angry, cuss-filled sentences that spew and spit and intend to hurt with words of malice and loathing. And all I'm seeing from the conservative right are words of support and explanation and defensiveness toward God and the Bible.

The shallow, cruel words of a has-been comedian don't matter. The ignorant comments of accusatory strangers insisting that we're all haters don't matter. What matters is that we continue to stand up with dignity, eloquence, peace, calm and righteousness, defending Christ and the Holy Scriptures from God. We know our place, and we know our stance.

The best thing I can do here to remind us of the truth is to quote a passage from Jude:

But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love.

And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. (Jude 1:17-23)

The Chick-Fil-A Controversy - A Preview of Christian Persecution in America

2012-07-27T12:19:00.002-04:00

I wanted to take some time to talk about the Chick-Fil-A issue that's been a hot topic in the news recently. If you aren't familiar with Chick-Fil-A (pronounced "chick-fillet"), they are a Christian-owned fast food company, with locations mostly in the southern Bible belt. This isn't some little rinky-dink restaurant. Chick-Fil-A has over 1,600 locations in 39 states and Washington D.C., according to their website. We don't have any Chick-Fil-A restaurants here in Michigan, so for the longest time I had no idea they even existed. The first time I encountered Chick-Fil-A was at the Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio. We were there on a Sunday, and we were hungry. We walked up to the restaurant... and the doors were locked. "Closed?" I asked. "How could they be closed on a Sunday?"

The second time I encountered them was on a business trip, where I had a chicken sandwich, waffle fries and the most amazing milkshake ever -- the banana pudding milkshake. Being lactose intolerant, it gave me a bit of a belly ache. But it was worth it. Only long afterward did I find out that they were a Christian company, and that they closed on Sundays not only to give God glorification and respect on the Sabbath, but also to allow workers to be at home with their families that day. The company wanted its employees to have the opportunity to attend church and have that day to spend glorifying God and finding time for rest. I immediately fell in love with them. I think it's fantastic that a company would acknowledge God's day. From that moment on, I was a huge supporter.

Lately, Chick-Fil-A has been in the news because the president of the fast-food chain, Dan Cathy, said in a recent interview that he opposed gay marriage. Now, the one small fault I find with that incident is Cathy's reply to the Baptist Press question, asking if he supported the Biblical definition of marriage. "Guilty as charged," Cathy said. While I'm happy that he obviously took the right stance, I wasn't thrilled with the way he worded it. "Guilty." As if he was doing something wrong, saying something wrong. If I were Cathy, I would've said much more definitively, "Absolutely. Of course I do."

But let's not fault the guy on the vocabulary he chose to use. The fact of the matter is, Cathy stood up and basically said, "Yes. I uphold the Biblical definition of marriage between a man and woman. I do not support gay marriage rights."

And this caused an uproar and sensation like I had never seen in my life. Next thing you know, people on my Facebook feed were spouting out angry messages of hate and disbelief. Articles were being posted all over the place with a tone of incredulity that Cathy would say such a thing. Boycotts were immediately implemented, and almost every gay-rights group and supportive person or organization put Chick-Fil-A on their shun list. The Muppets branding even took a stance, stating that they would pull their marketing from the company, because they don't endorse a company who stands up against gay rights. The mayor of Boston insisted that no Chick-Fil-A restaurant would be built in his city (more on that later). Within a week, the spark that Cathy that ignited grew into a wildfire so large that it seemed to spread across the country in an instant.

Before I get into the scary implications of this incident... before I touch on whether homosexuality is a sin... I just want to say this about my OWN personal beliefs that gay rights should not be supported. This goes much, much deeper than mere sexuality. For me, one of the biggest issues is this: in this world, you're either with God, or you're against Him. In Matthew 12:30, Jesus says, "Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me." (NLT) It doesn't get much clearer than that. Whether you believe it or not... whether you agree with it or not... the reality is that if you are not with God and Christ, you are against them. And if we stop and look at the homosexual population of the United States, what percentage would you say were devout Christians? What percentage would you think loves and supports God? Stands up for Jesus? Reads their Bible? The answer is, pretty small. I'd be willing to bet that only a very small percentage of openly proud gays love Christ and stand with God. In fact, the number may be even close to zero. Therefore, according to Jesus, by default they are immediately against God. It doesn't matter WHY the gay community doesn't support God and Christ. Putting their sexuality aside for a moment, let's just talk about their loyalty to God. If I'm a devout Christian, or if I'm Dan Cathy, and I have a choice to make -- either support gays, or support God -- which route do you think I'm going to take? I assure you, I'm not a hater of gays. In fact, I have a couple of very good friends that are gay. But if I had to make a choice whether to stand with them, or stand with my faith, you bet your butt that I would stand with my faith. Every. Single. Time. No question. And I wouldn't be "guilty" for doing that.

For that reason alone, I am against gay rights. It would be no different than me standing against Islamic rights. As a devout Christian, I stand only for those things that Christ would support and endorse. But let's talk about that for a second. In a recent debate with a gay friend over this issue, he said, "What kind of Christian are you that you're okay with Chick-Fil-A's statement?" That kind of boggled my mind. I read my Bible every single day. I pray every single day. And yet this man (who as far as I know, doesn't do either one) suggests that I'm not being a good Christian because I don't support gay rights. There are a zillion articles out there about how the Bible speaks out against homosexuality. Some of it is in the Old Testament (before Jesus). Some of it is in the New Testament (after Jesus). I have no idea why this is even a controversy. The Bible isn't open to interpretation -- it's pretty clear:

Jesus said in Matthew 15:19-20, "For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you."

Along with that, there are these verses that go even more in-depth into what sexual immorality means:

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 says, "Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people-none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (NLT)

1 Timothy 1:9-11 states, "For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God." (NLT)

Romans 1:24-30 clearly describes God's views on homosexuality: "So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.
Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful." (NLT)

I don't think any of that is open to interpretation. It's crystal clear. Homosexuality is NOT something that Jesus would support, endorse or rally for. It's not just Jesus and his apostles who talk about homosexuality. Do you know the story of Sodom & Gomorrah? (The word "sodomy" used to refer to homosexuality, until somewhere along the line homosexuals felt it was too demeaning of a word, and instead picked a nicer word -- "gay" -- to represent their sexual status.) Sodom and Gomorrah were two ancient cities that were filled with sexually immoral, disobedient haters of God. Genesis 19 describes the homosexuals quite plainly:

That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting there, and when he saw them, he stood up to meet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed with his face to the ground. “My lords,” he said, “come to my home to wash your feet, and be my guests for the night. You may then get up early in the morning and be on your way again.”

“Oh no,” they replied. “We’ll just spend the night out here in the city square.”

But Lot insisted, so at last they went home with him. Lot prepared a feast for them, complete with fresh bread made without yeast, and they ate. But before they retired for the night, all the men of Sodom, young and old, came from all over the city and surrounded the house. They shouted to Lot, “Where are the men who came to spend the night with you? Bring them out to us so we can have sex with them!”

So Lot stepped outside to talk to them, shutting the door behind him.“Please, my brothers,” he begged, “don’t do such a wicked thing." (Genesis 19:1-7)

At the end of the night in this story, God declared that He was going to destroy the two immoral cities with fire. Knowing that Lot was a good, decent, God-fearing man, the Lord gave him and his family the opportunity to escape. But the rest of the people? They were evil and haters of God and of decency and morality.

Now let me state for the record that I don't hate people. I don't hate gays, I don't hate Muslims, I don't hate anyone who offends me or God or my beliefs. I hate the sin. Every single person has the option to turn from their sin, repent and accept salvation through Christ. Everyone. And every single person sins. I sin. You sin. Mother Theresa sinned. The Pope sins. The only one single person that never sinned was Jesus. What's important, though, is what you do with that sin. It's not something to raise up, applaud and support. I would no more support gay rights or abortion as I would cheating, lying, stealing, murdering, child molesting, violating, etc. etc. Have I cheated and lied and stole in my life? Unfortunately, yes. Is it something I'm proud of and put on a bumper sticker or flaunt in a parade? Absolutely not. I'm embarrassed by it. Ashamed of it. I pray to God all the time for forgiveness and strength and wisdom, and I work hard not to do it again. I hate when I do. Hate it. I feel dirty. I feel disappointed in myself. I feel as if I let God down. I don't hate myself. I hate the sin. But the thing is, because I have that hatred, and because I know the only way to be clean and pure is through Christ, God forgives my sin. For those who don't go to God for forgiveness, or to Christ for salvation, the sin lives and breathes and rules within them.

At this point, I can almost hear gays or gay supporters reading this starting to attack the truth and legitimacy of the Bible, picking apart the story and its origin and meaning. And this folks, is the main point of my blog post.

It does not matter whether or not gays or gay supporters believe in the Bible. It really doesn't. People have disagreed with the Bible and held it up as fiction and lies for as long as Jesus walked the earth. That's nothing new, nor is it surprising. And it's not really all that concerning, except for the fact that up until now, Christians were completely free to believe what they wanted in this country. Up until now, Christians were free to live based on those beliefs. After all... that's why the United States of America came to be born, if you didn't know. The pilgrims left England for the freedom to practice their religion. In the 1600s, King James began to weed out, prosecute and imprison those who did not conform to the King's version of Christianity. In order to escape the threat of fines, punishment and persecution, they went in search of a place where they could live, worship and believe in freedom as they chose. Eventually, they landed in America.

Sadly, our country is now turning into that which we once escaped from. Society is suddenly dictating how this country's citizens should live, believe and worship. No longer are we Christians allowed to stand up and support what's in the Bible, like the fact that homosexuality is something to abhor, not endorse. No longer is it PC to be against abortion, when it's in clear "violation" of society's views on women's rights. In fact, it's no longer appropriate to be open about your Christian in any visible or proactive way. At this point in time, it's even becoming "wrong" to publicly display any outward signs of Christian faith.

Take, for example, the controversy at the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial in San Diego. The ACLU has declared it UNCONSTITUTIONAL to have a cross at this memorial. Unconstitutional. And I know people who agree with that, spouting the whole "separation of church and state" rule. I'm not sure exactly when or how that statement became so distorted, but it is. The ruling was not put into place to prevent religion from ever touching anything having to do with government or state, but rather, the opposite. That protection was implemented to protect religious freedom from being touched by government or state. And yet that's exactly what's been happening over the past 20+ years.

According to the Christian Post and the NAACD, there are numerous examples of intolerance and censorship toward Christians that you and I never hear about, such as:

--A San Diego elementary school created an extra recess period to allow 100 Muslim students to pray, while a federal judge upheld a Knoxville, Ky., jury’s decision that a public school could prohibit its 5th grade Christian students from studying and discussing their Bibles during recess.

--UCLA prohibited a graduating student from thanking her “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” in her graduation speech.

--A university in Ohio has threatened the future of a campus Bible organization for requiring voting members and office holders be Christian.

--Jonathan Lopez, a Christian student at the Los Angeles Community College District, has sued the school saying that a professor kept him from finishing a classroom speech about his religious beliefs and opposition to same-sex unions.

--An elementary school in Tennessee, after successfully rebuffing an American Civil Liberties Union lawsuit over religious expression on campus, has nonetheless ordered the words ‘God Bless the USA’ and ‘In God We Trust’ covered up on student-made posters in the hallway.

--A Southern California counselor with nearly two decades of experience with foster children is challenging a decision that she be punished after four teens she took on an approved day-long outing encountered a beach festival that had a concert involving Christian music.

The list goes on and on, and there's no need to put all of the examples here. I simply wouldn't have the time or the room. What it all comes down to is this: with each passing day... week... year... our country's society is backing devout, Bible-believing Christians into a corner in which they will no longer be able to openly express their beliefs. It has already gone so far that the mayor of Boston, Thomas Menino and the mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, each declared emphatically that no Chick-Fil-A restaurant will be welcomed or even allowed in their city.

And that, folks, is not just baffling to me, but it's also very frightening. Are we truly at the point where Christians will be denied business licenses based on their beliefs? Is the public so willing to accept the fact that entire cities can ban a private business simply for being outwardly Christian? What on earth is going on? I, for one, am completely disgusted that any American citizen would be okay with the idea of banning a person from opening a business based on their religious beliefs. Now THAT is unconstitutional! Let me make it clear: Dan Cathy never once discriminated against homosexuals. He never once denied a meal, or made a hateful comment, or encouraged his employees to do so. And in contrast, there are numerous examples out there of the immense philanthropic outreach that Chick-Fil-A has. I've read countless stories from both customers and employees about how the generosity and compassion of Dan Cathy and his business have touched their lives. There is nothing evil about this man. There is nothing evil about his business. Again, the idea of "right" and "wrong" has gone completely backward. The gay population is all up in arms about "anti-gay." But let me assure you, it's even more serious to be "anti-God" or "anti-Christian." It's blasphemous for haters of God to be standing up and claiming to know what's right or wrong.

Jesus said, "You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” (Matthew 12:34-37, NLT)

Jesus also made it clear that it was going to get worse before it gets better for us Christians: "You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues (houses of worship). You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit."

“A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." (Mark 13:9-13, NLT)

And then this statement, which is also similar: "I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. This is because they have never known the Father or me. Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer." (John 16:1-4, NLT)

The last book of the Bible, the Book of Revelation, describes more in detail the coming persecution of Christians. There will be one man who rises up to be a leader of sorts, who condemns Christianity and supports the causes that Christians are against. The Bible tells us that this man is truly against God and Jesus. He is the Anti-Christ. That person is not a myth, or a religious legend. He will be very real, I assure you. He will stand up as a leader... first of a country... then an icon of the world. He will be someone charismatic and personable, having sympathy and support for groups that Christians oppose, such as the gay rights movement and the ACLU. He will rise up under the guise of peace, and people across the globe will revere this man for the "love" and "tolerance" that he shows to everyone. Eventually, this leader will force society to conform to his beliefs. He'll insist that a specific mark or symbol be implemented for every person to show that they are in allegiance with his belief system. Most people will happily comply. After all, the mark or symbol will indicate that a person is against Christianity. And if you didn't have that mark, you would not be able to buy, sell, conduct commerce or own a business.

In light of the statements by the mayor of Boston and Chicago, that doesn't seem so far fetched now, does it? Let's think about this for a minute and imagine such a scenario. Let's say today there was a leader who stood up publicly and said, "Shame on those Christians! It's intolerable that they should be against gay rights. First it was the abortion controversy. Now it's gay rights. What's next? Christianity is too narrow minded, and not loving the way God wants us to be. They don't truly know God, and we don't want that kind of discrimination and bigotry in our cities. If you agree with me, and support my views, and feel the same, then come stand with me. If you oppose Christianity and their beliefs, show your opposition. Let's band together! Let's keep this garbage-minded thinking out of our children's future. For all those who are with me in having a peaceful, tolerant, open society, we urge you to display your support with a tattoo."

Maybe at first it will just a few people -- the gays, the true leftists, the Christian haters that get it. But then this leader will continue speaking out, and others will start to really think that he makes sense. That yes, Christians ARE the bad guys! That yes, they will stand and support him! That yes, Jesus is NOT something they want their children and their children's children believing in. So then more and more begin to willingly get their tattoo.

And eventually, the day will come where everyone who wants to be "in" gets their mark of allegiance and loyalty. Only the true devout Christians remain. And they will become shunned. Ostracized. Ignored. Bullied. Next thing you know, no one is going to patronize your business if you aren't willing to stand with the tolerant group. No one wants to befriend or work with a person who doesn't have the tattoo. Christians will be seen as haters.

What's next, you ask? Well, allow the Bible to tell the story:

"Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." Revelation 20:4

I once listened to a sermon by a pastor who said that Hitler and the Holocaust was just a preview -- a historic "dress rehearsal" of sorts -- for what is to come for Christians. The Bible tells us quite plainly that at some point in the future, Christians will die because they refuse to conform to the ways of the world leaders, and for standing up for their faith. Once upon a time, this was ludicrous to even imagine. But now... now the possibility is quite real.

I tell you, the Chick-Fil-A incident is not the last. There will be other businesses attacked for their faith. Churches will be condemned for their beliefs. And eventually, individuals will be persecuted for believing in the words of the Bible.

For as fast as this is all happening, I'm sad to say that I won't be surprised that if in my lifetime, Christians are forced to go underground. To hide in their faith. They will be pressured to keep silent. To conform. To turn away from their beliefs. Already we see evidence of that with Bible study groups and crosses on memorials and Bibles which were once handed out freely. Tear it all down! Put it all away. Keep it all quiet. Persecution is on our doorstep, and the world is about to turn on Christians. The fire is smoldering, flaring up in certain areas, ready for the fuel to ignite it into something big.

I, for one, am not afraid. Nor am I sad. For there IS hope, and there will be triumph. The Bible tells us that Jesus will defeat evil, and will one day reign on this earth. The Scriptures (Romans 14:11) tell us that one day, EVERY knee will bow to God and acknowledge Christ. But for now, I will stand up for my faith, I will not feel ashamed or guilty, and I will continue to uphold the Holy Bible until my last dying breath. For again, Jesus tells us:

“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:9-13)

For more on this topic, please see my recent post: What Does Jesus Loves Really Mean?

50 Shades of... Satan???

2012-07-22T12:29:00.002-04:00

Well, I guess this blog didn't go on hiatus for as long as I thought it would. I woke up this morning and thought, "That's it! I have to write about this ridiculous 50 Shades series. I simply cannot take it anymore." For those of you who live in a cave, this summer's "hottest" blockbuster novel, "50 Shades of Grey" is a book written by British author E.L. James. It's erotica fiction, aimed at an audience consisting mostly of women. But this isn't just any erotica -- it's not simply a novel with sex scenes more explicit than the steamy romance novels adorning the shelves of your local bookstore. No... this book is much more than that. Some are calling it mommy porn. But it's so much more than THAT, even. When I first found out what the 50 Shades of Grey series was about, I couldn't even believe it. As one friend on my Facebook page put it, this book is about "...kinky f*ckery that involves, whips, chains, buttplugs, domineering S&M and a smokin' hot 'Red Room of Pain.'" For months now I've been well aware that something wasn't right about this series. Ignoring the obvious odd, irritating coincidence that the male character's name in the book is "Christian," this book is doing to adult women what the Twilight series did for tween and teenage girls. It's dragging them over to the dark side and away from God's light. In a nutshell, this book is the devil's evil grip onto American women, disguised as "erotic fiction."

So these three books in the series have dominated the New York Times bestseller list (no pun intended) for most of the summer. And I, for one, am stunned by that. I guess it would be remotely understandable if the novels were well written, but all it takes is one peek at the reviews on Amazon to see that true critics are claiming this to be horribly written, with immature sentence structure, repeat cliches and tiresome descriptions. Yet, despite that, daughters are lending it to their mothers... wives are reading it while their husbands are asleep... moms are borrowing it from libraries with their toddlers in tow... and practically the entire female population has had nothing but high praise and winks of self-satisfaction for these books.

As a Christian, it's pretty easy to see that this was a huge battle win for Satan. I'm sure he's thoroughly delighted and laughing with glee at all the eager women who are devouring that crap. Crap, you ask? That's the REAL question. Why is it crap? Is this okay to read? And if not, why? I guess when it comes down to it, why is kinky sex and S&M wrong? If a man and woman consents, is it any place of ours to say that it's bad?

Allow me to bear my soul and pull back my own curtain for a moment. Before I became a Christian, I dated a man who was into that sort of thing. I didn't know it at first. But, after a few weeks of dinner and flirting, he slowly revealed his preferences. And I, being a young, independent, liberal female at the time who was open to pretty much anything, decided I'd dip my toe in that water for a bit. And you know what? I hated it. It made me feel dirty. Cheap. Unloved. Used. I didn't want any of that. I wanted LOVE. I was looking for romance -- a guy who would fall hard for me, who would ignite chemistry with me, who would want to know all about me and who'd be interested in who I am and what makes me tick. I wanted courtship. You know... that whole period of dating where a man would plan dates for me, gaze into my eyes and make my heart flutter, tease me with loving kisses and respect any boundaries that I establish. I wanted a guy who would think so much of me that he'd be willing to work for my attention. I wanted a man with whom I could feel safe and protected. I wanted a man that I could count on to cherish me, adore me and revel in me. I didn't know it at the time, but what I really, really wanted was a man who would stick by me through anything, who would pray for me when I needed it, who would lift me up, hold me up and always, always put me before himself. I wanted an unselfish man who very simply, loved me with his whole heart and soul.

That was NOT the guy I had been dating at the time. In fact, I was the opposite. I was a fling. A distraction. A fun time. A nice, pretty girl... intelligent, funny. Someone fun that he could go to the movies with or go out to dinner with. But was I going to shake up his world and be the love of his life? Nope. Was he going to rush over if I was sick or if my car broke down in the middle of the night? Probably not. Or if he did, it would be reluctantly. Was he going to say, "I love you, and I need you more than words can explain?" UH, yeah. No. Not even close. The "L" word never came up.

I'll never forget the moment that I knew I didn't want that kind of man. It was late winter, during the day on a weekend. His 8 year old son was in the living room, watching cartoons. I was in the bedroom with this man, just playing around. But then he got serious. He wanted to do more than just play and joke and tease. And he pulled out his magic bag of "tricks and toys" that looked more like something out of a medieval dungeon of torture. Mind you, he had never hurt me in any way or even suggested it. In fact, we hadn't really done much in the bedroom since we hadn't been together that long. But, I wouldn't have been surprised if down the road it turned into something like that. Clearly, the man had spent a fortune in cleaning out a weird sex shop. And he was totally into porn. At that moment, he was asking me to indulge in all of it. Immediately, the thought of his son on the other side of the wall sent waves of disgust running through me. I had met his son a few times before, but right then I had realized that since he had joint custody, this was his day to be spending precious bonding time with his son. Instead, though, he had his latest fling (who after a few months, had still never met his friends or his family or his co-workers) in his bed, supposedly ready and waiting for the "magic bag of tricks." (I often wondered what his ex-wife would think of that whole scenario?) Mind you, he wasn't some lowlife scumbag I met on the street. He was a professional. Wore a suit and tie every day to work. Was very good looking. Had money. Had friends. Had a social life.

I left him, and never looked back. I realized at that moment that I wanted a man who had integrity, who cared about his family -- or cared about starting one. I wanted a man who would revere my body as something to appreciate and love and cherish and protect. Like I said, I hadn't been a Christian at the time, but I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I wanted a man who would love me tenderly and purely. I'm not saying that I wanted a prude, but I wanted a man who would see me as a blessing and a gift, not as a kinky plaything. I mean, as a question to all you mothers out there reading this "mommy porn," is this really what touches your soul? Is this the kind of "romance" you'd want for your daughters? Do you truly, truly feel good about reading those books? Or are you just happy that you've got some stimulation going on after years of dormancy? I'm not trying to make light of the subject or be condescending. I just can't help but to wonder if so many women are turning towards an electric shock because they lost the spark that once existed between them and their husbands.

And that's the problem with today. It's all about instant, physical gratification. More often than not, our current society throws away all thought of purity, love, appreciation, unselfishness, restraint and respect, and instead gives into immediate pleasure. We've become a society of the motto, "If it feels good, then do it! You have that right!" That goes for anything from sexual activity, to impulse purchases, to life's major decisions. NOTHING is taboo anymore. About the only things that are still taboo are child molestation and bestiality, and I bet you any money that in less than 20 years from now, those things will be on the "okay" list as well.

Do you know why? It all comes down to this: our society has strayed from God. More and more have become unbelievers. And for those who DO believe, many of them are lukewarm and ambivalent about their faith. I can't tell you how many of my so-called God-believing Christian friends have read this series and loved it. They paid no heed to the fact that perhaps they shouldn't be reading this book. With every action or thought that takes us further from God, we inch closer to Satan. If we do not live under the protection and guidance of Christ, then Satan can gain a foothold on our minds and souls. The Bible tells us that the things that come from God are pure, right, true, clean, holy, beautiful, noble and full of love. The things that come from Satan are deviant, dark, menacing, false, deceiving, uncomfortable, ugly and unclean. If you asked me what category my sexual relationship fell under with that man in my past, without a moment's hesitation it would be the latter. There was nothing pure and good and beautiful about what we were doing. And here's the thing - the more time that people spend in the "fruits" of Satan, the more entrenched in that darkness they'll become. Conversely, the more time people spend in the "fruits" of God -- the things that are pure, good, loving, clean and holy -- then the more entrenched in God's light and love they will become.

"When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19-21)

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there." (Galatians 5:22-24)

Some people may say that it doesn't matter which side you immerse yourself into. But I assure you, it does. If you hang out with Satan and those things that he endorses, nothing good will come of it, either on a personal level or in society as a whole. Think about it. Do you really think a husband is excited and happy about the fact that his wife is reading those books? Sure, outwardly he may joke about an increased intensity of their sex life. Or maybe he's admittedly happy to see his wife more physically aroused. But I guarantee you that deep down inside, he is nervous. Scared. Intimidated. Insecure. The same as the wife would be if the husband had been looking at porn mags or movies. Yeah, sure... it may increase his sex drive. But as a woman, do you feel good about the fact that your husband is getting aroused by thoughts, sights and actions of another woman? Those acts of arousal are defined by the word "lust." A husband lusts after other women in porn. A wife lusts for the actions of a man named Christian Grey in a novel. Is there any spouse that truly, deep down inside believes that's perfectly okay? There may be a select few who say, "It honestly doesn't bother me," and mean it. I have to believe that those couples don't truly feel a deep love for each other, if that's the case. It's impossible NOT to feel insecure and threatened by external sources of arousal when you're in a loving, honest, committed relationship. And if left unchanged, that will turn into frustration, anger, resentment and disillusionment. This topic doesn't just address married couples, either. In this world, like attracts like. The single women reading these books are going to fantasize, dream about and look for a man who can give those things to her. Is this really what you want in life, ladies? Is this what you're hoping your knight in shining armor will be like? Do you truly want a life-long partnership with a guy who treats you as a sex slave? Can you respect and love a man like that? Believe me, I didn't. Not only did I not love and respect him, but I couldn't love and respect myself for giving into that. And for those who push back and say that they aren't looking for a life-long partner and just want someone to have fun and fool around with, what does that mean for you when you're 50? 60? 70 years old? Is that really the most you want out of life? This has become the epitome of fulfillment? I just don't understand.

And when I hear stories of 14 and 15 year old teens buying anal beads and having orgies (I kid you not -- true story revealed by a friend's daughter), I can't help but to recognize a horrid desensitizing of what used to be shameful, deviant sex acts. The sad thing is, in many cases, I'm sure the parents really don't see anything wrong with it. After all, they're doing it too, right?

"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions." (Galatians 5:16-17)

The best statement I ever read about evil is this one: "The greatest trick the devil ever played on humans was convincing them that he doesn't actually exist." I assure you, evil DOES exist. Satan DOES exist. All you have to do is look at something like the Holocaust to know in the deepest pit of your stomach that evil exists. For me, I know it because the Bible speaks of it so often. Not only does it pull you away from God to live by indulging in every desire and ignoring self-respect and restraint, but it's also sinful. And sin, folks, whether you believe it or not, will be judged one day. Therefore, while the consequences of impurity here on earth may not be immediate or apparent or even concerning to some, the eternal consequences of sin will be something each and every sinner will regret. One day, we will all be judged. And those who haven't been deemed saved and cleansed by Christ will have to bear their sins and reveal them on that judgment day. In this day and age where "wickedness" is not identified or defined anymore, people scoff and laugh at the idea of judgment for wickedness, when in their mind, it's a human right. Again, marvelous play by Satan. Let me make this very clear -- just because there are two consenting adults does not mean that it's okay to indulge. That goes for kinky sex play, S&M, pornography, and yes, even homosexuality. For the Bible says:

"But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles.

So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires.

Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved.

Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy.They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too." (Romans 18-32)

This isn't a debate about homosexuality, and I'm not a "hater" of gays. I hope that out of this whole article, that's not what readers will focus on. I AM, however, a hater of sin. Yes, homosexuals sin. And, so do cheaters. Liars. Adulterers. Thieves. And yes, I sin. Over and over, unfortunately. I do my best not to. I repent and ask for forgiveness. But every human sins. The only one ever to not have sinned even once, was Jesus Christ. The key is, though, to recognize sin and not see it as "an American right" or something to be tolerated. They key is also to repent from sin, and cleanse yourself of it by salvation through Jesus Christ. There are only two paths a human can take: show up before God on the day of judgment in all of your sin, or show up before God on the day of judgment made clean and innocent and saved by Christ. That's it. There's no in between. There are no other options. If you don't choose salvation, you choose sin by default. It's that simple. Whether people believe it or not, it IS that simple.

God instructs us to focus only on those things that are His "fruits," so that will not be tempted by sin and lured by the devil's darkness. Philippians 4:8 says, "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

Therefore, with all that said, as a devout Christian, I will not now, nor ever, endorse, support or tolerate the 50 Shades of Grey series. Just like I will now now, or ever, endorse, support or tolerate gay rights. Or endorse, support, or tolerate stealing from others. Or support murderers. Or support abortion. Or support pornography. Or Islam. Or Wicca. Or drug use. Or anything else that is not true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. If it draws people away from Christ or contradicts what's in the Bible, I oppose it. If God says it's wicked and wrong, then in my eyes, it's also wicked and wrong. If you disagree with my statements, then that passage from Romans that I posted above clearly is meant for you:

They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise!

They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful.

They know God’s justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.

I cringe to think that we live in a world that would condemn God, would condemn the believers of God, would condemn the words of our God, would condemn those things that are pure and clean and good... and instead raise up and glorify sexual deviancy, lust and darkness.

I pray that our God and Christ would have mercy on us all. Forgive them, Lord, for they know not what they do.

And for me, well... I now have a man who adores me, loves me, cherishes me, and respects me. More importantly, though, he reveres and respects God. We've made a pact that we will not sleep together until we are married. And Sundays -- God's Sabbath day -- will be off limits as well. It's not silly, nor is it stupid. It's respectful, and glorifies our Lord and Savior, not our sin. That's what it all comes down to. What do you choose? Sin, or salvation? Bad, or good? Satan or God? You may not think that you have to choose one or the other. You may not think that it matters, one or the other. In fact, you may not even believe that it IS one or the other. But I assure you, it is.

"If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts." (1 John 1:8-10)

New Blog! THE PAINTED LINE

2012-07-06T16:18:00.002-04:00

Friends and readers, I wanted to pop on here for a minute to direct you to my new blog. My faith is as strong as ever, but God has given me a new project to work on and enjoy. This new blog is quite a bit different from Jubilee on Earth. JoE is not completely done and over with... it's just on an indefinite hiatus.

As some of you may or may not know, I'm engaged to a man named Alan. I call him "Gunny" -- which is a play on his middle name. This man, my soulmate and love of my life, has been in prison since 2003. We've been a couple since October 2010. His release date is July 2016, but we're working to get him out sooner. This blog not only chronicles how I'm getting our home (and my life!) ready for his homecoming, but also provides a sneak peek into our unique, unorthodox relationship and what it's like to live on my own as I wait for his return. Along the way I'll post pieces of our letters, thoughts about our life together, happenings from my own life, quotes from our phone conversations, how we came to be a couple, and more. It breaks my heart that he's still in there, but he says all the time that prison is the best thing that ever happened to him.

God undeniably brought us together, and now, we live in a world steeped in true love, peace, contentment and of course, faith

It's been a wild, heart-wrenching, amazing ride so far -- and the best is yet to come! Please join me as I chronicle this amazing adventure:

THE PAINTED LINE

What Does "Jesus Loves" Really Mean? (The story of a Catholic school's decision to pull a gay speaker at graduation)

2012-04-27T23:04:00.000-04:00

There's a big protest and petition going around condemning Sacred Heart Academy in Mt. Pleasant, MI for pulling a keynote speaker from its graduation ceremonies. The story is that the man, a past graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, is gay and engaged to another man. He had apparently already booked his flight, hotel, etc. in preparation to head back to his home town. Yet after seeing his Facebook profile and discovering that the former student is not only gay, but also engaged, the school administration pulled him from the program.

And the masses are outraged. Change.org has a petition going with over 4,000 signatures and growing. You can find the link to that petition here: http://www.change.org/petitions/sacred-heart-academy-mt-pleasant-mi-stop-endorsing-homophobia

Here's the verbiage about the situation, straight from the petition site:

Dominic Sheahan-Stahl was invited to be the commencement speaker at Sacred Heart Academy's class of 2012 Graduation (Mount Pleasant, MI). Upon finding out that Dominic is an engaged, openly gay man, the school administration, with pressure from Bishop Cistone notified Dominic's mother that they were rescinding his invitation to be the keynote speaker, and left it up to her to break the news to her son. Dominic's younger brother and many other students of Sacred Heart Academy have posted on social media outlets, such as facebook, of their outrage at this homophobic intolerance.

Willi Sheahan-Stahl posted on facebook "I just want the Sacred Heart people on here to know that my brother Dominic Sheahan-Stahl was supposed to be the keynote speaker at my graduation, and today ,three weeks before he was supposed to give the speach he was informed that Denni Starnes (school principal) will not let him speak because he is GAY!!!!!......he already wrote the speach, and bought his plane ticket to come home a week before he was going to, to give this speech."

The facebook page, Let Dominic Speak, shared a quote from Dominic himself about his feelings regarding the speech and the schools actions.

He also has posted a video on youtube and is quoted in The Morning Sun, which is the local Mt. Pleasant area newspaper, as well as many other news sources. He asks only for peaceful support on his behalf.

The purpose of this petition is to show that we do not support the endorsement of homophobia. Regardless of religious affiliation or beliefs, this type of intolerance is unacceptable. School administrative officials as well as Bishop Cistone and any others involved will know that we do not accept their close-minded way of thinking and do not sanction their behavior. We will petition, peacefully protest, and do whatever else is necessary to ensure that Dominic is allowed to speak and the homophobic intolerance is ended.

Sign to support our cause and end intolerance. STOP endorsing homophobia. Let Dominic speak.

Now, it's been a long time since I've posted a new blog entry. Two years, in fact. To be honest, while I didn't consider my blog to be "dead," I definitely put it to sleep for a long time. I've been involved in many discussions that nudged me for a hot second to write -- everything from political rants to economic situations -- and every one eventually faded without me feeling the need to log in to Blogger and post. But this thing? This clear and undeniable example of heresy got my blood boiling. And it appears I am in the minority with my opinion. And that, folks, is VERY scary. That tells me that we are most definitely in what evangelical Christians call "The End Times."

I don't even know where to start. For one, I'm completely boggled by the comments on that petition page. WHO ARE all these people? A lot of the comments are from parents, alumni, students and families of students who go to this school. Let's look at some of those comments:

"True Christians beleive [sic] in unconditional LOVE. Stop discrimination & hatred in our schools."

"As an alum of SHA, I find this disgraceful. It's sad to see my school and (former) church drift so far away from the teachings of Jesus, who I'm certain would not approve of the way they are treating this young man. Shame."

"This is 2012, time for the bigots to learn to accept everyone for who they are."

"As a member of Sacred Heart church I am so offended by this display of overt discrimination and hatred in my community"

"my little siblings go to school here and I can't stand the thought of them in such a homophobic atmosphere."

And the comments just go on and on, all of them similar to that. I'm completely flabbergasted. "Stray so far from the teachings of Jesus?" That commenter must've read a completely different Bible than I did, because the statement that Jesus would not approve of this act is pure nonsense. Since when did Christianity become all about unconditional love and tolerance? Where the heck in the Bible did Jesus say "loving your neighbor means accepting and loving their sin?" Guess what? He never said that. Not even close. In fact, there are so many examples in the New Testament of how we're supposed to correct, teach and encourage those around us to turn away from sin. One of my favorite verses is from Titus 2:

For the graceof God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearingof the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickednessand to purifyfor himself a people that are his very own,eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. (Titus 2:11-15, NIV)

And then there's this verse: "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." (Galatians 6:1, NIV)

Let's pause for a moment here. The whole entire purpose of Jesus' birth, death on the cross, and resurrection was to save us from eternal punishment for our sins. If someone doesn't believe that, then they are not a Christian, and they have no place signing that petition or even getting involved in this debate. The Catholic church has a right to uphold the teachings of the Bible. And the Bible tells us that just because we have eternal life by our belief in Christ does NOT mean that we have full permission to go on sinning. Jesus did not walk around during his ministry, hanging out with sinners and prostitutes and thieves to slap them on the back and say, "Hey, man... no worries. You just keep doing what you're doing. I love you anyway." Again, not even close! He spent time with them to turn them from their sin, teach them right from wrong, show them how to live righteously and worship God. Jesus HATES sin. Yes, he loves all of the people of this earth. But there's a very distinct difference here. Somewhere along the way -- quite recently in our nation's historical timeline -- Christians got mixed up in their Biblical theology. When did sin become something that was totally scratched from the Bible, even though it's mentioned hundreds of times in the New Testament? Since when did Jesus' ministry on earth turn into a big Kumbaya singalong with peace, love and big hugs all around? Jesus hates sin. That's a fact -- it says so in the Bible. He hated it so much he was willing to die so that we could be freed from it. Yes, he loves all of God's people, therefore he taught them how to turn from sin. Yet, knowing that we humans are not perfect and that we'll sin at some point in our lives, he sacrificed his own life to wipe our sins clean upon our own death. But that does NOT mean that we can just say, "Cool! Thanks, bud," and go right on sinning. Far from it!

Galatians 2:17 says, "But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not!"

Sacred Heart Academy is a Catholic school. Since when does the Catholic church promote gay marriage? It doesn't. It never has. Having a keynote speaker talk at graduation about Catholic faith, success, hard work, discipline and all of the other things that a student might want to know before stepping out into the real world involves more than just academic achievement. It involves a commitment to one's faith. I mean, again, it's a Catholic school. So the act of revoking a speaker who is deliberately going against the doctrine of the Catholic faith of one man and one woman in a marriage should not be a shock to anyone. If this were a public school, then the protests would be a little more understood. I'm just still baffled by the whole thing. Why would the school administration lift up and applaud and commend a young man who by the doctrine of the church, is flaunting his sin and going against the church's teachings? Now I know, gay men and women all over the country are screaming, and everyone who supports gay rights is all up in arms. My retort? GO AWAY. This is not your turf. Most devout Catholics and Christians do not support gay marriage, and it stems to reason that those same beliefs are going to be taught in their schools. And it's not anyone else's right to tell them that they can't. By doing so, you're attacking the very constitution that our country was founded on -- most specifically, the right to religious freedom. And that, folks, means freedom from attacks and petitions and angry words from those that oppose the church's actions. If there are parents and students who DO consider themselves Catholics or Christians and are still outraged, I urge you to stop for a moment and think about what you're supporting. There are hundreds and hundreds of pieces of Scripture that tell us not to sin. And not to endorse sin. And when others are sinning, we should gently correct them and encourage them to righteous living.

If you don't think homosexuality is a sin, think again. But again, here's where I'm shaking my head in complete bafflement at this specific instance. Why is it that because I (along with other Christians) think that homosexuality is a sin, I'm a hate monger who discriminates? Why is the word "hate" so easily thrown out there? I don't hate gays. And I'm offended that someone might suggest that I do. I have gay friends and co-workers. I like and in some cases love them just as much as other friends and co-workers. Do I think homosexuality is a sin? I sure do. But guess what else I think is a sin? Lying. Cheating. Stealing. Murder. Rape. Using God's name while cursing. Mistreating your body. Sloth and laziness. Addictions. Materialism. Porn. Lust. And about a hundred other things I can think up off the top of my head. Guess what else? I sin. Every single day. Sometimes a lot, sometimes not so much. I try really, really hard not to. But those times I DO know I'm sinning, like when I tell a white lie or I've accidentally cursed using God's name, or I cheated someone out of a parking spot because I was tired and didn't feel like searching for another one, I feel totally and completely guilty.

We all sin. Every single person. But not caring that you're sinning, or trying to turn it into something that's good and wholesome is just plain wrong. All of those people who call themselves devout Catholics and Christians who don't believe homosexuality is a sin hasn't read their Bible. And no, I'm not talking about Old Testament verses before Christ was born. I'm talking New Testament, like this verse from 1 Corinthians:

Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers and sisters. Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived:Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with mennor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlerswill inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Cor 8-10)

Do you know why that verse says that the sexually immoral, the idolaters, the homosexuals, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers and the swindlers will not inherit the kingdom of God (i.e. go to heaven)? Because anyone who is a true Christian, who has accepted Jesus as their savior and who reads their Bible and prays and worships God would not do any of those things. And if they did, they'd be so deeply ashamed and guilty that they'd be on their knees asking for forgiveness, not flaunting it to all those around them. Is it any wonder that Sacred Heart Academy doesn't want this kind of person speaking in front of its graduates? According to Scripture, they are not a true believer of Christ. It comes down to that. You cannot be a true, devout believer of Christ and all that is in the Bible and yet still be an open, proud homosexual. Impossible. Just like no person who is a true, deep believer in Christ and Scripture would be openly proud about cheating on his wife. Or being addicted to porn. Or dependent on drugs, or that they're stealing cable without paying. As a Christian, we have an inherent inner guidance system via the Holy Spirit that shows us right from wrong. That doesn't mean we're able to always keep from doing things that are wrong. It means that we know deep in our soul that we are sinners, and that we must stop. Often times it's a struggle, and often times we need to seek help -- and thus we turn to God and our church family for support. That doesn't mean that our church family hates us. And in the instance of this story, it does not mean that Christians hate homosexuals. That doesn't mean that Jesus hated homosexuals, either. Those two statements are about as ludicrous as saying Christians hate people who swear, or Jesus hates all women who sleep around. Sin is sin, folks, and the teachings about sin are quite clear. A) Don't do it. B) Because we're human, it's inevitable that we're going to do it. C) But then when we do, ask God to help correct us, to give us strength to turn away from it and not do it again. This is called repentance. D) Help those around us not to sin, and to show them the teachings of Scripture so that they, too, may find eternal life with God. We aren't to uphold sin, glorify it, celebrate it and applaud it under the guise of "love" and "social tolerance."

And if you don't agree with and understand those four very simple principles, then you don't have the Holy Spirit within you. Plain and simple. Therefore, it won't surprise me that you're opposed to this school's decision.

Moral of the story: loving people does not mean accepting their bad behaviors and sin. It does not mean condoning their bad behaviors and sin. Would you let your husband continue with his alcohol addiction as if all was hunky-dory, because loving him means accepting all that he does? Would you pat your 15-year old pregnant teenage daughter on the head and say, "I love you. Great job! You should be proud." What about your best friend who cheats? Or your brother who gambles? In none of those instances would you be considered a hate-monger if you insisted their behavior was unacceptable and had to change. Loving people means caring about them so much that you'll pray for them, and gently help them to turn away from sin, repent, and turn to God for help and strength. THAT is love. And that's what Jesus did while he was on this earth. That's what he meant by "love each other." That's what the Bible meant by "love each other." And somehow, Christians, Catholics and other supporters of Christ have to realize that love and tolerance are two very, very different things. (For more on this topic, please see another blog post of mine, called "Love... Does It Equal Tolerance And Acceptance?)

So in the end, if Sacred Heart were to let this man speak as an exemplary example of Catholic success, it would be no different than the Police Academy having a prison inmate speak on behalf of upholding the law. Or an unwed, pregnant mother as a conference speaker for healthy marriages. That graduation address is NOT just about academic excellence. It's about the spiritual foundation that the school instills in its students, which thus bears fruit in the form of academic excellence. The two go hand-in-hand. Therefore, that man obviously is not the right choice for a speaker. Saying that isn't "homophobia." Neither I, nor Sacred Heart, have homophobia anymore than we have "addict-phobia" or "liars-phobia" or "people-who-swear-phobia." That's just bizarre to say, and it truly irritates me that so many people are quick to throw that word out there at the first hint of a mention that we aren't absolutely madly in love with the idea of gay marriage. There's no phobia or hatred of anything except for sin itself. Sin is not something to applaud, or put on a pedestal, or write up in the newspaper, or put on a stage to be given accolades. Sin is shameful. Jesus was tortured, nailed to a cross, and murdered because of that little three letter word that many "so-called" Christians and Catholics are quick to ignore and dismiss. Sacred Heart may not have done the right thing in the people's eyes, but I assure you they did the right thing in Jesus' eyes.

And if you don't believe that, then send your kids to public school. And let us Christians continue to uphold and believe what Jesus taught us, which is clearly spelled out several times over in Scripture. By forcing us to give up our doctrine and beliefs according to the Bible, you're discriminating and trying to change people and forcing others to adhere to your beliefs in the very same manner of those you accuse in the administration department of Sacred Heart.

I, for one, am praying for truth and integrity, and I applaud those who stand up for their Christian values and the Word of God.

Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins.And so in him is no sin.No one who lives in him keeps on sinning.No one who continues to sin has either seen himor known him. (1 John 3:4-6)

Hi, My Name is Maria...

2010-04-21T20:21:00.013-04:00

And I used to be an atheist.

Why do I mention that? Because today someone posted my blog on the atheist community tab of a website, and mocked the heck out of it. In addition to that, it sparked commentary both on the website and here on my blog. As a matter of fact, I've had the most hits yesterday here on my blog than I've ever had in the past 3+ years of owning it. Who knew that atheists were so interested in what we Christians think and feel? I find that so fascinating. I mean, I have a friend who's totally into being a vegetarian. She does not like meat, and doesn't think that it's right to kill animals for food. She's passionate about her stance, and participates in many pro-vegetarian events and websites. I don't agree with that view, and if asked for my opinion or if I'm out on the web, I'm going to be pro-meat. I'm not going to hide it, and if the opportune time comes up where I can talk to a vegetarian and convince them that meat was intended for human consumption, I will. But I'm not going to take the time to seek out vegetarian websites to debate with them and argue with them.

Actually, that's not even a good analogy, because very few of the thousands of readers that stopped by today even came close to eloquently and convincingly debating and arguing with me. I was absolutely stunned by that. I guess I expected people of "reason" and "science" to be more forthcoming about their argument, providing sources of info and carefully thought-out arguments. Instead, I got dozens upon dozens of misspelled, half-written comments containing more four-letter words than I've seen/heard in five years. In fact, some of those four-letter words were so unbelievably crude and vile that I can't even consider reposting them here.

All I can say is that I'm really grateful to that guy/girl who originally mentioned my blog, because thousands came here to read. Okay, I can see that most didn't even stick around long enough to read my profile and see that A) I'm not someone who was brainwashed since I was a child (did you catch the fact that I grew up Muslim??) B) I'm not a guy C) I'm not some old southern fattie. But some did. Several stayed and read for 15-20 minutes. I can see they checked out other posts. Would someone do that if in fact they hated everything I was? Maybe some. But definitely not all.

In fact, I was an atheist five years ago. I was such a profound atheist that I laughed and scoffed right along with all these other guys and gals. I voted Democrat. I made fun of church people. I listened to Air America. I thought that anyone who believed in something like God was an idiot and totally ignorant. I drank. I did drugs. I smoked. Porn was no big deal, abortions were a woman's right and I believed in science. I believed in me. I believed in the world. But that was it.

To be honest, I wasn't happy as an atheist. I can look back now and see that was the very beginning of the nudgings I had to seek something bigger. I hated it that I felt lonely. I was a big partier, always loving good times and friends at the bar. But I didn't like never feeling as if I could trust my boyfriend. Truthfully, none of the guys I dated were men that I felt truly loved me, cherished me and believed in me. My girlfriends were superficial and only cared about their popularity and looks, not caring who they stabbed in the back to get where they wanted. And I wasn't thrilled about my job. It kinda sucked, and I was irritated by so many things there at the office. I even hated some things about myself. I hated the stupid mistakes I made, I hated the insecurity I felt, I hated the way other people always seemed to have more than me. I hated that I was always broke and could never make the kind of money I needed to be comfortable. And why in the world was I not ever able to sleep peacefully at night???

I began to question things. First of all, why did I "hate" so many things? Secondly, death kinda freaked me out, even though I'd never admit it. If I got really sick with cancer, would anyone care? Would I ever feel real purpose, or true contentment? I knew that if I stayed on the same path, my anger, frustration and loneliness would just continue to snowball. Something had to change.

I began questioning my stance on a godless existence -- I just planted the tiniest seed of doubt. It turns out that's all God needed. He took that seed and made it grow.

Five years later -- if that, really -- things have changed and turned around 180 degrees. Here I am. I sleep soundly and peacefully every single night. I adore my job, I have amazing friends, and I know that if I needed help I could count on a huge flock of people to be by my side. I've got more money in the bank than I ever could've thought possible, and that's not counting how much I'm able to donate and give to charity. I have purpose. I have true happiness. And best of all, death and loneliness don't even cross my mind anymore.

People can stop by this blog all they want, and they can call me every nasty word there is. But that doesn't change my stance, my resolve, my peace. I am 35 years old and if I died today, I would die with a huge grin on my face. I have loved and been loved for the past few years in a way I didn't think could be possible. Life isn't just good -- it's amazing. Now I'm not saying that once you become a Christian, all of the problems and issues go away. That's not the case. But it's different. Handling those issues is a breeze, and they don't weigh on me like they used to. I just give my problems to God, and let Him handle them.

So here I am. I used to be an atheist, and now I'm a devout Christian. I believe in small government, big hugs, men marrying women, and women realizing that no one can take away life but God. Don't agree with me? That's ok. But nothing you can say will make me change who I am or what I stand for. I stand for God -- plain and simple.

God loves me back, and has given me an inheritance. Because of my faith, I have eternal life and the best bodyguard a girl could ask for.

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one.”- John 10:28-30

Stay, go, read, laugh... whatever. It's not my job to save people. It's just my job to show them the way. It's my job to fight for Him, to be on His side and fight for His cause. I'm His eyes, ears and mouth here on earth.

What about you? You're here, aren't you? Maybe God wants you on His side, too. Did you feel the nudge?

Believe me, I'm praying that you did. I am praying for all of you. Reach out if you want to and leave a comment.

The Icelandic Volcano Eruption... Is It a Sign?

2010-04-17T15:29:00.027-04:00

As many of you are aware, there's been a major disruption in Europe this past week, extending here into the weekend and probably into next week. A small volcano in Iceland called Eyjafjallajokull (try pronouncing THAT one!) had erupted. Now this is by no means a devastating, sudden volcano that dumped mountains of ash and lava on neighboring towns like the one that instantly killed the people of Pompeii in AD 79 (Mount Vesuvius). Instead, this little ol' volcano is wreaking havoc on the travelers in Europe because planes can't fly. The large and constant ash plume that billows into the air is so thick because the volcano is below a glacial layer of ice. When the hot magma and steam push through, the cooling of the magma/melting of the ice is creating a big plume of smoke and ash. Some of that ash, grit and rock that explodes into the air with the smoke can get caught in the airplane jet engines and cause failure. It's extremely risky, and therefore those countries that are caught in the drift of the ash clouds had to halt all air traffic and cancel flights.

Now it appeared to most of the authorities and scientists that the ash cloud would begin waning on Friday, but as a stunner to many, activity actually increased over night. Pair that up with a stagnant low-pressure air mass over much of Europe, and the grim forecast is that this thing is not going anywhere. In fact, even if the volcano stops erupting, no one really knows how long the hazardous cloud cover will linger.

By the way, have you ever read the book Earth Winter by Richard Moran? If not, get your hands on a copy. It's hard to find, but I have it and have read it several times. The plot is about a volcano that spews a significant amount of ash over Europe, and life is completely changed. It alters the atmosphere and ecosystems, and lowers the temperature of the northern hemisphere, altering the growing seasons and disrupting food sources. Essentially, a permanent winter sets in over much of the world.

Now it's not like that severe with this volcano, but certainly this is nothing to ignore. I don't think scientists know anything at this point -- not when it will end, or how it will affect our climate, or when air transportation will get back on track. It's possible that if this goes on for a week or so, fresh fruit and vegetable deliveries to countries in Europe could be halted as well. And if it goes on longer... well, things could get ugly. I think first and foremost, we all need to remember that man is NOT the most powerful being on the planet. There's a false sense of security that humans can contain and fix any problem that occurs in our world. It's simply not true. If this volcano goes away with nothing more than a few days worth of annoying flight cancellations, then I think everyone over there needs to count their blessings.

Is it a sign? I'm a Christian, and I believe that there are many signs these days. The increase in earthquakes... the rising tensions between Israel and Iran... the economic collapse of the United States... all of these things are slowly building up to a crescendo. I would be very, very surprised if something else "unusual" or even devastating doesn't occur in the next six months. The Bible tells us the End Times are like birth pains -- getting closer together and more intense.

Jesus explained what to look for in our world in the End Times:

Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:10-11)

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken." (Luke 21:25-26)

Obviously the signs signaling the beginning of the End Times will be natural ones: earthquakes, famines, roaring of the sea, fearful sights from Heaven. On one of the news-boards discussing the volcano, a person commented underneath, "Mother Nature is pissed!"

Sorry, but they have it wrong. There's no such thing as "Mother Nature." That's just a cutesy name that non-believers gave to natural things that occur on this earth. But we Christians know that God is in control of everything, most especially the weather and natural elements. All throughout the Bible He used fire and floods and earthquakes and plagues for various purposes. It's no different now.

If you think this is just harmless, coincidental science, stay tuned. I'm sure there will be several more events in the near future to convince you otherwise...

The Day of the LORD

"And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.

Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

I will show wonders in the heavens
and on the earth,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.

The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.

And everyone who calls
on the name of the LORD will be saved;
for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem
there will be deliverance,
as the LORD has said,
among the survivors
whom the LORD calls.

(Joel 2:28-32)

Anyone else in the world think that it's just more than mere coincidence that most of what was known as the old "Roman Empire" will be covered in dark, sulfurous ash cloud on Tuesday, when Israel will be celebrating their Independence Day?

Scoff all you want, my friends. God is not something to mock and laugh at. I assure you this is real. If you're not abiding in Christ and on his side, you'd better get there in a hurry.

(Click HERE to read more about the possible disruptions in food and medicine across the European continent.)

More articles about the eruption disruption:

CNN: European Air Travel Paralyzed...

Experts: No End to Volcano Ash In Sight

Let me assure you that it's no coincidence that I very recently had to write a post called Why Are There So Many Earthquakes Lately?

With that in mind, I strongly urge you to read these posts I wrote a while back:

In These Times We Must Prepare, Part 1

In These Times We Must Prepare, Part 2

Why Are There So Many Earthquakes Lately???

2010-04-13T18:42:00.027-04:00

I think it's obvious to everyone that there has been a strong increase in earthquakes lately -- especially the big ones. Are they a sign? Are there really more earthquakes now than in the past? Some may argue that there's been an increase in awareness since the 2004 quake that sparked the tsunami in Indonesia. That may be true, but that doesn't distract from the simple fact that there has been a lot more activity in these past ten years than there has been in any other ten-year period prior to this new millennium. Don't believe me? It's true. It's shockingly true. Especially with regard to the "big" earthquakes, registering 6.0 on the Richter scale or higher.

You can see it for yourself. Click on this link, which takes you to the USGS list of earthquakes around the world that were over 6.0: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/world/historical_mag_big.php

Okay, now... very clearly the USGS states on their "About us" link that they've installed over 300 new monitoring systems over the past few years. This helps them to detect smaller tremors and earthquakes. I get that. But it doesn't take high-tech, ultra-modern equipment to detect a 6.0 (or larger) earthquake. Scientists have been detecting and recording large earthquakes for centuries. And certainly in the past fifty years or so, the readings of 6.0 or larger earthquakes have been pretty accurate across the board.

So I took the list from the link above and copied it. Then I pasted it into Excel. Once I had it i a spreadsheet, I broke up the list into decades, focusing solely on the 20th and 21st century. Here's how that list breaks down:

1900's
1900 10 09 - Kodiak Island, Alaska - M 7.7
1901 03 03 - Parkfield, California - M 6.4
1901 12 31 - Cook Inlet, Alaska - M 7.1
1902 04 19 - Guatemala - M 7.5
1902 12 16 - eastern Uzbekistan (Turkestan) - M 6.4
1903 04 28 - Turkey - M 7.0
1903 08 11 - Southern Greece - M 8.3
1904 08 11 - Samos, Greece - M 6.2
1904 08 27 - Fairbanks, Alaska - M 7.3
1905 04 04 - Kangra, India - M 7.5
1905 07 09 - Mongolia - M 8.4
1905 09 08 - Calabria, Italy - M 7.9
1906 01 31 - Off the Coast of Esmeraldas, Ecuador - M 8.8
1906 03 16 - Chia-i, Taiwan - M 6.8
1906 04 18 - San Francisco, California - M 7.8
1906 08 17 - Valparaiso, Chile - M 8.2
1907 01 14 - Kingston, Jamaica - M 6.5
1907 04 15 - Guerrero, Mexico - M 7.7
1907 10 21 - Qaratog, Tajikistan - M 8.0
1908 05 15 - Gulf of Alaska - M 7.0
1908 12 12 - Off the Coast of Central Peru - M 8.2
1908 12 28 - Messina, Italy - M 7.2
1909 01 23 - Silakhor, Iran (Persia) - M 7.3

1910's
1910 04 12 - Taiwan region - M 7.6
1910 05 04 - Cartago, Costa Rica - M 6.4
1910 08 05 - Oregon - M 6.8
1910 09 09 - Rat Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska - M 7.0
1911 01 03 - Chong-Kemin, Kyrgyzstan - M 7.8
1911 02 18 - Sarez, Tajikistan - M 7.4
1911 06 07 - Off Guerrero, Mexico - M 7.7
1911 07 01 - Calaveras fault, California - M 6.5
1912 07 07 - Paxson, Alaska - M 7.2
1912 08 09 - Murefte, Turkey (Ottoman Empire) - M 7.8
1914 10 03 - Burdur, Turkey (Ottoman Empire) - M 7.0
1915 01 13 - Avezzano, Italy - M 7.0
1915 06 23 - Imperial Valley, California - M 6.3
1915 10 03 - Pleasant Valley, Nevada - M 7.1
1917 07 30 - Yunnan, China - M 7.5
1918 02 13 - Nan'ao, Guangdong, (Kwangtung), China - M 7.3
1918 04 21 - San Jacinto, California - M 6.8
1918 10 11 - Mona Passage - M 7.5
1918 12 06 - Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada - M 7.0
1919 06 29 - Mugello, Tuscany - M 6.3

1920's
1920 06 05 - Taiwan region - M 8.0
1920 09 07 - Toscana, Italy - M 6.4
1920 12 16 - Haiyuan, Ningxia, China - M 7.8
1922 01 31 - Eureka, California - M 7.3
1922 03 10 - Parkfield, California - M 6.1
1922 11 11 - Chile-Argentina Border - M 8.5
1923 01 22 - Humbolt County, California - M 7.2
1923 02 03 - Kamchatka - M 8.5
1923 03 24 - Near Luhuo, Sichuan, China - M 7.3
1923 09 01 - Kanto (Kwanto), Japan - M 7.9
1925 03 01 - Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada - M 6.3
1925 03 16 - Yunnan, China - M 7.1
1925 06 28 - Clarkston Valley, Montana - M 6.6
1925 06 29 - Santa Barbara, California - M 6.8
1926 10 22 - Monterey Bay, California - M 6.1
1927 03 07 - Tango, Japan - M 7.6
1927 05 22 - Tsinghai, China - M 7.6
1927 10 24 - Southeast Alaska - M 7.1
1927 11 04 - Lompoc, California - M 7.1
1928 12 01 - Talca, Chile - M 7.6
1929 03 07 - Fox Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska - M 7.8
1929 05 01 - Koppeh Dagh, Iran (Persia) - M 7.4
1929 05 26 - South of Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia, Canada - M 7.0
1929 10 06 - Holualoa, Hawaii - M 6.5
1929 11 18 - Grand Banks, Nova Scotia, Canada - M 7.3

1930's
1930 05 06 - Salmas, Iran (Persia) - M 7.2
1930 07 23 - Irpinia, Italy - M 6.5
1931 01 15 - Oaxaca, Mexico - M 7.8
1931 02 02 - Hawke's Bay, New Zealand - M 7.9
1931 03 31 - Managua, Nicaragua - M 6.0
1931 08 10 - Xinjiang, China - M 8.0
1932 06 03 - Jalisco, Mexico - M 8.1
1932 06 06 - Eureka, California - M 6.4
1932 06 18 - Colima, Mexico - M 7.8
1932 12 21 - Cedar Mountain, Nevada - M 7.2
1932 12 25 - Gansu, China - M 7.6
1933 03 02 - Sanriku, Japan - M 8.4
1933 03 11 - Long Beach, California - M 6.4
1933 08 25 - Sichuan, China - M 7.4
1933 11 20 - Baffin Bay, Canada - M 7.4
1934 01 15 - Bihar, India - Nepal - M 8.1
1934 01 30 - Excelsior Mountains, Nevada - M 6.5
1934 03 12 - Kosmo, Utah - M 6.6
1934 05 04 - Chugach Mountains, Alaska - M 7.1
1934 06 08 - Parkfield, California - M 6.1
1935 04 20 - Taiwan (Formosa) - M 7.1
1935 05 30 - Quetta, Pakistan - M 7.5
1935 07 16 - Taiwan (Formosa) - M 6.5
1935 10 19 - Helena, Montana - M 6.3
1935 10 31 - Helena, Montana - M 6.0
1935 11 01 - Timiskaming, Quebec, Canada - M 6.2
1937 07 22 - Central Alaska - M 7.3
1938 01 23 - Maui, Hawaii - M 6.8
1938 02 01 - Banda Sea, Indonesia - M 8.5
1938 11 10 - Shumagin Islands, Alaska - M 8.2
1939 01 25 - Chillan, Chile - M 7.8
1939 12 26 - Erzincan, Turkey - M 7.8

1940's
1940 05 19 - Imperial Valley, California - M 7.1
1940 05 24 - Callao, Peru - M 8.2
1940 11 10 - Vrancea, Romania - M 7.3
1941 04 29 - Meeberrie, Australia - M 7.2
1942 08 06 - Guatemala - M 7.9
1942 08 24 - Off the coast of central Peru - M 8.2
1942 11 26 - Turkey - M 7.6
1942 12 20 - Erbaa, Turkey - M 7.3
1943 04 06 - Illapel - Salamanca, Chile - M 8.2
1943 09 10 - Tottori, Japan - M 7.4
1943 11 03 - Skwenta, Alaska - M 7.4
1943 11 26 - Ladik, Turkey - M 7.6
1944 01 15 - San Juan, Argentina - M 7.4
1944 02 01 - Gerede, Turkey - M 7.4
1944 07 12 - Sheep Mountain, Idaho - M 6.1
1944 12 07 - Tonankai, Japan - M 8.1
1945 01 12 - Mikawa, Japan - M 7.1
1945 11 27 - Makran Coast, Pakistan - M 8.0
1946 04 01 - Unimak Island, Alaska - M 8.1
1946 06 23 - Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada - M 7.3
1946 08 04 - Samana, Dominican Republic - M 8.0
1946 08 08 - Samana, Dominican Republic - M 7.6
1946 11 10 - Ancash, Peru - M 7.3
1946 12 20 - Nankaido, Japan - M 8.1
1947 08 05 - Pasni, Iran - M 7.3
1947 10 16 - Wood River, Alaska - M 7.2
1947 11 01 - Satipo, Peru - M 7.3
1947 11 23 - Southwest Montana - M 6.3
1948 05 11 - Moquegua, Peru - M 7.4
1948 05 25 - Sichuan, China - M 7.3
1948 06 28 - Fukui, Japan - M 7.3
1948 10 05 - Ashgabat, Turkmenistan - M 7.3
1949 04 13 - Puget Sound, Washington - M 7.1
1949 07 10 - Khait, Tajikistan - M 7.5
1949 08 05 - Ambato, Ecuador - M 6.8
1949 08 17 - Erzurum, Turkey - M 6.8
1949 08 22 - Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia, Canada - M 8.1

1950's
1950 05 21 - Cusco, Peru - M 6.0
1950 08 15 - Assam - Tibet - M 8.6
1951 05 06 - Jucuapa, El Salvador - M 6.2
1951 08 13 - Kursunlu, Turkey - M 6.7
1951 08 21 - Kona, Hawaii - M 6.9
1952 07 21 - Kern County, California - M 7.3
1952 11 04 - Kamchatka - M 9.0
1953 01 05 - Near Islands, Alaska - M 7.1
1953 02 12 - Torud, Iran - M 6.5
1953 03 18 - Yenice-Gonen, Turkey - M 7.3
1953 08 12 - Kefallinia, Greece - M 7.1
1953 12 12 - Tumbes, Peru - M 7.4
1954 03 29 - Spain - M 7.9
1954 04 30 - Greece - M 7.1
1954 07 06 - Fallon-Stillwater area, Nevada - M 6.6
1954 08 24 - Stillwater, Nevada - M 6.8
1954 09 09 - Orleansville, Algeria - M 6.8
1954 12 16 - Dixie Valley, Nevada - M 6.8
1954 12 16 - Fairview Peak, Nevada - M 7.1
1954 12 21 - Eureka, California - M 6.5
1957 03 09 - Andreanof Islands, Alaska - M 8.6
1957 03 09 - Fox Islands, Alaska - M 7.1
1957 03 12 - Andreanof Islands, Alaska - M 7.0
1957 03 14 - Andreanof Islands, Alaska - M 7.1
1957 03 16 - Andreanof Islands, Alaska - M 7.0
1957 04 25 - Fethiye, Turkey - M 7.1
1957 05 26 - Bolu Province, Turkey - M 7.1
1957 06 27 - Stanovoy Mountains, Russia (USSR) - M 7.6
1957 07 02 - Mazandaran, Iran - M 7.1
1957 07 28 - Guerrero, Mexico - M 7.9
1957 12 04 - Gobi-Altay, Mongolia - M 8.1
1957 12 13 - Sahneh, Iran - M 7.1
1958 01 15 - Arequipa, Peru - M 7.3
1958 04 07 - Huslia, Alaska - M 7.3
1958 07 10 - Lituya Bay, Alaska - M 7.7
1958 11 06 - Kuril Islands - M 8.3
1959 04 26 - Taiwan region - M 7.5
1959 08 18 - Hebgen Lake, Montana - M 7.3
1959 08 18 - Wyoming - M 6.5
1959 08 26 - Vera Cruz, Mexico - M 6.8

1960's
1960 01 13 - Arequipa, Peru - M 7.5
1960 05 21 - Arauco Peninsula, Chile - M 7.9
1960 05 22 - Chile - M 9.5
1962 05 11 - Guerrero, Mexico - M 7.0
1962 05 19 - Guerrero, Mexico - M 7.1
1962 09 01 - Qazvin, Iran - M 7.1
1963 07 26 - Skopje, Former Yugoslav Rep. of Macedonia - M 6.0
1963 10 13 - Kuril Islands - M 8.5
1964 03 28 - Prince William Sound, Alaska - M 9.2
1964 06 16 - Niigata, Japan - M 7.5
1964 07 06 - Guerrero, Mexico - M 6.9
1964 10 06 - Western Turkey - M 7.0
1965 01 24 - Sanana, Indonesia (Ceram Sea) - M 7.6
1965 02 04 - Rat Islands, Alaska - M 8.7
1965 02 23 - Taltal, Chile - M 7.0
1965 03 09 - Northern Sporades, Greece - M 6.3
1965 03 14 - Hindu Kush, Afghanistan - M 7.8
1965 03 28 - La Ligua, Chile - M 7.4
1965 03 30 - Rat Islands, Alaska - M 7.3
1965 03 31 - Central Greece - M 7.1
1965 04 05 - Peloponnisos, Greece - M 6.2
1965 04 29 - Puget Sound, Washington - M 6.5
1965 05 03 - La Libertad, El Salvador - M 6.3
1965 07 06 - Central Greece - M 6.3
1965 08 23 - Oaxaca, Mexico - M 7.3
1966 03 07 - Hebei, China - M 7.0
1966 03 22 - Hebei, China - M 6.9
1966 06 28 - Parkfield, California - M 6.1
1966 08 07 - Rat Islands, Alaska - M 7.0
1966 08 19 - Varto, Turkey - M 6.8
1966 10 17 - Near the Coast of Peru - M 8.1
1967 07 22 - Mudurnu Valley, Turkey - M 7.3
1967 07 29 - Near the Coast of Venezuela - M 6.5
1967 12 10 - Koyna, India - M 6.3
1968 01 15 - Western Sicily - M 6.5
1968 05 23 - Inangahua, New Zealand - M 7.1
1968 06 19 - Moyobamba, Peru - M 6.9
1968 08 02 - Oaxaca, Mexico - M 7.1
1968 08 31 - Dasht-e Bayaz, Iran - M 7.3
1968 09 03 - Bartin, Turkey - M 6.6
1968 10 14 - Meckering, Australia - M 6.9
1969 02 28 - Portugal-Morocco area - M 7.8
1969 03 28 - Alasehir, Turkey - M 6.4
1969 10 01 - Comas region, Chile - M 6.4
1969 12 25 - Guadeloupe, Leeward Islands - M 7.2

1970's
1971 02 09 - San Fernando, California - M 6.6
1971 05 12 - Western Turkey - M 6.3
1971 05 22 - Eastern Turkey - M 6.9
1971 07 09 - Valparaiso region, Chile - M 7.5
1972 01 25 - Taiwain region - M 7.0
1972 01 25 - Taiwain region - M 7.5
1972 04 10 - southern Iran - M 7.1
1972 04 24 - Taiwain region - M 7.2
1972 07 30 - Sitka, Alaska - M 7.6
1972 12 23 - Nicaragua - M 6.2
1973 04 26 - Island of Hawaii, Hawaii - M 6.2
1974 05 10 - China - M 6.8
1974 07 13 - Panama-Colombia border region - M 7.3
1974 10 03 - Near the Coast of Central Peru - M 8.1
1974 10 08 - Leeward Islands - M 7.5
1974 12 28 - Northern Pakistan - M 6.2
1975 02 02 - Near Islands, Alaska - M 7.6
1975 02 04 - Haicheng, China - M 7.0
1975 03 02 - Eastern Idaho - M 6.2
1975 06 30 - Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming - M 6.1
1975 09 06 - Turkey - M 6.7
1975 11 29 - Kalapana, Hawaii - M 7.2
1976 02 04 - Guatemala - M 7.5
1976 05 06 - Northeastern Italy - M 6.5
1976 06 25 - Papua, Indonesia - M 7.1
1976 07 27 - Tangshan, China - M 7.5
1976 08 16 - Mindanao, Philippines - M 7.9
1976 11 24 - Turkey-Iran border region - M 7.3
1977 03 04 - Romania - M 7.2
1977 11 23 - San Juan, Argentina - M 7.4
1978 06 20 - Greece - M 6.6
1978 09 16 - Iran - M 7.8
1979 02 28 - Mt. St. Elias, Alaska - M 7.5
1979 10 15 - Imperial Valley, Mexico - California Border - M 6.4

1980's
1980 01 01 - Azores Islands, Portugal - M 7.2
1980 05 25 - Mammoth Lakes, California - M 6.2
1980 05 27 - Mammoth Lakes, California - M 6.0
1980 10 10 - El Asnam (formerly Orleansville), Algeria - M 7.7
1980 11 08 - Humboldt County, California - M 7.2
1980 11 23 - Southern Italy - M 6.5
1981 02 24 - Greece - M 6.8
1981 06 11 - southern Iran - M 6.9
1981 07 28 - southern Iran - M 7.3
1982 12 13 - Yemen - M 6.0
1983 05 02 - Coalinga, California - M 6.4
1983 10 28 - Borah Peak, Idaho - M 6.9
1983 10 30 - Turkey - M 6.9
1983 11 16 - Kaoiki, Hawaii - M 6.7
1984 04 24 - Morgan Hill, California - M 6.2
1985 01 26 - Mendoza, Argentina - M 6.0
1985 03 03 - offshore Valparaiso, Chile - M 7.8
1985 09 19 - Michoacan, Mexico - M 8.0
1985 12 23 - Nahanni region, Northwest Territories, Canada - M 6.8
1986 05 07 - Andreanof Islands, Alaska - M 7.9
1986 07 08 - North Palm Springs, California - M 6.1
1986 07 21 - Chalfant Valley, California - M 6.2
1987 03 06 - Colombia-Ecuador - M 7.0
1987 11 24 - Superstition Hills, California - M 6.5
1987 11 24 - Superstition Hills, California - M 6.7
1987 11 30 - Gulf of Alaska - M 7.8
1988 01 22 - Tennant Creek, Australia - M 6.6
1988 03 06 - Gulf of Alaska - M 7.7
1988 08 20 - Nepal-India border region - M 6.8
1988 12 07 - Spitak, Armenia - M 6.8
1989 10 18 - Loma Prieta, California - M 6.9
1989 12 25 - Ungava, Quebec, Canada - M 6.0

1990's
1990 06 20 - Western Iran - M 7.4
1990 07 16 - Luzon, Philippine Islands - M 7.7
1991 04 22 - Costa Rica - M 7.6
1991 08 17 - Honeydew, California - M 7.0
1991 10 19 - Northern India - M 6.8
1992 04 23 - Joshua Tree - M 6.2
1992 04 25 - Cape Mendocino, California - M 7.2
1992 06 28 - Big Bear, California - M 6.5
1992 06 28 - Landers, California - M 7.3
1992 09 02 - Nicaragua - M 7.6
1992 12 12 - Flores Region, Indonesia - M 7.8
1993 08 08 - South of the Mariana Islands - M 7.8
1993 09 21 - Klamath Falls, Oregon - M 6.0
1993 09 29 - Latur-Killari, India - M 6.2
1994 01 17 - Northridge, California - M 6.7
1994 06 09 - Bolivia - M 8.2
1994 09 01 - Cape Mendocino, California - M 7.0
1995 01 16 - Kobe, Japan - M 6.9
1995 05 13 - Greece - M 6.6
1995 05 27 - Sakhalin Island - M 7.1
1995 06 15 - Greece - M 6.5
1996 06 10 - Andreanof Islands, Alaska - M 7.9
1997 05 10 - Northern Iran - M 7.3
1997 07 09 - Near Coast of Venezuela - M 7.0
1997 09 26 - Central Italy - M 6.4
1997 10 14 - South of Fiji Islands - M 7.8
1997 12 05 - Near East Coast of Kamchatka - M 7.8
1998 01 04 - Loyalty Islands Region - M 7.5
1998 01 30 - Near Coast of Northern Chile - M 7.1
1998 03 14 - Northern Iran - M 6.6
1998 03 25 - Balleny Islands Region - M 8.1
1998 05 03 - Southeast of Taiwan - M 7.5
1998 05 30 - Afghanistan-Tajikistan Border Region - M 6.6
1998 07 17 - Near North Coast of New Guinea, Papua New Guinea - M 7.0
1998 08 04 - Near Coast of Ecuador - M 7.2
1999 01 25 - Colombia - M 6.1
1999 02 06 - Santa Cruz Islands - M 7.3
1999 05 10 - New Britain region, Papua New Guinea - M 7.1
1999 05 16 - New Britain region, Papua New Guinea - M 7.1
1999 06 15 - Central Mexico - M 7.0
1999 07 11 - Honduras - M 6.7
1999 08 17 - Izmit, Turkey - M 7.6
1999 08 20 - Costa Rica - M 6.9
1999 09 07 - Greece - M 6.0
1999 09 20 - Taiwan - M 7.6
1999 09 30 - Oaxaca, Mexico - M 7.5
1999 10 16 - Hector Mine, California - M 7.1
1999 11 12 - Duzce, Turkey - M 7.2

2000's
2000 06 04 - Southern Sumatera, Indonesia - M 7.9
2000 06 18 - South Indian Ocean - M 7.9
2000 10 06 - Western Honshu, Japan - M 6.7
2000 11 16 - New Ireland Region, Papua New Guinea - M 7.8
2000 11 16 - New Ireland Region, Papua New Guinea - M 8.0
2000 11 17 - New Britain region, Papua New Guinea - M 7.6
2001 01 01 - Mindanao, Philippines - M 7.5
2001 01 13 - El Salvador - M 7.7
2001 01 26 - Gujarat, India - M 7.6
2001 02 13 - El Salvador - M 6.6
2001 02 28 - Nisqually, Washington - M 6.8
2001 06 23 - Near the Coast of Peru - M 8.4
2001 07 07 - Near the Coast of Peru - M 7.6
2002 01 02 - Vanuatu Islands - M 7.2
2002 02 03 - Turkey - M 6.5
2002 03 03 - Hindu Kush Region, Afghanistan - M 7.4
2002 03 05 - Mindanao, Philippines - M 7.5
2002 03 25 - Hindu Kush Region, Afghanistan - M 6.1
2002 03 31 - Taiwan region - M 7.1
2002 04 26 - Mariana Islands - M 7.1
2002 05 15 - Taiwan - M 6.2
2002 06 18 - Chile-Argentina Border Region - M 6.6
2002 06 22 - Western Iran - M 6.5
2002 06 28 - Priamurye-Northeastern China border region - M 7.3
2002 08 19 - Fiji Islands - M 7.7
2002 08 19 - Fiji Islands - M 7.7
2002 09 06 - Southern Italy - M 6.0
2002 09 08 - New Guinea, Papua New Guinea - M 7.6
2002 10 10 - Irian Jaya, Indonesia - M 7.6
2002 10 12 - Peru-Brazil border region - M 6.9
2002 10 23 - Denali, Alaska - M 6.7
2002 10 24 - Lake Tanganyika region - M 6.2
2002 11 02 - Northern Sumatera, Indonesia - M 7.4
2002 11 03 - Denali Fault, Alaska - M 7.9
2002 11 17 - Kuril Islands, Russia - M 7.3
2002 11 20 - Northwestern Kashmir - M 6.3
2003 01 10 - New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, region - M 6.7
2003 01 16 - Blanco Fracture Zone - Offshore Oregon, - M 6.3
2003 01 20 - Solomon Islands - M 7.3
2003 01 22 - Offshore Colima, Mexico - M 7.6
2003 01 27 - Turkey - M 6.1
2003 02 19 - Unimak Island Region, Alaska - M 6.6
2003 02 24 - Southern Xinjiang, China - M 6.3
2003 03 11 - New Ireland Region, Papua New Guinea - M 6.8
2003 03 17 - Rat Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska - M 7.1
2003 05 01 - Eastern Turkey - M 6.4
2003 05 04 - Kermadec Islands, New Zealand - M 6.7
2003 05 21 - Northern Algeria - M 6.8
2003 05 26 - Halmahera, Indonesia - M 7.0
2003 05 26 - Near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan - M 7.0
2003 06 07 - New Britain region, Papua New Guinea - M 6.6
2003 06 20 - Amazonas, Brazil - M 7.1
2003 06 20 - Near the Coast of Central Chile - M 6.8
2003 06 23 - Rat Islands, Aleutian Islands - M 6.9
2003 07 15 - Carlsberg Ridge - M 7.6
2003 07 21 - Yunnan, China - M 6.0
2003 07 27 - Primor'ye, Russia - M 6.8
2003 08 04 - Scotia Sea - M 7.6
2003 08 14 - Greece - M 6.3
2003 08 21 - South Island of New Zealand - M 7.2
2003 09 21 - Myanmar - M 6.6
2003 09 22 - Dominican Republic Region - M 6.4
2003 09 25 - Hokkaido, Japan Region - M 8.3
2003 09 27 - Southwestern Siberia, Russia - M 7.3
2003 10 01 - Southwestern Siberia, Russia - M 6.7
2003 10 08 - Hokkaido, Japan Region - M 6.7
2003 10 31 - Off the East Coast of Honshu, Japan - M 7.0
2003 11 06 - Vanuatu Islands - M 6.6
2003 11 17 - Rat Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska - M 7.8
2003 11 18 - Samar, Philippines - M 6.5
2003 12 05 - Komandorskiye Ostrova, Russia Region - M 6.7
2003 12 10 - Taiwan - M 6.8
2003 12 22 - San Simeon, California - M 6.6
2003 12 26 - Southeastern Iran - M 6.6
2003 12 27 - Southeast of the Loyalty Islands - M 7.3
2004 01 28 - Seram, Indonesia - M 6.7
2004 02 05 - Irian Jaya, Indonesia - M 7.0
2004 02 07 - Irian Jaya, Indonesia - M 7.3
2004 02 24 - Strait of Gibraltar - M 6.4
2004 04 05 - Hindu Kush Region, Afghanistan - M 6.6
2004 05 03 - Bio-Bio, Chile - M 6.6
2004 05 28 - Northern Iran - M 6.3
2004 05 29 - Off the East Coast of Honshu, Japan - M 6.5
2004 06 10 - Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia - M 6.9
2004 06 28 - Southeastern Alaska - M 6.8
2004 07 25 - Southern Sumatra, Indonesia - M 7.3
2004 09 05 - Near the South Coast of Honshu, Japan - M 7.4
2004 09 05 - Near the South Coast of Western Honshu, Japan - M 7.2
2004 09 06 - Near the South Coast of Honshu, Japan - M 6.6
2004 09 28 - Central California - M 6.0
2004 10 08 - Mindoro, Philippines - M 6.5
2004 10 08 - Solomon Islands - M 6.8
2004 10 09 - Near the Coast of Nicaragua - M 7.0
2004 10 15 - Taiwan region - M 6.7
2004 10 23 - Near the West Coast of Honshu, Japan - M 6.6
2004 11 02 - Vancouver Island, Canada Region - M 6.7
2004 11 08 - Taiwan region - M 6.3
2004 11 09 - Solomon Islands - M 6.9
2004 11 11 - Kepulauan Alor, Indonesia - M 7.5
2004 11 11 - Solomon Islands - M 6.7
2004 11 15 - Near the West Coast of Colombia - M 7.2
2004 11 20 - Costa Rica - M 6.4
2004 11 21 - Leeward Islands - M 6.3
2004 11 22 - Off West Coast of South Island, N.Z. - M 7.1
2004 11 26 - Papua, Indonesia - M 7.1
2004 11 28 - Hokkaido, Japan Region - M 7.0
2004 12 06 - Hokkaido, Japan Region - M 6.8
2004 12 14 - Cayman Islands Region - M 6.8
2004 12 23 - North of Macquarie Island - M 8.1
2004 12 26 - Sumatra-Andaman Islands - M 9.1
2005 01 01 - Off the West Coast of Northern Sumatra - M 6.7
2005 01 16 - State of Yap, Fed. States of Micronesia - M 6.6
2005 02 05 - Celebes Sea - M 7.1
2005 02 08 - Vanuatu - M 6.7
2005 02 19 - Sulawesi, Indonesia - M 6.5
2005 02 22 - Central Iran - M 6.4
2005 02 26 - Simeulue, Indonesia - M 6.8
2005 03 02 - Banda Sea - M 7.1
2005 03 20 - Kyushu, Japan - M 6.6
2005 03 28 - Northern Sumatra, Indonesia - M 8.6
2005 04 10 - Kepulauan Mentawai Region, Indonesia - M 6.7
2005 04 11 - Southeast of the Loyalty Islands - M 6.7
2005 05 14 - Nias Region, Indonesia - M 6.7
2005 05 19 - Nias Region, Indonesia - M 6.9
2005 06 13 - Tarapaca, Chile - M 7.8
2005 06 14 - Rat Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska - M 6.8
2005 06 15 - Off the Coast of Northern California - M 7.2
2005 06 17 - Off the Coast of Northern California - M 6.6
2005 07 02 - Near the Coast of Nicaragua - M 6.6
2005 07 05 - Nias Region, Indonesia - M 6.7
2005 07 24 - Nicobar Islands, India Region - M 7.2
2005 08 16 - Near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan - M 7.2
2005 09 09 - New Ireland Region, Papua New Guinea - M 7.6
2005 09 26 - Northern Peru - M 7.5
2005 09 29 - New Britain region, Papua New Guinea - M 6.6
2005 10 08 - Pakistan - M 7.6
2005 10 19 - Near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan - M 6.3
2005 11 14 - Off the East Coast of Honshu, Japan - M 7.0
2005 11 17 - Potosi, Bolivia - M 6.9
2005 11 19 - Simeulue, Indonesia - M 6.5
2005 11 27 - Southern Iran - M 6.0
2005 12 02 - Near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan - M 6.5
2005 12 05 - Lake Tanganyika Region, Congo-Tanzania - M 6.8
2005 12 11 - New Britain region, Papua New Guinea - M 6.6
2005 12 12 - Hindu Kush Region, Afghanistan - M 6.5
2006 01 02 - East of South Sandwich Islands - M 7.4
2006 01 04 - Gulf of California - M 6.6
2006 01 08 - Southern Greece - M 6.7
2006 01 27 - Banda Sea - M 7.6
2006 02 22 - Mozambique - M 7.0
2006 02 26 - South of the Fiji Islands - M 6.4
2006 03 14 - Seram, Indonesia - M 6.7
2006 03 31 - Western Iran - M 6.1
2006 04 20 - Koryakia, Russia - M 7.6
2006 05 03 - Tonga - M 8.0
2006 05 16 - Kermadec Islands region - M 7.4
2006 05 16 - Nias Region, Indonesia - M 6.8
2006 05 26 - Java, Indonesia - M 6.3
2006 06 11 - Kyushu, Japan - M 6.3
2006 07 17 - South of Java, Indonesia - M 7.7
2006 08 20 - Scotia Sea - M 7.0
2006 09 01 - Bougainville Region, Papua New Guinea - M 6.8
2006 09 28 - Samoa Islands Region - M 6.9
2006 10 15 - Hawaii region, Hawaii - M 6.7
2006 10 17 - New Britain region, Papua New Guinea - M 6.7
2006 10 20 - Near the Coast of Central Peru - M 6.7
2006 11 13 - Santiago del Estero, Argentina - M 6.8
2006 11 15 - Kuril Islands - M 8.3
2006 12 26 - Taiwan region - M 6.9
2006 12 26 - Taiwan region - M 7.1
2007 01 13 - East of the Kuril Islands - M 8.1
2007 01 21 - Molucca Sea - M 7.5
2007 01 30 - West of Macquarie Island - M 6.9
2007 01 31 - Kermadec Islands, New Zealand - M 6.5
2007 03 06 - Southern Sumatra, Indonesia - M 6.4
2007 03 25 - Near the West Coast of Honshu,Japan - M 6.7
2007 03 25 - Vanuatu - M 7.1
2007 04 01 - Solomon Islands - M 8.1
2007 06 13 - Offshore Guatemala - M 6.7
2007 06 28 - Bougainville region, Papua New Guinea - M 6.7
2007 07 16 - Near the west coast of Honshu, Japan - M 6.6
2007 07 16 - Sea of Japan - M 6.8
2007 07 26 - Molucca Sea - M 6.9
2007 08 01 - Vanuatu - M 7.2
2007 08 02 - Andreanof Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska - M 6.7
2007 08 08 - Java, Indonesia - M 7.5
2007 08 15 - Andreanof Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska - M 6.5
2007 08 15 - Near the Coast of Central Peru - M 8.0
2007 08 16 - Solomon Islands - M 6.5
2007 08 20 - Philippine Islands region - M 6.4
2007 09 02 - Santa Cruz Islands - M 7.2
2007 09 06 - Taiwan region - M 6.2
2007 09 10 - Near the west coast of Colombia - M 6.8
2007 09 12 - Kepulauan Mentawai region, Indonesia - M 7.9
2007 09 12 - Southern Sumatra, Indonesia - M 8.5
2007 09 20 - Southern Sumatra, Indonesia - M 6.7
2007 09 26 - New Ireland Region, Papua New Guinea - M 6.8
2007 09 28 - Mariana Islands region - M 7.5
2007 09 28 - Southeast of Loyalty Islands - M 6.5
2007 09 30 - Auckland Islands, New Zealand region - M 6.6
2007 09 30 - Auckland Islands, New Zealand region - M 7.4
2007 09 30 - South of the Mariana Islands - M 6.9
2007 10 15 - South Island of New Zealand - M 6.8
2007 10 24 - Southern Sumatra, Indonesia - M 6.8
2007 10 31 - Pagan Region, Northern Mariana Islands - M 7.2
2007 11 10 - North of Macquarie Island - M 6.6
2007 11 14 - Antofagasta, Chile - M 7.7
2007 11 16 - Peru-Ecuador border region - M 6.8
2007 11 22 - Eastern New Guinea Region, Papua New Guinea - M 6.8
2007 11 25 - Sumbawa Region, Indonesia - M 6.5
2007 11 27 - Solomon Islands - M 6.6
2007 11 29 - Martinique Region, Windward Islands - M 7.4
2007 12 09 - South of the Fiji Islands - M 7.8
2007 12 16 - Antofagasta, Chile - M 6.7
2007 12 19 - Andreanof Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska - M 7.2
2007 12 20 - Off east coast of the North Island, New Zealand - M 6.6
2007 12 26 - Fox Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska - M 6.4
2008 01 05 - Queen Charlotte Islands region - M 6.6
2008 02 04 - Tarapaca, Chile - M 6.3
2008 02 08 - Northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge - M 6.9
2008 02 10 - South Sandwich Islands region - M 6.6
2008 02 12 - Oaxaca, Mexico - M 6.5
2008 02 14 - Southern Greece - M 6.9
2008 02 20 - Simeulue, Indonesia - M 7.4
2008 02 21 - Nevada - M 6.0
2008 02 23 - South Sandwich Islands region - M 6.8
2008 02 25 - Kepulauan Mentawai region, Indonesia - M 7.2
2008 03 03 - Philippine Islands region - M 6.9
2008 03 12 - Vanuatu - M 6.4
2008 03 20 - Xinjiang-Xizang border region - M 7.2
2008 04 09 - Loyalty Islands - M 7.3
2008 04 12 - Macquarie Island region - M 7.1
2008 04 16 - Andreanof Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska - M 6.6
2008 05 02 - Andreanof Islands, Aleutian Islands, Alaska - M 6.6
2008 05 07 - Near the East Coast of Honshu, Japan - M 6.8
2008 05 09 - Guam region - M 6.8
2008 05 12 - Eastern Sichuan, China - M 7.9
2008 06 08 - Greece - M 6.4
2008 06 13 - Eastern Honshu, Japan - M 6.9
2008 06 30 - South Sandwich Islands region - M 7.0
2008 07 05 - Sea of Okhotsk - M 7.7
2008 07 19 - Off the East Coast of Honshu, Japan - M 7.0
2008 07 23 - Eastern Honshu, Japan - M 6.8
2008 09 08 - Vanuatu - M 6.9
2008 09 11 - Hokkaido, Japan region - M 6.8
2008 09 29 - Kermadec Islands, New Zealand - M 7.0
2008 10 05 - Kyrgyzstan - M 6.6
2008 10 06 - Eastern Xizang - M 6.3
2008 10 28 - Pakistan - M 6.4
2008 11 16 - Minahasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia - M 7.4
2008 11 24 - Sea of Okhotsk - M 7.3
2008 12 09 - Kermadec Islands region - M 6.8
2009 01 03 - Near the North Coast of Papua, Indonesia - M 7.4
2009 01 03 - Near the North Coast of Papua, Indonesia - M 7.7
2009 01 08 - Costa Rica - M 6.1
2009 01 15 - East of the Kuril Islands - M 7.4
2009 01 15 - Southeast of the Loyalty Islands - M 6.7
2009 01 18 - Kermadec Islands, New Zealand - M 6.4
2009 01 19 - Southeast of the Loyalty Islands - M 6.6
2009 02 11 - Kepulauan Talaud, Indonesia - M 7.2
2009 02 18 - Kermadec Islands region - M 7.0
2009 03 19 - Tonga region - M 7.6
2009 04 06 - Central Italy - M 6.3
2009 04 07 - Kuril Islands - M 6.9
2009 04 16 - South Sandwich Islands region - M 6.7
2009 04 18 - Kuril Islands - M 6.6
2009 05 16 - Kermadec Islands :egion - M 6.5
2009 05 28 - Offshore Honduras - M 7.3
2009 06 02 - Vanuatu - M 6.3
2009 06 23 - New Ireland region, Papua New Guinea - M 6.7
2009 07 01 - Crete, Greece - M 6.4
2009 07 15 - Off West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand - M 7.8
2009 08 03 - Gulf of California - M 6.9
2009 08 09 - Near the South Coast of Honshu, Japan - M 7.1
2009 08 10 - Andaman Islands, India region - M 7.5
2009 08 10 - Near the South Coast of Honshu, Japan - M 6.1
2009 08 10 - Santa Cruz Islands - M 6.6
2009 08 12 - Izu Islands, Japan region - M 6.6
2009 08 16 - Kepulauan Mentawai region, Indonesia - M 6.7
2009 08 17 - Southwestern Ryukyu Islands, Japan - M 6.7
2009 08 28 - Banda Sea - M 6.9
2009 08 30 - Samoa Islands region - M 6.6
2009 09 02 - Java, Indonesia - M 7.0
2009 09 12 - Offshore Carabobo, Venezuela - M 6.3
2009 09 21 - Bhutan - M 6.1
2009 09 29 - Samoa Islands region - M 8.1
2009 09 30 - Southern Sumatra, Indonesia - M 7.5
2009 10 01 - Southern Sumatra, Indonesia - M 6.6
2009 10 04 - Moro Gulf, Mindanao, Philippines - M 6.6
2009 10 07 - Celebes Sea - M 6.8
2009 10 07 - Santa Cruz Islands - M 7.8
2009 10 07 - Vanuatu - M 7.4
2009 10 07 - Vanuatu - M 7.7
2009 10 08 - Santa Cruz Islands - M 6.6
2009 10 08 - Vanuatu - M 6.8
2009 10 24 - Banda Sea - M 6.9
2009 10 29 - Hindu Kush region, Afghanistan - M 6.2
2009 10 30 - Ryukyu Islands, Japan - M 6.8
2009 11 08 - Sumbawa region, Indonesia - M 6.6
2009 11 09 - Fiji - M 7.3
2009 11 13 - Offshore Tarapaca, Chile - M 6.5
2009 11 17 - Queen Charlotte Islands region - M 6.6
2009 11 24 - Tonga - M 6.8
2009 12 19 - Taiwan - M 6.4

2010's

7.3 VANUATU REGION December 25, 2010

7.4 BONIN ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION December 21, 2010

6.5 SOUTHEASTERN IRAN December 20, 2010

6.5 SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION December 08, 2010

6.7 NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA December 02, 2010

6.8 BONIN ISLANDS, JAPAN REGION November 30, 2010

7.7 KEPULAUAN MENTAWAI REGION, INDONESIA October 25, 2010

6.7 GULF OF CALIFORNIA October 21, 2010

7.2 NEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA September 29, 2010

6.2 NEAR THE SOUTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA September 29, 2010

7.0 SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND September 03, 2010

6.6 MARIANA ISLANDS REGION August 14, 2010

6.9 MARIANA ISLANDS REGION August 13, 2010

7.1 ECUADOR August 12, 2010

7.3 VANUATU August 10, 2010

7.0 NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA August 04, 2010

6.5 MORO GULF, MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES July 24, 2010

7.4 MORO GULF, MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES July 23, 2010

7.6 MORO GULF, MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES July 23, 2010

7.3 MORO GULF, MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES July 23, 2010

7.3 NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA July 18, 2010

6.9 NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA July 18, 2010

6.6 FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, ALASKA July 18, 2010

6.5 BIO-BIO, CHILE July 14, 2010

6.2 OAXACA, MEXICO June 30, 2010

6.7 SOLOMON ISLANDS June 26, 2010

7.0 NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA June 16, 2010

7.5 NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA REGION June 12, 2010

7.1 VANUATU May 27, 2010

7.2 NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA May 09, 2010

6.5 SOUTHEAST OF TAIWAN April 26, 2010

6.9 SOUTHERN QINGHAI, CHINA April 13, 2010

6.3 SPAIN April 11, 2010

6.8 SOLOMON ISLANDS April 11, 2010

7.8 NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA April 06, 2010

7.2 BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO April 04, 2010

6.7 OFFSHORE BIO-BIO, CHILE March 16, 2010

6.5 NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN March 14, 2010

6.9 LIBERTADOR O HIGGINS, CHILE March 11, 2010

6.1 EASTERN TURKEY March 08, 2010

6.8 SOUTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA March 05, 2010

6.6 OFFSHORE BIO-BIO, CHILE March 05, 2010

8.8 OFFSHORE BIO-BIO, CHILE February 27, 2010

7.0 RYUKYU ISLANDS, JAPAN February 26, 2010

6.9 CHINA-RUSSIA-NORTH KOREA BORDER REGION February 18, 2010

5.9 OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA February 04, 2010

6.2 BOUGAINVILLE REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA February 01, 2010

7.0 HAITI REGION January 12, 2010

6.5 OFFSHORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA January 10, 2010

6.8 SOLOMON ISLANDS January 05, 2010

7.1 SOLOMON ISLANDS January 03, 2010

6.6 SOLOMON ISLANDS January 03, 2010

6.3 REVILLA GIGEDO ISLANDS REGION November 01, 2011

6.9 NEAR THE COAST OF CENTRAL PERU October 28, 2011

7.1 EASTERN TURKEY October 23, 2011

7.4 KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION October 21, 2011

6.5 EASTERN NEW GUINEA REG, PAPUA NEW GUINEA October 14, 2011

6.1 SOUTH OF THE KERMADEC ISLANDS October 07, 2011

6.9 INDIA-NEPAL BORDER REGION September 18, 2011

6.7 NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN September 16, 2011

7.3 FIJI REGION September 15, 2011

6.4 VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA REGION September 09, 2011

6.6 NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA September 05, 2011

7.0 VANUATU September 03, 2011

6.7 SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO, ARGENTINA September 02, 2011

6.8 FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, ALASKA September 02, 2011

6.8 BANDA SEA August 30, 2011

6.8 NORTHERN PERU August 24, 2011

7.0 VANUATU August 20, 2011

7.1 VANUATU August 20, 2011

6.3 NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN August 19, 2011

6.8 NEAR NORTH COAST OF NEW GUINEA, P.N.G. July 31, 2011

6.7 SOUTH OF THE FIJI ISLANDS July 29, 2011

6.1 KYRGYZSTAN July 19, 2011

7.0 OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN July 10, 2011

7.6 KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION July 06, 2011

7.2 FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, ALASKA June 24, 2011

6.0 SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND June 13, 2011

6.8 LOYALTY ISLANDS May 10, 2011

6.9 SOLOMON ISLANDS April 23, 2011

7.1 EASTERN HONSHU, JAPAN April 11, 2011

7.1 NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN April 07, 2011

6.5 VERACRUZ, MEXICO April 07, 2011

6.7 SOUTH OF JAVA, INDONESIA April 03, 2011

6.9 MYANMAR March 24, 2011

6.6 OFF THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN March 22, 2011

6.3 VANUATU March 17, 2011

9.0 NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN March 11, 2011

6.5 NEW BRITAIN REGION, PAPUA NEW GUINEA March 09, 2011

7.3 NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN March 09, 2011

6.6 SOLOMON ISLANDS March 07, 2011

6.5 SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS REGION March 06, 2011

6.1 SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND February 21, 2011

6.6 OFFSHORE MAULE, CHILE February 14, 2011

6.8 OFFSHORE BIO-BIO, CHILE February 11, 2011

6.5 CELEBES SEA February 10, 2011

7.2 SOUTHWESTERN PAKISTAN January 18, 2011

7.0 LOYALTY ISLANDS January 13, 2011

6.6 VANUATU January 09, 2011

7.1 ARAUCANIA, CHILE January 02, 2011

7.0 SANTIAGO DEL ESTERO, ARGENTINA January 01, 2011

Now if that doesn't rattle your core, then you just aren't human. Trust me, folks. The USGS technology to detect 6.0 and higher earthquakes around the world was just as reliable back in the 1980's as it is today. And it's not like there are simply a "few" more of these in the past ten years than in last century's history -- there are A LOT more.

Some people have come forward and said that due to the high-level of human effect on the earth these past ten years, earthquakes have increased in both size and frequency. Some studies show things like nuclear testing, offshore drilling, mine blasting, geo-thermal exploration, etc. have all contributed to an increase in earthquakes. Okay... that might be true. But the Bible doesn't tell us where they come from or why they happen. Scripture simply points out that in the end times, there will be a lot of them in various places. Plain and simple. It doesn't matter why or how. All that matters is that they're occurring.

"Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." (Matthew 24:7-8)

The Bible uses "birth pains" or "birth pangs" as an analogy to the signs and events of the End Times. Think about a woman giving birth. Her pains, also called contractions, come slowly and sporadically at first. Often those first pains are mild, and don't cause too much hurt. But then they start to get stronger and more frequent, and they increase in intensity, causing more pain. Next thing you know, at the very crescendo of labor, the pains are almost unbearable and constant. And then with a quick rush and final massive shudder, the baby is born and a new life has come.

It will be the same way with the End Times, which I wholeheartedly believe we're in. The earthquakes and famines and geo-political/economic stress will increase. Nations will rise against nation. Teeth will be bared, threats will fly (Anyone watching the news lately over Iran? Or keeping an eye on the terrorism threats to the people of Israel?). Famines and hardships will increase, as will earthquakes. Sounds a lot like our times, doesn't it? And then at the very height of it all, there will be a final blow. The Bible describes it clearly:

"Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake. The great city split into three parts and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his wrath. Every Island fled away and the mountains could not be found." (Revelation 16:18-20)

After that, there comes life. Jesus comes back to the earth in a fury, ready to capture the beast (Satan) who will deceive so many people in the End Times. Many, many on this earth will worship that beast and take his mark. But Christ comes ready for war, and defeats him.

"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. 'He will rule them with an iron scepter.' He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, "Come, gather together for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, small and great." Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his army. But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The rest of them were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh." (Revelation 19:11-21)

And this begins the peaceful thousand-year reign of Christ.

It may sound like a story, but I assure you that it's true. Prophecy does not lie in the Bible. Where do you think all the stories of "good vs. evil" come from???? Since the beginning of time - -from the days of Adam and Eve (and even before) -- there has been a continuous and constant battle of Christ versus Satan. Christ ultimately wins. And every single person on this earth takes a side. If you don't knowingly choose to side with Christ, then you are by default on Satan's side. That's how it works.

Time is running out, and God gave us signs to look for in the Scriptures. To ignore them now would be a very costly mistake. Eternity is a very, very long time. Believe me when I say that you want to be with Christ, and not against him.

And for that reader who left me the anonymous comment and stated that they were "saddened that I believe the ridiculous tripe of religion"... let me say this: God directed you to my blog for a reason. You typed those search terms into Google because something was nagging at you. And then you came across my blog, which gives you hundreds of posts to read about Christianity -- including my introduction that states I was once an atheist before becoming a believer. That, my friend, is the work of the Holy Spirit. He is basically rapping His knuckles against your forehead, urging you to open your mind and listen up. You came here... you read... you commented. Still your mind and listen to your heart, because you won't get many more chances. Take this opportunity and side with good. Because while you might think it could be "fun" to be against God, I absolutely assure you with the utmost confidence that you'll be singing a different tune when you're on your knees in the end, realizing the very grave mistake you made.

May God continue to show you mercy and bless you -- I'll keep you in my prayers.

Easter: The Story of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ -- From a First-Hand Witness

2010-04-04T08:36:00.014-04:00

What is the Easter holiday about, you might ask? What does Easter mean to those who celebrate? To some it's about the "Easter Bunny" coming in the middle of the night like Santa, leaving candy and eggs for the little kids. For those families who celebrate in that way and nothing more, they are fools. Easter is NOT about the chocolate bunnies and colored eggs and baskets filled with jelly beans. It's about the fact that God realized we needed help. We weren't making it on our own -- we were unable to keep the Ten Commandments and abstain from sin. Because God loved us and wanted us to live forever in His eternal Kingdom, He provided the ultimate and final sacrifice: His son. He sent Jesus down to earth as a man, to live and teach, and then to die on the cross. That death took away our death. As a result, we who accept that sacrifice will live forever in God's eternal Kingdom. He is risen, so that we may rise as well!!!! This is a holiday to celebrate God's love for us, and recognize that Jesus is Lord. God's power overcame death, so that we who believe and accept the gift of sacrifice might overcome death. Plain and simple.

The Story of the Resurrection:

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered his words.

When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"

"What things?" he asked.

"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."

He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.

He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

(Luke 24)
The NIV Bible

What Happens When You Die?

2010-03-31T09:04:00.020-04:00

A lot of people won't admit this, but I think everyone has thought about it at some point in their lives: "What happens when you die?" What exactly occurs upon the moment of death? Is there a soul? What happens to it? Is there truth to the flash of light or the bright tunnel that some people see in near death experiences?" The truth is, no one has proof of what actually happens the moment a human being expires, but based on my Christian faith, I can give you a pretty good picture of what I believe happens, according to Jesus.

The Bible tells us that there will be a very dramatic end to our earth. A final battle between Satan and Jesus will occur (called the Battle of Armageddon) and after that, Jesus reigns on the earth for 1,000 years. After THAT, comes Judgment Day, when God opens the Book of Life. If you're name is in it, then you move on to live in His kingdom. If it's not, then you live in Hell for all eternity. The Book of Life is mentioned several times in the Bible, mostly at the end in Revelation. It clearly describes those names in the Book of Life as being those who "belong to the lamb" or in other words, belong to Jesus. A simple way to put it is that if you're a strong, true Christian, then your name will be in the Book of Life.

Revelation 20:16 states very clearly and simply: "If anyone's name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (It's in past-tense, because John was given a vision, and he's retelling it here in this part of the Bible.)

After that judgment day, God will make new the Earth and the Heavens. Revelation states to us that this is what John saw and heard in his vision that came from Jesus: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." (Revelation 21:1-5)

After that Judgment Day when God will send those whose names were not in the Book of Life into the lake of fire, He will make new the Earth and all the Heavens. And that's where those will live whose names were in the Book of Life. If you read the entire Book of Revelation along with the Gospels, you'll see that we all will get new resurrected bodies. Therefore, to make a long story short, we'll all have new bodies and live on a new Earth. The new Earth I imagine will be pretty cool. No crime or graffiti or decay or falling down ghettos. No dried up farm fields or flooded coastal towns or devastating hurricanes. The world will be similar to how it is now, probably with familiar land-masses, mountains and seas -- but it will be ten times better. My favorite description about that what that experience will be like comes from the book titled "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn. I don't have copyright privileges to quote exact passages, but on pages 238 and 239 of his book, he uses the example of the Chronicles of Narnia series as an analogy. Alcorn describes the scene in C.S. Lewis' The Last Battle where Lucy and her friends morn Narnia -- the world they've always known and loved. As they head over to the Asland's world and home, they're a bit excited but they mourn their old home. In our hearts, there is no place like home. You can move to a new country and enjoy the change of scenery, but your heart belongs to the place you know and love as home. The promise of a new Earth sounds exciting, but isn't there a little piece of you who will miss and love the old Earth? Sure there is. In C.S. Lewis' novel, Lucy and her friends look back at their old Narnia with longing. But as Randy Alcorn shows us, when they venture deeper into Asland's home territory, they begin to notice that things look very much like the Narnia they left. The hills, the mountains, the passes -- they all look like land features from the old home they left. And yet, it's more vivid. More beautiful. More perfect. More "real", one of the characters says. Even though their "old" Narnia was gone and demolished, this "new" Narnia was the same, and yet even better. And they realized that the old Narnia was an imperfect shadow of the beautiful new Narnia, and that THIS was really their home, where they were meant to live. Alcorn goes on to explain that on the New Earth, many things will remain the same. It will be familiar, and we can experience it in even better ways than we can now. It will be amazing, fantastic and downright indescribable.

So that's what happens after judgment day. Those who were believers of Christ and who had their names written in the book of life get a New Earth, along with New Heavens (perhaps planets and stars we can visit???). But those whose were NOT followers of Christ and whose names were not written in the book of life get thrown into the Lake of Fire. What is the Lake of Fire, exactly? The Bible describes it clearly. In fact, Jesus talks about it as a fire that cannot be quenched. It's permanent, eternal and forever. Here's a great article on the web about it: The Lake of Fire.

Some people say that "bad people" or those who aren't Christian just cease to exist. That they're bodies and souls just stop being. I think it's pretty clear that everyone will have "resurrected bodies" at this point -- even the wicked. If we look at John's vision, he says that he saw this:

"Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:11-15)

If we all (or even just the non-believers) became vaporous souls of mist and ghost, then I'm guessing John wouldn't have seen all the dead STANDING before the throne of God. Right? In fact, the Bible explains this in a verse right above that one:

"I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years." (Revelation 20:4-6)

I know it's getting confusing for some, but let me break it down simply. After the battle of Armageddon where Jesus Christ fights Satan and wins, he binds up Satan for 1,000 years. Somewhere around that time at the end of the battle, there is a resurrection, in which those who died as Christians will come alive and reign with Jesus on this earth for that 1,000 years. After that 1,000 years is over, everyone else is resurrected and receives a new body. So at this point, everyone is alive with a new body. It doesn't matter if you were cremated or disintegrated or newly buried or whatever. Every human soul will get a new body. And then we will all stand before Christ's throne and be judged according to our lives. He will look into the Book of Life, and if our name is there we will be allowed to pass onto the next life and live on the brand new Earth with God and Jesus for all of eternity. This "eternal" life with God on the new earth is the true and everlasting word we call "Heaven." The Scriptures tell us that "Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life." (Revelation 21:27)

At that time of judgment, if those people were found to NOT be in the book of life, they get sent into the Lake of Fire. I'm pretty confident the Lake of Fire is an eternal place as well. The Book of Daniel is one of prophecy -- Daniel was an exceptional prophet who received messages from Jesus. In one small but poignant passage, he tells us what happens in the end: "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:2) The Bible often used the word "sleep" to mean death. In today's society, we use the word death to mean something final, permanent, ending. But the Bible assures us that death is not the end, therefore the word for "sleep" is used instead. Jesus comes right to the point and tells John what happens to those who are unbelievers: "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars -- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

So that all explains what happens at the very end -- after the Judgment Day. But what about now??

Randy Alcorn in his book does a fantastic job of describing that (if you haven't read it, I really encourage you to!). Basically, there is a "temporary" Heaven and Hell. They're not our permanent homes. Simply a "hotel room" if you will, keeping us in an appropriate setting until the time comes to move to our permanent homes. You have to note, though, that these "temporary Heaven and Hell" places are not one and the same. Again, the unbelievers go to one place, and the believers to another. This is described in great detail with one of the stories Jesus told his followers:

"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'

"But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'

"He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'

"Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.'

"'No, father Abraham,' he said, 'but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'

"He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"

So here's the modern-day recap of that story. Lazarus was a poor beggar person who died. It doesn't say that he was a believer, but other places in the Bible clearly tell you that you have to be -- IF you have heard the Gospel of Jesus and the message of God. I personally think this kind of answers the question that atheists love to throw my way, regarding the 3rd world countries and people who have never heard of Jesus. Of course God's main purpose is not to condemn mankind and make innocent people suffer. He knows the heart and soul of every human being. There are going to be those who have never heard of Jesus Christ, and who died without knowing the gift of salvation he offers us. The ones that go to hell are either those who purposely chose to follow someone/something other than Christ (and that includes atheists who choose science or themselves over God), AND/OR those who have wicked and darkened hearts.

Anyway, in that story Jesus told, there was a poor beggar. Someone who was down and out, and who lived on the streets in agony. There was also a rich man, who ignored that beggar and refused to help him. They both died. The beggar was sent up to Heaven to be with Abraham and the other saints, whereas the rich man was sent to hell. Now this is a real story that Jesus told. He didn't use a pronoun or a generic term for the beggar. He used a real name. This was a real person, as was the rich man. Since the End Times and judgment day haven't happened yet, they are both in the "temporary" Heaven and Hell. The Bible refers to this temporary hell as "Hades." (As you may have noticed in the passage from Revelation up above.) As you can see, both Heaven and Hell -- the temporary AND the permanent -- are clearly different places. With regard to Hell (Hades) in this story, it's not some dark, opaque oblivion. Each clearly is very aware of their surroundings, and can comprehend what's going on. The rich guy, who is hot, thirsty and tormented, realizes that his situation sucks. He asks Abraham to send Lazarus down to bring him water. Abraham denied him, saying that the fiery bad place was down there, and the comfortable good place is up here, and there is no way to bridge the gap or travel between the two. The rich man, realizing what a crappy and awful place that was, then asked Abraham if he could go warn his five brothers, to keep them away from that hell. Abraham basically said, "Sorry, dude. I know it sucks and you want them to stay away, but they have the Scriptures and Jesus and the message of those who believe." Lazarus replied back, saying, "No, no... you don't get it. They're hard headed. They're stubborn. They need something big like a ghost or a dead person to warn them." Abraham pretty much tells him, "Sorry. No can do. Believe me, if they're not going to believe in all that other stuff, a ghost or dead person isn't going to change them."

All of that is the same here today. Atheists and non-believers want proof. I'm always getting asked for proof. "Prove to me that Hell is real." Or "Prove to me Christ is the way to salvation." I always shake my head at that. I have no proof. If there was proof, then faith would be meaningless. For having faith means to put your trust and belief into something you can't see with your own eyes. And I know that even if I did manage to find some type of proof, they wouldn't believe that either.

So after all of this information, let's go back to the original question. What happens when you die? Well, if you're a believer, you'll go to that comfortable place, that nice, temporary "hotel" where you'll hang out with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the other believers and saints, waiting for Armageddon and Judgment Day. You'll know and see what goes on here on Earth. Do you have a body? I'm guessing you'll have a temporary one. The rich man in the story was able to recognize Lazarus and Abraham, so there has to be some "form" of physical identity.

Contrary to that, if you weren't a believer, then you'll go to that hot, fiery place of torment. The other hotel. Which is probably more like a big, ugly dark pit. Remember, the rich man's tongue was burning. Which tells me that there IS some form of temporary body for those people, too. Maybe those in hell keep those temporary bodies, even when going to the next step in the permanent place in the Lake of Fire. Perhaps only the believers get brand new bodies that they can keep here on the new earth. I don't know -- I guess we'll find out. But the bottom line is, when you die, immediately afterward you go to one place or the other. A common question is: do you see Jesus when you die? I have no idea. I would venture to guess that you don't if you're going to Hell. And I'd feel pretty comfortable assuming that those in Heaven do.

If you're any one of those people who have ever believed in ghosts, spirits, the afterlife, channeling, etc., I'm telling you right now. None of it is real. If you or someone you know claims to speak to the dead or channel a spirit or talk to someone on the other side, let me assure you that it's not who you (or they) think it is. Those spirits are evil spirits -- the minions and workers of Satan. They're having fun with you, delighted to be steering you away from the doctrine of the gospel. I can tell you right now that Uncle John or Aunt Sally or Grandfather Bob are not hovering around some unseen plane of existence, drooling over Burger King Whoppers and wishing they could go swimming in a pool. They don't hang out and follow people around or come visit. They are either in Heaven, or they are in Hell. There is no in-between. And there is no transport system that allows some of them to travel back here. Those are places. Real places. And if you claim to be talking to ghosts or having conversations with spirits and you aren't deeply rooted/abiding strongly in Christ, you'd better be careful. You're messing with fire. Literally.

It's all I can do to urge you to BE SURE that your name is written in that Book of Life. Eternity is a very long time, my friends.

Why Isn't The United States in Biblical Prophecy?

2010-03-27T23:15:00.021-04:00

I know, I know... I'm supposed to be writing a blog post about what happens when we die. I promise that will come soon. But something caught my eye today that had to be discussed. It gave me a clear inclination as to why the U.S. -- or anyone in America for that matter -- is not mentioned anywhere in Biblical prophecy. There was just recently a horrific article on CNN.com. The headline of this article read:

"Philosopher: Why We Should Ditch Religion"

This article starts out saying this:

For the world to tackle truly important problems, people have to stop looking to religion to guide their moral compasses, the philosopher Sam Harris told CNN.

"We should be talking about real problems, like nuclear proliferation and genocide and poverty and the crisis in education," Harris said in a recent interview at the TED Conference in Long Beach, California. TED is a nonprofit group dedicated to "ideas worth spreading."

"These are issues which tremendous swings in human well-being depend on. And it's not at the center of our moral concern."

Religion causes people to fixate on issues of less moral importance, said Harris, a well-known secularist, philosopher and neuroscientist who is the author of the books "The End of Faith" and "Letter to a Christian Nation."

"Religion has convinced us that there's something else entirely other than concerns about suffering. There's concerns about what God wants, there's concerns about what's going to happen in the afterlife," he said.

"And, therefore, we talk about things like gay marriage as if it's the greatest problem of the 21st century. We even have a liberal president who ostensibly is against gay marriage because his faith tells him it's an abomination.

"It's completely insane."

Can you believe that? Let me restate that again: "People have to stop looking to religion to guide their moral compasses."

I am just in shock over that. Let me state this loud and clear to anyone who might be reading this blog: THERE IS NO OTHER PLACE TO GO. Ever watch a movie? Read a book? Lived life? Studied history? There are only two sides, my friends. Good and evil. That's it. In any contest, war or battle, there is only one winner, and one loser. It's light versus dark, black versus white, Heaven and Hell. God IS your moral compass. If you choose anything else to guide you in this life, you're choosing Satan.

"Religion causes people to fixate on issues of less moral importance." I have to disagree. One-by-one that sneaky prince of this earth who is known as Satan is taking those issues out of our Christian hands. Throughout history we have focused on all kinds of issues. In the old days Christians focused on drinking, and the fact that being drunk takes away your ability to stay focused and grounded. But people laughed at that and began drinking. Then they focused on sex, stating that teenagers were exposed to it too much and it was desensitizing them to the consequences of having an active sex life (i.e. pregnancy, STDs, etc.). But the masses smirked at them and said, "Hey. they're having it anyway, so let's just make sure they're doing it safely!" Then the Christians focused on issues closer to home, like disciplining children and homeschooling to keep them out in grounded, moral environments. But then society said that it's not good to discipline kids too hard, and that parents should be like "friends" to them. And that exposure to diversity and culture and the kind of life that comes with public schooling would be good for them. Then the Christians went after assisted suicide, stating that only God had the right to take away lives and we shouldn't be messing with it. But society got mad and said that it's not fair that people stay in pain, and that we should be able to do what we want. Next Christians began to try to implement more Christian principals in schools and public places, but society cried foul over that, insisting that there was no right to have religion in anything public, citing the whole "Separation of Church and State" defense. Then Christians began to stand up to the rising abortion rates, stating again that no one had the right to take away life but God, and that it's murder. But society got angry and said again that it's a person's right to do with their body whatever they choose. Finally here Christians are opposing homosexuality, standing firm in the fact that they don't want it flaunted in their streets and that their children shouldn't be exposed to homosexual lifestyles. And the masses all have come back and said that it's a person's right to be whatever they want and that we have an obligation to support that and perhaps even teach that.

"Issues of less moral importance." Every time the Christian conservative movement feels the obligation to tackle and fight a growing issue, society immediately opposes it... fights back... and paints the conservatives to be bad guys for not having tolerance. Less moral importance? What it comes down to is upholding God's law. It's breaking down society to the very foundation for which this human race was created. We were given instructions and rules, and it is our duty as followers of Christ to stand up for those rules.

One of the very first pages of the Bible sums it up perfectly: "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." (Genesis 4:7)

Will you not be accepted? The Bible isn't talking about man's acceptance. The Scriptures are referring to God's. If you do what is right, you will be accepted into the Kingdom of Heaven. If you do not, then sin crouches at your door. Sin and evil are very real.

"Religion has convinced us that there's something else entirely other than concerns about suffering. There's concerns about what God wants, there's concerns about what's going to happen in the afterlife," he said.

Uh, YEAH. That's the point! I have to say, after reading this article, I just stared at my screen completely dumbfounded. Satan is getting stronger by the day. People are coming out and saying ridiculous things, mocking and scoffing the truth. YES!!! There IS something else entirely other than concerns about suffering. People have been suffering for centuries. For thousands and thousands of years. It's unstoppable. This earth is cursed, and suffering is going to be a part of it until the curse is lifted, Christ comes to rule and the earth is made new. Until then, we just have to do the best we can and give people hope in Jesus. Anyone who has read the Bible and knows the story of Job can understand what it means to suffer -- and also what it doesn't mean to suffer. Job lost all of his family, his belongings, his home, his money, his wealth. All of it. He suffered greatly after his family died violent deaths. But for his great reward and faith, he not only gained back more than he lost, but he also received eternal life with all of them in a place where has been jubilantly rewarded.

Romans 5:3-4 tells us: "And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." No one knows suffering more so than Jesus Christ. And he suffered for something that he knew would be so worth it in the end. We cannot change the suffering and circumstances of this world. No matter how hard we try, we cannot eliminate every single person's suffering. There will always be disease, death, war, famine, heartache.

For anyone to place their faith and their "compass" in anything else is being swayed by the devil. I would love for anyone to tell me in what or in whom we should put our faith besides God. Anyone??? I know that it's impossible to have faith in myself, because I cannot rely my own self. How many times have you done something stupid? Something you regretted? Something that you wish you hadn't done? How many times did you do something -- even something small -- that you knew was wrong, but yet you did it anyway? That, my friend, is what the Bible calls "the flesh." The flesh is your body and your sin. It's the tent that houses the curse that's upon this earth right now. We are told outright that this is how it is, and that we are not supposed to put our confidence in our flesh. Instead, we are supposed to put our confidence in Christ. If we rely on our flesh to guide us, we will fail. Because sometimes we let ourselves down. And ultimately, we cannot save ourselves. The Bible tells us that there IS an afterlife. We don't get there by being a good person or doing good things. Our "flesh" and what we do with it does nothing to earn us a place in God's Kingdom. Nothing "earns" us that place. We are there because of Christ, and his sacrifice for us on the cross.

If you do not believe that, then your eyes are blinded. It's just that simple. Either you are completely blinded, or you do not believe the truth and you're making up lies to turn everyone else away from it, too. By not believing the truth and listening to Scripture, you are either willingly or unwillingly a follower of Satan. It's quite clear -- there is no in between. Everyone has to take a side, whether you think you are or not. It's good versus evil. And if you haven't diligently chosen the "good" side with God, then that lack of action automatically chooses the side of Satan. Jesus himself said it that way: "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44)

There is a lot of Biblical prophecy. A lot of it. I think I remember reading once that almost a third of the Bible is prophecy. Some of it tells us about the End Times, and what will happen when that time comes. Many countries are mentioned, from Syria and Turkey to Israel and Russia (using their ancient names for their countries, because obviously they've changed over the years). But never is there any mention of the United States or anything that even resembles it. No "new nation between the large seas" or any type of reference to a melting pot or "free nation" far away. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Scholars have been scratching their heads over that one for decades, assuming that they just missed it. Or they think perhaps we don't have anything to do with the End Times.

That's wrong. Our country houses a large population of Christians. And when the Rapture happens and we're taken up to Heaven to be removed from the final battle between good and evil, or Jesus versus Satan, we're going to be gone. The Bible tells us that God will snatch us from the earth and bring us up to Heaven to save us from earth's final wrath. And if you picture America, think for a minute what it would be like to have a country with no Christians. Liberals might joke about that, but in reality there will be nobody left but a bunch of people like that guy Sam Harris who made those ridiculous statements above. It will be a world of atheists. A world of people who decided against being on God's team. A world that unknowingly chose to side with Satan.

A world that within a short period of time will become completely annihilated. There is no way our country will remain viable or thriving if all of its citizens look towards outward ideologies or inward abilities and knowledge to be their guiding compass. Our country's reign as a powerful, thriving, prosperous nation has ended. And worse than that, it will someday soon even cease to exist. It's decaying, and will continue to decay because we took God out of the equation. Those Christians who fought for all of the "problems that weren't real" were actually fighting for the one single problem that IS real: eternal life. For decades we Christian conservatives have been doing all we can -- issue after issue -- to save as many as we can. Liberals can continue to focus on nuclear egos and greenhouse gasses, but we're focusing on the salvation of human souls. I think it's safe to say that it just doesn't get any bigger than that.

I'll tell you, Mr. Harris, what's really insane. Thinking that we have the power or ability to eliminate suffering here on this earth. And to believe that this time here on earth is all there is. I don't know how anyone can believe that. Think of all those poor children and babies starving in Africa. This is it? This is their one shot, their only chance, their one gift? No way. There's more. There IS life after life. Just like in the Chronicles of Narnia series, this is just a small taste, a broken glimpse of the beauty that will be ours. What's insane is to pretend it doesn't exist, and not to live for it. It's insane to take away people's hope who have lived a hard life on this earth and steer them into thinking that this is all they get.

Jesus tells us otherwise, Mr. Harris. And I choose to believe in him as my compass:

Jesus said, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3)

If You're Angry Over Obamacare...

2010-03-22T08:24:00.014-04:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The House of Representatives gave final approval to a sweeping healthcare overhaul on Sunday, expanding insurance coverage to nearly all Americans and handing President Barack Obama a landmark victory. Last night -- on a Sunday, the House of Representatives voted on and approved the largest healthcare overhaul in decades. This bill took over a year to pass. Do you know why? Because the American people didn't want it. This is a very historic event that is a crucial turning point in American history. It's no secret that conservatives think this is a bad thing. It's no secret that liberals think it's a good thing. The vast majority of conservatives are Christian, and we see this country going down. Our eyes are open, and the light is illuminating the decay of our country. What the liberals have to remember is that this is God's country. And the more and more our president/leader makes decisions without God, the harder we're going to fall.

Most Democrats voted for it, and most Republicans voted against it. This bill would require Americans to have health coverage, and help lower-income workers and those who are unemployed pay for coverage. Now I am NOT against a government-run healthcare program for people (Meaning citizens!!! Not illegal immigrants!) who don't have health insurance. What I am against is forcing Americans to have healthcare. I think it's ridiculous for a government to FORCE its people to purchase a product or service -- and that I will be breaking the law if I don't. To me, that's nothing short of communism. I am against creating a program that requires taking even more money from successful workers and giving it to those who are low income, poverty-level or unemployed. I am against passing a 2,000 page bill that's one of the most complicated documents out there, pretty much guaranteeing that most of our House Representatives and Senators didn't read it (or didn't read it thoroughly). I am against offering abortions at no charge, paid for by working Americans. I am against putting higher taxes and regulations on businesses, which is going to run them into the ground even further than they are now in this recession. Finally, what I am against the most is the fact that Congress was strong-armed into signing this, and basically the vast number of American people who opposed this were pretty much told to go take a flying leap.

Don't get me wrong -- as a Christian, I feel compassion to those who are less fortunate. I love helping those in need, and my husband and I do a lot to donate our time and money. We're often giving to different charities or providing food/clothing/funds to charitable organizations. What I don't like is being told how/when/where to do it. Last year we paid almost $40,000 in taxes. That's a lot of money. It's tough enough to give up that much of your income to the government, and now we're being told that they need more. And in addition to them sticking their hands in our pocket-book to take that additional money, they're also going to tell us that we have to subscribe-to/buy into their program or else we'll be fined and in big trouble. THEN on top of that they're going to tell my employer that they need more money from them, and that THEY have to comply with their new rules about this new product/service.

See why we're so ticked? What's next? The Bible tells us. There WILL be a time when we people of this earth -- probably starting in our country first -- will be forced to have a mark or a barcode without which we won't be able to buy/sell/eat/work/pay our bills. This is just a step in that direction.

For those of you who aren't in the healthcare industry and don't know what's been happening recently with Medicare, this is going to kill the high-quality and high-level of technology that we offer in our healthcare system. (Right now, Medicare has decided that they're reducing payments to doctors, offices and clinics. Many high-quality, high-tech medical facilities around the country are losing good doctors, not to mention the quality of services, tests and equipment will begin to suffer due to the shortfall in payments.) Again, I'm not opposed to finding ways to regulate costs or overhaul Medicare and Medicaid. But to force the entire country into a government regulated plan is just unbelievable. I understand that many people think that this is necessary, because so many Americans are in need of healthcare. I understand that. But we are a country that elected officials to represent the American people. And this clearly showed that it does not matter what the American people want. It's not the government's business to regulate healthcare or create a healthcare plan. This is not what a government is supposed to do. I guarantee you that the number of quality doctors and nurses in our country will plummet. Sure, healthcare will be more affordable, but the quality of care will be be lowered as well.

In the end, we have to remember this: It's not about Obama. It's not about healthcare. Christ is king of this nation, and He will reign forever. Not Obama.

"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all." (1 Chronicles 29:11)

God is in control, and this is just another crack in a society that once was favored and blessed. When this country's government was first formed, our forefathers based it on God and the scripture in the Bible. Now, with Obama as supreme leader forcing regulation and laws down our throats, people will be divided. Debt will climb higher. Finances will be more precarious. And our nation will continue to crack and split, until it can hold together no more. It will decay, my friends. It's inevitable. Sit back, hold tight and enjoy the ride.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down." (Revelation 12:10)

For more reading on the continuing state of decline in America, check out these earlier posts:

The Decline and Fall of the American Empire

America's Economic Crisis... What should We Do?

My Letter to a Prisoner

2010-02-22T09:04:00.004-05:00

So I'm going to postpone the post I had intended to write for something a little more poignant. I am going to share my letter that I wrote to a prisoner. I knew this person from my past (only as a vague acquaintance), but when I saw that he was in jail, I felt instantly compelled to reach out. Little did I know that God had a purpose and was nudging me to do this. Conversations with a liaison of his showed me that this is more than just a coincidence. I have x'd out all the names for privacy's sake. But in this letter I bare my soul and get right to the heart of it all... to what really counts. Life is an amazing thing, and I intend to make the most of it. Boldness and a love for others is a very powerful gift. I take no credit for it -- it all comes from God:

Hi, XXXXX!

I don't know if you remember me or not. My Facebook has me as XXXXX XXXXX, but I was XXXXX XXXXX back in high school. I don't think I had you in any of my classes, but I saw you around here and there. I probably wouldn't recognize you on the street, but I'm guessing you might have known some of the people I hung out with. I dated XXXXX XXXXX for about 8 years, and then married him for 2. Unfortunately, things didn't work out and we split back in 2003. I'm remarried now, and doing very well.

I became a Christian two years ago. (I'll share my testimony of how that happened some other day.) I was born and raised as a strict Muslim, and then when I left home I was basically an atheist. XXXXX's family was very liberal -- his parents were ex-hippies and were all about having fun. I honestly gave not one single thought to Jesus in my 20s. But I hit rock bottom in 2005 (another story for another time). Not as bad as some people hit rock bottom, but I guess each person has their own version of what that is. I'll never forget the feeling of hopelessness and despair I felt back then. I was even to the point where I thought life wasn't much worth living. Not for attention or to get back at anyone, but simply because I thought my life was a total failure and I didn't see one ounce of purpose. I had no job, my heat/electricity had been turned off, my car got repossessed, I was so far in debt, and I had just broken up with a boyfriend who couldn't seem to break away from his ex-wife. I had no where to go, no one to lean on, and no direction whatsoever. I was done. (Or so I thought.)

Flash forward to today, and I can honestly say that my life has done a complete 180. I'm happily married. I'm completely out of debt. I have a great job that I love, making good money. I have amazing friends, and I have a blog that 30,000 people a year look at and read. I support two children via Compassion International -- one in Peru and one in Indonesia. I have true joy and contentment and purpose. And it's all because of God and Christ. All of it.

Anyway, I'm on Facebook a lot and one day I happened to see your picture over on the side in the little sidebar that offers friend-suggestions. I looked at your name... pondered it for a minute... and then clicked on your profile. I noticed right away that you were in prison, and saw from your info that you like to write. All of a sudden, in that moment, I knew that I was suppose to befriend you and talk with you. I didn't know how or why, but I knew that all I had to do is send you a friend invitation and that somehow we'd start talking. I didn't feel that I needed to send anything at that moment --- I knew that I simply had to wait, and understood that God would make it work. To be honest, I did not even know that people in correctional facilities even had access in any way to the internet or social networking sites, so I was a bit confused. But I didn't worry too much about it. I knew that it all would be making itself known shortly.

Sure enough, it happened just like that. Literally about two weeks later, XXXXX sent me a message out of the blue. I don't recall exactly what it said, but it was something about him liking the fact that I was a strong Christian (I often post quotes and scripture on my wall). He explained briefly that he was your friend and helped you stay connected to the outside world. I couldn't help but to smile when I first saw that message. If that wasn't the work of God and the Holy Spirit, I don't know what was.

Anyway, I want to first let you know that I'm praying for you. You are by far waaaay ahead of a lot of people out there. I know it's probably been a tough time for you. But I told XXXXX that our pastor describes things like this: imagine a fishing line stretched out from the Sun to Pluto (I think that's close to 3.5 billion miles). Then imagine a small bead on one end of it. That bead is your life here on earth. The rest of the line is eternity. And all that truly matters on earth -- the equivalent of that little bead -- is to find Christ, believe in the Gospel and teaching of the Bible, and repent/turn away from your sins. Those of us who do that get to spend the rest of eternity in Heaven with God. The others that don't, unfortunately, spend eternity apart from God. And the "apart from God" means hell.

I've always looked at it like this: God is building Heaven for us believers. He's spent the past 2,000+ years getting Heaven ready for us. The Bible calls it "the New Heavens and the New Earth." Basically God is going to restore and rebuild the whole thing for us. It's going to be perfect, amazing, renewed and forever. It's going to last for all eternity. And He's choosing the people to live there with Him in His Kingdom. And He's making sure that those who live there are on His side. Think about it this way: In a very bad analogy, it's like an explorer going off to start a new colony. The explorer, who would be the leader of the new land, is not going to bring with him people who hate him, or don't believe in him. He's not going to bring along people who scoff at him or sneer at him or ignore him or try to usurp his authority. That would be just crazy. He's going to bring along the people he knows and trusts the most, who respect him and trust him so that their new home will be peaceful, fruitful, enjoyable and purposeful. God is going to rebuild a new world that's far beyond what we know here on this earth. And He wants all of mankind to be there to enjoy it with him. But He's not going to take the people that ignore Him, scoff at Him or laugh at Him.

I say all of that because I know tons of people who have nothing to do with God. They get irritated or laugh at the idea that they need to be "saved." They scoff at the idea that Christ paid the penalty for their sins, so that they can be transformed into perfection to live with God in the afterlife. They don't believe they sin, or that they do wrong, or that they should glorify God. Yet they live in big houses, have executive jobs, buy brand-name things and have the perfect two-car, two kids, two-pet family that so many tend to envy. Some of them walk around all high and mighty, and think that they're upstanding citizens and good people. Sure, they might be. But they've got the definition of "good" and "upstanding" wrong. They're using their own standards of good and upstanding, not God's. What they completely don't understand is that someone who is incarcerated in prison like you has a higher -- MUCH higher -- place in God's mind. In fact, you will be the one who gets to live with God and Jesus in Heaven, and they won't. It will blow their minds. And as an extension of that, there are a lot of really good, honorable, loving, compassionate, altruistic people out there who just don't know the Gospel of Christ. They maybe go to church, or have as a child. But they just don't "get it." They see no need or understanding for salvation. They don't know that Jesus is the only bridge to God. Either they aren't interested, or no one has told them. Many of those people I know are my friends, and it breaks my heart. It's my hope that one day they WILL hear and they WILL know, but for some it just won't happen. The Bible tells us that their hearts are hardened and that they won't listen. I continue to pray for them, but I can only do so much. It's not my job to save them... only to tell them how it is. If they choose not to listen, I can't force them. God wants no one to perish, and everyone to come to repentance so that everyone can accept this amazing gift and offer of eternal life in His kingdom. But we all have free will. He's not going to force people. If He did that, then we would be nothing more than puppets. He created man as free thinkers, free-willed creatures. And for as sad as it makes God, He isn't going to force anyone down the right path. We each have to choose it for ourselves.

So my first message to you is a big hug and a big prayer: "Stay strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stance against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:10-12)

That is my all-time favorite verse in the Bible. The devil and his minions are very real, and they continue to try over and over to keep people from staying strong in Christ. He's got a "team" too, and will stop at nothing to manipulate and convince us to join his side versus God's. The Bible says: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matthew 7:13-14) I can definitely understand that, as I look around at my friends and family who put more importance on Obama, Oprah and Michael Jackson then they do on Christ or God. Heck, I think more of them believe the Superbowl or American Idol are more important than Jesus. A lot of them think I'm a little nuts for turning around and becoming such a devout Christian. But I know that their opinion doesn't honestly matter. It hurts, and it's frustrating. But it doesn't matter in the end. One day every knee will bow and confess that Christ is the King and Messiah. At that time, I know they'll regret their feelings and thoughts. Again, Satan loves it when we Christians feel like outcasts for our beliefs. But the Bible tells us to stay strong, and to endure it. Those of us who go through particularly hard trials will get Crowns of reward in Heaven. I don't know what those reward Crowns will do, but I'm sure they'll be cool and bring much glory to God.

I know how easy it is to get caught up in the bad stuff. XXXXX said that drugs got you to be where you are. I don't doubt it. For several years, I hung out with XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX and XXXXX. While I didn't touch any of the hard core drugs that a couple of them did, I smoke a lot of pot. I spent pretty much all of the mid-to-late 1990s being a lazy, fun-loving partier. Literally, from the time I was 21 to about 27 or so, we did nothing but drink, get stoned and have a good time. It's a wonder any of us made it this far without a drunk driving accident or a complete loss of viable brain cells. I had no direction, no future, no way of making something of myself. I didn't stay in college and get a degree or have an interest in a purposeful job, or do anything meaningful with my life. I left XXXXX not because he was a bad guy -- he was actually a really great guy. I left because I saw us going nowhere. He wouldn't stop smoking, and I didn't see one ounce of motivation or direction in our future. I felt old, tired and worn out by the time I was 28. Only after hitting the bottom in 2005 and then meeting my current husband did I discover that the only real way you find purpose and direction is through Christ, and by seeing your life through God's eyes.

Anyway, I wanted to share that all with you because XXXXX told me that he speaks with you often about salvation, Jesus and the Bible. There's a verse in there that states, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) I keep that in my head as a mantra and say it over and over to myself. Because it's true. XXXXX said that you know you're right where God wants you. That, my friend, is far more than most people understand in a lifetime. He loves you, and will do anything to keep you on your feet. I knew that from the first minute I saw your profile.

I'm open to talking/writing about anything and everything. XXXXX says that you write, too. I'd love to to read that -- I'm a big writer (and reader) myself. I have two blogs. One is a Christian one, and the other is a personal one. I told XXXXX that my favorite book (besides the Bible) is "Heaven" by Randy Alcorn. Can you receive books? Or do you have a library service? If you can accept packages from the outside, let me know and I'll send it to you. Or I can scan images and send them through Jpay. You need to read it. I know that many people need comfort and support to endure life here on earth right now, but for some reason, reading and knowing all about what Heaven is going to be like and how great life on the New Earth will be sure as heck keeps me going. The author even says that God created the Heavens and the Earth for us, so it's very likely -- if not probable -- that we'll be able to travel to distant planets and solar systems in the after life. How cool is that? The Bible also tells us that the lion will lie down with the lamb, and that animals will be tame and friendly. Therefore, I'm declaring right now that I want a pet tiger in Heaven. ;o)

Hugs and blessings to you. Let me know if I can help you in any way. Right now the biggest things I have to offer are words, support, guidance, teaching and prayer. It's possible that we may not ever meet in this life, but it will be cool to give you a giant hug and a high-five in the next. I don't know about you, but it feels really good to me to know that I'm on God's team.

In His service,
XXXXX

Every Knee Shall Bow...

2010-02-01T22:51:00.011-05:00

For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. It is written:
"As surely as I live,' says the Lord,
every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will confess to God." So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. (Romans 14:11-12)

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)

There are several very strong passages in the Bible that state very clearly that "every knee shall bow" before Jesus and confess that he is our Lord and Savior. In fact, one of my favorite worship songs uses those words in its lyrics:

One day every tongue will confess
You are God
One day every knee will bow
Still the greatest treasure remains for those
Who gladly choose you now...
(Lyrics from "Come Now is the Time to Worship)

That is probably one of the messages in the Bible that I love most. But to some, it may be one of the scariest. You see, it's basically telling us that one day -- at the end of time when Jesus returns -- there will be no doubt. At that time, people will be judged according to their faith. And those who were believers will rejoice and be thrilled at his return. But those who mocked and scoffed and chose not to be believers will have a true "Ohhhhhh, fuudddggge" moment.

In fact, those who pass away on this earth now before the End Times when Jesus return will each discover that on their own, individually. Stay tuned, because my next post will talk more about that in an entry I'll be calling "What Happens When We Die?"

The Bible tells us that like it or not, EVERY knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is the son of God and Lord over all. All of the people who thought that Jesus was just some guy... or just a prophet... or didn't even exist at all... every one of them will be kneeling before Jesus. Why? Because he will come to earth not as the lowly, poor peasant man from Nazareth, but as a glorious, mighty king and holy Son of God. You know how some people these days would be completely in awe in Obama's presence, or in one of the Twilight actors' presence or in Simon Cowell's presence? Yeah. Kinda like that. Imagine what the world would think if Michael Jackson came down from the sky with supernatural powers. Picture their faces. Their jaws dropping open. The cameras, the crying, the screaming. Now magnify that by 1,000,000. Plain and simple, Jesus coming back to earth is going to be huge. No one is going to be able to deny his awesomeness, nor his holiness.

Unfortunately, though, at that point it will be too late. The Bible tells us over and over again that the reward of eternal life is specifically for those who chose Christ in this life. There is no opportunity to choose to believe once he is visible and seen. Salvation is based on faith -- meaning that which we can't see. People who didn't believe in Christ on this world won't get to hurry up and change their minds once they see proof.

Funny how people here on this earth put their faith in so much that offers no proof. People invest their savings in the stock market -- with no proof that it will make them money. People put faith in daycares that watch their children, with no proof that they'll be safe. They eat food that others make in restaurants. They fly in airplanes that others pilot. People put their faith in other people all the time. ALL THE TIME. Yet when it comes to their eternal life and salvation, they cross their arms and demand proof. How bizarre is that?

An author of a book I just read used the analogy of a swimming pool. Imagine that the swimming pool has been drained, and acid the same color as water has been put in instead. The acid is so dangerous that one little toe in could mean devastation and complete melting and burning of the skin. So you know the pool is filled with acid, but along comes some dude in his swim trunks, ready to dive in. You stop him, and tell him that the pool is dangerous. The obvious and most expected thing would be to hear that guy express his thanks for being warned, and then back off. But that's not what most people do. They stand there... laugh... scoff a little... and demand proof of what you just said.

It saddens me that there is so little trust in God. The Bible tells us that every knee will bow whether they believe or not. Every tongue will proclaim that Jesus is the savior, whether or not they say that right now. Every Muslim, every Jew, every atheist, every president and prince and king. Even Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Even Oprah. Even Paris Hilton. (Man, I'd actually get a kick out of seeing that one.) But for those of us who have faith now and acknowledge this here while we're still on this earth, there will be a great reward.

Will that be you?

Chemtrails -- An Attempt to Play God

2010-01-17T08:41:00.021-05:00

You know, every now and then I come across a topic that I feel so compelled to write about, even if it might be a little out of the ordinary. Right now one of those topics is nagging me. Do you know what chemtrails are? Some people don't believe they exist. They think it's a figment of a "right-wing, nut-case, conspiracy theorist's" imagination. Others believe and know that they're very real, because they've seen them first hand. I am one of those people. Chemtrails, very simply, are the white, vaporous trails that come from behind a jet airplane that contain chemicals. While I don't know what the chemicals consist of, I think it's common consensus to believe that someone is trying to alter our weather pattern with them.

Now, when I first heard of chemtrails, I blew them off thinking much the same thing -- that people are mistaking "contrails" for chemtrails. Contrails the harmless water vapor that resembles clouds, which come from jets and contain nothing more than condensation and maybe a few by-products. Think of it as the exhaust from the jet planes in the sky. But then one day I witnessed something that convinced me something else was going on.

One day when I was at work (which was at an office in a large metropolitan city), I noticed white streaks in the sky. I got up from my desk and looked out the window and I saw several small, white jet planes in the sky. They were going back and forth, back and forth, leaving white trails behind them. At one point, I noticed six planes flying in a very distinct and organized pattern. It dawned on me right then and there -- these were chemtrails in the making. It was pretty clear that the white trails left behind were substantial. They just didn't dissipate in an hour or so. They lasted several hours. I kid you not, the hair on the back of my neck stood up. Here are some photos I took with my camera:

Notice in the second picture the large band of hazy, thin cloud that had formed as a result of one of those white streaks, and yet the plane goes right back over the same spot with another application.

Here's another photo taken by a friend of mine, who lives in a completely different part of the country -- this was taken in the morning:

And this is what the sky looked like a few hours after they left, by mid-afternoon:

Have you ever seen anything so chilling? I don't know about you, but alarm bells immediately rang off in my head. Who are these people? Seriously... who are flying those planes? Are they government-endorsed? State-endorsed? Are they private contractors? Surely they have to get fly-approval by the FAA. So that means people in the towers have to know who they are. What is it exactly that they're dispensing in our air? Could this be a major contributor to increased number of cases of Autism? Cancer? Allergies? Asthma? What's the purpose of these chemicals? Is it to bring rain? Slow global warming? Lengthen the growing season? What??? WHAT???? Don't you think the American people have a right to know? It absolutely ticks me off. The world can get so mad and frustrated over the killing of animals or the cutting down of trees. There are hundreds of protests over all kinds of animal, earth and environmental cruelty, yet no one feels compelled to investigate this pollution of the air we breathe. I mean, is this stuff a heavy particulate that falls onto our skin and clothes? Does it penetrate our skin and get into our blood? Does it cause lung cancer?

The part that absolutely chills me to the bone is that someone -- some entity -- feels that they can play God. They are taking a beautiful, crystal clear blue sky and turning it into haze in an attempt to change our weather patterns. Does anyone else see the making of a sci-fi movie gone very wrong? Weather happens for a reason. Global warming occurs because of natural cycles in the sun and Earth, not because of greenhouse gasses. Droughts occur as a cyclical event, and dry areas like the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico are supposed to be that way because THAT'S WHAT THEY ARE. Irrigation is one thing, but trying to create clouds or block out the sun is a whole other thing.

God is in control of mother nature. We can adapt to climate and weather... we can brainstorm ways to use it to our advantage... we can think industriously to circumvent the negatives... we can bring water to places that water is scarce... and we can build greenhouses to use solar and forced energy to bring warmth in an otherwise cold environment in which to grow food. All of those things use human intelligence and creativity to work WITH the Earth while still respecting God's given resources.

But the minute we start fooling around with stuff like this, trying to change weather patterns and control the rains and temperatures, it's nothing more than a recipe for disaster. Whoever is doing this may find a way to bring more rain to a particular area, but have studies been done to determine the effect of the changed climate on the trees? The wildlife? The ecosystem? Are there studies to prove that the chemicals are safe for humans? What about babies and pets? Are we the only country doing this? How does it affect Canada or Mexico? Does it affect other countries across the globe, and don't they have a say in it????

GOD and God alone controls the weather. The Bible says that "He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from His storehouses." (Psalm 135:7)

He has a reason and a purpose for this. And for someone (or a group of someones) here on our planet or in our country decided to usurp His authority and rise above His status to take over that role -- without considering the consequences to the creatures of this world. How do you think God is going to feel about that?

God's rule over weather is specifically noted several times in the Bible, as is the ignorance and arrogance of man:

God made the earth by His power;
He founded the world by His wisdom
and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.

When He thunders, the waters in the heavens roar;
He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth.
He sends lightning with the rain
and brings out the wind from His storehouses.

Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; (Jeremiah 10:12-14)

God gave us this Earth to look after. To take care of. To love, to live, to use and to respect. All that is in it or on it is ours to use, but it belongs to God. The very minute we decide that it's ours to mess with is the very minute we're literally shoving God out of the picture, saying, "Sorry. We don't trust you to take care of it, and you don't know what you're doing. Let us handle it."

I truly give warning to the inhabitants of this Earth. If we as a whole do not acknowledge His power and mightiness... His Lordship and control over all... His reign and rule as the supreme leader and one who knows exactly what He's doing... then it will be destruction for us. The only way to save yourself from sure punishment and wrath will be to praise Him, and stay close in your faith in Christ. The others will not be so lucky, because they purposely choose to be haughty and disobey. The Lord is Almighty... not man. We are playing with fire.

God commands us to fear Him. He does not mean "be scared of Him" or live in worry of His anger. Not at all. To "fear" Him means to "respect" Him. Honor Him. Glorify Him. People of this country are so quick to judge the word "fear." They think that it's wrong to fear God. What they don't realize is that He is the one who controls everything. Like a parent, He runs the household. Isn't it important that your children fear you some so that they don't blatantly disobey and do stupid, harmful things? There needs to be an element of respect, of honor, to a parent.

Ahhh... but in these times, no one thinks that anymore. Spanking and punishment are considered cruel. Parents are supposed to be "friends" with their kids. It's not cool to be a strict parent who enforces rules. In today's society, everything is permitted and nothing is outlawed.

Not even messing with our atmosphere.

He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.

Great is our Lord and mighty in power;
His understanding has no limit.

The LORD sustains the humble
but casts the wicked to the ground.

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving;
make music to our God on the harp.

He covers the sky with clouds;
He supplies the earth with rain
and makes grass grow on the hills.

He provides food for the cattle
and for the young ravens when they call.

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor His delight in the legs of a man;

the LORD delights in those who fear Him,
who put their hope in His unfailing love.

Extol the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion,

for He strengthens the bars of your gates
and blesses your people within you.

He grants peace to your borders
and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.

He sends His command to the earth;
His word runs swiftly.

He spreads the snow like wool
and scatters the frost like ashes.

He hurls down His hail like pebbles.
Who can withstand His icy blast?

He sends His word and melts them;
He stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.

He has revealed His word to Jacob,
His laws and decrees to Israel.

He has done this for no other nation;
they do not know His laws.
Praise the LORD. (Psalm 147:4:20)

That verse tells us plainly that God will bless those and delight in those who respect Him, fear Him and trust Him. Let God handle the big stuff, and trust that He knows what He's doing. He will take of us, if we just let Him. If we're obedient and thankful and appreciative and respect all that He's given us, then we will be just fine. The Earth will be alright, and the land will continue to produce sustenance.

Pray for us, friends. Pray for our Earth, and for those who are disobedient and defiant to God. May the good and merciful Lord help us all...

Prayers to Haiti

2010-01-12T22:02:00.003-05:00

A major earthquake struck the country of Haiti today, in what was undeniably a horrific and devastating event. A 7.0 earthquake with several strong aftershocks rocked the fragile communities of the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Why did this happen? Truly this sort of thing will be catastrophic. If you aren't familiar with the infrastructure in Haiti... well, there isn't much of one. Most of the people there work small, poor farms. Literacy rate is about 65%. The housing of the bulk of the population consists of mostly shacks. Literally it is one of the most oppressed countries on the planet.

I immediately said prayers for the safety and strength for the people of Haiti. I'm sure many people are wondering, why did God do this?

We don't know for sure, but we can speculate. There's a reason for everything -- ALL of what happens here with regard to "Mother Nature" comes from God. Satan rules the earth and its people. But ultimately, God rules everything, including Satan. In the Old Testament, the Lord often used earthquakes to show His anger to those who blatantly disobey or ignore His word and His instruction. He used earthquakes to show power, to displace kingdoms, to scare people so that they would turn to Him. He is almighty, He is powerful. And what many "love and prosperity" pastors don't teach is that He gets mad. Very mad. When people rob from the poor and oppress different groups and keep aid from those who need it, they typically suffer no consequences from those here on Earth. Who left to punish them, then? Just God.

But many still scratch their heads and ask, "But why an earthquake? Why? When something like that occurs, it affects the poorest the most. The ones who are hurting live in the grass huts and stick shacks and the cinderblock rooms. They will be the ones trapped, lost, homeless. What does an earthquake do?"

I honestly don't know. They have a purpose. We have to trust that. We have to believe that some non-believers may turn to God during this crisis, and perhaps their eternal salvation is more important than their comfort here on earth. Maybe their plight frees a whole nation from dictatorships and greedy government. This could be Satan's doing, and God just has to let him do it because it's his reign on earth right now until Jesus returns. Or perhaps this is a signal of the End Times, like those mentioned in the prophecies. Who knows????

It's quite possible that God simply heard the prayers and the cries and the sadness from the people of Haiti over decades and decades. The leadership of that oppressed country was not about to step down unless something drastic happened. The people of North America and Europe were not about to take notice and step up the help unless something drastic happened. Perhaps this was what it is going to take to stomp down the current regime and rebuild Haiti as a place of dignity, of courage, of freedom and of prosperity. God works in mysterious ways, and sometimes you have to be patient and endure the rubble and destruction. When the smoke clears, there will be light.

All we can do is pray for them. Psalm 23:4 says: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." It DOES NOT MATTER what happens here on Earth. People can get through tragedy, heartache, pain, loss, devastation. Everyone can. Whether it's an earthquake or a diagnosis of cancer or the loss of a loved one -- we can ALL get through the really hard stuff. You just give it to God. Let Jesus deal with it. Always know in the deepest pit of your soul that everything will be made right in the end. We live in a broken world. It's cursed. I remind people of that all the time. I've been at the bottom. It stinks. But it's just the way it is until Jesus comes back and rules his people.

Be strong, have faith and endure...

And God bless.

Patience is a Virtue

2010-01-11T22:16:00.003-05:00

I used to pray all the time for patience. Yep. I was one of those gals who was (and still am) impatient about everything. When I decide I want to move, then I want to move right then and there. I start looking at houses, checking out mortgage rates, and fixing up our current home so that we can list it.

If I decide that I want a pet, I run out that day and get one. If I think that it's beautiful outside and I need a walk, I drop everything and go. I even start to chew my nails and tap my foot if my internet page loads slower than 5 seconds. I know that I'm impatient. I make quick decisions, and then I'm onto the next thing. I'm always thinking about five different things at a time, and never linger for more than a few minutes on anything. When people tell stories about how they lie awake at night pondering a decision, I chuckle. Because what keeps ME awake at night is my imagination running wild as I picture my life after having already made that decision.

As you can imagine, a lot of times I get into trouble. Not big trouble. But more like "Oh, crap" trouble. I don't weigh out the pros and cons very well. I don't consider the consequences of making my decisions. I jump in feet first without testing the waters, and then shiver uncontrollably when I realize it's freezing and uncomfortable. I know this about myself. I know it's a flaw, and I know that I need to work on it.

Therefore, I have prayed for patience a zillion times. Okay, maybe not a zillion. But a lot. Hundreds at least. I wanted God to help me relax. To think things through, and to learn to sleep on things and reflect on the paths in front of me. I am so often reminded of the passage from Psalm 46:10 -- "Be still, and know that I am God." That verse means more to me than most people. It reminds me that I cannot hear God speaking to my heart or directing my head or navigating my soul unless I remain still. Instead of jumping all over the place, getting ahead of myself regarding the decisions I quickly made, I force myself now to just be still. To meditate on the thing that looms over me, and to ask God first what He wants me to do.

Believe me, the answers don't come quickly. I have a running joke with my husband that God is definitely answering my prayers to His fullest capacity. I have been praying for 3 years now about where we're going to go with regard to our home/location. Every time that I get impatient and decide to make my own plans, they inevitably backfire on me. My husband just sits back and chuckles. It's very clear to us that God has a plan, and that at some point we will know exactly where we're supposed to go. But for right now, we just have to stay put. It doesn't matter if our condo is getting too small or if I'm getting fed up with the traffic or if people around us are taking advantage of the market and buying houses. We are meant to stay right now. Period. And that drives me crazy.

But God is in control. "Jesus The Wheel" is not just a song -- it's a mentality. It's a form of action. You just have to let go of the steering wheel and scoot over into the passenger side of the car. Recently God moved in an amazing way to provide me with a new job that allows me to work from a home office. Suddenly... one of the things I hated most in my life (my commute) was taken away. Also, I'm now mobile. Meaning, I can live anywhere and move to any locale and still be able to work in my same position. What a rare and fantastic thing! I have no doubt that it was God moving in His mysterious ways to alleviate some of my stress, and move us into position for whatever He has in store for us next.

Be still. And know that He is God. If you're quiet and prayerful and wait for Him to move -- no matter how long it takes -- you will find yourself doing exactly what you've always wanted to do, in exactly the place you've always wanted to be. It's those times when I decide that I know what's best for myself that messes up my life and creates confusion.

A wise gal once told me that you should just float downstream, and let the waters take you where they take you. If you paddle too hard up stream, you won't move much and you'll just wear yourself out.

Being patience is hard, and praying for it is even harder. But in the end, you can sleep comfortably and soundly, knowing that the right decision is made. After all, who better to make it than God??????

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

2009-12-30T19:52:00.005-05:00

I used to know a guy who would constantly say, "Bad things happen to bad people." He said it meaning that only good things happen to good people (or should happen to good people). And also that bad people got what they deserve. I always thought that was strange, because he didn't really believe in God. But wouldn't that kind of thinking somehow hint to the fact that there's some greater power out there, distributing the good things to the good people and the bad things to the bad people? So let's ask the question again -- why do bad things happen to good people? Why do really good people lose loved ones? Lose their jobs? Get cancer? Why do they die in accidents or sink into depression or have money troubles? If they were so good, why did those things happen?

The truth is, bad things AND good things happen to both bad people and good people. And good things happen to both bad and good people. But I think the thing that really confounds and confuses the average "good person" is why bad things might happen to them.

I can say up front that it's one of three reasons:

1) God is trying to get your attention, because right now He's not first in your life. He's not even second or third. He's way down on the list.

or

2) Maybe at one time God was # 1 on your list, but you've strayed and began drifting off in a different direction.

For both reason # 1 and #2, sometimes God has to use "hard" things to bring you closer to him. Believe me, there have been times when he used good things, too. But often that doesn't work as well. Think about all the times in your life that something really awesome happened. Did you thank God right away? Did you give Him the credit? Did that awesome thing draw you closer to Him? Probably not. But I can guarantee that if something awful and scary happened, then it might make you want to draw nearer to him.

Let's take this example: Pretend for a minute that you're a parent of a 3 year old toddler. And let's pretend that your toddler is a very adventurous one, who loves to go off on their own. They run out in the streets, they don't listen, they do whatever they want, and you're constantly chasing after them in stores and parking lots. You know that this kind of behavior is not only disobedient, but it could potentially be dangerous. You'd much prefer that your toddler stick close to you and hold your hand.

But nothing's worked, and your little one has had several close calls. You decide to try a couple of tactics. The first one is to lavish them with explanations and hugs and try to get them to understand the importance of sticking close to you and listening to you. You even throw in a present or piece of candy for good measure. Not a bribe, but just something to make the little one remember. But even though you thought maybe you struck a nerve and got through, the very next day your toddler does the same thing and acts out again, running out into the street into oncoming traffic. What's the next tactic? Yep... you got it. A spanking. Or grabbing them by the shoulders and yelling at them. Or putting them in time out with no TV or games until they stop.

Guess what? Betcha they'll react more strongly to the spanking or the time out. And after a few times of that, the toddler will most likely think twice before running ahead or darting out into the street. And as they get older, they may even begin to understand that you simply love them, and didn't want them to get hurt. You just wanted them to stick close to you because you would guide them and protect them. And as much as you might hate having to spank or yell or punish them, you have to do it. It's the only way to get the message across.

God does the same thing with His children. Most of us just run off in life, doing our own thing and not caring about what kind of "traffic" we might be darting out in. We ignore God, and think that we're "big people" and can handle life just fine, when in fact the truth is that only God can see the future, and only He knows best how to guide us. He loves us, and if He finds that we're endangering ourselves by making rash or bad decisions... or if He sees us straying too far off path... or if we get too big for our own britches... He's going to spank us a little, grab us by the shoulders and give us a big shake. Since God isn't literally here on earth with us to do that, He does it in the way that He can. A job loss could be the equivalent of God's time out. Or perhaps a financial problem or a bad day or a frustrating week is what He gives us to help us pause for a moment, and remember to turn around and go back to hold His hand. Whether we like it or not, we're just like children. We think we don't need Him, but we do.

I mentioned there are three reasons that bad things happen to good people, and the third one is simply this: We live in a cursed, broken world that is ruled by Satan. Even though there are so many wonderful things in this world, we are cursed. There is sadness and pain and loneliness and disease. There are plagues and pestilences and disasters. Not until Jesus comes back and the Earth is recreated will there be perfection and true peace. I say all the time that some things cannot be helped, and that's the truth of it. Crappy things happen, and we just have to make the best of it. What keeps me going is simply knowing that the world will one day be fixed. All that is good will stay good, and all that is bad will go away. There will be no more pain, no more suffering, no more heartache. As long as we stay close to Christ and trust in Him, we are guaranteed to have that at the very end.

So don't lose heart over the things that happen to you in life. Know that God simply loves you, and doesn't want you to get hurt. In the old days before Jesus, God used to test the faith of His believers. But in these days, that's just not necessary. We have the Holy Spirit within us that speaks to God and shares the secrets of our soul. He knows. And if we're not near Him, He pulls us near him. Sometimes by good things in life... sometimes by bad things in life. But always He has His eye on us.

Make it easy on yourself, and go hold His hand. Walk with Him, and make Him smile. No one likes punishing those they love. Not even God.

Christmas -- Why Was He Born in a Manger?

2009-12-23T20:53:00.006-05:00

Tomorrow is the celebrated birth of Jesus Christ. (Most experts agree that Jesus was not born on December 25th, but rather sometime in the fall.) As people around the world celebrate the holiday of Christmas, many will go the entire day and not give Jesus Christ even a second thought. For them, it's strictly a secular holiday. They'll celebrate friends and family... good food... giving/receiving presents... pretty lights... good times... etc, etc., etc. But for those of us to are Christians, this is a time to meditate, reflect and celebrate the birth of our King and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We all know the story of Jesus' birth. He was born to the a Virgin named Mary and her husband Joseph. Mary was told by an angel that she would conceive a baby from the Holy Spirit, and that she should name him Jesus and that he would be Emmanuel -- God With Us. The angel explained that he was the son of God. Joseph was also told about the baby in a dream, so that he wouldn't feel shamed and betrayed by Mary. Her pregnancy was not an act of betrayal, but rather a miracle.

Now at that time, Caesar Augustus decreed that a census be taken, and every person in the entire Roman world had to go to his own town to register. Joseph, being of the line of David, had to return to Bethlehem. When they arrived, there was no where for them to stay. They ended camping out in a stable, and Mary gave birth there amongst the animals. Jesus was born in a manger -- in a literal feeding trough for the animals. The wise magi of Persia who knew the prophecies of the Old Testament saw the star and was led to the baby, who was King of the Jews. The Messiah.

But both Christians and non-Christians alike seem to always ask the same thing: Why was he born in a manger? If God sent us His son to save us, why didn't He send someone of higher status? Like the son of a real king, or a prince, or one of the wise men? Why was he born into a really poor family, swaddled in dirty clothes and forced to grow up the son of a poor handyman?

In fact, some of the Jews do not believe that Christ is the true Messiah for this very reason. Despite the fact that his birth fulfills all of the Old Testament prophecy, they refuse to believe that Jesus is in fact the true Christ because he was born as a lowly, poor man in a lowly, poor family. To the Jews, the King and Savior of their people should be one born of wealth, influence, power. He should have lived in a palace with robes and a crown. He should've lived a glorious, powerful, rich life with an honorable death -- not wandered the lands in sandals, sleeping here and there with no home to call his own.

So looking at the big picture, why didn't Jesus come into the world born into a family of wealth and power and circumstance? The reason is this: He is a savior. He lifts his people from the depths of the evil curse, and gives them life. First of all, the reason God had him born to a poor family was so that Jesus could know and understand what it means to be hungry or cold or lonely. Jesus knows what it's like to have to work hard, and deal with drudgery. When the people of this world pray to him because they are stuck, or because they're in debt, or because they're lonely and feel rejected, Jesus is up in Heaven saying, "I understand. I know your pain. Let me help you." What do you think it would be like worshiping and praying to someone who only lived a rich and easy life? Jesus himself worked hard. He had very little. He knew pain -- real physical pain. He knew rejection. He knew betrayal. He knew hunger. He knew cold. He saw first hand by walking the streets of those towns what the afflicted and outcasts looked like and felt. He touched them, spoke to them, loved them. He healed them. He was right there in the mix with them, feeling their sadness and worry and fear. There's no way Jesus could've helped any of us if he sat up on a gold throne high in a palace somewhere, being waited on by servants.

Secondly, Jesus had to die on the cross in the most awful, most undignified, most inhumane death there was because he literally took it from us. He was born to die. God sent him here specifically for that purpose, so that he could look the devil straight on and say something like, "By doing this, I am going to save my people and give them life. I will take their punishment by going through the absolute worst kind of death. And I will meet you in hell for three days. And at the end, when I go back up to be with my Father, I will have set a new rule for those who believe in me. From here on out, my flock will have eternal life with me and my Father. Not with you."

So basically Jesus took our punishment. Since he obviously couldn't do it 15 billion times over (or how ever many people have lived on this earth since then), God allowed him to go through it just once, but in the worst kind of way with the hardest of torture and the cruelest of deaths. And by doing so, he took away our punishment. He went to Hell and back for us. Now we don't have to. For those who are believers of Christ, we get pass -- we're exempt -- from any of that. Think about the saying, "Nothing is guaranteed but death and taxes." Pretend someone came along and said, "I'm going to pay a big payment to the government on your behalf, so that you would never have to pay taxes again." It's like that. Jesus took a payment of death and time in Hell so that we wouldn't have to. Sure, we physically die. But that's just our earthly bodies. Now that Jesus did that for us, we're guaranteed new bodies, and our souls will live on in those new bodies in Heaven.

Therefore, think about his death. He had to take that for us. If he died a nice, peaceful, honorable death in a palace with lots of pomp and circumstance, how could he possibly be our savior? How could he have taken our punishment from us? He couldn't have.

It all had to be this way. He was born to die, and he died for us so that we would have a guaranteed place in Heaven in our new bodies. You just have to believe in him, thank him, live with him in your heart, and walk with him in your life. Just accept Christ's gift of the "free pass" and that's it.

We celebrate Christmas because we celebrate his amazing and unselfish gift. He sacrificed his life so that we could have ours. It's a joyful time, but also a solemn time. May peace be with you this Christmas, and may you know in your heart what it really means to celebrate this holiday.

God bless!!

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:9-14)

God -- Is He the Same God of the Jews, Muslims and Christians?

2009-12-06T09:35:00.022-05:00

"Do Muslims, Jews and Christians worship the same God?" I hear this question all the time -- people are curious to know whether the God Muslims worship is the same that the Christians worship. Or if the God of Jews is the same as the God of Muslims. Is there just one God, or are there three? Judaism, Christianity and Islam are called the three main "Abrahamic religions" because they all three have the same foundation and basis for faith. There's a common vein of theology that runs through all three of them, all starting with God and the promise of things through Abraham. All three of these religions share several of the same stories, people and events, but perhaps with different twists on details or purpose. Wikipedia states that, "Today, there are an estimated 3.8 billion followers of the three largest Abrahamic religions, accounting for more than half of the world's population. By some measurements, Islam is the fastest growing."

Okay, so we all acknowledge that perhaps these three religions started out in much of the same way. But they all three ended up vastly different. Many people these days say that it really doesn't matter which of the three religions you are, because everyone is worshiping and believing in the same God.

Let's give a quick background on each. For the Jews, their belief is that through Abraham, God promised to bless the people through his sons Isaac and Jacob:

"I will make you into a great nation
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.

I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:2-3)

Later, through the prophets Isaiah, Daniel and others, God promises a savior -- a messiah. However, whereas the Christians believe that Christ is/was the messiah, the Jews do not believe that. They have no problem believing that Jesus Christ existed, but not that he is the messiah or savor of whom the Old Testament speaks.

Now Christians have the same Old Testament background as the Jews, but they DO believe that the messiah has come -- that is, Jesus Christ. Therefore Christians also base their doctrine on the "New Testament" teachings and gospel, which in a nutshell state that salvation and eternal life is achieved through the belief in Jesus Christ. In the Bible, Jesus tells his people:

"I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:12-17)

Now for Muslims, they believe that Abraham was the first Muslim, and ancestor to Mohammad to whom Allah (God) gave revelations and enlightenment. Muslims also don't have any problem with believing that Jesus Christ existed, but they only see him as a prophet -- not as the son of God that brings salvation and eternal life to those who believe in him.

So in a sense, all three religions started out believing in the same God. But over time, their beliefs morphed into something quite different. So in answer to the question: Do Muslims, Christians and Jews worship the same God? I would have to say both yes and no.

I say "yes" for the obvious reasons -- all three religions started out believing in, and worshiping the God of Abraham, who promised to bless him and all the nations through his sons.

But I also say "no" because at this modern-day point in time, clearly their beliefs have morphed the worship of three different entities. Take this example. Let's say there are three women scattered across the country who claim to have the same brother. They all know his name and call him the same thing. They all know what he looks like, acts like, and does for a living. They know his beliefs and they know things about him. At that point, no one would doubt that their brother is the same man. But then suppose one of them steps up and says, "And my brother has a son." Yet one of the other women comes forward and argues that, saying, "He absolutely does NOT have a son." At that point, if the two are insistent about what they know to be true, wouldn't you begin to doubt that it's the same man to whom they're both referring?

The Bible continually warns us of the error of worshiping a false God. And I truly believe that Allah, the God of the Muslims, is a false God. Same thing with the God of the Jews. Think of this analogy: Say you became separated from you father at a young age. People told you things about your father at first, but then you stopped listening. And over time, you began to make up your own perception of what your father was really like. Even though you had members of your family tell you what/who your father was as a person, your own version of reality became what your preferred to believe.

Think about it: Which religion provides us with a sure way of knowing what will happen to us when we die? The Jewish religion is a bit vague on that, not really teaching much about what Heaven/Hell is like, or how to ensure which one you'll be going to. The Muslim religion sees Allah as merciful and kind, but also just. They believe in heaven (Paradise) as well as Hell. But where you end up depends on your virtues and sins. There are different levels of paradise, but no clear scoring system as to how to get there. If you asked any Muslim now whether or not they were confident they'd be in Paradise, or what level they should expect, I'd bet you get a bunch of blank stares. I mean, do good deeds cancel out sins? To sins cancel out good deeds? Do good deeds that are done by a wealthy, well-to-do person count for less than a good deed done by a poor, sickly person? What's the grading scale? One of the required "Pillars" (requirements) of Islam is to go to Mecca for the Haj pilgrimage. Sure, that might be super easy for a wealthy Muslim here in the U.S. But what about a very poor one? Doesn't that put Paradise within easier reach of the well-to-do Muslims? Does that seem very fair?

Yet in Christianity, it's extremely clear. If you love/worship/believe in Jesus Christ as the son of God, then you get Heaven. If not, then you don't. It's that simple, and it's easy for anyone of any status, class, background or circumstance. John the Baptist, who was a man who lived in Jesus' time who was clearly touched by God as a prophet, said this:

"The one who comes from above (Jesus) is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. The man who has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." John 3:31-36

There are several passages in the Bible written by different authors who say that without belief that God sent us His son to take punishment for our sins so that we can get into Heaven, then the path for those disbelievers is Hell.

Christ even explained this to us very clearly:

Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?"

"We are not stoning you for any of these," replied the Jews, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God."

Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, 'I have said you are gods'? If he called them 'gods,' to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture cannot be broken — what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, 'I am God's Son'? Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."

What do I think? I think that those people of Judaism and Islam who are denying Christ are simply not his sheep. They refuse to have anything to do with him, therefore Jesus concerns himself only with his flock. Even back 2,000 years ago, Jesus talked about those who refused to believe that he is God. And unfortunately, those who refuse to believe that are growing in numbers.

Many may think that it matters not to which God they worship, and in which religion. But I say this: those two other religions have it wrong. I'm sorry if some say that's ignorant or close-minded. I speak the truth. Think about it. You have three distinctly different religions that may have some characteristics that are similar, but are clearly very different. How is it possible that they are all three right? Imaging asking someone what 2+2 is, and getting three different answers. One person answers "4." Another one answers "5" and another answers "3." They all claim to be right, and they can all three believe with every fiber of their being that they are right. And I'm sure they might have loyal friends and family who insist right along with them that they are right.

Yet the truth is -- the REALITY is -- only one of them is really right.

WHY do I know without a shadow of a doubt, with that same kind of certainty, that Christianity is the right religion? Let me show you a few reasons:

1) Christianity is the ONLY religion that teaches us that God gives us salvation... not humans who give it to themselves by earning it. The Jews believe that by doing certain things (observing sacred holidays, providing offerings and serving God, for example) you can earn your way to salvation. Muslims also believe that by behavior (following the seven Pillars of Islam) one can gain entry to paradise. In both of those religions, it's up to the human to be "good enough" for life with God. What happens when one stumbles, falls short, loses their way? Again I say, what is the grading scale? How does one know that they're doing it right? It's a lot of pressure for a flawed human to take. In Christianity, God offers us salvation. We just have to accept it.

2) Christianity is the only religion where God gave us humans a distinct bridge to connect us with Him. The Old Testament Bible tells us clearly that there will be someone who will help us -- a savior. Even early on in Genesis, God tells Satan after convincing Eve to eat the apple, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel." (Genesis 3:15) In a nutshell, that passage is saying, "I'm declaring war between you and the Woman, between your offspring and hers. He (her offspring) will wound your head, and you will wound his heel." Right there God tells Satan that some descendant of Eve will deliver him a big blow. But He also eludes to the fact that Satan will deliver him a blow as well. However, severe blows to the head can be fatal. Severe blows to the heel just hurt, but aren't deadly. Obviously the wound Eve's descendant will inflict on Satan will be much more serious, if not fatal. But God promises it will happen, and that one will come that will side with the humans and help fend of Satan. Sounds a lot like Jesus, doesn't it?

3) Jesus IS the one who fulfilled Old Testament prophecy -- whether the Jews believe it or not. Whether Muslims choose to acknowledge it or not. It's true. Right now, the Jews believe that the Messiah hasn't come yet. They don't believe that the man who was born in a manger could be King and Messiah. He was poor. He didn't have riches or a palace. He didn't have horses and servants and robes. Despite the fact that the New Testament is FILLED with descriptions of Jesus as King, the Jews to this day refuse to believe it.

From his very birth, when the wise men knew of his arrival by the prophesied star in the sky, said to King Herod, "Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star and have come to worship him." (Matthew 2:2)

There are hundreds of references to Jesus being the King in the New Testament, and he himself even states it matter-of-factly. See this passage when Pontius Pilate is stunned that Jesus is admitting that he is a king: "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." (John 18:37)

Sadly, though, the Jews of that time and the Jews of today still refuse to see past the material things and realize that indeed Jesus was the King, and still IS the King. Think about it. Every second of every hour of every day, someone on this earth is praising or praying to Jesus. What other man on earth -- what other KING on earth -- has had his legacy still remain so strong that millions every Sunday are singing and worshiping his name? Not the Kings of England. Nor any Kings of Spain or Italy or Germany. Not King George or King Henry or King Edward. Still to this day the Kingdom of Christ is strong and sure. To this day people are willing to die for this man, this King. What other person in our earth's entire history had a legacy of 2,000 years (and counting) where multitudes of his followers were willing to die on his behalf???? Yet the Jews still don't think he's the one. They base their beliefs that the messiah has to come from certain criteria discussed in the Old Testament. But yet if we looked at that criteria, it's quite clear that it was fulfilled. This photo is small, but you can click on it to enhance it.

(Click here for more information about the dozens of Old Testament prophecies that Jesus fulfilled: http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/prophchr.html#mT6IOM4UfBDp)

Even after all of that, the Jewish people are still waiting and looking for a messiah to come, not seeing that he has ALREADY come. Sadly, this religion of people will believe one day that a very real person who lives on this earth is their messiah. But that person will not be their messiah -- he will be the Anti-Christ. That person will fool them into thinking that he is the messiah because he will have the things Jesus didn't care about: prestige, power, wealth, influence, political clout and fame.

4) Another reason why I think that Christianity is the one true religion by which people can find salvation and eternity with God is the fact that Jesus not only died, but was resurrected. There is ample historical evidence that shows us Jesus did indeed rise from the grave on the third day of his death. The empty tomb made the teachings of Christ true.

"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God -- the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith." (Romans 1:1-5)

There is no other instance, in any other story or recollection or historical text, that tells of one man coming back from the dead. Regardless of all the people in these modern times who claim to be able to talk and visit with "ghosts," there has never been one who actually came back from the grave. Except Jesus. And there were witnesses. The Bible tells us (and historical proofs back that up) that over 500 people walked/talked with Jesus for 40 days after his resurrection. It's understood that during this time, he really taught his disciples and others what the death on the cross meant. It was during this time that he explained that he was tortured and crucified in order to take our punishment from us, so that we might be able to have entry into the Kingdom of Heaven upon our deaths.

5) Finally, the fifth reason why I have no doubt that Christianity is the right religion is that too many things don't add up or make sense in the religion of Islam. Muslims started off from the bloodlines of Ishmael, not Isaac like the Christians and Jews. God's promises to Abraham and to Isaac are all based on the twelve tribes of Jacob. Since Jacob was Isaac's son, not Ishmael, that messes up the puzzle quite a bit. Same thing with prophecy. Mohammad is considered by Muslims to be the one true messenger and # 1 prophet of God. Wikipedia tells us this about Mohammad (also spelled Muhammad): "Born in 570 in the Arabian city of Mecca, he was orphaned at a young age and brought up under the care of his uncle Abu Talib. He later worked mostly as a merchant, as well as a shepherd, and was first married by age 25. Discontented with life in Mecca, he retreated to a cave in the surrounding mountains for meditation and reflection. According to Islamic beliefs it was here, at age 40, in the month of Ramadan, where he claimed to receive his first revelation from God. Three years after this event Muhammad started preaching these revelations publicly, proclaiming that "God is One."

First of all, Mohammad wasn't even born until almost 600 years after the birth of Christ. Second of all, he really was just some guy who didn't like his life and went to go live in a cave for a while. In that cave, he had visions from "God" via the angel Gabriel. Wikipedia also tells us this: "According to some traditions, upon receiving his first revelations Muhammad was deeply distressed and contemplated throwing himself off the top of a mountain but the spirit moved closer and told him that he has been chosen as a messenger of God. Muhammad returned home and was consoled and reassured by his wife."

So the angel Gabriel visited the Muhammad many times over a period of twenty-three years. Mohammad's mission was to restore the worship of the One True God, the creator and ruler of the universe, as taught by the prophet Abraham and all prophets of God, and to demonstrate the laws of moral, ethical, legal, and social conduct. Islam means "peace by submission and obedience to the will and commandments of God." Therefore, all we have is a man who didn't have any direct messages from God -- just from the angel Gabriel. This man did not perform miracles to prove his connection with God. He didn't heal the sick or feed 5,000 people with one loaf of bread. He didn't walk on water. And most importantly, he didn't rise from death. There were no witnesses hearing the Voice of God proclaim that Mohammad was his son, like there were with Jesus. Mohammad confronted the Jews and told them that they were mis-reading and falsely believing the Scriptures. He was supposedly trying to "re-teach" the right teachings of God that took place back in Abraham's time. But how could he be teaching the message of God to Abraham, when the message of God to Abraham said that the descendants of Isaac and Jacob would be blessed? And yet here was a descendant of Ishmael trying to start up a new religious movement apart from the Christians and Jews. I'm totally scratching my head over that one.

Let's just throw a theory out there, shall we? If Satan can take the form of a snake in man's early history and convince Eve to eat an apple, what are the chances that upon seeing centuries of growing belief in Jesus Christ, Satan got mad and tried the deception route yet again? Don't you think that it's entirely plausible that Satan took the form of an angel, and spoke to Mohammad to convince him that there's a "different" and "right" way to God? Funny how with Christ, there were 12 disciples who witnessed the miracles and had the power revealed to them by God. Yet in Islam, there were no such witnesses.

Dr. Ernest L. Martin once said that, "The greatest deception of Satan is to prompt you, me and everyone in the world to believe that he is not Satan."

In fact, the Bible tells us outright -- hundreds of years before Mohammad was even born -- that Satan is capable of such things. To the people in Corinth, Paul writes:

And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve." (2 Corinthians 11:12-14)

It is my belief that Satan is clapping his hands in glee over the fact that he was able to use this orphan man from Arabia to deceive millions of people into thinking that Christianity is false, and that worshiping "Allah" is the right way to go.

All of this was my really long way of saying that while some may claim that Jews, Muslims and Christians all worship the same God, the fact is that they really only started out that way. But over time, the Jews and the Muslims chose to not believe the truth that God gave us. It's no different than Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve chose to ignore God's teachings and be deceived by Satan. And now, Jews and Muslims choose to ignore God's teachings and be deceived by Satan.

Let's pray for those around us who do not believe. Prayer is powerful, and the Holy Spirit may yet work within their hearts to open their eyes. We must have compassion on them, and do our best to share the Gospel and bring them to Christ. But as we all know, there are many who scoff and scorn the Gospel and sneer at us with distaste in their mouths. No matter what, they refuse to see that there is only one true God, and Jesus is our King and Lord.

"How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge his people."

It is true that we are all God's people. No one can deny that, or escape that. But how we choose to worship, praise and acknowledge God is dire. Faith comes not from having all the questions cleared up, and all the proofs given to us. That's isn't living by faith -- that's living by evidence. Faith is knowing deep in your gut what is true, and living by it. Living by it even though you cannot see it.

"Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:6-10)

The Decline and Fall of the American Empire

2009-11-27T08:21:00.011-05:00

As I sat yesterday relaxing and reflecting on this Thanksgiving holiday, one thing became very, very clear to me: this country is sinking fast. No one can deny that even as little as a decade ago, we were the superpower of the world. Since the Industrial Revolution in the mid-to-late 19th century, America began to rise up as a nation of wealth, power, influence, integrity, notoriety and brilliant minds. 100 years later, it was undeniable that we were the biggest, richest, most powerful, most admired country in the world. Our citizens were fruitful and wealthy. We were free. We had our own businesses and investments. Sure, the automobile and manufacturing industries were declining, but we had technology. We had goods to export. We had patriotism, and a sense of purpose. We even had God. Back when I was in elementary school (in the early 80s) we would gather up all the classes every day during the last hour of school and sing Christmas carols every day during December. I distinctly remember construction paper murals of baby Jesus and the three wise men. I remember singing "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful." Christmas was not a "bad word" back then like it is now. God and Christ were not forbidden then in our public schools and offices like they are now.

Somewhere along the lines, it became taboo to mention Christ and God outside of our private homes. The whole "separation of Church and State" phrase had morphed to mean something it wasn't supposed to mean. If you ever want a really great history lesson on our founding fathers and how the Constitution of the United States was intended to PROTECT our right to religious freedom in all public places, watch this great video. It's a Sunday sermon from pastor Steve Hadley of Harvest Family Fellowship, about Thanksgiving and how it's truly a "Christian" holiday. But it also has a great history lesson -- perfect for a cold morning with a cup of coffee, or for home-schooled children who could use a good lesson on what it meant to our patriot forefathers to create a new nation "under God." It's about an hour or so, but well worth every minute (you'll even love the Thanksgiving joke at the beginning): America's Christian Founding -- the Lie of Separation of Church and State

But to paraphrase, the whole statement of "Separation of Church and State" was intended to PROTECT all instances of religious worship and expression in all public areas. So if a school wanted to put a nativity scene out front, that was protected under the constitution. If a courthouse wanted to put the Ten Commandments up on the entry way, they could. It basically meant that the "state" (government) could not stick its nose in anyone's "church" (expression of religion). But somewhere along the line (and the video tells specifically who/when/where) a court ruling used that "Separation of Church and State" statement to flip things around and define it in a backwards sort of way. Meaning now, NO example of religious freedom, worship or expression may be permitted in public areas that are touched by government.

Over this past decade -- and in the last few years in particular -- it has just completely morphed into an ugly thing. Now "Christmas" and "Christ" have become profanity to most companies and governments. No one is permitted to use either word. The "C" word, it's become. Business owners and employers now call it a "winter holiday" -- not "Christmas" vacation. President Obama has a "holiday" tree in the White House. Schools are no longer allowed to sing the religious Christmas carols, or depict any artwork or scenes involving Jesus. Advertising and TV commercials are careful not to say "Christmas" during the holiday season.

I understand that these entities are not going to come out and say that the holiday is about the birth of our savior, and that it's a holiday celebrating salvation through Christ. Okay, I get that. But is it really so taboo to call something for what it really is? I know that there is Kwanzaa and the Eid that (can) fall around the same time. I know Hanukkah is around the same time. I get that, too. But this season of giving... the shopping... the dinners... the time off of work... the music... the decorating... ALL of that came from a very specific holiday: The Birth of Jesus Christ.

What completely baffles me is the fact that our country nonchalantly shrugs off things like gay pride parades... or lesbian scenes on TV... the government turning our backs on Israel... or bailouts for every corrupt bank and financial organization... or Adam Lambert doing obscene gestures and kissing another guy on a music awards show... or covering the cost of abortions in our public health care bill... or President Obama wishing all of the Muslims a happy Eid, and commemorating their religious holiday and the Hajj pilgrimage when he won't even personally thank God or Christ when giving his national Thanksgiving speech...

What completely DISGUSTS me is the fact that Obama had no problem bringing religious discussion/people/expression into his campaign when he knew he had to in order to win over certain parts of the American public, but now that he's in office he makes no reference to Christianity whatsoever. It also disgusts me that he makes such open displays of support and endorsement of Muslim holidays and events.

Bottom like is this, folks... without Christ and God, we are doomed. And anyone who can look at our country now and think that one day we'll know prosperity, success and power again is completely blind. Our country is sinking downhill at such a fast pace that I suspect it won't be long before something very drastic and devastating happens. Remember, America is not mentioned figuratively or specifically in any Bible prophecy regarding the End Times. Why is that? I would assume because we're just not going to be around.

Why would our country be punished so severely over others, you ask? Well, to put it simply, God gave us something special and unique and wonderful. And we threw it back in His face. About 300 or so years ago, people came to this country to seek a better life. God gave this country to people as a safe haven for religious -- Christian religious -- expression. England wasn't letting them read the Bible in their own language, and the rulers were forcing them to conform to rules that weren't legitimate Christian rules. Therefore He provided them with a new land that was fertile, beautiful, fruitful. Here was a new Christian nation born, rising up in power, prestige, wealth and prosperity under the blessed laws and worship of God and Christ. It was a very good thing. Not that our country didn't have problems -- nothing in this world is perfect. But we were undeniably a very blessed nation. Over the past 4 or 5 decades, we basically turned our backs on the one thing that made this nation so rich, powerful and prosperous. And so here we are. Because of our disobedience, our scoffing, our refusal to acknowledge God and Christ, we WILL be destroyed. I can absolutely assure you of that. Even Christians will be destroyed in the devastation that is to come. The difference is, though, that Christians will immediately have peace, love and God at the end of their lives when they meet Jesus in Heaven. They are saved from eternal punishment and destruction, by faith in Christ.

There are so many verses in the Bible that show us how God does not look favorably on countries and governments who not only just ignore Him, but also completely turn away from Him. There are many, many verses in the Bible that talk about wealthy, deceitful people who think only of themselves and care only about their parties and fun. There are verses upon versus about corruption, pride, arrogance, selfishness, drunkenness, lewd behavior.

I challenge you to read the book of Isaiah. No, those passages aren't referring to the United States. But I assure you that if God felt a certain way about ancient Assyria or Israel or Moab or Damascus, that He would feel the exact same way about our country in this day/age/time.

Let me pull out just a few verses for you to think about, but read Isaiah. Read the book of Isaiah and substitute the word "America" whenever you see a country or region's name. And if after that you think our country still has a chance, then may God bless you and protect you from your naivete and denial.

We are in trouble, and the only way you can save yourself from true and sure impending destruction is to keep yourselves close to God, and strong in Christ. For there is life for those who believe in Christ. He came to die for our sins so that we could have eternal life when we die. It matters not to us what happens to our earth, because we know we'll have a new Earth to live on, and to love. But for those who are not in Christ, they only have darkness, destruction and death. Reach out to God, and be saved. To be "saved" means that no matter what happens here, you will have life.

Let's try it. Here are some passages -- take out the names of the countries or cities, and replace them with "America" or "United States" or "Washington, DC."

From the Book of Isaiah:

"Come now, let us reason together,"
says the LORD.
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.

If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the best from the land;

but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword."
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

See how the faithful city
has become a harlot!
She once was full of justice;
righteousness used to dwell in her—
but now murderers!

Your silver has become dross,
your choice wine is diluted with water.

Your rulers are rebels,
companions of thieves;
they all love bribes
and chase after gifts.
They do not defend the cause of the fatherless;
the widow's case does not come before them.

Therefore the Lord, the LORD Almighty,
the Mighty One of Israel, declares:
"Ah, I will get relief from my foes
and avenge myself on my enemies.

I will turn my hand against you;
I will thoroughly purge away your dross
and remove all your impurities.

I will restore your judges as in days of old,
your counselors as at the beginning.
Afterward you will be called
the City of Righteousness,
the Faithful City."

Zion will be redeemed with justice,
her penitent ones with righteousness.

But rebels and sinners will both be broken,
and those who forsake the LORD will perish. (1:18-28)

Jerusalem staggers,
Judah is falling;
their words and deeds are against the LORD,
defying his glorious presence.

The look on their faces testifies against them;
they parade their sin like Sodom;
they do not hide it.
Woe to them!
They have brought disaster upon themselves.

Tell the righteous it will be well with them,
for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.

Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them!
They will be paid back for what their hands have done.

Youths oppress my people,
women rule over them.
O my people, your guides lead you astray;
they turn you from the path.

The LORD takes his place in court;
he rises to judge the people.

The LORD enters into judgment
against the elders and leaders of his people:
"It is you who have ruined my vineyard;
the plunder from the poor is in your houses.

What do you mean by crushing my people
and grinding the faces of the poor?"
declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty. (3:8-15)

Woe to you who add house to house
and join field to field
till no space is left
and you live alone in the land.

The LORD Almighty has declared in my hearing:
"Surely the great houses will become desolate,
the fine mansions left without occupants.

A ten-acre vineyard will produce only a bath of wine,
a homer of seed only an ephah of grain."

Woe to those who rise early in the morning
to run after their drinks,
who stay up late at night
till they are inflamed with wine.

They have harps and lyres at their banquets,
tambourines and flutes and wine,
but they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD,
no respect for the work of his hands.

Therefore my people will go into exile
for lack of understanding;
their men of rank will die of hunger
and their masses will be parched with thirst.

Therefore the grave enlarges its appetite
and opens its mouth without limit;
into it will descend their nobles and masses
with all their brawlers and revelers.

So man will be brought low
and mankind humbled,
the eyes of the arrogant humbled. (5:8-15)

Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter.

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
and clever in their own sight.

Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine
and champions at mixing drinks,

who acquit the guilty for a bribe,
but deny justice to the innocent.

Therefore, as tongues of fire lick up straw
and as dry grass sinks down in the flames,
so their roots will decay
and their flowers blow away like dust;
for they have rejected the law of the LORD Almighty
and spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Therefore the LORD's anger burns against his people;
his hand is raised and he strikes them down.
The mountains shake,
and the dead bodies are like refuse in the streets. (5:20-25)

The LORD spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. He said:

"Do not call conspiracy
everything that these people call conspiracy;
do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it.

The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy,
he is the one you are to fear,
he is the one you are to dread,

and he will be a sanctuary;
but for both houses of Israel he will be
a stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.
And for the people of Jerusalem he will be
a trap and a snare.

Many of them will stumble;
they will fall and be broken,
they will be snared and captured." (8:11-15)

You have abandoned your people,
the house of Jacob.
They are full of superstitions from the East;
they practice divination like the Philistines
and clasp hands with pagans.

Their land is full of silver and gold;
there is no end to their treasures.
Their land is full of horses;
there is no end to their chariots.

Their land is full of idols;
they bow down to the work of their hands,
to what their fingers have made.

So man will be brought low
and mankind humbled—
do not forgive them.

Go into the rocks,
hide in the ground
from dread of the LORD
and the splendor of his majesty!

The eyes of the arrogant man will be humbled
and the pride of men brought low;
the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.

The LORD Almighty has a day in store
for all the proud and lofty,
for all that is exalted
(and they will be humbled),

for all the cedars of Lebanon, tall and lofty,
and all the oaks of Bashan,

for all the towering mountains
and all the high hills,

for every lofty tower
and every fortified wall,

for every trading ship
and every stately vessel.

The arrogance of man will be brought low
and the pride of men humbled;
the LORD alone will be exalted in that day,

and the idols will totally disappear.

Men will flee to caves in the rocks
and to holes in the ground
from dread of the LORD
and the splendor of his majesty,
when he rises to shake the earth.

In that day men will throw away
to the rodents and bats
their idols of silver and idols of gold,
which they made to worship.

They will flee to caverns in the rocks
and to the overhanging crags
from dread of the LORD
and the splendor of his majesty,
when he rises to shake the earth.

Stop trusting in man,
who has but a breath in his nostrils.
Of what account is he? (2:6-22)

Setting the Scene for the Antichrist

2009-11-22T07:39:00.033-05:00

The other day the European Union (EU) elected its first President. And that is a significant piece of news regarding the last days. For those of you who aren't familiar with Bible prophecy, let me share with you a bit of it. The Bible says that in the End Times, one man will rise up -- kind of an unknown guy, it's suspected -- and enforce a peace treaty that will be like no other. This will be the "peace of the Middle East" kind of treaty that the world has been trying to accomplish for centuries. It's also suspected that this treaty may address the volatile situation in Jerusalem/West Bank/Gaza Strip and put an end to the "it's our land, not your land" conflict that's been raging for centuries between the Israelis and the Palestinians. There are a few passages in this part of the Bible prophecy that talk about things that occur with the new Temple, so it's also implied that perhaps this new leader will somehow allow Israel to build a new Temple. At the moment, they can't -- because there is a mosque standing on the Temple Mount where the Jewish Temple should go.

This leader will enforce or sign the treaty for a period of about 7 years, and it sounds as if initially the entire world will be at peace and will revere this person. But about half-way through, the Bible tells us that Satan finally overtakes this man's soul, and his evil is not hidden anymore. He becomes the most frightening thing on the planet, coming up with the "Mark of the Beast" idea, which is nothing more than a microchip or tattoo of sorts that all humans would have to have on their hand or forehead in order to buy and sell anything. If at that point you take this mark, you will be acknowledging that your allegiance lies with the Antichrist. At some point after that, this evil leader who is the one true opponent of Christ (Satan's son, if you will... just like Jesus is God's son) will behead anyone who refuses to take the mark. The Bible clearly tells us that those who refuse the mark and who die for their faith and allegiance with Christ will have great reward in Heaven. And those who choose the mark will have great punishment.

Look at the world today. Think of your friends and family and co-workers. How many people would be willing to die and have their head chopped off for the name of Christ? Not many, I'd be willing to bet. This will be a very sad time in the eyes of all those who are in Heaven. Because even though every person here on earth thinks that they're saving their life, they're really losing it -- for all of eternity.

Now this leader who is to be the Antichrist has a few descriptive qualities that are found in Bible prophecy. We are told that he will come from the new Roman Empire. What is that, you ask? Well, here's a map of what the "old" Roman Empire looked like back in the time of Jesus:

Now, here's what the European Union looks like today:

It's pretty obvious to anyone looking at that map that most of the "countries" and areas that were part of the old Roman Empire overlap with the countries and areas of today's European Union -- the New Roman Empire.

So that could mean that this man is born from one of the countries of the European Union, but since the Antichrist will be considered an emerging world leader, it would make more sense that this man is an important, high up guy of the new "Roman Empire."

Well, with all of that being said, allow me to share with you something that occurred on November 19, 2009 (just a few days ago) that barely made the news, and that no one paid much attention to.

The European Union elected their very first president (note: it was not a "popular vote" election, but one that occurred only within the group of EU leaders). If you want to simplify it, this man is the president of the entire continent of Europe. The man who was elected was the Belgium Prime Minister Herman van Rompuy. Now, I'm quite sure you have never heard of the guy. I have never heard of the guy. You can read more about his bizarre, unanimous win here at Joel Rosenberg's blog: http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/

What's he like, you ask? I can tell you that he's older, a bit sneaky and seems to get his way all the time. If ever there was someone who was interested in making the EU into a raging superpower, it would be this person. However, I'm guessing he's not the Antichrist. It's described that the Antichrist will be someone charismatic. Perhaps someone young, who will sweep the world off of his feet with energy and talks of world peace. Because most of the western world is fixated on celebrities, popularity and the superficial persona of those who are in the limelight, I'd venture to guess that this person will probably be good looking, "sexy" and will capture the attention of the vast majority of young women who are apathetic towards politics. Remember how Obama captivated the entire world before the 2008 elections at the height of his popularity? The Antichrist will be like that. I figured that Obama wasn't the Antichrist, but certainly his rise from being an unknown person to the most admired man in the world was a definite dress rehearsal for the real thing. This Herman van Rompuy who won the election is described as boring, cunning, older, a tad sinister and definitely not uber charismatic. It still makes me wonder, though, WHY he was chosen. Why would they pick someone cunning, sinister and determined to get his way? Maybe it's because that their one goal in mind is to have the EU be the most powerful entity in the world???

Anyway, while this guy may not be the Antichrist, it definitely brings us one step closer and sets the stage for the real Antichrist. Some have suggested that the EU Foreign Minister -- who will be announced very shortly -- will be the one to watch. This is the man who will assume the role of that position:

That's British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, who is a surprise candidate for the European Union Foreign Minister. He is also a virtual unknown who rose quickly in popularity. The "Foreign Minister" post along with the EU Presidential post are the two new positions created under the recently signed Lisbon Treaty. It appears as if Miliband has accepted this position, but it has yet to be announced formally. The interesting thing about David Miliband is that his father was Ralph Miliband, who was a notable, active Marxist political theorist and a former member of Soviet Red Army. But the most notable thing to me about David Miliband is the fact that in answer to the question, "Do you believe in God?" raised in a 2007 Mail on Sunday survey, he stated clearly and definitively that he in fact did NOT believe in God.

Is Miliband the Antichrist? I honestly don't know. None of us will until that time is right and that person sets the timer on the 7 year tribulation by enforcing that significant peace treaty. Who knows? It's possible that he's not. But it's also possible that he is. In these End Times, anything is possible. This is definitely something to watch.

I welcome your comments, and will keep you posted.