UPDATE

Greetings -

My next post is scheduled for tomorrow, Friday November 12, 2010.

Below are my two most recent posts, "FORGIVENESS" and "A CHRISTIAN AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT."

Thank you for your indulgence.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Greetings -

Please see "Announcments" on side bar on right side of this blog.

Thank you for your indulgence.

FORGIVENESS

Greetings -

Are there people who we have not forgiven?  Even from way back as early as our childhoods?  Even people who are now deceased - have we forgiven them?  Are we holding on to hurts, betrayals, and abusive treatments - or are we bitter because people did us wrong?

Are there people who we have shown love who abused us in spite of our love demonstrations?  Are we asking, "How could they after all that I have done for them?"  Are we "thirsty" for revenge?  Do we desire that the Lord "get 'em?"

Yes, some who aim to do us minor and major harm are in regular attendance in GOD's houses of worship.  We need to be mindful that all who attend church are NOT holy nor is everyone saved who attends church.  Some people believe that they are Christians but their "fruits" deny it.  Some are baby Christians who have yet to learn holiness in fulness. Some are mischief agents who are in league with the Devil.  Some are "veteran" Christians who elect to continue their milk diets.  And certainly, a remnant are there truly in mode to embrace holiness.  Be aware of the church assortments, and seek only GOD for whom to trust.  Forgive all...but GOD knows who can be trusted, to an extent.  No one can be trusted fully but GOD!   

Unforgiveness is sin, and as any other sin, it separates us from GOD.  Psalm 66:18 says, If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me."

We cannot enjoy life if we reside in bitterness.  Life is pleasing GOD.  Death is pleasing Satan.  When we choose life, we choose love, peace, joy and other righteous things.  Freedom is living holy.
Power is living holy.  Holy, holy, holy - Lord GOD Almighty!

Prayer:

Father, in the forgiving name of JESUS, please help us to heal from hurts that are in our lives.  We need to forgive others if You are to forgive us.  We cannot count the times that we have hurt You, yet when we confess our sins and turn from our wrong actions, You, in Your love, and mercy, forgive our sins and remember them no more.  Thank you, Father, for Your forgiveness.We certainly do need it.

Many have become bitter.  Bitterness is a contaminant to souls.  It pollutes and destroys spirits.  Father, please deliver those who are bitter and those who persist in unforgiveness.  They are bound and can never be at peace in bitter states.  Help them, please Lord, to forgive and to heal.  

Forgiveness does NOT mean that we are to trust those who have hurt us.  Trust has to be proven.  There are some such as ex-spouses that we are to forgive but not resume contact.  Everyone that we forgive does NOT need to continue to be part of our lives.  Please give us the necessary wisdom to know with whom to continue.  Whether they remain as a presence in our lives...we must forgive them because that is one proof that we serve You, our holy Father GOD.

We need Your help, please, to do forgiveness, Lord.

Thank You - Amen

Scriptures from the King James Bible:

Matthew 6:15
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespassses.

Mark 11:25
And when ye stand praying, forgive,...

Colossians 3:23
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Romans 12:19
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,...for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

A CHRISTIAN AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT

Greetings -

This is fiction

THE STATE OF CHRISTMAS:

Robert Meek, a high-ranking Christian U.S. State Department official, planned an atypical Christmas day celebration to be held in the ballroom of the Merrifield Hotel in Camp Springs, Maryland.

The invitations went out to family, friends, associates, and three “special” invitees who lived in Robert’s hometown of Covenant, Arizona. Their names: Arthur Reel, Jerry Newton, and Sabrina Fenton.

All three of the “special” invitees received their invitations which provided notice that they were invited to Robert’s event gratis for a Christmas celebration. They were allowed to bring three guests. All expenses were complimentary from Robert.

The invitation included necessary information with proof of expenses covered. What was not included was the name of the generous benefactor. The only revelation was that he worked for the U.S. State Department.

Arthur was a gruff cantankerous man who found something wrong with everyone except himself. His wife, Cynthia, had recently become a Christian and was often in prayer for Arthur’s salvation.

Arthur received his invitation and could not guess the identity of the mystery benefactor.

Cynthia was elated, and urged Arthur to attend.

He was not about to decline the freebie opportunity. They were on board to go.

Jerry was recently divorced and in a deep depression. He did not look forward to Christmas and had no idea how he would spend the day. In his state, he did not care. When he got his invitation, he was puzzled as well as suspicious. He called his best friend, Arnold.

Arnold advised Jerry to put away his suspicions and get with it.

Jerry grudgingly agreed.

Both of Sabrina’s parents had recently died, and she was immensely sorrowful. Sabrina was a woman who had lied, and mistreated others for most of her life. When she got her invitation, she was not sure what to make of it. She told her Uncle Bertrand, one of the few people who loved her.

Betrand recommended that she attend to help her cope with her sorrow.

Finally, the big day had come.

Giddy and excited guests began to arrive.

Arthur, Jerry, and Sabrina entered with their guests. They were in eager anticipation to discover who had invited them.

The celebrants mingled, ate, drank and were merry.

Robert had prior plans to be fashionably late. That was planned, in particular, for the sake of Arthur, Jerry, and Sabrina.

When Robert arrived, he took to the ballroom stage and paused for effect.

Arthur, Jerry, and Sabrina were visibly shaken.

Robert gave them reassuring smiles.

You see, back in the day, those three were Robert’s arch enemies. Each of them had done some of the cruelest things against Robert in efforts to be destructive in his life.

Before Christ changed him, Robert hated Arthur, Jerry, and Sabrina because of the actions that they had used to oppose his developments. It had been years since they had seen one another. After Christ, Robert had forgiven them, and he loved them, as well.

Robert called for the attention of the crowd as he began a speech.

“Praise God, and thank all of you for attending. Your presence is such a delight and pleasure on this Christmas day. It does my heart good to observe the enjoyment that is on display among all of you precious people. Please continue to partake of the blessings here bestowed on us by Almighty God, our Divine Creator.

“My life and career have such benefits and joy. Much opposition preceded my success but I am certain that the best of my character evolved through adversities. Christ came into my life seventeen years ago, and since His placement in my heart, I know that all of my good fortune is due to God’s help in my steadfast Christian commitment. I would like to bring to the stage the guests of honor for this special celebration, Arthur Reel, Jerry Newton, and Sabrina Fenton. Their contributions were crucial to the excellent achievements that I have been able to accomplish.”

The trio looked jolted but proceeded forward to mount the stage.

Robert smiled, shook their hands, made a few remarks, and gave each of them a Christmas memento comprised of evergreen leafing from which dangled three bells, each with an inscription.

One bell read LOVE, one read FORGIVENESS, and one read MERCY.

Each of them accepted as tears welled in their eyes. Even gruff Arthur could not resist. Three months later, he went to the altar and accepted Christ.

As for Jerry and Sabrina, God also gave the increase….

…Love your enemies,…(Matthew 5:44-KJV)

Sandra

© Copyright December 3, 2008

ANNOUNCEMENT

Greetings -

1. There is a new posting under the tab "WISE."

2.  See post topic below "NEW PHOTOS" for link to a set of new photos.   

3. One additional posting is scheduled to be placed today. 

NEW PHOTOS

Greetings -

Please click on this link to view a new set of photos:
http://www.photosplendorplus.blogspot.com/

Thank you for your indulgence.

MONDAY EVENING SCRIPTURE JOY



Romans 2:10

But glory, honour, and peace to every man
that worketh good, to the Jew first,...



Greetings -

Scriptures from the King James Bible

Mark 12:29-31

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.  There is none other commandment greater than these.

John 14:12
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Colossians 3:14
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 

DID YOU GET THE MEMO?

Greetings -

Memo

TO:               Whosoever Will

FROM:         GOD

SUBJECT:    IT'S HARVEST TIME

Scriptures from the King James Bible

Matthew 9:37
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 

The fruit on the vine is ripe for the pickings but not enough pickers.  The life in the earth is waiting for harvesters to uproot it.  Some of the fruit that is sitting is overripe and soon to become useless.  Oh, where, where, are more labourers for the harvest?

Autumn has arrived and many are ill-prepared for the harvest.  The leaves are turning but more labourers need to turn to Me.  Oh, where, where, are more labourers for the harvest?

Matthew 9:38
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Glory! - praise My holy name - more labourers are coming.  I see them, they are getting ready - some are seasoned, and at the ready.  They are clothed in righteousness.  Look! They are arising from the valleys, and over the hilltops they come, they are coming out of basements and boardrooms for sure.  They are leaving the penthouses and the casinos and the strip clubs some more. 

A new wave of fired up for JESUS disciples will soon make more public appearances in places that seldom have experienced such visitations.  One result, among many: Some people will never be the same. They will be better from encounters of the GOD kind!

We are in it to win it...!

ANNOUNCEMENT

Greetings -

Already GOD has presented an answer to our prayers.  Ref: My post on Thursday November, 4, 2010, "RUNAWAYS AND MISSING PERSONS."

This afternoon I read on http://www.cnn.com/ an article dated November 7, 2010, with story highlights that state, "Three boys went missing in July 2008...," and "They were recovered Tuesday..." 

Thank You, Lord!

I placed three posts today:

"FLYING THE GODLY SKY - UNITED"
"UPDATE - DELIA KNOX"
"WHAT'S A BROTHER TO DO?"

Late yesterday, I posted, "PUBLIC PRAISE." 

UPDATE - DELIA KNOX

Greetings-

I just watched a video on http://www.bayrevival.org/ of Delia Knox walking and singing gloriously to our Lord for His healing of her after she had been in a wheelchair for 23 years!  Her singing, I'm sure, has taken on an entirely new dimension since she was healed.  Watching that video today of her brought tears to my eyes.  The anointing was indeed in flow - besides Delia and her husband, many people there were obviously impacted as evidenced by the high praise going on there!

Please watch the video.  It is about five minutes long.  The link is http://www.bayrevival.org/
Scroll down and click on "The video of Delia Knox..."

Note: More details about Delia were posted here on Tuesday November 2, 2010. The topic is "WOW!  ANOTHER TESTIMONY - PRAISE REPORT."  

WHAT'S A BROTHER TO DO?

Greetings -

This is fiction but it could be true.

WHAT’S A BROTHER TO DO?

Lola and Buford Crossroad, true worshippers of GOD, raised three sons Robert, Brian and James.

Robert, 47, is a fit man of average height with a booming voice and a great sense of humor.

James, 43, is tall and muscular with an engaging personality. He has a confident stride.

Brian, 40, is slightly pudgy with a melancholy disposition. He walks with a pronounced hesitancy.

Lola, a stocky dark-haired firebrand, and her husband, a gentle giant, faithfully served GOD. The family had membership at Refuge Tabernacle, a church body that practiced Mark 3:15, “…Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Before Lola and Buford went to be with the Lord, they were blessed to see each of their sons accept Christ as Saviour. They were further comforted that each son had made a wise career choice.

Robert, a deeply anointed man of God, became, to his parents’ delight, a pastor - first at Refuge Tabernacle and then at Love Joy House of Worship, the church that he and his wife, Rose, formed. His wife affectionately calls him “Preach.”

James became a media technician on full time staff at Refuge Tabernacle while Brian became office manager there. Both James and Brian sing in the choir at the family church, as well.

Over the years, Refuge Tabernacle changed considerably. It went from being a fire to a dim burner. By that time, Lola and Buford had passed on to be with the Lord.

Robert is becoming concerned about his brothers, both of whom are carnal Christians. He confides in Rose about his feelings.

“Brian and James work at Refuge and sing in the choir. Neither one of them is devoted to GOD. The Lord revealed to me that they have provoked Him to wrath.”

Rose listens.

Robert continues, “Brian smokes, plays the lottery, and spends ungodly time with sinners. James drinks beer and is clubbing on most weekends.”

Rose asks, "Are you wondering how long they will continue before the Lord comes against them about their disregard of His Word, and His holiness?”

Robert exhales, and sadly answers “Yes.”

Rose nods.

Robert goes on, “They accepted Christ many years ago – they know better. It appears that they do not believe that mocking GOD will result in painful consequences.”

Rose kisses Robert on the cheek. “Preach, we will keep them in prayer and trust GOD to do what is necessary for His glory.”

Robert squeezes his wife’s hand. He forces a smile and nods.

Meanwhile, for Sunday service at Refuge Tabernacle, Pastor (no anointing) Philips selects Brian to open the service with prayer.

Brian prays but his compromised lifestyle renders his prayer powerless.

“Dear God, thank you for waking us up this morning. Thank you for our jobs and families. Thank you for blessings and favors. Thank you for your love. Amen.”

When he finishes, congregants there, in the Holy Ghost realm, know why Brian’s prayer has no power. It was a selfish weak prayer with no mentioned content from the Holy Bible. Brian is not anointed – he has no holy authority – and no power from GOD. Why? because he is not a true worshipper of GOD. GOD delights in the prayers of the righteous and the effectual prayers of the righteous avail much. The Word of GOD states in Psalm 66:18, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”

Stephen, a deeply spiritual man, and one of the main soloists in the choir has just recently returned from three years of military service. Much has changed at Refuge but Stephen is more spiritually fervent since his return. The Lord leads him to sing, “Onward Christian Soldiers.” Stephen is so heavily anointed as he sings that people weep and go into high worship of GOD.

There is no altar call - yet people are rushing to the altar. Some drop to their knees while others prostrate themselves in holy humility. Healings are being performed by the anointing that is heavily present. Drug addicts are saved as are alcoholics, gamblers, and prostitutes. Business men in expensive suits lay prostrate at the altar while the once lame run without aid. Tumors shrink – lumps disappear – despair lifts –Oh GOD! – the yokes are destroyed because of the anointing – Isaiah 10:27!!!

Pastor (no anointing) Philips does not know how to respond. He is unable to partake of the anointed flow because he is in rebellion which is as the sin of witchcraft - I Samuel 15:23. He sits there.

The Holy Ghost continues to have His way.

Later…James gets up to sing his solo. No anointing accompanies him – no holy authority – no holy power. He is seized with sorrow as he knows why his solo has no impact or spiritual significance.

The Lord jolted James through what occurred after Stephen’s solo.

James drops to his knees in repentance. His body heaves with sobs. Eventually, he stumbles to his feet.

Stephen steps out and lays hands on James.

The Holy Ghost takes James down where he lays under GOD’s power.

Pastor (no anointing) Philips preaches a short self-absorbed sermon that does little to affect the congregants.

The closing prayer is done by Stephen’s wife, Leslie.

“Awesome Father GOD, You are the most High in all of Your ways. Truly, You rule in the kingdom of men. From everlasting to everlasting, You are GOD. We thank you, Lord, that Your Holy Ghost fire fell here today in our midst (she pauses to lift her arms in praise). Bless Your holy name. Lord, You alone are worthy of our praise (throughout the church, hands are raised in worship). Your name alone is JEHOVAH – glory to GOD. We are commanded to be holy as You are holy. Forgive us our sins and transgressions. Father, lead and guide us in Your ways (congregants utter, “Yes Lord.”). Teach us, daily, Your precepts, and help us to steadfastly conform to Your image, in Jesus’ name – Amen.”

Brian does not comprehend that the Lord has showed up in magnificent splendor! He does not get it. On his way to the church exit, he feels compelled to look to his right. Seated there, with tears streaming down his face, is his brother Robert.

Brian is not ready – he hastily rushes out the door.

Robert lifts his hands to GOD in thanksgiving. He has faith that Brian, one day, will be ready.

Robert gets up.

His other brother James spots him.

The brothers walk toward each other, and heartily embrace.

The yoke is destroyed because of the anointing….

Sandra
Written Saturday May 8, 2010
© Copyright 2010

PUBLIC PRAISE

Greetings -

For the past few years, I have been prone to engage in public praise of our Lord.  A lot of people praise the Lord in church and sing and dance to the Lord in church, as well as in their homes. Well, I sometimes also praise the Lord in public when I am walking down the street, in parks, in stores...  By that I don't mean "nutty" or "spooky" conduct.  Below are a few examples:

When I lived in Tampa, FL:

One evening, I was walking to a destination and got "lost."  Before I realized it, I had walked more than an hour out of my way!  (I am a walker and do it often in excess of 45 minutes).  Anyhow, the Lord had reasons for my "lost" condition.  As I walked back to re-group, the Lord told me to praise Him out loud.  I did so for more than 15 minutes and I kept on praising Him out loud.  The next thing I knew, a car drove by and the man inside the car yelled, "Worthy is His name."  I was like, Lord, is he for real or someone trying to lure me?  Just then, the car pulled in front of me into a driveway and stopped.  I stopped, and a woman, Tabitha, got out on the passenger side and said that she was reclined in her seat - she heard me - and the Lord told her to get up.  The man said that he'd heard me praising the Lord and he said the way that I was praising Him, he knew that I was serious about GOD (in essence, that's what he said).  They were a Christian married couple.  They gave me a ride home and invited me to their church.  Tabitha and I began a rich friendship.  We met because I was walking down the street praising the Lord.

Another evening, I was walking down the street praising the Lord, and a man on a bicycle said to me, "No you're not walking down the street praising the Lord?!"  He engaged me.  I smelled alcohol on his breath - no matter - the Lord had me to demonstrate HIS love.  The man shared with me that he was a Jew; he spoke some about the Lord.  He began to cry.  I asked him if I could pray for him; he agreed.  We prayed together.  Again, we met because I was walking down the street praising the Lord.

One day, I walked in Wal-Mart praising the Lord.  A man heard me and engaged me.  He informed me that he was a Christian teacher.  He and I spoke for a few minutes, and right in the front area of Wal-Mart, we prayed out loud.  Again, we met because I came in Wal-Mart praising the Lord.

Another day, I stood in front of Walgreens "preaching" the Word. A man came out and said, "Preach that Word, sister!" Later that week, I went to a Wendy's to get a meal.  A woman that worked there invited me to her church.  I went and the man that saw me at Walgreens is a member of that church.  He came up to me and reminded me that he saw me in front of the Walgreens "preaching." He had told the Sunday school class about this lady that he saw up at Walgreens "preaching."  The pastor's wife said to me that he had mentioned it in Sunday school.     

I would walk up and down the street on the block where I lived proclaiming the gospel.  One day I "stationed" myself on the corner near a gas station and proclaimed the gospel.

Here in DC:

One day, I stood in a highly traveled area with my gospel CD playing through my earphones.  I commenced to dance to the Lord right there.  Some teenagers about to board a bus were laughing.  I was laughing and dancing to the Lord!  No shame or hesitation.

I have determined that I am NOT going to do all of my praising and dancing before the Lord at home or in church.   Much else is being done in public...so certainly praise, worship, and dance to the glory of GOD have a public "place." 

I identify with David in 2 Samuel 6:14, "And David danced before the Lord with all his might;..." 

2 Samuel 6:16
...Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart.

Sandra's comments: David was outside in public dancing...  

It is my inclination to be most attracted to the most radical personalities in the Bible such as John the Baptist...they are the style that the Lord has me engineered to be - in some aspects.    

Note: Now, of course, I am NOT going to be in government buildings or in business settings and break out in praise, worship and dance. But if I'm walking down the street, in the park, in stores,...I am prone to publicly praise the most high GOD whose air we breathe.  Note: Since I wrote this months ago, I attended a court case for one of my friends and when the court recessed for lunch, I did demonstratively praise our Lord during the lunch recess.  I stayed behind on the courtroom level, put on my headphones and listened to gospel music and with raised hands to our Lord, I did some praise and worship, with dancing, before I ate my lunch that I'd brought with me.  I wasn't loud and the corridors were pretty much empty. Yes, people saw me but it wasn't obtrusive because the area, largely, was cleared of people. 

Second Note: Certainly, we are unique and have different styles - what works for some does not work for all.  May we all give GOD glory in how He leads us - individually and collectively. 

ANNOUNCEMENT

Greetings -

The answers to "7 UPS - QUIZUPS" #6  have been posted under the subject tab.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Greetings -

Please read the "Announcement" area on the side bar on the right side of this blog.

Thank you for your indulgence.

I'M PREGNANT

Greetings -


I'm pregnant


Pregnant with love
Pregnant with truth
Pregnant with life
Pregnant with power
Pregnant with joy
Pregnant with possibilities
Pregnant with expectations
Pregnant with sure awareness that GOD is my babies' daddy.


My first trimester was doubtful
The second one was better
This third one is ripe with glory 


I am having triplets - one for the Father, one for the Son, and one for the Holy Ghost.  I'm about ready to pop, to explode, to soar into dimensions of glory from the seed that Holy Father GOD planted.


They are rolling me in.  Delivery will transpire at any moment.  When I get into the room it is full of more pregnant folks.  What?! Some of the pregnant are men.


What is this, Lord?!


"They are giving birth, too," said the Lord.  He continued, "They are having anointed babies, fruitful babies, unprecedented ministry babies, new career babies, and babies who will mature to walk up and down in My name with boldness and love that is shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Ghost."


The pregnant women are joyous about their pregnancies, and delightfully amused  and expectant about the pregnancies of the men.  There is a pregnant love fest up in here!  This is deep.


Oh my!  I've got to go now. It is time for these babies in me to break through to begin their explosive journeys to turn this world upside down in the awesome name of JESUS.


My fellow preggies wave to me and join hands in prayer.  Hallelujah - glory to GOD.  


It's on - let's do this...

Scriptures from the King James Bible:


The Acts 4:28
For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 

The Acts 4:13
...they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

The Acts 17:6
...These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;

PRAYER FOR THOSE IN THE PORNOGRAPHIC INDUSTRY

Greetings -

There are people in the pornographic industry who want out but do not know how to escape the snares of that "world."  Many of those people are hopeless and cannot comprehend that they can be free from the shame of that lifestyle.  We know that nothing is impossible with GOD but, for the most part, they do not see a way out of their existences as tools for the devices of Satan.

Also, some of the people in that industry are backslidden Christians, and those who were raised in Christian homes but have never accepted Christ as their personal Savior.  Some of them do the pornographic "work" and scream inside for who they have become.  They have major self-hatred and lash out at others because they do not love themselves.  Disconnection from Christ causes, among other things, lack of joy.  Some of those people in the pornographic industry are so deep in preversion that they can barely stand themselves and those in their close "quarters."

The perversion that has become them is eating away at them bit by bit.  A number of them are close to the edge and have, more than once, considered suicide.

GOD is about to do a work in that industry.  Please agree with me in prayer for those ensnared in that "world."

Prayer:

Father, in the redemptive name of JESUS, please help those who live in the pornographic realm.  Lord, You know their hearts, and that many of them cry out for help and love.  Many of them seek love in the wrong places from the wrong people.  But, we know Lord, that You are love and that there is nothing too hard for You.  You are a Savior, a Deliverer, a Healer, a Helper, and a sure Comforter.  Please deliver and make whole the people who have given themselves over to perversion.  Prove to them, please Father, that You can fix anything, and completely heal from any sort of damage.  You love them, Lord, just as they are because You are a GOD of absolute love, and forgiveness.  Others have rejected them, but You call out to them, "Come, for I have not forgotten you nor will I will reject those who come to Me in sincerity and in truth.  Fret not about what others think or believe about you, I say to you come and be washed clean from your sins.  Come, to Freedom - Freedom is Me."

Almighty Father GOD, please go and get Your people and lead them to Your way everlasting.  Rebuke the devourer for their sakes and move mountains and whatever obstacles are in their way.  Go and get them, dear Father, in JESUS name, and bring them to Your table to sup and celebrate kingdom living - forever.

Thank You, Lord - Amen  

Matthew 11:28
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

NEW PHOTOS POSTED

Greetings -

Please click on this link to view three new sets of photos
http://www.lioneaglephotorama.blogspot.com/

I am now using both photo blogs, the one above PHOTORAMA/PLUS AND PHOTO SPLENDOR at http://www.photosplendorplus.blogspot.com/
(long story...)

A link will be placed here when there are new photos on whichever one has new photos....

Thank you for your indulgence.
http://www.am/ NOW USING BOTH PHOTO BLOGS

INFORMATION RELATIVE TO 7 UPS - QUIZUPS

Greetings -

Ref: 7 UPS - QUIZUPS

QUESTION NO. 5 ASKED, "Which of these countries is a top ten coconut producer?"

I used Africa as a country.  Timothy alerted that Africa is not a country.  I remembered after I saw Timothy's note that Africa is a continent.

The questions is changed to read, "Which of these areas is a top ten coconut producer?"

Thank you, Timothy

Please forgive the error.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Greetings -

7 UPS - QUIZUPS HAS BEEN POSTED TODAY.  IT IS UNDER THE TAB "7 UPS - QUIZUPS."  THE ANSWERS WILL BE POSTED TOMORROW.

I HAVE POSTED ONE OTHER POST TODAY, EVE OF CHRIST'S RETURN.

AT LEAST ONE MORE POST MAY BE DONE TODAY.

EVE OF CHRIST'S RETURN

Greetings -

This is fiction but it could be true.

Peter Knew, the son of a minister, was diligently taught to obey God. He married Rebecca Patience and had three lovely children.

It was weeks before Christmas and Peter, a famed music producer, had booked Eden Hall in New York City for a holiday extravaganza titled, Christ Returns. His company, Fluid Notes, had just signed a rising star, Gomer Wayward. Her role in the Christ Returns production would be her first major billing since the start of her contract with Fluid Notes. She would be the understudy for the veteran, Ruth Cherish. The understudy role would allow Gomer to perform in all four of the Sunday matinee performances.

Gomer had her mind set on a stellar career. She did not intend to reach famed heights through a slow reasonable process. She had a plan. Lure Peter, and gain a fast route to fame and fortune. She bristled at beginning as the understudy. She had a few weeks to snare her man because her first goal was to displace Ruth in star billing for the Christ Returns production. Little by little, Gomer gained ground with Peter until one afternoon, she cinched her deal.

Peter succumbed.

They began an affair that would lead to much heartache.

Two weeks before opening night, Peter met with Ruth and told her, “Ruth, I have decided to give Gomer star billing for the extravaganza. You are now the understudy for the role.”

Ruth was stunned. She excused herself and hasted away to sob. She prayed, “Lord, my heart aches with sorrow. I need your comfort, and blessed assurances to cope with this pain.”

The Lord responded, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. I will strengthen your heart. You will mount up with wings as an eagle. Wait, I say, on the Lord.”

With the composure gained from her moments with the Lord, Ruth went to Peter smiling and said, “Peter, I will be delighted to be the understudy. Thank you for the opportunity.”

Peter soberly wonders how Ruth is able to maintain such calm with the news that he has delivered. He looks at her curiously and asks, “How can you be composed after what I just told you?”

“I trust God, Peter. The Lord promised me that He will have me to mount up with wings as an eagle. I believe God because there is constant proof that He is a promise keeper.”

Peter feels the guilt rise in him. He sheepishly says to Ruth, “I envy your peace. It is something that was my experience until…” His voice trails off. He hastily walks away.

Ruth prays, “Lord, please restore Peter to righteousness with You.”

The Lord responds, “It shall come to pass.”

Ruth joyfully exclaims, “Thank you, Lord!”

It was not enough that Gomer had displaced Ruth. She also steadily taunts Ruth and gloats that she is now the star.

Ruth continues to cleave to the Lord, and to love Gomer in spite of how Gomer relentlessly mocks her.

On opening night, December 23rd, Peter and Gomer arrive together.

Gomer took the stage and sang three Christmas carols.

One audience member commented, “She sings well but her delivery has no spirit.”

The show continues, and concludes.

Gomer receives applause but never any exhibits of thunderous appreciation or requests for encores.

People know that Gomer is an adulterer, and many could not enjoy her because of her sordid character.

In contrast, on Christmas Eve, Ruth performs superbly in the matinee with God’s power flowing with every carol she sings.

Many of Ruth’s favorite fans skipped Gomer’s performances and attended the matinees where Ruth consistently rendered exceptional performances.

Ruth received positive press, numerous ovations, and so many encore requests that she made a record seven encore appearances.

Those matinee shows were a sell-out success.

The New York Messenger newspaper reported, “Christmas Eve, and Beyond - Understudy Reigns With CHRIST RETURNS.”

Gomer was crestfallen. She “gathered” herself, and remarked to herself, I still have Peter who will be my “fortune.”

Peter left Rebecca and his three children.

Gomer moved in with him, and continued to perform but never again with star billing.

Ruth accepted a better contract with another company, headed by Daniel Den. She went on to major success.

Eight years later on Christmas Eve…

Peter returned to Christ, severed himself completely from Gomer, and returned to Rebecca and his children.

Gomer’s heart melted with grief. She isolated herself for weeks.

Ruth heard about Gomer’s misfortune.

The Lord spoke to Ruth, “Go to her.”

Ruth obeyed.

When Gomer opened the door and saw Ruth, she collapsed in her arms.

Ruth cradled her, and together they sang the Lord’s Prayer.

Over weeks, Ruth continued to minister to Gomer – she led her to Christ.

Months later…

Ruth was nominated for a Stellar award for her carol, “Christmas Cradle.” She invited Gomer to attend the award event with her.

Gomer gladly accepted.

Ruth won for best Gospel Song. Upon acceptance, she called Gomer to the stage, and exclaimed, “Thank you, Gomer, for all that you contributed to my growth in our Lord. God made this possible for the two of us to stand here united in His holiness.”

Gomer smiled glowingly.

The two embraced in the power of love.

…but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; …( I John 3:2-KJV)

Sandra

Written October 23, 2008

© Copyright October 23, 2008