Dogs in Church
By Tony A Grayson

"Have you seen the woman who brings her dog to church," someone asked me.

"No," I answered. I did not react well to hearing the news. Much public news appears to center around "It's all about me" people who do what they want with no concern for others. Besides that, a Christian church represents the body of Christ, a holy place.

Then, a counter-thought came to mind. Biblical stories brim with allegory. After birth, Mary placed Jesus in a manger (a feeding trough for domestic animals). The Son of God sheltered among domestic animals (in their house), a vulnerable, but protected newborn. How can we not welcome a domestic animal today in the house of the Lord, his house. Yet, a dilemma may accrue from such welcome.

As I understand it, the woman has aged to the point that she barely can come to worship at our church. Her wee dog, a constant companion, gives her love. The animal has become her strength, her source of courage about leaving her house for any purpose. She has passed the point of reason about whether or not her dog can go where she goes. If the dog cannot go, then she will not.

After I heard about the woman and her dog, many church services have happened, yet I have not located her. Someone told me that she arrives late, just before the start of the service, that she sits in the last pew, and that she places the dog at her feet in order to stand and to clap her hands during the singing portions of the church service.

"From habit, the dog shakes itself just after she places it at her feet," someone said. "If you listen carefully, you may hear its tiny chain and tag rattle. Otherwise, you will not know, for the dog never makes a sound."

Just as in any public place, at a restaurant, at the theater, at your child's school play, on a cruise ship, in an airplane, owners, managers, and members have increasingly permitted patrons' animals. Some do that conditionally. Those animals admitted may not all rattle a tiny chain and lay quietly at their owner's feet. Society has become ever more political and vocal, and does not seem to tolerate exceptions. Allow one wee dog in church and the staff will risk a dilemma when dozens of dogs attend church with their owners. What do you think should be done? #TAG1writer.

Find Tony's published novels online at https://wp.me/P9ep8b-1D

See and comment on a novel being written with blog posts at Tony's Website and Blog: https://writeathriller.wordpress.com/

Participate in his writing of Tony's 5th novel as a series of blog posts at the website. Readers, established and aspiring writers are invited to comment anonymously on each blog post. Experience the great game of crafting a novel today. #TAG1writer

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by

Joseph

Among humanity's oldest mysteries are the origin and cause of suffering. We need only look around us to know that the world is filled with suffering. No creature on earth has not experienced some form of pain and suffering. It is the nature of this world. It hasn't always been so. God tells us that He made the world perfect, and we know that in those early days there was no sin, no suffering, no death, decay or disease.

Suffering came about after Adam and Eve gave into temptation¹. With their act of rebellion against God, sin and suffering entered the world and now all creation is feeling its effects².

Although sin is the root of most suffering, i.e. the result of personal sin, what about those who suffer hardship despite having done absolutely nothing wrong?

People often point to the trials of Job, that Old Testament patriarch who went from wealthy landowner and happy parent, to a bewildered, broken, childless and penniless man in only a short amount of time³. God said that Job was blameless and lived an upright life⁴, yet the man suffered.

That man's suffering came about because God pointed out how upright and righteous Job was when He called the angels to heaven to talk with them⁵. When God talked to the devil about Job's righteousness, the enemy threw a fit, belittled Job's righteousness⁶ and was given permission to attack Job, first through loss of material possessions and his children⁷, and when that didn't work, the devil was given permission to attack Job's body directly⁸.

The only real fault Job had was in thinking that he was a good man in his own right, that doing good would bring about rewards. When he sought to vindicate himself before God⁹, the Creator corrected him¹⁰.

Job suffered because God intended to teach us and the devil a lesson: that He is in control of all creation and always worthy of praise¹⁰.

But people since that time have looked at Job's problems and wondered how that man's hardship could be applied to their own lives. What about others who haven't had a chance to live a full life? Why do they suffer? What about the truly innocent? The infants, the extremely mentally disabled? Why do they suffer?

Well, the answer can be found in the life of one Man, indeed He is the most important Man of all. Jesus Christ never sinned¹¹. He is God. Yet, He suffered every day throughout His earthly life and indeed He suffered since sin came upon the human race¹². 

How so? Because God hates sin¹³. Because God created a gentle and happy world for humans and animals to live in. Every bit of sorrow and misery that humanity and animals experience indeed hurts God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit¹⁴.

We all hurt God. The devil hurts God by attacking the Lord's creation. More directly to how we all hurt God: when Jesus was spat upon, flogged, stabbed and crucified he was hurt by each and every one of us^15,16,17. So, for any who doubt that anything in creation can hurt God, I hope this has dispelled that misconception.

The wonderful thing is that Jesus triumphed over suffering and death¹⁸. His sacrifice on the cross means that His children will have eternal life¹⁹. Any man, woman and child who accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior will have eternal life²⁰. That's His promise to us.

But it doesn't come instantly. By that I mean, becoming Christian doesn't make the earthly problems go away. Often times, Christians suffer even greater problems²¹.

That's what makes many people scratch their heads. It seems counter-intuitive - follow God and you have pain, go your own way and things seem to be okay.

Note how I said "seem". Those who think they're in total control secretly know that most things in this life are still beyond their ability to regulate. Those folks have two options: accept that they need God's help or they can continue their own way and ultimately lose their very soul²².

But that doesn't seem to address the reality of Christian suffering.

Jesus told us that in this world we shall suffer trials²³. In response many of us are quick to ask "why?". Jesus also told us that because He suffered (and suffers) hatred, all of us who follow Him will also suffer it²⁴.

It's often said that Christians are to imitate Christ²⁵, to obey and love Him and to love all humans as brothers and sisters²⁶.

People may not realize that Christians also share something else with Jesus Christ: an inheritance²⁷. Yes, an eternal treasure waiting in heaven²⁸. Christians - yes, the adopted children of God - are joint heirs with Jesus Christ²⁹. This means that to be like Christ is to have the same rewards as our first Brother.

A long time ago a powerful angel named Lucifer got the idea in his head that he could be like God in power, splendor and glory³⁰. The instant that thought entered Lucifer's mind, he went from being a good angel to the leader of the fallen angels.

Lucifer, also known as the dragon and Satan, the enemy of God and the adversary of man is forever finished³¹. He can never be redeemed. In fact, when God told Adam and Eve they had to leave Eden, he comforted the husband and wife by telling them that the devil was going to be defeated by Jesus Christ³². That is why Jesus came to live among us, to remove sin, give us a way home and to defeat the devil. He has done that. The devil has lost.

But even though the devil has been defeated, God hasn't locked him up yet. That won't come until God's appointed time³¹. What we need to know about how this relates to Christian suffering is this: Satan and his demons have always been jealous of God³⁰. Now that God has countless millions and billions of adopted sons and daughters - the Christians - who shall be joint heirs with Jesus Christ, the devil's hatred against those adopted children is going to be felt.

God allows suffering as an expression of love³³. It's hard to accept, I know. But the suffering that comes about when you have done absolutely nothing wrong, is the result of God allowing the devil to attack you because you are a son or daughter of God³⁴. That's the heart and essence of what it means to be like God. It means to suffer like God. To suffer like Christ.

The very truth that "to be like God" means enduring hardship and suffering is beyond the devil's comprehension. The enemy has deceived the world into thinking that a loving God would always protect His loved ones from all harm. Therefore, the devil and his followers can never accept or understand the perfect suffering of Jesus Christ. That is why they mock - and attack - those who endure pain for the sake of God.

That's not to say that we should run headlong into suffering. Jesus did tell his disciples to spread out when calamity strikes³⁵. So suffering just to suffer is not recommended.

But when you suffer for things you have not done, when you are totally blameless, remember that it is God suffering, too. Because you belong to God and God loves you, you will suffer.

Take comfort in knowing that it won't last forever. Because God lives now and always and the Christian lives in God as part of God, then the Christian will live for eternity³⁶. And at GOD's appointed time, the devil will be imprisoned forever and ever and will never again harm or plague creation³¹.

I thank God for giving me this personal perspective on Christian suffering. And I thank Him for blessing me to share it with you.

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Scriptural References

1. Genesis 3:1-2

2. Romans 8:22

3. Job 1:13-22

4. Job 1:8

5. Job 1:5

6. Job 1:9-11

7. Job 1:12-19

8. Job 2:1-6

9. Job 13:3

10. Job 38:1-41

11. 2 Corinthians 5:21

12. Isaiah 53:3

13. Romans 6:23

14. Matthew 10:29

15. John 19:1

16. John 19:34

17. Matthew 26:67

18. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

19. John 3:16

20. John 3:36

21. 1 Peter 4:16

22. Mark 8:36

23. John 16:33

24. John 15:18

25. 1 Corinthians 11:1

26. John 13:34-35

27. Ephesians 1:11-17

28. Matthew 6:20

29. Romans 8:17

30. Isaiah 14:12-15

31. Revelations 20:10

32. Genesis 3:15

33. Hebrews 12:6

34. 1 Peter 4:12-19

35. Matthew 24: 16-22

36. John 11:26

"A Personal Perspective on Why Christians Suffer Trials" copyright © 2016 Living Fit, Healthy and Happy_(SM). All Rights Reserved.

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Is the Bible Reliable

Is the Bible Reliable

The Bible is a Book that is loved around the world. Its followers live in every country and in every climate. Those who read it regularly love its pages and often do not get enough of it. Many even devote their life to the study of it, going after many degrees. But is it a love well-placed, or is it an obvious blind-sidedeness? Is there some real proof that the Bible is reliable? Is it for the people of today?

If one is honest, and will take the time to honestly learn the truth, the answer is that there is plenty of proof about the veracity of the Bible. While there are many books that deal with the subject (apologetics), most know very little about them. This article will deal with how you can know that the Bible is reliable.

Its Claim To Reliability
This is most important, simply because if the Bible claims to be true and it isn't, then it is not reliable. One of the many places that the Bible claims to be infallible is in Psalms 12:6,7, which says: "The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever" (KJV). Here the Bible is spoken of as being as purified silver - having been refined seven times. In that day, a seven-fold purification process meant the silver had no dross, or error, in it. The next phrase shows how long it will be kept that pure - for ever.

After having studied the Bible for many years, and looking at it with open, and believing eyes, many find it to be just as was predicted - without error. Here are some ways that we can know the Bible is indeed the Word of God.

It Is Reliable In...

1. Its Theme

From cover to cover the Bible has but one theme - redemption. To have this degree of unification of thought, by 40 different men, who spanned over 1600 years of time, is most incredible. Redemption is always by faith, through blood.

2. Its Historical Records

For many years scoffers mocked the Bible because it mentioned a large and very powerful nation called the Hittites. They mocked because there was not one shred of evidence archeologically that they ever existed. But one day, archeology caught up with what the Bible taught, and shovel full after shovel began, around the turn of the last century, to uncover the truth. Others have also wondered about Sodom and Gomorrah - until recently. These cities have been found - and yes, they were burned by sulfur and brimstone, near the edge of the Dead Sea, just like God said. Other archeological findings have revealed seashells at the tops of mountains - all around the earth - sounds like evidence of a world-wide flood - just like the Bible says.

3. Its Scientific Facts

While it is true that the Bible is not a textbook for a science class, where it does mention science, it is always scientifically correct. Interestingly, many of the facts of science that are referred to, were written more than 700 BC! The Bible speaks of the "circle of the earth" (Isaiah 40:22 - written around 700BC); of the hydrologic cycle (Ecclesiastes 1:6,7 - about 1000BC); of the wind traveling in circuits (cells) - Ecclesiastes 1:6; and physiology, "the life of the flesh is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11 - around 1460BC!) - which if man only believed its truths, they would not have bled George Washington to death!

4. Its Prophecies

Many of today's so-called astrologers make very general predictions - simply because that makes it harder to show that they are ever wrong. But the Bible is very different here. First, the Bible declares that if any so called prophet is ever wrong - then they were not sent by God (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). God is not afraid that He will ever be shown to be wrong. A second thing is that the Bible gives very detailed prophecies. Concerning the life of Christ, there were many prophecies. Peter Stoner, once Chairman of the Departments of Math and Astronomy at Pasadena City College and at Westmont College however, in his book Science Speaks, wrote of the probability of just eight of these coming to pass. The odds that he calculated, which was verified by the American Scientific Affiliation, was said to be 1 in 10 to the 17th power! This means a ten followed by 17 zeroes; or, to put it in plain English, only one man in 1X1017 could possibly have fulfilled just eight of those prophecies! And when you think about it, there are currently only 6 billion people (6X108) on earth now. But there were actually more than 400 prophecies, not just 8!

In conclusion, it should be easy to say along with David, "Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth. Concerning thy testimonies, I have known that thou hast founded them forever" (Psalm 119:151,152).

Author Bio
Christine Bettridge has loved writing since childhood. She has written Plays, poetry and many articles. Her latest e-book End Time Secrets recently released by Cypress Street Publishing has caused an order frenzy since its release. It can be ordered, downloaded and read right now through the publishers website at End Time Secrets She also is the editor of the article directory, aboveallcontent.com, Above All Content.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

by

Joseph

Are you one of those people who takes everything for granted? You know, that you'll always have a roof over your head, a full stomach, clothes to wear and money in the bank? Perhaps you take your looks for granted or your relationship or even your very life?

Taking the question a step further: are you one of those people who expects everything to go your way? That you're entitled to have all of - and only - the very best in life? Are your prayers focused solely on what you want in life?

Are you one of those people who becomes easily disappointed and angry with God when things don't turn out the way that you want them to? Do you question why that other person has what you want but do not have?

Have you ever thought about why it is that your plans haven't worked out the way you planned?

Although many of the mysteries of life will remain elusive, there is always a reason for everything - including for what we do and don't receive.

When plans don't work out, many folks wonder if they made a mistake somewhere, even agonizing over what they could have done differently.

But it rarely occurs to anyone that perhaps they want something that is bad for them.

For example, imagine a child sees someone eating a large chocolate sundae covered with whipped cream. The child tells his parents to buy a sundae for him, too. A sundae that is even larger than the one this other person is eating. But the child's parents refuse to do as he asks. So he falls down and throws a tantrum and through his sobs tells his parents why he wants the sundae. His parents look upon him with sadness and pain, yet they still refuse to buy him the sundae.

Years later the boy realizes that chocolate sundaes are made with ingredients that can make him deathly sick. Then he looks back upon his childhood tantrum with a new respect and reverence for his parents and a deep gratitude that they refused his selfish cries. His parents knew something that he did not know at the time, and their refusal to give into their son's childish pleas saved his life.

So may it be with certain things that you want.

God always sees the big picture. He knows every detail, even the most minute ones. He knows what we need is more important than what we want. His refusal to give a yes to certain things that we want is because His refusal is saving our life.

Of course, there are other reasons, too. It isn't that you won't get that certain thing that you want, but that it isn't yet time to receive it. Again, God knows everything and He works out all things according to His plan.

So, when you ask for anything, always approach God with humility. We are not entitled to any good thing. God gives us all things according to His will. When we seek Him with humility, asking that what we want should be in accordance with what He wants, then by the grace of the Holy Spirit we may receive it.

Put another way, in humility, wait upon the Lord. He knows what to ask the Father on our behalf. When we are right with God, then He will give us what we ask of Him. Always always wait on God.

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Differences: The Old and New Testament

Differences: The Old and New Testament

The Bible is a Book that has two main divisions in - the Old Testament and the New Testament. Even though there are these distinct parts of the Bible - it still has only one theme - redemption. This is necessary to understand because the whole Bible revolves around this theme, and some have said that there is a scarlet thread (of blood) that runs form cover to cover.

Other Similarities

Before the differences are looked at, let's consider some other similarities that exist between the two halves. The books were all written by men - even the two books that bear the names of women - Ruth and Esther. The theme of both Books is redemption, and in both Books redemption occurs through faith. The Redeemer is the same in the Old Testament and the New - though it was not as clear in the Old. God always had the plan of sending His Son to become the Redeemer by dying for the human race (see Isaiah 53, and Psalm 22). Also, in both the Old Testaments and the New, the blood of sacrifice is necessary for redemption (Leviticus 17:10 and Hebrews 9:22)

Another similarity is that the Bible begins with a tree, the Tree of Life - from which mankind is forbidden to partake after they sinned, and the Bible ends with the Tree of Life - offered freely to the redeemed to partake of its fruits. It also begins with man and God walking together in fellowship in the beginning, and once again, after God's working to redeem man, in the end, forever.

The Main Difference Between The Two

All of the differences can be summed up by saying that the Old Testament begins the teaching, or revelation, while the New Testament finishes (or completes) that same revelation. In other words, the story is incomplete without the New Testament. The completion that is accomplished here is not just referring to a completed Book, but something more. The complete revelation of God to man, and of God's finished work of man's redemption, is completed in Christ - Who is God in the flesh. The New Testament is God's infallible record of what Christ has done - and will yet do.

Other Differences Between the Two

1. The Old Testament deals largely in pictures and types.

Much of the truth about Christ that is in the Old Testament was hidden or unknown until Christ came. While they did know that everything relating to the Tabernacle and the Temple was to be made "according to the pattern," most of them probably did not understand that the Pattern referred to was Christ Himself. The New Testament, however, reveals what many of the things in the Old Testament meant.

A couple of the events of the Old Testament were prophetic through their illustrated truth, and of which the New Testament tells us that they were types (pictures) of Christ:

Abraham's offering of Isaac - pictured the Father Who willingly offered His only begotten Son; and of the Son Who refused not to die - both believing that God would raise him up - which is exactly what happened in Christ's case

Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness - pictured Christ being lifted up for us, and putting Satan and his power to death.

Moses striking the Rock - he was to do it once because it pictured that Christ would be smitten once, and from Him would flow living waters.

2. In the Old Testament, once the Temple was built, God dwelt in the Temple - distant (the place of His revealed presence), but in the New Testament, God lives in the heart of each believer - close and personal, showing that the fellowship with God has been restored.

3. The Old Testament begins with God calling out a people-nation to Himself (Genesis 12), while the New Testament shows Him beginning with that nation, through 12 Jewish apostles, and calling unto Himself the whole world.

4. The Old Testament largely deals with the Law of God, but in the New Testament, the focus is on the grace of God. This is not because God had changed in any way, but it was because the complete Sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins had been accomplished - Christ died for our sins.

5. The Old Testament shows God remaining largely hidden, and access to Him could only be gained through the Temple, and with an animal sacrifice. The New Testament shows that Christ has given every believer free access to the Throne of God.

The difference between the two is further illustrated in the Bible by an incident that occurred just after Christ died on the Cross. In the Temple, there was a thick curtain, behind which only the High Priest could enter once a year. When Christ died, this curtain was ripped from the top to the bottom without human hands. This miracle showed to all who saw it that God would no longer remain hidden away behind these pictures, but now every man could have full access to God through Christ by faith.

Author Bio
Christine Bettridge has loved writing since childhood. She has written Plays, poetry and many articles. Her latest e-book End Time Secrets recently released by Cypress Street Publishing has caused an order craze in the religious world. It can be ordered and downloaded right now through the publishers website at End Time Secrets and she also is the editor of the article directory, aboveallcontent.com, Above All Content. Visit her blog at: biblesound.blogspot.com, The Bible Sound Blog.

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by

Joseph

I enjoy researching Christian topics online and visiting websites that provide insights into daily life and helping bring others into fellowship with God. The internet is filled with such websites, and people are blessed when they read the true words of the Lord. Unfortunately, the internet is also rife with websites that do not promote the word of God, sites that have traded the truth for a lie.

I happened across one of those websites recently. While the article itself discussed the importance of learning to accept disappointment and failure as part of life, the comments following the article ranged from acknowledging the need for correction to resentment of God's involvement in human life.

One commentator in particular spoke many times on the matter of life's problems. At first I thought that his comments spoke of the anguish of loss but as I continued reading, I was alarmed by how effectively the commentator so twisted the words of God that people who know little about the character of God would fall into a dangerous trap if they accepted that commentator's beliefs.

At one point the commentator said that God would spit in your face if you sought His help and in another comment he likened God to cruel human parents saying that God is only interested in His ego, and that people who die won't be resurrected. He also focused solely on what he wanted in life and lamented that God had prevented him from getting what he wanted.

It is normal for people to wonder about their place in God's plan, to express feelings of sadness about loss, etc. But we must always seek God, to honestly talk with God about what we are feeling, and what we need, all the while remembering that we must glorify Him not ourselves.

Yet the commentator did not do this. Even worse, he also used just enough scripture in his comments that it would trick people who did not know what the Bible says about such things. He posted numerous comments over an extended period of time which showed that he had accepted the ideas that he was promoting. Alarmingly his comments had been posted in 2014 and were not strongly challenged by others on that website.

Thus I posted a long comment warning against the dangers of accepting the ideas posted by that commentator. The moderators of that website promptly removed my comment saying that I was "criticizing" that person's comments and that I should write comments more favorable i.e. acceptable to tickle their ears.

I refuse to do any such thing. I would rather face the light rebuke of humans than be subject to the wrath of God. I would rather to have the ridicule of humans when doing the work of God knowing that in doing His work, I will be walking in Christ than to be praised by humans and not please God.

Fortunately I saved my comment before posting it on that website, and I'll post it here in its entirety for all to see.

It's important to point out false teaching because to believe a lie is to walk toward death. It is all the worse for someone who knows the word of God yet goes out into the world spreading false ideas about the character of God.

Thus I'm posting my comment in italics for everyone to read:

"I've read many of the readers' comments and many of them express the need to understand God, and to trust Him to guide them through hard times. I've also read the comments posted by the individual who goes by the name "Cooper". At first I though the person was writing from a genuine sense of pain and loss but as I continued reading the various comments posted by that individual, I've come to conclusion that he is evil.

We can not verify or deny what he claims happened in his life, only God knows.But what we can see is that "Cooper" hates God. The individual referring to himself as "Cooper" knows about God, he has made numerous references to scripture but has twisted them to portray God as the enemy of humanity.

Satan does this all the time. "Cooper" says that there is no benefit to following God, no pay off in this world or the next. Taken to the next step (if going by his logic), why follow God? He also challenged God when he posted that we should try to imagine how Jesus felt when He asked that the cup be taken away from Him. By the reasoning of "Cooper", God the Father was cruel by having Jesus go to His death. That is absolutely not true! First of all, Jesus asked for the cup to be passed from Him if it was possible. He asked because His human body was afraid. Yet His Spirit knew the will of the Father. And Jesus obeyed His Father. I thank Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit for Jesus's sacrifice because if Jesus did not go through with it, if the Father had said that was enough, then none of us would be alive today. Jesus died so that humanity can live. Humanity can have life in heaven IF we accept that God is God.

Jesus became human and had all of our imperfections which meant that if He messed up even one time, it would have been permanent separation from the Father. Think of the risk that God took! God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit have always been. Yet, if Jesus sinned even once, then God the Father would have had to condemn Him. They took that risk for all of humanity. And not just in the hours leading up to the crucifixion, but for all 33 years of Jesus's earthly life! Now that is the greatest love that a Father can have for His children, the greatest love that a Creator can have for His creation.

"Cooper" knows the academics of it but he doesn't want to believe it. Worse, he's trying to prey on the emotions and sadness of others. Just as Peter warned that we should be wary of the devil who goes about seeking whom he can devour, he is using "Cooper" on this website. Most vulnerable are those who do not know much about God and are groping for Him. If "Cooper" can turn these people against God then "Cooper" would be effective in accomplishing the limited will of his father, the father of lies.

Proof of this is found in the fact that "Cooper" ridicules those who have spoken contrary to him and mentions by name people who have expressed sadness and worry and confusion about their problems. Why would he do this? Satan did the same thing. Satan led one third of the angels in rebellion against God. Satan appealed to the vanity and selfishness. "Cooper" is appealing to other people, preying on their doubt, and yes, selfishness.

"Cooper" says that he has to do it all alone. That's because he wants to. He says that he is seeking God who doesn't seek out "Cooper". If "Cooper" really sought God, he would know that God is just. But this is what everyone who reads this must keep in mind. Jesus said "My sheep hear me and they know my voice and they will follow me."  God is not evil. Anyone can choose to follow God or reject Him. By all of the things that "Cooper" has written, it is obvious that he has rejected God and wants others to do as he has done.

"Cooper" keeps making comparisons to Job; Job was attacked by Satan because God allowed it to humble Job and to show Satan that Job relied on God not on earthly wealth. Job was self-righteous, and that is the lesson he learned from God.

God does things differently with different people. Job lived thousands of years ago and serves as an example for people after him. That doesn't mean that God doesn't intervene on behalf of those who love Him. Bad things happen to everyone whether just or unjust. But the difference is how people react. The unjust react always with hate. The just feel pain but they ask for God's help and they rely on Him.

God doesn't work for us, we work for God.

You have to realize that the devil uses a variety of methods in his war against God and the children of God. Satan knows the Bible, he attempted to use it against Jesus when Jesus was on the 40 day fast, hoping that Jesus would bow to him. That's how evil Satan is. And yes, the devil's children who are versed in scripture are very effective in misleading people.

You can't reason with "Cooper" because he already knows, he just refuses to accept it. Proverbs warns that you can not argue with a fool, and to leave the fool to himself lest you be brought down with him.

Fools crave attention as do hypocrites and trolls. "Cooper" fits all of these descriptions.

The Church is warned to remove the unrepentant from their midst so as to prevent their evil from contaminating others. I suggest that you ban "Cooper" from posting here and inform other Christian websites about that individual so that they can ban him, too.

Don't let "Cooper" or any like him to lead you to hell. Choose God, choose the Living God, the God of mercy, the God of faithfulness, the God of compassion, the God of love. Jesus Christ is God and showed us that God is love.

Paul said that our strength is made perfect in weakness. We all have weaknesses, but must rely on God for help. If you are Christian you also know that you are at war with evil, the battle takes place in the mind (and breaking down strongholds which the devil will place within your mind so as to make you doubt God), but it also takes place when you see that a person distorts the word of God. As Christians we must tell the truth and lead people toward God.

Resist the evil that "Cooper" represents. Follow God. Follow the living God."

Sadly, people who claim to be Christians seem to know little about what it means to follow God. They would prefer to make nice with everyone so as to be accepted by humans and promote false teachings rather than face rejection by exposing false doctrine. When they make such a choice, they lead many to their death.

Jesus was continually harassed by the educated and powerful men of His day, rejected by people who preferred to have a murderer in their midst instead of the Man who was healing them, he was beaten and nailed to a wooden cross and died there after only a few hours, but in so doing took all of our sins onto Himself. His resurrection after three days means that we all have the opportunity to be reconciled to the Father and spend eternity in heaven.

To follow God is to risk ridicule and rejection, but when we suffer these things, we are blessed by God (Matthew 5:11-12). It's infinitely better to have the love of God than the love of humans.

I'll conclude this post with references to scripture which speak about the importance of promoting the truth and the rejection of lies. Read them for your encouragement.

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Jude 1:3

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3

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by

Joseph

In our sufferings and in our afflictions, take heart that God has not abandoned us. For as Jesus suffered, we shall suffer.

As it is written the servant is not greater than the master (John 13:16), we know that as disciples of Christ we shall face hardship, ridicule, poverty and scorn.

We shall experience sorrow and weariness of body, yet in all this we become more like the Lord Jesus Christ, relying upon Him and grasping tightly to His hand.

For as God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16), in our belief and righteousness, we act to help others in the service of Christ.

In this we show that we believe in Him and that this will invite scorn and contempt from those who worship the things of this life rather than the One True God.

Yet, God loves us, He knows our sufferings and enables us to persevere and in this to develop right character lacking in nothing (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4) and as the Father shall be and is glorified through our acts in His name, and the name of Jesus Christ, we shall be glorified.

Praise the Lord our God! Praise the Saviour of the human race, our Allpowerful Redeemer (Job 19:25)!

For as God lives, we live for we have the promise of God Who dwells within us (John 14:19).

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by

Joseph

We give thanks to God for the mighty winds that blow, for the blooming flowers, blossoms on trees, for the green grass and daffodils, yes for all of these things.

We give thanks to God for the creation of the sun and the warmth it brings, for the moon's light and the rains that fall to replenish, nourish and cleanse, yes for all of these things.

We give thanks to God for the birds that fly, the insects that creep, the fish that swim, the other animals that move about the land and in the waters, yes for all of these things.

We give thanks to God for His compassion and wisdom and patience with the world, yes for all of these things.

Hear us, Oh Lord! Oh You God of Abraham, of Isaac, of Jacob! Oh You God of Moses, David, Elijah! Oh You God of Joseph and Mary and Elizabeth and Martha! Hear us, Oh You God of Peter and James and John and Stephen! Hear us, Oh You God of the Church!

May my words be acceptable to You and my deeds be acceptable in Your sight!

Protect the downtrodden! Defend the helpless! Remember the poor and the sick! Do not let the ways of the wicked prevail!

Bestow upon the hateful their due measure! Bestow upon those who make themselves fat off the suffering of others, who sit in lofty places with a disdain for righteousness, make them to know no peace.

May their very arrows of hatred which are their attacks against You be turned back by your mighty wind to become poisonous arrows that strike them! For You can never be defeated!

May the food and drink which they eat and drink become rot within their bellies. May they eat and drink and not be filled. May their bodies become emaciated and thin, their selves to waste to rot.

May those who follow the accuser of the brethren be brought low! May those who follow the ways of the serpent also be destroyed, for You have already smote the serpent on his head!

May they yet turn from their evil and come to You, Oh Lord, so as to not befall Your wrath! And forgive us also of our sins so that we do not offend You!

For You are the Mighty Sword and with the utterance of one word, You shall upon Your return slay the armies of evil that have gathered against You!

Protect us Your servants, Oh Lord! Sustain and strengthen us as we do Your will! For You are our portion! You are everything we need!

You God, are King everlasting! You are God of all creation and Your reign has no end! For You have always been! You were here before the formation of anything and everything in creation! You are the Creator and Master of all forever and ever.

I ask for this in Jesus name.

Amen

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God’s Perfection: The Story Of A Special Needs Child

Submitted by: Anthony Kane, MD

I want to give a brief introduction to the following story.

This story comes from the Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn, New York. It is interesting that although I first heard this story almost a decade ago and haven’t thought about it for several years, this story was sent to me last week by two different people, one from New Jersey and one from Florida. I have decided to share this story with you.

This story was first told at a funding raising dinner for Chush, a special needs school in New York, catering to the Orthodox Jewish community. One of the speakers at that dinner was the father of Shaya, a learning disabled boy about whom this story revolves.

The father started his speech like so many others, praising the school and the dedication of the staff. But then he went off on a tangent in a way that touched the lives of everyone in that room.

“We know that God is perfect. We all believe this. But I ask you, look at my son. He can’t learn like other children. He can’t remember facts like other children. He will never understand things that they can understand. Look at my son and tell me, where is God’s perfection?”

The shocked audience sat silent, facing the pain of a father in anguish.

“I believe,” the father continued softly, "that when God brings a child like my son into the world, the perfection that He seeks is in not what the child might do, but the way people react to this child."

The father then told this story about his son, Shaya.

One Sunday afternoon, he and his son were walking by a park where the Orthodox Jewish boys in the neighborhood were playing baseball.

"Do you think they would let me play?" Shaya asked.

Shaya's father knew that his son didn’t know how to play baseball. His son couldn’t play baseball. But he also knows that these boys have always been kind to Shaya. If he as Shaya’s father didn’t speak up for his son, who would?

So he walked over to one of the boys and asked, "What do you think about letting Shaya in the game?"

The boy didn't know what to say. He looked around to his teammates for guidance. He didn’t get any.

Finally the boy answered, "Well, we're about to start the 8th inning, and we're losing by six runs. I don't think we're going to win this game, so what's the difference? We’ll get him a
glove and he can play on our team behind second base. We’ll let him bat in the ninth inning.”

Shaya’s face beamed. His father helped him put on the baseball glove and Shaya joined his team, playing short center field.

But things began to change. In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shaya's team scored three runs. They again rallied in the ninth inning. Now in the bottom of the ninth inning, Shaya’s team had bases loaded with two outs. It was Shaya’s turn at bat.

They will never let him bat, thought the father. But without hesitation, one of the boys shouted, "Shaya, you're up!" and he handed Shaya the bat.

Shaya had never held a bat before. Shaya walked to the plate. The pitcher moved in a few steps and lobbed the ball so Shaya could make contact. Shaya swung the bat clumsily and missed the ball by a wide margin.

"Hold on,” said one of the boys. “Let me help him. Let me show him how to bat."

This boy came and stood behind Shaya, and put his arms around him so together they were holding the bat.

The pitcher moved in a couple more feet and lobbed the ball as softly as he could.

The two boys swung the bat together and managed to make contact with the ball, tapping it gently toward the pitcher.

“Run, Shaya, run to first!” shouted Shaya’s teammates.

Run to first? Shaya run to first!? Shaya had never run to first in his life. But Shaya began running to first.

Shaya was not even half way to first base when the ball reached the pitcher’s feet. The game was all but over. The pitcher picked up the ball. He now had a choice. He could throw Shaya out at first and end the game that way or he could easily outrun Shaya and tag him out. However, the pitcher decided to end the game in a different way.

He took the ball and with all his might threw it as far as he could over the first baseman’s head far into right field.

“Run, Shaya, run,” the pitcher shouted.

The right fielder was still chasing after the ball when Shaya reached first.

“Shaya, run to second!” his teammates shouted.

Shaya began to run to second, some of his teammates running with him. The other three base runners had already scored. Now the game was tied.

Shaya was only a quarter of the way to second base when the right fielder had the ball. Instead of throwing the ball to second to tag Shaya out, the right fielder took the ball and threw it way over the third baseman’s head and out of the park.

When Shaya reached second, the opposing shortstop ran up to him, turned him in the direction of third base and shouted, "Run to third!"

Shaya began to run to third and his entire team came onto the field and was running with him. Shaya reached third base.

Now all eighteen boys were running behind Shaya.

“Shaya, run home! Shaya, run home!” everyone shouted.

Shaya stepped on home plate to the cheers of eighteen boys. They picked him up and carried him on their shoulders. He had hit a home run.

Shaya, the special needs boy who had never played baseball before, was the hero of the game.

-------------------------------------------

None of us know why we were put on this Earth. Many teach that part of our job is to try to emulate our Creator’s perfection. Many of us have difficultly with our children. Some of these children have ADHD. Some of them have other problems. However, our children and we have a purpose why we were created. Most of us will probably never really know what that purpose is.

Still, I wanted to share this true story with you that took place about ten years ago: The story of eighteen boys who for a few brief moments one Sunday afternoon, at a playground in Brooklyn, were able to give us a glimpse of God’s perfection.


Anthony Kane, MD
ADD ADHD Advances

About the Author: Anthony Kane, MD is a physician and international lecturer. Get ADD ADHD Child Behavior and Treatment Help for your ADD ADHD child, including child behavior advice and information on the latest ADHD treatment and medication. Share your views at the ADD ADHD Blog. Sign up for the free ADD ADHD Advances online journal. bodhranCeltic Harp Sitarhighland bagpipe bagpipe sitar celtic harp bodhranpractice chanter

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by

Joseph

We're now in the midst of the Christmas season. This is a time when people spend time with family and friends. It's also a time when people feel more generous, giving gifts to loved ones and opening their wallets to various charities.

Yet, we must not lose sight of the fact that people are in need all year round. Millions need food and shelter to be sure, but it shouldn't necessarily start or begin there.

Indeed millions of people suffer from loneliness, isolation, and sickness who often go unnoticed by their fellow human beings.

So, we should do more to help those in need. In our current economy, finances don't go as far as in the past, yet giving doesn't have to be limited to cash.

For some, a smile and word of encouragement go a long way toward helping someone belong. For others, a warm blanket, food, and clothing donated to church will make the difference between life and death for someone who is destitute.

Some folks are worried about sharing with others because they fear it might embarrass the recipient. In such cases, help the less fortunate without them even knowing about it. People can often give in secret, the only ones who will know about it are the person who gives and the Heavenly Father.

Yes, we each have something in abundance that we can share with others - and it doesn't always have to be money. 

The thing is that we share what we have because as it is written in Luke 12:48 "For to whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" we should give freely of ourselves to those who suffer misfortune not just at Chrsitmas time but throughout the year. We do this because Jesus did such for us, and He wants us to be like Him.

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