JESUS HONORING - SPECTACULAR!

Emotional! Songs lyrics, images all patriotic and Jesus honoring - SPECTACULAR!

When the Soldiers sing, BATTLE HYMN OF REPUBLIC with the fireworks going off over the top of the Lincoln Memorial - they even included THIS portion of lyrics: [Christ's name was invoked!]

"In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free,
While God is marching on."
 Other performance of the Army Choir singing:
"BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jy6AOGRsR80

Pay Attention to the Lonely and Comfort those in Need.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
NKJV

Picture, if you will, a line of people. These people are from different backgrounds and families. Only one thing unites them and that is the fact that all are incredibly thirsty. Each of them longs for a cup of cold water. Now, imagine the first in this great line being given a case of ice cold water. With great anticipation, they grab a bottle and begin to quench their overpowering thirst. The dryness and pain that came with the thirst is quickly forgotten as they embrace the refreshing liquid. After enjoying the comforts of the water, the person is then refreshed and ready to pass on this wonderful gift. With great joy, they proceed to hand a bottle of water to the next thirsty soul - and the refreshment continues.

This may seem like an odd story, but it sheds light on our place in sharing God's comfort. All of us have endured suffering. Like these people, we ache for refreshment from the pains of life. After a time of wondering when it will end, God pours out His refreshing comfort on our life and we become encouraged. The danger is to stop at this point and miss the secondary blessing. Rather than selfishly holding on to God's comfort, we should share it with those who are still thirsting for relief. As God comforts us in our suffering we are put in the perfect place to comfort others - and the refreshment continues.

God is the source of all blessings, comfort and mercy. When we are a source of blessings or comfort or mercy, we are becoming more and more like Christ.

Father God,
Thank You for the amazing comfort that I find in You. Because of Your love, I have peace with God and forgiveness for all my sins. Because of Jesus, I am free from the penalty of sin and no matter what happens on this earth, I will be healed and loved for all eternity. Lord, help me to remember these things and to pass them on to those who are thirsting for Your refreshing comfort. In Jesus' name, Amen.

U2's Bono's Unexpected Response to 'Who Is Jesus?' Question

Who Is Jesus? Interview with U2's Bono.

I've always been an admirer of U2 band since the early 80's and have the utmost respect for Bono. I've always loved most of U2 music. Bono said, "We pray to the risen Jesus" U2's Bono on his faith in Jesus Christ. Opening up about his religious views, the singer, 53, revealed that he and wife Ali Hewson, and four children Eve, Jordan, Elijah and John Hewson, hold impromptu prayer sessions in honor of sick members of the family and those generally struggling in life. 

In an interview with Ireland's RTE One, the rock star said: 'I pray to get to know the will of God, because then the prayers have more chance of coming true, I mean, that’s the thing about prayer,' Bono told interviewer Gay Byrne.

He added: 'We don't do it in a very lofty way in our family. It’s just a bunch of us on the bed, usually, we’ve a very big bed in our house. We pray with all our kids, we read the Scriptures, we pray.' When asked who he prays to and for what, Bono replied: 'The risen Jesus.'

He said: '[Jesus] went around saying he was the Messiah. That’s why he was crucified. He was crucified because he said he was the Son of God. 
'So, he either, in my view, was the Son of God or he was nuts... And I find it hard to accept that whole millions and millions of lives, half the Earth, for 2,000 years have been touched, have felt their lives touched and inspired by some nutter. I just, I don’t believe it.'

U2 frontman Bono talks about his faith and answers the question "Who is Jesus?" in the video below. Click play to watch.




Six Surprises from Bono's Interview with Focus on the Family

Bono, the lead singer for legendary rock band U2 and co-founder of the ONE Campaign, shares his insight as a husband of 30 years and a father of four children, and how his faith in Jesus Christ motivates him to use his celebrity status to fight for social justice around the world.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2013/june/bono-interview-with-focus-on-family-jim-daly.html?raypublishing

U2's Bono: Yes, Jesus is the Son of God

http://www.wnd.com/2013/06/u2s-bono-jesus-is-the-son-of-god/

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/popups/media_player.aspx?MediaId={6F96A92A-F22B-48B7-B32D-CD265B797C45}

Christmas Around the World

The Origins of Popular Christmas Traditions

Dating back to Rome in 330 AD, the Christian holiday of Christmas is one of the oldest and most powerful celebrations in human history. Originally celebrated as a simple mass, Christmas has come to replace a number of other holidays in many countries, and a large number of traditions have become a cherished part of the family Christmas celebration.

Why December 25?

From the words Cristes maesse, or "Christ's Mass," Christmas is the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. What's interesting about this is that Jesus was not born on December 25 as many assume. Actually, no one is sure when Jesus was born as the exact date is not mentioned in the Bible. December 25th is just a date picked by the Catholic church to eclipse the festivities of a rival pagan festival, Saturnalia.

Mistletoe and Holly 

Two hundred years before the birth of Christ, Druids decorated their homes with mistletoe to celebrate the coming of winter. They believed the plant had special healing powers for everything from female infertility to poison. Scandinavians also considered the mistletoe to be a special plant, associating it with their goddess of love, Frigga. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe probably derived from this belief. Because of the pagan origins of mistletoe, the early church banned its use in Christmas celebrations, suggesting holly as an appropriate substitute. Holly's sharply pointed leaves were to symbolize the thorns in Christ's crown and the red berries drops of his blood. 

Poinsettias 

Native to Mexico, poinsettias were named after America's first ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett, who brought the plants to America in 1828. The Mexicans in the eighteenth century thought the plants were symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem. Thus the Poinsettia became associated with the Christmas season. The actual flower of the poinsettia is the small, yellow cluster found surrounded by bright, colored leaves often mistaken for petals. 

O Christmas Tree 

One of the most recognizable images of the Christmas season, the Christmas Tree originated in Germany, possibly as early as 700 AD. The Christmas tree as we know it is most commonly credited to Martin Luther, who in 1530 was moved by the sight of stars shining though the forest of firs near his home that he apparently cut a small one and brought it indoors. He then placed lit candles in its boughs as a salute to the star of Bethlehem. By the 1800s, the Christmas tree custom was widespread throughout many parts of Europe, and was brought to America by the Pennsylvania German immigrants in the 1820's. In 1880, Woolworths sold the first manufactured Christmas tree ornaments, and the first electrically lighted Christmas tree appeared in 1882. 

Santa Claus - St. Nicholas 

The original Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, was born in Turkey during the 4th century. He devoted his life to Christianity and his reputation for generosity and kindness gave rise to legends of the miracles he performed for the poor and unhappy. Devotion to the legendary St. Nicholas spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and he became the patron saint of Sicily, Russia, Greece, charitable fraternities and guilds, sailors and children. After the Reformation, the legend of St. Nicholas all but disappeared in all Protestant countries of Europe except Holland, where Dutch children would place their wooden shoes by the hearth in hopes that they would be filled with a treat. The Dutch knew St. Nicholas as Sinterklaas, which eventually became corrupted in Anglican to Santa Claus. In 1822, Clement C. Moore composed his famous poem, "A Visit from St. Nick" (later published as "The Night Before Christmas"), and is credited with creating the modern image of Santa Claus as a jolly fat man in a red suit. 

Bible Promises

God always keeps his promises. It's in the Bible, 2 Corinthians 1:19-20, NKJV. "For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us"

God never takes back or changes His promises. It's in the Bible, Psalm 89:34, TLB. "No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back one word of what I said."

None of God's promises ever fail. It's in the Bible, Joshua 23:14, NIV. "You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed."

We have been promised eternal life. It's in the Bible, 1 John 2:25, NKJV. "And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.

God can do the impossible. It's in the Bible, Luke 18:27, NKJV. "But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

We have been promised new hearts and desires. It's in the Bible, Ezekiel 36:26, NKJV. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."

He has promised forgiveness. It's in the Bible, 1 John 1:9, NKJV. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

God promises our sins will be far removed from us. It's in the Bible, Psalm 103:12, NKJV. "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."

We are promised that our sins will be buried. It's in the Bible, Micah 7:19, NKJV. " He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."

He has promised the fruit of the Spirit. It's in the Bible, Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law."

He has promised deliverance from fear. It's in the Bible, Psalm 34:4, NKJV. "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."

God has promised salvation for our children. It's in the Bible, Isaiah 49:25, NKJV. "For I will contend with him who contends with you, and I will save your children."

We are promised the Holy Spirit. It's in the Bible, Luke 11:13, NKJV. "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

All of our needs will be supplied. It's in the Bible, Philippians 4:19, NKJV. "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

God gave the best He had by giving us His only Son. It's in the Bible, Romans 8:32, NKJV. "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?"

God does not hold back anything that is for your benefit or good. It's in the Bible, Psalm 84:11, TLB. "For Jehovah God is our Light and our Protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk along his paths."

He has promised wisdom. It's in the Bible, James 1:5, NKJV. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

God has promised peace. It's in the Bible, Isaiah 26:3, NKJV. "You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

God has promised victory over temptations. It's in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 10:13, NKJV. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

We have the promise of health and healing. It's in the Bible, Jeremiah 30:17, NKJV. "For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord"

God has promised protection from harm and danger. It's in the Bible, Psalm 91:4-6, NKJV. "He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday."

The Bible promises that the dead will live again. It's in the Bible, John 5:28-29, NKJV. "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation."

Jesus has promised that He will come again. It's in the Bible, John 14:2-3, NKJV. "In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

He has promised an end to death, sorrow, and pain. It's in the Bible, Revelation 21:4, NKJV. "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

~E. S. Ray

Personal Salvation vs Collective Salvation

I believe that freedom and democracy are a direct result of Christianity. This is because Christianity was the first religion that encouraged people to be virtuous to themselves and to others in life, and in this way make the world a better place.

People are so worried about President Obama being a Muslim when they need to be concerned about 1st their own salvation.  Some Friends of mine have said.  Scott do you know who you are taking on now? I said, yes, I do. Could it be Satan? I mean, it is a perversion of the gospel.  And I understand that we are dealing with — we're not dealing with — we're not dealing with powers of the Earth. We're just not. This is a perversion of the gospel. And it is such a clear perversion of the gospel, I want to show my friends and foes some collective salvation remarks from our president, that some of you may have voted for.  Sorry it's time as we as Christians stand up and witness for the ONLY true GOD JESUS CHRIST our LORD.

Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the LORD restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!  Psalm 14:7 NIV

Is not my house right with God? Has he not made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part? Will he not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire?  2 Samuel 23:5 NIV

 















Here is the president talking about collective salvation.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: You can take your diploma, walk off this stage and chase only after the big house and the nice suits and the other things that our money culture says you should buy, you can choose to narrow your concerns and live life in a way that tries to keep your story separate from America's, but I hope you don't, not because you have an obligation to those who are less fortunate, although I believe you do have that obligation; not because you have a debt to all those who helped you get to where you are today, although I do believe you have that debt to pay. It's because you have an obligation to yourself. Because our individual salvation depends on collective salvation.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: And recognizing that my fate remain tied up with their fates, that my individual salvation is not going to come about without a collective salvation for the country.

Do we understand what that means, that the sacrifice, the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ doesn't do it. It's a collective salvation.  Really Mr. President.  We need to pray for President Obama.

After all he and his family went to the Rev. Wright church for 20 years. It just burn's me up when I hear Barack Obama's pastor who says blacks should not sing "God Bless America" but "God damn America.  My father and many of my friends have fought and some died for us, all America.

What is the Difference between Personal Salvation and Collective Salvation?

Personal Salvation: 
That if a man believes in God, and he follows the virtues set forth by the Lord, then he shall get to Heaven. Likewise, on the part of the man himself there is set forth no condition or requirement for his salvation. Your personal salvation is neither a gift nor a process, but the result of a relationship between each individual person and God. So long as you are faithful, and follow the good works of the Lord, then you shall get to Heaven. They tend to be conservative, and believe that the Government should create an environment for people to prosper, and should allow people to do what they think is best for themselves. That by doing good, people will automatically, as if by default, be doing something to the benefit of society. They may try to convince you as to what is right, yet they will not force you. They believe no one knows what's right, so it's best to encourage personal responsibility rather than to force everyone to believe in your views.

Collective Salvation: 
This is the belief that you have to believe in God to get to Heaven, and if you don't believe in God then it's my job to make force you. If you don't take care of your body, it's my job to force you. An example of this is Michelle Obama saying that kids should be forced to give up dessert. Another example are the people suing McDonald's because toys in Happy Meals encourage kids to eat bad. They tend to be liberal and tend to believe in the Progressive idea that experts, or czars, should decide what's best for man and force man to do what they think is right, or New York Congressmen creating a law telling restaurants they can no longer put salt in foods to force people to no longer eat salt, or lawmakers talking about raising taxes on sodas to discourage its use. They will try to convince you as to what is right, and if you don't follow them they will try to force you. They believe they know what's right for everyone.

I found this comment from Reverend James Robison and who I feel  is one of the biggest evangelical preachers around.  

Anytime you deplete the adequacy sufficiency of the grace of God in Christ and the forgiveness he offers through Christ, when you deplete that by adding to it, by saying we must do this in order to earn it, and you have desecrated the word of God, the death of Christ on the cross, that sacrificial gift of God and then you have placed on man his own responsibility, you really nullify the very act of love that God expressed in the gift of His son on the cross.

The relationship that we have in Christ transforms our lives personally. And by the way, it's the transformation of the individual that leads to the restoration of this nation. We don't need a transformed nation.

 
 We're being told today as the right way, which is nothing but social justice, and the manipulators, including the media and many deceived church leaders are trying to tell people in the church if they don't support this so called social justice that they don't have compassion. And the fact is that when you take and distribute, you have separated people from a compassion connection. And without a compassion connection, which leads to true charity and to an involvement in the difficult circumstances of people who are in trouble, if you separate people from that connection, you are throwing money at an unhittable target, you might as well toss it in the wind and you are actually depleting the possibility of wealth and you don't eliminate poverty by depleting wealth. What you've got to do is get people who have wealth prosperity to be somehow delivered from their own greed and self focused to begin to focus on how we can personally, through compassion, make a difference in other people's lives. And this is what I hear you saying, and much of the church listening to the wrong voices, listening to these deceivers, and they are in the realm of darkness, they are powers and principalities, and they are effective. And right now the church too often is listening to these deceptive manipulative voices and we are missing the opportunity to restore, not transform America but restore America to sanity and restore the principles that our founders, with all their diversity, all their did I distinctive differences, they came together in harmony of heart and understood nature's god and nature's laws and gave us a foundation upon which to build in freedom and liberty, which also implies that we have to be responsible. If you're free, the freedom our founders gave us demands personal accountability and responsibility. And if we don't return to that — I mean, you can mark it down. You can date it. If the church doesn't wake up, stand up, and pierce the darkness, you can literally color America and the freedom we've known and the opportunity we've known, you can color it done. It's over. Now, that's just simply the way it is.

Dear Father,
I pray for all the families in this great nation.  Thank You for loving me. Thank You for dying for me. I want to live as Your vessel to share the Gospel to others.  Lord bless the men & women currently fighting to protect our freedom, as well as the freedom of those around the world.  Father comfort those families of those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.  And comfort the families and armed forces that still are serving to protect our freedoms.
In Jesus' name. Amen


Ray Publishing


Please note that the views in my blog expressed are mine and mine alone... not necessarily shared by WBFJ, Mt. Carmel Church, my employer, friends or especially my family.