Serve God Your way & I wil serve God My way !?!

"...my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).

There are many ways to serve god. Some of them give the Catholic religion all their material possessions and think that God is pleased with this. Some serve god by chanting to little wooden boxes and candles. some of them go along with whatever indoctrination, they were first introduced to, which is in turn what their parents' were taught and so forth.  "My mom and dad raised me that way." or "its the 'tradition of the elders'".  Yet Some of them go along with whatever their seminary or university taught them. While there are still others whom believe that praising God can come through jumping up & down and falling out on the floor.

Unfortunately the God of the whole Bible (also called Jesus) is not so comprising.  In Exodus : it states that His name is Jealous.


This principle is most easily illustrated by a story of David. David is called a man after God's own heart, the sweet psalmist, and was even appointed king by God.

In 1Chronicles 13 King David is going to retrieve the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark represents the presence and the judgment of God. Contained in the ark amongst other things were Aaron's rod that budded and the stone tablets the 10 commandments (Hebrews 9:4).
The Ark was originally taken by the Philistines and David went to Kirjathjearim to get it and bring it back.

"And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader...And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart. And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets" (1Chronicles 13:1-8).



The situation so-far described reflects stereotypical mega-churches of the modern day. A goal is set and no one checks the scripture to see if the plan will receive blessings of God. Notice the extreme care that was taken in this project. First David consulted the heads of the people. Invited brethren from abroad, priests and Levites. Prepared a New Cart for the Ark to sit on and I'm sure two strong oxen to pull the cart. They played every instrument with all their might before the Lord. Also;

FOOD 4 THOUGHT(you do the dishes): David is the man that will be King over Israel in the Resurrection. After the Coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ, will sit on the throne of David when he is crowned King of Kings. (Ezekiel 34:1-6, 19-26/ Luke 1:32/Revelation 19:16)




"And when they came unto the threshing-floor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God. And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perez-uzza to this day. And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?" (1Chronicles 13:9-12)


Some of the worst things are done with the best intentions. After all this care was taken, and during this big praise and worship session, the oxen stumbles (no big deal right? we all stumble sometimes) and all Uzza did was try to catch it (you don't want something holy that represents The True and Living God to hit the ground). And for this reason God killed him immediately Why?

In a word Ignorance!
If anyone would have checked the Bible about the ordinances how to transport the Ark, they would've seen:

"But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle. And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death... The Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony" (Numbers 1:47-54).

Only the Levite's are supposed to bear the Ark of the covenant for it pertains to the tabernacle of testimony.

In Chapter 15 David realizes his error, and begins again to retrieve the Ark of the covenant of God.

"And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent. Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever" (1Chronicles 15:1-2).

Can you tell the difference when things are done in ignorance vs when things are done with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding? After David called for the sons of Aaron (high priests) and all the Levites, he confessed his sin:

"And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites... And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it. For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order. So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel" (1Chronicles 15:11-14).

And Again;
"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism; One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:3-6)

1 Lord, 1 Faith, 1 Baptism, and 1 way to worship God... His Way!

But Why?
So that;
"all things be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40)

May the Lord add a blessing to the reading, the hearing, and the understanding of His word... In Jesus name

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"Jesus" The ONLY God man has EVER known.

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

Jesus walked the earth a little over 2,000 years ago. In the first chapter of St. John it is said that Jesus (the word) was also in the beginning with God. It also says that the Word (Jesus) created EVERYTHING that was made. That would include Adam and Eve. For some reason people still confuse the fact that the Father DID NOT create Anything. This confusion is understandable because over 2,000 yrs ago, the religous leaders, including the Pharisees (who knew the scriptures very well) were also unbeliveing that Jesus did not start with Mary.
In fact the Jews almost stoned Jesus because He likened himself to God (I and my Father are one) St. John 10:30-33. 
Rational as well as educated people have found this statement impossible for 2,000 years. God taking on the form of a man, or a man being born thru a woman without the sperm of another man seems a small thought in the bigger picture.

Let's start at the beginning...
"He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing" (Job26:7).

On the 6th day He created man (a self-sufficent, self sustaining independent being) out of the dust of the ground. Genesis 2:7
But that wasn't good enough. God then created All the beasts of the field, and birds of the air to help Adam. This help was still not sufficent and man was alone so God created a companion for man from man's own rib. Genesis 2:18-23

None of these are to hard for people to accept seeing as how God is Almighty.
The prophet Isaiah said in Isaiah chapter 8 verse 14 that Jesus would be a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel. He also wrote later in Chapter 53 that he would be despised and rejected of men. Rejected; eventhough He created the world! John 1:10-11

However the Bible supports the fact that Jesus existed before Mary.
"And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape" (John 5:36-37).
This is a very powerful statement. God spoke to the people all the time in the Old Testament. Various people saw the shape of God.

"Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words. Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink" (Exodus 24:8-11).

Simple reasoning would lead to the conclusion that those 74 elders saw Jesus... The God of the Old Testament.
Even Paul understood this fact:  "all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:1-4).

Jesus led the children of Israel thru the Red Sea. This is that same rock that Isaiah said the people would be offended by. 

Jesus is called the Word because He is the spokesman for the Father. It also makes since for Him to be called the Word since He is the only God that has ever spoke to man.

Also Jesus made another statement that the people wanted to stone Him for:

"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:52-58).

Abraham was born over 1,200  before Jesus mother Mary. By saying 'I AM' Jesus was explaining that He has always existed. I AM is the same thing that He (Jesus) told Moses (at the burning bush) that His name was.
"And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you" (Exodus 3:13-14).

Lastly, Matthew 1:18-23 the Bible tells us that the birth of Jesus was fulfilling the words of the prophet Isaiah in chapter 8 verse 14 where the Messiah is called 'Immanuel.' Matthew also informs us that the meaning of the name Immanuel is GOD WITH US!

JESUS... also known as The God of All Times.

May The Lord add a blessing to the reading of His Word

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x-mas Accepted or Rejected; U DECIDE

As we approach December 25th most of the Christian world is preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Celebrating the birth of Christ sounds noble; but considers this Food 4 thought/This fine Wine 4 your Mind:



The New Testament gives no indication that the early church recognized at all, let alone celebrates the Birth of the Messiah.

Paul the 'Apostle to the Gentiles' made no reference whatsoever to the birth of Jesus. The book of the Acts of the Apostles (supposedly written by Luke, of which Gospel the nativity story originates), there is not ANY reference at all, whatsoever of the disciples or anyone else celebrating the birth of Christ. As a matter of fact outside of the two gospels (Matthew and Luke) that merely describe the events not dates or seasons, there is no mention of the date of Christ’s birth anywhere in the New Testament.





This should not be surprising since the people most likely expected Jesus return to be 'any day'.





By the 2nd CenturyA.D. The Gnostic movement began to focus on when Jesus was born. Primarily because the Gnostic's never considered Christ's death as anything redemptive. Other events within the life of Christ are what they base their doctrine on :(

Bad Choice! Doctrine comes from the law AND the testimony.



"Bind up the testimony; seal the law among my disciples... To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:16-20).


Origen, an early Christian scholar and theologian who lived from 185 – 254A.D. spoke against celebrating Christ's birth at all. He concluded, after reviewing scripture that there were only TWO birthdays mentioned in the whole Bible. They were celebrated by wicked men (Pharaoh and Herod) and on both occasions someone died.


Christmas in Ritual and Tradition, Christian and Pagan













Not only is the birth of Christ unknown but scholars are also uncertain when December 25th became the date to celebrate Christ's birth. After the 11th Century Christmas celebrations took on an un-Christian atmosphere of partying (as they do in the modern day).



The Reformation movement also took great pains to seriously down play (when they could not outright remove) Christmas celebrations. They (the reformers) believed if God wanted men to celebrate the birth of the only begotten son, he would have also given the date for celebration, or at least the exact date that it transpired.

• Martin Luther - (the main figure behind the reformation [the breaking away from the Catholic Church and the eventual formation of Protestantism]), actually fought against a common celebration of Christmas.

In 1647, the English Parliament passed a law forbidding the observance of Christmas.

In 1659 in Massachusetts made it illegal to observe Christmas.
 (The Puritans were a special sect, being one of the few groups that were ALWAYS from the beginning Anti-Slavery).
The recognition that no New Testament scripture anywhere provides a basis for such a celebration was the reasoning for these bans on Christmas.

 
 
 
 

May the Lord add a blessing to the study of His Word.

 

 

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Christmas Traditionz... (Tree & Colors)

Christmas tree And Christmas Colors... Red &; Green

The traditional Christmas colours of red and green, being complementary colours, represent the fertility of the male and incubation by the female.

In the 1300's most people couldn't read, so churches used plays and theatre to educate the illiterate public. Some churches named theirs; Miracle Plays. Their tradition was to; present the story of Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden on December 24th. Since there were no Apple trees in the winter, the people attached apples to the branches of a pine tree. Using Pine trees to represent the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil became a common practice among churches and they began incorporating the tree into their Christmas displays each year.

The "Paradise Tree" became so popular in Germany, that the people began to erect pine trees in their homes during the holiday, decorating them with red apples, as they seen the church do.


But this tree that the people put up in their homes (mimicking what they saw in the miracle plays) is supposed to represent the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam and Eve never ate of the tree of life. Remember that's why after God made Adam confess they put him out of the garden 'lest he set forth his hand and take of the tree of life and live forever’ (Genesis 2).













Before long, the tradition was so widespread, that it eventually introduced two modern traditions: the Christmas tree and our seasonal colors. Green for the pine tree and red for the apples – the combination of which represented the Paradise Tree (the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil), which made its debut in the 14th century.





I hope that it is as clear to you as it is to me, how even those things meant 4 good & borne out of true innocence, if it has not truth and understanding behind it, leads to folly!

"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death"  (Proverbs 14:2).

And Again, the prophet told us:



"Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palmtree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good... But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities" (Jeremiah 10:1-10).

But some say 'I do not worship the tree, it’s not as if I make obeisance (bow down) to the tree.'

It is not coincidence that gifts are laid under the tree until Christmas day.

Also note that at the top of Christmas trees is either a star or angel. In the Bible, stars (the host of heaven) are another name for angels. Seeing how this is the tree with apples on it; It represents The Tree of  The Knowledge Of Good and Evil, the tree that the serpent decieved all mankind from.  It seems to me, that this infamous Christmas tree represents Satan! Why else would an angel be on top of the tree rather than Christ. Since He is supposedly the reason for the season. :-|

LET IT BE KNOWN: The Christmas tree legend gives credit to Martin Luther. Allegedly, Luther while walking home one Christmas Eve saw starlight reflecting off the icy evergreen trees. He was supposedly so moved by its beauty that he cut a tree down, brought it in his home, and lit candles upon it. NO! Martin Luther was one of the main reformers fighting against a common celebration of Christmas.

May the Lord add a blessing to the believing of His Word.

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Additional Scriptures

Isaiah 44:9-20


Isaiah 40:18-22

Christmas Traditionz... (Santa Clause)

Children are taught that Santa Claus evolved from Saint Nicholas. But followers of Paganism know the true origins.

A Pagan god named Odin was the imagined white-bearded old man in a long cloak. A mixture of the characterizations of both St. Nicholas and Odin is thought to result in Father Christmas.






When we are young children, we are told about Santa's existence. Later, when we're about seven years old (or maybe seventeen!) we find out that he's really just a fictional character. And some kind of way, as parents, we can justify lying to children for the first Ten yrs of their existence, yet it is inexcusable when those same children lie to us during adolescents. And then we learn that, he doesn't exist now, but he used to. Even though St. Nicholas is our inspiration for creating Santa Claus the image and characteristics of Santa come from Odin and His Mighty Horse:

Odin, the ruler of Asgard was one of the major deities among the early Germanic tribes. A number of Odin's escapades parallel those of the figure who would become Santa Claus. Odin was depicted as leading a hunting party through the skies, while riding his eight-legged horse, named Sleipnir. Sleipnir is described as being able to leap great distances, which some scholars have compared to the legends of Santa's reindeer. Odin was typically portrayed as an old man with a long, white beard -- much like St. Nicholas himself.

During the winter, children placed their boots near the chimney, filling them with carrots or straw as a gift for Sleipnir. As a reward, when Odin flew by, gifts were left in the boots. This practice survived despite the adoption of Christianity, in several Germanic countries. As a result, of the adoption of Christianity the gift-giving became associated with St. Nicholas.





The Dutch settlers, whom settled in New Amsterdam (now New York), brought with them their practice of leaving shoes out for St. Nicholas to fill with gifts. They also brought the name Sinterklaas, which over time morphed into Santa Claus. Although a the Dutch version of St. Nicholas was written about by author Washington Irving around 1809, it was about 15 years later that the figure of Santa as we know it today was introduced.

Food 4 Thought (you do the dishes): most of the lies about Santa Claus go beyond the fact that he exists. The lie is compounded by giving him attributes of God Almighty! (He knows when you’re asleep or awake, if you've been naughty or nice, and has a list etc.)

So the next time your teenager breaks curfew and then lies about it, before you become infuriated remember all the lies that you thought it was ok to pass on to the young and innocent child (Christmas and Santa Claus aren't the only ones [Easter bunny]).

"Thou shalt not bear false witness..."

(Exodus 20:16)

And Again:

"...all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8)

May the LORD add a blessing to the understanding of His Word.

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Christmas Traditionz (Mistletoe; also known as dung-on-a-twig)

Mistletoe has Indo-European roots.

Mistletoe translated literally means dung (boo-boo)-on-a-twig. 

The word breaks down: 'Misstel' an Anglo-Saxon word for dung (boo-boo) that comes out of a Mistel bird. Toe is the word for twig.



The people (Barbarians) at that time believed that the mistletoe plant burst forth by magic from excrement.

Now I know what you’re thinking... Very Romantic ;-)


By the 16th century scientific knowledge increased and scientists found that the plant was spread by seeds that passed thru the digestive tract of birds.

Actress: Susan Summers increases public awareness currently about the research on Mistletoe as a possible cure for Breast Cancer.
CNN did a much more skeptical follow-up:  http://archives.cnn.com/2001/HEALTH/conditions/03/30/cancer.treatment/index.html




"What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils" (1Corinthians 10:19-21).

May the Lord add a blessings to the belief in His Word.

Yuletide Celebration   The pagan customs of Xmas

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Christmas Traditionz (mistletoe)

"KISS ME UNDER THE PARASITIC EVERGREEN SHRUB"

BOTANY 101 (lol)

The Mistletoe is a partial parasite (hempiparasite).

As a partial parasite the mistletoe can grow from photosynthesis like regular plants. However, it can be found on trunks of trees as well as branches. The Mistletoe actually sends out roots, penetrating the tree and taking up nutrients.



There are two type of Mistletoe; What is called the 'true mistletoe'  The Viscum album of Europe.

A green shrub, with small yellow flowers, and sticky white berries (which are poisonous).

 Seen mostly on Apple trees and rarely on Oak trees--->

The Celts and the Vikings saw the mistletoe as a healing plant. The rare Oak tree mistletoe was greatly venerated by the ancients.

In Scandinavia the mistletoe was considered soo sacred that enemies whom meet under mistletoe they would lay down their arms and keep a truce until the next day.

The Druids from pagan Great Britain believed the mistletoe would heal diseases, and that its poison would somehow make other poisons harmless. The Mistletoe was also seen as a fertility plant. Making humans, as well as animals fertile. It also protects against bad luck (everything Jesus has in his power to do)!

“Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:4).



During the Victorian Era in England, kissing under mistletoe was a ritual that elders hoped would lead to romance and marriage for the younger generations.

In the New World, some Native American tribes used the mistletoe to heal dog bites, and measles.

What does that have to do with kissing??

In Norse mythology, Baldur the god of vegetation was killed by a spear made of mistletoe. The death of Baldur is supposedly the reason why there’s a winter every year. Baldur of course was restored to life and his mother goddess Frigga pronounced the mistletoe to be a sacred plant, to bring love into the world, rather than death. The people therefore kissed under the mistletoe in celebration of Baldur's resurrection.





LET IT BE KNOWN: Kissing under the Mistletoe would be following the after other gods.

“A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known” (Deuteronomy 11:27-28).

The mistletoe is symbolic of the eventual rebirth of vegetation that will occur in spring.

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  Traditionally kisses are exchanged under the mistletoe until all of the (poisonous) white berries are picked off; 1kiss takes off 1berry.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

“Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods” (Deuteronomy 12:29-31).

May the Lord add a blessing to the study of His Word… In Jesus name

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IS JESUS REALLY THE REASON?!??

A Yule log is a large wooden log burned in the hearth as part of traditional Christmas celebrations in many European countries. In English folklore Father Christmas carried a Yule log.

Winter festivals in Northern Europe were considered Feasts of The Dead. The haunting presence of Odin, the Norse god of ecstasy, intoxicating drink, and death. One of the more popular festivals was 'Jule' pronounced Yule, to honor Jolnir, another name for Odin ------->

Odin’s sacrificial beer became the specially blessed Christmas Ale.

After the feasts fresh food and drinks were left for the roaming yuletide ghosts. Beliefs associated with the Yule are those if fruitfulness, health, and productivity.

The first record of the Yule log as a Christmas tradition in Britain is around 1620's. Clergyman Robert Herrick called it a Christmas log. However he kept the Pagan tradition of using a remnant from last year’s fire in order to burn the current year’s log. This clergyman then admitted the true belief of the log having nothing to do with Christianity; he said the log's role was to bring prosperity and protection from evil. By keeping the remnant protection remained throughout the year.





Food 4 THOUGHT: (you do the dishes)

How do we as Christians receive prosperity???
"If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures” (Job 36:11). Never forget that the prosperity of fools will destroy them (Proverbs 1:32).



How do we as Christians receive protection from evil???
"When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh forward things; Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the forwardness of the wicked; Whose ways are crooked, and they forward in their paths: To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words" (Proverbs 2:10-16). See also Psalm 23:3?


And Again..

"He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it. Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto. He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire: And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god. They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand. And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree? He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?" (Isaiah 44:16-20)





 During Midwinter festivals the Norsemen feasted, drank Yule, and would watch the fire burning in the home hearth.



A Christmas tradition, this yule log video was looped on Christmas Eve/Morning on WPIX in the NY-metro broadcast area throughout the 80s.

May the Lord add a blessing to the understanding of His Word; In Jesus name.

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Christmas Traditionz (wreath)

The Christian ceremony of Advent -the four Sundays preceding Christmas- is also rooted in Paganism.

The Advent Wreath is Symbolic of Survival, Light and Hope.

Advent is practiced with a wreath of greens, a living circle, containing candles successively lit throughout the Advent period. It is the time of waiting in darkness for the coming of the light that ties the so-called Christian observance of Advent to ancient paganism.





The circular Advent Wreath and its candles are pre-Christian. They are both a Pagan practice absorbed into Christianity, like many other Pagan rites as Christian conversion spread across Europe.The Advent Wreath originated with the ancient Celtic people of Germany and Scandinavia. Their worship practices were tied to the rhythms of the earth, with the sun holding a central place of importance.

At the Winter Solstice, (the day with the shortest amount of daylight Dec. 21st-25th) the Celts prayed for the sun’s return and the reassurance that spring would come.

The centerpiece of their rituals was the living wreath, either formed of evergreens or with a cartwheel woven with evergreens. The evergreen wreath or wheel symbolized the unending rotation of the seasons. The evergreen lived steadfastly through the winter darkness. Lighted candles set within the wreath or wheel brought light to the darkness. This space within the circle was considered a sacred space. Altar candles were long used in Pagan rites, just as they are in Pagan practice today, before they became a part of Christian worship.

The Wreath was usually displayed indoors. The decorated cartwheel with its candles might have been hung like a chandelier. The wreath might also adorn a table or altar.






With very little change the symbol of light in the darkness, rebirth of the sun, was easy to use to fuse together with the birth of the Son of God bringing the light to the world.

It appears that the Christian descendants of the Pagan Celts in Europe naturally incorporated their continued use of the wreath in their winter Christian practices. The first official church use of the Advent Wreath did not occur until the early 1800s.

"No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Luke 16:13).

May the Lord add a blessing to the consideration of His Word.

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DEMOCRACY OR DICTATORSHIP?!?

OR

The Future of Iraq, Updated Edition: Dictatorship, Democracy, or Division?

“…He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted” (Isaiah 53:1-8).

The above scripture is the Lord speaking thru the mouth of the prophet Isaiah about the Messiah, Jesus Christ. I think that it is very interesting that in this scripture and others similar to this one that Jesus is always described as being hated, rejected, and despised. This appears odd to me because on any given Sunday in any metropolis (and many small towns too), everybody sings about how much they ‘love’ the Lord. In my hometown, Chicago it is legal to double park on some streets during church services.

I find that many people do not even truly understand who Jesus was and what he plans to do when he returns. Yes, he as the Lamb of God, meek and lowly, and riding on an ass (Matthew 21:1-5/John 12:12-16); But when he returns, it will be as the Lion of Judah; with swords of flaming fire. (/Revelation 5:1-5 / 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)

Chavez's choice; Will it be democracy or dictatorship for Venezuela?(Focus): An article from: Winnipeg Free Press

Contrary to what is taught (or what we are persuaded to believe) in most sermons, Jesus will return to this earth to rule with a rod of Iron; Not to pet us on the head, and beg us to do right. (Revelation 19:10-16)

The United States is a special place. A great place to be, the best place to end up if you are among the scattered of the tribes of the children of Israel. (Joel 3:6 / Jeremiah 50:17).

FOOD 4 THOUGHT (you do the dishes): Although some might feel that America represents the idea Christian nation, should you continue to live in the United States of America when Jesus returns to set His kingdom up on the earth (Revelation 20:1-6) the society will run noticeably different.

 A Republic (the U.S is technically a Republic NOT a democracy) is:

A political order in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who are entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them.

Likewise a dictatorship is: a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small clique b: a government organization or group in which absolute power is so concentrated http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dictatorship

Now that we have the definitions out of the way let’s look to the Bible and see which definition more closely resembles the government of God.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder… Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end” (Isaiah 9:6-7). Doesn’t sound very democratic. We switch leaders every 4 yrs.

“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever” (Daniel 2:44).

Never be destroyed; not be left to other people. That means he won’t be impeached, retire, or gracefully bow out.

“…one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven... And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14).

Sounds more like an Imperial Empire than a democratic republic.

“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:1-2).

The Future of Iraq: Dictatorship, Democracy or Division?

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-3).

Even the wise men from the East (Magi?) knew who Jesus was… “King of The Jews!” Notice they didn’t come looking for their personal savior.

Peru in Crisis: Dictatorship or Democracy? (Woodrow Wilson Center Current Studies on Latin America)

Not to mention the fact that more often than not the Gospel is described as the coming of the Kingdom Of God .

LET IT BE KNOWN: The Lord, whom we call Jesus; The Christ WILL Invade this earth and proceed to take it over.

“Behold, the day of the LORD cometh… I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations… and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee… the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.

And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.

"And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth… And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles” ().

Verse 12 sounds like nuclear and/or biological warfare. When Zechariah was prophesying this, what were the weapons capable of causing that type of damage? Nowadays there are all kinds of weapons designed to do this very thing.

In verse 16-18 it mentions the feast of tabernacles. Have you ever even Heard of the Feast of Tabernacles? I was 17yrs old by the time I did. And I didn’t find out about the Feast by studying the sermon. Why have we not been taught about this feast in our church denominations????

Those questions are separate posts within themselves. In the meantime; enjoy your democracy/republic. Enjoy your right to vote & protest and your right to your opinion. For they all will be cut off When the Messiah returns, unless of course your opinions fall in line with the commandments of God, and the Testimony of Jesus Christ.

May The Lord add a blessing to the reading of His Word in Jesus Name.

LOCKSMIF…LLAVES (keys)

Additional Scriptures

Genesis 49:8-10 / Hosea 5:10-15 (Lion of Judah)


Psalm 2:1-9 / Revelation 2:25-29 (rod of Iron)


Joel 3:1-17 (The war of Armageddon… The invasion of The Christ)