To the Church in Laodicea/America

To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:
'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.
'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit[12][Lit vomit ] you out of My mouth.
'Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,
I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.
'Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.
'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' "
- Revelation 3:14-22 (NASB)

Here is another version, The Message. It really brings in to full understanding what Jesus was saying.

Write to Laodicea, to the Angel of the church. God's Yes, the Faithful and Accurate Witness, the First of God's creation, says:

15-17"I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, 'I'm rich, I've got it made, I need nothing from anyone,' oblivious that in fact you're a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless.

18"Here's what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that's been through the refiner's fire. Then you'll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You've gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see.

19"The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they'll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!

20-21"Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I'll come right in and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father. That's my gift to the conquerors!

22"Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches."
-Revelation 3:14-22 (The Message)

Powerful words to ponder. Jesus was not talking to unbelievers, He was talking to THE CHURCH! I don't know about you but I do not want to be thought of as vomit by God.

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More One Thousand Gifts!!

116. watching my 7 year old pack her new purse (too cute!)
117. watching a 7 year old write in her diary (also too cute!)
118. pumpkin pie
119. the joy of looking through old photo albums
120. online shopping (the best kind, you do it in your jammies)
121. cordless phones (better than the 20 ft. cord my mom used to have!)
122. warm blankets on a cool night
123. sitting down to a Thanksgiving meal with my family
124. mousse for my hair, without which I would look like a clown!
125. the end of football season!(can't come fast enough)
126. dancing, singing 7 year old girls
127. my favorite frying pan
128. the smell of turkey in the oven
129. the beauty of a lit tiffany lamp
130. extra long morning cuddles with my daughter
131. the bottom of the laundry pile!
132. buying Christmas gifts for others
133. the opportunity to give
134. that moment when the house is ALL CLEAN! (look quick, it doesn't last long!)

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Rick Warren On Truth

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth …” (John 16:13)

“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” (John 14:17)

"We believe we can learn truth -- I’ve learned a lot of truth from different religions. Because they all have a portion of the truth.” —Rick Warren, (In an interview with Larry King) transcripts can be found

here

Mr. Warren is very WRONG! Jesus was very clear in stating that HE is the way, the truth and the life. If a religion does not believe in the trinity and that Jesus is God and Jesus died and rose on the third day, then it has nothing to do with truth. If a religion does not believe that faith in the death and resurrectiuon of Jesus Christ and His shed blood is the ONLY way to heaven, and it is in no way by works, then it has nothing to do with truth. There is ONE TRUE GOD. It is the very fact that Jesus is God and was fully human also, that sets Christianity apart from all other religions. Jesus is truth!

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." (John 17:20-23)

Too many Christian church leaders, churches, and Christians themselves, are compromising the very Word of God to try to have unity among all religions. Jesus prayed for unity, but He wanted unity first, with the Father God, and if we have that, there will be a unity among all TRUE believers. You can not have the unity Jesus prayed for with other religions that go against the very truths of the Word of God. To do so is to compromise truth!

"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." (Luk.12:49-53)

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (Jn.14:27)

Peace that is obtained by compromising truth and the Word of God is in fact not true peace at all!

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One Thousand Gifts Continued

Thanksgiving is just a few days away. The One Thousand Gifts list has been such a blessing. It has really made me realize how much I have to be thankful for and how many things we let slip by without realizing how blessed we are. So here it is, more of the many blessings I am thankful for.....

101. space heaters on a cold morning
102. Julyas, my friend's cuddly 8 month old
103. opportunities to bless others
104. watching children laugh and play
105. a faithful husband
106. a good marriage
107. my parents are still married (rarer and rarer these days)
108. memories of large family gatherings as a child
109. old family photos
110. electric pencil sharpeners
111. the smell of fresh ground coffee
112. black raspberry ice cream
113. my morning phone call from my husband (I am sleeping when he leaves sooo early in the morning!)
114. a hard working husband
115. time with my husband after the kids go to bed

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Deeds Rather Than Creeds

Rick Warren of Saddleback Church has been quoted as saying that he is looking for a second reformation of deeds rather than creeds. Hmmmmmmmmmm??? I wonder what all of those who were persecuted and died for their beliefs in the first few centuries of the church would think of that? What would those Christians who are being martyred for their faith in this present day think of that?

I beg to differ with Rick Warren. What we believe does matter. It is the very truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that makes Christianity stand out from all other religions. Mr. Warren, by his statement is condoning a works based faith. One can spend their entire life doing "good things" and not make it to heaven. Merely "working for the church" does not get you entrance to heaven. Churches doing wonderful things all over the world is great, but does not guarantee its members "salvation. Church membership is not a ticket to heaven. Any compromise of the truth to try to obtain peace is not true peace.

It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ that leads a man to repentance and salvation. Jesus said to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. That needs to be the first and foremost goal of the church. It is sad that many churches measure their success by the size of the building or the new coffee shop they have in the lobby. Many mega churches spend their time and much money trying to look more and more like the world to get the people to come. What are they doing with the people once they are there? They give them motivational messages, tickle their ears, and send them on their way. No one mentions Hell, sin, repentance, or the need for it, because they want them to return the next week. The end result is churches filled with people who have no idea what the foundations of the Christian faith are. Churches filled with people who have no relationship with Jesus Christ and are headed straight for Hell. This is the result of a "deeds and not creeds" philosophy.

Romans 16:17-18--Paul said, "I beseech you, brethren, mark them who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ but their own body, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the innocent."

"To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20


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More One Thousand Gifts!!

Here is more of my One Thousand Gifts list. What a great idea started by Ann Voskamp at Christian Women Online
81. cold mornings under the covers with my daughter
82. bonfires with friends on a cold night
83. roasted marshmallows
84. chocolate and graham crackers to go with the perfectly toasted marshmallow!
85. watching my husband try to be young again by playing football with teenagers
86. reaching the end of the dirty clothes pile!
87. going in to wake my deep sleeping 12 year old for school
88. hot coffee on a cold morning
89. late nights chatting with dear friends
90. hearing my nephew talk, he has such a sweet voice, makes me melt!
91. holding a newborn baby
92. sweet ripe tomatoes
93. my son carrying his winnie the pooh pillow through the house!(it has been attached to him since he was old enough to carry it, I joke and ask him if he will carry it at his wedding!)
94. long hot showers
95. my favorite scented soap
96. hot biscuits with butter
97. the sound of children laughing
98. unlimited night and weekend minutes on my cell phone!
99. looking up at the stars on a cool clear night
100. garlic presses (love it and hate to chop it!)

Concerning Ted Haggard...

"You have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23


God is NO respector of persons. He has no favorites or contracts or seniority. Sin is Sin, no matter who commits it--even a preacher--a person whose conduct and influence should be above reproach. If we deliberately disobey God's Word, we have sinned. It is NOT a "shortcoming" or a "fault" or a "character flaw": it is SIN! We cannot trifle with the Word of God and still have His approval upon our life. Any who might think they can are badly deceived.

For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. Job 34:21,22.

I believe that in these end times we are going to see more and more of a distinction and seperation between those who call themselves Christians and those who have truly had a born again, life changing experience with Jesus Christ. We will see those who truly love the Lord grow closer and closer to Him and those who are "playing church", grow further away and more like the world. Satan has deceived a great many so called Christians. Many a church are full Sunday after Sunday with people who are headed for Hell.

In an effort to please people and attract them to church, too many have watered down and compromised the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Churches have grown more and more like the world. Many are nothing more than a weekly gathering of a social club. Jesus Himself said that if we were lukewarm He would spew us from His mouth! Those are very strong and serious words. He wants all of us. He wants us to be madly in love with Him. After all, He is coming back for His bride! He is the Bridegroom!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And now, I will continue my Thousand Gifts List....

52. pumpkin spice coffee creamer (Yummy!)
53. glue guns
54. a car that runs great!
55. my husbands overtime at work ($)
54. my God never leaves me or forsakes me
55. great deals on ebay
56. microwaves
57. grace
58. squirrels scampering around the yard
59. cell phones
60. the look on your childs face when you sing happy birthday!
61. hearing my children tell one another they love each other
62. children that look forward to going to church
63. great sales at the grocery store
64. sleeping an extra few minutes in the morning
65. email
66. the first morning kiss from the puppy
67. walks on the beach
68. friendly neighbors
69. power rollers for painting
70. dinner out! (a break from cooking)
71. italian food
72. watching my daughter play dress-up
73. questions like, "mommy, will I be a good mommy some day?", as my daughter holds her baby doll
74. watching the dogs cuddle at night
75. kitty cats rubbing their heads up against you and purring
76. quiet!
77. a peaceful, uneventful homeschool day
78. great smelling fabric softener
79. carpet cleaner
80. doggies always at my feet!


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One Thousand Gifts

What a great idea! To ponder what we are thankful for. I will add to this list as I think of things.

1. Jesus
2. My God fearing husband
3. My son
4. My daughter(today is her birthday!)
5. family
6. dishwashers
7. telephones
8. computers
9. homeschooling my children
10. candles
11. indoor plumbing!
12. my 2 cute doggies
13. a roof over my head
14. my pastor
15. leaves blowing in the wind
16. spontaneous "I love you Mommy" from my 7 year old
17. saturday morning coffee with my hubby
18. icemakers
19. Diet Pepsi ( I admit it, I am addicted!)
20. warm slippers for my feet
21. cozy pajamas
22. my favorite blanket
23. dark chocolate
24. hugs
25. "I'm sorry" notes from my 12 year old
26. warm showers
27. the smell of rain
28. the smell of cut grass
29. birds chirping in the morning
30. washers and dryers!
31. vacuum cleaners
32. coffee
33. cheesecake
34. freedom to worship God
35. My Bible
36. Friends
37. my newly painted living room
38. my furniture I waited so long for!
39. high speed internet
40. sunny days
41. my 12 year old loves Jesus!
42. cake! (we are making one today!)
43. licking the bowl when baking!
44. digital cameras
45. my parents
46. my brother and sister
47. my God fearing grandmother who I know has said many a prayer for me!
48. freedom
49. being born in the United States
50. voting
51. men and women who are willing to fight for freedom

......... more to come as I scratch them down.

Great Quotes

"I cannot submit my faith either to the Pope or to the Councils, because it is clear as day that they have frequently erred and contradicted each other. Unless therefore, I am convinced by the testimony of Scripture ... I cannot and will not retract ... Here I stand, I can do no other. So help me God, Amen." - Martin Luther, In Response to Emporor Charles V

"God loves each of us as if there were only one of us." ~St. Augustine

"Darkness cannot put out the Light. It can only make God brighter." ~Author Unknown

Religion today is not transforming people; rather it is being transformed by the people. It is not raising the moral level of society; it is descending to society's own level, and congratulating itself that it has scored a victory because society is smilingly accepting its surrender. - A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)

(God help us! That one seems to describe todays "seeker friendly" and emergent churches!)

The ordinary group of worshipping Christians, as the preacher sees them from the pulpit, does not look like a collection of very joyful people, in fact, they look on the whole rather sad, tired, depressed people. It is certain that such people will never win the world for Christ... It is no use trying to pretend: we may speak of joy and preach about it: but, unless we really have the joy of Christ in our hearts and manifest it, our words will carry no conviction to our hearers. - Stephen Neill, The Christian Character

Heaven is not here, it's There. If we were given all we wanted here, our hearts would settle for this world rather than the next. God is forever luring us up and away from this one, wooing us to Himself and His still invisible Kingdom, where we will certainly find what we so keenly long for. - Elisabeth Elliot in Keep a Quiet Heart


The spirit of Christmas needs to be superseded by the Spirit of Christ. The spirit of Christmas is annual; the Spirit of Christ is eternal. The spirit of Christmas is sentimental; the Spirit of Christ is supernatural. The spirit of Christmas is a human product; the Spirit of Christ is a divine person. That makes all the difference in the world. - Stuart Briscoe in Meet Him at the Manger

Trials are medicines which our gracious and wise Physician prescribes because we need them; and he proportions the frequency and weight of them to what the case requires. Let us trust his skill and thank him for his prescription. - Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727)

To the Christian, love is the works of love. To say that love is a feeling or anything of the kind is really an un-Christian conception of love. That is the aesthetic definition and therefore fits the erotic and everything of that nature. But to the Christian, love is the works of love. Christ's love was not an inner feeling, a full heart and what-not: it was the work of love which was his life. - Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855), Journals

All God's revelations are sealed to us until they are opened to us by obedience. You will never get them open by philosophy or thinking. Immediately you obey, a flash of light comes. Let God's truth work in you by soaking in it, not by worrying into it. Obey God in the thing He is at present showing you, and instantly the next thing is opened up. We read tomes on the work of the Holy Spirit when... five minutes of drastic obedience would make things clear as a sunbeam. We say, "I suppose I shall understand these things some day." You can understand them now: it is not study that does it, but obedience. The tiniest fragment of obedience, and heaven opens up and the profoundest truths of God are yours straight away. God will never reveal more truth about Himself till you obey what you know already. Beware of being wise and prudent. - Oswald Chambers

Unbelief is actually perverted faith, for it puts its trust, not in the living God but in dying men. The unbeliever denies the selfsufficiency of God and usurps attributes that are not his. This dual sin dishonors God and ultimately destroys the soul of man. - A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)

The Bible talks plentifully about joy, but it nowhere talks about a "happy Christian." Happiness depends on what happens; joy does not. Remember, Jesus Christ had joy, and He prays "that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves." - Oswald Chambers in Run Today's Race

"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" - Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" She said to Him, "Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world." - John 11:25-27

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." - John 14:6

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