"Something More"

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of GOD may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16,17

Dear Friends,

When i was in college back in the early 80's, i was pretty clueless when it came to knowing what i wanted to be "when i grew up." I knew i wanted to play basketball for the "Lady Warhawks," from the time i was old enough to see them play, and GOD gave me the desire of my heart to play for my junior college right down the street. The neat thing about that "desire," that GOD placed it in my heart at an early age, is that HE used it to lead me to come to know CHRIST as my LORD and Savior through my coach. Myra King knew JESUS in a personal way, and everything she said and did reflected her love for CHRIST. As the words penned by Joachim Neander from Praise to the LORD the Almighty proclaim, "Hast thou not seen how thou desires all have been granted in what HE ordainteth?" Beyond basketball...i was just pretty much trying to major in something that "sounded good." Now, i realize the LORD was leading my footsteps, even when i didn't realize it, and after majoring in business at my junior college, i decided to change to some counseling classes my last two years, and i ended up taking a lot of psychology classes, along with my business classes to get a business/psychology major. Since i had become a CHRISTian at the beginning of my junior year, i knew that if i ever did any counseling, i wanted it to be CHRISTian counseling...based on the WORD of GOD. My senior year, i had the bulk of my psychology classes after we got married at the end of my junior year, and the LORD did give me a clear calling then...to be a Titus 2 woman-to love my husband and children if he blessed us with them, and be a "keeper at home. " I am so glad we were married, and my dear husband kept me on track with the WORD to combat the false teaching i was learning in my psychology classes. Though i don't remember many details about those classes (that lack of memory of mine is a blessing and a curse-in this case a real blessing), I do remember those being days of intense "spiritual" warfare to renew my mind with the WORD of Truth to wash out the bad stuff i was learning in the psychology classes. I didn't fully understand why the LORD had led me to take all these classes which seemed like a waste of time to me, but when i look back, i realize it was during those years, that HE was really solidifying in my heart and mind that HIS WORD was sufficient for whatever our troubles are...without adding man's made up psychology, lies from Satan, to try to heal people's hearts and hurts.
A few weeks ago, we went to a "Code Blue Rally"(www.codebluerally.com) that i have mentioned several time in my emails since because it made such an impact upon me. Brannon Howse, www.worldviewweekend.com spoke about the "Emergent Church," "cultural Marxism," "pagan spirituality," and "Pantheism," and how these have invaded the church, our culture and society. We see the results in our weakened churches, and our culture that is abounding in "spirituality," but not the TRUTH of the Bible. I wasn't familiar with that term, "emergent church," and I have been told since then it is another term for "New Age,"(that's the old term), , like "CHRISTian yoga," meditation that "clears your mind," and the world's false teaching's invading the church. To find out a lot more info on the emergent church click on...http://www.crossroad.to/News/Church/emergent.html . I learned the term "Pantheism" when i was in college and one of my professors claimed to be a "Pantheist," Pantheism (Greek: πάν (pan) = all and θεός (theos) = God, literally "all God" -ism) is the view that everything is part of an all-encompassing immanent abstract God. In pantheism the Universe, or nature, and God are equivalent. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantheism.

It is beginning to dawn on me, that those false philosophies that i was acquainted with in college have just continued to permeate throughout not only our society but the weakened church and well, we're just seeing the consequences of that through what is going on all around us...could it be that "GOD is setting HIS face," against our country and judging us for turning to "mediums and false spirits?" I think so. Our country was built upon Judeo CHRISTian principles and when those principles are gradually taken away, and replaced with paganism, "political correctness," evolution, whatever you want to call it...even in our churches, we see the results of it today. There is nothing new under the sun and we see this in Leviticus when GOD told HIS chosen people the Jews to separate themselves from mediums and familiar spirits. He knew they would corrupt HIS people and lead them away from HIMSELF, and that is exactly what we are seeing in the church and our society today.

A friend that i have not talked with in several years emailed me this week. This friend and i used to have good conversations about the LORD and encourage one another. Several years ago, she began going to a "counselor," who used false teachings, to lead my friend into believing some terrible lies about her family, very dishonoring things about her parents. As a result, this friend cut off all communication with her family, and me , because i am a friend of her family. I sought to reach out to her this week through email and when she responded it was very clear that she is still "consumed" with bitterness towards her parents. It was interesting to me she often used the word "truth," in her email...when in fact, she has been deceived by false and deceptive counselors. When i wrote her back, I used the TRUTH of Scripture to reach her heart, not man's psychology, or "doctrines of demons." I pray the LORD will use that TRUTH to bring healing to her life. One of the Scriptures i shared was Leviticus 20:6, "And the person who turns to mediums and familiar spirits, to prostitute himself with them, I will set MY face against that person and cut him off from his people. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your GOD...for everyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. He has cursed his father or his mother. His blood shall be upon him." GOD shared this Scripture with me the very next morning after i received the email and HIS TRUTH couldn't have been better wisdom for me to share with my friend who is struggling with the lies she has believed. She has become in "bondage," to them, loosing the blessing her parents who love her and wants to share her life, but more importantly, the blessings of a loving FATHER, who has given us everything we need pertaining to life and godliness..."seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence." 2 Peter 1:3. HE blesses us and reveals HIMself to us as we walk in HIS ways...and HE "sets HIS face against us and cuts us off from HIM" when we turn from HIM to false teachers and counselors, mediums, familiar spirits, whatever you want to call them depending upon the age of time. My friend made the mistake of turning to the "doctrines of demons," false teachings that are straight from the pit of Hell," instead of turning to GOD's WORD for her counsel and thus, has been led away from GOD, and her family. "The SPIRIT explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron." 1 Timothy 4:1-2

This past weekend, Hannah Beth and I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a "True Church Conference," at Grace Life Church in Muscle Shoals, Al. We, along with several other friends from our church including our pastor and his wife, the Wisners, the Radcliffes, the Clays, the Carpenters, Swinney's, and believers from all over the United States, and the world gathered together to be encouraged in the LORD through the beautiful singing, preaching of the WORD of GOD, and wonderful fellowship. What a tremendous unexpected blessing it was to be able to go for two days and hear men such as Paul Washer, http://www.heartcrymissionary.com/, Voddie Bauchom, who was raised by a Buddhist mom, http://www.voddiebaucham.org/vbm/home.html, and David Miller, who suffers from a degenerative disease that keeps him bound physically to a wheelchair while he preaches. GOD is SO powerful through this man in his weakness as he quotes Scripture, "line upon line," while he preaches, http://www.deliveredbygrace.com/?p=459. There were other preachers there, but these are the ones Hannah Beth and i had the privilege of hearing as they preached on the Conference theme..."the Wonderful Grace of Repentance." The purpose of the conference was to bring glory to GOD and encourage pastors and the church in true doctrine. I wish that i could have transported each one of you there for this tremendous weekend of hearing the TRUTH preached...men who are filled with the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, and taught on the meaning of true repentance before GOD...Repentance that only comes as GOD by HIS HOLY SPIRIT convicts our hearts of our sins, and "brings life where dead, sight where blind...." David Miller. You can purchase the DVD's from the conference, i think, through Grace Life church www.gracelifeshoals.org. Paul Washer preached that True repentance means, "a change of mind, brokenness, renunciation of good works, turning to GOD, a continuing and deepening work," all of which are evidences of true repentance and true salvation. Voddie Baucham, spoke on "Brokenness," Friday evening, being broken before GOD, as David was in Psalm 51 after he committed adultery with Bathsheba. I think he said David wrote Psalm 51 a year after he had done that, and then had her husband, Uriah the Hittite killed. David is describe in the Bible as a man after GOD's own heart.
He was, according to Acts, a man after God's own heart:
And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the [son] of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Acts 13:22 (See also 1 Sam.13:14)

I have shared many times the weight of guilt that i felt before GOD in HIS great love for me saved me from my sins...GOD in HIS mercy was "breaking my heart," over my sins against HIM and resulted in HIS regeneration in my heart. David Miller says that Regeneration or being "born again," is: "a change of heart wrought by the HOLY SPIRIT by conviction of sin to which the sinner responds with repentance toward GOD to the LORD JESUS CHRIST." This brokenness over my sins did not stop the day HE saved me, but continues to this day, as HE shows me over and over what a sinner that i am...and it just makes me love HIM all the more, that HE loves me, with all my willful and rebellious ways and "bad manners," as Charles Spurgeon puts it. In Charles Spurgeon's Feb. 26 Evening reading, he explains more fully the meaning of the "Wonderful Grace of Repentance:"

Evening: Wholly Clean
"Behold, if the leprosy have covered all his flesh, he shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague."
--Leviticus 13:13
Strange enough this regulation appears, yet there was wisdom in it, for the throwing out of the disease proved that the constitution was sound. This evening it may be well for us to see the typical teaching of so singular a rule. We, too, are lepers, and may read the law of the leper as applicable to ourselves. When a man sees himself to be altogether lost and ruined, covered all over with the defilement of sin, and in no part free from pollution; when he disclaims all righteousness of his own, and pleads guilty before the Lord, then he is clean through the blood of Jesus, and the grace of God. Hidden, unfelt, unconfessed iniquity is the true leprosy; but when sin is seen and felt, it has received its deathblow, and the Lord looks with eyes of mercy upon the soul afflicted with it. Nothing is more deadly than self-righteousness, or more hopeful than contrition. We must confess that we are "nothing else but sin," for no confession short of this will be the whole truth; and! if the Holy Spirit be at work with us, convincing us of sin, there will be no difficulty about making such an acknowledgment--it will spring spontaneously from our lips. What comfort does the text afford to truly awakened sinners: the very circumstance which so grievously discouraged them is here turned into a sign and symptom of a hopeful state! Stripping comes before clothing; digging out the foundation is the first thing in building--and a thorough sense of sin is one of the earliest works of grace in the heart. O thou poor leprous sinner, utterly destitute of a sound spot, take heart from the text, and come as thou art to Jesus--
"For let our debts be what they may, however great or small, As soon as we have nought to pay, our Lord forgives us all. 'Tis perfect poverty alone that sets the soul at large: While we can call one mite our own, we have no full discharge."

I remember one of the very first things i was "broken over" after i was a "new creation in CHRIST," and that was being disrespectful and dishonoring of my parents...I was deceptive and lied to them about where i was, what i was doing. I had to go to them and ask them to forgive me for my sins against them...and i wanted to, the HOLY SPIRIT convicted me, and the HOLY SPIRIT gave me the desire to go and make things right with them. What wonderful love the FATHER has for us to reveal our sin to us so that we can confess it, and ask others to forgive us...and just as our FATHER forgives us of our sin when we are in CHRIST, HE commands us to forgive others when they sin against us...that is evidence of true repentance. If we don't forgive others, then that is a big "RED FLAG," that we might not be in CHRIST, our heart not being regenerated by HIM. "If you forgive the failures of others, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matt 6:14.
One of the greatest stories of Forgiveness, Restoration, and the transformation that GOD's TRUTH can bring about in a person's heart that i have heard in recent memory is by a lady named Janice McBride. I had never heard of this lady until a couple of weeks ago when a friend introduced me to her through her CD's. Honestly, I didn't really want to listen to the CD, but when i put it on to play, i knew it was "Something More," something really special, as i listened to the lady share her testimony of how she had been physically, sexually, and abused in every way as a child by her own Mother. GOD in HIS sovereign plan, saved Jancie McBride and through the power of HIS HOLY SPIRIT, and the TRUTH of HIS WORD enabled her to eventually forgive her Mother and see her Mother come to know JESUS CHRIST as her LORD and SAVIOR. I hope that when you have time, you will listen to this amazing testimony of Brokenness, Salvation, Forgiveness...and GOD giving Janice McBride "Something More than she could imagine."

http://www.janicemcbride.com/Images/Janice%20McBride's%20Personal%20Testimony.mp3


A couple of week's ago, i had the privilege, and it was a great privilege, to go and hear the southern gospel group the McKamey's www.mckameysonline.com . The very first time i ever heard the McKameys was on TV a few years ago, and honestly, i laughed at them. They were very "twangee," and some might say, "hillbilly." Well, GOD had a few lessons to teach me about HIS truth, and the more i listened to the McKamey's and the words of their songs, the more their songs began to grip my heart, and drew me closer to the LORD...and i was hooked, they have become one of my very favorite groups. I can't explain it except that when they sing, the power of the HOLY SPIRIT seems to rest upon them, and their songs are true doctrinally, and encourage the believers hearts. I Corinthians 1:27 says, "but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong." Their daughter Sheryl, who had to leave the road singing because of a very difficult and long illness, wrote a powerful song called, "Something More," which i have referred to throughout this email. GOD in HIS goodness has restored her health and she is planning to start singing with her family again on the road...wow! During the years of her illness GOD blessed her with so many powerful songs that ministered to hurting folks including me:).

In just the way that i thought the McKamey's were "foolish,"(FATHER forgive me), GOD has shown me how very powerful HE is through them to minister to HIS children's hearts, there are many "wise" people today who think that JESUS and the message of the cross is foolishness.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." I Corinthians 1:18
There is nothing new under the sun about that or about the false teachers whether they be termed mediums and familiar spirits, New Age, Pantheism, Moral Relativism, "Emergent Church," or what ever false doctrine and false teaching is packaged up in.
JESUS has "Something More," to offer us, the LIVING WATER of HIMSELF, that makes us a new person in CHRIST when we repent of our sins, and turn to HIM, forsaking all to follow HIM. HE left HIS HOME in heaven to come down and die on a wooden cross for your sins and mine. HE died, was buried, and then rose from the dead three days later where HE ascended to the throne of heaven and sits beside the right hand of GOD. The TRUE WORD of the BIBLE tells us in John 3:16 that "GOD so loved the world that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life."
How i praise the LORD for the journey in TRUTH that HE has been so gracious to lead me on, to protect me from the false teaching that is all around us. One of my great fears in this email is that i would share something with you that isn't correct or accurate concerning GOD's WORD. If i do that, will you please email me and let me know where i did so that i can correct that and let others know of my error? How thankful i am for a husband who has been such a staunch defender of the TRUTH of GOD's WORD and kept me and our family from turning away from that TRUTH over and over. It is imperative that we get the TRUTH right and share the TRUTH of the GOSPEL with those around us. It is a matter of eternal life and death for us and for those GOD has called us to be a witness to. If you ever have questions about your relationship with CHRIST, please feel free to email me...i would be honored to talk with you further about HIM.
As for my friend, it's not too late for her to be healed in her relationship with her parents, and most importantly the LORD JESUS CHRIST. It will take "the wonderful grace of GOD's repentance"- brokenness over her sins, turning away from the "polluted waters," of the world's false teachers, and putting her faith and trust in the LORD JESUS CHRIST to bring healing to her life.
JESUS is the GOD of "Something More," and HE specializes in redeeming our brokenness and sin and giving us beauty for ashes.

"The SPIRIT of the SOVEREIGN GOD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor; HE has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our GOD; to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of HIS splendor." Isaiah 61:1-3.
That's my GOD, the GOD of "Something More"... Praise HIS name who delights in redeeming our sin, through the blood of HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. HE does "exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think."Ephesians 3:20. Please pray for my friend and ask the LORD to bring true repentance to her heart and CHRIST's healing to her life and her family... thank you so very much.
With all HIS love,
Mitzi
"Something More" by Sheryl Farris (McKamey's daughter) John 4:7-42

She came to the well in the middle of the day
searching for something that would take her thirst away.
But SOMEONE was waiting there and much to her surprise
a simple conversation raised questions in her mind.
When the talking was over she knew HE was the ONE
for HE had seen right through her and knew all that she had done.

Chorus:
HE gave her more than she could imagine
Something more than she could ever dream.
Something more than this world could offer.
Something more, something more.
Something more than she'd ever hoped for.
Something more than she'd ever known.
Something more beyond comprehension.
Something more, something more.

You can come to this well anytime of day
If you're looking for something to take your pain away.
JESUS will be waiting there and don't you be surprised
if a simple conversation changes your whole life!
HE'll give you living water that in you will arise,
a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

A Little History Lesson

"Moreover we know that to those who love GOD, who are called according to HIS plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good." Romans 8:28, Phillips translation


Dear Friends,

This week i have been reading on the French Revolution. My kids and i studied a lot of history through the years, managing to spend about 3 years on the Civil War , but somehow the French Revolution was not part of my reading with them...and i can't remember much about it from high school or college. John Mac said he did manage to read the abridged version of A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens along the way. Somehow i managed to skip that little part of HIS story. I certainly don't claim to be an expert on the French Revolution in a crash course reading about it this week, but I was amazed to read of some of the similarities of what is going on in our country with what was going on in France during that time...similarities such as elitist political leaders who were out of touch with the hard working middle class, a huge national debt (partly from helping America during the American Revolution) which led to the printing of a massive new supply of paper money, and the effects of trying to eliminate CHRIST from public society. Leading up to the French Revolution, France, too had " the issuance of a massive new supply of paper money. With this supply the government proceeded to meet its worst pressing obligations. But the headiness that comes with printing bundles of paper money soon seized the day, and new infusions of unbacked cash followed, setting off a tremendous inflation." Streams of Civilization, Vol. 2 Wow, that sounds really familiar of what the economists are predicting for our country in the months and years ahead as a result of printing money without gold to back it up...pay day someday.
One of the events that led up to the French Revolution and was perhaps was one of the key factors paving the way for revolution was concerning the Huguenots, French Protestants, who were persecuted by the absolutist kings and the Roman Catholic Church. In 1685, the "Revocation of the Edict of Nantes" was issued by Louis [XIV].

On 18 October 1685, Louis [XIV] signed the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes. By perpetual and irrevocable decree the fundamental and irrevocable edict was pronounced null and void. Huguenot places of worship were to be demolished, religious gatherings s of any kind were forbidden to "pretended" Reformed religion, all ministers unwilling to embrace the Roman Catholic religion were to leave the kingdom within fifteen days or as an alternative to take the degree, Doctor of Laws; Calvinistic schools and seminaries were forbidden, all children were to be baptized by the cure' of the parish, and Protestant exiles had to return within four months or forfeit their property to the state. None of the "pretended" Reformed subjects could take away from the kingdom or territories any of their property or possessions under penalty of the galleys for men, and confiscation and imprisonment for women. Forbidding the exercise of any religion other than that of the king's choice was the extreme conclusion of a philosophy which stressed the divine right of kings conjoined by "cujus region ejus religio" (such government in a state, such religion in this state).
Consequences of the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes echo across history. A massive dispersion followed the recall. French Protestants took flight to England, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Russia, Austria, [South ]Africa, North and South America. The Elector of Brandenburg openly welcomed the newcomers; pressure from the English public made Catholic James ll issue a Brief (1686) taking the French refugees under his protection and ordering a general collection to be made throughout his kingdom. Poole in Huguenots of the Dispersion estimates that the number settling in England, Ireland, and America, was about eighty thousand. The social occupations of those who made up the exodus included teachers, philosophers, craftsmen, artists, weavers, farmers, stone workers, merchants, sailors, gunsmiths, iron workers, sculptors, writers, architects, bankers, lawyers, industrial leaders, soldiers; namely, intellectuals and the industrious middle class. Such a loss to France was a gain to other nations. As controller-general of finances Jean Baptiste Colbert had so often predicted, the economic development of France suffered disastrously.
Realizing that many were taking flight, Louis ordered the borders closed and patrolled; ships were stopped and searched; all magistrates were ordered to be especially easy with Protestant bankers and manufacturers in order to retain them. Nevertheless, approximately one tenth (200,000) escaped, according to Professor Salmon, others estimate that it was from 500,000 to 800,000. No one really knows for sure.
...Pastor Jean Claude was forcibly escorted to the frontier by the king's footmen. From exile in Holland he wrote his scathing report to the world concerning religious persecution in France. The book was banned in France and French ambassadors tried to suppress it at foreign courts to prevent its widespread publication...His own words powerfully cry out:
...But above all we protest against that impious and abominable position, which is nowadays made the general rule in France, by which religion is made to depend on the pleasure and despotic power of a mortal prince, and perseverance in the faith branded with the names of rebellion and treason, which is to make a man a god, and tends to the introducing and authorizing of atheism and idolatry." Janet Gray, The French Huguenots: Anatomy of Courage, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House, 1981, p.243-246.


Those with Huguenot ancestry in the United States include George Washington, John Quincy Adams, John Tyler, Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and John C. Fremont. Among Protestant leaders in England and the United States were Augustus Toplady, William Romain, Charles Spurgeon, John L. Girardiau, Robert L. Dabney ( d'Aubigne) and others.
Streams of Civilization, Volume 2, p.116


Who were the Huguenots? They were French Protestants or French Calvinists, CHRISTians, who saw their faith as something to be expressed in a strict and godly life in obedience to Biblical laws out of gratitude for GOD's mercy. They believed that the Catholic church needed cleansing of its impurities and the Pope represented a worldly kingdom. This eventually stirred up persecution against the Huguenots by the Catholic establishment. When the Huguenots were forced to flee France, this left a huge "hole" in France's infrastructure, spiritually and economically. The spiritual light of France was unwelcomed and those who fled to other countries were the CHRISTian professionals and middle class working folks. What was left in France was spiritual darkness, and these darkened minds rebelled against the darkened minds of the aristocratic government, and it resulted in a brutal and bloody revolution. "With the monarchy and its government in moral and financial collapse, governments services also collapsed, adding to the confusion and chaos. Mobs began to roam about, falling upon and murdering royal officials." Streams of Civilization, Vol. 2. p.119
,

Huguenot- The nickname may have been a French corruption of the German word Eidgenosse, meaning a Confederate (that's interesting:). Huguenot was a combination of a Flemish and a German word. In the Flemish corner of France, Bible students who gathered in each other's houses to study secretly were called Huis Genooten, or 'house fellows,' while on the Swiss and German borders they were termed Eid Genossen, or 'oath fellows,' that is, persons bound to each other by an oath. Gallicized into 'Huguenot,' often used deprecatingly, the word became, during two and a half centuries of terror and triumph, a badge of enduring honor and courage.- taken from Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huguenot

....a badge of enduring honor and courage...may we live up to that "badge" if the LORD allows us to suffer persecution for HIM. GOD used persecution to disperse these Huguenots all over the world-England, Ireland, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Russia, Austria, South Africa and North and South America. It reminded me in Acts when the persecution broke out against the early CHRISTians by the Roman Emperor Nero and they were dispersed from Jerusalem to all over the Roman Empire to spread the good news of JESUS CHRIST. I'm sure for both sets of those CHRISTians, the Huguenots and the early CHRISTians, it was heartbreaking for them to leave their homes, their jobs (the Huguenots were made up of mainly of the intellectuals and the industrious middle class we read above), their family and friends. But in the midst of this, we see GOD "fitting into a pattern" for good those who were dispersed abroad to accomplish HIS plans and purposes down through the ages.
The names listed in the ancestry of the Huguenots in the United States... certainly lived up to what the name Huguenot came to mean... "badge of enduring honor and courage." GOD, in HIS sovereign plan, used the persecution of these men's ancestors to lead them to America. These were the very ones HE used to shape and mold this great country...a country founded to bring glory to GOD...and "liberty and justice for all." A few quotes from America's GOD and Country by William J. Federer will give you a glimpse of these Huguenot ancestor's love and dependence on the LORD JESUS CHRIST:

George Washington, our first, and i think most wonderful, President of the United States and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He was also a surveyor, a planter, a soldier, and a statesmen. From George Washington's personal prayer book recorded in his own handwriting he wrote:

"O most GLORIOUS GOD, in JESUS CHRIST my merciful and loving FATHER, I acknowledge and confess my guilt, in the weak and imperfect performance of the duties of this day. I have called on THEE for pardon and forgiveness of my sins... Let me live according to those holy rules which Thou hast this day prescribed in THY holy word; make me to know what is acceptable in Thy sight, and therein to delight, open the eyes of my understanding, and help me throughly to examine myself concerning my knowledge, faith and repentance, increase my faith, and direct me to the true object, JESUS CHRIST the Way, the Truth and the Life, bless, O LORD, all the people of this land, from the highest to the lowest, particularly those whom Thou has appointed to rule us in church and state. Continue THY goodness to me this night. These weak petitions, I humbly implore THEE to hear, accept and answer for the sake of THY dear SON, JESUS CHRIST our LORD. AMEN.

On Nov. 19, 1794, following the Whiskey Rebellion, President Washington stated:
"Let us unite, therefore, in imploring the SUPREME RULER of nations, to spread HIS holy protection over these United States; to turn the machinations of the wicked to the confirming of our constitutions; to enable us at all times to root out internal sedition, and put invasion to flight; to perpetuate to our country that prosperity, which his goodness has already conferred, and to verify the anticipation of this government being a safeguard to human rights."


John Quincy Adams, our sixth President,wrote in a letter to his son:
I have for many years, made it a practice to read the Bible once every year...My custom is to read four to five chapters every morning immediately after rising from my bed...it is essential, my son, in order that you may go through life with comfort to yourself, and usefulness to your fellow-creatures, that you should form and adopt certain rules or principles, for the government of your own conduct and temper...It is in the Bible you must learn them, and from the Bible how to practice them. Those duties are to GOD, to your fellow-creatures, and to yourself. "Thou shalt love the LORD thy GOD, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength and thy neighbor as thy self."
About JESUS CHRIST being GOD John Quincy Adams said:

I find in the New Testament, JESUS CHRIST accosted in HIS own presence by one of HIS disciples as GOD, without disclaiming the appellation. I see HIM explicitly declared by at least two other of the Apostles to be GOD, expressly and repeatedly announced, not only as having existed before the worlds, but as the CREATOR of the worlds without beginning of days or end of years. I see HIM named in the great prophecy of Isaiah concerning HIM to be the mighty GOD!...

He declared on July 4, 1821:

"The highest glory of the American Revolution was this; it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of CHRISTianity. From the day of the Declaration...they (the American people) were bound by the laws of GOD, which they all, and by the laws of The Gospel, which they nearly all, acknowledge as the rules of their conduct."

Patrick Henry, famous American Revolutionary leader and orator who said, "Give me Liberty or give me death," also boldly declared:
It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by CHRISTians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST. For this very reason peoples of others faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here."

While Patrick Henry was dying, he said:

Doctor, I wish you to observe how real and beneficial the religion of CHRIST is to a man about to die...I am, however, much consoled by reflecting that the religion of CHRIST has, from its first appearance in the world, been attacked in vain by all the wits, philosophers, and wise ones, aided by every power of man, and its triumphs have been complete."

Alexander Hamilton, who led his household regularly in the observance of family prayers, authored 51 or the 85 Federalist Papers, which were of immense consequence in influencing the ratification of the Constitution. Revealing the important connection between CHRISTianity and Constitutional Freedom Hamilton stated:

"In my opinion, the present constitution is the standard to which we are to cling. Under its banner bona fide must we combat our political foes, rejecting all changes but through the channel itself provided for amendments. By these general views of the subject have my reflections been guided. I now offer you the outline of the plan they have suggested. Let an association be formed to be denominated "The CHRISTian Constitutional Society," its object to be first: The support of the CHRISTian religion, second: The support of the United States."

He expounded: "I have carefully examined the evidences of the CHRISTian religion, and if I was sitting as a juror upon its authenticity I would unhesitatingly give my verdict in its favor. I can prove its truth as clearly as any proposition ever submitted to the mind of man."

John Jay, first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, appointed by George Washington, admonished:

Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our CHRISTian nation to select and prefer CHRISTians for their rulers."

On May 13, 1824, while serving as President of the American Bible Society, John Jay gave this address:

"By conveying the Bible to people thus circumstanced, we certainly do them a most interesting kindness. We thereby enable them to learn that man was originally created and placed in a state of happiness, but becoming disobedient, was subjected to the degradation and evils which he and his posterity have since experienced.

The Bible will also inform that that our gracious Creator has provided for us a Redeemer, in whom all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; that this REDEEMER has made atonement "for the sins of the whole world," and thereby reconciling the DIVINE justice with the DIVINE mercy has opened a way for our redemption and salvation; and that these inestimable benefits are of the free gift and grace of GOD, not of our deserving, nor in our power to deserve.










Quotes taken from America's GOD and Country by William J. Federer

I wonder what our country would have been like had these Huguenot refugees not fled from their native country to find refuge because of their faith in CHRIST? I wonder if the ancestors of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and others had stayed in France if there would have been a United States? What if George Washington had been born in France? There would be no George Washington to courageously lead the brave troops who suffered so much from cold, hunger, and lack of supplies against the British, and to lead the United States as an infant country into godliness. How grieved these men would be to see our government and our part of our nation now who seeks to leave GOD out of our public life...our Founding Fathers who were willing "to risk their lives, their fortunes, their sacred honor," for "Liberty under GOD."

Charles Haddon Spurgeon's, that great British "Prince of Preachers," whose sermons and devotions have inspired millions, including me,
to love CHRIST and lead them to a saving knowledge of JESUS CHRIST, was a descendant of the French Huguenot's. I wonder if HIS ancestors had not had to flee France, if his impact would have been the same if he had lived in France?
In the Morning and Evening devo for Feb. 18, Charles Spurgeon wrote these words that have encouraged my heart for years and i have seen this to prove true over and over not just in my life but in the lives of those GOD uses the most to bring HIM glory and be such a help and blessing to others:
Depend upon it, God often sends us trials that our graces may be discovered, and that we may be certified of their existence. Besides, it is not merely discovery, real growth in grace is the result of sanctified trials. God often takes away our comforts and our privileges in order to make us better Christians. He trains His soldiers, not in tents of ease and luxury, but by turning them out and using them to forced marches and hard service. He makes them ford through streams, and swim through rivers, and climb mountains, and walk many a long mile with heavy knapsacks of sorrow on their backs. Well, Christian, may not this account for the troubles through which thou art passing? Is not the Lord bringing! out your graces, and making them grow? Is not this the reason why He is contending with you?

Trials make the promise sweet;
Trials give new life to prayer;
Trials bring me to HIS feet,
Lay me low, and keep me there.

Great troubles make great hearts-Charles Spurgeon
Reading these things above, gives me courage and faith in CHRIST that certainly "everything that happens fits into a pattern for good," "to those who love GOD and are called according to HIS plan,"...including persecution of HIS children. I don't know what the future holds for CHRISTians in America, but i do know WHO holds the future and HE gives us HIS grace and courage to boldly face whatever may lie ahead for HIS children should HE decide to tarry.

In the meantime, we are told in 2 Peter 3:11,14 what we kind of people we should be: "You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of GOD and speed its coming....make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with HIM. Bear in mind that our LORD's patience means salvation..."
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25.

This past week on Jan Markell's website, "Understanding the Times," she had Dr. David Reagan, a scholar of Biblical prophecy on her radio show. He shared how GOD gave us signs in the Bible to tell us how we can know the 2nd coming of CHRIST is near. He said in the Old Testament there are 500 prophecies about JESUS coming to earth the 2nd time. In the New Testament, he said, 1 out of every 24 verses pertains to the second coming of JESUS CHRIST. He said there are 2 or 3 times as many prophecies about the 2nd coming of CHRIST when HE will come in wrath as there are HIS first coming when HE came in grace and mercy. HE said the reason is because, "It is not HIS will that any should perish, but everyone to come to repentance. ll Peter 3:9 Dr. Reagan said the "signs" of our times point to an imminent return of JESUS. You can hear that broadcast by clicking on http://mp3.olivetreeviews.org/OTM2009_02_14X.mp3. If are interested in reading some articles on the "new world order" and prophecy, click on her website (www.olivetreeviews.org) and go to "Newswatch." There you can click on "New World Order" and "Prophecy Watch" for some very informative articles by men who are experts in prophecy.

So, what lessons can we learn from the French Revolution? There are so many but Benjamin Franklin summed it up well his speech to the Constitutional Convention on June 28, 1787, Manuscript notes by Franklin preserved in the Library of Congress (wikipedia)
"I've lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing Proofs I see of this Truth — That God governs in the Affairs of Men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his Notice, is it probable that an Empire can rise without his Aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that "except the Lord build the House they labor in vain who build it." I firmly believe this, — and I also believe that without HIS concurring Aid, we shall succeed in this political Building no better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our Projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a Reproach and Bye word down to future Ages."

All of history is HIS STORY and HE continues to show HIS love, HIS judgement, HIS salvation, and wisdom to us through the pages of HIS WORD. HE has proved HIMself faithful and true time and time again fulfilling HIS word and keeping HIS promises...and HE keeps them when we're obedient, and when we're disobedient to HIS WORD. We are reaping the consequences in our nation for turning our backs on GOD... and we are seeing our country crumble as we turn farther and farther away from the FOUNDATION of JESUS CHRIST that our Founding Fathers built this great nation upon.
We can trust JESUS that, " everything that happens fits into a pattern for good," for those "who love the LORD and are called according to HIS plans." What wonderful plans HE has for us HIS children, for those who have repented of their sins and trusted in the LORD JESUS CHRIST as their SAVIOR...."For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16. We've already read the back of the BOOK, the inerrant, infallible LOVE LETTER from JESUS, and we know WHO wins!
George Frederic Handel, along with Johann Sebastian Bach, was born the same year the Edict of Nantes was revoked! Handel wrote the gloriuos oratorio, the Messiah, based on Scriptural prophecies, and teachings about CHRIST. What a fitting conclusion to this "Little History Lesson," that the LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT reigneth! You can listen to Handel's Messiah, the 250th anniversary, on you tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnHksDFHTQI... to GOD be the GLORY!



Alleluia!
For the LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT reigns!
Let us be glad and rejoice
And give HIM the glory,
For the marriage of the LAMB has come,
And HIS wife has made herself ready..."
"Blessed are those who are called to
the marriage supper of the Lamb!"...
These are the true sayings of GOD."
Revelation 19:6-9



With all HIS love,
mitzi

"Perfect Peace and Rest"

"May the GOD who inspires men to endure, and gives them constant encouragement, give you a mind united with one another in your common loyalty to CHRIST JESUS. And then, as one man, you will sing from the heart the praises of GOD the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST...May the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in your faith, that by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope." Romans 15:5,6,13

Dear Friends,

Monday afternoon, my husband and i took off on a date. Wow...what a blessing. The kids fended for themselves., treating their granddaddy, to "Chick-fil-A," and spent some time with him while we were gone. Well, actually, i imagine it was the other way around...he probably treated them. My husband and i took off and rode through the winding country road up to Fayetteville, Tn. As we drove along, we listened to "Rush Limbaugh" at my request...that was a first, i usually like to talk on our dates. My interest in politics has really escalated in recent weeks and my husband is glad about that. As we rode along listening to Rush talk about the Stimulus Bill or "Porkulus Bill," as he describes it, Johnny would occasionally stop his Ipod and explain something to me that he was talking about. We talked and listened and as we got closer to "Sarge's Shack," the restaurant we were eating at near Pulaski, Rush began talking about the socialized health care hidden in that stimulus bill. We listened as Rush read some things quoting Tom Daschle who authored this bill, i believe. In it he was talking about how the elderly were going to have to learn to live with some things, they would be too sick and too old to merit spending more money on by the government... Doctors will basically have to follow the orders of the government, no individualized medicine, and our private medical records, that we've had to fill out so many "privacy" forms for, will suddenly become basically common knowledge through electronic medical records.

After we sat in the car a few minutes listening to this dismal news, it was nice to get out and go eat where they were having Bluegrass singing and playing to get our minds off the world's troubles. We ordered grilled chicken and had salads and rice, and as we ate and talked, we could hear them singing bluegrass music and playing in the front room. It was really a blessing to talk and "catch up" and discuss events from the past few days. My husband was very comforting to me...he's glad i'm keeping up more with what's going on in the world, but doesn't want me to be afraid. It's funny, he's the "calm" one these days, balances me, and seems like when he's the one not so calm, i'm his balance. GOD just seems to work that way through marriage.

After we finished eating, we walked to the door of the room where were singing and playing music , and it warmed my heart hearing them sing...especially when they sang about JESUS. These folks were having a great time buckdancing, playing the spoons, guitars, banjo's, and singing. This was a nice place to forget about what was happening in the outside world and enjoy the moment. I thought this is so "southern," as i looked over and saw a man eating in his overalls with a long grey beard. We listened to the music a while, and talked to some folks who were singing and dancing and a man from Australia who came in with his little girl. They were on vacation and had visited several states. If they were looking for some "southern" culture, they had found it. They liked the way we talked, and we loved hearing their Australian accent. After we left the restaurant we didn't listen to Rush too much...think we'd had enough bad news for one day. We actually received some other bad news from a phone call from our son that threatened to ruin our peace. As Johnny said the news from my son just kept "exploding in his head." I'm not going to share that "news" ...but let's just say, the devil was trying really hard to rob our family of peace that night and he did have a measure of victory. That "news" along with many other issues that are cropping up on every turn these days if you're listening or reading conservative CHRISTian news (www.worldnetdaily.com , www.olivetreeviews.org. www.onenewsnow.com ) can certainly destroy my peace if i allow it. The "Fairness Doctrine," that threatens to remove the freedoms of CHRISTian and conservative radio, "hate crimes bill" that would prevent pastors and others from speaking out against homosexuals and others living contrary to biblical laws, gun control laws, camps being set up by Homeland Security for who knows what, abortion expanded, socialized medicine... there is a lot going on, serious things, but yet GOD is the one "who inspires men to endure, and gives us constant encouragement...and a mind united with one another in our common loyalty to CHRIST JESUS. "

I wrote an email a few years ago called "I Can See the ROCK," which seem to strike a chord with several of you. You know how much i love the river...the glorious river where the LORD speaks to my heart so much and gives me HIS peace. I went paddling one winter Sat. morning (i'm trying to be a good girl and not do that any more alone during cold weather) and the cove that i paddle in during the summer and fall, looked very different in the winter when the leaves have fallen off the trees. I could see the huge rocks that are usually hidden behind the leaves of the trees the rest of the year. I remember the LORD speaking to me and whispering to my heart, that it's when the "leaves" of the world fall off the trees" in my life,that " I can see the ROCK," of my LORD JESUS CHRIST so much more clearer, than when i have a lot of "stuff" in my life...when "the barn is full" as Charles Spurgeon puts it. GOD has proven HIMself so faithful and true over and over in my life, and i know that each time HE allows the "leaves to fall off my trees," that "I CAN see the ROCK," so much more nearly and dearly...and I am learning to cherish those hardships, though it hurts, when "I Can See my ROCK," more clearly and dearly.

Charles Spurgeon shares so beautifully in his Feb.12 Morning Devotion from Morning and Evening, the consolation that CHRIST brings us in our trials, whether they be what's going on in the world, our health, finances, marriage, career, loss of loved ones, etc. Trials brings us into a closer relationship with JESUS CHRIST as HE comforts us and gives us peace...and shows us that indeed HIS "grace is sufficient and HIS power is made perfect in our weakness." II Corinthians 12:9

Author: Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Morning: Make Room for Consolation

"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ."
--2 Corinthians 1:5
There is a blessed proportion. The Ruler of Providence bears a pair of scales--in this side He puts His people's trials, and in that He puts their consolations. When the scale of trial is nearly empty, you will always find the scale of consolation in nearly the same condition; and when the scale of trials is full, you will find the scale of consolation just as heavy. When the black clouds gather most, the light is the more brightly revealed to us. When the night lowers and the tempest is coming on, the Heavenly Captain is always closest to His crew. It is a blessed thing, that when we are most cast down, then it is that we are most lifted up by the consolations of the Spirit. One reason is, because trials make more room for consolation. Great hearts can only be made by great troubles. The spade of trouble digs the reservoir of comfort deeper, and makes more room for consolation. God comes into our heart--He finds it full--He begins to break our comforts and to make it empty; then there is more room for grace. The humbler a man lies, the more comfort he will always have, because he will be more fitted to receive it.
Another reason why we are often most happy in our troubles, is this--then we have the closest dealings with God. When the barn is full, man can live without God: when the purse is bursting with gold, we try to do without so much prayer. But once take our gourds away, and we want our God; once cleanse the idols out of the house, then we are compelled to honour Jehovah. "Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord." There is no cry so good as that which comes from the bottom of the mountains; no prayer half so hearty as that which comes up from the depths of the soul, through deep trials and afflictions. Hence they bring us to God, and we are happier; for nearness to God is happiness. Come, troubled believer, fret not over your heavy troubles, for they are the heralds of weighty mercies.
We may have some "leaves" falling off our trees mighty fast...i'm not sure where all this is going to lead with our government, but i do know the "kings heart is in the hand of the LORD; HE directs it like a watercourse wherever HE pleases." Pro. 21:1. YES!!!! That brings peace to my heart...GOD is in control...and this is not a "runaway train." When GOD reminds me that HE is in control, and that HE knows all about what is happening...HIS peace replaces my fear. Psalm 2 reminds us of WHO is in control, it's not the President, the Democrats, or Republicans, United Nations, or whoever,but it's the LORD JESUS CHRIST:

Psalm 2
"Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD
And against HIS ANOINTED ONE.
"Let us break their chains," they say
And throw off their fetters."
The ONE enthroned in heaven laughs;
The LORD scoffs at them.
Then HE rebukes them in HIS anger
And terrifies them in HIS wrath, saying,
"I have installed my KING on ZION, my holy hill."
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD:
HE said to me, "YOU are my SON;
today I have become YOUR FATHER.
Ask of me,
and I will make the nations your inheritance,
the ends of the earth your possession.
YOU will rule them with an iron scepter;
YOU will dash them to pieces like pottery."
"Therefore you kings, be wise;
Be warned, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear
And rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the SON, lest HE be angry
And you be destroyed in your way,
For HIS wrath can flare up in a moment.
Blessed are all who take refuge in HIM.


When i am listening to these different issues going on around me in today's world and my anxiety level is rising, i am comforted when GOD reminds me ,"The ONE enthroned in heaven laughs; The LORD scoffs at them..." those who are trying to take HIS name out of public except when they use it in vain, or persecute CHRISTians, or take away the freedoms that the best men and women of our land have fought and died and sacrificed... GOD knows all about it. HE has already written the book about it, and it is being fulfilled. HIS inerrant, prophetic WORD, the Bible,written hundreds of years ago, by 40 authors, men inspired by the HOLY SPIRIT, is being fulfilled right before our eyes, and that is exciting! HIS WORD continues to bear witness over and over that JESUS is GOD...JESUS is WHO HE said HE was and is..."In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. HE was with GOD in the beginning,"John 1:1,2. When JESUS was in the Garden of Gethsemane and the Roman soldiers soldiers came to take HIM away to be crucified..."JESUS said to the multitudes,"Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take ME? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize ME. But all this was done that the Scriptures might be fulfilled."Matthew 26:56. All that we see going on around us is "that the Scriptures might be fulfilled" and that brings me great peace. Doesn't mean we want go through some difficult days, JESUS was beaten, mocked, and nailed to the cross, but those days will draw us that much closer to our LORD and to our brothers and sisters in CHRIST...and draw others to CHRIST who don't know HIM. Out of our suffering comes life...life from JESUS CHRIST.
The ONE who left HIS glorious home in heaven and laid down HIS perfect life on a wooden tree for you and me to pay the punishment for your sins and mine, also made it possible for us to be "heirs of GOD and co-heirs with CHRIST, if indeed we share in HIS sufferings in order that we may also share in HIS glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:17,18. HE is the ONE who rose from the grave on the 3rd day and ascended into heaven and left us here to be HIS witnesses..."But you will receive power when the HOLY SPIRIT comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts. 1:8 Those early CHRISTians had to have some persecution among them so they would spread out and be JESUS' witnesses "to the ends of the earth." Otherwise they would have probably stayed in their "Holy Huddles," like we tend to do. HE is the KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDs and HE will return for HIS children one day and take us to heaven. "For you yourselves know full well that the day of the LORD will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, "peace and safety!" then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3. And that day may be very,very soon. As we look for HIS return, we need to be diligent to "Contend for the Faith," and tell others about the wonderful salvation that is ours in CHRIST JESUS for those who repent of their sins and believe in HIM. "GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16. This salvation is the "perfect peace and rest" as CHRIST died so that we might have peace with GOD...HE paid the cost for our sins that separate us from GOD. HIS forgiveness takes away the guilt of our sin, and enables us to forgive those who sin against us. HIS power enables us to replaces bitterness with love, and anger with joy. HE replaces our fear with HIS peace "that passes all understanding" as "our hearts are stayed on HIM."



Several years ago, we were in church one Sunday morning and sang the hymn, "Like a River Glorious." Like so many things in my journey as a CHRISTian, i had never paid very much attention to the words to this hymn until i was hurting. I was going through a very difficult time with my health and i remember the words to this hymn, especially the third verse jumping off the page at me, and giving me peace in the midst of my sorrows as I sang the words, "Every joy or trial, Falleth from above, traced upon our dial by the SUN of LOVE; We may trust HIM fully All for us to do; They who trust HIM wholly Find HIM wholly true."

It's been several years down the road from that Sunday morning, and i have found HIM to be "wholly true", and to fully do for me all that i have needed just as HE has promised...and HE will continue to. JESUS CHRIST is the same, yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8) and "...HE who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of CHRIST JESUS." Phil. 1:6. I praise my precious LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST and rejoice in HIS goodness and faithfulness to be wholly true and HE does give me HIS perfect peace, when my heart is stayed upon JEHOVAH...it's when i start looking around at my circumstances and take my eyes off of JESUS that i'm like Peter and sink in the storm. Now i look at the second verse of "Like a River Glorious," and i'm amazed at the comfort it brings me for "such a time as this:"

Hidden in the hollow Of HIS blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, Never traitor stand
Not a surge of worry, Not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry-Touch the SPIRIT there.


Remembering HIS faithfulness in the past to love me and care for me in difficult times "traced upon our dial by the SUN of LOVE," gives me the peace and comfort to know that HE will be faithful with the future that lies in HIS hands...and not in men's. I do have to be reminded that GOD is in control and i'm so thankful for my dear husband, and the HOLY SPIRIT, our COMFORTER, who reminded me of that this week.
I love you all very much and I thank GOD for your dear encouragement to my heart during these "Days of Elijah." You honor me by taking time out of your busy schedule to read these emails and pray for our family. May we be faithful to pray for one another and encourage each another to keep our eyes, "Stayed Upon JEHOVAH," finding in HIM our "perfect peace and rest."



"Thou wilt keep HIM in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on THEE; because he trusts in THEE." Isaiah 26:3

With all HIS love,
Mitzi

"Like a River Glorious" by Frances Havergal

Like a river glorious Is GOD's perfect peace
Overall victorious in its bright increase
Perfect, yet it floweth Fuller every day;
Perfect, yet it growth, Deeper all the way.

Chorus:
Stayed upon JEHOVAH
Hearts are fully blest
Finding as HE promised,
Perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow Of HIS blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, Never traitor stand
Not a surge of worry, Not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry-Touch the SPIRIT there.

Every joy or trial Falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial By the SUN of LOVE;
We may trust HIM fully All for us to do;
They who trust HIM wholly Find HIM wholly true.

"Days of Elijah"

"Behold, HE cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see HIM, and they also which pierced HIM: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of HIM. Even so, Amen. I am the ALPHA and the OMEGA," says the LORD GOD, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the ALMIGHTY." Revelation 1:7-8

Dear Friends,

Last Friday night after i sent out the email about "Fighting for the Truth," I had a bad dream. In fact it was so bad, i woke up afraid, more afraid than i had been in a long time. I'm kind of embarrassed to tell you what i dreamed actually, or maybe i'm more afraid, but let's just say it had something to do with that email i sent out, and someone "higher up" was out to get me and my family. Yes, it scared me. The next morning when i woke up, things seemed much better in the daylight...but i have to be honest, the things i've been reading about and hearing particularly on www.worldviewweekend.com, and www.olivetreeviews.org, and in talking with older CHRISTians who have studied prophecy much more than me strongly believe we are seeing Revelation being fulfilled right before our very eyes. Wow, and it is a little scary to me...i guess wondering what we may have to suffer before the LORD takes us out of here, and it makes me sad, too, seeing all these changes that are taking place in our country. My husband has reminded me several times in the past few days that GOD designed it so that every generation since CHRIST returned to heaven after HIS resurrection would believe that they were living in the last days and eagerly yearn for HIS return.
Last Thursday evening, Brannon Howe, the host of www.worldviewweekend.com was interviewing Jan Markell, www.olivetreeviews.org, and they were talking about some of the events going on in today's world. One of the things they mentioned that was a little unnerving to me was a bill that is being introduced to provide "camps" around the country through Homeland Security. They weren't sure what these "camps" are to be used for, but they said this bill is something we needed to be aware of and we need to keep abreast of the situation. You can listen to that interview yourself by clicking on http://www.worldviewmatters.net/listen.php, and scrolling down to the interview Jan.30-Feb.1 with Jan Markell. You might just want to take time to look at the other topics on your way down...pretty scary stuff.
Last Saturday, i was in Publix, that wonderful desire of my heart the LORD put right down the street from us, and l ran into a dear friend, Marion Walker, that i hadn't seen in a long time. I was had just been thinking of this friend when i heard Jan Markell being interviewed as she reminded me of her with her passion for the LORD, politics, and prophecy, and it was amazing to me when i saw her a couple of days later. Once again i was reminded of how the LORD leads our steps when we don't even realize it. We stopped and talked a while in the grocery aisle, her telling me her view of our current world happenings, which lined up with what i had been hearing, and then some more dear friends, Joe and Carol Kress, whom i respect very much and have been such a blessing to our family through the years came down that same aisle. Both of these sets of friends are older in the LORD and have studied Biblical prophecy and kept up with the times so much more than I, and their thoughts were the same... they strongly felt we are seeing Revelation being fulfilled as we see things being put in place with a "one world order." Joe said, we are seeing "the unravelling of America." He said, This is not the United States he was born into. Pretty sobering stuff. On Monday, Hannah Beth and I listened to a radio interview on www.olivetreeviews.org where Jan Markell interviewed a man who had grown up in Nazi Germany and was describing the similarities between the United States now and Nazi Germany. You can hear that same interview by clicking on the "Radio Archives," on that website. Brannon House sent out an email earlier in the week listing some of those similarities:


25 Similarities Between America and Nazi Germany
By Brannon Howse
www.worldviewmatters.net

Even the most nominally aware person knows all too well that our nation—and the world—is engulfed in a major economic catastrophe. Thanks to the variety of factors at work, some observers have characterized it as the perfect economic storm. Yet this drama is a mere thunder shower by comparison with a far more devastating potential that threatens to wreck not just the American dream but the entire American ideal. If this maelstrom reaches its full power, liberty and justice for all—to say nothing of the pursuit of happiness—will be wiped from the face of the earth.

A perfect cultural storm is developing from the convergence of three forces, any one of which would seriously harm our way of life. But together they portend the near certain doom of the most cherished American values. Socialism, pagan spirituality, and pragmatism have come together over the last several decades to produce a cataclysm waiting to happen.

Socialism imposes the redistribution of wealth and private property through an all-powerful, freedom-robbing central government. Pagan spirituality embraces the worship of nature along with occult practices and beliefs. Pragmatism proclaims that the truth or worth of an idea is based solely upon the results it brings (pragmatists believe that truth is relative, situational, and that a desired end justifies any means required to reach it). All three of these political, spiritual, and intellectual systems have taken a dominant place in the American worldview.

Doomsday—Again

It's been said that if we don't learn from history we are doomed to repeat it. There are those who have even compared the rumblings in America today as similar to those in pre-Nazi Germany of the 1930s. While I don't buy the notion that our government might be ready to establish concentration camps, the storm clouds heading this way have brought ideas into our public policy, laws, and national consciousness that bear a frightening resemblance to what has gone before—in the worst of times. This same collection of worldviews laid a foundation for the atrocities and godless government of Hitler's Germany.

Adolph Hitler, you'll recall, established the National Socialist German Workers' Party. He also bought into what I call One World Spirituality, a merging of the three worldviews of evolutionary humanism, Hindu pantheism, and occultism.

Atheism in America is no longer in vogue among our "intellectual elite." It's being replaced by the far more insidious pantheism—insidious because it is more acceptable to the masses than outright disbelief in God. Pantheism is on track to become the dominate worldview in America and around the world in very short order.
Similar Is as Similar Does
Please understand that I'm not sensationalizing when making these observations. First Chronicles 12:32 says men of the tribe of Issachar were called wise because they "understood the times and knew what God would have them to do." To help you make your own assessment of the situation, I've distinguished 25 benchmark issues that clearly define the intensity of the tempest that is nearly upon us. And yes, there are obvious comparisons with the growth of Nazism in Germany. I will point them out unabashedly because it's only reasonable to say so if something that looks similar to an earlier, dangerous historical parallel actually is similar. After all, storm warnings, by nature, foretell bad news.

As you read through my list, I invite you to understand the times and prepare to respond with a Biblical worldview.


Hitler eliminated Christian holidays in the schools first by calling Christmas "Yuletide." Most American public schools now call Christmas vacation a "winter break."
Hitler outlawed school prayer in Germany. In 1962, The U.S. Supreme Court did the same for us.
Hitler took Easter out of schools and instead honored that time of year as the beginning of spring. It has likewise become common for schools in America to refer to time off at Easter as "spring break."
Hitler controlled the church using intimidation and threats. A half-century ago, U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Baines Johnson, promoted a bill that included an amendment to use the Internal Revenue Service to remove the non-profit status of a church that speaks against the election of any specific political candidate.
Hitler enticed thousands of pastors to promote paganism in their congregations. Neopaganism is one of the fastest growing religions in America, doubling every 18 months according to a June 2008 article in The Denver Post. Many American church-goers practice paganism such as "Christian" yoga, contemplative prayer, and walking a labyrinth. As evidence that church doors continue to open further to aberrant beliefs, a 2008 survey found that 57% of evangelicals do not believe Jesus Christ is the only way to God.
Hitler prevented dissenters from using radio to challenge his worldview. Many powerful liberals in America have made clear their intent to reintroduce the "Fairness Doctrine" that would require conservative and religious radio stations to offer equal time to anti-Christian, anti-conservative worldviews.
Pastors who spoke against Hitler's worldview and his murderous regime found themselves on trial and frequently imprisoned for "Abuse of Pulpit." In America, hate-crime legislation has the potential to criminalize Christians and pastors who speak out against the homosexual agenda.
Read the entire article by ordering a free copy of our new, 32 page magazine that came out this week. http://www.worldviewweekend.com/digest.shtml



One of the sad things i learned listening to the man who grew up in Nazi Germany is that he said the churches were confused, they were weak, and only a small number of the pastors and churches stood up to Hitler. Hitler was lavished with attention and praised in the streets as the one who would put bread on their tables and deliver them from their poor economic situation. The churches, because they were weak, were confused by the "spiritual" language that was used and accepted the atrocities that were being committed against the Jews...the killing of 6 million Jews. In our country today approximately 51 million unborn babies have been killed since 1973.

As i took Dixie and Midnight, our dogs for a walk in the field one day this week, i had to admit to myself...these events are scary to me. Am i ready to face the changes and challenges that might lie ahead for me and my family, for my loved ones? Jan Markell was such an encouragement to me in her articles and radio show reminding us that the time of the Rapture may be very near and to keep looking up to the skies and watching for JESUS' return "BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see HIM,..." Rev. 1:7. Aahhh, that brought comfort and peace to my heart to be reminded that JESUS our dear BRIDEGROOM, who purchased our own souls with HIS blood, is coming to take HIS bride to heaven someday, and that day may very well be soon. All those who have accepted CHRIST as their LORD and SAVIOR are going to be taken out of here to our glorious home in heaven one day, ...but what about those who will be left behind? That brings sorrow to my heart, i don't want those i love who don't know CHRIST to be left behind for the terrible things that are going to take place during the tribulation. It's been a while since i studied Revelation listening to Dr. David Jeremiah, but when i went back and reviewed Chapters 4-19 which is the Tribulation period, I read of the absolutely terrible things that are going to take place for those who are left behind... a time of open war, famine, death, martyrs, earthquakes, stars of the sky falling to earth, the sky being split apart, etc. Rev. 6:15-17 says, "And the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of HIM who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the LAMB; for the great day of their wrath has come; and who is able to stand?" If you think i am trying to scare you into accepting CHRIST if you haven't trusted HIM as your LORD and SAVIOR you are exactly right...I don't want you to have to go through what those who have rejected CHRIST will have to suffer.

I am concerned and a little fearful in all honesty about what might we CHRISTians have to endure before we are raptured out of here. David Jeremiah said the "Church" the bride of CHRIST isn't mentioned during the time of the tribulation in Rev. 4-19 because CHRIST has already taken her to heaven...i sure hope he's right! Our government sure isn't too fond of CHRISTian views it seems, or freedom, and is seeking to pass more and more laws that are against our Biblical moral principles-laws in favor of abortion, same sex marriage, benefits, etc. hate crimes bills, etc. CHRISTians sure have faced persecution and martyrdom all down through the ages, and do today in many countries around the world. This just may be something we have to go through before we get to heaven and if it is, the LORD will give us the grace to walk through it. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the LORD has promised to those who love HIM."
Earlier this week, the LORD was so sweet to comfort my fearful heart about the events that are swirling around us and i wanted to share with you the comfort CHRIST shared with me.
First of all, in Exodus 19:4, the LORD reminded me that HIS children are HIS "special treasure." "You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how i bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to MYSELF. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey MY voice and keep MY covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to ME above all people. " I love being "special. " I always enjoyed being the "teacher's pet" in school, but being a "special treasure" to the LORD brings great comfort to my heart. That is HIS love for all those in CHRIST JESUS....HE favors us, HE loves us "special." "HE sought me, and bought me with HIS redeeming blood," says the hymn "Victory in JESUS," and brought me out of bondage. HE has provided all my needs in CHRIST JESUS and will continue to because HE loves you and me so very much. Charles Spurgeon shared in his February 4 Morning and Evening:

"Believer, look back through all your experiences and think of the ways in which the LORD your GOD has led you in the wilderness-how HE has fed you and clothed you every day; how HE has tolerated your bad manners, put up with all your grumbling and all your longings after Egypt's pots of meat; how HE has opened the rock to supply you, and fed you with manna from heaven. Think of how HIS grace has been sufficient for you in your troubles-how HIS blood has been a pardon for you in all your sins, how HIS rod and HIS staff have comforted you. When you have thus looked back on the love of the LORD, then let faith survey HIS love in the future, for remember that CHRIST's covenant and blood have something more in them than the past. He who has loved you and pardoned you will never cease to love and pardon. HE is Alpha, and HE will be Omega also. HE is first, and HE will be last. Therefore, remember when you pass through the "vail of the shadow of death" Ps. 23:4 you need fear no evil, for HE is with you. When you stand in the cold floods of the Jordan, you do not need to fear, for death cannot separate you from HIS love. When you come into the mysteries of eternity, you do not need to tremble, "for I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, not angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of GOD, which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD" (Romans 8:38-39)."

MY JESUS has proven HIMSELF so faithful over and over in my life and yours. HE is so good and kind to bring the love and comfort and reassurance to my heart that HE knew I needed because HE is my GOOD SHEPHERD, and HE knows everything about me...including my fears and the future. He tells us not to fear over and over in the Bible because, well, HE knows how prone HIS sheep are to fear. HE has given us the "end of the story" in Revelation and we truly don't have anything to fear...

"Because you have kept the word of MY perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell upon the earth. I am coming quickly; hold fast to what you have, in order that no one take your crown." Revelation 3:10-11

Just as GOD has done in the past, HE will give HIS grace for every situation and circumstance that arises in the days ahead for us.
We need to be praying fervently for our country, our leaders, for our loved ones, for those outside of CHRIST and for ourselves. May the LORD use these days of evil to prompt us to draw closer to HIM, to be obedient to HIS WORD and share CHRIST with those who don't know HIM. Ephesians 5:15-16 shares, "Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." It is urgent and imperative that we share CHRIST with those around us that HE might grip and convict their hearts and they would repent of their sins and be saved from eternal judgement and "flee from the wrath to come," for it is indeed coming. GOD is just and HE must punish sin and HE is going to pour out HIS wrath upon all those who have rejected the gift of HIS SON for the payment of their sin. GOD loves us and yearns for us so very much that HE sent HIS only SON into the world to die to pay for our sins. It is not HIS will that "any one should perish, but that all should come to repentance." II Peter 3:9. "For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
I think this is a great time to read and study up on Revelation since the events that are unfolding have already been told there. I'm going to snuggle up to my JESUS, who loves me with an everlasting love, (Jer. 31:3 )and has made me HIS special treasure (Ex. 19:4) through the blood of HIS SON JESUS CHRIST.
"The evil has come upon you to bring the LORD nearer to you. The evil has not come upon you to separate you from JESUS, but to cling to HIM more faithfully, more tenaciously, more simply."
F.S. Webster M.A.
Streams in the Desert Dec. 22
This is no time to fear, but it is time to be bold and courageous, and to lean hard upon JESUS. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; HE will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 As Twila Paris sings "Days of Elijah" in the video below, may your heart be encouraged as mine is, by the assurance that our LORD JESUS CHRIST is returning soon for HIS bride and HE will be faithful to carry us through whatever we may face until that time. May we be faithful to labor in HIS vineyard and share the salvation that is found in JESUS CHRIST until HE returns.

"Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake...lest HE come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake."
Mark 13:33-37


With all HIS love and looking for HIS return,
mitzi

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt--YYIHIqdSkk/twila_paris_days_of_elijah/
Days of Elijah by Twila Paris
These are the days of Elijah
Declaring the word of the Lord
And these are the days of Your servant, Moses
Righteousness being restored

And these are the days of great trial
Of famine and darkness and sword
Still, we are the voice in the desert crying
'Prepare ye the way of the Lord!'

Behold He comes, riding on the clouds
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call
Lift your voice, it's the year of jubilee
And out of Zion's hill salvation comes

And these are the days of Ezekiel
The dry bones becoming as flesh
And these are the days of Your servant, David
Rebuilding a temple of praise

And these are the days of the harvest
The fields are as white in Your world
And we are the laborers in Your vineyard
Declaring the word of the Lord

There's no god like Jehovah!
There's no god like Jehovah!