"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to ME: seeing thou has forgotten the Law of thy GOD, I will also forget thy children (Hosea 4:6).
"...HIS purpose is that all men should be saved and come to know the TRUTH." I Timothy 2:3
Dear Praying Friends and Family,
Today, Sept. 2nd, is my 48th birthday. It has been a GREAT day of blessing and encouragement to my heart. Many of you have written on my FB wall and wished me a Happy Birthday. You've sent me cards, e cards, my children called me early this morning and i've been on the phone off and on all day with my dear Mom who just celebrated her 80th birthday. Mother gave birth to me though she was very sick herself. How i thank GOD for her love and sacrifice for me and our family all these years. All three of my thoughtful brothers called, my wonderful in laws, and my dear friend Wanda. One of the best phone calls i got today was my friend Shirley i asked you to pray for last week. She had scans done on her body yesterday for cancer, and they were all clear! Praise GOD! Now, we're still waiting to hear the results of the MRI on her head...please continue to remember her in your prayers.
Johnny, my husband, offered to buy me a new lawnmower for my birthday, or a new Gary Fisher bicycle i spied a couple of weeks ago at the bike shop. Since i have a garage full of bicycles, the lawn mower is higher on my priority list. I know, I just got a new lawn mower for Mother's Day, but i kind of neglected to tell you, i ran over a steel property marker in the corner of our yard, several weeks ago, not once, but twice. Mind you, this isn't a riding mower, it is a push mower. I should have learned from the first time i pushed over the steel post...but no, i forgot. The second time i pushed over the post, it killed the mower...stopped it deader than a door nail. After having the crank shaft and blade replaced, all this over a process of weeks, it still isn't cutting the grass evenly. If i can't get my mower where it cuts evenly i may be getting a new lawn mower again... next Mother's Day! I wish i were as concerned with my house looking perfect as I like the yard to be...so does Johnny. I'm not sure what the LORD is trying to teach me through my lawn mower issues, but patience has got to be at the top of the list. I want it fixed and I want it now...somehow that hasn't happened in the timing i wanted it. "In everything give thanks for this is the will of GOD in CHRIST JESUS concerning you." I Thess. 5:18. I'm so thankful for this verse that gives me peace, as i remember to thank the LORD for my "lawn mower blues." HE has a plan and purpose HE is working out for HIS good, even though i can't see it right now.
Well, i started out this email on a lighthearted note, but there are some very serious issues going on in our world on my birthday today. Last week, i read at www.watch.org, that the leaders of Israel were meeting with our leaders and other leaders of the Middle East in Washington on SEPT 2, to discuss dividing the land of Israel. Another guy i've been reading for a year or so now, Dr. John McTernan, http://www.johnmcternan.name/, has been documenting for the past several years how every time the United States puts pressure on Israel to divide the land, something bad happens to us here in America. You can go to his website, and read his documentation on these events. I thought it was really interesting that there is a category 3-4 Hurricane bearing down on North Carolina and the East Coast as i write this...as if GOD is "cocked and waiting," to see how America is going to treat Israel, " the apple of HIS eye" during these "peace" talks. JESUS is the same, yesterday, today and forever, and HE says in Genesis 12:3 concerning Israel:
" I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
Part of the reason our country has been so abundantly blessed by GOD is we have stood with Israel for the most part. It's amazing the observations that John has made through the years concerning downturns in our economy, the housing industry or natural disasters with our treatment of Israel. We need to be praying for "peace of Jerusalem," even now as they are meeting in Washington. GOD has promised in HIS WORD to protect Israel, and they are going to be okay. Our country is the one who is going to suffer for turning our backs on them. John Mcternan says that he believes America has run out of time for GOD to be merciful to us. Read his blog here to find out much more about his reasons: http://www.johnmcternan.name/ Sept. 1,2 God's Judgement on America...
Check out some of these headlines from today's news, even as the leaders of our country meet as they meet to discuss dividing the land of Israel...the land that GOD gave the Jews, and promised in the latter times to bring them back to it, as HE did in 1948, when Israel became a nation again:
Secretary Clinton hosts the re-launch of direct negotiations between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, at the Department of State
Earl threatens East Coast with weekend pounding
Clinton opens new round of Mideast peace talks
Bernanke: Shut down banks if they threaten system
Gulf oil rig explodes off La. coast
How Barack Obama became Mr. Unpopular
Burger King agrees to $3.26B buyout by 3G Capital
God did not create the universe, says Hawking
I hope that John is wrong, but if he's right, we need to first make sure that we have been born again, and have humbly confessed our sins to CHRIST JESUS, and surrender our whole lives to HIM, trusting in HIS sacrifice, ALONE, to save us. In the book of 1 John, John tells us how to know that we are indeed in CHRIST. There are several "litmus" test in 1 John for being truly born again and a new creature in CHRIST. I encourage you to take time to read first John carefully and make sure you pass the tests for being a true believer. I John 2:3 says:
"And by this we know that we have come to know HIM, if we keep HIS commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know HIM," and does not keep HIS commandments, is a liar, and the TRUTH is not in him."
John goes on to say in verse 9-11:
"The one who says he is in the light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him."
We need to make sure that we are abiding in a personal and intimate relationship with JESUS CHRIST by studying HIS TRUTH, HIS LIVING WORD, each day for the days are evil. There are some great men in the history of our country who valued GOD's TRUTH and read and studied his WORD that they might gain GOD's divine wisdom for leading our great nation:
"The anticipation of the crowd was contagious! All eyes were riveted on General George Washington. The man is legendary-the hero of the decade! He approaches the outdoor balcony of Federal Hall in New York City on April 30, 1789; views the podium; pauses; then asks for a BIBLE. Stepping onto the balcony, the General places his right hand on the open book and takes the oath of office, becoming the First President of the United States of America:
John Adams, 2nd President said: "I have made it a practice every year to read through the Bible ..studying the Scriptures every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning."
John Quincy Adams, 6th President, recorded that he read the Scriptures for the first hour upon rising each morning and through the Bible each year.
Andrew Jackson, 7th President wrote in his diary that he read three to five chapters of the Bible daily. He referred to the Bible as no less than "the Rock on which our Republic rests."
William H. Harrison, 16th President, said it had been his habit to read the Bible each day for 20 years.
Abraham Lincoln, 16th President, said, "All the good from the SAVIOR of the world is communicated through the Bible; but for this BOOK we could not know right from wrong. All the things desirable to man are contained in it."
Ulysses S. Grant, 18th President, said, "Hold fast to the Bible as the anchor of your liberty; write ITS precepts in your hearts and practice them in your lives."
-copied from Bible Pathway Ministries http://www.biblepathway.org/
When we diligently study GOD's WORD to "show ourselves approved as a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD of TRUTH," 2 Tim. 2:15, we will be able to discern what is TRUTH and what is error. We will be able to understand the times and what is happening all around us and help others to understand and warn and admonish or encourage them. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:15-17:
"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the LORD is."
You don't need me to tell you the days are evil...we see it all around us, and even in our own homes and families...as sin devastates our lives and those we love so dear, and holds them and us in bondage. JESUS tells us in John 8:32:
"If you abide in MY WORD, then your are truly disciples of MINE. And you shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH will set you free."
GOD sent HIS SON, HIS beloved perfect SON from heaven, who is the CREATOR of the WORLD and us, to set us free. Free from what? The bondage and captivity of sin, of lies, of untruth, of the punishment of hell that awaits all those who reject the LORD JESUS as their SAVIOR.
"For GOD so loved the world, (including you and me), that HE gave HIS only SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
It is not GOD's will that any should perish for the punishment of their sins, but that all would come to a knowledge of the TRUTH and be saved:
"First, supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings should be made on behalf of all men: for kings and rulers in positions of responsibility, so that our common life may be lived in peace and quiet, with a proper sense of GOD and our our responsibility to HIM for what we do with our lives. In the sight of GOD our SAVIOUR this is undoubtedly the right way to pray; for HIS purpose is that all men should be saved and come to know the TRUTH. For there is only one GOD, and only one intermediary between GOD and men, the MAN CHRIST JESUS. HE gave HIMself as a ransom for all men-an act of redemption which stands at all times as a witness to what HE is." I Timothy 2:1-6
"...HIS purpose is that all men should be saved and come to know the TRUTH." In John 14:6 JESUS says, "I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE, no man comes to the FATHER but by ME."
This past week, I received an article from Brannon Howse (http://www.worldviewtimes.com/) concerning the "Divine Destiny" rally that Glenn Beck, a Mormon, was heading up in Washington. I have not watched Glenn Beck recently, and i didn't even know a rally was going on this past weekend, until i began reading about it on Brannon's website. Brannon has done an excellent job of teaching us why we as born again believers in CHRIST cannot unite with Glen Beck in spiritual matters. Brannon, and the others i've listed below are very complimentary of how Glen has educated us to what is going on in our government, but he has turned a tide, and is more and more becoming a spiritual leader. The theme of Saturday's rally was worshipping one GOD, or united in one GOD. The problem with that is the Mormon church, though they use a lot of the same terminology that we as CHRISTians use, do not worship the same GOD, the same JESUS CHRIST, they are a cult, and worship false gods that they have made up.
"But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to CHRIST." Gen. 3:5
GOD's WORD, the TRUTH, very clearly warns us about those who add or take away from GOD's WORD which the Mormons have done:
"Ye shall not add unto the WORD which I command you, neither shall ye diminish out from it, that ye may keep the Commandments of the LORD you GOD which I command you (Deut. 4:2).
"If any man shall add unto these things, GOD shall add unto him the plaques that are written in this Book...if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, GOD shall take away his part out of the BOOK of Life, and...from the things which are written in this Book." (Rev. 22:18-19).
"Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other GOSPEL unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Gal. 1:8-9
The Mormon theology is man made and is really hard to believe once you start learning about it. I am not an expert on Mormon theology, but I have listed websites below of those who are and can tell you why we as CHRISTians must be very careful and not unite with Glen pertaining spiritual matters. The Scriptures tell us:
"Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings...So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather speaking the TRUTH in love, we are to grow up in every way into HIM who is the head, into CHRIST." Ephesians 4:14,15
I hope that you can take time to listen sometime this weekend to some of the sites i've listed to educate yourself against the apostasy that Glen Beck is teaching. He uses "CHRISTian"terms, but they have very different meanings as you learn below. Please pray for Glen Beck, that he will come to know the TRUTH and the LORD JESUS CHRIST as HIS personal SAVIOR.
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/worldview-radio/episode.php?episodeid=17250 "Why Kirk Cameron, the actor and CHRISTian couldn't attend "Glen Beck's Divine Destiny Rally" this past weekend after being invited to it.
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/worldview-times/article.php?articleid=6470 Glenn Beck Rally Set Stage for "Christians" to Accept Paganism, and Mormons Say Beck Achieved 200 Year Goal of Getting Evangelicals to Declare That Mormons Are Christians
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/worldview-radio/episode.php?episodeid=17220 Original Air Date was August 24th at 1pm CT: Brannon's guest is Dr. Erwin Lutzer; author and Senior Pastor of Moody Church in Chicago. Topic One: Dr. Lutzer joins Brannon to explain from the Bible why Christians and pastors cannot spiritually unite with Glenn Beck at his "Glenn Beck's Divine Destiny" event at the Kennedy Center on Friday night, August 27th. Dr. Lutzer explains that the only way we can reclaim America is by not compromising on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and by making it the first priority as described in I Corinthians 15:2. Dr. Lutzer explains the message that is sent by uniting spiritually with unbelievers, be it by intent or mistake, is saying that all religions are equal or can find common unity in a spiritual enterprise or service is heresy and is compromising the Gospel.
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/worldview-times/article.php?articleid=6471- "Have we Annointed an Unworthy Shepherd?" by Jan Markell -This is an EXCELLENT article!
http://www.olivetreeviews.org/ August 28, 2010 - Hour 1
Click on Radio Archives
Jan's guests include Brannon Howse, Eric Barger, and Ed Decker. The issue is Glenn Beck. Over two hours, the ultimate question is: are Christians selling their soul for patriotism? Most conservatives love Glenn Beck. He exposes evil and he loves America. He hates what is happening to this nation. But Glenn has another agenda as the panel proves over two hours: The subtle promotion of Mormonism. Listen and learn what is happening, why it is happening, and who are the Christians participating. While many suggest he is a "saved Mormon," the panel says that is not possible. About a dozen sound bytes are played that are revealing. The Mormons want to "save America" because it is the "promised land." God has a covenant with America. Not so. We urge you all to pray for Glenn Beck.
August 28, 2010 - Hour 2 Jan Markell's second hour, http://www.olivetreeviews.org/
A continuation of hour one for the entire second hour.
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/
http://www.saintsalive.com/
http://www.ericbarger.com/
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/worldview-times/article.php?articleid=6462 Glenn Beck and Jim Wallis Are Both Pushing Social Justice and an Earthly Kingdom
http://www.worldviewweekend.com/worldview-times/article.php?articleid=6465 Most of the church is so weak that now a Mormon can now lead GOD's people. John Mcternan http://www.johnmcternan.name/
Brothers and sisters, there is a lot of information here. I hope you can make sometime this Labor Day weekend, to read even more and listen on Brannon Howse's website and click on "news," and Radio shows for more information...there is more information, much more. I haven't listened to it or read it all yet, I have really become aware even more of the dangers of the Mormon church and how they are working towards a "Divine Destiny" here on earth to set up an earthly kingdom. We need to all educate ourselves about this and warn others. We are here to be rescuers of men and women's souls...to teach others the TRUTH that leads to salvation in the TRUE JESUS CHRIST. You can learn more about the Mormon's deceptive theology by listening to the second hour of Jan Markell's broadcast. Both shows were EXCELLENT...if you don't take time to listen to anything else...listen to those. There is so much good information here...i pray you will take time to read and study these resources so you will be armed and equipped to speak the TRUTH to others about the deceptions of the Mormon religion and why we shouldn't follow or unite with Glen Beck spiritually. He has done a good job to educate and wake us up to the deceptions that are going on in our government. However, the greater deception is spiritually and Satan would like nothing more than use Glen Beck to keep others from the TRUTH of the saving grace in our LORD JESUS CHRIST or lead others away from the TRUTH and into bondage of deception.
I've had a wonderful birthday and your kindness to me and words of encouragement have blessed me beyond measure. Except for a brief trip out this afternoon, i have been so blessed to stay HOME today. I enjoyed going for a bicycle ride with "Troy" in the wooden basket on the front of my black bicycle. We got that bicycle in Ft. Worth many years ago when we lived there. I used to ride it along the bike trails of the Trinity River to clear my head from studying while i was in nursing school. I also have a blue and pink bicycle...the pink one is an original Schwinn, "retro" style and the other bike we got in Nashville on a family trip to Gatlinburg one year. They are all special to me. I told you i have a garage full of bikes much to my husbands dismay! . The rest of the day was spent ironing, putting away clothes, washing out garbage cans with my housekeeper and writing you. The man who put my tile floors in a few months ago came by this afternoon and after looking at my grout that's cracking in my new tile floors in the kitchen, he told me he's going to have to scrape all of it out and start over. Hey i can change my grout color, the last turned out to be a different color than we anticipated...think i'll change the grout i used too. In everything give thanks!
I love writing you...GOD has put a love in my heart to do this each week and i am so honored for those of you who are able to take the time and read these writings. GOD bless you, and thank you so much for all your dear encouragement to my heart. I love you and "I thank my GOD upon every remembrance of you." Phil. 1:3
I want to close this week with another song by Keith Green that has really touched my heart as i've listened to it this week. Some of you wrote me last week, sharing how Keith's songs have meant so very much to you in your spiritual journey, as they have our journey. Keith Green was killed in the early 80's in a plane crash with two of his 4 children. GOD used Keith mightily for the short time he was here on earth to challenge us to be "Bananas for JESUS," love JESUS with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength, love our neighbor as ourself, and go to the uttermost parts of the earth to tell the lost about the TRUTH and the GOOD NEWS of the Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST...to release the captives and set them free. "Rushing Wind," is a song that has really spoken to my heart this week ...and as I listened to it, i realized this is what CHRIST wants to do in each one of our lives.
Thank you LORD JESUS, my CREATOR, the LOVER of my SOUL for creating me...and for the purposes and plans you have for my life. Thank you, for dying for me, for paying the price for all of my sins that i might be forgiven, for setting me free from the captivity of sin and being born again into YOUR family, the family of GOD. Use me LORD JESUS for the time i have left on earth to "take me where YOU want me to go, plant me deep so i can grow, use me Lord, glorify, your Holy Name through me. Separate me from this world Lord. Sanctify my life for you. Daily change me to your image, Help me bear good fruit. " I dedicate this song to YOU, LORD JESUS the LOVER of MY SOUL...may Keith Green's prayer and surrender of his soul be mine. I love you JESUS...and thank you for the 48 years you've blessed me with! May I bring you glory all the rest of the days you give me here on earth and bear much fruit for YOU.
With all HIS love,
mitzi
"Rushing Wind" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk7w4y_9B2k
Rushing Wind
Rushing wind blow through this temple,
Blowing out the dust within,
Come and breathe your breath upon me,
I've been born again.
Holy Spirit, I surrender, take me where you want to go,
Plant me by your living water,
Plant me deep so I can grow.
Jesus, you’re the one, who sets my spirit free,
Use me Lord, glorify, your Holy Name through me.
Separate me from this world Lord.
Sanctify my life for you.
Daily change me to your image,
Help me bear good fruit.
Every day you're drawing closer.
Trials come to test my faith.
But when all is said and done Lord,
You know, it was worth the wait.
Rushing wind blow through this temple,
Blowing out the dust within,
Come and breathe your breath upon me,
Jesus, you’re the one, who set my spirit free,
Use me Lord, glorify, your Holy Name through me.
For I've been born again.
--
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