This is a post from my friend Steve of Calvary Chapel Elk Grove.
Enjoy!
JL
******************************************************************************
Hello,
Today there was so much news to report that the news agencies literally couldn't keep up with it all but felt I needed to share. I knew and understood that as the end got close the world would be in upheaval but WOW! After reading Psalm 83 again and seeing God bring together those 10 people groups, Egypt will now break its peace treaty with Israel, you just look farther from Israel and you find all of this. And here I thought it was just economic signs of the times that show how close the New World Order is. But that means He is closer! Jesus foretold that there would be fearful sights (Luke 21:11). They are coming faster and faster and not just these below but these animal die offs as well. Watch!
[http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/02/01/michigan-school-district-allows-sikh-students-wear-religious-dagger-school/#]
I guess the world thinks a book is more dangerous than a dagger. How sad the world is. I will try not to comment on all of these :).
Violent Cairo Streets Turn War Scene:
[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/02...ponents-clash/]
'Nothing's Been Spared': Cyclone Devastates Australian Coast:
[http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/02...est=latestnews]
Blizzard spreads snowy shroud over nearly half US:
[http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/02/02...est=latestnews]
Japan Issues Alerts as Volcano Spews Mile-High Ash:
[http://www.businessweek.com/news/201...-high-ash.html]
Sudanese police clash with students in Khartoum:
[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41334956...d_news-africa/]
Gang gunbattles, street blockades in Mexico:
[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41388101...news-americas/]
'Day of rage' protest urged in Syria:
[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41400687...deastn_africa/]
Major European Tour Operators Evacuate Tourists From Tunisia:
[http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2...rists-tunisia/]
Now besieged Jordanian king fires government:
[http://www.nypost.com/p/news/interna...dlA5144heNhslI]
************This one is NOT a news source********* It is wikipedia, but I found this, a secular article, most interesting.......
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_government]
There were 3 7+ earthquakes (Pakistan, Chile, and Loyality Islands) in the month of Jan. alone.
False Christs? Wikipedia has a list of people who claim to be Christ in the twentieth century......there are just too many to list here.
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...e_Jesus_Christ]
How close must we be to the King coming back for us, to call us to Himself!!!!
This should be a time of rejoicing and praise, even as the world falls into chaos. Jesus, our Lord and Savior, has bought us with His own blood and washed away all of our sins!! His coming is not a time to fear, it is a time like no other time, a time of utter joy. To be able to look upon His face, to be able to fall at His feet and worship Him, to see all of our loved ones who have gone on before us, AND TO FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY GO HOME........That day will be the greatest day!
Jerusalem will be a burdensome stone to all nations (Zechariah 12:3). Almost daily the news reports on the conflict over Jerusalem. The United Nations, the Vatican, and many world leaders want to make it an international city. However, God says that the city is His and He has given it to the Jews forever (Genesis 15:18; Leviticus 25:23; 2 Chronicles 6:6). All who burden themselves with it will be cut in pieces.
Stayed tuned for the Psalm 83, Isaiah 17, and Ezekiel 38 trilogy. Who needs star wars or lord of the rings for their trilogy :). We have the Lord!
Stand and WATCH! Mark 13:33
love
sb
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Monday, April 5, 2010
AN EASTER MIRACLE!
This is a story that my daughter, Jennie sent me this past weekend. Read on and be blessed! :)
This morning a family stopped by and placed Easter eggs full of goodies along with a basket for my daughter so that she could have her own Easter egg hunt. They didn’t make their presence known, and if it weren’t for the fact that we were in front of the house and we saw shadows, we wouldn’t have even known they were there. Although I’m sure they would have rung the doorbell before darting off.
This took me back to when I was a child and young adult, when my parents used to hide my sister and my baskets till that Sunday morning. It was something we always looked forward to.
I’ve been sick since literally the beginning of this year, but it’s been 5 weeks now that my husband has had to stay home to care for me and the kids. Some days are better than others but most of it has been confined to the house. Since the beginning, we have seen an outpouring of Love in so many ways that to list them all would take too long. However, to see this family creating this special moment for my little girl, knowing that we could not do it ourselves, moved me not only to tears but to write and tell this story.
You see, this Sunday is not about eggs and games, however fun they are to do and play. It’s about sacrifice and the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this gift of the egg hunt for my daughter there was love and sacrifice from someone else, which is what Jesus did for us.
So to this family, words cannot express our gratitude for the moment of enjoyment that you gave our little girl. I can only muster a simple thank you with a heart overwhelmed and tears from an appreciative parent.
Although we most likely won’t be able to join our congregation tomorrow, we will celebrate here at home and in our hearts and give thanks to the one who gave unselfishly.
Thank you all for your continued support and prayers,
God Bless and Happy Resurrection Day!
Jennie
I strongly believe that God will many times let us know that HE has NOT forgotten us. He might seem so far, when He's really very near. In the little and seemingly insignificant things in our lives, He still cares enough to grant us these small pleasures and reassurances! It's as if He is gently caressing us by using those around us! We thank God for this small "Easter Miracle"! That even after 2000 years have passed since giving Himself to us sacrificially, He continues to give us more than we deserve!
James
4/5/10
Please continue to keep her and her family in your prayers!
This morning a family stopped by and placed Easter eggs full of goodies along with a basket for my daughter so that she could have her own Easter egg hunt. They didn’t make their presence known, and if it weren’t for the fact that we were in front of the house and we saw shadows, we wouldn’t have even known they were there. Although I’m sure they would have rung the doorbell before darting off.
This took me back to when I was a child and young adult, when my parents used to hide my sister and my baskets till that Sunday morning. It was something we always looked forward to.
I’ve been sick since literally the beginning of this year, but it’s been 5 weeks now that my husband has had to stay home to care for me and the kids. Some days are better than others but most of it has been confined to the house. Since the beginning, we have seen an outpouring of Love in so many ways that to list them all would take too long. However, to see this family creating this special moment for my little girl, knowing that we could not do it ourselves, moved me not only to tears but to write and tell this story.
You see, this Sunday is not about eggs and games, however fun they are to do and play. It’s about sacrifice and the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this gift of the egg hunt for my daughter there was love and sacrifice from someone else, which is what Jesus did for us.
So to this family, words cannot express our gratitude for the moment of enjoyment that you gave our little girl. I can only muster a simple thank you with a heart overwhelmed and tears from an appreciative parent.
Although we most likely won’t be able to join our congregation tomorrow, we will celebrate here at home and in our hearts and give thanks to the one who gave unselfishly.
Thank you all for your continued support and prayers,
God Bless and Happy Resurrection Day!
Jennie
I strongly believe that God will many times let us know that HE has NOT forgotten us. He might seem so far, when He's really very near. In the little and seemingly insignificant things in our lives, He still cares enough to grant us these small pleasures and reassurances! It's as if He is gently caressing us by using those around us! We thank God for this small "Easter Miracle"! That even after 2000 years have passed since giving Himself to us sacrificially, He continues to give us more than we deserve!
James
4/5/10
Please continue to keep her and her family in your prayers!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
TRIALS; WHEN GOD’S LOVE, MERCY & GRACE COME THROUGH!
It has been a trying time for my family in the last year or so. Our oldest daughter, Jennie, has gone, and is still going through some really tough times. On July 31st, 2009, she had her second child, Nathaniel Isaiah. Immediately following that joyous moment, Jennie was found with DVT, or Deep Vein Thrombosis. This is caused by the appearance of blood clots in the legs. The danger being that if a clot were to break off, it could eventually travel up to the heart and lungs causing major problems and even loss of life! Of course, we instantly alerted all our family and church family members to pray for her. She was put on blood thinner medication, which brought along its own issues. She had to be extra careful not to cut herself and she could not undergo any surgeries at all. Jennie was unable to go home with her baby, and that was a more hurtful experience for her than her own physical pain! Through all this, she knew and we knew that God is faithful!
She was finally able to come home after about a 2 week stay at the hospital. The troubles did not end there, however. She began to experience other complications, such as a kidney infection, pneumonia, and due to the clots, she was in severe pain. She was flown by helicopter to Albuquerque, New Mexico to get better care. While there, she was found to have rheumatoid arthritis, which had hidden itself during the pregnancy. Another thing to add to the pot! She stayed in Albuquerque for about a week and finally came home again to her husband and 2 children! All this time, she had not been able to enjoy her newborn son or her 2 year old daughter! In all this spiraling of events and stress, we knew God was faithful and had not abandoned her!
With all this going on within her, she had to deal with the multiple medications she had to take just to get through her day. This is all very bad news, to say the least, especially for any of us who are parents and grandparents. It is very difficult to see our children suffering in such a way! And being miles away here in Chicago, the feeling of helplessness was even more intense. Regardless of the bad news, we continued in prayer and seeking the Lord’s guidance and pleading on His mercy to bring relief to Jennie and her family! Her husband had to go on family leave from his job and wasn’t getting paid. He was even going through a physical ailment of his own with a back problem that made it difficult for him to do a lot of physical activity.
Now, this is where it gets interesting. With no income, and without being able to do a lot physically, God was faithful and merciful! Her grandparents and her mom went to stay with her for about a week and a half, and were able to restock her fridge to the hilt and give them money that was needed to pay other bills plus help with the kids! The Calvary Chapel Roswell church family was also there to provide groceries, money, and other services that were needed! God was truly in the midst of it all!
It reminds me that it is in the midst of the trials when we are able to see what God can really do for us! Some of her diagnosis has changed for the better. She had also been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and the possibility of Lupus, but the other real bad stuff is no longer an issue. Her blood clots have dissolved and she is off her blood thinner meds. Her kidney infection has gone and so has the pneumonia.
During this time of Holy Week or Easter, as we call it, it becomes more meaningful since all that Christ did has much to do with the benefits and blessings we receive today. Because of His death and resurrection, we can hold fast to a truth, that no matter what comes our way, we know that our redeemer lives and that one day He will pick us up from where we have fallen! I am reminded of a song that Kathy Toccoli recorded some years ago entitled, “How Would I Know”. It talks about what God promises to do for us, but how can we know this if we do not experience the opposite? The chorus goes like this: How would I know You could deliver? How would I know You could set free? If there had never been a battle, how would I know the victory? How would I know You could be faithful to meet all of my needs? Lord, I appreciate the hard times, otherwise, how would I know?
Indeed, how would any of us know for sure that God will come through for us in any of our struggles? It would be hard for us to claim “God is good!”, if He didn’t help us with the bad! It would be hard for us to tell others, “God is faithful!” , if God would not or could not give us the victory over our circumstances! It would be extremely difficult for us to claim that “God is Life!” and has promised us eternal life, if He had not risen from the grave! It would all be worth nothing if He had not done what He did back in Calvary two thousand years ago!
My daughter Jennie has experienced this a few times already. Yesterday she was telling me about how when she came back from a doctor’s appointment, she found her fridge filled with food, again! They also left her with a glucose meter for her hypoglycemia. Yes, another thing to add to her many ailments. But through it all, God is merciful! She also told me that some of her doctors thought she had a problem with her serotonin levels. The good news is that after much prayer, her serotonin is no longer a problem! It all has scaled down to a stomach flu virus and her fibromyalgia, for which they can now treat her for. Things are truly looking up considering the many other complications they had found in her! That, along with the free groceries, and her church paying her husband his salary while he is home tending to her and the children, has been a real demonstration of God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace!
It is indeed true that our lives are in His hands, especially when we allow Him to put us there! There can be no better place for those who trust in Him! May we remember at this time the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Happy Resurrection Day!
James
4/01/2010
She was finally able to come home after about a 2 week stay at the hospital. The troubles did not end there, however. She began to experience other complications, such as a kidney infection, pneumonia, and due to the clots, she was in severe pain. She was flown by helicopter to Albuquerque, New Mexico to get better care. While there, she was found to have rheumatoid arthritis, which had hidden itself during the pregnancy. Another thing to add to the pot! She stayed in Albuquerque for about a week and finally came home again to her husband and 2 children! All this time, she had not been able to enjoy her newborn son or her 2 year old daughter! In all this spiraling of events and stress, we knew God was faithful and had not abandoned her!
With all this going on within her, she had to deal with the multiple medications she had to take just to get through her day. This is all very bad news, to say the least, especially for any of us who are parents and grandparents. It is very difficult to see our children suffering in such a way! And being miles away here in Chicago, the feeling of helplessness was even more intense. Regardless of the bad news, we continued in prayer and seeking the Lord’s guidance and pleading on His mercy to bring relief to Jennie and her family! Her husband had to go on family leave from his job and wasn’t getting paid. He was even going through a physical ailment of his own with a back problem that made it difficult for him to do a lot of physical activity.
Now, this is where it gets interesting. With no income, and without being able to do a lot physically, God was faithful and merciful! Her grandparents and her mom went to stay with her for about a week and a half, and were able to restock her fridge to the hilt and give them money that was needed to pay other bills plus help with the kids! The Calvary Chapel Roswell church family was also there to provide groceries, money, and other services that were needed! God was truly in the midst of it all!
It reminds me that it is in the midst of the trials when we are able to see what God can really do for us! Some of her diagnosis has changed for the better. She had also been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and the possibility of Lupus, but the other real bad stuff is no longer an issue. Her blood clots have dissolved and she is off her blood thinner meds. Her kidney infection has gone and so has the pneumonia.
During this time of Holy Week or Easter, as we call it, it becomes more meaningful since all that Christ did has much to do with the benefits and blessings we receive today. Because of His death and resurrection, we can hold fast to a truth, that no matter what comes our way, we know that our redeemer lives and that one day He will pick us up from where we have fallen! I am reminded of a song that Kathy Toccoli recorded some years ago entitled, “How Would I Know”. It talks about what God promises to do for us, but how can we know this if we do not experience the opposite? The chorus goes like this: How would I know You could deliver? How would I know You could set free? If there had never been a battle, how would I know the victory? How would I know You could be faithful to meet all of my needs? Lord, I appreciate the hard times, otherwise, how would I know?
Indeed, how would any of us know for sure that God will come through for us in any of our struggles? It would be hard for us to claim “God is good!”, if He didn’t help us with the bad! It would be hard for us to tell others, “God is faithful!” , if God would not or could not give us the victory over our circumstances! It would be extremely difficult for us to claim that “God is Life!” and has promised us eternal life, if He had not risen from the grave! It would all be worth nothing if He had not done what He did back in Calvary two thousand years ago!
My daughter Jennie has experienced this a few times already. Yesterday she was telling me about how when she came back from a doctor’s appointment, she found her fridge filled with food, again! They also left her with a glucose meter for her hypoglycemia. Yes, another thing to add to her many ailments. But through it all, God is merciful! She also told me that some of her doctors thought she had a problem with her serotonin levels. The good news is that after much prayer, her serotonin is no longer a problem! It all has scaled down to a stomach flu virus and her fibromyalgia, for which they can now treat her for. Things are truly looking up considering the many other complications they had found in her! That, along with the free groceries, and her church paying her husband his salary while he is home tending to her and the children, has been a real demonstration of God’s Love, Mercy, and Grace!
It is indeed true that our lives are in His hands, especially when we allow Him to put us there! There can be no better place for those who trust in Him! May we remember at this time the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Happy Resurrection Day!
James
4/01/2010
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Grocery Adventure - Trusting God; A Grandma's Story
It has been a week since Mother's Day. The cards have been sent and received, the dinners have been enjoyed, the presents have been presented. And now we are back looking ahead to the next holiday.
Last year around this time, I was trying to make the most of my time with my grandma. Taking the time to visit her at the nursing home and bringing her some of her favorite treats and a bouquet of flowers, which she loved! She would always say, "I don't want flowers when I'm dead, bring them to me now so I can enjoy them!" Well, I made sure she enjoyed them every chance she could.
It will be seven months, in about a couple of weeks, since my grandma passed away. In honor of my grandma and her memory, I wish to tell you about a compelling experience she had many years ago. As I was reflecting and thinking about her, I remember something that happened to my Grandma which reminded me about her deep trust and faith in God.
We used to live on a boulevard named Augusta Blvd. from 1968 until about 1980. It was a wonderful boulevard, but as you may or may not know, there are no commercial properties or buses allowed on boulevards. It was a strictly residential street. If we wanted to go buy groceries, for example, we usually walked about a mile or so to go to the nearest grocery store or, for that matter, any store. My grandma and I would take our little grocery cart and make the walk from Augusta Blvd. to Chicago Ave. I would always go with her in order to help her bring the groceries back and also to translate and interpret for her, since she did not speak any English.
On this particular day, she decided to go on her own and pick up a few things while I was still in school. She didn't take the cart because she was only going to buy a few small things and wasn't planning on making any type of large purchases. Well, her intentions were good, but somehow the illusion and convenience of the grocery cart in the store gave her the impression that there were only a few items still in the cart. To her surprise and dismay, she managed to check out several bags of groceries! And now she had a problem! She had already paid for them, how could she put it all back? She decided to face her punishment and somehow brave the heaviness of the bags all the way back home.
At first, it wasn't so bad, but after a couple of blocks, she realized this wasn't going to be easy at all! She tried several methods: from carrying a few bags ahead and then coming back for the rest to walking and stopping. She kept this up for a very short time and finally succumbed to the fact that this would take her all day and would drain her physically. She stood on the sidewalk and clamored to God a simple, but desperate prayer! It went something like this: "Lord, please send me someone that can help me! I don't care who it is! Just send someone! I cannot carry these bags any longer! I need help!" In defeat and despair she cried out to the Lord! Perhaps she didn't think anything was going to happen, but she must have figured she had nothing to lose!
Almost immediately after crying out, a jalopy of a car pulled over to the curb and a jolly African-American gentleman stepped out of the car smiling! And without saying a word, opened the trunk, picked up the grocery bags and put them in. He then opened up the passenger door and help my grandma in. She said that at first she was a little bit scared, but that somehow her initial fear quickly faded and she got in. She gave the address to the gentleman in Spanish, not knowing if he understood her or not, and off they sped.
She doesn't know how, but the man drove straight to our residence and stopped the car in front of our building, let her off the car, opened the trunk and put the grocery bags on the sidewalk! He then went back to the driver's side and got in and sped off! All the time with a great big smile and a sort of kindness on his face! She never saw or heard from this man ever again. Upon coming home, she begins telling me the story of her grocery adventure and she could not stop thanking God for His provision!
To this day, we still don't know who it was or whether God sent an angel in disguise or simply touched the heart of a stranger who may have caught a glimpse of my grandma's dilemma and was moved to compassion! We don't know! Is it possible that it could have been an angel? Probably. I don't see why not. Here was a child of God in need with no options available. From the strange, yet wonderful order of events, I'm thinking more yes than no. : )
What I do know is that when my grandma prayed, God listened......and answered! : )
In memory of my grandma...
DARIA ESPINOZA
Dec. 10, 1908 - Oct. 25, 2008
James Lopez
5/17/2009
Last year around this time, I was trying to make the most of my time with my grandma. Taking the time to visit her at the nursing home and bringing her some of her favorite treats and a bouquet of flowers, which she loved! She would always say, "I don't want flowers when I'm dead, bring them to me now so I can enjoy them!" Well, I made sure she enjoyed them every chance she could.
It will be seven months, in about a couple of weeks, since my grandma passed away. In honor of my grandma and her memory, I wish to tell you about a compelling experience she had many years ago. As I was reflecting and thinking about her, I remember something that happened to my Grandma which reminded me about her deep trust and faith in God.
We used to live on a boulevard named Augusta Blvd. from 1968 until about 1980. It was a wonderful boulevard, but as you may or may not know, there are no commercial properties or buses allowed on boulevards. It was a strictly residential street. If we wanted to go buy groceries, for example, we usually walked about a mile or so to go to the nearest grocery store or, for that matter, any store. My grandma and I would take our little grocery cart and make the walk from Augusta Blvd. to Chicago Ave. I would always go with her in order to help her bring the groceries back and also to translate and interpret for her, since she did not speak any English.
On this particular day, she decided to go on her own and pick up a few things while I was still in school. She didn't take the cart because she was only going to buy a few small things and wasn't planning on making any type of large purchases. Well, her intentions were good, but somehow the illusion and convenience of the grocery cart in the store gave her the impression that there were only a few items still in the cart. To her surprise and dismay, she managed to check out several bags of groceries! And now she had a problem! She had already paid for them, how could she put it all back? She decided to face her punishment and somehow brave the heaviness of the bags all the way back home.
At first, it wasn't so bad, but after a couple of blocks, she realized this wasn't going to be easy at all! She tried several methods: from carrying a few bags ahead and then coming back for the rest to walking and stopping. She kept this up for a very short time and finally succumbed to the fact that this would take her all day and would drain her physically. She stood on the sidewalk and clamored to God a simple, but desperate prayer! It went something like this: "Lord, please send me someone that can help me! I don't care who it is! Just send someone! I cannot carry these bags any longer! I need help!" In defeat and despair she cried out to the Lord! Perhaps she didn't think anything was going to happen, but she must have figured she had nothing to lose!
Almost immediately after crying out, a jalopy of a car pulled over to the curb and a jolly African-American gentleman stepped out of the car smiling! And without saying a word, opened the trunk, picked up the grocery bags and put them in. He then opened up the passenger door and help my grandma in. She said that at first she was a little bit scared, but that somehow her initial fear quickly faded and she got in. She gave the address to the gentleman in Spanish, not knowing if he understood her or not, and off they sped.
She doesn't know how, but the man drove straight to our residence and stopped the car in front of our building, let her off the car, opened the trunk and put the grocery bags on the sidewalk! He then went back to the driver's side and got in and sped off! All the time with a great big smile and a sort of kindness on his face! She never saw or heard from this man ever again. Upon coming home, she begins telling me the story of her grocery adventure and she could not stop thanking God for His provision!
To this day, we still don't know who it was or whether God sent an angel in disguise or simply touched the heart of a stranger who may have caught a glimpse of my grandma's dilemma and was moved to compassion! We don't know! Is it possible that it could have been an angel? Probably. I don't see why not. Here was a child of God in need with no options available. From the strange, yet wonderful order of events, I'm thinking more yes than no. : )
What I do know is that when my grandma prayed, God listened......and answered! : )
In memory of my grandma...
DARIA ESPINOZA
Dec. 10, 1908 - Oct. 25, 2008
James Lopez
5/17/2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
A NEW GOVERNMENT
Here we are once again facing another change of government. Inauguration 2009 will be history after this and our nation will be starting out with a new President and a new Presidential Cabinet. While many are seeing this as a new precedent in American history, which in many ways it is, I’m just wondering if four or more years from now we will look back and see that it has become something else, something much deeper than what most people are able to see at this time.
The entire festivities will be represented by a “pot-luck” of religions throughout the week. Leading the line up is openly gay Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson; Pastor Rick Warren (While he is representing the Christian community, there are many controversial issues with Pastor Rick that I don’t have time right now to cover them.); the first woman president of the Islamic Society of North America, Ingrid Mattson, who will say a prayer at the Inaugural Prayer Service; along with a representation of Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish clergy. While this is not something new in presidential inaugurations, this inauguration has brought things to another level. As we see this event unfold before our eyes, I wonder if many of us Christians, or “so-called Christians”, will realize what all this means.
My personal perspective, and you don’t have to like it or agree with it, is that there is more than what we can see visually with our eyes. I believe that there is a more sinister movement taking place, not only in this time, but in the times to come. I can imagine in a few years from now, this will seem like child’s play.
Some verses in Revelation chapter 13 come to mind.
1: and he stood upon the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast (A One World Leader or Anti-Christ) coming up out of the sea (people; humanity), having ten horns, and seven heads, and on his horns ten diadems (kingdoms, nations & rulers), and upon his heads names of blasphemy.
2: And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion (a representation of former world empires): and the dragon (Satan) gave him his power, and his throne, and great authority.
3: And I saw one of his heads as though it had been smitten unto death; and his death-stroke was healed: and the whole earth wondered after the beast;
4: and they worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, “Who is like unto the beast? And who is able to war with him?” [emphasis mine]
Please don’t get me wrong! I am NOT saying that Barack Obama is the Anti-Christ (although some might think so…). What I am saying is that we will be seeing more and more events being more inclusive to all religions with the excuse of “religious tolerance” or “religious inclusion” at the front. While that all sounds very nice, it’s not reality. All religions cannot intermingle with each other because each one is contrary to each other! The moment you clump them into one, you no longer have ‘religions’, you will have only ONE!
There will come a time when all the people of the earth will see these things as normal. They will see it as a good thing. Finally peace is going to be a reality! How can this be, you might ask. Can humanity be that ignorant? Yes! Humanity will be so blinded by the so-called hope of peace, that they will not see who and what is going on! Verse 3 tells us that “the whole earth wondered after the beast”. In other words, they will be in awe and wonder at how their beloved world leader miraculously recovered from a mortal wound! They will then worship both, the Anti-Christ and Satan, declaring their allegiance to them!
Inauguration 2009 is simply a step in that direction. As future presidents come into the picture, I believe we will see more and more of this type of festivities and representations of world religions. While I am a history buff myself, and I am seeing history in the making with the election of the first African-American president, I fear that the future for most people here on earth will not be a good one!
May we as believers of Christ become more energetic and motivated to bring those that are to be saved into the loving arms of Christ!
Rev. 22:17 - And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him who gives ear, say, Come. And let him who is in need come; and let everyone desiring it take of the water of life freely.
James B. Lopez
1/19/2009
The entire festivities will be represented by a “pot-luck” of religions throughout the week. Leading the line up is openly gay Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson; Pastor Rick Warren (While he is representing the Christian community, there are many controversial issues with Pastor Rick that I don’t have time right now to cover them.); the first woman president of the Islamic Society of North America, Ingrid Mattson, who will say a prayer at the Inaugural Prayer Service; along with a representation of Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish clergy. While this is not something new in presidential inaugurations, this inauguration has brought things to another level. As we see this event unfold before our eyes, I wonder if many of us Christians, or “so-called Christians”, will realize what all this means.
My personal perspective, and you don’t have to like it or agree with it, is that there is more than what we can see visually with our eyes. I believe that there is a more sinister movement taking place, not only in this time, but in the times to come. I can imagine in a few years from now, this will seem like child’s play.
Some verses in Revelation chapter 13 come to mind.
1: and he stood upon the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast (A One World Leader or Anti-Christ) coming up out of the sea (people; humanity), having ten horns, and seven heads, and on his horns ten diadems (kingdoms, nations & rulers), and upon his heads names of blasphemy.
2: And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion (a representation of former world empires): and the dragon (Satan) gave him his power, and his throne, and great authority.
3: And I saw one of his heads as though it had been smitten unto death; and his death-stroke was healed: and the whole earth wondered after the beast;
4: and they worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, “Who is like unto the beast? And who is able to war with him?” [emphasis mine]
Please don’t get me wrong! I am NOT saying that Barack Obama is the Anti-Christ (although some might think so…). What I am saying is that we will be seeing more and more events being more inclusive to all religions with the excuse of “religious tolerance” or “religious inclusion” at the front. While that all sounds very nice, it’s not reality. All religions cannot intermingle with each other because each one is contrary to each other! The moment you clump them into one, you no longer have ‘religions’, you will have only ONE!
There will come a time when all the people of the earth will see these things as normal. They will see it as a good thing. Finally peace is going to be a reality! How can this be, you might ask. Can humanity be that ignorant? Yes! Humanity will be so blinded by the so-called hope of peace, that they will not see who and what is going on! Verse 3 tells us that “the whole earth wondered after the beast”. In other words, they will be in awe and wonder at how their beloved world leader miraculously recovered from a mortal wound! They will then worship both, the Anti-Christ and Satan, declaring their allegiance to them!
Inauguration 2009 is simply a step in that direction. As future presidents come into the picture, I believe we will see more and more of this type of festivities and representations of world religions. While I am a history buff myself, and I am seeing history in the making with the election of the first African-American president, I fear that the future for most people here on earth will not be a good one!
May we as believers of Christ become more energetic and motivated to bring those that are to be saved into the loving arms of Christ!
Rev. 22:17 - And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him who gives ear, say, Come. And let him who is in need come; and let everyone desiring it take of the water of life freely.
James B. Lopez
1/19/2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
DEATH: AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER
On Friday, January 2, 2009, just two days into the New Year, Jett Travolta, son of re-known actor John Travolta and re-known actress Kelly Preston, died at the family vacation home in Freeport, Bahamas. Jett had been chronically ill for some years now suffering from what is known as Kawasaki Syndrome, a rare inflammatory, autoimmune disorder found mostly in children, for which a cause is still unclear. Jett Travolta became ill when he was only 2 years old. His death was ruled as death by "seizure", possibly due to his illness. It was first believed that he might have hit his head in the bathtub upon going into the seizure, but there was no sign of head trauma found.
Such a tragedy as has occurred to the Travolta-Preston family is a very heartbreaking one, to say the least. As a father, I can relate to how they must feel during such a difficult time as this. Travolta and Preston are no exception as evident by their interviews and statements. "We are heartbroken that our time with him was so brief. We will cherish the time we had with him for the rest of our lives," Travolta and Preston said in their first public statement since Jett's death. In another interview, Preston said that she blamed his illness on household cleaners and fertilizers, and said that a detoxification program based on teachings from the Church of Scientology helped improve his health, according to People Magazine.
As some of you may or may not know, the Church of Scientology, established in 1945 by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, has attracted many celebrity followers, and among its more famed member is Travolta, who has long been one of Hollywood's biggest names.
Their web site gives the following definition of the Scientology belief: Scientology is the studying and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, others and all of life. The Scientology religion comprises a body of knowledge extending from certain fundamental truths.
1. Man is an immortal, spiritual being. His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime. (Here's my favorite!)His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized - and those capabilities can be realized. (Hmmm! That's kind of contradicting, isn't it???)He is able to not only solve his own problems, accomplish his goals and gain lasting happiness, but also achieve new, higher states of awareness and ability. (But wait, there's more!!)
2. In Scientology no one is asked to accept anything as belief or on faith. That which is true for you is what you have observed to be true. An individual discovers for himself that Scientology works by personally applying its principles and observing or experiencing results.
3. Through Scientology, people all over the world are achieving the long-sought goal of true spiritual release and freedom.
Well, with that being said, I'm just wondering how true to heart Travolta and Preston are really taking their religion. It seems to me that they were a really close family, by the photos I have seen online. The two of them with their two children, and now being left with only their 8 year old daughter. I can see the deepness of the love Travolta and Preston had for their children just pouring out of the photos. According to Scientology, man is able to "solve his own problems, accomplish his goals and gain everlasting happiness". Somehow I don't believe that this is a problem they could have solved. You see, death is an equal opportunity provider. No matter who you are, death will come knocking at your door, be sure of that! The question is, when will death come? And when death comes, where will I go?
Three months ago, my grandmother passed away in a small hospital room, with only four of us there with her. No reporters, no cameras, no magazine interviews. Just another old person that reached the end of her years. She was 99 years old, it was to be expected. On the other end, we have a young boy of 16 years of age, taken before the prime of his life. Son of two famous celebrities. With lots of reporters, cameras and magazine interviews. Upon interviewing Travolta's two family attorneys and asking them how Travolta was doing, they answered: "John is distraught. He is trying to understand and reconcile this. He is seeking an explanation so that this makes sense to him." Of course he should be distraught! Who wouldn't be! I know I was when my grandmother died, as was the rest of my family. The only difference being that when my grandmother opened her eyes again, it was in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! What death provided for her was life, and life eternal! Unlike Travolta, I did not need to understand what was going on. I was not seeking any explanation so that it made sense to me. I already had my answers! The truth of God's Word! Yes! We will become immortal, but only through the blood of Christ!
Death is an equal opportunity provider. Whether you're young or old, big or small, rich or poor, famous or not, death will provide a place for you! The question is, where will death "provide" a place for YOU?!
James B. Lopez
01/05/2009
Quotes provided by: Yahoo!News & Scientific American online
Scientology info provided by: Church of Scientology web site
Such a tragedy as has occurred to the Travolta-Preston family is a very heartbreaking one, to say the least. As a father, I can relate to how they must feel during such a difficult time as this. Travolta and Preston are no exception as evident by their interviews and statements. "We are heartbroken that our time with him was so brief. We will cherish the time we had with him for the rest of our lives," Travolta and Preston said in their first public statement since Jett's death. In another interview, Preston said that she blamed his illness on household cleaners and fertilizers, and said that a detoxification program based on teachings from the Church of Scientology helped improve his health, according to People Magazine.
As some of you may or may not know, the Church of Scientology, established in 1945 by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, has attracted many celebrity followers, and among its more famed member is Travolta, who has long been one of Hollywood's biggest names.
Their web site gives the following definition of the Scientology belief: Scientology is the studying and handling of the spirit in relationship to itself, others and all of life. The Scientology religion comprises a body of knowledge extending from certain fundamental truths.
1. Man is an immortal, spiritual being. His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime. (Here's my favorite!)His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized - and those capabilities can be realized. (Hmmm! That's kind of contradicting, isn't it???)He is able to not only solve his own problems, accomplish his goals and gain lasting happiness, but also achieve new, higher states of awareness and ability. (But wait, there's more!!)
2. In Scientology no one is asked to accept anything as belief or on faith. That which is true for you is what you have observed to be true. An individual discovers for himself that Scientology works by personally applying its principles and observing or experiencing results.
3. Through Scientology, people all over the world are achieving the long-sought goal of true spiritual release and freedom.
Well, with that being said, I'm just wondering how true to heart Travolta and Preston are really taking their religion. It seems to me that they were a really close family, by the photos I have seen online. The two of them with their two children, and now being left with only their 8 year old daughter. I can see the deepness of the love Travolta and Preston had for their children just pouring out of the photos. According to Scientology, man is able to "solve his own problems, accomplish his goals and gain everlasting happiness". Somehow I don't believe that this is a problem they could have solved. You see, death is an equal opportunity provider. No matter who you are, death will come knocking at your door, be sure of that! The question is, when will death come? And when death comes, where will I go?
Three months ago, my grandmother passed away in a small hospital room, with only four of us there with her. No reporters, no cameras, no magazine interviews. Just another old person that reached the end of her years. She was 99 years old, it was to be expected. On the other end, we have a young boy of 16 years of age, taken before the prime of his life. Son of two famous celebrities. With lots of reporters, cameras and magazine interviews. Upon interviewing Travolta's two family attorneys and asking them how Travolta was doing, they answered: "John is distraught. He is trying to understand and reconcile this. He is seeking an explanation so that this makes sense to him." Of course he should be distraught! Who wouldn't be! I know I was when my grandmother died, as was the rest of my family. The only difference being that when my grandmother opened her eyes again, it was in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! What death provided for her was life, and life eternal! Unlike Travolta, I did not need to understand what was going on. I was not seeking any explanation so that it made sense to me. I already had my answers! The truth of God's Word! Yes! We will become immortal, but only through the blood of Christ!
Death is an equal opportunity provider. Whether you're young or old, big or small, rich or poor, famous or not, death will provide a place for you! The question is, where will death "provide" a place for YOU?!
James B. Lopez
01/05/2009
Quotes provided by: Yahoo!News & Scientific American online
Scientology info provided by: Church of Scientology web site
Sunday, December 28, 2008
2008 END OF THE YEAR REFLECTION - IN LOVING MEMORY...
Here we go again! Another year about to end and a new one beginning! This past year has been a memorable one, to say the least. It's what one might call, an emotional roller coaster.
In March of 2008, the youngest of my three sisters passed away after fighting for six weeks with a rare disease called Guillian-Barre Syndrome. She always saw the good in people and she enjoyed getting together and laughing at our jokes and just having a good time together! She was 41 when she died suddenly and unexpectedly. Eventhough we didn't grow up together, we were still close. You see, my dad and mom were separated before I was born. He remarried and had four children with his second wife. My mom lost track of him and I never knew my father until I was 26 years of age. Twenty-two years ago, I found out I had three sisters and one brother! It was certainly something different for me. I had only known myself, my mom, my grandma and one brother!
Seven months later, my loving grandmother went home to be with the Lord at the ripe age of 99 years and 10 months! What can I say about grandma! She not only was a hardworking woman who never gave up and always had our best interest in mind. When my mom came to be alone with only my brother and I, she came to live with us and took care of us while my mom went to work. She raised me and became my legal guardian after my mom remarried and moved to California in 1967.
Grandma was a woman of prayer, a true woman of God and she learned to trust Him in all circumstances! She taught me what it meant to pray with faith and what it meant to trust God at His word!
I remember one of those moments when we had no food left for the month and the Public Aid check was still a couple of weeks away. The fridge was empty and I had no idea what was at stake here. All I know that grandma was on her knees once again praying before the Lord. She even prayed when her knees were swollen from her arthritis. On this particular occasion, she was praying fervently for our next meal when there was a heavy knocking coming from the outside door to our building. I ran to see who it was and to my surprise, it was our next door neighbor! She wanted to know if we could use some of the things she had brought back from a farm that belonged to a relative of hers! She gave us about three trays of eggs, about 2 gallons of milk, several pounds of tomatoes, onions, potatoes and even a few loaves of bread! It was all that we needed to hold us off until our money came! My grandma had not even finished praying, when God was already knocking at our door with the answer! Truly, it seemed like she had a direct line to God or something. or so it seemed! Whenever she prayed and asked God for something, it was almost a sure thing that she would get it!
Many times I remember finding myself in some tough and compromising situations that would have turned out for the worst had not something or someone intervened. I'm pretty sure it was because grandma was on her knees again, putting her request and supplications before the Lord! This is the woman my grandma was!
Everything I am today, I owe it to her! (Besides God, of course!)When she saw my interest in music and an opportunity came up for me to take organ and piano lessons, she took on a babysitting job to help pay for them at the age of 65! Sometimes she would take about 3 or 4 kids at a time in order to make a little extra cash! She did this for several years. I would take the "L" train downtown to the old Lyon-Healy building on Wabash and Jackson once a week for a $20 half hour lesson. Because of her sacrifice for me, and opportunity opened up in 1989 and I was hired by the Chicago Public Schools to teach band and choir at the elementary level. It has been almost 20 years and this job has been nothing but a blessing to me and my family! When things seem bleak elsewhere, my job security is still strong!
In these uncertain economic times we find ourselves in, it has pleased God to continue to bless me. It's not that I put my trust in the economy or my employers, but rather my trust is in Him! A trust that I came to know from my grandma!
I pray that you find yourself trusting God for your future. Not only your economic future, but more importantly, your eternal future! As Christians, we are not immune from hardships and the afflictions of this world. Jesus said, "In this world you will have affliction, but take heed, I have overcome the world!" If our trust is in Him, and He has overcome the world, then we have nothing to worry about!
If you find yourself going through a hardship of any kind, fall on your knees before God and ask Him to point you in the right direction. Trust Him and then watch Him do what He does best! It's what grandma would have done!!
12/28/2008
James B. Lopez
In March of 2008, the youngest of my three sisters passed away after fighting for six weeks with a rare disease called Guillian-Barre Syndrome. She always saw the good in people and she enjoyed getting together and laughing at our jokes and just having a good time together! She was 41 when she died suddenly and unexpectedly. Eventhough we didn't grow up together, we were still close. You see, my dad and mom were separated before I was born. He remarried and had four children with his second wife. My mom lost track of him and I never knew my father until I was 26 years of age. Twenty-two years ago, I found out I had three sisters and one brother! It was certainly something different for me. I had only known myself, my mom, my grandma and one brother!
Seven months later, my loving grandmother went home to be with the Lord at the ripe age of 99 years and 10 months! What can I say about grandma! She not only was a hardworking woman who never gave up and always had our best interest in mind. When my mom came to be alone with only my brother and I, she came to live with us and took care of us while my mom went to work. She raised me and became my legal guardian after my mom remarried and moved to California in 1967.
Grandma was a woman of prayer, a true woman of God and she learned to trust Him in all circumstances! She taught me what it meant to pray with faith and what it meant to trust God at His word!
I remember one of those moments when we had no food left for the month and the Public Aid check was still a couple of weeks away. The fridge was empty and I had no idea what was at stake here. All I know that grandma was on her knees once again praying before the Lord. She even prayed when her knees were swollen from her arthritis. On this particular occasion, she was praying fervently for our next meal when there was a heavy knocking coming from the outside door to our building. I ran to see who it was and to my surprise, it was our next door neighbor! She wanted to know if we could use some of the things she had brought back from a farm that belonged to a relative of hers! She gave us about three trays of eggs, about 2 gallons of milk, several pounds of tomatoes, onions, potatoes and even a few loaves of bread! It was all that we needed to hold us off until our money came! My grandma had not even finished praying, when God was already knocking at our door with the answer! Truly, it seemed like she had a direct line to God or something. or so it seemed! Whenever she prayed and asked God for something, it was almost a sure thing that she would get it!
Many times I remember finding myself in some tough and compromising situations that would have turned out for the worst had not something or someone intervened. I'm pretty sure it was because grandma was on her knees again, putting her request and supplications before the Lord! This is the woman my grandma was!
Everything I am today, I owe it to her! (Besides God, of course!)When she saw my interest in music and an opportunity came up for me to take organ and piano lessons, she took on a babysitting job to help pay for them at the age of 65! Sometimes she would take about 3 or 4 kids at a time in order to make a little extra cash! She did this for several years. I would take the "L" train downtown to the old Lyon-Healy building on Wabash and Jackson once a week for a $20 half hour lesson. Because of her sacrifice for me, and opportunity opened up in 1989 and I was hired by the Chicago Public Schools to teach band and choir at the elementary level. It has been almost 20 years and this job has been nothing but a blessing to me and my family! When things seem bleak elsewhere, my job security is still strong!
In these uncertain economic times we find ourselves in, it has pleased God to continue to bless me. It's not that I put my trust in the economy or my employers, but rather my trust is in Him! A trust that I came to know from my grandma!
I pray that you find yourself trusting God for your future. Not only your economic future, but more importantly, your eternal future! As Christians, we are not immune from hardships and the afflictions of this world. Jesus said, "In this world you will have affliction, but take heed, I have overcome the world!" If our trust is in Him, and He has overcome the world, then we have nothing to worry about!
If you find yourself going through a hardship of any kind, fall on your knees before God and ask Him to point you in the right direction. Trust Him and then watch Him do what He does best! It's what grandma would have done!!
12/28/2008
James B. Lopez
Monday, June 30, 2008
AMERICA’S SPIRITUAL PRIESTESS – Pt 2
One of the newest books that has been given the “thumbs up” from Oprah is a book called A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle.
I happened to go to Eckhart’s web site and here’s what I found:
“Building on the astonishing success of The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle presents readers with an honest look at the current state of humanity: He implores us to see and accept that this state, which is based on an erroneous identification with the egoic mind, is one of dangerous insanity.
Tolle tells us there is good news, however. There is an alternative to this potentially dire situation. Humanity now, perhaps more than in any previous time, has an opportunity to create a new, saner, more loving world. This will involve a radical inner leap from the current egoic consciousness to an entirely new one.
In illuminating the nature of this shift in consciousness, Tolle describes in detail how our current ego-based state of consciousness operates. Then gently, and in very practical terms, he leads us into this new consciousness. We will come to experience who we truly are—which is something infinitely greater than anything we currently think we are—and learn to live and breathe freely.” [http://eckharttolle.com/a_new_earth]
Apparently we are all going to go crazy, if not already there! He probably does not realize how true this may be. Watching and listening to the news nowadays, one might very well come to that conclusion, but his insanity concept is not just one of merely losing one’s mind. He’s talking about a change in what we know to be true, a totally new way of thinking, changing our outlook on life as we know it to something more. That somehow this “inner leap” will get us there and thus it will be a “new earth” in a sense. What he does not realize is that this is not something new that he has come upon. This idea has been around for ages! In current times we know it as New Age! But really, we should start changing that to ‘Old Age’ because it’s becoming just that, old! Better yet, ‘Recycled Age’! It’s the same thing packaged and repackaged and then fed to the world as something new. It all leads to the same conclusion: we are on the way to destroying ourselves as a race and the only way we can save ourselves is to come together as one, join our minds in one powerful burst of energy (I guess) and bring about peace and prosperity to all mankind! What a wonderful thing! Oh, and of course, we would need a new leader that would keep that new earth on its rightful path!
Tolle says the following:
In the Gospel story of Mary and Martha, Jesus says to Martha, “You are anxious and troubled about many things, but only one thing is needful.” (Luke 10:41)
As I was writing A New Earth, people would sometimes ask me, “What is the new book about?” And invariably, my answer would be, “I only ever write or speak about one thing.” What is that one thing? Spiritual awakening. Can a person be awakened spiritually by a book? Yes, if three conditions are met:
[http://eckharttolle.com/a_new_earth]
Is it not interesting how all these people seem to always turn to the Bible in order to explain some of their far fetched ideas? As if the Bible was there to back up their claims! As always, this passage in Luke is taken out of context. A very typical and common mistake among those that try to use the Bible as proof for their idiotic ideas! According to Tolle, the “one thing” that is needed is “spiritual awakening”! But, this spiritual awakening is not the spiritual awakening you find when you come to Jesus or study His Word.
This is what the passage in Luke 10 is really about:
In this particular event that Tolle is quoting, Jesus has come to
It is true that mankind needs only “one thing”, but that “one thing” is Jesus! If Eckhart and his readers, along with Oprah, wish to attain a new earth, then all that needs to be done is to trust in Christ for salvation and He will eventually create a new earth in His future kingdom!
Stay tuned for Part 3! The 3 conditions for a spiritual awakening (according to Eckhart) will be discussed!
6/30/2008
James
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