Paradise on Earth

(My Photo)

Would you like to experience
paradise while at work, home,
or even shopping at Wal-Mart?


You can experience heaven's benefits while in this flesh. 

The thief on the cross gives the greatest example.....Jesus said to him, "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43)."



Jack VanImpe wrote the following words regarding this thief:
".....as he looked at the center cross and saw Christ, he heard an unbelievable utterance falling from the Lord's lips: Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34). The thief was startled by the love shown to such villains. It was superhuman. Because of it, he suddenly changed his mind about Christ."

The thief experienced two major changes that day: 
1.  His thoughts about Jesus.
2.  His anticipation of a future. 

When the thief changed his mind and accepted Jesus,  he was assured he would experience paradise THAT DAY!  The paradise which is in the third heaven....the place where Christians go when they die.

Paradise is also a term used for a place that is positive, harmonious and timeless.  We often talk about finding a little bit of paradise on earth.  Is it possible to turn 'where you are' into a paradise?  I believe it is, at least to a degree.  The next question you may ask is, How?  Start inside yourself.  Adopt a new attitude towards people (loving/forgiving people as Jesus did) and make a decision to love Jesus (as the thief did), we can experience a little of "heaven on earth".

Today you have the opportunity to create moments of bliss...walk on cloud nine (while on this earth).  Simply surrender to Jesus Christ and make a determined choice to love others, especially the unlovable.  

Reality check, here. Christians struggle, too. Not everything about a christian's life is a bed of roses. The difference is that Jesus Christ makes it possible (through him) to overcome the world, turning a less than perfect place into a place of paradise. He promised us a peace that passes all understanding. His peace in you doesn't change those around you...or necessarily change your circumstances...but it will change the inside of you. With Him you are more than a conqueror! The peace and presence of Jesus inside...creates a calm - a new positive persepective...thus, creating an anticipation for a great future, your future! Hopelessness and negativity will wane in your newly discovered paradise.

Paradise is in you...until you are in paradise.

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HELL'S FREEDOM

This is the story of Mr. I. Resist

Mr. I. Resist lives a life of freedom.  He lives his way - doing what he wants.  He loves his life of freedom.  He lives life to the fullest!  No restraints.  Ah, the freedom he has!

Mr. I. Resist has chosen this path and as his name suggests, he resists any concern shown by parents or christians.  Many people are like Mr. Resist.  They want nothing to do with God.  They pursue their freedom to live a life which is opposite of everything Heaven has to offer. 

There are also freedoms in hell. If the things of God are resisted and unwanted here, people will have the opportunity live without them in hell. In other words, hell has freedom...and some of those freedoms are listed here.

IN HELL THERE IS FREEDOM FROM:

1.  The Presence of God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son.
2.  Righteousness.
3.  The Word of God.
4.  Worship of God the Father.
5.  The love of God.
6.  The angels in heaven.
7.  Eternal bliss and joy. 
8.  The glory of God.
9.  The peace of God
10. Eternity with redeemed loved ones.
11. Reigning with Christ.
12. Heavenly rewards.
13. Health and healing.
14. Relief of pain and sorrow.
15. Holiness.
16. Heaven itself.

I know.  This is not a fun read. It's not a normal blog.   But, Jesus talked about hell more than heaven and He is not willing that any perish.  Hell was made for the devil and his angels...not for mankind. 

You can resist Jesus Christ and His call to repentance.  You have the freedom to choose your destiny.  If you don't want Him and His love in this life  - you are allowed an eternity without Him.  In hell you can live a life of free of everything belonging to God.  Hell does have freedoms...but you won't enjoy them.  Everything in the above list that is missing in hell is enjoyed by saints of God when they inherit heaven. 

Or,  you can choose salvation through Jesus Christ while on this earth and inherit eternal life in a place of beauty.  John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Someone wrote:  Whatever we consider to be a joy here on earth will be heightened millions of times beyond anything we can conceive when we get to heaven.  The apostle Paul put it this way: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him" (I Corinthians 2:9).

Revelation 7:16 "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun beat down on them, nor any heat..."

Heaven is a real a place, just as hell is a real place.  And heaven is a better country, a city built by God.  It's where Christians go when they die.  It's where Jesus is. 

I'd rather have Heaven's Freedoms...than hell's freedoms, any day.

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Simple Ways to Increase Intelligence??

I was drawn to this article:  5 Simple Ways to Increase Your Intelligence.

Right off the bat, I am confused.  If the five ways are simple, then how will it increase my intelligence?  Just for fun I think I'll take a look at these five ways.  You might want to do a copy/paste here...or at least put your own spin on the points!  We could benefit from getting smart-er.

1) Stop Watching Television So Much.  I paraphrased that.  But it's 'simpler' to understand.  :)  Their point was: I don't have to think when I watch television and my brain doesn't have to recharge.  By the time I crash at night, I have little concern about my brain recharging.  In fact, my energy is as far as the east is from the west, and I don't want to think.  So, I watch the news.  Or Netflix.

They suggest reading a book instead of watching television.  While I totally agree with this thought, I must admit that if I start to read after a long day - I won't be awake through one chapter.  It would benefit me to pile up earlier, I suppose, and read while I have my right mind.

2)  Exercise.  Now, this is a unique thought!  Why haven't more people listed this as a source of gaining intelligence?  True, it does invigorate you, and true, it does increase your energy.  But, I've also seen a few buff bodies...with little brains.  On TV.

3)  Next, I should read books that are challenging.   I did that.  Stephen James' series, The Pawn and four that follow - will challenge the dog out of you to make it through each chapter without feeling like a wimp.  I read every one of the books.  n...I didn't have to re-read the book to discover the author's style!  The article stated that reading a classic book would change my view of the world.  If that's the case, I need to send a classic book to the President of Iran and a few more leaders .... they are the ones who need their views changed.  I have a good view of the world from where I sit.  So far, I'm the one in a free country!

4)  Go to bed early, Get up early -  That's a good point.  A good one, but an old one.  Early to bed, early to rise....has been around a long, long time...long before people knew how to increase their intelligence.  They also advise taking naps when sleepy.  Yeah, sure...run that by your boss after lunch.  Go ahead, lay your head down on the desk.  You may increase your intelligence alright, but you will find yourself unemployed.  (Just joking here...I know we need proper rest...but it hasn't yet increased my intelligence)

5)  Last, but not least:  Take a Walk and Think about things and get those thoughts organized.
Reflect.  Reflect.  Reflect.  Simple.  Feel smarter yet?  You should.

Forgive me for being a smart alec about this guy's simple article providing simple ways to get smart...but it's late - I'm tired - and sleepy - and this is just about as intelligent as I can get.  It's just that simple.

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Layered Chicken Three-Cheese Enchilada

Use your favorite enchilada sauce to prepare this recipe, which layers corn tortillas, chicken and three kinds of cheese into one hearty casserole.

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 1/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 3/4 cups red enchilada sauce
• 9 corn tortillas, each about 6 inches in diameter
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded yellow cheddar cheese
• Sliced green onion tops for garnish
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions:

In a large nonstick sauté pan over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil.  Add the onion, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, 6 to 7 minutes.  Remove from the heat and let cool.

Add the chicken to the onion and stir well to combine.

Spread 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 3 1/2 qt round whide Dutch oven.  Arrange 3 tortillas in a single layer on the sauce, overlapping them as needed to cover the sauce.  Top with a generous 1 cup of the chicken-onion mixture, 1/2 cup of the sauce and 1/4 cup of each cheese.  Repeat the layering 2 more times, alternating the direction of the tortilla layers and finishing with 1/2 cup sauce and 1/4 cup of each cheese. 

Transfer to the oven and bake until the ingredients are heated through and the cheese is melted, about 30 minutes.  Remove from the oven and garnish with green onions and cilantro.  Serves 4 to 6.


Williams-Sonoma Kitchen.

A GATE TO NOWHERE

My Photo-May, 2012

We were camping on a nearby mountain. I went for a short walk around the area and discovered  two gates. One in particular captured my attention.  It looked like a gate, blocked like a gate, opened like a gate - but it lead nowhere.    There was no road on the other side.  Nothing on the other side needed to be contained. I couldn't find a purpose for the gate.  It was nothing more than a Gate to Nowhere.

I've heard of a road to nowhere but this was my first time to see a gate to nowhere.  Segments of life can resemble a gate to nowhere. There is far too much nonsense consuming our time and energy, leaving us dissatisfied and wanting more out of life.

A Gate to Nowhere (pertaining to life) might be worry, doubt, maybe a critical spirit, sin, anger...get my drift?  Negative thoughts serve no purpose and will get you nowhere.   I was driving back from Texas a few days ago and caught myself sinking emotionally and mentally...because of negative thoughts.  Immediately I captured the thoughts and began to speak aloud:  Lift it Up!  Lift it Up!  Lift it Up!  I scribbled these three words  on a notepad while driving!  Lift it Up!  I continued to talk out loud:  You don't have to think like this.  You can think differently.  Lift up your head.  Lift up those thoughts!  Come on!  It's not like this.  Lift it Up!

It worked!  I didn't open a Gate to Nowhere! 

From a sermon (not mine): People with a clear-cut sense of purpose can withstand many challenges, inconveniences, and difficulties that others cannot. They do not give up. They do not break the 11th commandment — “Thou Shalt Not Whine.”

I must not open a gate called Self-Pity.  Someone said, "If you get into the habit of self-pity, you will probably ruin a lot more of your life than bad circumstances will ever ruin".  I don't need a gate called Self, period.   The gate of Self excludes God and will get me nowhere.  I have no purpose outside of Jesus Christ because He is the giver and sustainer of life.  

Jesus provides gates with purpose....gates to somewhere.  His gates are profitable for living. 

Psalm 118:19
"Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:"

Revelation 21:21
And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

Revelation 21:25
And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

Revelation 22:14
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

A Gate to Nowhere or A Gate to Somewhere? 

It's a choice.
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A/G OPPOSES PRES. "O" ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

AG OPPOSES PRESIDENT OBAMA'S STANCE ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

The Assemblies of God, in reaction to President Barack Obama's embracing of same-sex marriage, is voicing its dissent and objection. According to Dr. George O. Wood, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, the Assemblies of God is in complete disagreement with the president's new position and takes exception to the president's taking Scripture out of context to defend his
position.

"The Bible clearly teaches that marriage should be a life-long commitment between one man and one women," states Dr. George O. Wood, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God.  "There is no affirmation of homosexual behavior found anywhere in Scripture.  However, the Bible is replete with evidence that homosexual behavior is immoral and comes under the judgment of God."

The president also referred to the Bible, claiming Christ sacrificing himself for mankind and the golden rule as reasons for endorsing same-sex marriage. "Although it has become popular to quote Scripture grossly out of context to serve a personal or political agenda, it still doesn't change what God's Word clearly states," Wood says.

Wood adds that in light of what Scripture says, Christians should not be surprised by individuals and groups twisting Scripture, citing, 2 Timothy 4:3, "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear."

In the Assemblies of God's official position paper on homosexuality, it states, "We believe, in the light of biblical revelation, that the growing cultural acceptance of homosexual identity and behavior,  male and female, is symptomatic of a broader spiritual disorder that threatens the famiuly, the government and the church."

The paper also states, "Not only do the Scriptures condemn more flagrant examples of homosexual violence and promiscuity, they also provide no support for the popular modern idea that loving and committed homosexual relationships between two long-term partners are morally acceptable.  Homosexual activities of every kind are contrary to the moral commandments God has given us."

Wood adds that it's important for Christians to not underestimate the implications of a pro-homosexual, pro-abortion president, and what it means for the church. "In no time in our nation have we ever needed to pray more for our political leaders and this country than we need to today."  Wood says.
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CHLOE'S PICTURE OF JESUS

Chloe and I were having 'class' (as she calls it) which included a craft, a surprise and a Bible Story.  My intent was to show an Easter story online - but since I couldn't access the internet I had to revert to the old fashion way and tell the story myself.  The story was about Jesus, His Birth, His Death on the Cross, His Resurrection....and that He Is Alive!   As the story progressed she became more animated. I was trying to conclude the message when she pointed her finger up in the air as far as her little arm would reach and declared, "I have a picture of Him!"  With this she rushed to her bedroom and returned with her picture from children's church - colored and framed.  Excited and proud? Yes, she was!

I don't know what your picture of Jesus looks like, but I know that at the time He was placed in the tomb many were fearful that His followers would move the stone, snatch His body, and deceive the people by declaring He was alive.   

"Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead:....." Matthew 27:64

Much of our society today refuses to recognize that He has RISEN.  They are attempting to keep Him from rising from the grave, but it is too late.  In their darkened minds they have the stone in place so that they can proceed with their own agenda.  Keeping the sepulchre guarded allows freedom to sin.  In other words, keep Jesus Christ guarded and contained...but allow the devil to rule and reign.  But, no matter how tightly you secure the sepulchre in your heart, the fact remains, HE IS RISEN.  The grave did not hold Him simply because sinners refused the resurrection!  He will do what He was sent to do!  He is alive. 

Matthew 28:7 - "And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead..."

Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Easter Sunday.  I celebrate the nearness of Jesus, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and  I celebrate the fact that He hears my prayers.  I celebrate His touch,  His love, and His concern for people.  I celebrate the great truth that His shed blood cleanses us from sin.  I celebrate Him. 

Now, when asked the question:  "Why do we celebrate Easter?"  Chloe's answer is:  "Because He Is Alive."

Do you picture Jesus as Healer, Savior, Baptizer....or do you picture Him as being distant from your life, unconcerned about your situation?  He is alive.  He sits at the right Hand of the Father.  He absolutely can redeem your life from destruction.  If you view of Jesus does not portray Him as a Resurrected Redeemer or Savior, perhaps...

... you need a new picture of Him....
...

No, Moses was Not Muslim

The following article is from an Aish.com. newsletter which I receive via email.  

Rewriting history seems to be the craze. If it doesn't read the way you want it ... rather than conform to the truth of  that history, just put a totally different SPIN on it.  Isn't this what some in America are doing as well?  We're in a battle to preserve the accuracy of American history and the Christian principles upon which it was founded,  But then, Satan did the same thing as he misquoted scriptures to Jesus in the wilderness.  Jesus replied to Satan:  IT IS WRITTEN.  Maybe we need to do as Jesus did...to those attempting to misrepresent our American history.

From:  Aish.com - Israel Update

As Jews around the world prepare for Passover - the celebration of Moses leading the Jews out of Egypt - Palestinians are working overtime to rewrite history by presenting Moses as "the great Muslim leader who liberated Palestine."

On Palestinian Authority television, Dr. Omar Ja'ara, a lecturer at Al-Najah University in Nablus, declared:
"We must make clear to the world that David in the Hebrew Bible is not connected to David in the Koran, Solomon in the Hebrew Bible is not connected to Solomon in the Koran… and unfortunately, many researchers deny the Exodus of those oppressed people who were liberated by a great leader, like Moses the Muslim, the believing leader, the great Muslim, who was succeeded by Saul, the leader of these Muslims in liberating Palestine. This was the first Palestinian liberation through armed struggle to liberate Palestine…"

This outrage is the latest Palestinian effort to dismiss Jewish nationhood, a corollary to the repeated denial of any Jewish connection to the Holy Land. "The claims of historic and religious ties between Jews and Palestine are incompatible with the facts of history," reads the Palestinian National Charter (Article 18).

 First, Palestinians claim that Moses was a Muslim leader and that Jews never lived in Israel. Then before you know it, standard media references to the Jewish Temple - accepted as historical fact by every legitimate archaeologist and scholar - is deemed debatable.

 With these outrageous pro-Palestinian views reinforced in the media, Palestinians sense the momentum predisposed in their favor, and harbor the illusion of bringing these demands to the negotiating table. Inevitably, Palestinians get a rude awakening every time that Israel - secure in their 4,000-year history and connection to the land - refuses to allow these skewed perceptions to dictate terms of an agreement.

BOOK SERIES by Steven James

If you are not acquainted with Steven James, may I introduce you to his best selling Patrick Bowers series...

       

Reviews shed a small light on his talent:  Steven James is a master Storyteller that knows how to deliver a top-notch thriller.  Each book begins strong, hits hard, and never lets up.

Steven James locks you in a thrill ride and he doesn't let up.

I read The Pawn (thanks Anne, for your facebook post - where I first heard of the book) and immediately bought the next two:  The Rook and The Knight.  I will purchase The Bishop and the Queen...after I catch my breath! 

Raw talent is:  When an author can hold your attention with people, place, and plot - and yet there is an absence of foul language.

James includes God in his books...ahhh...refreshing!  A christian author, yet a brilliant suspense writer.  This is exactly what we have looked for in pleasure reading!  Fiction? Yes.  Riveting? Absolutely.

This series is a must read.  Add them to your collection - ebooks (as mine are) or hard copy.  You won't be disappointed!

So....check out the video of The Pawn:
http://www.stevenjames.net/resources_pawn.htm


Then be prepared to shop! 
.....

Make the Enemy Beg!

Moshe Yaalon

We Will Retaliate Until They Beg Us to Stop  (Deputy PM Moshe Yaalon vowed no mercy for Gaza terror gangs who continue to fire rockets at Israel's south.)

I love that statement.  It shows guts!  It says, enough is enough!  It states: Enemy, you don't know who you are dealing with!  That is not a declaration of a wimp!  It is a powerful, yet small,  nation of God saying that they will make their enemy beg them to leave them alone!   I love it!

As believers, we must acknowledge the complete work of Jesus Christ when He came to earth as a baby in a manger, shed His blood on the cross, defeated the devil and snatched the keys of death, hell, and the grave.  Remember that Jesus has been given ALL authority in heaven and earth and that believers have authority to resist, rebuke and withstand the enemy! 

The Bible tells us that we struggle not against flesh and blood, but against demonic forces. Ephesians 6:12, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

John 10:10  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  The enemy of our soul fares far to well - as he plots, plans and promotes our destruction.

Two paragraphs from a study by Bob Deffinbaugh provides vital information.

As Hitler’s appetite for power and territory grew, his army began to march across Europe. In some cases, the fight could hardly be called a battle. The German army advanced, with its tanks and with technologically advanced weapons. In some of the underdeveloped nations, their armies made a futile effort to resist Hitler’s aggression, fighting back with spears and even rocks. It was no contest at all, because these nations were not equipped for the battle.

The same could be said of Satan, and those whom he opposes. Many of his victims do not even know there is a war going on. They make easy prey. Christians should know that we are in the midst of a great spiritual struggle, although many seem not to believe it. And even more distressing is the fact that many who consider themselves “in the war” do not understand the nature of Satan’s schemes, of the weapons which he employs, or of the weapons which God has provided for our defense.

Luke 10:19  Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.  

Spiritual warfare is resisting, overcoming and defeating the enemy's lies (in the form of deception, temptations and accusations) that he sends our way.

Yaalon continued:

"Anyone threatening us is risking his life. We will retaliate until they beg us to stop," "They have to realize that the consequences of the rocket fire are not worth it.”

We have a raging enemy and we are sleeping, spiritually.  We throw rocks and pebbles made of complaints and criticism - when we should be declaring the Word of God with boldness.  By utilizing our authority in Christ, we can bravely shout to the one hurling rockets of abortion, drugs, strife, depression, weariness,and hopeless.... We Will Retaliate Until They Beg Us to Stop.

Take courage:  The devil can tolerate only so much Truth.  Know that he will flee when resisted!

Instead of falling apart...Instead of wringing your hands...Instead of giving up on your children...Instead of being destroyed over finances...Instead of being an easy prey...
Pick up the Sword of the Spirit and quote it until the enemy begs you to stop!!

Believers, be brave. Put the enemy under your feet!   Put your foot on his neck and make him beg!

Arise Church!  You are a giant on this earth!  Seize the moment!  Retaliate in the Spirit Realm with "It is Written"....Make the adversary beg you to S T O P !