Footsteps of a Prodigal

This is a new blog I am starting. More later. Just trying out my button.

Tuesday Together In The Word

DeeDees

In the letter of 1Peter we find Peter having much to say about suffering. He shows how it can be a way of serving the Lord, of sharing the faith and of being tested. The letter was written to Christians scattered all over the Northern part of Asia Minor. In this part of the Roman Empire many Christians had already suffered unfair treatment from people who did not believe in Jesus.

And they could expect to suffer even more.

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Peter was quick to offer encouragement. His letter reminds the readers that some of the Lord's

followers may have to go through times of hard testing. But this should make them glad, Peter declares, because it will stregthen their faith and bring them honor on the day when Jesus Christ returns (1:6,7).

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Peter reminds them that Christ suffered here on earth, and when his followers suffer for doing right they are sharing his sufferings (2.18-25; 4.12-19). In fact, Christians should expect to suffer for their faith (3.8-4,19).

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Sunday night in our service our pastor talked about the swine flu that

was spreading all over the world. He was teaching on Prophecy

in the Bible, and this disease was just the beginning of things to come.

He then said, "And it is going to get worse, things are going to get

very bad before the Rapture takes place."

God does not do anything instantly, he usually does them over a

period of time, and we become so use to them that it just seems

normal.

I don't know about you but I do not like to suffer, and I find no joy

in looking forward to what is coming on the earth.

But as Jesus said, "These things must needs be to confirm

scripture.

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Because of who God is and because of what God has done by raising Jesus Christ from death, Christians can have hope in the future. Just as Christ suffered before he received honor from God, so will Christians be tested by suffering before they receive honor when the Lord returns. Peter uses poetic language to reming his readers of what Christ had sone:

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Christ died once for our sins.

An innocent person died

for those who are guilty.

Christ did this

to bring you to God,

When his body

was put to death

and His Spirit

was made alive.

(3.18)

Called To Mentor

April 27th, 2009

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A call to Mentor

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Great subject but what is a mentor? Mentoring is when someone who has "been

there, done that" takes someone who is "getting there, doing that" under

their wings. Let me repeat that. Mentoring is when someone who has

"been there, done that"

takes someone who is "getting there, doing that" under their wings.

I define mentoring this way for two reasons. First, mentoring isn't as much about age as it is about experience. As Barnabas mentored Paul, the two men very well could have been similar in age but Barnabas had the experience with a relationship with God that Paul didn't have. Second, often when we think about being a mentor, people are very quick to discredit themselves because they haven't "lived a good enough life."

In reality though, it is often the people who have made the most mistakes that have

the most to offer in a mentoring relationship. Again, Paul is a great example of this seeing that before he became a Christian, he killed Christians for a living. If Paul

can be a mentor, pretty much anyone can.

I had the most wonderful mentor growing into adulthood. I have been thinking alot about her

in preparing for this class. She mentored me during one of the most horrible time of my

teenage years. I would go see her, and she always had a word that would encourage me.

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Now That Is A Good Mentor

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I took a class via computer and telephone. The home office for the class was New Your City. During this class I had a mentor who before me had taken the class and was to offer me guidence and answer my questions.

I received a call from her, she was very short and said, "I my name is Judy and if you have any questions call me. Her is my number". That was the last I heard from her and she was so abrupt that I did not call her.

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Now That Is A Bad Mentor

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I was asked to be a mentor for the next class. I was determined to show the teachers of the

class what a mentor should be like.

I received a reputation for being one of the best big sisters (mentor). Everyone wanted me to be their big sister. Students for this glass were from all over the US and Europe. I made life time friends.

I had this little sister from Reno, Na. She was loved by everyone encluding me. She was one of the most giving person I have ever meet. She would call NY for counceling paying $400.00

for a thirty minute session. Money was not a problem for her. She was high up in Reno

governmant. She would call NY for a session and they would tell her one thing. She would call another day and they told her something different.

She would call me so confused and up set at herself for paying all of this money when I was giving her better advice.

I received a call from her one day asking "If I would fly to Reno and spend several days with her,

she would pay for everything."

I was so excited, I was going to Reno, and see this wonderful sister that I love so dearly.

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She meet me at the airport, and off we were going to have a wonder few day of fun.

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I THOUGHT

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We were driving to California. We stopped at the grocery store and she bought a large bunch of grapes. I did not think anything of it.

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The first thing I wanted to do was put my toes in the Pacific Ocean. I saw she had the grapes.

"What are the grapes for, I asked."

"You never go to the gods with out offering a peace offering, she said."

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OH! WHAT HAVE I GOT MYSELF INTO?

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She explained and taught me how to offer the grapes to the gods of the ocean.

She broke off a group of grapes and sent praise to the god.

She then offered them to me for me to send praise to the god.

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I swalled hard, took the grapes and said. "IN THE NAME OF JESUS, AND

IN THE POWER OF HIS BLOOD I OFFER THESE GRAPES AS A PRAISE

OFFERING."

We took turns and continued this ritual untill all the grapes were gone.

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We walked back to the hotel in silence. Her to her room, me to mine.

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Two hours later we went down to dinner. She asked, "me too explain to her

just what I was doing on the beach. She had heard of Jesus and knew he was

a teacher but that was all she knew."

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I explained the plan of Salvation. She was amazed and said, "She had never read the

Bible."

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She then shocked me. "I am a witch of the highest order, we do not believe in this

Jesus. We believe in mother earth, and the god of the ocean, and the god of trees

I know there is recarnation, beacause I have lived before. I believe you and I were

catholic sisters in Ireland in another life."

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I looked in her eyes, and with the power of the Holy Spirit said to her, "that she needed to repent,

and turn from satan." She said, "And if I do not what will happen to me?"

I simply stated, "You will not go to heaven!"

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There is much more to this story but for time sake I will stop with that.

I will add however she did not repent on this trip.

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I came home, and when Larry picked me up at the airport. I told him. "You are looking

at a modern day Paul."

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He wanted to know if I was afraid with my encounter with the witch. I was able to honestly

say, "No I was not afraid." I am glad she had the gospel preached to her. It may be her

only chance.

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Having a mentor and being a mentor is very important in my life.

The challenge to us today is to prayerfully consider the two questions of.

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How can we mentor in ways that are pleasing to God?

How can we be sure the word of God is not maligned in the way we mentor and learn?

For more wonderful examples of mentoring come join with us

AT THE WELL

Thankful Thursday Provision

I love Christ's last five words in Luke 13:32 "I will complete My work"

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• Not "I will complete My work if all the conditions are right."
• Not "I will complete My work if you cooperate with me."
• Not "I will complete My work if I'm still alive."

"I will complete My work "It that simple. The New International Version renders His statement, "I will reach my goal." No ifs, ands, buts about it.

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"I will." Period.

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Beloved, find security in the fact that nothing is haphazard about the activity of God. He has a goal, and He has a definitive plan that is to be exectued precisely according to His will.

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You no doubt noticed Christ's symboilc phraseology in this verse, as well. In a sense, Christ spoke in the style of a parable. When He spoke of the of the miracle activity He would be doing "today and tomorrow," followed by "the third day," He spoke not in the immediate sense but in a future tense. Because of our hindsight advantage, we hear the unmistakable hint of the three days beginning with the cross and ending with His resurrection. In essence, Christ said, "I have a goal. But very soon that goal will be accomplished."

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Perhaps Christ's use of the words "today," "tomorrow," "and the third day" suggest three segments of time in our lives as well. Today is our now. The third day could represent the ultimate fulfillment of God's goals for out lives. And tomorrow could represent every moment between now and then. He works in us, too.

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Christ's return message to Herod emphasized that nothing could turn Him from His goal. Heither Herod nor any other power pose a threat to the plan. They would be used only as puppets to fulfill it. When we live our lives according to God's will, no Herod in the world can thwart our efforts at reaching God's goal.

Not a Herod of sickness, nor a Herod of crisis. Not even a Herod that seems to hand us over to death.

I am thankful for the Provision Christ had before the foundation of the earth.

I am thankful He has all my steps recorded in a book before I was born.

I am thankful for His provision to deliver me from wicked and evil men, those who do not have faith.

I am thankful for his provision and plan to deliver us from evil ones (2 Thes 3:3).

I am thankful I can put my trust and know He has provided everything I need according to His riches in Glory.

The Meeting

Chapter 2

He had to walk a mile across the fields and woods to catch his ride. Expectantly waited for the bus to carry him not only to the movies but to his first date with
Ashley.

David was from a family of means. His great-great grandfather had come to the new world with his family. They purchased many acres and started raising cattle and children. She was of a delicate nature and the hardship of the new world were too much. She longed to return to England, where her family had servants. She could
take it no longer so she asked her husband to take her back home. They were booked
on the next ship, leaving behind the children. This is all we know of her. We do not know if she ever looked back with yearing to see her boys. Only eternity will tell.

I don't know if any of you can remember the country store over at Providence community. Just behind where the store sets, use to be a 5 story house which was owned
by David's great-great grandfather.

David's parents were wealthy land owners. They had cattle and acres of cotton as far
as the eye could see. Pa. was the local vet. and also the local barber. He was loved and respected far and wide.

David meet up with Ashley at their appointed place and time. Neither one of them cared much about the movie, it was only an excuse to be together.

All week Ashley bragged to anyone that would listen about the date she had with David. Not only was he handsome he lived on a plantation with hired hands to pick the cotton, and cattle to raise. If that were not enough David had a job working at
Pure a bionic plant in Alabaster.

She was very annoying to be around. She had told the story so many times the whole family knew it by heart. For Abigal it was salt in a wound.

True to herself Abigail was plotting a way to take what was another's and make it hers.
Jealously was raging, the embers were burning hot. Yes she was her twin, but who cares she knows she could make him happier than that mousey sister of hers. They
were identical and he would never now (until it was too late) that she was not Ashley.

She had kept it a secret from Ashley. That she had found a book in Papa's chest..
The blood in her vains burned hot as she looked at the pictures. When Daddy made his
advances it did not frighten her it only stired the yearing inside of her. No, he did not frighten her. What frightened her was the excitement stiring within. She knew there
were exciting things to experience and she yearned to know the secret.

The plan slowly formed. She knew how she was going to get out of the house and make it to the movies to meet David in Ashley's place. She first talked her mother into inviting Aunt Betsy to come for a visit and please bring the children. Abigail
knew Ashley could not stand for her to be unhappy so the charade began. So she
became unhappy, pouted, lips poked out, and walked around all week with her head hung low. She knew Ashley would do anything to make her feel better. Now the scene was set she just needed to carefully put everything into action.

Aunt Betsy arrived for the weekend along with her 2 little boys and 1 girl. Mary was less than a year old, and need constant care. Ashley love children, and her favorite joy was taking care of little Mary.

Ashley was always protective and gave into Abigail when she wanted something. She knew something was very wrong. Okay enough is enough. Abigail what is wrong?
You have been sad all week. Abigail said "I have worked all week and you know I deters taking care of children they get on my nerves. I don't want to spend my Saturday night baby setting. I want to go to the movies."

Moved with desire to her sister of her sister Ashley said, "I will watch the children and you go to the movies." The only thing I request is you tell "David why I could not meet him." Behind Ashley's back Abigail was grinning, "Yes I will give David your message.

Saturday afternoon came and just as planned Ashley (Abigail) was waiting for David at the bus station. When he saw her his eyes lit up and a big smile was on his face.
He was naturally shy, but he had nothing to be concerned about Abigail took the conversation (failing to admit that she was not Ashley). They headed toward the movie. Taking their place with popcorn and a drink. the movie was rolling the room was dark. David was smitten, Ashley was everything he had hoped she would be.
He slowly put his arm around her shoulder. She snuggled closer.

David knew, he just knew this is the one, the only one for him. They went for a walk
after the movie. The streets were alive with young lovers walking hand in hand.
David wanted privacy when he.....he had something on his heart that was so big he was not sure he would be able to get the words out. Ashley, I love you will you marry
me.

She acted shy and coy and said "Yes." There is something I have to tell you. Ashley did not want to come tonight so I came in her place. I knew you would not know the
differance and I so wanted to get out of the house. "It doesn't matter" David said,
You are the one for me your name doen't matter.

David grabed Abigail around the waist and twrilled her around and around. They were so happy and in love.

Abigail said,"It is June (1945) and I do not want to wait can we get married next weekend?" Of course this was wonderful declaration he so wanted to get married
as soon as possible. She was so beautiful, and she would be his for all time.

Now the farm, the cattle, the fields of cotton .....and yes the job that would buy her anything she wanted would be hers. She would lap it all up like a dog laps up water.
And just like Daliah in the Bible, he would never be aware of her true nature.

Ashley was so use to taking second place to Abigail that she took the news well.
After all Abigail was always the chosen one. She was Daddy's favorite. She always
had the boys chasing after her, so why not have David also.

Daily in His care

DeeDee over at Together in the Word. We have a reading
plan, and from this plan we choose a scripture that speaks to us.
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The scripture I am excited about is from Psalm 37: 18-19.
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They won't be in trouble

when hard times are bad,

and they will have plenty

when food is scarce.

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Sunday night our pastor gave us the following hand out,

I want to share it with you.

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AN URGENT MESSAGE

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An earth-shattering calamity is about to happen.

It is going to be so frightening, we are all going to tremble - even the godliest amoung us.

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David Wilkerson continues: for ten years I have been waring about a thousand

fires coming to New York City. It will engulf the whole megaplex, encluding areas of New Jersey and Connecticut. Major cities all across America

will experience riots and blazing fires - such as we saw in Watts, Las Angeles,

years ago.

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There will be riots

fires in cities worldwide.

There will be looting-

including Time Square.

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What we are experience now is not a recession, not even a depression.

We are under God's wrath. In Psalm 11 it is written

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If the foundatins are destroyed, what can the righteous do?(vs 3)

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WHAT SHALL THE RIGHTEOUS DO? WHAT ABOUT GOD'S PEOPLE

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A word to David Wilkerson from the Lord:

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If possible lay in store a thirty-day supply of not perishable food,

toiletries and other essentials. In major cities, grocery stores are emptied in an hour at the sign of impending dister.

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As for as our spiritual reaction, we have but one option. This

is outlined in Psalm 11.

We "flee like a bird to a mountain."

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The above verses in Psalm 37 promises

of God's protection.

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I will say to my soul: No need to run...

no need to hide.

This is God's righteous work.

I will behold my Lord on his throne,

with his eyes of tender,

loving kindness watching over every step I take-

trusting that he will deliver his people through:

floods,

fires,

calamities,

tests,

trials of all kinds.

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Loving Your Children

I have given much thought and prayer to this discussion.
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Todays topic for discussion over AT The Well is love your children.....

The descissin questions are:

Discuss openly your thoughts about this study.

Do you have anyghing to add?

Do you remain concerned about something?

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Most parents love and care for their children, but sometimes a child may not know she is loved. She may feel that no matter what she does, her parents don't love her.

Other times, she may think that her parents only love her when she is good.

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Being loved is not the same as feeling loved. It's not enough to know that you love

your child...

you must be certain that she knows it!

To love your child is to let her know you love her.

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Many times for a child, the small things are what counts

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A smile,

a hug,

and your presence can let him know you love him.

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On the other hand,

your tone

of voice,

words,

or gestures can give your child the wrong message.

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If you are always in a hurry, your child will think that you are too busy

to pay attention to him. If you only show that you love him when he does

something to please you, he might start to feel that you are not happy to have

him.

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Children who don't feel loved behave very differently from those who do.

A child who feels loved is not afraid to try new things, and he knows that if he

fails, he can count on his parent's support. These children don't need to try hard to prove to themselves and to others that they are worthwhile.

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In loving our children we should be sure that your child feels loved:

Be careful about what your words and actions might say,

Don't wait till they till she does something tho please let her know

you love her anyway.

Be Patient and understanding about her mistakes.

For example, if she spills the milk several times, instead of assuming that she's

is doing it on purpose, try to help her by giving her a smaller glass.

Don't criticize her in front of others.

Take time daily to listen and talk to your child and show interest in her activities.

Don't be afraid to touch your child,

hug her,

and kiss her.

let her know that no matter what happens, you will always love her.

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We worry about what a child will become tomorrow,

yet we forget that he is someone today.

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Thankful Thursday ---- Sisters

Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you
do, they'll still be there.________________________________________

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If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you are probably an only child._________
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Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.___________________
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If sisters were free to express how they really feel, parents would hear this" "Give me all the attention and all the toys and send Patricia to Grannies to live.__________
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Sweet is the voice of a sister in the season of sorrow._____________________
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On this Thankful Thursday I want to express thankfulness for my sisters. I as so blessed to have three of them.
Patricia only 4 years younger than me.....we still laugh and enjoy our childhood.
Debra ten years younger than me.....she is one I can always depend on....
Darlene 20 years younger than me....she is the sweet one...I so enjoy our telephone
calls.
This last year and 1/2 has been trying on all of us, but together we will make it.

Walking Wednesday Beginning

I could not find the button to post

I have been for a long time wanting to write the

history of my family..I have always been told it would

make a great book.

Thank you so much for offering me a place to do so.

They were identical twins. The fun they had pretending to be the other one.

School was a blast and what fun they had with others trying to guess who's who.

Even their parents were uncertain if the right girl was receiving the

compliment or punishment.

One of the twins was protective, loving and supportive of the other.

The second twin however had a different temperament. She only love herself

and wanted everything the other twin had. She was conniving and deceiving.

Their mother's mother died when she was young, and she lived with her brothers

and sisters, never receiving the love she so desperately needed. She always

said, "No one showed me love so, I do not know how to show love."

She and her husband had 4 girls and 2 sons. She was not emotionally there for

her girls and even worse when it came to her sons.

Their father, was fun loving, out going and gone most of the time. He was a

womanizer and did not care who knew it. One of his daughters told me. "He had

made a pass at her, but she was able to ger away from him."

He moved from Georgia to Alabama. I am not sure how they meet, but I do know

she lived in Fungo Hollow, which if any of you know the area is a road behind

Lowe's in Pelham.

They meet and married and moved to Calera. Calera was a very thriving city,

About 3 miles on hwy. 25 going toward Montevallo on the right hand side of the road is an old grave yard and there is a rock with the words stating this is the center of

Alabama.

Calera had a saloon on the north end of town, 2 cafe's one on each side of the street. Bear's Department store was there and next door was Bear's Grocery store. A

barbers shop was next with the barber's poll outside (that I have hit my head on

many times). There was Donivan's 5 and dine and a drug store. However the

most importand was the movie theater.

The movie theater was the gathering place. The young girls dressed in their Sunday's

best and the gentlemen were all spruced up looking for the one who would

make their heart go pitter patter.

It mattered little what was playing. the movie was not what they were watching.

Can you imagine the fun Ashley and Abigal had watching as the boys stared

as if seeing double. Blue green eyes, brown hair and a figure that was the

envy of all the girls and the desire of the boys. It could be easly said,"They

were the prettiest girls and could have their pick of the guys. This was intriguing as they searched the crowd for Mr. Right.

One afternoon a tall blue eyed, wavy blond hair guy got off the bus on his way to

the movies. There he meet a beautiful girl namey Ashley. The smile on his

face, and the shy look on her face had a story to tell of it's on.

The Life That Pleases God

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As we gather together At The Well our discussion is about Older Women. I was praying about
what to write and wanting to open my heart when answering the study questions. If I could
convey anything to younger women it would be Pleasing God....so join me on my journey.

What does it mean to live alife that pleases God?

1. The life that pleases God is one that bears fruit.

The idea of "bearing fruit" is not one that is foreign to us. If we purchased a gruit tree,

planted it, and took care of it we would expect it to yield fruit.

Jesus says the same is true of people who profess faith. He says, "Watch out for false

prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pirk grapes from thornbushes, or figs

from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit"

(Matt. 7:15-17).

How can we tell if someone is professing to be a believer, but isn't a believer? We can tell by watching their lives. If there is not a change in their living then we can conclude thate is no change in their soul. Out heart and our lives go together- they are not seperate. It takes time for the tree to mature. Like the tree over a period of time we should be seeing a difference in the way people live.

The person who is living to please God will begin to see a change in their values and we will see a change in their behavior.

• Those living together outside of marriage will get married.
• Those cheating others will begin dealing honestly.
• Those who have been abusive in their speech will move toward kindness.
• Those who were known for using others will begin serving others.
• Those who relished tearing down others in their whispering will now seek to build them up.
• Those who had hoarded their resources will begin investing their resources in the work of the Lord.

2. The life that pleases God is one that yearns to know God better.

One will keep on growing in knowledge of God. We can spend all our time getting information about God, but that is not the same as having a relationship with Him. One who pleases God yearns to know Him so they can please Him more.

3. The life that pleases God is the life lived Gratefully.

Have you ever noticed how much we complain?

• We complain about the weather (when we should be grateful to be alive).
• We complain about our income when we should be grateful that we have an income.
• We complain about how our food is cooked (or how long the waitress takes) when we should be grateful we have food.
• We complain about other believers (they aren't as spiritual as we! We're the only one doing it right) When we should be thanking God that all members do not have the same function.
• We complain about traffic when we should be glad we can travel with such ease.
• We complain about the crouds in the store (when we should be glad we are able to shop).

You get the idea. We thank God for what He's given while at the same time feeling He should have given us more. We seem to think that if Gof really love us we have:

• less problems
• more money
• more stuff
• more influence
• less illness
• more good times
• less difficult times

Graditude begins when we realize we do not deserve the inheritance that has been reserved for us. We should spend every waking moment being grateful that God has taken our dead end life and set it on the course for eternity. We must think often of where we would be if He had not drawn us to Him.

Our attitude of gratitude grows as we learn to open our eyes to the blessings we take for granted. When was the last time you thanked God for

• the breath you are able to take
• the blue sky
• song of a robin
• for the Bible
• fellow believers
• songs that lift your soul
• for a warm home
• for your family
• for the trials that give us perspective
• grateful for the blessings we take for granted

We also grow in our gratefulness as we see how wonderful our Savior is.

In conclusing:

The life that pleases God.....

Bears fruit

Grows in knowledge of God

Lives gratefully

Four Terrible Horsemen

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Four horsemen

The sixth chapter of Revelation brings us to the beginning of judgment of the wrath of God. It is not an easy passage to teach, but it is part of the content of blessing promised to those who read and keep the prophecies of this book (1:3).

I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the
four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, "Come!" I looked, and there before
was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out
as a conqueror bent on conquest (Revelation 6:1-2 RSV)

There is much dispute as to what this rider on the white horse represents. Pastor Mark teaches this rider
is Jesus.

When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say,
"Come!" Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power
to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given
a large sword. (Revelation 6:3-4 NIV)

This rider is easy to recognize. It is war, of course, but not war between great armies --at least not at first. The word for slay is really the word "slaughter." It is a reference to civil war or civil anarchy where mobs of people group together to attack and destroy other people whom they do not like. In the days when John wrote they obvious did not have any of the modern weapons of warfare we have today. In that day a sword
was a powerful weapon of destruction. It is with good reason that many commentators have seen this as
a picture of the awesome power of a nuclear bomb, something that destroys enormous numbers of people.
If you read the 38th and 39th chapters of Ezekiel you will find a vivid description of such warfare, where
armies come down out of the north into the Holy Land and are decimated by what appears to be radiation
sickness. It is powerfully protrayed for us in those accounts. Then we have the third seal opened, in Verses 5 and 6.

When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say. "Come!" I
looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in
his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures,
saying, "a quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages,
and do not damage the oil and the wine!" (Revelation 6:5-6 NIV)

Most scholars take this to be a reference to widespread famine on the earth. But perhaps this is not referring to famine because in the next sea, as we will see, famine is specifically mentioned as part of a
judgement. What else causes terrible shortage and creates high prices do that people cannot buy adequate amounts of food? It is inflation; economics out of control; panic in the market place! During the
days of the Weimar Republic in Germany after World War I, there are pictures of people taking ten thousand of German marks bills, loading them into wheel borrows, and taking them to market to buy a single loaf of
bread. That is what runaway inflation does. It makes money worthless. That in turn becomes an excuse for the rigid control over buying and selling which we find in Chapter 13 when, "no one can buy or sell without the mark of the beast," (Revelation 13:17) That brings us to the fourth seal, in Verse 7:

When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature
say, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! (The word actually is
chloros, from which we get the word chlorine, a pale green horse, like chlorine in color.)Its
rider was named Death;, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given
power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild
beasts of the earth. (Revelation 6:7-8)

This rider is named "Death" and floating along behind, was a figure that is identified as "Hades," or Hell.
Death takes the body and Hades takes the soul. There are four forms of death that are related to this attack. Firs, the sword, which here is not war but murder; individual assault upon one another. It is people
taking the law into their own hands and murdering other people without regard to justice or law. With murder comes famine and widespread starvation.When civilization begins to crumble, the defenses of mankind against disease are lost as well.

The wild beast of the earth multiply, and are subject to attack by these predators. The account says that a "fourth of the earth" is given over to the four attacks. There are approximately seven billion people on the earth today this means a forth of this number would be decimated by disease. It is a picture of a desolated earth caused by man's hatred and barbarity.

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the alter the souls of those who had been
slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called
out in a loud voice, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the
inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" Then each of them was given a white
robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants
and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was complete. (Revelation 6:9-11 NIV)

John sees a great crowd which no man could number, from every tribe nation and language of earth, standing before the throne, all ;having been killed for their testimony. They are given a white robe and told to wait until their brethren would also be killed.

Notice the prayer these martyrs pray. It is a call for vengeance. These martyrs under the fifth sear are not living in days when God patiently endures the injustices of men. These are days of judgment; days when wrong doers are being called to account, the time of vengeance. The prayers, then, of God's people reflect the mind of God at that time.

I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned
black like a sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned red, and the stars
in the sky fell to earth, as late figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind.
The sky receded like a scroll, rolling up, and every mountain and island was removed
from its place. (Revelation 6: 12-14 NIV)

This is a vivid description of chaos in nature! The whole natural world goes on a rampage.

These six seals have carried us almost to the very end of the whole seven-year period. We have been swiftly moving through this dramatic period. After the great tribulation, nature will be upset by some cosmic phenomenon. Perhaps it is the approach of an undetected heavenly body that will upset the gravity of earth.
Volcanoes will begin to spout lava; great earthquakes, much larger that the ones just experienced, will rumble through the earth; the stars will appear to be falling from the sky; the darkening of the sun and the
moon will result from the ashes and dust caused by these phenomena. (read Luke 21:25-27)

It will be a time of terror and anguish throughout the earth. That will be the effect of this on the people?

Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich;, the mighty, and
every slave and every freeman hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains.
They called to the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face
of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of
their wrath has come, and who can stand?" (Revelation 6:15-17)

In that day, those who refuse to believe have reached a stage where they cannot believe. They are in such terrible fear and pray; to the rocks to destroy them. They; will manifest openly and publicly what they feel privately and secretly today. It is a strange phenomenon, but it is easily confirmed , that every unbeliever is convinced in his own hear that death is somehow an escape into oblivion! Somehow they think they can escape the terrible consequences of their evil by dying. That is why people commit suicide. They believe they are escaping their problems, that there will be no consequences beyond death. But he Word of God
assures us this is not true: "It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment, (Hebrews 9:27) also see (John 3:36)

Isaiah puts his finger on the reason for these judgments. It is "the pride of men shall be humbled," (Isaiah
2:17 NIV) The pride of man--this terrible lust within us :
to be in charge
to be in control of our lives
to be in control or other peoples lives
to run everything
to be the center of our own little universe
to judge everything as to whether it pleases us
or displeases us
that is the pride of man. Grace can humble it. The sight of God's Son dying in our place ought to make us see the evil of our hearts. But, if grace does not humble us, ultimately judgment must.