Music interviewer Neil Strauss finds a surprising common thread that separates the famous from the super famous - a firm belief that a higher power is guiding these celebrities into glory. He talks about his theory with WSJ's Christina Tsuei.
***********************************************************************************
From Wall Street Online
Written by Neil Strauss
february 12, 2011
Why do so many musical superstars think that their careers are part of a divine plan?
Music interviewer Neil Strauss finds a surprising common thread that separates the famous from the super famous - a firm belief that a higher power is guiding these celebrities into glory. He talks about his theory with WSJ's Christina Tsuei.
One night last summer, Lady Gaga sat in a tour bus in England, covered in stage blood from her concert that day. She told me that she had cried hysterically before a recent show because she'd had a dream that the devil was trying to take her. She then said, in earnest, that the spirit of her dead aunt was literally inside her body and that she had eaten a bovine heart to face her fear of her father's heart surgery.
If a stranger on a train had said all of this to me, I would have moved a few seats away. But this was one of the most famous women in the world. "It's hard to just chalk it all up to myself," Lady Gaga said of her success, explaining that there was "a higher power that's been watching out for me."
Cut to…Snoop Dogg in the living room of his home outside Los Angeles, smoking a blunt and discussing his comeback after leaving Death Row Records. "God makes everything happen," he said. "He put me in that situation with Death Row, and he took me out of it."
Cut to…a hotel room where Christina Aguilera is gorging on junk food and discussing her success. "All of this isn't something that I did," she told me. "It's something that is totally there for a purpose." In a separate interview, Ms. Aguilera's mother explained that fame was her daughter's destiny: "We thought there must be some divine intervention. Early on, I realized…God has plans for her."
When this year's Grammy winners accept their awards on Sunday night, God is likely to be thanked and praised more than a few times. It's a longstanding showbiz tradition, after all, prevalent at the Oscars, the Emmys and even the AVN Awards for adult movies. Until I began interviewing many of the winners of these awards two decades ago, I thought this was a sign of humility and gratitude (or at least an affectation of them). But the truth is more interesting than that.
Before they were famous, many of the biggest pop stars in the world believed that God wanted them to be famous, that this was his plan for them, just as it was his plan for the rest of us not to be famous. Conversely, many equally talented but slightly less famous musicians I've interviewed felt their success was accidental or undeserved—and soon after fell out of the limelight.
As I compiled and analyzed these interviews for my new book, I reached a surprising conclusion: Believing that God wants you to be famous actually improves your chances of being famous. Of course, from the standpoint of traditional theology, even in the Calvinistic world of predestination, God is much more concerned with the fate of an individual's soul than his or her secular success, and one's destiny is unknowable. So what's helping these stars is not so much religion as belief—specifically, the belief that God favors their own personal, temporal success over that of almost everyone else.
Speaking to the media prior to last Sunday's Super Bowl, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who went on to become the game's MVP, explained, "God always has a plan for us." Similarly, former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes declared that the game-winning catch that made him the Super Bowl MVP two years ago was "God's will." And in the Super Bowl before that, the New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree said of his team's win, "It felt like it was destiny.… I knew God would do what he said he was going to do."
Let's call it competitive theism, a self-styled spirituality that can be overlaid on any religion and has nothing to do with personal morality. This faith gap, I've noticed in the interviews I've done, is often what sets the merely famous apart from the ridiculously famous. It can make the difference between achieving what's possible and accomplishing what seems impossible.
Though scientists, to the best of my knowledge, have yet to study the relationship of faith to superstardom, they have studied addicts, transplant patients and natural disaster victims, and they have found that actively seeking God's intervention has improved people's odds of survival.
This isn't to say that every person who tops the charts believes in God's will. There are plenty of exceptions, but fewer than you'd think. Contemporary pop stars have rarely declared themselves atheists. In fact, the pop stars condemned by religious groups have often been the most fervent believers, from Elvis Presley (who was reading a book about Jesus when he died in his bathroom) to Lady Gaga (whose "Born This Way," a new single launched with great fanfare this weekend, declares that "no matter gay, straight or bi," we are all part of God's plan).
Even a miscreant like Eminem, who is up for 10 Grammys this year, has a sense of divine mission: "God sent me to p*** the world off," he rapped on "My Name Is," his first hit single. In an article he wrote for Vibe, he said, "I do believe in God, and I do pray.… God is my higher power, and he always has been."
This hardly proves that there is a God guiding the destiny of these stars. But it does suggest that unshakable confidence and a powerful sense of purpose are good predictors of success. Look at Justin Bieber, who released a single two months ago titled "Pray" and seemed untouched when getting booed recently by fans at a New York Knicks game. Or consider the derision heaped on Ms. Aguilera for botching the national anthem at the Super Bowl. If an unknown singer had made the same mistake, most people would have felt sorry for her.
But the more successful you get, the faster, louder and more savage the criticism becomes. To deal with the psychological burden of becoming a household name and the attacks that come with it, it helps to be thick-skinned. It helps even more to have a sense of divine mission and to feel that, when everyone else seems to be against you, God is walking at your side. Most stars who feel even a sliver of doubt about being in the spotlight will buckle under the constant pressure. Fearing criticism or failure, they become risk-averse and pass up opportunities.
The hip-hop mogul Diddy, for example, has been in and out of courtrooms over the years, facing charges for assault, gun possession and bribery—yet he continually bounces back with a new name and a new career. When I asked him if he ever felt fear, he replied, "My faith is in God. Like, look who I'm rolling with. Look who my gang really is. My gang is God. Come on, now, I don't have fear."
The meek may indeed inherit the Earth, but until then, stars who are presumptuous enough to see themselves as God's chosen ones are likely to dominate the pop charts, award shows and sports championships. Talent counts for a lot, but so too does the motivating power of divine conviction.
—Neil Strauss is the author of seven best-selling books. His latest is "Everyone Loves You When You're Dead: Journeys Into Fame and Madness," which will be released March 15.
Copyright 2011 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704858404576134601105583860.html
4/16/2011
Stellar Kart - Innocent
This vid is so funny. It's like a comedy about four male dancers lookin all 80's style. But, the song is about being pure in this world despite all the corruption in it.
I'm overdressed for success
In a world that has no shame
I've had enough of seeing love
Being played like some game
I know why the good old days are gone
Cause everyone just tolerates whats wrong
I'm not some empty space for rent
I wanna be innocent
Yours wholeheartedly
Innocent
Every part of me
Take me back so I can see
The way that love was meant to be
Boys and girls
The real world
Is one that's filled with consequence
And all the lies that glamorize
It's a life that's broken
I see why the good old days are gone
Every time I turn my tv on
What's wrong with being different
Buried underneath this avalanche
You are my hope and second chance
Don't let my heart get away
4/15/2011
Jay Whatley - Just Can't Get Enough
Jay Whatley makes a Christian version of Black Eyed Peas' "Just Can't Get Enough."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khGVqtPnM1M
Katy Perry (Hudson) - Search Me
This is Katy Perry from way back in 2001 when she was only 16. Before she was the famous pop singer she was a Christian singer. Before the song begins she gives a testimony about how she had strayed from God for a while, but that God led her back to the right path. It appears she went off the right path again sometime after. I find it really sad. It reminds me of how there have been times when I've strayed away and see or hear about others doing so. I always felt bad about it, like I really didn't want it to be that way. Sometimes it's hard, but it's always worth it to stay on the right path with God, and live for Him. God bless Katy.
don't trust satan
Christian remix called "Don't Trust satan" which is a take on 3OH!3's "Don't Trust Me." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FHtIzLtlX8
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
In the documentary, "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed," famous scientist and atheist Richard Dawkins admits that the idea of there being an intelligent designer is a legitimate possibility. But, yet he doesn't seem to want to admit to there being the possibility of the existence of God?
Trailer for the 2008 documentary, 'Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.' "Ben Stein may not look like a typical school rebel---but when he learned that educators and scientists were being ridiculed, denied tenure, and even fired for the 'crime' of discussing evidence of 'design' in nature, he'd had enough! Join him as he travels the world, questioning academia's doctrine of random evolution and championing intellectual freedom!"
4/14/2011
Prayer for Breaking Addictions
Prayer for Breaking Addictions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYujrV7pxms
Prayer to Break the Power of Addictions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN9O-KmKuJ0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYujrV7pxms
Prayer to Break the Power of Addictions
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN9O-KmKuJ0&feature=related
ApologetiX - Play Fair Delilah
ApologetiX remakes the Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah" to "Play Fair Delilah" about Samson and Delilah's relationship. Introduction included. http://www.apologetix.com/
Why Did My Loved One Die After I Prayed for Them to Live?
(from Perry Stone, Voice of Evangelism ministries)
When it comes to the belief that God heals today, we see three opposing groups. The first group is convinced that God does not, under any condition, heal people as recorded in the Bible. The second group believes that God can heal, but we have no control or power through prayer because only God determines who is healed and who is not. The third group believes that healing was a provision in the atoning work of Christ, and that through the prayer of faith, God can save the sick and raise them up (James 5:14-15).
For those who have prayed and petitioned God for healing on behalf of a friend or loved one who was suffering from a disease or sickness, only to see the person pass away, there is always the question of why God did not answer the prayer and heal the person.
There can be many reasons why a person is not healed. This is where believers must trust the sovereignty of God and not fall into bitterness and unbelief when someone we love passes away.
We are each created with free will. This means that we are given choices that will affect our lives, short term and long term. Many of the moral, spiritual, and cultural choices we make will either agree or disagree with the Bible, the written Will of God. While it is God who has the power of life and death, He also has the ability to extend a person’s life or to shorten their life. King Hezekiah was sick unto death and was instructed by Isaiah the prophet to set his house in order because he was going to die (2 Kings 20:1). After weeping and praying, before Isaiah left the palace courtyard, God reversed the death sentence and added fifteen more years to Hezekiah’s life (2 Kings 20:6). It is clear God had set a time for Hezekiah to depart, but his prayer extended his life span. The king did not want to die and chose to pray for additional years.
In all spiritual blessings, the willingness of the person to resist or submit to the plan of God will determine the blessing or the lack thereof. The Holy Spirit is an agent of conviction to draw a sinner to Christ. I have felt and witnessed this Divine pull in the human heart in hundreds of altar calls in my ministry. I have watched grown men walk a church aisle and come to an altar weeping. I have observed others, sitting like stone with their arms folding, unmoved by the same presence felt by the other seekers. One submitted his will while the other resisted with his will.
There is a difference when a person, as Hezekiah, prayed their own prayer through weeping for God’s divine intervention, and a group of believers standing in place for another person to receive from the Lord. There is no difference in the power of prayer or the ability of God to hear, but there can be unseen attitudes and opinions within the person being prayed for that can make a difference in whether or not their need is met.
Two personal experiences will illustrate what I am saying. Years ago, at my wife’s home church in Alabama, a precious and godly woman became sick with cancer. The church began to pray for her healing and total recovery. I was agreeing with the church in prayer. As I prayed, the Holy Spirit, who knows all truth and shows you things to come (John 16:13), revealed to me that this woman was suffering and wanted to go and be with the Lord. She was ready to “go home.”
I said to Pam, “The Lord impressed me that this woman has a desire to go to heaven, and our prayers are hindering the desire of her heart!” The woman passed away, and those who prayed for her healing at her church were disappointed. However, the pastor’s wife told the people that, days prior, when she visited the suffering saint in the hospital and told her that the church was praying for her healing, the woman replied, “I appreciate their prayers. But I have lived a good life and I am ready to go to be with Christ. I would rather go on instead of staying here.” When I heard this I realized that those praying for God to heal her were actually praying against her will and her choice. She wanted to see Jesus and we wanted to keep her here!
A second example comes from a minister’s wife who was suffering with cancer. Her husband was noted for seeing marvelous answers to prayers of faith. The man not only fasted and prayed for his wife’s healing, but he brought in men of great faith to agree for her healing. But even after all that prayer, she passed away. He was devastated and began to question God. Why would God heal others, but not his own wife? Seeing his despondency, his wife’s best friend came to him and said, “I want to tell you something you need to know. Your wife and I had many long discussions when she was sick. She told me on several occasions, ‘I know God can heal me and I know my husband loves me and wants me well, but I really want to go see Jesus and be with him. If I tell my husband, he will be upset because it’s against his prayers, so keep this between me and you.’ ” This new revelation brought him comfort because God had not failed him, but had actually answered his wife’s prayer, allowing her to go home to heaven. When we are praying for a person’s days to be extended, I often remind believers that a fellow believer can go to heaven sick but you can’t get into the kingdom an unrepentant sinner!
The prophet Elijah performed sixteen different miracles in his ministry. Prior to his departure, he transferred a double portion of his spirit to his servant Elisha (2 Kings 2). Bible scholars identify that Elisha preformed double the miracles that Elijah did. In fact, after his death, a dead soldier was thrown on the bones of Elisha and the soldier revived and stood on his feet (2 Kings 13:21). Elisha raised a woman’s son from the dead and had amazing power with God (2 Kings 4). With such a close walk with God, one would think this outstanding prophet would live to be old and possibly be taken up in his own chariot of fire! However, later in his life we read, “Elisha had become sick with the illness of which he would die” (2 Kings 13:14). In 2 Kings 13:20 we read, “Then Elisha died and they buried him.” Why would the Lord translate Elijah alive and allow the man with the double portion to lie on a sick bed and pass away?
There is an enigma as to why the righteous suffer and why good people die of sickness, even after prayer. There is not one answer, but there are some Biblical principles that might answer the question. First, the physical body will not live forever and it is appointed unto men once to die (Heb. 9:27). All the prayer in the world will not keep you living on earth forever. It might extend your days, but one day, your physical body will say, “I’m done!” and you will close your eyes and wake up in the next world. Thus, when a person reaches their latter years, whether that age is seventy, eighty, or ninety, they have an unbreakable appointment with death.
Second, the physical body is created with a system of nerves, arteries, and vital organs. The lack of exercise, the wrong types of food, stress, and addictions will lessen the length of your days. It has been said that smoking one cigarette takes about eight minutes off your life. Alcohol abuse kills brain cells, and illegal drugs affect the liver and other organs. When a person, after years of abuse, comes down with cancer or some other disease that shortens their life, they should never blame God for allowing it to occur. The law of reaping what the person sowed through abuse of the body simply caught up with them.
Third, we live on an earth that is under the dominion of spiritual forces that work against men and against the purposes of God. These demonic entities can, at times, bring certain types of infirmities upon the human body, as witnessed when Jesus expelled spirits of deafness, infirmity (Mark 9:17-25; Luke 13:11-12), and other maladies caused by evil spirits (Luke 7:21).
Finally, mankind has created technology to advance his causes, often polluting the air, the water, and even the food supply as a result. All of these combinations can shorten the lifespan of a person.
Many righteous people who are in covenant with Christ and following his Word are not addicted to substances and chemicals, and they eat properly, exercise, and do what is necessary to live a healthy lifestyle. Yet they still become sick. This leads me to the question, do medicine and prayer mix?
Several years ago my wife went for a mammogram and the doctor spotted something in one of her breasts. After tests, it was determined to be the early stages of breast cancer. Below is an article printed in the Voice of Evangelism Magazine that she wrote concerning some difficult decisions:
“I have heard Perry say that believers will always be tested by the level of the Word we believe and ministers by the messages they preach. In Mark chapter 4:14-20 when hearing and receiving the Word, Satan attempts to steal it, using various circumstances. Our family believes in Divine Healing, and Perry’s father has witnessed countless people healed of diseases and sicknesses through his prayers. Perry himself was healed of meningitis as a teen. We have walked in health for years. Thus, I was surprised when my mammogram revealed a very small clump of cells in my left breast that were later identified as cancer cells.
Since cancer does not run in either of our families, I asked my doctor what could have triggered this. In brief, she informed me of research which seemed to indicate that when an older woman continues on birth control pills, the extra estrogen could trigger breast cancer. Using her suggestions I made the necessary adjustments related to birth control. The more important issue was the cancer cells. I knew I had the choice to simply move on and through prayer believe I will be alright. I also knew there was (and is) healing power in the Communion, which I began taking every day since the initial report. I selected outpatient surgery to remove a small section where these cells were located. The next decision was very difficult. They suggested about 28 days of radiation, because the cut was very close to some of the cancer cells that were removed.
I sat down with Perry and asked for his wisdom. Honestly, if he would have said, 'Don’t take radiation, I believe you’re O.K.,' I would have not followed through with radiation treatment. Perry was very understanding and loving toward me and he said the following, which I believe may be a word of wisdom to someone else who may experience a similar, sudden physical problem. He said, 'Pam, if you have a Rhema word, which is a ‘quickened word’ from the Lord that everything is well, then you do not need radiation. But if you have not received a Rhema word and you avoid the radiation, then over time you could mentally battle thoughts, wondering if all is well. If you think you could struggle with the mental attack, thinking that it might return, then do what you feel is best and continue to take Communion, believing God to preserve and keep you in the future…'
I know what it means to receive a powerful Rhema Word from God and at that moment I did not have a clear quickened word in my spirit. Thus I proceeded with the radiation and got it out of the way. I maintained my strength and felt well throughout the process and continually received the Communion at home each morning. The Communion was a source of strength and helped build my faith that the Lord could and would preserve my physical body for the future.
This was a trial that millions of women experience each year. I told Perry that it was not a coincidence that, as his new book on healing was going around the world, I would experience this attack. Why? Because we are all tested by what we believe and by what we teach. After sharing the message of God’s healing covenant with the nation, we experienced a test of our own. A test, however, is no sign of defeat: it is only a test. As Perry said, 'God wants us well and we must use all methods available to maintain our health: prayer, eating right, Communion, and at times even the medical profession.' I’ve heard Perry say, 'When I get a severe headache, I pray and at times it leaves. At other times it doesn’t so I take an aspirin.' If you are in a test, do what the Lord tells you do and follow what you sense is best. After all, it only a test, and afterwards you will have a testimony."
Some who believe in healing become critical if a believer mixes prayer with medicine. However, the goal of both prayer and medicine is to bring healing or a cure to the disease or sickness. Both are two different methods with the same goal in mind. I have said that if I am having a severe headache, I have asked for prayer from my staff and at times the pain instantly ceased. At other times, the pain remained, so instead of sitting at my desk suffering, I took a few aspirin. And sometimes I just need to drink water and the headache goes away.
Did God Hear Your Prayer?
If you prayed for someone to be healed and they were not, it does not mean that God did not hear or that He does not heal. When Miriam criticized Moses wife, causing God’s anger, the result was that she became stricken with leprosy. Moses cried out and asked God to heal her, and the Lord said that Miriam should remain outside the camp for seven days, as the Almighty wanted to teach her a lesson on disciplining her mouth (Num. 12). The prayer was answered and she was restored, but not at the moment the prayer was offered.
When David impregnated Uriah’s wife and set up her husband to be killed so David could marry the woman, Nathan the prophet came to David and pronounced a judgment on David’s house for stealing a man’s wife and conspiring to see that her husband was killed in battle. Part of the judgment was that the child through Bathsheba would die. After the child’s birth, the baby became sick and David fasted and prayed for seven days, seeking God to heal the infant. The child instead died and David arose and worshipped God. Since the decision was made in heaven for the child not to live, all of the prayers of David could not change the situation (2 Sam. 12).
There can be many reasons why a person is not healed. This is where believers must trust the sovereignty of God and not fall into bitterness and unbelief when someone we love passes away. In fact, if the person was a believer I seriously doubt, once in the confines of heaven, that they would desire to return to earth!
-Perry Stone
www.perrystone.org
www.voe.org
http://www.voe.org/Special-Message-from-Perry-Stone/why-did-my-loved-one-die-after-i-prayed-for-them-to-live.html
©2008 - 2010 Perry Stone Ministries
When it comes to the belief that God heals today, we see three opposing groups. The first group is convinced that God does not, under any condition, heal people as recorded in the Bible. The second group believes that God can heal, but we have no control or power through prayer because only God determines who is healed and who is not. The third group believes that healing was a provision in the atoning work of Christ, and that through the prayer of faith, God can save the sick and raise them up (James 5:14-15).
For those who have prayed and petitioned God for healing on behalf of a friend or loved one who was suffering from a disease or sickness, only to see the person pass away, there is always the question of why God did not answer the prayer and heal the person.
There can be many reasons why a person is not healed. This is where believers must trust the sovereignty of God and not fall into bitterness and unbelief when someone we love passes away.
We are each created with free will. This means that we are given choices that will affect our lives, short term and long term. Many of the moral, spiritual, and cultural choices we make will either agree or disagree with the Bible, the written Will of God. While it is God who has the power of life and death, He also has the ability to extend a person’s life or to shorten their life. King Hezekiah was sick unto death and was instructed by Isaiah the prophet to set his house in order because he was going to die (2 Kings 20:1). After weeping and praying, before Isaiah left the palace courtyard, God reversed the death sentence and added fifteen more years to Hezekiah’s life (2 Kings 20:6). It is clear God had set a time for Hezekiah to depart, but his prayer extended his life span. The king did not want to die and chose to pray for additional years.
In all spiritual blessings, the willingness of the person to resist or submit to the plan of God will determine the blessing or the lack thereof. The Holy Spirit is an agent of conviction to draw a sinner to Christ. I have felt and witnessed this Divine pull in the human heart in hundreds of altar calls in my ministry. I have watched grown men walk a church aisle and come to an altar weeping. I have observed others, sitting like stone with their arms folding, unmoved by the same presence felt by the other seekers. One submitted his will while the other resisted with his will.
There is a difference when a person, as Hezekiah, prayed their own prayer through weeping for God’s divine intervention, and a group of believers standing in place for another person to receive from the Lord. There is no difference in the power of prayer or the ability of God to hear, but there can be unseen attitudes and opinions within the person being prayed for that can make a difference in whether or not their need is met.
Two personal experiences will illustrate what I am saying. Years ago, at my wife’s home church in Alabama, a precious and godly woman became sick with cancer. The church began to pray for her healing and total recovery. I was agreeing with the church in prayer. As I prayed, the Holy Spirit, who knows all truth and shows you things to come (John 16:13), revealed to me that this woman was suffering and wanted to go and be with the Lord. She was ready to “go home.”
I said to Pam, “The Lord impressed me that this woman has a desire to go to heaven, and our prayers are hindering the desire of her heart!” The woman passed away, and those who prayed for her healing at her church were disappointed. However, the pastor’s wife told the people that, days prior, when she visited the suffering saint in the hospital and told her that the church was praying for her healing, the woman replied, “I appreciate their prayers. But I have lived a good life and I am ready to go to be with Christ. I would rather go on instead of staying here.” When I heard this I realized that those praying for God to heal her were actually praying against her will and her choice. She wanted to see Jesus and we wanted to keep her here!
A second example comes from a minister’s wife who was suffering with cancer. Her husband was noted for seeing marvelous answers to prayers of faith. The man not only fasted and prayed for his wife’s healing, but he brought in men of great faith to agree for her healing. But even after all that prayer, she passed away. He was devastated and began to question God. Why would God heal others, but not his own wife? Seeing his despondency, his wife’s best friend came to him and said, “I want to tell you something you need to know. Your wife and I had many long discussions when she was sick. She told me on several occasions, ‘I know God can heal me and I know my husband loves me and wants me well, but I really want to go see Jesus and be with him. If I tell my husband, he will be upset because it’s against his prayers, so keep this between me and you.’ ” This new revelation brought him comfort because God had not failed him, but had actually answered his wife’s prayer, allowing her to go home to heaven. When we are praying for a person’s days to be extended, I often remind believers that a fellow believer can go to heaven sick but you can’t get into the kingdom an unrepentant sinner!
The prophet Elijah performed sixteen different miracles in his ministry. Prior to his departure, he transferred a double portion of his spirit to his servant Elisha (2 Kings 2). Bible scholars identify that Elisha preformed double the miracles that Elijah did. In fact, after his death, a dead soldier was thrown on the bones of Elisha and the soldier revived and stood on his feet (2 Kings 13:21). Elisha raised a woman’s son from the dead and had amazing power with God (2 Kings 4). With such a close walk with God, one would think this outstanding prophet would live to be old and possibly be taken up in his own chariot of fire! However, later in his life we read, “Elisha had become sick with the illness of which he would die” (2 Kings 13:14). In 2 Kings 13:20 we read, “Then Elisha died and they buried him.” Why would the Lord translate Elijah alive and allow the man with the double portion to lie on a sick bed and pass away?
There is an enigma as to why the righteous suffer and why good people die of sickness, even after prayer. There is not one answer, but there are some Biblical principles that might answer the question. First, the physical body will not live forever and it is appointed unto men once to die (Heb. 9:27). All the prayer in the world will not keep you living on earth forever. It might extend your days, but one day, your physical body will say, “I’m done!” and you will close your eyes and wake up in the next world. Thus, when a person reaches their latter years, whether that age is seventy, eighty, or ninety, they have an unbreakable appointment with death.
Second, the physical body is created with a system of nerves, arteries, and vital organs. The lack of exercise, the wrong types of food, stress, and addictions will lessen the length of your days. It has been said that smoking one cigarette takes about eight minutes off your life. Alcohol abuse kills brain cells, and illegal drugs affect the liver and other organs. When a person, after years of abuse, comes down with cancer or some other disease that shortens their life, they should never blame God for allowing it to occur. The law of reaping what the person sowed through abuse of the body simply caught up with them.
Third, we live on an earth that is under the dominion of spiritual forces that work against men and against the purposes of God. These demonic entities can, at times, bring certain types of infirmities upon the human body, as witnessed when Jesus expelled spirits of deafness, infirmity (Mark 9:17-25; Luke 13:11-12), and other maladies caused by evil spirits (Luke 7:21).
Finally, mankind has created technology to advance his causes, often polluting the air, the water, and even the food supply as a result. All of these combinations can shorten the lifespan of a person.
Many righteous people who are in covenant with Christ and following his Word are not addicted to substances and chemicals, and they eat properly, exercise, and do what is necessary to live a healthy lifestyle. Yet they still become sick. This leads me to the question, do medicine and prayer mix?
Several years ago my wife went for a mammogram and the doctor spotted something in one of her breasts. After tests, it was determined to be the early stages of breast cancer. Below is an article printed in the Voice of Evangelism Magazine that she wrote concerning some difficult decisions:
“I have heard Perry say that believers will always be tested by the level of the Word we believe and ministers by the messages they preach. In Mark chapter 4:14-20 when hearing and receiving the Word, Satan attempts to steal it, using various circumstances. Our family believes in Divine Healing, and Perry’s father has witnessed countless people healed of diseases and sicknesses through his prayers. Perry himself was healed of meningitis as a teen. We have walked in health for years. Thus, I was surprised when my mammogram revealed a very small clump of cells in my left breast that were later identified as cancer cells.
Since cancer does not run in either of our families, I asked my doctor what could have triggered this. In brief, she informed me of research which seemed to indicate that when an older woman continues on birth control pills, the extra estrogen could trigger breast cancer. Using her suggestions I made the necessary adjustments related to birth control. The more important issue was the cancer cells. I knew I had the choice to simply move on and through prayer believe I will be alright. I also knew there was (and is) healing power in the Communion, which I began taking every day since the initial report. I selected outpatient surgery to remove a small section where these cells were located. The next decision was very difficult. They suggested about 28 days of radiation, because the cut was very close to some of the cancer cells that were removed.
I sat down with Perry and asked for his wisdom. Honestly, if he would have said, 'Don’t take radiation, I believe you’re O.K.,' I would have not followed through with radiation treatment. Perry was very understanding and loving toward me and he said the following, which I believe may be a word of wisdom to someone else who may experience a similar, sudden physical problem. He said, 'Pam, if you have a Rhema word, which is a ‘quickened word’ from the Lord that everything is well, then you do not need radiation. But if you have not received a Rhema word and you avoid the radiation, then over time you could mentally battle thoughts, wondering if all is well. If you think you could struggle with the mental attack, thinking that it might return, then do what you feel is best and continue to take Communion, believing God to preserve and keep you in the future…'
I know what it means to receive a powerful Rhema Word from God and at that moment I did not have a clear quickened word in my spirit. Thus I proceeded with the radiation and got it out of the way. I maintained my strength and felt well throughout the process and continually received the Communion at home each morning. The Communion was a source of strength and helped build my faith that the Lord could and would preserve my physical body for the future.
This was a trial that millions of women experience each year. I told Perry that it was not a coincidence that, as his new book on healing was going around the world, I would experience this attack. Why? Because we are all tested by what we believe and by what we teach. After sharing the message of God’s healing covenant with the nation, we experienced a test of our own. A test, however, is no sign of defeat: it is only a test. As Perry said, 'God wants us well and we must use all methods available to maintain our health: prayer, eating right, Communion, and at times even the medical profession.' I’ve heard Perry say, 'When I get a severe headache, I pray and at times it leaves. At other times it doesn’t so I take an aspirin.' If you are in a test, do what the Lord tells you do and follow what you sense is best. After all, it only a test, and afterwards you will have a testimony."
Some who believe in healing become critical if a believer mixes prayer with medicine. However, the goal of both prayer and medicine is to bring healing or a cure to the disease or sickness. Both are two different methods with the same goal in mind. I have said that if I am having a severe headache, I have asked for prayer from my staff and at times the pain instantly ceased. At other times, the pain remained, so instead of sitting at my desk suffering, I took a few aspirin. And sometimes I just need to drink water and the headache goes away.
Did God Hear Your Prayer?
If you prayed for someone to be healed and they were not, it does not mean that God did not hear or that He does not heal. When Miriam criticized Moses wife, causing God’s anger, the result was that she became stricken with leprosy. Moses cried out and asked God to heal her, and the Lord said that Miriam should remain outside the camp for seven days, as the Almighty wanted to teach her a lesson on disciplining her mouth (Num. 12). The prayer was answered and she was restored, but not at the moment the prayer was offered.
When David impregnated Uriah’s wife and set up her husband to be killed so David could marry the woman, Nathan the prophet came to David and pronounced a judgment on David’s house for stealing a man’s wife and conspiring to see that her husband was killed in battle. Part of the judgment was that the child through Bathsheba would die. After the child’s birth, the baby became sick and David fasted and prayed for seven days, seeking God to heal the infant. The child instead died and David arose and worshipped God. Since the decision was made in heaven for the child not to live, all of the prayers of David could not change the situation (2 Sam. 12).
There can be many reasons why a person is not healed. This is where believers must trust the sovereignty of God and not fall into bitterness and unbelief when someone we love passes away. In fact, if the person was a believer I seriously doubt, once in the confines of heaven, that they would desire to return to earth!
-Perry Stone
www.perrystone.org
www.voe.org
http://www.voe.org/Special-Message-from-Perry-Stone/why-did-my-loved-one-die-after-i-prayed-for-them-to-live.html
©2008 - 2010 Perry Stone Ministries
What If Believers Were Really United?
(from Pam Stone, Voice of Evangelism ministries)
Someone in the secular world made an observation about the Christian church in America. There were talking to a Christian woman who held a secular job that required the observation of groups of people to determine who might be a threat to America’s security. The secular unbeliever pointed out their personal observation that, in the Christian community, there was not one minister, one leader, or one individual who can unite the Christians in America; thus, the average Christian is not a threat to anyone.
This is sad but true. In America, the Christian church has been constructed with barriers and denominational walls. Often believers will fellowship only with those of their own belief system or denomination, and are uninterested in joining with others for the benefit of the kingdom. Secondly, in the Body of Christ, there is only a certain amount of money available for spreading the gospel. There are hundreds of radio and television ministers that are all reaching the same audience in North America and receiving offerings from the same people. The same is true in a local church. In a community there are only so many true believers who support local ministries with their income, and thus when a local church loses members to another, it impacts the ministries of that particular congregation.
If we would look to God’s Word and Christ as the head, or the leader, we would make decisions according to Scripture and we could impact the world.
It is rare for one church to reach beyond the 2,000 member barrier and retain the membership of everybody who is attending. There is no leader to rally behind. Men such as Billy Graham or the healing evangelists who lived in the forties and fifties are either retired or no longer living, while some have self-inflicted wounds and no longer have the voice to impact a multitude.
So why don’t we make Jesus the head of the church? After all, the church is not about a certain personality or earthly leader, but about men and women pointing us to a relationship with Christ and His Word. If we would look to God’s Word and Christ as the head, or the leader, we would make decisions according to Scripture and we could impact the world.
For example, if we stood on the Word of God, we would never vote for a candidate who is pro-abortion. Yet, every election cycle, there are Christians who gladly appoint a pro-abortion candidate to represent them. How can Christians who say they believe in the Bible, which teaches that judgment comes through the shedding of innocent blood, vote for a man or women who allows the slaying of infants in the womb?
Imagine the power of uniting around Christ and the Word of God. What if believers from all denominations would emphasize Christ alone and His ability to redeem and deliver world? What if they would focus on living by the Word of God, which is what we are commanded to do, anyway? The Christian community could literally be the driving force that reforms this backslidden nation and turns the tables in all branches of leadership. Believers could appoint people who have a higher spiritual, ethical, and moral standard than many of the liberals whose actions are bankrupting and bringing a curse upon America.
Even those who are responsible for the security of America see the church as a non-influential entity. Imagine how our spiritual adversary is looking at the North American church. It is yet to be seen the power and influence the church could have the moment we put our minds, spirits, and resources together for the kingdom of God.
Love and Prayers,
Pam Stone
www.voe.org
www.perrystone.org
http://www.voe.org/Pam-s-Corner/what-if-believers-were-really-united.html
©2008 - 2010 Perry Stone Ministries
Someone in the secular world made an observation about the Christian church in America. There were talking to a Christian woman who held a secular job that required the observation of groups of people to determine who might be a threat to America’s security. The secular unbeliever pointed out their personal observation that, in the Christian community, there was not one minister, one leader, or one individual who can unite the Christians in America; thus, the average Christian is not a threat to anyone.
This is sad but true. In America, the Christian church has been constructed with barriers and denominational walls. Often believers will fellowship only with those of their own belief system or denomination, and are uninterested in joining with others for the benefit of the kingdom. Secondly, in the Body of Christ, there is only a certain amount of money available for spreading the gospel. There are hundreds of radio and television ministers that are all reaching the same audience in North America and receiving offerings from the same people. The same is true in a local church. In a community there are only so many true believers who support local ministries with their income, and thus when a local church loses members to another, it impacts the ministries of that particular congregation.
If we would look to God’s Word and Christ as the head, or the leader, we would make decisions according to Scripture and we could impact the world.
It is rare for one church to reach beyond the 2,000 member barrier and retain the membership of everybody who is attending. There is no leader to rally behind. Men such as Billy Graham or the healing evangelists who lived in the forties and fifties are either retired or no longer living, while some have self-inflicted wounds and no longer have the voice to impact a multitude.
So why don’t we make Jesus the head of the church? After all, the church is not about a certain personality or earthly leader, but about men and women pointing us to a relationship with Christ and His Word. If we would look to God’s Word and Christ as the head, or the leader, we would make decisions according to Scripture and we could impact the world.
For example, if we stood on the Word of God, we would never vote for a candidate who is pro-abortion. Yet, every election cycle, there are Christians who gladly appoint a pro-abortion candidate to represent them. How can Christians who say they believe in the Bible, which teaches that judgment comes through the shedding of innocent blood, vote for a man or women who allows the slaying of infants in the womb?
Imagine the power of uniting around Christ and the Word of God. What if believers from all denominations would emphasize Christ alone and His ability to redeem and deliver world? What if they would focus on living by the Word of God, which is what we are commanded to do, anyway? The Christian community could literally be the driving force that reforms this backslidden nation and turns the tables in all branches of leadership. Believers could appoint people who have a higher spiritual, ethical, and moral standard than many of the liberals whose actions are bankrupting and bringing a curse upon America.
Even those who are responsible for the security of America see the church as a non-influential entity. Imagine how our spiritual adversary is looking at the North American church. It is yet to be seen the power and influence the church could have the moment we put our minds, spirits, and resources together for the kingdom of God.
Love and Prayers,
Pam Stone
www.voe.org
www.perrystone.org
http://www.voe.org/Pam-s-Corner/what-if-believers-were-really-united.html
©2008 - 2010 Perry Stone Ministries
4/11/2011
ApologetiX Needs Help & Prayers Again
Got this in an email. Thought it would be okay to post.
J. Jackson, lead singer and lyricist for ApologetiX (That Christian Parody Band) here again.
I need to share some good and bad news with our fans and friends.
First, the bad news:
1 We took our bus to the mechanic last Monday, after it experienced a severe loss of power the previous weekend and barely made it home even with no trailer.
2: The mechanic says it needs a new turbo (at least), and the cost for those parts alone is almost $3000. That doesn't include labor, and he isn't sure that's all we'll need.
3. We really can't afford the repairs, and we don't have any choice but to get them.
4. If we're unable to repair the bus, we can't play this weekend's concerts. That means we'll have even less money to pay the many bills involved in keeping ApologetiX afloat.
5. We still don't have enough money to replace our ailing trailer, although many of you have contributed, and this sets us even farther back.
Now, the good news:
1. Once we have the bus fixed, we should be able to get to concerts faster and maybe we'll get better mileage (We currently get about 5 miles per gallon, and diesel costs more than $4 per gallon).
2. The bus itself is a blessing, and we are thankful for it. It just needs repair, not replaced.
3. We serve an incredible God, and I believe He'll provide for all of our needs. Based on what I've seen and heard this year, I believe God does want us to continue.
4. This past month has been incredibly fruitful time for me creatively, as God has helped me with lyrics to more new parodies than we can even fit on our next CD. I think that's a really good sign.
5. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
We don't want to constantly recount our troubles when you have troubles of your own. But so many fans have encouraged us to share at times like these, so that's what we're doing.
This email goes out to all of our fans, so there's no pressure for any particular fan to help out financially. I know it's impossible to give to everybody that you'd like to help.
I only ask that you would all pray for us.
If any of you do feel led to help financially, please go to: http://www.apologetix.com/store/store-donate.php
If you prefer to mail a check or money order, please make it out to "ApologetiX" and send it to:
ApologetiX
208 Charlemma Drive
Pittsburgh PA 15214-1414
Thanks again. God bless you.
Your friend,
J.
J. Jackson
ApologetiX (That Christian Parody Band)
j@apologetix.com
J. Jackson, lead singer and lyricist for ApologetiX (That Christian Parody Band) here again.
I need to share some good and bad news with our fans and friends.
First, the bad news:
1 We took our bus to the mechanic last Monday, after it experienced a severe loss of power the previous weekend and barely made it home even with no trailer.
2: The mechanic says it needs a new turbo (at least), and the cost for those parts alone is almost $3000. That doesn't include labor, and he isn't sure that's all we'll need.
3. We really can't afford the repairs, and we don't have any choice but to get them.
4. If we're unable to repair the bus, we can't play this weekend's concerts. That means we'll have even less money to pay the many bills involved in keeping ApologetiX afloat.
5. We still don't have enough money to replace our ailing trailer, although many of you have contributed, and this sets us even farther back.
Now, the good news:
1. Once we have the bus fixed, we should be able to get to concerts faster and maybe we'll get better mileage (We currently get about 5 miles per gallon, and diesel costs more than $4 per gallon).
2. The bus itself is a blessing, and we are thankful for it. It just needs repair, not replaced.
3. We serve an incredible God, and I believe He'll provide for all of our needs. Based on what I've seen and heard this year, I believe God does want us to continue.
4. This past month has been incredibly fruitful time for me creatively, as God has helped me with lyrics to more new parodies than we can even fit on our next CD. I think that's a really good sign.
5. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
We don't want to constantly recount our troubles when you have troubles of your own. But so many fans have encouraged us to share at times like these, so that's what we're doing.
This email goes out to all of our fans, so there's no pressure for any particular fan to help out financially. I know it's impossible to give to everybody that you'd like to help.
I only ask that you would all pray for us.
If any of you do feel led to help financially, please go to: http://www.apologetix.com/store/store-donate.php
If you prefer to mail a check or money order, please make it out to "ApologetiX" and send it to:
ApologetiX
208 Charlemma Drive
Pittsburgh PA 15214-1414
Thanks again. God bless you.
Your friend,
J.
J. Jackson
ApologetiX (That Christian Parody Band)
j@apologetix.com
4/10/2011
Never Ashamed
Trailer
Clip
A great Christian film about a young man who starts out as a troublemaker and gets sent to a Christian camp in the summer. But, no one expected him to get saved and become a super Christian. Now he has to learn how to live his life for Christ when he gets back to his parents, friends and school. At first he is shy and "ashamed" of it (like embarassed, doesn't want to have to stick out and stand up for Christ). But, then he gets over that and effects many around him for Christ.
Clip
A great Christian film about a young man who starts out as a troublemaker and gets sent to a Christian camp in the summer. But, no one expected him to get saved and become a super Christian. Now he has to learn how to live his life for Christ when he gets back to his parents, friends and school. At first he is shy and "ashamed" of it (like embarassed, doesn't want to have to stick out and stand up for Christ). But, then he gets over that and effects many around him for Christ.
The Priestly Blessing
The Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6:22-27)
22 Then the Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing:
24 ‘May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
25 May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
26 May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.’
27 Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
22 Then the Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing:
24 ‘May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
25 May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
26 May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.’
27 Whenever Aaron and his sons bless the people of Israel in my name, I myself will bless them.”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
ApologetiX - Fast Paul
ApologetiX remakes Fastball's "The Way." The clips in the video come from an old film that I love about the Apostle Paul which starred Anthony Hopkins.
ApologetiX - Cheap Bird
ApologetiX remakes Lynyrd Skynyrd "Free Bird."
You do not need to fear tomorrow
Would you still remember please
That God must keep track of sparrows
And there's so many ravens Gods got to feed
But if God takes care of bluebirds
He'll bless you and me the same
Cause I'm not cheap like a bird now
And I'm born for better things
And I'm worth more than odd change
And I'm worth more than I think
The Lord knows everything
I find faith from listenin' to Jesus -- yeah, yeah
When nervous feelings I can't shake
So please don't take this for granted
Cause the Lord knows all your needs
But this Bible states here in Luke 12
He'll get food for me today
Cause I'm not cheap like a bird now
And I'm born for better things
And I'm worth more than odd change
And I'm worth more than I think
The Lord knows everything
The Lord helps me -- find the way
Oh, night and day
The Lord provides -- for cheap birds, yeah
4/09/2011
Did the Resurrection Really Happen?
by Dr. Tommy Mitchell, AiG-U.S.
April 5, 2011
Apologetics
The defining issue of Christianity is the question, “Did Jesus Christ rise from the grave?” In essence, was the Resurrection of Jesus an actual bodily resurrection or merely a spiritual manifestation of some sort? Since the day Jesus rose from the dead, detractors have tried to deny the reality of His Resurrection because, as stated in Romans 1:4, a genuine resurrection proves His deity. The Christian needs to be fully persuaded that the Resurrection was a real event, and believers must be able to defend that truth because salvation itself depends upon the reality of the Lord physically rising from the dead. Indeed, according to Romans 10:9, belief in the Resurrection of Jesus is necessary for salvation.
To continue reading this article go to the website:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/04/05/resurrection-really-happen#
http://www.answersingenesis.org
© Copyright 2011 Answers in Genesis
April 5, 2011
Apologetics
The defining issue of Christianity is the question, “Did Jesus Christ rise from the grave?” In essence, was the Resurrection of Jesus an actual bodily resurrection or merely a spiritual manifestation of some sort? Since the day Jesus rose from the dead, detractors have tried to deny the reality of His Resurrection because, as stated in Romans 1:4, a genuine resurrection proves His deity. The Christian needs to be fully persuaded that the Resurrection was a real event, and believers must be able to defend that truth because salvation itself depends upon the reality of the Lord physically rising from the dead. Indeed, according to Romans 10:9, belief in the Resurrection of Jesus is necessary for salvation.
To continue reading this article go to the website:
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2011/04/05/resurrection-really-happen#
http://www.answersingenesis.org
© Copyright 2011 Answers in Genesis
Way of the Master - Relativism, Judging
A visual Description of Relativism by Mark Spence, the Dean of the School of Biblical Evangelism.
This excerpt is taken from the Brussels Episode available through Living Waters at www.livingwaters.com
4/08/2011
Secrets satan Does Not Want You to Know
Perry Stone. The end of the teaching, Part 6 and 7. satan is living on a time clock and does not have patience, which is a fruit of the Spirit. he cannot stand hearing a lot of the Word of God. you gotta begin speaking words of faith, positive words of life rather than negative and worry words. don't give satan the upper hand, it doesn't belong there. we have victory in Jesus!
4/07/2011
Baby Got Book
This takes from the popular early 90's hip-hop "Baby Got Back" and changes it to "Baby Got Book," about Christian girls who like big Bibles. Rock remix version here.
The Official Director's Cut from Dan "Southpaw" Smith.
Song available on iTunes at http://bit.ly/a5vWr1. Also available on CD and DVD at www.whiteboydj.com.
"Baby Got Book" c 2004 Dan Smith
For a look at many other videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/momentumchurch
ApologetiX - Boulevard of Both Extremes
Apologetix tells the story of the 10 lepers only one of whom came back to thank the Lord.
http://www.apologetix.com/index.php
Bleed into One - the Story of Christian Rock
A fair look of the genre of Christian rock, from its 60s roots to its 80s corruption and controversy to its modern relevance.
http://www.bleedintoone.com/
©2008 BLEED INTO ONE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Christian Rock
(from Tim Duquette You Tube) "Christian Rock" is a Tim Duquette film. This is the original 10 minute version that was shot in the summer of 2002, since then the film has evolved in to what became a feature length project released in 2008 with Lorraine Ali from Newsweek who did an extensive cover story on the subject in 2001.
4/06/2011
Creation In the 21st Century - Fossils Galore
Host Carl Baugh and guest Ian Juby take a look at some old fossils. Fossils can be found all over the world. But, where did these come from? What are they of? What's the story behind them? Is this evidence of evolutionary progression or a global flood? Watch and see. Parts I and II. http://www.creationevidence.org/
Part I, 1
Part I, 2
Part I, 3
Part II, 1
Part II, 2
Part II, 3
Part I, 1
Part I, 2
Part I, 3
Part II, 1
Part II, 2
Part II, 3
4/04/2011
Ark Encounter
(from www.arkencouter.com) The Ark Encounter is a one-of-a-kind historically themed attraction. In an entertaining, educational, and immersive way, it presents a number of historical events centered on a full-size, all-wood Ark, which should become the largest timber-frame structure in the USA.
To continue reading this information go to the website:
http://arkencounter.com/faq/
http://arkencounter.com
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
http://creationmuseum.org/
©2011 Answers in Genesis
To continue reading this information go to the website:
http://arkencounter.com/faq/
http://arkencounter.com
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
http://creationmuseum.org/
©2011 Answers in Genesis
4/02/2011
Jesse Dixon - Nothing But the Blood (of Jesus)
I love when this song is sung in this style. It's powerful.
Manna Fest w/Perry Stone - Cosmic Signs
First set of videos is called "Strange Cosmic Signs from 2012-2015," where Perry Stone teaches about God's astronomical signs, and also addresses and sets the record straight on the current issues concerning December 21, 2012, the Mayan calender and prophecies. The second set of videos is called "Cosmic Prophecies in the Sun, Moon and Stars." The thing that I found most fascinating about this is when Perry goes into a teaching about the symbolism of astronomy. Many people turn astronomy into astrology, which is unBiblical. But, Perry states what it's really all about and explains how such astronomical things as the 12 constellations clearly show God's redemptive work. After all, God is the one that created and designed the universe. Amazing.
Strange Cosmic Signs from 2012-2015
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Cosmic Prophecies in the Sun, Moon and Stars
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
www.voe.org
Strange Cosmic Signs from 2012-2015
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Cosmic Prophecies in the Sun, Moon and Stars
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
www.voe.org
4/01/2011
Proverbs 16:1-6
The plans of the mind and orderly thinking belong to man, but from the Lord comes the (wise) answer of the tongue. All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits - the thoughts and intents of the heart (1 Sam 16:7, Heb. 4:12). Roll your works upon the lord - commit and trust them wholly to Him; (He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and) so shall your plans be established and succeed. The Lord has made everything (to accommodate itself and contribute) to its own end and His own purpose; even the wicked (are fitted for their role) for the day of calamity and evil. Every one proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting, hateful and exceedingly offensive to the Lord; be assured - I pledge it - he will not go unpunished (Prov. 8:13). By mercy and love, truth and fidelity (to God and man, not by sacrificial offerings) iniquity is purged out of the heart, and by the reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord men depart from and avoid evil. (Amplified Bible).
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