God’s kingdom is ultimately spiritual in nature and only in that way can it be exercised upon earth.

The Christian And The Kingdom

Background
When the Jews heard John’s message that day what did they understand it to mean? They hoped for a literal, earthly kingdom. Even on the Ascension mount (Acts 1:6) the disciples asked about Israel receiving the (earthly) kingdom. To exist, a kingdom requires three things: a king, subjects, and a territory to rule. When God said to Moses, “You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation” (Ex. 19:6) He established the main features: God as king and the nation Israel as the subjects. But note, they are a kingdom of priests. From the earliest inception, God established that an essential feature of His kingdom is the spiritual exercise of authority over the individuals and their spiritual service to God.

In Deuteronomy 17:14-20, God further revealed that He eventually intended to establish a man as king over them. Though God established David as the earthly king over an earthly kingdom, the spiritual mind always saw that a greater than David was in view, David being a type of Christ. In Psalm 22:28, David wrote, “The kingdom is the Lord’s.” In Psalm 103:19 he wrote, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.” King David recognized that the Lord is king. Finally in Isaiah 9:6-7, the prophet reveals that “a son” shall exercise the rule upon the throne of David and over his kingdom. We know this “son” to be Jesus of Nazareth.

In this way John the Baptist held out to the nation that the time for the culmination of all God’s prophecies regarding the kingdom and the exercise of God’s authority had come. No wonder Luke writes that “the people were in expectation” (Lk. 3:15). Perhaps, finally, the great drought of Hosea 3:4 would be over and the promise of Hosea 3:5 would be fulfilled! But before that can happen, notice what Hosea 3:5 states: “Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the Lord their God … They shall fear the Lord.” Thus John’s great message, “Repent!” God’s kingdom is ultimately spiritual in nature and only in that way can it be exercised upon earth. In that one word “repent” lies the crux of the whole matter. How is God to bring to pass the exercise of His sovereignty in the lives of fallen mankind? The answer to this question is the essence of the kingdom message.

Spiritual Nature
Once John firmly established in the minds of the people the essential spiritual nature of the kingdom, the Lord is presented as the one qualified to bring this about. In numerous passages, but primarily in Matthew 5-7, Jesus unfolded the spiritual principles of His kingdom. He began with the moral condition of one who would become a subject in the kingdom (Mt. 5:1-12). These all relate the condition of heart and response of soul to the truth of the gospel. Next, he related the moral responsibility of a subject in the kingdom (Mt. 5:13-20) – that of being salt (for God) and light (to the world). Then the Lord explained how the law will relate to life in the kingdom (Mt. 5:21-48).

In each case He contrasted the narrow understanding of the teachers with the full moral weight of the law. Jesus then proceeded to show the character of a subject of the kingdom (Mt. 6). The entire chapter screams out “reality!” God is looking for reality and congruence between the outer and the inner man – reality in giving (vv. 1-4), reality in praying (vv. 5-15), reality in fasting (vv. 16-18), reality in priorities (vv. 18-21), and reality in perspective (vv. 22-34). In chapter 7 the Lord assured access to the kingdom to all who sincerely seek entrance and warned those who would try to fake their way in. His closing image contrasts those who hear the word but don’t obey it with those who do.

Though our Lord preached the gospel of the kingdom – and confirmed its truth with signs, wonders and miracles – the heart of man was still closed to the truth. In unbelief the Lord’s deeds are ascribed to Beelzebub, prince of demons (Mt. 12:25), and the king and his kingdom are rejected. Speaking later to the Jews (Mt. 21:33-44), the Lord pronounced His judgment: “Therefore I say to you, that the kingdom of God shall be taken from you and shall be given to a nation producing the fruits of it.” We cannot have the kingdom without the king, and we cannot have the king if there is no moral change in our life. The Lord stated in John 3:3-5 that entrance into the kingdom is only possible if one is “born again” and “born of water and the Spirit.” The transformation in the life, that the Lord stated in Matthew 5-7 as a requirement for entrance into the kingdom, comes not as a result of law-keeping or personal self-reformation efforts, but solely as a result of being born from above. It is the work of God.

Condition
But what is the condition of the kingdom now? What happens to the kingdom as a result of the king being rejected, crucified, risen, and ascended? In testifying before Pilate, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn. 18:36). In this He indicated that the origin of His kingdom and authority did not come from this world. This very important statement establishes that the kingdom does not rise up as a result of our human efforts or personal faithfulness and godliness. In fact, our Lord stated, “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and return” (Lk. 19:12). The Lord is that man who went to receive his kingdom and to return. This teaches us that the kingdom originates in heaven; hence its being called the kingdom of heaven. The title kingdom of God emphasizes God’s kingdom, authority, and sovereignty. In fact, the parable in Luke 19 was spoken to dispel the notion that the kingdom was about to be manifested. The kingdom always has in view its ultimate manifestation and the Lord’s personal exercise of authority over this world which rejected Him. But what is the character of the kingdom now?

Character
In answering that question we must remember that kingdom truth comprises those instructions in Scripture which relate to the relationship of a redeemed person to the lost world around him. In John 17 the Lord states two truths regarding the believer: while “these are in the world … they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (vv. 11-14). Being “in” the world, yet not “of” the world is what kingdom truth addresses. In John 3:12 our Lord stated that being born again was what He called “earthly things” – relating to the character of our lives here on earth. This is in contrast to “heavenly things” which address our relationship with an ascended, glorified head who is over the whole body, the Church – those seated in the heavenlies with Him (Eph. 1:3, 2:6).

In the parables of Matthew 13 the Lord told what the character of the kingdom would be during the time of His rejection. He characterized this as the mystery of the kingdom of God and heaven. This means that He is bringing out truth never before revealed or even hinted at in the Old Testa-ment. In those seven parables He gives the broadest outline of the establishment and progress of the kingdom during the time of His absence. This is the period of time we are in now. All the principles of the kingdom set forth in His preceding sermons apply to us now in their moral import. What we must realize is that we cannot create “kingdom conditions” on earth by seeking to work through the political realm to establish God’s order here. Only the Lord Himself can do that and He will bring the kingdom with Him.

Course
In Matthew 13, our Lord outlined the course of the kingdom in its “mystery” form – the character of the kingdom during the time of the king’s rejection. Firstly, He established in Matthew 13:3-8 that the progress of the kingdom is through the sowing of the seed, the Word of God (Lk. 8:11). As the Word is sown and souls are brought to faith, Satan opposes that work. Thus, in Matthew 13:24-30 the Lord described how Satan establishes in the world a counterfeit to what the Lord is doing. (Note that there is no mention of Christendom in any of this. Many read Christendom into the parables and completely confuse themselves.) The tares are sown in the field, the world. So we see that a work of Satan will go on during this age which will seek to dilute the work of Christ.

Next, in Matthew 13:31-32 the Lord describes the outward development of the kingdom. It will become great in the world. In fact, it already has. Biblical truth has had many positive effects upon the world and the kingdom has grown tremendously in size. However, in Matthew 13:33 our Lord also shows the moral corruption which will take place in the kingdom. Satan will work externally to oppose its progress (tares), as well as work within to corrupt the kingdom with false doctrine, (the leaven of Mt. 16:12).

Our Lord spoke these to the multitude, but three more parables were told only to the disciples. In that of the treasure (Mt. 13:44), the condition of Israel is described and how, though to be set aside, it shall be preserved and the world won by Christ for its benefit (Rom. 11). The parable of the pearl of great price (Mt. 13:45-46) shows the intrinsic value of the Church within the kingdom, and the extent to which Christ goes to obtain it. Finally, the parable of the dragnet (Mt. 13:47-50) describes how, when “the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord” (Rev. 11:15), He shall prepare the world for its reception.

Recall that we are salt (savor for God) and light (testimony to the lost). The kingdom parables describe the progress that God’s truth makes in the world. But notice the means: it is by preaching the Word, spreading the gospel, and sowing the good seed in the world that we as subjects advance His kingdom. The exercise of political power, military might, intellectual energy, and philosophy accomplish nothing for God in this world. There might be some cosmetic change, but the objective is not to change the world. The purpose of the kingdom is for Christ to have a sphere where His authority, rights and sovereignty are recognized and exercised – that is, Christ reigning in your heart. The world has rejected Christ, saying, “We will not have this man to reign over us” (Lk. 19:14). But Christ has established a sphere in which He is owned as Lord.

Establishment
As we look back to John the Baptist two things stand out – repentance and baptism. We have seen how repentance is the avenue for receiving God’s truth (Acts 20:21). Throughout the Gospels, baptism is related to making disciples (Jn. 4:1). In Matthew 28:19 our Lord relates baptism to discipleship during the Church age as well. One great feature of kingdom truth is being a disciple, a follower, of the Lord. This discipleship involves surrender of life and will to Him, the result being seen in both the character and service of the disciple. Baptism is the sign that one has died to this world, accepted God’s judgment against him and his sins, and identified with the One who has gone through the judgment for him and raised him up to newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4). Thus, kingdom truth speaks about our relationship to this world: we are dead to it and we are followers of Christ.

In what way, then, is Christ going to establish His kingdom in this world? We know from various parables that a great transition takes place at “the end of the age” – called by the Lord “the times of the Gentiles” (Lk. 21:24) – the time of Gentile domination over Israel. In Matthew 13:39-40 and 25:31-46 our Lord said that a worldwide judgment shall take place as the earthly kingdom is being established. This judgment is designed to remove from the world all that is not fit for the kingdom. No wonder the so-called “Lord’s Prayer” states, “Thy kingdom come.” It comes in, rather than rises up from the midst. In the Olivet discourse (Mt. 24-25) the Lord speaks at length regarding the events which will usher in the earthly kingdom. In Romans 11:25, Paul states that the blindness of Israel will continue until those Gentiles who were to be brought into blessing in the Church have been so blessed. Once that time is completed, God will set in motion a series of events which will lead to faithful Israel’s national repentance and reception of the Messiah. Only then does Christ take the throne of David and exercise His kingship over the millennial earth.

What About Us Today?
What are we called to be and do today? Those who have been brought to saving faith in the Lord have been planted in this world as that good seed, as children of the kingdom. Though we are in this world we are not of it; our allegiance is to another king of another kingdom. We represent Christ in this world and live for Him as disciples following and serving Him. Our desire for each person is to receive the Word that is sown; our desire for this world is for Christ to come, to put all powers under His feet, and to reign in perfect righteousness. But until that day comes we are called to continue “in tribulation and the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 1:9).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gib Warrick is the Computer Coordinator of the Union County Public Schools in Monroe, North Carolina. He and his wife Carol and their children fellowship with Christians in Charlotte, North Carolina. Gib also preaches regularly at the local rescue mission.

With permission to publish by: Sam Hadley, Grace & Truth, 210 Chestnut St., Danville, IL., USA.

Website: www.gtpress.org

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Our purest works are no better than filthy rags, when tried by the light of God’s holy law. . . . Our best things are stained and tainted with imperfection. They are all more or less incomplete, wrong in the motive or defective in the performance.

- J.C. Ryle

1816 – 1900

Part one of the Dawkin’s Delusion lecture and Q/A session delivered by Dr. William Lane Craig that coincided with the 2007 “Does God Exist?” debate at UBC.

Part 1

Part 2

Does “doing the Lord’s work” include fat wallets and bank accounts? There are many Evangelical Christian ministries that claim that they are helping their fellow men, women and children. According to their personal salaries, they seem to be helping themselves more than others.

Charity Navigator rates all types of organizations for their actual charity work with a one to four star rating. I randomly chose a few popular Evangelical Christian ministries that are supposedly helping others to Christ by feeding, clothing and housing the needy. Feel free to visit the provided links for other detailed information regarding compensation, salaries, revenue and organizational efficiency.
____________________________________________________________________________
Let’s see how Charity Navigator rates these ministries for “God’s work”:
* Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association
Rating: 1 star

* Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Rating: 2 stars

* Focus On the Family
Rating: 2 stars

* Jack Van Impe Ministries International
Rating: 2 stars

* Coral Ridge Ministries
Rating: 1 star
___________________________________________________________________________
Let’s have a look at the ratings of some well-known secular charities: (Notice that many of these charities are more efficient.)
* Oxfam America
Rating: 4 stars

* United States Fund for UNICEF
Rating: 4 stars

* Donors Choose
Rating: 4 stars

* Doctors Without Borders, USA
Rating: 4 stars

* American Red Cross
Rating: 3 stars

This is a short video of Dr. William Lane Craig in a debate addressing faulty arguments for atheism.

Check www.leestrobel.com for hundreds of excellent FREE Christian videos.

New one..

This is a short video of Dr. Frank Turek addressing the evidence for the New Testament and why we can have complete confidence in it.

Check www.leestrobel.com for hundreds of excellent FREE Christian videos.

Or specifically, why I am not an apatheist.

I’m not exactly sure how long the term’s been in common usage (and you know how I feel about doing research), but I’d guess it’s only really taken off since atheism started becoming mainstream. For anyone not quite caught up, “apatheism” is a portmanteau of “apathy” and “theism” (or “atheism”, I suppose), and refers to people who profess not to care whether or not God exists.

Now, I don’t generally have many complaints with apatheists. I’ve been living with one for the better part of a year, and it’s a position which doesn’t naturally give rise to any sort of fundamentalist fervour, so generally we’re cool, apatheists and me. But I’ve decided lately that it’s not a position that I personally identify with.

It’s simple enough to sum up why.

A substantial number of the most popular conceptions of God throughout history and around the world – including probably the all-time numero uno himself – possess, we’re told, both the power and the authority to condemn each of us to eternal suffering, should he will it.

I’m a heroically lazy individual, but even I can’t muster up much apathy on the subject of my being condemned to eternal suffering.

Anyone who’s ever really believed in it can probably back me up on this: Hell is really fucking scary if you actually take it seriously. If I thought there was any remote possibility that I might be screwing things up the way I’m going at the moment, and risking sending myself there by worshipping the wrong god or rejecting the one true path to salvation, I’d want to seriously look into that. I don’t think I’d be able to simply shrug the problem off, or dismiss it as something not really relevant to my life. I’m pretty sure you’d have to be insane not to care about God’s possible existence, or the exact nature of his whims, if you thought that unending torture was genuinely on the cards.

But in general – my flatmate notwithstanding – those apatheists aren’t crazy. And so I don’t think it’s overly presumptuous to suggest that most apatheists do actually maintain some significant religious positions. They’d probably agree, if pushed, that they count their odds of being sent to Hell for eternal punishment after they die to be about as negligible as I do. And that’s not a trivial or careless conclusion; Hell is a culturally ubiquitous concept, described in the holy text of the predominant religion on the planet, held sacred by billions of people. It’s not an obvious nonsense to someone who’s never given the subject a moment’s thought.

So I think it makes sense to suggest that an actual disregard for the subject isn’t what most people mean when they call themselves apatheists. They may not have expended much effort in forming the opinions they have, but they’ve considered the matter far enough that it doesn’t need to trouble them any further. They’ve decided that the dire consequences often heralded by God’s self-appointed spokesmen are so unlikely that they can be ignored. Beyond that, who cares?

Well… still me, actually.

Obviously a great deal of the first bit does apply to me, too. I’ve rejected the possibility of God in any form that I might need to worry about, and don’t generally let the fiddly philosophical details bother me beyond that. But I still undoubtedly take an interest in much of the related discussion (my recent inactivity on this blog notwithstanding). I emphatically do give a shit, not so much about what can or can’t be conclusively disproved or vaguely hypothesised about some supreme being, but about the implications of people’s responses to the question “Is there a God?”

Clearly, there are battles here that I think are worth fighting, even if God himself isn’t my opponent. Religious fanaticism is one of the most damaging forces in today’s world, and I really think that a broader understanding of science, and skepticism, and humanism, and the kind of reality-based thinking that leads people to disbelieve in God, would be more beneficial to our species than just about anything else. While there are still people stoning witches to death, rationalising their own hate and prejudice as being that of an almighty creator, and telling millions of their followers that condoms are making the African AIDS crisis worse, I can’t be apathetic on this.

For those who can, it may be largely a case of picking your battles. Of the people in Africa not dying of AIDS, for instance, there are plenty of them busy starving to death instead. If you’re directly trying to combat famine by helping to feed people, then your faith or that of your colleagues probably isn’t much of an issue, and whether or not someone’s wearing a crucifix in a hospital in Kansas might not seem all that pertinent.

I can’t possibly tell what’s the most useful thing for me to be doing, on those fleeting occasions when I give some thought to the notion of doing something good. But this is something I can do. It feels like my fight. It ain’t nothin’. So there’s really not much about the question of God’s existence that I truly don’t care about.

Earth is dying: News,Economy,Nature,War,H1N1,Death,Gay Sex Ed,Corbett,Jeremiah, Van Impe,Coalition,Defile Christ,Dark Ages Blue Laws,Achilles Heel,Good/Evil Seeds

Prophecy’s Extra Oil Update 35: News of Good/Evil Seeds
©copyright 2009 Bonita M Quesinberry

News 11/25-11/27: 3.5 days in “terrors of these end days;” a few snippets—

VT, 1st state for gay marriage~ 1 public school now teaching children “anything goes” in sexuality [?sex with animals, too?]; AL, 1 miner dead, others hospitalized in mine inspection; FLA, man sought for shooting 5; H1N1, linked to rise in bacterial pneumonia cases, allergic reactions to vaccine rising but lull in new cases; FED, Obama to announce up to 34-k soldiers’ will deploy to Afghanistan; Philippines, massacre toll climbing, 100 arrested; Economy, 1 of every 4 home mortgages exceed value, “under water”; Number of “at risk banks” hits 552; Real jobless rate 17.5%; Nature, Obama, China to attend climate change summit; Quakes, 227 last 7 days, from M2.5 up to 5.9, most in M5 range, more widespread; Volcanoes, no wonder air so polluted, partial list last 7 days shows 16 eruptions globally with ash plumes as high 46.9-k feet, list does not include all activity, only most active on land, not in oceans; China, executes 2 in tainted milk scandal;

Mother and Daughters: this last sign began during the Apostles’ ministry but is now building up to repeat church violence of the Dark Ages; Christ warned, “Beware of pastors, preachers, theologians taught by men, teaching man’s laws for God” —

FLA, sister Tammy: 11/24, Tampa 89.3-FM Christian radio broadcast, Rev. John Corbett said, “Paul wrote the book of Hebrews to stop Jews from being Hebrews. All of the Law, including God’s Ten, were sacrificial and done away with by Jesus: legalism no longer applies, so stay away from those legalists! All it takes is love.” At his .org website he declares a master in theology and indicates faith is Papal Rome, Revelation’s Great Whore and mother of harlot daughters: URL on Links page for Catholic catechism.

The following news is from http://jesuswillanswer.com who highlighted Extra Oil 34 on their homepage with a link to our total article; take particular note of words underscored in bold print or in all CAPS for posts that will not accept the MSWord document as prepared— “11/23/09: A formidable COALITION of 150 Catholic, Orthodox and evangelical LEADERS are CALLING on CHRISTIANS IN A NEW MANIFESTO TO reject secular authority and even ENGAGE IN CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE— IF LAWS FORCE THEM TO ACCEPT abortion, same sex marriages and OTHER IDEAS THAT BETRAY THEIR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS.”

Those 150 clearly represent the Great Whore and her harlot daughters. It seems they not only shun Christ’s instruction to obey God’s Laws but also laws of the land. The finale of this longing running sign will see Christ in the clouds: it is excitingly obvious the above call includes violence against those they call “legalists, cults:” we of God’s Doctrine, and that of His Christ, definitely betray their religious beliefs based on Satan’s teachings.

Recall history’s Dark Ages: Papal Rome ordered the deaths of millions of “heretics” via Rome’s civil power, killed all those who would not embrace her “church and religious beliefs.” The dead were Doctrine Keepers. Recall: US infancy history, Doctrine Keepers were beaten, jailed, even hung. We are being ushered into a new Dark Age where Papal Rome and her Protestant harlot daughters are ratcheting up to make one last, feeble attempt to annihilate God’s people: He said it would happen and that “they think to do it for God.” The above “manifesto” is a global call and the goats ultimately will respond with rage and violence against God’s Saints and Elect.

“Civil disobedience,” however, is a misnomer: for they have 52 US States’ Sunday Blue Laws with the severest of police power included to back up their actions, the backing of our Federal Government’s declaration of “no provision for Saturday,”, and a little known Federal law giving it unlimited power to back any State law without a matching Federal Law. So, do not look for the Federal Government to intervene on our behalf. Christ’s sheep and God’s Elect will be the ones ultimately beaten or jailed, and a “few” killed.

Today they are in an angry, argumentative stage while vehemently rushing headlong to violence and first will go after Doctrine Keepers with the strongest voices and visibility: in their minds, what better way to eliminate the rest than by getting rid of those who boldly and without fear speak God’s Truth. TSaS has felt their heat many, many times in the last 30 years— emails, comments at websites, face-to-face— has felt the mother and daughters’ magnified hatred for God’s Truth. It is a hideous sound and sight.

Blasphemy using God’s Holy Name. They curse Him; unaware their armour is flawed, a vital piece missing: Truth. Our armour has no Achilles heel: we have God’s power and bear the sword of His Truth— the only sword we are to brandish in upcoming attacks against us. Harm no man; rather, take the insults and arrows, as did Jesus, a blessing to us and a curse to them: God WILL raise us up if they kill the flesh garment we wear!

FLA, 11/25— Sister Tammy also reported radio’s Rev. David Jeremiah of Turning Point, also on TBN, teaching that cults “came out of” myriad Christian denominations, therefore are part of them. This belies Paul’s statement that “men came among us to spy on our teachings, then left to go their own way. If they had been of us, they would have stayed with us.” The truth is that those myriad denominations “came out of” Christ’s True Church and are recognized as antichrists, apostate churches as it were. Doctrine Keepers were first and have always been since Christ; never a part of the Great Whore and her harlot daughters. Rev. Jeremiah also said “belief and works are not to be together, that your works should be community works that people can see. Love your neighbor. ”

As Paul said, “I will show you my faith by my works . . . works of the Law of Righteousness.” Amen! And, when the men expounded on all their good “community” works to Jesus, including calling out demons in His name, He turned to them and said, “I know you not.” According to Christ, the “works” are to do God’s Will, His Doctrine, His Holy Law: by such obedience we instinctively will do other good works among people.

Noted in Extra Oil 34, hostility is a rapidly increasing theme taught more heatedly each day by the mother and daughters’ ministers on TV, radio and pulpits: the above reports show how far they will go to incite rage against Christ’s small flocks. God says they curse Him by vile opposition of His Will—His Doctrine—His “perpetual” Holy Law and by attacks in His name. They defile His Christ, our saviour Lord: God sent to Him “magnify the Law and make it honorable” among men again. We suffer nothing strange, nothing our brethren before us did not suffer: they gladly died for God’s Truth and Christ’s sacrifice. — “Ye shall suffer for me as I suffered for you; but I will come quickly.”

TBN, 11/25— The first thing evangelist Jack Van Impe presents is that he has a doctorate in theology, as does wife Rexella. This broadcast was as if he were doing flip-flops trying to fit square pegs into round holes of the end of days’ prophecies. Referencing daughter’s teaching that Israel must rebuild its Temple, he attempted to justify it with Revelation’s fact that New Jerusalem will come down from heaven, wherein there will be no Temple.

Van Impe says Israel must rebuild now— they have it in parts for assembly that could be done in a matter of weeks—it was allegedly prophesied that Abomination of Desolation will sit upon the throne therein before Christ returns, the Temple ostensibly defiled again. Van Impe explained that the Saints are taken up in the rapture for a purported 7 years in third heaven, earth will be left in utter chaos and a few might die but certainly not all.

According to Van Impe, when the Saints return with Jesus, He will destroy that new temple then New Jerusalem comes down from heaven. Jesus and the Saints then teach the people “Left Behind.” Van Impe did a fine job of rendering God’s ancient prophets liars and implied Jesus also a liar. Van Impe did his father proud, a liar from the beginning.

Please do as sister Tammy did and report via email to TSaS all relevant activities of the mother and daughters in your area. We must keep a close eye on them; for Jesus said, “When they attack, then flee from city to city as needed: you will not go far before I come.” We are to speak only His Truth and flee the location rather than engage in their futile fight for Satan’s continued dominion over earth. HIS REIGN IS OVER!

No indepth news for a while. We suggest watching local news and CNN. TSaS will focus on vital Bible studies, documentary summaries that respond to horrors we are witnessing during the most exciting time in man’s history, include member comments and/or prayer requests, and answer member questions. As news of the mother and daughters come in, it will be included in the next Extra Oil to broadcast. Pray— pray— pray unceasing for all, for the world and leaders, for all who believe a lie and will die twice for their wicked ways: “They know not what they do, nor to whom they do it.”

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Seeds of Good and Evil

Condensed from Truth Gathering, chapter 31— Seeds of Good and Evil; ©copyright 1998-2003, annotated by Bonita M Quesinberry; the world’s only exhaustive AKJV Topical Bible: text below represents only the core message from each paraphrased scripture; references provided at end, followed by summary notes:

You, who are obedient believers, are given understanding of the mystery of God’s kingdom: but, the wicked and disobedient hear parables they cannot understand; they see but do not perceive and hear but do not understand the truth. These latter have a form of godliness but deny the power of God by their behaviour. They consistently study to learn but never come to the knowledge and wisdom of God’s truth. Why? Because they seek by man’s direction instead of the Holy Ghost: the former a liar, the latter unable to lie.

The Word of God is like seeds planted. When cast, some fall by the wayside, some upon stony places, and others among thorns; but a few seeds fall upon fertile soil. Those lying by the wayside represent people who heard the Word; but, Satan quickly removes God’s pure Doctrine from their hearts: which is to say, they heard the truth but never accepted it; thus, they turned back to man’s teachings by Christian illusion or by paganism: the latter is one way, the former is both ways cleverly disguised as Christ’s Church— Satan’s greatest lie. Alas, they will remain in a sinful state with absolutely no hope of salvation.

Seeds that fell upon stony places are people who hear God’s Truth and receive Christ in a display of great joy; but the word does not take root in them. Alas, for a while they seem to believe; after a time, temptations of this world pull them away from God and back into Satan’s glittering gold world: whether it be his seemingly beautiful side, which appears to be Christian yet promotes worldly prosperity, or back to being utterly wicked and filthy.

Seeds having fallen among thorns are people who heard God’s Truth, obey it for a while, then the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life soon choke out their faith; causing them to only appear Christian yet bearing no fruit of righteousness for lack of patience and Truth.

Finally, those few seeds on fertile ground sprout in a people of honest and good hearts; therefore, God’s Word is understood thoroughly and each obeys Father’s Doctrine wholly as well as teach it to others: because they love Him and wish to please. Each bears fruit of righteousness; for they are patient, which is faithful. Their fruit is two-fold: 1) each grows into righteous behaviour like Christ; and, 2) each bring others into God’s Light and Truth, even if it’s only one person, or thirty or sixty or a hundred.

As Jesus said on two separate occasions, “If you bring one to me, you shall be called great in heaven. If you live my Father’s Law and teach others to do the same, you shall be called great in heaven.” Oh, dear sheep! How simple to reach that plateau where God in heaven calls you “great!” It recalls His declaration of Job, “He is righteous above all men.” I desire to be called great by my Father. How about you?

The seeds symbolize two things: 1) the Word of God; and, 2) the people who hear His Word. The latter seeds are divided into two groups of humans: the good, also referred to as wheat, and the evil, also known as weeds. Those considered evil by God are all who deviate from His Word by even the smallest point. The weeds grow amidst His wheat. If we look at the world’s landmasses, we find that the majority of fields are made up of weeds; in comparison, only small segments grow wheat and even then weeds infiltrate in an effort to choke out the wheat. Satan’s army makes up over 2/3rds of humanity; God’s army is a small 1/3rd: the difference is we have God’s power and they do not.

Jesus said, “Every writer for God’s mouth is taught what the kingdom of heaven is like, and each teach these matters from both the Old and New Testaments; for they have received in abundance God’s knowledge, wisdom, secrets and mysteries. Alas, those of a wicked heart quickly lose the Truth they first were given, because they did not receive it with unshakable trust. Therefore, man shall live by every word of God.” Those who know God and His Christ obey God’s His Doctrine, to-wit: Statutes of Life, Law of Blessings, Law of Righteousness, Ten Commandments— for they who obey and teach His Word, in him or her is the love of God and Truth perfected.

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References— Mark 4:11-12; II Timothy 3:5,7; Matthew 13:3-9,19-33,37-50,52; 13:12,16; Hebrews 4:2; Proverbs 1:23; Psalm 68:11; Proverbs 2:1-6; Luke 4:4; I John 2:3-6

Additional Points— Matthew 13:11,13,15; Mark 4:3-9,13-20,26-32; Luke 8:5-8,10-18; 13:19; 17:6; Psalm 45:1-2; Mark 4:24-25; Deuteronomy 8:3

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God’s own words reveal a single seed: His Word; and Jesus is the sower of God’s Word. The Word is heard by two kinds of people— indicating that all of humanity does hear or read about God at some point during their lifetime— also referred to as seeds: 1) God’s children; and, 2) Satan’s children. Noting either child as a seed indicates into what manner of plant, or person as it were, the seed sprouts and grows to ultimately reveal who is their father: God or Lucifer. These children, or soil as it were, also indicates the type of ground God’s seed Word fell upon and the plant type that sprouts: wheat or weeds.

The four soil conditions reveal God’s wisdom, in that He alone knows each person’s true intent at heart: whether they desire spiritual things or the comfort of this world. The “wayside” uncovers a wicked heart, while “rocky and thorny” ground turn to the things and cares of Satan’s temporary realm: earth, the riches of which are under his temporary control to dispense. Only to fertile soil does God impart His Knowledge, Wisdom, Secrets, and Mysteries plus spiritual gifts of power according to Holy Spirit’s discretion.

Lucifer’s children become his by virtue of their daily choices. After all, humanity first was God’s by His creation. As noted, Satan’s offspring are referred to as weeds, which has a two-point meaning: 1) blatantly wicked and filthy, those of the wayside, surround God’s children everywhere they go on this planet; and, 2) the beautiful ones, rocky and thorny, sit amidst Christ’s true congregation feigning belief. These are weeds in the midst of wheat but will not be separated until harvest time: that done in plain sight of all: no magical disappearances of people, as the “Left Behind” series would have us believe.

God judges soils 1 through 3 as hating Him. Revelation 3:15-19, however, indicates hope for the rocky and thorny— as Revelation describes as the cold and lukewarm: which is another Truth to be learned. Still, each person must choose to “sell all that they have to follow Christ,” to-wit: comply with God’s full Doctrine as well as “speak His testimony and teach His Law.” If they do so because they truly love God, it is because “there is Light in them.” — Isaiah 8:16,20

Time to repent is TODAY: we entered the last church age, Laodicea, in 1991. As a result, “Christ is at the door and comes quickly.” No one can say the specific day and hour, but we do know the time is at hand and must watch the clouds; for Christ’s harvest is not far off: October, or as late as mid-November. Could it be 2009 or the next year, perhaps? The Spirit instructed the seventh seal messenger, “No later than 2011.” The various signs of both the Old and New Testaments, including the mother and daughters’ hatred of the Doctrine Keepers, plus six of the seven plagues are present and ever worsening, and all prophecies up to Christ’s return are fulfilled. We eagerly await His presence in the clouds of the final harvest months.

——Watch the clouds between mid-October to mid-November henceforth until no later than 2011. The book of Hebrews says Jesus will not be late. If not fully converted now, time is your enemy; total conversion must be instant, this day, TODAY: do not delay. Pray unceasing! Be watchful; stand fast even to death. WE HAVE GOD’S POWER. KEEP WALKING and TALKING, even when it seems useless or even dangerous: you might snatch one lost, Lukewarm sheep from the flames and give the warmth of God’s Truth to a Cold waiting for it. Saith the Lord, “Ye lukewarm await consuming fire.”

——TSaS post archives open to public; members access Bible Lesson FILES. TSaS ministry neither needs nor asks for money and never will: God provides our basic needs. We ask only for prayer and that you share God’s Truth with all who will hear/read and obey in “the instant.” Be good stewards of God’s Word: share Extra Oils, lead everyone to God’s Biblical Truth at — http://groups.yahoo.com/group/truthseekersandspeakers

Much Love in Christ, Sister BonnieQ
http://seventhseal.webs.com Unicorn Haven’s Seventh Seal Library

http://www.naturesanswer.com to order Asafetida, also correctly spelled Asafoetida: produced by Natures Answer; if not in product list send email to NA to ask about getting it (my local health food store orders it for me) This is one of the strongest fighter’s of virus in God’s herbal kingdom: His medicine works perfectly and with no side effects!

Also, remember God’s words about these times, “My people shall walk among them and be not touched. And, my people shall not go without.”

THE BOUNTY OF THE DESTITUTE

“We have also to realize that we cannot earn or win anything from God; we must either receive it as a gift or do without it. The greatest blessing spiritually is the knowledge that we are destitute; until we get there Our Lord is powerless.”

—Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (Nov. 28)

Fingerprints of God. Frank Turek looks at the Anthropic Principle and numerous cosmological evidences for a Creator God. Go to www.CrossExamined.org for more compelling stuff!

Remember playing hide and seek as a child. Your gang of kids would select someone to count to ten whilst the others hide and then s/he would go seeking them out. The other version of the game would be to hide a ‘‘treasured” object such as a ball. The seekers would count to ten and then go on a treasure hunt. They would be guided by the words “your cold” if they were not near the hidden treasure. As they got closer they would be told they are “getting warmer”, until they were right on top of the treasure and then they would be “red hot.” It was a lot of fun to play and filled with innocent joy.  However, as we grew older and began to mature from childhood into youthhood, teenhood and then into adulthood… The more we developed, the more we hooded our treasure. We began to mask our true feelings warm of joy and we went on a new frigid treasure hunt to acquire monetary gain, at the expense of happiness, to keep up with our social gang of friends.

A new version of hide & seek was being played out and we would know if we were hot or cold by our bank balance. Money became our God … If we did not have what the advertising media deemed as essential for our happiness, then life became an uphill struggle. The domination behind the desire for money grew in the erroneously educated mind of the ego/intellect, encouraged by an equally erroneous media machine. Do not misunderstand, money is a necessity for security, comfort and every day requirements however, it is not a place where we can derive any lasting bliss. One of the main causes of heartache and sorrow are the newspapers, television programs and magazines that are administered by intellectually sound editors that have forgot how to project real meaning from their true spirit, thus they work within their narrow mind-set parameters.

 Many have to follow strict guidelines laid-down by the owners, who, in turn, have to pander to the whims of the advertisers. So money rules the type articles to be published and the variety of programs to be shown on TV. It has become a game of hiding hot true meaning and seeking cold greed and freezing fear. Hide all the authentic articles and programs from the public…. Seek and feed articles and programs filled with shams and pretense, that are shallow and superficial. It seems the more superficial the program or article, the bigger money making hit it becomes. A syndrome feeds on its own ignorance. Habitual negativity demands to feed on more and more aspects of derogatory human behavior.

A catch twenty-two situation where the downward spiral seeps into every phase of human existence. From my first hand experience, the excuses editors and producers give for not giving the public more meaningful projects is “it is not the way we do things around here and there is no demand for meaningful works” It is the same blind dogma that has been used by power crazed religions and mad dictators for thousands of years. Only now, the media holds court over what the public reads and views. It seems the big pay checks of the editors and producers who make decisions on what the public will contemplate and accept is their main consideration. Some may want to project more meaning, but the fear of going out on a limb and getting fired holds them back from projects that are more substantial. Even the ‘‘serious minded” magazines, newspapers and TV programs are run by intellects that can only act within the very narrow guidelines of their assumptions, presumptions, theories and opinions. There are but a few editors that have the courage and nerve to publish articles with authentic meaning. There are a few producers that have the fortitude and mettle to project the true nature of humanity…But these folks are few and far between.

In the main, we have a society that is fed with junk news, junk single-minded views, junk truths … All assembled by an intellectual throng of editors and producers with a sound education but lacking sound wisdom and insight. Even the weather has now become a source of 24 hour fear and dread loaded reporting. As humanity sinks further and further down the slippery slopes of ignorance, the media will continue to report all the negative events world society enacts, in their melodramatic, sensationalized manner… Tied to their umbilical cord of money and power. What a waste of a good education or was the education, not so authentic in the first place and one of the reasons the media lacks the wisdom they were born with?

Unfortunately, time is not on the side of humanity to make the quantum leap into generating authentic information.

The truth has been hidden deep inside every human beings psyche, but how many have the resolve and determination to seek and locate it.

The good news is you do have a choice how you live your life and what you accept as your reality. With an objective detachment from the chaos that surrounds your world, you can live a purposeful life filled with a tranquil ambiance of love and divine bliss. The circle of life spins around your core. Provided you stay centered at all times, you can participate as the witness to your good deeds and actions.  All the chaos that surrounds you will disappear like water off a ducks back. As you smile at adversities, you now feel the contentment of knowing nothing is hidden from you. What you once did seek, you now have found and you are once again whole in the hands of a loving God.

“Be a Columbus to whole new continents and worlds within you, opening new channels, not of trade, but of thought.”_ Henry David

Thoreau.

We are back from the monastery thanksgiving with plenty to be grateful for.

Ethan, being a non-monastic type, took to the place very well. I was a bit painful at the beginning and felt I had to  keep reminding him how wonderful everything is, until I finally kept quiet and let the monastery work its magic. He was impressed with the goodness,  intelligence and theological reasonableness that radiates from the monks and the guests.

The Gregorian chant at Holy Cross is one of the most sublime music experiences I’ve ever had. At one point, they harmonized during a Compline hymn and Ethan and I just looked at each other: “…wow.”  Those silent “wows” happen between a couple every now and then, I imagine moreso when children come into the picture.

One of the gifts of visiting Holy Cross monastery is the silence and slowness. The first time I entered the chapel, the silence felt like a third person in the room. It is so palpable and delicious. And the slowness isn’t immediately felt, until I start wishing the chant to hurry up or start scheduling myself. Then I remember where I am and why they are here. They have all the time in the world to praise God. It isn’t on their to-do list; it is their reason for being.

We were allowed to stay in the same room, in separate beds. While we lay in bed reading, it felt like a 1950s sitcom! Thanksgiving feast was unbelievable, thanks to good old Benedictine hospitality. Don’t know if we would have gotten whipped cream at the Carthusians!

At night, we  worked on our nanowrimo projects; I am now around 21,000 words.I felt a little ashamed to bring my laptop into the hallowed grounds. I figured God and the monks wouldn’t mind if I worked on a creative project. There was no wifi, so I couldn’t check email or Youtube (I tried!)

I always walk away from retreats with  inner resolves  for my life. The big one from this time was that I caught myself praying that “I may achieve inner peace.” The word “achieve” hit me sidewards- surely, this is part of the problem! I am trying to achieve inner peace with the same bull-headedness that I would attack a dirty kitchen floor! So my new prayer might be that I may be peace in the world, in fact, that might become my new personal slogan.

Be peace! Would make a good bumper sticker!

Here’s the view of the Hudson River from Holy Cross, taken at an earlier visit.

Intelligent Design. Frank Turek examines Information Theory, DNA, the Cell, and other evidence for Intelligent Design. Visit www.CrossExamined.org for more on Frank Turek and his awesome presentations at university campuses.

Is your head spinning? Or maybe just hurting at the speed with which we went from celebrating the life-giving reign of Christ last Sunday, to giving thanks on Thursday, to the blatant, in your face celebration of consumerism of “Black Friday” – which in the spirit of holiday creep began several days before Friday.

TV, radio, newspapers, e-mail inbox- all have been full of promotions and ads. The inducements to spend, to get a deal and to acquire the things needed for a perfect holiday.

It takes constant vigilance to avoid the “happiness is just one purchase away” syndrome. Especially when this year a major retailer has a frequently run commercial showing boxes of  ”Joy” and “Love”  being delivered out of a semi trailer. Yep, let’s all go and buy a nice big box of joy.  

On the other hand, it’s not uncommon to find people bemoaning the consumerism of the “holidays”  and advocating a return to the real meaning of Christmas.

Our longing for the iconic Christmas of long ago can turn into the burden of a perfectly decorated house with lovely handcrafted ornaments on the tree. The aroma of homemade cookies, fudge and Christmas dinner delights your houseful of family and friends. 

Then there are those of us who set our sights on a deeply spiritual Christmas.  Special  devotional time. Meaningful prayer. Extra worship services. Spiritual discipline turns into spiritual marathon. We are exhausted by Christmas.

It can take a lot of effort to get through this season. Expectations run high. It seems that everywhere you turn there is someone telling us about the best deals, the best presents, the best recipes, the best decorations, the best carols, the best Christmas pageant, the best worship service. The message: we owe our families and our selves the best. Particularly at Christmas. Why? Because we deserve it, we earned it.  Exactly why we deserve it is a little unclear.  Never the less, we chase after the idol of the perfect Christmas.

If you are like me, you can’t step out of the gift buying, decorating, and cooking Christmas culture. At least not without stepping on many toes, not least the toes of your own family. And you don’t want to ignore the spiritual dimensions of Christmas.

What to do?   Besides hide until January?

If you can stand some more holiday advice, may I suggest…

Setting some limits.  For me that means setting limits for myself.  I spend some time thinking seriously about how much shopping, baking, decorating and yes, even spiritually how much I can realistically do.

This season highlights the pull and tug of the secular and the sacred. The pull and tug are always there, but it is much more acute this time of year. The days of Advent remind me of how much trouble I have living holistically. In some ways it is easier segregating the world into sacred and secular spaces. Holding the two together?  Nearly impossible some days.

But yet…. We receive little glimpses, if we have the eyes to see. The small act of kindness in the midst of a crowded mall. The unexpected gift of cookies from a neighbor. A card from a long-lost friend. A moment when you think about your family and are deeply thankful for them. Opportunities to be kind. Opportunities to give to another. To drop a few coins in the kettle. To let someone go ahead of you in line.  Small things. But then again, the kingdom of heaven is found small things and unlikely acts,  a mustard seed, a little yeast, and even a baby.

I’d like to know, what do you think? 

Where do you find your glimpses of heaven?

Evidence for God. Frank Turek looks at the Big Bang and the observational evidence pointing to the creation of the universe from nothing. Please visit www.CrossExamined.org for more!

Yesterday Misty was talking about a golden thread of the Bridal Paradigm and Song of Solomon being weaved throughout the rest of scripture – she made the excellent point that our intimacy with the Lord really hinges on keeping that Song of Solomon “I am the beloved of God” view as a view threaded throughout the rest of the Lord’s interactions with His people, because it really is. So much of the Word is the Lord talking about His people as His beloved bride, and what He’s doing for her and what He’d do for her and what He did for her and how she responded.

So, in keeping with that, today during the 2pm WWW, which was on SoS so kept me in that viewpoint, I took the book of Ephesians, the first two chapters, and did something I’ve done time and time again and ought to do every day because it still is so rich and such a good reminder, and I easily forget it…

and I thought, “Lord, my heart is dark, but you have called me lovely. I see dark, but You see lovely, I say dark, but you have said…”

I have said dark, but He has said… and take Ephesians 1 & 2 and look at what the Lord has said of His saints through the book of Ephesians!

I’ve done this list several times. Here’s one of them…

I say dark, but You say…

I am blessed; chosen; holy; blameless; loved; predestined; adopted; under grace; redeemed; forgiven; shown the mystery of His will; given an inheritance, a hope, and a praise in Him; saved; sealed; pledged; His possession; made alive in Him; seated in the heavenly places; His workmanship; reconciled; a citizen; a saint; of God’s household; founded on Him; a dwelling of God in the Spirit

Ephesians 1&2 (NASB)

I highly recommend it!

Cultural relativism, or what is true for you may not be true for me, is often used to explain why we should agree to disagree, theory of relativity is often misquoted in order to justify lack of readiness to look at the implications of what is being said. It looks to me that today the “only truth” some people are prepared to accept is that we can’t know the truth, and they would usually say it that the only absolute truth we know is that there is no absolute truth. Problem with this argument is that is self-defeating as it uses assertion that will have to be derived from the observation of truth or false propositions. All one needs to ask is are you absolutely sure about that? Hope this challenges your thinking and changes your attitude to the information that we all process.

Even though it is a fact that God is a God of love (1 John 4:16), the Bible also teaches that He hates some things. Similarly, although Christians are commanded to love God and others, there are some things Christians should hate. Take notice of the following Scriptures.

A righteous man hates lying, but a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame. Proverbs 13:5

Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. Exodus 18:21

I have hated those who regard useless idols; but I trust in the LORD. Psalms 31:6

These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19

For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery for burnt offering; I will direct their work in truth, and will make with them an everlasting covenant. Isaiah 61:8

Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; and do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate, says the LORD. Zechariah 8:17

“For the LORD God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence,” says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 2:16

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Romans 12:9

But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. Revelation 2:6

Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. Revelation 2:16-17

These scriptures teach us that God hates: dishonest gain (including the prosperity “gospel” and message), idolatry, lying, haughty eyes, murder, wicked schemes, troublemaking among the brothers, stealing, iniquity, divorce, evil, certain deeds and certain doctrines!

And then there is the COMMAND, “Do not love”—

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17

While feel good preachers teach their out of balance “love doctrine,” they deceive many with partial truth because they fail to teach the “hate doctrine” that the sheep also need to know about.

The righteous hate what is false. In other words, if you are truly a Christian trusting in Jesus for salvation, you MUST HATE some things, including sin, idols, the things of this world (that are in opposition to God), and any thing or teaching that is false.

Eid al-Adha, “Festival of Sacrifice” is a holiday celebrated by Muslims (including the Druze) worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God.

“Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha ilallaahu… Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar Walillah ilhamd”
(Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, There is no God except Allah, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. and to Allah goes all praise)

http://islamgreatreligion.wordpress.com/ wishes you Eid Mubarak.

Let’s remember the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be Upon him) and his son Ismael (Peace be Upon him) . Indeed a great leasson for all of us. May Allah Almighty bless us all and bless this great Ummah.

Aameen Ya Rabbal ‘aalameen.

We would like to thank to all of our great and valued supporters, members and visitors who always keep staying with us. All your supports, inputs, comments and votes are really appreciated and important for us, and always needed for the next, to improve our working on spreading the truth of Islam, for the sake of Allah.

May Allah bless us and protect us always.

May Allah accept our ibadaah during this blessing month of Dhul hijjah also make us catch the wisdom and the moral messages on it.

May all the ummah who perform hajj could be back as Mabrour Hajj.

Insya Allah..

Ameen Allahumma Ameen.

Lets not forget our oppressed brothers and sisters. Please don’t immersed in joy forgetting them. Remember, while you are enjoying, what they are facing right now…

May be we will be busy with delicious foods, where many of they will not have their daily bread even water

May be we will wear colorful and luxurious dresses, where many of they will shiver in cold

May be we’ll roam each-other for visiting our friends and relatives. Where many of they are living miserable life in refugee camps

May be our hands will be colored in blood of livestock, where our enemies hands will slaughter many of our brothers

May be we will proud with our false pride, with sick competition of sacrificing farm animals, where our sister will loose their honor and mothers Hijab will be snatched

Please don’t forget our Brothers and Sisters in this day.

Pray and let’s try to do our best efforts for making this day Beautiful for them too…

Finally we wish you a very happy and pleasant Eid-ul-adha..

Hope this Eid brings happiness and joys in all muslim ummah..

May Allah (SWT) shower His countless blessings in every Muslim home..

May Allah accept our sacrifice and good deeds..

ameen

Lets promise to slaughter our sins, evil intentions and wrong doings along with the animal on this eid..

May Allah bless you all..

Eid Mubarak!
Remember us in your sincere prayers!

A good guy on the web by the name of Vincent Wright asked this question.  I call questions like this “trick questions” because there is no definitive answer.  Here’s my answer:

Optimism is often intentional.  Deciding to see the glass half full is a choice.  Sometimes optimism is accidental.  Even a pure pessimist can surprise him or herself when they seek “help” in difficult or dark times.  Seeking any kind of help indicates hope.  Hope is an optimistic response.  Optimism can be imposed on one by optimistic people who are trying to “help you see the light”.  An imposed view can support feeling better for a while, but it will not last unless the imposed mindset gets turned into the supposed mindset.  Optimism can only be denied by you.  It can never by denied by God.  God denies nothing that is good.  Can you choose to be optimistic?  Your only power in any given moment or situation is your power to choose.

Vincent, I am supposed to be organizing my office and paying bills thanks for this distraction.