Happy Wednesday

LOOKING FOR SIGNS OR LOOKING FOR CHRIST?  
By Pastor Joel Finck

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:3
With the increased activity in the Middle East, many "prophecy preachers" are claiming that the signs of the return of Christ are coming to pass. Of course, many of these same preachers and Bible teachers fail to recognize the difference between the Rapture and the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Before the revelation, or Second Coming of Christ, there will be visible indicators of His soon return. The disciples asked our Lord, "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world?" (Matthew 24:3) Notice that they asked what the sign would be not signs. In the Lord's answer, He pointed out that there would be wars, famines pestilences and earthquakes (verses 6 & 7), but that the end was not yet. Even during the tribulation, these things are not "signs of His coming" rather only the "beginning of sorrows" (verse 8).

The true "sign" of His coming is found in verse twenty seven, "For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." This takes place after the heavenly bodies are darkened (verse 29). "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven" (Matthew 24:30).

There will be no mistaking the sign of Christ's Second Coming, for God will "turn out the lights" in the universe right before Christ circles the globe like a flash of lightning. Later in the text, the Lord goes on to say, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only" (Matthew 24:36). How futile it is to set dates for the return of Christ, especially when based on supposed "signs" of His return!

Scripture Reading: Titus 2:13
As many Christians look for signs of the Second Coming of Christ, (See last lesson.) the apostle Paul urges us to look for Christ. "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). It is important to recognize that the Rapture is the subject of the "mystery" (I Corinthians 15:51) and, as such, is not preceded by signs. The nature of this age is that "we walk by faith, not by sight" (II Corinthians 5:7)· This is true during the course of this age and concerning the end of this age.

While the Second Coming of Christ will be preceded by many prophesied events of the tribulation, the "secret" coming of Christ in the Rapture is imminent, and therefore has nothing which must precede it. Paul teaches the imminence (or "any moment coming") of the Rapture in I Thessalonians 4:17: "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds .... " Paul clearly believed that he could be alive when the Rapture took place. If this is the case, how much more could the Rapture come at any moment in our generation!

The Lord wants us to be ready for Christ to return and catch us away at any moment, rather than looking for signs. This way we will be motivated to ever be diligent in our own Christian life, knowing that there will be no warning before His return for us. Furthermore, if we knew even an approximate time of the Rapture, some might become lazy like the Thessalonians and refuse to work while waiting for Christ's return. God truly displayed His infinite wisdom when He told us to look for Christ, not for signs. 



Daily Smile:

From Afif, 7 years old

What did the sardine call the submarine? 

A can of people!

In The News:

Iran: Seven Christians Detained Following Raid on Prayer Meeting
Seven Christians from the Church of Iran denomination were detained Oct. 12 following a raid by members of the security services on a house in the city of Shiraz in Iran's Fars Province, Christian Solidarity Worldwide reports. The Christians are currently being held in Plaque 100, the Intelligence Ministry's notorious detention center. They were detained around 6 p.m. after security forces raided a house where a prayer meeting was underway. According to sources, older people who had attended the prayer gathering were threatened but not taken into custody. The detentions are part of a marked upsurge in a campaign of harassment of Christians of all denominations, with reports of a significant increase of arrests during recent weeks.

Sudanese Military Kills Christian Mother in Bombing
Government bombing of ethnic Nuba civilians in a predominantly Christian town in Sudan's war-torn South Kordofan state last month -- which killed a mother of seven children -- is further evidence that officials are trying to rid the country of Christians, area Christian leaders said, according to ASSIST News Service. Sudanese government forces dropped five bombs from an airplane near a crowded market in Heiban on Sept. 27, killing Asia Omer Kuku and wounding six others. Kuku, whose youngest child is four months old, was working in a field near a church building when the bomb hit. Another Christian mother of seven children, Howeda Hassan, sustained a serious stomach wound and was described as in critical condition but without medical care. Since military conflict broke out in South Kordofan state in June 2011, Christians in the Nuba mountains have been living in fear and hunger. Humanitarian agencies have stated that the Islamic government is targeting civilians there as an "ethnic cleansing" of non-Arab peoples, while at the same time aiming to rid the area of its large Christian population. Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir has warned that Sudan's constitution will become more firmly entrenched in sharia (Islamic law).

Assisted Suicide Could Expand in New Jersey
A New Jersey lawmaker proposed a bill last week that would let doctors legally prescribe lethal doses of medication to help patients end their lives, WORLD News Service reports. The New Jersey Death With Dignity Act would allow doctors to issue deadly drugs to patients who’ve been told they have less than six months to live. If the bill passes, it would need voter approval to be enacted. Pro-family groups are, of course, opposed to the legislation. New Jersey Family Policy Council president Len Deo said: “We believe that life should run its course. As our country struggles with the culture of death verses the culture of life, these are inevitable the outcomes we will see in public policy.” The New Jersey law would be modeled after laws in Oregon and Washington that went into effect in 1997 and 2009, respectively -- where doctors may prescribe drugs to help terminally ill people commit suicide. In Montana, physician-assisted suicide has been permitted on a case-by-case basis decided by courts since 2009. Since the 1990s, residents of California, Maine and Michigan have voted down physician-assisted suicide bills, and voters in Massachusetts will see a similar measure on their ballots in November.

Regent University Challenges Birth Control Mandate
Regent University, founded by Rev. Pat Robertson, has joined the legal battle against the contraception mandate in President Obama's health care plan, CBN News reports. The Health and Human Services regulation requires group health insurance plans to provide birth control at no cost to consumers, including abortion-inducing drugs. Regent filed an amicus brief Oct. 10 along with the American Center for Law and Justice, claiming the mandate forces them to violate their religious or pay significant fines. There are now more than 35 separate lawsuits challenging the HHS mandate. 

Presidential Election

Tuesday, November 6th

Happy Tuesday

He Lives
I serve a risen Saviour,
He's in the world today;
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He's always near.

####Chorus:
      He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
      He walks with me and He talks with me
      Along life's narrow way.
      He lives, He live, salvation to impart!
      You ask me how I know He lives:
      He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me
I see His loving care,
And tho my heart grows weary
I never will despair;
I know that He is leading
Thro' all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing
Will come at last.

####

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs
To Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him,
The help of all who find,
None other is so loving,
So good and kind.

####




The Poor, the Crippled, the Lame, the Blind

"But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”" Luke 14:13-14, ESV

Jesus was often invited to dinner at the home of rich, powerful people, and he noticed things happening which were not pleasing to God the Father. He saw some choosing places of honour for themselves, and told them that whoever exalts himself will be humbled. We should humble ourselves and God will exalt us. He also shocked the Pharisees and scribes at these dinner parties by healing people on the Sabbath, and by not doing the expected ceremonial ritual of cleansing. And one day he gave some startling advice.

‘He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbours, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:12-14).

The point is these helpless people have nothing to give us in return, just as a newborn baby can give nothing to its parents who look after it. But who are the poor the crippled the lame and the blind in my circle of influence? I’m now asking the Lord this question. Is it the mentally ill person at church who irritates me when she interrupts the sermons and shouts funny remarks in a big loud voice and then laughs? She was in tears one week in the coffee time after church because a hymn was sung that was used in her mother’s funeral recently. I knew then I had to put my hand on her shoulder and pray a little prayer for her. Maybe she’s one of the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind.

Then I was on a bus when the driver surprised me by pulling up and stopping even though there was no-one at the bus stop. He then came out of his driving seat and went down the bus to fetch a man in a wheelchair and take him off the bus. We all sat waiting while he crossed the busy road with the wheelchair and left him at the foot of the driveway up to a residential home for the elderly. All the time he was chatting away to him, laughing and joking.

The man looked so helpless as he made several feeble, unsuccessful attempts to propel the wheelchair up the sloping drive with his thin and twisted arms. I was so concerned I asked the driver about it as he came back to the bus. He replied that the man did this every single day and, yes, it was surprising that no-one would be sent to meet him and help him, and he did seem a bit tired today. Thinking about it afterwards, as the bus sped on its way, I concluded that he probably had a mobile phone on him that he could use to summon help whenever he needed it. He’s definitely one of the poor, crippled, the lame and the blind.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father please show me who the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind people are. Help me to see them as You see them, through eyes of unconditional love. Help me to value them and to understand how to give them a feast, not looking for anything in return, except the joy of knowing You are pleased. Amen.

Today's Writer : Liz Griffin

 
Daily Smile:

From Shelby, 15 years old

What did Cinderella say when her photos were taking long to develop?

Someday my prints will come.

In The News:

Romney Asks Rev. Billy Graham to Pray for Him
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney met with the Rev. Billy Graham on Thursday, asking the evangelist to pray for him in the final weeks of the campaign, Brietbart.com reports. "I'll do all I can to help you," Graham, 93, told Romney. Graham and his son Franklin Graham met with Romney for 30 minutes on the Graham estate outside Asheville, N.C., where Romney held a campaign rally later that day. The meeting was closed to reporters, but photographers and video producers were brought in near the end, when the men appeared to be discussing the candidate's father, George Romney, whom Graham considered a friend. When Graham asked Romney what he could do for him, Romney answered, "Prayer is the most helpful thing you can do for me." Near the end of the meeting, Graham led a prayer for the Romneys, saying: "I'll do all I can to help you. And you can quote me on that." Romney and the Grahams also discussed religious freedom, religious persecution, Afghanistan and the growth of the Grahams' ministry in China, Sudan and North Korea, according to a readout of the meeting provided by a campaign aide.

Hobby Lobby's Request to Halt Contraception Mandate Gets Hearing Date
A judge has scheduled a hearing for Christian crafts retailer Hobby Lobby's request for preliminary injunction on the Health and Human Services mandate that would require the company to provide emergency contraceptive coverage or face steep fines, the Christian Post reports. The hearing will take place at 10 a.m. on Oct. 24 in Oklahoma City. Hobby Lobby's owner and founder, David Green, says the mandate violates their religious beliefs because it forces the business to provide insurance covering abortion-inducing drugs, such as the "morning-after" pill. When Hobby Lobby filed suit against the federal government in September, it became the first evangelical employer to challenge the mandate. Thirty-one lawsuits have been filed to date against the mandate, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2013.

University Suspends Official for Supporting Marriage
One of the 160,000 Marylanders who signed a petition to overturn the state's same-sex marriage law may lose her job as chief diversity officer at Gallaudet University for participating in an "inappropriate legislative initiative," WORLD News Service reports. Dr. Angela McCaskill -- the first deaf African-American woman to earn a doctorate from Gallaudet, which specializes in programs to accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing students -- signed the petition in July. Because of the petitioners' efforts, voters in Maryland will have the opportunity to repeal the law creating same-sex marriage; a "no" vote on Question 6 would repeal the law. On Wednesday, Gallaudet president T. Alan Hurwitz placed a statement on the university's Facebook page indicating he had placed McCaskill on paid administrative leave immediately and would use the time to determine his next steps regarding the situation. "It recently came to my attention that Dr. McCaskill has participated in a legislative initiative some feel is inappropriate for an individual serving as Chief Diversity Officer," Hurwitz wrote. But Robert Muise, senior counsel at the American Freedom Law Center, says all Americans have the right to sign petitions. "This is just a microcosm of a really larger problem that I'm seeing across the country -- Christians who want to engage in their religious belief and express their views are being punished," Muise said.

U.S. Birth Rates Fall for Fourth Straight Year
The government reported last week that U.S. births fell for the fourth year in a row in 2011, though the fall has slowed down a bit, WORLD News Service reports. Americans typically have more children in robust economic times, and "it may be that the effect of the recession is slowly coming to an end," said Carl Haub, senior demographer with the Population Reference Bureau. Falling births is a relatively new phenomenon in the U.S.; births had been on the rise since the late 1990s and hit an all-time high of more than 4.3 million in 2007. But fewer than 4 million births were counted last year -- the lowest number since 1998. Meanwhile, birth rates for teen moms have been falling since 1991 and are at historic lows. Last year the drop was 8 percent, to about 330,000 teen births -- the lowest number since 1946.
Presidential Election
Tuesday, November 6th
Are You Going To VOTE???

Happy Monday

Forward Thinking

We've never been to a funeral, no matter how tragic or expected the person's death, when much of the service and the conversations surrounding it didn't center on memories of his or her life. We recall happier times we spent together. We reflect on what this individual was like. We regret that we won't be able to enjoy their smile or laughter anymore on earth.

We look back. That's all we humans really know how to do. To look back is to know. To look ahead is merely to guess and wonder.

But not for the believer in Jesus Christ. Our view looking forward, though lacking in some of the specifics God has chosen not to reveal, is one of confidence and knowledge, of hope and authentic anticipation. Randy Alcorn writes in Game Plan for Life, "As people age, they tend to look back at when they were at their best, knowing they'll never regain those days. But if you're a Christ-follower, you don't look back to your peak. You look forward to it."

Imagine being encouraged, as Randy says, that "the strongest I've ever felt is just a hint of what's to come." Imagine being sure that "the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God" ( Romans 8:21). Imagine being able to look ahead . . . and know.

Pray this prayer: 
Lord, there's so much I don't understand. But as one who has given his life to you, I pray that you will settle my heart whenever I doubt your promises. Help me believe in your love for me.



I Serve A Risen Savior

1. I serve a risen Savior
     He's in the world today.
   I know that He is living,
     Whatever men may say.
   I see His hand of mercy;
     I hear His voice of cheer;
   And just the time I need Him
     He's always near.
• He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
  He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
  He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
  You ask me how I know He lives?
      He lives within my heart.
2. In all the world around me
     I see His loving care,
   And though my heart grows weary,
     I never will despair;
   I know that He is leading,
     Through all the stormy blast;
   The day of His appearing
     Will come at last.
3. Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
     Lift up your voice and sing
   Eternal hallelujahs
     To Jesus Christ the King!
   The Hope of all who seek Him,
     The Help of all who find,
   None other is so loving,
     So good and kind.

Daily Smile:
"I'm Fine!"
Farmer Joe had an accident and decided his injuries from the accident were serious enough to take the trucking company (responsible for the accident) to court. In court, the trucking company's fancy lawyer was questioning farmer Joe. "Didn't you say, at the scene of the accident, 'I'm fine'?," questioned the lawyer.

Farmer Joe responded, "Well I'll tell you what happened. I had just loaded my favorite mule Bessie into the..."

"I didn't ask for any details," the lawyer interrupted, "just answer the question. Did you not say, at the scene of the accident, 'I'm fine'!"

Farmer Joe said, "Well I had just got Bessie into the trailer and I was driving down the road..."

The lawyer interrupted again and said, "Judge, I am trying to establish the fact that, at the scene of the accident, this man told the Highway Patrolman on the scene that he was just fine. Now several weeks after the accident he is trying to sue my client. I believe he is a fraud. Please tell him to simply answer the question."

By this time the Judge was fairly interested in Farmer Joe's answer and said to the lawyer, "I'd like to hear what he has to say about his favorite mule Bessie."

Joe thanked the Judge and proceeded, "Well as I was saying, I had just loaded Bessie, my favorite mule, into the trailer and was driving her down the highway when this huge semi-truck and trailer ran the stop sign and smacked my truck right in the side. I was thrown into one ditch and Bessie was thrown into the other. I was hurting real bad and didn't want to move. However, I could hear ole Bessie moaning and groaning. I knew she was in terrible shape just by her groans. Shortly after the accident a Highway Patrolman came on the scene. He could hear Bessie moaning and groaning so he went over to her. After he looked at her he took out his gun and shot her. Then the Patrolman came across the road with his gun in his hand and looked at me. He said, "Your mule was in such bad shape I had to shoot her. How are you feeling?"

It was then that I said, "I'm fine." 


In The News:

Massacre of 46 Nigerian Students Linked to Boko Haram
Nigerian police have arrested the masterminds behind the deadly Oct. 1 massacre at a state university in the northwestern town of Mubi that killed 46 students, many of whom were Christians, Christianity Today reports. Police also confirmed the gunmen were members of the Boko Haram Islamist sect, though Boko Haram denied involvement. Nigerian officials reported that the four university students who allegedly devised the attack acted in response to recent student government elections, targeting Muslims and Christians alike who were either newly elected student leaders or students who voted for them. However, persecution watchdogs and the Christian Association of Nigeria insist the gunmen specifically targeted Christians in the attack, only killing Muslims on accident. "CAN rejects the theory of election dispute as responsible for the massacre ... considering the way it was reportedly carried out," CAN national secretary Musa Asake said; according to several students who escaped the massacre, the gunmen first asked victims if they were Christians before shooting or knifing them.

Romney Pledges to End Planned Parenthood Funding
After announcing this week that he had no plans to push for new anti-abortion legislation, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney clarified his stance by explaining that he would still take action as president to cut funding of Planned Parenthood, America's largest abortion provider, CBN News reports. "I think I've said time and time again: I'm a pro-life candidate," Romney said at a campaign stop in Ohio. "I'll be a pro-life president." Romney said he did intend to take pro-life action even if not pushing directly for legislation targeting abortion. "The actions I'll take immediately are to remove funding for Planned Parenthood," he said. "It will not be part of my budget." He also said he would reinstate the Mexico City policy, which says no U.S. tax dollars can be used to pay for abortions in other countries. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama continues to tell women voters that Romney will try to overturn Roe v. Wade, accusing Romney of trying to "cloud" the issue by "hiding" a pro-life agenda.

As Refugees Continue to Flee Syria, Ministry Calls for Aid
More than 300,000 Syrians have now fled their homeland to neighboring countries to escape the ongoing civil war. According to Christian Aid Mission, Islamic extremists are succeeding in dividing up Syrian territory under various militias in order to help bring down the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, an Alawite Muslim who has protected the Christian minority. Salafi Muslim extremists, who insist on sharia law, are behind the efforts to cleanse Syria of Christians and moderate Muslims -- and are forcing the Christians to flee. "There are killings every day now that go unreported in the news media," Christian Aid says. Though ministries and NGOs have mobilized to help Syrian refugees through the winter, most currently lack basic supplies and shelter. Christian Aid has set up a special fund to aid Syrian Christians in Jordan, and is calling for Christians overseas to assist in sending emergency aid. Indigenous missionaries on the ground expect another million Syrian refugees to flee into Jordan in the next six months despite Jordan's official closure of its borders with Syria and threats from Salafi terrorists. Syrian refugees have also fled to Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan and Turkey, and aid is needed in every receiving state, Christian Aid says.

Islam Wins a Growing Number of Followers in Haiti
Islam has won a growing number of followers in the impoverished country of Haiti, especially after the catastrophic 2010 earthquake that killed 300,000 people and left millions more homeless, CNSNews.com reports. The disaster drew in aid groups from around the world, including Islamic Relief USA, which built 200 shelters and a secondary school with 20 classrooms. "After the earthquake we had a lot of people join," said Robert Dupuy, an imam (Islamic spiritual leader) in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. "We were organized. We had space in the mosques to receive people and food to feed them." Port-au-Prince now has at least five mosques, a Muslim parliament member and a nightly local television program devoted to Islam. Just as there are no reliable figures for many things in Haiti, including Port-au-Prince's exact population, there are no firm statistics on the number of Muslims there. A 2009 study by the Pew Research Center on the world's Muslim population estimated that Haiti had about 2,000 devotees, but Islamic leaders in the country insist the number is much higher and growing. However, the Haitian government doesn't recognize Islam as an official religion, nor does it honor Muslim marriages.

Presidential Election

Tuesday, November 6th

Happy Sunday

Never Alone

I’ve seen the lightning flashing, I’ve heard the thunder roll.
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, which almost conquered my soul.
I’ve heard the voice of my Savior, bidding me still to fight on.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

   Refrain

   No, never alone, no never alone,
   He promised never to leave me,
   He’ll claim me for His own;
   No, never alone, no never alone.
   He promised never to leave me,
   Never to leave me alone.

The world’s fierce winds are blowing, temptation sharp and keen.
I have a peace in knowing my Savior stands between—
He stands to shield me from danger when my friends are all gone.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

   Refrain

   No, never alone, no never alone,
   He promised never to leave me,
   He’ll claim me for His own;
   No, never alone, no never alone.
   He promised never to leave me,
   Never to leave me alone.  

When in affliction’s valley I tread the road of care,
My Savior helps me carry the cross so heavy to bear;
Though all around me is darkness, earthly joys all flown;
My Savior whispers His promise, never to leave me alone!

   Refrain

   No, never alone, no never alone,
   He promised never to leave me,
   He’ll claim me for His own;
   No, never alone, no never alone.
   He promised never to leave me,
   Never to leave me alone.

He died on Calvary’s mountain, for me they piercèd His side.
For me He opened that fountain, the crimson, cleansing tide.
For me He waiteth in glory, seated upon His throne.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

   Refrain

   No, never alone, no never alone,
   He promised never to leave me,
   He’ll claim me for His own;
   No, never alone, no never alone.
   He promised never to leave me,
   Never to leave me alone.

Walking with God
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. - 1 Corinthians 15:58

King Saul had a fantastic start in life. He wasn't seeking to be king of Israel, but when he was chosen, he accepted it as a call from God and got under way with the job. When Saul was anointed king, 1 Samuel 10:9 says, "God changed Saul's heart," and he began to demonstrate many wonderful qualities early in his reign.

When public announcement was made of his appointment, some people despised him and publicly humiliated him. But instead of flying into a rage and defending his wounded ego, he held his peace. And when the people of Jabesh-Gilead were threatened, he called Israel together, led them in battle, and delivered his brothers out of the hand of their oppressors. After he had led the army to victory, he gave the glory to God and forgave those who had mocked his leadership.
Saul started out as a man of humility, mercy, and courage. But a day came when his heart turned away from the Lord. Of course it didn't happen all at once, and that's just the point. The most important day in your Christian life is today. You may have gotten off to a great start when you gave your life to Christ a few years back, but what are you going to do today? Will you make time for personal fellowship with the Lord today? Will you share your faith with a friend today? Will you trust God to carry you through the difficult circumstances today?Prayer
Lord, please give me Your strength to walk today in fellowship with You. Amen.

"Encourage one another daily as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness" (Hebrews 3:13).




Daily Smile: Kids Jokes

Why does a chicken coop have two doors ? 

Because if had four doors it would be a chicken sedan! 

and

What do you get if you cross a parrot with a woodpecker ? 

A bird that talks in morse code ! 

In The News:


Thousands March in Memory of Christian Massacre in Egypt
Thousands of Egyptian protesters marched Tuesday in Cairo to mark one year since the Maspero Massacre, when nearly 30 people were killed in a Coptic Christian demonstration that was violently crushed by security forces, International Christian Concern reports. "The victims of the massacre are described ... as martyrs," Egypt Independent reported. "Among [Coptic Christians], this language of martyrdom has a particular resonance, rooted in a history of struggle as the practitioners of a minority faith in Egypt." Most of the victims' families, however, have yet to see justice: "The Egyptian authorities have failed to conduct a full impartial and independent investigation into the circumstances of the violence and to bring those responsible to account," according to Amnesty International. The massacre on Oct. 9, 2011, later dubbed "Bloody Sunday," marked the largest attack on Egyptian Christians in recent memory and the worst violence in the country since the overthrow of president Hosni Mubarak in February 2011.

Abortion the Primary Issue for One in Six Voters
According to a new Gallup poll, nearly one in 10 registered voters in America say they will only support pro-life candidates who share their position on abortion, a number that is larger than the corresponding data for pro-choice voters, Baptist Press reports. Specifically, 9 percent of registered voters say they will only support pro-life candidates who oppose abortion while 7 percent of all voters say they will only back pro-choice candidates who support legalized abortion. In total, about one in six voters in America are single-issue voters on abortion. Gallup's Lydia Saad called it a "slight pro-life tilt, albeit one that could potentially benefit pro-life Republican candidate Mitt Romney." Gallup historical data shows the issue has benefited pro-life candidates in every presidential election dating back to 1996, with pro-lifers ahead by 2 percentage points in every election except for 2004, when 12 percent of voters said they'd only support pro-life candidates and 5 percent said they'd only support pro-choice ones. In 2008, the issue favored pro-lifers, 7 percent to 5 percent.

Presidential Election  
Tuesday, November 6th 

Happy Saturday

Grace for Today
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

One of the greatest hindrances to the people of God is longing for "the good old days." Why? Because in the midst of a faith journey, whenever we look back and long for the comfort and security of things gone by, we limit God. We see this in Psalm 78 where we read that in the desert the children of Israel "turned back and tempted [tested] God, and limited the Holy One of Israel" (78:41, KJV).
How on earth could someone limit an all-powerful God? Could a person stand on a railroad track and limit the progress of an oncoming freight train by holding out his hand to stop it? Yet the psalmist tells us these people whom God was leading through the wilderness were actually able to limit Him.
For one thing, they despised the food God gave them and longed for the leeks and garlic of Egypt. By that act, they claimed they knew better than God what was good for them. God was fulfilling His promise to feed them, but they wanted a more interesting menu. Pride and rebellion became a way of life as they doubted God's power and ridiculed His wisdom. They were constant grumblers because God did not always grant their desires. That was Israel's sin.
One lesson from this passage comes forth loud and clear. We had better stop arguing with God, even if our argument seems more logical than what He has revealed. When God calls us to move ahead in faith, let us not hang back in fear, clinging to a comfortable memory of the past.

Prayer
Lord, I'm often guilty of the same sin as that of the children of Israel when I grumble about my life. Increase my faith that You are working out what is best for me, and help me to see this day through Your eyes. Amen.

God is out to help us, provide for us, comfort us. He desires what is best for us, according to His wisdom.


Daily Smile: Kid's Daily Joke
What do you call an ant with frogs legs? 

An antphibian!


In The News:


China's Shouwang Church Continues Sunday Protests in Beijing
Beijing's Shouwang Church, one of China's largest house churches, continues to refuse official registration in spite of increasing pressure from the Chinese government, Christianity Today reports. Members of Shouwang have been meeting outdoors for Sunday morning services for 17 months -- and say they will continue to do so until they receive official permission to return to an indoor location. The government has increased efforts to dissuade church leaders, including sentencing senior pastor Jin Tianming to 500 days of house arrest and detaining church members 1,600 times at 90 different police stations over the past 17 months. Tianming recently took legal action, submitting an administrative review protesting the government's interference with legal church functions, but The South China Morning Post reports that the legal affairs office of the Beijing government has rejected the petition. "This is obviously repression of citizens' religious freedom and the church's right to practice its faith," Tianming previously said.

Venezuela: Chavez's Reelection Sparks Fears of Further-Deteriorating Religious Freedom
In a reelection to another six-year term, Venezuela's Hugo Chavez marked his fourth presidential election victory since 1998. It means more of the same socialist policies -- and fears of continuing violations of religious freedom, Mission Network News reports. Since 2009, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has included Venezuela on its annual Watch List, which "provides advance warning of negative trends that could develop into severe violations of religious freedom." In USCIRF's 2012 report, investigators found continued violations of freedom of religion in Venezuela, including government failure to hold accountable those behind attacks on religious leaders and houses of worship; virulent rhetoric from Chavez, government officials and state media; and pro-Chavez media directed episodically against certain faith-based communities. Since Chavez first came to office in 1998, there has been a steady increase of government rhetoric and government action against faith-based groups thought to have ties with the West -- and these trends are likely to continue, says Greg Musselman, spokesman for Voice of the Martyrs Canada. "If things do get more difficult, pray that the church would be strengthened, that believers would be prepared for churches to close down."

  Presidential Election

Tuesday, November 6th 

Happy Friday

A "Know-So" or a "Hope-So" Salvation?

BIBLE MEDITATION: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
If you think you’re going to get to heaven by your good works, I guarantee you will always wonder if you’ve done enough. You will not have a “know-so” salvation. You will have a “hope-so” salvation. Rather than standing up straight in confidence like an exclamation point, you will be bent over and wondering like a question mark. That is, until you understand that it’s all by grace.

Suppose everybody who wanted to be saved had to run around the block. Some can’t run. What if you had to read a chapter in the Bible to be saved? Some can’t read. But there is one thing that can make the promise sure, and that is grace.

ACTION POINT:
Who can you share this Good News with today? Think of at least one person, and ask God to give you a bold love and a divine opportunity to do just that. We also invite you to download and read “Blessed Assurance” free-of-charge for more insights on the eternal security of the believer.

Daily Smile:

Why don't skeletons fight each other? 

They don't have the guts! 

- submitted by Johnny


In The News:

Protestants No Longer the Majority in U.S., Study Says
For the first time in its history, the United States does not have a Protestant majority, according to a new study by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, Fox News reports. The percentage of Protestant adults in the U.S. has reached a low of 48 percent, the first time the Pew Forum has reported with certainty that the number has fallen below 50 percent. The drop has long been anticipated, and comes at a time when no Protestants are on the Supreme Court and when, for the first time, no Protestants are on the Republican presidential ticket. Pew cited among the reasons for the change the growth in nondenominational Christians who can no longer be categorized as Protestant, and the rise in the number of Americans with no religious affiliation. The study found that about 20 percent of Americans say they have no religion, an increase from 15 percent in the last five years.

Number of Americans with No Religious Affiliation Hits All-Time High
The number of Americans who say they have no religious affiliation has hit an all-time high -- about one in five American adults -- according to a new study released Oct. 9 by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, the Religion News Service reports. Labeled "nones" because they claim no religious preference or no religion at all, their ranks have hit 46 million people. Much of the growth is among young people -- one in three U.S. adults under 30 are now considered "nones." The report also found that the number of self-described atheists and agnostics has hit a peak -- 13 million people, or 6 percent of the U.S. population. That's a rise of 2 percentage points over five years. And while the "nones" are growing, Protestantism is on the decline, shrinking from 62 percent of the religiously affiliated in 1972 to 51 percent in 2010. Meanwhile, the number of U.S. Catholics held steady, at about one in four Americans.

Two Baptist Schools Sue Over Birth Control Mandate
Two more Christian colleges have filed suit against the federal government over the Health and Human Services mandate that they cover contraceptive and abortifacient drugs under their health insurance policies, WORLD Magazine reports. Houston Baptist University and East Texas Baptist University, represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, each face annual fines of more than $10 million if they don't comply with the mandate. "While we are always reluctant to enter into lawsuits, the government has given us no choice," said Dr. Robert Sloan, president of Houston Baptist University. "Either we violate our conscience or give in to the administration's heavy-handed attack upon our religious freedom. We will not comply with this unconstitutional mandate, and we plead with our government to respect the liberties given by God and enunciated in the Bill of Rights." The federal government now faces 33 lawsuits over the mandate, which went into effect Aug. 1.

CDC: Teen Births at Historic Lows
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), birth rates for U.S. teen mothers have hit their lowest point since the 1940s, The Hill reports. Last year, 329,797 children were born to teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19, the lowest number of births to that age group since 1946. The teen birth rate has seen a significant drop over the last two decades in particular, falling 38 percent since 1991. Meanwhile, the birth rate for women in their early 20s dropped to its lowest point ever recorded, at 85.3 births per 1,000 women. New CDC data also revealed that overall U.S. births have declined for the fourth year in a row -- a trend many expected to result from the economic downturn.

If You Are Registered To Vote, THEN...

 Presidential Election

Tuesday, November 6th 

Happy Thursday

Taming the Tongue

Devotions taken from the messages of Adrian Rogers.

BIBLE MEDITATION: “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Your tongue can get you into a lot of trouble. There is nothing that can do more damage to your relationships than your words.

Proverbs 17:27 says, “He that hath knowledge spareth his words.” That is, if you’re smart, you won’t talk so much. When you do talk, keep your words warm and sweet because you may have to eat them later.

There’s an old saying I heard a Rabbi use once that reminds us:
 “The ears are open and out. They’re unguarded, but the tongue is behind ivory bars.”

•    When you’re talking, you’re not learning.
•    When you’re not learning, you’re not communicating.
•    When you’re not communicating, there will be no intimacy in your relationships.

ACTION POINT:
In what ways has your mouth gotten you into trouble this week? Confess those times before the Lord and ask for strength and wisdom to be a better communicator.

O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
’Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me.

He speaks, and, listening to His voice,
New life the dead receive,
The mournful, broken hearts rejoice,
The humble poor believe.

Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come,
And leap, ye lame, for joy.

In Christ your Head, you then shall know,
Shall feel your sins forgiven;
Anticipate your heaven below,
And own that love is heaven.

Glory to God, and praise and love
Be ever, ever given,
By saints below and saints above,
The church in earth and heaven.

On this glad day the glorious Sun
Of Righteousness arose;
On my benighted soul He shone
And filled it with repose.

Sudden expired the legal strife,
’Twas then I ceased to grieve;
My second, real, living life
I then began to live.

Then with my heart I first believed,
Believed with faith divine,
Power with the Holy Ghost received
To call the Savior mine.

I felt my Lord’s atoning blood
Close to my soul applied;
Me, me He loved, the Son of God,
For me, for me He died!

I found and owned His promise true,
Ascertained of my part,
My pardon passed in heaven I knew
When written on my heart.

Look unto Him, ye nations, own
Your God, ye fallen race;
Look, and be saved through faith alone,
Be justified by grace.

See all your sins on Jesus laid:
The Lamb of God was slain,
His soul was once an offering made
For every soul of man.

Awake from guilty nature’s sleep,
And Christ shall give you light,
Cast all your sins into the deep,
And wash the Æthiop white.

Harlots and publicans and thieves
In holy triumph join!
Saved is the sinner that believes
From crimes as great as mine.

Murderers and all ye hellish crew
In holy triumph join!
Believe the Savior died for you;
For me the Savior died.

With me, your chief, ye then shall know,
Shall feel your sins forgiven;
Anticipate your heaven below,
And own that love is heaven.

Daily Smile: Kid's Daily Jokes

Who is Adam

Knock Knock  Who's there !  Adam !  Adam who ?  Adam up and tell me the total !

In The News:


Pastor and 12-Year-Old Daughter Beaten by Radicals in India
A mob of about 20 Hindu extremists wielding clubs broke into the home of a church leader in India while believers were gathered there singing worship songs, destroying his belongings and brutally attacking him, International Christian Concern reports. When the pastor's 12-year-old daughter asked the extremists why they were attacking her father, they began to beat her too. They then dragged the pastor and his wife to a nearby Hindu temple and forced them to worship the idols there. "This is a pretty typical thing; it happens quite often in India," said Dave Stravers of Mission India. "Persecution is a growing reality in India." One of Mission India's partners believes that a non-Christian relative may have told the attackers about the pastor's worship group. He and his family are currently in hiding. According to Stravers, a similar pattern takes place in India whenever believers face persecution: they lie low for a few weeks until the chaos dies down, then resume their work quietly. "We need to pray that they will take courage, that they will receive comfort and support from other believers," he said.

Florida City Drops Case Against Family's In-Home Prayer Meetings
The city of Venice, Fla., has dropped its case against a family who was accused of having an unauthorized "house of worship" in their home, which the family says is just a weekly prayer gathering and Bible study, the Christian Post reports. Shane and Marlene Roessiger, who lead a small ministry called In Him Healing Touch Ministries, will be able to continue hosting Friday prayer meetings in their home without facing any penalties, after Venice's code enforcement board voted 6-0 in favor of dropping the case. According to the Pacific Justice Institute, the city's code enforcement board was led to think the Roessigers were operating an unauthorized house of worship when they had their ministry's mail sent to their home for a while instead of a rented post office box. Since houses of worship in Venice are not permitted on property less than two acres, the Roessigers were facing a $250-per-day fine for their gatherings. Additionally, they were threatened with a $250-per-day fine for posting a small sign in their yard that read "Need Prayer" along with their phone number. However, after a PJI attorney sent a letter informing city officials that the couple's corporate mailing address had been changed and arguing that the city's sign ordinance was constitutionally flawed because it made exceptions for political signs, the city dropped both issues. "We applaud officials from the city of Venice for changing course in this matter," said Brad Dacus, PJI president.

Dutch Euthanasia Deaths Increase by 18 Percent
The annual number of reported deaths by euthanasia in the Netherlands rose by 18 percent to 3,695 in 2011 -- a number that has doubled since 2006, Baptist Press reports. According to a Sept. 25 report, sizeable increases were also reported in the euthanasia of people in early stages of dementia and those with psychiatric problems; reported euthanasia deaths for dementia patients doubled to 49 and increased for psychiatric patients from two to 13. However, according to the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition (EPC), the statistics fall short of the reality in the Netherlands -- a July study by the journal The Lancet showed 23 percent of euthanasia deaths went unreported in 2010. Therefore, the actual number of euthanasia deaths in 2011 was "more likely" 4,544, the EPC said. Combined with its estimate of 226 deaths by assisted suicide, which is a separate category, the Netherlands likely had a total of 4,770 assisted deaths last year, according to the EPC. 

 Presidential Election

Tuesday, November 6th 

Happy Wednesday

Readers:

   This morning I decided to share an email that I wrote to several Christian groups over 4½ years ago...

HE Leadeth Me

Good Morning,
     I finish the paper layout about 4:30AM Thursday (Jan. 31st) and got about 2 hours sleep before heading to McComb... Just as the paper was finished printing, it started to rain and I loaded my truck...  I had to hurry because the papers sitting on the loading dock was getting wet... After loading the papers, I realized that I have covered my supply of plastic bags under 500+ pounds of papers, by then it was a huge down pour... Now instead of delivering papers as I drove, I would have to go home instead... A weather report on the radio told me just how bad the rain storm was that I was driving through... I was under a Tornado Watch... I should expect 60+ Mph winds... The skies grew darker, but I could still see a glimmer of light about 12 miles down the long straight highway in front of me... The LORD's Prayer comes to mind and I said it as I emphasized some of the words...

The LORD is my SHEPHERD; I shall not want. HE maketh me to lie down in green pastures: HE leadeth me beside the still waters. HE restoreth my soul: HE leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for HIS name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

     My focus on that  faint glimmer of light in the distance soon overpowered all the darkness around me... I thought to myself is this what the light at the end of the dark tunnel looks like... I can only hope so... With just a few miles to go to Tylertown, I broke free of the darkness and although it was still cloudy, the light shone all around me... I turned South to Franklinton and as I drove the darkness and rain as it headed East caught up with me about 5 minutes later... The highway ahead of me  was littered with fallen limbs... The strong wind that shook the truck and sometimes pushed me into the oncoming lane,  did not bother me... My LORD was with me, I needed no one else... 

    The last few miles were difficult as visibility was cut to about 100 feet, I slowed down and a small red car without their headlights on came flying by... Thank You LORD... With deep ditches on both sides, there was not anywhere to pull over, I trusted the one that leads me daily through the sun shiny days to do the same during stormy weather and soon I saw my final turn that would take me to the house... Thank You LORD...

     Today (Feb. 1st), the sun is shining... The chance of rain is about 10%... It is human nature for us to pick the pretty days and say, LORD, I'll take this walk by myself, but it is the pretty days that I feel I need HIM even more... 

     Everyone calls on the LORD when bad weather comes, but how about the pretty days... Do you seek HIS guidance on the pretty days??? or Do you say, "I'll walk by myself today LORD"...

HE is the All-Weather GOD...

YBIC,

Richard

Daily Smile: Kid's Joke of The Day

Patient: Doctor, Doctor I keep thinking I'm invisible 

Doctor: Who said that?

In The News:

Poll: PCUSA Members Increasingly Favoring Same-Sex Marriage
According to a recent survey by Presbyterian Research Services, support for same-sex marriage among Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) members and pastors has considerably increased since 2005, the Christian Post reports. In 2005, 23 percent of PCUSA members supported same-sex marriage; in 2012, the number had increased to 34 percent. Among pastors, support for same-sex marriage in 2005 was 35 percent; in 2012, it is at 49 percent. "This result indicates a broad-based shift in opinions across the church in only a few years," said Jack Marcum, coordinator of research services at Presbyterian Mission Agency and author of the published findings. Though the PCUSA's General Assembly voted this summer to keep the traditional marriage definition in the denomination's constitution, "longer term, the effect of generational change will be felt: 75 percent of young adult advisory delegates at the General Assembly supported the redefinition of marriage," Marcum said. "Hence, the next effort to change the marriage definition might well succeed. Indeed, it's possible that this year's effort would have succeeded, save for arguments that such a radical redefinition was too much change in the denomination, too soon."

Egypt Frees Boys Held for Alleged Quran Defiling
An Egyptian security official says authorities have ordered the release of two Coptic Christian boys taken into juvenile detention for allegedly urinating on the Quran, but they will remain under investigation, WORLD News Service reports. Security chief Gen. Attiya Bazrou in Beni Suef province, south of Cairo, says the boys, ages 9 and 10, were taken Thursday to a police station to await their parents. A local radical Muslim cleric had publicized the alleged defiling. Rights groups say the incident showcases Islamist intimidation of Copts, estimated at 8 to 10 percent of the population. According to International Christian Concern, accusations of insulting Islam have increased since violent protests swept the Middle East last month over a U.S.-produced film that ridicules Islam; at least 17 people in Egypt have been charged with blasphemy following the release of the film. "However, it is not the film that should be blamed for the influx of blasphemy cases," said Aidan Clay, ICC regional manager for the Middle East. "Rather, it is extremists who have used the film as an excuse to press their Islamic agenda, arguing that banning blasphemy means standing up for Islam. The battle is being waged by Islamists who want their interpretation of religion to be declared as the only acceptable version. Sadly, the Islamists are getting their way, and blasphemy charges, like those filed against the two young boys, will inevitably increase."

Legal Groups Sue to Overturn California Gay Therapy Ban
Two federal lawsuits have been filed against California's new law banning "reparative therapy" for teens struggling with their sexual orientation, CBN News reports. Beginning Jan. 1, licensed professional therapists in California will no longer be permitted to tell anyone under the age of 18 that it is possible to change sexual orientation. "[The therapies] have no basis in science or medicine and they will now be relegated to the dustbin of quackery," said Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown, who signed the ban into law Oct. 1. However, two legal groups, the Pacific Justice Institute and Liberty Counsel, filed suit last week. The Pacific Justice Institute, who says the law violates First Amendment and equal protection rights, is naming a plaintiff who says he has benefited from the reparative therapy. "When it benefits some people and may or may not benefit other people, there's no basis for the state to step in," Pacific Justice Institute attorney Matthew McReynolds said. Liberty Counsel filed a civil rights suit Thursday, naming as plaintiffs two Southern California boys, ages 14 and 15, who have been undergoing the therapy. The suit claims the ban violates the teens' freedom of speech and freedom of religion by denying them the chance to be cured of "unwanted same-sex attraction."

Tyndale House Publishers Latest to File Suit Against Contraceptive Mandate
Tyndale House Publishers, a for-profit Christian company, filed the 31st lawsuit against the federal government over its contraceptive health insurance mandate on Oct. 2, WORLD News Service reports. "Tyndale and its owners are Christians who are committed to biblical principles, including the belief that all human beings are created in the image and likeness of God from the moment of their conception/fertilization," the lawsuit reads. "But defendants' recently enacted regulatory mandate under [the healthcare law] forces Tyndale to provide and pay for drugs and devices that it and its owners believe can cause the death of human beings created in the image and likeness of God shortly after their conception/fertilization." The company said under the law it would have to begin providing coverage for several objectionable drugs and devices: abortifacients -- including Plan B and ella -- as well as intrauterine devices. The company's self-insured plan, which renewed Oct. 1, would have to provide that coverage for Tyndale's 260 full-time employees, but Tyndale has refused to add that coverage this year. 

Early voting in Louisiana • Oct. 23-30

The Presidential Election is on

Tuesday, November 6, 2012.