Harvest Heartbeat International

Pollination:
it’s vital to life on Earth, but largely unseen by the human eye.”Wings of Life,” inspired by the vanishing of oneof nature’s primary pollinators, the honeybee.

Medal Of Honor – Man of Honor

The second living recipient of the
Congressional Medal of Honor for the current wars being waged was honored
yesterday at the White House.

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy
force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of
the United States. Generally presented to its recipient by the President of the
United States of America in the name of Congress.

For the military community — it is hard to explain how we feel and how we hope the rest of the country feels about
the holders of the Congressional Medal of Honor. This is the ultimate honor
awarded to a military servicemember. Medal of Honor recipients (they are notreferred to as “winning” this medal) are the bravest of the brave. The Medal of Honor is awarded to those men (and one woman at Bull Run) who put their fellow servicemember’s lives before their own; they are the men who perform acts of
heroism that are beyond the imagination of most of us.

As President Obama said during the award ceremony: Every human impulse would tell
someone to turn away. Every soldier is trained to seek cover. That’s what
Sergeant Leroy Petry could have done. Instead, this wounded Ranger, this
28-year-old man with his whole life ahead of him, this husband and father of
four, did something extraordinary. He lunged forward, toward the live grenade.
He picked it up. He cocked his arm to throw it back.

What compels such courage? What leads a person to risk everything so that others might live? For answers, we
don’t need to look far. The roots of Leroy’s valor are all around us.

The latest recipient, SFC Leroy Petry was awarded the Medal for saving the lives of the Rangers he was serving
with. During an operation in Paktya Province in 2008, he was wounded in both legs as was another Ranger. He radioed in the situation. A grenade exploded, wounding two other Rangers, and when another grenade landed in the courtyard, SFC Petry picked it up to throw it away from the men. As he did so, the grenade
blew his right hand off and inflicted a lot of damage to the rest of his body.
Here’s his version of his story, as told to NBC. He tied a tourniquet around his
own arm, radioed to coordinate support, and told the medics what they should do
for his wounds when they arrived.

After being treated at Brooke Army
Medical Center and learning how to use his new prosthetic, with the support of
his wife Ashley and 4 children (one of whom calls his stump Nubby)
SFC Petry put that prosthetic hand into the air and re-enlisted. On that
prosthesis — is a plaque with all the names of the 2/75 Rangers who have died.

He went back to Afghanistan on his eighth
deployment last year.

This is the type of person to whom
the country awards The Congressional Medal of Honor — a man who thought of
others more than himself; a man who continues to serve his country; a man who
has said that he wants to help others.

In his words, “If I can’t go to the fight, I can help the men who are wounded, injured or ill.”

He is currently working at the liaison office for the US Special Operations Command Care Coalition,- Northwest
Region. This is where he helps the wounded and their families He shows them
life can go on and helps them deal with their wounds and the alteration of their lives. SFC Petry continues to show us his determination, his courage and his dedication to others, those attributes that make him the man that was
awarded this highest medal our country can bestow.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessings to all our men and women in the armed forces who are fighting to keep our country save from our enemies. May God watch over you and keep you safe from harm. Our prayers are with you today and always.
Thanks to all of our U.S.A. Patriots who are working day and night to keep our Republic a democracy that is safe from those who wish to destroy us, take away our liberties, remove our freedoms, rewrite our history, negate or diminish the importance of our cherished traditions, and silence our opposition to their anti- American ideology. Remember, Our God is stronger and mightier than their no god.

 By the way, We Aren’t Pardoning This Turkey!

Behold, The Pale Horse!

Now, I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying “Come and see.” Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.

When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand.

And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine.”

When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.Revelation 6:1-8

Are You Ready?

Are You Good enough? Find out with the Good O Meter.

The Word of God is alive to those who are open to its life giving influnce.

‘Nice’ Christian Boys and Girls Make Me Sick…
Fri, Sep. 30, 2011 Posted: 02:57 PM EDT
By Perry Noble

WARNING: The following post IS graphic…I use some language that may be considered offensive by some. This is NOT an apology…just wanted you to know!
I had the privilege of speaking at Clemson’s FCA the other night and I felt led to go in a direction towards the beginning of the message that I hadn’t planned on…and so I want to expound a little on a few things here.
I said, “My daughter is going to date one day…and the last thing I want her bringing home to meet me is a ‘nice Christian boy.’ If she does that I will probably have to punch that dude in the throat!”
Why? Simple – nice Christian boys are one of the reasons Christianity is not advancing the way Jesus has called us to. Why? Because a “nice” Christian boy will go to church, Bible study, raise his hands in worship and then go back to wherever he lives, sit at his computer look at porn and masturbate. And “boys,” it’s incredibly difficult to lead the charge against the gates of hell with your pants around your ankles. (Uh…this isn’t just college students – some married men are struggling with this as well! AND let me say I’ve struggled with this and the Lord delivered me from it seven and a half years ago!)
(YES…I said that word – and if it ticks you off then I invite you to get your head out of the sand and face reality…in fact, I did an entire post on the subject of masturbation…you can read it here!)
And the LAST thing I want my daughter growing up to be is a “nice” Christian girl. Why? Because these are the girls who WILL NOT necessarily have sex with a guy…but are not afraid to have oral sex and then justify their actions by saying, “well…we didn’t ‘do it!’”
We don’t need anymore “nice” Christian boys and girls…we need men and women who are madly and passionately in love with Jesus…who have a Philippians 3:10-11 mindset, who take Hebrews 12:2 view in life, who realize Philippians 2:5-11 was the BOLDEST move ever made and who want Matthew 22:36-40 to be true in their own lives.
Someone who is in love with Jesus just doesn’t care – they do not care if they are single, they want what Jesus wants for them. They do not care what people think about the type of house they live in or the kind of car they drive…they just want to see Jesus lifted up – even if that means sacrifice. They do not care if they are blogged about and/or ridiculed–they want to know Christ more and more and are willing to do ANYTHING He asks them to do.
One of the clearest marks of a disciple in Scripture is OBEDIENCE to Jesus. (John 14:15) We can have all of the knowledge in the world–but information without application is degradation! The Bible says in Psalm 95:7-8 that if we hear His voice that we should NOT harden our hearts.
Question: is there anything that God is calling you to do? Anything you need to stop doing? Anything you need to start doing? What is it that is going to take you from being a “nice” follower of Jesus to becoming someone who is radically in love with Him?
We all fight this battle…I know I have. In the past I have overcame a pornography addiction AND also an addiction to reading what was said about me on the internet, whether good or bad. WHICH God revealed to me was actually pride–the sin that got satan kicked out of heaven! AND I am constantly fighting daily to do what Philippians 4:8 and Colossians 3:2 says to do!
BUT–the LAST thing I ever want to be is a “nice” Christian man…I want to be a fully devoted FOLLOWER of Jesus Christ…the term Christian today has been so neutered! I don’t even like it anymore. (Stay calm…the term Christian is only used three times in the New Testament.) I’ve been that “nice Christian guy” in the past–but I want MORE…I want to see John 3:30 come true in my life!!!
What term do I like? JESUS LOVER! I want to be known as a Jesus lover…someone who is passionate about JESUS! My wife needs me to be in love with Jesus. My daughter needs me to be in love with Jesus. NewSpring needs me to be in love with Jesus. WHY? Because when I love Jesus I will do what He says…and that is NEVER a bad thing!
“Nice” Christian boys and girls will not change this world…EVER…all they do is put on a good front and then “live like hell” and think that no one sees. (I Samuel 16:7) BUT JESUS LOVERS…they are “all in!” Do they make mistakes? HECK YES! BUT…when they do so they ask for forgiveness, REPENT and then move on.
My passion is to raise up a church full of men and women who love Jesus…who don’t just play games but go all out to do whatever He asks. I am trying my best to do this…will you join with me? Let’s REALLY commit to knowing Christ and allowing HIM to be known through us…and let’s turn this world upside down for Him! He did it with some guys in the Gospels…I’m crazy enough to think He can do it again!
Perry Noble is the founding and senior pastor of NewSpring Church which has campuses in Anderson, Columbia, Florence, and Greenville, South Carolina. At ten years old, the church averages over 10,000 people across all campuses. You can find Perry online at perrynoble.com or on twitter @perrynoble.
Perry Noble
Christian Post Guest Columnist
________________________________________

It has been reported that the earthquake in D.C. area is due to the founding Father’s rolloing over in their graves.

It Does Not Add up!
Salary of House/Senate …………………..$174,000 FOR LIFE
Salary of Speaker of the House …………$223,500 FOR LIFE
Salary of Majority/Minority Leaders …… $193,400 FOR LIFE
…Average Salary of a teacher ……………. $40,065
Average Salary of Soldier DEPLOYED IN AFGHANISTAN $38,000

Giant Humans and Dinosaurs

This petrified finger
found in cretaceous limestone, belonged to a “prehistoric” human.
Broken short of the middle joint, it measures 7.6 cm (3 inches). At full length
it would measure about 15 cm (6 inches). In the photo, it is compared to a
regular full-length finger. Excavations of this limestone has also revealed a
child’s tooth and human hair.

Sectioning reveals the typical porous bone structure expected in a human
finger. Cat-scan and MRI identified joints and traced tendons throughout the
length of the fossil.

Cat-scan shows
dark areas interpreted as the interior of bones and marrow. Areas less dense
than surrounding stones, easily pass X-rays, causing darkening of the image.
Black area is caused by sectioning.

This dinosaur
footprint in cretaceous limestone on the banks of the Paluxy River is
approximately 30 cm (one foot) across, and located with similar tracks. Early
excavations in this area revealed human footprints inside
the dinosaur tracks leading to rumors that the human prints had claws–later
excavations uncovered human footprints up to 64 cm long (25 inches) next to the
dinosaur prints—this discounted the doubters. A human handprint was also found.
This confirms that dinosaurs occupied the arbitrary and spurious
“cretaceous” period of geological history. Human prints contemporary
with dinosaurs contradict modern evolution theories because mankind was not to
evolve for another 75 to 100 million years.

This 140-pound
stone was recovered in July 2000 from the bank of a creek that feeds the Paluxy
River near Glen Rose, 53 miles south of Fort Worth, Texas. The impressions show
the dinosaur passed along the track after the human, indicating man and
dinosaur co-existed. The fossil may be viewed in Dr. Carl Baugh’s Creation
Evidence Museum. This
giant footprint contemporary with dinosaurs was also found in Dinosaur Park at Glen Rose. Pictured
with my foot, it exceeds 45 cm (18 inches) in length. The cross-sectional cuts
determined by compression studies that it was a woman’s footprint. Estimates
indicate her stature approximately 305 cm (10 feet) and 454 kg (1,000 lbs).
Several strata of human prints with dinosaur prints have been excavated in this
park. According to Dr. Carl Baugh, the archeologist who coordinated the
excavations, these strata were laid down during the first few days of Noah’s
flood when water levels were low enough to allow daily tidal changes to form
layers of mud so fleeing creatures could seek higher ground— the upper strata
showed no prints.

Obviously the people who lived contemporary with dinosaurs were intelligent,
and the footprints indicate that they were quite human, as the large toe on
primates is located close to the heel to facilitate clinging to branches.

Dr. Hilton Hinderliter of Apollo Campus Pennsylvania. State University, studied
the evidence presented at the Glen Rose, who excavations and stated:
“I would have to say that the belief in evolution is in a state of
terminal illness but its death will only be admitted by a new generation of
scientists whose minds have not been prejudiced by the type of education now
prevalent in the nation’s public schools, an education which starts with the
belief that evolution has happened, which interprets all evidence according to
that faith and simply discards any evidence which cannot be fitted into the
evolutionary framework” (Quoted from “Dinosaurs” by Dr. Carl E.
Baugh, 1987. Promise Publishing Co., Orange, CA 92667).

This
interesting photograph is of a hammer found in similar strata. It’s iron head
and wooden handle are solidified in sandstone. Metallurgical studies show that
it was constructed of a type of iron that could not have been made under
present atmospheric conditions. It is believed that before the flood our
atmosphere was compressed to approximately twice its current density, and no
ultraviolet radiation.

In June 1934, the Hahn family discovered a rock, sitting loose on a ledge
beside a waterfall outside of London, Texas. The site primarily consists of
75-100

million years old cretaceous rock.
Noticing this weathered rock had wood protruding from it, they cracked it open,
exposing the hammer head. To verify that the hammer was made of metal, they cut
into one of the beveled sides with a file. The bright metal in the nick is
still there, with no detectable corrosion. The unusual metallurgy is 96% iron,
2.6% chlorine and 0.74% sulfur (no carbon). Density tests indicate exceptional
casting quality.

The density of the iron in a central, cross-sectional plane shows the interior
metal to be very pure, with no bubbles.

Modern industry cannot consistently produce iron castings with this quality, as
evidenced by test results that show bubbles and density variations that have
caused pump and valve bodies to break. The handle eye is partially coalifed
with quartz and calcite crystalline inclusions, oval shaped, and roughly
1″ x 1/2″.

Psalm 12…Man’s Treachery and God’s Constancy.

Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men. They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, And the tongue that speaks proud things, Who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; Who is Lord over us?” “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, Now i will arise,” says the Lord; “I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.”

The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, Purified seven times. You shall keep them, O Lord, You shall preserve them from this generation forever. The wicked prowl on every side, When vileness is exalted among the sons of men.

 Godly men cease to be godly when they engage in speech that is insincere (Vs. 2) and arrogant (vs.3,4) Disrespect for authority and self-will (vs.4) are not merely matters of independence; they lead to excesses and unaccountable behavior resulting in the oppression of others. God will speak up for the poor; we have the assurance of His words. (Vs. 6-7) Seven indicates full or complete refining. Wicked prowl. Crimes increase in cities where immorality is promoted or flaunted by civic leaders, elected officials, or media personalities.      

‘Chrislam’ – A Spirit of Antichrist.
David Dollins

I want to address what is beginning to occur in the Church and why it must be rejected outright. It’s becoming increasingly ‘in vogue’ to accept Islam in the Church. Consider a June 24, 2011 article from World Net Daily. “Dozens of churches, from Park Hill Congregational in Denver to Hillview United Methodist in Boise, Idaho, and First United Lutheran in San Francisco to St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Honolulu, are planning to send ‘a message both here at home and to the Arab and Muslim world about our respect for Islam’ with a time to read the Quran during worship this Sunday.” It has been labeled ‘Chrislam’, the attempt by some Christians to find common ground with Islam. One person said it was wrong. Another called it dangerous. God uses stronger words than that. Scripture itself declares ‘Chrislam’, the mixing of Christianity and Islam, to be a Spirit of Antichrist!
The Spirit of Antichrist was already prevalent during the time of the Apostle John. In fact, he was the one who had the most to say about this demonic influence. In 1 John 2:18, he said, “…you have heard that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many Antichrists; whereby we know it is the last time”. Again, in 1 John 4:3, he said, “…this is that SPIRIT OF ANTICHRIST, whereof you have heard that it should come; and EVEN NOW ALREADY IS IT IN THE WORLD”. The word ‘Antichrist’ simply means ‘against Christ’ or ‘opposes Christ’. Anything that would be introduced into the Church that would subvert the finished work of the Cross, that is, distract, corrupt, or take away from who Jesus Christ is and what He accomplished at the Cross, is a Spirit of Antichrist. I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul, “Now the Spirit speaks expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the Faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). The acceptance of Islamic practices into the Church by these and other ministers is giving way to seducing spirits and is teaching the doctrines of devils.
What I am about to show you are the characteristics that the Apostle John himself used to describe the Spirit of Antichrist:
1) The Spirit of Antichrist denies that Jesus is the Christ. In 1 John 2:22, it says, “Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is Antichrist…” The word ‘Christ’ in the original Greek means ‘Anointed One’. In other words, it is a declaration of Jesus as Messiah. Islam rejects that Jesus is the one and only true Messiah. They believe He was a prophet and maybe a type of Messiah, but not the Anointed One. If that’s not enough, John goes further by calling them liars.
2) The Spirit of Antichrist denies that Jesus is the Son of God. In 1 John 2:22, the Apostle continues, “He is Antichrist, who denies the Father and the Son”. Islam rejects that Jesus affirmed He was the Son of God. Furthermore, one well-known Bible teacher said that Muslims believe that the Mahdi is the future leader and that Jesus will return and follow the Mahdi to Jerusalem where He (Jesus) will deny He is the Son of God. Again, in this same verse, John said those who reject His Sonship were liars.
3) The Spirit of Antichrist does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. In 1 John 4:3, again the Apostle states, “And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that Spirit of Antichrist…” Did you catch that? Any spirit that rejects God as coming in the flesh is ‘not of God’. If it didn’t come from God, then it is a doctrine of devils according to the Apostle Paul himself, as stated earlier. Islam rejects that God came into this world in the flesh. This also tells us that the Christian God, who is Jesus Christ, is not the same as the Muslim god, Allah. It also proves that Allah is a false god.
Finally, the following are some of the last words the Apostle Peter would write before, according to tradition, he was crucified upside-down. “But there were false Prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord Who bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction” (2 Peter 2:1). For these Church leaders, who are blind watchmen, to bring Islam and the reading of the Quran into the Church is to deny the Lord himself, it is to deny who He is, and it is to deny what He accomplished at Calvary’s Cross 2,000 years ago, when He gave His life for the sins of the world! Just as bad, it is an open acceptance of the Spirit of Antichrist, which John said will bring swift destruction and ultimately, yet sadly, the damning of the soul.
What should the Church do now? We must get back to proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation without fear of reprisal. We must defend and preach the deity of Jesus, that He is the one true God and there is no other. Then we must also boldly proclaim the Holy Scriptures, not the Quran, as the inspired and inerrant Word of God.
Everyone should be free to practice their religion in the way they choose. What this is about is defending the truth of who Jesus Christ is and what He accomplished at the Cross, and preserving the purity of the Church against the infiltration of false doctrine. The Early Church Fathers (e.g., St. Polycarp, St. Irenaeus) defended the Truth against heresy, so why don’t we?

THE FENCE
You can’t get any more accurate than this!

Which side of the fence?

If you ever wondered which side of the fence you sit on, this is a great test!
If a Republican doesn’t like guns, he doesn’t buy one.
If a Democrat doesn’t like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.

If a Republican is a vegetarian, he doesn’t eat meat.
If a Democrat is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.

If a Republican is homosexual, he quietly leads his life.
If a Democrat is homosexual, he demands legislated respect.

If a Republican is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation.
A Democrat wonders who is going to take care of him.

If a Republican doesn’t like a talk show host, he switches channels.
Democrat’s demand that those they don’t like be shut down.

If a Republican is a non-believer, he doesn’t go to church.
A Democrat non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced.

If a Republican decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it..
A Democrat demands that the rest of us pay for his.

If a Republican reads this, he’ll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh.
A Democrat will delete it because he’s “offended

Obummer! by Christina Houston

This tune will never be the same. I appoligize to the memory of Richy Valenz.
Thanks for sharing Trish.

Oliver North, US Troops Veterans Day Video

All you Dog lovers listen Up!

Finally someone has discovered what many of us have never thought to say. Dogs understand and can answer any and all questions with quite a bit of Moxey.

Scholar: China Notices Link Between Christianity, U.S. Economic Success

WASHINGTON – The officially atheist Chinese government is surprisingly open to Christianity, at least partially, because it sees a link between the faith and economic success, said a sought after scholar who has relations with governments in Asia.

China believes that Christianity is responsible for much of the historic success of Western Europe and the United States, said Dr. William Jeynes, senior fellow of The Witherspoon Institute in Princeton, N.J., during a presentation at the Family Research Council on Tuesday.
But while the Chinese government is open to Christianity, it also “wants to control Christianity.” Those in authority are very much aware of the Church’s role in bringing down the Berlin Wall and advancing democracy in the Soviet bloc.
“They view Christianity as a belief system that if not controlled will potentially overthrow the government,” said Jeynes during his lecture titled, “God, China & Capitalism: Is Christianity in China the Key Ingredient for Economic Success?” “But on the other [hand], they see that if you try to oppress Christians that it could lead to this explosion as it did in Eastern Europe and [they could] lose control that way.
“So they want Christianity for the benefits but they want to control it, and that is the balance they are currently trying to achieve.”
The scholar, who has multiple degrees in different disciplines and graduated first in his class at Harvard University, recalled an incident that confirms that China believes Christianity is responsible for the economic prosperity in the U.S. At a Harvard Business Conference years ago, Jeynes recalled top Chinese CEOs one after another asking Harvard scholars not about their talking points but about the relationship between Christianity and economic prosperity in the United States.
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The Harvard scholars, Jeynes noted, were baffled and did not know how to respond.
China, however, is not the first to make a connection between the Christian faith and economic prosperity. German sociologist and political economist Max Weber wrote the book The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism in which he argued that ascetic Protestantism was a major reason behind the rise of capitalism and the economic success of the Western world.
Weber observed that Christianity produces good work ethic and subsequently economic prosperity because it instills a sense of calling and people are more determined and more passionate about their work. The German economist also contended that Christianity promotes honesty, which is necessary to build trust that is essential in economic transactions; encourages people to be their best and be concerned about their neighbors’ standard of living; and discourages materialism.
Other world religions do not promote economic prosperity like Christianity, contended Weber.
Hinduism believes Hindus are born and not made so there is a large degree of passivity in the religion, Weber observed. Also, the Hindu caste system is not conducive to instilling a work ethic where people push themselves harder with the hope that they can rise above their current situation.
In Buddhism, which shares many similarities with Hinduism, followers are taught the importance of respect and deference to the point that they support the status quo instead of change. Buddhism also defines “desire” as fundamentally wrong, whereas in Christianity there is a distinction between the desire to glorify God and love people versus selfish and evil desires.
Meanwhile, Confucianism, dominant in East Asia, leaves less room for social mobility than Christianity because it emphasizes hierarchy. It also is more supportive of dominating forms of government than Christianity, Weber noted.
And with Islam, the hierarchical value is even more emphasized than in Confucianism. Islam emphasizes compliance rather than freedom of grace that Jesus brings. Christianity’s teaching of God’s love encourages followers to help raise the living standards of others, the economist also observed.
As Weber, other scholars, and now the Chinese government observe, where Christianity is dominant there is economic prosperity.
American Orthodox Rabbi Daniel Lapin, who is a political commentator, noted that 90 percent of scientific discoveries over the last 1,000 years were in nations where Christianity was dominant.
Many in the Chinese government, said Jeynes, believe that Christianity might be China’s best hope to establish morality as well as economic prosperity. Immorality is so “out-of-control” in China that a Chinese leader confided to him that if one were to randomly call someone from the Beijing phone book and offer the person $2,500 to come to a hotel room for sexual relations, then one out of three strangers would agree.
“The Chinese believe that if the level of immorality that exists today, sexual immorality especially, persists, then the economic strength of the country cannot continue,” said Jeynes. “So they very quickly want to teach morality, especially to the young before their economy might indeed collapse.
“It is not that they embrace Christianity with the most pure motive,” Jeynes noted. “A lot of their motive is it is good for our country, the morality of the country, and if we want economic prosperity to continue we need to have a more invitational approach to those who are Christian.”
There are an estimated 100 million Christians in China, about 75 million of whom are in the “underground” church, said Jeynes, and the number of believers is growing by six to seven million a year.
The professor of education at California State University in Long Beach also spent time talking about arrests and persecution of house church Christians in China. He ascribed the crackdown to China being nervous about Christianity and its potential threat to the government’s power.
Christians in China are divided into two groups: those in the independent house church and those in the government-approved registered church. Jeynes revealed that the key difference between the two is whether the Gospel can be shared with minors, those under 18. Christians in registered churches are not allowed to share the Gospel with minors.
Jeynes concluded by saying that the key message he wants to convey is that China is both open to Christianity and nervous about the religion because of the potential problems it could bring to the communist government.

The Magic Green Hat

The other day I needed to go to the emergency room.
Not wanting to sit there for 4 hours, I put on my MAGIC GREEN HAT.
When I went into the E.R., I noticed that 3/4 of the people got up and left.

I guess they decided that they weren’t that sick after all.
Cut at least 3 hours off my waiting time.

Here’s the hat.

It also works at DMV. It saved me 5 hours.

At the Laundromat, three minutes after entering, I had my choice of any machine, most still running.

But..don’t try it at McDonald’s. The whole crew got up and left and l never got my order!

‘Church Sucks’ But Come Anyway?
Thu, Apr. 21, 2011 Posted: 06:40 AM EDT
The word on the street is simple – “church sucks.”
Plastered throughout one city in northern California are signs stating the same message, stirring some controversy among the local residents.
But it’s all part of the plan, according to Stu Streeter, the lead pastor of Disciples Church in Folsom.
Using the slogan as a way to attract those who have stopped attending church, Streeter, along with Adam Adams, his connection ministry director, have teamed up to ironically bring people back into the church, reported El Dorado Hills Telegraph.
“The whole point behind it was twofold,” the pastor told EDHT. “To stir awareness and that we have something to say.”
The message was not targeted towards his congregation, but rather for potential churchgoers.
“You probably saw our signs … and thought ‘What’s Church Sucks?’” the website churchsucks.net states. “The sad fact is that sometimes church does suck.”
“It sucks when people are made to feel like outsiders, or when power gets abused. It sucks when leaders don’t serve. When people are selfish, when we give up on people, or when talking trumps listening, church sucks!”
“Church in general doesn’t suck, but when power is abused or you’re an outsider, it can be a bad experience for some people,” Streeter clarified to EDHT. “I want to remind people that those are isolated instances. The churches in Folsom are wonderful friends and we believe in them.”
“We’re trying to return church to what it’s supposed to be.”
“This is kind of like our way of saying, ‘Jesus didn’t suck, and neither should His church.’”
Adams also commented in a forum on MyFolsom.com, “Too many people have missed or disregarded the opportunity to be connected with Jesus and Community because, let’s be honest, church sucks sometimes. We’re ready to acknowledge that, engage our community, and speak clearly about Jesus’ real desire for His Church.”
“We put our money where our mouth is and work hard to end the things Jesus wants to end, and begin the things Jesus wants to begin.”
Though the campaign was meant to draw people back into the church, the signs haven’t exactly been welcomed by the community.
“We’ve gotten a bunch [of negative reaction],” Streeter mentioned to EDHT. “Usually it’s from really good people who haven’t read the whole story (on the website).”
One Folsom resident relayed to EDHT that she was not pleased with the signs or the ads in the paper. “I don’t want my children to see this,” she disclosed.
The message behind the signs and the newspapers, she believed, did not translate to children.
The church also reported witnessing one woman yank out one of the signs and place it in her car.
Responding to much of the backlash, the lead pastor penned on the city forum, “I know for many this seems like a terrible idea, even sacrilegious. And yet for others, the campaign has been great, a means to reignite a flame once barely flickering. I can best respond to all your thoughts and some concerns with a story from Jesus’ life, found in all four of the Gospels.”
Sharing the story found in the Scriptures where Jesus cleared out the temple courts and overturned the tables of the money changers, Streeter summarized that out of all the things Jesus could have done to emphasize his point, he chose to flip tables over and rattle awareness.
“Jesus looked out at the state of the church in his day and felt the need to ‘rattle awareness’ and ‘say something’ about the state of the religious community. We feel the same way. We know we are part of the problem,” Streeter confessed.
“We pray our signs and the more importantly, subsequent talks I will give at church, will be a catalyst to be sure Jesus does not need to flip the tables at Disciples Church. Equally, we pray and hope this will cause more and more people to re-engage in the beauty that IS the gathering we call ‘church.’”
Starting this Easter, the Disciples Church will begin a new series called “Church Sucks,” looking at six perceived problems that sometimes drives people away from church.
“It’s a conversation about Jesus’ real intentions for His Church,” the website informed.
The first message of the series will be delivered on Easter Sunday, April 24, entitled “When You’re an Outsider.” Special service times are being offered this week only at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
According to their campaign website, they are simply “a group of people trying to learn how to follow Jesus in real life, as real people.”
“We work hard to be the Church and people Jesus called us to be, and one small part of that is not sucking.”
“Church Sucks, sometimes. But we’re not content with that.”
Disciples Church, which is part of the Growing Healthy Churches Network, is less than two years old and touts “real God, real people, real life.” Its vision is for people far from God or His church to be engaged and inspired to pursue real life through Jesus in a creative and life-giving community.

This is what our military people see when they land a t Offut field in South Dakota.

This is one sobering video, a bit long but will enlightn as to the truth coming soon to a bread line near you. Remember you cannot eat Gold or silver.

Soldiers and families getting into God’s Word
USA (MNN) ― The United States has been in various wars for roughly ten years now. Amid the battle, many soldiers are looking for peace, comfort, and truth.
Two years ago, a handful of military chaplains asked Faith Comes By Hearing if they could provide a device that would allow soldiers to listen to the Bible while overseas. While Faith Comes By Hearing typically focuses on recording the Bible in various languages across the globe, this was a need too great to pass up.
Faith Comes By Hearing came up with the Military BibleStick, an mp3 device about the size of an old five-piece pack of gum, loaded with the New Testament. In the last couple of years, the sticks have gone viral.
“Now we are dealing with over 700 chaplains, and we have shipped to them more than 107,000 Military BibleSticks,” says Bill Lohr. “Our backorder is ranging anywhere from 12,000 to 18,000.”
Soldiers are requesting Military BibleSticks frequently. Lohr says many soldiers don’t read as much as in times past, so the sticks are great for spreading the Gospel in an engaging manner. Some soldiers see that their friends have a stick and request one as well. Whatever intrigues them about the devices, the important thing is that soldiers are hearing the Word of God, and many are being transformed.
People across the States are donating funds to reach soldiers with comfort and Truth. “The actual cost is about $25, but that doesn’t just include the stick,” explains Lohr. Soldiers receive a Military BibleStick, but also an mp3 disc so they can share the Word with others who might not have a stick but are interested. They receive a postcard to indicate whether or not they would like their families to receive sticks as well.
The family aspect really holds the potential to keep an entire military family-soldier, spouse and kids-connected despite distance. “What we’re trying to do is get that in the hands of not only the soldier, but their family. So they’re really all listening to the same thing,” says Lohr.
Recently, one group in particular has been responding to the need to bring the Gospel to soldiers and their families.
“Christian radio stations are just coming and seeing the need for this. They’re a natural fit for us, and they’re reaching out to their listeners to let them know. As soon as the listeners hear, their generosity just pours out, and they really want to support the military.”
A Grand Rapids-based radio station recently raised funds for over 300 sticks. “WCSG, a part of Cornerstone [University], just did their Sharathon. [They] promoted the Military BibleStick and were able to raise funds for over 300 more BibleSticks,” notes Lohr.
Encourage your local radio station to get on board for this. The need is immense, and many soldiers are coming to the Lord or recommitting their lives as a result of listening to God’s self-authenticating Word. You can get involved personally by calling 1-800-800-2555 or visiting www.militarybiblesticks.com.

Obama Suggests Jesus Christ Not the Only Way to Heaven

Thu, Mar. 27, 2008 Posted: 06:28
Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama suggested Wednesday that Jesus Christ is not the only way to heaven during a campaign event in North Carolina.
While answering a question about his Christian faith, Obama said he believes that Jesus Christ died for his sins and through God’s grace and mercy he could have “everlasting life,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
But he also believes Jews and Muslims and non-believers who live moral lives are as much “children of God” as he is, according to The Associated Press.
As an example, he spoke about his late mother who was “not a believer.”
“[S]he was the kindest, most decent, generous person that I have ever known,” Obama said, according to the Times. “I’m sure she is in heaven, even though she may not have subscribed to everything that I subscribe to.”
Obama’s response came amid the recent controversy surrounding his former Chicago pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who made inflammatory remarks about race and America in sermons he delivered many years ago.
The Illinois senator, who has made religion a cornerstone of his campaign, has denounced the comments – which included “God damn America” for its racism – but refuses to distance himself from the pastor, whom he compares to an uncle.
During his response on Wednesday, Obama praised his church, Trinity United Church of Christ, especially its choir, and said it was very warm and welcoming and is like any other church in America in that it exists to praise God.
Obama also said he believes in putting the Gospel to action here on Earth and treating people with “dignity” and “respect” as children of God, according to the Los Angeles Times.Currently, Obama is leading the Democratic race with 1,622 delegates compared to Hillary Clinton’s 1,485, according to CNN.

MORE THAN A CLEVER PIECE OF ART

So I said to him, “Barack, I know Abe Lincoln, and you ain’t Abe Lincoln.”

For those who study history — you recall that despite Obama’s continuous attempts to quote Lincoln as a Democrat…. President Lincoln was a Republican President!

SO WHY DOESN’T OBAMA USE THIS FAMOUS LINCOLN QUOTE?????????

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away people’s initiative and independence.
You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.

…… Abraham Lincoln

Your Very Own Really Massive Gumball Machine

Your Very Own Really Massive Gumball Machine
• I’m full of memories right now. Memories of squeezing a quarter out of my parents as we waited in the grocery line, the gumball machine strategically placed at the exit of the store, taunting me, calling my name. With everything my parents used to do for me, fishing a quarter out of them was near impossible, especially when they knew exactly it was going.
• Now that I no longer need permission for stuffing my face with gumballs. Nope. Now all I need is a gumball machine. And this one seems just about right. Capable of holding over 14,450 one-inch gumballs, I’ll never have a need to crave a quarter again. Though I might after I buy the Gumball Machine, which will set you back $3,900. There’s only one problem. I don’t even like gumballs all that much.