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Major Setback to Peace Process
Major Setback to Peace Process
by J. Grace
Staff Reporter for Daily Planet
The Mideast Peace Process was dealt a major setback today, after Eglon Faht-mahn, king of Moab-Jordan, was brutally murdered by an Israeli terrorist.
Ban Ki-moon, current Secretary-General of the United Nations, openly condemned the attack and is meeting with the UN Security Council to determine whether economic sanctions or military action should be initiated against the nation of Israel.
The attack marks the 18th anniversary of Israel’s surrender to Moab-Jordan, after a short, but costly war.
The Honorable John Kerry, the United States’ Secretary of State, also condemned the attack; pledging both military and financial aid to the pacifistic nation of Moab-Jordan.
Said Kerry, “For 18 long years we’ve worked diligently on the Mideast peace process. Israel had finally submitted to subjugation. For 18 years the Moab-Jordan nation has watched over and even defended the Israeli people. Everlasting peace had finally come into view. And now some renegade Israeli Zionist, and his ruthless band of terrorists, have jeopardized everything. Terrorism will not be tolerated. Not in our nation. Not in our world.”
President Barak Obama, long time friend of King Eglon, eulogized the fallen leader. “Eglon Faht-mahn was a much loved leader. He had led his nation to where it had become one of the most prosperous nations in the region. He was a lover of peace; abhorring violence of any kind. Such a senseless and violent act of terrorism has cost the world a great leader, and an even greater man.”
According to the Moab-Jordan National Police, the terrorist group, Free Israel, has claimed responsibility for the murder of King Eglon. A world-wide manhunt for terrorist Ehud Ben Gera has been initiated. A coalition of UN peace keeping forces, as well as troops from Russia, the United States, France, and England are participating in the world-wide search.
Ehud Ben Gera is known to be left-handed, and exceptionally skilled in hand to hand combat. He was last seen organizing an army in the mountainous region of Ephraim.
A UN diplomat, speaking under the condition of anonymity said, “We had received reports of a spiritual awakening of sorts taking place in the little nation of Israel. There were no reports of the amassing or training of troops; only a greater emphasis on ‘crying out to the God of Israel’, as they put it. No one saw this act of rebellion as even remotely possible. We just can’t understand it. Praying people are always passive people. Praying people turn the other cheek and never stand up against anything or anyone.”
“The King’s private security police, the MJP Elite, had been warned of an imminent uprising, but failed to give the warning any credence. So when Ehud arrived at the King’s quarters, saying he had a special message from God, every one of the King’s elite left the room, walked to the break room, and turned on the TV to watch the Al Jazeera Newcast.”
“This is still anonymous, right? Okay. Because I really believe the God of Israel heard the cries of his people, and anointed Ehud to break the stronghold of the Moab-Jordan oppression. I’ve watched this sort of thing happen far too often. Israel forgets their God, and God gives them over to a cruel nation. When they repent and cry out to him, he raises up a deliverer. That’s exactly what happened here; regardless of how the media twists the truth.”
The UN liaison presently in Moab-Jordan reports that the Moab armies were completely routed in the area surrounding the Dead Sea, and it appears that within a few hours, Moab will have lost all territory west of the Jordan river and the Dead Sea.
Using the words of our anonymous source, “The best thing Moab can do is retreat and secure their borders east of the Dead Sea. If they don’t, it appears they will have to fight, not only Israel, but God himself.”
Yes, it would appear so.
Three questions: Is there any part of your life that has been overrun by the adversary, the devil? Have you tried to be strong in your own might and beat your spiritual enemy with human strength and ability? Have you tried submitting your life and situation to God FIRST, and then resist the devil?
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Farewell Letter ~ Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Today is the day we lay my mother-in-law’s body to rest. I miss her already. Reading through some blogs I follow, I found this jewel. The connection? Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the author of the farewell letter, died the same day as my mother-in-law, Mary Jane Lloyd.
Enjoy the post. Jan
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Four Questions for Atheists and Agnostics
Calling all atheists and agnostics. May I ask you a question?
Okay, maybe four.
What do, or who do, you believe in since you don’t believe in God?
Is it hard to accept the death of a loved one?
Was there ever a time in your life when you believed in God, or in a higher power?
If so, what happened? Did you just grow out of believing, or did something/someone disappoint or hurt you? You may be as specific as you’d like.
Some questions will always remain unanswered. But some questions have never been answered simply because they’ve never been asked.
People allow hurts and disappointment to steal any semblance of hope and faith because they are either afraid to question their feelings, their situation, or the authority figure in their life.
Not asking results in not receiving.
Not seeking ends with not finding.
Don’t knock, and you’ll always stay on the outside.
And if you don’t receive or find, or if you find yourself always on the outside of a relationship with God, it’s not because there is no God.
So let’s talk about it. Would you please, first, ask yourself the above questions?
Then, if you still would like to dialogue with me, please do so in the comment section of this post.
Thanks.
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Times Of Refreshing
“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before” Acts 3:19-20 NKJV
“Repent” isn’t a real popular word. I have found it’s a word that is more blessed to give than receive. Know what I mean?
Peter said, “Repent therefore…” Why the word “therefore”?
“But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore…” Acts 3:18 ESV
Why repent? Why should we, everyone, change our mind about our lifestyle, our worldview, our beliefs, and who’s going to be the Lord of our life? Because all that God prophesied about the salvation he was bringing to man was fulfilled in and through his son, Jesus Christ.
The only thing keeping you and I from a drastic and complete change is us.
Our mother isn’t keeping us from God’s work in our life. Our father can’t stop God from working. Not having a father is no excuse for us not experiencing the wonderful, holy presence of the Lord.
Neither our social status or our Facebook status can keep God’s presence from flooding our life with his power and goodness.
Refreshment and revival have been given a set time by the Lord. A set time is a sure thing. It can be counted on to happen. One does not have to guess, and no one needs to ask a prophet, when God’s refreshing times are to come.
No, I’m not saying God can be manipulated into giving us an exciting and refreshing church service.
I’m not trying to deceive you into believing that all anyone needs to do to have a powerful service is simply declare it, advertise it, hire a nationally known charismatic preacher to draw the crowd and, POOF, it happens! No!
Even the best music played by the best musicians won’t guarantee a thing.
So how can I say refreshment and revival are a sure thing? How can I declare to know the set time for revival?
Refreshment and revival take place when we quit trying to run our lives, and God’s kingdom. In other words, when we repent.
Repent because there’s nothing left to do. Repent because God has done everything else through his son, Jesus Christ.
Repent. Change our mind, change our beliefs, change our world view, change our friends if necessary; but repent.
And times, set times, sure, certain times will come from the presence of the Lord. And when God shows up in person, everything changes.
This Sunday Evening, April 27th, we are setting aside time to search our hearts, pray and praise, and allow the presence of the Lord to work like only he can.
There are a number of things each of us could do instead of gather at church. Sure. But only very few things are more important.
Gathering to praise and worship the living God is one way of showing a “change of mind”, or revealing a repentant and contrite heart.
Which, may I remind you, is something God is wild about.
“For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isa 57:15 NKJV
So we’re going to gather, and each of you are invited as well.
Invited to repent, therefore and be changed; when the Lord sends times of refreshing from his presence.
The Place – New Life Center
Address – 1031 23rd Street
Des Moines, IA
Date/Time- April 27, 2014/6 p.m.For more info call – 515-494-8833
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Dumb Dog Catches Smart Car
Dumb Dog Catches Smart Car
April 21, 2014
by J. Grace
Staff Reporter for the Daily Planet
Have you ever wondered what a dog would do if it caught the car it was chasing? Well, you need not wonder any longer. And it didn’t take this dog long to realize he’d met his match.
Last week, on a hilly San Francisco street, Spike, a four-year old English Bulldog, finally bit off more than he could chew. He sunk his teeth into the rear tire of a Smart Car.
The driver of the car, 22-year-old Jordyn Keiffer, said she didn’t see the dog until after the attack. “I really wasn’t paying much attention, other than watching the traffic in front of me. All of a sudden my car jerked to a stop, and as I slammed into the steering wheel, I felt the car tip over to one side.”
Witnesses reported seeing Spike on the side of the road, watching the cars go by. They said he acted as though he was sizing up each car that passed by, following each one with his eyes. As soon as Ms. Keiffer’s Smart Car approached, Spike immediately bolted after it, catching it about 45 yards down the street.
Apparently, Ms. Keiffer was traveling about 25 mph, but had slowed down to make a left turn.
Spike’s teeth were still attached to the tire as the car began to tip to its side. As the car continued its roll, the momentum jerked the 49 pound dog off his feet, and sent him hurling through the air for about 20 yards. Witnesses say Spike landed with a yelp and a groan; not moving a whisker or a tail for at least 10 minutes.
“I’ve never seen anything like it”, said patrolman Vincent DiMarco. “I’ve seen a number of people attacked by dogs, and I’ve witnessed a lot of dogs chasing cars. I never thought this was possible. It’s a good thing the car was little. Anything bigger would have killed the dog, for sure.”
The dog’s owners, Pat and Becca Ribhold, were fined for not having Spike’s shots and tags current; and for not having their dog restrained. They declined an interview.
Ms. Keiffer was not injured. The dog received a broken jaw, 3 broken teeth, scraped and bloodied hide, and a bruised ego that will take quite some time to mend.
Latisha Freeman, who was walking her little Pomeranian, Ginger, at the time of the incident remarked, “I’ve seen a lot of people act like Spike. They get a notion in their head that small means weak. That different means weird. Spike is a lot like today’s bullies. They keep picking on the strange, the little, the odd; but sometimes it backfires. It sure did today.”
Officer DiMarco added: “Our pastor told us just a couple of days ago, while referring to Jesus’ teaching on meekness; ‘meek doesn’t mean weak’ and ‘big doesn’t spell bad.’ He also said, ‘the biggest bully of all time, the devil, couldn’t even touch Jesus until it was time for the cross. Jesus let the devil think he had become weak and defenseless. But it was a trap, and the bully walked right into it. Scripture says that if the princes of this world had known what was planned, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory. Bully’s always get their comeuppance. They always end up biting off more than they can chew.’ If only people would understand that truth.”
Yes, if only.But people who feel they must bully aren’t too smart anyway.
By the way, this story is fictitious but its principles are true.
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Easter Up The Hollow
Today, Easter Sunday 2014, was a day to remember. My wife and I, along with her sister, and her sister’s daughter and husband, attended Saint Johannes Lutheran Church in St. Clara, West Virginia. Well, I’m not sure if it’s IN St. Clara, or just close by. Really, it’s “up the holler”, as the locals would say. Or, for you people who like to speak proper English, to you it’s “up the hollow”. Regardless, it’s one beautiful place.
The church was started way back in June, 1888. Yes, that’s just about 126 years. A lot of history, a lot of pastors, weddings, funerals, pot luck dinners…and a lot of God.It’s nice to know that God hasn’t changed in 126 years, even though the building has.
Phyllis and I attended the church back in the initial days of our search for truth and life. We didn’t realize we were looking for Jesus, but we were. We had been married only 1-2 years, and were a couple of young kids. This was in 1973-74.
At the beginning of the service, from the back of the sanctuary flowed a beautiful melody, “Alleluia Canon”, that was awesome. Two ladies were singing, accompanied by some soft wind instruments. It made the hairs on the back of my neck rise up, like they were trying to praise and worship the God of the Resurrection! It was amazing.
God came to church, right out there in the hollow. Wow!Scripture readings came from Acts 10, Psalm 118, Colossians 3, and Matthew 28. We heard that Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, that today is the day of salvation, Christ is risen and we are risen with him, and that no stone or devil can stop God’s work.
One thing I specifically gleaned from the message was life happens. Regardless of whether we have our life planned out for us or not, or even just part of a day. Things happen that we may not be ready for, or even want to take place, but with the Spirit’s help we can face it, endure it, and even reign above it. Praise the Lord.Communion was powerful; connecting the resurrection of Jesus with his promise to come again.
They didn’t have what I would call a “worship team”, and some of the songs were unfamiliar to me, but God was worshipped. Even though we sang from a hymnal, recited the Lord’s prayer, and read the Apostle’s Creed in unison, 
God was there.Why wouldn’t he be? He’s been associated with Saint Johannes Lutheran Church for almost 126 years. And he’s the one who said, “If you seek me, you will find me; when you search for me with all your heart. And I will be found by you…”
Even “up the hollow.”
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He Is Risen! Asah!
“He is risen! Asah!”
Maybe my imagination is working overtime, but here’s how I picture the moments just BEFORE Jesus was raised from the dead.
All is dark in the tomb. A legion of demonic forces are guarding the body from within the tomb, and from without.
All Hell is on alert, wringing their hands and staring at the clock. It isn’t that they believed Jesus’ words about rising after three days; they just couldn’t take any chances.
But what could they do to stop him? For the past three and a half years they had been kicked around like an old tin can. Every time he spoke to them, they would find themselves rolling down the street, looking like an old dried up tumbleweed one would see in those old cowboy flicks.
To say they are a bit edgy would be putting it mildly.
True, they had finally turned things their way. They had finally gotten him out of their hair. Now, in just a few more minutes, they could finally get things back to norm…
“HEY! WHERE’D THAT LIGHT COME FROM?!?”, screamed all the demons as they ran for a place to hide.
Suddenly, THE VOICE from Heaven shook the tomb, removed the stone, and declared, “He is risen!”
And then the demons heard the word which sent them reeling for all eternity… the Hebrew word, “asah”.
It opened the eyes of Jesus, and caused resurrection power to surge through his body. It struck terror in the minds of the demonic host, as it does today every time they here someone say, “indeed!”
Come on, say it!
“He is risen!”
“Indeed!”
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Mary Magdalene’s Morning
I got up early, after a fitful sleep. Over and over, throughout the night, my mind replayed the horrible sights and sounds I witnessed a few days earlier.
I begin my walk of mourning, to the place where my heart was buried.
Jerusalem had been very busy for several days, with the Passover feast and all. People had come from miles around to offer sacrifices, meet with family and friends, and to watch the show.
It’s funny how people are, don’t you think? They almost faint when they see a single drop of blood, yet when something so extreme as a crucifixion takes place, they can’t seem to pull their eyes away from the gruesome sight. And when there are three crosses raised toward heaven, it really draws a crowd.
I didn’t want to look. I didn’t want to go to the hill at all. I even tried to force my way through the crowd, trying to make it home before lunch; but I could only go where the mob took me. There was no way out. And all I could see were the crosses; each one displaying their prize.
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Hell, NO!
“That movie scared the hell out of me!”
Oh?
“I had a hell of a good time…”
Really?
“Hell no, I won’t go!”
Is that so.
It appears to me, though I could be wrong, that the people who talk about hell the most are the folks who don’t believe in it. They tell someone to “Go to Hell”, but don’t believe the place really exists.
“What the hell are you doing?”
That’s like saying, “What the Peoria are you doing?” (Sorry, Peoria)
“I had a Des Moines of a good time…”
Doesn’t that sound better?
Hell isn’t a sentence “filler”, or something to say when you’re mad or excited.
Hell is a place. Not a party place, or a place to vacation. It is a damned place; the place of the eternally damned.
No, I’m not referring to the town of Hell, Michigan. I am talking about Hades, Hell, Sheol; worm capital of the entire universe.
If you can’t stand to listen to a baby bawl and squall in a restaurant or airplane, you definitely don’t want to go to Hell. Weeping, gnashing of teeth, wailing, all in utter darkness. Darkness so black, it’s beyond one’s comprehension.
“What the Hell?” Hey, I’m telling you the truth.
About Hell.
I think it’s time to talk more about Hell than Heaven. Why? Because people can’t go to Heaven unless they believe in Hell.
Maybe Hollywood should make a movie called, “Hell is real.”
“What the Hell are you talking about?“, I just heard you say.
Hell is for those who have rejected the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. Originally it was prepared for the devil and his crowd; his angels and demons. But ever since Adam said yes to the devil’s lies, the devil’s crowd consists of all people who have rejected the savior God promised. His son, Jesus. Why do they reject Jesus? Because they don’t understand their need for the righteousness only Jesus can give. They don’t realize their nature has Hell stamped all over it. Like luggage loaded onto an airplane, the tag on their life reads “Hell Bound”
Really a great message to sing about, eh...”I’m on the Highway to Hell!”
Yep, it’s time to start talking about Hell. It’s time to start advertising the qualifications and conditions people must meet to go to Des Moines; er, I mean, Hell.
Maybe you’re like others living on planet earth who think it’s a “damned shame” to try and scare people into Heaven. I think it’s a “damned shame” if they go to Hell!
Because no one has to anymore. Not since the cross and the resurrection.
As for scaring someone…understanding the reality of Hell SHOULD scare the Hell out of everyone. Knowing people go to Hell for simply ignoring the Good News ought to get their attention.
“Damned straight!”
In fact, I hope to scare the people out of Hell, if that’s what it takes.
“Hell yes?”
Huh uh. “Hell, NO!”
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If I Was To Die Tomorrow
I’m not intending to sound morbid or morose, but I’d like to talk a little about mortality.
Specifically, my mortality. And yours.
No, I’m not sick. I’m not sick of living, either. I have a great life, a wonderful wife, and I’m blessed beyond what I deserve. I love our son and his wife, as well as the rest of my family.
God has redeemed my life from destruction, even though I was hell bent on destroying it as a teenager. He has crowned me with his loving kindness and tender mercies, though I haven’t always responded appropriately.
Sure, there have been tough things to deal with. But that’s life, isn’t it?
All in all, I am one blessed dude.
So why the thoughts about mortality? Because someday my body is going to shut down, expire. I won’t, but my body will.
So what would I do if I knew tomorrow was my last day on earth?
What would you do?
I know of people who preplan, and prepay, for their funeral. They plan the music, the preacher, the pall bearers; the works. But yet they get offended if someone asks them where they plan to spend eternity. I just hope you’re not that way.
So, if you knew tomorrow would be your last day on earth would you wonder, even for just a bit, about the places called Heaven and Hell?
If I found out tomorrow I’d be leaving this life, I believe I’d be the most kind, considerate, and loving person I could be. Not to earn my way into Heaven, or to try and escape Hell. No. I just want to be remembered as someone who loves people. After all, if I don’t love people who I CAN see, how can I love God who I CAN’T see?
I would try and listen more to others. Sure, I need to listen closely to the Holy Spirit, but would you like to know something? The Holy Spirit sometimes speaks through people I don’t really care for. But I’d better get used to it, for I feel Heaven just may have a few people there I wouldn’t have approved of.
It would be wise if I made the most of my time. Sure, I’ve heard time means nothing in Heaven. But I’m not convinced. After all, one of the marks of a mature believer is time management. Oh, you’re not sure? Well, we’re told to be wise, understanding what the will of the Lord is. We’re told to be circumspect, not throwing ourselves at every fad and fancy. Paul said for us to redeem the time, or make the most of it, because our days are full of evil. Jesus said to make sure our heart isn’t overcome with cares, drunkenness, partying, or greed; which means I must pay attention to how I’m using my time. Time management has much to do with how my time is spent. Spent for temporal pursuits entirely? What about the life hereafter? Maybe time isn’t a big deal on the “other side”, but maybe we just can’t understand it. After all, eternity, even in the next life, is a long, long, long time.
If I was just about to run out of opportunities to help prepare others for their inevitable journey, I’d write, preach, visit, dialogue, sing, yell, pester, and get in people’s space just so I could be sure they heard something good, and ultimately life changing! I’d probably be labeled a nut, and a bible-thumping goofball; whatever. People just may thank me, someday. At least they won’t have to curse me.
Tomorrow I may die. Maybe even tonight. I don’t know.
And neither do you.
But what if YOU knew tomorrow was your last day on earth? Would you be ready?
I’ve already confessed Jesus as my Lord, and I believe in my heart God raised Jesus from the dead; so according to the most reliable Authority, I’m prepared.
Are you? Have you? Will you?
It will allow you the extra time to maybe mend a few fences before you say goodbye.
Now since I don’t know for sure just when I’m to leave, I believe it would be good for me to not wait until I know it’s time. So I’ll love like I’m supposed to, I’ll listen to others as if they really are as important to me as I tell them they are. And, I’ll use my allotted time to invest in things that really matter.
Things like people. People like you.
So, what would you do? What have you done?
What are you doing now?
What if tomorrow was YOUR day to say goodbye?
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
