Weekly ReCap – 03-27-2009 – Too Thin?

I'm feeling stretched a little thin lately.

And a mentor of mine has confirmed that he thinks so too. . .

So many areas to make a difference, but if I try and do them all on my own I make very little impact at any.

On the other hand, I have a deep sense of “Holy Discontent”, as Billy Hybels would say, and am unsatisfied with the way things are.

What should I do? I'm unsatisfied with my role in some areas, but unproductive in others. But where do I choose to focus my energy?

I'm going to do some fasting and prayer. I am going to fast from blogging except for the Bible Challenge and devotional readings for a while, until after Easter at least. Pray that I find where God is working and where He would have me serve with the greatest impact for Him, and not my own ambitions. Pray that I find that elusive sweet spot where I am satisfied, excited, passionate, and productive! God willing.

• Lent Readings - Fifth Sunday
  Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Bible Challenge - Week 52
  Knights and Ladies, we eagerly await Jesus' return! Come, Lord Jesus!
  Read more. . .
  

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Bible Challenge 2008 - Week 52

Week 52

"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." . . . He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen. (Revelation 22:16,20-21)

Knights and Ladies, we eagerly await Jesus' return! Come, Lord Jesus!

Monday --- Revelation 18
Tuesday --- Revelation 19
Wednesday --- Revelation 20
Thursday --- Revelation 21
Friday --- Revelation 22

I pray:

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, how great and glorious is your love; for you have given us Your Son as our Savior and your Holy Spirit as our comforter and guide. I give all praise to you!

I pray, Lord, that your Word has been received and implanted in all who have participated in this Bible Challenge. I pray that we would be doers of the word and not just hearers. I pray that the world would come to know you through us; through our love for you and our love for each other, and our good works in your Holy Name.

To you, Almighty God, Father – Son – and Holy Spirit, to You be the glory forever and ever – Amen!

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)



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Lent Readings - Fifth Sunday

Lent Readings – Year B, from The online Revised Common Lectionary

Fifth Sunday in Lent (March 29, 2009)

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Psalm 51:1-12 or Psalm 119:9-16

Hebrews 5:5-10

John 12:20-33


Lent

Lent is generally a forty day devotional season of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter.

“Originating in the fourth century of the church, the season of Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning on Ash Wednesday and climaxing during Holy Week with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and concluding Saturday before Easter. . . Christians today use this period of time for introspection, self examination, and repentance.” (Bratcher, 1)

The term lent in Middle Ages English meant spring. (Wiki) It is derived from the Latin quadragesima, meaning the fortieth, as in the fortieth day before Easter. (Mershman)


Works Cited:

Bratcher, Dennis.
(1) “The Season of Lent” The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute. 2007
(http://www.cresourcei.org/cylent.html)
(2) “The Days of Holy Week” The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute. 2007
(http://www.cresourcei.org/cyholyweek.html)

The online Revised Common Lectionary. The online Revised Common Lectionary is a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, a division of the Jean and Alexander Heard Library.
(http://divinity.lib.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/)

Mershman, Francis. “Quadragesima” New Advent – Catholic Encyclopedia. 1911
(http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12589a.htm)

Wiki. “Lent” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent)


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Weekly ReCap – 03-20-2009 – Acknowledging Christ

“Therefore, everyone who will acknowledge Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32-33)

I used to make fun of “Jesus talk” and “Jesus people” before coming under the full realization of God's judgment to come and the damning burden of my own sin. I even laughed at and made fun of Jesus fish on peoples cars.

I can take the ridicule now, no problem. I feel very badly and pray for those that do the ridiculing though, because it's not going to be good for them if they don't accept the truth before judgment time!

But, I sense it's going to get worse than just the “how un-cool” ridicule for American followers of Jesus Christ in the future. From doctors and nurses having to choose between their careers and convictions if they refuse to provide unethical and immoral services required by law, to the time consuming and costly battle to maintain parental rights to protect your children from political and humanistic indoctrination in public schooling.

Just “being good” and visiting church once in a while won't cut it. If you deny or fail to acknowledge Jesus in order to keep your reputation and favor with so called friends, He will deny you before God in heaven on the day of judgment. Ouch.

Thankfully, God showed me the truth. He offers it to everyone as a free gift. Don't wait until it's too late.

• Red Envelope Abortion Protest - Please Participate!
  Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to President Barack Obama. . . On the back, write the following message."This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion. It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be a part of our world. Responsibility begins with conception." We will mail the envelopes out March 31st, 2009.
  More Details. . .
  
  
• Lent Readings - Fourth Sunday
  The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us." So Moses prayed for the people. . . . Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Bible Challenge 2008 - Week 51
  Knights and Ladies, we are in a spiritual war, the question is, are we fighting and engaging the enemy? Will we daily ask Jesus to be Lord of our lives, read and meditate on the word of God, and be willing to proclaim Him King even if it means a death sentence? God's faithful overcome Satan by the power of Jesus Christ and their testimony of His gospel, proclaiming it even to death.
  Read more. . .
  

Reading:

- “Christians in Medical Field Face 'Conscience' Challenge”
by Pete Chagnon and Jody Brown, OneNewsNow, IFI News, 3/11/2009
“The Obama administration is moving to rescind a regulation that protects the civil rights and the exercise of conscience of medical practitioners. . . Dr. David Stevens says the move by the White House 'exposes the myth of moderation' in the president's abortion policy by possibly forcing practitioners to perform abortions or euthanasia. . . 'And as one Planned Parenthood lawyer said to me when I was debating her on National Public Radio... “If you're not willing to provide a legal procedure, you have no business being in healthcare.”'”

- “Washington Times Op-ed - Obama's Zero to Five Plan Doesn't Add Up”
by J. Michael Smith, HSLDA President, HSLDA
“As he stated in his presidential agenda on education, the country cannot afford four more years of neglect and indifference. This neglect and indifference, according to the president, occurred despite the fact that in the last four years, the federal government and the states have spent more money on public education than at any other time in the history of our nation. . . The Zero to Five Plan will encourage less parental involvement and much more government involvement, especially if states provide a free preschool experience for every child.”

- “Cowardly Bill Ayers Seeks Police Protection”
by Cliff Kincaid, Family Security Matters, 3/19/2009
“Thompson, whose daughter attends one of the University of Illinois campuses, has made it his mission to expose and challenge Ayers. 'Only in America can an admitted Anarchist, terrorist bomber, Socialist and communist sympathizer become one of the nation’s foremost educational leaders in curriculum development, from pre-school to post graduate, to teaching teachers,' Thompson says. 'Bill Ayers’ influence can’t be overstated, as the vice president of “curriculum development” for the American Educational Research Association, the largest organization of its kind comprising over 25,000 professors and researchers.'”

Grateful for:

- All of our friends and family that came to our aid this past week.
- My family
- God's free gift of forgiveness of sins through His son Jesus Christ!



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Bible Challenge 2008 - Week 51

Week 51

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” (Revelation 12:11)

“The servants of God overcame Satan, [1.] By the blood of the Lamb, as the meritorious cause. Christ by dying destroyed him that hath the power of death, that is, the devil. [2.] By the word of their testimony, as the great instrument of war, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,—by a resolute powerful preaching of the everlasting gospel, which is mighty, through God, to pull down strongholds,—and by their courage and patience in sufferings; they loved not their lives unto the death, when the love of life stood in competition with their loyalty to Christ. . .”
(Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible)

“And they have overcome him - Carried the cause against him. By the blood of the Lamb - Which cleanses the soul from all sin, and so leaves no room for accusing. And by the word of their testimony - The word of God, which they believed and testified, even unto death. So, for instance, died Olam, king of Sweden, in the year 900, whom his own subjects would have compelled to idolatry; and, upon his refusal, slew as a sacrifice to the idol which he would not worship.”
(John Wesley's Notes on the Bible)

Knights and Ladies, we are in a spiritual war, the question is, are we fighting and engaging the enemy? Will we daily ask Jesus to be Lord of our lives, read and meditate on the word of God, and be willing to proclaim Him King even if it means a death sentence? God's faithful overcome Satan by the power of Jesus Christ and their testimony of His gospel, proclaiming it even to death.

Monday --- Revelation 13
Tuesday --- Revelation 14
Wednesday --- Revelation 15
Thursday --- Revelation 16
Friday --- Revelation 17

“'Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes' (Revelation 7:16–17).

One of my favorite lines in Scripture is the promise God makes near the end of the Bible. To those who have suffered because of their faith, he points to the day when 'God will wipe away every tear from their eyes' (Revelation 7:17). Like a parent encouraging a child, he tells us that in the end all will be well. When the Lamb is on the throne, when every power in the universe is completely subject to him, God's own fingers will wipe away the last of our tears. Our life in this world is nothing but a long growing up, a time of testing that stretches and shapes us toward maturity so that we can become more Christlike. If we let him, God will use our suffering to etch his character in us. And in the end, no matter how deep our sorrow, it will be obliterated by the joy of seeing the Lamb face to face.”
(“Praying the Names of Jesus: A Daily Guide” by Ann Spangler, quoted in Zondervan Inspirations)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)


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Lent Readings - Fourth Sunday

Lent Readings – Year B, from The online Revised Common Lectionary

Fourth Sunday in Lent (March 22, 2009)

Numbers 21:4-9

Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

Ephesians 2:1-10

John 3:14-21


Lent

Lent is generally a forty day devotional season of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter.

“Originating in the fourth century of the church, the season of Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning on Ash Wednesday and climaxing during Holy Week with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and concluding Saturday before Easter. . . Christians today use this period of time for introspection, self examination, and repentance.” (Bratcher, 1)

The term lent in Middle Ages English meant spring. (Wiki) It is derived from the Latin quadragesima, meaning the fortieth, as in the fortieth day before Easter. (Mershman)


Works Cited:

Bratcher, Dennis.
(1) “The Season of Lent” The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute. 2007
(http://www.cresourcei.org/cylent.html)
(2) “The Days of Holy Week” The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute. 2007
(http://www.cresourcei.org/cyholyweek.html)

The online Revised Common Lectionary. The online Revised Common Lectionary is a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, a division of the Jean and Alexander Heard Library.
(http://divinity.lib.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/)

Mershman, Francis. “Quadragesima” New Advent – Catholic Encyclopedia. 1911
(http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12589a.htm)

Wiki. “Lent” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent)


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Red Envelope Abortion Protest - Please Participate!

An Abortion Protest you can take part in from home! Please join!

Let's send a message to our "pro-death" and "What difference does two or three minutes inside or outside the womb really make?" President that Life Does Matter!

Message from Coach Dave:

March 31st, 2009

Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party
supply stores. On the front, address it to

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington , D.C. 20500

On the back, write the following message.

"This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion.

It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable
to be a part of our world. Responsibility begins with conception."

We will mail the envelopes out March 31st, 2009.

Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this event to
every one of your friends who you think would send one too.
I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every
child who died [in the U.S. ] before having a chance to
live.

It may seem that those who believe abortion is wrong are in
a minority. It may seem like we have no voice and it's
shameful to even bring it up. Let us show our President and
the world that the voices of those of us who do not believe
abortion is acceptable are not silent and must be heard.

Together we can change the heart of The President and save
the lives of millions of children.

....whatever things are true, whatever things
are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are
pure, whatever things are lovely...think on these things.
Phil. 4:8

Passing the Salt,
Coach Dave Daubenmire
www.ptsalt.com




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Weekly ReCap – 03-14-2009 – Sad News

Sorry for the late post, I’ve got sad news today.

On Monday my wife and I were at her doctors to confirm that she was pregnant with our third, and she was. We heard a heartbeat loud and clear, but after some cramping on Friday, no heartbeat.

Paul says, “outwardly we are wasting away.” Because of sin, we are wasting away on this side of eternity. Things don’t work like they should and bad things can happen to good people. But the good news is “inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:15-17)

Now, check out this weeks Bible Challenge devotional. Long time readers know I can sometimes focus on the “doom and gloom” signs of the times, but we have to keep it in perspective. We are in the times of the enemy’s death throws, but our King has already been victorious!

• Peoria's Push for Peace Prayer Events
  Our next prayer gathering will be Monday, March 16, 2009 at 6PM. Our prayer location will be Peoria Public Schools Board of Education, located at 3202 N. Wisconsin Ave., Peoria, IL 61603.
  Learn more. . .
  
  
• Lent Readings - Third Sunday
  Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days." . . . But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Bible Challenge 2008 - Week 50
  Knights and Ladies, whatever our situation we must keep it in eternal perspective. We live in a world cursed by sin; bad things will happen to good people. But good news! Our God has come in the flesh to take our punishment for our sins, and he has defeated death on our behalf. We have nothing to fear, our King is victorious!
  Read more. . .
  

Grateful for:

- Our victorious King, Jesus Christ!




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Bible Challenge 2008 - Week 50

Week 50

“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Stop crying. Look! The Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has been victorious so that He may open the scroll and its seven seals.’” (Revelation 5:5)

“The Lion of the tribe of Judah - The victorious prince who is, like a lion, able to tear all his enemies in pieces. The root of David - As God, the root and source of David's family . . . Hath prevailed to open the book - Hath overcome all obstructions, and obtained the honour to disclose the divine counsels.”
(John Wesley’s Notes on the Bible)

Knights and Ladies, whatever our situation we must keep it in eternal perspective. We live in a world cursed by sin; bad things will happen to good people. But good news! Our God has come in the flesh to take our punishment for our sins, and he has defeated death on our behalf. We have nothing to fear, our King is victorious!

Monday --- Revelation 8
Tuesday --- Revelation 9
Wednesday --- Revelation 10
Thursday --- Revelation 11
Friday --- Revelation 12

“‘Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed’ (1 Peter 4:12–13).

What kind of suffering have you faced and how have you faced it? If you are like me you may have sometimes responded to difficulty with complaining, evasions, or near despair. But Christ calls each of us to face it with courage, trust, and hope, confident that as we share in his sufferings, we will one day share in his glory.”
(“Praying the Names of Jesus: A Daily Guide” by Ann Spangler, quoted in Zondervan Inspirations)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)




{ Bible Knights } { The King } { The Sword } { The Quest } { The Fellowship }

{ The Chaplain } { The Project } { The Vision } { The Blog }




All Scripture links by BibleGateway.com Unless otherwise noted.

To Subscribe, { Click Here } and Check the newsletter box in the message.

To UnSubscribe, { Click Here } and write "UnSubscribe" or "take me off" in the message.

Lent Readings - Third Sunday

Lent Readings – Year B, from The online Revised Common Lectionary

Third Sunday in Lent (March 15, 2009)

Exodus 20:1-17

Psalm 19

1 Corinthians 1:18-25

John 2:13-22


Lent

Lent is generally a forty day devotional season of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter.

“Originating in the fourth century of the church, the season of Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning on Ash Wednesday and climaxing during Holy Week with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and concluding Saturday before Easter. . . Christians today use this period of time for introspection, self examination, and repentance.” (Bratcher, 1)

The term lent in Middle Ages English meant spring. (Wiki) It is derived from the Latin quadragesima, meaning the fortieth, as in the fortieth day before Easter. (Mershman)

Works Cited:

Bratcher, Dennis.
(1) “The Season of Lent” The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute. 2007
(http://www.cresourcei.org/cylent.html)
(2) “The Days of Holy Week” The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute. 2007
(http://www.cresourcei.org/cyholyweek.html)

The online Revised Common Lectionary. The online Revised Common Lectionary is a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, a division of the Jean and Alexander Heard Library.
(http://divinity.lib.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/)

Mershman, Francis. “Quadragesima” New Advent – Catholic Encyclopedia. 1911
(http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12589a.htm)

Wiki. “Lent” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent)



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All Scripture links by BibleGateway.com Unless otherwise noted.

To Subscribe, { Click Here } and Check the newsletter box in the message.

To UnSubscribe, { Click Here } and write "UnSubscribe" or "take me off" in the message.

Peoria's Push for Peace Prayer Events

Praying Warriors ~

Our next prayer gathering will be Monday, March 16, 2009 at 6PM. Our prayer location will be Peoria Public Schools Board of Education, located at 3202 N. Wisconsin Ave., Peoria, IL 61603.

Come join us as we continue to pray for our city!!!

PS ~ our next Meet & Mingle (city-wide food & fellowship) will be Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 5-7PM at 700 Main St. in Peoria.

Committed to prayer, unity, and community transformation!
Steering Committee, Push for Peace Peoria
www.pushforpeacepeoria.org




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Weekly ReCap – 03-06-2009 – Selfishness

The message: Pelosi’s babies – and her babies’ babies – matter. The rest are just statistics.
(“Pelosi and Population Control: Is Having Children Selfish?” by Barbara Curtis)

We live in a culture that is sick with selfishness. It's all about me, me, and me. What about “my feelings, wants and desires” at the exclusion of all others!

This is especially true where children are concerned. “After all,” says Barbara Curtis concerning this current culture, “children seriously interfere with Having It Our Way. Our consumerist society bombards us with messages of materialism, keeping us striving for – and feeling entitled to – nice homes, cars, vacations, dining out.” So, in our culture today children are seen as merely a financial line item in our personal budget and a time slot in our calendars. Furthermore, they are seen as a burden on society! “Thus,” Barbara continues, “the greatest irony of all: those who choose the generous path of parenting a large family – thus having a real stake in the future of our nation – are accused of being selfish.”

Me personally, I have come to believe it is selfish to place personal and shallow priorities above child rearing in marriage. I may have to selflessly put aside my personal ambitions wants and desires, but the greatest gift I can leave this world is a Godly legacy through my children. (There are always exceptions. God may have other plans for you and yours.)

“If there ever was a moment to understand that children are our greatest resource, perhaps now is the time. When all is said and done, the children we raise matter more than the houses we’ve lived in, the cars we’ve driven and the money we’ve saved.”

In God's Kingdom, love is not self-serving! (1 Corinthians 13:4-13)

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
- Psalm 127:2-5

• Peoria Push for Peace Prayer Events
  We pray that you are enjoying the peace of God today. We wanted to make you aware of two awesome opportunities coming up this weekend. . . We hope to see you there. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us. May God bless you as you serve him daily!
  Learn more. . .
  
  
• Fiscal Responsibility: No to the the Block
  A little local news to chew today. In my opinion, during a time of economic uncertainty, and still licking our wounds from the last failed public/private partnership of debt - the Cub Foods on Knoxville - which the Peoria tax payers still owe 4.5 million dollars on and which was a serious abuse of eminent domain to remove private citizens from their property (a clear Constitutional violation), is it really wise to do "The Block" right now?
  Learn more, and find out about NoMuseumTax.org. . .
  
  
• Education: All About the $$$?
  The above mentioned school board and paper were trying to call the symptom, families removing their children from a failing school, the problem. The problem is a failing school system, and a symptom is that parents are removing their children. . . I am concerned that the more that families turn their children over to the state and institutions for raising and nurturing above and beyond classical education (often for selfish and shallow reasons), the more the state and institutions are going to lay claim to our children in defiance of parental rights, even if only for the sake of their budgets!
  Learn more. . .
  
  
• Lent Readings - Second Sunday
  Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram ; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Bible Challenge 2008 - Week 49
  ". . . the semblance of love which does not maintain the truth, but accommodates itself to that which is not the truth, is not love according to God." Knights and Ladies, walk by faith in truth and love, knowing we are forgiven and have become God's children through Christ Jesus, and we will have, and have to give, grace, mercy and peace.
  Read more. . .
  

Reading:

- “Nickelodeon Broadcasts Cartoon Homage to 'Dear Leader' Obama”
by P.J. Gladnick, 3/5/09, NewsBusters
“Does anyone here recall Nickelodeon presenting a cartoon homage to President George W. Bush? No? Of course not. "Wrong" politics. However, if you think your very young children are safe from being exposed to subtle political brainwashing while watching Nick Jr., which presents Nickelodeon cartoons for children 5 and under, you would be wrong. Check out this poetic cartoon homage to Barack Obama currently running on Nick Jr.. Here is what your young ones will hear:”

- “Montana Has It Right On Second Amendment”
by Chuck Baldwin, 3/3/09, Chuck Baldwin Live
“. . . representatives and senators in the State of Montana unequivocally put Washington, D.C., on notice that it would not tolerate the infringement of its citizens' right to keep and bear arms. I don't think I'm reading anything into the resolution by assuming that they were implying that they would secede before they let the federal government trample their Second Amendment liberties. . .

Now it is time for every State legislative body in America that believes in the Second Amendment to step up to the plate and let Barack Obama, Eric Holder, and the rest of these gun-grabbing socialists know that they will not tolerate even one more attempt to infringe upon the right to keep and bear arms--and that includes any so-called 'assault weapons' ban.

And let's never forget that the purpose of the Second Amendment was not to ensure the rights of hunters, but of citizens to protect themselves--and their States--against the tyrannical tendencies of their own government.”

- “IGOLD: Illinois Gun Owners Lobby Day for 2009”
“All Illinois gun owners are invited to join in Illinois Gun Owners Lobby Day (IGOLD) in Springfield in 2009. This is an annual event where everyone goes to lobby` their representatives in the Illinois House and Senate. . . Begins Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 12:00pm . . . We will meet at the Prairie Capitol Convention Center - Doors open at 11:00 with the program set to begin at 12:00 noon. We will have a legislative briefing, then we will all march to the Capitol Building to locate and talk with our representatives.”


Grateful for:

- The rewards God has given my wife and I, our Son, our Daughter, and any future blessings He grants us!

- Parents that didn't consider myself or my 3 brothers and 1 sister economically unfeasible. God knows they didn't have much time for themselves, they were too busy loving, nurturing, and caring for 5 children! And thank God they did!





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Bible Challenge 2008 - Week 49

Week 49

“Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love.” (2 John 1:3)

“The false doctrine which was abroad at that moment was the denial of the truth of Christ come in the flesh; but the apostle says in a general way that, if any one transgressed and did not abide in the doctrine of Christ, he had not God. . . Moreover the semblance of love which does not maintain the truth, but accommodates itself to that which is not the truth, is not love according to God. It is the taking advantage of the name of love in order to help on the seductions of Satan. In the last days the test of true love is the maintenance of the truth. God would have us love one another; but the Holy Ghost, by whose power we receive this divine nature, and who pours the love of God into our hearts is the Spirit of truth; and His office is to glorify Christ.”
(John Darby's Synopsis of the Bible)

Knights and Ladies, walk by faith in truth and love, knowing we are forgiven and have become God's children through Christ Jesus, and we will have, and have to give, grace, mercy and peace.

Monday --- Revelation 3
Tuesday --- Revelation 4
Wednesday --- Revelation 5
Thursday --- Revelation 6
Friday --- Revelation 7

“Theological illiteracy and unbelief have dramatically increased among evangelical Christians in the past three decades. Churches are in desperate need of a fresh infusion of truth, a vigorous teaching of biblical doctrine. Without it, we and our children will have nothing to offer this truth-deprived world.”
(“The Grace and Truth Paradox: Responding with Christlike Balance” by Randy Alcorn)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)



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Lent Readings - Second Sunday

Lent Readings – Year B, from The online Revised Common Lectionary

Second Sunday in Lent (March 8, 2009)

Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

Psalm 22:23-31

Romans 4:13-25

Mark 8:31-38 or Mark 9:2-9


Lent

Lent is generally a forty day devotional season of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter.

“Originating in the fourth century of the church, the season of Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning on Ash Wednesday and climaxing during Holy Week with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and concluding Saturday before Easter. . . Christians today use this period of time for introspection, self examination, and repentance.” (Bratcher, 1)

The term lent in Middle Ages English meant spring. (Wiki) It is derived from the Latin quadragesima, meaning the fortieth, as in the fortieth day before Easter. (Mershman)


Works Cited:

Bratcher, Dennis.
(1) “The Season of Lent” The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute. 2007
(http://www.cresourcei.org/cylent.html)
(2) “The Days of Holy Week” The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute. 2007
(http://www.cresourcei.org/cyholyweek.html)

The online Revised Common Lectionary. The online Revised Common Lectionary is a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, a division of the Jean and Alexander Heard Library.
(http://divinity.lib.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/)

Mershman, Francis. “Quadragesima” New Advent – Catholic Encyclopedia. 1911
(http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12589a.htm)

Wiki. “Lent” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent)



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Education: All About the $$$? [Updated!]

Is public education today really just all about the money?

Exhibit A from HSLDA (emphasis is mine):

On January 22, a committee of the [South Dakota] Rapid City School Board implied that homeschoolers were to blame for the school system losing thousands of dollars in funding. Just six days later, the Clear Lake Courier blamed homeschoolers for the loss of $41,000 in school funding.

When homeschoolers are wrongly accused of creating financial problems for public school systems, it’s time to respond. HSLDA attorney Scott A. Woodruff sent the following letter to the editor to the Clear Lake Courier:

Dear Editor:
By leaving the blame for the school system losing $41,981 at the door of area homeschoolers, your recent article, “Students and aid lost from open enrollment,” encourages your readership to think that homeschoolers are the problem.

But it’s perfectly logical to reduce a school’s funding when it serves fewer students. If there are fewer students, the school needs less money.

The question that then remains is: “Since the opportunity to serve someone is a privilege, not an entitlement, what does the school plan to change to reduce the erosion of confidence among area families?” That’s the $41,000 question that went unasked and therefore unanswered in your article.

Next time the Clear Lake Courier talks about schools “losing” money because of homeschoolers, please mention how much homeschoolers save the taxpayer by educating their children at their own expense—not the taxpayers’. Homeschoolers are some of the best friends the taxpayer has.

Sincerely,Scott A. Woodruff, Esq.

{ HSLDA: Home School Legal Defense Association }

It is a Parent's Right and Duty to Remove Their Children From a Failing School!!!

The above mentioned school board and paper were trying to call the symptom, families removing their children from a failing school, the problem.

The problem is a failing school system, and a symptom is that parents are removing their children. It should be a crime NOT to remove your children from a failing school system. It's child neglect!

Fixing the problem will address the symptom. Of course, it's much easier to blame someone else for your own problems!

However, I think the above article points to something even more sinister: the school board (and I'm assuming administrators) couldn't tell the difference between the problem and the symptom because they are looking at budget performance instead of educational performance. It seems that public education is becoming more and more about the money and less and less about the education (and all that goes with it: safety, security, non-indoctrination, morallity, etc. . .).

Disclaimer, I know nothing about the above mentioned schools. This is a general reflection of a growing trend I continue to observe in the public education system at large. I also feel it is only going to get worse as we as a society continue to encourage families to institutionalize their children at earlier and earlier ages rather than encouraging them to raise and nurture them at home within the family.

I am concerned that the more that families turn their children over to the state and institutions for raising and nurturing above and beyond classical education (often for selfish and shallow reasons), the more the state and institutions are going to lay claim to our children in defiance of parental rights, even if only for the sake of their budgets!

[Update! 3/12/09]

President Obama is pushing his “cradle to career” education plan. For the sake of our children Wake Up! Are your children Caesar's or God's? It's best to make this determination now. When the education enforcement officers knock on your door and say "we are here to take your children", will you render them unto Caesar or refuse and train them up in the ways of God?

See also:

- Raising, Nurturing, and Educating our Children: A Reflection on Raising, Nurturing, and Educating our Children

- Early Childhood Development – In the Family!

- Tyranny and Rebellion

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. [Parents:] Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
{ Deuteronomy 6:5-7 }


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Peoria Push for Peace Prayer Events

From Push for Peace:

Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ.

We pray that you are enjoying the peace of God today. We wanted to make you aware of two awesome opportunities coming up this weekend. One will be our weekly community prayer that will take place on Friday at 6:00pm. We will meet at the Pere Marquette Hotel and be praying for marriages and in particular those that will be attending the Weekend to Remember Marriage Conference at that time. We hope you will join us.

Also, this coming Saturday will be the first city-wide Meet & Mingle. An opportunity for you to come out and enjoy fellowship with other Christians from other churches all over the city. Our thought is: if we build relationships we are better equipped to serve the Lord together in transforming this area. The Meet & Mingles will be every first Saturday of the month. We will gather at FUMC 700 Main Building from 5 - 7pm. Come for 5 minutes or stay the whole two hours. There will be food and fun for everyone. . . We hope to see you there. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us. May God bless you as you serve him daily!

Push for Peace

{ www.PushforPeacePeoria.org }


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Fiscal Responsibility: No to the Block

Vote NO on Public Facilities Sales Tax
A.K.A. The Block, or The Museum

A little local news to chew today. In my opinion, during a time of economic uncertainty, and still licking our wounds from the last failed public/private partnership of debt - the Cub Foods on Knoxville - which the Peoria tax payers still owe 4.5 million dollars on and which was a serious abuse of eminent domain to remove private citizens from their property (a clear Constitutional violation), is it really wise to do "The Block" right now?

The Obama administration is setting a DANGEROUS and FALSE example: if in debt trouble, assume more debt to fix it. Peoria should not follow this example! (See "Geithner Hails Obama's 'Remarkably Fiscally Responsible' Budget That Deepens Debt by Trillions of Dollars")

The following website, NoMuseumTax.org, makes the case for why we should Vote NO on the Public Facilities Sales Tax! Some key points are:

• Raising taxes will put Peoria County retailers and restaurants at a regional disadvantage.
  
• Attendance figures presented by the Museum Collaboration Group are considerably higher than comparable museums as presented in their own pro forma. [If there's any lesson to be learned in "Will it Play in Peoria" land, it's that attendance numbers should be underestimated!]
  
• The proposed design of “The Block” will not revitalize downtown Peoria because it doesn’t have urban density or a lively mix of uses, the most essential of which being a residential component.
  
• Now is not the time to be raising taxes for discretionary wants when there are so many basic service needs to be funded, including the combined sewer overflow (CSO) project, new school construction, and other infrastructure maintenance.

Please visit http://www.nomuseumtax.org/ to help counter the PR push for The Block! Be informed and vote wisely.

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all. . . Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life. . . The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:1-2, 4, 7)


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