John 5:24

I can't stop thinking about that verse from the Bible.

Michael Jackson passed away today, not long after Farrah Fawcett. I am getting these emails & phone calls from friends who sound like a member of their own family has died...

People - this was just a man. He could call himself the "king" of whatever he wanted. Yes, he could dance and sing and make us stop and just drop our jaws at his talent as a performer. But he was only a man. And for all the self-glory he worked to gain in this life, right now he is facing eternity. If all of you are so heartsick, why is no one speaking out to the rest of the celebrity world about their souls?

I grew up listening to Michael, dreaming over his posters and crying to his records as I practiced writing my married "Mrs. Jackson" name. But I eventually grew up. I eventually had to search my heart about the meaning of life. I eventually had to make a choice about my soul. I just hope that Michael made a wise choice - because we all DO make a choice.

If you love and care for someone - no matter - what their fame and earthly glory - you owe it to them to discuss their eternal future. You don't mind asking friends about their relationships, work, plans, etc. Start discussing the most important thing: their soul.

Peace
--Free

I was sad to hear just a moment ago of the death of Farrah Fawcett. Of course, it's not I personally knew her, but like others, I felt like I did because of her celebrity status. I would see her in interviews and such & think to myself that she seemed like a nice person. She was certainly a beautiful woman and it's obvious that her family loved her very much. Now that she is gone from this earth, I do wonder if she had accepted the Lord's salvation. I wonder if she found peace and safety in dying.

So often, when celebrities die, people go on and on about their careers in the spotlight. Everyone wants to gawk at the surviving family and other loved ones to see what their grief looks like. Well, I'm sure their grief is the same as anyone else's. Ms. Fawcett's loved ones are not mourning someone they only knew from as a celebrity. These people are mourning their daughter, sister, mother, best friend, loved one. They are hurting for someone that the rest of us don't know.

I just do hope that Farrah heard God's wish for her, that she accept the invitation to come home to Him.

I wish her family and loved ones some peace and comfort as they struggle through their loss.


Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)

Peace
--Free

No Body of His Own

Just an interesting tidbit of wisdom my husband passed on from a sermon he heard when we were talking about how Satan attacks us at times:

We have to be prayerful at all times. Satan doesn't have a body (Jesus did), so he has to use other people to attack us sometimes.

Tim & I have been doing a lot of praying and renewing a committment to our faith. It seems like our prayers made Satan mad because he got real busy for a few days. Once we realized what was happening and put our focus back on the Lord, Satan had to go back to his corner to regroup.

Just a little bit of wisdom for you to share among yourselves. Don't stop praying!

***

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer (Romans 12:12)

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Luke 4:8)

Peace
--Free

This Morning When I Rose

When I wake up feeling discouraged, I like to think of the lyrics to one of my favorite gospel songs: "This Morning When I Rose."

This morning when I rose
I didn't have no doubt
This morning when I rose
I didn't have no doubt
This morning when I rose
I didn't have no doubt
I know the Lord
will take care of me
I know the Lord
will provide for me
And I know He will
lead and guide me all the way
yes, all the way

I woke up this morning
I saw a brand new day
I didn't have no doubt
I woke up this morning
I saw a brand new day
I didn't have no doubt
I woke up this morning

I saw a brand new day
I didn't have no doubt
I know the Lord
will take care of me
I know the Lord
will provide for me
And I know He will
lead and guide me all the way
yes, all the way

I woke up this morning
with the Holy Ghost
I didn't have no doubt
I woke up this morning
with the Holy Ghost
I didn't have no doubt
I woke up this morning
with the Holy Ghost
I didn't have no doubt

Felt like walking
Felt like talking
Felt like praying
Felt like singing
Felt like running
Felt like shouting

I know the Lord
will take care of me
I know the Lord
will provide for me
And I know He will
lead and guide me all the way
yes, all the way.

Amen. Thank You, Jesus.



Peace
--Free

Listening, Hearing & Paying Attention

Ever since I watched the Craige Lewis teachings on what's going on in Hip-Hop music, I can't get over how blind I have been to the subtle deceptions all around us. The Bible warns us not to be deceived, to be discerning and to be on our guard against false doctrine.

Here's the thing: when you start opening your eyes to the dangers, you want to warn others. And what better way for Satan to neutralize a message than to make others believe that the messenger is a "fanatic," or paranoid or over-reacting?

I've been talking to my family and friends about the need to be more careful in their entertainment choices. I just can't get out of my head how blind I'd been about the music I spent all my life listening to. When I explained to friends and family why I was giving up my Earth, Wind and Fire, Hall & Oates, David Bowie and all the other R&B and Rock I'd grown so fond of they all looked as if I might be over-reacting. (I can't even justify my Tupac collection. The language alone should have been a deterrant.)

Now, it's not as if anyone has come out and said that I am over-reacting, but I can tell that they are thinking along the lines of, "Wow, just lighten up. God knows your heart." Well, yes, He does, but that doesn't mean that I'm supposed to ignore what He is telling me. Right?

So, for now, I will just keep on sharing what I learn - no matter how people look at me. I remember when others tried to tell me things before I was ready to open my ears and listen. Even though, I didn't LISTEN, I HEARD. Now a lot of those warnings and teachings come back to me. Maybe what I say today won't be listened to, but I will be heard.

Peace
--Free

Cindee's Video

Guys - I want you to see these videos from Cindee Martin Morgan. I think sometimes we need to be reminded of the profound promises the Lord made to us. I hope that I'm posting these at just the right time for someone who especially needs the message. For more, visit Cindee's YouTube Channel.





BTW, Cindee is the daughter of the late Dr. Walter Martin. Dr. Martin really blessed my life with his teachings on various subjects. He had the ability to teach without being mean-spirited. The following is one of his appearances on the John Ankerberg Show.



Peace
--Free

Website Mentions

Just a site that you might want to check out & let me know what you think of it. Called Lighthouse Trails Research Project, they describe their site as one ëxposing dangers of the new spirituality."

And, of course, I have always liked to hear Dr. Walter Martin teach. He is now deceased, but I did find the defunct 2007 site that might lead to more info.

The last site is for the Ankerberg Theological Research Institute.

Again, let me know what you think of the info on these sites. Also, if you find any sites or info out there you think I'd be interested in, please let me know.

Peace
--Free

Questions For Oprah Fans

A great many people admire Oprah Winfrey. Her fans admire her for what she has accomplished, or because she is a black woman (double minority) who has done so much with her life, or because she seems to be so down-to-earth and compassionate. I have one niece who just cannot get over how Oprah has overcome so much to reach such heights of success. I heard one lady say that Oprah is the kind of woman she could see being great friends with - you know, someone fun to hang out with or share confidences with. I agree with all of that.

But I have a problem with Oprah. I think she is dangerous.

With all her fans and all her money, Oprah has a lot of influence. What frightens me is that she seems to be using that influence to - knowingly or not - lead people away from God. I'm not talking about people who never had an interest in God in the first place; I'm talking about Orthodox Christians.

Here is what I would like to know: how much do those Oprah fans (the ones who are Christian) know about Oprah's faith or lack of? Here is what those fans should want to know about a woman they look to for so much feedback on their lives and goals. (And, remember, I am asking this of Bible-believing orthodox Christians):

• Does she, like you, believe in Jesus, the Son of God, the second part of the Trinity?
• Does she believe that the ONLY way to God (not "a" god) is through His Son, Jesus Christ
• What exactly does she mean when she talks of "many paths" to God? Which path does she plan on using? Has she picked one and committed to it?
  
• Why did she do the New Earth classes with Eckhart Tolle? (His beliefs are clearly not in alignment with Christianity.)
• What does she think about the Bible and orthodox Christians who believe the Bible is God-breathed and the final authority on how we live our lives?
• If she has a particular belief or faith system, why not be more open about it so that people can decide if they still want to be influenced by her?
  

I'm not trying to be mean-spirited. I'm just tired of Christians thinking that it is okay to be vague about their beliefs. Who are we trying NOT to offend? Who are we trying to please? Oprah? It's not like she can get us into Heaven or send us into Hell. Oh - wait... Scratch that part about Hell. Actually, she - and anyone else teaching false doctrine - can lead the way to Hell.

Be careful, people. Be more aware of who and what you open your ears and minds and hearts to. I don't know whether or not Oprah is concerned about your soul, but you should be concerned about hers. We should all be praying that she quit following all those many paths and get on the right one.

Peace
--Free

2Cor 11:4
1Tim 4:1
Gen 3:1-6
(BTW: I got the Bible links to those verses via here)

Honesty Is Important

I have seen some video lectures by a man named Walter J. Veith. In the videos I watched, he explains different aspects of religion - talking about Freemasonry, The Flood and other things. I was really impressed at his knowledge of history and his seemingly honest viewpoint.

In his lectures about some religions, he points out that the fact they are being deceptive should be a clue to the discerning Christian.

Okay.

I noticed in one of the lectures that he seemed so adamant about when the Sabbath should be observed. Since the point he was making had to do with a conflict with the Roman Catholics, I didn't pay as much attention at the moment. Later I noticed he again re-iterated his beliefs about the Sabbath. It seemed extremely important to him.

I love Google.

I Googled Mr. Veith and began to quickly see hits mentioning his Seventh Day Adventist ties.

Wow.

Now, I don't have many problems with the Seventh Day Adventist teachings because I don't know a whole lot about them. The problem I have is that they do lean so heavily on the teachings of their founder, Ellen G. White. I have a problem with anyone who cannot depend on the Bible only to promote and spread the Gospel.

The biggest problem I have with SDA is that they don't identify themselves. If I get talking to someone about the Gospel (or religion in general), I identify myself as a Bible-believing Christian. I tell them that while I don't belong to a specific church, I was raised Church of God In Christ. I don't try to lead a Baptist into believing that I am Baptist. I don't try to lead a JW into believing that I have anything in common with them.

Why wouldn't a member of the SDA want you to know that's what they are? Is it because they are worried that you will hear about their history and beliefs and want to measure them against what the Bible says?

If Mr. Veith had been open about his church affiliation, I still would have listened to his lectures. A lot of the information he gave was useful. I would have judged it all against the Bible, of course, but I would have at least felt that Mr. Veith was being honest.

When someone is dishonest or deceptive about one thing, that makes you question their motives about everything. Especially when witnessing to people about faith, honesty is most important. A person can walk away from you disagreeing with you but still respecting that you were honest.

Peace
--Free

2 Cor 13:7-8
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

Do Bible Translations Matter?

I've heard the arguments before about whether or not Bible translations other than the KJV were accurate. Usually these arguments were nasty, heated exchanges that you would expect to hear in a meeting between the Klan and the NAACP... Just really mean and, well, let's just say that people can get upset over the discussion.

A long time ago, I got it into my head that all my nieces and nephews needed their own Bible. This is back when I was working and making pretty good money. I started going to the Christian bookstore every other payday or so and picking out Bibles I thought were appropriate for each one of my nieces and nephews. I remember buying the Adventure Bible, study Bibles, Teen Bibles, etc. I don't think that I bought any of the Bibles in the King James Version. My intent was that I wanted the kids to be interested in what they were reading and that it be easy to read. Eventually, I bought a Bible for each of them. I believe they all still have their copies today.

For myself - and this is when I was studying the Bible on a more regular occasion than now, even at one point setting myself the goal of reading through the entire Book - I bought various versions: the KJV, NIV, Amplied, NASB Study, John Hagee Prophecy, and Living. One of the reasons I'd given myself for using different versions was that they were easier to read & understand. (That comes up for argument later in a video I'm embedding.) I recently was going through some of my boxes of packed belongings and realized how many versions I had collected. The one I had kept out and available while I was busy moving from place to place (pillar to post?) was the NASB Study Bible. To be honest, I didn't often read it. Every now and then, when something came up in conversation, I would refer to the Bible.

Anyway, I was looking for more teachings on the faith and subjects of the faith when I ran across a video on YouTube that was about the controversy of modern translations of the Bible versus the KJV. I was surprised first that the speaker was not angry or ill-tempered. Next, I was fascinated by the information. Of course, as I listened, I pulled out my NASB and a KJV and began to take notes.

Wow.

In a nutshell, what mainly caused me to consider the argument for the KJV was comparing the Lord's Prayer from my NASB Study version to the KJV. Here is the first video of a series presented on YouTube:



There is another video - short and with a general chart - that more simply explains the sources of the various versions. The man presenting the information, Kent Hovind, can be a little more grating than Gail Riplinger from the first video I embedded, but the information is clear.



At any rate, I have not thrown out the other versions I have because I think it will be helpful to show others the differences, but I am now using the KJV for my study and use. (By the way, I don't know how exactly to explain this, but do you ever feel like, when you have learned something, that it's as if the knowledge was right there in front of you all the time & you were just missing it??? That's the way I have been feeling lately.)

What do you guys think? Do you prefer other versions to the KJV and why? Do you get what Riplinger and Hovind are saying about the other versions?

Peace
--Free

Revelation 22:18-19
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Free & Faith

I am starting this blog because I wanted a place to post about matters of faith and Christianity. I have other blogs I started for different reasons. By the way, since this is going to be about me (Free) and matters of faith, that's where the title came from (and it was available for Blogger!)

With this blog I hope to share conversations and thoughts with others about the daily life as a Christian. For the last many years of my life I have been complacent and lazy about my faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus. Things have happened recently to encourage me to be more firm in my walk as a follower of Christ.

For so long I have been a worker, daughter, wife, sister, friend and citizen who happens to be a Christian. I now want to be a Christian who happens to be a part of society. In other words, I want to be a Christian first.

One of the things that happened to me recently was that I happened across a series of sermons on culture and music by a pastor who is exposing the deception that has crept into aspects of everyday life. Here is one of the videos:





After hearing this teaching, I really had to take a look at some of the entertainment choices I'd made. It was a little shocking to me to realize how little attention I had paid to the arts and culture I was fond of. That led me to prayer and the desire to be more discerning. Since then, I have dusted off my neglected Bible and gotten back into the reading and studying of God's Word. I never should have allowed myself to be lured away.

The thing about life is that, if you are not careful, you can get pulled away from the most important things by meaningless things. For myself, I allowed myself to get so busy filling up time with working, talking and amusing myself that I grew away from spending time being thankful to God. I grew away from praying (except for before bed and when worried about something), reading the Bible and just being an attentive child of God.

Let me tell you something about how lax I have become as a Christian. I rarely attend church anymore. I curse on a daily basis. I gossip and criticize and belittle. I spend more time doing my hair and nails than I do praying or reading God's Word. I have been so disobedient.

Calling myself a child of Christ, I have often been more worried about offending friends and family. I have been so self-centered that I forgot to be thankful every minute to my Savior.

So. This blog is something I am doing to connect with other Christians. I want to share the Word and encourage and be encouraged. With my other blogs I have met people and formed connections that have nothing to do with my faith. I joined Twitter and connected in a matter of weeks with hundreds and hundreds of people. I sincerely hope that I can do the same here.

Oh, and because this is my blog, I will be opinionated! LOL. I will be sharing information and ideas that may offend some people. The only Person I am seriously worried about offending is Jesus Christ. Everyone else can just choose not to visit this blog.

Peace
--Free

Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.