Wednesday, December 27, 2000

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.
I'm working on a new layout and content for faithful. Planning to launch New Years Eve. Check for more later...  ~08:09 p.m.
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Sunday, December 24, 2000

Merry Christmas Eve!!!

The Christmas Story

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. ~09:48 a.m.
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Saturday, December 23, 2000

THE MYSTERY OF CHRISTMAS

If only we could understand all of God's mysteries! The Creator is above human comprehension and just because we cannot understand God's ways does not mean that He doesn't have a reason and purpose for all that He does. Christmas is a time of joy and goodwill and delighting in the age-old story of Jesus. For many, however, it doesn't seem to make sense or fit reality.

Here are some of the mysteries of that first Christmas:

* A virgin gave birth. Seven hundred years before Christ was born, the prophet Isaiah foretold: Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: "Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel" (Is. 7:14) God chose that which was beyond human possibility to signify the coming into the world of the promised Messiah. He shortcut the normal, natural way of bringing children into the world because this baby was more than a mere man. Jesus was born both of a human and of God.

* God became a man. Long ago, the Holy God condescended to live in this world as a man. Although He had every right and reason to wash His hands of the world, He loved it, especially the people who lived there. He left the wonders of heaven to come to the woes of the world. What a stoop! God was big enough to become small, and strong enough to become as weak as a tiny baby. God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory (1 Tim. 3:16).

* Christ was born to die. To fully understand Jesus, including the Christmas story, one must look beyond the crib to the cross. The greatest act that Jesus did was not to heal the sick, raise the dead, or feed 5,000, but to die on the cross, carrying on His shoulders all our guilt and shame. Hanging on a cross, at the age of 33, Jesus cried out, It is finished, having accomplished the work He was born to do. Dying, He bore in His body the sin of us all.

* Christ left heaven to come to earth so that when we leave earth we may go to heaven. Although destined to die, after three days Jesus rose from the dead. Christ, born from a virgin womb, rose from a virgin tomb and conquered death so that death is not the end of our existence. We can be sure of heaven - not because we deserve it, but because the Son came to bring us into an everlasting relationship with the Father.

* Millions exclude Jesus from His own birthday celebration. How strange to leave out the guest of honor! Surely Christ should not be excluded from the Christmas party. Yet it always has been the same. When Mary and Joseph arrived at Bethlehem, they were told there was no room in the inn. If they arrived today, the inn's bar probably would be crowded, and the restaurant packed with excitement. However - then and now - as people banquet, drink, laugh, and celebrate, they often inadvertently squeeze out the person for whom the festivities are intended.
 ~11:17 p.m.
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Saturday, December 23, 2000

IT'S TIME FOR A CHRISTMAS TRUCE

When Christmas came in 1914, in the first year of World War I, the soldiers were in their trenches on the battlefront, weary from the sights and sounds of warfare. For hundreds of miles along the battle line, both sides had dug rows of ditches and underground supply rooms. Each side's trenches faced the other, separated only by barbed wire and a narrow strip of no-man's-land. A trench soldier shared his sleeping bag with rats and bugs and frogs.

Without official approval, sometimes against orders, and almost by accident, the soldiers in the trenches made for themselves a Christmas truce. Up and down the line, at different times and in different places, the guns were silent. A few soldiers called out, or sang, or even stood up and approached the other side. We don't want to kill you. Don't shoot, they would shout. In some places German and British soldiers sang Christmas carols together - each in his own language. In others, they met in the middle of no-man's-land and exchanged chocolate, tins of jam, cigarettes, souvenirs, and addresses. They shook hands and showed photographs of their families. In one place, Irish soldiers lined up with their German enemies to take a photograph together. In another, German and Scottish soldiers laid down their hats for goalposts and played a game of soccer.

In some places the Christmas truce lasted only hours, in others, several days. But everywhere it ended. World War I, the Great War, ended in 1918. It was supposed to be the war to end all wars.

Of course, it was not. Since that time, there have been big and little wars between nations. The world even saw a second "World War." Many countries still have hatreds between people of different races and religions. Anger causes problems between friends. Families have arguments. A war between good and evil is fought in each person's soul. We are at war with each other, with ourselves, and, most of all, with God.

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God; speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardon'd (based on Isaiah 40:1-2).

The prophet Isaiah tells us to be comforted. Our sins can be forgiven and our warfare ended. A peace treaty between God and man was accomplished by Jesus when He paid the penalty for the sins of the world on the cross. Be comforted. One day there will be peace on earth. Now and forever, we can have peace for our souls. Jesus came to Bethlehem to provide a Christmas truce that never ends.
 ~11:15 p.m.
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Friday, December 22, 2000

The Story Behind the 12 Days of Christmas

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church.

Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love,Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
 ~08:00 p.m.
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Thursday, December 21, 2000

What can I say
-Christina

What can I say to the king of kings
Whose glory through all of heaven rings?

He came to earth to save my soul,
To bring me home, to make me whole.

The angels sang his praises through the hills
And told of his love which lonely hearts fills.

The shepherds came to praise his name
and when they left they weren't the same.

Each wise men later brought his gift
For his name to honor and lift.

Joseph called him Immanuel,
God's son who came to us to dwell.

Mary hide these things in her heart.
The humble servant did her part.

From heaven to earth, a throne to a stable,
and all I can say is "O, Lord, thou art faithful!"
 ~12:36 p.m.
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Wednesday, December 20, 2000

Reminders of the true meaning of Christmas.

So many times we focus to much on the reminders of Christ's birth and forget what they are supposed to remind us of.

FIR TREES - The pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven.

A STAR - The heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise.

CANDLES - Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.

WREATHES - the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.

SANTA CLAUSE - the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December.

HOLLY LEAVES - This represents immortality and the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly represents the blood shed by Him.

GIFTS - "God so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON..." Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift. The wise men bowed before the Holy BABE and presented HIM with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men.

CANDY CANES - the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."

ANGELS - the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."

BELLS - the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.  ~05:49 p.m.
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Wednesday, December 20, 2000

I found this awesome site! It's The Christian Apologetics and Resources Ministry. It has so many things you can learn. It's really amazing...

Why Should We Witness?

Have you ever asked yourself, "Why should I witness?" Several reasons should come to mind. First, because Jesus commands you to: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Matt. 28:19). Also, Ezekiel 3:11 says, "and go to the exiles, to the sons of your people, and speak to them and tell them, whether they listen or not..."

Second, you must witness because you love the unsaved (if you don't, you should). The most loving thing you can do is present the gospel in hopes of bringing others to salvation. Galatians 5:22 lists love as one of the fruit of the Spirit. It is love's nature to give. Take for example John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son..." Love gives, and if you have only a small portion of His love, you will want to give to others.

Third, witness because it is a wise thing to do. Proverbs 11:30 says, "...he who is wise wins souls." Now, I know I am not a very wise person. But, since God says I'll be wise to win souls, or try to, then great, let me at it. I want to be wise in God's sight.

Fourth, witness to keep people out of hell. Hell is a terrifying place of utter anguish and eternal separation from God. Those who are not saved go there. Witnessing is an attempt to keep them out of hell.

Fifth, witness because it pleases God and brings glory to His name.

And finally, and most important, witness so they may find the love and fellowship of God (1 John 1:3), the greatest of all treasures. I can think of no greater gift than salvation. It frees the sinner from sin, it delivers the lost from damnation, and it reveals the true and living God to those who don't know Him.

The angels of heaven rejoice greatly when anyone passes from judgment into salvation (Luke 15:10). Shouldn't we as Christians rejoice too? Shouldn't we weep over the lost? Shouldn't we ask the Lord of the field to send laborers into His harvest (Luke 10:2)? Certainly! The salvation of others is the goal of your efforts. The love of God is your motive. Is there anything greater? So, give.

For more evanglism helps visit carm.org ~04:22 p.m.
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Thursday, December 14, 2000

OK, I've added five posts today (well, this is my sixth). I haven't made a webpage in SO long. And Pitas.com is SO easy, it's addicting. Plus today I had somewhat of a revival. My friend and I were talking a lot today and our eyes were really opened to the world's need for Christ. And the vows I took at LiveTheCall opened them even more.

So, I just wanted to say good night. I've been home for three days because of major snow from school. So this has been my little project. And there's much more to come...  ~05:39 p.m.
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Thursday, December 14, 2000

Another e-mail.
Remember to true meaning of Christmas.

WHY JESUS IS BETTER THAN SANTA

Santa lives at the North Pole, Jesus is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh, Jesus rides on the wind and walks on water.

Santa comes but once a year, Jesus is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stocking with goodies, Jesus supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited, Jesus stands at the door and knocks, and then enters your heart. ~05:37 p.m.
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Thursday, December 14, 2000

I got this in an e-mail...

As you got up this morning, I watched you, and hoped you would talk to me, even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion or thanking me for something good that happened in your life yesterday. But I noticed you were too busy, trying to find the right outfit to wear.

When you ran around the house getting ready, I knew there would be a few minutes for you to stop and say hello, but you were too busy.

At one point you had to wait, fifteen minutes with nothing to do except sit in a chair.

Then I saw you spring to your feet. I thought you wanted to talk to me but you ran to the phone and called a friend to get the latest gossip instead.

I watched patiently all day long. With all your activities I guess you were too busy to say anything to me. I noticed that before lunch you looked around, maybe you felt embarrassed to talk to me, that is why you didn't bow your head. You glanced three or four tables over and you noticed some of your friends talking to me briefly before they ate, but you didn't.

That's okay. There is still more time left, and I hope that you will talk to me yet.

You went home and it seems as if you had lots of things to do. After a few of them were done, you turned on the TV. I don't know if you like TV or not, just about anything goes there and you spend a lot of time each day in front of it not thinking about anything, just enjoying the show. I waited patiently again as you watched the TV and ate your meal, but again you didn't talk to me.

Bedtime came and I guess you felt tired. After you said goodnight to your family you plopped into bed and fell asleep in no time. That's okay because you may not realize that I am always there for you. I've got patience, more than you will ever know. I even want to teach you how to be patient with others as well.

I love you so much that I wait everyday for a nod, prayer or thought or a thankful part of your heart. It is hard to have a one-sided conversation.

Well, you are getting up once again. And once again I will wait, with nothing but love for you. Hoping that today you will give me some time.

Have a nice day!
Your friend,
GOD  ~05:25 p.m.
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Thursday, December 14, 2000

2 Peter is now one of my new favorite books of the Bible (of course they're all my favorite though). I had been doing my devotions in Acts, a chapter a day, but when I opened my Bible I first turned to 2 Peter. I read the summary and decided to read a chapter. I wound up reading the whole book (only three chapters though, so it wasn't that hard)! It's all about remembering God's faithfulness. I'll probably make up and out-line and post it on this site or something. But I really encourage you to read it. It's an awesome book.

And hey, if you don't have a Bible (or one isn't handy) check out The Bible Gateway! It has many translations, search options, and they even have it in different languages!

Read 2 Peter on-line!  ~04:50 p.m.
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Thursday, December 14, 2000

><>My Christmas Gift To You<><

By: Janet Adams
TDDMJanet@aol.com

We have received God's grace through the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now we need to be open to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, "But eagerly desire the greater gifts" 1 Corinthians 12:31

I am going to give you a gift for Christmas. The box that it is in is sturdy and strong, no wind, rain, storms, fire or hazard can harm it. It is wrapped in the lovely paper of promises. Around the wrapping is a ribbon of grace and a bow of mercy. Inside of the box is a gift designed just for you.

It is the most wonderful and important gift you will ever receive. This gift is just for you, but in order to have what is inside you have to accept the gift. You have to open your hands, receive the gift and open it up. You have to acknowledge that this is for you and you are taking ownership of it.

As you open this box you will see the face of God in the form of a baby that was sent to earth, God in form of man being born as a baby. Christmas is the time celebrated of His birth. He was born of a virgin, Mary whom God chose to carry this child. His life's purpose was to share God's love with all he came in contact with. He told of God's love and will for each and every one of us. He was to die, taking every torture, sin, hardship known to mankind on himself. He felt every single discomfort and pain for us. He prepared a place for us to go after our death, everlasting life in paradise with Him.

God loved us so much he was willing to send His own son to die for our sins. We are born with a sin nature and no one can change that until he or she opens the box, that lovely wrapped box with the gift inside of it. The gift of God who wants you to draw to Him, surrendering yourself to Him.

Open your box I send to you and accept your gift of love, peace and eternal life. Receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the promises He has made to you. Stand strong as the box which is sturdy and will withhold life's storms. Accept that God sent His son for you, gift wrapped with the Holy Spirit and the wonders of His Love. And thank Him with all your heart for giving you such a wondrous gift!

From the Teen Daily Devotional Ministry > Subscribe to TDDM  ~03:23 p.m.
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Thursday, December 14, 2000

Dedicated on December 14, 2000: I take these vows in a spirit of dedication, knowing God will hold me responcible, not only for what I keep, but also for what I do not. So I take these vows in expection of keeping them, yet knowing if I don’t, because of Jesus’s gift on the cross, I will always have a second chance. To you, O Lord, I vow...

THE VOW TO JESUS: Believing that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and Life, I make a commitment to dedicate all I am, all I have and all I ever hope to be, to His use and His glory, now and forever. In all I do, I will live for Christ and seek first His kingdom.

MY WORDS: I believe that Jesus is the Light of the World. I give my life, my abilities, everything I do, can do, and hope to do into His hands to do with me as He wills for His glory and honor!

THE VOW OF SERVICE: Believing that Christ came not to be served but to serve, I make a commitment to God, myself and those I am called to influence that I will be a living sacrifice, dedicating myself to do good works of service and charity toward those God places in my path.

MY WORDS: In following Christ’s humble example, I commit myself to be a servant to my family, my friend, my enemies, and strangers instead of demanding to be served. I dedicate my life to “being Jesus” to the world!

THE VOW TO MISSIONS: Believing God's heart is that all nations would know Him and hear His truth, I commit to live for the purpose of taking His truth and light to the ends of the earth. I vow to offer myself, my resources, and my talents to the work of Missions- to give myself with complete abandonment; to be his hands and feet; to stand for the hurting, the hopeless, and the unloved; to live for the purposes of reaching the lost with the truth and light of Christ.

MY WORDS: I know how God weeps over one lost soul. My eyes have been open to His will: that none should perish. I commit myself to bringing his hope to the world, far and wide. I offer all I can do and cannot do to this mission, all I have, I give it completely to the saving of souls. To reach out to the hurt, the hopeless, and the unloved, and all who don’t know that they don’t know. I will live in a way that one could only see Jesus and his love and hope in me from this day forth.

THE VOW TO CAMPUS: Believing God has a special destiny and mission for my generation, I commit to do whatever it takes to bring the message of Christ to my school. Through prayer, and refusal to compromise, moral integrity, bold witnessing, and loving the outcast, I will live so that every student in my school has the opportunity to know Christ.

MY WORDS: I know that many Christians live nonchalant Christians lives. I surrender myself, my reputation, my resources to being an example of an on-fire Christian. I give myself to sharing my faith with my generation and encouraging them to live like Christ. I will do What Jesus Would Do. I will love the unlovable with his love so they might see Christ through me.

THE VOW TO PURITY: Believing that I am called to live holy unto Christ, I vow to give my eyes, my speech, my thoughts and my body as a sacrifice to the Lord. I commit therefore to resist the temptations of the age. I vow in my absolute devotion to Jesus to remain sexually pure, abstinent outside of marriage and faithful in marriage.

MY WORDS: God has called us to purtity, therefore I give my thoughts, speech, actions, and the things I see wholly abandoned to Jesus to cleanse them with his blood. My life is not my own, but a temple of the Holy Spirit and I vow to keep that temple clean or any sexually or spiritual immorality.

Take the vows for yourself at LiveTheCall ~03:10 p.m.
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Wednesday, December 13, 2000

faithful is now on-line!


"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." -2 Peter 3:8-9


That is my whole goal with this site, to be a reminder to me and to the world of God's faithfulness to each and every one of us.  ~06:08 p.m.
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