365 Promises

Romans 8:32 WEB He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things? Promise #359: When I offered up My one and only Son, I gave you the best gift I could give. Christmas marks the one day in the year where gifts are given and received around the world. I could not think of a more appropriate day to talk about the greatest gift that our Father could give. On a day that we celebrate the birth of God's only begotten Son, may we also be reminded of the reason why Jesus came to earth. In John 3:16 we read that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son... It was the Father who gave us everything He could possibly give when He sacrificed the life of His treasured possession. In today's promise, Paul the Apostle reminds us of this incredible gift. God did not spare His Son, but delivered Him up to the most excruciating death on a cross in order that we could be born into His family. The greatest gift that you could receive this Christmas day, is a deeper revelation of just how much our God and Father loves you. He gave up everything He loved in order to gain your love. May the revelation of His love go even deeper into your heart today and may the cross of Jesus Christ always be the ultimate symbol of our Father's greatest gift to you. Have a blessed Christmas.

Day of Rememberance

There are only a few more days to go! Only a few more days until...until what? Why is December 25th so special? What really is this day we call Christmas? The early church did not give much thought to the birth of Jesus. Of the four Gospels only Matthew and Luke even mention His birth, and these accounts are relatively brief. Certainly, the emphasis of the Gospels was on Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection. And after Jesus ascended to Heaven, the focus of the church was on living for Him, sending out His message, and waiting for His return. No one is really sure when Jesus was born. The first recorded celebration didn't occur until 200 years after His birth, and it wasn't until the year 330 that the birth of Christ was assigned to December 25th. Some say Jesus was actually born in September or October and others are sure He was born in March or April (in fact, a case has been made for His birth in each of the twelve months!). But it is generally agreed that, due to the relatively colder weather, December was an unlikely time for the birth of our Savior, at least as it is recorded in the Bible. So what really is Christmas? John 1:1,14 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." The very Word of God became flesh! Though it is difficult to understand, the Word of God came to live among us and began life as a little baby. He "made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). This sacrifice of transformation represents a whole lot of love! Christmas is a day to remember the most profound event in the history of the world. On that first Christmas (whenever it was), God came to earth to live among us! He was born into the most humble circumstances, grew and taught us His truths, died on a cross for our sin, and was raised; all so we might live with Him for eternity. December 25th is a day to celebrate with quiet reflection, as Mary "treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). It is also a day to celebrate with great rejoicing, as the shepherds "returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen" (Luke 2:20). The world has tried to remove Christ and insert many activities into this season which do not glorify God. But this need not hinder our worship. We have the ability to turn away the evil and embrace that which is honoring and good. We can (and should) glorify God and celebrate the gift of our Savior every day throughout the year. But let's take the opportunity to make this season, and this specific day, special. Let's celebrate with a focused and thankful heart, and make December 25th a blessed day of remembrance. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries

His work is Wonderful

My message today is very sentimental, and I have titled it. “His work is Wonderful”. God makes no mistakes in His construction of mankind (Me). In fact, those aspects you feel are errors are actually His mark on your life-what He used in a powerful way to make Himself known to you. This morning as always but especially this morning I rejoice, not only am I excellently formed as you are also, by a wonderful Maker, and fulfilled with a precious part in His great plan that has been specially created for you and me. When we were formed He gave us all the qualities that make us unique-your traits and talents, despite trials and tribulations. Yet even things we consider flaws and weaknesses are all a part of His perfecting you and me-His wonderful one. “Today marks the sixth year anniversary of a major Liver Transplant that God made possible, 830 am I got the call around 130pm I had been transplanted. He worked out the details and I reaped the reward, a modern day miracle. Yes God is still performing miracles today. Hallelujah, thank you God, and I am thankful for a God who is attentive to details. God saw fit to give me new life. To the Master here is my prayer…I thank you God for creating me, and recreating in me a clean heart. Seeing in me to remove and replace what I messed up, I praise you for all of your works in me which are truly wonderful. Amen. (He did it for me He will do it for you). Love you all. ©

Transplant Support Benefaction, Inc.

Stay informed here and support my Face Book page "EWIW by James Cruse" for the kick off just a couple months away and all proceeds from my books will benefit this Nonprofit Foundation. Please support. "Click the LIKE button. It is the next chapter of ministry of serving. Bless you all who will support this cause. TSB MISSION: Transplant Support Benefactions (TSB) Mission is to Support, Educate, Provide Emergency Assistance, and Provide Educational Scholarships to Transplant recipients, their families, Transplant Organ Donors, and Families of Transplant survivors. (James Cruse and Julie Graves Co-founders)A message from the author James Cruse

My New Book "EWIW"

The Spirit of the Lord has been Faithful & True, and Blessings are Plentiful. I’m excited to inform you that I’m embarking upon a long time dream of publishing the first of a three book series. I have been working on this project for several years and finally, it’s coming to fruition. The first book will feature a collection of spiritual narratives that will exhibit sentiments of Encouragement, Inspiration, and Education. These stories are designed to give readers a level of Hope to cope with daily pressures, predicaments, and God’s promises. Can I encourage and request your support in this project? Please connect to my Book Facebook page “EWIW by James Cruse” tell everyone and hit the like button. The year 2013 will be the fruition of a dream and the start of a new chapter in my life, with this series of books and a new Non-profit foundation due to kick off in Feb 2013. All the proceeds from the books will also benefit my foundation. TSBenefaction.org. A word from the Author. James Cruse

Judge Not.

"Two men went up into the church to pray, one a leader, and the other a common member. The leader stood and was praying thus to himself, ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this common member. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all I get.’ But the member, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted." Luke 18:10-14 (NAS) I have something on my heart and I want to share. Do I want to share it because I've seen something in some people? Certainly not! There have been some observations on my part in my life, with online emails, inbox messages and other lists and so on that brought a continual theme on what I am writing today. I read something quite some time back that said to WRITE about things that hit a nerve with you... well, I don't just write them. I am learning to take those things to the Lord and really pour them out in my prayers moments to Him. I read over it and ask Him what He is teaching me... I ask questions like: "Why is this bothering me", or "why has this struck a chord in my heart?". I know that God will let me know in His own beautiful and special way. There is an area that strikes a chord with me... bothers me very much. That area is judgmental attitudes... critical spirits... self righteous words and so on down the line. I know that I am about as far from perfect as any human has ever been. I have learned to boast about just how far from perfect I am because it shows just how mighty GOD is! There have been countless times just on this list alone (and this isn't the only time or place by a long shot) where other people have been very upset with me and called me on something I wrote or shared. There have been times when some were right and I learned from what they shared... and there are times when I still do not agree with them for the most part. What is the number one thing I do that causes these reactions? My attitude is too lenient and not conservative enough. I use translations other than the King James (even though I use it, too). I add too much "happiness" “encouragement” “inspiration” and not enough "righteous living". I'm not "hard" enough on my presentations of God's truth. This list of ways I "fail" in God's service could easily fill a book, I'm sure, so I'll go on to the rest of my "points to ponder" here... I grew up with a mother who could have easily given up and even in more modern times. She fought to live out every single WORD in that Bible to the highest degree in spite of going through a divorce she didn't want and having three children to raise and being a homemaker with us. I remember her Bible being the most important thing in her heart. Most of this was good and between her example and that of my sisters was growing up just care for my mother... I received much good for my own life. I feel blessed beyond measure for the life my mother so valiantly led and I have also learned a great deal since those years with her. From her strength and endurance and later how she prayed, regardless of the circumstances. It wasn't until I got older... married... had children and began my "mature" Christian life that I found how hard it was to live as my mother. I felt like a failure many times from the time I got up to the time I went to bed. I talked to her and she shared with me that she had spent all of those years terrified of a relationship she desired to leave. She did everything she could humanly manage to please God so she could go to heaven and be with Jesus one day. It wasn't until my younger sister got married that she walked up the aisle herself and got saved from works and into grace. I remember thinking as I read that real salvation as being cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ and that salvation meant repenting those sins and being washed clean. Salvation meant asking Jesus Christ to come into your heart... giving him your life as He gave His... and being sealed forever --- going to heaven because of these things and believing that Jesus walked on this earth and died on a cross for our sins. I was living a way that I became very judgmental without meaning to. I held the same expectations for everyone else that I held for myself... and these expectations were based on works as much as Word. When I sinned in ANY way... I would feel devastated. I thought harsh thoughts for myself and for others who weren't perfect in the Lord. I didn't know then that I was farther away from the Lord and His Will than ever but I was. I was in this state on my own effort --- even though it was opposite of what I was fighting to do! Early in life I did not have a LOVING relationship with the Lord. But was put on the Sunday school bus like many I was too lost in a sea of emotions... "I have failed so much in my past... I simply MUST do 'right' now"... "He doesn't really love ME... and I don't really blame Him"... "why, why, WHY couldn't I have been one of those precious young guys'... who lived a pure and perfect life?". I always wondered WHY God allowed my life to be anything less than an ultimate CHRISTIAN of His... I mean... it would have been for His good?! I felt like I had lived "both sides" of so many situations. Suddenly... we were on our own, one by one. Everything in my life has seemed to be "both sides" instead of one way or the other. As a teenager I wasn't with the preppy crowd and wasn't with the "bad" crowd... I was somewhere between them both. I wasn't one of those teens who thought jail was fun but I wasn't "good" either. I finally realized that God knew He could reach more of His children this way. Even though I thought I would always learn and never teach... He had different plans. I love those who have it all together. Their examples have given me not only heights to reach for but guidance to get there as well. The remarkable people who grew up "good" and lived "good" lives in Christ were like sunshine and water to a needy little plant! It is because of them and the things God chose to pour through them that I now pour that out onto others. I admire them... respect and love them. I can relate with them now because in SOME ways I have grown into one of them! My heart also goes to those who struggle... the woman unsure and unsteady in her ways. The man who beats himself up and "never does anything right" Some people fill my heart with a deep love and I want to reach out to grab their hand! I want to run with their hand to the Lord... "Here, God! Here, they are! You know me You so desperately love?! Well, I am here!". I love to know He's enfolding us in His arms and washing us clean of defeating and negative thoughts. He knows there is a long road ahead but He is happy we came. I love people because I am amongst my friends and Jesus… is with us. I remember praying and praying for God to change me… guide me… make me one of those powerful people in the Bible. I prayed that He would do SOMETHING to help me NOT be such a failure. When I write... minister... counsel... advise... share... whatever ~ I do not have one "audience" in mind! It doesn't work that way with me! I know that all writers are instructed to write with a certain "audience" in mind but I write with ALL people in mind. I can honestly connect with the shared feelings I have felt so many similar or exact feelings myself! I know why God allowed such a diversity of "life" for me... He had plans I didn't even know about and NEVER would have guessed! Because of this I have seen something very common happening --- as Christians, we tend to "stay with our own kind" perhaps without realizing it. Our views are coming from too narrow an angle sometimes our own. Christians needn’t be this way. We can learn from each other regardless of how "wise" we’ve become or how far we still have to go. I write to those wise in the Word who have memorized almost every verse in the Book, can flip to a Bible book in seconds, and who have studied almost every person in the Bible. I also write to those who are just learning some who feel "lacking" because they are still so unfamiliar with the Word. This is one reason for using the different translations. I have NOT just gathered translations for fun or diversity! I read from very reliable sources on what versions mean what… how the particular translation came to be and so on. My understanding of Scripture has increased a thousand times a thousand since having more than the King James Version (which I dearly love). I must be honest with you and tell you that sometimes I have noticed more negative thinking by Christians than non-Christians more so with men than women or children combined! There comes this self righteous tone which seems innocent enough to the beholder and some well meaning friends but has a foundation of self exaltation. "We rarely see people as they really are; our perceptions are distorted by past relationships and our own preconceptions of who we think they are, even the people we know best. We do not see clearly because of the ‘logs’ in our eyes (Matt. 7:3-5). This is always obvious in advice given out to people on eating meat or not eating meat, reading one translation or another, working outside the home or staying home, attachment parenting or not, and the "teachings" of each are sometimes considered the only "holy" way. I don’t recall one place in the Bible admonishing us as Christians to judge how another Christian lives. I read this: "And now I ask you, lady, not as writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another." II John 5 (NAS) We are instructed to love each other. We aren’t called to demand that our way of following the Word of God is the only right way! We are all in Christ who confesses that Christ is from God! "By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world." I John 4:2-3 (NAS) Let me ask you this are we able to love and judge someone at the same time? I know that God is our righteous judge and He is the Author of love but we aren’t God! HE is capable of loving and judging in righteous we are not. If we see a problem in or with someone and after prayer and reading in Scripture feel truly led to address it something is wrong unless we are filled with love and compassion for them as we do it. "If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen." I John 4:21 (NAS) We need to examine our thoughts on or against another Christian when we feel they aren’t following God’s Word as we feel they should. "Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;" Hebrews 12:14-15. (NAS) When we are tempted to think negative thoughts in our heads while someone is talking to us maybe we should consider some advice from the "Boundaries" book by two Christian Psychologists. They point out that being honest in love verses not saying a word and then going behind someone’s back to say… "THIS person said so and so and it just made me so mad I just totally disagreed!". No, you didn’t. Disagreeing would be the case had you kindly stated your feelings/beliefs on the matter. When we don’t tell the person talking to us --- hurting our feelings or offending us --- we have no right or reason to go spill it all out to someone else. The only ONE we should share negative opinions of others on is God because He is quite capable of leading us in the way we should go and He knows what we feel anyway. I will point out first off that there is a difference between "reacting" and "responding". Boundaries authors state that, "When you are reacting, they are in control. When you respond you are." This isn’t to say that you should be honest with someone if you don’t have love in your heart or if you know you won’t be doing so in kindness. What it does mean is that it is not right to take that to anyone else and complain about either! There is a very fine line between care and criticism and if we are to live as true Christians we would be wise to examine it. God gives us enough intuition to know (if we make ourselves aware and search our hearts) if sharing something, telling something, whatever – is coming from a spring of beauty and love or judgment and a critical view. If we are telling someone something that bothers us about someone else and we haven’t been honest with that person or "those people" are we seeking Godly guidance or agreement in how wrong the other person or people are/were? Family and Friends, I write to you from a heart full of feeling full of this unbelievable desire to stand with you on the side of truth. Other Christians might not do their daily quiet time the same way you do (or perhaps they don’t yet have a quiet time) they might not perform in their marriage the same way you know to be right in your marriage they may parent their children in ways you wouldn’t parent them they might keep their home with standards totally different from those in your home they might have a ministry from God opposite of what you would have regardless of HOW they live their lives it is between God and them only to work through. "And John answered and said, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to hinder him because he does not follow with us.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not hinder him: for he who is not against you is for you.’" Let us not try to hinder other people just because they don’t follow the same path we do. Let us remember that if they are for Christ they are for us. All of us who believe in Christ are seeking to serve Him and HE will be our guide. HE will reveal what needs changing, what needs improving, what to cut out and what to add in! "It is not failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs." Confucius Remember this: "The first to plead his case seems just, until another comes and examines him." Proverbs 18:17 I know I wrote of many things in this "message" but the main point was on judging other people. Please read the following quotes and consider examining your lives this day as I will be doing with mine. Is there judgment, criticism, looking down on, or anything related to these on another people in your life? "I would rather bite my tongue till it bleed, than pass judgment upon any man. Judgment we should leave to God, for out Of the habit of sitting in judgment upon One’s neighbor grow self-satisfaction and Arrogance, which are of the devil." -Tauler "If you judge people, you have no time to love them." -Mother Teresa "Do not be angry that you cannot make’ others as you would wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be." Thomas a’ Kempis In conclusion from me ~ If you ever again read my writing and truly feel I am being "too easy" in my writing, teaching, encouraging, inspiring, speaking, or counsel if it seems that I am not being stern enough in my sharing or "strong" enough in my standing please understand, understand that I know what God has had to deal with in ME all of my life. I know my many failures and I know that I am always, always, always just one hair’s width line away from making the same mistakes anyone else makes. I am that close at all times to falling myself to sinning to wrong instead of right. If I ever (and sometimes I do) even start to feel the least bit of judgment towards/against someone else… I try to RUN to the mirror. I will RUN to my past and RUN to the record of "forgiveness" God has shown mercy on me with. Each time I am quickly humbled and all pride in how "great" or "much better" I’m living disappears. Love in Christ Jesus in humanity and humility in His strength alone. My theme is to Encourage, Inspire and educate our brothers and Sisters about the promises of God and try to give some hope in His Word through my writings. Remember I love you and pray for you. JC

About me….. I am a Retired Marine, had a full Liver transplant, survivor of many things and now, I am relaxing and going to relax even more. Everyone has a story; I am looking to see what the next chapter of mine is. We go through storms, trials and need the healing power of Jesus Christ. We struggle from the lack of knowledge. We need to Encourage, Inspire, and Remind people of His Promises. We need to Reach our Brother and Sister, while "speaking about His Promises, Truth and Love" Whatever I go through, whatever happens, " Either Way I Win" whether God heals me here on earth or heals me by calling me home, to be with Him, "I Win" Afflictions are God's most effectual means to keep us from losing our way to our heavenly rest. Without this hedge of thorns on the right hand and on the left, we should hardly keep the way to heaven. If there be but one gap open, how ready are we to find it and turn out at it! When we grow wanton, or worldly, or proud, how cloth sickness or other afflictions reduce us! Every Christian, as well as Luther, can call affliction one of his best schoolmasters; and with David may say, 'before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.' Many thousand rescued sinners may cry O healthful sickness! O comfortable sorrow! O gainful losses! O enriching poverty! O blessed day that ever I was afflicted! Not only the green pastures and still waters, but the rod and staff, they comfort us. Though the Word and the Spirit do the main work, yet suffering so unbolts the door of the heart, that the Word hath easier entrance. Please accept the encouragement of someone who feels your pain, not to inflict more but to assist and send comforting words, of encouragement and inspiration. The spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because 1. The LORD has anointed me to minister good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2. To proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3. And provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. 4. To serve God as His servant, to serve people. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. The Lord has seen me through my grief He will help you also. It is His promise. To be with you and never leave you. With love, JC

Questions and Myths about Organ Donation

There are numerous questions people have about organ and tissue donation and transplantation. What follows are a few of the most commonly asked questions. What is the age limit for organ and tissue donation? Potential to donate, regardless of age, will be determined at the time of death. People in their 80s have donated vital organs that have been successfully transplanted. No matter what your age is be sure to inform family members of your decision to be a donor. If I have a serious health problem, can I still donate? The important thing to remember is that your potential to donate will be determined at the time of death. There are few medical illnesses that absolutely rule people out for organ donation. Medical criteria for tissue donation are stricter since most tissue transplants are considered life enhancing as opposed to life saving. Even if you have had a serious health problem like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, certain types of cancer, or even hepatitis you may still be able to donate at the time of death. If I signed a donor card, am I on a national donor registry? Many people who signed donor cards over the years believe they are part of a national donor registry. There is no universally recognized national registry of organ donors. Most states now offer the opportunity to register as a donor through the driver license program or through independent state-run registries. These state-based programs are important because they enable donors to go on record with their wishes; often donor cards are missing and families are unaware of their loved one's wishes. Even though a donor card is considered a legal document, most donor programs will defer to the family or next-of-kin if they object to donation; so, it is important that your family understands your wishes. What is brain death? Brain death is a legal determination of death and involves the complete and irreversible loss of brain function including the brain stem, which controls breathing and heart rate. Brain death can occur in patients who have sustained injuries to the brain resulting from traumatic causes -- auto accidents, gunshot wounds, falls, blows to the head -- and non-traumatic causes like strokes, aneurysms, drowning, and heart attacks during which time the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen. Brain dead patients are patients who are in the hospital in an intensive care unit on total artificial life support. Brain death should not be confused with coma or persistent vegetative state; these are conditions under which patients still have some brain function and may be breathing on their own. How will donation affect funeral plans? Under most circumstances, organ and tissue donation should not affect your family's plans for a funeral, including the opportunity to have an open-casket viewing or service. In some instances there may be a slight delay in order to allow the organ or tissue recovery to take place. Are there additional costs to my family if I am an organ or tissue donor? There should be no additional costs to your family or estate if you are an organ or tissue donor. Organ and tissue donor programs work closely with hospitals and funeral directors to ensure that any donation-related costs in the hospital or afterward at the funeral home are covered. Top 3 Myths about Organ and Tissue Donation Myth 1 - Celebrities or wealthy people get transplanted faster than others. All patients awaiting transplant are on the same national transplant waiting list, which is blind to celebrity status, income, and race or ethnicity. Organs are given to patients based on the severity of illness, match with the donor, and time on the waiting list. Yes, some celebrities have gone on the transplant waiting list and received transplants quickly, and so have thousands of non-celebrity patients who never make it into the national news. Media attention focused on famous people who receive transplants tends to magnify the misperception that celebrities get special treatment. Myth 2 - I heard about a guy whose kidney was stolen. This is a famous urban legend. This story has been told in a variety of forms since the 1980s and gained ground on the Internet back in the late 1990s. The story is often told something like this: A friend of a friend has a cousin whose husband is a lawyer in New York City (or some other city) representing a man whose kidney was stolen. It seems that he met a girl in a bar who slipped some drugs into his drink. He woke up in a bathtub full of ice with a phone next to the bathtub. On the phone was a note that read, "Call 911, we've taken your kidney." Like most famous urban legends there isn't an ounce of evidence that this has ever taken place. This story has been covered extensively and has even served as the basis for fictional television programs. Despite the far-fetched scenario, many people still believe the story is true. Myth 3 - If you have a donor card and you are in an accident, doctors will not work to save your life. Unfortunately, distrust in the medical community expresses itself in many ways. This myth is a widely held belief or fear in our society. It's important to understand that emergency personnel are in no way connected to transplant programs, nor do they have anything to gain, financially or otherwise, by letting a patient die in order to remove organs or tissues. Another commonly overlooked fact is that emergency personnel in hospitals rarely, if ever, see any documentation of an individual's desire to be a donor; donor cards and driver licenses simply do not make it into the hands of doctors caring for accident victims. The police typically have this information and hold onto it or return it to the victim's family.

Intercessory Prayer

There are many ways to love one’s neighbor, but intercessory prayer—praying on behalf of other people—has got to be one of the most powerful. Prayer is the most potent force known to humanity. Because we have been made partakers in Jesus’ victory over sin and death (1 John 4:4), we have the authority as sons and daughters of God to pray for others, pushing back the darkness of sin and oppression. In prayer, we have a weapon that has “divine power to destroy strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). That kind of weaponry—the power of prayer— is something God invites us to use as we seek not only personal transformation but the transformation of the world as well. An intercessor is one who takes up a “burden” that goes far beyond his or her own needs and intentions. And those who take up the call to intercession come to learn in a deeper way that the sufferings of the present time cannot compare to the joy that will come as God’s purposes unfold. They learn to trust in the Lord, because they have experienced in prayer how infinitely compassionate God is. Intercessors participate in God’s magnificent plan to raise humanity to share in divine life. This insight moves them to engage in a spiritual battle against the forces that seek to destroy God’s plans. The Letter of James tells us that “The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects” (James 5:16), and there is no one more righteous than Jesus—the most powerful intercessor whoever walked the earth. Martha, the sister of Lazarus, rightly declared, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you” (John 11:21-22). The Letter to the Hebrews tells us that because Jesus’ priesthood is eternal, “he is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (7:25). Imagine that: right now, Jesus is in heaven interceding for you, even as he intercedes for the entire world. He also invites us all to join in his priestly intercession so that a might flood of prayer will ascend to the Father’s throne. So ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to pray in union with the mind of God. Take to heart St. Paul’s words, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes . . . for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27). And above all, ask God to give you confidence that he hears your prayers and longs to answer the deep needs of those around you.

Pray for our Children

Let's pray for our children Acs 19:20.........I thank you Father that Your Word prevails over our children. Isa 54:13...........That they are taught of the Lord and continue to be Prov 13:1.......... the fruit of godly instruction and correction. Isa 54:13...........Great is their peace and undisturbed composure. Prov 2:6............ Father, give us counsel and wisdom in bringing up our children. 1Pet 1:14.......... I say they are obedient, not conforming to the things of the flesh, 1Pet 1:15.......... but holy, in all conduct. 1Pet 2:2........... desiring the pure milk of the Word that they may grow thereby. Jas 1:19............That they are swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. Heb 13:5.......... Their conduct is without covetousness, Heb 13:5.......... and they are content with what they have. Heb 13:16......... They do not forget to do what is right and to share. 2Pet 3:18.......... I pray that they grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, 1Thes 4:1......... and abound more and more in how they should walk and please You. 1Pet 5:5........... That they submit to their elders, and to one another, 1Pet 5:5........... being clothed with humility. 1Pet 5:7........... That they cast their cares upon You, Father, for You care for them. Jas 1:22............I thank You that they are doers of the Word, and not hearers only, Ph'm 1:6...........effectively sharing their faith. 2Tim 1:7 ..........not having a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. 2Tim 1:9...........Father, You have saved them and called them with a holy calling, 2Tim 1:9 ..........not according to works, but according to Your own purpose. 2Tim 4:18.........Deliver them from every evil work and preserve them. John 10:5 ........They will by no means follow strangers, not knowing their voices. 2Tim2:22 .........They abide with others who call on the Lord out of a pure heart, Jas 3:10 ..........and cursing comes not out of their mouth. 1Jn 5:18 ..........Because Jesus keeps them safe, the wicked one does not touch them. Ps 91:11..........Give Your angels special charge to accompany, defend, preserve Ps 4:8.............and provide safety for them, day and night. 1Jn 2:5 ...........Because they keep Your Word, Your love is being perfected in them. 1Jn 2:15 .........They do not love the world or the things in the world, 3Jn 1:11..........and they do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. 1Jn 1:7 ...........They walk in the light as You are in the Light, Jas 4:8 ...........cleansing their hands and purifying their hearts, 2Tim 2:22 .......They follow after righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Heb 13:18........They have a good conscience and desire to live honorably, Prov 3:4 ..........having favor and high esteem with God and man.

Opportunity of our words

Every day we are given the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life. Every time we open our mouth to speak, we send forth words which have an effect on those around us. Our words, which come "out of the overflow of the heart" (Matthew 12:34), will either cause a positive or negative reaction...our words are rarely neutral. Knowing the power of our words ought to cause us to use them with great care. Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." This means that every time we speak, we have the opportunity to encourage and minister. With just a few moments of our time and very little effort, we have the opportunity to brighten someone's day, to ease their burden, and possibly draw them closer to God. This precious opportunity must not be taken lightly; "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken" (Matthew 12:26). If we have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our careless words are eternally forgiven. And yet, our words remain a reflection of our heart. God has given us a new heart which ought to be filled with devotion, and our words should be filtered through a desire to bring Him glory and honor. But sometimes we smother this heart and fail to let it shine. Though forgiven, we must also give an account of the damage our words have caused. We seldom realize how harmful and discouraging our words can be; "Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, 'I was only joking!'" (Proverbs 26:18-19). Sarcastic and joking words are "deadly arrows" which are never useful for "building others up." Over time, these words are sure to destroy a relationship. Before we speak, we must carefully listen. What is the real question? What are the real needs or concerns? "He who answers before listening - that is his folly and his shame" (Proverbs 18:13). We may only be given the opportunity to speak a few words, but we can make every effort to use our words wisely; "The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil" (Proverbs 15:28). Our words are a powerful gift. Let's honor our Heavenly Father by effectively using this gift to encourage. Let's speak so those who listen may benefit and be built up in their faith. Let's continually encourage one another to draw closer to our Heavenly Father and never squander the opportunity of our words. Have a Christ Centered Day! Steve Troxel God's Daily Word Ministries

Are we real friends?

The Lord Jesus Christ gave us the definition of a true friend: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:13-15). Jesus is the pure example of a true friend, for He laid down His life for His "friends." What is more, anyone may become His friend by trusting in Him as his personal savior, being born again and receiving new life in Him. There is an example of true friendship between David and Saul's son Jonathan, who, in spite of his father Saul's pursuit of David and attempts to kill him, stood by his friend. You will find that story in 1 Samuel chapter 18 through chapter 20. Some pertinent passages are 1 Samuel 18:1-4; 19: 4-7; 20:11-17, 41-42. Proverbs is another good source of wisdom regarding friends. "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" (Proverbs 17:17). "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). The issue here is that in order have a friend, one must be a friend. "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses" (Proverbs 27:6). " As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (Proverbs 27:17). The principle of friendship is also found in Amos. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3 KJV). Friends are of like mind. The truth that comes from all of this is a friendship is a relationship that is entered into by individuals, and it is only as good or as close as those individuals choose to make it. Someone has said that if you can count your true friends on the fingers of one hand, you are blessed. A friend is one whom you can be yourself with and never fear that he or she will judge you. A friend is someone that you can confide in with complete trust. A friend is someone you respect and that respects you, not based upon worthiness but based upon a likeness of mind. Finally, the real definition of a true friend comes from the Apostle Paul: "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:7-8). "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." (John 15:13). Now, that is true friendship!

Who are you Trusting?

The words translated “trust” in the Bible literally mean a bold, confident, sure security or action based on that security. Trust is not exactly the same as faith, which is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Rather, trusting is what we do because of the faith we have been given. Trusting is believing in the promises of God in all circumstances, even in those where the evidence seems to be to the contrary. Hebrews 11 talks about faith, which is accepting and believing the truth that God reveals about Himself, supremely in the person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, the practical consequence of faith in God is trust, which we prove by living out our full acceptance of God’s promises day by day. Furthermore, it is by this trust that we are promised peace: “You will keep in peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3). The classic verse regarding trust is Proverbs 3:5: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” This verse sums up the Bible’s teaching on trust. First, it is the Lord in whom we are to trust, not ourselves or our plans, and certainly not the world’s wisdom and devices. We trust in the Lord because He and He alone is truly trustworthy. His Word is trustworthy (Psalm 93:5, 111:7; Titus 1:9), His nature is faithful and true (Deuteronomy 7:9; Psalm 25:10, 145:13, 146:6), and His plans for us are perfect and purposeful (Isaiah 46:10; Jeremiah 29:11). Further, because of His nature, we are to trust Him with all our hearts, committing every aspect of our lives to Him in complete confidence. Finally, we are not in trust in ourselves because our understanding is temporal, finite, and tainted by our sin natures. Trusting in ourselves is like walking confidently across a rotten wooden bridge over a yawning chasm thousands of feet deep. Disaster inevitably follows. Trust in God is a feature of many of the psalms of David. There are 39 references to trust in the Psalms alone, whether referring to trusting in God and His Word, or to not trusting in riches or the things of this world. It is on the basis of this trust that David finds deliverance from all the evil he encounters. Many of David’s psalms describe situations when he was pursued by Saul and his army, as well as his other enemies, and always did the Lord come to his aid. One thing that can be noted about biblical trust is that it always engenders further trust in our God. The man of God never stops trusting in God completely. His faith may be knocked, He may stumble, or He may fall into the foulest of sins, but “though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand” (Psalm 37:24). The man of God knows that though trials will beset in this life, his trust will not waiver because that trust is based on faith in the promises of God that lie ahead, the promise of eternal joy with the Lord, and the promise of an inheritance that ‘can never perish, spoil and fade (1 Peter 1:4).

Dedicated to Kristine Sharpe. She spent her last few months telling her testimony for Organ Transplantation. register to donate. Sign up. https://donatelifetn.org/index.aspx

Where is your Faith?

Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Perhaps no other component of the Christian life is more important than faith. We cannot purchase it, sell it or give it to our friends. So what is faith and what role does faith play in the Christian life? The dictionary defines faith as “belief in, devotion to, or trust in somebody or something, especially without logical proof.” It also defines faith as “belief in and devotion to God.” The Bible has much more to say about faith and how important it is. In fact, it is so important that without faith we have no place with God, and it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is belief in the one, true God without actually seeing Him. Where does faith come from? Faith is not something we conjure up on our own, nor is it something we are born with, nor is faith a result of diligence in study or pursuit of the spiritual. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear that faith is a gift from God, not because we deserve it, have earned it, or are worthy to have it. It is not from ourselves; it is from God. It is not obtained by our power or our free will. It is simply given to us by God, along with His grace and mercy, according to His holy plan and purpose, and because of that, He gets all the glory. Why have faith? God designed a way to distinguish between those who belong to Him and those who don’t, and it is called faith. Very simply, we need faith to please God. God tells us that it pleases Him that we believe in Him even though we cannot see Him. A key part of Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “He rewards those who earnestlyseek him.” This is not to say that we have faith in God just to get something from Him. However, God loves to bless those who are obedient and faithful. We see a perfect example of this in Luke 7:50. Jesus is engaged in dialog with a sinful woman when He gives us a glimpse of why faith is so rewarding. “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” The woman believed in Jesus Christ by faith and He rewarded her for it. Finally, faith is what sustains us to the end, knowing by faith that we will be in heaven with God for all eternity. “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9). Examples of faith. Hebrews chapter 11 is known as the “faith chapter” because in it great deeds of faith are described. By faith Abel offered a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord (v. 4); by faith Noah prepared the ark in a time when rain was unknown (v. 7); by faith Abraham left his home and obeyed God’s command to go he knew not where, then willingly offered up his only son (vv. 8-10, 17); by faith Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt (vv. 23-29); by faith Rahab received the spies of Israel and saved her life (v. 31). Many more heroes of the faith are mentioned “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies” (vv. 33-34). Clearly, the existence of faith is demonstrated by action. Faith is the cornerstone of Christianity. Without demonstrating faith and trust in God we have no place with Him. We believe in God’s existence by faith. Most people have a vague, disjointed notion of who God is but lack the reverence necessary for His exalted position in their lives. These people lack the true faith needed to have an eternal relationship with the God who loves them. Faith can fail us at times, but because it is the gift of God, given to His children, He provides times of trial and testing in order to prove that our faith is real and to sharpen and strengthen it. This is why James tells us to consider it “pure joy” because the testing of our faith produces perseverance and matures us, providing the evidence that our faith is real (James 1:2-4).

Article in the Tri-State Defender by Bernal E. Smith II

Organ donor fight calls for front-row action Tri-State Defender • May 24, 2012 Written by Bernal E. Smith II It appears that as has occurred in far too many instances on far too many issues in recent times, a fight has broken out in Memphis. In one corner is Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, and in the other is the Mid-South Transplant Foundation. Although not at the root of the debate, it appears the large African-American population in Memphis and the Mid-South is certainly a big part of it. Each party has been on a mission to ensure that its side is heard and accepted as the way forward. I have listened, studied, researched and learned more about this topic than I ever thought I would. A few basic definitions are necessary to understand the matter better: − Donor – A person who makes a decision to donate his or her organs upon their death (a living family member or close friend can also make a decision to donate a kidney to a relative or friend in need at any time.) − Organ – Heart, lung, kidney and liver, with our focus primarily on kidneys and livers. − Primary access – Priority access to available organs. − Secondary access – Access after the sickest person in a local area or the region is served. Several truths exist in the State of Tennessee: − The majority of the states African-American population lives in West Tennessee and more specifically in Memphis. − As is the case in the U.S. in general, African Americans in Greater Memphis face substantial health disparities that can be exacerbated or improved by policy decisions with the proper understanding and intention. At the heart of the debate is pending implementation (end of 2012) of a 2008 decision by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) to eliminate a 19-year "organ sharing agreement" more formally known as an Alternative Allocation System (AAS) in Tennessee. Tennessee, Florida and Ohio all had been operating under similar long-term exceptions to current policy. UNOS is a private non-profit contracted with the Department of Health and Human Services. A review of UNOS's website reveals some of their key functions: − Managing the national transplant waiting list, matching donors to recipients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. − Maintaining the database that contains all organ transplant data for every transplant event that occurs in the U.S. − Bringing together members to develop policies that make the best use of the limited supply of organs and giving all patients a fair chance at receiving the organ they need, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, religion, lifestyle or financial/social status. − Monitoring every organ match to ensure organ allocation policies are followed. UNOS determined in 2008 that the AAS in Tennessee (Florida and Ohio as well) created unfair advantages and potential disadvantages to some programs providing organ procurement services (collection and distribution) when the goal is always the highest level of fairness to the sickest patient on the list. Complex and frequently reviewed rules govern how available donated organs are distributed on a state, regional and nationwide basis. The decision has caused much dispute on its impact and the steps that should be taken because of it. Methodist, in partnership with University of Tennessee, has one of the area's largest liver and kidney transplant programs. Le Bonheur operates the only pediatric liver program in Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. The Methodist position I recently had a conversation with Dr. James Eason, transplant surgeon with Methodist and passionate advocate for greater access to more organ donors for Memphis and the Mid-South. He shared a framework and direction to more resources to understand Methodist's position on the issue. Methodist's position is that the recent UNOS policy change resulted in Methodist losing primary access to the 5.5 million potential donors that live east of Jackson, Tenn., except Carroll County, including the remainder of Tennessee, parts of Kentucky and parts of North Carolina and Virginia. The defined area that it will have primary access in has two million people or potential donors, including all of Tennessee west of Jackson, parts of North Mississippi and parts of Eastern Arkansas. Each of these areas is served by a local Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) charged with procuring organs from donors and ensuring they are legally and ethically provided to the sickest individuals on the list of those seeking organ transplants. Under the AAS, both areas of Tennessee and both OPOs combined to form one "local" area. After the termination of the agreement, these areas are now autonomous local areas that are a part of a five state region (Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Kentucky). The Mid-South Transplant Foundation (MSTF) is the OPO serving the area west of Jackson. Tennessee Donor Services (based in Nashville) serves the area east of Jackson. Methodist asserts that its primary access will be limited to one of the smallest OPO's (Mid-South) in the nation, reducing Methodist's liver access by up to 75 percent, and drastically reducing the number of patients it is able to transplant each year. This, Methodist argues, will limit patient access to organs, causing deaths while on waiting list for organs from other areas. Methodist has filed a waiver to petition the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (under the Department of Health and Human Services) to allow them to partner directly with Tennessee Donor Services as their primary OPO, increasing their access to a larger donor pool. It appears that Mid-South had approximately 62 donors (200 organs procured) while Tennessee Donor Services had approximately 200 donors. To avoid the consequences of this decision, Methodist presents two options. The primary proposed option from Methodist is for MSTF to merge with Tennessee Donor Services (TDS), with TDS being the surviving entity. This would create one sole OPO and one local area for Tennessee, giving Methodist primary access to all of the organs, particularly livers on a primary basis. The second best solution, according to Methodist, was the waiver that was submitted. Methodist has requested that people in the community write letters to CMS in support of the waiver. The MSTF view Seeking fairness and a thorough understanding of the issue, I did further research and spoke with a team from Mid-South Transplant Foundation (MSTF). MSTF argues that the elimination of the Alternative Allocation System (AAS) actually is a good for those patients most in need of an organ because it gives them equal access to available organs. According to MSTF, the AAS allowed organs to become available faster for the transplant centers in the state before they were allocated to the larger five-state region, making it easier for patients that could simply afford to pay to receive an organ faster. From the MSTF view, the elimination of the AAS levels the playing field for organ recipients and gives them equal access to organs no matter how much money they have or where they live. MTSF states that Methodist will still have access to enough livers to treat local patients. Methodist may not, however, have primary access to the organs they need to support patients from out-of-state that are primarily private pay or private insurance patients. So in one corner Methodist claims that the issue is about greater access; and in the other corner MTSF says it is about fairer access based on need, not ability to pay. Digging deeper In seeking further clarification, I discovered some interesting facts. UNOS Assistant General Counsel, Jason P. Livingston, stated that its Liver Committee recommended, its Policy Committee agreed and its "Board of Directors voted in its November 2008 meeting to discontinue the Tennessee Statewide liver alternative allocation." They also subsequently declined appeals to that decision, however implementation was delayed by a major computer system re-write. The new program is expected to be effective in fall of 2012, allowing for implementation of the new rules in late 2012. So ultimately the decision impacts only how livers are allocated not kidneys or other organs. Further investigation on minorityhealth.hhs.gov, organdonor.gov and several other sources revealed the following in summary: As of May 4, 2012, Methodist had a waitlist for kidneys of 505, with only 77 patients awaiting livers. MTSF has the highest percentage of African-American donors of all OPOs in the country in the 9th largest African-American market in the nation. In 2011, MSTF had 43 percent African-American donor while its Nashville counterpart, TDS, had 11 percent. This is obviously reflective of the demographics in both areas, but still significant. Even more revealing are the following stats: From 2008 to 2011, no less than 65 percent of Methodist Transplant Institute's kidney transplants were to African-American patients During the same period, no more than 18 percent of the liver transplants performed annually were to African-American patients while approximately 77 percent were to white patients I will also add that a ride around our community reveals a proliferation of dialysis clinics, the impact of rampant diabetes and the high need for kidney transplants, particularly for African Americans. Time to get engaged All of the conversations, research and data bring me to the conclusion that although the change in primary availability of livers statewide is an issue, it is not one with high impact to the African-American community directly. This does not mean the community should not weigh in on the issue. In fact, I employ our readers to take this opportunity to learn, enhance our voice on this and other health issues and become donors. (www. donatelifetn.org) The fact that we are affected in any way must translate into us being affected and inspired to action and pro-action that provides greater access to organs, blood, plasma and other life saving donated life resources. We must become more than back-row spectators in these fights. We must choose to be active participants to ensure we understand the ramifications of decisions being made. And we must actively engage to reduce health disparities through policy change, healthy habits that promote wellness, and better access to enhanced quality healthcare.

Understanding Revelations

The key to Bible interpretation, especially for the book of Revelation, is to have a consistent hermeneutic. Hermeneutics is the study of the principles of interpretation. In other words, it is the way you interpret Scripture. A normal hermeneutic or normal interpretation of Scripture means that unless the verse or passage clearly indicates the author was using figurative language, it should be understood it in its normal sense. We are not to look for other meanings if the natural meaning of the sentence makes sense. Also, we are not to spiritualize Scripture by assigning meanings to words or phrases when it is clear the author, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, meant it to be understood as it is written. One example is Revelation 20. Many will assign various meanings to references to a thousand-year period. Yet, the language does not imply in any way that the references to the thousand years should be taken to mean anything other than a literal period of one thousand years. A simple outline for the book of Revelation is found in Revelation 1:19. In the first chapter, the risen and exalted Christ is speaking to John. Christ tells John to "write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later." The things John had already seen are recorded in chapter 1. The "things which are" (that were present in John's day) are recorded in chapters 2"3 (the letters to the churches). The "things that will take place" (future things) are recorded in chapters 4"22. Generally speaking, chapters 4"18 of Revelation deal with God's judgments on the people of the earth. These judgments are not for the church (1 Thessalonians 5:2, 9). Before the judgments begin, the church will have been removed from the earth in an event called the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). Chapters 4"18 describe a time of "Jacob's trouble""trouble for Israel (Jeremiah 30:7; Daniel 9:12, 12:1). It is also a time when God will judge unbelievers for their rebellion against Him. Chapter 19 describes Christ's return with the church, the bride of Christ. He defeats the beast and the false prophet and casts them into the lake of fire. In Chapter 20, Christ has Satan bound and cast in the Abyss. Then Christ sets up His kingdom on earth that will last 1000 years. At the end of the 1000 years, Satan is released and he leads a rebellion against God. He is quickly defeated and also cast into the lake of fire. Then the final judgment occurs, the judgment for all unbelievers, when they too are cast into the lake of fire. Chapters 21 and 22 describe what is referred to as the eternal state. In these chapters God tells us what eternity with Him will be like. The book of Revelation is understandable. God would not have given it to us if its meaning were entirely a mystery. The key to understanding the book of Revelation is to interpret it as literally as possible"it says what it means and means what it says

Friends?

Human beings were created to be social creatures, meaning that we are most comfortable when we have family, friends and acquaintances. Friendship is an important element in a fulfilled, contented life, and those who have close friends, whether one or two or a multitude, will usually be happy and well-adjusted. At the same time, those who call themselves our friends may cause us grief and hardship, constantly disappointing us. So what exactly is a friend and what does the Bible have to say about friends? On the positive side, friends can console and help us when we are in trouble, as when Barzillai the Gileadite consoled David when he was being hunted by Saul (2 Samuel 19:31-30) or when Jephthah’s daughter’s friends consoled her before her death (Judges 11:37-38). A friend may also rebuke in love, proving more faithful than a hypocritical flatterer (Proverbs 27:6). One of the greatest biblical examples of friendship is David and Jonathan, son of King Saul. Jonathan’s loyalty to his friend, David, exceeded that to his own father or his own ambitions (1 Samuel 18:1-4, 20:14-17). So attached was David to his loyal friend that after Jonathan’s death, he wrote a song to him, a tribute filled with heart-wrenching pathos (2 Samuel 1:30-32). Theirs was a friendship closer than brotherhood. In the New Testament, many of Paul’s letters begin and end with tributes to his friends, those who ministered to him, supported him, prayed for him, and loved him. Friendship can have its negative aspects as well. Supposed friends can lead us into sin, as when Jonadab persuades Amnon to rape his half-sister, Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1-6). A friend can lead us astray in regard to our faith, as they sometimes did in Israel, leading others to worship false gods (Deuteronomy 13:6-11). In those days, such an act was punishable by death. Even if our friends do not lead us astray, they can provide false comfort and bad advice, as Job’s friends did, making his suffering worse and displeasing the Lord (Job 2:11-13, 6:14-27, 42:7-9). Friends can also prove false, pretending affection for their own motives and deserting us when our friendship no longer benefits them (Psalm 55:12-14; Proverbs 19:4, 6-7). Friendship can be broken down through gossip (Proverbs 16:28) or grudges (Proverbs 17:9). Friends should be chosen very carefully because, as Paul told the Corinthians, “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Proverbs 1:10-19 and 4:14-19 contains warnings about friends and how we should choose them. We are not to associate with those who entice us to do wrong, no matter how appealing their “friendship” seems to be. Those whose “feet rush to sin” should be avoided. The path they choose is no place for a Christian whose choice should be to follow the “path of the righteous.” Only that path leads to friendship with God, which is the ultimate goal of a Christian.

Is it possible to be a gay Christian?

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). There is a tendency to declare homosexuality as the worst of all sins. While it is undeniable, biblically speaking, that homosexuality is immoral and unnatural (Romans 1:26-27), in no sense does the Bible describe homosexuality as an unforgivable sin. Nor does the Bible teach that homosexuality is a sin Christians will never struggle against. Perhaps that is the key phrase in the question of whether it is possible to be a gay Christian: "struggle against." It is possible for a Christian to struggle with homosexual temptations. Many homosexuals who become Christians have ongoing struggles with homosexual feelings and desires. Some strongly heterosexual men and women have experienced a "spark" of homosexual interest at some point in their lives. Whether or not these desires and temptations exist does not determine whether a person is a Christian. The Bible is clear that no Christian is sinless (1 John 1:8,10). While the specific sin / temptation varies from one Christian to another, all Christians have struggles with sin, and all Christians sometimes fail in those struggles (1 Corinthians 10:13). What differentiates a Christian's life from a non-Christian's life is the struggle against sin. The Christian life is a progressive journey of overcoming the "acts of the flesh" (Galatians 5:19-21) and allowing God's Spirit to produce the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23). Yes, Christians sin, sometimes horribly. Sadly, sometimes Christians are indistinguishable from non-Christians. However, a true Christian will always repent, will always eventually return to God, and will always resume the struggle against sin. But the Bible gives no support for the idea that a person who perpetually and unrepentantly engages in sin can indeed be a Christian. Notice 1 Corinthians 6:11, "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." First Corinthians 6:9-10 lists sins that, if indulged in continuously, identify a person as not being redeemed"not being a Christian. Often, homosexuality is singled out from this list. If a person struggles with homosexual temptations, that person is presumed to be unsaved. If a person actually engages in homosexual acts, that person is definitely thought to be unsaved. However, the same assumptions are not made, at least not with the same emphasis, regarding other sins in the list: fornication (pre-marital sex), idolatry, adultery, thievery, covetousness, alcoholism, slander, and deceit. It is inconsistent, for example, to declare those guilty of pre-marital sex as "disobedient Christians," while declaring homosexuals definitively non-Christians. Is it possible to be a gay Christian? If the phrase "gay Christian" refers to a person who struggles against homosexual desires and temptations " yes, a "gay Christian" is possible. However, the description "gay Christian" is not accurate for such a person, since he/she does not desire to be gay, and is struggling against the temptations. Such a person is not a "gay Christian," but rather is simply a struggling Christian, just as there are Christians who struggle with fornication, lying, and stealing. If the phrase "gay Christian" refers to a person who actively, perpetually, and unrepentantly lives a homosexual lifestyle " no, it is not possible for such a person to truly be a Christian.

What Does the Bible say?

What does the Bible say about gay marriage / same sex marriage? Let's see, while the Bible does address homosexuality, it does not explicitly mention gay marriage/same-sex marriage. It is clear, however, that the Bible condemns homosexuality as an immoral and unnatural sin. Leviticus 18:22 identifies homosexual sex as an abomination, a detestable sin. Romans 1:26-27 declares homosexual desires and actions to be shameful, unnatural, lustful, and indecent. First Corinthians 6:9 states that homosexuals are unrighteous and will not inherit the kingdom of God. Since both homosexual desires and actions are condemned in the Bible, it is clear that homosexuals "marrying" is not God's will, and would be, in fact, sinful. Whenever the Bible mentions marriage, it is between a male and a female. The first mention of marriage, Genesis 2:24, describes it as a man leaving his parents and being united to his wife. In passages that contain instructions regarding marriage, such as 1 Corinthians 7:2-16 and Ephesians 5:23-33, the Bible clearly identifies marriage as being between a man and a woman. Biblically speaking, marriage is the lifetime union of a man and a woman, primarily for the purpose of building a family and providing a stable environment for that family. The Bible alone, however, does not have to be used to demonstrate this understanding of marriage. The biblical viewpoint of marriage has been the universal understanding of marriage in every human civilization in world history. History argues against gay marriage. Modern secular psychology recognizes that men and women are psychologically and emotionally designed to complement one another. In regard to the family, psychologists contend that a union between a man and woman in which both spouses serve as good gender role models is the best environment in which to raise well-adjusted children. Psychology argues against gay marriage. In nature/physicality, clearly, men and women were designed to "fit" together sexually. With the "natural" purpose of sexual intercourse being procreation, clearly only a sexual relationship between a man and a woman can fulfill this purpose. Nature argues against gay marriage. So, if the Bible, history, psychology, and nature all argue for marriage being between a man and a woman"why is there such a controversy today? Why are those who are opposed to gay marriage/same-sex marriage labeled as hateful, intolerant bigots, no matter how respectfully the opposition is presented? Why is the gay rights movement so aggressively pushing for gay marriage/same-sex marriage when most people, religious and non-religious, are supportive of"or at least far less opposed to"gay couples having all the same legal rights as married couples with some form of civil union? The answer, according to the Bible, is that everyone inherently knows that homosexuality is immoral and unnatural, and the only way to suppress this inherent knowledge is by normalizing homosexuality and attacking any and all opposition to it. The best way to normalize homosexuality is by placing gay marriage/same-sex marriage on an equal plane with traditional opposite-gender marriage. Romans 1:18-32 illustrates this. The truth is known because God has made it plain. The truth is rejected and replaced with a lie. The lie is then promoted and the truth suppressed and attacked. The vehemence and anger expressed by many in the gay rights movement to any who oppose them is, in fact, an indication that they know their position is indefensible. Trying to overcome a weak position by raising your voice is the oldest trick in the debating book. There is perhaps no more accurate description of the modern gay rights agenda than Romans 1:31, "they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless." To give sanction to gay marriage/same-sex marriage would be to give approval to the homosexual lifestyle, which the Bible clearly and consistently condemns as sinful. Christians should stand firmly against the idea of gay marriage/same-sex marriage. Further, there are strong and logical arguments against gay marriage/same-sex marriage from contexts completely separated from the Bible. One does not have to be an evangelical Christian to recognize that marriage is between a man and a woman. According to the Bible, marriage is ordained by God to be between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:21-24; Matthew 19:4-6). Gay marriage/same-sex marriage is a perversion of the institution of marriage and an offense to the God who created marriage. As Christians, we are not to condone or ignore sin. Rather, we are to share the love of God and the forgiveness of sins that is available to all, including homosexuals, through Jesus Christ. We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and contend for truth with "gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). As Christians, when we make a stand for truth and the result is personal attacks, insults, and persecution, we should remember the words of Jesus: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you" (John 15:18-19).