Archbishop Gregory Holley

Who's Your Daddy?

A pastor had been on a long flight between church conferences. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on:
*Fasten Your Seat Belts.*
Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."

As the pastor looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive.
Later, the voice on the intercom said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."

And then the storm broke . . .
The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightning lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

"Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and every- thing within her small world was calm and orderly.

"Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world.

When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid." The minister could hardly believe his eyes.

It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time.

Having commented about the storm and the behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid.
The child replied, "Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."
Physical, mental, financial, domestic, and many other storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our plane into apparently uncontrollable movement. We have all known such times, and let us be honest and confess, it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are being tossed about a darkened sky.   (author unknown)

One Moment in Despair Is Covered by One Moment In Success!

 

Disappearing dreams reappear at sunset. The mind fevered by the hot sun of the day becomes cool and the nighttime brings relaxation. As the regeneration of the mind retools and resurfaces the jagged edges of nerve endings dreams reappear and bring forth fruition. Fruition is not as is heralded in the world of manufacturing but as in the supernatural. For all things can and do happen in an instant.

One moment in despair is covered by one moment in success and Jesus is the author of success of the human mind. That which has despaired can and will be forgotten in the recesses of the cobwebs of the mind. And when the hot wind blows the curtain of memory aside they drift out to warn of future despair. It is for this reason that Jesus has said the Holy Spirit is the comforter.

No matter the time of day or sleep state of the mind the Holy Spirit comforts and directs. Spiritual ideas are melded into the idea of natural occurrences and herein you have the problem of mankind. How is it possible that one can be spiritual in a natural setting?

Jesus sat at Simon’s table listening to the natural talk of the concerns of the day which as in yours were political. The questions of Him were from a desperate national state as thought they were interviewing one who might be a natural king or in your case, a president. These thoughts were not of the Holy Spirit and could not have emanated from His Father. Wrestling the thoughts of man with the thoughts of a spiritual Kingdom was not easy but disparaging.

The leadership of the Holy Spirit brought a woman who had been healed and bettered by the ministry to interrupt. Yes, a divine interruption. This is the purpose of such. It changes the nature of the travel of the mind.

The refusal to be quietened. The intrusion into their supper schedule. The weeping. The show of love at my feet. And then the breaking of an expensive perfume with which to anoint the feet after the washing of dirt and dust from the road of travel.

Yes, it changed the atmosphere! The sights, the smells, the renewal of energy and the questions charged the thought processes. Never forget the questions for they turn the conversation from that which is despair into the miracle spirit of the leadership of the precious Holy Spirit.

Guiding the conversation away from the political and casual was this interruption. Into the focus of His purpose, into the revealing of men’s hearts and yes even those who traveled with Jesus. Remember, it was Judas who questioned the expensive and elaborate use of a perfumed divine interruption.

Are you open to His diversion? It seems that many are open to the diversion of the flesh. For it is this diversion comes as a floating thought and the capture thereof brings forth the fruit of its calling. It calls you away to another conversation that bears no fruit of blessing or encouragement.

Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you this day. Receive Him, receive the questions and yes receive even the criticisms that go with my involvement in the sequestering of despair. The Heavenly Host turns chaotic conversation and life’s challenges into sweet perfume and adoration of heaven’s goals. This day leads to its challenges but this day also has a mind of its own that has been planned for you. Walk in it. See the pattern and know the way of my Spirit that is planned for you!

One moment in despair is covered by one moment in success and Jesus is the author of success of the human mind. That which has despaired can and will be forgotten in the recesses of the cobwebs of the mind. And when the hot wind blows the curtain of memory aside they drift out to warn of future despair. It is for this reason that Jesus has said the Holy Spirit is the comforter.

No matter the time of day or sleep state of the mind the Holy Spirit comforts and directs. Spiritual ideas are melded into the idea of natural occurrences and herein you have the problem of mankind. How is it possible that one can be spiritual in a natural setting?

Jesus sat at Simon’s table listening to the natural talk of the concerns of the day which as in yours were political. The questions of Him were from a desperate national state as thought they were interviewing one who might be a natural king or in your case, a president. These thoughts were not of the Holy Spirit and could not have emanated from His Father. Wrestling the thoughts of man with the thoughts of a spiritual Kingdom was not easy but disparaging.

The leadership of the Holy Spirit brought a woman who had been healed and bettered by the ministry to interrupt. Yes, a divine interruption. This is the purpose of such. It changes the nature of the travel of the mind.

The refusal to be quietened. The intrusion into their supper schedule. The weeping. The show of love at my feet. And then the breaking of an expensive perfume with which to anoint the feet after the washing of dirt and dust from the road of travel.

Yes, it changed the atmosphere! The sights, the smells, the renewal of energy and the questions charged the thought processes. Never forget the questions for they turn the conversation from that which is despair into the miracle spirit of the leadership of the precious Holy Spirit.

Guiding the conversation away from the political and casual was this interruption. Into the focus of His purpose, into the revealing of men’s hearts and yes even those who traveled with Jesus. Remember, it was Judas who questioned the expensive and elaborate use of a perfumed divine interruption.

Are you open to His diversion? It seems that many are open to the diversion of the flesh. For it is this diversion comes as a floating thought and the capture thereof brings forth the fruit of its calling. It calls you away to another conversation that bears no fruit of blessing or encouragement.

Jesus will send the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you this day. Receive Him, receive the questions and yes receive even the criticisms that go with my involvement in the sequestering of despair. The Heavenly Host turns chaotic conversation and life’s challenges into sweet perfume and adoration of heaven’s goals. This day leads to its challenges but this day also has a mind of its own that has been planned for you. Walk in it. See the pattern and know the way of my Spirit that is planned for you!

Real Smiles by T.M. Jackson

I Just Read An Article in The Wall Street Journal about digital cameras. One of these cameras is equipped to replace a frown with a smile, a smile that already is stored in the camera's memory. How fantastic: You don't have to smile to be perceived as smiling!

I admit that smiles are not always automatic, and there are many situations that cause me to frown. I marvel when I communicate with friends and acquaintances who are always smiling. I have also noticed that while some smiles are forced, the real smiles are uplifting and contagious.

I then reflected on when and where have I experienced real smiles. I immediately thought of some of my favorite people and close friends who have the ability to lift my spirits with a genuine smile. I thought of many of you — meeting planners, suppliers, sales and service staff — who have many times set my mind at ease with a smile that seems to say, “It will be OK. We will make it work for you.” I think I usually discern if the promise is real if it comes with a heartfelt smile.

I have a history with photography that dates back to the old box cameras of the 1950s. Today, we do not always know if what we are seeing with modern media is the “real thing.” Therefore, I submit that there is no substitute for one-on-one communication that is enhanced by a smile that is more than an expression. Rather, it is an expression of something much deeper that includes:

• Sincere concern;

• Thoughtfulness;

• A desire to accommodate; and

• Willingness to solve the problem efficiently.

The list could go on, but you get the picture. I like the real pictures best!

Thanks for the smiles. Keep them coming.

(T.M. Jackson was a fantastic friend of my Father, E.L. Holley. This article was pubished in the current Religious Conference Manager magazine of which he is the President.)

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In the Office with PaPa

When I was a boy there were many hours spent in my Dad's office. He talked on the telephone.  He entertained important (everybody was vip) people and prayed a lot. Now we relive history through my grandchildren. They were at the office last night and I found myself boring them silly while I did like my Dad did! It was those times that I learned the story behind the story! More was caught than taught!

Gracie was gracious! Jake grabbed a blanket and slept. But Gracie seems never to tire of taking what is present and entertaining herself. In between calls and visitors we visited. There was even  a bit of counsel offered in the midst of watchful eyes (not too deep). And time moves on! They seem to be as comfortable in my office as I was in Dad's. A thousand questions posed about artifacts brought from 4 corners of the earth just as I did him. And time moves on!

Off they went with MiMi to the house and I was left only with the cartoon channel and empty chairs. The picture is taken when it was decided to see what it looked like to Jake from that big ol' chair to the big ol' desk. So I reluctantly change the channel back to TBN or Daystar or the news and remember when I was a kid and Father was still here for me to hug and love...

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4th Annual Father's Day Cook Off

 Once more Father's Day brings with it the Father's Day Cook Off.  The Champions bring the pits. The attendees bring the appetites. The competition is hot and heavy. Smoke fills the air as friendly taunts drift back and forth. Who will Win? Bill's Best Barbecue? The Chuck and Deborah Cooking Show? Lang And Champion Abrego, the so far Undisputed Champions of New Life?  The sneaky Chef Brian or the late bloomers who pitch up to wow the crowd?  Well, Pastor Gayla will be posting that on Monday so check her out at www.gaylasmagazine.com !  No, Butch is a eater, not a cooker this year!

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Forgiveness

The fact that our gospel is primarily and essentially a gospel of forgiveness is written large across the face of the sacred page. And this gospel of forgiveness meets the world’s deepest need. The bottom evil of the world is not poverty or ignorance, but sin. What humanity suffers most with is an uneasy conscience and a polluted soul. And it is with this that forgiveness deals with most effectively. We do, in the greatest of truth, receive the remission of our sins. [Acts 5:31]

The promise of forgiveness is sure only if we believe. With great difficulty humanity struggles in great difficulty to forgive themselves of sin committed. Now, what is the difficulty in the way of belief in forgiveness. It is undeniably a belief that rigid and immutable law reigns in the universe and that every broken law will exact its penalty. Law knows no mercy, and to talk of forgiveness in a world of law seems to be a stretch. But we are not in that rigid and soulless world --- we are in a world ruled and governed by a living God. [Psalm 51: 10-12]

Our relationship with the Father is not one of unyielding scrutiny. However when we begin to sow the seed of Holy Scripture into our minds and souls the inevitable happens. As life proceeds we cross the line of principle laid out carefully by the Word of God. Its knowledge calls us back to the starting place of obedience to the Word we know to be truth. It is exact, careful and effective. As humanity we sift through our feelings of the transgressions of others and sort our reactions with such knowledge. Jesus Christ is our high priest who has transcended earth and is able to look through the pain of the sin to the crest of the mountain of victory. Our promise of forgiveness is only intensified when we battle with sin, fail and return to the High Priest who feels our infirmities and waits to release the already obtained mercy upon our pathways. [Hebrews 4:12-16]

Forgiveness is not the remission of a penalty, it is a change of relationship; it is the substitution for alienation and estrangement of affection and love. Can God forgive like that? Yes, He can and does. But is that the whole of forgiveness? Or does the Gospel conception of forgiveness embrace also the idea of the remission of penalty? The Bible itself insists upon it that sin brings its inevitable penalty, which even the penitent sinner shall not escape. Yet the grace of God will bring man to release from the penalties of sin. The evil he did shall be destroyed and he himself shall be set, without spot or blemish, perfect before God’s throne. We who are corruptible have, by being born again, put on incorruption through mercy, grace and forgiveness. [I Peter 1:15-23]

How is this possible? We must remind ourselves of again of the living and redeeming God. The world is in the sphere of operations of a living and redeeming God. Now to assert that sin is eternal and unforgiveable in its effect is either to forget God entirely or to say that evil is stronger than God. When we say the effects of sin are eternal, we forget that the living God Himself comes to the forgiven man, and God in a man becomes a fountain of healing, cleansing, and restoring energy. He through the sacrifice of the sonship of Jesus Christ paid the atonement price for our sins with His own blood. [I John 2:2 / 4:10]

Even on the plane of our everyday life, love often interferes to prevent the infliction of the full penalty. Others will take upon themselves the burden , that the actual sinner may go free. This is the case of Jesus upon the Cross, we are ‘free from the law of sin and death.’ It is that death that makes it possible for God to pardon men freely while yet ‘doing right’ by the ethical order. We must remember that, though forgiveness is free, it is not cheap. It comes to us by the Cross and Passion of the Son of God. I hear the words of the Biblical writer, “We shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” Our ability to forgive becomes the fruit of our own reception of forgiveness of our own sins and the righteousness that we could never afford being ours through the sacrifice of the love of Jesus Christ! [John 3:16]

www.gaylasmagazine.com www.rolemodelsofamerica.org

The promise of forgiveness is sure only if we believe. With great difficulty humanity struggles in great difficulty to forgive themselves of sin committed. Now, what is the difficulty in the way of belief in forgiveness. It is undeniably a belief that rigid and immutable law reigns in the universe and that every broken law will exact its penalty. Law knows no mercy, and to talk of forgiveness in a world of law seems to be a stretch. But we are not in that rigid and soulless world --- we are in a world ruled and governed by a living God. [Psalm 51: 10-12]

Our relationship with the Father is not one of unyielding scrutiny. However when we begin to sow the seed of Holy Scripture into our minds and souls the inevitable happens. As life proceeds we cross the line of principle laid out carefully by the Word of God. Its knowledge calls us back to the starting place of obedience to the Word we know to be truth. It is exact, careful and effective. As humanity we sift through our feelings of the transgressions of others and sort our reactions with such knowledge. Jesus Christ is our high priest who has transcended earth and is able to look through the pain of the sin to the crest of the mountain of victory. Our promise of forgiveness is only intensified when we battle with sin, fail and return to the High Priest who feels our infirmities and waits to release the already obtained mercy upon our pathways. [Hebrews 4:12-16]

Forgiveness is not the remission of a penalty, it is a change of relationship; it is the substitution for alienation and estrangement of affection and love. Can God forgive like that? Yes, He can and does. But is that the whole of forgiveness? Or does the Gospel conception of forgiveness embrace also the idea of the remission of penalty? The Bible itself insists upon it that sin brings its inevitable penalty, which even the penitent sinner shall not escape. Yet the grace of God will bring man to release from the penalties of sin. The evil he did shall be destroyed and he himself shall be set, without spot or blemish, perfect before God’s throne. We who are corruptible have, by being born again, put on incorruption through mercy, grace and forgiveness. [I Peter 1:15-23]

How is this possible? We must remind ourselves of again of the living and redeeming God. The world is in the sphere of operations of a living and redeeming God. Now to assert that sin is eternal and unforgiveable in its effect is either to forget God entirely or to say that evil is stronger than God. When we say the effects of sin are eternal, we forget that the living God Himself comes to the forgiven man, and God in a man becomes a fountain of healing, cleansing, and restoring energy. He through the sacrifice of the sonship of Jesus Christ paid the atonement price for our sins with His own blood. [I John 2:2 / 4:10]

Even on the plane of our everyday life, love often interferes to prevent the infliction of the full penalty. Others will take upon themselves the burden , that the actual sinner may go free. This is the case of Jesus upon the Cross, we are ‘free from the law of sin and death.’ It is that death that makes it possible for God to pardon men freely while yet ‘doing right’ by the ethical order. We must remember that, though forgiveness is free, it is not cheap. It comes to us by the Cross and Passion of the Son of God. I hear the words of the Biblical writer, “We shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” Our ability to forgive becomes the fruit of our own reception of forgiveness of our own sins and the righteousness that we could never afford being ours through the sacrifice of the love of Jesus Christ! [John 3:16]

www.gaylasmagazine.com www.rolemodelsofamerica.org

Progressing Through Miracles

Tolstoy, in “Four Ways of Facing Fear and Defeat” shows our reactions to the  “crisis” management of life. The first is to “get drunk and forget.” The second is to “give way” to despair and “just not care.” The third is to “steel oneself” against the situation and prefer to “not be bothered.” The fourth is to “accept it” and take it as it comes “like a zombie.” To these four Jesus would add a fifth part. He ask you to “use it” as a means of grace in searching through it for the strength of the One who will make us the Victor through His way of miracle strength! There is a way to a miracle progression. [Mark 2:1-5]

Out of the wilderness of confusion and perplexity can come gladness and joy for the one who chooses the path of miracle progression. The prophet Isaiah stood between a world of the past and the world which he foresaw in the future. The ‘ promised land’ had become a polluted land and Isaiah stood viewing the debris caused by the destruction that man brings upon himself by wasted opportunities and the failure to recognize God. He looks into the future and sees the miracle that will bring joy and gladness if God’s way is chosen. [Isaiah 35:8-10]

If you get to where you think you are going, where will you be? In our world there are many routes and the choice is always left to the individual as to which will be taken. Often when one reaches a goal they discover that it has not brought the miracle of happiness to their lives. The way that seemed so right now seems so wrong and we are in need of miracle progression to release us into the reward of prudent and wise steps. [Proverbs 14: 12-13]

It is a trick of the wilderness of man’s opinion to believe that our burdens are heavier than others, or that our cares and responsibilities that we face are greater than those of our neighbors. Our eyes are dimmed by the fading shadows of missed opportunities and we feel as though there has never been an opportunity and no miracle progression is available to us. Remember that life brings difficulty to all. Joy and happiness come to those who find in trial and testing a fellowship with One who knows the way to a miracle. [Proverbs 14: 14-15]

Focusing on introspection of past burdens, malcontent and mental patterns serve only as a distraction. One does not focus upon the roadmap of a city to drive the actual route to the place desired. So is there no path to miracle progression through introspection. It is only a reference point of the grace of God and His mercy of forgiveness through the miracle of wholeness. The very burdens of life, present or past, provide an opportunity for blessing. The focus upon those entanglements of a yesterday experience are just as valid as the glance at a roadmap which brings focus yet needs be traveled from to gain access to the place of desired travel. Jesus provides miracle progression as we lay our burdens at his feet for the relocation and redistribution of weighty mental, physical, spiritual and financial matters preparing our hearts and minds for a fresh burst of miracle ideas. [Matthew 11:28]

There is a way to your miracle progression! Doubts and fears – dragons of the soul – come to every life. When they arrive in your life should you flee them unrealistically you will find yourself in deeper despair. To take a good look at the weight of these matters , to face them realistically, is to recognize the need for the help of the One who can bring us a miracle and provide rest and courageous calm to our soul. Repentance and reception of forgiveness unloads those things improperly loaded and makes our life’s focus easier for travel on the way of the miracle progression! [Matthew 11: 29-30]

After describing all the relationships to a desert of mental gymnastics and its difficult ways, Isaiah speaks, “There is a way…’ Jesus, in full view of all difficulty spoke, “take up your bed and walk…” You are already on your way, your miracle progression is here, now is the time in the face of the desert of man’s opinion and opposition to rise of up and walk in your miracle progression! This will not be a typical Monday, Monday for you![Isaiah 35:8-10] [Mark 2: 5- 11

www.gaylasmagazine.com www.rolemodelsofamerica.org

Out of the wilderness of confusion and perplexity can come gladness and joy for the one who chooses the path of miracle progression. The prophet Isaiah stood between a world of the past and the world which he foresaw in the future. The ‘ promised land’ had become a polluted land and Isaiah stood viewing the debris caused by the destruction that man brings upon himself by wasted opportunities and the failure to recognize God. He looks into the future and sees the miracle that will bring joy and gladness if God’s way is chosen. [Isaiah 35:8-10]

If you get to where you think you are going, where will you be? In our world there are many routes and the choice is always left to the individual as to which will be taken. Often when one reaches a goal they discover that it has not brought the miracle of happiness to their lives. The way that seemed so right now seems so wrong and we are in need of miracle progression to release us into the reward of prudent and wise steps. [Proverbs 14: 12-13]

It is a trick of the wilderness of man’s opinion to believe that our burdens are heavier than others, or that our cares and responsibilities that we face are greater than those of our neighbors. Our eyes are dimmed by the fading shadows of missed opportunities and we feel as though there has never been an opportunity and no miracle progression is available to us. Remember that life brings difficulty to all. Joy and happiness come to those who find in trial and testing a fellowship with One who knows the way to a miracle. [Proverbs 14: 14-15]

Focusing on introspection of past burdens, malcontent and mental patterns serve only as a distraction. One does not focus upon the roadmap of a city to drive the actual route to the place desired. So is there no path to miracle progression through introspection. It is only a reference point of the grace of God and His mercy of forgiveness through the miracle of wholeness. The very burdens of life, present or past, provide an opportunity for blessing. The focus upon those entanglements of a yesterday experience are just as valid as the glance at a roadmap which brings focus yet needs be traveled from to gain access to the place of desired travel. Jesus provides miracle progression as we lay our burdens at his feet for the relocation and redistribution of weighty mental, physical, spiritual and financial matters preparing our hearts and minds for a fresh burst of miracle ideas. [Matthew 11:28]

There is a way to your miracle progression! Doubts and fears – dragons of the soul – come to every life. When they arrive in your life should you flee them unrealistically you will find yourself in deeper despair. To take a good look at the weight of these matters , to face them realistically, is to recognize the need for the help of the One who can bring us a miracle and provide rest and courageous calm to our soul. Repentance and reception of forgiveness unloads those things improperly loaded and makes our life’s focus easier for travel on the way of the miracle progression! [Matthew 11: 29-30]

After describing all the relationships to a desert of mental gymnastics and its difficult ways, Isaiah speaks, “There is a way…’ Jesus, in full view of all difficulty spoke, “take up your bed and walk…” You are already on your way, your miracle progression is here, now is the time in the face of the desert of man’s opinion and opposition to rise of up and walk in your miracle progression! This will not be a typical Monday, Monday for you![Isaiah 35:8-10] [Mark 2: 5- 11

www.gaylasmagazine.com www.rolemodelsofamerica.org

The Race of the Nobles

It seems that the political engines of the nobles of the nation continue to roar.  Just as athletes practicing for the big day they wander through the political processes seeking the approval of men for the positions of men. Elitist, they hover among the voting population and seek ratification for hastily gained values and goals with willingness to flutter about any discussion that seems to prove beneficial. Yet not one cries for the morality that under girds the fabric of an individual or a nation.

The interest is not upon the righteous acts of a nation.  The rebuilding of spiritual walls and gates within which to enter have not made it to the political architects drawing board. The slums of religious ideologies are seen as a brier patch where someone will get scratched and bloodied if entered into. The focus is steered clear of any issue that might taint the cause of getting elected to represent a nation built on foundations other than those which the nobles have built on.

Yet they trudge on.  City to city. Auditorium to Auditorium, filling the airwaves with sound bites, heralding the need to see it their way. No thought is given to contact the local preacher in the city and see what his needs might be in fulfilling the call of righteousness within the borders of his dominion area. No, the rush is on to garner the approval of the opinionated, to rescue what bread crumbs of political aspirations that might have fallen to the ground by a careless opponent.

Our struggle is not new.  The nobles have always sought the advantage of rulership. Nehemiah, caught in captivity, blessed and favored of the Almighty God, went to the King of his survivorship and asked to do a rebuilding of the gates of his home city, Jerusalem. The gates and many important places were in such ruin that Nehemiah found it impossible to maneuver his horse through the rubble.  He was concerned enough to plan, requests letters of credit with which to procure the materials and the transportation of such. Then it was time to survey and set to work in the goal of rebuilding the wall of protection around the city.

Upon arrival he said nothing to the local rulers of the King nor the church folks of his plans.  He surveyed at night.  Made steadfast plans and then sprang into action.  The walls must be rebuilt.

In Nehemiah chapters 1 -3 you  can read this amazing recounting of history.  The High Priests got behind the rebuilding. All the major groups of the church got behind him and rebuilt with zeal.  Yet we come to a part that is saddening although par for the course.  Nehemiah reports, " the nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord."

So, it is not surprising in this day and age to see the nobles hard at every work except the work of the Lord!   Many of them profress religion and a "Lord" in their lives yet see it not as a singular focus of life. Most try to brush past their faith with casual referrals to Christianity.  Yet the masses require not that their nobles put their necks to the work of their Lord!

Sometimes in the south we have rough referrals to rednecks.  But the original term came from those who worked with necks bent to the sun.  Necks bent in labor in the fields of produce and livestock. Necks, burnt into a leathery tan by labor that was necessary to survive.

Yet the noble spirit creeps in among those whom God has delivered from the fields of sin's slavery.  Prospered, fed and clothed we carry on our lives without surveying the walls of our cities to see what needs to be repaired to secure that the breach of the enemy is not successful.  The prosperity of the noble life has bent our necks to the sun of success until it is beneath us to  bend our necks to the work of our Lord.

So many go to church, watch the walls being built by someone else and return to our noble surroundings without bending our neck to the labor involved. Yes, we have followed our noble politicians of our nationalities into the fields of pleasure without taking notice that the walls are broken. We have made 'our work', 'his work' without consulting Him, our King.

And the race continues.  The race of the nobles.  The race of those who "did not bend their neck to the work of their Lord."

It seems that the political engines of the nobles of the nation continue to roar.  Just as athletes practicing for the big day they wander through the political processes seeking the approval of men for the positions of men. Elitist, they hover among the voting population and seek ratification for hastily gained values and goals with willingness to flutter about any discussion that seems to prove beneficial. Yet not one cries for the morality that under girds the fabric of an individual or a nation.

The interest is not upon the righteous acts of a nation.  The rebuilding of spiritual walls and gates within which to enter have not made it to the political architects drawing board. The slums of religious ideologies are seen as a brier patch where someone will get scratched and bloodied if entered into. The focus is steered clear of any issue that might taint the cause of getting elected to represent a nation built on foundations other than those which the nobles have built on.

Yet they trudge on.  City to city. Auditorium to Auditorium, filling the airwaves with sound bites, heralding the need to see it their way. No thought is given to contact the local preacher in the city and see what his needs might be in fulfilling the call of righteousness within the borders of his dominion area. No, the rush is on to garner the approval of the opinionated, to rescue what bread crumbs of political aspirations that might have fallen to the ground by a careless opponent.

Our struggle is not new.  The nobles have always sought the advantage of rulership. Nehemiah, caught in captivity, blessed and favored of the Almighty God, went to the King of his survivorship and asked to do a rebuilding of the gates of his home city, Jerusalem. The gates and many important places were in such ruin that Nehemiah found it impossible to maneuver his horse through the rubble.  He was concerned enough to plan, requests letters of credit with which to procure the materials and the transportation of such. Then it was time to survey and set to work in the goal of rebuilding the wall of protection around the city.

Upon arrival he said nothing to the local rulers of the King nor the church folks of his plans.  He surveyed at night.  Made steadfast plans and then sprang into action.  The walls must be rebuilt.

In Nehemiah chapters 1 -3 you  can read this amazing recounting of history.  The High Priests got behind the rebuilding. All the major groups of the church got behind him and rebuilt with zeal.  Yet we come to a part that is saddening although par for the course.  Nehemiah reports, " the nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord."

So, it is not surprising in this day and age to see the nobles hard at every work except the work of the Lord!   Many of them profress religion and a "Lord" in their lives yet see it not as a singular focus of life. Most try to brush past their faith with casual referrals to Christianity.  Yet the masses require not that their nobles put their necks to the work of their Lord!

Sometimes in the south we have rough referrals to rednecks.  But the original term came from those who worked with necks bent to the sun.  Necks bent in labor in the fields of produce and livestock. Necks, burnt into a leathery tan by labor that was necessary to survive.

Yet the noble spirit creeps in among those whom God has delivered from the fields of sin's slavery.  Prospered, fed and clothed we carry on our lives without surveying the walls of our cities to see what needs to be repaired to secure that the breach of the enemy is not successful.  The prosperity of the noble life has bent our necks to the sun of success until it is beneath us to  bend our necks to the work of our Lord.

So many go to church, watch the walls being built by someone else and return to our noble surroundings without bending our neck to the labor involved. Yes, we have followed our noble politicians of our nationalities into the fields of pleasure without taking notice that the walls are broken. We have made 'our work', 'his work' without consulting Him, our King.

And the race continues.  The race of the nobles.  The race of those who "did not bend their neck to the work of their Lord."

Mexico Institutes Cancer Causing X-Ray Scanning Policy

This is a mobile x-ray unit in Mexico. Typically you are are asked to step from your vehicle and they pass the wand over your vehicle to scan it for drugs, guns, etc. The report below is as reported by fellow members of the Datastorm Forum Community.

I spoke to Ernesto and Abby from Flores, Magon at 173 K. on Hwy 180. They had also been subjected to driving through the scanner. This time it was at the split south of Tampico. The officers asked if anyone was pregnant and they were waived through to drive under the x-ray wand. They prayed and felt no effect. Perhaps the attendant had turned it down a bit.  This is worrisome and we will be on the watch.

The Borens team came through on Sunday and we have not contacted them to find out their experience. Read carefully.  Here, at the borders in Texas, when selected to pass through the scanner, the occupants are asked to step out of the vehicle and the wand passes over to scan. The names below have been omitted to protect their privacy.

"A major mishap happened to xxxxxxxx and I as we were approaching the USA border while in Mexico N of Tampico on Hwy 180, the second last week of March, 2008. We were flagged into an inspection lane where our coach was scanned with high power X-ray.

There was no notification this was the method of inspection. I could feel prickles in my neck, right shoulder and arm - much like fine sand being blasted against the skin. xxxxxxx felt it in her ears.

We crossed into the USA the next day. Within a couple of days I could feel a puffiness in the skin next to my neck and my underarm. Within two weeks I could feel a tumor. After meeting with my Dr. on May 15th, 2008 I was diagnosed with cancer in three places. Neck, breast and under arm - exactly where I felt the X-ray. The one by the neck is really fast growing and is
now larger than the size of my fist and about half as thick. I am doing what I can to stop its growth and over the past week it has slowed and now appears to be getting smaller. The X-ray also fried my lungs!"

Please pray for these friends and all of our travellers!

www.gaylasmagazine.com www.newlifeinternet.net

www.rolemodelsofamerica.org

Disobedience is Rooted in Fear by Os Hillman

"Then Moses said to them, 'No one is to keep any of it until morning.'" - Exodus 16:19

Have you ever seen God do something really good in your life only to find that you have abused the blessing He gave you? Such was the case of the Israelites as they were traveling through the desert on their way to the Promised Land. God was providing for them in miraculous ways. Manna was provided each day as their bread. God gave Moses specific instructions as to how this manna was to be eaten. God said each one was to gather only what he needed for that day. No one was to keep it until the next morning.

"However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them" (Ex. 16:20). God was teaching the Israelites daily trust in His provision for them. He wanted them to trust Him one day at a time. If they tried to hoard, God put a self-destruct feature in the manna. Yet God also told them to gather two days' worth on the sixth day so that they would have manna to eat on the seventh day. Interestingly, this manna did not stink or have maggots.

For many years I gathered manna in business out of fear of not having enough. One day, the Lord decided that manna should be destroyed in order for me to learn total trust in His provision. When we operate out of fear, we can expect the Lord to lovingly discipline us in order to help us learn to trust Him. There is a danger when we seek to "insure ourselves" against calamity. If your actions are born from fear, you can expect God to demonstrate His loving reproof so that you might not live in fear.