Crystal Lewis - People Get Ready!! It says it all!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sc1z9arhe0

Dear God

Why didn't you save the schoolchildren at?

Moses Lake, Washington 2/2/96 Bethel, Alaska 2/19/97

Pearl, Mississippi 10/1/97 West Paducah, Kentucky12/1/97

Stamp, Arkansas12/15/97 Jonesboro, Arkansas3/24/98

Edinboro, Pennsylvania4/24/98

Fayetteville, Tennessee5/19/98 Springfield, Oregon 5/21/98

Richmond, Virginia 6/15/98

Littleton, Colorado 4/20/99 Taber, Alberta, Canada 5/28/99

Conyers, Georgia 5/20/99

Deming, New Mexico 11/19/99 Fort Gibson, Oklahoma 12/6/99

Santee, California 3/ 5/01 and El Cajon, California 3/22/01?

And God Virginia Tech University happen 4/16/2007

Why did you let that happen?

This was terrible God, why didn’t you do something.

Sincerely,

Concerned Student

Reply:

Dear Concerned Student: I am not allowed in schools.

Sincerely,
God

Question: How did this get started?

Let's see, I think it started when Madeline Murray O'Hare complained she didn't want any prayer in our schools. And we said, OK...

Then, someone said you better not read the Bible in school, the Bible that says "thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbors as yourself," And we said, OK...

Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehaved because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem.And we said, an expert should know what he's talking about so we won't spank them anymore..

Then someone said teachers and principals better not discipline our children when they misbehave.And the school administrators said no faculty member in this school better touch a student when they misbehave because we don't want any bad publicity, and we surely don't want to be sued.And we accepted their reasoning...

Then someone said, let's let our daughters have abortions if they want, and they won't even have to tell their parents. And we said, that's a grand idea...

Then some wise school board member said, since boys will be boys and they're going to do it anyway, let's give our sons all the condoms they want, so they can have all the fun they desire, and we won't have to tell their parents they got them at school. And we said, that's another great idea...

Then some of our top elected officials said it doesn't matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs.And we said, it doesn't matter what anybody, including the President, does in private as long as we have jobs and the economy is good...

And someone else took that appreciation a step further and published pictures of nude childrenand then stepped further still by making them available on the Internet.And we said everyone's entitled to free speech...

And the entertainment industry said, let's make TV shows and movies that promote profanity, violence and illicit sex...And let's record music that encourages rape, drugs, murder, suicide, and satanic themes...And we said, it's just entertainment and it has no adverse effect and nobody takes it seriously anyway, so go right ahead.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, classmates or even themselves.

Undoubtedly, if we thought about it long and hard enough, we could figure it out.

I'm sure it has a great deal to do with..."WE REAP WHAT WE SOW,"

Pastor Ken:

“Interesting how God gets blamed for all the bad, how the world thinks either He isn’t real or good or loving and great effort is made to either exclude Him from all parts of life and then…."

"It seems we call on Him immediately when tragedy occurs and ask the old question:"

"Why did YOU do this? "

"OR why did you let this happen?"

"God didn’t do it."

"Evil did this. God is not evil.”

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What’s the answer?

De 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

De 30:20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.

Great Story!

After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns the Pastor slowly stood up and walked over to the pulpit. Before he gave his sermon for the evening, he briefly introduced a guest minister who was in the service that evening. In the introduction, the Pastor told the congregation that the guest minister was one of his dearest childhood friends and that he wanted him to have a few minutes to greet the church and share whatever he felt would be appropriate for the service.

With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit and began to speak.

“A father, his son and a friend of his son were sailing off the Pacific coast,” he began, “when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to shore.”

“The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright. The three were swept into the ocean as the boat capsized.”

The old man hesitated for a moment making eye contact with two teenagers, who for the first time since the service began, were looking somewhat interested in his story.

The aged minister continued with his story, “grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life; to which boy would he throw the other end of the lifeline? He had only seconds to make the decision. The father knew that his son was a Christian and he knew that his son’s friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves.”

“As the father yelled out, I love you son! he threw out the lifeline to his son’s friend. By the time the father had pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the raging swells into the black of night.”

“His body was never recovered.”

By this time, the two teenagers were sitting up straight in the pew, anxiously waiting for the next words to come out of the minister’s mouth.

“The father,” he continued, “knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus and he could not bear the thought of his son’s friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son to save the son’s friend.”

“How great is the love of God that He should do the same for us. Our heavenly Father sacrificed His only begotten Son that we could be saved. I urge you to accept His offer to rescue you and take a hold of the life line He is throwing out to you in this service.”

With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room.

The Pastor again walked slowly to the pulpit and delivered a brief sermon with an invitation at the end. No one responded to the appeal.

Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man’s side. “That was a nice story,” politely stated one of them, “but I don’t think it was very realistic for a father to give up his only son’s life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian.”

“Well, you’ve got a point there,” the old man replied.

Glancing down at his worn Bible a big smile broadened his narrow face. He looked again at the boys and said, “It sure isn’t very realistic, is it? But I am standing here today to tell you that story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up His Son for me.”

“You see, I was that father and your Pastor is my son’s friend.”

How Many Warnings Do We Need?

2Ch 7:14 – 16 : If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attend unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now, have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there forever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

Since September 11, I have been paying attention to those that have supposedly received prophetic words and warnings from God concerning America. There appears to be a common thread running through most of the messages and it is a two-edged sword.

On one hand, God gives a promise and on the other hand, He is giving us a severe warning. No matter how we turn the words, it all seems to be the same.

God has given America warnings of severe judgment and punishment for her sins. The list of America’s sins runs the gambit from idolatry to sexual immorality to the shedding of innocent blood. America’s hands are covered with the blood of pure innocent babies that have been slaughtered for various reasons, most of them because of selfishness and a hard heart. Sin does that to people and to a nation, sin hardens your heart. How sad to think this once great nation now ignores the cries of the aborted babies all in the name of choice, which actually means, “we just don’t care.”

Since September 11, I have observed as America has gone down the road of destruction about as fast as a speeding bullet and she seems to be trying to get even faster on this road of ruin! In a short forty year span this nation has moved from a Christian-Judeo, conservative moral nation to a nation embracing false idols and religions and pursuing sexual immorality and the pleasures of sin in a pace that rivals the excesses of the old Roman Empire. History recalls one of the basic reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire was ramped homosexuality. As we observe the aggressive homosexual movement in America, we find morality falling to new lows all in the name of diversity, political correctness and fairness to all and one must wonder, is this great nation already falling?

We find the latest offerings of Hollywood movies now touting gang rapes of young girls only 12 years old and a film focusing on the desensitized side of bestiality. The programs on television promote and defend homosexuality and sin in all sizes shapes and forms as healthy entertainment and present a confusing picture of how to live life to our young people. We have thrown morals and morality out the door in favor of not being judgmental and accepting each as each is. Accepting individuals as creations of God is worthy but I think it is time we stopped accepting un-natural and immoral behavior as normal before it is too late.

The truth of the matter is that, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34.

Seems as though no matter how much things change, things stay the same; darkness has never liked the light. Those that live in darkness want those that shed light to either shut up or go away. Such is the result of sin and God has much to say to a nation that will not listen to Him or His servants.

Over the past few years, America has suffered the most spectacular of natural disasters in record numbers. Is this a coincidence? Repeatedly we find horrific things happening and people scratching their heads in bewilderment. If someone even mentions this could be God trying to get our attention before it is too late, the outcry is loud and drowns out the messenger, but what if? What if all that has happened in the past five or six years is God trying to get our attention? What if all the sin we have accepted and embraced in our nation is wrong? What if we are on the brink of a judgment that no one has any idea of the magnitude and the depth of the punishment? In addition, what if the coming judgment can be avoided?

God has sent message after message to His church in America to repent and to turn from their wicked ways. However, if we look around we find those that call themselves Christians involved in much of today’s culture activities . Many Christians are involved in many things those that do not claim Jesus as their Lord are involved in. How can this be?

Is there much difference between the church and those not in the church? Does the world see any difference in us as in them? Our Lord said for Christians to be separate and come out of the world. How are we doing in this matter?

God has repeatedly affirmed if the church does not start living holy and righteously, the storm is coming. Repent is one of God’s favorite words because when repentance happens in the heart of men and women, salvation, deliverance, healing and forgiveness follows quickly. Here is a question for all Christians; when was the last time you heard a good ole fashioned get right with God message at your local church? When was the last time you heard a message on the soul that sins dies? I would guess it is rare.

It seems we want to hear prosperity messages and how to get rich God’s way instead of, “if you really love me, keep my commandments!” Many times when I share this subject, I hear this response; “we are not under the law, we are under grace.” One might study what “under grace” means. The New Testament plainly states that we are now under the law of love. It might be good to study what that actually means in the Bible.

The point is, grace does not give Christians a license to sin or the church a reason to grow cold. If there is no holy fire in your house, then go to the fireman; He is called the Holy Spirit and Jesus will baptize you in the Holy Spirit with power and fire. (Matt 3:11)

Here is the bottom line judgment will begin with the church. God always begins judgment with His people. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 1 Peter 4:17-18

God demands repentance first in His house. We have His Word and we have His messengers who have presented His warnings and messages to repent repeatedly for the past five years. You are reading another one right now. How many more do we need? Time is short.

His Eye is on the Sparrow

A young man was asked to speak to a group of Hindi, Muslim and Buddhists. He was so nervous he was about to faint. When he was introduced, he came out to address the gathering and began praying to the Lord how afraid he was. He told the Lord he was very intimidated with the solemn looking people and the knowledge that most of them were atheists. He asked the Lord to help him and tell him what to do.

The Lord spoke to him and told him to sing “His Eye Is on the Sparrow”. The young man sat down at the piano and started to play and sing. He shut his eyes immediately and kept them closed for the whole song. When he finished he gave a SHORT altar call. He asked for those interested in accepting Jesus as their Lord and personal Savior to raise their hands. Nearly everyone in the audience raised their hands!

The young man was totally startled and whispered to the "older" preacher who had introduced him, “what happened?” He asked how he could get such a response by singing a song in front of these people who didn’t believe in God or Jesus. The older preacher whispered back and told him "son, from the very second you started singing and playing a sparrow flew in the window and flew around your head the entire time you sang and played!

Told to Ken Keith by Randy Bright and purported to be a TRUE STORY!

Either His BLOOD works or it Doesn't

Here is a very sad story that in some form or fashion has probably been played out in the church for years. Sad but true, today many Christians restrict the power of the Blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Many will say, "you are forgiven, but because of your past, we will have to restrict your activities in the church." Well, how does THAT measure up to the truth of the scriptures? Listen Christians, let's get it together! Either the blood of Jesus completely cleanses us from ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS or NOT AT ALL. You can't have it both ways.

As far as I am concerned if you are washed in the blood, then you are washed and you are clean!

READ carefully!!

One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God's call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution.
But, the change in her was evident. As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children.

It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor's son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans.

This is when the problems began.

You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor's son.

The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting.

As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry the pastor's son stood to speak.

He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be. He began to speak and his statement was this:

"My fiancée’s past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?"

The whole church began to weep as they realized that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is a very foundational part of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely. If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble.

What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! End of case!!!!

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:23

My Friend Died; But I still believe in Healing

Ps 116:15 - Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

I met Larry in the Cancer Ward of Huntsville Hospital. I met his amazing wife Paulette. I met Larry's three daughters and their husbands and Larry's grandchildren as well. My wife Lynette and I fell in love with this family instantly. They are an amazing family.

Larry was the Pastor of a church in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Larry and Paulette had heard me leading worship for another person who was in the hospital in the next room to Larry. I had brought my guitar and we were praising and worshipping God. We prayed and had the Lord's Supper together. Paulette sent word to me that Larry wanted me to come by and pray for him. I did.

It was awesome. We prayed and sang praises to the Lord. I anointed Larry with oil, laid hands on him, and prayed for his healing. God's Spirit was present and Larry remarked he felt really refreshed after our prayer. I was encouraged. I believed God would heal him and raise him back up. Larry believed God would heal him also. Afterwards Larry thanked me for coming by and praying for him. He said it was so good to find a man of God who would touch heaven with him and for him. I was humbled. I told Larry it was all my pleasure and my honor. And I meant it because Larry was an awesome man of God!

After he went home from the hospital, Lynette and I traveled to Muscle Shoals and had prayer, worship and the Lord's Supper with Larry and his family. That was Saturday. It may have been the last time Larry had the Lord's Supper while on earth. He left the following Friday night. It is rather mind blowing to be used by God at the end of another's life. This man had been a pastor for over 32 years and was only 53 years old, a young man. Imagine God had chosen to put Larry and me together at the very end of his time here on earth. What an honor from God to allow me to meet this man and in a small way be used by the Lord for His glory.

When Paulette told me he had passed, I was shocked. I was sure the Lord was going to heal Larry. Paulette said she was shocked too. She thought the Lord would heal her husband. But he died.

Lynette and I went to the viewing and the funeral. We saw Larry's body but Larry wasn't there. Just the house he used to live in. Death is a part of life. Go figure.

I was sure Larry would be healed but he wasn't. Many times in our lives we are certain God will do this or that. Many times we are certain God said this or God said that. It's hard to find out we were wrong isn't it? Sometimes it hurts; sometimes it really throws you for a loop but guess what? He is still God.

Here's where I am in this matter. My God has healed hundreds that I have prayed for. And there are probably thousands that did not get healed. I don't know the numbers and don't care. What I do know is that God is God and still loves each and every one of us. He knows what’s best and He does what's best and He never makes a mistake!

I will keep preaching, teaching and offering times of ministry for people who need healing. Many will be healed; many will not be healed. I don't know why, neither does anyone else. You see, it's a God thing. He heals or He doesn't. Whatever He does, it's right and we better get to a place in our relationship with Him that's its OK. If we don't we will become bitter and sin.

Here's the most important healing that anyone needs. We need to be healed of our sins. How do we do this? By asking the Father in Jesus name to forgive us of all our sins. We must repent of our sins, which means to turn away from the way we live and start living the way our Father in heaven wants us to live. Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and ask the Holy Spirit to come into your heart and make you a new creation in Christ. Then tell everyone you know what the Lord has done for you! Shout it from the rooftops! Then, be water baptized as soon as possible, the very same day if you can! Don't wait, do it because it will be a testimony to your very soul and to those around you when they see you following and obeying the Lord in water baptism. Water baptism won't save you but it will help strengthen you because you openly proclaimed your love and devotion to the Lord God Almighty!

God loves you and if you are sick of your sin He will heal you. Guaranteed! If you are saved and sick in your body He can heal you. Just believe Him, trust Him, call upon Him and have faith that He loves you and will do what is best. You know what? You will probably get healed.

You see, my friend Larry died the other day. But I still believe in healing.