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Some Things Remain 6.22.10

6/22/2010

Some Things Remain
"From a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise toward salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ." (II Timothy 3:15)

A woodcutter obtained a very old tree that had been removed from a nearby farm. Before stripping the bark, he noticed, high up on the trunk, curious marks on the bark that resembled the letters J L, along with an unusual design. Curious, the woodcutter cut into the wood and was surprised to find the initials J.L. and a ship anchor clearly carved near the core. Based on the number of rings between the original carving and the outer bark, the woodcutter estimated that the letters were originally carved approximately one hundred ten years earlier.

After making several inquiries, he discovered that a sailor named John Leland had visited the very farm in which the tree was cut all way back in 1853. Little did Mr. Leland realize that his “art work” would still be visible over one hundred years later!

This incident contains a valuable lesson for Christian parents. While our children are young and impressionable, it is vital that we make time to teach them thoroughly about Jesus Christ and the word of God! Although this may not necessarily guarantee that they will give their lives to Jesus or remain faithful Christians, it will make an impact on their lives as they grow up. More often than not, these early "carvings on the soul" will still be visible after they have reached old age.

Our young people need all the help they can get, especially in a world teeming with temptation, immorality, dishonesty and materialism. Never assume that an hour or two in Bible class each week will get them through. Teach them something about Jesus or the Bible each day. It will make a difference… for a long time to come!

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Parents Make A Difference 6.16.10

6/16/2010

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Max Jukes, a resident of New York many years ago, did not believe in the value of Christian training at home, and married a wife of like mind. From this union, over 1000 descendants have been studied. 300 were convicted of crimes and served an average of 13 years each in prison. Nearly 200 became prostitutes and 100 ended up alcoholics. There is no record that a single one of their descendants made a positive contribution to society.

Jonathan Edwards, from the very same state, was a strong advocate of Christian training in the home and married a woman of similar character. From this union over 700 descendants have been studied. Almost 300 became gospel preachers, 65 served as college professors, 13 became university presidents, 60 authored excellent books, 3 served as congressman, and one was elected vice -president of the United States.

It is no secret that our country suffers many ills, as evidenced by the proliferation of immoral, dishonest and violent people. On the other hand, we are blessed with a substantial number of virtuous people (especially Christians) that are making a positive difference in our dark world. What is the primary factor that determines whether individuals will make good or evil contributions to our world? Early training in the home!

Never underestimate the extraordinary value of consistent Christian training at home. No minister, teacher, coach, peer or human organization can begin to approach the influence of parents in terms of instilling lifetime values and beliefs. Our children will only be at home for a relatively few years, so make the best of those years by teaching them daily about God’s Better Way!

“Train them up in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it!” (Proverbs 22:6)

“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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3 Ways Young People Destroy Their Lives 6.7.10

6/7/2010

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3 Ways Young People Destroy Their Lives(Revised, by Mark Kennedy)

I speak from personal experience and from conversations with others in prison. I have spent most of my life in prisons of one sort or another.

The first way young people destroy their lives is by seeking the wrong kind of group to belong when there is little support at home. These young people are searching for attention, support and acceptance. Sometimes this comes in the form of questionable acquaintances - the kind that advocates lying, sneaking out at night, shoplifting, drinking and premarital sex. Some even turn to gangs for companionship and a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, gangs typically exert a very negative influence. 98% of gangs have a reputation for trouble and those involved with them eventually pay a steep price. “Initiations” can be violent, and the majority of gang members ultimately suffer physical or psychological abuse, imprisonment and even death. 1 Corinthians 15:33 states, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’" Those who pick questionable friends or gangs have been deceived – BELIEVE ME.

The second way many young people destroy their lives is by greed. They see something they want NOW and immediately go about getting it by hook or crook. This may involve relentlessly pestering their parents (or grandparents), borrowing (or charging) with little intention of repayment, and even outright theft. They have not been taught that the honest way to get things is to work for them and pay up front. However, they see TV characters (or friends) cheat, lie, steal or rob and assume that it is okay. Those that steal eventually pay a high price. Proverbs 20:21 says, “An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed at the end.” Greed is the downfall of many young people. It invariably ends in shame, reproach, and even prison.

The third way that many young people destroy their lives is by unrestrained lust of the flesh. The Bible tells us that what we dwell upon eventually leads to action – “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7) Let me tell you from experience – if you focus on pornography and illicit sex, you are planting impure seeds in your mind and heart. Once they take “root”, they are almost impossible to remove. The more you view depraved images or think impure thoughts, the stronger your desire to “fulfill them in the flesh”. Regrettably, thousands of illicit affairs, rapes and episodes of child molestation occur DAILY as a result of young people (and older) dwelling on pornographic images and immoral thoughts. Remember the story of David and Bathsheba? The king looked… lusted… inquired… and soon lay in the bed of adultery. The consequences followed him for the rest of his life.

Many, like me, have had to spend years in prison before learning the truth about unwise choices in friends, greed and lust. But you can learn from my mistakes today. You don't need to come to a place like this to learn, and trust me - YOU DON’T WANT TO. Listen to Jesus and spare yourself a lifetime of heartache and regret. John 8:32 says, “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." I now belong to Jesus. He provides for all my needs and keeps my thoughts on His kingdom (Matt. 6:33). Becoming a dedicated Christian was the best choice I ever made.

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Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis

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End of an Empire? 6.1.10

6/1/2010

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End of an Empire?

Edward Gibbon authored a series of books detailing the deteriorating conditions of the Roman Empire from 180 A.D. to 1590 A.D. He cited five factors that contributed to the fall of the Empire (These are listed below). By comparison, America appears to be quickly headed for the same fate.

1. The rapid increase of divorce; the undermining of the dignity and sanctity of the home.

Currently, nearly 50% of marriages in America end in divorce. Millions have been divorced three or more times. Ironically, the divorce rate might be considerably higher if not for the fact that tens of millions of couples do not bother to get married - they are content to live together in fornication (Col. 3:5-7). If that is not bad enough, homosexuality is rapidly gaining widespread acceptance, and same-sex marriages are legal in several states (Rom. 1:26-28). This is a travesty, not to mention an insidious attack against the home.

2. Higher and higher taxes and the spending of public monies for free bread and circuses for the populace.

It is no secret that countless debates rage over tax issues and government spending. Although Christians are to pay their taxes (Rom. 13:6-7), we must be aware of how our tax money is spent. Tragically, millions of our tax dollars are currently (or may soon be) directed toward dishonorable activities such as the promotion of the homosexual agenda, grants for artistic (“pornographic”) media expression, and financing abortions.

3. The mad craze for pleasure; sports becoming every year more exciting and more brutal.

We currently live in a pleasure-crazed culture. Many spend the majority of their leisure time in activities such as wild parties, the consumption of alcoholic beverages, gambling or drug use (See Lk. 8:14; Gal. 5:19; 2 Tim. 3:4; 1 Pet. 4:3-4). Our obsession with sports is obvious – 75% of conversations between males likely involve sports. Some athletes and coaches are paid over one million dollars per game (and far more in product or brand endorsements). Brutal cage fighting, with few rules, is eagerly watched nightly by millions of Americans.

4. The building of gigantic armaments when the real enemy was within, the decadence of the people.

Old Testament prophets repeatedly warned God’s people to place their faith and trust in HIM, not horses, chariots, or weapons. Unfortunately, the amount of money America spends DAILY on weapons likely exceeds our ANNUAL expenditures on programs intended to reinforce and strengthen the family. Years ago, a world leader stated that America will eventually fall without a shot being fired from an outside enemy. Unless things change, I am forced to concur.

5. The decay of religion—faith fading into mere form, losing touch with life and becoming impotent to warn and guide the people.

Paul spoke of the “last days”, in which people would be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power - 2 Tim. 3:4-5. Many current denominations have evolved into glorified “social clubs”. Even some in the Lord’s church have apparently lost sight of the mission of HIS church. Instead of focusing on the LORD and HIS WORD, they spend more time promoting social activities involving fun, food and fellowship.

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America – once the undisputed home of the proud, free and brave - is rapidly forgetting about God. Some of our prominent leaders even want to ban expressions such as “under God” or “in God we trust.”

I pray that we will WAKE UP before it is too late. As Christians, may we relentlessly pray for our country, leaders and homes - 1 Tim. 2:1-2. God will bless America… if America returns to Him!

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” - Psa. 9:17.

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” - Prov. 14:34.

Jesus, always Jesus!

Dennis

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Some Things Remain 6.22.10

Parents Make A Difference 6.16.10

3 Ways Young People Destroy Their Lives 6.7.10

End of an Empire? 6.1.10

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