US police fatalities up 13 percent in 2011 to 173
Wednesday - 12/28/2011, 12:55pm ET
By GREG BLUESTEIN
Associated Press
(AP) - One Oregon police chief was killed when a man allegedly took the officer's gun and shot him in the head. A policeman in Arizona was fatally shot when he went to a suburban Phoenix apartment complex to help a probation officer. And two South Dakota officers were killed in a shootout after a traffic stop.
The number of fatalities from departments across the country caused by firearms made 2011 one of the deadliest years in recent history for U.S. law enforcement.
Across the nation, 173 officers died in the line of duty, up 13 percent from 153 the year before, according to numbers as of Wednesday compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
The nonprofit group that tracks police deaths also reported that 68 federal, state and local officers were killed by gunfire in 2011, a 15 percent jump from last year when 59 were killed. It marks the first time in 14 years that firearms fatalities were higher than traffic-related deaths. The data shows that 64 officers died in traffic accidents, down from the 71 killed in 2010.
Craig Floyd, the group's chairman, blamed the rise on budget cuts to public safety departments. He cited surveys by police groups that showed many cut back on training and delay upgrading equipment, and referenced a Department of Justice report issued in October that said an estimated 10,000 police officers and sheriff's deputies have been laid off within the past year.
"I'm very troubled that these drastic budget cuts have put our officers at a grave risks," he said. "Our officers are facing a more brazen cold-blooded element and fighting a war on terror, and we're giving them less training and less equipment they need to do their jobs safely."
It's the second year in a row the number of officers killed in the line of duty has grown. In 2009, the death toll dipped to 122 in a 50-year-low that encouraged police groups even though the year seemed to be an aberration. Otherwise, the number of police deaths has topped 160 five other times since 2000. It routinely topped 200 in the 1970s.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder called the deaths a "devastating and unacceptable trend" and said the Justice Department was determined to reverse the numbers. He said the office is supporting new training regimens and programs, one of which reimbursed departments with more than $23 million for about 80,000 new bulletproof vests. Those vests, he said, saved the lives of 16 officers in the last year.
"I want to assure the family members and loved ones who have mourned the loss of these heroes that we are responding to this year's increased violence with renewed vigilance and will do everything within our power _ and use every tool at our disposal _ to keep our police officers safe," Holder said.
The police deaths were spread across 41 states and Puerto Rico. The largest number of fatalities was reported in Florida, where 14 officers were killed, followed by Texas (13) New York (11), California (10) and Georgia (10). The New York City Police Department and Puerto Rico Police Department, which both lost four officers, were the law enforcement agencies that reported the most deaths.
Meanwhile, one city saw its first ever police death in the line of duty. In Bismarck, N.D. _ a city of 60,000 residents and about 100 sworn officers _ 32-year police veteran Sgt. Steven Kenner was fatally shot. Kenner had been responding to a domestic disturbance call.
The number of firearms-related fatalities, which have risen 70 percent since 2008, was particularly alarming to analysts. Of the 68 deaths, 14 took place while the officer was attempting an arrest, nine occurred during a domestic disturbance call and five were ambushes, according to the data.
One of the victims, Rainier, Ore., Police Chief Ralph Painter, was shot once in the head during a Jan. 5 struggle with a suspect who was accused of taking Painter's pistol from his belt. Glendale, Ariz., Officer Brad Jones was shot in August after a fight with a suspect being sought by a probation officer. And the two officers in South Dakota, James McCandless and Nick Armstrong, were killed in August after conducting what Rapid City authorities have said was a routine traffic stop.
The glimmer of good news in the report was the falling number of traffic-related fatalities involving law enforcement officers, the lowest since 2005. Floyd said revamped policies adopted by some departments on police chases and a revived focus on road safety helped bring down the number of those deaths.
"It's perhaps the most preventable death for law enforcement," he said. "Better training and better awareness of the dangers of traffic safety will help to spare more police lives as we move forward."
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=209&sid=2685547
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The threatenings of God (read all the way through!)
The threatenings of God!
(James Smith, "The Threatenings of God")
"What will you say when He punishes you?" Jeremiah 13:21
God has threatened to punish lost sinners--every sinner who lives and dies in unbelief.
His threatenings are written in His Word--that we may read them;
they are published by His ministers--that we may hear them;
they are often repeated--that we may not forget them;
some of them are fulfilled in this world--that we may believe and fear them.
No unbelieving, impenitent, careless sinner shall escape! The whole of the wicked shall be turned into Hell--and all the nations that forget God.
Every one will be punished . . .
justly--in exact proportion to the nature and number of his sins;
universally--in every part of body and soul;
fearfully--without any mixture of mercy;
eternally--without cessation or end!
The threatenings of God are backed and sustained . . .
by His omnipotent power;
by His unchangeable purpose;
by His impartial justice;
by His inflexible holiness;
and by His solemn oath.
They cannot be more sure--nor can they be more dreadful.
Lost sinner, they are all pointed at you! They speak . . .
of snares,
of fire and brimstone,
of a never-dying worm,
of a lake of fire,
of blackness and darkness,
of gnashing of teeth,
of eternal separation from God, and
a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire, that will consume the enemies of God! Hebrews 10:27
Punishment is in store for you! You are warned of it, and invited to escape from it! But if you do not, then "What will you say when He punishes you?"
Can you say that you did not believe that God would be true to His Word? This would be to insult Him to His face, and to tell Him plainly that you thought Him to be a liar!
There is but one alternative; you must make up your mind to suffer the torments of quenchless flames forever--or flee to the Lord Jesus Christ for life and salvation! He is the only way of escape--there is salvation in no other.
There is pardon in His blood.
There is mercy at His throne.
There is pity in His heart.
There is veracity in His Word.
There is hope for you.
Flee to Him--and you are safe!
Reject Him, persevere in sin, prefer the world--and you must forever . . .
be lashed by an accusing conscience,
be tormented by a cruel and remorseless devil,
be punished by a just and holy God, and
condemn yourself throughout eternity!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Compliments of Gracegems
(James Smith, "The Threatenings of God")
"What will you say when He punishes you?" Jeremiah 13:21
God has threatened to punish lost sinners--every sinner who lives and dies in unbelief.
His threatenings are written in His Word--that we may read them;
they are published by His ministers--that we may hear them;
they are often repeated--that we may not forget them;
some of them are fulfilled in this world--that we may believe and fear them.
No unbelieving, impenitent, careless sinner shall escape! The whole of the wicked shall be turned into Hell--and all the nations that forget God.
Every one will be punished . . .
justly--in exact proportion to the nature and number of his sins;
universally--in every part of body and soul;
fearfully--without any mixture of mercy;
eternally--without cessation or end!
The threatenings of God are backed and sustained . . .
by His omnipotent power;
by His unchangeable purpose;
by His impartial justice;
by His inflexible holiness;
and by His solemn oath.
They cannot be more sure--nor can they be more dreadful.
Lost sinner, they are all pointed at you! They speak . . .
of snares,
of fire and brimstone,
of a never-dying worm,
of a lake of fire,
of blackness and darkness,
of gnashing of teeth,
of eternal separation from God, and
a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire, that will consume the enemies of God! Hebrews 10:27
Punishment is in store for you! You are warned of it, and invited to escape from it! But if you do not, then "What will you say when He punishes you?"
Can you say that you did not believe that God would be true to His Word? This would be to insult Him to His face, and to tell Him plainly that you thought Him to be a liar!
There is but one alternative; you must make up your mind to suffer the torments of quenchless flames forever--or flee to the Lord Jesus Christ for life and salvation! He is the only way of escape--there is salvation in no other.
There is pardon in His blood.
There is mercy at His throne.
There is pity in His heart.
There is veracity in His Word.
There is hope for you.
Flee to Him--and you are safe!
Reject Him, persevere in sin, prefer the world--and you must forever . . .
be lashed by an accusing conscience,
be tormented by a cruel and remorseless devil,
be punished by a just and holy God, and
condemn yourself throughout eternity!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Compliments of Gracegems
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Wrestling with God
Wrestling with God.
The Daily Evidence | September 16, 2011 at 6:00 pm | Categories: General | URL: http://wp.me/p1hdG9-eo
It has been said that Jacob was as twisted as a corkscrew, and it took an act of God to straighten him out. Jacob, by an act of deceit, had robbed his older brother, Esau, of their father’s blessing. It was fear that his vengeful brother would kill him that drove Jacob to seek God’s favor.
It is legitimate to come to the Savior in fear. We have greatly wronged the One who gave us life by vio- lating His Law, and His wrath abides upon us. If we do not repent and trust in the Savior, we will reap the terrifying fruit of our actions: death and everlasting hell. What a fearful thing it is to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:31)! R. C. Sproul rightly said that Jesus doesn’t save us to God, He saves us from God.
Those who have had an encounter with God will, like Jacob, thereafter walk with a limp. Whereas we once had a haughty look and proud heart, we now bow in quiet humility and walk in lowliness of mind. And like Jacob was given a new name, when we meet the Lord we, too, become new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17). We are born again, with a new heart and with new desires.
And just as Jacob wrestled alone with God, each of us must make our own peace with God; no one else can do it for us. Notice that Jacob said he would not let God go until He blessed him. God honors persis- tence. Seek God’s blessing until you know that you have peace with Him. Call on the name of the Lord. Be like the blind man Bartimaeus, who in desperation called to Jesus, despite the rebuke of those around him (Mark 10:48). Do not give up until you have made your own call and election sure (2 Pet. 1:10).
After you encounter God, be earnest always to keep His smile on your life. Jacob asked God for His name and then rejoiced that his life had been preserved (v. 30). Once you have come to know Him who suf- fered for you, you will rejoice with joy unspeakable and never forget the name of the One whose blood pre- served you for His everlasting kingdom.
Genesis 32:24Â Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.
-Compliments of Wordpress.com
The Daily Evidence | September 16, 2011 at 6:00 pm | Categories: General | URL: http://wp.me/p1hdG9-eo
It has been said that Jacob was as twisted as a corkscrew, and it took an act of God to straighten him out. Jacob, by an act of deceit, had robbed his older brother, Esau, of their father’s blessing. It was fear that his vengeful brother would kill him that drove Jacob to seek God’s favor.
It is legitimate to come to the Savior in fear. We have greatly wronged the One who gave us life by vio- lating His Law, and His wrath abides upon us. If we do not repent and trust in the Savior, we will reap the terrifying fruit of our actions: death and everlasting hell. What a fearful thing it is to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:31)! R. C. Sproul rightly said that Jesus doesn’t save us to God, He saves us from God.
Those who have had an encounter with God will, like Jacob, thereafter walk with a limp. Whereas we once had a haughty look and proud heart, we now bow in quiet humility and walk in lowliness of mind. And like Jacob was given a new name, when we meet the Lord we, too, become new creatures (2 Cor. 5:17). We are born again, with a new heart and with new desires.
And just as Jacob wrestled alone with God, each of us must make our own peace with God; no one else can do it for us. Notice that Jacob said he would not let God go until He blessed him. God honors persis- tence. Seek God’s blessing until you know that you have peace with Him. Call on the name of the Lord. Be like the blind man Bartimaeus, who in desperation called to Jesus, despite the rebuke of those around him (Mark 10:48). Do not give up until you have made your own call and election sure (2 Pet. 1:10).
After you encounter God, be earnest always to keep His smile on your life. Jacob asked God for His name and then rejoiced that his life had been preserved (v. 30). Once you have come to know Him who suf- fered for you, you will rejoice with joy unspeakable and never forget the name of the One whose blood pre- served you for His everlasting kingdom.
Genesis 32:24Â Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.
-Compliments of Wordpress.com
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Unfortunate realites....
Not an endorsement, but something to seriously think about. Leveraging your own in-house folks is a real conideration-
http://www.churchsecurityalliance.com/members/churchsecurity/blog/VIEWO+00000002+00000086
http://www.churchsecurityalliance.com/members/churchsecurity/blog/VIEWO+00000002+00000086
Friday, July 29, 2011
Sobering thoughts-
Oh, how dreadful the thought--to go to Hell through the church of God!
(James Smith, "The Alarming Sentence!")
"A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it--but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard: For three years now, I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree--and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil!" Luke 13:6-7
Let us look at Christ's figure a little:
A fig-tree--or a professor of the religion of Christ.
A fruitless fig-tree--or a barren, useless professor.
A fig-tree with leaves of profession--but not the fruit of holiness.
No place is as dangerous for an unconverted person--as the church of God! It is to be feared that many join the church before they are truly converted; and yet very, very few are ever converted after.
Once under a profession--God expects you to live up to that profession.
If you are planted in His vineyard--God expects you to bring forth fruit.
The owner of the vineyard comes and seeks fruit; He comes again, and again; and if He find none, He passes this solemn sentence, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil!"
Concerning every fruitless professor God says, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil! It drains the ground of its nourishment, for no good purpose. Labor is but lost upon it; expectation is disappointed by it; therefore, Cut it down! My patience and forbearance are worn out; I have come three years seeking fruit--and find none; so, Cut it down!"
It is a fearful sentence! God gives the command to some disease--He says, "Go, cut that barren professor down!" He sends death, like the woodsman with his sharpened axe--at length he strikes the fatal blow; and then the fruitless professor falls!
This command of God is fearful--it is full of terror--it includes utter destruction!
This command is irresistible--we cannot evade it--we cannot brave it out--the boldest heart fails--the strongest body yields to God's "Cut it down!"
This command is final! There is all that is dreadful wrapped up in it--even a certain, fearful expectation of God's judgment, and the raging fire that will consume His enemies!
The fruitless professor is to be cut down and committed to the eternal flames of Hell!
Here is wrath--fearful wrath!
Here is justice--inflexible justice!
Here is vengeance--the vengeance of an infinite God!
O fruitless professor. . .
Consider!
Fear!
Tremble!
Repent!
God looks for fruit from every professor. He will certainly punish--if there is no fruit.
Fruitless professor--where will you be soon? The axe lies at your root, even now! The executioner is only awaiting the command!
Divine mercy will soon urge her last plea; the year of reprieve will soon expire--and then, "Cut it down!" is all that remains! Oh, how dreadful the thought--to go to Hell through the church of God! To profess that you are traveling to Heaven--when in reality you are going with the lost multitude to eternal perdition!
C/O Gracegems
(James Smith, "The Alarming Sentence!")
"A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it--but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard: For three years now, I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree--and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil!" Luke 13:6-7
Let us look at Christ's figure a little:
A fig-tree--or a professor of the religion of Christ.
A fruitless fig-tree--or a barren, useless professor.
A fig-tree with leaves of profession--but not the fruit of holiness.
No place is as dangerous for an unconverted person--as the church of God! It is to be feared that many join the church before they are truly converted; and yet very, very few are ever converted after.
Once under a profession--God expects you to live up to that profession.
If you are planted in His vineyard--God expects you to bring forth fruit.
The owner of the vineyard comes and seeks fruit; He comes again, and again; and if He find none, He passes this solemn sentence, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil!"
Concerning every fruitless professor God says, "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil! It drains the ground of its nourishment, for no good purpose. Labor is but lost upon it; expectation is disappointed by it; therefore, Cut it down! My patience and forbearance are worn out; I have come three years seeking fruit--and find none; so, Cut it down!"
It is a fearful sentence! God gives the command to some disease--He says, "Go, cut that barren professor down!" He sends death, like the woodsman with his sharpened axe--at length he strikes the fatal blow; and then the fruitless professor falls!
This command of God is fearful--it is full of terror--it includes utter destruction!
This command is irresistible--we cannot evade it--we cannot brave it out--the boldest heart fails--the strongest body yields to God's "Cut it down!"
This command is final! There is all that is dreadful wrapped up in it--even a certain, fearful expectation of God's judgment, and the raging fire that will consume His enemies!
The fruitless professor is to be cut down and committed to the eternal flames of Hell!
Here is wrath--fearful wrath!
Here is justice--inflexible justice!
Here is vengeance--the vengeance of an infinite God!
O fruitless professor. . .
Consider!
Fear!
Tremble!
Repent!
God looks for fruit from every professor. He will certainly punish--if there is no fruit.
Fruitless professor--where will you be soon? The axe lies at your root, even now! The executioner is only awaiting the command!
Divine mercy will soon urge her last plea; the year of reprieve will soon expire--and then, "Cut it down!" is all that remains! Oh, how dreadful the thought--to go to Hell through the church of God! To profess that you are traveling to Heaven--when in reality you are going with the lost multitude to eternal perdition!
C/O Gracegems
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Daily Readings from the Life of Christ
Many will say to Me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?” And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” -Matthew 7:22–23
On first reading, these are some of the most startling, convicting words Jesus ever uttered. The key issue for Him is obedience to His Word and will. He later declared, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine” (John 8:31; cf. Rom. 6:16; Col. 1:22–23; Heb. 5:9).
All the empty words and professions of respect for Christ and the shallow works of supposed dedication now come to condemn all disobedient claimers to the Lord. When Jesus tells them, “I never knew you,” it does not mean He didn’t know their identities, but in essence, “I didn’t know you as My disciples, and you didn’t really know Me as Lord and Savior. You chose your kingdom, but it wasn’t My kingdom.”
A life that professes to be a Christian but in no way actually reflects His holiness does not possess true salvation. Such a profession comes from a dead faith that results in no good works (James 2:17).
It’s not that faithful disciples will not stumble and sin sometimes; otherwise Jesus would not have taught about forgiveness of debts (Matt. 6:12) and confession of sins (cf. 1 John 1:9). Believers cannot expect perfection in this life, but they should expect to be heading in that direction.
Those who persist in lawlessness show that they are not Christians. No matter how orthodox and outwardly fervent, religious activity that doesn’t stem from repentance of sin and manifest a desire for obedience to Christ is still rebellion against God’s law.
*Compliments of Pastor John MacArthur and gty.org*
On first reading, these are some of the most startling, convicting words Jesus ever uttered. The key issue for Him is obedience to His Word and will. He later declared, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine” (John 8:31; cf. Rom. 6:16; Col. 1:22–23; Heb. 5:9).
All the empty words and professions of respect for Christ and the shallow works of supposed dedication now come to condemn all disobedient claimers to the Lord. When Jesus tells them, “I never knew you,” it does not mean He didn’t know their identities, but in essence, “I didn’t know you as My disciples, and you didn’t really know Me as Lord and Savior. You chose your kingdom, but it wasn’t My kingdom.”
A life that professes to be a Christian but in no way actually reflects His holiness does not possess true salvation. Such a profession comes from a dead faith that results in no good works (James 2:17).
It’s not that faithful disciples will not stumble and sin sometimes; otherwise Jesus would not have taught about forgiveness of debts (Matt. 6:12) and confession of sins (cf. 1 John 1:9). Believers cannot expect perfection in this life, but they should expect to be heading in that direction.
Those who persist in lawlessness show that they are not Christians. No matter how orthodox and outwardly fervent, religious activity that doesn’t stem from repentance of sin and manifest a desire for obedience to Christ is still rebellion against God’s law.
*Compliments of Pastor John MacArthur and gty.org*
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Courageous- spread the Word
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FJ0121NU&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20Video&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=06/14/2011
Coming soon to a theater near you!!
Coming soon to a theater near you!!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The sanctification of the Spirit
The sanctification of the Spirit
(James Smith, "The Great Comforter" 1858)
"God has chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit." 2 Thessalonians 2:13
To sanctify, is to separate and set apart for holy purposes and holy uses. The Lord has separated His people, by choosing them in Christ to be holy; and He sanctifies them now for Himself--by the power, operation, and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
In sanctification, a work is commenced which is to make us exactly like Christ. A sanctified person has . . .
his heart changed,
his will renewed,
his understanding enlightened,
his conscience purified, and
his affections spiritualized.
Sanctification extends to the whole man, soul and body; and is carried on through . . .
the Word,
the ordinances, and
the providence of God.
Sanctification has its seat in the heart; but it regulates the whole man, and appears in his conduct in every-day life. If a man experiences the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, then . . .
sin grieves him,
Satan tries him,
the world troubles him,
and Heaven attracts him.
Spirit of Jesus, sanctify us deeply, thoroughly--that we may be just like Jesus! Sanctify us . . .
by every trial,
by every affliction,
by every privilege,
by every comfort!
(From Gracegems)
(James Smith, "The Great Comforter" 1858)
"God has chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit." 2 Thessalonians 2:13
To sanctify, is to separate and set apart for holy purposes and holy uses. The Lord has separated His people, by choosing them in Christ to be holy; and He sanctifies them now for Himself--by the power, operation, and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
In sanctification, a work is commenced which is to make us exactly like Christ. A sanctified person has . . .
his heart changed,
his will renewed,
his understanding enlightened,
his conscience purified, and
his affections spiritualized.
Sanctification extends to the whole man, soul and body; and is carried on through . . .
the Word,
the ordinances, and
the providence of God.
Sanctification has its seat in the heart; but it regulates the whole man, and appears in his conduct in every-day life. If a man experiences the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, then . . .
sin grieves him,
Satan tries him,
the world troubles him,
and Heaven attracts him.
Spirit of Jesus, sanctify us deeply, thoroughly--that we may be just like Jesus! Sanctify us . . .
by every trial,
by every affliction,
by every privilege,
by every comfort!
(From Gracegems)
Friday, May 20, 2011
WAKE UP CALL- Please pray...
Coptic Christians Need Protection -- Will the U.S. Help Them?
By Penny Young Nance
Published May 20, 2011
As the Coliseum in Rome deteriorates with every passing day, the thoughts of Christian martyrdom and persecution that happened there also seem ages away.
But as surprising as it may sound, it still happens. Instead of Christians being eaten by lions, they are being bombed during protests. Instead of being burned at the stake, their churches are being set on fire.
Coptic Christians in Egypt, the largest contingent of Christians in the country, are under severe attack — so much so that the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom announced just recently that Egypt made the list of “Countries of Particular Concern.”
That's not really a list anyone wants to be on: countries put on this list are some of the worst violators of religious freedom. But it’s not enough. Calling a country out will not necessarily force them to change their behavior. A bully doesn’t work like that.
Leonard Leo, chairman of the Commission, told reporters that the final straw was the massacre on the day Coptic Christians celebrated their Christmas Eve services. Since January of this year, 400 Christians have been murdered, hundreds more injured, and multiple churches have been burned, including a massacre on New Year’s Day, where a bomb at a church in Alexandria killed 20 Christians.
The Coptic Christians have been begging for protection from the new Egyptian government without any results. Last Saturday, while Christians were being attacked with gasoline bombs and rocks in Cairo, riot police did not immediately respond; and when they did respond, they looked on for a full hour and did nothing. Soldiers had to be brought in to contain the violence.
The U.S. has directed its own military to help provide protection and apparently has attempted to put diplomatic pressure on the new government for protection. But more has to be done. The Egyptian government is filled with cowards bent on letting Christians suffer at the hands of the majority religion of Islam.
There are 10 million Coptic Christians in the Middle East, where they are overshadowed predominately by the Muslim culture and Islam, President Obama’s fabled “religion of peace.” In fact, it is the radicals, who call themselves Muslim, who are using rape, violence, and church-burnings to persecute this minority religion of Christianity in Egypt.
Persecution is nothing new for Christians (at Concerned Women for America we recently interviewed some local Coptic Christians for an upcoming event on Sharia Law, and the stories they told were stark). The Coptic Christians in Egypt aren’t backing down, nor are they intimidated, but they do want protection.
When is enough violence enough? Maybe much hasn’t changed since centuries ago when early Christians were persecuted and martyred.
Bottom line: If we don’t work with the new Egyptian government to ask them to protect this minority, we could see significant religious cleansing in Egypt. And if that happens, then shame on us.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/05/20/coptic-christians-need-protection-help/#ixzz1Mx0c9DXT
By Penny Young Nance
Published May 20, 2011
As the Coliseum in Rome deteriorates with every passing day, the thoughts of Christian martyrdom and persecution that happened there also seem ages away.
But as surprising as it may sound, it still happens. Instead of Christians being eaten by lions, they are being bombed during protests. Instead of being burned at the stake, their churches are being set on fire.
Coptic Christians in Egypt, the largest contingent of Christians in the country, are under severe attack — so much so that the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom announced just recently that Egypt made the list of “Countries of Particular Concern.”
That's not really a list anyone wants to be on: countries put on this list are some of the worst violators of religious freedom. But it’s not enough. Calling a country out will not necessarily force them to change their behavior. A bully doesn’t work like that.
Leonard Leo, chairman of the Commission, told reporters that the final straw was the massacre on the day Coptic Christians celebrated their Christmas Eve services. Since January of this year, 400 Christians have been murdered, hundreds more injured, and multiple churches have been burned, including a massacre on New Year’s Day, where a bomb at a church in Alexandria killed 20 Christians.
The Coptic Christians have been begging for protection from the new Egyptian government without any results. Last Saturday, while Christians were being attacked with gasoline bombs and rocks in Cairo, riot police did not immediately respond; and when they did respond, they looked on for a full hour and did nothing. Soldiers had to be brought in to contain the violence.
The U.S. has directed its own military to help provide protection and apparently has attempted to put diplomatic pressure on the new government for protection. But more has to be done. The Egyptian government is filled with cowards bent on letting Christians suffer at the hands of the majority religion of Islam.
There are 10 million Coptic Christians in the Middle East, where they are overshadowed predominately by the Muslim culture and Islam, President Obama’s fabled “religion of peace.” In fact, it is the radicals, who call themselves Muslim, who are using rape, violence, and church-burnings to persecute this minority religion of Christianity in Egypt.
Persecution is nothing new for Christians (at Concerned Women for America we recently interviewed some local Coptic Christians for an upcoming event on Sharia Law, and the stories they told were stark). The Coptic Christians in Egypt aren’t backing down, nor are they intimidated, but they do want protection.
When is enough violence enough? Maybe much hasn’t changed since centuries ago when early Christians were persecuted and martyred.
Bottom line: If we don’t work with the new Egyptian government to ask them to protect this minority, we could see significant religious cleansing in Egypt. And if that happens, then shame on us.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/05/20/coptic-christians-need-protection-help/#ixzz1Mx0c9DXT
Monday, May 9, 2011
Important Questions
Should it be according to your mind?
(James Smith, "Important Questions!" 1858)
"Should it be according to your mind?" Job 34:33
We are prone to be fretful, to complain of the dispensations of Divine Providence, and to reflect harshly upon the Lord's dealings with us.
We want our own way.
We wish to carve for ourselves.
We would be treated as God's favorites.
We want our ease, and prosperity, and pleasure, consulted in all things. And if this does not appear to be done--if our wills are crossed, if our schemes are frustrated, if our purposes are broken off--then we stumble, think ourselves badly treated, and look for everybody to sympathize with us.
Under these circumstances, God comes to us--as we sit among our broken cisterns, surrounded by our dethroned idols--and puts this question to us: "Should it be according to your mind?"
Are you wiser than God?
Are you kinder than God?
Are you holier than God?
Are you more just than God?
Are you better informed than God?
May not your mind be dark, or selfish, or foolish?
Should it then be according to your mind?
Should you reign--or God?
Remember that God acts in the highest wisdom; His motives are grace and justice; and all His purposes are worthy of Himself.
The least the Christian can do is to submit--and to prefer God's wisdom, way, and work--to his own. Seeing God has so arranged all events, that all things must work together for the good of His people--they, at least, should daily say, "Father, may Your will be done!"
O my soul, seek grace from God, not only to submit and be resigned to the dispensations of Divine Providence--but to acquiesce in them, and be pleased with the whole of them! Your good is consulted--your best interests are secured; and soon, very soon, it will be seen that infinite wisdom and mercy, grace and goodness, have marked out every step of your road!
"Jesus replied: You do not understand what I am now doing--but someday you will." John 13:7
(Compliments of GraceGems)
(James Smith, "Important Questions!" 1858)
"Should it be according to your mind?" Job 34:33
We are prone to be fretful, to complain of the dispensations of Divine Providence, and to reflect harshly upon the Lord's dealings with us.
We want our own way.
We wish to carve for ourselves.
We would be treated as God's favorites.
We want our ease, and prosperity, and pleasure, consulted in all things. And if this does not appear to be done--if our wills are crossed, if our schemes are frustrated, if our purposes are broken off--then we stumble, think ourselves badly treated, and look for everybody to sympathize with us.
Under these circumstances, God comes to us--as we sit among our broken cisterns, surrounded by our dethroned idols--and puts this question to us: "Should it be according to your mind?"
Are you wiser than God?
Are you kinder than God?
Are you holier than God?
Are you more just than God?
Are you better informed than God?
May not your mind be dark, or selfish, or foolish?
Should it then be according to your mind?
Should you reign--or God?
Remember that God acts in the highest wisdom; His motives are grace and justice; and all His purposes are worthy of Himself.
The least the Christian can do is to submit--and to prefer God's wisdom, way, and work--to his own. Seeing God has so arranged all events, that all things must work together for the good of His people--they, at least, should daily say, "Father, may Your will be done!"
O my soul, seek grace from God, not only to submit and be resigned to the dispensations of Divine Providence--but to acquiesce in them, and be pleased with the whole of them! Your good is consulted--your best interests are secured; and soon, very soon, it will be seen that infinite wisdom and mercy, grace and goodness, have marked out every step of your road!
"Jesus replied: You do not understand what I am now doing--but someday you will." John 13:7
(Compliments of GraceGems)
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Voice of the Martyrs
Please check out the current effort to share the Gospel in restricted lands...
http://www.thejesusmovie.com/bg_jesusmovie_wdbm_441.html
Monday, April 4, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Pray for our brothers and sisters in service...
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/03/25/justice-department-alarmed-rising-number-police-deaths/
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
God sees through these fig leaves!
by Thomas Watson
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
("Parental Solicitude" being a letter of James Smith to his children)
My dear children,
As your parent, I feel deeply concerned for both your present and everlasting welfare. Great will be my sorrow and distress--to see you associated with the worldly, the careless, or the profane--and to look forward with the fear of being everlastingly separated from you! O what an idea--to be separated forever! the parent enjoying unutterable blessedness--but the child enduring unspeakable, unending woe!
With all the solemn realities of eternity before me I write, and with the deepest solicitude I beg your attention. Allow me first, my dear child, to call your attention to the infinite value of your immortal SOUL. You have a soul which is immortal, destined to live forever. Live it must, live it will, and live forever; but it is capable of enduring most dreadful, fearful, and never-ending torments!
I tell you from the mouth of God--
that you have an immortal soul;
that there is a glorious heaven--and a dreadful hell;
that one or the other must be your eternal abode;
and I beseech you to consider seriously, reflect in time, and flee from the wrath to come!
Your nature is entirely depraved, and always has been! You were conceived in sin, shaped in iniquity, and brought forth under the curse of God! You have grown up hitherto in a sinful state:
every thought of your heart,
every word you have spoken,
every action you have performed,
is more or less sinful.
Your heart is a fountain so corrupt, that nothing pure can possibly proceed from it. God, says of your heart, my child, that it is "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked!" Every variety of sin and wickedness lurks there! It may be concealed from your view, but yet it is there; and if temptation should present itself, or the Lord takes off his restraints--it would soon make its dreadful appearance.
There never was a sin committed by the vilest malefactor, or a crime perpetrated by the greatest monster of iniquity--but the seed of that sin or crime is to be found in your heart! "For from within, out of the heart," says Jesus, "proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, thefts, covetousness, wickedness; deceit, lust, an evil eye, pride, blasphemy, foolishness! All these evil things come from within and defile a man!" Well then may the Apostle say, "The carnal mind is enmity against God--for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be! So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God!"
Do you think that it is possible, my dear child, for anything good to come from a heart like this? But just such a heart is yours--and the reason you do not know it, is because spiritual darkness and ignorance are spread over your soul; the eyes of your understanding are darkened, and you are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin!
GraceGems
by Thomas Watson
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
("Parental Solicitude" being a letter of James Smith to his children)
My dear children,
As your parent, I feel deeply concerned for both your present and everlasting welfare. Great will be my sorrow and distress--to see you associated with the worldly, the careless, or the profane--and to look forward with the fear of being everlastingly separated from you! O what an idea--to be separated forever! the parent enjoying unutterable blessedness--but the child enduring unspeakable, unending woe!
With all the solemn realities of eternity before me I write, and with the deepest solicitude I beg your attention. Allow me first, my dear child, to call your attention to the infinite value of your immortal SOUL. You have a soul which is immortal, destined to live forever. Live it must, live it will, and live forever; but it is capable of enduring most dreadful, fearful, and never-ending torments!
I tell you from the mouth of God--
that you have an immortal soul;
that there is a glorious heaven--and a dreadful hell;
that one or the other must be your eternal abode;
and I beseech you to consider seriously, reflect in time, and flee from the wrath to come!
Your nature is entirely depraved, and always has been! You were conceived in sin, shaped in iniquity, and brought forth under the curse of God! You have grown up hitherto in a sinful state:
every thought of your heart,
every word you have spoken,
every action you have performed,
is more or less sinful.
Your heart is a fountain so corrupt, that nothing pure can possibly proceed from it. God, says of your heart, my child, that it is "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked!" Every variety of sin and wickedness lurks there! It may be concealed from your view, but yet it is there; and if temptation should present itself, or the Lord takes off his restraints--it would soon make its dreadful appearance.
There never was a sin committed by the vilest malefactor, or a crime perpetrated by the greatest monster of iniquity--but the seed of that sin or crime is to be found in your heart! "For from within, out of the heart," says Jesus, "proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, thefts, covetousness, wickedness; deceit, lust, an evil eye, pride, blasphemy, foolishness! All these evil things come from within and defile a man!" Well then may the Apostle say, "The carnal mind is enmity against God--for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be! So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God!"
Do you think that it is possible, my dear child, for anything good to come from a heart like this? But just such a heart is yours--and the reason you do not know it, is because spiritual darkness and ignorance are spread over your soul; the eyes of your understanding are darkened, and you are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin!
GraceGems
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Another fallen brother-
Please pray for the family of Officer John Falcone.
It appears that the alarming rate of our brothers and sisters being killed in the line of duty continues. The incidents are almost becoming daily news. A US Marshal was shot and killed only the other day. Pray and stay sharp- God bless-
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110219/NEWS/110219710/-1/NEWS
It appears that the alarming rate of our brothers and sisters being killed in the line of duty continues. The incidents are almost becoming daily news. A US Marshal was shot and killed only the other day. Pray and stay sharp- God bless-
http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110219/NEWS/110219710/-1/NEWS
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Pray for the Body worldwide...
An untold story...
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/02/15/critics-slam-government-media-weak-response-anti-christian-attacks/
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/02/15/critics-slam-government-media-weak-response-anti-christian-attacks/
Monday, February 7, 2011
Thought for the Day...and longer...
You can't love God and the world
(by James A. La Belle)
"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4:4
It is my firm conviction that worldliness is destroying the church of Jesus Christ. The church is more and more becoming . . .
like the world,
indistinguishable from the world,
pursuers of the world,
lovers of the world.
Our relationship with Jesus Christ is hardly more than an appendage or appendix to our busy, worldly lives. We are no longer distinguished as separate, consecrated, pilgrims, sojourners, or holy unto the Lord; instead, we have . . .
eyes full of the world,
hearts in love with the world,
ears attentive to the world,
lips filled with worldly speech,
hands filled with worldly things,
feet comfortable with worldly paths, and
bodies no longer ready to depart and be with Jesus since that would mean giving up the world.
There is a heaven to be won and a hell to be shunned, and all those who have no visible, practical, transforming, determinative, self-denying, world-abhorring love for Jesus Christ--will be anathema at His coming!
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world." 1 John 2:15-16
*Gracegems*
(by James A. La Belle)
"You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." James 4:4
It is my firm conviction that worldliness is destroying the church of Jesus Christ. The church is more and more becoming . . .
like the world,
indistinguishable from the world,
pursuers of the world,
lovers of the world.
Our relationship with Jesus Christ is hardly more than an appendage or appendix to our busy, worldly lives. We are no longer distinguished as separate, consecrated, pilgrims, sojourners, or holy unto the Lord; instead, we have . . .
eyes full of the world,
hearts in love with the world,
ears attentive to the world,
lips filled with worldly speech,
hands filled with worldly things,
feet comfortable with worldly paths, and
bodies no longer ready to depart and be with Jesus since that would mean giving up the world.
There is a heaven to be won and a hell to be shunned, and all those who have no visible, practical, transforming, determinative, self-denying, world-abhorring love for Jesus Christ--will be anathema at His coming!
"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world." 1 John 2:15-16
*Gracegems*
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
In addition to the last post...
Another grim reminder-
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/24/authorities-fear-cops-targeted-officers-shot-hours
Pray, stay alert, and God bless-
Romans 13:3-5
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/24/authorities-fear-cops-targeted-officers-shot-hours
Pray, stay alert, and God bless-
Romans 13:3-5
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. 4 For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. 5 Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Please Pray...
This year started out as a violent one for law enforcement...the trend seems to be continuing. The below are just a few incidents in a rapid succession of violence against our brother and sister sheep dogs. Please keep them in your prayers and further pray that they know Christ. Stay safe and God bless-
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/23/detroit-police-department-respond-sto-precinct-shooting-reports/
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/23/person-killed-deputies-hurt-washington-walmart/
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/20/officer-killed-wounded-miami-shooting/
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/23/detroit-police-department-respond-sto-precinct-shooting-reports/
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/23/person-killed-deputies-hurt-washington-walmart/
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/20/officer-killed-wounded-miami-shooting/
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
A grim start to 2011...
Please pray for the family of Deputy Hopper. As the apparent trend in violence towards law enforcement continues, stay alert, be careful, and God bless-
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/01/ohio-standoff-leads-sheriffs-deputys-death/
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/01/01/ohio-standoff-leads-sheriffs-deputys-death/
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