The Church of God Victory Leaders Band

Thank You

2007-10-12T11:43:00.001-07:00

To all Victory Leaders: KEEP the Faith, Fight for the faith, Uphold the faith. Thank you, if you have prayed for me, thank you. I love you all. Sister Kasey

My Children's Ministries boost

2007-01-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard the saying, "Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it"? Well, we’re at the beginning of a new year, its fresh, with no mistakes in it! Some people have New Year’s Resolutions, where they plan on changing things in their lives like losing weight, going to bed earlier, etc. Let’s make our own resolutions… Let’s try to be more obedient to Mom and Dad. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:1-3) Try to think of nice things to say to brothers and sisters instead of mean things. "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (Proverbs 15:1) These are just a couple things we can try to change this year. Can you think of others? Before you do anything, (speak, think, act, etc.) ask yourself if Jesus would appreciate it. If you think Jesus wouldn’t appreciate it, then don’t do it!!! Pray about your New Year’s Resolutions. Ask God to help you as you try to mold your heart into a heart after God’s own heart.”

The "W" in Christmas --- Author Unknown

2006-12-16T10:07:00.000-08:00

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations -- extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snow caps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down -- totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W."

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And, I believe, He still is. Amazed in His presence...Humbled by His love.
May each of you have a Merry Christmas as you reflect on His Amazing Love for us.
Hope you all have a wonderful Christ was love holiday season.

Papa Horton!

2006-12-15T18:42:00.000-08:00

Please pray for the Horton's Dad. We just found out that he has cancer and I'm not sure if he will stick around for very long. Pray for the family as well because this is a part of life that no one wants to go through. Please, please pray!

AM I MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?

2006-11-06T08:17:00.000-08:00

THE HAND YOU PULL UP, MAY BE THE HAND THAT SAVES YOU!

A SIMPLE LESSON:

A rat looked through a crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife opening a package. What food might it contain? He was aghast to discover that it was a rat trap. Retreating to the farmyard the rat proclaimed the warning; "There is a rat trap in the house, a rat trap in the house!"

The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Excuse me, Mr. Rat, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

The rat turned to the pig and told him, "There is a rat trap in the house, a rat trap in the house!"

"I am so very sorry Mr. Rat," sympathized the pig, "but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured that you are in my prayers."

The rat turned to the cow. She said, "Like wow, Mr. Rat. A rat trap. I am in grave danger. Duh?"

So the rat returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's rat trap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house, like the sound of a rat trap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she did not see that it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit the farmer's wife.

The farmer rushed her to the hospital. She returned home with a fever. Now everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient.

His wife's sickness continued so that friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them the farmer butchered the pig.

The farmer's wife did not get well. She died, and so many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the cow slaughtered to provide meat for all of them to eat.

So the next time you hear that someone is facing a problem and think that it does not concern you, remember that when there is a rat trap in the house, the whole farmyard is at risk.

"Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9d)

-- Author Unknown

THE CARPENTER

2006-10-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "This is your house," he said, "my gift to you."

What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well.

So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort.

Then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized, we would have done it differently.

Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity.

Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.

For More Information Contact: The Real Building Manual written and inspired by The Master Carpenter of Life! :-)

-- Author Unknown

Guidance

2006-10-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

When I meditated on the word guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.

When one person relaxes and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word guidance. When I saw "G," I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i." God, "u" and "I" dance. God, you, and I dance. This statement is what guidance means to me.

As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life.

Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

-- Author Unknown

Web Page

2006-10-03T00:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Y'all,

I just wanted to let y'all know we have a local VLB web page here in Vernon. It can be found at www.victoryleadersband.org. The site is growing but at a slow rate but I invite y'all to take apart in it also. Who knows maybe one day we will have a General VLB website.

The Choice

2006-09-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

He placed one scoop of clay upon another until a form lay lifeless on the ground.

All of the Garden's inhabitants paused to witness the event. Hawks hovered. Giraffes stretched. Trees bowed. Butterflies paused on petals and watched.

"You will love me, nature," God said. "I made you that way. You will obey me, universe. For you were designed to do so. You will reflect my glory, skies, for that is how you were created. But this one will be like me. This one will be able to choose."

All were silent as the Creator reached into himself and removed something yet unseen. A seed. "It's called 'choice.' The seed of choice."

Creation stood in silence and gazed upon the lifeless form.

An angel spoke, "But what if he..."

"What if he chooses not to love?" the Creator finished. "Come, I will show you." Unbound by today, God and the angel walked into the realm of tomorrow. "There, see the fruit of the seed of choice, both the sweet and the bitter."

The angel gasped at what he saw. Spontaneous love. Voluntary devotion. Chosen tenderness. Never had he seen anything like these. He felt the love of the Adams. He heard the joy of Eve and her daughters.

He saw the food and the burdens shared. He absorbed the kindness and marveled at the warmth.

"Heaven has never seen such beauty, my Lord. Truly, this is your greatest creation."

"Ah, but you've only seen the sweet. Now witness the bitter." A stench enveloped the pair. The angel turned in horror and proclaimed,

"What is it?"

The Creator spoke only one word: "Selfishness."

The angel stood speechless as they passed through centuries of repugnance. Never had he seen such filth. Rotten hearts. Ruptured promises. Forgotten loyalties. Children of the creation wandering blindly in lonely labyrinths.

"This is the result of choice? the angel asked.

"Yes."

"They will forget you?"

"Yes."

"They will reject you?"

"Yes."

"They will never come back?"

"Some will. Most won't."

"What will it take to make them listen?"

The Creator walked on in time, further and further into the future, until he stood by a tree. A tree that would be fashioned into a cradle. Even then he could smell the hay that would surround him.

With another step into the future, he paused before another tree. It stood alone, a stubborn ruler on a bald hill. The trunk was thick, and the wood was strong. Soon it would be cut. Soon it would be trimmed. Soon it would be mounted on the stony brow of another hill. And soon he would be hung on it.

He felt the wood rub against a back he did not yet wear.

"Will you go down there?" the angel asked.

"I will."

"Is there no other way?"

"There is not."

"Wouldn't it be easier to not plant the seed? Wouldn't it be easier to not give the choice?"

"It would," the Creator spoke slowly. "But to remove the choice is to remove the love."

He look around the hill and foresaw a scene. Three figures hung on three crosses. Arms spread. Heads fallen forward. They moaned with the wind. Men clad in soldier's garb sat on the ground near the trio. They played games in the dirt and laughed.

Men clad in religion stood off to one side. They smiled. Arrogant, cocky. They had protected God, they thought by killing this false one.

Women clad in sorrow huddled at the foot of the hill. Speechless. Faces tear streaked. Eyes downward. One put her arm around another and tried to lead her away. She wouldn't leave. "I will stay," she said softly, "I will stay."

All heaven stood to fight. All nature rose to rescue. All eternity poised to protect. But the Creator gave no command.

"It must be done...," he said, and withdrew.

But as he stepped in time, he heard the cry that he would someday scream: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He wrenched at tomorrow's agony.

The angel spoke again. "It would be less painful........"

The Creator interrupted softly. "But it wouldn't be love."

They stepped into the Garden again. The Maker looked earnestly at the clay creation. A monsoon of love swelled up within him. He had died for the creation before he had made him. God's form bent over the sculptured face and breathed. Dust stirred on the lips of the new one. The chest rose, cracking the red mud. The cheeks fleshened. A finger moved. And an eye opened.

But more incredible than the moving of the flesh was the stirring of
the spirit. Those who could see the unseen gasped. Perhaps it was the wind that said it first. Perhaps what the star saw that moment is what has made it blink ever since. Maybe it was left to an angel to whisper it:

"It looks like ... it appears to so much like ... it is him!"

The angel wasn't speaking of the face, the features, or the body. He was looking inside - at the soul.

"It's eternal!" gasped another.

Within the man, God has placed a divine seed. A seed of his self (A seed of choice). The God of might had created earth's mightiest...And the One who had chosen to love had created one who could love in return.

Now it's our choice.

-- Author Unknown

EYE OPENER

2006-09-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

I saw him in the church building for the first time on Wednesday. He was in his mid-70's, with thinning silver hair and a neat brown suit. Many times in the past I had invited him to come. Several other Christian friends had talked to him about the Lord and had tried to share the good news with him.

He was a well-respected, honest man with so many characteristics a Christian should have, but he had never put on Christ, nor entered the doors of the church.

"Have you ever been to a church service in your life?" I had asked him a few years ago. We had just finished a pleasant day of visiting and talking.

He hesitated. Then with a bitter smile he told me of his childhood experience some fifty years ago. He was one of many children in a large impoverished family. His parents had struggled to provide food, with little left for housing and clothing. When he was about ten, some neighbors invited him to worship with them.

The Sunday School class had been very exciting! He had never heard such songs and stories before!

He had never heard anyone read from the Bible! After class was over, the teacher took him aside and said, "Son, please don't come again dressed as you are now. We want to look our best when we come into God's house."

He stood in his ragged, unpatched overalls. Then looking at his dirty bare feet, he answered softly, "No, ma'am, I won't ever."

"And I never did," he said, abruptly ending our conversation.

There must have been other factors to have hardened him so, but this experience formed a significant part of the bitterness in his heart.

I'm sure that Sunday School teacher meant well. But did she really understand the love of Christ? Had she studied and accepted the teachings found in the second chapter of James?

What if she had put her arms around the dirty, ragged little boy and said, "Son, I am so glad you are here, and I hope you will come every chance you get to hear more about Jesus."

I reflected on the awesome responsibility a teacher or pastor or a parent has to welcome little ones in His name. How far reaching her influence was!

I prayed that I might be ever open to the tenderness of a child's heart, and that I might never fail to see beyond the appearance and behavior of a child to the eternal possibilities within.

Yes, I saw him in the church house for the first time on Wednesday. As I looked at that immaculately dressed old gentleman lying in his casket, I thought of the little boy of long ago. I could almost hear him say,"No, ma'am, I won't ever."

And I wept.

-- Author Unknown

WOW!!!

2006-09-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody.

We got back from the assembly on Monday. It was awesome!!! We had good time with friends and a GREAT time in the lord. On Saturday night (the youth night) they decided to have a prayer line. I went threw it and it was one of the most awesome things I had ever done. As Brother Smith said “There was a love there that could change the world”, and he was right. That was the most love I had ever felt in my life. I am thankful for this experience because I have such a closer relationship with God. I love him with all my heart.

Well I just wanted to share this little testimony with everybody. God bless you all.

Musicians needed at assembly

2006-08-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

If you know of anyone who plays a musical instrument and will be at the General Assembly of The Church of God, please let Bro. E. Roger Ammons know and contact him immediately at TCOG@charter.net or (423) 559-9012.

2006-08-15T12:08:00.000-07:00

There are so many decisions, trials, and temptations in this life, at times at can just seem relentlous. The things of this world just keep piling up, adding more and more stress to our lives, and we just keep taking it all on ourselves until it just seems unbearable, like you can't handle it anymore on your own...and the truth is, you can't! But boy do we try hard to do it anyways. Our human nature keeps telling us "you can do it on your own, take control!" And it begins to take it's toll on a you, you begin to get depressed, grouchy, you begin to snap at those that you love. And worst of all you begin to lose the joy of the Lord in your life. And the more we take on to ourselves, and the more we try to trust ourselves to work everything out, the worse it gets. You begin to worry about what to do with your life, and what decisions to make, where to go what to do...instead of trusting God to take care of you. Why is it that we try so hard to figure things out on our own, and worry so much about the things that are going on in this life, when the answer is so simple...Trust in the Lord. God says in Prov. 3:5,6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. (one of Gracie's favorites. ;))

But still even when the answer is made so clear here, we beat our heads against the wall trying to figure out the things that are happening, and what's going to happen in the future. When in that one verse God says it so plainly, don't try and figure it out on your own, all we have to do is put our faith and trust in Him, seek Him daily, and He will take care of the rest. It's that simple. If we could just give up our human nature, and our take control independent attitude, and put our faith in Him, this life would be so much easier and less stressful. Wouldn't it be nice to live without the stress of this life? God want's to help us! Jesus says in Matt. 11:28-30, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Instead of trying to take all the burdens of this life on our own, we have Jesus to help lighten the load.

And when you worry about the future, take comfort in knowing that God knows what's ahead, He knows exactly what you need! But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matt.6:33,34. There is so much comfort and peace that comes with putting our lives in God's hands, knowing that He has it all under control. And He will guide us into His perfect will if we will only just let Him.

What we have to do is pray, fast, and get into the word of God daily. There is not a thing in this life that we go through, that you can't find an answer for in the word. You want to hear God's voice? You want answers? Take that Bible off the shelf, and read it, open His word and hear His voice. Let Him speak to you through His word.

You know I'm not a big country fan, but Carrie Underwood drives this point so perfectly in her song "Jesus take the wheel". How perfect of an illustration! When life feels out of control, going a mile a minute, and you just can't seem to steer your way out of the mess....let Jesus take control. And He will point you in the right direction. Stop trusting so much in yourself, and your own wisdom, and put your faith and trust in an almighty God. And He will give you the answers you need. When you finally give it up, and place everything in God's hands, all your fears, your hopes and dreams...everything, He will give you such assurance and direction in this life. And He will give you peace, and joy that surpasses all understanding!

JESUS

2006-08-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.

Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.

Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.

Had no army, yet kings feared Him.

He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.

He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us!

Old Farmer's Advice

2006-08-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

An Old Farmer's Advice:

* Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight, and bull-strong.

* Keep skunks and bankers and lawyers at a distance.

* Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.

* A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.

* Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled.

* Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.

* Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.

* Do not corner something that you know is meaner than you.

* It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.

* You cannot unsay a cruel word.

* Every path has a few puddles.

* When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.

* The best sermons are lived, not preached.

* Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen, anyway. * Don't judge folks by their relatives.

* Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

* Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll enjoy it a second time.

* Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't botherin' you none.

* Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

* If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.

* Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.

* The biggest troublemaker you'll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every mornin'."

* Always drink upstream from the herd.

* Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.

* Lettin' the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin' it back in.

* If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.

* Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God.

Good Advice to Live By

2006-08-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

If you want your dreams to come true, don't oversleep.

The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention.

Of all the things you wear, your _expression is the most important.

The best vitamin for making friends....B1.

The 10 commandments are not multiple choice.

The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

Minds are like parachutes...they function only when open.

Ideas won't work unless YOU do.

One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

One who lacks the courage to start has already finished.

The heaviest thing to carry is a grudge.

Don't learn safety rules by accident.

We lie the loudest when we lie to ourselves.

Jumping to conclusions can be bad exercise.

A turtle makes progress when it sticks it's head out.

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

A friend walks in when everyone else walks out.

AND FINALLY...

The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime!!!

-- Author Unknown

Proverbs 3:5,6

2006-08-10T11:37:00.000-07:00

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

*What is your favorite Bible verse?

Overcoming Revenge

2006-07-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord"

Romans 12:19 tells us that vengeance belongs to God and Him alone. Yet knowing the truth does not make forbearance any easier. Our flesh screams "retaliation!" from the depths of our self-justified souls. But does this make it right? A thousand times, NO!

Some may wrestle the Scriptures to prove their case, so that they can feel somewhat justified. Still, something inside tries to contain our emotions, but we, all too often, pursue revenge. The solution to this dilemma takes us back to the main question: Will this moment of revenge be worth our loss of heaven for eternity?

*1 Samuel 24:1-5 (See also 1 Samuel 26:1-8)

David had advanced quickly in the Israelite army and his victories were numerous. So much so that is made King Saul jealous to the extent that he pursued David in order to kill him. During his pursuit, he and his army entered a cave, but David and his men were already hiding in that same cave. This may have appeared to be a perfect opportunity for David to have prevailed and avenge himself.

Since Saul was not aware of David's presence in the cave, David definitely had the upper hand. David's men encouraged him to take his revenge on King Saul, because "surely he had it coming to him." Then David could have finally ended this vicious "game of cat and mouse." It was at this point that David began to feel that "self-justification spirit" begin to rage inside him, but like each of us, he had to decide to act on it or overcome it. David did cut part of King Saul's garment, yet immediately he was convicted about it and he knew that he need not bring any harm to King Saul.

In chapter 26, we find David in a similar situation where he could have killed Saul in his sleep. Instead, he resisted the impulse to take revenge and showed forbearance to King Saul. He knew that God had not brought about these encounters with Saul for him to avenge himself, but rather, God was testing him, to prove him to be a better man than Saul, even though Saul was the King.

*1 Samuel 24:6-12, 17-19 (See also 1 Samuel 26:9-25)

Both of these encounters put David to the test. Would he please himself, by taking revenge, or would he please God, by showing forbearance to his enemy? Each time David was faced with these situations, he explained to his wondering men that he must not come against Saul, but, rather, he must endure in order to please God. Both times David called out to King Saul and showed him that he had preserved his life. May we look deeply into this example and see that it takes a much stronger person to put things in God's hands and walk away than it does to handle things in the flesh. Things would be a lot different in the Church today, if people would have done this and allowed God to work things out. If he had taken his revenge on King Saul, his victories would have bee justified by his men, and perhaps himself, but not in the eyes on an Almighty God.

*Romans 12:19-21

Each time, when David called out to King Saul, Saul recognized his voice and became humbled after he saw his personal items being held up before him. Saul's spirit and heart sank because he knew that David was more righteous that he was (1 Sam. 24:17). It put fear in Saul, not because of David's physical strength, but because of the favor that David had found with God by being a God-fearing man rather than a man of vengeance.

We have often heard it said, "It takes a bigger man to walk away from a fight." David proved this statement numerous times. Yes, he feared for his life, but when the opportunity came to take revenge on King Saul, he feared for his soul more. He would rather die with a clean conscience than live and try to find peace after taking revenge into his own hands.

Cell Phone vs. Bible

2006-07-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cellphones?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we turned back to go get it if we for got it?

What if we flipped through it several times a day?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?

What if we gave it to kids as gifts?

What if we used it as we traveled?

What if we used it in case of an emergency?

What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?

This is something to make you go...hmmm...where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we dont ever have to worry about our bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill!

Have a great week!

The Fork

2006-07-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a
terminal illness and had been given three months to
live. So as she was getting her things "in order,"
she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house
to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes. She
told him which songs she wanted sung at the service,
what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit
she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing
to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered
something very important to her. "There's one more
thing," she said excitedly.

"What's that?" came the pastor's reply.

"This is very important," the young woman continued.
"I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."

The pastor stood looking at the young woman, not
knowing quite what to say.

"That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman
asked.

"Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said
the pastor.

The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told
me this story, and from there on out, I have always
done so. I have also always tried to pass along its
message to those I love and those who are in need of
encouragement.

In all my years of attending church socials and
potluck dinners, I always remember that when the
dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone
would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork'
It was my favorite part because I knew that something
better was coming . like velvety chocolate cake or
deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with
substance!' So, I just want people to see me there in
that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to
wonder "What's with the fork?". Then I want you to
tell them: "Keep your fork .. the best is yet to
come." The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy
as he hugged the young woman good-bye.

He knew this would be one of the last times he would
see her before her death. But he also knew that the
young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did.
She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like
than many people twice her age, with twice as much
experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something
better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young
woman's casket and they saw the pretty dress she was
wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over
and over, the pastor heard the question "What's with
the fork?" And over and over he smiled.
During his message, the pastor told the people of the
conversation he had with the young woman shortly
before she died. He also told them about the fork and
about what it symbolized to her.

The pastor told the people how he could not stop
thinking about the fork and told them that they
probably would not be able to stop thinking about it
either.

He was right.

So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it
remind you ever so gently, that the best is yet to
come.

Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you
smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear,
they share a word of praise, and they always want to
open their hearts to us.

Show your friends how much you care. Remember to
always be there for them, even when you need them
more. For you never know when it may be their time to
"Keep your fork."

Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share
.Being friends with someone is not an opportunity
but a sweet responsibility.

And always remember, to "keep your fork."

Humbly Serve him

2006-07-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

i wrote this based on parts of
Teen Herald, lesson one,
!st quarter 7/2/06
qtr theme"Doing God's Will"

Even when you are doing all you can
To find and obey his plan
Don't allow yourself to fall victim
To the temptation of pride
And think that you are above it all

Humbly serve him
In Spirit and in Truth
Being Pure of heart
Having Clean hands
Without the lust of the flesh
lust of the eyes
And pride of life
Humbly serve him

Whe Joseph was bought by Potifar
God blessed him, and made him prosper
And he was made household overseer
He never allowed pride to enter his heart
And if we follow his example
Then we can see
What God can do
for you
And for me

*note
pride usually leads to other sins,
as your conscience is dulled by pride
you begin to allow yourself to
justify things you think may not be wrong
but always had the feeling you shouldn't
"the very appearance of evil"
then , it is just a slippery slope
one thing leads to another
and then there you are,
lost
like being on a raft near shore
and a rift tide carries you out
if you put yourself in a position
where you want to justify something, then
you have already started to slip
keep yourself humble
pray every day,
read every day
this is the only way
to Humbly Serve Him

Ranger Creed

2006-06-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

R Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor and high "esprit de corps" of The Rangers.

A Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.

N Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight, and I will shoulder more than my share of the task, whatever it may be. One hundred percent and then some.

G Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.

E Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle, for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy, and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.

R Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.

1. Recognizing that I volunteered as a VLB, fully knowing the hazards of my beliefs, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor and high Standards of THE Church of God.

2. Acknowledging the fact that a VLB is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by prayer and fasting, I accept the fact that as a VLB my commander expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than any other soldier.

3. Never shall I fail my commander. I will always keep myself spiritually alert and strong and morally straight, and I will shoulder more than my share of the task, whatever it may be. One hundred percent and then some.

4. Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My obedience to Authority, Holiness and Spiritual Maintenance shall set the example for others to follow.

5. Energetically will I meet the enemies of THE Church of God. I shall defeat them on the field of battle, for I am better trained and will fight with all my might,by the power of the Spirit. Surrender is not a VLB word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy, i shall strengthen my brother and restore him. Under no circumstances will I ever embarrass THE Church of God.

6. Readily will I display the spiritual fortitude required to fight on to the VLB objective and complete the Commission, though I be the lone survivor.

Here's the report on the Southwestern Regional Convention

2006-06-26T09:22:00.000-07:00

Hello Fellow VLB's of the Church of God,

The Southwestern Regional Convention went very well, we all felt the spirit and we all worshipped the lord and had a wonderful time, especially in the Marches that we had, Bro. James Horne was so blest to see all of the young people at the alter pouring there hearts out to God and not wanting to leave until they got what they wanted from him. It was all a blessing.

Here are some pictures of the convention.

The Shuler Family (From left to right Jacob, Grace, Me, And Dad) singing specials for the offering for the guest speakers.
Bro. Chris Clarkson and his daughter Naomi are leading song service for the convention.
Here is one of the marches, they were so wonderful.
Ah here's another march or it might have been the same march as the previous picture, they were both great.
And here are some of my friends (From left to right...Again :P, Me, My cousin Daniel, Krystal, Genesis, Bethany, Caroline, in back are Bro. Sam Kaufman, And my Cousin Anita).

Well that's all for now. God Bless you all.

~*Philip*~

Teenage Bill of Rights (for Wilson!)

2006-06-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

~We, a new generation of young Americans, in order to protect the heritage of our forefathers and secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and generations to come, do affirm and pledge this declaration.~

When character and morality are uncommon qualities,
When corporations and marketers seek to profit from our destruction.
When pop culture icons do not represent our values,
When Judeo-Christian beliefs are labeled as intolerant,
When activists seek to remove God from our schools,
When truth is deemed relative and unknowable,
It is necessary for us, the emerging generation of young Americans, to stand for what is right and reclaim the values that have made our nation great.

We call our nation to a higher standard, a lifestyle based not on convenience, but on character, not on what is easy, but what is excellent, not on what feels good, but what is good, not on popularity, but on principle, not what is tempting, but what is true.

We, as young Americans, assert our right to determine our future and the future of our great nation. We hold these truths as our God-given rights, and we embrace them with our hearts and our lives:

We recognize that God, our Creator, is the source of all truth.

We will live with honor, always striving to do the right thing, even when it is unpopular.

We will be honest and truthful in matters large and small, regardless of the consequences.

We will take responsibility for our actions, and not point to government, schools, celebrities, parents, or friends to justify our wrong decisions.

We recognize that we are responsible for our mistakes.

We will pursue purity throughout our lives. We will not be seduced by a fabricated idea of sex and love.

We will save our bodies and hearts for our future spouse, and once married, we commit to pursue faithful and enduring relationships.

We will see through the lies of drugs and alcohol and refuse to let any chemical influence our thinking or destroy our lives.

We will respect the authorities placed in our lives, even though some may not live as honorably as they should.

We will honor our parents, teachers, and other leaders.

We will reach out with compassion to the hurting and less fortunate, both in our society and around the world.

We refuse to be absorbed with our own comforts and desires.

We recognize the value of each life, whether born or unborn, and we seek to protect those who are unable to protect themselves.

We will do our best to represent and communicate our Creator to our peers, leaders, and society as a whole.

We will work to see that every person has the opportunity to see and hear about the true nature of our God.

In signing, we commit to pursue a life that exemplifies these standards.
We refuse to sit idly by and witness the destruction of our generation.

With God’s help, we envision a bright and prosperous future for the nation we love.

**If offensive please let us know and we'll take this off.**

2006-06-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

the riddle from the movie 16 Blocks

you are driving down the road
you are trying to get out of the storm's path, a hurricane is coming
you come up to a bus stop and see 3 people
an old, sick and possibly dying woman who needs medical attention
your best friend who saved your life
and the girl of your dreams-
(girls you can transcribe it the other way: the guy of your dreams)
now, you only have space for one person in your car
other than the driver, you can only fit one person in that car
now,what do you do?
i'll give ya'll a week to figure it out before i give you the answer.

this is supposed to tell you where you are in your life's journey
just by how you answer it, you will know what your priorities are

have fun!!!

2006-06-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

The quote of the month is by Jay Leno:

With hurricanes, tornadoes, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks,

"Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"

This is a beautiful photo of a giant flag in Arizona.
The photo is authentic and unretouched.
The picture was taken on regular Kodak 35 mm film.
The person who took the picture couldn't believe the image created by the sun's rays.
Nice of them to share with the world!

Statement at Football Game

2006-06-09T16:54:00.000-07:00

STATEMENT AT FOOTBALL GAME

This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston, Tennessee, by school Principal, Jody McLoud.

"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country." Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it "an alternate lifestyle," and if someone is offended, that's OK. I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, "safe sex." If someone is offended, that's OK. I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a "viable means of birth control." If someone is offended, no problem... I can designate a school day as "Earth Day" and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess "Mother Earth" and call it "ecology." I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depict people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as "simple minded" and "ignorant" and call it "enlightenment." However, if anyone uses this facility to honor God and to ask Him to bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated. This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except God and His Commandments. Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical... I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression. For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and refrain from praying at this time. "However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank God and ask Him, in the name of Jesus, to bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet."

One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray. They prayed in the stands. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer's Box! The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America - the Seat of "Justice" in the "one nation, under God." Somehow, Kingston, Tennessee, remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom FROM Religion. Praise God that His remnant remains!

author: unknown

I need YOUR help!

2006-06-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

I would love to have different websites up here, instead of all of our Blogs...so if you know of any of our Churches having their own personal website, would you please send it to me at tcog.vlb@gmail.com and I'll get them up here as soon as I can.

I'm also looking for another song to go on here too, so if you have any suggestions PLEASE let me know!

This is a Blog for everyone, so if you'd like to see something on here, let me know!

~Grace

2006-05-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:20, 21

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

DON'T FORGET TO SMILE

2006-05-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

A little girl walked to and from school daily. Though the weather that morning was questionable and clouds were forming, she made her daily trek to the elementary school. As the afternoon progressed, the winds whipped up, along with thunder and lightning. The mother of the little girl felt concerned that her daughter would be frightened as she walked home from school and she herself feared that the electrical storm might harm her child. Following the roar of thunder, lightning, like a flaming sword, would cut through the sky. Full of concern, the mother quickly got into her car and drove along the route to her child's school. As she did so, she saw her little girl walking along, but at each flash of lightning, the child would stop, look up and smile. Another and another were to follow quickly and with each the little girl would look at the streak of light and smile. When the mother's car drove up beside the child she lowered the window and called to her, "What are you doing? Why do you keep stopping?"The child answered, "I am trying to look pretty, God keeps taking my picture. May God bless you today as you face the storms that come your way. And don't forget to SMILE!

-- Author Unknown

Hello Everybuddy!

2006-05-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Hey buddies! Thought I would post a quick hello and hang in there!

TWENTY TRUTHS TO REMEMBER

2006-05-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

1. Faith is the ability to not panic.

2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.

3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.

4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.

5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

6. Do the math. Count your blessings.

7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.

9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

10. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.

11. The most important things in your home are the people.

12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.

13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.

17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it's just hearsay.

18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.

19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle -- it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.

20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

-- Author Unknown

I'm ready for a challenge, are you?

2006-05-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

While seeking the Lord yesterday, I realized I worry a lot about things that I shouldn't worry about. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of being a worrier when I'm supposed to trust God with everything! So I made something that I think will help me not worry so much...My Worry Box.

It may sound corny, but I think it may help me. Every time I find myself worrying over something, I'll write it down on a slip of paper, put the date on so I know when I was worrying about it, pray a short prayer to the Lord about my worry, and slip the paper in the box to forget about it because it's in the Lord's hands...

You can make your own worry box too, if you want. I just thought I'd share that with you. :)

Holy Ghost Revival Falls in CA/NV

2006-04-30T23:07:00.000-07:00

Brother Juan, regional VLB Coordinator of California/Nevada, has asked me to shared the following testimony with all the readers of the VLB blog. The link to the testimony is provided below.

Testimony from California/Nevada

Jesus, just the mention of your name

2006-04-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

Jesus...

Just the mention of your name...

The flowers grow...

The desert blooms again...

Like a fire in winter's cold...

Like pure, precious gold...

Jesus...

Just the mention of your name...

CLEAN BLOOD

2006-04-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

The day is over, you are driving home. You tune in your radio. You hear a little blurb about a little village in India where some villagers have died suddenly, strangely, of a flu that has never been seen before. It's not influenza, but three or four fellows are dead, and it's kind of interesting. They're sending some doctors over there to investigate it.

You don't think much about it, but on Sunday, coming home from church, you hear another radio spot. Only they say it's not three villagers, it's 30,000 villagers in the back hills of this particular area of India, and it's on TV that night. CNN runs a little blurb; people are heading there from the disease center in Atlanta because this disease strain has never been seen before.

By Monday morning when you get up, it's the lead story. For it's not just India; it's Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and before you know it, you're hearing this story everywhere and they have coined it now as "the mystery flu". The President has made some comment that he and everyone are praying and hoping that all will go well over there. But everyone is wondering, "How are we going to contain it?" That's when the President of France makes an announcement that shocks Europe. He is closing their borders. No flights from India, Pakistan, or any of the countries where this thing has been seen.

That night you are watching a little bit of CNN before going to bed. Your jaw hits your chest when a weeping woman is translated from a French news program into English: "There's a man lying in a hospital in Paris dying of the mystery flu. "It has come to Europe. Panic strikes. As best they can tell, once you get it, you have it for a week and you don't know it. Then you have four days of unbelievable symptoms. Then you die. Britain closes it's borders, but it's too late. South Hampton, Liverpool, North Hampton, and it's Tuesday morning when the President of the United States makes the following announcement:

"Due to a national security risk, all flights to and from Europe and Asia have been canceled. If your loved ones are overseas, I'm sorry. They cannot come back until we find a cure for this thing." Within four days our nation has been plunged into an unbelievable fear. People are selling little masks for your face. People are talking about what if it comes to this country, and preachers on Tuesday are saying, "It's the scourge of God." It's Wednesday night and you are at a church prayer meeting when somebody runs in from the parking lot and says, "Turn on a radio, turn on a radio." While the church listens to a little transistor radio with a microphone stuck up to it, the announcement is made," Two women are lying in a Long Island hospital dying from the mystery flu." Within hours it seems, this thing just sweeps across the country.

People are working around the clock trying to find an antidote. Nothing is working. California, Oregon, Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts. It's as though it's just sweeping in from the borders. Then, all of a sudden the news comes out. The code has been broken. A cure can be found. A vaccine can be made. It's going to take the blood of somebody who hasn't been infected, and so, sure enough, all through the Midwest, through all those channels of emergency broadcasting, everyone is asked to do one simple thing: "Go to your downtown hospital and have your blood type taken. That's all we ask of you. When you hear the sirens go off in your neighborhood, please make your way quickly, quietly, and safely to the hospitals." Sure enough, when you and your family get down there late on that Friday night, there is a long line, and they've got nurses and doctors coming out and pricking fingers and taking blood and putting labels on it.

Your wife and your kids are out there, and they take your blood type and they say, "Wait here in the parking lot and if we call your name, you can be dismissed and go home." You stand around scared with your neighbors, wondering what in the world is going on, and that this is the end of the world. Suddenly a young man comes running out of the hospital screaming. He's yelling a name and waving a clipboard. What? He yells it again! And your son tugs on your jacket and says, "Daddy, that's me." Before you know it, they have grabbed your boy. "Wait a minute, hold it!" And they say, "It's okay, his blood is clean. His blood is pure. We want to make sure he doesn't have the disease. We think he has got the right type."

Five tense minutes later, out come the doctors and nurses, crying and hugging one another some are even laughing. It's the first time you have seen anybody laugh in a week, and an old doctor walks up to you and says, "Thank you, sir. Your son's blood type is perfect. It's clean, it is pure, and we can make the vaccine." As the word begins to spread all across that parking lot full of folks, people are screaming and praying and laughing and crying.

But then the gray-haired doctor pulls you and your wife aside and says, "May we see you for a moment? We didn't realize that the donor would be a minor and we need. . . we need you to sign a consent form." You begin to sign and then you see that the number of pints of blood to be taken is empty. "H-h-h-how many pints?" And that is when the old doctor's smile fades and he says, "We had no idea it would be a little child. We weren't prepared. We need it all!" "But but..." "You don't understand. We are talking about the world here. Please sign. We - we need it all - we need it all!" "But can't you give him a transfusion?" "If we had clean blood we would. Can you sign? Would you sign?" In numb silence you do. Then they say, "Would you like to have a moment with him before we begin?"

Can you walk back? Can you walk back to that room where he sits on a table saying, "Daddy? Mommy? What's going on?" Can you take his hands and say, "Son, your mommy and I love you, and we would never ever let anything happen to you that didn't just have to be.

Do you understand that?" And when that old doctor comes back in and says, "I'm sorry, we've - we've got to get started. People all over the world are dying." Can you leave? Can you walk out while he is saying, "Dad? Mom? Dad? Why - why have you forsaken me?"

And then next week, when they have the ceremony to honor your son, and some folks sleep through it, and some folks don't even come because they go to the lake, and some folks come with a pretentious smile and just pretend to care. Would you want to jump up and say, "MY SON DIED! DON'T YOU CARE?"

Is that what God is saying? "MY SON DIED. DON'T YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I CARE?"

"Father, seeing it from your eyes breaks our hearts. Maybe now we begin to comprehend the great love you have for us. Amen "

-- Author Unknown

AND THEY CRUCIFIED HIM

2006-04-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

A medical doctor provides a physical description:

The cross is placed on the ground and the exhausted man is quickly thrown backwards with his shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire feels for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drives a heavy, square wrought-iron nail through the wrist deep into the wood. Quickly he moves to the other side and repeats the action, being careful not to pull the arms too tightly, but to allow some flex and movement. The cross is then lifted into place. The left foot is pressed backward against the right foot, and with both feet extended, toes down, a nail is driven through the arch of each, leaving the knees flexed. The victim is now crucified.

As he slowly sags down with more weight on the nails in the wrists, excruciating fiery pain shoots along the fingers and up the arms to explode in the brain -- the nails in the wrists are putting pressure on the median nerves. As he pushes himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, he places the full weight on the nail through his feet. Again he feels the searing agony of the nail tearing through the nerves between the bones of his feet.

As the arms fatigue, cramps sweep through his muscles, knotting them deep relentless, and throbbing pain. With these cramps comes the inability to push himself upward to breathe. Air can be drawn into the lungs but not exhaled. He fights to raise himself in order to get even one small breath.

Finally, carbon dioxide builds up in the lungs and in the blood stream, and the cramps partially subsided. Spasmodically, he is able to push himself upward to exhale and bring in life-giving oxygen.

Hours of limitless pain, cycles of twisting, joint-renting cramps, intermittent partial asphyxiation, searing pain as tissue is torn from his lacerated back as he moves up and down against rough timber. Then another agony begins: a deep, crushing pain deep in the chest as the pericardium slowly fills with serum and begins to compress the heart.

It is now almost over. The loss of tissue fluids has reached a critical level. The compressed heart is struggling to pump heavy, thick, sluggish blood into the tissues. The tortured lungs are making frantic effort to gasp in small gulps of air. He can feel the chill of death creeping through his tissues.

Finally, he allows his body to die.

All this the Bible records with the simple words, "and they crucified Him" (Mark 15:24).

-- C. Truman Davis, M.D., M.S., Arizona Medicine, Vol. 22 No. 3 March 1965

Remember Me When...

2006-04-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

" LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions:" Psalms 132:1

Lord, remember me.

Remember me when ...
I am so heartbroken that I can not speak.
Remember me when ...
When from trials and raging seas, my spirit has become weak.
Remember me when ...
I have so many choices and only want to please you.
Remember me when ...
My spirit cries for your presence and for the confirmation of what is true.
Lord, remember me when ...
I have traveled as far as I think I can go and I am just to the point of giving up.

Cover me with your wings. Please don't be angry with me for my lack of faith, but increase my faith so that not only I, but others will be touched by you rememberance of me on my life.

Thank you Father for remembering me.

author: Sis. Annette Sutton

Jeremy's Egg

2006-04-08T21:17:00.000-07:00

Jeremy was born with a twisted body and slow mind. At the age of 12 he was still in second grade, seemingly unable to learn. His teacher, Doris Miller, often became exasperated with him. He would squirm in his seat, drool and make grunting noises.

At other times, he spoke clearly and distinctly, as if a spot of light had penetrated the darkness of his brain. Most of the time, however, Jeremy irritated his teacher. One day, she called his parents to come to St. Theresa’s for a consultation. As the Foresters sat quietly in the empty classroom, Doris said to them, "Jeremy really belongs in a special school. It isn't fair to him to be with younger children who don' t have learning problems. Why, there is a five-year gap between his age and that of the other students!"

Mrs. Forrester cried softly into a tissue, while her husband spoke. "Miss Miller," he said, "there is no school of that kind nearby. It would be a terrible shock for Jeremy if we had to take him out of this school. We know he really likes it here."

Doris sat for a long time after they left, staring at the snow outside the window. Its coldness seemed to seep into her soul. She wanted to sympathize with the Foresters. After all, their only child had a terminal illness. But it wasn't fair to keep him in her class. She had 18 other youngsters to teach, and Jeremy was a distraction. Furthermore, he would never learn to read and write. Why waste any more time trying?
As she pondered the situation, guilt washed over her. "Oh God," she said aloud, "here I am complaining when my problems are nothing compared to that poor family! Please help me to be more patient with Jeremy!"

From that day on, she tried hard to ignore Jeremy's noises and his blank stares. Then one day, he limped to her desk, dragging his bad leg behind him. "I love you, Miss Miller," he exclaimed, loud enough for the whole class to hear. The other students snickered, and Doris’ face turned red. She stammered, "Wh-why that's very nice, Jeremy. N-now please take your seat."

Spring came, and the children talked excitedly about the coming of Easter. Doris told them the story of Jesus, and then to emphasize the idea of new life springing forth, she gave each of the children a large plastic egg. "Now," she said to them, "I want you to take this home and bring it back tomorrow with something inside that shows new life. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Miss Miller!" the children responded enthusiastically - all except for Jeremy. He just listened intently; his eyes never left her face. He did not even make his usual noises.

Had he understood what she had said about Jesus' death and resurrection? Did he understand the assignment? Perhaps she should call his parents and explain the project to them. That evening, Doris' kitchen sink stopped up. She called the landlord and waited an hour for him to come by and unclog it. After that, she still had to shop for groceries, iron a blouse and prepare a vocabulary test for the next day. She completely forgot about phoning Jeremy's parents.

The next morning, 19 children came to school, laughing and talking as they placed their eggs in the large wicker basket on Miss Miller's desk. After they completed their math lesson, it was time to open the eggs.
In the first egg, Doris found a flower. "Oh yes, a flower is certainly a sign of new life," she said. "When plants peek through the ground we know that Spring is here." A small girl in the first row waved her arm. "That's my egg Miss Miller," she called out.

The next egg contained a plastic butterfly, which looked very real. Doris held it up. "We all know that a caterpillar changes and grows into a beautiful butterfly. Yes, that is new life, too." Little Judy smiled proudly and said, "Miss Miller, that one is mine!"

Next, Doris found a rock with moss on it. She explained that moss, too, showed life. Billy spoke up from the back of the classroom, "My Daddy helped me!" he beamed.

Then Doris opened the fourth egg. She gasped. The egg was empty! Surely it must be Jeremy's, she thought, and of course, he did not understand her instructions. If only she had not forgotten to phone his parents! Because she did not want to embarrass him, she quietly set the egg aside and reached for another.

Suddenly Jeremy spoke up. "Miss Miller, aren't you going to talk about my egg?" Flustered, Doris replied, "But Jeremy - your egg is empty!" He looked into her eyes and said softly, "Yes, but Jesus' tomb was empty, too!"

Time stopped. When she could speak again, Doris asked him, "Do you know why the tomb was empty?" "Oh yes!" Jeremy said, "Jesus was killed and put in there. Then His Father raised Him up!"

The recess bell rang. While the children excitedly ran out to the school yard, Doris cried. The cold inside her melted completely away.
Three months later, Jeremy died. Those who paid their respects at the mortuary were surprised to see 19 eggs on top of his casket, all of them empty.

This is a true story, the names have been changed for sake of privacy.

Attention VLB's FAST AND PRAY for Brad

2006-04-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

Attention all VLB's, tomorrow The Church of God VLB Department and all who will are coming together in fasting and prayer for Brother Brad Moore.

Specifically we are fasting and praying for the swelling on his brain to go down, tomorrow is the critical day.

You may also fast and pray for his further healing as well. Please, whether you know Brad or not, please please pray. Below is the update of what happened and is going on, this is an excerpt from my blog.

I would ask that you all pray for Brad Moore. He is a member at Antioch. A lot of you (outside of TN) may know him, he's a very engaging guy and has not met a stranger. You would remember him for his craziness and willingness to make you feel welcome! He was in a very severe car accident early Sunday morning, around 1:30am. He was heading home from a friends concernt in the fast lane of the interstate. Apparently a 1 ton dully pickup had just broke down in the fast lane and the people were still in the truck, from my understanding. According to what his cousin Tommy was told, Brad did not see the truck until right before he hit it, it looks like he tried to swerve and miss it right before the point of contact. He was in a nissan sentra and his airbag did not deploy. He was life flighted to Vanderbilt hospital and his family was notified around 5:30am Sunday morning. He has the worse kind of brain stem injury possible. He was wearing his seatbelt, and miraculously the rest of his body is fine. His bones are fine, his organs are fine, everything is fine with the exception of his severe head injury. His family said he looked like a normal sleeping brad before the swelling started to set in. At this point he is unresponsive. But we understand with this kind of injury that no news or changes early on, are a good thing. Please please pray for him, if you have not already seen this request on other blogs and myspaces'. He is only 25. In my heart of hearts I feel like he will be ok. When the tragedy happened with Brother Tracy in Nov of 04, right away I had a bad gut feeling that it would not turn out good. With Brad, I have felt like he will be ok pretty much from the beginning. I don't wanna give people false hope, or even say I am right. I just am going by my gut feeling inside. I told sister Campbell what I thought, she looked at me really funny and said "you KNOW that, don't you?" Kind of like she understood in a weird way. *getting gooseybumps* We were at the hospital from whenever we got back from Alabama to just after 6:30pm last night. There were lots of people there showing support! In addition to family, there were probably 30-40 more people! Just pray for Brad, the prognosis they gave him, even after surviving, is not good. They say he will never be able to live a normal unassisted life again, like Tammy Hart said....that's not good enough! My God is bigger than that! She's right, our God is the God of Moses who crossed through the Red Sea on dry land, He can for sure touch Bradley's head and brain stem. AMEN! You never know when life will change, I need to learn to live everyday, not taking a single person, moment, or day for granted.

Update: The doctors said he is not out of the woods yet, that this is still very much a life and death situation, but that there IS HOPE! Praise the LORD!!!!!!!!!!They took a brain activity test on Brad, the top of the scale is an 11, Brad is registering at a 5! The doctors don't want him to drop below a 3. He is in the middle of the scale, that is an ANSWER TO PRAYER y'all! The swelling is getting worse, but the doctors said it should peak by tomorrow and Em feels like his brain activity will go up as the swelling goes down! He is also now breathing completely on his own and they are taking the tubes out of his throat because the doctors think they are irritating Brad. They are going to allow him to completely be free of any aid in breathing, however they are going to put a trache hole in just in case. This is such good news, keep Brad in your prayers, THEY ARE WORKING Thank the Lord thank the Lord thank the Lord!!

Psalm 23

2006-03-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

There once was a Shakespearean actor who was known everywhere for his one-man shows of readings and recitations from the classics. He would always end his performance with a reading of Psalm 23.

Each night, without exception, as the actor began his recitation "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want"... the crowd would listen attentively. And then, at the conclusion of the psalm, they would rise in thunderous applause in appreciation of the actor's incredible ability to bring the verse to life.

But one night, just before the actor was to offer his customary recital of Psalm 23, a young man from the audience spoke up. "Sir, do you mind if tonight I recite Psalm 23"?

The actor was quite taken aback by this unusual request, but he allowed the young man to come forward and stand front and center on the stage to recite the Psalm, knowing that the ability of this unskilled youth would be no match for his own talent.

With a soft voice, the young man began to recite the words of the Psalm. When he was finished, there was no applause. There was no standing ovation as on other nights. All that could be heard was the sound of weeping. The audience had been so moved by the young man's recitation that every eye was full of tears.

Amazed by what he had heard, the actor said to the youth, "I don't understand. I have been performing Psalm 23 for years. I have a lifetime of experience and training, but I have never been able to move an audience as you have tonight. Tell me, what is your secret?"

The young man quietly replied, "Well sir, you know the Psalm. I know the Shepherd."

-- Author Unknown

Check Your Uniform

2006-03-22T21:35:00.000-08:00

I wrote this for our regions newsletter and thought I would share it with you

Check Your Uniform

A combat solider wears a standard camouflage uniform to blend into the elements, with the objective to catch their target off guard. Satan wears a similar uniform; not one of shades of green to blend into foliage or shades of brown to blend in with the desert but shades of the world, and for the same reason as the military; in hopes of catching his prey off guard.

Check your uniform. As a Christian does your uniform blend in or stick out?

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
(Philippians 2:15)

A Soldier in Christ needs to stand out in this perverse world. We are the sons of God and we need to differ from the sons of men. So what are you are wearing?

And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
(Revelation 19:14)

As soldiers we need to be clothed in fine linen that is white and clean- this represents righteousness, holiness, purity, and virtue.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
(Colossians 3: 12, 14)

Take a look at your uniform. Has the spots been blotted out? Have you taken an iron to those wrinkles? Is it without blemish? Soldiers take great care to make sure they are presentable and their uniform are perfect. We likewise need to be perfect in the eyes of our Captain. Our uniform should be knit with kindness, humbleness, meekness, longsuffering; but above all, it says
to put on charity because it is the bond perfectness, and that is our goal. If we have on all of these things then our uniform will be presentable and perfect and we are ready for battle.

Ephesians 6:12-13
(12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against piristual wickedness in high places.
(13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Check your uniform, pick up your armor, and get ready for battle. We’ve been trained. We know the battle plan, and if we stand out among the world we will have no problems sighting the enemy of our souls. Now is the time! Lets go forth as Soldiers in Christ and fulfill our mission, our Great Commission.

Can you sleep when the wind blows?

2006-03-19T21:44:00.000-08:00

Years ago a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops.

As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received a steady stream of refusals. Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer.

"Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him. "Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man. Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk, and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work.

Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up! A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!" The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows."

Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm. To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured. Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.

MORAL: When you're prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life?

The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm. We, as believers in Christ, secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of God. We don't need to understand, we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the midst of the storms. I hope you sleep well! Enjoy the day! May God bless you and yours.

--Author Unknown--

Sons of God Jn 1:12

2006-03-19T16:10:00.000-08:00

(a) Power w/ God and man-Gen 32:27-28

(b) The Church recieved this Power-Acts 1:8

(c)The struggle involved-Gen. 32:24-26

(d) Only to the Pure of Heart-Ps. 24:4

Salvation is only the beginning. When we recieve Him, we accept His drawing,we are given the power to become the Sons of God.

Sons of God, Princes with men.

In Bible times, names had meanings. Prophecy or hope for the child's future. Jacob's name was changed from "swindler" to "Child of God".
I was named for my Uncle.He caught a lot of life's bad side growing up. like being chased up a tree by your brothers ,and them throwing rocks.
But, evidently in later life, my Uncle was a very Godly man. My Dad had a lot of respect and reverence for him. so i have a lot of stepping up to do, in personality and maturity.

The church recieved it's authority @ Pentecost.
Israel was a type and shadow of the great Body of Chist.

a brother that died recently said that he needed to get out of the rut he was in, and applied that to the local church. saying that, if we didn't, attendance wouldn't change.

We must have that spirit burnin' and churnin' in us.
if we are lukewarm, or cold, then people come in for the wrong reason,or not at all.
If we keep Him active, by being active,our hearts will remain pure.- if our hearts are pure, then the power flows.

Support Our Troops

2006-03-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

Satan's Battle Plan

2006-03-15T14:07:00.000-08:00

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons. In his opening address he said, "We can't keep Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their savior. Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, but steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a real relationship with Jesus Christ."

"This is what I want you to do," said the devil. "Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection through out their day!

"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.

"Keep them busy in the nonessentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered:

a. Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow!

b. Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles.

c. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!

d. Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that 'still, small voice.'

e. Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive...to keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ.

f. Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their mindswith the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes.

g. Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives.

h. Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night. Give them headaches too! If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere. That will fragment their families quickly!

i. Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas.

j. Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death.

k. Even in their recreation, let them be excessive...have them return from their recreation exhausted. Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, Sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead.

l. Keep them busy, busy, busy! And when they meet for spiritual fellowship,they will leave with troubled consciences.

m. Crowd their lives with so many good causes that they have no time to seek power from Jesus. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause.

Satan said "It will work! It will work!!"

It was quite a plan! The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians every where to have little time for their God or their families, and to have little or no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives. I guess the question is, has the devil been successful at his scheme?

You be the judge! --- Does "busy" mean: B -eing U -nder S -atan's Y -oke?

The Most Important Body Part

2006-03-13T07:45:00.000-08:00

My mother used to ask me what is the most important part of the body and through the years I would take a guess at what I thought was the correct answer. When I was younger I thought sound was very important to us as humans so I said my ears mommy. She said "No, many people are deaf. But you keep thinking about it and I will ask you again soon."

Several years passed before she asked me again. Since my last attempt I contemplated a correct answer. So I told her "Mommy, sight is very important to everybody, so it must be our eyes." She looked at me and told me that I was learning fast but the answer is not correct because there are many people who are blind.

Stumped again I continued my quest for knowledge and over the years she asked me a couple more times and always the same answer "No. But you are getting smarter every year my young child."

Then last year my Grandpa died. Everybody was hurt. Everybody was crying. Even my father cried. I remember that especially because it is only the second time I saw him cry. My Mom looked at me when it was our turn to say our final good-bye to Grandpa. She asked me "Do you know the most important body part yet my son?" And I was shocked she asked me this now. I always thought this was a game between her and me. She saw the confusion on my face and told me "This question is very important. It shows that you have really lived in your life. For everybody part you gave me in the past I have told you that it was wrong and given you an example why. But today is the day you need to learn this important lesson."

She looked down at me like only a mother can. I saw her eyes well up with tears. She said, "Son the most important body part is your shoulder." Was it because it held up my head? She replied, "No, because it can hold the head of a friend or loved one when they cry. Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on sometime in life my son. I only hope that you have enough love and friends that you will always have a shoulder to cry on when you need it." Then and there I knew the most important body part was not selfish, it was sympathetic to the pain of OTHERS.

You are a friend and whenever you want you can cry on my shoulder!!!People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but People will never forget how you made them feel.

-- Author Unknown

Are you waiting to be called?

2006-03-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

Back when the telegraph was the fastest method of long-distance communication, a young man applied for a job as a Morse Code operator. Answering an ad in the newspaper, he went to the office address that was listed.
When he arrived, he entered a large, busy office filled with noise and clatter, including the sound of the telegraph in the background. A sign on the receptionist's counter instructed job applicants to fill out a form and wait until they were summoned to enter the inner office. The young man filled out his form and sat down with the seven other applicants in the waiting area.
After a few minutes, the young man stood up, crossed the room to the door of the inner office, and walked right in. Naturally the other applicants perked up, wondering what was going on. They muttered among themselves that they hadn't heard any summons yet. They assumed that the young man who went into the office made a mistake and would be disqualified.
Within a few minutes, however, the employer escorted the young man out of the office and said to the other applicants, "Gentlemen, thank you very much for coming, but the job has just been filled."
The other applicants began grumbling to each other, and one spoke up saying, "Wait a minute, I don't understand. He was the last to come in, and we never even got a chance to be interviewed. Yet he got the job. That's not fair!"
The employer said, "I'm sorry, but the last several minutes while you've been sitting here, the telegraph has been ticking out the following message in Morse Code: 'If you understand this message, then come right in. The job is yours.' None of you heard it or understood it. This young man did. The job is his."
We are so busy living in a world that is full of noise and clatter, like that office. People are distracted and unable to hear the still, small voice of God as He speaks in creation, in the Scriptures, and in the life and work of Jesus Christ. So I ask you, as I ask myself, "Are you listening, or are you waiting to be called? Do you hear the Lord when he speaks to you?

-- Author Unknown

2006-03-05T21:14:00.000-08:00

I write this now, not only as one ministering...but as one at fault. How often do we find ourselves letting down our standards just a little. Pushing it...walking as close to the line as we can without stepping over. I'm here to say that I'm guilty of it. And if we are honest with ourselves....I think everyone of us can say that we are guilty of pushing God's rules. Watching and listening to things that are unedifying to the soul. It's time to change! It's time to get serious about what God has for us, and what He wants to accomplish in our lives...in us and through us. And I'm not talking about backsliders I'm talking to us Christians, we know what's right, we know what we should be doing. Lord help us to get into your word! Help us to get serious about you Lord! These are serious times, there are souls that are lost. People wondering around in the dark....who will show them the way? That's us church! That's us! The Victory Leaders Band! We are here to reach those that are lost. Mark 16:15, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. The great commission! Are we going to answer? Are we going to go? Or are we going to sit back in our own little world, and think that someone else will go, someone else will take care of it? God help us....we can't get comfortable people. We have to continually be drawing closer to God! If you're comfortable...if you're satisfied, then something is wrong. We have to be thirsting, and be hungry for more of God! How do we expect to reach the lost if we are not in the word and in prayer everyday ourselves? I write this with tears in my eyes...this is just as much for me as anyone who reads this. Our greatest witness in this world is our lives, and how we live it every single day. At work, at school, at the store, wherever you are! Do you realize that those that are unsaved, they watch your every move, they listen to every word. They're looking for something different, something more. We have to show them that! We have to show them that God is in us, and that He is working in us. Matt. 5:13, Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. We are the salt and the light. So we can't let our standards down. When we let our standards down not only do we hurt ourselves, we let down those that are looking to us for answers! In conclusion, I speak to all of you, and myself, let's get into the word, study it, take it to heart. And let's pray and fast. We are the hope in this world, let's get serious about it. And let's not compromise our walk with God by letting things slip by. Pray for me, and I'll be keeping you all in my prayers. God bless.

2006-03-02T13:43:00.000-08:00

Hey...if you all would, please be in prayer for a couple I know here. They were high school sweethearts, had a baby, the baby turned...(well she's almost 2), and they got married in November I think. Now, they are thinking about getting a divorce...things aren't going so well. Their names are Jessica and Bill. Their daughters name is Mattie. I'm pretty sure that they don't go to church anywhere either. They're really young, and they need your prayers! Thanks!!

Can you help me?

2006-03-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I would really like to have some kind of profile pictures on here...but of what? What would you like to see on there? Please give me your suggestions.

I've really enjoyed reading your posts! Every one of them are good! I hope everyone else has enjoyed them like I have.

-Grace-

The Battle Plan

2006-02-28T07:07:00.000-08:00

I saw you there,
No hope at all.
I cried for you,
For all I saw.

I knew my Son,
I loved so great,
I had to give
To be your gate.

I sent Him to earth
To live as a man;
I was always there
Watching over Him.

I allowed Him to suffer,
But it hurt me worst,
To see Him hanging
For all man’s curse.

And with each stripe
He destroyed the pain.
With each blood drop
He broke your chains.

He died as a man
And laid in a grave.
I let them all think
He was there to stay.

But the third day at dawn,
I rolled away that stone!
I rose Him in victory,
Death overthrown!

Now hope to all men,
Peace in place of sword.
Life more abundantly,
Joy to the world!

All Along

2006-02-28T06:53:00.000-08:00

February 8th, 2006

Fifteen years of living you had
Too short to travel every path;
Lifes just starting, worry free,
Why did God take you away from me?

When I look at your traveled paths
I remember your trials and your laughs;
Open-heart seessions of late-night chats,
Tears in prayer at summer camp

The memory that keeps coming back to me
is of the boy on his knees;
Tears of broken hearted prayer
Arms stretched up in the air.

Your eyes were closed,
Head uplifted,
Friends surrounding,
prayers submitted.

I don't know where you stood that day,
For my Lord or far away;
But Grace extends to last breaths,
and God is waiting with forgiveness.

I pray you did as you left us here
Because in life we held you dear.
And hope to see in Heaven's home,
The friends we traveled with all along.
~ In Memory of: ~
C. Thompson

On Making a Difference...

2006-02-24T22:50:00.000-08:00

Hargis: Ode to Daycamp
For: Shane Evans

Taking leave of a thankless job
That afforded me many liberties
To serve another thankless job
Endowing the liberty to make a difference
in but one.

And so I left behind riches
in search of the happy poor
Spoke in a manner unrestrained
To children that would soon go to war
Fighting spiritual battles against the powers of this world

Without blood-bought armor to defend
Against the trials life would bring them
Their own life I did not want them to end.

But hope sprang up from within my soul
On a cool summer’s morn
Another had stopped by to say
That I had sparked interest in a mother’s son
When I had spoken of God’s grace and of His hand
The child had borrowed a book not well-worn
And in very little demand
Yet onward the child did read
Of adventures of the Bible’s past
And I felt reassurance in my soul
I’ve made a difference at last.

Dustin Washburn
6/19/03

Which Lion Do You Fear?

2006-02-24T21:26:00.000-08:00

You know there are many lions mentioned in the Bible, but by far the most important is the Lion of Judah.

Revelation 5:5 "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof."

In the denominational world, Jesus is often pictured as the weak feminine looking figure that died on the cross. Or as the buddy of every Christian.

Which is true, He did give Himself as a Lamb to be slain—and He is friend to those who believe in Him.

But He is the Lion of Judah, He is power; through His glory demons flee; through His words do men have cause to fear. It is the Lion that is coming with authority to set upon His throne and establish His kingdom.

When I think of a lion, I think of a muscular, fearsome beast that commands respect. Teeth that are able to tear me into little pieces. And a mane that denotes power, with a roar that strikes fear into men and animals.

Yet still, David fought against this very creature. And before him, Samson. Both men used of God, fought and killed this dangerous creature.

1 Samuel 17:33-35 "And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth. And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him."

‘for thou art but a youth and he a man of war from his youth’

Compared to the devil, we are young. He knows how to fight. How to steal, kill and destroy.

We have not been on the battlefield for as long as he has. But that devil is still a second-rate lion.

The enemy isn’t anything compared to the Lion of Judah. He is only a shallow comparison, a fake, compared to our Lord.

Oh, David knew about Lions. But he knew better the authority and power of the Lion of Judah.

When that lion stood up against David, David smote him and killed him.

Oh, what authority the Word carries. When the devil roars about, seeking us that we might be devoured, we’ve got to smote him with the Word of the Lord.

Jeremiah 25:30-31 "Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth. A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the LORD."

The roar of the Lion of Judah is the Word. It carries with it the authority, the power of the Lion, and the power of a sword. Those that do not heed that roar will be devoured by it.

In Daniel chapter 6, we find the predicament that Daniel is in. Either pray and be thrown into a pit of lions just waiting to tear him apart or deny the Lord.

But Daniel did not fear the lions in the dent. Because as soon as the law was signed that condemned him, he still prayed. With his windows open. Why?

He didn’t fear those lions. He feared the Lord.

And when he was cast into the den, he did not say “this is what I get for being fulfilled.”

No! He trusted and feared God.

Daniel 6:17 "And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel."

They shut Daniel up. No one to help him. And no human could change the situation.

But when daylight came, it was revealed to the king that the Lord changed the situation.

When Daniel was surrounded by lions, an angel shut their mouths, and could not hurt Daniel.

Those lions must have realized that a greater lion was in that cave. They had no hurting power over the Lion of Judah!

Psalm 22:1,7-21 "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,Psalms 22:8-21 He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts. I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly. Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me. Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog. Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns."

Jesus was also shut up in a tomb. He also was covered by a stone. And lions circled about His body, getting ready for a meal. They thought they had won. But three mornings revealed that there was a much bigger Lion in that tomb than Death could handle!!

1 Corinthians 15:55-58 "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

The mighty Lion of Judah has overcome the enemy and all of his devices.

Joel 3:16 "The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel."

Yes, there’s a shaking going on. But God is our hope and our refuge. He is our strength! There’s gonna be revival!!!

The Lion of Judah dwelleth in Zion! Amen!!

Call On Jesus

2006-02-23T07:06:00.000-08:00

I'm so very ordinary
Nothing special on my own
I have never walked on water
I have never calmed a storm
Sometimes I'm hiding away from the madness around me
Like a child who's afraid of the dark

But when I call on Jesus
All things are possible
I can mount on wings like eagles and soar
When I call on Jesus
Mountains are gonna fall
'Cause He'll move heaven and earth to come rescue me when I call

Weary brother
Broken daughter
Widowed lover
You're not alone
If you're tired and scared of the madness around you
If you can't find the strength to carry on

Call Him in the mornin'
In the afternoon timeLate in the evenin'
He'll be there
When your heart is broken
And you feel discouraged
You can just remember that He said He'll be there

V.L.B. Loooooove

2006-02-21T07:12:00.000-08:00

Fellow VLB here, showin some love out there to you all!! Just thought it was time for a new post. Peace ouuut~ Sis Kasey

Have you thanked your Valentine today?

2006-02-14T18:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!! Hope all is well! Hope you all had a wonderful day and got covered in flowers and love!! This is my first Valentines day being single in around four years. I just wanted to share with you all the realization that I had. I don't need a Valentine here. I don't need chocolate or cards or flowers...my Valentine gave me more...He died for me!! What a wonderful gift from my Jesus! Keep me in your prayers, and I will pray for all of you!! Much love, and hope your Valentines Day was wonderful!!

2006-02-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17

In this passage Jesus was telling Peter to feed his sheep, or his people. Children, especially, need to be “fed”; they are like little lambs.

Sheep hate to be alone--that's why they live in flocks. Sheep are very gentle animals and are easily frightened. They flock together for protection because they can't really protect themselves. The sheep have many natural predators, animals that hunt and kill sheep for food.

Just like human babies, when lambs are born, they need some special attention to make sure they live happy, healthy lives. Mother ewes can provide the babies with all the love and nourishment they need, but it is up to the shepherd to make sure the babies get a healthy start.

Just like sheep, kids hate to be alone. They always have more fun with other kids their age. They need special attention to make sure they live happy, Christian lives. They need parents to provide love and Christian attributes, but they also need shepherds (or teachers) to make sure they get a healthy, Christian start.

“Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.” Matthew 19:13-15

Though the disciples thought he was a busy man, Jesus was never too busy for the children. If we are too busy to teach them about Christ, then they may grow up and be too busy to serve Christ. Let’s not let this happen!

Jesus knew the importance of being with the children, and letting them know they had someone whom they could trust and learn from. The Lord put children in our lives to learn from us and to grow into powerful Christian men and women. The only way that our children get that way is from parents and teachers who look at them, not as children who can be rambunctious, but like little sponges wanting to soak up whatever they can.

I encourage you, parents, and teachers, to help children realize how important it is to have a relationship with Christ. To have children know they can go to Him with whatever situation comes their way, and He’s always there to lend a helping hand, to be a comfort, a Father, a best friend, their first love, whatever they need…He’s there.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

From Momma Tammi

2006-02-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

Here are two different versions of the VLB Fight Song.

From Andrews, TX, Chorus Book, pg 100--

Verse 1:
Now when the VLB's all fall in line
There's going to be some work done every time
No matter what my be the job or where
The VLB's show up their load of work to bear
And thus throughout the state and every town
The VLB's at work are ever found
So come on, dear old Victory Leaders Band
Let's pull together side by side!

(You have the same chorus on the blog)

Verse 2:
The VLB's are going to win this fight
We're in the Church of God and we know it's right
We're going to work together with all our might
And with the Holy Ghost to be our faithful guide
We're going to fight and never compromise
We're going to raise our flag and advertise
So through the Church of God you're going to see, going to see, the Southwestern VLB's.

I believe this version is the one used at the General Assembly, but it has been awhile since I've been there for the VLB service, so I could be wrong.

Verse 1:
When all the VLB's fall in line
We're going to win again another time
And for the VLB's we'll loyal be,
And for the VLB's we'll fight most faithfully
We're going to win, win, win, the whole day through
We're going to get ole Satan and put him through
And for the VLB's we'll have no fear,
Give a cheer, Rah! Rah! Rah!

(Same chorus)

Verse 2: (Just slightly different from the one in the first version above)

The VLB's are going to win this fight
We're in The Church of God and we know it's right
We're going to work together with all our might
With the Holy Ghost to be our faithful guide
We're going to work and never compromise
We're going to raise our flag and advertise
So, come on dear ole Victory Leader's Band
And pull together side by side!

When You Come Home

2006-02-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

My first day of recess
They all laughed at me
When I fell off the swing set
And scraped up my knee
The nurse called my Momma
To say I'd be late
And when she gave me the phone
I could hear Momma say
I'm so sorry son
Oh I think you're so brave
And she was smiling when she said

When you come home
No matter how far
Run through the door and into my arms
It's where you are loved
It's where you belong
And I will be here
When you come home

I waved good-bye through the window
As I boarded the plane
My first job in Houston was waiting for me
I found a letter from Momma
Tucked in my coat
And as I flew down the runway
I smiled when she wrote
I miss you son
You'll be so far away
But I'll be waiting for the day

Chorus

Well I don't think she can hear you now
The doctor told me
Your mother is fading
It's best that you leave
So I whispered I love you
And then turned away
But I stopped at the door
When I heard Momma say
I love you son
But they're calling me away
Promise me before I go

Chorus

Oh when...

2006-01-31T06:52:00.000-08:00

...the VLB's all fall in line
There's going to be some work done everytime.
No matter what may be the job or where.
The VLB's show up there load of work to share.
And thus throughout the state and every town
The VLB's at work are ever found.
So come on dear old victory leaders band
Let's work together side by side.

Rah rah rah, for Jesus will win
Fighting the devil we'll never give in
You do your best saints, we'll to the rest saints
Rah rah for Jesus most high!

The VLB's are going to win this fight
We're in the church of God and we know its right
We're going to work and never compromise
With the Holy Ghost to be our faithful Guide
We're going to raise our flags and advertise
So come on dear old victory leaders band
Let's work together side by side.

I think I may have messed up a few verses, help me out if you can! I love this song!

Taken from devotional "Days of Praise."

2006-01-28T07:05:00.000-08:00

"Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge" (Proverbs 19:27).

One of the saddest realities in the modern world is that many of the leaders of evolutionary and humanistic thought were raised in Christian homes, where from an early age they were exposed to the truths of Scripture. Testimonies without number have been chronicled of Christian students going to universities where they were taught to doubt and then to disbelieve the faith of their parents. Perhaps all these students ever knew of Christianity was a set of rules; maybe they never understood the reasons their parents held certain views nor the basis for these beliefs. Certainly the foundational teaching of creation has been missing in many Christian homes and churches.

Our primary goal as parents should be to establish a godly heritage--to teach the truths of God in such a way as will be believed and cherished by our children, so that they will "keep that which is committed to trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called" (I Timothy 6:20).

Certainly a more effective way of teaching is to continually point the child or student back to foundational principles, rather than to list a set of do's and don'ts. We must teach those under our influence to be grounded in the Word, so that they can make sound judgments when away from our watchful eyes. No greater aid to serious study, no better primer in careful reasoning exists than in Scripture. Using it and other supportive materials, a child can learn to think carefully and critically. Not only will they learn information, but here they can learn wisdom and knowledge and understanding. "For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6).

So...

2006-01-27T10:23:00.000-08:00

What do you think of this? Is it any better or did I just make it worse?

~Me~

What I plan on doing

2006-01-27T07:31:00.000-08:00

Okay, I plan on posting new things once a week. I won't be able to do it every day. And if you want to post something, please do! Let's work together and lift one another up...that's what this Blog is for.

God bless!
Gracie

Okay!

2006-01-26T13:49:00.000-08:00

I just put together an e-mail address. So if anyone would like to e-mail me to become a team member, or whatever reason, please e-mail me there so I can get your e-mail address. The new e-mail address is

tcog.vlb@gmail.com

You can also find it on the profile thing here on the side. -->

Also...

2006-01-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

I plan on making an e-mail account that way if you want to send pictures or whatever, and don't want to be a team member, you can e-mail them there and I'll post them for ya. :)

Testing, testing, 1 2 3!

2006-01-26T07:25:00.000-08:00

Hi! Here is the new VLB Blog! Bear with us as we get this going...

God bless,
Grace