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October Journal Archived

Sunday, 1 Oct:  Well, today is the beginning of a new month and I am one day closer to retirement.  Today was a typical Sunday.  Not a lot of work and lots of talk about football.  I know, not another football analogy.  No, you are safe from that this time.  However, I will say that I am somewhat down by the outcome of the Saints game today.  Down, but not out...tomorrow is a new day.  So, anyway, church was good tonight.  I ended up leading worship and with God's help; I think we pulled it off.  The congregation seemed receptive and ready to sing, so that made it easier.  Hopefully, though, next week, the real leader of the band will be back with us.  Well, I think it is time for a word from God.  Not from church, but some extra reading I did after reading my scriptures for today.  I am in the book of Ephesians now and verse 7 of Chapter 1 talks about the blood shed by Jesus as being redemptive.  When you think about the blood one thing that has to come to your mind is suffering.  Jesus certainly suffered for us, but many Christians throughout the ages have, too.  Suffering has always been a big part of the faith.  Jesus paid the ultimate price.  So, what does it cost to be a true disciple of Christ?  I have taken bits of a sermon by Kendal Burton to show what a disciple's life should look like.  Be Committed.  More than likely we all have an idea of what it means to commit to something.  A commitment to Christ will more than likely bring you some grief when it comes to the world.  We have to endure whatever the world throws at us and stay linked with Christ, no matter what.  When something proposed to us is exciting and adventurous, but is contrary to the word of God, stand firm and stay committed to Christ.  Be Realistic.  Just because you are a Child of God, it is not going to be smooth sailing.  In today’s world we are up against so many things that are contrary to what we, as Christians believe.  Don’t even begin to believe that Satan is not going to have multiple temptations for you to dismiss or work through.  Being an optimist is one thing, but being a realist is what Paul was…we are going to suffer for the cause of Christ. Let’s not focus on the pain, but on the prize that awaits us when this life is all said and done.  Be Humble.  Humility may sound funny at first, but it may appear less so when you consider how difficult it for some people.  The greatest act of humility happened over 2000 years ago when Jesus set aside his own reputation and His equality with God and took human form to suffer and die for us.  There will be times in your walk with Christ you will come across adversaries who will oppress and persecute you because of who you are and what you stand for.  The suffering in humility comes when we have to turn the other cheek.  The world says that is a sign of weakness, but God says it is a sign of humility.  Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up!  Finally, Be Distinctive.  Being a disciple of Christ is so much more than a matter of what you do or don’t do.  It’s how you live…they will know we are Christians by our love.  We have to be above the fray, if you will.    Is it hard sometimes to live right in the midst of all the wrong in the world?  Absolutely.  But we have Jesus’ life as a model for ours.  Be different…don’t do what everyone else is doing just because you think everyone else is doing it.  Jesus said, “You must be in this world, but not of this world”.  So, be committed, realistic, humble and distinctive and stand by to experience the real cost of discipleship.  ARE YOU UP FOR IT?  Until next time…Todd out.  

Monday, 2 Oct:  Well, it's Monday, what can I say?  My Mondays are probably not as bad as some of yours and for that I thank God every Monday.  With that said, today was a fairly slow day.  I know I sound like a broken record, but I updated some spreadsheets, did some email and was generally in a good mood, considering my disappointment of yesterday.  But God is so good and I quickly rebounded and am here to tell you that everything is going to be alright.  I continued in Ephesians today, chapter 2.  Wow, what exciting reading.  There are several great messages in this chapter, but I will keep the other one for another day. I love what it says in The Message, verses 1-7.  "It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin.  You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live.  You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience.  We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat.  It's a wonder God didn't lose His temper and do away with the whole lot of us.  Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us.  He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ.  He did all this on his own, with no help from us!  Then He picked us up and set us down in the highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah".  That is a lot to digest, but I want to focus on one word in that entire passage.  The one word that made all the difference.  Can you guess what word that is?  Time's up...LOVE.  God's love for us is like no other.  John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...I did a little additional study and came up some things that God's Love is.  God's Love is unmerited.  We were and are all sinners.  Romans 3:10 says "As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.  Casting Crowns has a song and the chorus says "Not because of what I've done, But because of who You are.  God loves us because He made us, not because of what we have done.  We could never do enough to earn God's love.  A man was asked to speak at a theological seminary and prior to his speech there was a question and answer session.  Someone asked, "What is the most profound thought you know?"  Expecting some deep theological dissertation, they were surprised by his response.  "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so."  It's that simple.  God's Love is unconditional.  What does that mean?  Simply that there is nothing we can do to make God love us any more or less than He already does.  Sometimes we put conditions on our love for one another.  We may not mean to, but we do it without thinking.  If he/she does this, I will love and accept him/her.  But is not; tough.  God will never put conditions on His love for us.  He accepts and loves each of us just as we are.  My son recently got into an altercation with a neighborhood boy and was afraid that God would be mad at him.  I reassured him that God is more than likely disappointed in what happens, but He doesn't love you any less.  Go to Him, just as you are.  God's Love is unending.  The world's concept of love is that is temporal and fleeting.  We, Christians have a different concept.  Read Romans 8:38-39.  Look at Jeremiah 31:3.  God appeared to the prophet saying, yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love.  There is a somewhat popular song about a song that never ends, but I would sing it this way.  God has a love that never ends, it just goes on and on, my friend.  Look at this:  If God is love and God is eternal, then His love must be eternal.  People sometimes fall in and out of love with each other...God will NEVER fall out of love with us!  God's Love is undeniable.   There is no denying God's love for us.  Romans 5:8 says, "But God commands (to show, prove, exhibit, demonstrate) His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  God proves His love for us in so many ways.  He doesn't give us what we deserve.  We are a condemned people, but even in His wrath, God always thinks upon mercy and desires men to accept His love.  He sent His Son to die on our behalf, proving His love for us.  He patiently waits for us and even calling and wooing us to Him.  Read 2 Peter 3:9.  When Adam sinned, Adam did not cry out to God.  God called cried out, "Where art thou, Adam?"  God love you so much he longs for us to establish a relationship with and live in fellowship with Him.  Somebody, somewhere needs to hear that's God's love is unmerited, unconditional, unending and undeniable.  Maybe it's you...maybe it's someone you know.  Accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and experience this love.  If you don't do anything else for your friend that is struggling with love, let them know about God's love.  I was excited looking things up and writing this entry.  My prayer is that you felt God's love reading it.  Until next time...Todd out.

Tuesday, 3 Oct:  Good day, everyone.  I tell you what; God is doing a number on me here.  I have very little real work to do, as you can attest to by my entries.  However, God let me come here to get closer to Him and to help out with the base religious program.  There is no other explanation I can think of at this time.  However, I can report that there are people here accepting Jesus for the very first time at our services.  It is extraordinary to see people lives change almost in an instant.  Now, in sharing that with you, I come to the point of my little “daily devotional” as someone has emailed and calls it.  I said yesterday that chapter 2 of Ephesians was jam packed with lessons, so here is another one from verses 7-10.  The Message has it this way; “Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus.  Saving is all his idea, and all his work.  All we do is trust him enough to let him do it.  It’s God’s gift from start to finish!  We don’t play the major role.  If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing.  No, we neither make nor save ourselves.  God does both the making and the saving.  He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.”  That is a lot to take in, but I want to focus on, again, just one word from this passage.  That word trust.  But not in just anything or anybody.  We have to trust God to save us from eternal damnation.  Depending upon who you talk to, you may get all kinds of ways to get to heaven.  Maybe you will recognize some of these.  So, what are the ways to NOT get to heaven?  Trust your good works.  Folks, there is no amount of charity, community service or kind words that will ever add up to be enough to get to heaven.  Don’t stop doing good works, though, because we are commanded to do them.  But might I remind you, trusting in your good works for salvation is a dead end.  Trust your traditions.  We all have traditions we follow because it’s always been done that way or it’s a family tradition.  I am all for tradition, you know.  There are many Navy traditions that are a vital part of the Navy.  However, I am really talking about religious traditions.  Just because it’s a tradition in your family to go to church on Sunday, or say your prayers before bed, those are not the end all.  We must find the reason behind these traditions.  Heed Jesus’ warning in Matthew 15:6, “And so, by your own tradition, you nullify the direct commandment of God.  Trust your religion.  Now, those that know me know how I feel about religion.  Trusting your church, although it is a wonderful place to worship, to get you to heaven is not going to happen.  Some people believe that since they go to church, got baptized, take communion, or whatever, they are good to go with God.  Imagine that, Jesus had something to say about this, too.  “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away.  Their worship is a farce, for they replace God’s commands with their man-made teachings,” Matthew 15:7-9.  Keep trusting in your religion if you don’t want to go heaven.  Trust your nationality.  This one is all about where you live or your ethnicity.  Just because you live in a neighborhood full of Christians, you have no guarantee of heaven on that basis alone.  Not much more to say on this one, but trust in your nationality and miss heaven.  Trust your background.  This is the one I hear most.  Godly ancestors and parents don’t get you to heaven.  At the pearly gates, God is not going to ask you who your parents or grandparents were.  Look at Luke 3:8, Jesus said, “Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God.  Don’t just say, `We’re safe-we’re the descendants of Abraham.’  That proves nothing.  God can change these stones here into the children of Abraham.”  My children will not be able to use my credentials; God will ask them and everyone the same question, “What did you do with my Son, Jesus.” So, trust your background if you don’t want to get to heaven.  Now, I can’t tell how not to get to heaven without closing with how to get to heaven.  Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven.  The free gift of salvation is being offered to everyone and those who accept it will see heaven one day.  You can trust in many things, but the only way to heaven is to trust Jesus Christ!  Read Romans 10:8-10 right now and make certain that you will be in heaven when you leave this earth.  This is another “message” that should be shared.  I am certain that you know someone that trusts their good works or traditions or religion or nationality or background.  Let them know that Jesus in the only way and win one more for Him!  Until next time…Todd out.  

Wednesday, 4 Oct:  Good day friends, family and anyone who has stumbled upon this journal.  I am going to make a vow to you all today.  I am not going to bore you with what I do during the day, unless I feel like it is noteworthy.  Is that a deal?  I hope so.  I am usually very excited about sharing the Word of God with you.  Maybe I should change the name of this page.  Any suggestion?  Please click HERE and send me an email with some catchy titles.  Okay, let's get going.  I was in Ephesians again today.  Chapter 4 describes what a church should look and be like.  There needs to unity for it to go and to be useful to the Kingdom.  Verses 1-7 give us a basis for how we each individually need to act to bring unity to the church and draw people to Christ.  In order to make sure I was absolutely sure of what was being said here, I went to the internet and found a message by Eyriche Cortez and I am going to use as acronym to explain the real way to walk worthy of the calling.  The acronym is R.E.A.L.  That's right, because being real matters!  First, we must RESPOND to the calling found in verse 1.  Paul uses the word beseech here.  The word beseech denotes a deep heartfelt, urgent request.  He wanted the church to understand how much he wanted them to respond to the calling from God.  When most people hear the word called, they immediately think of the pastor or the missionary or the musician.  But more important than those, we are called to a community, not to just believe, but also belong.  God is calling everyone to be part of His family.  Next, we must EXERT every effort.  Verse 3 says, "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."  In the Greek, "endeavor" means "make every effort".  That mean we should do our best or give it our best shot to keep the unity of the Spirit.  We can keep the unity be heeding to what Paul says in verse 2.  "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with each other in love.  We have to get past little squabbles and spats and concentrate on the task at hand.  Rick Warren said this; "The sooner we give up the illusion that a church must be perfect in order to love it, the sooner we quit pretending and star admitting we're all imperfect and need grace.  we must remember that the church is made up of real sinners, including ourselves.  Because we're sinners, we hurt each other, sometimes intentionally and sometimes not.  But instead of leaving the church, we need to stay and work it out if at all possible.  Everyone giving it their all is the beginning to keeping unity.  Next, we must AFFIRM the truth.  Verses 4-6 says, "There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."  Now, why the shift to one?  These truths are there as a basis for our beliefs and as a way for us to get intimate with each other.  Paul was just basically expanding on what Jesus said in John 17:21, "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in you; that they (that's us) also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."  Truth is essential to being real and keeping the peace.  Lastly, LEVEL-UP together.  We not only have to get along, but we have to grow together.  When couples drift away from each other they grow apart from each other, but the church needs to be together.  Verse 7 says, "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift."  Paul was talking about unity as a whole in verses 2-6, but now he points out to the fact that the Spirit gives gifts to each one of us to use.  The point here is, Paul is talking about unity, not uniformity.  We can be close to one another even if we are different.  That's what makes it interesting, though.  We have so many things to share with everyone.  1 Corinthians 12:7 says that the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  In other words, everyone gets in on it and everyone benefits from it.  God does desire that we work together.  Howard Butt, Jr wrote, "Our Christian life is a life of community.  God wants all to be more like Christ, but I can never be more like Christ without your help.  I will never fully be myself without you to help me."  So, being REAL matters to God and everyone is His family.  Are you being REAL?  Pray about it and ask God to tell or show you whether you are being real or not.  Make sure you pray for our nation, it's leaders and it's warriors!  Until next time...Todd out.

Thursday, 5 Oct:  Today had a certain sense of anticipation.  The normal leader of the Praise Band has been directed by his supervisor that he will be at a daily briefing at 1900.  Well, what that means is he cannot lead the band.  He has graciously asked me to take over for a while.  That's where the anticipation came in.  I did it last week, but I thought it was just a one time deal.  Anyway, today went pretty smooth.  Noteworthy:  Resolution to a nearly month long issue with someone's pay.  I thank God for taking care of that.  So, I went to practice.  Things went very smoothly and everyone is in one accord with me leading.  A few times during practice, I or someone else said, "That's not quite how they do it on the CD (referring to the band that recorded the song)".  Why is that important?  Well, I think we tend to admire those people and their songs and want to imitate them the best we can.  All through our lives, we have imitated people for various reasons.  Some we made fun of, but the majority of the time it was because we admired them and wanted to be like them.  Now, here's how God works....I read Ephesians 5 today and wasn't sure what to get from it to share, but after practice, I knew just what it was.  Verse 1 says, "Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children."  Like children try to imitate their earthly mothers or fathers, we, as Christians, should imitate our Heavenly Father.  The rest of the chapter explains to us how to imitate God.  So, how can we imitate God?  Jesus is God, so imitate Jesus.  We are to Walk in Love (verse 2). Jesus is a prime example of what it means to walk in love.  We should forgive the way Christ did.  We should obey God the way Christ did.  Maybe the best way to walk in love is to be willing to lay our lives down for the brethren (1 John 3:16).  It's easy to walk in the world, but it takes the help of the Holy Spirit to walk in love.  We are to Get Rid of Ungodly Habits (verses 3-5).  Everything is our lives that is contrary to the Word of God needs to go.  In society today, the language pouring out of people mouths, sometimes our own, is filthy and foolish.  We have to guard our tongue and what comes out of our mouths and make sure it lifts people up and gives thanks.  People that continually live ungodly lives will not enter the Kingdom and are not entitled to an inheritance.  Live Godly and ensure your place in the Kingdom.  Let No One Deceive You (verses 6-10).  It is easy to be led astray by smooth talk and a peaceful disposition.  Guess what?  That is what the Anti-Christ is going to be like in the beginning of the end.  We are children of the Light and therefore should never be taken in by the darkness.  We have been filled with goodness, righteousness and truth.  We must, therefore know the truth and question anything that is contrary to it.  Don't be led away from God for any reason...test the spirits...the Word is God is the only right answer.  Do Not Participate in Unfruitful Deeds (verses 11-14).  Light drives out darkness and exposes everything.  Be that person and give evil the big boot.  You shouldn't even speak of or discuss wrongs being done in secret by those who follow darkness.  Remember the song from your Sunday School days, "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine."  Let the light of the Glory of Christ show in your attitude and behavior and drive the darkness away.  So, now you know what it takes to imitate Jesus our Lord.  And I can't think of anyone else I want to imitate more.  Check yourself, take inventory of your life to make sure you are doing all you can to be just like Jesus.  Don't forget to check out the new picture from Camp Speicher.  More to follow...Until next time...Todd out.

Friday, 6 Oct:  Well, here I am at the end (for you back home) of another week.  Today, though, was just like any other day.  Not much happening around the office.  So, let's move on.  How many times in your life have you said these words, "I just don't have enough time to get everything done that I have to do"?  Psalm 90:12 says, So teach us to number our days..."  In doing so, we need to be careful not to forget about time with God each and every day.  we really don't know how much time we have left here on this earth.  We must nor miss the opportunity, each day, to "chat with God".  Just you and Him. I proceeded to look around in the Bible for teachings on time; something that would be useful for everyone who have said those word I mentioned earlier.  QT.  What does that mean to you?  It's Quality Time, not quart.  Quality Time with The Father will help to keep our eyes fixed on heavenly things when the pull of this world is so strong.  You should choose a quiet place and a time when that place will be just you and God.  It will be a place to RENEW.  We are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  Everyday, we face something that we didn't face yesterday and this time will allow God to reshape your mind according to His Word (Romans 12:2).  Your inward man/woman is also being renewed each day (2 Corinthians 4:16).  It will be a place to KNOW YOURSELF.  You know that we tend to become different people in various situations.  We can even get so far as to wonder who we are and what our purpose is.  Don't let your busyness create an identity crisis.  No matter what happens remember that in Christ, we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Rediscover daily that you belong to Christ.  It will be a place to REMEMBER.  We need to be reminded of God's love for us (Ephesians 2:4).  No matter our plans, His plans for you are good (Jeremiah 29:11).  In Hebrews 13:5, we are reminded that God will never leave us or forsake us.  It will be a place to KNOW GOD.  He is our Creator (Genesis 1:27).  He also provides everything we need (Philippians 4:19).  God comforts us when we need it (Isaiah 49:13).  He is so much more to us, but most of all God is Love and He loves us so very much.  It will be a place to CHANGE.  We should becoming more like Christ everyday.  You can open yourself and your heart to God for inspection to make sure you are on the right track.  God can also give you an attitude adjustment, if need be.  It will be a place to BE FED.  Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 when He told Satan that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.  This is time of spiritual feeding.  Take God's word into your heart (Psalm 119:11).  It will be a place to REFOCUS.  This may be most important benefit of all.  The fast pace of our lives today sometimes blurs what really matters.  What that really means is we need to get our vision back.  Not our earthly vision, but out spiritual vision, God's vision for our lives.  Do you what His vision is for your life?  Folks, what it all boils down to is this---If you are too busy for God, you are just too busy.  It doesn't need to be talkathon with God, just a time of reconnection with God on all levels.  It is vitally important.  I won't guarantee better days, because I don't know the commitment level of everyone.  But God says to draw closer to Him and He will draw closer to you.  We are all busy and our days are jammed packed, but I encourage you cut out some time, preferably first thing in the morning or late at night, and go to your quiet place and just get into God's presence.  It is a wonderful thing to behold!  It's late so...Until next time...Todd out.

Saturday, 7 Oct:  Greetings everyone.  Today was another typical day, but I accomplished some things today that I think were for the Kingdom.  If not immediately...eventually.  I finished a book by Charles Sheldon.  The name of the book is "In His Steps".  It is believed to be the beginning of the WWJD movement.  It is fiction, and I had trouble putting it down.  If you get a chance, see if you can find it and give it a read and you'll see what I mean.  I also did some arranging of the songs for worship tomorrow evening.  I know it is going to glorify God and bring folks to know the awesome love of the Father.  Everyone knows Paul, the Apostle, but do we really know and understand what he went through and how he coped.  We have all heard about the "trials of Job".  We can also talk about the "trials of Paul" (Acts 21:7-28:31).  I know that you know someone that we could discuss the "trials of ________".  James 1:2 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials".  So, how do we maintain a joyful outlook on life?  It's all about our ATTITUDE and how we look at things.  This is all based on Paul's letter to the Philippians chapter 1, verses 12-20.  1) We can be joyful in spite of our circumstances (vv. 12-14).  Although he was imprisoned, Paul didn't see himself as a victim. Instead of being silenced, everyone practically asked him to preach the Gospel because they knew why he was there.  Besides that, he was chained to a guard and had a captive audience.  Look where Paul was and he still shared the Gospel.  What's our excuse?  2)  We can be joyful in spite of what others do (vv 15-18).  There were people using his imprisonment to advance their own agendas.  The wonderful thing about Paul's attitude when it came to others is, as long as they are preaching the Gospel, he didn't care about their motives.   He did not become bitter toward them or even resent them.  The lesson for us here is that if they arrived at their good results, even if is not how we would have done it, we need to be ready to applaud them.  If Jesus Christ is #1, then you don't need to worry who is #2.  Are you happy when someone comes to Christ, regardless of how they got there?  3) We can be joyful in spite of how uncertain the future may look (vv 16-20).  We know nothing about our future.  Is that a reason to live a joyless life?  Paul obviously didn't think so.  He clearly knew that no matter what happened to him (release from prison or death), in the end he would be delivered, one way or the other.  For a better understanding, go to Daniel 3:16-18 and read again what the three young men said to the king.  They knew, either way, they were going to be freed.  This is the attitude we should have when we face trials and tribulations.  "Hey God.  You are God and I know that you will deliver me".  In John 14:16-17, Jesus assured his disciples of the Holy Spirit's help, comfort and encouragement for believers.  All the "trials of ______ (fill in the blank) can be overcome because of the peace and encouragement of the Holy Spirit.  The same Holy Spirit is there for us to help us be joyful in all situations.  We can be joyful in spite of our circumstance, when our joy is connected to the advancement of the Gospel rather than our physical comfort, and in spite of what others do, when we don't care who gets the credit as long as Christ is glorified, and in spite of how uncertain the future may look because joy is not the self-satisfied delight that everything is going our way but the settled peace of knowing that God is in control even in the most difficult of circumstances.  Do you have attitude?  Is it one of JOY all the time?  If not, get back into God's word and find the JOY again!  If you put someone's name in the blanks earlier, share with them how to get through the trials.  My prayer is that this helps someone get their JOY back.  Until next time...Todd out. 

Sunday, 8 Oct:  Happy Sunday!  I love saying that. God is so very good.  There was very little work to do today, so I just pittled around until it was time to go to band practice before church.  Let me tell you, the Holy Spirit showed up tonight!  The music just came together and I actually heard people singing and even say a few hands raised.  At one point, there was even some clapping going on.  We ended with the chorus of "We Fall Down", which goes, "We cry Holy, Holy, Holy" several times and ends with "is the Lamb".  Chaps got up and just took off with it.  He shared how the angels sing holy 24/7 and how John on the island of Patmos saw a being and all it did was sing holy.  Now everyone was onboard with that for a few minutes, then he finally got ready to preach.  I would like to share with you his message from tonight.  We all turned to Psalm 23.  Now, we are all familiar with this psalm.  But sometimes familiarity doesn't mean we get the meaning, right.  He actually grouped the verses together and came up with the six R's.  David wrote it and he was a shepherd.  He knew what it took to care after the sheep.  He also knew who his shepherd was.  "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want" (v 1).  He indeed understood the RELATIONSHIP of the shepherd and the sheep.  He goes on say, "I shall not want".  Not in the past, not now and not in the future will he need or be left wanting of anything.  Folks, the Lord is the Good Shepherd, our shepherd, and we shall want for nothing, ever.  He goes on to basically explain what the Good Shepherd will do for us, based on what a shepherd did for his sheep.  Jesus said in John 10:27, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me".  As long as we follow Jesus, he will give us what we need.  "He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters" (v 2).  If we follow Him, he will give us REST.  Think how peaceful green pastures and still waters are.  Sometimes, we just need to stop and rest next to the waters.  In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."  In today's world, we need to rest every now and then.  Run to the Shepherd and find it.  "He restores my soul" (v 3).  If we follow Him, a RESTORATION will take place.  Everyone of us falls into 1 of 3 categories.  You either just got through a storm, you are in the midst of a storm, or you are getting ready to go through a storm.  At some point, you will need the restoration power of Jesus in your life.  Trials tend to take something away from us.  Different people lose different things, but, because of our relationship with the Shepherd, all can be restored.  "He leads me in the paths of righteous for His name's sake" (v 3).  If we follow Him, He will lead us to RIGHT LIVING.  Sheep follow their shepherd; we should follow the Master.  If we choose to go our own way, we will get lost, in more ways than one.  But what does the shepherd do?  He leaves the flock and searches for the lost one until he finds it.  Then He can put us back on the road to living right.  When Jesus was here, He was the Light of World, but when He left, he said we were now the Light.  Be like sheep, follow your shepherd all the way to righteousness.  "Yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff, the comfort me" (v 4).  If we heed the voice of the Good Shepherd, He REASSURES us.  The valley of death for a sheep was when he left the flock and was certain to face death.  But the Shepherds rod and staff were used to rescue them.  We certainly face physical death sometimes, but more often we face spiritual death as punishment for our sins.  But Jesus is there to snatch us out of the jaws of death.  "Call on the name of the Lord, and you shall be saved."  Saved from eternal separation from God and saved from the snares of the evil one while we still walk the earth.  Face your fears head on, knowing the Good Shepherd is there to protect you.  "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over" (v 5).  In him, we can expect to be REFRESHED.  When we are at our weakest, there will always be food for us to eat.  James 5:14 says, "Is anyone among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord."  And, not only does he give us what we need, He overflows our cup.  In you daily battles, don't give up, but know that Jesus is there to freshen you up, so you can stand tall.   Finally, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."  If we have a right relationship with our Shepherd, we can expect a REWARD.  I am not so much interested in what I get on this earth, but rather what awaits me in Heaven.  Goodness and mercy are available to us today.  Living with the Lord forever awaits us "on the other side".  As good sheep, we ought to do what the Shepherd asks of us and one day we will hear Jesus say, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant."  You will know that you have followed the Good Shepherd and are ready to receive your reward.  Just as the shepherds of old took complete care of their sheep, our Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ will take care of us, His sheep.  Do you have a relationship with Jesus?  If not, don't delay; find someone that does and ask them what you have to do.  Do it quickly, time is short.  I hope this has touched your hearts the way it touched mine.  Keep the prayers coming...Until next time...Todd out.

8 Oct continued:  I failed to mention a few things yesterday.  First of all, my beloved Saints WON.  Rookie Reggie Bush scored his first pro touchdown on a 65 yd punt return that sealed the win.  Secondly, I have an announcement to make.  Effective immediately I am on the road to being a non-smoker.  Now, before you get all excited, my official stop date is the most important day of my life, except for the day I got SAVED.  I have chosen October 26 as my stop date.  Today, I begin my daily reading of Ephesians 6:10-18 and visualize putting on the Armor of God before going out into the world.  October 19 is my reduction date when I start reducing the number of cigarettes I smoke in order to be completely stopped by the 26th.  Please pray that I will have the strength and courage to quit for good this time. 

Monday, 9 Oct:  Happy Columbus Day!  Today, I got a package from my lovely wife with some books in it.  One was the long awaited "Essential Evangelical Parallel Bible".  It has New King James, English Standard, New Living and The Message translations.  I feel very blessed right now, let me tell ya.  So, I did my readings today in my new Bible.  It is so awesome to have 4 translations to read over.  You can almost always new meaning reading another version.  Alright, tonight I am Philippians 3 and verses 13-14.  I like the English Standard Version, "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it on my own.  But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  What happens if we are running forward and we look back?  Most of the time, we will trip and fall flat on our faces.  Paul is saying, "Let's roll".  Forget about the past and go forward and remember to "Keep your eyes on the prize".  We have to examine our lives and find a few things.  If you can't find one of them, you have some work to do.  1) FIND SOME DISSATISFACTION.  What do you mean?  Paul said I don't think I have made it just yet. He was not satisfied with where he was in Christ.  We haven't "made it" either, but we may not easily find dissatisfaction in our lives.  So, here are some things to consider to help you find dissatisfaction.  Do you read your Bible enough?  Do you love your neighbor as yourself?  Do you serve in your church or community?  Basically, what it boils down to is not to get content with where you are.  If you are standing still, you are actually going backwards.  2) FIND SOME DEVOTION.  Paul goes on, "But one thing I do".  Paul was in the same company as David in Psalm 27:4, "One thing I have desired of the Lord."  Paul knew the one thing he had to do and he was devoted to it.  To what are you devoted?  Is your love for the Father and for one another just something that you do?  You life is divided into many compartments (work, school, chores, hobbies, family life, church life). The thing to notice is that church life (Jesus) is just a piece of our lives.  He doesn't want to be just a piece, He must be in the center.  With Jesus at the center, all those other things will fall into place.  3) FIND SOME DIRECTION.  Paul continues, "forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead".  No looking back at past sin--Jesus forgive it, forgets it, and so should we.  No looking back at past failures--no matter how many there were.  No looking back at past bitterness--in the end, it only poisons you.  No looking back at past events--neither the good nor the bad can be used now.  Satan will be sure to bring all those up, but when he brings up your past, remind him about his future!  4) FIND SOME DETERMINATION.  Paul says, "I press on toward the goal of the prize..."  At any and all costs, he was getting that prize.  How bad do you want the upward call of God in Jesus Christ?  What are you will to endure to get it?  Paul endured more than we could ever be expected to and yet he hangs in there and even tells the church to come along.  If you seem somehow to lose the drive, remember the God is your refuge and strength.  Let's stay focused and go forward towards the goal or die trying, either way, we win!  This is exactly how Jesus did it.  Why should it be any different for us?  Keep the fait...until next time...Todd out.

Tuesday, 10 Oct:  Aloha!  No, I didn't go to Hawaii, just trying to mix it up a bit.  Today was a day full of meetings.  Not for me, but for most everyone else, so needless to say, not much work today.  I am so glad I am doing this journal.  I just kind of existed today, but I always look forward to the end of the day and being able to share with all of you.  I would venture to say that 90% (and that might be low) of you that read this today are worried about something.  But, I have good news for you.  I'm paraphrasing here, but God said, "Don't worry, be happy"!  Philippians 4, verses 4 and 6, respectively read this way in The Message, "Celebrate God all day, every day.  I mean, revel in Him! He could show up any minute! (v4)  Don't fret or worry.  Instead of worrying, pray." (v6)  Webster says worry is to afflict with mental distress or agitation.  Think about that...you are afflicting yourself.  Why would you want to do that?  Matthew 6:27 says, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (NIV)  The answer, everyone together, no one.  Be happy, rejoice, find joy in the Lord in everything you do.  And always remember, if you have accepted Christ as your Savior, your name is already written in heaven.  Now it's easy to say not to worry, but let me show you some examples where people in the Bible worried for nothing.  1) David worried that he would lose his life to King Saul (1 Samuel 27:1).  David had killed a giant, but now Saul was after him.  However, fear still gripped him and he worried.  Did King Saul succeed?  No, David worried for nothing!  2) Elijah ran away when Jezebel threatened to kill him (1 Kings 19:1-8).  Now, Elijah had prayed fire from heaven and defeated Ahab and all the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel; no small task.  Yet, he ran from this crazy women and told God to just kill him and get it over with. He fell asleep under the tree, but did Jezebel kill him?  No, Elijah worried for nothing! 3) The Israelites at the Red Sea worried that Pharaoh would kill them (Exodus 14).  Among other things, God had delivered them out of bondage in Egypt, yet they worried that Pharaoh and his army would kill them.  But their leader, Moses said, "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord" and he probably thought "Again".  The Red Sea opened up and they crossed over.  Did Pharaoh kill them?  No, the Israelites worried for nothing! 4) King Darius worried all night about Daniel in the Lion's den (Daniel 6).  But Daniel had been found innocent by God and had not wronged the king.  That night, God sent an angel into the den to close the mouths of the lions.  There was nary a scratch nor even a mark on him.  When the king saw him, he was exceedingly glad.  Did the lions kill Daniel?  No, King Darius worried for nothing!  5) Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome worried they wouldn't be able to move the stone and get into Jesus' body to properly embalm Him.  The Message says, "They worried out loud to each other, "Who will roll back the stone from the tomb for us?"  But when they finally arrived at the tomb, the huge stone had been rolled away.  They walked right in.  God had arranged for that stone to be moved.  Did they get into the tomb?  Yes, so they worried for nothing!  6) Peter worried that because of his denial of Christ, things would never be the same.  (Matthew 26:69-75)  Jesus had changed his name from Simon to Peter, which means rock, and told him that the church would be built on him and the gates of hell would not overcome it.  So you can imagine that after his third denial, when the rooster crowed, he just knew he had ruined everything. So he left that place and wept bitterly.  But Jesus loved and forgave him.  Was all lost that day?  No, Peter worried for nothing!  Now, if those examples are not enough to convince you that worrying will not get your anywhere, her are some scriptures that remind us of the assurance that God will take care of us and supply our need.  You all know Psalm 23:1.  Philippians 4:19 says, "You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus." (Msg).  Here's one more--Romans 8:28 "That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good." (Msg)  Finally, 1 Peter 5:7, :Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you." (NLT)  So...the bottom line...DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY!  I hope this gets into your spirit and is a comfort and help in your time of need.  Parts of today's entry was taken from a message by David Carter.  Until next time...Todd out.

Wednesday, 11 Oct:  Halaw!  That's the informal way of saying hello here in Iraq.  Told you I was going to try and mix it up.  well, today was just another day at the office.  I spent quite a bit of time today looking at job sites and working on my resume.  I am within 10 months of retirement and figured no better time than now to get serious about my future.  I know that God has a plan for me, but since I don't know exactly what it is, I am going to do what I think I should be doing.  Getting ready.  But as I was surfing the web today, I was reminded rather frequently that we are in the midst of mid-term elections.  As far as I, Joe Citizen, is concerned, an election is an election.  It doesn't matter when it occurs.  So, I believe that God has led me to talk a little about Christian voters and how we are supposed to get involved in politics.  I found a message delivered by Greg Buchner around election time in 2004.  The things we are supposed to do are not hard and they are all found in God's Word.  First, we should recognize that God ordains leadership.  Romans 13:1 reminds us of that fact. "...All governments are under God.  Insofar as there is peace and order, it's God's order." (Msg)  We may not always agree with the elected person and what he or she does.  That doesn't relieve us of doing what we are called to do, even if our leaders do not have the same philosophy.  We should speak out for the innocent (Proverbs 31:8), to confront sin and moral decay (Proverbs 14:34), and work towards the peace and justice that only comes from God (Psalm 122:6).  We, as Christians are called to be good Americans, to follow and obey our government as long as what we do does not violate the law and commandment of God. (Acts 4:19)  Second, we should get involved.  In the book of James, we are encouraged to be doers of the word, and not hearers only.  Now I know that many of us "don't want to get involved", but their are many examples for us in the Bible of people that were involved in changing the political climate of their day.  Joseph was given political control of all Egypt (Gen 41:39-41).  Moses faced Pharaoh and won the release of the God's people (Exodus 5:2-4). David went from giant slayer to King in the nation of Israel. (1 Samuel 16:1-3)  Daniel served the King and obeyed God at the same time. (Daniel 1:4-6, 18-21)  Lest we forget the man from Nazareth, Jesus, who was one of the most political characters of his day.  There are many others, but I think you get the idea.  A Christian voter needs to get involved in politics.  Third, we vote!  Deuteronomy 17:15 says, "you shall surely set a king over you whom the Lord your God chooses."  It is our duty and responsibility to vote.  But we have to be smart about it and know for whom we are voting for.  If we "ordain" or vote for someone that supports ungodly causes, or promote immoral behavior, God holds us responsible for that.  Now, don't cower away from voting because of that, because those that don't vote don't have the right to question that authority.  There is nothing worse than someone who has an opinion on everything, but stand for nothing.  We need to cast a vote and promote God!  Fourth, we must understand freedom.  John 8:31-32 - "Then Jesus turned to the Jews who claimed to believe in Him.  'If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, your are my disciples for sure.  Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.'"  True freedom comes from God, not from any particular party or candidate.  We know that our nation's problems are spiritual in nature.  When it comes to eternal issues, winning people to our political cause is not enough.  They have to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to be truly free.  Let's help people understand!  Fifth, we must keep the real goal in focus!  Jesus told us to go and make disciples of all nations...and that He is with us always, even to end of the age.  We are Christians first, then Americans.  And because of the ultimate goal, we pray.  The best thing we can do for our elected officials is pray.  Pray for God's will to be recognized and acknowledged, for attention to the needs of the people, and that plagues that infect us may be removed.  Again, it doesn't matter who gets elected, we have to lift them up in prayer, because one day they will mess up and some will even ask for forgiveness.  Don't miss this...if God's people humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, He will hear it in Heaven and forgive our sin and hear our land.  The ultimate goal can be accomplished if we pray, pray, pray for everyone's salvation!  Things will heat up in the very near future, and the name-calling and back-biting will get worse, but we need to remember who we are and whose we are...We are called to shine light into dark places...don't be silent!!!  I have requested my absentee ballot, so my voice can be heard all the way from here to NC.  Until next time...Todd out.

Thursday, 12 Oct:  Selamat!  That's hello in Malay and is spoken in Malaysia.  Today is the day people start talking about all the games this weekend.  There wasn't a whole lot to do today.  For some reason tonight as I was readying myself to do this journal entry, God laid prayer on my heart.  Not enough people pray, I mean really pray.  We all know how we are supposed to pray using the Lord's prayer as an outline, if you will.  Well, that's fine and dandy, but what really happens when we pray?  I think people don't pray more because they have no sense of what happens.  I will admit, I do no pray nearly enough and maybe that is why God led my to this tonight.  In Acts 12:5-19, Peter is in prison and is just waiting to see what Herod is going to do with him.  He knows that escape is not within his power as there was immense security.  However, there was a group of believers fervently praying for him and his release.  The power of prayer is what people need to know about.  Here are six things that prayer does, as evidenced by Peter.  1. Prayer breaks the bonds that hold us. (v. 7)  God broke the bonds of the chains and allowed Peter to be free of them.  Some of us have chains, things that weigh us down, that only God can remove.  Even more than that, He has broken the bonds of sin and death, and we are no longer bound by our sin and its eternal consequence.  2. Prayer gives guidance when we don't know the way. (vs. 8-10)  It's a fair guess that Peter did not know his way around the prison.  He needed God's direction.  We, too need guidance to find our way around as we grown and mature in the Lord.  If we fail to follow His guidance, we could very well return to the bonds He has already broken and linger under the influence of the enemy.  3. Prayer conquers the captivity of the enemy. (v. 11)  Peter had to grasp the reality that he was truly delivered from his enemy.  We need not go through life feeling captive to the enemy.  Jesus saw to it that we no longer have to be subject to the captivity we were once in and we must move forward in freedom towards the prize.  4. Prayer grants gladness in times of distress. (v. 14) Peter was not the recipient of this benefit, but it was a girl named Rhoda.  Her exuberance was so overwhelming, she forgot to open the door.  Believe it or not, there are times when the Lord can and does bring real gladness out of distress.  We can be glad at all times knowing the hope we have in God that all things are possible through Christ.  5. Prayer responds with results even when we don't expect them. (v. 16)  Those who were praying for Peter knew that God was able to do what they were asking, but for some reason they didn't anticipate it really happening.  They were astonished!  After some time, I am sure there was some rejoicing, too.  I think too often we ask things of God that we know He can do, but may not really believe that He will.  But, we shouldn't be surprised when He does exactly what is asked of Him.  6. Prayer delivers defeat to the enemy. (vs. 18-19)  The early Church had not the power to overthrow the earthly powers and avenge the wrongs done against them.  But, God is in control and made it clear to Herod and the others that their power was not enough to keep Him from accomplishing what he set out to do.  We must understand that the battle is not ours.  The battle belongs to the Lord, and, oh by the way, the victory has already been won!  So many things can happen when we pray and communicate with God.  If you don't have an active prayer life, I encourage you to begin today, and fully partake in the good things God has for you.  Trust me guys, this was as much, if not more, for me than for anyone else.  How much closer to God can you get than when you are talking and listening the Him?  Until next time...Todd out. 

Friday, 13 Oct:  OOOOOOO, Friday the 13^th!  Anyway…Oki!  That’s the Blackfoot greeting.  You know, Friday the 13^th, black Friday…I know I’m kind of loopy today.  I can say that to you guys because you know better.  It has been one of those days.  For anyone interested, the U. S. Navy has a birthday today and she is 231 years old!  We sang a Navy song to the Soldiers this evening.  It was really neat.  They clapped and everything.  Well, I did so some Bible reading today and I want to share with you a few things from Colossians 3:16-17.  There is a song from the Bible Man series that we used to sing that’s says we need to “Hide God’s Word in out hearts.”  Verse 16 gives us a few reasons for doing just that.  God’s word should direct every aspect of our lives; control our thoughts and our deeds. The word dwell is used I most translations of verse 16.  Dwell means to live in or to make a home in.  Do you have room in your heart for God’s word?  You should, because God’s word exposes sin.  As we read the scriptures, we learn to love God and hate sin.  We need our sins exposed because unexposed sin leads us into danger, destruction and eventually death. (Romans 6:23) Studies show, in the long haul, children that were presented with the Word of God on a regular basis were less likely to become criminals.  You should have room because God’s Word educates us.  We should always be learning more from God.  As we read more, we grow in the knowledge of the Lord.  God’s word directs your path, builds your faith, and teaches us how to walk uprightly.  Some things we learn from the scriptures.  We can realize Satan’s schemes (John 10:10), we can receive God’s power (1 John 4:4) and we can also learn to resist Satan’s power (Ephesians 4:27; James 4:7).  You should have room because God’s Word encourages our souls.  What better encouragement could there be than the building of our faith (Romans 10:17).  God’s Word stirs your soul and spirit to break down your fears (Romans 15:4).  Your soul will leap for joy when you read about the future. Psalm 119:105 says you will not be mislead; Psalm 119:11 says you will not make mistakes; God’s word also will keep you from missing our on eternal life, eternal happiness and eternal peace – if you obey.  So, hide God’s word in your heart, give it a home in which to dwell.  When you need it most, the Holy Spirit will allow it to flow out of your mouth.  Study God’s word, meditate on God’s word and finally, “Hide God’s word in your heart!”  Until next time…Todd out.

Saturday, 14 Oct:  Parev!  That's "Hey" in Armenia.  I trust everyone survived yesterday.  Not that there was any doubt in anyone's mind, right.  Well, isn't just simply amazing how God works?    I recently returned to a pastor's forum that I joined some time back.  I posted my desire to quit smoking and asked for prayer and advice and folks came through no problem.  But, then I noticed a post from a very dear friend of mine that is going through some pain, physically and spiritually. I sent him a message of encouragement and he returned the gesture.  I know God had our "reunion" all worked out well in advance.  Praise God!  I am blessed to call this man friend and brother.  Speaking of blessings, I am focusing on Psalm 103 tonight.  Verses 1-5 read like this in The Message, "O my soul, bless God.  From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!  O my soul, bless God, don't forget a single blessing!  He forgives your sins-every one.  He heals your diseases-every one.  He redeems you from hell-saves your life!  He crowns you with love and mercy-a paradise crown.  He wraps you in goodness-beauty eternal.  He renews your youth-you're always young in his presence."  What excuse do we have for not blessing Him after all He has done and will do for us?  More reasons to hide His word in your heart!  From head to toe, or with all that is within me, I am supposed to bless his Holy Name.  Not half-heartedly, but whole-heartedly.  David basically said "Talk to yourself"; give yourself a "pep talk."  We should bless Him and in the process don't forget the ways He blesses us.  So, how do we benefit?  1)  He forgive your sins-every one.  Some people walk around thinking they have committed a sin so awful that God cannot possibly forgive them.  But 1 John 1:9, says "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."  Every sin, those we perceive as being small to those we think are big, is forgiven because of what Jesus did.  Bless God, because He is the forgiver of all your sins.  2)  He heals your diseases-every one.  I believe that God healed then and He heals now.  Does He heal everyone?  No, but He does heal every ailment, one way or the other.  Remember Paul prayed for God to remove the thorn in his side at least three times.  God did it, not here on earth, but in heaven, Paul is healed.  You may have loved ones that we not healed on this earth, but you can rest assured, for those who believe in Jesus Christ, they are healed today in heaven. Look beyond your sickness and this present life.  Bless God, because He will heal you of all diseases.  3)  He redeems you from hell-saves your life!  We know that God saves us the second we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior.  Acts 4:12 says, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."  At that point, we are spared hell and eternal separation from God.  But, in your daily lives, have you noticed that God is working to save our lives, too?  What about the snake that slithered the other way when you approached?  Or the car in front, or behind, or beside you that swerved just in time to miss you?  These are just two examples.  We ought to daily bless the Lord who delivers us from danger and destruction.  4) He crowns you with love and mercy-a paradise crown.  God has a crown waiting for believers in heaven, but what good has He done for you down here?  Take a minute and maybe list all the things that God has given you.  Let's see...Salvation, Angela, Da Boyz, Great friends and mentors, a sound mind, good health, His guidance and protection.  There are many more things, but that gives you an idea of what I mean.  In the midst of all the stuff that happens to you on a daily basis, remember to bless God for the good things he has given you.  5) He wraps you in goodness-beauty eternal.  A speaker at the World Missionary Conference during the workshop entitled The Resources of the Successful Christian Life said this, "The resources of the Christian life is Jesus Christ-that's all and that's enough.  Because we have believed that Jesus came, lived, died and rose, we are assured of glorified bodies when we meet Him in the air.  In the meantime, enjoy His goodness towards you and get ready for His return!  6) He renews your youth-you're always young in his presence.  What would most people like to be?  Young again.  There are people going around searching for the fountain of youth.  Let me tell you that you are not going to find anything on this earth to do that.  You may find things to slow your aging, but you can truly be young again.  You may be physically old and get winded going up and down stairs, but you will have the strength of youth-spiritual strength.  Isaiah most likely read this verse in the psalm when he wrote, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint". (Isaiah 40:31).  Bless God that we can renew our strength in Him!  Okay, now you know how to talk to yourself without people thinking you are insane.  Well, many might think so regardless, but they probably don't know the God that you do.  I hope this was as uplifting reading as it was for me writing.  I have to mention that I had a little help with the specifics of these verses from Jerry Falwell.  Bless God that there are people out there that are smarter than I am that I can learn from!  At any rate...Bless God, don't forget about his blessings, and talk to yourself.  Until next time...Todd out.

Sunday, 15 Oct:  Malo!  That's "Hey" in Samoan.  Another wonderful Sunday behind me.  I can't help it, I have to brag a little bit...SAINTS WIN!  That make us 5 & 1 and in first place in the Division.  We have a week off and then we try to continue our winning ways.  Folks, it has been a long time coming.  I have watch the Saints for about 34 years and it is so nice to be winning.  Alright, got that off my chest.  Today was all about God and football; in that order.  Church tonight was tremendous.  The music was great, according to some in the congregation.  We experienced two baptisms of young ladies that recently accepted Jesus.  That was the culmination and ending of the service.  But, in between the music and the baptisms, there was a sermon.  Chaps (I have to say that because I am not supposed to put names out on the internet) was on fire tonight.  His Georgia accent makes his messages all that more interesting.  Anyway, we were in Genesis tonight and learned a few things about Joseph and about how we should live under certain situations.  Basically, we covered chapters 37-47.  Please read it at your leisure...I will not attempt to give you all 10 chapters.  But the focus of the message is found in verse 5 of chapter 37, "Now Joseph had a dream...".  Now that caused all kinds of trouble with his brothers, not withstanding the fact that Joseph was Jacob's favorite son from his favorite wife.  A little humor coming up....Show me in the new Testament where it says you can't have more than one wife.  Okay, did Jesus not say, "You cannot have two masters"?  Nothing to do with the message, sorry.  Alright, Joseph was a dreamer, right.  However, his dream would not be realized for quite some time, approx 17 years or so.  So, what did Joseph do while his dream was not coming true?  What should we do when our dreams aren't coming true?  Joseph shows us at least 6 disciplines to put into practice while we what for our dreams to come true.  First is the discipline of SACRIFICE.  Joseph had dreams that his brothers would bow down to him.  Yet, right away, he is stripped of his robe and sold as a slave.  Obviously, that is not what he had in mind.  But, God's plan was different.  While we are waiting for our dream to come true, we must listen to God.  Ours plans are not His plans.  Trust God to know what is best for you.  Because of what happen to Joseph, we see the second discipline; the discipline of SERVICE.  Joseph could have easily told his master, "sorry, this is not what I am supposed to be doing.  Find someone else".  But, instead he found favor in the sight of Potiphar and served him.  While we are waiting for our dreams to come true, we should not forget that to be great in God's kingdom, we are to be servants.  The third discipline is SELF-CONTROL. Now, while he was serving Potiphar, we know that Potiphar's wife said, "Lie with me". What was Joseph's response?  Ch 39 verse 9, "...How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God."  This passage may have been the first use of the phrase, "Just Say No."  Joseph could have fulfilled the needs of the flesh, but at what cost?  We have to be watchful that while we are waiting for our dreams to come true, we are not persuaded, or even tricked, into committing sins against God.  No matter how frustrating we may get, we have to maintain a relationship with God.  The fourth discipline is SUFFERING.  Joseph was subsequently thrown in prison after Potiphar's wife told her husband that he tried to rape her.  But while in prison, Joseph had the opportunity to help someone else with their dream.  Read about this in chapter 40.  Even though Joseph was suffering in prison, he helped someone else.  Hey, just because our dream hasn't come true, doesn't mean we shouldn't help other people realize theirs.  Who knows, the person you help may have the same dreams as you and you can be encouraged by what happens to them.  The fifth discipline is SYMPATHY.  After some time, Joseph was taken out of prison to interpret Pharaoh's dream.  He did so, and gave Pharaoh advice for the future (Chapter 41).  Because of that, Joseph was promoted, if you will and when the seven years of famine came upon the land, his brothers came looking to buy food.  He recognized them, but they did not recognize him at first.  He went ahead a gave them food, after he messed with them for a little while.  I think Joseph felt sorry for them.  They had no idea they were basically begging from their brother who they had sold and then lied to their father about it.  When they finally realized who it was, they fell on their faces, crying and asking for forgiveness.  It was at this point that Joseph's dream was finally realized.  His brothers were bowing to him.  The last discipline is STEADFASTNESS.  Joseph never lost hope that his dream would come true.  Hope is a powerful thing.  Even after all those years and all the hardships, Joseph never loss sight of the dream.  He believed in it with his whole heart.  Do you have a dream that you have been waiting to come true?  Do not lose hope.  You may have to go through a literal hell before it is realized.  Take a lesson from Joseph...don't ever give up!!!!  I went long, but this was such a great message; one that I needed to hear.  Those of you that know me well will understand why...I love you all...until next time...Todd out. 

Monday, 16 Oct:  I am just going with the traditional "Hey" today.  Well, it was by far the toughest day of my journey.  It was crazy...nothing, then all of a sudden, 2 or 3 things at once.  And by the time I finished those, there were a few more things to be done.  Thank God I finished everything and had a little time to relax and reflect.  As I said a while back, those of you that know me know that I am so looking forward to the Second Coming of Christ and feel that we as close as ever to its happening.  I am real excited that I am now into Paul's epistles to the Thessalonians.  I am sure that most of you have read them, but we are going to delve into them.  I am going to get some help from some folks much smarter than me.  Did you know that 1 out 4 verses in God's Word points to the Second Coming?  I didn't either, but now we all know.  We are going to learn how to live ready for the rapture of the Church.  This is exciting folks, get ready!  1 Thessalonians has several principles we need to apply and follow if we are going to be ready.  First, we need to be SAVED.  Webster defines this word as being delivered from sin and to be rescued.  Romans 10:9 says, "...that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  This is the most important thing a human being can do to assure he is ready.  The gift of salvation is free.  If you have never accept "the gift", stop reading and ask Jesus into your heart right this instant and you will be saved and ready for His return.  Second, we to be SERVING.  In Matthew 4:10, Jesus says, "Away with you, Satan!  It is written, 'You shall worship the Lord you God, and Him only you shall serve".  We are to engulfed in "labors of love", Paul says.  Are you serving God?  You can serve God by serving others.  Serving others is not always easy, but it is a must, because those who are ready for Christ's return are those who are serving the Lord.  Third, we must be STEADFAST. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, "Therefore, by beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain".  Stay firm in your convictions, no matter what.  The Church at Thessalonica knew affliction, but they kept their eyes on God in the midst of it all.  Do not be moved by the things of this world.  Do you know how to hang in there when doom and gloom are all around you and the storm is raging?  Take a lesson from this early church, and stay steadfast in your belief in God and be ready for the Lord's return.  Fourth, we need to be SHARING.  We all learned, as children, to share.  We may not have always done it, though.  But the kind of sharing described here is found in Philemon 1:6, "...that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in Christ Jesus."  Sharing your faith is essential to soul-winning.  God desires than none should perish.  More likely than not, you have heard about it and maybe even discussed it, now it's time to get out and do it.  If you want to be ready for Christ's return, you should be sharing Him with the world!  Fifth, we need to SEPARATE.  Paul commended the Church for their turning away from idols to serve the living and True God.  They had separated themselves from the world.  2 Corinthians 6:17 says, "Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord."  Being separate means being different.  Do not conform to this world (what others see as normal), but be transformed (different from them) by the renewing of your mind.  Let's not love this world, but fall in love with the world to come.  Be separated and be ready for the Lord's return.  Lastly, we need to be SURE.  James Davis said, "We don't need to be doubting Christians, but shouting Christians."  We must know, beyond a shadow of a doubt that our sins are forgiven and our names are written in the Lambs Book of Life.  We need to be sure of God's work in us through the Holy Spirit, and that work will change hearts and lives.  The Church at Thessalonica were sure people.  They knew they were ready for the Lord's return.  Are you sure?  Jesus said, "I am coming soon."  We have to be ready, so we've got to be saved, serving, steadfast, sharing, separate and sure!  I am excited, can you tell?  My hope is that everyone who reads this is ready.  Share this with someone you may know that is not ready...if Jesus were to return today.  Until next time...Todd out.

Tuesday, 17 Oct:  Well, in the same vain as yesterday, today was possibly my most productive day.  I found the answers to all the questions asked of me today, I believe.  Just as excited as I was yesterday about what I was reading, I am being doubly blessed for the next few weeks, at least.  I am not only reading 1 Thessalonians, but Daniel, too.....The prophecy of Daniel stirs something in my soul that I can't really describe.  In Chapter 2 of Daniel we read about the King's dream and how Daniel stepped up and not only interpreted it, but told the King what his own dream was.  To gain a better understanding of the dream and what it meant, I encourage you to do some research on your own.  It truly fascinating.  However, also in this chapter, we can clearly see things that God is saying to us about the world even today.  God's saying... 1) "My wisdom disgraces the wisdom of man." (vs 1-27,30)  The so-called wise men in the kingdom had worldly wisdom, but lacked Godly wisdom and they were disgraced, not by Daniel, but by God.  They had no way of knowing because God put the dream in the king's mind, not man.  But God spoke to Daniel and he told the king what God was saying.  In God's wisdom, things happen and we need not ask, "Why is God doing this or that"  Read Job 40 and 1 Corinthians 1:20-25.  It's not our job to question God, but to acknowledge that his wisdom is greater than ours.  2) "I desire to reveal the mysteries of the world and My Word." (vs 27-30)  God had a reason for giving the king that dream.  His goal was not to trouble the king, but to reveal His will.  There are people today believe to find the mysteries of God, then need to be in some altered state of consciousness.  But what they fail to understand is that God wants to reveal His mysteries; he doesn't want to keep them a secret forever.  We can know them by reading His Word, praying for wisdom and opening up our mind and getting rid of the junk.  3) "I am the God of yesterday, today and tomorrow." (vs 31-33, 36-43)  Here's where the statue comes into play.  The statue represents empires throughout history and even includes one of today's empires.  He also describes how they fell or will fall.  The point here is the God is not limited by time and He has control of the past, present and future.  For us, it says we should always remember that, as we ask God for things, He is already ahead of us in tomorrow, so trust Him with the results.  4) "I will strike down earthly kingdoms, and rule from an eternal throne." (vs 34-35, 44-45)  There is a time coming, and we know not when, that earthly rule will be a thing of the past.  God has already established an eternal kingdom, that is coming soon and He will rule for eternity.  We can rest assured that this is our blessed hope and we just passing through this land.  When problems arise-rejoice-you're only passing through.  When you stare death in the face-rejoice-your home is not here, you're just passing through.  5) "I will use simple men to exalt my name and my kingdom." (vs 46-47)  Don't miss this.  God took a little nobody and had a pagan king on his face worshipping God!  God uses simple people to accomplish His mission.  Remember David and Moses and Peter and Paul?  God radically changed all of these simpletons, if you will, and transformed the world as we know it.  On my pastors.com forum, the last line of all my post reads, "God doesn't need able people, just available people.  He will equip you with what you need to accomplish His mission."  You were created to do more than just exist.  God doesn't need us, but He wants to use us to radically transform the world.  How awesome! The song that's playing right now is "Who Am I" by Casting Crowns.  We are nobodies in the grand scheme of things, but that who God uses!  6) "I will bless those who serve me from the heart." (vs 48-49)  Daniel and his friends are placed in positions of leadership in the kingdom.  Verse 48 says that the king lavished Daniel with gifts.  Folks, people that serve God from the heart get blessed.  You won't necessarily get physical gifts, but you will be blessed.  Who want to be blessed?  Everyone's hand better be raised!  If you aren't being blessed, you are either not serving or it's not from the heart.  I had help with this short message from the Holy Spirit via Tiger Gullett.  God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good!  Take some time and thank God for everything he has done for you and revealed to you.  Stand by for more insight from God's word from Daniel and Paul.  Until next time...Todd out.

Wednesday, 18 Oct:  Good day everyone!  Today was indeed a good day for me.  I had a few things pressing and got them knocked out fairly quickly.  Then, most of the rest of the day was for me to whatever.  I did get to talk to Angi while she and the boys were in line for the Family Force 5 concert in Raleigh tonight.  They were excited and I was just wishing I could be there.  Oh well, I will be home soon enough.  I am back in 1 Thessalonians tonight; chapter 4 to be exact.  Now, those of you Bible scholars out there will know that this is the place in scripture where we get the word "rapture".  This is true, but that is not all there is.  There are three other events that make up our "Blessed Hope". 1) THE RETURN: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God."  Jesus first came to us a child, with barely a whimper.  But this time, He himself, not a representative or a deputy, will come back to earth with a booming shout and a trumpet that will be heard by everyone on the planet.  He will announce, once and for all, that He is the victor over death and evil.  No one but the Father knows when that will happen, so we have to be ready.  2) THE RESURRECTION: "And the dead in Christ will rise first."  The foundation of our belief, as Christians, is that a resurrection happened over 2000 years ago.  Death is not the end, but a gateway into the very presence of God.  We learn here that our family and friends that have already died as Christians are not going miss out on this wonderful event.  In fact, they get to "go up" first.  Their spirits will be joined to their resurrected bodies, now free from the frailties and pains of this earth.  Christians have no guarantee they will live until this time, but we have the assurance that we will be raised imperishable.  Keep the faith!  3) THE RAPTURE: "We who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."  The actual word rapture isn't found in the Bible, but is derived from the words that Paul uses for "caught up".  It indicates a sudden and somewhat violent action.  Here's what The Message says, "We are all going to be changed.  You hear a blast...from a trumpet, and in the time you look up and blink your eye - It's over."  That's right folks, the law of gravity will not operate during this time, but the law of God will be in operation.  Think of it as Jesus gathering His sheep in the pasture of the clouds in the air.  Remember, the devil is considered the ruler of the air.  At this point, he will be evicted and Jesus will reign.  4) THE REUNION: "And so will be with the Lord forever!"  I can't think of no better climax to this age--the Lord descending, the Saint's ascending and heaven and earth will be united.  This is truly our Blessed Hope.  This earth has dealt us some blows. But for the Christian, it will be a thing of the past, never to happen again.  We will finally be beyond the reach of evil, pain and suffering.  It will the biggest family reunion you have ever attended.  Think of it.  There will be people there from every tribe and language and peoples and nations.  Do we have plenty to look forward to or what?  But until then, we are to be diligently working for God like Christ's return is a long ways off, yet be ready if He was to return tonight.  I leave you with the last two verses of Revelation from The Message, "He who testifies to all these things says if again, 'I'm on my way!  I'll be there soon!' Yes! Come, Master Jesus! The grace of the Master Jesus be with all of you.  Oh, yes!  Until next time...Todd out.

Thursday, 19 Oct:  Yo!  That's the way Rocky said "Hi".  Where did that come from?  Well, we were watching the Ultimate Fighting Championship tonight and I was thinking of a greeting.  Rocky is a wonderful story of courage and persistence.  Just a little extra for you today.  I spent time today getting ready for band practice and getting a haircut.  But, I was looking forward to writing tonight, too.  Back in the book of Daniel.  In Chapter 4, King Nebuchadnezzar has another dream that he needs interpreted.  Once again, though he ends up not liking what it meant.  In fact, this dream would come true, and the king would indeed suffer.  But, what we are going to discuss tonight is how to stop the madness in our lives.  Our lives can sometimes appear to be shear insanity.  How can we put an end to self-defeating behavior?  I had help with this from a message by Brian Atwood.  We can find the answers in Daniel 4.  1) We need the Holy Spirit to guide our thinking. (vs 1-18)  The king told Daniel, "I had a dream, and I was afraid."   Fear is most often the beginning point of our self-defeating behavior.  The king repeated his previous experience with having someone tell him what his dream meant, but once again, the Holy Spirit, through Daniel, gave it him.  The king still did not realize that his dream was from God, via the Holy Spirit.  The king was afraid because he was not guided by the Holy Spirit.  Daniel, on the other hand, did not live by fear and had a clear vision of the future.  Trust the Holy Spirit; He will lead you where you need to go.  Consider Romans 8:5-6 (MSG), "Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life.  Those who trust God's action in them find that God's spirit is in them-living and breathing God"!  2)  We need to think with humility. (vs 19-37)  Here was have opposite attitudes again shown with the king and Daniel.  The king was proud and arrogant and had fooled himself into believing he didn't need God.  He was "full of himself", as sometimes we can get in certain situations.  Daniel was the picture of humility, not taking personal credit for what the Holy Spirit was doing through him.  God gave the king the dream to warn him of the consequences of pride and to give him a chance to repent.  He didn't change.  However, eventually, after the king's dream has come true, he admitted in verse 37, "Everything He does is right, and He does it the right way.  He knows how to turn a proud person into a humble man or woman" (MSG).  In Philippians 2:5, Paul says, "Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus."  Christ had a humble mind and we must go in that direction if we ever want to stop messing ourselves up.  3) We must substitute healthy activities for the harmful. (v 27)  Daniel tells the king, "So, King, take my advice: Make a clean break with your sins and start living for others.  Quit your wicked life and look after the needs of the down-and-out.  The you will continue to have a good life." (MSG)  Because Daniel was being guided by the Holy Spirit and had a humble mind, he understood what caused the kings self-defeating behavior: SIN.  No matter who we are, there is no way we can try and manage our sins.  We must repent (turn 180 degrees the other way), ask forgiveness, and get going to right way.  Ephesians 4:28 says this about repentance, "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need."  So, we don't just stop doing the bad stuff, but we have to start doing good things.  We could all probably find some time to give and to help others.  That would be time taken away from self-defeating behaviors.  Praise God for speaking to us through Daniel.  Until next time...Todd out.

Friday, 20 Oct:  Hello everyone.  Today is Friday and, once again, everyone is looking forward to football, but the work still continues.  Nothing major happened today, well not at work anyway.  I'm going to just chat with you about my evening.  No scriptures, no lesson, just a chat.  I let Angela know a few days ago that I would be able to come home for a few weeks sometime in the next few months.  I can't tell you exactly cause that would break all kind of security rules.  But, suffice it to say, she was elated.  I had some things in mind that I wanted to do while I was home and finding a 3 or 4 day getaway for just her and I was on my list.  So, I spent most of tonight on the internet looking for just the right place for us to go.  Well, I looked at plenty of hotels, B&Bs, but nothing really tickled my fancy.  So, I basically wasted a whole night...no, not really.  I found places that have potential, but we are going to collaborate on it and come up with something.  We have friends of ours that suggested a few places and we are looking into maybe a cabin in the mountains.  I just want to make it special.  Angela has been through plenty since we have been together with me being gone quite a bit.  I know that I could never fully make up for all the lost time together.  God has truly blessed me with a wonderful women to call my wife, and if you have time on 26 October, say a little prayer for us both.  It will be 15 years we have been married.  I will tell you that is very uncommon amongst Sailors to be married that long.  But she has stuck by me all the way and deserves to be pampered, at least for a few days!  Well, it's really late, but I will be back tomorrow with more Bible to talk about.  Until next time...Todd out.

Saturday, 21 Oct:  Okay, I am back tonight ready to share God's word with you.  Today was unusually busy.  Nothing too hard, though, just several things going on at one time.  But God is good and I made it through.  People would call it ironic, but I call it God and the Holy Spirit.  Angi sent me 2 of the 3 books of the series "Babylon Rising".  It is a story about things leading up to the rapture of the church and things like that.  It just so happens, my Bible readings for the next few weeks are from Daniel and Thessalonians.  Both talk about things that will happen before and after Christ returns.  Coincidence...hogwash!  So, 2 Thessalonians is where I am tonight. Paul is again addressing the church at Thessalonica.  He starts this chapter saying, "Now, friends, read these next words carefully.  Slow down and don't go jumping to conclusions regarding the day when our Master, Jesus Christ, will come back and we assemble to welcome Him.  Don't let anyone shake you up or get you excited over some breathless report or rumored letter from me that the day of the Master's arrival has come and gone.  Don't fall for any line like that. (MSG).  Paul goes on to tell the church that a "falling away" or apostasy must happen, along with some other things.  We are going to focus on things that will cause folks to "fall away".  We should know these so we can let those around us know what's wrong and what's right today.  The NUMBER ONE thing is PRIDE.  Pride will get you every time.  Pride will keep people from worshipping God.  You know, the I don't need God for this one, syndrome. You may know some people like that.  1 Timothy 3:6 says, "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he falleth into condemnation of the devil."  There are too many Christians today that are full of pride, the wrong type.  They are too proud to get on their knees and pray, too proud to go to the alter and pray for someone else.  We need to lay aside self righteousness and get back to the basics.  The NUMBER TWO thing is LUST.  Don't just associate this word with sex.  James 1:14-15 says, "Every man is tempted when he is drawn way of his ouw lust, and enticed.  The when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."  Lusts are the desires of the flesh, the mind and the eyes and all these things will take you away from the will of God, if you let them.  The devil is good at telling you that it will feel good and may even take all your problems away.  Remember, the devil is a LIAR.  If you want to lust, then lust after the Holy Spirit.  Get excited about what God's doing and not what the world's doing!  The NUMBER THREE thing is INIQUITY.  Matthew 24:12 says, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.  If you are saved by the grace of God and you try to go back to your old life and you know it's sinful and against the commandments of God, you have transgressed.  When you have transgressed the commandments of God, you have committed iniquity.  Leave that old stuff alone.  You are a new creature and old things have passed away.  Don't get caught up in "the world".  Be separate from the world and accept the blessing of being called a Child of God!  The NUMBER FOUR thing is ERROR OF THE WICKED.  2 Peter 3:17, "Ye therefore beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.  Many Christians will get out and around lost people and their faith wanes and they end up wicked themselves.  There are plenty of people, young and old, that are looking at Satan's children and not God's children.  They see the evil happening on TV and such and think that it is okay.  That's the error of the wicked.  Eve ate the fruit and the human race was cursed, because of evil.  Don't be fooled folks...God wants you to live forever!  The NUMBER FIVE thing is SEDUCING SPIRITS.  Some Christians have the mindset that only the Spirit of God is out there.  But look at 1 Timothy 4:1, "Now the spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of the devil."   He, the enemy, will whisper in our ears and some will listen.  He will tell you that nobody will see your sin...God sees and knows all.  We have to try the spirits as to whether they are from God or not.  We don't wrestle with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers and against spiritual wickedness in high places.  Don't give in to evil spirits poking and prodding you to do something that goes against your faith in God.  If God wouldn't tell you to do it, don't do it.  Don't get caught doing something you are not supposed to be doing.  Make people proud of you by doing only what God tells you to do!  The NUMBER SIX thing is PLEASURES.  People fall away in this area by loving their pleasures more than they love God.  God is the one that can keep us out of Hell, and yet people take delight in things other than Him.  In the last days, you will notice more and more people going backwards and they don't even realize it.  Making excuses on Sunday morning for missing church like golfing with your boss may be evidence of a person who loves life's pleasures more than God.  Jesus suffered, and we should be more willing to suffer for God than to live out our earthly pleasures and enjoyment of this world.  The NUMBER SEVEN thing is MONEY.  Oh yeah, save the best for last.  We have all learned that money in the root of all evil.  Not money, but the love of it.  Your job is important, but you have to keep God first in your life.  Some people think money will by you anything.  Think again, keeping God first is the only way to get anything and everything you need.  Remember, you can't take it with you.  Now remember, these are a brief description of ways that we can "fall away" from God.  These things can and will happen to a large number of Christians before Christ returns.  Some are heading down this path as we speak.  Keep your eyes and hearts open and when you see these things happening...His return is very near.  Until next time...Todd out.

Sunday, 22 Oct:  Happy Sunday, again!  Overall today was a great day.  I got up earlier than usual to take someone to the airport.  But after the magnificent church service, I kind of got a second wind.  So, here I am to share some more of God's word.  I am continuing in Daniel this evening.  Daniel 6 to be exact. Everyone may be familiar with this chapter because of the lions and the den that Daniel was thrown in, after he was set up by a few jealous leaders.  We all know the lesson there, right?  Trust God and only God.  However, there are things that Daniel did prior to that episode to all but ensure God would save him.  Over the course of his life, he set himself up this day and days to come.  His power can be traced to three important decisions.  1) Daniel chose CHARACTER over COMFORT.  He was known by everyone to be noble and ethical...no skeletons in his closet.  Even the king didn't really want to send Daniel to the den because he knew him pretty well.  The king had been tricked, in a way, too.  How often are we up against doing the right thing as opposed to being comfortable?  Your decisions will demonstrate your virtues of lack of them.  Society wants to be comfortable and is not concerned with character.  Daniel chose to be above his peers.  We should choose to be above our peers, too.  Have the courage to be different!  2) Daniel chose DISCIPLINE over DISORDER.  Daniel had a tremendously disciplined prayer life.  Verse 10 says, "Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to God."  You know the reason some people succeed while others fail is they have an absence of discipline.  Our tongues are out of control, our devotional lives are somewhat or completely lacking and our church life is somewhat or completely void of spirituality.  Recall how undisciplined we all were as young people and what did Dad usually do.  Same goes for God...we discipline ourselves or He will-lovingly, of course.  3) Daniel chose LOVE over LIFE.  The new law passed said no one could pray to any god for the next thirty days or face the wrath of the lions.  Remember, I said earlier that those guys tricked the king and set up Daniel?  They just wanted to get Daniel in trouble because they knew Daniel would never stop praying.  Daniel heard about the decree and went straight to his room and prayed three times a day, facing Jerusalem. Daniel wasn't interested in being brunch for the lions, but He loved God so much, his life was not that important.  We have to make sure that our love for Christ is more important than our ambitions.  God must be more important than being accepted by your peers.  Let's not become guilty of making Christianity a religion of convenience.  Daniel was determined to serve God, regardless of the consequences.  Verse 23 sums up the whole deal, "The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den.  And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God!"  We will never be fully isolated from painful experiences.  But, if we continue to trust in the Lord, He will bring us through these experiences unharmed.  So how do we break free from just being mediocre?  Choose CHARACTER over COMFORT, Choose DISCIPLINE over DISORDER and Choose LOVE over LIFE!  Take a look at your life.  I love the book of Daniel for all the life lessons we can learn.  My thanks to David Scolforo, whose outline I found to further my knowledge of Chapter 6.  Keep praying and thanking God...Daniel did it three times a day!  Until next time...Todd out.

Monday, 23 Oct:  Wow, what a day.  It is definitely Monday.  I did finish up a project and it is ready for final QA and release and I did turn in my laundry.  Those were the only two things that went right today.  I won't go into the three things that didn't go right.  Rest assured that nobody was physically hurt and everyone is still fairly sane...LOL  But, you know, I've said it before and I'll say it again...God is good.  I am in Daniel again today, chapter 7 to be specific.  Daniel lived through some pretty uncertain times.  We are not so different.  Just look at world and I don't need to tell you the future looks mighty uncertain.  People, places and things like Al-Quaida, Bin Laden, Al Zarqawi, a Palestinian state, insurgency and Kim (N Korea) were unknown to many of us pre 911, but now they are part of our daily vocabulary.  There is certainly a measure of uncertainty that abounds.  Where can we turn for some certainty?  Who can we trust?  What can you hold on to?  Daniel's dream was very troubling on the surface, but by the end it turned out to be prophetic and hope-filled.  God spoke to Daniel through his dream, but it is reaching out to us even today.  The dream in four principles of certainty... 1) EARTHLY KINGS AND KINGDOMS WILL ALL PASS AWAY.  God's Kingdom will last forever, even forever and ever.  Nothing will last forever unless is belongs to God.  The king found that out real fast.  Each beast that comes out of the sea rises to power and then falls just as easily.  All power is given by God and can and will be taken away if used improperly.  So, no matter what is going on in the world today, God is in control and the earthly kingdoms will pass away, but God's won't!  2) EVIL WILL EVENTUALLY BE DESTROYED.  Look at verse 26, "The court shall convene, and they shall take away his dominion, consume it and destroy it forever."  This will the second and final death of evil.  The first was when Jesus bled on the cross.  1 John 3:8 says, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work."  When Jesus appears again, evil will be destroyed forever.  Keep this in mind during times of uncertainty, evil will not prevail, God's people will!  Evil is not here to stay, it's here to go!  His fate has already been sealed.  3) WE HAVE A CLEAR PICTURE OF JESUS. If you want to, in your Bible, find verse 13 and write JESUS in the margin.  Although all that evil was in Daniel's dream, Jesus showed up to kick some tail.  We are all going to face uncertainty, but just to capture a glimpse of Jesus' face...like Superchik sings, "It's gonna be okay.  It's gonna be alright.  Yeah, yeah."  Daniel got a glimpse of Him 500 years before he came.  What a powerful statement...Keep your eyes on Jesus, He's all the certainty you need.  4)  WE HAVE A SHARED VICTORY IN CHRIST.  This is where we come into the picture.  God was thinking of you and me when he gave Daniel this dream.  Read verse 18.  We are the "saints".  Never has there ever been a doubt that God's people would be victorious.  We are on the winning team!  God warned Daniel of the coming battle between good and evil.  Did it happen?  Is it happening now?  The presence of evil will increase as we get closer to the return of Christ.  But in the end, we share in the victory and we inherit the Kingdom of God and all of it's benefits.  Finally, we may lose some battles for we know that anything can happen.  But, above all, put your trust in Christ, he has the victory "in the bag!"  Oh how I love Jesus, because He first loved me!  Until next time...Todd out.

Tuesday, 24 Oct:  Howdy!  I am in need of some extra prayer today.  In my quest to stop smoking, I had a minor setback the last few days.  I am back on track to quit on my target date, but it is going to take some doing.  So, please pray that I can put them down for good!  Well, today was pretty uneventful, as is often the case.  I did a few small things and then basically called it a day.  I got back into the Word, Daniel 8.  Now, let me preface this by saying, as Daniel said in the last verse, I had trouble making sense of this latest vision.  So, I elicited the help of several people to explain it a little.  There is however, 3 parts to this vision that God has laid our for us.  I will get to those, but the ram and the goat are empires that have been raised and defeated.  The horns represent the kings of these empires.  The ram's horns were Media and Persia and the goat's horn were for Greece.  We know from history that Greece (Alexander the Great) did plenty of conquering in his time.  But he, too was dethroned, if you will, and his replacement was defeated by the Jews in a miraculous way.  Now, this was a vision to Daniel about what was to happen.  It all came true, so we can be assured that other visions of Daniel will come true as well.  We will see later some of those visions.  Like I said, don't fell bad is you find all of this a bit confusing.  In some ways, that is God's intention, so we will delve deeper in His Word to find the answers.  Sometimes, though, the answers are a mystery to be revealed by God at a later date.  Now, for ...the rest of the story.  God is telling us 3 things through this vision.  1) A SPIRITUAL BATTLE RAGES BEHIND OUR PROBLEMS.  Life is not always what it seems.  On the surface, we may feel or even look defeated, but there is more going on than meets the eye.  The enemies power reaches into our thought life and even into our hearts, if we let him.  Take a look at some of the struggles you have been through.  There was and is a battle going on.  It's a battle of the mind, a spiritual battle.  Think of an iceberg and remember that there is so much more of it that we don't see.  God's remedy for us is found in Ephesians 6:10 where we are told to put on all God's armor so that we will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the devil.  We are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms."  Take heart, though because...2) GOD IS DEFINITELY INVOLVED IN THE STRUGGLE, SO THERE WILL BE A DEFINITE WINNER.  As you battle with the evil spirits and become weary, it is easy to begin to wonder where God is.  He said He would never leave nor forsake His people.  In the vision, the prince of princes (Jesus) was attacked and appeared defeated.  God may have seemed distant, but I can guarantee He was right there the whole time.  Do we think that because God is not showing us everything that He is doing that He is not there?  Be assured that God is in control and in His time, the evil will be broken.  Look at verse 25, "He (the enemy) will be a master of deception, defeating many be catching them off guard.  Without warning, he will destroy them.  He will even take on the Prince of princes in battle, but he will be broken, though not by human power."  I believe this is a picture of the antichrist's demise.  The point is clear - God is doing it and will be the WINNER.  Therefore we can...3) TAKE HEART, BECAUSE IF YOU'RE ON GOD'S SIDE, YOU'RE ON THE WINNING SIDE.  Sometime in your life, you'll be doing all the right things and nothing seems to happening but God talked to that, too.  In Galatians, Paul tells the church to not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.  No matter how unstable things seem and how bleak the outlook appears, we know how it all ends up.  Jesus died on the cross and rose again snatching victory over the forces of sin and death.  Don't focus inward, but instead set your gaze outward and upward to the Father, who is the CHAMPION!  Yes, you can get all of that from Daniel's vision.  Understand the enemy wants your soul, but God is in the fight and will win, and if you believe in and have accepted His Son, Jesus, you are a winner, too!  Until next time...Todd out.

Wednesday, 25 Oct:  Hey everyone!  I trust you are having a blessed day.  Today we pretty typical, but last night was pretty neat.  After I left the office, there came a thunder storm, complete with lightning, thunder and plenty of rain.  It "tinked" on top of my room and actually helped me to sleep.  It was very comforting, believe it or not.  It's hard to explain, but I was totally at peace last night and it had something to do with the "storm".  There is song that says, "Sometimes He calms the storms, and other times He calms His child."  Makes prefect sense to me.  Well, I read several different scriptures today, and God pointed out some things in 2 Kings 5.  I know, you may have been expecting Daniel.  Don't fret, I'm sure I will get back to Daniel.  But in 2 Kings 5, we learn of a general by the name of Naaman who was healed of his disease.  The basics of that healing was obedience and God's grace, and the faith of a little girl, who remains nameless to this day.  But God would have me take on, not Naaman, but a servant by the name of Gehazi.  He was Elisha's servant.  Gehazi's actions got him tagged as the "Judas of the Old Testament".  What he did shows his dissatisfaction with Naaman.  Dissatisfaction breeds covetousness.  Look at verse 20, "But he hadn't gone far when Gehazi, servant to Elisha the Holy Man, said to himself, 'My Master has let this Armean Naaman slip through his fingers without so much as a thank-you.  By the living God, I'm going after him to get something or other from him!' And Gehazi took off after Naaman." (MSG)  To covet means to desire that which belongs to another and to desire to take way that which belongs to another."  It's been called the "Power of evil".  Gehazi was committing a sin and these were the issues.  CONCEALMENT, CONTEMPT, CONTROL, CORRUPTION.  1) Concealment.  Notice that what Gehazi said, he said to himself.  He was attempting to keep secret his scheme.  A spiritual mistake borne of his desire to take something that didn't belong to him.  Then, he secretly followed Naaman, stalked him, if you will.  Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked..." (NKJV).  But keep in mind that God knows your heart.  Your sins may be hidden from the world, but not from God!  2) Contempt.  It was an attitude problem.  Gehazi did not respect his spiritual leader and mentor, nor did he respect God.  He wanted to do it his way.  His desire to take what did not belong to him was so important to him that he replaced his respect with contempt.  When someone in a court of law is disrespectful to the law and the judge, they are held in contempt of court.  A person in this situation has not gotten what their heart desires.  It is a heart problem that is the fuel for a covetous spirit.  Respect for authority is always the way to go. 3) Control.  Gehazi wanted something from Naaman.  If he got the right things, he thought he could have control, too.  His attitude was, "I will not follow, but I can lead."  The only problem with that is that the control a leader has must be seasoned with wisdom, submission to God and prayer.  I don't need to tell you Gehazi was not ready to lead anything!  Control in the wrong hands can be devastating for those under that control.  God is in control, period.                                    4) Corruption.  You know some people that are up to their necks in corruption.  Now, Gehazi's sin of covetousness, in and of itself was corrupt.  Notice that he lied to Naaman to get money and clothes for people that didn't exist.  Naaman had such compassion, he even gave Gehazi two servants.  This scheme was corrupt from the word go.  But look what happened in the end.  Corruption breeds corruption.  Elisha knew all along what Gehazi was doing and gave him something of Naaman's - leprosy.  But not just for Gehazi, but it infected his whole family and Elisha said there would be no relief in sight.  All these things happen because Gehazi wanted something that didn't belong to him.  He got it, alright.  Sin is what the world has.  If you want it, be prepared for corruption.  Don't fall into the trap of wanting something so bad you get overtaken by the "Power of evil".  Remember, if Jesus is your shepherd, you shall want for NOTHING.  Praise God!  Until next time...Todd out.

Thursday, 26 Oct:  It is indeed a happy day for me.  Angela Renee and I have been married 15 years today.  I tell you the truth, I can remember it like it was yesterday.  I am convinced that is a great thing.  Part of our vows to each other was that we would say later down the road that that we loved each other more than the day we were wed.  I do!  She has brought so much joy to my life.  She has been a rock in our relationship.  She is on the road today and I am Iraq, but because of our love for God and each other, we are together.  I love you, Angela Renee!  I could go on, but I won't make you sit through all the dramatic, comedic, horrorific, action-packed, but mostly romantic scenes of our lives.  Sounds like the Bible, doesn't it?  But in the end, God is in control and Christ reigns forever and ever.  Alright, back to the book of Daniel, chapter 10 tonight.  Daniel has yet another vision.  Now, Daniel was well into his 80s, but still he was spiritually alive and sensitive to God.  His vision is of a man that comes to fight a spiritual battle, but he is told in verse 14, "Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come."  This is one of the prophecies Daniel was given, and if you think about it, the pinnacle of all prophecy if Jesus Christ.  Chapter 10 is not the first time Daniel has been exposed to Jesus (Chs 2, 7, 8 and 9), but this is the most majestic.  Daniel is on the banks of the Tigris river and he sees the most breathtaking sight he had ever seen.  Notice that the other men with him did not see the figure. Would you recognize Jesus?  His clothing speaks of royalty.  Purity and holiness are represented by white linen.  He also had a golden sash or belt.  We know that only kings wore golden sashes, so Jesus is seen as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  His body is beautiful beyond description.  The use of the gem beryl denotes a very rare, precious stone that is only found in one place in the world.  It is more valuable than diamonds and shimmers.  So beautiful, no one can adequately describe it.  Isn't that just like Jesus to be indescribable!  His face revels radiance.  Daniel says in the NKJV "like the appearance of lightning."  That's how brilliant it was, it lit up the entire sky.  Remember Moses when saw just the after glow of God's glory, he comes down from the mountain and his facing is shinning.  1 John 1:5 says that "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all."  His eyes burn thorough any pretense.  The Message says his "eyes were bright and penetrating like torches."  In other His eye can "burn right through you."  What did Peter do when Jesus looked him in the eye after the rooster crowed?  Jesus was saying "I told you that you would deny me three time, but I still love you!"  Peter went out and wept bitterly.  Jesus can see into the very depths of your heart, piercing it and loves you, even after what he see there.  His arms are strong to comfort.  The bronze speaks to strength.  We see Jesus picking up the little children, holding them tight and telling them that everything is going to be okay.  Christ's arms were indeed strong from many hours in the carpenter shop and those are the same arms that holds the universe together, that reaches out to us today, and that were stretch on the cross to embrace my sin and yours.  Do you feel His arms around you? His feet enable Him to walk over danger.  Bronze also speaks to durability and protection.  Think of all the miles he walked the dusty roads, but also, think how those same feet were able to walk on the stormy waters.  Ephesians 1:22 says that "God has put all things under His feet."  If you are walking with Jesus, you will always be safe!  His voice was too loud to ignore.   Depending on which version you read, His voice was like the sound of the multitude, or it roared like a vast multitude of people or it was deep and resonant, sounding like a huge choir of voices.  Have you ever been a dome when the home team scored a touchdown?  It is deafening, let me tell you.  God still speaks to us in a still, small voice, but the the voice of the Glorified, exalted Christ is louder than 100 jetliners taking off.  When Christ returns with a shout I guarantee that everyone on the earth will hear it!  So, if Jesus were to come and visit you, do you think you would recognize Him?  I encourage you to look for Him. Read Revelation 1:13-15 to see what John saw on the island of Patmos.  Notice any similarities?  I was assisted tonight by a portion of a message delivered by David Dykes.  Until next time...Todd out.

Friday, 27 Oct:  Well, another Friday out of the way.  You know sometimes time can go so fast.  It's Monday, but before you even realize it, it's Friday again and time to get ready for football.  Ever wonder why I talk about football so much?  It just means another week has gone by and I am that much closer to being home.  Obviously, Sunday worship is another indicator, but I would hope that it would be understood.  Anyway, we are almost to the end of Daniel.  But we see in Chapter 11, two sections of prophecy/history, if you will.  Now, I had to do some digging to find exactly how to explain it and I found some wonderful stuff, so here goes.  We know that God has given Daniel, the prophet, these visions.  We know that God's prophets are correct 100% of the time and Chapter 11 proves it.  The first section, we'll call PROPHECY FULFILLED-OUR HISTORY.  Verses 2-4 speak to the Persian/Greek Wars.  The mighty King spoken of is Alexander the Great of Greece.  There were four kings in Persia, the fourth, and richest, would be Xerxes.  When Alexander died, he had no heirs, so his kingdom was divided among 4 generals.  All this occurred precisely as the angel predicted through Daniel!  Verses 5-20 speak of the North vs. South (Egypt/Syria).  This is an interesting one, because when Syria attacked from the north, they had to go through Israel and when Egypt attacked from the south, they went through Israel, too.  When you study the history books, you see Daniels predictions were accurate.  There is an alliance that forms between the daughter of the king in the south and the king of the north.  It really reads like a soap opera...divorce, death, concubines, grudges, poison and murder. We first see a queen named Cleopatra here.  For extra credit, which Cleopatra consorted with Mark Anthony?  Give up...Cleopatra VII.  This, too, except for the Mark Anthony part, all happened as Daniel had predicted!   Finally, verses 21-35 we see the Wicked King.  This king was the "little horn" of Chapter 8.  Refer back, if you need to.  We see here with King Antiochus Epiphanes that his actions were the forerunner to the Anitchrist.  The vision said he would invade the South, but this time get turned away.  He took out his anger and rage out on Jerusalem.  He set up an idol in the temple and established the first abomination that causes desolation.  Sound familiar?  Hang with me.  So, everything prior to verse 36, Daniel's vision was prophecy at the time, but is history for us.  Wow, what a mighty God we serve.  So, we have to believe the rest of the chapter will come true, right.  Bible scholars had held the view for centuries that starting with verse 36, the vision has to do with our future.  So, the second section, we'll call PROPHECY PREDICTED-OUR FUTURE.  The focus of these verses is the Antichrist.  I hesitate to discuss this, but I believe that we need to be aware so we can share with others who may not believe the Bible to be the true, inspired Word of God.  Remember, prophets are right 100% of the time.  No doubt, this man described here will rise up and deceive many.  Verse 36 talks about his time.  What is the time of wrath talked about here?  Right now, we are living in the age of grace, but at any moment, the Lord Jesus could return and take His people home (the Rapture), thus ending the age of grace.  The time of wrath is referred to by Jesus several times while he walked this earth, "For there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now-and never to be equaled again."  The Apostle John saw this and describes in Revelation chapters 6-18. Verses 37-39 talk to his temperament.  Many people in the past have been falsely labeled the Antichrist (Mussolini, Hitler, Ronald Reagan, and Saddam Hussein).  But we know that he will not be revealed until after the Rapture of the Church.  So, we don't know who he is, but we know what he is going to be like.  He will be a charismatic, egotistical, arrogant politician that will reject his spiritual heritage, whether it be Jewish, Christian or Muslim.  He will worship power, money and military might.  Be careful, though, because at first he will be touted as a man of peace, but is really a "wolf in sheep's clothing."  He will renew the war between the North and the South in the Middle East.  Keep an eye on Egypt and Syria.  Verses 40-44 speaks about his territory.  Verse 39 says, "He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land for a price."  I don't know about you, but aren't we seeing in the news people trying to decide how Israel will be divided up?  They cannot come up with a solution.  The Antichrist will finally come and settle the issue.  He will invade the "beautiful land".  Folks, the Middle East is prime real estate for the Antichrist to "set up shop".  But, don't get upset or be frightened by these future events, God is in control!  And finally, verse 45 tells us about his termination. "And no one will help him", is the way the chapter ends.  No fanfare, no long obituary, just a wave of God's hand.  We look ahead to Revelation 19, where John picks up the prediction and talks about the Battle of Armageddon.  We know that if God be for us who can be against us, but the Antichrist will learn that if God be against you, who can be for you?  Listen to how John describes the devastating defeat in Revelation 19:20:  "But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf.  With these signs, he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshipped his image.  The two of them were thrown alive in the fiery lake of burning sulfur."  Talk about a Victory in Jesus!!!!  I know I was long tonight, but my intent was not to discourage you, but give you more confidence in God and reassurance that everything is happening according to His plan.  As I stated earlier, Daniel 11 is proof, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Bible is the infallible, inspired Word of God.  I will leave you with one more verse you need to know as we move toward the fulfillment of God's prophetic plan.  Hebrews 10:25 says, "Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."  We don't know for sure, but I do know that we are one week closer than we were last week, so...Make sure everyone around you knows Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior!!!!  Until next time...Todd out. 

Saturday, 28 Oct:  Hey everyone!  Another day down.  The highlight of the day so far has been the light show up in the sky.  The lightning is going up and down and side to side.  It is truly an awesome sight.  But not as awesome as when we see our Savior face to face.  We are going to finish up Daniel tonight.  Daniel 12 is the conclusion of the long prophecy that began in Chapter 10.  I love verse 13 in the Message: "And you? Go about your business without fretting or worrying.  Relax.  When it's all over, you will be on your feet to receive your reward".  Now, with that said, there are 5 bottom-line truths we can glean from just the first few verses of Chapter 12.  First TRUTH - THERE IS A BOOK OF LIFE (12:1).  We are told several times throughout the Bible that there is a book in Heaven containing names of certain people.  In your lifetime, your name has been on numerous lists, but the only list that matters for eternity in is the Book of Life that God keeps.  This list does not coincide with any church membership list, because church membership is not synonymous with salvation.  A relationship with the risen Christ is what it takes.  If your name is not in the book, be prepared for the lake of fire. My name is in the book--Is your name written in it?  Second TRUTH - THERE ARE TWO FUTURE RESURRECTIONS (12:2)  On "that day", some will rise to everlasting life and some will rise to shame and everlasting contempt.  I'll try to make it simple.  We were all born at least once (physically) and some twice (spiritually).  Now, if you were only born once, you will die twice.  But, if you are born twice, you'll only die once.  The first death, for everyone, is the physical death.  If you were only born once, you will experience the second death as your resurrected body goes through eternal death and separation from God.  Conversely, if you have been born twice (physically and spiritually), you will only die once and the second death will never touch you.  Twice born believers will spend eternity with God.  I am only dying once--How many times will you die?  Third TRUTH - REAL "STARS" ARE THOSE WHO SHINE FOR JESUS (12:3)  This truth should give us a huge thrill.  We all know how this world views its stars.  Most, if not more, will never attain that status, in the world's eyes.  But God says when you lead someone to righteousness-that's to Jesus-God considers you a star that will shine forever and ever.  All of us have "star"  potential.  Some will teach Sunday School.  Some will share their faith at work. Some will bring friends to church.  I am working on my "star" status--Are you leading people to Jesus?  Fourth TRUTH - AN EXPLOSION OF INFORMATION WILL CHARACTERIZE THE LAST DAYS (12:4)  Daniel is told to close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end.  Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.  I probably don't need to spend much time on this one.  Here are some things to think about, though.  Several years ago we used encyclopedias that weighed about 70 pounds and took up a whole shelf.  Now, we have the same information, and more, on a couple of CDs that fit in our pocket.  Don't miss this...the amount of information and knowledge is indeed increasing exponentially (squared rather than multiplied).  From AD 33 to 1700 knowledge doubled. By 1900, after only 200 years, knowledge doubled again.  By 1950, after only 50 years, technical knowledge doubled again. Now, knowledge is doubling every two years and if quantum physics comes true, it could double in one day sometime real soon.  So what does that mean for us?  Jesus said, "When you see these things, you know that it is near, right at the door...So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him (Matt 24:33,44).  I believe these are signs of the soon coming King of Kings--Do you recognize the signs?  Fifth TRUTH - THERE IS REST AND A REWARD FOR GOD'S CHILDREN (12:13)  We don't know exactly when Daniel died, but we do know that he had the great assurance that God promised him rest and an inheritance.  We, too, don't know how much longer we have, but one question you have to ask yourself.  Will you live the rest of your life with the assurance that when you die you will spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus?  It's not about religion.  It's not about just believing either.  It is about a relationship with God and about Him being real to you.  Daniel spoke to God everyday and God spoke back.  A great example for us.  I know God--Do you have a personal relationship with Him?  I have had a wonderful time exploring the Book of Daniel, and I hope that I have made you more informed.  But have you been transformed as well?  For those who know Jesus, I pray your faith was strengthened.  But if you don't know Jesus, I hope you have been drawn to Him and accept Him very soon, before it's too late.  Parts of this entry were gathered, again, from a message by David Dykes.  I love you all!  Until next time...Todd out.