The Light

"I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness."

John 12:46


I leave you with this song...

There is a light that shines in the darkness
by Delirious

Parallel Things

Last night in Bible study we went over the parallels between Isaac and Jesus...

~how Abraham took his son, his only son, to Moriah to offer him there as a sacrifice

~how Abraham took the wood for the offering and laid it on his son who carried it to the mountain

~how God said He would provide a lamb (I love the way the King James words it- My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering)

Of course, this is only one of many parallels we can learn from…

There's Joseph and Jesus (see here), Moses and Jesus (see here and here), and of course, many more (see Prophecy and Typology @www.inplainsite.org).

Then there are the parallels with our society and the trends in those which fell into the hands of dictatorships. As well, there are serious parallels between the days leading up to the Maccabean revolt and the times we live in today, as explained so clearly in the articles by Jacob Prasch I posted last week (Part 1 and Part 2 - these are really a must read if you want to understand the times). I had fully intended to write a nice long post about Antiochus, Hellenization and today, but there is always so much to blog and so little time.

Meanwhile, the LORD, who has written parallels throughout time for our benefit, also allows the plots and schemes of men which repeat themselves throughout history, and He is sovereign over all the kingdoms of this world.

It all points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan in the Messiah, the redeemer of this lost world. He is the light that shines in the darkness.

Yes, I had much to write on that...but my real life, which parallels my blogging life, has become rather busy of late, and I think it's nearly time for one of my blogging breaks...

Blaming Bloggers?

Here's a fascinating thing to read over at Extreme Theology called The Real Facts About Rick Warren’s Ties to Robert Schuller about his interview with World Net Daily in which he blames the bloggers for spreading false rumours. Read it and decide for yourself who is saying things that aren't true.

The Biblical Thing

Hmmm...lawsuits amongst Christians? Is that the biblical thing to do? I think not.

The Smiley Gospel

There has been much controversy over author and preacher Joel Osteen lately, especially since he was interviewed on the Larry King show (see youtube clip here). So is he preaching a false message with a smile? Listen to Steve Camp dicuss Joel Osteen and the modern state of evangelism HERE. But more than that, this interview is just a treat to listen to Steve Camp talk about worship music vs. the worship craze (first half).

SBG Part 4

The following is my continued unprofessional review of the book called Stricken by God?, which was edited and compiled by Brad Jersak...

SBG Part 4

Chapter 3

The Reasons for Jesus' Crucifixion

By N.T. Wright

This chapter of Stricken by God? was definitely easier to read than the last one, but I had to force myself to get through it. It’s an essay written by N.T. Wright called The Reasons for Jesus’ Crucifixion.

Here are some things I jotted down as I began to read this 70 page chapter:

The possiblity that Jesus’ death could have been an accident? …what?

He saw himself in some sense as the Messiah, a revolutionary…what?


Terms used repeatedly through the chapter:

-public “career” (instead of ministry)

-Israel’s god (always a small “g”)

-the things Jesus did during his public ministry are referred to as his “Kingdom agenda”, temple action, or his career

-temple-action: the things he did in the temple

-Jesus’ quotes from the OT are referred to only as ‘riddles’

-the foe is always 'the satan', with a small ‘s’

-quotes often from Plato, Sanders, Hengel


This question is asked:

“Did Jesus embrace a worldview that would make his death make sense?”

The answer given by the author is that we must begin with praxis, story and symbol before investigating ideas and sayings…then he goes on to the central symbolic action which provides the key to Jesus’ intention…the last supper.

Finally, here is where I thought I might just know something...but the Passover meal is not explained in the marvelous way it is meant to be…instead the Passover is referred to as basically the annual Jewish cult that brought Jesus’ kingdom movement to its climax (the pre-kingdom meal). Wright says that the ‘majority’ of scholars agree that Jesus celebrated this final meal with his disciples.

Well isn't that nice...but the Bible says He did. Was there ever any doubt? I know the issue is Jesus and his disciples eating the meal the night before the actual day of Passover etc., but there are some very good Bible teachers who explain that in depth. It’s not something that we doubt happened.

There is more…

He (Jesus) would defeat evil by letting it do it’s worst to him (p. 103). Then there are the various Bible passages that are quoted with the conclusion that they don’t carry any sort of atonement theology as the church has understood Jesus’ death to mean. Jesus’ OT quotes are called “Messianic riddles”, or just plain riddles, numerous times. Of these, Wright says, “the riddles are remarkably free of even the beginning of that early atonement-theology” (p. 111).

From here the chapter tries to trace the “mindset” of Jesus.

On page 114 the author wonders what resources were available to Jesus for reflecting on how the kingdom might come through the suffering and death of Israel’s representative.

What resources? Well, that depends on whether one believes if Jesus was a mere man or God in the flesh? Was he just another guy with a Messiah complex? This is where it really starts to sound like this is what this chapter is saying…that Jesus simply had some sort of suffering mentality so that through this the nation might escape judgement.

Next we have the themes of Daniel and the Maccabeans which are mentioned as nothing more than revolutionaries that revolted against paganism. Unless I misread, there is no explanation of the fulfilled prophecies of Daniel and those yet to be fulfilled. Basically what I read was that Jesus was indentifying himself with the suffering of Israel, not offering an “abstract atonement theology” (p. 130).

Also mentioned often was “post-Easter, Easter, and pre-Easter” in reference to the Jewish Passover (which were two very different things by the way as Easter, or Ishtar, was the pagan spring festival to the fertility goddess).

At one point, the author writes that it sometimes ‘seems as if’ Jesus’ awareness (of his purpose to die in Jerusalem) “had a scriptural basis,” but basically, he thinks Jesus died because he believed it was his vocation (p. 131) to take on the wrath, not of God, but of the hostile military action that was coming upon Israel because she was in exile for pagan compromise (p. 134). And so, like the Maccabees, he would suffer the results of pagan corruption and identify with the rebel cause, thus vindicating Israel in martry tradition. This is where Jesus’ ‘riddles’ blinded the Jews to his fate as he ‘believed’ his moment had come…this new exodus, the end of exile, the light of the world would now be…Israel. The chapter clearly states that Jesus’ work is not to be understood in terms of atonement theology, but rather merely a defeat of evil.

Now, I ask any Christian out there...

is this the gospel?

Let me just finish up with a few last things from the end of the chapter:

“Jesus saw his own death in terms of the sacrificial cult” p 143

And from p. 148-9...

-Jesus in Gethsemane was in weakness and “agony of doubt”

-Jesus "must have had to wrestle with the serious possibilities that he might be totally deluded”

-Jesus died the death of a rebel on behalf of the rebels

The chapter concludes by saying the Jesus must have known his actions were very likely to get him handed over to the Romans, but…"This did not, actually, take a great deal of ‘supernatural’ insight”, and that Jesus trusted in Israel’s god (again with a small “g”), whom he believed of course to be God. If Jesus went this route of being a rebel, “He himself would be vindicated (of course, all martyrs believed that)…”

Does it sound like this chapter was written by someone who understands and explains the gospel or knows who Jesus is?

As Jesus’ beloved disciple and friend wrote at the end of the gospel of John, “but these things have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”

Could we say the same of this chapter in Stricken by God?

And the reason again for Brad Jersak including this essay in this book? Because perspectives like this benefit those seeking an alternative to the “sacrificial paradigm of the Christian doctrine of the atonement” (p. 14). In his words, Mr. Jersak wanted to include those who “recognize that a shift in our inderstanding of the atonement is both necessary and well under way.”

---

Further reading:

Book Review of NT Wright’s book Simply Christian (9marks.org)

NT Wright info/critiques page @monergism.com

The New Perspective of N. T. Wright on the Doctrine of Justification
by David H. Linden (grebweb.com)

And here you can download a booklet by Pastor Michael Beasley that reviews N.T. Wright's book What Saint Paul Really Said.

~~~

Here is a complete list of the More Books & Things review of Stricken by God? thus far:

Original Book Alert

Part 1 Foreward and Preface

Part 2, Chapter One

Part 3, Chapter Two

And of course, Part 4 is this entry that you have just read.

Queen of Peace?

Can you believe it? The pope has called on Mary as our hope for world peace!

Read about it on Understand the Times HERE.

Evangelicals Signing Things

Listen to Jan Markell talk about Christians joining with Muslims in statements and efforts towards unity, like the latest proclamation signed by "evangelicals" who 20 years ago would never have "signed on" to such things.

Listen to Part 1 HERE -christianworldviewnetwork.com

Part 2 HERE

All is Well

My day yesterday was filled with trips to the hospital, being a nurse, chauffeur and cook, feeding teenagers, serving coffee to visitors, and babysitting puppies. While I was in the waiting room at the hospital I was reminded by the look on the anxious faces of others that not everyone has the hope that lies within me. How do people cope if they can't give their worries to the Lord? I am thankful to God for filling me with his peace that passes all understanding, and thanks to all who prayed for my daughter. The surgery went very well and the patient is back home and doing excellent.

And sometime today I plan on continuing with that book review.

Another thing to listen to

If that last sermon didn't wake you up...

this one should.

Politics and Things

I’ve never been much into politics and things…but once in a while I do find them interesting. Here are a few things I read with this weekend's morning coffee…

*Is Canada’s NAFTA highway a conspiracy theory or a real thing? It's all politics. Read this:

Premeditated Merger-
Canada openly proclaims NAFTA Superhighway

*Then there’s that rather large thing on it’s way to the Mediterranean - a Russian carrier (that you can read about here) that has something to do with US turning it’s back on Israel (read about that here). It's all politics.

*I also came across a very interesting thing this morning, see if you can guess who gave this speech…here are a few quotes:

"We do not insist on a single strain of religion--rather, we welcome our nation's symphony of faith."
"Whatever our faith, the things we value--equality, obligation, commitment to liberty--unite us."
"I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind."

Was it:

• Rick Warren and Bono singing the duet "ONE" at the last Saddleback Summit on co-existence and sustainability
  
• Bill Hybels defending his signature on the Common Word Response to Islam on the Willow Creek website's what’s new page
• Robert Schuller’s youtube promo for the Rethink Conference at Crystal Cathedral
• Brian McLaren’s endorsment on the back of the newest book by Ken Blanchard and Deepak Chopra called Lead Like Buddha
  
• a Mormon presidential candidate making his speech at the library of GHW Bush
• Tony Campolo on Oprah and Friend's radio show: 'How to be born again with mantras and centering prayer'

Although, sadly, they are all entirely POSSIBLE...if you guessed #5 (the presidential candidate), you were right (see the speech HERE). So it makes one wonder…what IF the next US president were a Mormon? And why is the current president's dad promoting him? Hmmm...times, they are a changing. Meanwhile, politics remain the same...concealed, hidden, covered up, flowery and impossible to figure out for the average joe. Good thing God is in control or we all might be a little worried right about now.

(By the way, here is an excellent page that has lots of articles on Mormonism and what exactly it means: http://www.carm.org/mormon.htm)

And this looks good:

Mitt Romney’s Mormonism: What Does It Mean? Why Should We Care?
http://www.equippingchristians.org/MittRomneyMormonism.htm

Further reading:

The Common Ground of Rick Warren and Mitt Romney
www.christianworldviewnetwork.com

Related:

Morning Read

*** UPDATE:

Politically Correct Osteen Does it Again: Why Does This Guy call Himself a Pastor?
by Steve Camp

What is the real thing?

Some preachers today are teaching things they say are in the Bible, but many of those things aren't actually there, or if they are, they've been terribly twisted. I just found a very good post about all this over at For the Author called What is Real Christianity that compares some of the true and false teachings you might be hearing from well known Christian ministries.

*Highly recommended

Was Alice Bailey Right?

Sustainable Development.

An interesting word. What does it mean?

According to wikipedia...

Sustainable development is a socio-ecological process characterized by the fulfilment of human needs while maintaining the quality of the natural environment indefinitely.
-en.wikipedia.org

That's what they say it means. But the leaders of this world, the UN, and your city, may have a different meaning for that word. It seems to be much more than just fighting global warming by going back to the horse. It’s more than changing light bulbs, conserving habitats or meeting the needs of this generation without compromising the future generation’s needs. In fact, it’s not about your needs at all. It’s about control. And behind it all lies interfaith spirituality.

Take a look at what went on in Vancouver, B.C. last summer when the World Urban Forum gathered together about 30 ‘religious thinkers’ at a “Spirituality Roundtable” to search for the “soul of the city.” They opened with a “First Nations Welcome and Prayer” and this brief meditation on “vision” followed by three minutes of silence…

“At the outset we would like to honour all spiritual traditions here and their insight that one of the great ways to make contact with that source of vision within us, between us, and among us is to enter into silence – into a silence that unites, and it allows our minds to settle into our hearts and into our spirits so that we can access the deeper intelligence, a deeper sense of imagination, a deeper sense of vision.”[8]

(You can read more about this event in a very interesting article called There's More to a City by Carl Teichrib on his website, Forcing Change, HERE.)

Oddly, the leader of this meditation at the forum was one of the Christian representatives. Funny how meditation keeps creeping up EVERYWHERE! This reminds me of something that Ray Yungen mentioned last month at the Discerning the Times Conference. He was saying that it was occultist Alice Bailey who said the Christian church would be the 'nucleus' that would help bring about the New Age. I remember him asking me…”What does the word nucleus mean to you?” Well, it is the center of the cell, isn’t it? Read what she said here:

"The goal of the New Age Movement has consistently been to bring in the Age of Aquarius when all will recognize 'the God within themselves.' A major step towards this in the words of the New Age prophetess Alice Bailey, is 'the regeneration of the churches.' Her vision was that... 'The Christian church in its many branches can serve as a St. John the Baptist, as a voice crying in the wilderness, and as a nucleus through which world illumination may be accomplished.' In a word, she desired the time when the 'Christian churches' would embrace the New Age concepts of illumination and self-realization. The New Age plan to bring in world peace cannot fully establish the Golden Age of Aquarius until Biblical Christianity is outlawed or destroyed."— Richard Bennett, Can Mysticism Lead to God (Lighthouse Trails)

(See Can Mysticism Lead to God? by Richard Bennet -christiananswers.net)

As you can see, mysticism and meditation is everywhere these days. In the light of the latest steps towards interfaith by some of America's most respected pastors (who also promote contemplative spirituality and 'Christian' meditation), I think it's accurate, and more than a little disturbing, to say that Alice Bailey may be right.

For further reading, see this:

Will the Evangelical Church Help Usher in the "Age of Enlightenment" and the Coming False One? by Ray Yungen (lighthousetrailsresearch.com)

For Christians who think it's not important for us to 'waste' our time looking into these things...read this:

Time to Look at Your Watch
www.users.globalnet.co.uk

Some things about confronting error...

Today I read an article called Confronting Error...do it biblically, seriously, and leave the silly attempts of sarcasm behind by Steve Camp.

We are all guilty of this in blogland, myself included. I think it's because it's just so frustrating to watch all the erroneous things being taught by people who have the truth right in front of them. So it was good to read this. But here is my question...what if those teaching error are posing as Christians when they are in fact apostles of Satan? Like those teaching eastern meditation in the guise of Christianity?

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
2 Cor. 11

True, some discernment sites are based on mockery and sarcasm (some of those I don't often read). True, it’s usually the non-believers who are doing the mocking in the Bible…except for that one famous instance:

And so it was, at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, “Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is meditating, or he is busy, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.”
1 Kings 18:27

Just thought that was interesting.

So is there a time for sarcasm and humour, and a time for weeping and mourning over these things? Don't get me wrong, I am not taking lightly the things that Steve Camp mentions in the article. But some of us can get way too sober some days, don't you think? I have seen some Christians so bent on correct doctrine that if they wer perchance to smile, they might crack one of the imbedded frown lines in their faces. I mean, sometimes if you don't have a sense of humour, it can be depressing to see all the error that is in the church today.

Any comments on that? I'd appreciate it...

Green Hanukkia

Oh brother, now I’ve heard it all!! Have you heard of the Green Hanukkia campaign?

"The campaign calls for Jews around the world to save the last candle and save the planet, so we won't need another miracle,"

You can read about it here:

Green Hanukkia Campaign sparks ire
http://www.jpost.com

Apparently the campaigners, whose brains have obviously already been oxygen deprived, are saying that the huge carbon dioxide amounts released from all the Hanukkah candles around the world is going to hurt the environment. So on the last day of Hanukkah, they say to sacrifice the lighting of the last candle as a sacrifice for the environment. Never mind God and miracles and all that.

I thought this was the Festival of Lights, not the festival of staying in the dark.

On the other hand...it might make a catchy new song...

I’ll have a green Hanukkah without you
I’d be so blue if I would have lit you
It just doesn't seem right, one less candle to light
But I'll have more air to breath now without you...


On that note, here's another good one:

Dreaming of a Green Chanukah?
www.jewishworldreview.com

Meat the Latest Theory

Here’s a little thing written by a very well known Christian leader who comments on Willow Creek’s recent admission that their church methods are not working. It's interesting how Christians can come to different conclusions. As I was reading this article, I couldn’t help thinking about how the same world can be observed by two people who each come up with very different theories –evolution or creation. Same evidence, different conclusion.

The same goes for the article I am talking about:

Rethinking Church
www.informz.net

It ends with this conclusion:

"I am cheering Willow Creek on. Think what could happen if, instead of tickling ears, all the churches gave the people real meat. Then there might be hope for America after all, as serious disciples are equipped to defend their faith and take their places in our communities."

Uuuhh...sorry Chuck, but where’s the beef? Unfortunately, Willow Creek is still not going to be feeding people real meat, and it looks like there is even going to be more ear tickling emerging (and maybe even a little interfaith dialogue) in the very near future...


Willow Creek’s Deliberate “SHIFT” Toward Emergent
thinkerup.blogspot.com

Willow Creek Doing Church Wrong?
watcherslamp.blogspot.com

I Told You So!
www.extremetheology.com

A Shocking "Confession" from Willow Creek Community Church
www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com

No Repentance from Willow Creek - Only a Mystical Paradigm Shift
www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com


When we see this mega church come out and repent for promoting mysticism, contemplative prayer, market driven and seeker sensitive methods, questionable teachers, and church growth apostasy...and then STOP promoting them and START teaching meat from the Word of God, then we will definitely have something to cheer about. Until then, it's just a theory.

~~~
Here is an example of one pastor who was a seeker friendly, emergent, postmodern, seeker friendly church builder, but has changed direction and today is revealing the unbiblical nature of these movements and teaching the New Testament model of church building. (To listen to him being interviewed, click here.)

Digging into some things about the Third Temple

The other day I just briefly mentioned a few current temple things but didn’t have time to elaborate or comment. Well, I still don’t have time, so I am going to provide a few links for those of you who have shown interest in digging into these things.

Some people are quite interested in the rebuilding of the third temple, while others say that is ridiculous and will never happen for various reasons. Who is correct?

Jacob Prasch makes some very interesting points in an excellent article I posted last night about the parallels between Hanukkah and prophecy, where he says:

"The New Testament calls the church “the temple” no fewer than seven times. There are different Greek words for temple: “naos”, “heikal ioudaios”, and “heiron.”

I do not deny that there are those afoot who want to rebuild a temple in Jerusalem. I’m not saying that won’t happen. I’m not saying an image won’t be set up in it. What I’ve always said is this: The physical reflects the spiritual. When Jesus died on the cross, the “velon”– the veil – was torn from the ceiling to the ground. An actual, literal, physical event happened in a literal, physical temple – a supernatural event happened. But that’s not what was most important; what was most important is what it meant. Sinful man was no longer separated from holy God; we now have access to the Father though the blood of the High Priest. If the temple is rebuilt – and I’m not saying that it won’t be – and an image is set up – I’m not saying that won’t happen – it will only be a reflection of Antichrist being worshiped in Christendom. And it will come about the way it’s coming about now -- hellenization: God’s people being swallowed up by popular culture. Just look at it."
- http://www.moriel.org/articles/sermons/hanukkah_part1.htm

Meanwhile, there is no denying that serious preparations are underway for the third temple. In fact, I believe that the utensils have all been made. The only thing is, what about the Ark of the Covenant? And what does the Bible say about all this?

David Reagan has written some very good articles concerning these things:

Two Important Questions Concerning End Time Prophecy
-Will the Ark of the Covenant be Found?
-Is Modern Day Babylon the Babylon of the End Times?
by Dr. David R. Reagan
(Read it HERE)

The Rebirth of the Sanhedrin
Dr. David R. Reagan
(Read it HERE)

Of course, there is a big problem with all of this...right now there is a mosque on the Temple Mount.

Here are some very fascinating articles concerning this...

Now this one looks extremely interesting and I will look at it more when I have time:

Israel, Islam, Jerusalem and Bible Prophecy Part II
www.truthnet.org

Also see this one:
Israel restored and the Temple Rebuilt
www.truthnet.org

This is quite a fascinating article as well, has maps and drawings...

On The Location of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem by Lambert Dolphin and Michael Kollen Three Theories Summarized and Compared (www.thehope.org)

And of course, my friend Vee at Living Journey has made extensive posts on this in the past that are very much worth looking at:

The Sanhedrin, the Lamb and the Temple

The Sanhedrin Pushes for a Temple for Global Peace

The Tribe of Levi and the Coming Third Temple

I may add more links that I come across over the next few days. In the meantime, have fun digging into these things on your own.

~~~

*Adding on a few more links this evening...

This is very good, and fresh from today:

ANOTHER STEP TOWARD ANTICHRIST'S TEMPLE
bob-mitchell.blogspot.com

And along those lines, I accidentally stumbled across a very interesting forum thread (on who is the antichrist and if he might be a Muslim) over @ omegaletter.com, HERE. I realize it's nearly a year old, but still very relevant.

And speaking of digging and the temple...take a look at this:

Second Temple Palace Uncovered
www.jpost.com

Hanukkah

As the sun is about to set on this side of the world, I am looking out my window towards the east at the most gorgeous whole DOUBLE rainbow I've seen in a long time, as our Pacific Northwest deluge has stopped for just a while. And it just happens to be the first eve of Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights.

Here are two Moriel articles about this important celebration of the rededication of the temple...


Hanukkah Part 1
www.moriel.org

Hanukkah Part 2
www.moriel.org

To all our friends in Israel...
HAPPY HANUKKAH!

The Bell is Ringing - Again

Have you noticed how you have to examine every single thing you hear very carefully these days?

Here is a very good blog entry from a brand new little blog I’ve been reading called Abide in the Doctrine of Christ. Today's post is about a an expose by a young pastor on the backward teaching of Rob Bell that 'God has faith in us'.

Nooma Examined-Faith in Ourself or Faith in Jesus?
abideinthedoctrineofchrist.blogspot.com

Is your warning bell ringing?

(BTW, I found the comments under the youtube clip most interesting.)

Temple Things

This is a very interesting thing to be reading about these days...

Temple institute working on temple blueprints
www.prophecynews.co.uk

Another thing is ready for the new temple…the High Priest’s crown (see here - israelnationalnews.com).

A Few More Things in That Package

I've given dozens of them away to hungry people who devour them with great delight. They are brown, very filling, and go like hotcakes. No, it's not donuts. It's soul food. And guess what?! If you order one today, you will get a few more things than you would have a few months ago. Yep, I know for a fact, the brown paper package has been generously updated. And you are more than welcome to order one.

Darwin or Devil?

Here's the interesting thing of the day.

Just read about this poll...

Poll finds more Americans believe in devil than Darwin
(reuters.com)

Personally, I think that those who believe in Darwin's tales are unwittingly believing the devil's tales anyways, so it's not the best poll question.

And here is an interesting thing:

Evidence for the Devil
www.inplainsite.org

Peaceful Things

It's a balmy 13 degrees C (55 F) and pouring rain. Feels like a tropical island paradise after the dumping of snow we got this weekend. I've heard that things are not so hot on the other side of the country right now, but freezing temperatures and ice are but a memory for me as yesterday's snow melts by the minute. Even though they say there is going to be a lot of flooding, I do prefer this morning's steady rain dance song on my roof to the pelting of hail, snow and ice...this sounds much more soothing and peaceful.

Speaking of that peaceful feeling, have you noticed that meditation is going mainstream these days? If not, here is something you may want to be aware of. Peaceful Earth has come up with a brainwave. It’s called The Meditation Challenge and it may be coming soon to a waiting room near you. Yes, that's right. The Don’t Wait – Meditate campaign is on a mission to convert waiting rooms into meditation rooms! Read about it here:

Waiting Rooms Turned Into Meditating Rooms
-www.pr.com/press-release/62197

I just watched a short youtube clip of the Meditation Challenge which is brought to you by Lisa Hepner, who has learned everything she needs to know about life from a rubber band. (See Life Lessons Learned from a Rubber Band youtube video here.)

~~~

I had barely finished watching that when I came across this...

Leaders bring meditation to Christianity
(www.heraldtribune.com)

Okay, this is for all you Christians who practice centering prayer. Just read that article and see how it’s all coming together. According to the article, Thomas Keating, the founder of centering prayer, is going to be one of the speakers at this Christian Meditation Conference:

Starting with a public talk Friday evening, and ending with a communal brunch Sunday, attendees from across the nation will learn from two of the nation's leaders in contemplative prayer, also called "centering prayer."

The Rev. Laurence Freeman, a Roman Catholic priest who leads the World Community for Christian Meditation, will join Abbot Thomas Keating, co-founder of Contemplative Outreach Ltd. The two are leaders for more than 30 years in a movement that involves not only restoring the ancient and mystical practice of contemplation into Christianity, but also encouraging interfaith dialogue such as ongoing gatherings with the Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama.

Did you get that? They claim it’s not seepage from the east. Then what on western earth are they talking with the Dalai Lama for? This is double talk. Last time we twirled our globe, Tibet was still in the east.

As I have been mentioning lately, everything is becoming more blatant. The roots are being exposed more all the time, but some Christians have not opened their eyes to the truth, but I guess that's hard to do when you are up to your eyeballs in apophatic (eyes closed) meditation.

Well, that's how some folks prefer things...soothing and peaceful, like the rain on my roof. But sit in the rain to long and you're likely to get carried away in a flood.

~~~

I've added two news articles from In Plain Site for related reading:

Meditating on God's Word
www.inplainsite.org

The Influence of Eastern Mysticism
www.inplainsite.org

And this:

Sitting in the Silence
ncronline.org

Watching the Sky

So there's supposed to be these huge storm systems on the way, one is heading right toward us. They say that November in these here parts came in like a lamb and went out like a lion. I guess we are in for some major downfall from the sky and strong winds. I'm going to post some pictures of our sky this weekend. It's hard to believe that the sky can be so beautiful one evening and so full of those little white floaty things the next morning.

Well, with freezing rain in the forecast, I think it's a good day to head out and stock up on some candles and supplies.

And of course, I can't leave that one alone...in the same way, we need to be ready for the coming of the Lord. We've heard the warnings, we can see the signs...

Signs of the Times
http://www.lamblion.com/Signs-00.php