Le Niche Ministries
"Every Small Candle Lights A Corner Of The Dark, And The Darkness Cannot Overcome It." 
. Isaiah 3 . Isaiah 4 . Isaiah 5
. . . As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. . . John 8:30-32
How to Handle the Bible Charles Stanley
September 8, 2009
READ Psalm 1:1-3
The value we place on something deter-mines how we treat it. For instance, you probably wouldn’t give much thought to caring for an old shoebox. Yet if someone placed $10,000 inside before handing you that same cardboard container, you’d likely rearrange your day to make sure it was properly protected against damage or theft.
Similarly, once we realize the worth of Scripture, we no longer read merely out of obligation. Instead, we hunger for its revelation and life-changing power.
Here’s how God instructs us to read His “instruction manual for life.” First, turn to it daily with eager expectation for what the Lord will reveal. Second, meditate upon the Word by thinking about what you’ve read and absorbing its meaning and implications. Third, study God’s truth. There are a variety of ways to do this. For example, follow a specific word through the Old and New Testaments by using a concordance or search engine. Or study an entire book by dissecting one chapter at a time. Fourth, believe what the Lord says. Fifth, obey. In other words, apply what you read to your life situation. This often requires courage and discipline. Sixth, share what you’ve learned. This will encourage others while strengthening you and sinking the lesson deep in your heart.
The Bible may look like just another book. But it is living truth that can protect and guide, pierce and encourage. Nowhere else do we learn how to be saved so we can eventually dwell with the Lord in heaven. When we grasp Scripture’s value, our interaction with God’s Word will reflect its worth.
One thing that occurred to me from this tragic case of Caylee Anthony is - which didn't before to me - that what a parent could or should do is to take, or get, a current photo - and information - of any person/caregiver that is being trusted with your child.
Law Enforcement has recommended that parents have current information on their children - photos and fingerprints too.
My prayers are with Caylee's grandparents.
Without active bible reading it is impossible to ward off the schemes and creative arguments of the Devil. The Devil has been at it a long time, and is really good at it. The Bible is a person's only defense against this propaganda, and the Devil is the main instigator of it.
The Lord speaks to a person through His inspired word - through reading and hearing. Having something to work with is a good thing. It's not likely you will hear His voice very much over Metallica or through constant TV watching. (Unless it's inspired content of course - like sermons or Worship Network for instance)
Movies, TV, radio, newspapers, the music industry, the marketplace, the internet, etc. - the media or information highway - are selling/promoting ideas that indeed reflect anti-Christian propaganda - or an idea I've heard recently called social reprogramming.
Many imply the idea that Jesus was married, had children, was homosexual, that the resurrection did not or could not in fact occur, or that the bible is, or was, inaccurately translated - or is not the only way or interpretation of God. That it would just not be possible for a 'mortal' - holy or no - to not want or have sex - how unnatural is that? Then there are those who claim it is simply humbuggery and nothing else.
But then this isn't anything really new.
I believe that with God ALL things are possible. I do not limit His ability in what He can bring about, control or do.
Jesus was and is holy. He teaches and thinks along spiritual lines not along carnal or worldly lines. He was and is devoted to God. The Bible says that He was aware of His path, where it could and did lead, and what God expected of Him then and now. He distanced and detached himself even from His own concerned earthly mother and family. His path was revealed from before His Divine conception.
God's power and ability transcends this physical plane and it's laws, and is not of our limited earthly understanding. He said in the Bible that He can do what He likes, and what He wants to do.
Who here can begin to argue with or limit His ability?
Jesus is, and was, a good, decent and righteous man, and is the closest thing to being perfect as I know.
Which I have doubts on that actually being understood anymore. What it actually means to be good, decent and righteous. What is wrong is being held up and promoted as right, and what is right is being held up and promoted as wrong. How can that concept be truly understood in a light such as that?
Unbelievers, and the worldly, do not and cannot grasp higher spiritual principles or knowledge. They will try to fit it in a worldly box that their carnal minds can grasp, fathom and understand, and present it as such. They mainly seek validation and agreement.
The knowledge and understanding of God is not the same as the knowledge and understanding of men. The mind of God does not agree with the understanding capabilities of the carnal earthly minds of men. The mind of God is like from here to the surface of the Sun compared to the carnal earthly minds of men.
After all the Sun would not shine if it were not for the infinite knowledge and wisdom of God who turned it on.
How 'smart' a man or woman think they are will generally not hold up to God's truth.
The bible speaks about individuals that would promote propaganda - among other evil things. This happened in Jesus' day. He spoke about it - And they hated and scoffed at Him then too.
With active Bible reading - and it helps if you really believe - or uphold what the Bible teaches - you can not be open to this propaganda or 'leaven of the Pharisees'.
The bible warns of these wolves in sheeps clothing.
Will you choose to believe in the finite minds of men and their claims, theories, notions and foolishness OR in the infinite wisdom, knowledge, goodness and truth of God - "I AM".
His son Jesus does live, and He is truth.
A riddle for some - God is all one person!
The climate is changing, and it's not for the better. Hatred, violence and intolerance is being enabled and tolerated, and becoming more pervasive. Hate speech and views are being expressed in the media and throughout our community. The freedom to openly express our faith and religion is being threatened, and as a result the stage is possibly being set for religious persecution in our nation.
Many educational institutions, and their teachings, are beginning to be subversive towards the Christian faith. Many individuals in the media - and the media, or information highway, is a major instigator - must think we are idiots. That they don't believe that they are accountable to anyone, and that they can say and do whatever they want - no matter how offensive, hurtful and evil it might be.
As a community Christians have some power choice. One is prayer. Two is closing our wallets. Three is turning it off. Four is to boycott/shun, resign or transfer. Five is writing letters, emailing or phone calling. Instead of buying certain materials- rediscover the library.
Yes, it can be inconvenient and a sacrifice.
- Try to avoid buying ungodly material - material that clearly crosses the line.
Be aware of what your children are tuning in to, or are involved in - especially on the net if you can.
- Turn off the TV - which is a good thing anyway especially in not giving into mindless TV watching - radio or other media - for example: Video games - with offensive, hate oriented, violent, or sexually explicit programming or content.
- Try to avoid buying certain biased newspapers and magazines - which can take a little research.
- Try to avoid going to secularized events or stores that deliberately neuter Christian activities/holidays - For example: Christmas and Easter.
I found that this can be EXTREMELY challenging too. My grandson was in a 'Yule' concert this year. He was awesome too. 
The concert contained no Christ honoring, traditional, Christmas songs. I am calling it a 'Yule' concert because it is the celebrating of Christmas without Christ in it. After a bit of reading I found it is more in line with being called the celebration of Yule.
Could I walk out on my grandson - no. Was I angry - yes. (for some unknown reason to me they did include a song about Chanukkah. I'm not certain why due to Chanukkah being a religious celebration.) Do I write a letter to the school - maybe - Do I embarass my grandson - no.
I would appreciate constructive feedback on thoughts about this from how others may have handled this type of situation that they may have run into this issue with their children or grandchildren.
- Consider having parental options as far as the internet and TV which blocks certain content. Monitor where your kids are going on the internet.
I used to volunteer at a local library, and they had computers for public use. Some of the young people - and adults around them also using the computers - were looking up porn and other interesting sites. Young people would also come in asking about information concerning witchcraft and such. Another came in to ask how she could erase the 'history' in her parent's computer to get around them checking where she was going on the internet - She needed help to figure it out.
Most of the time usually 90% of the young people were unsupervised when they visited the library. The library generally does not have parental controls, and should not, or are not, in the role of supervising your children.
If a child or young person is left to their own devices or unsupervised they can easily get into or follow wrong doing or influence. Trusting your child is an ok thing, but when they are around their peers they are open to some serious temptation - and I find it is generally from influences of older kids/young people. I know this from my own experience.
A lot of trouble that I got into as a young person was due to the negative and evil influence from older young people-about 2/3rds. The other third were peers closer to my own age and sometimes younger. That doesn't count the negative influence and evil from some of the adults around me -which was a lot as well - and didn't help matters for me.
- Strongly argue and fight the point when schools try to force/impose objectionable material on our children.
(Things are not the same as when I was in school.)
Options need to be created for parents who do not wish to accept what the public 'state' schools wish to teach/impose/normalize.
School vouchers? How can tax money be redirected? Godly oriented affordable schools created that accept no tax or public funds?
Which is the main problem with the public 'State' schools. If public funds/tax money is used it creates a problem. Tax money/public funds is received from all taxpayers - which creates the argument of what applies to all people.
It is also beginning to be a problem for Jesus' Church as well. (Unfortunately this worldly society is trying to evolve itself into a 'new, progressive, enlightened and secular age'.) With accepting 'Tax Exempt' status, or in accepting tax or public funds for any reason, is in reality might be tying their hands from speaking the truth - which creates the argument of what applies to all people.
There are those who are trying to enforce that the Church cannot speak out - especially in the political arena - due to this acceptance of public funds or gaining the exemption from paying taxes. (I am just learning, and beginning to realize, as to why some have a justifiable mistrust for the Government/State.) It can be inconvenient to pay taxes - and no one likes to. People like to claim the tax credits, but maybe consider giving 'Goodwill' gifts instead without expecting the tax credit.
Having the freedom to speak and pursue what is the truth is what is important.
Jesus did say to render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's.
The separation of Church and State is with very good reason I found, and I found that it takes real thought in considering whether to accept any State, Local or Federal aid - and that means for anything I'm sorry to say.
There can be negative consequences in the blurring of this line.
Even more so in this latter day.
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I believe one reason that the media, stores, etc. simply choose to neuter occasions/holidays - especially those from a Christian viewpoint - is in reality an expression of their own laziness. It can take a bit effort on their part to recognize each different occasion/holiday, and effort to not simply blur the line so any occasion fits all people and thinking. Choosing instead to skirt around, spin, or neuter each occasion, and dance around not offending anyone.
Can they possibly figure out and see that it will not work?
But then it is a money issue then isn't it.
It's time to start to show conviction. Give real thought to what you are supporting. Be informed and aware. Get involved. Write letters. Join an activist group. It's a good time for people of faith to start speaking out and saying no.
When was the last time you gave someone - anyone - a bible?
If you decide that you wish to simply not to get involved, reading up on the issues, or simply do not have the time - then you cannot complain, or be surprised at the consequences of that inaction.
It is not true that nobody cares. It is not true that your involvement will not help because you are only one person, or that your opinion does not matter anyway.
In keeping a view such as this will only enable those around you to continue to not care. Then I guess you were right - no one does really care, because you are a living enabler of that fact. If you really don't have time, maybe a reevaluation of the priorities of your time is needed.
Through God ALL things are possible!
Remember most things here in the physical realm are only temporal, and in the long run do not have any real concrete meaning. Try to remember, and put emphasis on, to do the things that do have the real and concrete meaning.
Live your faith.
On the subject of stewardship:
Stewardship is a encouraged, taught and learned thing. Don't be surprised if your children are not inclined to do that if they don't see an example of it - or conviction of it - in their parents and grandparents - not that you can always gain the cooperation, eagerness or interest of young people even when you do set the example. 
What is Stewardship? It is an involvement in your community, or with helping other people. (volunteerism and works of charity.) I've just became aware recently of just how important doing this really is.
Faith without works is dead.
- Be prayerful, vigilant, and ever watchful. -
"Go Home".
Birthright Of Pottstown
327 King Street, Pottstown, PA 19464
(610) 327-2626
*****
From: Spring 2006 Newsletter:
How Do We "Uphold At All Times The Right To Bring A Child To Term"? The abortion was scheduled. What could Birthright do? Sometimes all we can do is offer ourselves-letting the mother know that we are willing to do whatever is needed to save the baby, and of course, pray for a miracle. This mother was living in sub-standard housing and refused to bring a new baby into squalor.
What could Birthright do about that? Well, a volunteer took the mother, in her own car, over several days to look at decent, affordable housing she had found in the newspaper. Once an apartment that would work was found, six volunteers (2 volunteers, 2 husbands and 2 great teens) gave up their Saturday to move the Mom into her new home. The Birthright volunteer was present during labor and delivery and helped to bring the new baby into the world. What greater gift could a volunteer be given than to be told that she would be "honorary Grandmom" to the baby? We know that our reward will be in Heaven, but it is nice every once in a while to receive such a reward on earth.
*****
Heavenly Father
In Your love for each of us,
protect your helpless little ones
to whom You have given the gift of life.
Touch with pity the hearts of those
women pregnant in our world today
who are not thinking of motherhood.
Help them to see that the child they carry
is made in Your image--
as well as theirs--
made for eternal life.
Dispel their fear and selfishness
and give them true womanly hearts
to love their babies
and give them birth
and all the needed care
that a mother alone can give.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
Your Son, Our Lord.
Amen.
It is not true, and a lie, that a child or children will ruin a person's life.
I belonged to a yahoo group called "pullindownstrongholds.(Pullin' Down Strongholds - Learn how to pull down Satan's Strongholds): http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pullindownstrongholds/
I liked this group, and am enriched by reading quite a few inspiring entries.
An entry was posted by "Ken" called "Fwd: UNHEEDED WARNINGS."
Ken is a spirit filled and inspired man. I wanted to post the link to the page of his post, because I think what he had to say is important to read.
. Fwd: UNHEEDED WARNINGS
Posted-Wed Aug 31, 2005 8:13 am
"You cannot save a person from themselves".
This is an article concerning homosexuality that I found at www.explorefaith.org . I found it to be of an interest....
http://www.explorefaith.org/disagree.html -
--The Right Rev. Robert W. Ihloff
What if I strongly disagree with someone who professes to be a Christian?
Disagreement is a fact of life. There is no family, and certainly no church family, free of disagreements. The question should be, "How can I strongly disagree in Christian charity?" It is how we handle disagreements that makes all the difference. As in a healthy family relationship, so long as we respect the person(s) with whom we disagree, so long as we accord them the privilege of holding their own views, we may disagree productively. We all know that disagreements can be destructive, especially if people who disagree aren't honest with one another and show little or no respect for the other person(s). When honesty and charity abound, people find that disagreement can deepen dialogue, create new understandings, and promote growth.
St. Paul in a number of his letters (epistles) compares the church to a human body with many different parts cooperating in the same work. Uniformity and complete agreement are neither part of Paul's analogy nor even ideal for the welfare of the body. We need people with different understandings so that together, working together in love and respect, we can grow in faith, respond to new opportunities, and come to new understandings. Yes, Christians are expected to come to new understandings.
Ours is a living faith. While we cherish many traditions and need to build on the understandings of the past, in every age the Christian Gospel has to be reinterpreted in light of what is going on in our world and in our lives. We face challenges unknown to our ancestors, and we are called to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to bear on the problems and opportunities of our world. No one individual at any given time knows the mind of Christ. Together as a community, we are led by the Holy Spirit toward knowing the mind of Christ. Disagreements, even strong ones, are a necessary and often productive aspect of living into the challenges of Christian community with the intent of discovering the mind of Christ for our own day.
The famous 13th Chapter of I Corinthians is one way in which St. Paul attempted to explain how Christians could productively pool their differences and work through their disagreements. In a word, we do this in love. The love he envisioned is not "warm, fuzzy feelings" about those with whom we share church life but genuine respect, forbearance, kindness, and a willingness to listen to others, forgive them, and work with them no matter how much we disagree. Sometimes in Christian community we need to even agree to disagree about some things so that the mission of the church can move forward. In other words, our unity needs to be built on something more basic and lasting than agreement; it needs to be built on love and respect for every other child of God.
--The Right Rev. Robert W. Ihloff
"Leave unturned stones lie".
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good *men [*and women] do nothing." -- Edmund Burke
*****
Site of interest:
http://www.tartarus.org/~martin/essays/burkequote.html
(Note: I have not had the chance to fully check this above listed site out thoroughly, but I did notice that some of the links are either outdated or don't work. ) {*my comment}
It is not true, and a lie, that you cannot teach an "old dog" new tricks.
Even though it it really difficult to change a person's mindset (and/or denial) which influences the way a person will go, and what manifests in their life. Old habits are in fact hard to overcome - but it can be done.
"As a man thinketh in his heart...so he is." Proverbs 23:7
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