YCCM YOU CAN'T CHANGE ME: Unraveling the Lie Part 4 DETAILS NOTHING COMES FROM NOTHING

YOU CAN'T CHANGE ME:
Unraveling the Lie
Part 4 DETAILS

NOTHING COMES FROM NOTHING

WHY?

My Brothers and Sisters,


There comes a time in our lives, when we must face reality. We must look in the mirror and ask ourselves, "Where did I go wrong, or What am I doing wrong? Why is this happening? " We usually put off, or delay asking ourselves the HARD questions, until disaster or conflict is staring us right in the eyes.

Mothers and fathers who lose their children to senseless acts of violence often ask themselves, "Was it my fault? What could I have done to prevent this? Could I have taught my child better? Should I have been there for them more and maybe this wouldn't have happened? Yes, my child had some character flaws, but did they deserve to die like this? Should another human being be allowed to decide when and how to end my child's life? Why, Lord, tell me why it had to be MY CHILD? What have I done to deserve such heartache? Couldn't you take ME instead of THEM? Tell me WHY, GOD? They weren't doing anything. Why did they have to die for NOTHING?"

As we go about our individual lives, we are often unaware that we are part of a larger family and a much larger picture. There is an age-old battle being waged in Heaven and on earth, on our behalf. Regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity or nationality, we are ALL involved. Victory is inevitably ours, but we will still have casualties. No one is a civilian and "Nothing comes from nothing. Nothing ever could."

"Nothing comes from nothing." --Words that are part of simple, but, very powerful lyrics within a song called, "Something Good (note 1)," from the Sound of Music, a musical by Rogers and Hammerstein. These lyrics are prophetic and ring so true to all of our lives. They are just another way of saying, "We reap what we sow."

Galatians 6:7 King James Version (KJV)

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.


What do innocent victims reap from terrorism? --They reap the sins of man. Is this fair? Do we not ALL benefit from God's hands of Grace and Mercy? Do our deeds not effect EVERYONE around us near and far? We are accountable to one another. Yet, do we acknowledge this in the way that we live our lives?

We are living in a time where the flesh rules and leaders are making decisions based on their own heart and the hearts of some people like them and not the heart of God. God has made us accountable not only to Him, but, to one another. Our decisions, therefore, affect EVERYONE, worldwide.

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES 

When King David once again sinned against God (2 Samuel 24), God offered him several choices of consequences to his behavior, meaning, two things would remain covered by God's hands of Grace and Mercy, but He would remove His hands from the other thing and Darkness would prevail.

You see, in making his individual decision, without consulting God, David forgot he was part of a BIGGER picture and a larger family, but also, that his kingdom, his people and even his children belonged to GOD.

David did not want to see his people suffer for his pride and arrogance, but he knew that his decision and behavior showed that he placed himself above God, Holiness and Righteousness. He had sinned against God.

At the time David made his decision, it made no difference if his decision was right or GOOD in God's eyes. He had gotten comfortable upon his throne. Wielding power had become as easy as throwing on his cloak; for he was highly revered in the eyes of the people. He saw God's people as belonging to him to do his bidding. He didn't consider that there was a HIGHER power, whom he must answer to. He forgot that NOTHING COMES FROM NOTHING--you reap what you sow. David was deceived by his own heart, because, pride had set in.

A BEAUTIFUL LIE

The Sound of Music is one of my favorite musicals. A well-written and intriguing story, with a wave of award-winning and beautifully scored medleys, juxtaposed against a horrendous, historical milieu on the timeline of the history of mankind. These attributes make The Sound of Music a timeless masterpiece, having captivated audiences, young and old, all over the world.

Even if you don't like musicals, you must admit that the music is powerful and often unforgettable. You may not know all of the lyrics, but, once you hear the melody and words, it invites you to sing along with the catching tunes.

Watching and listening to Maria, and the von Trapp children sing about "My Favorite Things," in that moment, makes you also share in those favorite things: for this very reason, the movie and play continue to be a success and performed over and over again. It was written to draw you into the story and touch your heart. In order for Rogers and Hammerstein to have this type of effect on their audiences, the music and lyrics had to come from someplace that understood the heart (spirit) of others. Clearly, this particular song is a message that came from one heart (spirit) to another.

The film and play created by Rodgers and Hammerstein are based on the real lives of the von Trapp family of Austria. However, they are not historically accurate and do not portray the character of the family members correctly (note 2). Their altered and embellished story tells of the family making a daring escape from their homeland in Nazi occupied Austria, following World War I.

The von Trapp family is determined to stay together, despite all odds against them. When they make their escape, the parents are portrayed as newlyweds. Unlike the screen and stage character, the real Captain von Trapp, was a warm and kindly retired submarine commander. Maria, was a former novice at a convent, but tutor to only one child and not governess to all the von Trapp children.

The story was changed to have the couple risk their lives and the lives of their children to make a daunting escape over the Alps into the safety and freedom of Switzerland, when in actuality, the family was already a performing act, not fleeing, but on tour. They took a train to Italy and eventually settled in the United States.

...AND THE VERDICT IS...

Much of the musical many of us have come to love and enjoy over and over again is based on untruth, in order to sell tickets. Unless people are inclined to do research (granted that the truth is accessible to them) they would have little reason to doubt the truth of the story. When it comes to staying true to facts, some, might question the reputation and ethics of Hollywood and the entertainment business,  while others, even after hearing the true story, might still choose to continue believing the lies, so as not to disturb their beliefs, ruin the perfect picture created in their mind and/or to satisfy their need for heroics and romanticism. They become deceived by their own heart because pride (self-entitlement) has set in.

Why is all of this important? --Because, we are making sense out of needless death and tragedy, and all that is happening in the world. We are looking in the mirror and God is answering our questions. It is important that we understand ALL of the minds behind the weapons that kill and destroy--even OURS.

We ALL have believed a lie or lied to ourselves at sometime or another, even concerning the nature and root of terrorism. Our hearts deceived us, because PRIDE set in. When pride sets in, terrorists fall for Satan's lies because their hearts deceive them.

Like beauty, often, GUILT is in the eyes of the beholder. It depends on where we choose to put the blame, because of our PRIDE. If the truth is inaccessible, or withheld from me, or, it would shatter the core of my belief system, then, unless I choose to be ACCOUNTABLE to God's Will and Way, I deflect the blame, or, guilt onto something or someone else.

A PROFILE 

At a time when people were being killed, imprisoned, subjugated and condemned to extermination for opposing Hitler and German occupation, one must ask themselves, where does the courage and strength to escape, fight back, unify and act come from? We need to KNOW this to help ourselves and to understand the enemy. What is their driving force and can it be neutralized?

Within the confines of the walls of their home, the von Trapps had forged an inseverable bond, sealed with love. Based upon the fabricated version of the family's story, no doubt, Maria's faith helped instill trust in God and obedience within her family. Garnered with the courage, love and strength God gave to her husband and children, they were a driven force.

Amongst the governments and militaries of the invaded countries, there were people just like the von Trapps who refused to compromise their principles, who were so emphatically and fearlessly against Nazi rule that they were willing to risk their lives to protest, sabotage, fight, aid allies, rebels and spies to do anything to stop the demonic force that had been summoned from the pit of hell to strike down anything and anyone in its path.

Must we face losing EVERYTHING before we ACT and recognize the power of God and the threat against us WITHOUT God? And...what about those people who have no way of escaping and aren't able to fight back? What will become of them?

What about those people during WWII who were just starved, slaughtered, gassed, buried in mass graves, shot or mown down in the path of Darkness? --Unsuspecting?--Totally unaware of nearby or far away thoughts, plans and preparations for their massacre and destruction; thoughts of torture, experimentation and genocide oozing out of demented and crazed minds given over to sin, evil and death? Are they reminders of what happens when the world does NOTHING?!!! We could name many other instances of genocide around the globe where the world stood by and didn't do ENOUGH or didn't do ANYTHING at all, as if human life elsewhere is expendable.

The men and women who committed these horrific acts and atrocities were not freedom fighters or emancipators from local political or religious oppression. THEY were the oppressors, hence, they have been given the name--war criminals and terrorists. Those who base their movement upon religion, pick and CHOOSE what to BELIEVE and FOLLOW from the religion they claim to uphold.

Everyone is a target to satisfy the voracious appetite of these pirhana-like, FRENZY killers. Yes, they want to expand their rule and territory, but, they are not so much territorial, as much as, they are malignant, infectious AND resistant to change. Usually, depending on their length and level of involvement, because of their dedication to their beliefs and the annihilation of those deemed as enemies, they are most often untreatable in the therapeutic sense and become destined to self-destruction.

After having expanded their territory, they seek out new targets around the world, hiding behind a false political or religious agenda; living in undisclosed places so that they can continue their crime spree. They dismiss ALL reasoning and negotiation. There is NEVER a cease fire, only a period of respite and planning to strike again.

They have an insatiable appetite for control and condemnation and try to alleviate the pain that stems from a ravenous ego and unresolved spiritual hunger for Truth. They have bought into LIES and like their master, their soul is in torment and damnation.

Their purpose is to follow their master, who sets out to kill, steal and destroy. Should we expect anything more or less from them? No! They have no legitimate list of demands to be satisfied; for the belly of hatred cannot be satisfied. It goes on indefinitely, finding new things to hate and kill.

Their reasoning is very simple and primitive, in order to be transferable and effective. Thus, if you are not like them, then you are guilty and the enemy. They want land of their own only to have a breeding ground for hatred and raising and training killers. Give them aid, education and other resources and they will use them against you because they do not have a changed HEART and MIND. Only God can transform and remake them and HE must have NEW wineskin!

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

It is important to understand the mind and characteristics of a terrorist so that we can prevent people from becoming a terrorist and identify those with tendencies for acts of terrorism.  In doing so, we musn't become  paranoid, prejudice or sympathetic, but instead, vigilant, aware and proactive.

Immigration and illegal aliens are a huge concern for many countries. It affects all of its citizens, often putting a strain on the country's economy, institutions and social structure. The inability of countries to have economic, political and religious stability affects everyone in the world.

We must realize that our mistakes from the past continue to reverberate throughout history and affect us today. Slavery, colonialism, exploitation of resources in other countries, interfering in foreign governments and politics, aiding rebels, supplying arms, the extinction of species, cultures and entire tribes of people, all of these things and more affect the global political climate today and we reap from what we have sown and are continuing to sow in foreign policy.

What does God's Word say will happen in the Book of Revelation to those who Believe and follow Christ? What did Jesus, The Word of God, tell His Disciples would happen to His Followers one day?

Are we headed for another religious war like the papal crusades? Has it already begun? Had you forgotten about the crusades which slaughtered countless innocent people? 

Our past is even more reason to seek God and repent. Yes, we need God on OUR side, but we must come to realize that we cannot do GOOD or LOVE without Him.

TURNING MEANING INTO ACTION 

What do terrorist's victims do to deserve losing their lives so meaninglessly? Or is it meaningless? Can we make sense out of it? Can we give it meaning? Is it necessary to give it meaning? Remember, nothing COMES from nothing!!! If we don't give it meaning, we have done nothing to prevent future heinous acts.

It is extremely necessary to give it meaning! As their victims stood celebrating LIFE! It is time for us to truly LIVE! Not only for OURSELVES, but for OTHERS! --But are we ready and willing to put on God's Armour to form a united front to repel the Darkness and send it back from whence it came? OR, do we follow after and stand with those being USED by Darkness to harden our hearts AGAINST one another to increase the power of Darkness and bring more death, destruction and sorrow?

It is time to SPEAK for those who no longer have a voice that can be heard. It is time to make their presence within the hearts of their loved ones and within OUR hearts felt around the WORLD!

THEIR SILENCED VOICES CALL FOR US TO STAND TOGETHER AND MAKE A NOISE TO BE HEARD AROUND THE WORLD, "Climbing every mountain, searching high and low," until we lay low the nightmare that has crept into the world. Those sleeping in the world, must be awakened to join in the battle and be on their guard!

GOD IS CALLING FOR US TO STAND IN THE PATH OF DARKNESS UNITED TOGETHER AND DELIVER HIS MESSAGE.

A SNAKE WILL ALWAYS BE A SNAKE AND BE SWALLOWED UP BY THE HAND OF GOD!

NOTHING COMES FROM NOTHING! !

It is time to ACT! Some may ask, how can we prevent something from nothing? There is no way of knowing when and where terror will strike. Should we avoid standing by trees and in an open field to prevent lightning from striking? Should we flee every time there is a storm? Must we hide within our homes in fear every time we hear it THUNDER?

PREDICTABLE BEHAVIOR 

Yes, where lightning strikes is unpredictable, but long ago, in the seventeen hundreds, it was discovered that lightning is attracted to certain things and a lightning rod was invented to draw it OUT and away from harming and destroying life, limb and property. Later, electrical outlets and plugs were GROUNDED to stabilize and redirect the current, carrying the wiring to the ground, to prevent injury from electricity to users. Man learned to harness the dangerous properties of energy to work FOR him and not against him. We learned to take preventative measures to save our lives.

Lightning can only form if there are charged particles in the atmosphere. It is time to remove the conditions that are conducive to the formation of that which the adversary has sent to harm us. We know and have seen that lightning CAN strike in the same place if the conditions are right.

Yet, lightning can only be lightning. That is its purpose, to clear the air of charged particles, which makes it much more predictable.

GOD SENDS A MESSAGE 

God told Moses and Aaron to take Aaron's rod and lay it before Pharaoh and He would do the rest. So, Aaron laid his staff down before Pharaoh to show him God's power and it became a serpent (snake). As darkness ALWAYS mimics light, Pharaoh had his magicians lay down their rods also and likewise, their rods became serpents! However, the snake from Aaron's rod swallowed up the snakes of the magicians (Exodus 7: 1-13). God knew the predictable behavior of the snakes. Their nature was to destroy anything in its path, even its own kind.

Moses and Aaron lay the rod before Pharaoh. Exodus 7, ALLAUDIO BIBLE, YouTube (note 3)

Nothing comes from nothing. Do you now understand the behavior of terrorists and from where and WHO they come from and why innocent people perish? If you walk in the path of a snake, he will act like a snake and strike! Then, he crawls under a rock or in a hole to hide until he can strike again. But, what we MUST remember and NEVER forget is that God put the serpent under the foot of man!

A lightning rod attracts lightning and sends it into the ground to be swallowed up!!! Surely God knew that Pharaoh's charlatan magicians could mimic His power. Why would He choose to turn the rod into a serpent? Was it a poor choice on His part? --Poor judgement in a Perfect God?

Did God not know that they would duplicate His miraculous transformation of the rod? Of course He knew! He knew ALL of their tricks and the master of tricks and deception that they served. Why else would He tell Moses and Aaron to lay down the rod and perform such an easy thing to begin with? NOTHING is impossible with GOD!

God was SPEAKING to Satan in ways that Pharaoh and his servants could not understand. Pharaoh was Satan's pawn. God was not intimidated or out-maneuvered. He didn't send Moses and Aaron just to perform parlor tricks.

God was communicating a MESSAGE, just like Jesus wrote on the ground, when Satan sent the Scribes and Pharisee to try to trick Him into breaking the law and passing judgement on the adulteress; a task ONLY to be performed by the Pharisees (John 9)

Yes, Jesus was ignoring the men in the customary way to signify He had nothing to do with the matter or their intentions, but, Jesus was also communicating a message to the adversary, in a way they could not understand and as a result, the Will of God was done on earth, as it is in Heaven.

Jesus was binding and loosing, as He did with clay upon the blind man's eyes. As in the song, "Something Good, " it was a simple, but POWERFUL message, "On earth as it is in Heaven! " This message I am giving to you from God is binding and loosing! FATHER, let Thy Will be DONE!!!

God used the snake simply to remind the serpent, The Beguiler, the father of ALL lies, of things to come--that he and his followers will be swallowed up--a simple, but, POWERFUL message! NOTHING COMES FROM NOTHING! You reap what you sow! --And Satan sows lies--sin--and the wages of sin is DEATH. Thus, God's warning was very literal, graphic and EFFECTIVE! And indeed, the Egyptians who pursued the Israelites, were swallowed up in the sea.

Just as lightning can only be lightning, A snake will ALWAYS BE A SNAKE! Each will stay true to their purpose because of the master they serve!!! God used a snake to attract snakes and sent them back into Darkness!!

With God there is always MORE than meets the eye that the enemy cannot see or understand, because they cannot walk in the Light of God, it is HIDDEN from them. This is why you and I and our nations need GOD on our side! Therefore, we must humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, repent and turn from our wicked ways, as a PEOPLE, and as a NATION!

There is NOTHING like the FAVOR of God Almighty!

SOMETHING GOOD 

There is also, so much more to the song, "Something Good," from the great, epic musical that expels wisdom and tells of love and heroism. The lyricist writes, "Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I MUST have done something good. For here you are standing here loving me, whether or not you should."

This song always cheers and warms my heart. It gives me hope and encouragement. It reminds me that I have PURPOSE--an effect on life and the lives of others. Again, it says, "Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I MUST have done something good!"

As I look upon my life and those around me, as simple and humble as our lives may be, we are blessed! God HAS smiled on us! My own smile bubbles up from within my heart to rest upon my face and it becomes easy to transfer the songs lyrics and feelings to the love God has for me and all of us! I am encouraged and inspired by God's continual love and desire to bless me for my past deeds.

Here we stand being blessed and loved by God --but why? Should He love and bless us? --But, for the GRACE and MERCY of God, WE could have been amongst those killed. Are we alive because we are so good NOW? NOTHING comes from nothing. Surely, we have done SOMETHING good in the past and we are reaping what we've sown! We have done something good, but does that MAKE us good? The Word of God says that there is NO one good, but the Father (Mark 10:18). Yet, our purpose is to DO good, which can only be achieved with the HELP of our Heavenly Father. So, the GOOD that we do COMES from God. Like an electrical conductor or lightning rod, He directs our energy and sets it upon a path that will be fruitful and productive, preventing it from being attracted to the wrong source and path that will send it to be swallowed up into Darkness.


My Brothers and Sisters,

We have allowed the atmosphere of the world to become filled with the burning heat of hell and over-charged with particles of Darkness. Sin runs naked through the streets...boldly uncovered and free to influence, afflict and affect. Can we say and do nothing? Why have we been spared?

NOTHING comes from nothing, but in this present day, we are faced with SOMETHING! Something that plagues us and hunts us down like dogs. Are we doing GOOD? Are we, MANKIND, producing GOOD FRUIT? Is the human race on the RIGHT path? Have we forgotten that everything that we do affects those around us? Do we CARE about who we are affecting or the consequences of our behavior?

People have DIED because we have allowed the ATMOSPHERE to be polluted and poisoned. Will we help give divine and KINGDOM purpose to the living and RIGHTEOUS MEANING to the deaths of those who met their end just by being in the pathway of the serpent? It is time to clear the air.

Oh, how I am forever grateful for an all-seeing, all-knowing God who prepares for our future, knowing our weaknesses. Only God can keep us on the right path. Therefore, those working in hatred against Him cannot see the path ahead of them or know which road will lead to their demise.

Some might say that I'm arousing fear, panic, extreme prejudice and hatred; that I'm suggesting that people take up arms. No, the weapons we need are not carnal. God will take care of that.

When God stretches out His arm (and when the time comes, He will) He will send a serpent against them and the serpents of Darkness will stay true to their nature. Like lightning they will strike and be swallowed up by God's rod into an abyss of eternal Darkness.

Dearly Beloved of God,

Our land is in need of healing, but it begins with our hearts first. We need God on our side. We need His Holy Spirit and Son, Jesus to rest, rule and abide in us interceding on our behalf. Does the eagle not swoop down on the unsuspecting snake, grasping it in its talons to swallow it up? How much more will God do for me and you, when we are on the Lord's side?

"Nothing comes from nothing. Nothing ever could."

It is time for us to do what is GOOD in the eyes of God and not what we see and FEEL as being good in our own eyes. The human race has achieved much and grown in knowledge. We believe we are no longer children, but, our ways have not changed. Without God, we have indeed grown WEAKER in our ability to refrain from sinning, and WISER in our knowledge of HOW to sin. Carnal desires keep us attached to our flesh (self) and the world. We must become accountable to God and one another.

God is trying to tell us something. There is death all around us...needless death. He looks upon the bodies and then, looks to us asking, "Will your living and your death be in vain? "

There is a WAR going on. It has already claimed countless lives; not just the ones that we hear and know about. Take up your cross. Follow Jesus. When the enemy comes in like a flood, raise up God's STANDARD and let the enemy know...

A snake will ALWAYS be a snake and your head will ALWAYS be UNDER my foot.

ARE YOU ON THE LORD'S SIDE? 

Our Father, which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name...I WANT to pray WITH you, my friends not just FOR you. I WANT to see your life and the WORLD change for the better, but, FIRST, I need to know and YOU need to know...so tell me...

Are you on the Lord's side? (note 4)
Or, Are you led by your pride?
Oh, Are you on the Lord's side?
Do you know, do you know why, WHY Jesus died?

Jesus died on Calvary.
He shed his blood for you and me.
He rose and lives in Heaven above;
And commanded us, that we should love; For...
He died for you
He died for me
That we would live in Victory!

Surrender, surrender my friends, and let Jesus abide
Because Satan, Satan has told you, he's told you NOTHING but lies
Jesus is The Truth, The Way and the Life and...
He died for you
He died for me
That we would live in Victory!

Jesus brought us God's Truth
And showed us The Way
to abundant and everlasting life
Because of Him, we are justified
Our friendship with God restored
We can come to Abba Father,
With a humble and contrite heart, praying, seeking His face and repenting of our sins,
Praising Him FOREVERMORE!

ARE YOU? Are you on the Lord's side?
Tell me my Brothers, tell me Sisters
Or, Are you led by your pride?
Oh, Are you on the Lord's side, the LORD'S side?
Do you know, do you know why, WHY Jesus died?

Tell me my Brothers, tell me my Sisters,

Can you CONQUER the world?
Can you CONQUER the world?

Come follow Jesus,
Come with me and let us follow Jesus;
For we will conquer the world
We WILL conquer the world just...
Follow Jesus, follow Jesus
Jesus
Jesus


NOTHING COMES FROM NOTHING, my friends. Sow a RELATIONSHIP with God and Be blessed!

Your servant and soldier, united with the One,

mishael




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SELF REFLECTION: A Look in the Mirror

Once again, when we look at Jesus' parables, He is challenging us to examine where our heart lies. Closely examining your heart, answer the following  questions.

DISCUSS your answers with a mature Believer who can guide you in your spiritual relationship with Jesus and our Father, and/or have group discussions to learn from those who have different experiences and perspectives.

QUESTIONS: Write down your questions and discuss them with a mature Believer or submit them to:

https://fsasw.blogspot.com
https://fssw-followers.weebly.com

1. What has been your reaction to the terror and killing and the resulting destruction, injuries and casualties? 
2. Has it made you afraid for your life and those around you?
3. Do you feel helpless and unable to do anything about it? 
4. How do you feel about the terrorists and perpetrators? 
5. Are you experiencing feelings of prejudice and hatred towards another race and/or nationality? 
6. Are you a Believer? Do you Believe if you cannot love your enemy? 
7. God has given us protection and a way to fight back. Do you wear the Armour of God and wield His Sword?
8. Can you die to self and pride to join with others to fight back the Darkness? 
9. Do you believe that if we do OUR part God will DELIVER us from evil?
10. Have you lost someone to violence or you, yourself are a survivor of an act of violence?
11. Have you forgiven the attacker(s)?
12. Do you believe that NOTHING COMES FROM NOTHING, everything has a beginning and we reap what we sow?
13. Is revenge more important to you than your life? Is it more important than eternal life in the Kingdom? 
14. How can we help others who have been victimized by violence? 
15. Can being victimized and continuing to believe you ARE a victim place you in BONDAGE and enslave you to the victimizer?
16. When we choose to follow Jesus and live in the Light of God, we choose LIFE and EMPOWERMENT! Are you ready to follow Jesus? 
17. What can you do in your community and nation to counteract terrorism and violence? 
18. If terrorists are living and walking around in our neighborhoods, are we involved with one another, communicating, forming relationships and asking questions?
19. Are they more likely to be ignored because of prejudice, discrimination, and the overall disconnectedness in our society?
20. Are you concerned about how the rest of the world views our morals and lifestyles? Why or why not?
21. Do you believe that the way we live affects others in the world? Why or why not?
22. Immigration and illegal aliens are a huge concern for many countries. It effects all of its citizens, often putting a strain on the country's economy, institutions, and social structure. The inability of countries to have economic, political, and religious stability affects everyone in the world. Can we avoid being involved in foreign affairs? 
23. Should we just allow their problems to eventually come knocking on our door?
24. What does God tell us to do for our neighbor? 
25. As Believers, should we elect leaders who do not make decisions following godly principles? 
26. As Believers, should we elect leaders who do not show the character of God?
27. It is important to understand the mind and characteristics of a terrorist so that we can prevent people from becoming a terrorist and identify those with tendencies for acts of terrorism.  In doing so, we musn't become  paranoid, prejudice, or sympathetic, but instead, vigilant, aware, and proactive. What are some of the lies terrorists believe to make them want to harm others?
28. Can we dispel these lies through better relationships with those from different cultures, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds?
29. Can we dispel ALL lies concerning religious beliefs, spirituality and faith? Why or why not? What must happen? 
30. What does God's Word say will happen in the Book of Revelation to those who Believe and follow Christ? What did Jesus, The Word of God, tell His Disciples would happen to His Followers one day? 
31. Are we headed for another religious war like the papal crusades? Has it already begun? Had you forgotten about the crusades? Does NOTHING COME FROM NOTHING?
32. Are YOU on the Lord's Side?

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SCRIPTURE REFERENCES


Exodus 7: 1-13 21st Century King James Version (KJ21)

1 And the Lord said unto Moses, “See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh, and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet.

2 Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land.

3 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt.

4 But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay My hand upon Egypt and bring forth Mine armies and My people, the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.

5 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch forth Mine hand upon Egypt and bring out the children of Israel from among them.”

6 And Moses and Aaron did as theLord commanded them; so did they.

7 And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old when they spoke unto Pharaoh.

8 And the Lord spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

9 “When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, ‘Show a miracle for yourselves,’ then thou shalt say unto Aaron, ‘Take thy rod and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.’”

10 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as theLord had commanded; and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers. Now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.

12 For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents; but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods.

13 And He hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them, as the Lord had said.



2 Samuel 24 21st Century King James Version (KJ21)

1 And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he [Satan] moved David against them to say, “Go, number Israel and Judah.”

2 For the king said to Joab the captain of the host who was with him, “Go now through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of the people.”

3 And Joab said unto the king, “Now the Lord thy God add unto the people, how many so ever they be, a hundredfold, that the eyes of my lord the king may see it. But why doth my lord the king delight in this thing?”

4 Notwithstanding, the king’s word prevailed against Joab and against the captains of the host. And Joab and the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king to number the people of Israel.

5 And they passed over the Jordan and pitched camp in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in the midst of the valley of Gad and toward Jazer.

6 Then they came to Gilead and to the land of Tahtimhodshi; and they came to Danjaan and about to Sidon,

7 and came to the stronghold of Tyre and to all the cities of the Hivites and of the Canaanites; and they went out to the south of Judah, even to Beersheba.

8 So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days.

9 And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto the king: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant men who drew the sword, and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men.

10 And David’s heart smote him after he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. And now, I beseech Thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of Thy servant, for I have done very foolishly.”

11 For when David was up in the morning, the word of the Lord came unto the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying,

12 “Go, and say unto David, ‘Thus saith the Lord: I offer thee three things. Choose thee one of them, that I may do it unto thee.’”

13 So Gad came to David and told him, and said unto him, “Shall seven years of famine come unto thee in thy land? Or wilt thou flee three months before thine enemies while they pursue thee? Or shall there be three days’ pestilence in thy land? Now advise, and see what answer I shall return to Him that sent me.”

14 And David said unto Gad, “I am in a great strait. Let us fall now into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great; and let me not fall into the hand of man.”

15 So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning even to the time appointed; and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand men.

16 And when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord repented of the evil, and said to the angel who destroyed the people, “It is enough: stay now thine hand.” And the angel of the Lord was by the threshing place of Araunah the Jebusite.

17 And David spoke unto the Lordwhen he saw the angel who smote the people, and said, “Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Let Thine hand, I pray Thee, be against me and against my father’s house.”

18 And Gad came that day to David and said unto him, “Go up, rear an altar unto the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.”

19 And David, according to the saying of Gad, went up as the Lordcommanded.

20 And Araunah looked, and saw the king and his servants coming on toward him; and Araunah went out and bowed himself before the king on his face upon the ground.

21 And Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” And David said, “To buy the threshing floor from thee to build an altar unto the Lord, that the plague may be stayed from the people.”

22 And Araunah said unto David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto him. Behold, here are oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood.”

23 All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, “The Lord thy God accept thee.”

24 And the king said unto Araunah, “Nay; but I will surely buy it from thee at a price; neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

25 And David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord was entreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.


Mark 10:1821st Century King James Version (KJ21)

18 And Jesus said unto him, “Why callest thou Me good? There is none good but One, that is, God.


John 8 : 1-11 King James Version (KJV)

8 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.


John 9 King James Version (KJV)

9 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.

2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?

3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?

9 Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.

10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?

11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.

12 Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.

13 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.

14 And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.

15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.

16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.

18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.

19 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?

20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:

21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.

22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.

23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.

24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.

25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.

26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?

27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?

28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.

29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.

30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.

31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.

33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.

34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?

37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.

38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.

39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?

41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

NOTES

(1) THE SOUND OF MUSIC: SOMETHING GOOD by Richard Rodgers

(Maria)
Perhaps I had a wicked childhood
Perhaps I had a miserable youth
But somewhere in my wicked miserable past
I must have had a moment of truth

For here you are
Standing there
Loving me
Whether or not you should
So somewhere in my youth
Or childhood
I must have done something good

Nothing comes from nothing
Nothing ever could
So somewhere in my youth or childhood
I must have done something good

(Captain)
Here you are standing here
Loving me
Whether or not you should

(Maria)
So somewhere in my youth or childhood
I must have done something good

(Together)
Nothing comes from nothing
Nothing ever could

(Maria)
So some where in my youth or child

(Captain)
or childhood

(Maria)
I must have done something

(together)
Something good


(2) NATIONAL ARCHIVES

Winter 2005, Vol. 37, No. 4

Movie vs. Reality:
The Real Story of the von Trapp Family

By Joan Gearin

http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2005/winter/von-trapps.html


(3) ALLAUDIO BIBLE, YOUTUBE, https://youtu.be/gLZVqHumqDo


(4) "Are You On The Lord's Side" lyrics by Mishael T