Author: Jim

Days of Noah

Many wonder: Just how bad can it get!

The Lord Jesus warned how it will get before he returns and he compares it to the days of Noah.
Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
The approximately 1600 years from Adam to Noah are recorded in Genesis 4-5.
The Lord Jesus continues:
Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
The Lord Jesus didn’t talk about all the wickedness, just commented that none seemed worried that the end was soon coming, just like today. But Genesis reveals just how bad it was.
Genesis 6:5-6 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
Has the world reached this point today? “every imagination of the thoughts…only evil continually”!
Genesis 6:11-12 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
Yes, man had become wicked, evil, corrupt, so indescribable that God had to destroy all flesh. But man thought all was okay and continued in his evil ways.

Matthew 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

This is the way it will be when the Lord Jesus returns to set up his kingdom. (Review The Future)
The question is “How Long, O Lord, How long?”

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Horoscope – Southern Style

Some Southerners are pretty skeptical of horoscopes and the people that read them. If we are to ever fully understand all the star signs and the people they represent, we need symbols that all true Southerners understand: See the list below:

OKRA (Dec 22 – Jan 20): Are tough on the outside but tender on the inside. Okras have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. You can do something good each day if you try.

CHITLIN (Jan 21 – Feb 19): Chitlins come from humble backgrounds. A Chitlin, however, will make something of himself if he is motivated and has lots of seasoning. In dealing with Chitlins, be careful – they may surprise you. They can erupt like Vesuvius. Chitlins are best with Catfish and Okra.

BOLL WEEVIL (Feb 20 – March 20): You have an overwhelming curiosity. You’re unsatisfied with the surface of things, and you feel the need to bore deep into the interior of everything. Needless to say, you are very intense and driven as if you had some inner hunger. You love to stay busy and tend to work too much. Nobody in their right mind is going to marry you, so don’t worry about it.

MOON PIE (March 21 – April 20): You’re the type that spends a lot of time on the front porch. A cinch to recognize the physical appearance of Moon Pies. Big and round are the key words here. You should marry anybody who you can get remotely interested in the idea. It’s not going to be easy.  You always have a big smile and are happy. This might be the year to think about aerobics. Maybe not.

POSSUM (April 21 – May 21): When confronted with life’s difficulties, possums have a marked tendency to withdraw and develop a don’t-bother-me-about-it attitude. Sometimes you become so withdrawn, people actually think you’re dead. This strategy is probably not psychologically healthy but seems to work for you. You are a rare breed. Most folks love to watch you work and play. You are a night person and mind your own business.

CRAWFISH (May 22 – June 21): Crawfish is a water sign. If you work in an office, you’re hanging around the water cooler. Crawfish prefer the beach to the mountains, the pool to the golf course, and the bathtub to the living room. You tend not to be particularly attractive physically, but you have very, very good heads.

COLLARDS (June 22 – July 23): Collards have a genius for communication. They love to get in the melting pot of life and share their essence with the essence of those around them. Collards make good social workers, psychologists, and baseball managers. As far as your personal life goes, if you are Collards, stay away from Crawfish. It just won’t work. Save yourself a lot of heartache.

CATFISH (July 24 – Aug 23): Catfish are traditionalists in matters of the heart, although one’s whiskers may cause problems for loved ones. You Catfish are never easy people to understand. You run fast. You work and play hard. Even though you prefer the muddy bottoms to the clear surface of life, you are liked by most. Above all else, Catfish should stay away from Moon Pies.

GRITS (Aug 24 – Sept 23): Your highest aim is to be with others like yourself. You like to huddle together with a big crowd of other Grits. You love to travel though, so maybe you should think about joining a club. Where do you like to go? Anywhere they have cheese, gravy, bacon, butter, or eggs and a good time. If you can go somewhere where they have all these things; that serves you well. You are pure in heart.

BOILED PEANUTS (Sept 24 – Oct 23): You have a passionate desire to help your fellow man. Unfortunately, those who know you best, your friends and loved ones, may find that your personality is much too salty, and their criticism will affect you deeply because you are really much softer than you appear. You should go right ahead and marry anybody you want to because in a certain way, yours is a charmed life. On the road of life, you can be sure that people will always pull over and stop for you.

BUTTER BEAN (Oct 24 – Nov 22): Always invite a Butter Bean to a party because Butter Beans get along well with everybody. You, as a Butter Bean, should be proud. You’ve grown on the vine of life, and you feel at home no matter what the setting. You can sit next to anybody. However, you, too, shouldn’t have anything to do with Moon Pies.

ARMADILLO (Nov 23 – Dec 21): You have a tendency to develop a tough exterior, but you are actually quite gentle and kind inside. A good evening for you—old friends, a fire, some roots, fruit, worms, and insects. You are a throwback. You’re not concerned with today’s fashions and trends. You’re not concerned with anything about today. You’re almost prehistoric in your interests and behavior patterns. You probably want to marry another
Armadillo, but a Possum is another somewhat kinky mating possibility.

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Exercise    

My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. Now she’s 97 years old and we still don’t know where she is.

 The only reason I would take up exercising is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.

 I joined a health club last year, spent about 400 bucks. Haven’t lost a pound. Apparently you have to go there.

 I have to exercise early in the morning before my brain figures out what I’m doing.

 I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.

 I have flabby thighs, but fortunately my stomach covers them.

 The advantage of exercising every day is that you die healthier.

 If you are going to try cross-country skiing, start with a small country.

And last but not least: I don’t exercise because it makes the ice jump right out of my glass.

 You could run this over to your friends but why not just e-mail it to them!

Seriously, consider what the apostle Paul wrote to Timothy:  1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

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And We Know


The Apostle Paul writes words of comfort to believers in Rome (They are words for all believers). Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
These words are to comfort our hearts in times of trouble and despair. As these words are read, Paul wrote of other things WE SHOULD KNOW:
Romans 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
He reminded believer’s in Corinth of things we know:
1 Corinthians 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
1 Corinthians 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
1 Corinthians 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
He reminded Timothy about the Law:
1 Timothy 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
And to Jewish believer’s He reminded:
Hebrews 10:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.
John the Apostle wrote to Jewish Believer’s:
1 John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
1 John 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
1 John 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
1 John 5:18-20 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.


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Death – Part 2

BUT what does God have to say …

Luke 20:34-38 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.
John 11:11-26 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
John 14:1-4 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
John 14:27-28 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
Romans 8:31-39 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:50-56 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1 John 4:7-21 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

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Death – Part 3

Didn’t Old Testament teach life after death? …

Job 14:12-15 So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me! If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.
Job 19:25-27 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
Psalm 17:15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.
Psalm 49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
Daniel 12:2-3 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Daniel 12:13 But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
Hosea 13:14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
We all face death. But for the Believer in Christ, there’s hope, knowledge of life after death. Reunited with God, and fellow believers who have gone before us.
It’s a paradox, we desire to die and go to heaven, but we have a strong desire to remain here as long as we can.

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Body Soul Spirit

Body – the Tabernacle we dwell in – Our identity to each other
Soul – The real person that dwells within the Body
Spirit – Our connection to God

Adam was created a Triune Being (in the image of God). When he sinned, he died, spiritually (cut off from direct communion with God) and some 900 years later, he died physically (Genesis 2-3).
Sin entered into mankind thru Adam. (Romans 5:12-15)
Since then, each person born is still a Triune Being (Body-Soul-Spirit) but the spirit is dead (separated from God).

⇒ “Quickened – to be made alive”

Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
2 Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick (saved) and the dead (unsaved) at his appearing and his kingdom;
Only God can separate the soul from the spirit.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust (body) return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
The Lord Jesus said He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
(John 3:36)

It appears from the Scripture, man is born with a body, a soul, and a dead spirit. If he dies in this condition his body is disposed of on earth, his soul goes to Hell (separated from God), and his dead spirit returns to God.
(Compare Luke 16:19-31)
When man gets saved his spirit is made alive, and when he dies, his body is disposed of on earth, his soul and spirit go to be with God, Heaven.

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Book of Life – Lamb’s Book

Book of Life – Lamb’s Book of Life, are they the same? There are 2 views!

1st view – YES, they are the same book.
2nd view – NO, your name is entered into the book of life from the foundation of the world and removed when you die rejecting Faith in God. Your name is entered into the Lamb’s Book of Life when you are saved and never removed.

A study of each time the terms are used is needed and it makes an interesting study.
The Book of Life is mentioned 4 times in the Old Testament.
Exodus 32:32-33, Psalm 69:27-28, Daniel 12:1
It is mentioned 6 times in the New Testament.
Philippians 4:3, Revelation 3:5, 17:8, 20:12,15, 22:19
Lamb’s Book of Life is referenced in Revelation 13:8 21:27
In Exodus a name will be blotted out of the Book of Life.
Exodus 32:32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin–; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.
Exodus 32:33 And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.

In Psalm removal is mentioned from the book of the living.
Psalm 69:27-28 Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.
In Daniel, only those still written shall be delivered.
Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
The Lord Jesus commented on this:
Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
The Apostle Paul wrote of the book of life.
Philippians 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
Again the Lord Jesus from heaven commented.
Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

⇛ continue reading Book of Life – Lamb’s Book Part 2
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Tree(s) Part 2

Let your imagination run wild -think of everything trees are good for: all the do-it yourself projects that involve wood. Probably one of the most pliable and durable of all natural products that man has ever worked with. What good is a tree? It prevents erosion, provides shade, food, lumber products for homes, furniture, boats, wagons, paper products, heat, etc…
Trees are very important to man. Not only have they protected, sheltered, and fed him throughout history, but they have also been his weapons of war, bows, arrows, spears, even guns. (Ezekiel 39:9)
A new process of pressing wood together makes it harder than steel. (Look it up on internet).

The Bible has much to say about trees. Over 300 references, naming over 30 types of trees are in the Scriptures. Trees were worshipped by the pagans and many times sacrifices were offered under trees (Deuteronomy 12:2). The Hebrews were forbidden to plant a tree near a sacred altar (Deuteronomy 16:21). Tree limbs were used in the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:40).

Places of importance were often referenced by trees:
Genesis 12 Abram received promises from God under an Oak Tree
Judges 4:5 Debora dwelt under a Palm Tree
1 Samuel 14:2 King Saul and 600 men rested under pomegranate tree
The Lord Jesus referenced trees in his parables:
The Olive tree… The Fig tree… The Fruit tree…
Palm trees paved the way for the Lord entering Jerusalem.

There are many lessons to be learned from the trees named in the Scriptures:
Leviticus 27:30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s: it is holy unto the LORD.
Isaiah 65:22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
Psalm 92:12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Exodus 15:25 And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,
Just to mention some of them.

BUT the three most important trees:
Genesis 2:9 The TREE of Life (Also in Revelation 22:1-2)
Genesis 2:9,17 The TREE of the knowledge of Good an Evil
Deuteronomy 21:22 The TREE of Death Galatians 3:13

Joyce Kilmer wrote:
I think I shall never see, A poem as lovely as a tree,
A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed, Against the earth sweet flowing breast,
A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray,
A tree that may in summer wear, A nest of Robins in her hair,
Upon whose bosom snow has lain, Who intimately lives with rain,
Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree.

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The Future

Everyone would like to know the Future. What’s coming? How can I prepare? Well, fortunately the Bible gives us a head’s up. As each of the following is looked at in some detail, we can be prepared for what will happen to us as believers in the Death, Burial and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus and His soon return.

1. The Church
2. The Calling
3. The Judgment
4. The Marriage
5. The Tribulation
6. The Great Tribulation
7. The War
8. The Return
9. The Exile
10. The Reign
11. The Release
12. The Final Battle
13. The Great White Throne
14. The New Future

NOTE: This study is adapted from a Sunday School series taught at Prairie Baptist Church, Scotts, MI. by former Assistant Pastor John Woullard.

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Drawn by Pastor John Woullard