1. NAME THREE ANIMALS THAT ARE EXCELLENT TO KEEP AS FOOD SOURCES.
2. WHAT PERIOD OF TIME WOULD BE THE MAXIMUM FOR STORAGE OF GROCERY STORE FOODS?
3. NAME FOUR COMMON EDIBLE PLANTS THAT GROW WILD HERE IN FLORIDA.
4. THERE ARE TEN BASIC FOODS THAT YOU CAN PREPARE AND STORE FOR LONG PERIODS WITHOUT VACUUM PACKING;NAME FOUR.
5. TRUE OR FALSE: AFTER THE BLAST YOU CAN SAFELY LEAVE YOUR SHELTER AFTER TWO MINUTES HAVE ELAPSED?
6. TRUE OR FALSE: ANIMALS OR THEIR PRODUCTS (MILK, ETC.) WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO RADIATION SHOULD NOT BE EATEN UNTIL AT LEAST ONE MONTH HAS PASSED.
7. TRUE OR FALSE. RADIATION POISONING IS CONTAGIOUS.
8. IF WATER IS IN A COVERED CONTAINER BUT RADIATION PASSES THROUGH THE CONTAINER IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
9. HOW MANY DAYS, WEEKS OR MONTHS SHOULD YOU WAIT BEFORE DRINKING WATER THAT HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO FALLOUT?
10. H OW CAN YOU USE SEVERAL PIECES OF PLASTIC, SEVERAL STONES, AND SOME CUT VEGETATION TO GET WATER?
11. HOW MUCH WATER DOES ONE PERSON NEED EACH DAY TO SURVIVE?
12. NAME TWO OVERLOOKED SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER IN THE AVERAGE HOME.
13. HOW LONG SHOULD WATER BE BOILED TO PURIFY IT?
14. NAME THREE BASIC NECESSITIES A PERSON NEEDS AFTER A DISASTER.
15. WHAT TYPE OF SHELTER SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A TORNADO?
16. IF AN EARTHQUAKE STRIKES AND YOU ARE OUTDOORS YOU SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM … (NAME TWO THINGS.)
17. IF AN EARTHQUAKE STRIKES WHEN YOU ARE IN YOUR AUTOMOBILE SHOULD YOU REMAIN INSIDE OR GO OUTSIDE?
18. IF YOU ARE IN YOUR HOUSE WHEN AN EARTHQUAKE STRIKES SHOULD YOU REMAIN INSIDE OR GO OUTSIDE?
19. IN AN EARTHQUAKE, IF YOU ARE INDOORS, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO FOR SAFETY?

The answers to these questions,
"ANSWERS TO TEST ON CRISIS KNOW-HOW".

In 1543 the theory of a heliocentric solar system was published by the great scientist priest Copernicus. His theory, of course, set forth the idea that the earth traveled around the sun. In other words, the cause of our days and nights was not due to the sun traveling across the sky, but was because our earth revolved in a circle, as it traveled in a journey around the sun. As a result, a tumultuous furor was raised by the Catholic Church and Copernicus was ordered to renounce his “heretical theory” or suffer dire consequences. Since he thought it better to be a live priest than a dead scientist, he repudiated his former claims.

In 1600 Giordano Bruno openly supported Copernicus’ theory and made the fatal mistake of saying so. He was burned alive at a stake in Rome by the Catholic Church.

In 1832 the people of Lancaster, Pennsylvania took a defiant stand and forbad that their school house be used to discuss that new fangled thing called a “railroad”! In their judgment the very idea of a railroad was clearly an impossibility! And besides that they stated in no uncertain terms “if God had intended that his intelligent created beings should travel at the frightful speed of 17 miles per hour He would surely have foretold it in the Holy prophets. Such things as railroads are devices of Satan to lead immortal souls down to Hell.”

Which all goes to show that, sometimes, good, well meaning people do things that show they are dumber than a sack full of hammers!

Why don’t we use the commonsense that God has given us to garner the facts, intelligently weigh them, and think before reaching a conclusion. All too often we Christians are just as guilty as the world around us of not using our heads. We need to make sure that we do not exercise ignorance and call it faith. There is a vast difference. God never told us to put blinders on when we run into problems that challenge what we believe. Why can’t we follow the Biblical command to “test all things” before taking a solid position on an issue?

Nor are those who so critically oppose the Bible any less guilty of the same error. The attitudes of far too many Christians as well as skeptics of the Bible are a lot like the nervous captain of a ship lowering the anchor down to twenty feet, and then assuming that it must have reached bottom because that’s all the chain left on the anchor. Perhaps we would all do well to ponder the following prayer that someone composed:

“From the cowardice that shrinks from new truth,
From the laziness that is content with half truths,
From the arrogance that thinks that it knows all truth,
O GOD OF TRUTH DELIVER US."

Unfortunately, multitudes of people who look back over their lives today, find that they have garnered few memories that are even worth remembering. And the reason’s plain; they have never climbed out of the rut of mediocrity; never risked anything, never dared anything, and consequently have never experienced the exhilaration of courageously overcoming or triumphing over anything. They live their lives merely trying to play it safe, and missing out on so much of what life is all about.

Such well meaning people remind me of the fellow way back in the hills who was sitting on the porch of his old run down old shack. As he sat there, slowly rocking back and forth, a neighbor came by and started talking to him about his crops. He asked him if he’d planted any corn? The man replied, “Nope. Weather’s likely ta’ be too hot to try raisin’ corn.”
The fellow then asked him if he’d planted any tobaccy? Spitting a large gob of brown juice, the farmer said, “Nope. I ‘llowed there might be too much rain fer ta’baccy ta grow good.”
Finally, the neighbor asked him, “Since you didn’t plant no corn, an’ ya didn’t plant no tobaccy, that jest leaves one other thing. How much cotton did ja’ plant?”
The old farmer, with spittle from his tobacco juice trickling down over his unshaved chin replied, “Didn’t plant no cotton neither. I wuz a’feared them boll weevils would jus eat a cotton crop plumb up.”
Now, looking a bit surprised, the other man said, “Well then, what did ja plant?”
Dropping his chin down low, and raising one eyebrow, he squinted over the top of his glasses, and then, in a quiet, confidential tone of voice, he said, “ Nawthin …. I jis played ‘er safe.”

All too many are living their lives playing it safe, trying to experience their lives vicariously through the books they read, the TV programs they watch, and the video games to which they’ve become addicted. Millions are permitting them to become substitutes for experiencing any excitement and adventure for themselves. Anything involving risk, hardship, or daring adventure they avoid at all costs.

Such people will one day be left to wonder what it would have been like if they had pursued at least some of their dreams, risen to face some challenge, boldly attempted to do something that they’d always wanted to do. Of course such exploits usually do involve some risk, but risk is a normal part of any life worth living. Life was never meant to be lived in a cocoon. An old Indian proverb says, “If you do not enter the tiger’s den, you cannot catch his cubs.”

Someone once wrote that, “Adventure, with all its necessary wildness and risk, is a deeply ingrained longing that’s engraved upon the soul of a man. In some of us it’s been misdirected, or buried and forgotten; but it is nevertheless within us. Like a faint distant voice crying out to be turned loose, freed to live out the dreams that every man would like to experience.”

Far too many will someday be forced to regretfully ask, “Why didn’t I break free at least once, and go after my dream? What was I thinking?” Too late they awaken and realize that life has passed them by.

They’ve scarcely had even one challenging experience, one genuine adventure that’s worth remembering or worth passing on to their children and grandchildren. And the saddest thing about it is, they never even made one really serious attempt at trying to make their aspirations and dreams come true. They talked about them, imagined what it would be like to experience them, and then put them on a shelf labeled “Things I’m going to do … someday.” The years go quickly by. And then one day it becomes all too apparent that they’ve waited too long, All that they CAN do now is to fantasize about what their life could have been like.

When I lived in the far north there were so many times I heard the cries of the wild geese and watched as they winged their way overhead. Their great V formation could be plainly seen stretching across sky. It was during those years that I came across a story that was simply called “The Barnyard Goose”. I believe that nothing I can think of so aptly describes what I’ve been trying to say.

As the story goes “A flock of wild geese were flying south for the winter. As they looked down from the sky they could see a barnyard where a farmer was giving several chickens corn to eat. One goose who prided himself on his wit and wisdom, thought to himself, “What’s the use of all this flying south to get food when those chickens are getting it for nothing?” Deciding he would cash in on the windfall he told his friends good-bye. They urged him to stay with them because winter would soon be arriving.. The goose, however, said, “No.” I can enjoy the warm comfort of the chicken house and won’t have to spend all that time and energy flying south. So he stayed.

Winter came and the goose was quite happy with himself over the decision. He had all the corn he could eat. The farmer had taken a real liking to him, and the other fowls in the barnyard did not object to his presence.. How glad he was that he was smart enough to recognize a good thing.

When the spring came all was well. The earth warmed again and the breezes blew softly. Soon the wild geese began returning for the summer. The barnyard goose heard their cry as they flew over, and his nature told him to join them. With heart beating fast with anticipation to again greet his fellows in the sky, he stretched forth his wings to rise. However, to his sorrow he fell back to earth. He tried again and again but each time he slammed back to the ground. During the summer, while eating the farmer’s corn he had gotten fat and now to his dismay he found he could no longer follow the call of the wild that surged in his heart.

…..The application is clear, and the truth certain. How often we choose the easy way, only to find that eventually it robs us of the very best. We limit ourselves to the barnyard when we were created to soar in the heavens.”

I THINK MY SOUL IS LIKE A TAME OLD DUCK,
WADDLING ABOUT, IN THE BARNYARD MUCK,
FAT AND LAZY WITH USELESS WINGS,
AHH, BUT SOMETIMES, … SOMETIMES,
WHEN THE NORTH WIND SINGS,
AND THE WILD ONES HURTLE OVERHEAD,
IT REMEMBERS SOMETHING LOST AND DEAD,
AND COCKS A WARY PUZZLED EYE,
AND MAKES A FEEBLE ATTEMPT TO FLY.
IT’S FAIRLY CONTENT,
WITH THE SHAPE IT’S IN.
BUT IT’LL NEVER BE THE DUCK,
THAT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN.

.....The bottom line is that far too many die without ever having really lived. I have tried to avoid that mistake. Some thought it was foolish, that the barnyard was the better path to take. But now as I am about to reach my 75th milestone and I look back over the years, I thank my God for the treasure chest of memories that I have been blessed with. Would I make the same choice again, if I had the chance?
………In a heartbeat.

It is my firm conviction that every man called to pastor should make it a top priority to be the best at preaching that he can possibly be. Unfortunately, however, many men will stand in the pulpit this Sunday and fail to deliver an effective, anointed message. Some won’t even be aware of their shortcomings, and some are no longer even interested in trying to improve their speaking ability They’ve reached the point where they’re content to just do what they’ve always done. No preacher should ever be satisfied to be less than his best when it comes to preaching!

A would-be preacher was being questioned at his ordination service and the interrogator
asked him if he knew the Bible?
“Yes Sir, I shore do.”
“Well, what part do you know the best?”
“I am a serious an’ studious preacher of that there New Testament.”
“I see. And what part of the New Testament would you say that you know the best of all?”
“Wal, I reckon I bin knowin’ the story a’ the Good Samaritan the best.”
“Mighty fine. Would you be kind enough to preach a little bit for us on that there story?
“I sho nuff would be privileged to do thet. It all begins wif this here SamariTAN. He wuz goin’ down from Jerusalem to Jericho when all at oncet he fell down amongst a whole passel ‘a thorns. An them thorns done springed up an’ choked him, an’ ‘nen they tuk his gold, frankincense an’ myrrh an’ lef’ him for dead. But after three days, he done rose up, an’ verily he did come forth. An’ he backslid till he’ cum to a tree an’ he got hung up by his har in thet thar tree fer forty days and forty nights. An’ whiles he wuz there, the ravens verily did cum an’ fed him wif locusts an’ wild honey. An’ bout thet time, along cum a gal, name ‘a Dee-lilah, and she tuk a’ pair a’ shears an’ cut off his har; Now this here caused him to fall on stony groun’. An’ she sed to him, “Rise up an’ walk!” Ah’ he done riz up an’ walked till he cum to a wall. An’ Jezebel wuz a sittin’ on thet wall, an’ she mocked him. An’ he shouted, “Thow ‘er down!”, An’ they thowed ‘er down. An’ he said, “Thow ‘er down agin! An’ they thowed ‘er down 70 times 7, an’ verily I say unto you, great wuz the fall thereof. And of the fragments that remained, they done picked up twelve baskets full. An’ the queshun I wants to ask YOU this mornin’ is ---- whose wife she gonna be in the resurrection?”

To be brutally frank, I am amazed at how some people can go to church Sunday after Sunday and endure the poor preaching that they have to listen to! I have to confess there’s no way I could stand to sit there week after week and be thoroughly bored as some poor laymen unquestionably are! They truly amaze me with their enduring dedication to the Lord that brings them back week after week.

The fact is, I doubt that if some of the well meaning fellows who are doing the speaking could stand to sit under their own preaching for very long, if the tables were turned.

Now please understand, I am not down on preachers. I’ve been one myself since 1950. and so many of my closest friends to this very day are, preachers. (or were before i wrote this article!). N1either, am I wanting to sound like I am any great authority on preaching. the Lord knows that I am well aware of my own shortcomings. but, after nearly fifty-five years of preaching and of listening to a multitude of other preachers, I am convinced that there are four reasons why so many of our sermons are deader than a sack-full of hammers.

ONE - In a large number of churches there are pastors who preach on questions that no one in the congregation is asking, nor have any real need to hear. They deal with sterile subjects that do the congregation very little good. The subjects may be theologically correct, and are of obvious interest to the preacher (largely due to the reading material he’s been absorbing at the time) but mostly do very little to train, or teach their congregation about the practical problems and hurts that their people are facing in their everyday lives and the eternal issues that we all need to be continually reminded of.

The sad thing about all this is that in service after service there are people sitting in the church who are hurting and desperately in need of help, understanding, and direction. They are souls seeking answers to their perplexing problems and heartfelt needs, but instead of going home with help and hope, they are forced to leave as empty and as hurting as they were when they first walked inside the church doors. And in many of our churches it’s happening every Sunday, and yet we wonder why so many leave, never to return?

When a man of God stands to preach the Bible, he should be doing all that he can to meet the needs of his congregation from God’s word. Sometimes the occasion will call for giving answers to relevant questions and problems, sometimes it will be to teach and train the people how to perform some necessary spiritual task, while at other times, it will be to deliver a persuasive salvation message. We should make sure that we neglect none of these things; there is no viable excuse for omitting any of them.

TWO - Too, many sermons consist of very little but repetitive reiteration of the obvious and boringly familiar. It’s not that the sermon isn’t about something that’s true, it’s just that it’s a constant repetition of the same old things over and over, things the congregation is already completely familiar with , things they know backwards and forwards. It’s preaching that doesn’t give the congregation anything else of practical spiritual value. Such preaching produces Christians whose growth has been stunted. They may mutter or shout “Amen!” but the truth is their spiritual light and life drained out a long time ago.

That kind of preaching only produces the kind of church that’s described in the following blip: “During a church service a man died of a heart attack while sitting in his pew. Someone called 911. Quickly the emergency team and a hearse arrived to remove the body. Five people were carried out before they got the right one.”

THREE - In some cases every Sunday there’s an ongoing pattern of entertaining the saints with “the gospel”, It consists of mainly preaching salvation messages to a house full of the same people who have been saved for years, and all the while neglecting to feed the sheep on their very own doorstep. THERE MOST ASSUREDLY IS A TIME TO PREACH TO THE LOST, and no preacher should ever minimize an emphasis on the gospel, BUT… THERE ARE OTHER THINGS THAT ALSO NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. In my opinion the real reason so many preach a salvation message practically every time they preach is because they haven’t prayed and sought God enough to find out what He actually wants them to preach. And in many cases the reason is because the preacher himself hasn’t gone any deeper or learned anything new for years. To truly feed the flock you’ve got to have something nourishing to give them, and to do that requires prayer, ongoing study, and effort, often more than some are willing to give. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Now some, unfortunately, go to the other extreme. They apparently think that the church was meant to merely be a theological factory to parade their Greek and Hebrew exegesis in what they’d like to boast is a “deeper life institute for mature believers”. They’d do far better to recall D. L. Moody’s words to all of us preachers: “Always put your cookies on the lowest shelf where they’re within in reach of even the smallest child.”

Though the church is not meant to become a seminary in embryo, neither should it be a soul-winning station only. Scripturally speaking it should endeavor to be a place of real corporate worship, a training station to prepare Christians to go out and take the gospel to a dying world,( Ephesians 4:11-12, Matthew 28:19) and a place where God’s people can find fellowship, strength, and teaching that will enable them to deal with life’s ups and downs. Unfortunately, the God who loves them dearly, and whose Book has the very answers they need, all too often sees them leave His house devoid of what they came hoping to find there.

FOUR - Some refer to the Scripture that says, “Open your mouth and I will fill it.” and so they say, “That’s the real way to preach; just open your mouth and God has promised to fill it with the right words. All that reading and study isn’t necessary.” Men who make statements like that need to stop blaming God for their own inability to come up with something that will really feed their flock! And… by the way, the above Scripture doesn’t refer to filling our mouths with words to preach. Look it up. (Psalm 81:10). Such statements are absolute nonsense!

Nevertheless, over the years I’ve heard some reply to all of this by saying, “It just requires too much time, and study to do all of that. I have too many other things that demand my time. Besides, I’m really not sure I could ever come up with what it would take to find answers that would help meet those people’s needs. We’re all different you know, and I’m just not that kind of studious person. Plus, I’m really too busy with other things to spend all the time that would be required.”

I have only one reply to that rejoinder … HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF GETTING INTO SOME OTHER KIND OF OCCUPATION?

Of course it’s true that a preacher, especially today, has a multitude of duties and responsibilities to shoulder. but it’s also true that “Proper duties never conflict.” Sometimes as pastors we paint ourselves into a corner allowing ourselves to become too busy and instead of delegating,(or eliminating some of the load altogether) we try to involve ourselves in far more things than we should. We fall into the trap of thinking that far too many things must be accomplished right now.

Regrettably, we forget or simply ignore that wise old adage, “All things in their own time” We would do well to remember that so often the shortest way home is the longest way around. Like eating, it should be done only one bite at a time. To try to chew and swallow too much at once can only lead to choking.on which can be fatal.

“Too busy?” When I’m inclined to feel I’m too busy I find myself forced to recall the life and ministry of John Wesley. After his heartwarming conversion at Aldersgate he went across England preaching the gospel. Physically he was unimpressive, standing only five feet four inches tall and weighing less than 130 pounds. But he mastered six languages, and was thoroughly versed in theology, history and literature. With seemingly limitless energy he preached 40,000 sermons, traveled 250,000 miles (mostly on horseback) and wrote 400 books and pamphlets. His audiences sometimes numbered 20,000 which he held spellbound without a public address system of any kind. I wonder what such a man would have been able to accomplish had he lived in our day, and had our modern means of travel to utilize? With radio and television? With our up to date means of printing? And of course with the use of computers and the internet. What if he’d had all these at his disposal instead of a horse, a saddlebag containing his food, his library, a quill pen and a bottle of ink? When I read about men like him it makes me feel like a bicycle in a Mercedes Benz parade.

The least we can do when we preach is to be the very best we can be at what we’re doing.
The ministry is a calling, and one of a minister’s chief duties is to “feed the sheep”, and to “preach the word instant in season, and out of season”. It’s a major part of any pastor’s duties. It should never be belittled or considered of only mediocre importance.

The famous pastor Dr. A.J. Gordon had an unusual dream, one that he said he’d never forget as long as he lived. In his dream he was standing in the pulpit of his church and, as usual, a large crowd was present. It was a Sunday morning and the service was about to begin when a stranger was ushered down the aisle and shown to his seat. The preacher announced the opening hymn and felt strangely drawn to the unknown visitor. The man stood with the others to sing the hymn, but his eyes turned toward the pulpit and there was something in his glance that was overpowering. When he smiled, it was as if his face possessed a captivating and illuminating charm; when he became pensive, it seemed as if a cloud had momentarily passed across the face of the sun. Dr. Gordon tried hard to look elsewhere, but again and again his eyes kept coming back to the stranger. The service continued, until the message was finished and the preacher hurried to get to the door to speak with this compelling stranger. But the stranger was nowhere to be seen. He had quietly slipped away.

When the stranger once again was shown to a seat in the evening service, the minister was delighted and as before a soft light seemed to shine from the eyes of the unknown visitor. Dr. Gordon found himself almost incapable of focusing on the other members of his congregation. When he announced his text he was instinctively aware that the stranger was listening and watching intently. As soon as the service was over, the minister again hurried to the door, but once again he was too late; the visitor had left the building. This time the pastor was unable to disguise his disappointment, and turning to the deacon at the door he said, “Who was that man who just left the church?” The deacon seemed a little surprised and answered, “Dr. Gordon, don’t you know who that was?” The minister replied, “No, I don’t know Him. I saw him this morning and again tonight and I wanted to welcome him to our church, but I missed meeting him both times. Who was he?” The man quietly replied, “Pastor, that was --- Jesus of Nazareth.” And in that one electrifying moment Dr. Gordon said, “Jesus of Nazareth --- in my service – listening to me? “Oh, WHAT did I say?” And then he awakened.

From that day forward Dr. Gordon was never the same, nor did he ever forget his dream! During the following days he continually relived his memorable experience, and for the first time in his life he became acutely aware that Christ was present in every service that he preached and was listening to every sermon. That dream changed Dr. Gordon’s ministry. He became passionate in his preaching and his words stirred an entire continent! Some members of his congregation were amazed and wondered what had happened to their pastor. He was a different man.

And what about the rest of us? Should we not prepare and deliver every message with that same realization in mind? Shouldn’t all our words and service be rendered in the light of that same great awareness? Dare we declare the messages that we preach with any less passion and sensitivity than Dr Gordon exercised in his preaching? May the Lord help us all to prepare our preaching with the prayer, diligence and dedication that our high and holy calling deserves. Preaching is only one of a preacher’s duties, but it should occupy a place as one of the foremost things on his list of priorities. There is no excuse for failing to do it right and do it well.

Separately, Prime Minister John Howard angered some Australian Muslims by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: "IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.

This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.

We speak mainly ENGLISH; not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society… Learn The Language!

Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.
We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.

This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.

If you aren't happy here, then LEAVE! We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted."

Prime Minister John Howard – Australia

OU’VE GOT IT STRAIGHT, MATE!

Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, American citizens will find the backbone to start speaking and voicing the same truths.

Dear Lord,
In our coming election please give us a man like John Howard who has the conviction and courage to not only speak out on these matters, but to act decisively on them as well.
AMEN.

Phil McGlaughlin

So the man goes home and sees his wife in the kitchen facing the stove.  He says from the door, “What’s for dinner tonight?”
No answer.
Ten feet behind her, he repeats, “What’s for dinner tonight?”
Still no answer.
Finally, right behind her, he repeats, “What’s for dinner tonight?”
And his wife turns around and says, “For the third time ---- chicken!”

When I first read that story, my mind immediately went back to an occasion when Jesus told a rather humorous illustration about human nature, and then followed it with an astute piece of advice.  He said, “You can see the speck in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the log in your own eye.  How can you say, ‘My friend, let me take the speck out of your eye’ when you don’t see the log in your own eye?  You’re nothing but show offs!  First take the log out of your own eye. Then you can see to take the speck out of your friend’s eye.” (Mt. 7:3-4 cev)

Why is it so easy for us to see the personal failings, personal quirks, dumb things, bad habits (ad infinitum) in other people, yet overlook our own flaws which are often far more obvious and serious than theirs?

Now, I don’t know about you, but as for myself, I can only plead “Guilty.”

But there is one more thing that Jesus said on that particular occasion, and it does tend to dampen any “thinking person’s” inclination to be critical of others.  In fact, if we truly consider what he said, it will certainly make us think twice before being quick to judge other people.  His simple but poignant words of warning were, “Don’t condemn others, and God won’t condemn you. God will be as hard on you as you are on others.  He will treat you exactly as you treat them.” (vs. 1-2 cev)

As one old preacher once said, “Thet kind of preachin’ tends to fetch a sudden coldness over the congregation.”

• Mysterious beings of great power who live in a kingdom beyond the stars?
• An evil fiend of darkness who can assume the form of a huge cunning serpent to deceive and destroy its victims?
• An immortal King who leaves a throne in the sky to descend to earth and live in a mortal body?
• A magical tree whose fruit is capable of imparting eternal life?

Honestly now … isn’t it true that such far out tales sound more like a fiction plot from the “Hobbit”, “Star Trek”, or “Grimm’s Fairy Tales”?

Who, in their right mind, could ever accept such bizarre concepts as being accurate accounts of real events? Yet these stories are a basic part of the fabric that makes up the Christian faith? Being absolutely candid, doesn’t it appear that to become a Christian, the very first thing you’d have to do would be to assassinate your intelligence? Certainly no person with a scientific, analytical mind could ever believe such ridiculous, unfounded claims.

OR COULD THEY?

Who would you say was the greatest scientist that ever lived? It would seem that such a question would be practically impossible to answer, yet surprising though it may be … it isn’t. Among scientists today there seems to be overwhelming agreement that only one man fits the description. Einstein? No. Hawking? No. Let’s listen as the late Isaac Asimov, one of the most prolific and well informed science writers of our time, answers that question:

"If the question were, ‘Who was the second greatest”’ it would be impossible to answer but since the question is, “Who is the greatest?” there is no problem. I feel that most historians of science would declare at once that Isaac Newton was the greatest scientific mind the world has ever seen. He founded higher mathematics by working out the calculus. He founded modern optics by his experiments on breaking up white light into the colors of the spectrum. He founded modern physics by stating the laws of motion and deducing their consequences. He founded modern astronomy by working out the law of universal gravitation.” …. After Newton’s death Alexander Pope said it all in two lines: ‘Nature and Nature’s laws lay hid in night, God said, "Let Newton be! And all was light."

There can be no doubt that Newton’s powers of observation, analysis, and judgment must have been incredible! Certainly no one could accuse him of being ignorant or disorganized in his thinking. Few men could match his peerless analytical mind. It will no doubt come as a shock then, to some people, to learn that this same Newton was an outspoken, fervent believer in the Bible and in Jesus Christ. On one occasion he declared, “I find more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane (secular) history whatever.”

Nor is Newton alone in his view of the Christian faith. Many outstanding, highly intelligent people of both the past and the present have been ardent, outspoken believers of these very things! Something they discovered convinced them that the claims of Christianity are sober, absolute truth!

Lord Kelvin who established thermodynamics as a science said, “With regard to the origin of life, science positively affirms creativepower.”

Sir William Ramsey was one of history’s most notable archaeologists. He had graduated from Oxford with a Ph. D. and was also a very wealthy man. He had been reared by atheistic parents and was himself an outspoken atheist. He’d openly declared his intention to utilize his archeological expertise to disprove the Bible. After years spent in the Holy Land, attempting to discredit the Scriptures, he produced a book that shocked the world of Biblical criticism. In it he announced that his Archaeological digs had led him to one inescapable conclusion. The Bible was true after all; he had become a Christian.

Dr. Robert Dick Wilson, formerly a professor at Princeton, was a man whose scholastic accomplishments were truly amazing. While still a student in seminary he was able to read the entire New Testament in nine different languages, and that included a Hebrew translation that he had memorized word for word! During his lifetime he actually mastered forty-five languages and dialects so that he could examine and investigate the Bible in the languages in which it had been translated. There can be little doubt that he was the world’s most out-standing authority on ancient languages of the Middle East. After forty-six years of intensive study of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, his faith in its inspiration and accuracy was unshakable.

Dr. Werner Von Braun, rocketry and space scientist, and past director of NASA said, “{It is} as difficult to understand a scientist who does not acknowledge the presence of God … as it is to comprehend a Theologian who would deny the advances of civilization.”

Many other men and women of outstanding intellect and achievement could be cited who have openly declared their faith in the Bible and Christianity.

When we read of people such as these becoming believers, some very obvious questions come to mind. What was it that caused them to decide in favor of the Bible and Christianity? Surely men such as these wouldn’t have embraced the claims of Christianity without having found good, solid reasons for doing so? What were those reasons?

WHAT IF GOOD REASONS FOR BELIEVING DO EXIST?

Stop for just a moment and think about it. What if the Bible really IS the revelation given to man by the Creator? What if there actually IS life after death? And what if there really Is a Heaven and a Hell? C.S. Lewis has correctly said, “Christianity if false is of no importance … and if true, of infinite importance.

The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
In our present day age of skepticism far too many people write Christianity off without ever giving it a fair hearing. They’re under the impression that science and the Bible are at odds, and this mistaken idea causes some to reject the Bible and Christianity without ever investigating the facts.

What about YOU? Have YOU ever taken the time to honestly and fairly seek out the facts for yourself?
You can be wrong, and marry the wrong person and still get by. You can be wrong
about choosing your life’s and still muddle through. You can be wrong about the
place that you put down your roots and spend your lifetime there. You can be wrong
about a lot of things and somehow bumble through, miserable though it may be.
BUT THERE’S ONE THING YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO BE WRONG ABOUT.
AND THAT’S THE DESTINY OF YOUR SOUL.
ETERNITY IS A MIGHTY LONG TIME.

“The Prodigal” - The Cowboy version from Luke 15:11-31
By: Craig Nelson

Dad, can I have the money, that you’ve set aside for me?
My pickup truck, is loaded up, n’ there’s a world a waiting on me.
Feed ol’ Blue, and my rope horse too,
Work them, if you get a chance.
There’s just so much more, that life has in store,
Than workin’on this old ranch.

Wish my brother Jess, all the best,
And I’m glad that he’s gonna stay.
And don’t blame no one, that I broke and run,
Like some old slick eared stray.
The ol’ rancher watched, as the tires kicked up dust,
Till the wind blew it out of sight.
Then he stared a long time, at the gray skyline,
Till the day turned into night.

But that pickup rolled on, though the day was far gone,
Drawn by the cities bright glow,
To a bar in town, where the night life abounds,
And the whiskey, like a river, did flow.
Though he didn’t fit in, with money to spend,
A crowd soon gathered ‘round,
Now he had drinking pals, and low neckline gals,
Just look at the friends he had found.
That party went on, each night til near dawn,
Was just the bars and the names that changed.

Smoke and cheap thrills, wine women and pills,
He was proud of the life he’d arranged.
But too soon he went broke, with no money in his poke,
A friend just couldn’t be found,
There wasn’t one here, that would buy him a beer,
In what once was a real friendly town.
That night life sure enough, had him looking rough,
His life had gone to the dogs,

As he drug out of town, a farmer he found,
Gave him work a’feeding his hogs.
He fed them their swill, with his own hunger still,
A’gnawing at him way down deep.
‘N he thought of the hands, ridin’ for his Dad’s brand,
Well fed, with a warm place to sleep.
Through the mire it came clear, he had to leave here,
And go back to his Daddy’s land,
I’ll tell him how wrong I been, an’ if he’ll let me in,
I’ll be just another hired hand.

It took all his will, to climb that last hill,
That looked over the old home place,
Then he saw his Dad come, in a wide open run,
With a great big smile on his face!
At his feet the boy fell, in his rags and hog smell,
And cried “Father, great is my sin.”
The rancher knelt to embrace, with his heart full of grace,
The son who’d come back to him.
Bring some clothes over here, an’ kill a fat steer,
For we have cause to rejoice!

But just about then, Jess rode his horse in,
And wondered at all of the noise.
He learned from a hand, that a party was planned,
For his lost brother, just now had come.
He wanted to cuss! Why make such a fuss?
For a sinner and a drunken bum?
The rancher was grieved, as Jess turned to leave,
And went out to ask him to stay.

Jess said, all these years, of sweat and tears,
And now you treat me this way?
But the Rancher said Jess, you’re my faithful Son,
And I know you will be, till the end.
But now it’s my choice, that we should rejoice,
For your brother, who was dead, lives again.

___ Given to me by Craig Nelson, rodeo roper and cowboy preacher
___ May 2006

Someone told him that scientists had discovered a serum called Krebiozen,and that it appeared to be remarkably effective against cancer. He begged his physician, Dr. Philip West, to inject him with this new serum. Dr. West finally agreed and gave Mr. Wright an injection on a Friday afternoon. The following Monday, the astonished doctor found his patient out of his death bed, joking with the nurses. “The tumors,” the doctor wrote later, “had melted like snowballs on a hot stove.”

But the story doesn't end there.

Two months went by and Mr. Wright's condition was still excellent. But then --- something surprising occurred. Wright somehow came across medical reports that said Krebiozen had been proven to be a farce, nothing more than a quack remedy.

Immediately, the patient suffered a terrible relapse! His cancer had returned!

In a desperate effort to try and restore him, Dr. West told him not to believe what he'd read in the papers! He then injected Wright with what he claimed was “a new super-refined, double strength“ version of the drug.

In reality---- it was water.

But once more, to the doctors delighted amazement, the tumor masses melted, and Wright again became the picture of health! For another two months his startling recovery remained, and then the unthinkable happened----he read another definitive report stating that the serum, Krebiozen, was ABSOLUTELY AND BEYOND ALL DOUBT WORTHLESS!.

Two days later Wright was dead!.

NEVER underestimate the power of the thoughts you think; what you believe does exert a strange and unexplainable power in your life. As Jesus once said, “Only believe. All things are possible to him that believeth.”

I relate that story because of the principle it demonstrates. If you do NOT believe that what you pray for will happen ---- then, YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! It won't. What you believe is what you'll get! In other words … the things we want to see changed in our lives can literally be influenced and transformed---- by changing the way we think about them.

Jesus put it this way,“According to your faith be it done unto you.” And, “Whatsoever things you desire, when you pray believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.” An attitude of expectant faith is of extreme importance.

Emerson once said, “Beware of what you set your mind on, for that you will surely become.” He was100% CORRECT. You that are taking notes ought to write this statement down and muse over it later: You are not what you think you are, but what you think …you are.

People who seem to receive an unusual number of their prayers answered are people who expect to get their prayers answered. They have a positive attitude about life. They're individuals who think, talk, and attempt things that most people their age wouldn't even think of trying.

When I was 48 years old I resigned a pastorate in Florida and our family of six stepped out on faith, sold everything we owned and drove some 3000 miles north into British Columbia. We saw one church built there, and then, once again, packed up and moved 1000 miles further up the Alaskan Highway. Near the Border of the Yukon Territory, deep in the wilderness, we pitched our tents and began our second northern ministry. It was an effort in which we attempted to reach out to the bush people (as they are called), the fur trappers, outfitters, gold miners, Indians, and families who live deep in remote areas of the wild country.

While there we were told of an old white haired gentleman who came there every year from the States. He would leave his vehicle, take a canoe and disappear into the wild country. For two weeks no one would see him. When he finally re-appeared, his canoe would be loaded with several hundred pounds of meat from the moose that he'd killed and somehow managed to pack out. The last I heard about him, he was close to eighty, and had shown up with his grandson who'd insisted on coming along to help him carry out the meat.. Again, the point I'm trying to emphasize is that some people are old at thirty, and some are young at seventy. Let me repeat my previous statement once more…“You can't measure age by birthdays. Biological time varies, clock time doesn't.”

I remember going on a canoe trip into the Quetico-Superior Wilderness years ago. One day as I was several days from civilization and paddling across a lake, I spotted another canoe in the distance with two people in it. As we drew close to one another, I was quite surprised to see an old white haired man and woman. He was seated in the stern of the craft and I couldn't help but notice that he sat straight as a sapling and paddled with powerful strokes toward my canoe. They both smiled, and we began to exchange greetings. After a few minutes of friendly conversation we wound up swapping some salt for some fishhooks, items that we were both in need of. When I asked what they were doing so far out in the back country, the old gentleman laughed and said that ever since he'd taken his bride on their first canoe trip many, many years ago, they'd been returning every year for this special time together. He said they wouldn't miss it for the world. They may have been old in years, but they were still young in heart. We parted and I never saw them again, but whenever I think of them I'm once again reminded that you can't measure age by birthdays.

It's been claimed by some that William James, was one or the wisest men our country has ever produced. He once stated what he considered to be the greatest knowledge breakthrough of his generation. He said, “The greatest discovery of my generation is, that human beings can actually alter their lives, by altering their attitudes of mind.”

He knew that once a person believes they CAN do something, the chances are good that they actually WILL be able to do it. To state it more plainly ---- what you see,--- AND expect---- is what you're going to get!

I am now approaching my 74th birthday. Ten days ago I was in a wilderness area of central Florida. It was late at night and I was traveling on a trail that led through the jungle-like swamps and palmetto thickets. Up ahead of me was a herd of about ten very wild, and ornery, mean “Russian Boars” (not the common wild hogs of Florida). In my hand I carried an old fashioned, traditional hunting bow with an arrow nocked and ready. The opportunity I was looking for finally presented itself. Working up to about ten yards from the biggest one, a 300 pounder, I managed to drive an arrow into his broad, black torso, He was able to rush about forty or fifty yards through the palmettos before dying. It was all over for that evening but I still had one day left to hunt. The following evening I was also fortunate, and was able to put an arrow into a beautiful Indian Black Buck.

Both animals have now taken up residence here in my home freezer.

Now, some would say I'm too old to be doing things such as that; I should be acting my age. What they don't understand is that I am acting my age … I'm just not looking at the the years and at ageing in the same way they are. Naturally, I don't have the body or strength that I once had, and yes, though I hate to admit it, arthritis does slow me down considerably, BUT I'm still a man. I'm alive, and I intend to live and enjoy life to the full for as long as I can. I have not surrendered in my mind, or my body to the common carica-ture of what old age HAS to be like. Have you?

I've observed many friends and acquaintances over the years who, while still comparatively young (perhaps in their late forties) already talk as if old age was right on their doorstep, and they were already feeling its effect in their bodies.. They'd accepted the idea that they were at the place in life where they'd passed their prime, and were now on a downhill slide. It was common to hear them saying things like:

“Well, I'm getting to an age now when I figure it's time to scale down… After all, ya' know, I'm no spring chicken anymore.

or

“I've made up my mind that at my age, I'm just getting too old to still do that sort of thing any more …”

or

“People my age just have to realize they've got to begin easing up and start slowing down ”

In their minds they'd started thinking of themselves as having begun to physically deteriorate with age. They'd been expecting to start ageing, to start falling apart, and people who believe and talk that way are never disappointed.The sad thing about it is ---- it didn't have to happen to them at all, at least not at that early stage of their lives.

I suppose I have what would be labeled as just a normal memory span---nothing at all out of the ordinary. But one day after reading an article that I came across on memory, I decided that I was going to set out to improve my ability to remember…and do it in spite of any so-called age barriers.

In a short time I became able to learn and recall a list of 70 to 100 things after hearing them only once. I was also able to remember and recall any 40 digit number after going over it only once. Now, make no mistake about it ...I'm certainly no memory expert, but there was one main thing I learned …memory is just like everything else; if we neglect to do anything to keep it sharp or improve it, then like any muscle in your body that you fail to exercise, it's going to grow weak.

Practically anyone can learn to improve their memory. The rub is that you have to want it enough to put out the extra effort that can help make the difference. The steps needed are not hard, but effort does have to be put forth to get results.

Of course, as we grow older there is some natural memory deterioration, but usually not to the extent that many expect. Some people believe that serious memory loss simply must happen to them…and because they expect it to happen to them…like Mr. Wright… it does. But barring serious physical problems, it doesn't HAVE to be that way.

You won't progress beyond what you have in your heart.

If you believe you cannot------ you're right ---- if you believe you can --- you're right.. Both concepts are right. In the words of Jesus, “…according to your faith be it done unto you”… “all things are possible to him that believeth”.

IF YOU THINK YOU'RE BEATEN, YOU ARE.
IF YOU THINK YOU DARE NOT, YOU DON'T.
IF YOU'D LIKE TO WIN, BUT THINK YOU CAN'T,
IT'S ALMOST CERTAIN YOU WON'T.

IF YOU THINK YOU'LL LOSE, YOU'VE LOST,
FOR OUT IN THE WORLD WE FIND,
SUCCESS BEGINS WITH A PERSON'S THOUGHTS,
IT'S ALL IN THE STATE OF MIND.

IF YOU THINK YOU'RE OUTCLASSED, YOU ARE.
YOU'VE GOT TO THINK HIGH TO RISE.
YOU'VE GOT TO BE SURE THAT GOD'S ON YOUR SIDE,
IF YOU'RE GOING TO WALK OFF WITH THE PRIZE.

LIFE'S BATTLES DON'T ALWAYS GO,
TO THE STRONGEST OR SWIFTEST MAN,
BUT SOONER OR LATER, THE MAN THAT WINS,
IS THE MAN WHO THINKS HE CAN.

February 16, 2007
Dr. Phillip McGlaughlin

There must be some reason why all this grandeur is lavished on this one spot in the heavens. The colors are of a hue found only in Orion, and are studded around the opening so that they appear as if they were a pavement of starry sand."

Astronomers tell us that the diameter of our earth's orbit is about 186,000,000 miles; the opening that stretches across the opening of the canyon in Orion is perhaps more than nineteen trillion miles!. Unbelievable though it may sound, this encompasses an area so large that our entire solar system could literally be lost in its interior. There can be little doubt that, to this day, it's one of the most baffling and fascinating areas in the heavens!

Those who now study the heavens tell us that part of the astonishing sights that Prof. Larkin saw practically defy description even today! The dazzling bursts of light that he beheld may likely have been stars in the actual process of forming. Today, when our modern telescopes are trained on that area, they reveal a display of what appears to be breathtaking, exploding, fireworks, surrounded by a virtual rainbow of undulating colors, and great rolling masses of luminous, glowing clouds. In our attempts to peer further inside, photographs reveal an area of blinding light, so awesomely bright that its brilliance outshines all the other stars combined!

What else lies still concealed within the interior of Orion's Nebula? It's something about which one can only speculate. It's no wonder that some thoughtful men and women have postulated that when our Lord returns, this vast corridor of Orion might well be the star-lined procession way through which He will pass.

Abraham Lincoln once said, "I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down on the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot see how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God."

I agree with Mr. Lincoln except for one thing. I cannot see how any person can be an atheist no matter where he or she looks.

"Since earliest times men have seen the earth and sky and all God made, and have known of his existence and great eternal power. So they will have no excuse [when they stand before God at Judgment Day--implied] Romans 1:21

As David said, "The heavens keep telling the wonders of god, and the skies declare what he has done ... They don't speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice, yet their message reaches all the earth, and it travels around the world…"
Psalms 19:1,4

Astronaut Jim Irwin, when sharing his experience about going to the moon, said, "When I looked out and saw the earth only as big as a little marble, I thought, how big am I? I'm just a speck of dust, if that big, when compared to the universe. And yet this little speck has the capacity to know God! To know the One Who holds the universe. To know His love and have His direction. (He then quoted John 3:16) I realized then that God loves that little blue marble …that little planet. He loves all the billions of people on it, and he loves me. I realized that my relationship with Jesus Christ was the most precious thing I had."

From Dad

An elderly Florida lady did her shopping and, upon returning to her car, found four males in the act of leaving with her vehicle. She dropped her shopping bags and drew her handgun, proceeding to scream at the top of her voice, "I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Get out of the car!"

The four men didn't wait for a second invitation. They got out and ran like mad. The lady, somewhat shaken, then proceeded to load her shopping bags into the back of the car and got into the driver's seat.

She was so shaken that she could not get her key into the ignition. She tried and tried, and then it dawned on her why.

A few minutes later, she found her own car parked four or five spaces farther down. She loaded her bags into the car and drove to the police station.

The sergeant to whom she told the story couldn't stop laughing. He pointed to the other end of the counter, where four pale men were reporting a car jacking by a mad, elderly woman described as white, less than five feet tall, glasses, curly white hair, and carrying a large handgun. No charges were filed.

If you're going to have a Senior Moment, make it a memorable one!

Are we foolish for believing in God? Does God exist? Is he real? Does he live? How can we know that there really is such a being? Is there any reliable evidence? Must we be gullible, intellectual drop outs to believe in God?

Scientist and author, Dr. Harry Rimmer told of the following conversation that he had with a young man who didn’t believe in God.
”Dr. Rimmer”, he asked, “where did the universe come from?”
“It was created”
“By whom or what?”
“By God,” was my brief reply.
“Who or what is God?”
“God is the one who made all things. He could be termed the First Cause, the Supreme Being or whatever else you wish to call Him. The point is, behind the appearance of the Universe, there remains an obvious intelligence who brought it all into being. That intelligent cause is what we choose to call God.”
“Okay, for the moment I’ll accept that, but now answer me this, if what you say is true, who made God?”
“Nobody made God. You aren’t being scientifically consistent in your question. I’ve already stated that God was the First Cause meaning He is totally self-existent. In other words something had to have always existed, and that someone is God. He simply always was because there could be no beginning to Deity.”
“That’s preposterous! Absurd!”, came back the reply. No one with a scientific mind would accept that. It’s just not logical.”
“Well, I’m sorry to hear that my concepts of God do not satisfy you. But in the light of what the human mind can conceive, that’s the best I can come up with. But if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you a question, to which I’d also like to have a scientific answer. Where do you think the Universe came from?”
“It came about by evolution.”
“Out of what did it involve?”
“Out of a nebulous mass of gaseous matter.”
“And where dud the nebulous mass of gaseous matter come from?”
Well, fundamentally speaking, it resulted long ago from a cloud of Hydrogen that exploded.”
“I see. Now this Hydrogen cloud that you mention, where did it come from?”
The man’s expression seemed to take on a wry smile and he replied, “Well, I’d have to admit that it was produced, or I suppose you’d say created.”
“Well, by whom or by what was it created?”
“It was just brought about by nature.”
“Alright, I’ll accept that for the moment. But what exactly do you mean by nature?”
“Well, uh, nature just means nature. Everyone knows what nature is.”
“I’m afraid that’s not scientifically clear. Could you be more exact, please?””
Well, nature is the thing that’s behind everything that happens in the universe. It was the natural cause of things.”
The man’s expression showed his obvious exasperation at my denseness. “Well, for crying out loud, nobody made nature! Nature just always was!”
Now it was my time to laugh, and I smilingly replied, “I’m sorry but that’s preposterous! Absurd! No one with a scientific mind could accept that. It’s just not logical

Have you heard about the dial-a-prayer service for atheists? You call a number … and nobody answers.

And just imagine how hard it must be to be an Atheist in the U.S. Think about it… whenever they have to sing the National Anthem ---- they have to sing “Hmmm bless America”

“The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.” Psalm 53:1

It’s said that one night aboard ship Napoleon’s soldiers were loudly discussing the origin of the world. First one view, then another was set forth --- in not one case was the idea of creation by God so much as mentioned. Passing by and overhearing their conversation, Napoleon at last stepped out of the shadows. Sweeping the ring of faces with a look of scornful derision he pointed to the stars brilliant against the night sky and spoke but one sentence ---- “Gentlemen …. Who made these?” Without further comment he walked on into the darkness leaving an awkward silence in his wake.

Isaac Asimov and John Newton
To List Just a Few Others

Dr. W. F. Albright- a man ranked as one of the world’s greatest Archaeologists, with well over 800 publications to his credit …. A BELIEVER.

Dr. Gerhard Dirks – holds a Ph.D from the University of Leipig and originator of a number of basic patents for the memory structures of the modern computer …. A BELIEVER

Professor Robert Dick Wilson … a man of unquestioned intelligence who spoke and wrote fluently in 40 ancient languages and dialects, considered by many to be the greatest linguist of all time …. A BELIEVER

Dr. Charles Malik – formerly served as President of the United Nations General Assembly and late a professor at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon …. A BELIEVER

Sir Fredrick George Kenyon = British scholar and Administrator. Formerly “Assistant Keeper of the Manuscripts” in the British Museum and author of numerous publications …. A BELIEVER

Pres. Ronald Reagan – Former President of the United States of America …. A BELIEVER

Pres. George Bush – President of the United States of America … A BELIEVER

What is the position taken by those who deny the reality of any intelligent, personal, Supreme Being? And how do they account for the existence of the universe and life itself? There are three primary theories used to rule out God as the cause for the universe being here.
1) The universe has existed from eternity and is in a state of continuous creation. Each day atoms of matter suddenly appear from nowhere. They were not in existence, then suddenly they do exist. BUT WHERE DOES THIS MATTER COME FROM? Dr. Fred Hoyle, a leading proponent of this theory expresses what its supporters believe: “ It does not come from anywhere…Material appears …it is created. At one time the various atoms composing the material do not exist and at a later time they do. “

You may be willing to believe that, but I’m not. How anyone can swallow something like that and then have a problem with the Bible saying that Jonah was swallowed by a whale is more than I can fathom. I am sorry, my atheist, agnostic friends, but I, for one, cannot believe that this intricate, mathematically produced universe suddenly popped into being out of nothingness.
The evidence of a super intelligent Being who planned and designed this universe is everywhere we look! For just a moment, let’s stop to consider our own little corner of the solar system. The following are facts asserted and substantiated by science.

1) That planet earth is just the correct distance from the sun. If we were a little farther away, we would freeze, and if we were closer (such as the distance of Venus or Mercury) we couldn’t survive in the burning heat.
2) That the size of our planet is perfect for life to exist. If the earth were 10 per cent larger or 10 per cent smaller it would be impossible for life to exist on our planet.
3) That forty miles above our earth and surrounding it is an envelope of ozone, a layer that’s only a quarter of an inch thick. Without it no life would be able to exist because our planet is continually being bombarded by eight deadly rays from the sun. Without the protection afforded us by the ozone layer we would be burned, blinded and broiled by these fatal rays. But the most deadly of these rays are allowed to filter through in just a thin amount, just the right amount needed to kill the green algae that otherwise would multiply and FILL all the lakes, rivers and even the oceans of the world!
4) That the without the moon it would be impossible to live on this planet. If we didn’t have the tides from the moon to wash away the accumulated garbage, from our shores and harbors it would be impossible to live anywhere near them because of the stench and germ laden materials washed upon the shorelines. Also, the waves breaking upon the shores aerate the water in the oceans and providing oxygen for the plankton. Without the plankton, there wouldn’t be enough oxygen in the air and man would not be able live on the planet.
5) That the nitrogen must be transported from the air into the soil, for plant life to exist, but nitrogen doesn’t naturally combine with other things; something is needed to make it do so. How, then does it happen? By lightning bolts. One hundred thousand lightning bolts strike this planet daily, which in turns creates a hundred million tons of usable nitrogen plant food in the soil yearly.
6)That without the strange properties inherent within water life would cease to exist on this earth. Part of earth’s water supply exists as cloud cover and in just the right amount. The earth is never covered by more than exactly 50 percent cloud cover at one time which permits us to receive just the correct amount of sunlight that the earth needs. When water freezes and turns to ice, it becomes lighter and the ice then rises to the surface. If it didn’t it would freeze from the bottom up and kill all the fish. The algae in the water would be destroyed, and our oxygen supply would be wiped out along with all human life.
7) That even the tiny particles of dust are necessary to sustain life. Why? Because if it were not for dust it would never rain! It takes eight million droplets of water to make up ONE drop of rain. Each of those eight million is wrapped around one tiny particle of dust which it comes riding down on in its descent as rain.
8) That the atmosphere which surrounds our planet is actually a great protective barrier that enables us to continue live on this planet. If the dense atmosphere were any thinner we would be crushed by the billions of pieces of cosmic debris and meteorites that continually come raining down upon our earth.

Were all these perfectly combined elements merely the result of a random, unplanned accident, something uncaused, that just popped out of nothingness?
Did this entire universe just pop out of nothingness without anything causing it to happen, and then accidentally come together in these complex yet perfect mathematical and chemical combinations?

Or does the evidence point to a master plan conceived and orchestrated in each and every detail by a MEGA-intelligence? Perhaps I’m merely fantasizing, but as I see it, the overwhelming evidence of order in the architecture of this universe DEMANDS an intelligent creator.

“After all”, we’re told, “we really can’t be positive or certain about anything, not even our own existence.” If we do dogmatically state something, we’re politely reminded about the man who dreamed he was a butterfly. The dream was so real that when he awoke he wasn’t sure if he really was a man who’d dreamed he was a butterfly, or if he was actually a butterfly now dreaming that he was a man. Ahhh, the glories of intellectualism!

Perhaps, someone who’s reading these lines is thinking, then why aren’t more of the well known educators, scientists and philosophers, and statesmen. Persuaded that God does exist? Let me answer that by telling you a story: A large country woman brought a man into court, accusing him of having assaulted her honor. The man denied it, claiming that she submitted willingly. The judge decreed that the man should pay the woman a large number of gold pieces. As the woman left the courtroom the judge sent the man after her with instructions to take the gold pieces away from her and return to the court with them. The man hurried off, but fight as he might he simply could not separate the woman from the gold. The two were brought back before the judge. The woman was loud and shrill in her protests that the gold had been legally awarded to her. The judge, however, wisely observed ---- that had she fought as hard for her honor as she had for the gold, the man would never have succeeded. He then confiscated the gold and saw that justice was done.

The moral of the story should be plain: If they sought as hard to find the truth about God, the Bible, and Jesus as they do in matters of far lesser importance, they would have had the answers they needed long ago. In the words of God Himself, as recorded in Scripture, “Ye shall seek me and shall find me when ye search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

BEEN THINKIN’

Who among us has not wondered at one time or another if there truly is a God? Many are quick to dismiss the question, concluding that it’s virtually impossible to ever find any intelligent, satisfactory answer to that question. Others are equally quick to point out that evolution has displaced the superstitious idea of there being a God. What do you think?
Over the years I’ve read the reasons that folks like these give as proof for their supposedly astute conclusions …. and I must say that, so far, I’m not impressed.
The fact is, their logic reminds me a whole lot of the young college student that had been assigned to do a study on “FLEAS”. In an effort to gather information for his paper the student spent weeks training a flea to jump over his finger. Each time he gave the command, “Hupp!” the flea would obediently jump over his finger. Then one day he pulled off two of the fleas six legs. “Hupp!” he ordered, and immediately the flea jumped over his finger. A few days later he decided to experiment further, so once again he pulled off two more legs. “Hupp?” said the student, and again the flea jumped over his finger. A week went by and the student had almost completed his study. Taking the flea in hand, he pulled off the last two legs. “Hupp!” the student commanded. Nothing happened. Again the student said loudly, “Hupp!” The flea never so much as twitched. Nodding wisely, the student picked up his pen and wrote in his report: “When a flea loses all six of its legs, it becomes as deaf as a post”
The facts were all there for him to look over, the problem was simply that he reached the wrong conclusion.
And like the student and the flea, many a person has reached some very erroneous ideas about God, the Bible and Christianity because they have jumped to the wrong conclusions.
Well, there’s one thing for sure, if there is a God, nothing in this life could be more important than finding all we can about Him and about (1) “Why we were created?” 2) “Is there something we were meant to do with our lives while on this earth?” 3) “Is this life all there is?” 4) “What is our intended destiny?”
It has always amazed me to see how men and women can go through life and spend so little time, if any, seriously thinking about and searching for the answers to these overwhelmingly important questions.
To me it seems incredible that, in spite of the fact that life is uncertain, and could end unexpectedly for any of us, people still go on living day after day as if none of these questions is of any real importance. Yet, the truth is they’re questions that none of us can afford to ignore or be wrong about.

WHY MANY PEOPLE HAVE NEVER FOUND
THE ANSWERS TO THEIR QUESTIONS ABOUT
GOD AND THE BIBLE

A large country woman brought a man into court, accusing him of having assaulted her honor. The man denied it, claiming that she submitted willingly. The judge decreed that the man should pay the woman a large number of gold pieces. As the woman left the courtroom the judge sent the man after her with instructions to take the gold pieces away from her and return to the court with them. The man hurried off, but fight as he might, he simply could not separate the woman from the gold. The two were brought back before the judge and the woman was loud and shrill in her protests that the gold had been legally awarded to her. The judge, however, wisely observed that had she fought as hard for her honor as she had for the gold, the man would never have succeeded. He then confiscated the gold and saw that justice was done.
If we sought as hard to find the truth about God and the Bible as we do in matters of far lesser importance, we would have had the answers we need long ago. In the word of God as recorded in Scripture, “Ye shall seek and ye shall find when ye search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
Is there a God? What do YOU think? How diligently have you tried to discover the answers to life’s ultimate questions?

Historian Paul Johnson observes: “The existence or non-existence of God is the most important question we humans are ever asked to answer. If God does exist, and if in consequence we are called to another life when this one ends, a momentous set of consequences follows which should affect every day, every moment almost, of our earthly existence. Our life then becomes a mere preparation for eternity and must be conducted throughout with our future in view.” A Quest for God, 1996, pg. 1

Have you heard of Pascal’s famous wager? Pascal, who lived a couple of hundred years ago in France, was a great Christian theologian, mathematician, and scholar. One day he was talking to an unbeliever. He told the man, “If I am wrong about God existing, then neither of us would ever know it, because we would both die and cease to exist, and all consciousness would disappear. But, on the other hand, if I am right and you are wrong, when we both die, I will go to heaven and you will to hell. Now,” he added, “it seems to me that any intelligent man would bet on the right side of that wager.”

Sir James Jeans, one of the greatest of modern astronomers, said that “the more he examined the vast expanses of space and the tremendous complexity of these things, the more the universe seemed to be one gigantic thought of a great mathematician.”

A great book on science written in the nineties was written by sixty notable scientists, including twenty-four Nobel prize winners. The title is Cosmos, Bios &Theos whose English meaning is “Universe, Life and God”. The man who co-edited the book was Professor Henry Margenau, a Yale physicist and Nobel Laureate. In discussing the complex laws that exist in nature, he says, “There is only one convincing answer ….creation by an omnipotent-omniscient God.”

JUNE 17, 2006 - MY FATHER, THE DREAM CHASER
As a motherless boy wandering the streets of Chicago, my Dad learned many of life’s lessons the hard way. Among them, he learned that many of his questions could be answered with a library card; and in the process, he learned that there was a whole other world out there for the taking…so, he took it. This, is his story…

First, it was a castaway doctor’s satchel. You know, the kind that doctors used to carry when they made house visits. When the handles finally fell off, my brother had a box built with a glass lid. I’m afraid that didn’t last very long in all the family moves that were to follow—and there were many. In the end, an old metal file box was chosen, and so it has remained until this day. This precious box holds the tales of a dreamer, and of a life well lived. Whenever we have a family reunion, the box is pulled out from obscurity and dusted off. The grandkids gather around, and the yarns unfold before a wide-eyed audience.

When I was a just a little girl of four years, my daddy had a dream. He wanted to look for the legendary Lost Dutchman Gold Mine located somewhere in the Arizona desert. I remember him coming home late at night, more than once, tired and hungry, but full of the day’s adventures. He’d show us a huge rattle he’d cut off from the latest Diamond-back rattler he’d almost stepped on. Or he’d pull out an arrowhead or two, and pottery he’d found in some obscure cave. Once, he didn’t come home for two or three days. I’m sure my mother was worried sick. I don’t remember the event, I was so little; but I’ve heard the account from family and friends many times. During that trip my dear daddy almost perished because the desert waterholes had all gone dry.

When I was five, we moved to the ocean. I say, to the ocean and not ‘by’ the ocean, for I believe we spent almost as much time in it as we did beside it. When we’d get thirsty, we’d come out just long enough for my brother to shinny up a tree and knock coconuts down for us. Dear Daddy, as a young Chicago kid, had dreamed of exploring the wonders of the deep, so he learned to snorkel and swim with the barracuda and shark. Once he came home with my brother, covered in red welts after being stung by hundreds of jellyfish. I would often tag along with my fins and mask and try to be just like him.

He also dreamed of someday catching a shark and experiencing the thrill of fighting it, and so a shark must be caught. And he did it, too - with a light fishing rod. It was an eight-foot monster! The only problem was he didn’t know what to do with it after he caught it. So … he slipped it into one of the small creeks near his home. Local fishermen are still mystified to this day, trying to figure out how an eight foot shark got into that small creek? Among the items in his treasure box is a seven-inch stinger he extracted from a stingray, and also a giant prehistoric shark tooth that was found on the beach near Mayport, Florida. (It once belonged to the ancient and extinct “Megalodon Shark”.)
.’
Then there was the time he cut an alligator’s tooth from its owner’s mouth and put it on a key chain. Often He would go wading among alligators in snake infested waters, pursuing his dream of catching a lunker bass----- the big one. He realized that dream many times over. Sometimes I’d go with him, shaking in my shoes. And whenever I stepped into a fish nest, I’d sink up to my neck. My dad would laugh, and laugh while helping me get out of it. I realized while quite young that my dad was not afraid of anything.

At the age of ten, we moved 2000 miles north to follow another dream that he had kept on the back burner for many years-- to homestead in the far north and live off the land. ( By the way, my mother tells me he warned her about all these ‘dreams’ before he married her. She still said, “I do.”) All worldly possessions were sold that could not fit inside a used El Dorado Camper, and off we went across America. We saw the waters of the wide Mississippi, The Great Smoky Mountains, North Dakota Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, Banff National Park, and many more landmarks; our geography texts came alive. Unbeknownst to my parents, we kids collected a rock from each state we traveled through. Seventeen rocks and several blowouts later, we arrived in a winter wonderland! The flakes were flying fast and to the eye of a child who had never seen snow before, it was paradise. Oh, the memories we made!

Daddy found a wonderful place for the homestead. The only way to get to it, however, was to cross by freighter canoe, a lake that was seven miles wide, and then shoot down a river full of white-water rapids for several miles. So, he pulled out his books that told him how to navigate rapids, and how to build a log home from scratch. He then set out to do it. (He did not tell us until later that several people had perished while shooting those same rapids.)

Arriving safely, we all went to work clearing our very own land. I think it would be safe to say that we were the only children whose sole desire was to have our own machetes. My dad obliged us. Those years up north were happy years. They were lean, and they were hard, and sometimes lonely for all of us, but I don’t believe any of us, including my mother who carried much of the load, regret a single moment. We felt like the heroes in the books we had read about, and the feeling was good.

A large number of our days were spent hauling and chopping wood to keep the stove burning. We went without electricity, or running water, and hunted bear and moose for food. Also we kids carefully watched over our malamute pups with our rifles so that the wolves wouldn’t eat them. Twice bears attacked my brother and he barely escaped with his life. On one occasion, while hunting with my dad, I almost perished by going over a cliff in a snowmobile. That same evening we celebrated our narrow escape with a game of chess that lasted until the wee hours of the morning. Our only source of music was what we made ourselves, so we learned to play the guitar, ukulele and dulcimer. We’d sing together, pray together; and sometimes we’d climb up on the roof and gaze at the aurora-borealis dancing among a billion stars.

Once, a gold miner walked into the local trading post store and showed off a gold nugget he had found. It was the size of a half dollar. I remember that moment as if it was yesterday. The following week, my dad took all of us to a stream and guess what we did? Yes, we panned for gold. Now, my dad had a bear tooth on his key chain, and a chunk of fool’s gold in his treasure box.

We learned the value of hard work, and of a job well done. I still quote my father’s words to my children today, “If there’s a job worth doing, then it’s worth doing right,” and “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Years later, he would visit the exotic land of India several times, bringing hope to the lepers, the orphans, and the outcasts - because it was his dream. On his last trip, at the age of 72, he received an honorary Doctorate from a university there. On the way back, while traveling hundreds of miles across India alone, he was forced to remain in a hotel room for three days because foreigners were being attacked on sight. He watched from his hotel window, as frenzied crowds rolled the head of a dismembered man down the street.

I went with him on one of those trips to the East. Little did he realize that this would spark a dream in his daughter’s heart -- a dream that would carry her half way across the world and years away from his lap. It pains him today to be unable to be near her or to watch his grandchildren grow up, but he won’t begrudge his dear daughter the pursuit of her own dreams. He knows their worth.

And I love him for that.

On July 1, 2002 Time Magazine ran a cover article entitled "WHY MORE AMERICANS ARE READING AND TALKING ABOUT THE END OF THE WORLD", and a TIME/CNN poll taken since 9-11 found that:

• 35% of Americans are paying more attention now to how the news might relate to the end of the world
• 17% believe that the end of the world will happen in their lifetime
• 59% are openly admitting that they believe the prophecies of the Book of Revelation WILL come true!

A whole lot of people today, even those who really are not all that familiar with Bible prophecy, are nevertheless becoming increasingly aware that events the Bible predicted thousands of years ago are beginning to parallel the trend of present world events ..... and one of those Bible predictions concerns the end time prophecies about Iraq, home of the ancient city of Babylon.

Why is Iraq suddenly appearing almost nightly in the world news? Who could have possibly believed that Iraq, the land of ancient Babylon, would move to the center stage of important global events?

That, however, is exactly what the Bible said would happen in the days just prior to the end of the age, and the return of Christ.

The importance of Iraq in the end times should not be overlooked by anyone who is interested in what the Bible says about the close of this age. We can begin to see and understand the significance of what's happening now in Iraq when we read and grasp the important prophecies that have been made about it in the Bible.

For instance, two entire chapters in the Old Testament and two in the New Testament are totally devoted to a discussion of the part it is going to play in last day events on planet earth. Jeremiah 50 and 51 and Revelation 17 and 18 are both completely given over to prophecies about Iraq. For the Bible to give over four entire chapters about any one nation other than Israel is a startling fact in itself.. The birthplace of human civilization was the land of ancient Babylon (Genesis 11:1-4, 9), presently known as Iraq, and according to the Bible, destined to be …. the last place that will be destroyed when mankind's final doom takes place. Jeremiah 25:26

We're also warned that it will become a place of outstanding evil in the endtime. (Zech. 5:5-11) and a place where the blood of many Christians will be shed.

In order to better understand the Bible's prophecies about Babylon (Iraq) we first need to journey back in time some 2500 years and view Babylon, not as we see it today, but as it once was …the greatest kingdom of the ancient world! Located on the banks of the mighty Euphrates River, it was the crossroads of antiquity, a city of wealth, splendor and power almost beyond imagination. The findings of modern day archaeologists combined with the writings of Herodotus (who lived during the Zenith of Babylon's power) permit us to get some idea of many of its almost unbelievable features.

The city had been built astride the waters of the broad Euphrates River. Thus it was furnished with water for irrigation, and a source of drinking water in case of a siege. Completely surrounding its fifteen square mile perimeter, there towered an incredibly high wall that measured eighty-seven feet across its top; a space wide enough for several chariots to race side by side along its sprawling surface. To further fortify this massive barrier it was penetrated by one-hundred enormous gates, each made of solid bronze.

Two further precautions had also been taken to discourage any would-be attackers. First, another gigantic wall had been constructed a short distance inside the environs of the outer wall. This had been done so that anyone who might somehow succeed in climbing over the first wall would then have to cross the space between both walls, and in doing so would become an easy target for archers. In addition to that, others kept huge cauldrons of boiling liquid ready both day and night to pour down upon the heads of any who would dare to attempt to scale the inner wall.

Secondly, the entire city was encircled by a deep, water-filled moat. It's not difficult to see why Babylon was considered to be one city that could never be conquered.

Staunch fortifications, however, were not Babylon's only impressive features. Inside its walls resided the famed "Hanging Gardens". Nebuchadnezzar's Median Queen, the daughter of Xerxes, had become homesick for the mountains of her homeland. So, in order to please her, Nebuchadnezzar had constructed an enchanting artificial mountain that could be seen from fifty miles away. Magnificent towering structures were erected in the shape of perfectly ascending terraces. These man-made mountains rose to a staggering three-hundred and fifty feet in height, and were artistically landscaped with lush tropical plants, swaying palms, and an array of fragrant blossoms. Cascading waterfalls tumbled from its lofty heights, and among the dense ferns below there nestled beautiful pools of sparkling clear water. Within the terraces themselves lavish apartments had been constructed, each one surrounded by skillfully built walkways and fountains. It was considered to be one of the seven wonders of the world.

One hundred years after the death of Nebuchadnezzar, Herodotus, the ancient historian, visited Babylon. In his writings he related that never in his entire lifetime had he ever seen such an abundance of gold!

One reason for his statement was the famed Temple of Belus, said to have been one of the most hallowed sanctuaries in the entire Euphrates valley. It was built of dazzling white marble and perched atop 150 colossal columns. The highly respected apologist Archibald Alexander, former professor at Princeton, once described it in these words:

"As far as the light of history reaches, among all the structures ever reared by the hands of men, the temple of Belus seems to have been the most elevated. This temple was probably built on the foundation of the tower of Babel, and according to the lowest computation, was higher than the greatest of the Egyptian pyramids. The highest mound now among the ruins is supposed, by discerning travelers, to be on the site of this famous temple. This ruin covers more ground than the temple did when standing. It has, says Mignan, the appearance of a hill surmounted with a castle. This hill is called by the Arabs Virs Nimrud. Of this vast ruin, Sir Robert Ken Porter has given a very particular and interesting account. On the summit of the hill are immense fragments of brick work, of no determinate figures, tumbled together, and converted into vitreous masses. Some of these huge fragments measure TWELVE FEET IN HEIGHT BY TWENTY-FOUR FEET IN CIRCUMFERENCE: these fragments have been entirely preserved while everything else crumbled to dust …"

This fabulous pagan shrine was literally a storehouse of incredible treasures. In it there stood an eighteen foot statue of a human figure and a sacred table forty feet long and fifteen feet high. Both were constructed of gold. Nearby, and occupying the center of attention, there towered an enormous forty foot golden idol of Bel. These three objects alone are said to have weighed NO LESS THAN 5,000 POUNDS? Their value must have been staggering!

But at least three other articles were also known to have been kept there: two lions of gold, and a magnificent gold image of the goddess Ishtar.

It's not hard to understand why Babylon was known in the ancient world as the Golden city, nor why in Daniel's vision it was portrayed as a head of gold.

It was against this mighty world power that three Bible prophets uttered solemn words of doom; Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel. Each predicted warnings, saying that Babylon would be completely and utterly overthrown. Her seemingly impregnable walls would be torn down, her treasures would be looted, and the city itself would eventually be abandoned to wild animals. Their prophecies must have seemed ridiculous in view of the astounding power and strength wielded by the empire. But … But each of their predictions was meticulously fulfilled … precisely as the prophets had recorded them in their writings.

HERE IS HOW THOSE FULFILLMENTS CAME TO PASS

In the eighth century B.C. the prophet Isaiah said that God had revealed to him a series of events that Babylon was destined to experience. He began by prophesying that the day would come when Babylon would invade his own homeland and totally crush its capital city of Jerusalem. At the time when he prophesied Babylon had not yet become the dominant power in the East, in fact, she was still a second rate power, and was merely a satellite of the powerful and ruthless Assyrian empire. One hundred years would pass before Babylon would rise to prominence and throw off the yoke of the Assyrians, and then, just as Isaiah had prophesied, the land of Judah was overthrown by the invading Babylonian army, and Jerusalem was destroyed.

But there's still more to this remarkable prophecy of Isaiah.

HOW CYRUS CONQUERED THE FORTRESS CITY OF BABYLON

The exact details of how Cyrus managed to overcome the powerful fortress of Babylon is one of history's most captivating stories. It all began when Cyrus ordered his armies to surround the city and dig a trench completely around its perimeter. His next move was to challenge the ruler of Babylon to meet him in personal combat, the outcome to decide the fate of the war. His challenge, however, was declined, nor did the once bold army of Babylon come forth to drive off the Persian invaders. To a man, they all remained securely protected behind the walls of their fortress. This too was in fulfillment of the Biblical prophecy which said "The mighty men of Babylon have forborne to fight. They have remained in their holds. Their might hath failed, they became as women." And, "they remained in their holds and the hands of the king of Babylon waxed feeble."

Cyrus, finding the city's walled fortification well nigh impossible to breach, set out to find some alternate plan. He saw that Babylon sat directly astride the Euphrates River, but the river entrance was completely blocked by a great two-leaved gate. This barrier stretched all the way across the water and its iron bars effectively prevented anyone from gaining access by traveling upriver or down. Assessing the situation further, Cyrus discovered an old, dried up riverbed that had once been used to divert the waters of the river around one side of Babylon into a former lake bed which was now a shallow swamp. The Babylonians had dug these excavations to allow them to build their city across the main channel of the river. For many years the lake and riverbed had been abandoned and forgotten. Seeing the possibilities, Cyrus contrived an ingenious strategy for gaining entrance to the incredibly well fortified city.

Putting thousands of men to work, he ordered the old clogged riverbed cleared, and a dam constructed across the main channel of the Euphrates River. This was all done far enough away from the city that the Babylonians couldn't see what was taking place. Cyrus then ordered that the siege trench, formerly dug by his troops, be connected to the old riverbed by means of a specially dug channel. Finally, all was in readiness.

HISTORY'S WILDEST PARTY

The brilliant strategist was now ready to spring his trap. Openly he withdrew his troops from around the city so that battalion after battalion could be plainly seen marching over the horizon. At last the formerly occupied ground stood completely empty; not one soldier was to be seen anywhere.

Observing the withdrawal, Belshazzar ruler of Babylon, assumed that Cyrus had given up on the siege and was returning home. The King's relief was so great that heat once began to make plans for a gala celebration. One thousand invitations were dispatched to the lords and noblemen of his realm, and lavish preparations were set in motion for what was to become the most unforgettable party in all human history.

The festive day dawned and excitement ran high! As the bands began to play great crowds started to gather near the palace to see the prominent guests arrive. From all across the great city the nobles and their ladies came, riding in their jeweled chariots and garbed in their richly costumed finery. Loud music could be heard coming from the banquet hall as one by one the celebrities disembarked to enter the immense banquet hall. The shadows soon lengthened, and the orgy began.

Meanwhile, under cover of darkness Cyrus troops began their stealthy return. Soon the command was issued to seal shut the locks of the dam diverting tons and tons of water from the Euphrates main channel, funneling it into the reopened riverbed that led to the empty lake bed. Steadily the water level in the main channel of the Euphrates began dropping until at last Cyrus' troops were able to enter the channel and silently make their way toward the huge two-leaved gate that protected the entrance to the city.

When at last the Persian army reached the huge gates they were totally shocked at what they found! The mighty gates that guarded the entrance were standing WIDE OPEN! Nothing barred their way into Babylon! It was just as the ancient Bible prophecy said it would be: "I will … open before him the two leaved gates; AND THE GATES SHALL NOT BE SHUT."

The guards who were responsible to see that the gates were safely closed were found totally intoxicated as was the partying populace of the city. No word of alarm was ever sounded. The mighty impregnable city "the city that could never be conquered" was captured with ease in a single night! Even the Palace Guards were found in a drunken stupor and were quickly dispatched. Soon the banquet hall's doors burst wide open and the shouting bloodthirsty warriors were unleashed among the startled, drunken revelers. Blades flashed, battle axes crunched, arrows hissed and the agonized cries of the dying filled the night air.

The Bible simply concludes the story with these words, "In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain, and Darius the Mead took the kingdom…"

In the prophecy we are about to look at now the doom of mighty Babylon is foretold and it even names the man that would be instrumental in her overthrow. The prophecy was made some two- Hundred years before Cyrus --- ruler of Persia --- was was even born!

"Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken into the ground … Who saith to the deep, "Be dry," and "I will dry up thy rivers." Thus saith the Lord to His anointed, to CYRUS, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him. " And I will loose the loins of kings TO OPEN BEFORE HIM THE TWO LEAVED GATE, and THE GATE SHALL NOT BE SHUT. I will go before thee, and make the crooked place straight. I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut in sunder the bars of iron … that thou mayest know that I the Lord Who call thee by name am the God of Israel … I have called thee by name. I have surnamed thee, even though thou hast not known Me."

An ancient legend that is handed down relates that when Cyrus conquered Babylon, Zerubbabel, a Jewish leader, went to the palace of Cyrus and showed him in the Scrolls of Scripture how God foretold his name and victory two centuries in advance! After having the prophecy examined, Cyrus was so amazed that he signed a decree freeing all captive Jews to return home to Israel to rebuild their fallen city and their temple.

This astonishingly gracious act by Cyrus also reveals that the hand of God is definitely inspiring the words of the Bible. Why? Because in Isaiah 44:28 we read: "He (King Cyrus) is my shepherd, and shall perform my pleasure, even saying to Jerusalem, THOU SHALT BE BUILT, and to the temple, THY FOUNDATION SHALL BE LAID." These words were penned two hundred years before Cyrus birth. How could Isaiah have predicted that Cyrus would issue two such decrees centuries beforehand? There can be but one answer … THE BIBLE IS NO ORDINARY BOOK; IT IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF THE ALMIGHTY.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THE PROPHECY ABOUT IRAQ? WHAT PART WILL IRAQ PLAY IN OUR OWN DAY? THAT FASCINATING PROPHECY WILL BE DEALT WITH IN THE NEXT ISSUE THAT WILL FOLLOW IN A FEW DAYS.

THAT FASCINATING PROPHECY IS DEALT WITH IN THE ARTICLE ENTITLED “WILL THE ISLAMIC NATIONS UNITE, ATTACK ISRAEL AND IGNITE WORLD WAR III?”