ICY DECISIONa href=’http://craigdressler.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/icy-decision.docx’>ICY DECISION
The decision the scientists on the ice flow make in the next hours will decide whether they live or die.
Click on the link above to view the story.
Deliverance
Almost all of us as Christians struggle against some form of bondage in our life. Whether it is simply watching too much television or something much deeper passed down through our parents, the answer to gain freedom is available. God has not left us helpless in the face of any bondage. What follows are practical biblical answers towards total deliverance for any believer in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Jesus went to the cross to purchase our freedom from sin, sickness, disease and financial lack. Applying the cross, the blood of Jesus or the name of Jesus to any situation by faith will begin to reverse the curse of the law of sin and death. Applying those three(the cross, the name and the blood of Jesus) on a regular basis can break us free from any problem. Even our bloodline, our DNA, can be changed until freedom in Christ transforms us.
The Holy Spirit’s resurrection power that God used to raise Jesus from the dead is also available to believers. In New Testament Greek the word is dunamis. Application of God’s dunamis power through the Holy Spirit can empower us to overcome any temptation or problem.
Another weapon to overcome bondage and problems is the Word of God. The Bible is full of phrases and passages that can help give us freedom in Christ. One of my favorites is “I am more than a conqueror.” That word “conqueror” points to overwhelming victory and total defeat of the enemy. Repeatedly speak out such words by faith until your heart and spirit agree with your spoken words.
Applying these three areas to whatever is plaguing us may not always bring immediate results, but it can begin the journey to total release. As our faith grows in God’s ability to free us and as we continue to speak out in faith appropriate freeing words, our release or the release of others will manifest.
Roots of the West’s Demise
For nearly a half a century the West has been in decline. Europe and the U.S. have lost much of their prominence in the world. The sun of the their influence is waning and close to setting. But what has caused this decline? What are the roots of the West’s demise?
Economically, the U.S. and a number of countries in Europe are close to bankruptcy. Massive overspending has led a number of Western countries to imperil the Euro and dollar. Both currencies may eventually implode and cause a financial disaster.
Educationally, secularization has taken the West down a pathway towards politically correct ideals that do not foster unbiased inquiry. Certain ideals are repeatedly promulgated at the expense of basic foundational study. Instead of producing students with common basic knowledge the major focus is social engineering which attempts to create students with secularized worldviews.
Politically, progressives have implemented their socialistic plans believing true change is only possible in that direction. As more and more government programs are initiated and expanded the populace looks to the government for help where once private institutions and individuals reigned. Of course, economically these government programs are unsustainable.
Philosophically, atheists have attempted and pretty much succeeded in keeping religious views out of the public sector. Instead of Christian institutions, funded by private donations, meeting the needs of people and dealing with real heart changes, needs are met by the public sector on a never ending basis.
Where does that leave those of us who see a huge need to change the direction of the West’s decline? We can vote for and help those we believe will fight against secularization, and certainly that is good, but that won’t change hearts. Little else will change unless people’s core beliefs change. Only people turning to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will transform belief systems. Only evangelism and discipleship of new believers with biblical precepts will transform the West.
Teaching Positions Abound
The teaching jobs listed on the website abound. While most unemployed educators struggle to find a position, those not afraid of adventure can leap into a cross-cultural experience. Worldwide job listings that cry out for educators are added daily and not just in the spring and summer. Some of the teaching positions require specialized credentials, but many only require a university degree and little or no experience. It takes a tough person emotionally, physically and spiritually to go this route, but the rewards are usually very gratifying.(If you are a Christian, make sure you take a Bible, Christian music, books, etc. that you will need to maintain your inner strength.) The avenue is wide open to gain teaching experience for the inexperienced and to earn a tax-free income of up to $70,000.00(the last time I looked at the U.S. tax regulations). The salary in some countries is paltry and more of a ministry, but in others it is comparable to earnings in the U.S. At first, overcoming your fear of the unknown may be your toughest battle, but the rewards in the end are worth it. Personally, I spent two years teaching in Japan and five years teaching in Saudi Arabia, and even though it was difficult I would not trade those experiences for anything.
Here are two websites that may open the door to a new adventure:
1) Dave’s ESL Cafe or eslcafe.com for secular positions listed under Job Center Home Page and the International Job Board
2) Association of Christian Schools International or acsi.org under Jobs and Overseas Openings
Redig The Old Wells
Connecting to the positive part of our past is sadly lacking in much of the West. Recognizing and acknowledging that which is good in our history will go far in reordering our priorities and refocusing on what is most important.
In the Old Testament in the Bible Isaac redug the wells of his forefathers. The process of reaching those old sources of water brought opposition, but he persevered and won great blessings in the end.
Water is, of course, necessary for life but can also symbolize spiritual food. Connecting to our Christian heritage can bring spiritual life when we acknowledge our need for God. Holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas are wonderful opportunities to honor our Creator. The underlying meaning of Christmas, for example, that God sent his son to earth to save it from its sins ought to be clear to all involved in such familial events. Redigging those old wells can revive lives and bring blessings just as it did for Isaac and for those who settled here before us.
Youtube: Whale Of A Tale Children’s Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8IMGaL-a3U
Click on the link above to view the children’s video.
Youtube Video: The Chaos Page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-WMWsF0jU8
Click on the link above to view the video.
The pages from this video come from the book for teens entitled Character Concert which is available from amazon.com, to bookstores from Ingram Books and at the following website: http://www.xulonpress.com/bookstore/bookdetail.php?PB_ISBN=1597813206
Youtube Video: Trusting In Luck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kPRhbC_IgQ
Click on the link above to view the video.
