LAM Newsletter, December 2001

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

However you choose to celebrate the holidays, I pray that it be filled with peace, joy, patience, kindness, and love. Sometimes, in the midst of the busy-ness of the season, we forget a few of the basics.

I want to share a moment on the "gift" God has given us. Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is Eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord." The whole reason for Jesus coming here is so that we could have eternal life through Him. Salvation is first and foremost the most important gift. You have heard the saying, "Have you received Jesus as your Savior?" Well in order to have the gift; you have to open your hands (heart) to receive the gift, right? And the greatest gift is that by receiving this ONE gift, you have now been given ALL gifts. The same principle has to apply, in order to get the gift; you have to "receive" it. Whether you have to open your hands or open your heart and mind to receive it, we have to 'do' something to receive it. Don't get confused with having to DO SOMETHING to earn it. It's already yours! When you received Jesus (and if you have not done so, simply acknowledge your need for a Savior and ask Him into your heart) you received #1) the gift of eternal life #2) the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). These two gifts are the gifts above any gifts and opens the door to everything else you ever needed or dreamed of!

I came across this scripture as I was preparing for this year's Christmas message - and it is found in Romans 11:29, that His gifts are irrevocable! Wow, what a promise!

In order to receive gifts though, we have to know what they are. Before you could be saved, someone had to tell you about Jesus, now you had the opportunity to make a decision to receive Him or not to receive Him. Same holds true with other gifts God wants you to have. You want peace and joy? These are gifts! But until you understand what peace and joy truly is (not only in "things") you cannot receive them!

Peace is something that God gives us when we trust Him. But in order to trust Him, we have to KNOW Him. We get to know Him by talking with Him, reading His word, acknowledging Him in everything you do, spending time with Him. Many just want "world peace" but don't realize it has nothing to do with the "flesh" but the "heart". If every person on this planet would seek to have internal peace, we would have world peace! They are trying to do something in the flesh that can only be done through the spirit.

You want joy? We need to get to know the one who gives us the joy. We cannot make ourselves be joyful! This is a "gift" from God. Joy comes by being glad and content in all things! Being glad and content comes from trusting God in all things. Not giving occasion to worry, doubt, and fear or unbelief! These things will rob you from your joy in a split second and also means you are not believing God can take care of your situation - or in some cases, that he's not taking care of them FAST enough! The latter is probably true for most of us - I know it is for me!

So everything you want and desire is NOT in the "gifts" that each of us gives to each other in the material world. But the gift is what we receive from God into our lives and heart that we can then give to others what they truly need! Love, understanding, peace, friendship, compassion, gratitude, acceptance, and the like.

I know that when I start shopping during this time of year, it can really get out of hand. I start out saying, "I won't charge anything this year." But then I get into the momentum, and end up charging something. I had to tell myself, "Stop". See I found out that "stuff" keeps us wanting more "stuff". The more I want, the more I'll want. That "hole" will never be filled. So by finding peace and joy and contentment in God, whatever I have is sufficient and I can be happy in it!

Let's all get off that roller coaster of trying to find that "perfect gift" and remember what the gift was God gave us! That's the gift He wants us giving to others! Salvation, which brings us the Holy Ghost, which brings us "peace and joy."

I like the scripture, "Peace on earth and Good will toward men". This is peace and joy in biblical terms. But we need to read this with spiritual eyes as the bible is not written in the flesh. Peace on earth is to have inner peace. See we are made OF the earth! Good will toward men is living in love and forgiveness.

I encourage you and exhort you to find a way to share this gift with someone who is "hard to buy for" and see what God will do!

Merry Christmas! And I pray you have peace and joy that comes from the Gift of God, Salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord.

PERSONAL REVELATION

My sister Alida found something that I gave her that she thought I'd want back. It was a letter I wrote to her 20 years ago! (7/6/81 to be exact!) It was a personal revelation of my life and believe it is perfect for this newsletter.

This is what the Holy Ghost spoke to me at that time and I wrote it down:

"Well now that you know that happiness is living with a humble heart, submitting to all, peace maker, and loving unconditionally, you can now receive them into your own life! Expect these things now, and believe in them. Humble yourself before God and man, and in turn you will find your happiness. Lay any hurts on the altar, seek my face, make known to me all things and leave them there. I am your peace and safety, continually dwell in me, and ye shall have your peace and safety, happiness and joy of your salvation. Keep on guard of the evil one, deceiving you in believing lies. Keep your mind on Christ, the author and finisher of your faith. Above all, don't let the water's current pull you under.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee, and when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." (Isaiah 43:3)

Remember what I say, I will give you wisdom to remember, just believe and ye shall receive. Come to me, lay yourself out to me. I want all of you. Give yourself to me, and ye shall find your peace, happiness, joy and love. You shall live a life full of riches and blessings. Haven't I told you so many times? Love the Lord thy God with ALL thy heart, soul and mind. If this weren't the main key to all, I wouldn't have said it. I will give you joy, but first you have to seek me daily. I love you with an everlasting love, and my peace I give unto you. When you are in me and I am in you, we shall share the good things that our Father has given to us! Don't deprive yourself of the things I have for you with the fleshly acts and concerns. Give it all to me, all of it."

Then I wrote something after this word. "Thank you Jesus, your will be done. I give my all to you. Compass me with your love. Cover me with your hand; breathe the life you want me to have into my lungs. I want to be a part of you, all of you. To receive the GIFTS you want me to have. Most of all, Love. To love unconditionally and to bridle my tongue. I know that all comes from submitting to God. When I submit to God and love Him and let Him love me in return, all other things will fall into place. Thank you Jesus!

In this, I had realized that I hadn't been seeking the things of God - but seeking people's approval, seeking things, substance and continuing trying to please others. I wasn't walking daily in Him, nor keeping my mind on "things above" but had them on "things of the earth". (I discovered that when I have my mind on things of the earth, my head hangs down, but when I have my mind on things above, my head is lifted up - Selah!) I wasn't reading the Word as much I should and wasn't really bringing everything to Him in prayer - always trying to "do" things myself!

I had been too busy looking at other people's wrong doings and not enough on my own. Submitting to the petty sin that messes everything up. Worrying and fretting over something that is not in my hands to control. Realizing that I provoked others to anger. Knowing that when I submit to God, all this "junk" is put into their prefect places. I realized I had left my first love, God.

I discovered I had to let go of 'things' and let God take over, stop playing the God role, but be a servant to all and trust in God completely in all things. Take each step holding onto His hand.

These were the steps in a nutshell:

If you have been a Christian for a long time, the moment you received Jesus as your Savior a work began! Your heart began being renewed, your life began a journey of change, whether or not you realized it at the time, this is the truth! I too have to realize that these last 20 years were "wilderness" living, preparing me for the "Promised Land" that I now live in. So if you are in a place you don't understand it's because you are being worked over to prepare you for the Promised Land. To get through it quickly, humble yourself, submit to God, and wait for the Salvation of the Lord.

Be blessed!

Help For The Holidays

This was a wonderful success! It was held at the town hall in River Pines Town on Dec. 8-9th. Many helped at the event - some came up from Folsom and Sacramento to help! We helped many local and not so local families and individuals in the foothills and outlying areas.

One person in particular was a woman who was in a walker. She had needed a new wheelchair - it so happened we had one - in really good condition. Her daughter was with her and couldn't believe someone gave away a wheel chair - she said it was truly a miracle! They had been praying for a wheelchair for some time - her other one is really broken up and didn't have the money to buy a new one. I'll never really know how much it meant to them, but I trust they are praising God daily!

We plan on having another one - but will hold it in another little town. We want to hold it in different places each year as the lord leads. Please keep this in your prayers too so we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

For those of you who helped and have opportunity to read this newsletter - the event wouldn't have been a success without you!

One lady who helped had a car accident on the way the day of the event - but STILL helped! She was a bit rattled, but also knew she was alive because of God. She is OK, her car is OK and things are back to normal for her - but through this ordeal, she realized how much she trusted God with her life! She said that she heard a voice tell her to turn the wheel to swerve out of the way of the truck she was about to hit - and she obeyed it! She knew it was God and didn't hesitate on doing what He said. This same lady a year ago would have debated that word to her and suffered the consequences. But since has come to know her Loving Heavenly Father, she's hearing him. She is going to only be blessed from this time on as she trusts God even more in every other area of her life.

Holiday Treat!

Ever wonder where the candy cane came from? I heard a story, perhaps you already have, but for those who haven't I think it's one you'll remember from this day on. It's about the candy cane!

Many years ago there was a candy maker who wanted to make a statement about his faith in one of his candies. So he decided to make a hard white piece of candy, in the shape of a "J". The white stood for the purity of Jesus, the "J" was for his name, and the hard candy was for the "rock" and "solid" foundation we need to stand on. The candy maker realized it needed something else, so he added the red stripe - represented the stripes Jesus suffered on the cross, spilling his blood for the salvation of all mankind. The candy can also represent a cane - which is the staff of a shepherd. But all those meanings have somehow been lost - and it's simply known as a "candy cane." I hope we all take the time to look at this wonderful symbol and remember how precious our Savior is.

Insight On Disease

This issue will focus on FRUSTRATION.

I don't know about you but I think this is a DIS-ease! This one thing will cause you to worry and fear which opens the door to anxiety, stress, heart problems, etc.

So let's address this issue of frustration. Let me say it simply this way, "To be frustrated means you are "trying" to do what ONLY God can do". See, when we get frustrated about someone not doing something we think they should do, we are trying to "make" them conform to our way of thinking. We want them to do what we want them to do so we'll be OK. We are bordering on "witchcraft" when we get frustrated because we want to "control" others! You are trying to play the "Holy Ghost" and that is NOT your job. Your job is to do what you can do, and let God handle the rest.

When you begin to get frustrated again say, "Oops God, I'm stepping on your toes. Forgive me for being frustrated, I'm trying to do what only YOU can do, I forgive myself for being frustrated, and I forgive _______(name) as well. Help me to believe and trust you are taking care of every detail in this situation!"

I don't find myself frustrated any longer but know many who are frustrated daily! I pray that each person who gets frustrated realize they are taking into their own hands what is God's job. Ask God to help you be content in doing what you can do, and believing Him for the rest. If we all look back on our lives, everything that we ever needed has been taken care of!!! Let's look forward with that same heart - because frustration robs you from peace and joy! The very gifts God wants you to have!

VIRUS WARNING - no hoax!

It appears that anyone who had received an email from me in the past few months may have a hidden virus on your system. It is not in any attachment and does transfer to files without Norton or MaCafee noticing! To find out if you have the virus, please follow the steps below. I did have the virus - so I'm expecting you will too. What a difference was noticed in the performance of my PC when I eliminated the virus. It's very easy to do - so follow the information below:

For information about the seminars, events, or personal ministry you can call (530) 620-2712, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday through Sunday (Pacific Standard time). You may need to leave a message, but your call will be returned within 24 hours. Web site is www.mindsync.com/LAM, email is TruthFrees@Mindsync.com.

Foods that Nourish!

Not only do we need the nourishment of the Spirit into our lives to make us Healthy and Strong Christians, but we also need to feed our body good things to make it strong and healthy too!

One food I want to share with you is Kelp. Kelp is a type of seaweed that can be eaten raw, but is usually dried, granulated, or ground into powder. It is also available in a liquid form that can be added to drinking water. Granulated or powdered kelp can be used as a condiment and for flavoring, as a salt substitute. If you find the taste unappealing, you can purchase it in a tablet form.

Kelp is a rich source of vitamins, especially the B vitamins, as well as of many valuable minerals and trace elements. It is reported to be very beneficial to brain tissue, the membranes surrounding the brain, the sensory nerves, and the spinal cord, as well as the nails and blood vessels. It has been used in the treatment of thyroid problems because of its iodine content, and is useful for other conditions as varied as hair loss, obesity, and ulcers. It protects against the effects of radiation and softens stools. Kelp is recommended as a daily dietary supplement, especially for people with mineral deficiencies.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing" James and Phyllis Balch, M.D's.

BOOKS and other materials:

We offer a number of books, please see price list below:

A Matter of the Mind: $20.00
A More Excellent Way: $25.00
How to be happy though married: $5.00
The Truth Shall Make You Free: $5.00

If you are unable to pay full price, any donation amount is acceptable. If you are unable to pay at all, we may offer them free of charge.

For more information on these books, please call the Life Application Ministries’ Office at (530) 620-2712. email TruthFrees@Mindsync.com, or call the toll free line at 1-888-890-0002 to leave a message.

Scripture of the Month

"For with God, nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37)

This scripture is hidden in the story of the conception of John. The angel Gabrielle just told her she was going to have a baby, but she had asked how? That she was too old and past child bearing days.

After all this was said, the angel said, "for with God nothing shall be impossible."

Let us take this to heart that no matter how things LOOK, with God all things are possible - to them that believe that ALL things are possible!

I pray that each one of us lift our heads up to the heavens and open our hearts and lives up to whatever God has for us. Not to flinch or fear what that may be, but rejoice only, knowing that He has so much more for us than we have right now! Let us not be weary in well doing, let us not give up any Hope, but be rekindled in our faith toward God. The bible says to "Stir up the gift that is within you" (II Timothy 1:6-7) Why? Because if we don't we get bored, weak, weary and fear can take a hold of us!

Enjoy!

I wanted to share something with you, as my friends. Not only do we share our victories in the spirit, but our accomplishments in this world. Just recently I had the privilege of putting on a show at work to celebrate the move to a new building, incorporating ALL our offices under one roof, and the holidays. We called it the "ZIGfilled follies". Appropriately so too, because the building we moved into is shaped like a ziggurat. (A stepped pyramid building). We filled the zig!

I wanted to share a picture with you, this way you can also see what I look like for those who are long distance friends!

Singing, "Come rain or come shine"

I believe that in everything we "do" we do it as unto the Lord; even my work activities. God truly blessed this show, as it was the GREATEST one people have said they have ever seen! And I have given ALL glory to GOD who brought it to pass!

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