It's about The Cross.
Not about presents, not about what did I get...

Not about what did you get me... Not about who has the most.
It's about The Cross. I just had to say it again.
It's all about God. And what He did. He gave up His Son as an offering to the world so we can Live. And as important, Jesus Christ. He knew his preordained destiny before he was here. Come to save us from ourselves. But......  We get to chose! That's the Gift. You can believe anything or nothing. If you believe nothing now, you'll believe nothing later. Simple. AND, the best gift is Grace. You don't even have to ask for it. Grace is the kindness and favor of God extended to you. You can't earn it, and you don't deserve it. Grace is God saying "You can do nothing for yourself, so there is no need to even try because I have done it all. I have given My Son to die for you, and He has made the perfect sacrifice for your sin. Come and receive my free gift to you."
I chose to try to live under the Grace provided me.... . And guess what...
       ******I am not alone******
God Bless You now and always.
Very Merry Christmas to All!
We are fortunate. Christmas lives with us every single day of our lives.
You can too. Free Will.

Please have a safe and Blessed Christmas.

Please say a prayer for those less fortunate than you at this Christmas

Please say a prayer for someone with not a present under a tree

Please say a prayer for someone who is lost, with nowhere to go

Please say a prayer for someone who buried a loved one

Please say a prayer for those with an empty stomach,

and no hope in sight...

Please pray for Gods children.

In Life, and in Life after death,

Lydell II 

nnDnn

Thanksgiving

One of the phrases that get overworked in our day is: you are so blessed, or, you are such a blessing, as if the person being spoken to has received or given some great act of charity. However, these phrases miss the whole point of what it means to be blessed; there is no better reflection on this than at this time of thanksgiving.

The Biblical understanding of blessing begins with God who has given us his creation in which we exist. But the blessing is not complete until we return thanks to God for this creation – a gift without thanksgiving is not a blessing. Consequently, both parts of the blessing must exist together – giving and thanking.

Scripture is filled with examples of God’s people getting and giving thanks in return; the most telling of Jesus’ comments on this back-and-forth relationship is given in the parable of the healing of the men with leprosy – the lone man came to Jesus to thank him for the gift of healing, but Jesus is upset as he asks: where are the other nine? Jesus says that we must, it is our duty, to give thanks to God. (Please note, I also find those who keep saying: thank you Jesus for my parking place don’t understand what giving is about when we speak about God giving to us.)

Thanksgiving Day was a time when people flocked to their respective churches to give God particular thanks for the harvest and returned home to eat too much of the gift. Today we don’t see congregations, singly or together, gathering to give public thanks - that activity has now become a private activity. We are not exempt from giving thanks at all times.  We are to be alert to the world around us and God’s action in it through each of us – for which we must give thanks. Wonderful words from a dear friend.

Enjoy all the Blessings, both that can be given and received, in Gods Name.

God Bless you and Keep you.

Chev. Lydell

Come to Understanding!

"Whoever does not know the work of perfection does not know anything."

'One who does not stand in the darkness cannot see the light."

"One who does not understand how fire came to be will burn in it, not knowing it's origin."

"One who does not first understand water knows nothing. For what use is there for such a person to be baptized in it."

"One who does not understand how the wind that blows came to be will blow away with it."

"One who does not understand how the body that a person wears came to be will perish with it."

"How will someone who does not know the Son know the Father?"

"All things are hidden from one who does not know the root of all things."

"Whoever does not know the root of wickedness is no stranger to it."

"Those who do not understand how they came will not understand how they will go, and they are no strangers to this world, which will exalt itself and be humbled."

Stay Safe friends,

In God's Name.

Chev. Lydell

nnDnn

My Strength, God's Grace

The Armor of God


 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.  Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Ephesians 6:10-20

New International Version (NIV)

When you find yourself confronted with anguish, dispair, unrest, anger, or those around you that would mock or try to lower you to their level, how will you cope?
Mine is the armor of God.
And rest assured, I can get no lower than my knees.....

God Bless you richly.

Che. Lydell II

Wonderful Prayer to Share!

Relax your mind and humble your heart to focus on Christ. Allow God to be the only person on your mind while you read this prayer. If we can take the time to read long jokes, stories, etc., we should give the same respect to this prayer. Friends, who pray together, stay together. 
 



Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God.

And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.

Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak.. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who will delete this without sharing it with others. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.

I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray for those that have lost loved ones and had their lives changed over the past weeks due to the devastating storms. I pray for those that will provide comfort during this time of rebuilding. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly..

This is my prayer.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

"The Lord is Peace"! (Scribings from my favorite little book)

God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

The Lord came to Gideon and told him he was to lead his people in victory over the Midianites. That's like God telling a housewife to stand up to her abusive husband or a high school student to take on drug peddlers or a preacher to teach the truth to a congregation of Pharisees. "Yyyyooouuu bbbeeeettter get somebody else" We stammer. But then God reminds us He knows we can't, but He can, and to prove it He gives a wonderful gift. He brings a spirit of peace. A peace before the storm...He gave it to David after He showed him Goliath: He gave it to Saul after He showed him the gospel: He gave it to Jesus after He showed Him the Cross. And He gave it to Gideon. So Gideon, in turn, gave the name to God. He built and alter and named it Jehovah-shalom, The Lord is Peace. Judges 65:24 

So we build our houses on the peace that Lord God provides. 

In Life and Life after Death,  

Chev. Lydell II

Good Sound Judgment

Judgment. The word in itself has it's own harsh implication. But what does it mean to the normal guy like me in my daily interactions. Well, first, I have to remember how the word fits into God's plan, and then into my life. "Judge not, that ye be not judged". (St. Matthew 7:1) Jesus spoke at the sermon on the mount. In St. Matthew 7: 2-5 Jesus goes on to tell you of the disparity of the judgment of others, whilst still being a fool oneself. Clearly Jesus message tells of the judgment WE CAN USE here to understand who and what we are dealing with. In St. Matthew 7:15-20, we are clearly told to watch for false prophets that come to you in sheep's clothing, but are inwardly really ravenous wolves (15), "Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them" (20), it clear that Lord Jesus Christ commands us to use our good solid judgment, based on facts and truths, actions and deeds, not just words to understand the ones around us and those we associate with and even those that we come in contact with day to day. For Clearly Jesus said in St. Matthew 7:26, "And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand". So, when we read Christ Jesus' words, and understand what God is requiring from us, it is always right to judge false teachers and false teaching using the Word of God as the standard. Nitpicking is one thing. Removing rotten fruit is another. We must be discerning in our discernment and always proceed on the basis of truth and facts leaving the unknown areas of motivation to God. 

  Enjoy every moment and every Blessing from God

In Life and in Life after Death

 

 

Chev. Lydell II

Non Nobis, Domine, Non Nobis

Sed Nomine Tuo Da Gloriam    

Why Should We Love God?

Simple enough question. Why? Everyone can think of lots of things that have happened to them. Friends that we grew up with long gone with time. Memories of a time or a place that make us feel good inside just barely hang on. Everyday, things here in this place bring us down further into what the "world" has done to us. Here I am, totally off track, or am I? One more time: Why should we love God? When one asks that they may mean What do I have to gain by loving God?   First off,  in either question, the same sufficient cause of love exists, namely, God Himself. What Better gift can one offer than himself? And because He loved us, (1John 4:19), so surely we must love Him in return. The apostle tells us, "When we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son" (Romans 5:10) So it was God that loved us freely even when we were enemies! And how great was this love? St. John answers: "God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16) St. Paul adds, "He spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all" (Romans 8:32) So why should we not love the One that gives us eternal life, the One who knew everything we would need. Look up, look down, in the wind, in the rain, in the sky, in the mountains... Look around. But even the basics: Food, Water, Air. Just the simplest, taken for granted. Well, I remember every thing, every day. I pray you do too.....

                              +Blessings to you in Life and in Life after Death+

                                                


                                                        Chev Lydell II

It Always Happens

It always happens this way. You forge out. You try to do the best you can, remembering what the mission is. Day by day, week by week. Everything is great. Well, ...as great as it could be, remembering again, what's real. Make sure that I acknowledge that I know where every day comes from. Spend the necessary time in meditation and prayer. Try to remember everyone in those thoughts and prayers. EVERYONE. No exceptions. Unilaterally. A piece for all. And then it happens. I have to listen. I am required to give up some more of myself. In my mind I can't believe it. I can't put into words why I must have to relinquish any pride I have. Any self worth. What is the rational for what I must again go against what I want to do, and put my own feelings on the chopping block again. How come????
I'll tell you why. Because Father in Heaven said so.
Kind of Like this: 
What is "your pride" Lydell? 
What is "your self-worth" Lydell? 
Tell me of "your feelings" Lydell?  
Where do want to go with all "your" problems, Lydell?
Then it all hits like a freight train. I am your servant Lord. My pride is nothing. My self-worth is Grace. My Feelings are with Him. 
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm55:22
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  1Peter5:7

So everything is wonderful. Mine is wanting for nothing and enjoying all my gifts. Family, friends, team mates, and all under the Grace of God. It really doesn't get any better.  

                                        Share love and live friends. 

 
                                           In Life and in Life after Death


                                                         Chev. Lydell

Words vs. Actions

And the Savior answered, This is why we must speak to you, because this is the teaching for the perfect. If you wish to become perfect, Keep these sayings. If not, the name for you is 'ignorant,' since the intelligent person cannot associate with a fool. The same intelligent person is perfect in all wisdom, but to the fool good and evil are the same. The wise person will be nourished by truth, and will be like a tree growing by the stream of water. Some people will have wings but rush toward visible things that are far from the truth. The fire that guides them gives them the illusion of truth. It will shine on them with perishable beauty, and it will imprison them in dark delight and capture them in sweet-smelling pleasure. And it will make them blind with insatiable desire, inflame their souls, and be like a stake that is jammed into their heart and can never be removed. Like a bit in the mouth, it leads them according to it's own wish." "It has bound them with chains, and tied all their limbs with bitterness of bondage of desire for those visible things that perish and change and fluctuate impulsively. They have always been drawn downward. When they are slain, they are drawn to all the animals of corruption"

Anyone can talk. Talking can be a gift. Words are weapons. Use them wisely. When the time comes to chose, and no-one knows that time but the One that always has known. Before and after. In the beginning and the end? I tell you friends and visitors. NEVER be drawn from the narrow path. If you have been given the Blessings from God, and have declared your Soul to Jesus Christ, and have confessed every sin to Jesus Christ and invited, welcomed and ASKED Him to coming to your life and heart, You will never suffer. Ever. Live Talk Act Walk

                                                                                                                  
                              Blessings in Life and in Life after death. 

                                               Chev. Lydell                                               

A Thousand Faces

"From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven. And when two souls that are destined to be together find each other, their streams of light flow together, and a single brighter light goes forth from their united being". 

Welcome to 2011. Reflect and Move Forward

Greetings and Blessings in Almighty Fathers name. 
As we move out of another year, full of challenges, changes, excitement and sorrows, how will we use these experiences. We can learn and have memories. Everything we did makes us who we are. Key word: DID. We cannot change one thing from yesterday. We cannot take back the harsh words spoken... we cannot get back the forgotten kiss, hug, or wink of reassurance. We can never get back the opportunity to help that one person. We can't get back a teardrop....
We CAN get back our walk of Faith. We CAN get back or commitment to God. We can get back all the "I Love You's" we dare give away, without hesitation.  We can and must find a way to live each and every day like it is our last. We don't know. God knows our time. We are charged with maintaining and spreading and sharing His words and laws until such as a time as Father knows when we travel to him. All the gifts of Fathers unimaginable Grace and Love will be revealed to those that continue to seek and open themselves, heart, mind and soul. 
Will you give to others more than you ask? Will you commit to nothing but Fathers love through the blood and sacrifice of His Son Christ Jesus? Will you not be bothered where tomorrows meal comes from and share a log with someone that needs warmth? 
Only when you're last will you ever be first. 
Share the gift of today with everyone you meet. Someone might just change their life because of your smile. 
                                     +Blessings to you in Life and Life after Death.+

                                                                Chev. Lydell