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	<title>Saturday Night Musings</title>
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	<link>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings</link>
	<description>Timely meditations connecting life and Scripture.</description>
	<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:24:50 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>Four Wonderful Things ~n~ Proverbs. Proverbs 30:18,19</title>
		<link>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=285</link>
		<comments>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=285#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:24:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Cliff Hartley</dc:creator>
		
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		<description><![CDATA[The best things in life are free. Buy one and get one free. Free coffee refills at Bob Evans. Life time guarantee&#8230; or your money back. Take advantage of visiting the great lakes in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, or the wonder of the Redwood Forest in California. Hold a baby; [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The best things in life are free. Buy one and get one free. Free coffee refills at Bob Evans. Life time guarantee&#8230; or your money back. Take advantage of visiting the great lakes in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania, the Grand Canyon in Arizona, or the wonder of the Redwood Forest in California. Hold a baby; listen to the chirping of the birds, view the sunset in the evening, and up for the breaking forth of a new day. Watch tides roll in and out. For the Christian, it is the hope of the coming of Christ in rapture and revelation. Salvation is always free. The Andy Griffith Show is without end. Freedom of speech for everyone, travel anywhere you like, believe like you want, choice of religion and color your hair green if you wish. Try that in any other country. While we live in a very evil, cruel and sinful world (Nov. 13, 2009—Fort Hood, Texas), it is the pleasure of our heavenly Father to give unto us the Kingdom. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1: 17)</p>
<p>What did the wisest man in all the world have to say about four wonderful things in Proverbs? There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid. Proverbs 30:18, 19</p>
<p>The way of an eagle in the air.  Eagles in the sky will attract, hold your attention as far as the eye can see, and leave you spell bound in awe. If you are able to get a picture of them, they will be your screen savers forever! They are some of God’s most mysterious creatures. Add to their many abilities is the eye that can see the smallest of items from such a great distance.  What marvel? The Christian is much like the eagle that can spiritually fly higher than he can dream and see eternity beyond this present world. This is my Fathers’ world. You cannot fly like eagles if you walk with turkeys. </p>
<p>The way of a serpent on a rock. While you do not want to get near them, serpents are captivating to watch…at a distance!  Rocks are always part of their environment. The Christian is called to be similar to that of a serpent traveling upon a rock. It matters little where you have been or what you have done but who you are and where you are going. Become wise as a serpent on a rock and leave not a single trace of sin in life.</p>
<p>The way of a ship in the midst of the sea. Living by faith, facing dangers with confidence, and having a purpose for doing business in great waters will enable one to see the works of God and His wonders in the deep. Once a sailor, always a sailor!</p>
<p> And the way of a man with a maid. The un-compromised and un-conditional love that a man has for his wife is compared only to that of Christ’s love for the church. </p>
<p>It seems to me the children of God have the best of both worlds. Having been born-again into our Father’s family by trusting in the His gospel and covered by His blood, we enjoy both the abundant and eternal life right here, right now. Just Wonderful!</p>
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		<title>What God Hates ~n~Proverbs. Proverbs 6:16-19</title>
		<link>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=284</link>
		<comments>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=284#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:21:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Cliff Hartley</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Health Plan Will Require a Monthly Abortion Premium. Health care reform should not be used as an opportunity to use federal funds to pay for elective abortions. Health reform should be an opportunity to protect human life - not end it. Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi’s 2,032-page government takeover of health care does just that.  On [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Health Plan Will Require a Monthly Abortion Premium. Health care reform should not be used as an opportunity to use federal funds to pay for elective abortions. Health reform should be an opportunity to protect human life - not end it. Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi’s 2,032-page government takeover of health care does just that.  On line 17, p. 110, section 222 under “Abortions for which Public Funding is Allowed” the Health and Human Services Secretary is given the authority to determine when abortion is allowed under the government-run plan.  The Speaker’s plan also requires that at least one insurance plan offered in the Exchange covers abortions.  Posted by GOP Leader Press Office on November 5th, 2009</p>
<p>What did the wisest man in all the world have to say about what God Hates? These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaks lies, and he that sowed discord among brethren. Proverbs 6:16-19</p>
<p>A proud look. The first thing on God’s hate list is not murder, adultery, or homosexuality, but pride. This sin will lead to the ruin of all activities—no matter what. Beware!</p>
<p>A lying tongue. God hates this sin because it is everything that He is not. God is truth, all truth, and there is no possibility of lying in Him. He hates lying and so do you!</p>
<p>Hands that shed innocent blood. God hates this sin because it steals what He freely gives to the innocent. God hates murder. God hates abortion that robs the opportunity for every innocent person the right to live. Speaker Pelosi loves what God hates!</p>
<p>A heart that devises wicked imaginations. God will not dwell in filth, He hates it. </p>
<p>Feet that are swift running to mischief. If God hates the wicked plans in the heart, He most certainly hates the implementation of those plans. Run to God and serve Him.</p>
<p>A false witness that speaks lies. Tell the truth all the time, people will believe you all the time. Tell the truth half the time, no one will believe you anytime. (James Dobson)</p>
<p>Those  that sow discord among the brethren. Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity, anything else is a mess. Term limits anyone!</p>
<p>It seems to me we should love what God loves and hate what he hates. Or, we will love what God hates and hate what He loves. Speaker Pelosi needs to get about 2,032 swift letters before that gavel of pride comes down and blows everything up.</p>
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		<title>The Prudent Man ~n~ Proverbs. Proverbs 22:3</title>
		<link>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=283</link>
		<comments>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=283#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:17:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Cliff Hartley</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Jesus said: Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). Satan’s presence in the Garden of Eden was crafty, subtle, and very wise in attacking the innocence of Adam and Eve. He had the knowledge of good and evil, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Jesus said: Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16). Satan’s presence in the Garden of Eden was crafty, subtle, and very wise in attacking the innocence of Adam and Eve. He had the knowledge of good and evil, he understood the ways of God, he knew what he was doing, and he knew what he had to do to be successful in bringing down the fall of man. With this in mind, Jesus gives this wise counsel when faced with compromise. </p>
<p>What did the wisest man in all the world have to say about prudence? &#8220;A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.&#8221; - Proverbs 22:3</p>
<p>Prudence: The ability to have shrewdness to govern and to have discipline in the affairs of man. It is to use caution, sound reason, and skill in advocating good judgment. Failing in this prudent management, we become “guilty as serpents and stupid as doves”!</p>
<p>One will see the winds and the waves coming and do nothing about it. The other will see the same and will build his house on a rock. He will prepare for the worst as the killer storm arrives. Noah foresaw the flood and acted accordingly. There is a storm coming unlike the world has yet to see. When the Holy Spirit and the church are removed from this world, Satan will unleash an attack that will be unequaled to anything he has ever leveled on the lives on men. We are not ignorant of his subtlety when enlightened by the Word of God. Yea, did God really say that, yes he did!  </p>
<p>To reject cooing of the Holy Spirit as a dove hovering over her brood is to be as blind as a bat in a hailstorm. The bridge is out and the ditch is straight ahead. Failing to heed will keep you stuck on stupid as you continue to slip on the wide and broad road which will come to a sudden stop in hell. In hell where there is gnashing of teeth and the worm dies not. In hell where the unjust remains unjust and filthy remains filthy. In hell where there is not one drop of water to cool the tongue. It is a place of torment not for the wise, but the naïve and the blind. </p>
<p>Jesus sat on a mountain side and said: Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how oft would I have gathered you under my wings and you would not. He did not say you could not come, or should not come, but that you would not come. He is proving a way of escape from the clutches of sin, deliver you from him who will let you perish in your sin, and chain you forever in the sides of hell where the world will look narrowly upon you. </p>
<p>You may have degrees, financially secured, physically well, but you are unsaved. You have never been born-again; you have never repented of your sin. Do not be ignorant in this what may be once in a life time decision. Danger is coming and you can not stop it, prepare yourself with the blood covering, confess your sin and turn to Christ—now!</p>
<p>It seems to me it better to prudent now than to be sorry later!</p>
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		<title>Correction ~n~ Proverbs. Proverbs 29:17</title>
		<link>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=282</link>
		<comments>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=282#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Oct 2009 01:28:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Cliff Hartley</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The White House Correction Hotline is Now Open! This week on his Fox News program, Glenn Beck debuted his new White House Correction Hotline, a telephone number the White House can call whenever Glenn says something factually incorrect. This morning, he continued the plea to be proven wrong.
What did the wisest man in all the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The White House Correction Hotline is Now Open! This week on his Fox News program, Glenn Beck debuted his new White House Correction Hotline, a telephone number the White House can call whenever Glenn says something factually incorrect. This morning, he continued the plea to be proven wrong.<br />
What did the wisest man in all the world have to say about correction? Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yea, he shall give delight unto your soul. Proverbs 29:17</p>
<p>CORRECTION: a bringing into conformity with a standard. To make straight (again), is an action to rectify, to make right a wrong. Other words help to identify the word correction: instruction, chastisement, check, bond, discipline, doctrine, and rebuke. </p>
<p>Correction is needed for an absolute change of direction in which the United States is headed. President Obama has seen the worst poll rating drop in 50 years which the majority believes he is taking this county in the wrong direction. A u-turn fast! </p>
<p>Correction is needed in our homes in our country. 50% of all marriages in America end in divorce. Remarriage divorce rate is worse: 67% of second marriage end in divorcé and a whooping 74% of third marriages end in divorce. Not good!</p>
<p>Correction is needed for the dollar slide and the erosion of America’s reserve currency status. The fallout of this weakens America power status in the world. Buy gold!</p>
<p>Correction is needed in disciplining and rearing our children. The way children behave is the way they are brought up in the home. Wickedness is bound in the heart of a child but the rod of correction will drive this foolishness from him. When done as instructed from the Word, parents will have both rest and delight. When not so, the parents will be embarrassed. Correct your children while you have the time to do so and while there is hope, if not, it will come back to haunt you and your family. Withhold not correction from the child: for if you beat him with the rod, he shall not die. God has padded the anatomy in the right places for the right kind of punishment. They may think they are going to die, but believe me, then won’t! </p>
<p>Correction is needed in our churches. Churches are the reflection of their pastors. When pastors loose their vision, the church begins a decline. Salvation decisions and baptisms become less. Membership begins to drop and foreign mission work suffers. When churches decrease in membership, guess what, so do tithes and offerings. </p>
<p>Correction is needed in the many so-called plan of salvation. Salvation is not in good works, membership, or baptism—it is Christ and him alone. You can not get to heaven because you are a good neighbor; you get to heaven because you have repented of your sin and trusted Jesus to be you’re only Savior…period!</p>
<p>It seems to me if we correct our children, it will give us a good night’s rest in peace.</p>
<p>Visit: www.cliffhartley.com</p>
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		<title>A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17</title>
		<link>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=281</link>
		<comments>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=281#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:24:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Cliff Hartley</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Two long time friends had a rift, became bitter, and parted company. One became seriously ill and began to put his house in order before his forth-coming death. He called his old friend to come and see him to make things right. He apologized to his old friend and his apology was accepted. Then the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Two long time friends had a rift, became bitter, and parted company. One became seriously ill and began to put his house in order before his forth-coming death. He called his old friend to come and see him to make things right. He apologized to his old friend and his apology was accepted. Then the old sick man raised himself up on one elbow and said: If should get better and get well, I take back my apology!</p>
<p>There are times when brothers stops being relatives and become enemies. They would dance on each others graves than to ask for forgiveness, settle their differences, and bury both hatchet and handle. Like Cain and Able, the story of the first two brothers, one killed the other and the cry from Able was heard in Cain’s ears till his death.</p>
<p>Then in God’s divine providence, God allows paths to cross for people out of nowhere. Soon a friendship is kindled, fellowship becomes part of their lives, and faithfulness to each other becomes a welded bond. They become comfortable as it becomes transparently clear that they can bear all their heart to the others. A valued, priceless relationship has been forged that will never dissolve. How much would one want to pay for a friendship like this?</p>
<p>The Bible is clear, if a man is to have friends, let him show himself friendly. To do that, requires that a friend be a friend at all times. It has been said: A friend is one who will walk in when the world walks out on you. There are those who are “so called friends”, when opportunity comes for them to take advantage of you, they will sell you out for a dime and lift up their heel against you. Thank God for a friend who knows the glory and the gutter on you and still standing with you. There is nothing like an old friend.</p>
<p>Faithful are the wounds of a friend (Proverbs 27:6). A true friend is one that will say hard things to you, never to hurt you, but only to help you. Those words are the words of a one-sided sword. The other side, are the words of healing, encouragement, and hope. Open rebuke at times is better than secret love. When this happens it is the iron that sharpeneth iron. </p>
<p>This kind of a friend is better than a brother that is afar off when disaster strikes. He becomes more than a brother—he will give you the shirt off his back and a coat to put over it. They will be the first ones on your door step to give the first three loaves.</p>
<p>There is a friend that will stick closer than a brother, his name is Jesus Christ. He came when one would come; he told you the truth of the matter no matter how much it hurt; and he lifted you out of that cesspool and made you whiter than snow through his blood. Now God is your Father, he is your brother, and the Holy Spirit your guest.</p>
<p>It seems to me we ought to build relationships here what will one day in heaven.</p>
<p>Visit: www.cliffhartley.com</p>
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		<title>The Godly Woman ~n~ Proverbs. Proverbs 31:10</title>
		<link>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=280</link>
		<comments>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=280#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:52:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Cliff Hartley</dc:creator>
		
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		<description><![CDATA[The Godly Woman ~n~ Proverbs.
Nineteen children are too many for one woman to have! How can they be properly cared for? The cost of rearing these many children is devastating on one family. All of the above might true be if the woman is not a Godly Woman. The Godly Woman in this case is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Godly Woman ~n~ Proverbs.</p>
<p>Nineteen children are too many for one woman to have! How can they be properly cared for? The cost of rearing these many children is devastating on one family. All of the above might true be if the woman is not a Godly Woman. The Godly Woman in this case is Susannah Wesley, the Mother of Modern Methodism and the mother of John and Charles Wesley. She reared all of them for the Lord, spent one hour alone each week with each of them, and trained them in the ways of the Bible. A hero of mine!</p>
<p>What did the wisest man in all the world have to say about a Godly Woman? Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10 </p>
<p>The Book Proverbs addresses the strange woman, the evil woman, the whorish woman, the adulterous woman, the foolish woman, a brawling woman, an angry woman, a contentious woman, and a hateful woman. It also addresses the wise woman, the fair woman, and the virtuous woman. The virtuous woman is the Godly Woman; one who is both praised and recognized. (Proverbs 31: 30, 31)  She is the woman who fears God. She is worth her weight in gold, she is one of a kind, and she is admired among all women. Who can find this kind of a woman?</p>
<p>Anyone who is looking in all the right places will find her. Look at her heart that does good all the days of her life. (Proverbs 31:12) She earns respectability by her moral manners. She will live with the highest mode character and integrity when no one is in sight. She lives where God looks—at the heart. She can not be bought for junk price.</p>
<p>Look at her hands; instruments that give good things willingly. (Proverbs 31:13, 31) One who does things with great pleasure in making others feel welcome and comfortable.  She has no ulterior motive but one who knows how more blessed it is to give than to receive. This Godly Woman is top shelf and she does not come cheap.</p>
<p>Look at her house. It is both prepared and pleasant to all who enters. (Proverbs 31:15, 21, 25, 27) There will always be meat in her house for the strong to stay strong. Her home is her castle, the place prominence, second to none, and most coveted. How much does she cost, a lot!</p>
<p>Look at her husband. He trusts in her safely, and is a house-hold name because of her. (Proverbs 31:11, 23, 28) Behind every successful man is a Godly Woman. </p>
<p>Look at her honor. She can face an empty meal barrel, the death of child, or an incurable sickness wearing the whole armor of God which withstands any difficulty that may arise. She does not fret, she will not falter, and she will not fail. (Proverbs 31:25)</p>
<p>Look at her royal highness. She speaks with wisdom and kindness. (Proverbs 31:26, 28, 31) She is praised because of her godliness. Her children are safe and saved because of her instruction. This godly woman has a mark-up on all others.</p>
<p>It seems to me if idleness is the devils workshop, then godliness mirrors God’s image.</p>
<p>Visit: www.cliffhartley.com</p>
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		<title>Fools ~n~ Proverbs. Proverbs 1:7</title>
		<link>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=279</link>
		<comments>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=279#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:25:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Cliff Hartley</dc:creator>
		
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		<description><![CDATA[DAVID LETTERMAN ADMITS AFFAIRS AT CENTER OF EXTORTION ARREST. &#8220;I was worried for myself, I was worried for my family,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I felt menaced by this, and I had to tell them all of the creepy things that I had done.&#8221; He said &#8220;the creepy stuff was that I have had sex with women [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>DAVID LETTERMAN ADMITS AFFAIRS AT CENTER OF EXTORTION ARREST. &#8220;I was worried for myself, I was worried for my family,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I felt menaced by this, and I had to tell them all of the creepy things that I had done.&#8221; He said &#8220;the creepy stuff was that I have had sex with women who work for me on this show. My response to that is yes, I have. Would it be embarrassing if it were made public? Yes, it would, especially for the women.&#8221; (Oct. 2, 2009 AP) Did Mr. Letterman live a life of being foolish?</p>
<p>What did the wisest man in world have to say about fools? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Prov. 1:7 </p>
<p>Either let God have His way in your life or live as if God does not exist, reject Him and go to hell! Simply said; there are not two ways about this truth. Each lives in the company of each other. Each is surrounded with each other by choice or by circumstance. One crowd walks the straight and narrow road; the other crowd is on the broad and wide road. One crowd goes up, while the other crowd goes down. The way of the wise or the way of the fool—which crowd are you known by?</p>
<p>The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowing who you are, where you came from and where you are going. This trait will enable you to find your way in this complex life, find your purpose for living, and find your right relationship with God. It beings when you realize you are both hopelessly and helplessly lost without a Savior. You stop dead in your tracks in this senseless maze not knowing how or where to find an escape. Then the grace of God which appears to all men brings you to the edge of a brand new beginning, you become sorry for your sin, you repent because of the goodness of God, and believe as you have been instructed. Immediately, you are born a new creature in Christ, old things have passed away, and all things become instantly new. This reverence toward God will open things which have never entered into the heart of man as the Holy Spirit becomes your helper to live the eternal and abundant life. </p>
<p>But fools…on the other hand is another story. Fools say there is no God, they ridicule ways of holiness and righteousness, and they openly mock sin. They hate wisdom with a passion and hate where wisdom comes from. Deceived and blind, they deride truth and live openly as a two-fold child of hell. They do not know how to blush and are known as either as extreme apostates or reprobates.</p>
<p>There is a whip for the horse and a bridle the ass, but only a rod for the fools back. One who continues walks in the wisdom of his own eyes will suddenly be cut off and without remedy. There is no spirit in them to respond to the ways of God; they remain cold to the Bible; they refuse to humble themselves under the hand of the Almighty; and they stop their ears to the gospel. They would rather have the rocks and the mountains fall on them than to repent. These will die in the very sin they once mocked. </p>
<p>It seems to me we are either sorry we got caught in our sin or not sorry about sin. </p>
<p>Visit: www.cliffhartley.com</p>
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		<title>Drunkenness ~n~ Proverbs. Proverbs 23: 20, 21</title>
		<link>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=278</link>
		<comments>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=278#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:48:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Cliff Hartley</dc:creator>
		
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		<description><![CDATA[Just how much do Americans drink? Last year, Americans drank enough for every person (303,824,640—July 2008) to have taken down 7 bottles of liquor, 12 bottles of wine, and 230 cans of beer. Here’s the kicker: The U.S. ranks 40th in the world in alcohol consumption and one-third of Americans don’t even drink! 
What did [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Just how much do Americans drink? Last year, Americans drank enough for every person (303,824,640—July 2008) to have taken down 7 bottles of liquor, 12 bottles of wine, and 230 cans of beer. Here’s the kicker: The U.S. ranks 40th in the world in alcohol consumption and one-third of Americans don’t even drink! </p>
<p>What did the wisest man in the world have to say about Drunkenness? Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:  For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. Proverbs 23: 20, 21</p>
<p>We are warned in the Bible to separate ourselves from the drunkards here is this world because we will most certainly be separated from them in heaven. (See I Cor. 5:11; 6:9-11; and Gal. 5:19-21) Let me be clear: we are separatist, not isolationist. We have a mandate to reach all men with the saving message of the Gospel of Christ. It is the only life-changing message that can turn men from drunkenness to Christians.</p>
<p>The habitual excessive use of alcohol will cause any one to become incapable of having and using sound wisdom. It will make you stupid! Drunkenness will make anyone to become a nuisance in the family, community, and in the work place. Drunkenness will get you locked up in jail. Drunkenness will cause bankruptcy, poverty, and sickness. It will lead one down a wide path of moral and spiritual ruin to a sudden stop. Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging and whosoever in deceived thereby is not wise.</p>
<p>Look at the drunkard from the bottom of his drinking glass. There is more sorrow in that glass than anyone could ever believe it could contain. It will never bring happiness, only heartache. Bills won’t get paid and babies will have no milk to drink. Homes will suffer divorce and death will come early. Friends will become foes and joy will be turned into judgment.  Scars will mark the drunkard and sight will be blurred. The glass will never satisfy when emptied and the gladness will turn to gluttony. It will go down smoothly, but will surface into sourness. </p>
<p>When the last drop has been swallowed, it will bite like a serpent, and will sting like a viper. What was meant to just a time of pleasure leads to promiscuity. Your eyes will drift and in a heated moment of desire, one’s wedding vows have been broken. Now a drunkard is guilty of adultery. Gentleness will turn into grief as you seek a bed in the midst of a tempestuous sea having no idea where you are or what danger you may be in. Though the drunkard feels no pain as they slumber on a bed of filth, they awake not knowing where that had been, or with whom, and awake not know how close they came to death’s door of eternity. Like a dog that returns to his vomit, the drunkard will return to be bottle. They will seek it again. Is not the drunkard stuck on stupid!</p>
<p>But such were some of you. You are no longer a drunk, but a disciple of Christ. You have confessed the sin of unbelief, repented of your sorrow over sin, and trusted in the saving grace of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Thank God for His mercy!</p>
<p>It seems to me that every drop of booze would be better at the bottom of the sea.</p>
<p>Visit: www.cliffhartley.com</p>
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		<title>The Poor ~n~ Proverbs. Proverbs 21:13</title>
		<link>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=275</link>
		<comments>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=275#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Sep 2009 00:49:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Cliff Hartley</dc:creator>
		
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		<description><![CDATA[Almost half the world (over 3 billion people) live on less than $2.50 a day. 1 billion children live in poverty (1 in 2 children in the world). 640 million live without adequate shelter, 400 million have no access to safe water, 270 million have no access to health services. 10.6 million died in 2003 [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Almost half the world (over 3 billion people) live on less than $2.50 a day. 1 billion children live in poverty (1 in 2 children in the world). 640 million live without adequate shelter, 400 million have no access to safe water, 270 million have no access to health services. 10.6 million died in 2003 before they reached the age of 5 (or roughly 29,000 children per day). Global Issues:  3/22/09</p>
<p>What did the wisest man in the entire world have to say about the Poor? Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. Proverbs 21:13 </p>
<p>God made the poor and the rich alike; he is the maker and the rewarder of them both (Proverbs 22:2). Both cry alike. Both have needs. The rich cried and took their own lives during the 2008 stock market crash. The rich want bigger barns and the poor want better meal barrels. They live either in the abundance of plenty or the ashes of poverty.  The cries of the poor are heard in the ears of the rich, yet the poor will never cease from the land. It does not matter how many entitlement programs a government can implement for the poor, the rich and the poor will always live together.</p>
<p>The cries of the poor are heard.  God’s ear is not deaf that he can not hear nor is his hand slack that he can not give. He has told those who have the power to give, to open their hand wide to their brother. If he asks for your coat, give him your cloak also. There is not a cry cried that ever goes un-heard. There is not a prayer prayed that the Lord can not answer nor a burden that He can not lift. He wants us to ask that He might give. He gives to those through those who are able to give. Through Him, there will be always enough to meet the needs of the entire world. He is listening, so call now!</p>
<p>The ears of the prosperous are stirred.  Those who have ears to hear, hears the cries of the poor. They hear the groanings of the half dead which have been robbed and beaten by thieves, willing to lift them from the gutter, get them care and pay the bill.  Their cry has touched the Good Samaritan’s ear. Having the mind of Christ, they move with compassion and grace and say: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, Luke 4:18</p>
<p>The tears of the proud are poured. He that stops his ears to poor will cry, but will not be heard. (Is anyone listening to Bernie Madoff?) They will seek the Lord but they will not find Him. Like Esau, they will find no place of repentance though they seek it with tears. They have rejected him who became poor that many might be made rich, only to find others rich while being tormented in flames. They will enter hell where there will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth.  Turn to the Lord today or turn away in sorrow because of your riches. The Gospel is free to all men, accept it!</p>
<p>It seems to me if we give to the poor the Lord will give more than we had before. </p>
<p>Visit: www.cliffhartley.com</p>
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		<title>Pride ~n~ Proverbs. Proverbs 29:23</title>
		<link>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=274</link>
		<comments>http://cliffhartley.com/snmusings/?p=274#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2009 02:37:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Cliff Hartley</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[ On Jan. 21, Gallup began tracking daily the percentage of Americans who approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing as president. 70% approved of his presidency in February of 09. As of this date, it has slipped to 52%. 10% disapproved of his presidency in Feb of 09; it now has [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> On Jan. 21, Gallup began tracking daily the percentage of Americans who approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing as president. 70% approved of his presidency in February of 09. As of this date, it has slipped to 52%. 10% disapproved of his presidency in Feb of 09; it now has risen to 41%. The honeymoon is over in Washington and the free fall has begun. Could be pride?</p>
<p>What did the wisest man in the entire world have to say about Pride? A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit. Proverbs 29:23</p>
<p>The first of the seven deadly sins which God hates is pride. These six things doth the Lord hate: yea seven are abomination unto him: A proud look… (Proverbs 6:16, 17). Note: God does not hate the person of pride but the pride in the person. Man was created in the image of God. A proud look does not reflect the Father. God hates pride; whosoever is guilty should repent. </p>
<p>Pride is a person’s decision. A man’s pride shall bring him low… He chooses to be prideful. He makes a choice to follow after the author and father of pride—the Devil. It was Satan who fell to the lowest part of the earth to slither and eat dust when lifted up with pride. God did not make him full of pride, he chose that path.</p>
<p>Pride will take a person in the wrong direction. A man’s pride shall bring him low… It will take him on that broad road which leads down to hell. Pride is not the sin that will send any to hell, but a sin that will keep one from repenting of the sin that will dam the soul forever in hell. Repentance is being sorry for your sin (the sin of unbelief and rejection of Christ) and turning from that sin to Jesus Christ as Savior. The right direction is on the narrow road which leads up.</p>
<p>Pride will make a person different. … but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.  People filled with pride believe they are better than others. Haman thought he was better than Mordecia and Nebuchadnezzar thought there was no king like him. Haman was hanged and Nebuchadnezzar ate grass like and ox. Pride turns people into monsters.  Honor is the badge of humility. Pride and honor can not live together.</p>
<p>There will come a day when all pride indeed will fall—at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ. In that day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Christ thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made of himself of no reputation, and took upon himself the form of a servant. He humbled himself and became obedient unto the death of the cross. Let this mind be in you. Humble yourselves now, repent, and turn from your sin. </p>
<p>It seems to me if any desires to be what one is not, then humble your self in the sight of God and he will lift you up. The first shall be last and the last shall be first. </p>
<p>Visit: www.cliffhartley.com</p>
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