Why Build Walls Around Our Children?

As much as I hate to state the simple truth, but the answer is plainly so that we can provide some degree of protection for them.

Take a look at this picture...

I can well remember the times that we would as kids, be travelling with my parents somewhere in the North during the winter months as my Dad would be preaching a Revival meeting. As "Fate" would have it, there would always be kids in these churches who were "Professional Snowball Chucker's"! Now here we were My brother, sister and myself, the three of us against most of a youth department! (Yep... They ganged up on us cause we were the "Evangelist's Kids"!!!!) You know how they say that "Life Ain't Fair"??!! Yes sir, we learned the truth of that little nugget of life very early on!

So, here we are trying to get my "Prissy" sister Debra to pack snowballs together while my brother Mike and I are fighting for our very lives on the Battlefield of the Christian Snow Warriors. All Debra could do was complain that her tiny hands were "Freezing"! (You know how sisters can be.)

I remember one church in particular, where we were out numbered, out gunned and they were working on a "Huge Wall" to Launch these half "Ice Ball", half Snow Missiles at us. We were getting "Hammered" to death!!!! So I did the only thing that I could do besides lay down and be buried under a ton of snow and ice! I called for a 15 minute "Cease Fire". As soon as they stopped "Raining" those "Hail Stones" down on top of us, the three of us started "Scooping" and "Packing" snow into a 3 sided Fort wall!!! Then we went back to making "Ammo" for the Slaughter!

I want you to know that the wall we built lasted the whole week of Revival, and when it came time for us to pack up and head back home to Chattanooga, TN. the kids of the church wanted to keep it up and use it after we were gone... However, my brother Mike and I knocked it down before we left. Why you may ask... well, in our opinion, they didn't deserve such a "Cool" Fort!!!!!

I know this is a funny way to talk about protecting our kids, but if you just take a moment... it really does make sense! We were getting killed without the protection that the wall afforded us. Not only were we able to hold our own all week long but there were many a night that week that the three of us were in fact "Victorious!

Look at it like this... The wall gave us not only protection, but it also made our small number of 3 kids able to do much more in a snowball fight than we ever did out in the open! Parents... Teenagers and all kids. Listen to me for a few moments. Mom and Dad, your Pastor, Youth Pastor they all place "Rules" and "Regulations" on you for a really good reason... Safety for one. Protection and also to give you the means to be able to stand against the temptations of this life. The Peer Pressure factor can be handled if you already know the "Walls" are there, they are Strong and They are not likely to be moved by that authority figure.

Folks, I can remember as a teenager how "Useless" I thought those "Walls" were that my parents and Youth Pastor placed in front of and around me. I thought it was stupid to have them there, however, I can sit here before God and testify that if it had not been for those walls... I would be Dead or In Prison for the rest of my Life!

Teenager, don't despise the "Walls"... instead Thank your parents and Pastors for placing them there. Young Lady, don't you know what a treasure it is for you to be able to wait for Marriage before having intimate relations. Young Man, It takes a "Real Man" to abstain and be pure before God in relationships.

Don't hate the "Walls" Thank God that they are there.

Deuteronomy 13:4 - "Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. "

This is just something for us to think about.

God Bless,

Evangelist David Dunn

More on Gaming and Violence

Please take the time to educate yourself as a parent by reading this article.

I will copy and paste the article here from the University of Indiana School of Medicine.

December 2, 2002
Aggressive Youths, Violent Video Games Trigger Unusual Brain Activity

INDIANAPOLIS - Exposure to violent media may affect the brains of youths with aggressive tendencies differently than the brains of non-aggressive youths, according to research at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

The results of the study conducted by the Departments of Radiology and Psychiatry were released Monday, Dec. 2, at the 88th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America in Chicago.

The brain activity of aggressive adolescents diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) is different from that of other adolescents when both groups viewed violent video games, as demonstrated by the study. Brain function was measured by functional MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans.

"Initial evidence from the study demonstrates that adolescents with disruptive behavior disorders have different frontal lobe activation patterns than teens without the disorder," said principal investigator Vincent P. Mathews, M.D., professor of radiology and chief of neuroradiology at the IU School of Medicine. "In other words, fMRI scans show less brain activity in the frontal lobe while the youths with DBD watch violent video games. The frontal lobe is the area of the brain responsible for decision-making and behavior control, as well as attention and a variety of other cognitive functions."

"This is the first evidence that adolescents with aggressive, disruptive behavior disorders have brain activation patterns that are different from non-aggressive adolescents while watching video games," said William G. Kronenberger, Ph.D., associate professor of psychiatry and a co-investigator on the study.

Disruptive behavior disorders are separated into two behavioral disorders, one characterized by persistent rule breaking and resistance to the limits of authority. The other consists of significant violations of the basic rights of others and includes such actions as destruction of property, theft, truancy, human or animal cruelty and fire-setting. This study does not differentiate between the two.

The research, conducted over a 24-month period, had teens with DBD and teens without DBD watch a car racing video game that had excitement without violent content and a James Bond video game that had excitement and violent content. While watching the video games, the youths were scanned with fMRI to determine changes in brain activity.

The researchers also found that among subgroups of the non-aggressive adolescents there were differences in brain function dependent upon the amount of violent media exposure that they reported experiencing on television and in video games during the past year.

"There appears to be a difference in the way the brain responds depending on the amount of past violent media exposure through video games, movies and television," Dr. Mathews explained. "These early findings confirm there is a difference in the brain activation patterns of youths with DBD and those without when exposed to a specific stimulus. There also may be a relationship between violent media exposure and brain activity in normal subjects."

"These results indicate what part of the brain should be studied in future, more controlled research studies," said Dr. Kronenberger.

Other IU researchers involved with the study are Mark Lowe, Ph.D., Tie-Qiang Li, Ph.D., Yang Wang, M.D., and David Dunn, M.D.

Funding for this study was provided by the Center for Successful Parenting.

###

Media Contact: Mary Hardin
IU School of Medicine
317-274-7722
mhardin@iupui.edu

How to know what Games your kids play.

I must admit, growing up in the age of Atari..I loved video games. But things have far moved past the days of "Pong".

I recently bought a game that was rated "T" For teens. I was very excited at the prospect of playing a wonderful action adventure when suddenly out of nowhere there was profanity in the game.

Granted another problem was searching for Thor's hammer. We as Christains are to put no other god before Our God.

This game was the newest relase of Laura Croft.. scantily dressed, and ready for action.

Yet, many parents that do not play games may buy a game like this or another one rated for teens and not at all know what is in the game.

Out of the many games I have tried for my children in the past year, most of them contained alcohol use. 3/4 of them used profanity.. and almost all, left little to the imagination where clothing was concerned.

So to all parents, I recommend using this site.

http://guide2games.org/

If they do not have the game listed, play it yourself. Do not in any way trust the ratings of the game on the label. As you can see from my other post, "T" Does have content not suitable for Children.

Another game I must caution you all about is
The Sims 3 Here you can see the review on it.

Remember when God lives in us.. he us subject to what we put in front of Him. That alone should be enough to convict us what is right and wrong for our children and for us as well.

How violent Media Affects the Brain from Focus on the Family.

media influence
How Violent Media Affects the Brain
by Steve Jordahl
The blank look on a teen's face when watching a game like "WWF Smackdown" might be a reflection of what's going on in his brain — and a warning sign of things to come.

Indeed, for several years child psychologists have been warning parents about the dangers of repeated exposure to violent video games. Now, there may be medical evidence to back their claims.

Researchers in Indiana have measured the effects on a brain scan. The study's principal investigator, Dr. Vincent Mathews, said prolonged exposure to violence actually affects brain function and behavior.

"The parts of the brain we looked at are the frontal lobes — the areas of the brain that are involved in emotional control, inhibition of behavior and that sort of thing," Mathews said. "The idea is that those parts of the brain don't work as well (after prolonged exposure to violence), and because of that they don't control their behavior as well."

Given an adolescent's natural hormonal mood swings, adding a steady diet of violence is like pouring gasoline on a fire, according to Dr. David Walsh, of the National Institute on Media and the Family.

"There are two things going on," Walsh said. "One is the anger is getting amplified by the ... repetitious acts of violence in the game; then at the same time the buffer to that is less active."

He said the content of most popular games today has no positive value and might shock most parents.

"What good could possibly come from having a 15-year-old spend hours and hours and hours decapitating people and organizing drug rings and murdering prostitutes?" Walsh asked.

More than two-thirds of all children live in a home with a video game system.

To find out more about the study, see the Web site for the Indiana University School of Medicine. http://www.medicine.indiana.edu/news_releases/archive_02/violent_games02.html

Copyright © 2002 Focus on the Family.

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Video Game Ratings Explained

I wanted to post this article on ratings for video games. Please be sure to visit the page of which I Have gotten these ratings from.
I will share more on video games in a follow up post.

media influence
Video Game Ratings Explained
by Dr. Bill Maier
The average American child spends 44.5 hours a week in front of a screen, and 83 percent have a video-game console.1 Many have several kinds of game systems, and this form of entertainment is growing steadily for both children and adults.

Because video games are so pervasive, parents need to be involved and informed. A useful parental tool is the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system:

EC (early Childhood): Content is suitable for ages three and up.
E (everyone). Content is suitable for ages six and up.
T (teen). Content is suitable for ages 13 and up. May contain mild language, violence, and sexually suggestive themes. Parents should use discretion.
M (mature). Identification required for purchase. Games rated M are sold only to gamers over the age of 17. Material in this category may include sexual themes, violence, and strong language.
AO (adults only). Identification required for purchase. These games are restricted to persons over 18 and are often sold only in specific game stores. Material may include graphic sexual scenes, strong language, and intense violence.2 Seriously consider whether this material is appropriate even for you or your spouse.
Remember, as the parent you want to model good decision making to your children. In spite of the availability of ratings, 90 percent of teens say their parents "never" check the ratings before allowing them to buy or rent video games.3

Control is the key. The video-game phenomenon can add to your family's life if used in a controlled setting, or it can invade your home and take over the lives of vulnerable family members.

1 "MediaWise® Video and computer Game Report Card/A Ten Year Overview," The National Institute on Media and the Family. http://www.mediafamily.org/research/report_10yr_overview.shtml.
2 "ESRB Game Ratings," Game Rating and Descriptor Guide, http://www.esrb.com/esrbratings_guide.asp.
3 David Walsh, et al., National Institute on Media and the Family, "Interactive Violence and Children," Statement to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate, March 21, 2000.
Excerpted from Help! My Child is Hooked on Video Games, a Focus on the Family book published by Tyndale House Publishers. Copyright (c) 2006, Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.

Heads up on the New Transformers movie.

Now I want to make it clear I have not seen this movie. I know the transformer toys are in the Burger King Kids meals, so I did take the time to read the revies before taking our son to see the movie. I want to post the link to the review for all to see here.
Please take the time to read this review before taking your kids to see it. Negative Content.
Drug Use by a Mother
Profanity
Sexual Content
God's Name in Vain

I hope this helps some parents in knowing this is one to be cautious of.

Coraline..Another one not for kids.

I watched this movie the other day and certainly it was one that got me thinking just how bad entertainment has gone. First read this movie review before you go any further.
The movie starts out of a girl hungry for attention, her mother and father are both too busy for her. The family had moved into a new house.
The opening of the movie, Coroline is using a divining rod to find water when she runs into a young boy in a skeletal mask. Turns out she has chosen poison ivy. As the movie progresses, you can see how hungry she is for her parents love when she finds a door that takes her to a "Alter Reality" of sorts. A new mom, and a new dad that not only gives her attention, but it is the world of her dreams.

Her new mother cooks, cleans and gives her all kinds of gifts as does her dad. But the dream comes with a high price...she must sew button eyes into her own to stay. Everyone from the other reality is there and she loves it. However when she finds she must sew on button eyes she finds there are other children there as ghosts and she must save them from their doom. Also her parents were kidnapped into a snow globe and she must save them as well.

A few times, God's name was used in vain.
The worse part to me, was when the eccentric older women were putting on a show and one comes out in a G-string and pasties. As she moves around her chest wiggles and jiggles..and yes she is quite busty at that. Coroline even looks to her friend and laughs saying, "She is nearly Naked" To me, as a childrens movie, I was quite shocked in the content, crude humor.. and vulgarties of this one.

On the above link, you can see where many parents did walk out of the theatre in this one quite shocked of the images on the screen.

So once again, this is one that people need to research before letting your children watch it.

How to keep Small Children safe in public and with friends.

Keeping Small Children safe in public places and with friends.

When I was a young girl, it was safe to go look in the toy isle of your local store. However with the changing times and increased abductions, parents have gone to radical ways of keeping our children safe. In our area 2 weeks ago a man was unsuccessful of abducting a small girl. He even told he judge what he had planned to do to the child. Yes, it would have been every parents worse nightmare.

Last night on our local news, a 70 year old man was arrested after a child came forward over him molesting her.. 3 more have come forward since then and the investigation is ongoing.

On just those 2 local events, I have decided to publish my ways of how I keep my children safe in public places.

1. Start young

It is never too early to teach your children that there are people out there that are not nice. However, they might not understand at very early ages.

2. Mean what you say, and say what you mean!

When my children were old enough to walk beside the shopping cart I devised a rule. Both my children are only months apart. Rule Number One.. One hand on the shopping cart at all times. If you walk away from the shopping cart.. hold their hands. Have them walk with you! Involve them in picking up items.

For instance: A regular day of shopping would include me and both children, each with a hand on the cart.. and me pushing the cart.. When we stop the cart to pick up a item.. I have them come with me and point to what I need and tell them. They in turn pick it up and put it in the shopping cart.

Now, I have been asked how I devised this. The first time trying to incorporate this was not a easy process. I did warn them before we even went in that if they did not obey the rules we would leave everything there and go home. It only took one time of doing just that till they understood, I meant what I said.

3. Reward good behavior!
Implement rewards when they follow the directions of shopping! I can be anything from a piece of candy, a small toy, gum.. Praise them as they learn the rules of shopping.

Now on to the next issue.. Friends.
It is impossible to always know what goes on in the house of a friend that our children play with. It is very important to check this out. I develop friendships with the parents of my children's friends. Do not always assume that every parent is as conscious as you are in health, entertainment etc. I know kids in Elementary school that have done drugs and alcohol because they knew where their parents keep it at. Easy access of these elements intensifies the temptation and pressure set forth by other children.

Check up on your kids

There is nothing wrong with making a surprise visit to make sure you children are safe. Any decent parent would understand the need to check in on a play date.

Lastly
Teach your children right wrong.. and consequences to wrong..and the benefits of right. Be a example for them.

As kids watch us as parents, they are learning future behavior. For instance, kids will often mimic how you do or say different things in your every day life. If they will mimic how you toss your head to the side to remove hair out of your eyes, they will mimic even those distasteful things we do as well.

I once talked to a mom at our local bus stop, and her language was littered with profanity in front of her 2 year old little girl, however when the little girl repeated those words she had used, she became very angry at her. Yet.. this is what that little girl was learning in the home.

Morals begin in the home. Morals begin with the parent... Morals are taught.. and learned..

How Many Times has this happend to you?

How many times has this happened you to?

You sit down with your family to watch a show, or movie that looks great. Your young children are sitting around and out of nowhere adult humor leaves your jaw on the ground.

However... right in the middle of Church on Sunday, your child remembers that phrase and asks you what it means?

Now, I know that seems humorous to you, but sadly it happens every day. Let us talk about this little problem.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the good clean old shows of yesteryear? I know I have.

Let us take a little scenario. There is a new item on the market, however you and a few handful of people like it. As it does not bring in the revenue to produce this item, the stores will discontinue this very item.

This rings true with movies and television shows we watch today. The time we sit down to TV, or movies that HAS the nudity, profanity, adult themes, we are supporting that very thing. Let us face it, Hollywood keeps close track on what sells. That is called ratings. When the ratings are high, they tend to produce more of those kind of movies and entertainment.

With that said, why are we supporting this by watching it? As Christ lives in us, we are subjecting his Sweet Holy Spirit to take in that trash, supporting the content. If no one goes to see a good movie, or a good clean show is not watched, to them, why bother making it. To them it would be a waste.

So on to my next question.
How can we as Christians fight the suggestive content in TV and on the big screen.
That is where it gets easy, simply do not go to see it. Do not turn on that channel. Plain and simple as that.

Some parents ask me how they can be certain what their children watch when they are not at home. The answer is simple. You teach them now! It is never too young to teach your children right and wrong with the TV. My children comes to me to change the channel if something is not right for them. Sit down with your children and even point out what is wrong and tell them "WHY" it is wrong. "Why" God would not be pleased with it.

Finally, we as Christians need to band together in prayer. We can truly make a difference.

What The Bible Says About Alchol By John Muncy

I just recently watched these videos and I know they will be of help to many out there.
You can reach John Muncy at www.johnmuncy.com. He will be glad to visit your Church.
His You Tube Channel is

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=johnmuncy&view=videos

He deals with many issues from prophecy and end times, to music and entertainment.

Part One
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi0xOjhZwFM&feature=channel_page

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTtNwERSzFc&feature=channel_page

Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceUkTLgcPPU&feature=channel_page

Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHywKxHe3hE&feature=channel_page

Part 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNvNczyWWGA&feature=channel_page

Part 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScoDO4_qoeA&feature=channel_page

Part 7
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Klzlgn6-b4&feature=channel_page

Part 8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvGsy7fsPD4&feature=channel_page

Part 9
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFqMElQYD7U&feature=channel_page

Marley and Me.. this Movie is NOT for kids.

I recently watched a movie my kids have been dying to see..
Marley and Me.
I was outraged at this movie..and can not understand why they would market any movie with animals with this kind of content for children.

1. There was alot of alchol use in the movie.
2. There was alot of skin in the movie
3. There was a skinny dipping scene in the movie.
4. Alot of profanity in the movie..
5. Many Phrases that are considered rude and crude in the movie

Here is a link with much more information of what was in the movie.

Here is another link that goes into the details of the Movie.

I urge all you as parents to screen what your kids watch.
I read countless of articles from parents and children talking about how they did not expect the sex in the movies..and these are parents that took small children to see the movie.

Remember.. When Christ lives in us.. He too sees what we see. I am thankful that I never took my kids to see that one.. and needless to say. it is another movie they will NOT be seeing.

The New Burger King Commerical..Airing On Childrens TV Stations.

I was kicking back with my kids one day watching cartoons when this commercial aired for the kids meal at Burger King.
Click the link to see the video.
Every Day our children are being bombarded with attacks on their minds and body. To think this commercial was aired on our childrens cartoon channel and deemed harmless by Burger King.

As for our family, we will not be eating there. They have been toting the line for awhile.. and this is way over the line. What is next??? If this is harmless to them.. I shudder to think what they will film next to advertise their meals.. perhaps viagra for the senior coffee??
Nothing would surprise me more at this point.
As Christians it is time we take a stand against this kind of filth.. It is not alright to put this in front of our kids!

STANDING ALONE

The question that I want to start out asking is this... Have you ever had to "Stand Alone"?
Have you ever come to a point in your life when through situations that are outside of your personal control, you suddenly find yourself standing, as it feels in your heart, ALONE????

I must first state the following: I know that as a Christian, a child of God, WE, (Those of us who are saved and on our way to heaven.), are Truly NEVER alone because we have Jesus who promised us in His Word that He would NOT leave us alone:


Deuteronomy 4:31
(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Joshua 1:5
There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

1 Chronicles 28:20
And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.


I am not talking about being alone, without God. This wouls be impossible according to the Bible, and again, I Praise God for this truth.


I am referring to those times when we, as weak human vessels, look around us and see attacks from every side! We are looking around for "Fellow Warriors", who are supposed to be fighting right along side of us, and we realize that we are "Fighting the Enemy all by ourselves! This is the situation and the prospect that I am talking about.


The stark realization that "Yes" WE ARE STANDING... BUT WE ARE DOING SO ALL ALONE!


REALIZATION OF THE FACT


Looking back over my short 40 year life span, I can recall many times when I have had that same feeling, that lonely, depressing feeling that seems to grow worse with the acknowlegment that the feeling actually exists in the heart, mind and life of a Christian.
No one doubts the reality of this feeling because at some time or other in all of our lives, we ALL have felt alone. This is usually a tough topic for people to agree with because of most folks DENY THE TRUTH, even when it is right there in front of their faces.


WHAT SHOULD WE DO ABOUT IT?


The answer to this is simple... Understand that in these times we are facing "TESTING OF OUR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST"!

James 1:3
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Ephesians 6:13
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.


This is the simple answer: "... and having done all, to stand." If you will carefully notice this verse, the Lord says through the writings of Paul, by the Holy Spirit of God, that WE ARE TO JUST STAND... NO MATTER WHAT! Friend, are you feeling alone as you stand for the Father in heaven? If so... STAND! Preacher, Pastor, Missionary, Evangelist, Sunday School Teacher, Bus Worker... Whatever and whomever you may be, if this describes you... THEN JUST STAND IN HIM!


You will find many times that it IS a lonely road when serving the Lord, BUT if we will just look towards HIM, look to Jesus and remember that He too stood completely alone.


Matthew 27:11
And Jesus stood (*Alone) before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.

Matthew 27:27-31
(27) Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus (*Alone) into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.(28) And they stripped him (*Alone), and put on him a scarlet robe.(29) And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head (*Alone), and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him (*Alone), saying, Hail, King of the Jews!(30) And they spit upon him (*Alone), and took the reed, and smote him (*Alone) on the head.(31) And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. (*ALL ALONE!)


I know in my heart there are many who struggle with this same thing, Most folks have to deal with this on a "Daily Basis". May I encourage each one of us to "Take a Stand For The Lord and Keep On Standing... NO MATTER WHAT THE COST MAY BE"!


Keep On Standing!

Brother Dunn

Think About It

Col. 2:3

We can not hide from God. He sees everything that we do, hears everything that we say and knows everything that we think. We are an open book to him. It amazes me that people seem to think that they can hide stuff from God and that he won't know about it. You can hide things from people but never God. The Bible says that everything that is done, said or thought in secret will be brought out into the light.

John 17: 11-16

He put us in this world to do one job. That was to spread his word throughout the land. How can we do our greatest commission if we are not here? Why would we want to miss and opportunity to share God's word with someone? I find, for myself at least, I may not be able to witness or share God with those who I run across, ie strangers, but I can do it over the computer. I am not a face to them, but what better place to share God's word that on the internet? Most homes have one and everybody is on them. What a great place to share the Word of God.

Heb. 4:13


Oh that we would have wisdom and knowledge. I have noticed that lots of people just don't use a lot of wisdom in their everyday life. I credit my parents for this, and I really don't remember them actually teaching this, plus I am positive that God had a hand in this. I try very hard to stop, look at a situation, think about it, look DOWN the road to see what the ramifications would possibly be if I did a certain thing. Check the pros and cons of it in it completeness and then if I still think that it is a good idea, well do it. If not, don't go there. The end result may not be what we would like it to be. Apply the knowledge the good Lord instilled in us to think about the things that we are doing. Apply his wisdom and knowledge to what we are fixing to do, say or think. There is a great saying around this world that I am sure God really did have a hand in. WWJD. What Would Jesus Do? Think about it. Would Jesus say or do that? Would he think that? Would he feel that way?Apply the wisdom and knowledge that he gave us in his good word and apply it to our daily lives.

The Bible is Back in our Public School!

The Bible is Back in OUR Public School!

Yes, you read that right.. Children are actually awarded in bringing their Bible to School!!!! Yes..Public School!

Now I know many of you are sitting there shocked to read that.. and believe me, I sat in a state of shock, gratitude and thankfulness when this happened in our children's public School.

Just a few weeks ago both of our children brought a paper home to be signed and returned to be able to join in on FCA meetings. A time of devotions, saying memory verses, and prayer. They are awarded prize points for bringing their Bible, saying their memory Verse etc.

My son was even chose for leadership. I was able to join in on the meeting the other day. Right now they have about 30 students attending and more coming in every week.

When you enter this classroom they have Jesus Music playing. A teacher will start the meeting off with prayer. They will play a couple games, then a teacher brings devotions, a student will bring another devotion. Prayer Request taken. Awards given out for bringing their Bibles and saying memory Verses. They then close in prayer and dismiss to class.

When I called the principle to thank for putting the FCA in the school, she told me one of the school counselors submitted it and she approved it!

With this said.. The FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Is able to do this.. under the first amendment. However, it only took ONE PERSON to be brave enough to stand up to do this. I have already seen one child's life transformed. A 10 year old boy, who many thought would have been hopeless..already with sexual battery charges against him. This young boy came up to me to let me know he accepted Christ. The change is so evident in this young boy as he comes over to play often.. all because of one person who saw hope and the need to get the Bible back in the classroom!!!!!
So I urge all of you.. Get the FCA into your public school.. get lives transformed now!!!
www.fca.org
Time is short as we all know. What a wonderful experience it is to walk into the public school system and see these children carrying Bibles.. HUNGRY for the Word of God..while many do not want to take the time to even spend a few minutes with God!!! Really puts things into perspective!!!

What is Your Name?

Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

As a bird owner, when I have a new clutch of babies, my kids have learned that the babies choose their own names. We first go by labeling them in order of hatching. "Baby 1, Baby 2" etc. As their personalities develop the name always produces itself.

This time we have Red Beak and Trouble. Red Beak was names because of her beautiful red beak, and Trouble was named because try as hard as he could.. he was always in trouble. Even today as he figured out to open his own cage and come flying out on his own all I could do was shake his head. Certainly he is one that lives up to his name.

With that said, what name do we live up to with our Father God? Perhaps are name is Whiner, or Complainer,Gossiper or it could be Praising , Worshiper, Loving, the list of names can go on and on.. and how well do we live up to our names. Do we live to Exalt the name of God? Or do we live to tear others down. Do we show Christ in our lives?

Remember as we live today, that God is watching us in all we do. Know one day we will be given NEW NAMES.. what will that name be?

Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

Thank you God

DEAR GOD: I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now.. I am not g oing to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles. I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better. I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me. God is just so good, and he's good all the time. Send this message to 8 friends, not to the friend who sent it to you and continue to THANK HIM.

Something Simple That Can Change Everything!

I have been praying for a while now about the great need that the Youth of America, and the world for that matter, have in regards to "Needing" a closer relationship with Christ. Now don't get me wrong, I know that this is NOT just a need for the Youth of our world, it is something that ALL of us can use.

I guess the reason why it has been more focused on young people for me recently is that I have been spending a lot of time with the youth of our Church in Tallahassee, listening to them as they talk about the struggles they face in trying to "Stay Close" to God. I have been very surprised by the level of maturity in the actual thought they have all put in to trying to find a "Cure" for this thing that is keeping them "At A Distance" from the Lord.

I am not going to shock anyone when I tell you the "One Thing" that can "Truly" change your life. I know that this answer is something that has been mentioned many times on this blog as well as throughout the generations that have been alive since the time of Jesus Christ. This answer has ALWAYS been here but it has been continuously ignored and overlooked generation after generation! Centuries have passed and the answer has stayed the same, no tricks, no "Smoke and Mirrors", no "Snake Handling" required for this one... it is the ONLY thing in the world that will NOT harm you in any way, but it will CHANGE you COMPLETELY, no matter who you may be, where you may live... NO EXCEPTIONS!

The answer is simply this...

THE BIBLE

I know that may sound too simplistic and some people may even say that it is a "Stupid" answer, well you are entitled to your own opinion! I still stand by this answer, I know it works, I know it makes "THE" difference in my life each and every day and I know it WILL BE THE ANSWER FOR YOU!

I have seen it happen time and time again, Christians "Drift" away from the Lord and they keep making the mistake of thinking they can "Mysteriously" find their way back by themselves. This is a Big, Fat Lie of the Devil! You and I cannot do anything by our own power to "Keep Us" from getting farther and farther from the Lord.

Only God Can Do This!

It is ONLY through His Word that you and I can grow. It is through Him, Through His power, Through His Blood, His Forgiveness, His Restoration, His Righteousness, His Death, Burial and His Glorious, Miraculous Resurrection that we have any hope at all! In the pages of The Bible, we can truly see Jesus reflected in every story, every Character in His word points to "Who" and "What" Jesus Christ actually is!

As an Evangelist, I constantly meet people who are discouraged and "Beaten Down" in their life. I listen to them as they cry and pour out their hearts telling me just how "Far" they feel they have gone from the "Strong Arms" of their "Loving Heavenly Father". They feel unprotected, unloved, unwanted, unneeded by anyone and everyone. This is sadly becoming more and more common in our Homes and in our Churches this whole world over.

If we have ever needed to "Return to The Bible"... THIS IS THAT TIME!

Think on this for a while. Let the Holy Spirit speak to YOU and follow His direction. He will NEVER lead you "AWAY FROM GOD"!

His For Revival,

Brother Dunn

Taste my Jesus

At the University of Chicago Divinity School each year they have whatis called 'Baptist Day.' On this day each one is to bring a lunch tobe eaten outdoors in a grassy picnic area. Every 'Baptist Day' theschool would invite one of the greatest minds to lecture in thetheological education center. One year they invited Dr. Paul Tillich. Dr.Tillich spoke for two andone-half hours proving that the resurrection of Jesus was false. Hequoted scholar after scholar and book after book. He concluded thatsince there was no such thing as the historical resurrection thereligious tradition of the church was groundless, emotional mumbo-jumbo,because it was based on a relationship with a risen Jesus, who, in factnever rose from the dead in any literal sense. He then asked if therewere any questions. After about 30 seconds, an old, dark skinned preacher with a head ofshort-cropped, woolly white hair stood up in the back of the auditorium.'Docta Tillich, I got one question,' he said as all eyes turned toward him. He reached into his sack lunch and pulled out an apple and began eatingit. 'Docta Tillich.. CRUNCH, MUNCH 'My question is a simple question,...CRUNCH, MUNCH... 'Now, I ain't never read them books you read.. CRUNCH,MUNCH..' and I can't recite the Scriptures in the original Greek...CRUNCH, MUNCH ...' I don't know nothin' about Niebuhr and Heidegger...CRUNCH,MUNCH... He finished the apple. 'All I wanna know is: This apple I just ate,. . . . . . was it bitter or sweet? Dr Tillich paused for a moment and answered in exemplary scholarlyfashion: 'I cannot possibly answer that question, for I haven'ttasted your apple.' The white-haired preacher dropped the core of his apple into hiscrumpled paper bag, looked up at Dr. Tillich and said calmly, 'Neitherhave you tasted my Jesus.' The 1,000 plus in attendance could not contain themselves. Theauditorium erupted with applause and cheers. Dr. Tillich thanked his audience and promptly left the platform. Have you tasted Jesus? 'Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takesrefuge in Him. If you have, rejoice in the hope of the resurrectionthat your faith in Him brings.' Psalm 34:8!Please pass this on Saints! Jesus has risen... and He's coming back one day...