I've just read Steve and Monica's experience. I can't believe it! Well perhaps I can. Have they forgotten what communion is about? Have they forgotten that Jesus is a Jew? None of this does any GOOD to Palestinians anyway - but I suspect that isn't really the point. They want to bully Jews (and therefore Jesus) But why are the wrong voices in the Church so strong, and the right one's so weak? But I suppose these things have to "come to pass". Thanks for sharing it though

I find myself this morning wondering if perhaps I was too quick to judge, although I don't retract the statement I made. Steve and Monica were actually there during the week, and with feelings for Israel that run deep in view of the poor reporting on the truth, they must have been very hurt by what they saw, sensing a general lack of spiritual sensitivity, but I have listened to 'Sunday Worship' from Greenbelt this morning on Radio 4, and appreciating that items were probably carefully chosen, feel I must add a further note.
Much of what I have heard this morning, in all fairness, I can only say was encouraging, understanding that we are all at a different place in our path, and some not yet even begun upon it. I was not happy about a poem, that begun by demanding that God get more 'user friendly' and should be downloadable on the Internet at which point I confess to switching off without wanting to hear it through. Our Father God could hardly have been more 'user friendly' having come down to earth, to be spat upon, mocked and crucified for our sakes and if any element was missing from the programme it was perhaps that of reverence to an Almighty and Amazing Father God! That, I am afraid, is a sign of the age, plenty of knowledge but little wisdom. 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..' (Psalm 111.10) However, conscience told me to switch back on and listen to more. The general 'carnival' atmosphere came across, and was obviously much enjoyed, but when the trials really come, let us hope that we can still be in carnival mood in praise of God, even when tested to the limit and bearing heartbreak, as many saints have done, and that like Job, we may arrive at that point of no longer believing in a belief , but know, individually, that Our Redeemer lives. Praise the Lord. (one thinks of those suffering from earthquakes and floods at this particular time where the serpent will have his plans, yet Our Lord will bring others to faith) Incidentally, during the past week I received an e-mail which enclosed images of a white skinned, blue eyed Jesus Christ, which was headed 'E-mail from Jesus'. It had been forwarded on to me by an acquaintance, who had received it from a lady who gives Couselling in a local church. It carried words with it, and rightly, or wrongly, I regarded it as blasphemy. All well intentioned - but just what are our churches doing ?
I have enough regard for the person who sent it to me, to have carefully expressed some thoughts on it, as we are told to rebuke in God's Love, and I hope she referred back to her 'Counsellor' I cannot understand why, when we have the Wonderful Counsellor , so many in churches these days assume that role. We can be loving and supportive friends when there is no family to be there, and there can be no greater privilege than to be a disciple for Christ, why the need for this? Most people only need a listening ear as a 'springboard', for when the troubled soul speaks truthfully from the heart, the Holy Spirit will do do his job in the individual, and it is a true start on The Way, not a temporary comfort. There we are, we each have our thoughts, and may we have sufficient trust in one another to air them, and may God continue to have mercy on and guide us all
Shalom !
Enid

The loud mouthed, gum chewing female in battle fatigues, says it all !!! A total disgrace. I don't suppose she knows the meaning of spiritual warfare. Take heart Steve, and Monica. Keep on your path.
I got up this morning fully intending to concentrate on tidying up my little garden, and keeping my mind firmly on Our Lord, having taken a very difficult but necessary step, family-wise, after years of patiently waiting and loving and grieving - through which Our Loving Father gave me work to do with Saltshakers to concentrate on and to help me through. I had picked up my cross, as bidden in Matthew 10 but after twelve and a half years, it was time to say 'enough is enough'. I may not have many more years in this world, and it would be so sad if they were only to 'wake up' after I am gone. The move will lead them either to coming to the Lord, or I will lose them for ever and I accept Our Lord's wishes in the matter, but pray that there is a positive move before I am gone. Maranatha -(but please God bring my children home first and let them see who has misled them)

I got up this morning, totally at peace at the step I had taken, and the sun was shining in a perfect day, but lo and behold, when I switched on my PC, there in my morning e- mail was a little note from U-tube saying that an NPMAndreCi wanted to be a 'friend'. I have downloaded Christian music from U-tube over the years, and when I looked into it, the potential friend was a young rapper. Now, rap is foreign to me, and I thought why on earth has he done this - the music I have downloaded has always been of a Christian nature, But I played it. It was called 'everybody clap' and when I listened to the words I thought, bless his heart, this boy really means this. The rap told of his own coming to Christ who is now his King and he is asking us all to clap with him which I happily do. What a great start to the day. Your e-mail to me a moment ago, Steve, referring me to this item about the Greenbelt travesty, and encouraging me to keep up the witness, then led me to telling you this. Take heart - - for God's servants are alive and working - Get your third book under way and may it be truly blessed.
Love and Blessings to you and Monica
Enid