tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71920677926189774122024-03-08T09:17:06.717-08:00Ten Letters for Christians From SatanJames 2:26: <i>"...faith without deeds is dead."</i>
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<b>Are you helping to fill Heaven or helping to fill Hell? Read here and then decide.....</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-70232550770789536902009-04-11T13:02:00.000-07:002009-04-11T13:05:11.963-07:00Just Be an Easter/Christmas Christian<strong><em>Well, it's that time of year - that horrible time that comes every spring to honor the sacrifice made by the Son of God for all humanity, so that they easily avoid hell if they are willing to accept the gift that He gave them.</em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>This is also one of the two times a year that you go to church. That doesn't bother me. Going to church twice a year just to make yourself feel good makes you ineffective and weak - I love that.<br /></em></strong><br /><strong><em>So go ahead and put on your best outfit so that you can shock everyone at church and show up at Easter. Then wait another six months and show up again at Christmas.<br /></em></strong><br /><strong><em>It doesn't bother me.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>----Lucifer<br /><br /><br /></em></strong>Going to church on a regular basis does not make you a Christian any more than sitting in a garage once a week will make you a car.<br /><br />But if you are a Christian, going to church and enjoying fellowship with your brother and sister Christians is part of being a happy and thriving Christian. People are very social, and God knows this. This is why it is important that Christians congregate on a regular basis. It recharges your batteries and it encourages you and strengthens your faith.<br /><br />There are times when it is easier to just stay home. Getting up, going to church, and then spending the afternoon going out in the community is not easy sometimes - but it is what we are supposed to do and we will feel refreshed after doing it.<br /><br />Take time this week to go to church and to appreciate the sacrifice that was made by our Savior, Jesus Christ.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-9959995254767777242008-11-18T19:10:00.000-08:002008-11-18T19:19:11.355-08:00Such a thankful heart you have....<strong><em>Dear Christian - </em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>It has been a while since I have written! I know, I know...but there are other souls to torment. The world does not revolve around you.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Anyway, I just popped in to congratulate you!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Thanksgiving is coming up, and you are so worried about the food, the guests, the preparations....</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>You don't take a minute to think of helping others who will not eat tonight.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>You think nothing of visiting a neighbor that is has no family and will be alone today.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>You think nothing of the single mom whose kids will be with dad this Thanksgiving and she will be depressed and lonely.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>The best part? You are teaching your kids to be the same way! I love it!!!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Don't even think about showing the love and compassion of Christ, okay? No reason to start now...</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Gotta go! Busy busy busy!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Keep up the great work!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Lucifer</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><br /><br />I know I am guilty of getting so wrapped up in Thanksgiving plans that I tend to forget about others who will be alone or hungry this Thanksgiving.<br /><br />Not this year. This year the kids and I are reaching out to others during this time of year.<br /><br />I hope you will do the same.<br /><br />-----Shay :o)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-62819178035587274692008-03-03T08:01:00.000-08:002008-05-10T09:52:53.180-07:00Hard copy coming soonFor those of you who prefer a paper copy of <strong><em>Ten Letters for Christians from Satan</em></strong> instead of a download, there will be a hard copy edition available by the end of June.<br /><br />When I have the copies available I will post pricing and ordering info.<br /><br />Thanks for all of the requests for a hard copy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-39496172366027115572008-02-08T09:33:00.000-08:002008-02-08T10:58:09.073-08:00The power of the cross<strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;">Dear Christian,</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;">What a delightful day for me! I loooooove following you around!</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;">First, traffic was such torture today. Loved how you yelled at that lady who cut you off! (The hand gesture was a nice touch, too.) Priceless! Especially since your bumper sticker proudly boasts your church name and a lovely cross. Hahahahahahahahahahaha I'm sure THAT will boost attendance next Sunday. Hahahahahahahahahahaha</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;">And in the customer service line at XYZ-mart: Loved the huffing and puffing and general nasty attitude. Oh, yes, I know you had to wait a whole 15 minutes in line before being served. And the fact that you ranted and yelled at the poor clerk when you finally did get served because she could not accept your return was a beautiful addition. Demanding to see the manager and then yelling at him, too, was a fantastic touch! </span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;">All the while, that gorgeous golden cross was bouncing around your neck for all the world to see. And it did. Hehehehehehehehehehehe They talked about it for days! And I, of course, had to whisper in their ears about how they would never want to go to church and associate with those kinds of people, now would they? "Hypocrites! All of them!" Hehehehehehehehehehehehe</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;">Such a stressful day....but then you got to go out to eat that night. So much better, right?</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;">You were in such a snippy mood. The kids were acting up and you were not happy.</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;">So you took it out on the waitress.</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><em><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>"The rolls aren't hot enough." "The drinks are flat."</strong> (Not really.) <strong>"The service is slow."</strong> (Not her fault - the kitchen is backed up.)<strong> "Where's my meal?"</strong> (Um. In the kitchen.) <strong>"Why can't you get the order right? No, I am quite sure I did NOT say I wanted mashed potatoes - I want fries!"</strong> (Nope, you said mashed potatoes.) <strong>"How many times do I have to tell you that I want DIET soda?"</strong> (You didn't say "diet".)<strong> "Why did you have to sit us near that noisy table?"</strong> (Like it's her fault - she didn't seat you. The hostess did.) <strong>"Where's our check?"</strong> </span></em><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;">(In reality, the service, the food and the waitress would have been quite fine any other night, but you were having a bad day and needed a scapegoat.)</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;">So, what do you do? You leave a tract....but no tip. (Where do you think that tract is going to end up? Yep, in the "circular file" - the trash can. Hahahahahahahahaha!) And the waitress told EVERYONE on the wait staff what happened. (Including showing them the tract - and throwing it away in front of everyone.)</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;">By my calculations, you have made 47 people less receptive to the Gospel today.</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;">THANK YOU!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;">Lucifer</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-family:arial;"></span></em></strong><br /><br /><br />With a title like "The Power of the Cross," I am sure this is NOT what you thought this article was going to be about. Surprise! The "power" I speak of in this article is the care we must use in our actions when we openly display a sign of our faith. (And other times, of course.)<br /><br />1 Corinthians 8:9 says, "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." (This speaks of eating food sacrificed to idols.) Verse 13: "Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall."<br /><br />1 Corinthians 9:19: "Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible."<br /><br />Paul is speaking about some of his specific rights as a Christian in these chapters, but I want to focus on the more general message he is trying to convey.<br /><br />Paul was very concerned about how his actions affected the faith of those around him, watching him. Over and over, he emphasized how he would humble himself in situations so as to not destroy the witnessing he was doing for Christ, even when what he wanted to do was not a sin. As he said, it is better to never eat meat again than to eat it and destroy the faith of a weaker Christian.<br /><br />I feel this is even more important when we are around people in public. I am not saying that I have never shown by bad side in public, but I will say that God has really spoken to me on this subject. (I have four kids. There are times they can try your patience, especially in public. And patience is NOT one of my virtues. Ask my mom.)<br /><br />I will never forget an incident that happened a few years ago. I was at the store with 3 of the 4 kids. One was sick (ear infection). She was incredibly whiny because of this.<br /><br />The wait in line was LONG. VERY slow. I had a whiny, sick child and 2 others that I was trying to tend to. I kept calm (even when I knew others were wacthing me - she was really being annoying). We got home and I promptly forgot about it.<br /><br />A few weeks later, I was in the same store (no kids), waiting in line. (Same cashier, too. VERY slow.) I was chatting with the man behind me in line to pass the time. Suddenly, he said, "You are the lady with the little girl a few weeks ago, aren't you?"<br /><br />I laughed and said, "Yes!" I recognized him as being behind me in line that day.<br /><br />He said, "I was really impressed with how calm you stayed with your daughter that day. You didn't even raise your voice!"<br /><br />I chuckled and explained how she was sick and is normally not like that, so I was a lot more patient than I usually would have been with that kind of thing.<br /><br />He just looked at me for a minute and said, "You are a good mom."<br /><br />It brought a tear to my eye.<br /><br />God had already being speaking to my heart about how my actions and attitude affected others, but that brief exchange brought the message home.<br /><br />I am not saying to let people walk all over you. But there is a way to get your point across and not hurt other people.<br /><br />So be aware, be gentle, and be a witness.<br /><br />-----Shay :o)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-30984324432876607062008-01-28T08:11:00.000-08:002008-02-03T10:36:59.546-08:00Don't get kids involved<strong><em>Dear Christian - </em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Be sure not to encourage your kids to participate in any kind of charity work. You know how kids are these days - apathetic, lazy, uncaring. They would hate working on something like that.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Lucifer</em></strong><br /><br /><br />Kids are really amazing people.<br /><br />They can sympathize with someone being poor or hungry. They can understand how some kids don't have toys or basic "stuff." Their hearts are young and (usually) unjaded. They simply want to help others.<br /><br />But the important thing to impress upon them is that material goods are<strong> nothing</strong> without the Gospel being given, too.<br /><br />My 9 year old collected 65 items for a food drive at church this week. She called relatives and asked for donations. It was truly heartwarming to see how she took this mission to heart.<br /><br />But the best part is that she understands that while we are helping people be fed, we are also going to help feed their souls by presenting Jesus to them when they get their food.<br /><br />Truly a great lesson to learn at such a young age.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-22499725401752141732008-01-26T10:40:00.000-08:002008-01-26T10:49:36.773-08:00The LFS Neighborhood Changers groupsThe whole purpose if this blog and the book <strong><em>Ten Letters from Satan</em></strong> was to help change lives and change communities.<br /><br />Faith without the deeds to back it up is an empty faith. (James 2:26) We, as Christians, are to be known through our fruit. (Colossians 1:10)<br /><br />I have started the group <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfsnc/"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>LFS Neighborhood Changers</strong></span> </a>for those who want to start a <strong>LFS Neighborhood Changers</strong> group in their church or simply want to go out into their community and bear fruit and be a good witness for Christ.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>Let's start a worldwide change - by starting in our own backyard.</strong></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-64235536938859162282008-01-21T08:33:00.000-08:002008-01-28T08:22:40.114-08:00Don't bother caring about human life....<strong><em>Dear Christian - </em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>This Sunday was "Sanctity of Human Life Sunday" in your church. I thought I would pop my head in and see what was going on! I sooooooo enjoy seeing you, you know.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Your pastor had a guest speaker today - the director from your local Crisis Pregnancy Center.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>I despise that place - that one center alone helps thousands of people in your community. Talking about Jesus and witnessing to them. *shudder* They steal souls from me more times than I want to even think about!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Anyway - back to the event.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>As the director shared her stories, you folded your arms and nodded - and tuned her out. What do YOU care about women who "get into trouble" by "getting themselves pregnant"? Serves them right, doesn't it? And if they decide to "terminate their pregnancy" - so what? One less "burden on society," right?</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>That's fine. Don't donate to the Pregnancy Center. Don't volunteer. Don't pray.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>The people they don't reach because of your lack of support.....will be with me.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Thanks for helping me fill Hell!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Lucifer</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />First, let me say up front that I used to be a FIRM supporter of abortion rights. I wore the buttons, repeated the slogans, blah blah blah.<br /><br />Then I had children.<br /><br />From the moment I felt that first flutter of life within me, I stopped being an abortion rights supporter. Period. Right there.<br /><br />Up until that point, I really believed the whole lie that the abortion rights side would have you believe - that an embryo/fetus is not a real "person."<br /><br />Wrong.<br /><br />What mother has not felt a little one wriggle inside of her and not felt the bond? The little life inside of her is a person - not a part of her body. Not an extension of her. It is a seperate, unique individual.<br /><br />I have four children. Each one has a distinct personality, little quirks and different destiny. They are not me.<br /><br />If a society had passed a law saying you have up to 3 days after the birth of a child to decide whether or not that child will be allowed to live or not, we would be outraged! How barbaric!!<br /><br />Is it any less barbaric to destroy a child in the womb of the mother? Somehow, I believe that to be an even crueler fate.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Now, before I go on, I want to make a point about forgiveness.<br /></span></strong><br />1 John 1:9 says that "if we confess our sins, he (Jesus) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins...."<br /><br />Romans 8:1 - "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."<br /><br />God can forgive anything. <strong>ANYTHING</strong>!! Abortion is no different. You just need to know your ABC's:<br /><ul><li>Admit you are a sinner (that you have done things wrong in your life).</li><li>Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins (mistakes) and rose again.</li><li>Confess that he is your Lord and Saviour.</li></ul><p>Do you want to receive this peace and forgiveness?</p><p>You might pray something like this:</p><p>"Dear Jesus - </p><p>I know that I am a sinner and in need of a Saviour. I turn now from my sins and receive You into my life. Thank you for sacrificing Your life to save me, then rising to life again that I may spend eternity in Heaven with You. Help me to live my life in a way that pleases You, for whatever time You give me here on earth. Amen."</p><p>If you prayed that (and meant it), then welcome to the family!! I would love it if you contacted me at <a href="mailto:shay.rockhold@gmail.com">shay.rockhold@gmail.com</a> and let me know of your decision so we can rejoice together!</p>I also urge you to contact your local Crisis Pregnancy Center and find out ways to volunteer and to support them. The wonderful people at these centers help countless women and men by providing diapers, baby items, counseling, pregnancy tests, cribs, car seats and so much more. These centers help women who choose LIFE for their babies.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-43695915542984618312007-12-24T08:36:00.000-08:002007-12-24T08:37:53.192-08:00Taking a break for the holidaysI am taking some time off from blogging for Christmas and New Years.<br /><br />I will be blogging again in 2008! :D<br /><br />-----Shay :o)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-10499627050308521142007-12-08T07:15:00.000-08:002007-12-08T07:41:05.231-08:00I HATE YOU!!!<strong><em>Christian - </em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>How DARE you? How DARE you?? I cannot BELIEVE how you have betrayed me!!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>All of these years you have had such a lukewarm faith - never witnessing to anyone, never imposing your beliefs on anyone, never being bold about Jesus and what He has done in your life.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>And now THIS! </em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Not only have you shared your belief, you shared it with one who was only HOURS away from being with me for ETERNITY!! That is the ultimate insult.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Whatever possessed you to go visit someone in the hospital anyway?? You never did that kind of thing before.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>I just don't even know you anymore.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Lucifer</em></strong><br /><br /><br />Do you really understand what happens when someone accepts Christ?<br /><br />Accepting Christ isn't just something to help you have a better life or feel better - you have truly changed your eternal residence. You have changed your destiny from a place of fiery torment to a place of love, beauty and worshipping God.<br /><br />Do you really get it?<br /><br />Picture your darkest moment, your deepest despairing moment. Magnify that by a thousandfold. Add to that heat beyond imagining. Surrounded by demons. Cut off from loved ones. Thirst. Pain. Tormented by the demons that surround you.<br /><br />There is a book by Bill Wiese called <strong><em>23 Minutes in Hell.</em></strong> I highly recommend it. The word pictures he uses to describe Hell are striking. (I found my copy at Wal-Mart.) It brings the reality of what Hell is like.<br /><br />Now, do you know what you do when you share the Gospel with someone? You offer them the chance to escape all of that. To have a wonderful eternity.<br /><br />Who will you witness to today?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-9364289402155315172007-12-06T07:17:00.000-08:002007-12-06T07:42:44.319-08:00So, you think some sins are worse than others?<strong><em>Dear Christian - </em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>My, how you did me proud today!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Looking down your nose at that woman you saw on the street corner today. Oh, you knew "what kind of woman" she was, didn't you? How disgusting! "How can any woman do that!" you thought. You quickly crossed to the other side of the street so as to avoid her, but not before you looked her up and down, wrinkling your nose, tsk tsking at her. Oh, you made </em>sure<em> she knew you did not approve of her lifestyle. The cross around your neck, glinting in the sunlight was a nice touch, too.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Did you notice the tear that slipped down her cheek as she lowered her head? No, I thought not. She will remember you for years to come, though.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>You would never do something so vile as she does! You are so much better than that! Good for you to not associate with "those kinds" of people!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>By the way - she has little education and 2 small children to support. Not that that matters to you. Just thought I would throw that in. Hehehehehehe</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>I have no problem accepting her into my place. She is my kind of people!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Thanks for another soul to torment!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Lucifer</em></strong><br /><br /><br />In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, we find a list of people that will not inherit the kingdon of God. Note that the list lumps together prostitutes, idolaters and thieves with "slanderers" and "swindlers" - so that tells me that sin is sin - and we are <em>all</em> guilty of it.<br /><br />The next verse (v. 11) goes on to say, "....and that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ...."<br /><br />No sin is too great for God too forgive. No sin is too horrible for Christ to take away. The only thing that makes me different from the prostitute or thief or whatever is that I am saved. Christ took my sin. And He can take theirs, too.<br /><br />But it will take Christians who love unconditionally to bring the message of that love to those who need it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-43860669916437456502007-12-02T16:51:00.000-08:002007-12-03T07:14:07.867-08:00Don't pray. It's okay. Trust me.<strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Dear Christian,</strong><br /><br /><strong>When is the last time you prayed?</strong><br /><br /><strong>Oh, yes. That nasty little incident with the IRS. I forgot. That has been, what, 14 months ago?</strong><br /><br /><strong>You certainly were on your knees for weeks before that hearing. Praying to God. Praising God. Quoting Scripture to Him. Reminding Him of His promises. Blah blah blah.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Yes, you also gave a few lame prayers of thanks afterwards. Woo hoo. Big deal.</strong><br /><br /><strong>That's okay. I like you better this way. In "non-praying" mode.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Lucifer</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />Do you pray?<br /><br />I don't mean the quick one-liners tossed up to heaven every so often. I mean really praying consistently for an extended length of time.<br /><br />I know it can be hard. I am the homeschooling mom of four kiddos. Just having time alone to think is an accomplishment!<br /><br />Prayer does things. It accomplishes things. If I have a problem, I rally my Christian friends and family to pray for me. Prayer works more miracles than worry <strong>any</strong> day of the week!<br /><br />Matthew 18:19-20 says that if 2 agree and pray about an issue (of course, it must be something not at odds with God's laws), it will be done.<br /><br />Proverbs 15:29 says He hears the prayer of the righteous (but is far from the wicked).<br /><br />1 John 5:14-15 says we will have whatever we ask (according to His will) of Him.<br /><br />Satan does not want us to pray because praying wages war on a spiritual level, and we are in a spiritual battle. Prayer moves the natural world on a spiritual level.<br /><br />Pray. Pray every day. Pray without ceasing.<br /><br />You will be surprised at the results if you do.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-15872210088854415782007-11-28T09:32:00.000-08:002007-11-28T09:40:24.138-08:00A few questions answeredI have had a few questions asked of me, so I will take a minute to clear up a few things. :o)<br /><br /><strong>1. Do you really talk to Satan?</strong><br /><br />Um. No. It is just a literary technique used to make a point.<br /><br /><strong>2. Why should I buy the book if I can read the blog?</strong><br /><br />The blog is just a sample of what is in the book. The book goes much more in-depth and has much more commentary and self-examination questions. There is also more Bible study.<br /><br /><strong>3. Who publishes your book?</strong><br /><br />At this point, the book is self-published. For ordering information, you need to contact me at <a href="mailto:shay.rockhold@gmail.com">shay.rockhold@gmail.com</a>.<br /><br /><strong>4. I would like to get copies for my church. Do you give quantity discounts?</strong><br /><br />Yes, I do. Please contact me for more details.<br /><br /><strong>5. Any future plans for more books?</strong><br /><br />Yes, I am working on another book, <em><strong>Rants of a Homeschooling Mom</strong></em>. In addition, I am planning on a book called <strong><em>Ten </em><span style="color:#ff0000;">More</span><em> Letters from Satan</em></strong>, due out next year. I am also designing a Bible study/small group study version of <strong><em>Ten Letters from Satan</em></strong>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-41973179749968769942007-11-24T10:27:00.000-08:002007-11-24T10:44:16.361-08:00I love it when you fight amongst yourselves!<strong><em>Dear Christian,</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Today I overheard you talk about "that" church down the road. "Those people aren't really Christians," you said.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Your reason? Because they use a different style of music than your church does! Their pastor had asked to partner with your church for a community outreach program (*shudder*), but your pastor refused. "After all," he said when he explained it to the leadership in your church later, "they aren't like us. They just have different beliefs."</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Did you know that "that" church stole 5 souls from me last week? (It still burns me up thinking about it.) And they stole the souls of 8 children from me the week before! (Almost as many as your church did that week.) They insist on using the same Bible you do and preaching from it each week. They also reach out to the lost and steal souls from me, just like you do.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>But that's okay. By seeing them as "different" and not as "spiritual" because they sue a different style of singing and music, you keep from working together with them and stealing more souls from me!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Such a trivial thing to let people go to Hell for, but that's okay. I will be sure to tell them that they might have been reached if you had not been so stubborn. It will make their misery so much worse, knowing that they could have avoided their fate - had you taken action.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Thanks for the extra souls!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Lucifer</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><br />Why do we let such small issues divide us as churches?<br /><br />I am not talking about important issues, such as what it takes to get to Heaven.<br /><br />I am talking about things that really do not matter.<br /><br />The Bible doesn't tell us that only hymns are holy. Or that singing hyms is the sign of a spiritually "dead" church.<br /><br />The Bible doesn't say that people who wear jeans to church are not really Christians. Or that wearing a suit and tie is wrong.<br /><br />These are man-made issues that keep churches from working together. And I think they break God's heart.<br /><br />------Shay :o)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-82672082258885428562007-11-20T11:23:00.000-08:002008-02-08T09:33:17.155-08:00Great job!<strong><em>Dear Christian,</em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>Wow! I was impressed today!</em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>There was a lady in the grocery store parking lot asking for money for food. You told her no and walked off, even glancing at the kids she had with her as you did so.</em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>The grocery cart you had full of food made this all the more wonderful. AND the cross you had hanging around your neck was a special bonus.</em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>Did you hear the older child plead her about how hungry she was as you walked away? I cackled with glee when I saw a tear slip down Mom's cheek.</em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>You just make my work easier and easier. The little girl saw your cross, you know. Now she thinks people who wear those things are just plain mean. She is only 6.</em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>Lucifer</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><br />Matthew 25:31-46 talks about ignoring those who are hungry, thirsty and in prison:<br /><br /><em>"Then the righteous will answer him (Jesus), 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did<br />we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe<br />you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit<br />you?'<br /><br />Then the King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you<br />did for one<br />of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for<br />me.'<br /><br />Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you<br />who are<br />cursed....for I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was<br />thirsty and you<br />gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not<br />invite me in, I<br />needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in<br />prison and you did<br />not look after me.'<br /><br />They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we....not help you?'<br /><br />He will reply, '....whatever you did not do for one of the least of these,<br />you did not do for me.'"<br /></em><br />Helping those who are less fortunate is just like helping Christ himself. (The Bible says so. See above.)<br /><br />I have been approached many times by people wanting/needing money. (My husband says I have "one of those faces" - I guess it's because I smile a lot.) There are times when I simply don't have money on me or cannot help right at that moment, but I will actually give out my number (cell number) or church info (we have a food pantry) and not leave these people hanging.<br /><br />I have given groceries out. I help as much as I can.<br /><br />It is our duty to help those in need. Anyone who reads Matthew 25:31-46 and can tell me otherwise with a straight face is living in a fantasy land.<br /><br />I can hear you now: "How do you know that the person won't spend the money on drugs or booze or whatever?"<br /><br />I have several responses to that:<br /><ul><li>There might be physical signs of drug abuse in the person asking. In that case, giving cash may not be a good idea. However, that doesn't mean you cannot help. Give a gift certificate or offer to purchase groceries for them. if there is a food pantry at your church, offer to help them through that. <strong>DON'T </strong>ignore the person or send him/her away empty-handed.</li><li>Sometimes I am prompted by the Holy Spirit to give money. Not always. I have emptied my wallet before and given it to someone in a parking lot, along with one of my cards. She broke down and cried in the middle of the lot. So did I. Follow how the Holy Spirit moves you. He knows more than you do. You will be blessed.</li><li>Sometimes I am prompted by the Holy Spirit to <strong>NOT</strong> give cash, but in each case, I was prompted to do something different - a gift certificate, refer him/her to the food pantry, etc. Follow your leading from the Holy Spirit and do what you should. Do NOT ignore the person or not offer some sort of help.</li></ul><p>Now, I will address one concern someone has asked me about before: safety.</p><p>In each case, I have been approached in places where the crime rate is pretty high, but I never felt threatened.</p><p>However (and this is where prayer and following what the Holy Spirit is telling you is important), if I felt like I was being warned in the Spirit about something, I would heed whatever I felt was being impressed upon me. In that instance, I might simply give a card with the church inforjmation on it and invite the person to seek help there. I don't know. If I get in that situation, I will write about it. :)</p><p>The bottom line is this: In any circumstance, there IS a way to help.</p><p>So please do.</p><p><br />-----Shay :o) </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-79397073423723931142007-11-20T07:43:00.000-08:002007-11-20T08:09:26.770-08:00I laughed when the offering was taken up last Sunday.<strong><em>Dear Church Member,</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Did I have a great laugh when the offering plate was passed around last Sunday!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>I saw people putting in spare change, people putting in just a few dollars, and people not putting in anything! If Christians are supposed to tithe ten percent of what they earn, I would say most of you are living off of a pittance.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>That is fine with me. It takes money to buy Sunday School curricula, pay the mortgage, and have electricity. It takes money to provide food for the needy and to pay the salary for the church secretary (and nothing is better than for someone to call the church and having no one to answer the phone). It takes money to have running water and provide snacks for the kids in children's church.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>So I will keep whispering in your ear how that money is really yours and how the church shouldn't ask for money, anyway. After all, why does it matter that He provides your job and He makes sure your every need is met? You are the one working, right?</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Just keep your hand on your wallet and don't give up a cent.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Lucifer</em></strong><br /><br /><br />"But I really need this money! We are struggling to pay bills as it is! We can't live on 10 percent less than what we already live on! We'll be out on the streets if we do!"<br /><br />I know exactly how you feel. I really do.<br /><br />My husband and I did not tithe for the longest time. We really were struggling, too. I had tithed as a single mom, but when I remarried, we just gave less and less and then stopped because we were struggling so much.<br /><br />But then we made a decision. God can and will provide. So we started tithing.<br /><br />Immediately, a financial disaster struck. Someone had compromised our bank account and fraudulent charges were made. We were in dire straits. But we remained unwavering. We. Would. Tithe. Period.<br /><br />Then, the blessings started coming. My husband began getting more hours at work (they had been cut to less than 40 hours per week). We're better off income-wise<strong> after</strong> tithing (because of the extra hours) than we had been previously<strong> without</strong> tithing.<br /><br />Malachi 3:10 flat-out says to test God with your tithe and He will bless you. So what are you waiting for?<br /><br />For those who are financially blessed and still don't tithe, I am baffled. If you think you did it all yourself, you are wrong. If you think you do not have a responsibility to God to give back a portion of your earnings, you are wrong.<br /><br />-----Shay :o)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-53656903771983852452007-11-19T09:28:00.000-08:002007-11-19T10:03:49.433-08:00I visited your children's church service last Sunday<strong><em>Dear Church Member,</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Greetings! </em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>I visited your children's church service last Sunday. Well, to be honest, I did not stay back there too long - all of those happy children being hugged by the children's church volunteers made me sick, and they kept talking about The One over and over. Plus the songs, the stories, the laughter. There were even three children who accepted Him as their Saviour - I could bear it no longer! I had to leave.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>However, I did stop by the main sanctuary and looked in on the proceedings, and what I saw there warmed my heart.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>The Pastor was asking for volunteers to help with the children's minstry. Not a lot - just one Sunday a month - but I loved your reaction! You crossed your arms and thought - "Not me! That's not my calling! The noise, the runny noses, the tears, the silliness - nope, that's a job for someone else!" I chuckled with glee.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>I glanced around the sanctuary and saw similar reactions from many of the congregation. Sure, there were a few that were less obvious and wore a blank smile on their faces and nodded in all of the right places, but they thought the same thing: "Not me."</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>I love it! Less children's ministry workers mean less little Christians running around. Less little Christians mean less teenage Christians. That means less adult ones, and then they have kids and repeat the cycle. Ahhhhh....nothing like generation after generation coming to be with me. Hehehehehehehehehe</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>AND, having kids accept Him means that their parents might accept Him, too. That just ruins the whole household.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>So I just thought I would write you a note and encourage you to keep up the not so good work!</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Lucifer</em></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br />When is the last time you volunteered to help with the children's ministry?<br /><br />I teach a Sunday School class and help with AWANA. One of the adult Sunday School classes has "adopted" me and my class and if I need anything - volunteers, supplies, etc. - they happily get it for me.<br /><br />I'll give an example - I am having a Christmas party for the kids in my class. I am expecting a big turnout, so I went to my sponsoring class and asked for help with supplies and also a volunteer to help me with all of the kids (normally, I am the only adult in the class).<br /><br />Within minutes, I had 3 volunteers and the class had arranged for supplies to be purchased.<br /><br /><strong>That</strong> is an example of the love of Christ in action.<br /><br />Kids are the future of the church. They are our<strong> whole</strong> future.<br /><br />Is it noisy? Yep. Is it tiring? Sometimes.<br /><br />But the biggest reward is knowing that those precious ones will walk the streets of gold one day. And when they run up to you, hug you, and tell you they love you, it is the best feeling in the world.<br /><br />How often do you help out the children's ministry?<br /><br />-----Shay :o)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7192067792618977412.post-89296719852664586912007-11-19T07:52:00.000-08:002007-11-19T09:18:43.252-08:00I visited your Sunday School last Sunday<strong><em>Dear Sunday School members,</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>I visited your Sunday School last Sunday and was overjoyed to see so many of you had not attended. I become very anxious when I see people participating in Bible study. That's why I have so many activities to keep you out late on Saturday nights.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>I heard some lessons not well prepared, so a lot of your allotted time was consumed in talking about ball games and business concerns. Furthermore, many classes reported no contacts during the week. It was wonderful! And even more exciting was the fact that many of your classes do not have F.A.I.T.H. teams and place no emphasis on reaching lost people. You're making my job so easy that I am thinking about taking four weeks' vacation next year instead of my usual two.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Also, I've noticed that the lonliest place in town on visitation night is the church. I always sweat this night out, because if you go out and tell someone about Jesus they might get saved. But you Sunday School members are so easily turned away by a lot of important events I have planned for you on that night. I have also discovered that it is more comfortable for you to stay at home than to go out and visit, and besides, you've earned a little R&R - because I always make that your busiest day of the week.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Well, I just wanted to drop you a note and encourage you to keep up the mediocrity! No sense in you getting all worked up about this gospel stuff anyway. Why, people may begin to think you are a fanatic if you do.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>In conclusion, let me say that I am always here to assist you. If anyone starts putting pressure on you to become more involved in the Great Commission, just let me know. I have a pit full of excuses.</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Hope to have you with me soon,</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>Lucifer</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />The above letter was given to the leadership of our church by the pastor yesterday. It really got me to thinking.<br /><br />If Satan really did write letters to members of the church (and Christians in general), what would he say? How would he feel? What would he think?<br /><br />I think it would shock church people if they really could hear the thoughts of Satan. I really do. I think that too many church members/Christians feel like Satan is this funny guy with horns and a tail that is just so gosh-darned silly.<br /><br />He's not. He is evil, real and seething with hate for those who truly follow Christ.<br /><br />What would Satan think of your Sunday School? Of your church? Of you?<br /><br />I hope this blog makes you think. I hope it makes you squirm. I hope it makes you examine your heart and ask some really deep questions.<br /><ul><li>"Do I really believe in Hell?"</li><li>"Do I really care if people are lost and die and go to Hell?"</li><li>"Am I doing all I can to make Jesus famous in my corner of the earth?"</li><li>"Am I reaching out to those I can and sharing the Gospel?"</li><li>"Am I just warming a pew and not really committed?"</li><li>"What can I do to carry out the Great Commission?"</li></ul><p>I welcome your comments and suggestions. Please feel free to leave them here on this blog.</p><p>If this blog made you think, pass it along to your fellow Christians.</p><p>-----Shay :o)</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0