Mystical - Enticing - All-Embracing

This week we buried a neighbor,a friend of ours. With mixed emotions we attended his funeral. One never knows what to expect, with those who are not of the family of faith . Our neighbor was a practising Bahai follower. This means he believed firmly in 'God' however that being said the tenants of his belief say that Jesus is only an important prophet, relegated to a standing along side Abraham, Moses, Mohammed, Allah, Buddah, Ghandi...all who are seen to have imparted wisdom..in reality Bahai is a mishmash of all kinds of beliefs rolled into a gentle expression of inclusion for all, a oneness with nature and mankind. The funeral was full of quotes from the venerable leader- Bahaulla - a self appointed holy one, who, he says,has been given sayings directly from God, which he transcribed in such great numbers, and at such a rate his secretaries reportedly could not keep up with him, so that they ended up scribbling, and he would have to retranslate those scribbles.He is born in the early 1800's - an interesting website article to read at :http://www.bahaullah.org/
Jesus said: " I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well" (John 14:6-7).
Peter teaches us:"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
So I ponder on faith that does not need the blood of Jesus to wash us clean, funeral words in which God's grace is never mentioned, and a need for repentance never seen.
I feel my own guilt in this too. How many times did God not allow me moments to witness to him? Sure I spoke of God , His creation, His glory, and my faith in Him. But I did not talk heart to heart about a desperate need to SEE Jesus, as God's SON, co-equal, co-eternal. The ONLY way to the Father.I did not talk about the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.
So when someone talks to you about believing in God...there is more than meets the eye....

"No matter what religious path a person has been on, Christ can rescue them from it and set them on his own path. He is the only Son of God who provided the only atoning sacrifice that everyone needs. He is the unique channel of God’s grace and salvation. This is what Jesus himself taught as true. Jesus is exclusive and inclusive at the same time—the narrow way and the Savior of the entire world—the only way of salvation, yet available for all." Joseph Tkach

finding purpose...

FINDING PURPOSE:One question that always seems to stroll around in my mind is
"what is my calling, my purpose , in this life?
For 2009 my thoughts wander to these three great plans:

1) Psalm 100:2 - Serve the Lord with GLADNESS
2) 1 Thess 5:18 - THANK God for everything, no matter the circumstance
3) Matt 22:37-39 Love the Lord with ALL your heart, and your neighbour as your self-SERVICE

Purpose = Gladness, Thankfulness, Service

Whenever I think "I wish" I should translate it into action, making my wishbones into backbones.

Hope you enjoy the recipe :)

Roasted Red Pepper Dip

• 1 Pkg Cream Cheese

• 1 Cup mayo

• 1 Bag grated Monterey Jack (or other mixes of cheese)

• 1/2 Cup Flame Roasted Red Peppers

• Mix together well, heat in microwave till bubbly

• Top with chopped fresh red peppers

Serve with your choice of crackers

To serve cold, do not heat, just form mixture into a ball or log,
garnish and serve with crackers.