Beacon2Light

Two thirty-somethings were unaware of the other's existence.  Both of them got into their respective cars.  Each having made decisions that have and will impact others. 32-year-old Jason Marles worked his job for a very respectable nine years.  This married man and father of two precious children just finished the late shift.  At 3 AM, he unlocked his Jeep Cherokee, got in and headed home, grateful for another work day finished, no doubt.  Jason liked to spend his free time mentoring children and helping them stay out of trouble. A 2010 BMW X7 must have made 31-year-old Erick Uzcategui very proud.  A beautiful machine, luxurious, it must have turned heads as it went down the street.  Erick's activity of choice before he got in the car was to drink, a lot apparently. The two men met that day on the Garden State Parkway when Erick's BMW slammed into the rear of the  Cherokee driven by Jason.  So great was the impact that Jason's vehicle s...

This is a time for you to inform me and others who read this blog.  How do you and your family keep Christ in Christmas?  What traditions do you observe?  Any suggestions for those who would like to but do not know how to get started? Maybe somebody needs the pump primed so they can come up with their own ideas or use one of yours.   If you are looking for a resource, here is one from homeschool mom and famous actress from the 80's, Lisa Whelchel.  

God Gave Us So Much by Lisa Tawn Bergren is a delightful children’s book.  The story’s setting is in a place where a polar bear family live.  This family has grandparents, parents and children.  Little Cub learns quite a bit from her parents and her grandparents about the nature of God; his creation; and his gifts to us which include the world, love and heaven. From her mama, she learns about the world around them and so far away; a world that God gave to them.  The nature of God is explained in child-friendly language.  God is creative with a diverse creation, He is awesome (BIG), and amazing.  The purpose of living in this world is to serve and worship God who made it and to take care of it.  Stewardship of the planet is emphasized in such a balanced way that both sides of the environmental debate should be happy.  Not only did God give us the world but he also gave love, explains Grandpa Bear.  God’s love is shown to his cre...

" As with the ten, just as there are no barriers to experiencing God's grace, neither are there excuses. If we want more of his blessings, we must praise him for those we already have. A thankful heart always leads to more blessings, even if, as for many of us in this economy, we seemingly don't have a lot to be thankful for. The blessings may come quietly, unexpectedly, or in disguise, but come they will. But we must choose gratitude to receive them, for our own good."  --  Stan Guthrie Read more of the article by clicking the title or going to  http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/november/31.46.html?start=1

Beacon2Light, in cooperation with Christian Book Distributors, is pleased to offer you free shipping on your next order.  Unlimited Free Shipping Terms:  Spend $35 or more on your next order and use promotion code 338509 for free standard shipping.  Use as often as you like from now to Dec. 9.  Get to CBD easily by putting a keyword or book/author's name in the Christian Book Distributors box above.  Enjoy!  Let me know if you got anything or if you have any trouble.  By the way, their shipping is quick so expect your order in about a week. FYI:  Christian Book Distributors sells CD's, DVD's, Bibles, church supplies, cards, toys, apparel and lots more.  If it is Christian, you will likely find it at CBD.  

As you look at world events of the past few to several years, one may be tempted to ask, "Is there a world war coming?"  Al-Qaeda is bent on the destruction of the West and Iran rails against "The Great Satan" as it continues unimpeded on building a nuclear program, much of which is underground; not to mention their rhetoric concerning what the regime sees as the coming demise of Israel.  Are these part of a whole host of disconnected events in the often chaotic Middle East or is there something else that is going on? President Obama said things and took stands on the campaign trail that are drastically different than what he is doing while in office.  Perhaps you remember that when he was president-elect, word got out that he got a rather somber, overwhelming briefing on national security issues.  And now, he is pushing a treaty with Russia with leading foreign policy experts from Republican administrations all around him while the cameras are rolling. ...

I began reading "The Last Jihad" by Joel Rosenberg.  I hope to have a review written for you in the near future.  If you are curious, click on this Amazon link.  You can compare pricing with Christianbook.com by putting in the keyword "Jihad" in the box on this page.  Don't forget Amazon has its Kindle e-book edition as well.  

You have heard it quoted often, that I am sure.  "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thess. 5:18)."   So, is God serious?   Everything?    How can I give thanks for everything?    I think the import of the verse is that nothing comes into our lives that doesn't pass through the Father's hand.  Now, that is not an original quote but it is worth repeating.  Job experienced this though it wasn't until the end of his journey that he was let in on the intrigue behind his sufferings, if then.  Naomi found God's goodness through a Moabite daughter-in-law who loved her out of bitterness, over the death of her husband and two sons, and into blessing (as Ruth bore the ancestor of David, and more importantly, Jesus the Messiah).  John Mark cut and  run on the Apostle Paul only to be lovingly guided by Barnabas into a more faithful role and he authored the Gospel of Mark.  The pa...

Sunday, Nov. 14 is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. The stories coming from around the world testify to the bravery of men, women and children who hazard their lives just to believe and practice their faith. By following the link above you can sign-up for downloadable resources that include video shorts, prayer guides and even a sample sermon. Whether you are a pastor, church leader or a parent, there is a guide for you. A note will appear telling you that the mailable kits are not available. Don't let that stop you from signing up for the online resources. These could even be used for a Bible study or prayer group. Besides Open Doors USA, Voice of the Martyrs is a regular source of information on persecution around the world:   www.persecution.com

My first e-book purchase and read was "What is the Gospel?" by Greg Gilbert.  What a great read.  Greg not only goes into the false impressions that various Christian leaders give of what constitutes the Gospel these days but faithfully and biblically presents the true Gospel.  This is a book I would highly recommend.  Thank you Amazon.com.  I would also recommend the Kindle for PC.  It is easy to use and prevents you from having to go to the expense of buying a handheld Kindle. But, hey, Christmas is coming up so . . . Enjoy!

Today is Veteran’s Day, and if it weren’t for them (Veterans of The American Revolution), we would be speaking a very different English dialect.   If it weren’t for them (Veterans of World War II), we would be a Germanic or Oriental culture.    To think, if it weren’t for them (Veterans of the Cold War), we may have the Russians for neighbors or even for rulers.   If not for the veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, we may be dealing with an emboldened and strengthened terrorist enemy willing and able to strike us over and over with 9-11 type attacks.    Men and women in uniform put boots on our ideals.   They preserve and protect our freedoms.   Without them, we wouldn’t be the people we are.   For the believer in Jesus Christ, Veteran’s Day is not just an opportunity to be thankful for our servicemembers and our nation’s veterans.   It is also an opportunity to pray.   Ask God to be with those on the front lines of battl...

How often do we do it?  "Do what?"  You may ask.  How often do we expect God to swoop down like Superman and deliver us out of difficulty?  1 Cor. 10:13 advises us that "No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it."  Often enough we latch onto the words "a way out" and ask our Heavenly Superman to sweep us out of difficulty and into bliss. However, life and Scripture tell us that it doesn't always work that way.  And do understand, I mean no disrespect to the Lord of glory with the "Heavenly Superman" reference but seek to provide an image that will provoke your thinking.  My mind goes to Joseph when I think of expectations of God's deliverance from difficulty.  I cannot help but think, "How did Joseph do it?  How did this man who was so awfully treated ...