Welcome to Bible.com Ministries

 Christmas 2008

Dear Friends:

We know that Christmas has become a challenge for many of us, because of the busy lifestyles we lead and Christmas this year even holds a new challenge -- economic woes. We love the wonderful traditions of Christmas -- the carols, reading of scripture, church services, greetings, gifts, decorations and feasting, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, we all struggle with the forces that seek to rob the real meaning of Christmas from us, mainly the materialism and commercialism that produce stress, as in the midst of it, we madly rush to address cards, decorate, bake, cook, shop, wrap, and ship our gifts to loved ones.

When Bud and I were young, Christmas was a lot different in this country. Who would believe there would come a day that there would even be a discussion about whether the greeting at Christmas should be “Merry Christmas” or the now, politically correct, “Happy Holidays?” We are now told we must include every other holiday greeting during our Christian holiday and thus crowd out Christ, our Savior. Biblical Christmas carols are forbidden in our schools and secular media shifts our thoughts to other things than the real reason for the season -- Jesus. May we all focus our thoughts and attention on Him!

All true Christians love to share Christ and what He means to us with others and that is what has made Christmas different than the other holidays. We, as Christians, not only share gifts with one another, we share with the poor by giving gifts to children who otherwise would have nothing. We feed the hungry in churches across the nation, take groups caroling to brighten up the lives of those in prisons and rest homes. Christians visit the sick, the hurting and the lonely. The spirit of Christmas has brought joy and blessing to the rest of the world and the one responsible for it, is our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of Him, we reach out in love. We must not allow those who hate Christ, to stop us from loving and giving, because that is what Christmas is all about. God sent His son to save us from our sins. What a glorious and wonderful gift to us!

We are reaching out on the Internet at Bible.com to millions of lost, lonely, and confused people who are finding the Lord, and answers to their problems by seeking help from the Bible -- the wonderful Book God gave to mankind. Muslims, Jews, Hindus and those who have no religion come seeking, and the Holy Spirit touches them through something they read on the site. What a unique plan of God to use computers and the Internet for evangelism. We are so happy to be cyberspace missionaries. Thank you for being a part of what we are doing through your love, prayers and support. Your help is bearing much fruit for the kingdom of God. We also appreciate your ongoing support to help us. Although this has been one of the most difficult years for us, we are grateful that His mercy endureth forever. He is ever faithful to be there for you, as well, if you are experiencing hard times.

He came to bring “Peace on Earth and Good Will to All Men.” This proclamation is true in spite of the current worldwide economic crisis. We can have peace and guidance in the midst of the chaos that is in the world because although we are "in the world" we are not "of the world." We operate in the kingdom of God where there is no lack because the King upholds all that is His! We must all remember this when we are tempted to be fearful for all the things coming upon this earth. Let us remember our Lord's Words in:

Luke 21:25-28:
21 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

With our Lord's return so near, we must all work to get the gospel out and share our faith with those who are without Christ. That is what Bible.com is all about -- getting the message of the Bible out to the world

One of the major projects we will be working on this coming year is the addition of audio and video on the site.

We would appreciate your prayers as we go into the next phase of growth for the Bible.com site. We also would appreciate your financial support. Will you please pray and ask the Lord if you are to become one of the supporters of this ministry that reaches the whole world?

HOW TO DONATE TO BIBLE.COM MINISTRIES

To donate online you can click here: (http://www.bible.com/donations.php)

To donate by mail make checks payable to "Bible.com Ministries" and mail to: Bible.com Ministries, P.O. Box 850, Dewey, AZ 86327, USA

To donate by phone: Call toll free 1-888-292-4253

To visit our Ministry Bookstore go to: http://store.bible.com We have "God's Wisdom for Daily Living" Devotional Book by Betty Miller in paperback now and it would make a great gift for the New Year. What better way than to study the book of Proverbs on a daily basis throughout the next year. We all need more of God's wisdom in this hour with so much confusion and problems that need an answer. The answers we need are found in the Bible.

In order to stay currently informed of the progress on the ministry projects, you can read our up-to-date personal messages on the site by going to the Bible.com Ministry page at any time. http://www.bible.com/ministries.php

Bud Celebrates His 80th Birthday

On a personal note, Bud is celebrating his 80th birthday on December 17th and we will be going to Lubbock, Texas for a special celebration with our family and friends on the 19th. If you would like to send a personal greeting to Bud you may e-mail him at: Bud@bible.com

It takes us two days to get there as it is almost a 2,000 miles round trip. Please pray for our car to run well, as our current 1996 Lincoln Town Car has over 214,000 miles on it. It was given to us years ago and has been such a good car, but we really need a newer one now, as it is getting older. We are so thankful for it, but right now we have an opportunity to purchase a newer 2003 Lincoln Town Car from an evangelistic organization that only has around 50,000 miles on it. The minister who owned it died last year and his board is considering selling it to our ministry for $10,000.00.  His foundation designates that all its income and property sales must go to missions.

Since this is not a personal auto for us, but will be purchased through Christ Unlimited Ministries, the monies given are tax deductible and will serve two purposes -- a gift to missions and an automobile for a ministry. Bud and I do not own a personal automobile ourselves, as most all our traveling is for the ministry and if we do use it for personal errands we reimburse the ministry for that use.

Agree in Prayer with us for a New Automobile

Please agree with us in prayer if this is the right automobile for us that Christ Unlimited Ministries will be given $10,000 in funds to purchase it. It is in Houston, Texas so if we had the monies for it we could fly to Houston and pick it back to Arizona.  Thank you so much for your prayers about this. If this is not the proper time nor the right car, then we are trusting God to watch over us and the car to run perfectly on this journey. We are praying for good traveling weather as well.

We are also needing funds for our operating expenses so that we can close the year in the black, as we have other obligations that need to be discharged so that we are completely out of debt. Please pray that those funds come in too. Thank you.

May our Lord bless you and your family in a special way this Christmas and throughout the coming new year!

Merry Christmas! Betty and Bud Miller http://www.bible.com ChristUnlimited@bible.com

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  Click Here to Donate Online
Bible.com Ministries sponsors this site and is 501(C)3, tax-exempt, non-profit ministry.  We appreciate your love and support. Your love gifts will help us continue this work and expand it to reach millions.  God bless you! You can send an offering by mail if you prefer to: Bible.com Ministries, P.O. Box 850, Dewey, AZ  86327

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 The Economic Shaking  

by Betty Miller

FINANCIAL MELTDOWN - HOLOCAUST- ARMAGEDDON - FIRESTORM - CRISIS

These are the words we are hearing from all sectors right now. People are concerned and fearful about the critical financial and political situation in the world as we see a shaking going on all over the world. This is not just a crisis on Wall Street in the USA but it has had a rippling effect all over the world. We get lots of e-mail newsletters and a couple of those made these statements that express the grave danger and perilous times that we are living in. Here are a couple of quotes from those newsletters  "The UK Telegraph is reporting that we face “extreme danger” in the financial sector on a worldwide level. They say that without 'immediate intervention on every front by all the major powers acting in concert, we risk a disintegration of global finance within days. Nobody will be spared, except those who own gold bars.'

Germany has their own version of Lehman Brothers weakening their country and Chancellor Merkel had to guarantee all German savings to stave off panic, as did Ireland. Netherlands is nationalizing their banking system. Ireland and Greece have had to rescue all their banks. Iceland is facing a collapse similar to what Argentine experienced and the US commercial paper market was virtually shut down. With all these things going on, there is talk about an unannounced bank holiday which would mean no access to funds for awhile. Probably won't happen, but if it did would you know how to survive in that kind of chaotic environment?" -- Excerpt from Michael Pink's Christian Business Newsletter.  You can read more on his blog at: http://www.sellingamongwolves.com/blog/

"Treasuries rose, sending the yield on the 30-year bond to the lowest since regular issuance of the securities began in 1977, as widening financial turmoil wiped more than $10 trillion off stock markets worldwide this month." --  "In Jesus' day when his disciples asked him what it would be like in the world before his return ("Second Coming") in Matthew 24 and 25, he warned them of a evil, wicked unstable, turbulent world in which there would be great deception, betrayal, wars, rumors of war, persecution of his followers, a great falling away of believers, as well as famine, huge earthquakes and physical disasters. (It all sounds a lot like our own day to this writer!) He warned his followers to be prepared and acknowledged  that only a remnant would be prepared and most would not!) -- Excerpts from the March 2008 MIA (The McAlvany Intelligence Advisor) in which he states the seriousness of the financial losses worldwide and what this means to the average person. Don McAlvany is a Christian business man and advisor and has information on his site to help in financial matters.  http://www.miatoday.com/

 BIBLICAL WARNINGS

What is the Lord speaking to His people in the midst of all the financial chaos?  So many are feeling lots of unrest, fear and concern about the future.  Some people are losing their jobs and many their homes and the cost of living has sky rocketed. What can we do when the effects of this crisis touches us?  The first and foremost thing is that we must be totally committed to God and learn to hear His voice. There is not one situation that He cannot show us how to deal with it and come out victorious. Jesus promises us, as His children, to always take care of our daily needs and to never leave us nor forsake us.

Matthew 6:30-33:

30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  

Hebrews 13:5 (AMP):  Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]  

What wonderful promises from the Word of God. We are praying that we all hear God as to those things we should do right now in preparation for the days ahead, since we are getting reports from ministers, Christian businessmen, prophets, etc. to prepare for the hard times we face. Some are suggesting having some cash on hand and extra food and emergency supplies right now if a meltdown comes. Other Christians are taking their funds out of the stock and bond markets. God does not want His people to panic and make unwise decisions.  He stands ready to let us know what we should do in our own particular situation.  God wants us to put our faith and trust in Him because He cares for us. We can hear Him if we seek Him with our whole heart diligently.  

The current events going on in the world were recorded in the Bible so that when we began to see these things unfold, we would not fear, but rather do as the scripture tells us to do and that is to "look up for our redemption draweth nigh."

Luke 21:25-28:

25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.  

We are not to yield to fear, but rather put our trust is in the Lord and have the assurance that He will take care of us. However, there were many warnings in the Bible for people to do things in the physical realm when there was impending circumstances that were occurring in the world. Even Joseph and Mary were warned to get out of Bethlehem and flee with baby Jesus to avoid his death when Herod gave the edict to kill all the baby boys. Noah was also warned to take certain steps when God saw that the incredible violent wickedness in the earth had to be dealt with by the judgment of the flood, lest the wicked destroy the righteous.    

Hebrews 11:7: "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith."

Notice two things here: It was both by faith and fear that Noah prepared the ark. In the natural, we may be fearful in regard to the future when we think about what is coming. This is a healthy fear when it moves us to respond to, and obey God. The Bible says in Proverbs 1:7: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This kind of fear is a respect for what God says. It is not the tormenting kind of fear that the devil uses to attack us with. We must have faith in the Lord that He will preserve us even as He did Noah and his family in the ark.  

OUR ARK IS JESUS

Preparing for emergencies is not a lack of faith when it is done out of wisdom and God's leading. We should pray for the best, but God knows the future and He may be directing us to take certain steps now so that the days ahead will not be as difficult for us. Making preparations for the unknown is not a lack of faith, any more than it is to keep a spare tire in our cars in case we have a flat. It is just wisdom to have a spare tire in your car in case you do have a flat. Flats do happen to all of us at times because we live in a imperfect world.  The Lord is warning His people to make preparations for the days ahead with the spiritual preparation being the most important. One of the words that the Lord spoke to me about the days ahead was this: "It is going to be a time of the trying of men's souls." Although it is going to be a time of much pain for many people, there is an answer to that pain. We must remember Jesus died on a cross and took our grief and our sorrows so that means we do not have to take it, as we can give it to Jesus. We must also stand ready to tell others where they can go to get relief from their pain and sorrow.  This is not an hour to "play" church. Rather we must have a strong relationship with the Lord to carry us through. We all need to be in a place spiritually so that we can hear the voice of God and remain under the "shadow of the Almighty." We claim the entire chapter of Psalm 91 daily over us and our family and our circle of friends. Our ark today is Jesus.  

 

  Psalm 91:1-2, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."  

As God's people we must resist fear and walk in faith.  God's promise to us is that He will never leave us nor forsake us. He always has a way for us no matter what we face. He is ever faithful.   

FINANCIAL ADVICE

As Christians, we must remember, we are in the world, but not of this world.  This applies to us spiritually, as well as financially.  If we have given everything we have to God, then the devil has no authority over our finances and our possessions.  They belong to God and the devil cannot rob us if we stand in faith against him. No man can really take something from us if it does not belong to us in the first place.  We are simply stewards of all that we own in this world. If we do lose anything, God will make it up to us another way.  

John 17:14-17:

14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.  

Now the promises of God are conditional and that means we must keep the Word of God in regard to His instructions about tithing and giving. If we are tithers, that means we have a  covenant with God and He certainly will not fail on His part to meet my needs. We can trust Him because we have sown into the kingdom of God and therefore He is bound by His own Word to cause the fruit of what we have sown to be multiplied back to us.  The Word of God also says that in the end times we are to be watchful in prayer and making ourselves ready for the coming of the Lord and if we are faithful to do this then He will make us a ruler over all our "goods."  That means we will not be robbed of our possessions.  

Matthew 24:42-47:

42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

Not only can we believe for our financial house not to be broken up, but we can also believe for our families because this applies to our children as well, because the Bible says, "The seed of the righteous shall be delivered. (Proverbs 11:21b)"  

SPIRITUAL ADVICE

The Lord is impressing us to pray more and stay close to Him so that we can hear what He is telling us daily.  It is exciting to hear His voice. Here is what we must all do to remain spiritually strong:

1.) Pray

2.) Fast

3.) Read and study the Word of God

4.) Join with other believers in prayer and fellowship.

5.) Reach out to the poor and others with our testimony and help them in their need.

6.) Tithe and give (This is not the time to stop giving as it establishes our covenant with God and shows that we trust Him and His promises and our provision and security is not in the world's financial system, but rather comes because we are connected to the Kingdom of God.)

7.) Speak words of faith according to the Word of God and do not speak lack or fear in regard to our individual circumstances. God is greater than our circumstances.  He will not fail us no matter what we may need.  

Although everything is shaking, we are assured that everything that is built on the rock of Jesus will remain standing once the shaking ends.  Praise God!

 Hebrews 12:25-28:

25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:
26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.  

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To read more Bible Answers go to this link: http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers.php  

Click Here to Donate Online Bible.com Ministries sponsors this site and is 501(C)3, tax-exempt, non-profit ministry.  We appreciate your love and support. Your love gifts will help us continue this work and expand it to reach millions.  God bless you! You can send an offering by mail if you prefer to: Bible.com Ministries, P.O. Box 850, Dewey, AZ  86327 Bible Resource Center Bible.com has many things on the site to help you grow in God.  As Christians, one of the most important things we can do to overcome in this life is to become strong in God, by studying His Word. Here are some links with information that will help you so that you can be prepared in a day such as this: READ THE BIBLE - Daily reading plan designed so that you can read the Bible through in a year. You can start anytime. <More Info>  STUDY THE BIBLE - Bible Study Tools to help you study the Bible on your own.  They include access to Bible search tools, reference works, commentaries and Bible Study material (Christ Unlimited Ministries), as well as others that we recommend. <More Info> LISTEN TO THE BIBLE - You can now download a free audio New Testament Bible in your language. Download a free Audio New Testament today  You can also purchase a set of WatchWORD videos and gather around with the entire family and listen the scriptures being read while viewing beautiful movie scenes that depict those verses. Many of these are scenes of the Holy Land.  This is a wonderful way the whole family can read the Bible completely through in a year by spending 30 minutes a day viewing them. <More Info>   DAILY DEVOTIONALS - You can take your choice of reading the Daily Devotional that I (Betty) wrote called God's Wisdom for Daily Living or read totally scripture devotionals for the day. <More Info> The writing of these devotionals was one of the hardest things I have done, yet the easiest.  It was hard to discipline myself to devote two hours a day to the writing of this, but the Holy Spirit was with me when I did it and it would just flow so easy as I wrote it every night. It is now available in paperback copy from our Chapel Bookstore. <To Order in Paperback Copy>   PRAYER ROOM - You can use our Prayer Room to leave prayer requests for your own needs or the needs of others.  We currently have over 4,000 dedicated intercessors who will pray for your requests. We also personally agree for these prayer needs to be met. <More Info>   Just click to http://www.bible.com/to easily find one of the above, plus many other helps.

Overcoming Life Series Bible Study Teachings that help you lay a proper and systematic foundation in the Word of God so you can become an overcomer in Christ! If Betty Miller's writings on the Bible.com site have been a blessing to you, we are offering the Paperback Version of the entire Overcoming Life Bible Study Series. You will receive 9 books and 9 workbooks for a total of 18 books for the price of $200.00. You may also order sets, or singles. Click here to order or read more information about this series.   Ministry Goal Bible.com's Ministry Goal is to strengthen the church worldwide and bring new converts to Jesus by making the Bible available in every format and language possible, along with sound scriptural teaching. Our desire is to honor Jesus and bring glory to God by continuing to share the gospel of the kingdom via the Internet as commanded of us in the Great Commission.  Testimonies Read some more Testimonies of those who have been helped. Bible.com Ministries - P.O. Box 850 - Dewey, AZ 86327, USA (928) 632-8005