The words of a song I heard many years ago ring in my ears today. Those words are, “I’ve had visions, and I’ve had dreams. I’ve even held them in my hands. But, I never knew that they could slip right through like they were only grains of sand…”(1). Those words have taken on a new reality over the past few weeks as I have learned of the death of a dream. The announced death of an institution that once was used by God to touch and train young men and women for service for Christ. I am speaking of the closing of Wesley College in Florence, Mississippi.

I attended the “Farewell and Appreciation” services that were held on the Wesley College campus recently. This was to be the last official activity of a small Bible college that has touched the hearts and lives of a vast number of people now serving Christ around the globe. Pastors, Evangelists, Missionaries, Music Directors and a host of other people discovered God’s direction for their lives and settled their calling to ministry as a result of their days at Wesley College. I am one of those people that was touched deeply by the influence and training I received from Wesley College. The school survived two relocations over the decades, having had its beginning as a tiny Bible college in Dallas, TX in the 1944. In 1953, the campus of Westminster College was purchased at Tehuacana, TX and the school was relocated to that campus. At the time of the relocation, the former school’s name was adopted and changed a bit to become “Westminster College and Bible Institute,” also known as “WCBI.” Again in 1972, the school was moved to a new campus at Florence, Mississippi, and her name changed to Wesley College in 1975. The school operated at that location until her closing in 2010. Out of control indebtedness was the factor that eventually led to the school’s demise, and the board of directors made the very difficult decision to close Wesley College and sell her campus to pay off the massive debts. Today, I do not debate the incredibly difficult decision made by her leaders in the closing of Wesley College’s campus. The likelihood is that I would have voted with you in that decision, given the present set of circumstances Wesley College has found herself in. Today I wish to honor those sacrificial lives that made Wesley College the precious institution she was. But, today I would like to share that I carry a heavy burden inside me that is quite literally burning me alive.

An endearing thought that God brought to mind shouts at me from the very depths of my soul. It is clearly expressed in the words of a song that says, “a spark ignites as an ember fades and the faith continues on. A challenge to the young and assurance for the old. The flame burns ever brighter each time the story’s told…”(2). Wesley College was a burning fire! She provided a venue for the training of people who felt God’s call to a lifetime of service in His Kingdom! Wesley College was dedicated to the teaching and preparation of Church workers, from the pulpit to the pew in the understanding and proper dissemination of the Word of God. I believe that today, we are witnessing Wesley College’s “ember fade,” but I also believe we are witnessing the new spark that has ignited!

One reason that the closing of Wesley College is such a devastating thing is because of the evil that permeates our society these days. America needs all of the Bible Colleges she can get! In a day when other religions are building hundred-million dollar mosques around the country; in a day when abortion is at epidemic proportion and millions of pre-born babies have been and are being sacrificed on the altar of “choice;” in a day when homosexual “marriage” is being legalized state by state around the country; in a day when our nation’s President spends time and energy explaining that America is not a “Christian nation” to other countries abroad, cancels the official celebration of the National Day of Prayer and then later attends a Muslim prayer meeting held at the White House; and most especially in a day when the shrinking Christian church is evidenced by reduced numbers in attendance and shrinking budgets: This day, more than ever, Bible Colleges like Wesley College are needed to train men and women for service in God’s Kingdom! The bottom line is this: We NEED Wesley College! Maybe you didn’t hear me. I said, “WE NEED WESLEY COLLEGE!!!” We NEED to come together as believers and PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, and PRAY some more until God hears our prayers and helps us to find a way to reopen this Bible College and others like it all over this land! We NEED a venue unreservedly dedicated to the training of young men and women for Christian Service! We NEED Godly preachers! We NEED young people who understand how to deal with the Information Super Highway and how to minister therein! Opportunities for ministry have never been greater than they are this very day because of modern communications! Again, I say, “WE NEED WESLEY COLLEGE.” But, we can’t have her back unless God’s people come together in unity and pray for a miracle in that regard!

So, I wonder. In light of the closing of Wesley College, who will train and equip our pastors? Who will train and equip our missionaries? Who will train and equip other warriors for service in God’s Kingdom? Will our children and grandchildren now be deprived of the educational experience that was once unique to Wesley College? It is true that there are other fine Bible colleges and Christian Universities available to our youth today. It is also true that there are other educational opportunities for our young people at secular colleges as well. But, there is only one Wesley College! It was Wesley College that impacted this particular group of people during its lifetime; and how can anyone put a price tag on that? Who could ever take her place? God chose this one school to make an impact on several generations, and now it seems like all of that is gone? So, yes, I wonder: Who will take the place of Wesley College? Which schools will our children and grandchildren end up attending? I wonder what the price tag will be that future generations have to pay because of the absence of Wesley College? I think it is incalculable.

There is one thing missing from this picture. Not once did I ever hear anyone involved with the school make the statement that they believe God is finished with Wesley College! Never once did I hear that anyone involved was directed or led of God to close her campus because they believe Wesley College’s day is over with! However, I did hear, “there was no other choice but to close and sell the property because the mountain of debt is choking us to death.” A very tough situation for certain. As much as it hurts to say it, I agree that the best solution under the present circumstances was to close the school and sell her property to eliminate the debt. The current board of Directors and the leadership of Wesley College acted as people of integrity in the decision to close the school. Their actions of integrity have protected the integrity of Wesley College so that she could have an opportunity to open again in the future. I salute the current leadership of Wesley College…many of whom were elected to the board just in time to close the school. These are people that love Wesley College, and I ache and cry with each of you.

But, as you can see, I am of the strong belief that God has not finished His work with Wesley College! So, you ask, “how could that be! I thought you said she was dead!” It is true…every word. Wesley College has died, but her soul lives on!! Wesley College has lost her campus and her ability to open this Fall Semester, but her soul is still alive! The dream, vision and passion that IS Wesley College lives on! I witnessed the soul of Wesley College over the past few weeks as her supporters rallied and raised a mountain of money in an attempt to stop the closing from happening! I watched in horror as we all learned that our efforts simply were not enough. I witnessed first hand Wesley College’s President as the tears flowed and the pain could no longer be held inside! And, I heard first hand the sea of people who expressed their belief that Wesley College would reopen someday.

So, my friend, I say to you that Wesley College has lost her campus. A major part of the dream has died. But rest assured that the rumors of the end of her vision are greatly exaggerated!!! God has not finished His work through this wonderful institution! And, just as Christ Himself had to physically die in order to be resurrected, so Wesley College has to die in order that she might reopen a stronger and more effective organization than she has ever been before! I can’t wait to see God perform miracles as He reopens this school on a new campus!! And, to my precious friend and Wesley College President Patsy Gilmore; I do not believe for a single minute that you will be in a nursing home when Wesley College opens her doors once again!! Not even close, lady! You see, the alumni of Wesley College comprise the heart and soul of Wesley College, and we are far from dead! We are Wesley College! And we will stand together! We truly believe that God will perform miracles as only He can!

The Wesley College Alumni Association has decided to not only remain in tact after the closing of Wesley College, but we have decided to build and organize this organization in ways that surpass anything that’s ever been done thus far by this institution. We do not have the answers as to how God will bring our much-anticipated miracle to pass. But, we are committed together to watch God do what He does best as He turns an impossible situation into hope for the future!

We stand in need people to join in to pray and work alongside us as we seek God for the future of Wesley College. We need to pay off the huge debt and pay all of the school’s past due bills in order that we may start over with integrity and a clean slate when it comes the time to rebuild this wonderful institution for the glory of God! We pray for the quick sale of her property and that the final price is sufficient to clear ALL of Wesley College’s debts! So, please join us, even if you are not Wesley College alumni!!

Would you please lift us up in prayer as we seek ways to complete the enormous task that is now before us? We are accepting donations to benefit Wesley College. You can contact me directly for information on how to make a contribution, either by mailing your check to the school, or Joy Christian Radio is taking credit card donations that will go directly to Wesley College. More than the financial support, your prayers are most important of all because we fully understand the verse that says the “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much…”

I leave you with this promise. You have not heard the last of Wesley College! It is yet to be seen what God can do through a small band of believers who commit to pray and believe God for miracles! I can’t wait to see what God does next!

Remember that you are loved with an everlasting love. The love of Christ is greater far than man or tongue can tell. Jesus loves you, and so do I.

In Our Master’s Joyful Service,
Ed Smith
Founder / President Joy Christian Radio
Wesley College class of 1981

Credits:
1) The Anchor Holds; written by Ray Boltz
2) Passin’ the Faith Along; written by Jon Mohr

How much dirt can you buy for a thousand dollars? I had absolutely no idea, so I called a local landscape company and asked. A very friendly receptionist named Dixie estimated that a thousand dollars would buy about three truck-loads of dirt (about 54 tons); that is, if you want them to deliver it. But, if you pick it up yourself, you can get about 100 tons of dirt. Imagine loading 100 tons of dirt in the back of the mini-van! Whew! I am breaking out in a sweat just thinking about the work it would take to get the dirt home; and spread out over the yard!

Recently, I bought a piece of “real estate” that was such an incredible deal, it rivals all others I’ve seen! You see, I purchased a small jar of dirt that weighs about one half of one pound, and I paid $1,000.00 for it! So, you think I got ripped off? Just because I didn’t get a deed for my property doesn’t mean it was a bad deal!! Well, at least they threw in the jar and a cork and a really nice label for free! I thought it was a great deal! So, what is it that is so special about my dirt?

· Maybe it has oil in it, and represents a deposit we paid towards the purchase of a piece of land about to be drilled—and, I’m about to be rich? Well, not exactly.

· Or, maybe the dirt is from the front yard of the condo I bought really cheap a few years ago that I just sold for a mint….and I’m rich? Not exactly.

· Perhaps it is from a piece of land that my rich uncle left me in his will and I just sold it to a shopping center developer and am laughing all the way to the bank with their big fat check? Not exactly.

OK, so EXACTLY what is so special about that jar of dirt that makes it worth a thousand bucks? I’m glad you asked. I’m sitting here at my desk looking at the jar of dirt, and I simply can’t keep my eyes off it! The really nice label I told you about says, “Wesley College. 111 Wesley Circle, Florence, MS 39073…” That is the single most important reason that this jar of dirt is worth a thousand bucks! You see, this jar of dirt represents 40 acres in Florence, MS where a small Bible College is located. It is my Alma Mater. I enrolled at Wesley College in August, 1976 as a Freshman. I lived on that dirt for five years as I attended school and learned about God. I learned about ministry. I witnessed people with a heart of gold; people with hearts for Christ. It was during the time I lived on that dirt that a troubled kid brought his own truck-load of “dirt-garbage” to Bible College and left it there in prayer, under the caring guidance of people whose sacrificial giving of their lives helped to mold mine into the man of God that I became. It was on that dirt that so many wonderful things happened to me (and a host of other people, too), that a library could not hold all the testimonies of those whose lives were impacted for Christ. I don’t know of another college anywhere; Christian or Secular that would have invested as much into me as the people at Wesley College did. And, it all happened because a group of people had a vision to establish a facility that would train young people for the ministry. My jar of dirt represents Wesley College. My jar of dirt represents a vision that came to pass and has been used of God for decades in the salvation of lives and the preparation of God’s workers for His Vineyard!

Wesley College Needs Me
I learned recently that Wesley College is in trouble. Blame it on the recession. Blame it on leadership that went awry recently. Blame it on bad business decisions or blame it on the weather. Blame it on the devil if you want to. Probably all of these reasons and many more were contributors to the problem! A long list of problems brought Wesley College to its knees. And, now I am paying attention again! I’m late, but I’m here! I heard many questions: will Wesley College survive? Will the sponsoring denomination end up in bankruptcy if Wesley folds? Will the hurt that has been experienced amongst the people involved during of the demise of the college ever find healing?

Oh, my dear one! God is really good at fixing broken things! After all, if He can fix me, He can fix anything! But, please don’t take my word for it! If you have ever been touched by Wesley College—either directly or indirectly—I challenge you to simply REMEMBER and THINK. Remember what it was that God used to touch your life as a result of Wesley College. Remember God working in your life as He showed you the way of His blessing. Remember the many people who were blessed by the very existence of Wesley College. Think about the hundreds (thousands) of people Wesley College has touched. Think about the missionaries! Think about the pastors! Think about the Sunday School teachers! Think about those in a secular career that learned to take Jesus to work with them every day and the influence they make for Christ! All of these blessings and a host of others because of the influence of Wesley College! All because this institution was used of God to touch lives that touched other lives that touched other lives that touched me and you!! Just think about all the things God did on that 40 acres of dirt, and it will change your life! So, how much is a small jar of it worth?

Mere donation?
So, you think you understand now?…this was all about a donation to Wesley College and not the purchase of a jar of dirt, right? Not exactly.

You see, when I bought that jar of dirt, I was planning to support Wesley College anyway—true enough. And, the “advertised price” of my jar of dirt was 40 bucks a jar—or 30 bucks a jar if you bought it during that particular weekend, but I gladly paid a grand for mine! And, I think I got the best deal of anybody present at that meeting! There was a silent auction where some priceless heirlooms and a lot of “stuff” was sold. A lot of money was raised for Wesley College there. Then, there was the Gold City concert. The offering there, including one large donation, raised a lot of money for Wesley College. And, the DVD’s of the Westminster Reunion in Tehuacana! Precious! The recording of John Ragsdale, one of the men of God who ordained me into the ministry and is now home with God….it was precious and wonderful! But, I still think I got the best deal with the dirt!

Tehuacana Dirt
I talked to the young man whose son came up with the idea for the company that excavated, authenticated, bottled and sold the dirt as a fund-raiser for Wesley College; Mr. Orain Tubbs. Orain told me that he is planning to go to Tehuacana, Texas; the former location of Wesley College (known as Westminster College many years ago) and dig up some dirt to bottle and sell as a fund-raiser for Wesley College. Now, I ask those reading this article who attended Westminster College; “would you buy a thousand dollars worth of Tehuacana dirt?” I bet you would! And, I ask you this, “if you do buy some Tehuacana dirt, will you think that your Tehuacana dirt is more valuable than my Florence dirt?” The truth is, I’d hate to try to live on the difference, wouldn’t you?!

The Real Reason
The real reason I consider my dirt as being so special is because of what it represents. It represents a place that was built and dedicated to the service of God in the training of young men and women for Christian Service—and it has done that faithfully for decades. Pastors, evangelists, missionaries, Sunday School teachers and a plethora of other beloved people who serve God with all their heart, soul and strength were trained at Wesley College. Many students who came to Wesley College were lost in sin when they got there and found Christ on those grounds. Lives were changed, those in bondage of sin were set free. Calls to the ministry abounded, and now we reap the fruit of those years. The many unforgettable chapel services, prayer meetings, missionary conferences and instructional classes that took place on that 40 acres of dirt through the years, the experiences of a lifetime that happened on that campus. On a personal note; my wife and I have a very significant “special event” that took place for each of us while standing on that dirt. It involves two special spots of dirt “out in the field” behind the campus that have tremendous significance in our lives; because it was there that a “dragon” is buried. Marie and I both dealt with and watched God put to rest demons that oppressed us and kept us in bondage in ways that I won’t explain in this article, but it was there that we were SET FREE!! Recently, I drove onto Wesley Drive as I came on campus for our alumni reunion recently (the same weekend that I bought the dirt), I felt a chill run up my spine as I remembered those “graves” that once were marked by a long since rotted “cross” made of sticks that were stuck up in that dirt at the very spot where those demons were driven out never to haunt us again.

Heaven in Florence?
I remember back in 1976 that I felt like I’d died and gone to heaven when I arrived on campus at Wesley College. I thought Florence was about as close to heaven as one could get on this planet! However, reality set in when I discovered that there was a satanic group that also lived in Florence—just down the road from Wesley College! But, through all that, I learned that God is really in control of my life—not the devil—I also learned that absolutely none of the bad things that I’d experienced in my young life had taken God by surprise! I learned the precious words from a song, “God weeps along with man, and takes him by the hand. Tears are a language God understands…” I learned that “It is Finished, the battle is over! It is Finished, they’ll be no more war…It is Finished, and Jesus is Lord!!….” meant true victory for me because Jesus died for ME! I learned that “Jesus, I heard you have a big house…big enough to let a kid roam…” meant that God has room for me, too—and that I was accepted, loved and validated in His presence! I learned that “At the Cross” meant that I had a refuge! A place that I could run to and there find God’s grace….no longer was I in disgrace! I learned that Heaven is a place to long for….and that it would, indeed be mine some day. I learned that there are actual people who really pray (out loud!) for me and you! I experienced it first hand on the day I passed by Mrs. Langton’s trailer while doing maintenance next door and hearing her call my name out loud!! —only to realize that SHE IS PRAYING FOR ME BY NAME!!! I sat and wept when I realized how much she loved me! How much she cared for ME! The troubled kid with more baggage than an airport terminal (and maybe as confused)! I had not ever felt that kind of unconditional love and acceptance in my life! I had never been validated in that manner before. There is no doubt that I was in God’s will at Wesley College.
While I was at Wesley College, I was in danger. I desperately needed someone who would just love and accept me! I needed someone to believe in me. As a Christian, I was told, and I believed that God Himself provided those things for me. However, God knew that I needed a human being who would do that as well. So, He introduced me to a lady that I called “Momma.” I called Patsy Gilmore “Momma” along with many other students who called her that in honor of Patsy and Frank’s daughter Michelle. Michelle had spina bifida, and was in a wheel chair most of the time. She could use a walker occasionally. I loved Michelle like she was my little sister! She was a promise. She was a possibility. She was a promise with a Capitol P…”A great BIG bundle of po-ten-tiality.” Michelle has been in Heaven for many years now, but her sweet touch on my life lives on to this day. So, it was easy for me to call Patsy “Momma” out of respect back in those days. But, down in my heart, I needed a Momma! And, I found one! Momma Gilmore believed in me! And, I knew it! She said to me, “you can do this if you put your mind to it!” I wanted so badly to sing back in those days, but I couldn’t carry a tune in a washtub. But, Momma was patient and let me try. She worked with me a lot in those days—she endured a lot of sour notes from this guy trying to sing bass and still sounding like he was in puberty. She also endured a lot of immaturity and a selfish attitude that often got in the way. It took a long time for all she taught me to sink in and help me become the man of God I am today! But, OH, when Momma sang! I thought surely that I was listening to the voice of an angel! Maybe some thought it was a waste of time for me to take music under Momma’s teaching, but indeed, it was NOT! I now use the training I received in diction and breathing techniques from her instruction in my radio broadcasting career on a daily basis! Sometimes, I find myself singing “NAH NAY NEE NO NOO” early in the morning to warm up my voice when I have to “hit the mic” before sunrise! And, I still love to sing!! More now than ever, because Momma Gilmore believed I could do it.

I Found Myself at Wesley College
It was at the altar in that chapel that I found true peace in my heart as a young man…it was in one of those classrooms that I heard men and women of God instructing me in the things of God by what they said but more so how they lived their lives in front of us. It was on that 40 acres of dirt where I met my bride. It was during the time while living on that dirt that I made friendships that are so much deeper than words can describe. Friendships that are ongoing to this day….Friendships that are strong, although separated by miles and time. Friends that genuinely love each other. But, sometimes we forget. Sometimes sin blinds us so much that we can’t even see the blessings we are basking in. Sin that causes us to go to sleep and not realize bad things are happening….sin that causes us to hurt ourselves…and to hurt others. And, it is shocking to wake up and smell the coffee and realize that something precious is in deep trouble and might be lost. It is the saddest thing in the world when a family breaks up. And, there is a precious Christian family that is hurting very badly…and needs a healing touch from God.

Time Passes and Stuff Happens
Thirty Four years have passed since the day I enrolled as a student at Wesley College. Marie and I had the privilege to go back to WC in 1993 and live on campus again. We spent a year there as a volunteer worker (she was a student again…and we had three teenage boys at home, too!). Marie went to school part time, and I volunteered as maintenance director, bus driver and general all-around flunky. We LOVED our time at Wesley…and we wanted to stay, but that simply was not possible! We made many more “friends for life” during those days, including the young man whose son came up with the idea of “famous dirt” as a way to build a business “from the dirt.”

Unfortunately, since those wonderful days, I became detached from Wesley College, especially during the past decade and a half. I got caught up in my “own ministry,” and felt that things at Florence were in good hands because I knew and trusted the leadership that was in place there. But, when sin made its way into the haven we knew at Wesley College; when the devil went for the jugular of our precious Wesley College, he and almost hit it! When the recession and the leadership mess combined caused churches and people to pull back their contributions and abandon our headquarters operations. When the Missions Department curtailed its operations; and when Wesley College faced possible foreclosure and closing—it was then that I awoke from my slumber to realize that Wesley College was now in grave danger. The monster-sized bills had piled up—the IRS wanted their money! And, the IRS is not famous for their patience and understanding in these matters!! And, there was no money to pay them! The banking situation went sour and endangered the future of the school. People got hurt and walked out because of the “stuff” that was happening—and, I’m talking about GOOD people! People that God has used for His Glory for years; maybe decades—many of these people simply couldn’t take the stress any longer and they left. Leaders fell, and they fell hard. Families fell apart. People got out their swords and went for each other’s throats. Some chose to sit in judgment of all that had happened and they spouted and spewed. And, here I was; so far detached and so much asleep that I didn’t even know this was happening until I saw the “mushroom cloud” that appeared on my radar.

Rude Awakening
The truth is that this disaster within my beloved church hit me like a baseball bat. I truly think that if someone had actually hit me with a baseball bat, it wouldn’t have hurt any worse than what I discovered when I awakened from my slumber. I truly hate the way we got here. I truly hate the sin that caused this whole situation. I truly hate the circumstances that are before us now. I hate the massive overload situation that must be immediately addressed if the college is to survive. I hate the pile of red ink that threatens the future of Wesley College and hampers its current operations. But, most of all, I HATE what the enemy has done to separate and divide HIS people that have loved each other for decades! I hate the situation, but this very day, I am more in love than ever with the people involved…EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM!!!

Enough is Enough!
So, ladies and gentlemen, I am announcing today that, “I have had enough!” I am fed up with defeat. I am fed up with satanic weapons tearing everything down that God built! I am fed up as I stand and watch those weapons of Christian destruction from the pits of hell firing their ungodly weapons at us and destroying precious people, families and ministries!! I am fed up with all the fighting and hurting that has happened and still continues amongst our precious loved ones! I’m fed up with pouting instead of praying! Did I say that I am fed up? If I didn’t say it, please let me say it now! I am fed up!

Don’t just sit there, do something!
I decided that being fed up wasn’t enough, so I decided to do something about it! I bought a jar of dirt that was excavated from the 40 acres of Wesley College. And, as I sit here looking at that jar of dirt, tears fill my eyes! Tears of sorrow for those that are broken because of these attacks. Tears of sadness because so many of my brethren gave everything to help in the building of God’s ministry at Wesley College only to watch it burn before their eyes! And, these people are hurting! And, I am hurting with them! Tears for those that are angry and cannot seem to let go of all the “garbage” and find peace. But, I also have tears of HOPE and tears of JOY! Tears as I ponder what I believe in my heart is already happening at this very moment!! Tears that make my heart leap with joy and cause a chill to run up my spine because I know that with God, “I can do all things through Christ…!” Tears because I witnessed many of my hurting brethren as we, together began remembering and claiming God’s promise of restoration for our school and church… Tears of Joy as I realized that this thing is not hopeless!

It’s a Story About My Healing
Being a Gospel Music lover and Christian Radio Broadcaster, I usually default to music for encouragement. I thought about the Gaither song….“Then came the morning! Night turned into day, the stone was rolled away! Hope Rose with the DAWN!” HOPE is Here Ladies and Gentlemen! Jesus is here! I am convinced that God is going to heal this whole thing somehow! The excitement now literally explodes within me as I ponder the healing that is taking place even now! The reality that this healing is deep and widespread, and is just getting started makes me rejoice in my heart as I think of the future of Wesley College! I am expecting this coming school year to be the best ever! I KNOW that God is not finished with the church, and He is not finished with His college! He has many more things to do through her yet!

Someone aptly surmised the current situation by this analogy: he said that our college and church is in the “emergency room,” and is very sick. Good analogy! But folks, I’ve personally been there and done that. I’ve passed dangerously close to death’s door due to my heart problems back in 2006. The doctors gave up on me. They said that it would take nothing short of a miracle for me to survive! They also said that, even if I did survive, my future prognosis was bleak. But God! (That’s enough!). But, Jehovah Rapha came to that hospital and paid me a personal visit! I’m not supposed to be sitting here at this computer typing this letter. I’m supposed to be “dirt” today. But, God, my Healer paid me a visit. He touched me and I was made whole. “It’s a story about my healing. The Great Physician ministered healing to my soul.” I am here only because of Jehovah Rapha’s touch! And, I experienced all of these emotions simply by purchasing a jar of dirt!! What a deal I got on some under priced real estate! I cannot put any value on what I feel at this very moment! No words can describe it!

The Point of the Matter
I tell you, the most precious gift God has given me in a long time is the gift of a jar of dirt taken from the 40 acres at Wesley College. It is precious because the sight of it invokes within me a renewed passion for Christ, a renewed sense of vision for what He called me to do, and a host of other things. So, I consider my purchase as “cheap” considering what it has already given back to me! What a deal! But, I need to say this thing; lest you think I am looking at this jar of dirt as a shrine of some sort that has some kind of magic power to heal, or that the dirt has any supernatural properties at all. Please allow me to tell you this—it is a jar of dirt. Dirt cannot heal you. Dirt has no special power. It is dirt, plain and simple. But, God created man from the dust of the ground, and He raised up Wesley College from the dirt of that 40 acres. My jar of dirt awakens memories that stir my soul and bring passion back into my life because of the memories it invokes. Not because the jar of dirt has power. It does not. That is my point.

Hurting People Hurt People; Healed People bring Healing
It is a very true statement that “hurting people hurt people.” But, when a hurting person lays down his hurt at the foot of the Cross, he finds true healing then and there. After the Holy Spirit comes into a hurting person’s heart and heals it, the former hurting person is transformed into person that brings healing instead of harm as they share what God did for them! We stop hurting and start healing. We are a helper instead of a hurt-spreader. Many people who are in the heat of the events in Florence of late that ripped into and is threatening to destroy Wesley College have walked through a hellacious experience in recent days as they watched hurting people hurt people. Some got caught in the crossfire and were injured as a result of the battle. Most are simply “battle fatigued.” Hurtful things were said. Harm was done. But, ladies and gentlemen, Jehovah Rapha is here! And, now is the time for healing to come. Now is the time to let it go and ask our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to bring His healing to us.

A Half-Million Dollars worth of Dirt
I am issuing a formal challenge to a minimum of 500 people who will join me in buying 1000 dollars worth of Wesley College dirt. A half million dollars will go a LONG way towards fixing this situation and putting Wesley College on solid footing once again. And, it will change your life AGAIN if you will just do it!! If the engine in your car was burned out, you would find a thousand dollars from some place and get it fixed! You would rather do that than walk, wouldn’t you? Well, the very heart and soul of our church—Wesley College—is in deep trouble and in danger of bankruptcy and closing forever. So, I challenge you to wake up and smell the coffee!! Buy a jar of Wesley College Real Estate and put it in a prominent place. Then, look at that dirt and shout, “Glory Hallelujah!” because God changed your life through Wesley College, and He is changing your life once again right now! That makes this jar of dirt the most valuable piece of real estate on the planet Earth. Your gift will help Wesley College to continue her mission of training Professionals for Christ! And, I’m certain that Momma will give you a hug when you do! Just do it! OK??

Now, if you are reading this article online and have no idea of the people of whom I speak, then I ask you this: Do you understand the culture war that is going on in our country this very day? Do you understand that Bible colleges are closing their doors in every state in the Union these days? Do you understand that many of the Bible colleges that remain open have compromised the truth of God’s message in order to gain students? If so, you understand the value of a Christian Education. The value of an education from a Christian Worldview. Perhaps you or someone you know is looking for a truly wonderful place to get a bona fide Christian Education? Then, please allow me to recommend Wesley College in Florence, Mississippi to you with my whole heart! You can reach them at www.wesleycollege.edu., or contact me directly at 256-845-1256 and I’ll get you in touch with these wonderful people. And, why don’t you consider buying a jar of dirt while you’re at it? You’ll be investing in a wonderful Christian College whose ministry has touched thousands of lives and continues to do so, in spite of the storms!

I pray for blessing and comfort to each of you that read this article, whether a member of this church, an alumni of Wesley College, or a visitor to our webpage. God Bless you for reading.

Never forget that you are each loved with an everlasting love! I love you dearly, but more importantly, God Loves You, and has an incredible purpose and plan for your life. Accept it today, won’t you?
In Our Master’s Joyful Service,
Ed Smith

I. Jesus makes a prediction: “you will fall away” Mark 14:27-28 Jesus supported His prediction with words taken from Zechariah the prophet in Zechariah 13:7, quoting the Father: “I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.”—-then, Jesus added these words, “After I have been raised, I will go before you into Galilee.” Apparently, Peter missed the part of the prediction regarding the resurrection of Christ, as He had been teaching for the past three years. All he heard was, “you will fall away”….The term used here means “to stumble.” In other words, Jesus was saying, “Every one of you is going to turn against Me, depart from Me, leave Me; that is, every one of you will.”
II. Peter emphatically refutes the prediction with “I will NOT!!” Mark 14:29 He thought that the prediction could be true of his associates, but certainly never for himself. Although Peter eventually did compromise himself, he was sincere at this point of his intent to remain loyal to his Lord, regardless of the consequences (notice verse 31.)
III. Jesus personalizes His prediction: “You will deny Me times” (Mark 14:30) Basically, Christ made two statements here. “You will deny Me this very night.” AND “You will deny Me three separate times” The Lord even mentioned the deadline, “before the cock crows twice” The Romans divided their day into three-hour segments. The night segments were termed “watches,” and there were four watches altogether. The watches were identified as follows:
i. The Evening Watch: 6:00PM until 9:00PM
ii. Midnight Watch: 9:00PM until Midnight
iii. Cock Crowing Watch: Midnight until 3:00AM
iv. Morning Watch: 3:00AM until 6:00AM
At the end of each watch was the changing of the guard in Jerusalem. The end of the third watch was signaled by the “crowing of the cock”—this was not the sound of a rooster as is commonly held, but rather that of a trumpet sounded twice by the officer of the guard (this was a trumpet blast sent forth in two different directions). Jesus told His confident disciple that he would deny Him three times before the 3:00AM horn blasts would be heard that night. Little did Peter or his companions know—before that night had passed, they would eat their words and deny Christ—all of them, especially Peter.
IV. Peter fulfills the prediction: “I do not know Him.” Mark 14:66-71. Signs of Peter’s weakening can be seen even before Christ’s abuse at the hands of the high priest and his entourage began.
a. While in the Garden: Verses 32-38. Before leaving His disciples to pray, He instructed Peter (plus James and John) to watch and pray. Upon His return, Christ found them asleep three different times. Christ most notably addressed His reproof to the one disciple who vehemently pledged his loyalty. Peter. During His reproof, Christ addressed Peter by his former name, instead of the new one He had given him, which meant “the rock”. Christ called him Simon, which means “vacillating one.” His sleeping was a sign of something worse yet to come. —— Careful!! If we are quick to criticize Peter, many of us would do even worse!
b. In the courtyard: verse 66-68. It is here the first denial transpired. Soon after the silence of the garden was broken by the arresting mob, Jesus was led away to this particular place where His disgrace began. He was surrounded by the high priest, chief elders, and scribes. Verse 53. Peter observed them accusing Him of blasphemy, spitting on Him, beating Him, and shoving their fists into His face and flesh. He had mingled with officers associated with Christ’s abusive treatment who were warming themselves by the fire in the courtyard. From there, Peter could continue watching the horrible nightmare unfold. He was noticed by the high priest’s servant girl, who approached him, commenting, “you, too were with Jesus the Nazarene.” His face, highlighted in the night by the flames of the fire, had been detected by someone who recognized him. Then came the denial, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.” He had knowingly broken his earlier pledges of loyalty. Peter lied, and denied Christ.
c. While on the porch. Verse 68b –71. Peter sought safety after that first encounter. He retreated to an adjacent porch, hoping to preserve his anonymity. Here the second and third denials were uttered. Apparently, he as still in sight range of Jesus. The girl wouldn’t back off; she kept probing. In the presence of bystanders, she continued, “this is one of them!” Again, Peter denied he knew Christ. The pressure continued as the persistent girl kept on, “surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean, too!!” His accent had betrayed his identity. He was exposed. This last time, Peter resorted to the common language of the street—he cursed—and swore his denial; “I do not know this man you are talking about.”
NOTE: The only thing I find funnier than a true, Southern Accent is a Yankee trying to imitate one! The Southern drawl will give you away every time!!
d. Sudden Occurrences. Verse 72. First, the two-blasted cock crowing was heard. Second, Peter remembered the words of Christ’s prediction. Peter wept bitterly. His pain was so severe. He had not…could not keep his word to Christ. He had lied and denied Jesus, his Master and friend.

Painful but Necessary Comparison.
Not a single person can look upon Peter with a judging eye. Though none of us were at the scene in his place, we’ve been at various scenes of denial that are our own…..at school, at work, in public.
Fearing to appear as spiritual freaks or fanatics, we’ve kept our mouths shut when it would have been appropriate to talk about Christ and our faith in Him. Many of us betray Christ with our silence. Many of us deny Christ with our words. Either way, we have denied Christ.
But, Peter’s story does not end here. After crying bitterly once he realized what he’d done, Peter repented and served Christ wholeheartedly. Peter survived his betrayal because he found forgiveness and restoration in Christ. So can you. I pray you find His peace today.

Conclusion:
I was once conducting a meeting with some high school teenagers. I told them that they could ask me any question on any subject, and I would try and answer it. Their questions were typical of ones I had received in similar sessions scores of times before. As the session drew to a close, one girl toward the back, who had not said anything, raised her hand. I nodded, and she said, “The Bible says God loves everybody. Then it says that God sends people to hell. How can a loving God do that?” I gave her my answer, and she came back to me with arguments. I answered her arguments, and she answered my answers. The conversation quickly degenerated into an argument. I did not convince her, nor did she convince me. After a few more questions I dismissed the session. After the session I approached her and said, “I owe you an apology. I really should not have allowed our discussion to become so argumentative.” Then I asked, “May I share something with you?” She said, “Yes.” So I took her through a basic presentation of the gospel. When I got to Romans 3:23 and suggested that all of us were sinners she began to cry. It was then that this high school senior admitted she had been having an affair with a married man. The one thing she needed was forgiveness. When I finished the presentation of the gospel, she trusted Christ. The reason she did not believe in hell was because she was going there. In her heart she knew she had sinned. Her conscience condemned her, but rather than face the fact of her guilt, she simply denied any future judgment or future hell. All of us need forgiveness when we fail. God offers just that to you. Right now. You don’t have to wait any longer.

You are loved with an everlasting love. God loves you, and has a purpose for your life. Give your life to Him today, won’t you? The successes and the failures. He will take them all and bless you in your life. Trust Him today.

Some Things God Cares About

Servants who Labor in His Kingdom
He cares about their work and their Activity – The events of verse 30 take place right after the events of verse 13. Jesus sent the twelve disciples out to preach, teach and heal. Their ministry had been an unqualified success and they return to the Lord and tell Him all about their ministry in the surrounding villages.
They are excited about all they have witnessed and about the doctrine they have been teaching. I can imagine them gathering around Him while they all try to talk at once. It was an exciting time in the lives of these men.
There really is no greater thrill in life than to serve the Lord when He is blessing that service. When you stop to consider where you came from and how He saved your soul. Then, to think that He would allow you a small part in His kingdom work, is a blessing too great to comprehend.
Yet, the Bible is clear; the Lord saved us to serve Him. He purposely redeemed us so that we might serve Him in this world, When He saved us, He equipped us for a special place in His kingdom work. Our service to the Lord demonstrates the reality of our salvation experience,
Jesus gave them some advice – When Jesus hears their report and sees their enthusiasm, He gives them some strange advice. A lot of people would have suggested that it was time to seize the moment. The people were listening, the crowds were coming. It seemed like the perfect time to send the disciples out again to go and preach and heal and increase the crowds. Jesus, on the other hand, calls the disciples away for a time of rest and refreshment.
I think there are several reasons why the Lord did this with His men. I think these reasons are still valid today. Let me share them with you.
The physical stress of ministry is enormous – When the disciples returned to Jesus, they found Him surrounded by crowds of needy people. The people were coming and going at such a frenzied rate that Jesus and His men did not even have time to eat a meal. That kind of constant stress would wear anyone out.
Jesus knew that His men needed to rest their bodies if they were going to be as effective as they could be in their work for Him. So, He takes them across the lake so that they could be reenergize.
Someone told me once that 45 minutes of hard preaching is equivalent in mental and physical stress to working eight hours. I will be more effective on Sunday if I get the rest I need on Saturday night. I will be more alert and more able to serve the Lord effectively. This is one of those points that I make when I need to take my own advice. And, my wife says, “amen!”
God wants us to serve Him, but He does not want us to kill ourselves in the process! We must take the time our bodies need to rest. The fact that we are more efficient in our work when we are rested is a fact that God Himself built into our physical bodies. A tired person is not as productive as a rested one.
Someone has penned a poem that goes like this:
Mary had a little lamb.
‘Twas given to her to keep,
But then it joined the local church,
And died for lack of sleep.
OUCH!
The disciples were in danger of being lifted up in spiritual pride – If these men had been sent right back out and they had seen the same or greater results, there was a danger that they might begin to think that they were something special. The truth was, they did nothing! They were successful in the sense that Jesus was successful through them. All they did was go out in His power and He did the work. It wasn’t about them. It was all about Him! So, Jesus removed them from the limelight for a little while to help them keep things in the proper perspective.
Again, there is a word here for us today. We must never come to the place where think this thing is about us. Preachers, when you preach that great message, give Him the glory! Teachers, when things go well in your class, give Him the glory! Choir members, when you are on pitch and the Lord blesses the singing, give Him the glory.
If we are not real careful, we can fall into the trap of thinking that we are something special. If we are not careful, we can become lifted up in pride and forget that anything good that comes from our lives comes from the hand of the Lord.
All I am saying is that we must remember where the blessings of service come from. It isn’t the preacher, the teacher or anyone else who wears a suit of flesh. Our blessings come from the Lord and He alone deserves all the glory.

HE CARES ABOUT LOST SHEEP
verses 33-34
Just as rest is important, a good attitude about people and their Spiritual needs is vital, too.
Even as His men make their escape from the crowds, they did not slip away unnoticed. The people saw them leaving and recognized that the boat carried Jesus. The people ran around the shore of the lake and were waiting on Him when He arrived on the other side.
It was about 4 miles across the lake by boat. On a windless day, it would have taken quite some time to make that trip. It was about ten miles around the shore of the lake. Fast walkers would have made the trip a faster than the boat. This is just what happened that day. When Jesus and His men neared the shore, they saw that a large crowd was waiting to meet them. According to verse 44, this crowd may have numbered between 15,000 and 20,000 people!
Many people would have been angry if their plans for rest were interrupted by these crowds. Many people would have seen the crowds as an interruption and a nuisance. Some people would have just ignored the people and their needs. Not Jesus!
The Bible tells us that Jesus “was moved with compassion toward them”.

Sometimes, however, when we see a person with a need, there are several emotional responses we have. I hope the emotions we feel in this situation are the right ones. Let me list them briefly.
Apathy – This word refers to an absence of emotion. You see the need, but you do not care. You are unmoved by it. There is a lot of apathy in our world today.
Sympathy – This word refers to a harmony of feeling. In other words, you see a need and you know how they feel because you have felt that way too.
Empathy – This word speaks of an emotion that is stronger that sympathy. When you empathize with someone it means that you hurt with them. It means that you share the pain they feel.
Compassion – The word compassion, as it is used in the Bible means, “To be moved inwardly; to yearn with tender mercy, affection, pity and empathy.” It refers to the deepest possible feelings. The phrase, “moved with compassion” means to be moved in the “inner organs”. It has the same idea as our modern expression, “From the bottom of my heart.”
Someone defined compassion as “Sympathy coupled with a strong desire to help.” Since sympathy refers to “The capacity to share feelings, to enter into the same feelings, to feel the same thing”. So, compassion is “sharing the feelings of others and possessing a desire to help them in their trouble.”
Let’s consider the Lord’s compassion for these lost sheep.
A. The Reasons For His Concern –
verses 33-34a
When Jesus looked at the people, He saw them as a flock of lost sheep. He was stirred by the vision of them as helpless lambs, with no one to care about them.
Oh, they had their religious leaders. But, those men did not care about the people. The Pharisees, the scribes and the Sadducees only cared about the people doing things their way. They wanted the people to march to their tune; obey their rules and keep lining their pockets, so they could continue to live their lavish lifestyles. This kind of leadership is soundly condemned by God in Ezekiel 34:1-10.
When the Jewish religious leaders looked at the people of Israel, all they saw was a people that existed to serve them. When Jesus saw the people of Israel, He saw them as they really were: lost sheep in need of a shepherd.
The image of lost people as sheep is powerful. As you may know, sheep are about the dumbest animals on the planet. They have no sense of direction. They are also absolutely defenseless. There is no animal as needy and as dependent on human as the sheep. When Jesus refers to lost people as sheep, He is not trying to insult them, He is merely telling the truth!
Sheep without a shepherd are lost and cannot find their way – Apart from the ministry of the Heavenly Shepherd, no lost person would ever find their way to God. The lost are hopelessly lost and they need a Shepherd to come and rescue them. Thank God, that is just what He does.
Sheep without a shepherd are defenseless – Apart from the intervention of the Heavenly Shepherd, no lost person would ever be able to avoid the wrath of God and the fires of Hell. The lost are in terrible danger! Religious activity, good works, good intentions and being a good person will never be enough to keep you out of Hell. The only antidote for the poison of sin is the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is your only hope and the only way of salvation. When a lost sheep comes to Him for salvation, they receive security and protection.
Sheep without a shepherd are dumb – Apart from the ministry of the Heavenly Shepherd, the lost person does not even know that he is lost. This truth must be revealed to them by the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.
The Reach Of His Concern –
verse 34a
As I read this verse I get the sense that while Jesus saw the crowd, He also saw much more. Jesus saw a huge group of people, but He also saw the individuals in that crowd. As He looked out at that throng of people, He saw every broken heart, every physical ailment, every emotional need, every spiritual problem; He saw it all! He saw the crippled child. He saw that abused wife. He saw the depressed father. He saw the rebellious teenager. Jesus looked at a crowd, but He saw the individual!
A quick survey of the Gospels reveals the boundless love and compassion of our Savior. He cares,
He Has Compassion For The Scattered Ones – Matthew 9:36; 15:32
He Has Compassion For The Sinning Ones – Matthew 18:23-35
He Has Compassion For The Sick Ones – Mark 1:40-45
He Has Compassion For The Suffering Ones – Luke 7:11-13
He Has Compassion For The Seeking Ones – Mark 10:17-22
Jesus cared for them all! Color or ethnicity did not stop His care for them. Sinful lifestyles did not stop Him from caring about their soul! Social status had nothing to do with it. God cares for you. He cares for me.
The old song says, “Does Jesus care when my heart is pained, Too deeply for mirth and song; As the burdens press and the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long? Oh, yes, He cares! I know He cares! His Heart is touched with my grief. When the days are weary and the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.

He began His ministry by being hungry, yet He is the Bread of Life.
Jesus ended His earthly ministry by being thirsty, yet He is the Living Water.
Jesus was weary, yet He is our rest. Jesus paid tribute, yet He is the King.
Jesus was accused of having a demon, yet He cast out demons.
Jesus wept, yet He wipes away our tears.
Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver, yet He redeemed the world.
Jesus was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, yet He is the Good Shepherd.
Jesus died, yet by His death He destroyed the power of death.

You are loved with an everlasting love! God loves you, and has a perfect plan for your life. Not just words, but the truth! You can rest assured that He cares.

One summer night during a severe thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small son into bed. She was about to turn the light off when he asked in a trembling voice, “Mommy, will you stay with me all night?” Smiling, the mother gave him a warm, reassuring hug and said tenderly, “I can’t dear. I have to sleep in Daddy’s room.” A long silence followed. At last it was broken by a shaky voice saying, “The big sissy!”
Have you ever been afraid? Fear is a crippler. A robber of peace and tranquility. Sometimes, we are afraid because something real scares us. Other times, our imaginations run amuck. And, fear does not come from God.
President and Mrs. Benjamin Harrison were so intimidated by the newfangled electricity installed in the White House they didn’t dare touch the switches. If there were no servants around to turn off the lights when the Harrisons went to bed, they slept with them on.
There are many “phobia’s” these days. All represent fear of some kind or another. Peladophobia: fear of baldness and bald people. Aerophobia: fear of drafts. Porphyrophobia: fear of the color purple. Chaetophobia: fear of hairy people. Levophobia: fear of objects on the left side of the body. Dextrophobia: fear of objects on the right side of the body. Auroraphobia: fear of the northern lights. Calyprophobia: fear of obscure meanings. Thalassophobia: fear of being seated. Stabisbasiphobia: fear of standing and walking. Odontophobia: fear of teeth. Graphophobia: fear of writing in public. Phobophobia: fear of being afraid.
In our Scripture today, Jesus did not let fear rob the Disciples of their Joy. Instead, He helped them deal with it. Jesus did three things:

I. HE ADDRESSED THEIR FEAR
When Jesus said, “Be of good cheer”, it was as if He was saying to everyone of us, “Do not fear the storms of life!” That is a lot easier to say than it is to do, but there are several good reasons why we should refuse to fear the storms that life brings our way. Remember this. Storms Are Under His Control. Scriptures say, it rains on the just and the unjust. But, God is in control, so no matter the outcome of a storm, God allowed it—the storm did not take God by surprise.

Remember that storms Are Always Of Limited Duration. They come to an end. I am sure the Disciples thought that they were finished. It probably appeared to them that this storm wasn’t going to end before they themselves perished in its fury. However, when Jesus came on the scene, He was able to show them that there is always an end to the storm. Never forget that this storm that you are in today, or the one you may face tomorrow did not come to stay, but they all came…and ended.

II. HE ADDRESSED THEIR FAITH
When Jesus came to the disciples walking upon the water, they thought He was a ghost and cried out in fear. However, when He spoke to them, He addressed their fears and then He gave them ample reason to believe that help had arrived. When Jesus got there, He quickly identified Himself to the disciples. He said, “It is I…” This is an Emphatic Personal Pronoun – A statement of identification. It is as if Jesus were saying, “Fellows, do not be afraid of what you are facing, after all, the I AM is here!” Jesus was simply reminding those men of who He is. It is easy to put your trust in reality. Jesus is ultimate reality. He is “I AM.”

As “I AM,” Jesus is:
All Powerful – Over and over again, God has proven that He has the power to exceed our wildest imaginations. He hasn’t changed! He is still God and He is still the Almighty! If you have a mountain that needs moving, He is the only One who is qualified to get the job done.

All Present – His very Name, “I AM” declares Him to be One who is ever present. Being the “I AM”, He is always God, all the time! There has never been a time when He did not exist, and there will never be a time when He will not exist. When the Lord says that He will not forsake us, the term literally means that He won’t run out on us when the chips are down. God is not a fair weather friend, He is an all-weather friend. You can trust Him. He is ALWAYS present in our lives.

All Perceiving – By virtue of the fact that Jesus is God, He is One who knows all things. Nothing escapes His gaze as He ponders the ways of men.

The “I AM” statements of Jesus:
1. I Am the Bread of Life
2. I Am the Light of the World
3. I Am the Door
4. I Am the Good Shepherd
5. I Am the Resurrection and the Life
6. I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life
7. I Am the True Vine

III. HE ADDRESSED THEIR FUTURE
“Be not afraid” – The Greek for this term is a Present Active Imperative, and literally means – “Stop fearing now and never fear anything else ever again!”
From a human perspective, the future looks bleak and there may not seem like there is a lot of hope. That is true…without God in your life. The old bumper sticker said, “No God, No Peace. Know God, know peace.” As we face our futures hand in hand with Jesus, there are three truths that give us hope.
A. He Is Ever Trustworthy.
B. He Is Ever Available.
C. He is Enough Spiritually, financially, physically, emotionally, and eternally.
The bottom line: He is ENOUGH.

Are you afraid? You must:
Address your fear.
Address your faith.
Address your future.

If you don’t know Him today in a personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe, I pray that today is your day. Your day to find Him. Your day to find Peace in the Midst of your Storm!

God loves you with an everlasting love. He will never leave nor forsake you. You are never alone. You never have to face anything by yourself if you know Christ as Savior.
In Our Master’s Joyful Service,
Ed Smith
Joy Christian Radio

“IAEA: Teheran may be working on nukes
ASSOCIATED PRESS
18/02/2010 20:38

UN nuclear agency expresses concern over Iran’s intentions for first time.

VIENNA — The UN nuclear agency on Thursday expressed concern for the first time that Iran may currently be working on ways to turn enriched uranium into a nuclear warhead, instead of having stopped several years ago.

Its report appears to contradict an assessment by Washington that Teheran suspended such activities in 2003. It appears to coincide with the concerns of several US allies that Iran may never have suspended enrichment.

The US assessment itself may be revised and is currently being looked at again by American intelligence agencies.

In a report prepared for its 35 board nations, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also said that Iran managed to make a minute amount of near 20-percent enriched uranium within days of starting production from lower-enriched material. Higher enrichment brings Iran nearer to the capability of making fissile warhead material, should the Islamic republic opt to do so.

Iran denies any interest in developing nuclear arms. But the confidential report, made available to The Associated Press, said Iran’s resistance to agency attempts to probe for signs of a nuclear cover-up “give rise to concerns about possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear program.”

The language of the report — the first written by Yukiya Amano, who became IAEA head in December — appeared to be more directly critical of Iran’s refusal to cooperate with the IAEA than most previous ones under his predecessor, Mohamed ElBaradei.

It strongly suggested that intelligence supplied by the US, Israel and other IAEA member states on Iran’s attempts to use the cover of a civiliannuclear program to move toward a weapons program was compelling.

“The information available to the agency … is broadly consistent and credible in terms of the technical detail, the time frame in which the activities were conducted and the people and organizations involved,” said the report, prepared for next month’s IAEA board meeting.

“Altogether, this raises concerns about the possible existence in Iran of past or current undisclosed activities related to the development of anuclear payload for a missile,” said the report.”

Commentary by Ed Smith
I am amazed that we’re just now seriously pondering whether Iran is developing Nukes or not. They have consistently defied UN Inspectors—for over a decade now….they arrogantly spout rhetoric that is as “see through” as a transparent piece of glass, yet we still have doubts that they are enriching Uranium to build Nukes. I haven’t seen or heard of a single nuclear power plant being built in Iran; although that is exactly what they say they’re doing….yet our satellite surveillance proved conclusively that they have been testing missiles capable of carrying nukes around the globe.

My question is this: when will we realize that Iran is a major threat to the peaceful world…especially to those countries where Christianity or Judaism is the dominate religion? They HATE the US and Israel. They have vowed to exterminate Christians and Jews. They are currently trying to do it. All they need to do now is to develop a Nuclear Bomb and an airplane that can transport it, or a rocket capable of flying it on its back to other countries, and they will move from a threat to a promise that is about to be carried out. America needs to wake up to the REAL threat coming from rogue nations such as Iran who spit in our face and defy our attempts at keeping peace.

In closing, could you imagine the US going to war against Iran now—under our present circumstances, with our current leadership in Washington DC? It would be a nightmare of nightmares, in my opinion. Our economy is in shambles. The factories that once produced steel and built cars that were converted into military production facilities when Pearl Harbor was attacked are shut down and boarded up. Cotton mills that once dotted the landscape of the US that were used to make military uniforms in WWII instead of blue jeans are now closed down and being torn down. These days, we purchase the vast majority of our goods from Communist Red-China instead of manufacturing the products ourselves. NAFTA rules, and American companies now have died or are dying. We’ve shipped our prosperity out to third-world countries, and Iran is building tanks with the money we send them when we purchase their oil. In WWII, we fought back by using our own resources. Now, what would we do? Borrow money from China to fight a war that they will likely fight against us in? So, the bottom line is this. Is it too late for America? The answer is clear. It is too late only if Christians refuse to unite in prayer and seek God for answers to the problems we face. It is our choice. Pray, believe and receive or pout, doubt and do without.

Growth in the midst of decay.
By: Ed Smith February 18 at 10:10am
I am constantly amazed as I admire God’s creation! Everything is SO perfect! Watching the seasons of the year come and go in the mountains is absolutely the grandest thing on earth, in my humble opinion. Seeing life at its fullest in the summer, then autumn comes and the trees turn brilliant colors. Winter comes along with its snow and ice, pitching all that greenery into darkness and covering it with its shimmering frozen beauty. Then, spring comes along. The ground thaws, the leaves burst forth with new life and the new tiny green plants grow again. In light of all this, how can anybody not realize that God is real. And alive. Amazing. “Little” man tries to figure all of this out. How small we are.
The real lesson for me this day is that it only through death and decay that new life can spring forth. If the leaves refused to turn colors and fall to the ground in death; if the wind and rain refused to turn cold but remained warm instead; if the planet simply decided that the seasons thing was “for the birds” and stopped cooperating; all life would cease to exist. It is through death that life springs forth. It is through rebellion against God’s plan that needless and out-of-sync death occurs. It is sin that poisons and pollutes. It is God who cleanses and purifies and restores.
I love the words to the song penned by a friend, Jon Mohr that say, “a spark ignites as an ember fades and the faith continues on…” As one dies, another is born. That is the way of things. That is the way of life on this planet.
Death is not something to mourn, if we speak now of people. That is, if that person who dies found new life in Christ during their lifetime. That new life relationship with the Creator of the Universe brings eternal life. A new life that brings a new body after death. A new life that promises an eternity in Heaven.
So, as my old and dearly departed friend, Jake Hess used to say, “Death ain’t no big deal.” Jake was right.
Remember that God loves you with an everlasting love. And, He will never let you go. But, if you realize He is no longer by your side, He is right where you left Him. And, He is waiting for you even then.
Be blessed, and I pray God’s richest favor to fall on you and your family.
In Our Master’s Joyful Service,
Ed Smith
Joy Christian Radio

Many thanks, and happy blogging!
Ed Smith
Joy Christian Radio