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Hello!

Welcome to this week's unique and encouraging message!

I was blessed on Monday and Tuesday! I attended the ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) Convention in Anaheim, California. I took over 10 pages of notes! We had some awesome speakers, including Josh McDowell and Dr. Craig Hazen. If you'd like to read my notes, please go here: http://www.jcsm.org/biblelessons/ACSI2001.htm.

Josh McDowell is giving away free copies of his book "More Than A Carpenter". If you haven't read this classic book, you should get it. I've read it and it's a great book about the Christian faith and Jesus Christ. Here's the site with the free offer: http://www.josh.org/apologetics/free_book.asp.

Do you want to hear some encouraging music that I made? I've written lots of songs about God and our life with Him. I've also put music to a lot of scriptures. You can download several songs that I've composed (for free) here: http://listeningroom.lycos.com/fan/bands/freefood/Band.html.

Please pray that the burglar who broke into my van and stole my guitars a few months ago pays me. He has been ordered to pay me $2000 and begin payments now. I haven't received anything, so I'm praying he has learned his lesson and plans on obeying the court's ruling.

Last week, we sent the gospel to 175,577 more people! Please keep praying for JCSM as we seek to reach millions of people on the web with God's love. This is a big task, but God is making a way.

On Monday, the JCSM main site had a record day for hits! Over 160 visits were logged. Praise the Lord.

My wife and I are leaving for Israel in three weeks. Please pray for the country of Israel and our trip. Right now, the Palestinians (who own Bethlehem and several other territories in Israel) are seeking their independence from Israel. It has been safe for tourists, but I know our safety is in God's hands.

We're looking forward to seeing the holy sites in Jerusalem and all over the country! I haven't been there for four years. One interesting tidbit of information is that we bought our tickets in February and they cost $1600 for two, round-trip tickets from Los Angeles, California to Tel Aviv, Israel. Now, the same tickets cost $9000! Praise God we were able to purchase these tickets before 9-11.

Zechariah 12:2, 3 reads, "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it."

Until a week ago, I didn't know how verse three would come true. I thought to myself, "How could 'all the nations of the earth' be gathered against Israel? Isn't the United States a faithful supporter of Israel?"

You may have heard George W. Bush declare that Palestinians need their own, independent state in Israel. The Israeli government totally freaked out when they heard this. The U.S. government had to reassure Israel that we were "on their side", but wanted peace for all parties. Since God gave this land to Israel, I believe we have seen part of the prophecy in Zechariah come true.

Israel is a country that's no bigger than the county of San Diego. It's amazing that they are in the news every day. The entire world is truly burdened with the problem of Israel's peace and future. Please keep watching and praying. God is doing awesome things and He will continue to do them until His plan is finished.

I've added 14 more names to my God's Names web page. There are a total of 150, now! If you haven't seen them (or would like to), please go here: http://www.jcsm.org/biblelessons/godsnames.htm.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 reads, "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

Have you ever prayed for the gift of tongues? Do you ever know what it is? I've prayed for this gift and God has given it to me. He's also given me the gift of interpretation and many other gifts. Praise the Lord.

1 Corinthians 12:31 and 14:1 tell us to pursue spiritual gifts. Don't forget to pray and ask God to bless you. He wants to give you great things, but He is waiting for you to ask. If you have any questions about the spiritual gifts, please email me.

Would you like to read movie and album reviews from a Christian perspective? Al Menconi gave me two great web sites. You can read about movies, television shows and music before put the stuff in your head. Here are the sites that we all could use: www.previewonline.org and www.pluggedinmag.com.

Eight new links were added to our Christian Links page. We have quite a few, now! If you'd like to surf them, just go here: http://www.jcsm.org/ChristianLinks.htm.

Do you know much about Mormonism? A few days ago, I typed http://www.bookofmormon.com into my browser and found a great web site. A lot of well-documented information about Mormonism can be found at that site, so if you'd like to know more about their religion, go right ahead.

Franklin Graham has made a bold (and very true) statement about Islam. Unlike some famous Christians, he has not recanted his words. Mr. Graham has told the news that Muslims serve a "very wicked and evil god that is very different than the Christian God". Praise the Lord. Please pray for Franklin and his ministry. You can read the article here: http://www.hallindseyoracle.com. If you need to study Islam, please go to JCSM's "Contents" page and click on World Religions. You will find lots of information on Islam and the Koran.

What is your feeling about Harry Potter? Have you seen the movie? Well, I'm not planning on seeing it.

I've read some previews about the movie and I don't believe it is anything like Star Wars or The Chronicles of Narnia. Conversely, I do believe it is an endorsement for witchcraft and wizardry. If you'd like to read some unbiased information on the Harry Potter saga and surf some links that lead to even more information, please go here: http://www.gospelcom.net/apologeticsindex/p03.html.

The Bible offers a stern warning against all things associated with the occult: "There shall not be found among you anyone who... practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord..." Deuteronomy 18:9-12.

After hearing Al Menconi's seminar on movies and music, I've decided to change my viewing habits. I've already removed all non-Christian music from my repertoire, so I see why God used this opportunity to convict me about the things I watch.

I've been watching regular movies, but I suddenly realized how some of them have immorality like lying, cursing, partial nudity, using God's name in vain, etc. The thought of them suddenly disgusted me to the point where I knew I should have gotten rid of them long ago. I put about 15 of my videos in a bag and I've vowed to watch pure movies for now on. Praise the Lord.

I'm also going to use better discernment when it comes to watching shows on television. I've decided to quit watching Dawson's Creek because they've developed a gay character and his boyfriend. I used to really enjoy that show, but it's unfortunate that they want to promote homosexuality and homosexual relationships.

May the Lord of Heaven bless you richly as you seek Him and put Him first in your life! He loves you and has the highest hopes for you. Although the road may seem long and hard, remember that Heaven is the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel! We're on our way home!

Are you receiving about twelve pages with this message? If this message is truncated, and perhaps you're only receiving half of it, you can always find these devotions on our web site! Simply go here: http://devos.jcsm.org.

This is your ministry, so please feel free to link to JCSM and forward these devotions to your friends and family. On the JCSM website, there are over 1500 links (pictures, midis, Bible lessons, humor, proverbial stories, links, devotions, poetry, prayer journals and much more!) and it has registered over 59,000 hits!

Would you like to support God's work on the web? If this ministry has touched you in a special way, please pray and consider sending a gift to JCSM. You can join us in our vision to reach people on the web with the good news! Please email me or see our address below.

Welcome to the recipients of this message! Here are the devotions, challenge, the Bible word of the week, the Bible trivia question, last week's trivia answer and the quotations for the week. Have a fantastic week and God bless you!

Love in Christ,

Jason J. Gastrich

http://jcsm.org/contact.php

ICQ#: 20731140

The Weekly Devotional Message

Day 1: "In the Beginning"

John 1:1-3 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made."

Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Hebrews 10:1 "You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands."

Prayer: "Thank you for telling us what happened in the beginning, Lord. Thank you for giving us the best possible explanation for our creation. Help us to understand how You did things. Show to us the errors of evolution. Forgive the people who continue to look for ways to ignore You. Thank you for your Word. Thank you that your Word is historically, morally, archaeologically and even astronomically correct! Praise You for being so perfect. Praise You for putting your stamp of authenticity on the Bible by telling us what happened before we were born and what will happen in the future. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 2: "If, Then - Conditional Statements/Promises"

2 Chronicles 7:14 "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

Hebrews 12:8 "But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons."

Hebrews 8:7 "For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second."

Galatians 4:7 "Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."

Galatians 3:29 "And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Galatians 2:21 "I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."

1 Corinthians 15:16 "For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen."

Prayer: "Thank you for giving us so many conditional promises and blessings. Help us to see that we can learn a lot from You. Let us be like You, Lord. Bless our country. Keep this place safe. Help people to pray to You, Lord. Thank you for being such a good God. Thank you for giving us the New Covenant! Thank you for sending Jesus Christ to show us how to live, die for our sins and rise from the dead. Give us more faith in You, Lord. Remind us of the great things You have done. Thank you for making us your heirs. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 3: "Truth Never Changes"

John 14:6 "Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

James 1:17 "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."

Hebrews 6:18b "It is impossible for God to lie."

Prayer: "Thank you for giving us perfect truth. Praise You for actually being the truth! Help us realize that things are lies when they are against the very character of You. Thank you for never changing or lying! There's no God like You. Let us see You better and better. Thank you for being more powerful than anything else. Thank you for giving us absolute truth in an age where people want to invent their own truth and their own reality. Remind us that You are an awesome constant. Let us touch You and remember your truth. Thank you for loving us so much. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 4: "Media, Movies and Music"

Colossians 2:8 "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."

Ephesians 5:19 "Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."

Galatians 5:19-21 "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

Prayer: "Thank you for showing us the difference between truth and lies. Thank you for showing us what is good and what is evil. Let us have great wisdom and discernment when it comes to deciding what to put in our minds. Thank you for giving us a free will. Let us put things inside us that will glorify You and edify us. Help us to understand how things effect us and let us trust You when we obey your command to entertain pure things. Thank you for teaching us what is right. Thank you for giving us your Holy Spirit, so we can have conviction when we are sinning and spiritual food when we are righteous. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 5: "Spread the Gospel"

Matthew 10:16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves."

Matthew 28:19, 20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen."

Romans 1:16 "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile."

2 Timothy 4:2 "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction."

1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

Prayer: "Thank you for the command to spread the gospel. Thank you for making such a difference in my life that I want to spread the gospel! Thank you for being a great God and knowing what we need. Thank you for making what You want exactly what we need. Help us to understand this. Praise You for the wonder of You. There is no other God like You! Thank you for making the gospel a very powerful and saving force; more specifically, a person named Jesus Christ. Thank you for telling us what it takes and what it means to be saved. Help us to never put our own yoke on someone, but spread the Word that You have written. Let us always be ready to share the hope that we have. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 6: "How Humor Helps"

Proverb 17:22 "A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones."

Proverb 15:1 "A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger."

Ephesians 5:3, 4 "But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks."

Proverbs 26:18, 19 "Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, Is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, I was only joking!"

Ecclesiastes 3:4 "(There is) A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance;"

Ecclesiastes 7:6 "For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, So is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity."

Prayer: "Thank you for teaching us about humor. Help us to enjoy the right kind of humor and shun the wrong kind. Thank you for having patience with us and loving us through changes and growth. Purify and cleanse us. Help us to enjoy good humor and avoid ungodly humor. Thank you for telling us about each. Thank you for the way good humor heals and helps us. Let us have big laughs and enjoy life. Thank you for wanting us to have joy in this life. Forgive us for using humor to hurt others. Forgive the ones who have hurt us with humor. Help us to walk closer to You. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Day 7: "Lay Before Him"

Daniel 2:46 "Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. The king said to Daniel, Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery."

1 Chronicles 29:20 "Then David said to the whole assembly, Praise the LORD your God. So they all praised the LORD, the God of their fathers; they bowed low and fell prostrate before the LORD and the king."

1 Kings 18:39 "When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, The LORD--he is God! The LORD--he is God!"

Deuteronomy 9:25 "I lay prostrate before the LORD those forty days and forty nights because the LORD had said he would destroy you."

Prayer: "Thank you for the people who laid prostrate before You. Thank you for the release it is. Let us obey You and be submissive to You. Thank you for knowing what is best. Let us be sincere and genuine in our love and devotion to You, Lord. Thank you for accepting us where we are and taking us where You want us to be. Praise You for your faithfulness. Thank you for ministering to us. Let us be unashamed of You and our love for You. Help us to worship You in spirit and in truth. Let us give everything to You. Thank you for lifting us up all the time. Let us tell You our problems and give You our burdens. Thank you for being a real friend and someone who loves us. To You be all the glory, honor and praise, forever and ever. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Challenge

Pray for spiritual gifts! God's Word tells us to desire His gifts, so we can glorify Him. If you haven't prayed for all of the spiritual gifts, please do so!

God bless you as you meet this week's challenge.

The Bible Word of the Week

Decapolis: a confederation of 10 ancient cities, North of Palestine and Southeast of the Sea of Galilee

The Quotations of the Week

You're not supposed to understand miracles.

As we begin following Jesus, we realize that He's been following us.

Miracles happen when we humble ourselves.

Miracles also happen when we take bold steps of faith and do something for the Lord in His power.

If you want to be intimate with Jesus, humble yourself before Him.

My heart will follow the humility I show in prayer.

We will see miracles when we don't care what the world thinks, says or does about our faith.

Have you ever had a delayed answer to prayer?

God's delayed answers should strengthen our faith.

Jesus works when we have faith in Him.

Sometimes God has us wait for His answers, so we can see God work in other people's lives.

Faith is found at the feet of Jesus.

Let the Lord do His perfect will in your life.

Our faith doesn't have to be perfect to be effective.

Faith can require action.

The power of Jesus is not displayed where there is unbelief.

We have to come together.

We've got to learn to love.

I'm a firm believer in the things that God can do.

Sorrow brings us back to God.

In the wilderness and in the flood, You are the one I'm thinking of, and I know You brought me here for a reason.

I can't go on without You, Lord.

Show me Your glory!

When I climb down the mountain and get back to my life, I won't settle for ordinary things.

I won't listen to you criticize.

Get on away from me if you're trying to bring me down.

Father come and fill me up. I can't wait for You to overflow my cup.

Even though waiting is the hardest part of everything I do, it's getting better knowing that I will be with You.

I won't worry about tomorrow because it brings me one more day closer than I was to You.

I won't pretend to always know what God is doing.

Where do you go when you want to know the truth?

When the rain comes, I will hold you.

Nothing compares to greatness of knowing You, Lord.

I know I have something free and so alive.

I feel forces all around me.

The envious always find the wrong door.

I'm just a freedom fighter.

We're waging holy war with the unseen enemy.

Time served on the Earth doesn't mean you grow in mind.

We all know sex sells and the whole world is buying.

It feels so good to reunite with God.

When You are with me, I'm free and I believe.

You stand here with me now.

You're my daily dose of reality.

On and on we sing.

You always reach out to me and help me believe.

We'll fly above the world.

There's a right way to live and you've showed it to me.

Simple living is my desperate cry.

Don't hold on to the world.

I choose to win, so I choose to fight.

Take all this pride and leave it behind.

Some have been dancing with the devil way too long.

Although I hurt, I must be strong.

Don't stop dancing, but believe you can fly.

Give love to all.

Every day You give me life.

The unholy trinity is Satan, Anti-Christ and the False Prophet.

These quotes came from God, me, the Inspirational Study Bible (with Max Lucado), Ray Bentley, 3^rd Day and Creed.

These quotes can be used for sanctification and fun. Most of them are directly based on scripture and scriptural principles. Some of my quotes are humorous or rhetorical. Some are written from sermons and Bible studies. Others are lyrics from songs. If you'd like me to go into more detail on any of them, please email me.

Like most verses in the Bible, they can be debated. To use what I've written in the most beneficial way, try and trace them back to the scriptures and apply the true principles to your life in a meaningful way! Please don't sell my quotes or publish them for profit. If English is not your first language, you may not understand some of the quotes. I'm sorry, but some of them are English metaphors and deal with multiple word meanings. God bless you all!

Please make a commitment to pray for this ministry. As every believer is tempted and tried, this ministry faces trials also. God has blessed me, JCSM and the people who have been reached! Unfortunately, the enemy knows this and spiritual warfare is the result. Please at least pray that the devotions continue to be sent religiously, the web pages stay on the www and the subscribers are blessed, sanctified and protected from evil. Thank you very much in advance!

Do you want to help people receive the good news? We share the gospel over 2.5 million times each year! Please join us in the great commission. We're reaching new people every day with God's awesome Word! If God has blessed you and you wish to send a love offering to me and my ministry, please send it to the address below.

Dr. Jason Gastrich

4000 Mystra Dr.

Oceanside, Ca 92056

You can join our vision and help this ministry! Your donations will keep these ministries running and further our visions for evangelism. Hundreds of web pages have been created to lead people to the Lord. Frequently, we make new ones and they are used to bring more and more people into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. We're certain there will be more ways to reach people in the future.

Along with getting support, we also give support! JCSM regularly gives to churches and needy people. Another function of this ministry is to do counseling. We are always answering questions about life, the Lord and everything in between. Lastly, we do a lot of research on religious topics on the internet and library. You will definitely see the results of our hard work and your loving support, in the web pages, and in the weekly devotions!

For more about me and my service history, go to http://resume.jcsm.org. For what I do, my ministries and giving, go to http://vision.jcsm.org.

If you have received these devotions from someone other than JCSM, please email us and we will send them to you, personally, each week. Don't worry. We don't send forwards or any other junk mail. Plus, we refrain from giving your name to anyone.

The devotions are sent on Friday nights. The gospel is sent on the 11^th of every month and the monthly newsletter is sent on the 20^th. These are the only messages we send, however, please email me us you wish to be removed from this list. If you prefer to receive the devotions in Spanish, send us a request because the devotions have been reaching the Spanish speaking community for over a year!

If you have never accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please email me! I would love to share the gospel with you. The Bible is very straightforward when it speaks about Heaven, Hell and eternal life. If there is any doubt that you are going to Heaven when you die, please let me know today!

Are you having trouble in life and need someone to talk to? You can call the youth crisis hotline at 1-800-HIT-HOME, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their motto is "help, not hassle". YDI pays for these calls and has helped over 1 million people! They are also looking for people to answer calls. Their web site is at www.1800hithome.com.

Would you like to feed starving people by simply clicking a button and paying absolutely nothing? Sponsors pay to donate food to hungry people all over the world. I click these nearly every day. It takes about 10 seconds and it donates food to needy people! Go here: www.stopthehunger.com and here www.thehungersite.com.

Go here to donate free Bibles to people: www.TheBibleSite.org. If you want to join a Christian organization that helps feed and clothe poor people, check into World Vision. You can see their site here: www.worldvision.com. Compassion International is another, great Christian organization that rivals World Vision. You can visit them here: www.ci.org.

Do you believe in evolution? If you can prove that the evolution of species has happened, Dr. Dino will give you $250,000. I know Kent Hovind and this is a legitimate offer. For more information, please see his web site: http://www.drdino.com.

JCSM now does regular mailings! If you are getting rid of your email or know someone who wants the devotions, but doesn't have email, please give us their address and we'll send them the devotions. If you don't have internet access, but want to read a certain web page or Bible lesson, let us know. We can copy and paste something into an email message for you. If you have internet access and need a great, online, study Bible, go here: www.biblestudytools.net. I recommend using either the King James Version or the New King James Version Bible.

JCSM operates in Oceanside, California, United States. This ministry has been certified by the Evangelical Ministries to New Religions. EMNR is an accrediting body for sound, Christian ministries that preach the true gospel of God to people in other religions and cults. Their web site is located here: http://www.emnr.org.

Since April of 1997, the weekly devotional message has been sent on the internet. This message currently reaches over 39,000 people in 99 countries. To read a list of these countries, go here: http://www.jcsm.org/misc/countries.htm. To read the archived devotions online, go here: http://devos.jcsm.org.

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John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever should believe in Him should have everlasting life."