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BEN's (Daily) WRITE 31, 2006 04 30 South Wartzor
Peace, If you'd like to know more about God, don't read the "New" King James (NKJ) bible alone, read the old King James translation (or both). The new version is not correctly translated. The people who translated it have taken out things etc. so it's NOT very reliable. There is an interesting New Testament out called "the Power New Testament", revealing Jewish roots. It makes the New Testament easier to understand for modern man. You can find it at www.ThePowerNewTestament.com. It's the same in Sweden, only worse Bibel 2000 is a farce, and sadly an intentional joke. The Living Bible is easy to read/understand, but it's a rough modern paraphrase (easy reader), and it must be compared to the King James if. And remember to ask God for guidance before you read, it is very important. Before I was a follower of Christ, I started out by reading The Way which is a living bible, it got me started. I used to nod off every time I tried to read the old bible zzz. You can jump in anywhere in the bible and start reading. The Bible is made up of 66 books! It's tricky being a follower of Christ sometimes, because people in general often tend to think, that I look down on them. I would never do that. And I don't condemn anybody for anything, only the Father can do that.
This is an oil painting that I just finished, it's called "Congregation"...because we are all different but cool. (the colors are all wrong in the photo but you get the idea). In church I sometimes don't feel really accepted either, because most people there seem not to understand my paintings or my music, sometimes they just don't care I guess. I suppose I don't look correct either. I love them anyway, they are my sisters and brothers. After all "you don't have to agree on everything", like Bono (U2) said once... I don't think people look especially nice in suits. I never seem to be able to trust people in suits because I've worked in marketing, and I know that people in general trust people who have suits a white shirt and a tie. That's why most serious crooks wear them :) I'm not kidding. It's much easier to fool somebody, if you are dressed for the occasion. Wear whatever you like :-)
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben
BEN's (Daily) WRITE 30, 2006 04 29 South Wartzor
Peace, "Still 20 years on, it strikes me as morally
repulsive that people die of want in a world of surplus Bob
Geldof" A smart guy, I give Bob 5 Uncles out of 5 possible.
Painting, "Communiqué III" © Benjamin Antell And this commandment have we from him, That he who loves God loves his brother also. [1 John 4;21] I don't know Bob Geldof personally, but I would be proud to be his friend. I know he's just a man like the rest of us, but his commitment to help those in need is way cool! God tells us in His word that we should send our bread across the seas (feed the poor in other words)... Ecclesiastes 11:1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. And He promises to bless us if we do. That doesn't mean that we shouldn't help those in the hood...even enemies... Rom 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. If we had love in the governments of the world, there would be no hunger. Check out Bob Geldof's homepage. Please help somehow, people are starving right now! When U get up to have a glass of water, they can't, because they have no water! Click the links on the page, there are loads of relief organizations linked to them.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben BEN's (Daily) WRITE 29, 2006 04 28 South Wartzor
Peace, Don't think that kids can't pick up what's going on... Grown up people's dishonesty intrigued me already at the age of 4. Don't think that kids can't pick up what's going on. The first smirks and chuckles when dad made fun of my shortcomings when I was 4 years old, left a profound stain on me as a person. (I'm not saying this to put him down, God knows he had his demons to deal with). I still remember it like it was yesterday. However God wants us to respect our parents, so we have to do it even if it's hard sometimes. I pray for help in that department. Luke 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true [riches]? I think grownup's dishonesty was one of the first things to shape me as a little child. It put a damper on things for me. And a buss driver pretending to my dad, that he had saved my life, when I knew it wasn't true. ...like Joe South sang in 1969 " Oh the games people play"...
Photo collage "a Polaroid for your thoughts" © Benjamin Antell It seems like a lifetime is not enough for a man, to grow up and become a whole man. When I look back at my own life, I'm very ashamed of how cold and insensitive I've sometimes been. I've been a real jerk at times. But that was then and this is now, like George Harrison sang "it's getting better all the time". Now that I walk even closer to God than before, things are changing for the better. Nobody is and never will be perfect on planet Earth, that's 4 sure. One thing that's changed is that I now love people.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben BEN's (Daily) WRITE 28, 2006 04 27 South Wartzor
Peace, How much does the soul weigh? A good friend of mine gave me a movie for my birthday. The title is 21 grams (2003), which is approximately the invisible weight we lose at the moment of death. The well respected Dr. Duncan MacDougall of Haverhill, Massachusetts, ran some tests on terminally ill people, at the time of their death around 1900. The patients appeared to lose an ounce of unaccountable body weight at their moment of death. MacDougall ran the tests, because priests insisted that we all have a soul. MacDougall also ran the same tests on dogs since animals are said to have no soul. The dogs did not lose any unexplainable weight at the moment of death. The results were published in the journal American Medicine of April 1907. The Dr. died in 1920.
Painting, "21 grams" © Benjamin Antell This is no strange thing to a man of faith, because we see many miracles all the time. But I'm sure many will find the scientific tests of Dr. MacDougal very interesting, especially those who think that there is nothing after death. 21 grams cast. Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, Danny Huston and many more. The movie was Oscar nominated. (after watching it) 21 grams is a very dark and depressing film, with lots of people dying, crying and suffering in different ways. It has an artsy cultish feel. The scenes jump from now to then almost in a random fashion. I don't think many people will like it. The actors are very good though, except the priest, he didn't feel genuine...but then again a non believer probably won't tell the difference. The film hasn't really got anything to do with 21 grams, but people do die in it. I give 21 grams 2 Uncles out of 5. And now 4 something completely different In many religions people honor God with their lips, but they have no love in their hearts. They are cold as stone and caught in meaningless traditions and manmade rituals. Mark 7:6-7. We need to get away from that, and get into a healthy relationship with God. I think we need to slow down, and take whatever time necessary to get to know God. So much time is wasted on the doing of nothing. I was caught up in all kinds of business etc. Now I spend a lot of time with God, instead of doing this and that, and I try to stay away from TV. John 4: 24 states that God is Spirit, and those who worship Him, must do so in Spirit and in truth. It is scientifically proven, that people get stupid watching talk shows!!!
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben BEN's (Daily) WRITE 27, 2006 04 26 South Wartzor
Peace, Can the blind lead the blind? This worlds ruler Satan is doing his best in trying to strip God of His Holiness, in these end times. Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! Leviticus 22:32 Therefore keep my commandments, and perform them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you...
Painting, "spiritual warfare " © Benjamin Antell That's why we have demonic plays like Mary Magdalene etc. in our churches at present. Foolish people without spiritual lives, praise the play as wonderful and modern. We must not treat God as ordinary, because He is much more. He is Holy. Now they are going to run the play in the Lutheran church of Vasa. Evidently the Vicar is not a true believer (he can't possibly be born again!), otherwise he would not bring such demonic filth into the church. It's a sad day for Vasa, and for Finland. I am ashamed of being from Vasa at times like these. I'm glad that I'm not a member of the Lutheran church! This is a prime example of the blind, leading the blind. Luke 6:39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? John 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben BEN's (Daily) WRITE 26, 2006 04 25 South Wartzor
Peace, When I'd had my first "real" encounter with GodI asked Him what He wanted me to do. I received a Bible verse saying that I should use the pound that He had put down into my life. To me that meant art & music. I also felt that He told me not to copy the world, but to do something fresh every time. I guess that's why my music is considered weird sometimes :) I am however only playing what I like. Later in life when I asked the same thing, I felt like He told me to continue doing what I first was doing when I met Him, and to do it as well as I possibly can. That's why I'm still making music and painting. I will continue with that until I drop dead, unless He tells me differently. Photo collage "Resting" © Benjamin Antell If I hadn't met God, I would not want to live at all. Life without God was crap. I can't think of another nicer word to describe it. The day before yesterday I was offered to buy a Red Gibson 335, a wonderful guitar (one of my fav. models much like the even cooler Red Gibson 345). I asked God if I could have it for my birthday, which is today :) When I looked for His reply in the bible, my eyes fell on a verse where He said that John the Baptist lived on Locusts and wild honey... And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin
about his loins; and he did eat locusts
and wild honey; I'm glad I don't have to eat grasshoppers for now :) I guess we should be happy with what we have. God has given me a lot, I'm not just talking about things. I'm very grateful for everything. Matthew 6:19-21 I even have a guitar pick-up which can serve as a candle if need be...never mind.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben
BEN's (Daily) WRITE 25, 2006 04 24 South Wartzor
Peace, I don't believe that I'm supposed to write today, but show you this... Here are some relevant chapters from Zechariah in the Old Testament, about events to come in the not too distant future. 1 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. Drawing, "Peccavi" © Benjamin Antell 2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem
to 3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against 4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the 5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; 6 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the 7 But it shall be one day which shall be known to 8 And it shall be in that day, that living waters 9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in 10 All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba
12 And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD 13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that a 14 And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the 15 And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the
17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of 18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the 20 In that day shall there be upon the bells of the 21 Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben
BEN's (Daily) WRITE 24, 2006 04 23 South Wartzor
Peace, A friend of mine was dead for some minutes once The doctor's were able to finally wake him up. The first thing he told me, since he knew I was a man of faith, was that he didn't see any angels :) But he told me that he had been sitting on the floor of a tunnel, and he was approached by a dead uncle, who asked his "what are you doing here?". My friend shrugged his shoulders. There was a line of people as far as he could see down the long tunnel. I think these were dead unsaved people waiting for judgment day.
Manipulated photo "angel" © Benjamin Antell Isaiah 5:14 Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her
mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their
pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. Another unsaved man once told me that he had had a vision or a dream,
where he was walking down a long tunnel. There was a flapping sound
every second flap, flap, flap... Then there was a voice calling him
from behind, shouting to him to turn around. When he turned he saw that
it was Jesus calling. When he asked about the flapping sound, Jesus
said that it was the door to Hell flapping, and with every flap an unsaved
person went in. I've heard many stories like this. I think it's cool when Jesus warns people, and yet weird when people still refuse to turn. What's this life compared to eternity? Not much in my book, that's for sure. Luke 11:31 The queen of the south (Sheba) shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon [is] here. 1Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: The Russian astronaut Gagarin also said that he didn't see any angels, when flying around in space for the first time. As if that has anything to do with anything.
Discovery © Aris Entertainment Inc. 1991-3 Angels protect us from harm many times. God warns us not to worship angels, for they are only helpers. Any angel who wants to be worshiped is not from God. I believe that they are all around us, often fighting our battles in the spirit world. I can't recall seeing angels myself, but my dad, and many of my friends have seen them many times. If a sister or brother goes on a dangerous mission, I always ask the Father to send angels with him/her for protection. I know that it works. During the week a friend of mine on a mission abroad saw his guardian angels while traveling. Is that cool or what? I don't think that God is half as serious, as people in general think Of course He is Holy and worthy of our respect. But I also believe, due to my experiences, that He is a loving and humorous God as well. When I lived in Stockholm, I asked the Lord to wake me up in the mornings, because mornings were never my thing, and I didn't own an alarm clock. I asked Him to wake me up 7.03 and other silly times like that. He always did! He woke me up exactly the second I had asked Him too :) I'm not kidding. This went on for a long time. I wish I had never gotten that alarm clock. Some will say this is foolishness, but I don't care. God can be extremely funny at times, and I love that about Him too. Once I prayed that God would give me a wah wah pedal :) It was 250 Kr. at Hagström's music store on Drottninggatan. When I came home in the afternoon, after working at "the cave", there was an envelope on the floor inside my door. I picked it up, inside was 250 Kr. and a note saying "from Father". How about that for a reply! I had told nobody about my prayer. I still have the Wah.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben
BEN's (Daily) WRITE 23, 2006 04 22 South Wartzor
Peace, The difference between faiths The Christian faith is based on freedom/love. Nothing is "prohibited" to those who are Christians, we can freely choose to follow God's guidelines or not. Naturally we follow our consciences, like the bible tells us to. We do not misuse our freedom, and if it should happen, God always forgives a truly sorrowful heart, no matter what has happened. But here is absolutely "nothing" a man can "do" to get to Heaven! It is impossible to bribe God. And there is nothing you can give Him, except your obedience. Pray that Jesus enters your heart and takes the wheel, and forgives you your sin, for we all sin every day. Then you will live forever, trust Him and you will live. Not only that, you will have an exciting spiritual life, that the "world" knows nothing about!
Painting, "Monologue II " © Benjamin Antell Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. In other religions there are loads of stuff that is "prohibited". And violence is a requirement many times! I could show you examples from just about any faith, this happens to be from the Quoran, since I happen to be reading it at the moment. I study other faiths, so that I know what I'm talking about (I am not interested in them though). --- Freely quoted. Surah 4:...34 If a wife has shown ill conduct.1. Admonish her 2. deny her sex 3. beat her (lightly, if it is useful). The Qouran was written 600 years after the Bible. I'm sad for my Muslim brothers. --- 1Th 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ... You won't see anything like that in the New Testament which we live by as believers, it is quite the opposite. The old Testament was written before Jesus died/rose and exchanged the old Law for Grace. We now live by Grace. The Old Testament is still valid per se, but the Law has been exchanged for Grace.
Painting, "Monologue III/Calvary " © Benjamin Antell Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (that means everybody, UB) The other religions are also Anti Christ, they deny the fact that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I've had many friends who have turned to other faiths, and now they hate me, simple because I love Christ. Even though I still love them, they hate me. That's what RELIGION does to people. It's much better to have a living relationship with God through Christ. Because Jesus want's us to love everybody, even our enemies. Many of those religions are considered by people in general, as being religions of peace, enlightenment and love! Still they hate Christ madly. Ephesians 6:12 is probably the explanation. 1John 3:13 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. Jud 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, I love U, Uncle Ben
BEN's (Daily) WRITE 22, 2006 04 21 South Wartzor
Peace, Science Daily: Desperate scientists claim that Jesus walked on a patch of ice :) Did Jesus walk on H2O - or ice?
Painting, "Calma" © Benjamin Antell I don't really care whether Jesus walked on ice or water, that doesn't change the fact that I know Him on a personal basis. All of His miracles are being questioned these days by people who have no spiritual lives. With spiritual lives, I mean a physical connection to Jesus and the Trinity, not just some lame theological theory! However if the bible states that He did in fact walk on water, then I'm sure that He did. I have never been misled by God's Word. How could a stormy sea freeze in a few seconds or minutes? That my friend is total BS, no way how you try to turn it :-) Here's what the bible says in Matthew 14:24-31 Freely told by Uncle Ben. The ship that the deciples were in was in a storm And in the fourth watch, Jesus walked towards them on the sea. The deciples panicked at first, since He was walking on the water. But Jesus told them to cool it. Then Peter asked if he could join Jesus on the water. And Jesus said "come". But Peter was frightened by the strong wind while walking on the sea, so he started to sink, shouting to Jesus to help him. And Jesus stated that Peter's faith was weak and asked him why he had doubted. Check it out in Mattew 14. The whole thing turned into a lesson in faith! Matthew 21:21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. Man are those scientists going to feel stupid and ashamed, when they stand in front of God at the day of reckoning... I almost feel for them. But they have the blood of many on their hands, their punishment is going to be momentous, for misleading the multitudes. They'll just have to stand there and take it.---> Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which
believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about
his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Both thumbs down. That was the general consensus of a group of madly
horrified Jewish interfaith and community heads after watching a rough
cut of Mel Gibson's It's weird that many Jewish brothers still don't see why their people have had to suffer so immensely through the ages, after they crucified Jesus the Son of God. As they crucified Him, the Chief Priests and Elders screamed "His blood be on us and our children". And that is exactly what happened! I love the Jews, I can't deny that and I look forward to the day when they will call to Jesus for their salvation. Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but [that] rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed [his] hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye [to it]. Matthew 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood [be] on us, and on our children. What a terrible thing to say! I saw The Passion, I give it 10 out of five possible Uncles (another miracle!) I give Mel Gibson 10 points out of 5 possible , for making the movie, God bless you! And Mel Gibson and
his family are always welcome to come and stay in my house at any time!
Like they say in Japan mikaza e zukasa, but in japanese :)
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle
Ben
BEN's (Daily) WRITE 21, 2006 04 20 South Wartzor Peace, I was at a meeting yesterday evening. The pastor is going to another country despite the dager, to proclaim the Good News. My former pastor Kjell Sjöberg in Sweden, did so many times also. That's our reality in the Christian comunity. People are in jail all over the world, some being tortured and even killed, simply for preaching the Word of God.
Painting, "The walls of Jericho tumbling down, version I" © Benjamin Antell But we are driven by the love of God to get on with it. I guess that is something people in general are not aware of, because we get very little press, and a lot is covered up. The DaVinci Code, fictional thriller by Dan Brown Orchestrated by the devil no doubt. His goal with the thriller is to strip Jesus of his deity, and to sow seeds of doubt into the hearts of men. I'm not going to read books like this, because they are destructive. I have of course read a synopsis, and seen a documentary about the dreaded book. There will be many more fictional books on the matter no doubt, a few have already been written. The devil is hard at work, trying to undo as much of God's work as possible. Sometimes he even makes people believe that he doesn't exist, if this furthers his whatsit. So watch out, and keep the faith.
Painting, "Communicating with snakes" © Benjamin Antell I'm sad for Mr. Brown, now he has a lot of money to fool around with, but he has probably lost his soul... The blood of many confused people are on his hands. Some do anything for the demon of money.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben PS. Var fjärde svensk tror inte på evolutionen = every fourth Swede doubts the evolution theory. I'm glad that the Swede's are smart people. This is on Veteskapens värld's (Science Today) homepage. There's a lot of mumbo jumbo Darwin theories out there... BEN's (Daily) WRITE 20, 2006 04 19 South Wartzor Peace, Run away! I wonder why everybody gets divorced these days? The bible is very clear on the subject. Eye ball this why don'tcha---> Mat 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
Painting, "The wife and I" © Benjamin Antell I've been married for 29 years, to the same woman. I/she could have left many times, we could have made up the usual excuses. But to me a promise before God is worth keeping. So we always work out what needs to be worked out, instead of running away. I have a brave wife :-) Again I don't mean to put anybody down, what's done is done. And God forgives us daily for all our hang ups, if we ask Him. I'm just bewildered @ how many Christians take marriage, and other wow's to God so incredibly lightly...
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben
BEN's (Daily) WRITE 19, 2006 04 18 South Wartzor Peace, Going to church isn't going to turn U into a Christian, any more that going to MacDonalds will turn U into a Hamburger! Remember not all church goers are true Christians. Some live like the devil during the week, and then they think that they can make up for it by going to church on Sunday :-) Or by saying long monotonous meaningless prayers, a certain amount of times...stupidity! What a bunch of Dodo birds...s-s-sorry :) It's very clear in the bible that nobody will get to heaven except through the only door Jesus Christ. 1Jo 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
Photo "apple of my eye" © Benjamin Antell Not all Christian churches are good. Look for one until U find a cool one where U feel at home. Naturally you probably won't find one that's perfect. If there is love it should be OK, because love is the key to everything. Stay sharp and share what God has given U. 1Cr 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and [that] no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Spirit.
Photo "cabbage head" © Benjamin Antell To the churches: Don't look down on young people who have just met the Lord. They can many times be a great blessing to the church, because of their lack of prejudice. Let them speak, and don't dare put them down, just because they are young. Their reward will be just as great as the one's who have served for 60 years or more. It's not about works, it's about obedience and love. 1Cr 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's [wealth]. (Don't just think of yourself, but of your friend, and what is best for him. Don't be egoistic) Psa 71:17 O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. Job 29:4 As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God [was] upon my tabernacle; Read the bible here, if U don't have one at home: http://blueletterbible.org/ the only boring thing I found in their translation, is that they call the Holy Spirit a Ghost, which He certainly is not. He is a living gentleman.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben
BEN's (Daily) WRITE 18, 2006 04 17 South Wartzor Peace, Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. Hebrews 7:...3 Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Freely quoted: Just before the Son of Man (Jesus) returns, you will see Jerusalem surrounded by armies. Then U'll know that desolation is near (27th time?). For these are days of vengeance, what must be will be. Jerusalem will again be trampled by Gentiles, until the time of the Gentiles is fulfilled. And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon and in the stars. And on earth there will be distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring. Men's harts failing them from fear...the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great Glory. Luke 21:20-28.
Photo "leaving" © Benjamin Antell How many times have we heard that the end is near? Many I'm sure. I don't know how long all this might take, but it sure seems to be up around the bend.. Those who have accepted Christ into their hearts have nothing to fear though.
Photo "Malibu" © Benjamin Antell It's so cool to know the Lord in person. Anyone can get to know Him! I kid U not! He will accept any dork who can say "Father come into my heart and lead me, and forgive me my sins, I believe in You, in Jesus name amen". That will set the ball rolling, and your life will never be the same...ever.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben
BEN's (Daily) WRITE 17, 2006 04 16 South Wartzor Peace, I have seen the light!
Photo "Clouds" © Benjamin Antell I met God when I was 21, man He gave me a fright...but only for a second...that’s why I’m still around it’s all because of God taking pity on a dope like me. Until I met God love was just a word to me with a lot of mileage on it. Jesus is the key...the only door to God. I found that out I went for a 4 week course in Evangelist training, for those who were "on their way". I wasn't really a believer, I was only looking for God or something... I came to the Bible School with a friend and a hangover, packin' my 12-stringed guitar, my friend with his bongo drums and our Whiskey bottle (for medicinal purposes...) A asked us "what do you want"? "out of the blue" I said, "we are here for our personal enlightenment"...I was about as surprised at my statement as the teacher was. He asked "did you send in the forms?" I went "nah, and gave him some lame excuse". He said "wait here"...he was gone for a bit, came back and said "OK you can stay"! I went "cool"... 4 fairly boring weeks with studies followed, but the people were very nice. I found a snake, and a fainted bat. Naturally I took them home with me. They let us stay in an old apartment building for free. A crazy Finn evangelist killed my snake while I was at a lecture, and I let the bat go because there was a redneck who messed with it all the time. It was my last night at the bible school (Örebro Missionen in
Sweden). It seemed pretty clear to me that I wasn’t going to get
any closer to God here either. The last evening some friends asked me
over for a good-bye whatsit. Then all of a sudden, one of the girls in our midst began singing in an African language. I knew this because she had done so previously at a few meetings, one of the teachers who had been in Africa had recognized the dialect, he said she was fluent in it. The girl could not speak the language normally. Then she said something in Swedish which seemed to correspond to the African song. She said something like “It is the Lord, I am among you and I'm anointing you with my power”.
Photo experiment "Self portrait" © Benjamin Antell Zap! An incredible jolt of power instantly hit me from above and started to rapidly flow through my body. There was an intensive light inside my head and I felt as if I was in the lap of God, loved for the first time. I could not feel the chair I was sitting in!!!, I felt as if I was hovering in the air, in an astronaut position as he takes off for outer space. My first thought was “wow, what a trip” :) I was frightened and surprised for a split second, and then I was overwhelmed by the love I felt. I don’t know how long it lasted but I’d met God for the first time in my life. I'd felt his touch physically. As I opened my eyes it was dark in the room, the candles were out, I thought this was strange so I closed my eyes again for a moment, inside me everything was alight. My new found friends noticed something had happened to me and one of them asked if I had prayed in tounges, I only remember praying in English, as I normally do. Even though I do pray in tongues sometimes when I'm alone. Previously I had thought of God as a very old man with a long white beard sitting in space somewhere distant, and that He’d probably beat the living daylight out of me after I died, He seemed to me as a very vindictive being. This is not the God, I now know and adore. They had one more week for those who "made it" or something..can't remember. Anyway we were invited to stay at Bammarboda, by the sea. It was great. We prayed a lot and I had a vision. Atheist There was an Atheist on TV the other night (I believe it was Bill Maher). It’s pretty sick, how a disillusioned man who has never looked for God, has the gall to sit there and try make people believe, that there is no God, even though millions have experienced God "personally", including myself. It’s incredibly evil and rude. I can’t feel sorry for a mean person like that. I could never have done what he is doing, even when I was a man of the world...before I met God.
BEN's WRITE 16, 2006 04 15 South Wartzor
Peace, here I am again burning more bridges :) What a mess the world is in, everybody fighting for nothing. History has taught us nothing at all. Read my lips :-O
World View @ Aris Entertainment Inc. 1991-3 Nobody seems to know that the Israelis were already returning to their land around 1860, even if the majority came returned later. Israel has been occupied many times by different nations. Today's News "Like it or not, the Zionist regime is heading toward annihilation," Ahmadinejad said at a conference opening in support of the Palestinians. ...Palestine means = Land of the Philistenes! It was named this by the Romans to spite the Jews. The Philistines were the Jews worst enemies... He has also said, the land of Palestine, referring to the British mandated territory that includes all of Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, "will be freed soon". They should give it to the Philistines then and not the Palestinians! If they can find some Philistines somewhere. Zechariah 8:7-8 Zechariah 2:12 A weird thing is that the Golan Heights were owned by Syria prior to the 6 day war! And the West bank was owned by Jordan and the Gaza strip was owned by Egypt... http://lexicorient.com/e.o/sixdaywr.htm Maj. Gen. Amos Yadlin, chief of Israeli military intelligence,was quoted as saying on Wednesday that Iran could develop a nuclear bomb "within three years, by the end of the decade." Here's one of my very brief notes about the history of Israel. 1200 BC The Israelites and the Philistines invade Canaan (Palestine). 1013-974 BC King David, King of Judah...later all Israel, makes Jerusalem capital and defeats the Ammonites and the Edomites. 974-932 BC Solomon builds the temple in Jerusalem. 586 BC destroyed by Nebukhadnessar. After that, Romans 70AD, Arabs 636 AD and Turks 1577 and have fought over Israel...what a mess... To say that the Jews have occupied their own country is silly beyond
belief, at least to me. Besides there is no way that they could have
won the war without God's help. Look at the --->facts: 100,000 Israeli soldiers, approximately 1,000 tanks and hundreds of artillery pieces. --->against 465,000 Arab troops. 2,800 tanks and 800 aircraft ringed Israel! --->Israel lost 777 men! ---> Egypt lost 15.000 men, the Syrians lost 2,500 and the Jordanian's lost 800. Read more here: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/1967toc.html Here is a site with info about Palestine: http://www.palestinefacts.org/ Here's a link about West Bank settlements, both Palestinian and Jewish :http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=22564 Jerusalem has been destroyed and rebuilt 26 times! It shall even be as when an hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion. [Isaiah 29;8] Isa 46:13 I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. I believe that God loves Israel and He will never forsake them. Rom 10:2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but
not according to knowledge.
Painting "Christ" © Benjamin Antell Rom 10:4 For Christ [is] the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben
BEN's WRITE 15, 2006 04 14 South Wartzor
Peace, Oops...a day is missing! I remember reading that the scientists at NASA (I think it was NASA) sometime in the 60's, noticed that a day was missing as they went back in time! They were bewildered. It is mentioned in the bible of course in Joshua 10:12-14 Joshua prayed to God that He would let the the moon stand in it's place over the valley of Aijalon. And the moon didn't move until the Israeli army had defeated their enemies. This is described in greater detail in the Book of Jashar. God stopped the moon and sun for almost 24 hrs. All because of the prayer of one man. But the Lord was fighting for Israel.
Moon shot from Apollo. @ Aris Entertainment Inc. 1991-3 Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. [Joshua 10;12] And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. [Joshua 10;13]
Sinai Peninsula @ Aris Entertainment Inc. 1991-3 Yet another "unbelievable" bible story confirmed by science. From Dust... Remember it says in the bible that we are created from dust (earth). It is now confirmed that the smallest particle in a human body is earth. I heard that a few years back in a Swedish Science program called "Vetenskapens Värld". Yet another "unbelievable" bible story confirmed by science. The sky is falling. Time is like a German toilet paper roll, it accelerates and never stops until it's empty. Like in the movie The Party, with Peter Sellers. Spend your life wisely, think about it... I give The Party 4,75 Uncle's out of 5 possible.
Happy Easter and whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben PS. I'm adding stuff to the old write's now and then, when I think of bible passages etc., that will complement what I wrote earlier. I do this in order to clarify. BEN's WRITE 14, 2006 04 13 South Wartzor
Peace, Wham Bam thank You God! When I met God it was a "wham boom bang" experience, so I can never doubt God for a second :) I have met God physically. Anyone who begs to differ before trying God is not the sharpest pen in the pencil box. S-s-sorry :) But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required
of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. [John 3;3] I've never had anyone that I could ask for help but God. Since I met God I have never doubted Him in any way. I have never had to go without food, clothes or a roof over my head, since I let Him take over. He has shown me many wonderful things, that the world can never offer. And He makes me feel loved, and that's a cool feeling.
Photo "anointed" © Benjamin Antell For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. [Luke 12;34] Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. [Luke 18;17] I used to be kinda cynical and cold towards people, because I've had to take a lot of whatsit in my days. But God wiped it all away. He dumped all my cargo in the sea of forgiveness, and there is NO FISHING there! What He forgives He forgets. People can't forget, but God sure does, and that's the only thing that really matters. One of the reasons why we sometimes don't get our prayers answered, is that God wants to use other people to answer them. Many refuse and hold on to their belongings and time. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some
coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves
through with many sorrows. [1 Timothy 6;10] Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [2 Corinthians 5;17] How can you ever know what's behind the door, if you've never looked? Look for God now while you can. Hard times are coming when Christians will be persecuted, much more that we are at present. It might be too late then for you. And who lives forever? God phobia is coming. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [Matthew 5;10] Many of my friends are dead already (they died young), and it makes me sad to know that I'll never get to see them again. I sometimes check to see what the scientists are up too.
Photo of Appla's eye © Benjamin Antell But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; [1 Corinthians 1;27] Seems like they have arrived to some strange conclusions: ?- Dinosaurs popped up 230-270 million years ago. And yet they have found footprints of a man and a dinosaur near the Paluxy river in Texas :) ?- 75 million years ago a meteorite (rymd steinur) wiped out the Dinosaurs. - 70 million years ago a footprint of a normal man and a Dinosaur were made in clay. Even though Dino's were supposedly wiped out 5 million years earlier... ?- 50 million years ago the so-called Neanderthals roamed the world :) I think they still do. Saw one at the Mall the other day ;-) ? When they measured how old the moon rocks were (various radiometric tests) the result was 700 to 28 billion years...-can't say "pretty close" to that one :) 1908 Piltdown man was discovered (a hoax) is still in many science books as a missing link. What a joke. 1922 Nebraska man (another hoax). A whole village was built to show how NB lived. Eventually they found out that they had based the whole science on a pig's tooth :) A "great" embarrassment to science...more to come I'm sure. I also read about a "carbon 14" test of a Mollusk. The result were "it died 3000 years ago", only problem was, that it was still alive :-) Carbon 14 tests seem to be totally unreliable, when testing something very old. The oldest fossil (known in the 80's) was a bat, and it looks exactly like today's bats! Those bats must be very perfect if Darwin's theories doesn't apply to them. Flying blind rats :)
Painting, Ikhthus synchrotron. (...a fish thorough a Particle Accelerator...) © Benjamin Antell As far as I'm concerned nothing adds up. Not that it means anything to me how old things are. It seems to me like they are wasting an awful lot of time on nothing. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written,
He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. [1 Corinthians 3;19] Young Fossil Once when I was out in the bush by Bacton Rd. in Queensland, Australia. I found a stump of a little tree that had been taken down with an axe. When I checked out the bits of wood on the ground, I found that one of them had turned to stone! Only one of them were fossilized, the rest were still wood. They all looked exactly the same. I still have the petrified one. I don't think it was very old. Heaven knows what a Carbon 14 reading would say. Millions of whatnots, but what about the bits that were still wood? Let Robin Hood put that in his pipe and smoke it.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben
BEN's WRITE 13, 2006 04 12 South Wartzor
Peace, Big words? I don't mean to put anyone down with my writing, I'm just being honest. I'm not sharing theories, but I'm sharing my experiences. Here comes yet another experience, one that I seldom mention because people mostly dismiss it immediately, just because they haven't experienced it for themselves. Some are even so afraid that they put their fingers in their ears and go "LA LA LA LA" :) What/who are the spirits? [Revelation 12;9]
Painting "Apollyon the destroyer" detail © Benjamin Antell Seems to me like they are fallen, bitter, scared and vicious angels with nothing more to lose. Kicked out of heaven, during a mutiny with the devil as their leader. [Isaiah 14;12] They are running amok here on earth, with no prospect of ever being forgiven for their sin. Their goal is to take as many with them as possible. [Revelation 12;12] In countries like India etc. it is common knowledge that spirits are a part of every day life. The spirits are just as common in most countries. We don't talk about them much in industrial countries because we tend to think, that we are more intelligent, and we think that we are more sophisticated than others. The spirits who fool us, are very sharp. I'm sure that they have a lot of fun filling us with pride and the "holier than you" attitude, which by the way God hates. [Isaiah 65;5]...these are a smoke in my nose :)
Drawing "what did you expect stupid" © Benjamin Antell Spiritualists Spiritualists sit around having seances talking to the spirits, they believe that they are talking to their loved ones who have passed away and whatever. They are being masterly fooled by the spirits in every way [1 Peter 5;8]. The spirits lie as much as they can, and they are very convincing.
Some spirits claim to be good spirits :-) There is only one good spirit
in the Universe, and that is the Holy Spirit. [Luke 11;13] Spirits will
however shut up immediately if you command them to do so in Jesus name
[1 John 3;8], if you are a true believer. They can also be cast out
of people, through prayer in Jesus name (it's the power of His name
that is doing it). Sometimes however we need to fast before we cast
them out. [Mark 9;29] [Matthew 17;21] Fasting makes us stronger in the spiritual world, don't know why that is but it works. [Acts 19;16] I experience these things in my own life, on a daily basis. [Psalms 35;13] Since the government in this and many other countries, does not acknowledge spirits as being real, millions of people have to suffer daily, and many are tricked into taking their own lives. It's a very sad situation. Many people die for no reason other than spirits messing with them, what a waste. Many people saw John Safran on prime time TV, being delivered from spirits and still they refuse to believe what they saw. [James 4;7] When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry
places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto
my house whence I came out. I really feel for these people, the Hell they must be going through; When people are possessed by evil spirits, they are being brainwashed without knowing it. You don't have to feel ashamed if you are possessed, it's common...people just don't always know it. Ask for help in a living loving church. ( I felt that I had to clarify this a little. You might be thinking of possessed people in movies, running around screaming, with glowing eyes and tossing the cookies. That's just Hollywood. Many times it doesn't show in any way that a person is possessed, except to those who have a deep spiritual life. Even a shrink can't always tell, if he isn't a true believer. He "might" diagnose the person as a Schizophrenic though, which is a silly and inaccurate term that spiritually blind persons use. Many spirits are perverse and want to live out their lusts through their host. Spirits sometimes reveal their names to their host, this is why many feel that they are trapped in another persons body. Some even think that they are the wrong gender etc. Some go so far as to resort to operations to become the persona that the spirit wants them to become. There was a documentary on BBC yesterday about people who have had their gender operations "twice". Doctor's often foolishly diagnose them as being transsexuals, homosexuals or suffering from schizophrenia etc. Another thing that I have noticed while studying reports, talking to victims and watching documentaries, is that many who have these sexual spirit problems, have "often" been molested as children. I really feel for these people, the Hell they must be going through. Drugs You can also get possessed or led by spirits through the taking of drugs. Many of my old friends who have, or are still taking drugs (as you know it's hard to quit), are being harassed by spirits in many different ways. I was always afraid of drugs, even when I wasn't a believer. Because I could see the damage they did, how they changed people dramatically for the worse. Most people I know who are on drugs, claim not to be on drugs :) Just like alcoholics claim not to drink, and gluttons claim not to over eat. Alcoholism can also be the result of a spirit, so can tobacco or any other habit that you just can't shake.
Painting, study for "The serpent" © Benjamin Antell Religions Different religions can also give you spiritual problems. Especially
the eastern ones. All those who do not accept the Holy Trinity, and
Christ as the only way to God. 2 John 1:9, Revelations 4:20 Free If you want to be set free, you should seek help from a progressive church. Remember not all priests are men of faith! You can also pray for help yourself [Matthew 6;6], but it's always better to be two or three when you pray, because then Jesus will be there with you for sure! Ask some close friends to pray with you.
A photo detail of "the gift" © Benjamin Antell I'll say it again...it doesn't matter who you are or what you have done, God will always receive you, because He loves you. He will forgive you anything in the blinking of an eye, if you are honest! He forgave me my sins, just like that :) Every day He forgives me my new mistakes, because I'm not perfect either :) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. [Matthew 18;20] Remember to expect God to touch you when you pray (this is important)! I guess this a lot to digest for one day ;) I pray a lot in church, and I see people set free very often.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben PS. I think it's a shameful that women are paid less for the same work! BEN's WRITE 12, 2006 04 11 South Wartzor
Peace, Today's devotional blog is kinda gloomy. But then again "only a fool goes around with a constant smile on his lips"..I read that somewhere in proverbs once :-) Who wrote the bible? 2 Peter 1:16-21 Freely...: For we didn't follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and the coming of Lord Jesus Christ, but were eye witnesses of His majesty. 17. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "this is My beloved Son, in whom I'm well pleased." 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the Holy mountain. 19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophesy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Drawing of the supper at Emmaus, after a painting by Caravaggio © Benjamin Antell I mentioned this earlier, and now I found the scripture that goes with it. This is why we can't update the word (the bible). Because it isn't the words of men, but the "Word of God". It is just as valid today, as when it was received. If it is read under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in prayer. satanic play in the Finnish churches There is a terrible warfare going on in the spiritual world now. Here in Finland there's a play about Mary Magdalene from whom Jesus cast out 7 demons. The feminists lie and say that she was the first apostle. I checked the bible and she was not called an apostle anywhere. They are also insinuating that there was a sexual thing going on between Jesus and Mary. This is of course one of the biggest lies so far. Jesus did not come to earth to fornicate with women, He came to redeem us. Luke 11:52 And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities,
Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,
Oil painting of Ephesians 6:12 © Benjamin Antell 2 John 1:7-10 Verse 10 and 11 freely quoted, If someone comes to teach you, and he/she doesn't believe in what Jesus taught, don't even invite him into your home. Don't encourage him in any way. If you do, you will be a partner with him in his wickedness. (Look it up). It turns my stomach to see bishops and priests that haven't got a spiritual life here in Finland. It's truly sickening. Men who are supposed to lead the congregation, and they have no idea who Jesus is! The play is purely demonic. Again I don't wish to be Johnny Raincloud here but... These foolish priest and bishops have shown the play in our churches, hence brought the wrath of God on our land.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben BEN's WRITE 11, 2006 04 10 South Wartzor
Peace, It's hard for a rich man, to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus said that it would be easier for a camel, to go through the eye of a needle. Mark 10:17-27. Those who trust in riches, will be lost forever. That's why it's better to keep your thoughts in Heaven. And help those in need, both spiritually an financially. God can't use us, if we have bonded with the world. Luke 12:21
I found some weird glasses once. Photo by Wecksröm. © Benjamin Antell Jesus also said, that if we don't receive the Kingdom of God "as" little children would, we can't get in. (naturally He didn't mean for us to be infants at the time we received :-) Don't worry about what people think, about you for receiving Christ. You're going places, they will never know. Mark 10:15 Just let it happen, you won't regret it!
Photo of 2 of my chicken's Chip and Dale, hiding under Tweety's wing © Benjamin Antell I had a really strange experience, as a child (about 4 year old). I asked my mother if I could have a cookie. She said, "we don't have any cookies". I said, "yes we do". She walked over to the cupboard , looked into the jar, and said "no we don't"... I asked her if I could have one anyway, and she said"take all you want, there's nothing in the jar". I put my hand into the jar and pulled out some of my favorite cookies. Round white vanilla cookies, and checkered vanilla/chocolate cookies. Now my dad started staring at me, from his dreaded newspaper, "where did you get those cookies"? I said "from the cookie jar, mom said I could have as many as I like". Then he walked over to the cookie jar, and looked into it, and then he looked at mom. They watched me go back and forth for more cookies all evening, until I couldn't eat another cookie. I think that was about faith. Jesus once said, that if we have faith, we can say to a mountain "throw yourself into the sea, and it would do so. I can't imagine how else, I could have eaten a whole heap of my favorite cookies, out of an empty jar :) She made terrific cookies, in her day.
One of my studies for a larger painting, coming soon to a gallery near U, "Drink the sky". © Benjamin Antell When I was leaving Tijuana at night in 1988, there was an old skinny woman sitting on the side walk with a whole bunch of sleeping children.
Photo "Ysidro" © Benjamin Antell I'm very ashamed to this day, that I didn't give her something to drink or cash. We are obliged to help all who are in need. It bugs me to this day, that I just passed her by. God have mercy on me, I have no excuse.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben BEN's WRITE 10, 2006 04 09 South Wartzor
Peace, When I was a kid, dad taught me not to get too exited over things. I used to go "WOW!", when I thought something really rocked. "Very few things are “super” or “very cool” he said. "think before you speak", "things are normally just OK"... My friend Ralph's dad knew I was over the moon, visiting their summer cottage... once he asked me to bring some beer for his guests at the sauna, which I gladly did, then he asked me, "how do you like it here"? Awaiting my normal cheerful response smiling while handing his friends their beers...remembering my dad's words, I went: ”oh it’s OK”...boy did that party die. I was never invited to their summer cottage again... It bugs me that my spirit of entusiasm was crushed by my dad. I've forgiven him naturally but he really did me a major disservice that day.
This 40's microphone was given unto me by my very good friend Charles. © Benjamin Antell I'm still pretty lame, when it comes to showing feelings. That's how we are in Finland. I wish there was a Black Church here that I could go to. They always have more fun in their churches. At least all documentaries I've seen have been cool. They know how to praise God, and dance 2 Samuel 6;14. But there are almost no black people here in Finland, everybody is pink in the summer and blue in the winter. :) Except if you pass somebody on the road and you have a big or nice car, then they will go dark red, and wave their fists, or even worse, step on it. It's very dangerous to drive a car in Finland. Everybody here believes that they have the RIGHT to crash into your car, if you come from the right in a crossing. I would not recommend tourists to rent cars in Finland, this is a wild country. Finns show no quarter in traffic. You get used to it living here. But when I moved here from Sweden, where people are much more polite, I thought that finns were really crazy. The only city I've been to in Finland where people drive nicely is a place called Jakobstad. On the road, When I met Mr.Renny Harlin face to face in Hollywood, while working on two rock videos, I couldn't speak because of a bet I’d made with a photographer, who said I talked too much (he was Finnish and right). Markus Selin, the Finnish film producer, introduced me. He tried to explain the situation to mr. Harlin. Mr. Harlin’s face was totally blank, it was a truly weird moment in my life:) 5 minutes later I was tricked into speaking by the photographer Micke W...
Blue Renny, reworked photo...probably taken by M. Weckström, on Leo Cabrillo beach. New York City 1988, When I came to NYC, a day after I’d left Sweden it was still the same day, weird innit? Best Western...they might as well call it Wild Western. It was like sleeping in a railway station..in Burma, with wall to wall carpeting. The man in the elevator looked frightened of us...the two black belt carate guys in the lobby didn’t. I went to a rest room with Putte (Wild Force’s drummer) at Kennedy air port or was it La Guardia? Who cares? Putte didn’t want to go there alone in the night. In comes a BIG black dude, high as a kite. He looks at me like “easy picking’”. I think "oh dear"...While fixing my hair. Somebody told me never to hit anyone taller than myself, this guy was huge, way tall. His eyes looked like the head lights of a 1920 A-Ford, his smile was...seen Jaws? Jaws was like a squirrel’s left front tooth, compared to this guy. I could never downed that guy, my arm would have disappeared in lard never to be seen again. I was saved by a waiter also a black dude...light weight...but feisty. "I told you not to come in here"! He says in an orderly but strict fashion, they yellow river like the Old Faithful and leave. I’m just thankful my body is still intact, and I get to see California.
A photo I took from my car on the way to San Diego and Mexico. © Benjamin Antell Mexico, Revolution avenue...Mamma MIA! Michael Jackson wrestling with the Mariachi boys what a racket even worse than Brahms 3rd racket as Mrs. Fawlty put it... Restaurants and beer joints as far as the eye can ball, and they all have sound systems from Hell, and they are all on eleven! A shop keeper is silently fondling my tripod...he looks at me, and fondles it some more. I don’t understand..., he finally gives it back to me and sells me a leather bag. Deuteronomy 5;21 Great food at the restaurant, and there’s even music. La Cuccaracha-cha-cha with ECHO ECHO ECHO. The singer has bought an ECHO unit! And he is using it! Man is he using it... strangers in a strange land The custom’s guards point their automatic weapons at me. I show them my passport. One guard holds it like Mrs. Fawlty while making her toast...I get the Renny Harlin look...then a weird smirk, as he motions for me with his automatic gun to get lost... again I feel relief. The cabby asks me "were are you from"? Things go very quiet in the chevy, I yank the threads hanging out of the glove compartment... Don’t think I’ll be going back to Tijuana for now. East 24th street is next...
San Diego in the evening, waited a long time for a plane... © Benjamin Antell Closing in on LA I hit the clutch at a red light...oops!...automatic gear box that was definitely a STOP to remember... My friend Jake wakes up kissing the windshield. He looks at me with bug eyes, like wild saucers...he says, "why don’t we get some soda and chocolate at the gas station"! It wasn't really a question, it was more of a "do it"! I guess he thought I’d fallen asleep at the wheel, like John Candy and Steve Martin in "Planes, Trains & Automobiles", a very funny movie. I give Planes, Trains & Automobiles 5 Uncle's out of 5 possible. I never say no to a Hershy, dark chocolate is even healthy in moderate amounts. It’s all a question of balance. I guess you can eat just about anything within reason. Balance, that’s the ticket... Colt 45, I’ve NEVER needed a gun for my personal protection. I’m sure that I would have shot a number of people, had I’d had one...when I was younger an usaved... I’m lucky not to have owned one ever. My hands are lethal weapons anyway, I killed a blow fly today haiyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! it was him or me... why am I writing this? "Peace on earth" is about as probable as a free ride to Mars, on a shuttle made of lard.
I just had to take a picture of this house, in LA somewhere. © Benjamin Antell Dad Down Under, When we came to Australia, dad was sitting in a park asking God what to do. A truck comes bouncing by, and a case with carpenter’s tools fall off the lorry. He takes it as a sign and starts building houses...how about that? Philippians 4:6, Matthew 21:22
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben
BEN's WRITE 9, 2006 04 08 South Wartzor
Peace, SNAKES IN THE GRASS As a kid I had all kinds of snakes in my tent. I lived in a tent for a long time in Brisbane. The last house was so small that I felt crowded, so I decided to move into the bush. I slept there with a bunch of snakes, as my closest friends. One night when I rolled over, I woke up with Mr. Fangenstein
hissing in my face looking outlandish, like only a snake can. I was
squeezing the daylights outta the poor critter, so I decided the tent
wasn’t big enough for all of us, and sent the snake farm on its
way, into the great wide bush. Nobody seemed to like my snakes on Bacton road anyway. My mom paid the neighbor’s girls, to hide them. I could have hidden them myself, had she paid me :) It took me a day to find them. When they told me I couldn’t keep the snakes inside, I put them in a birdcage on the roof. A birdcage is no match for a snake, they just whoomed outta there, dangling from the drainpipes. My mother went bananas.
Photo from Down Under © Benjamin Antell TRUST I don’t think that you can really trust anyone. I believe anyone will sell you down/up the river if the price is right. So watch out! It’s happened to me so many times in my life, that it’s silly :) I’d never trust anybody. I’m not surprised when people treat me badly, I think that’s human nature. Man is truly evil. Just look around, wars everywhere for nothing... Power and greed is running the world, for sure. People envy each other for all kinds of reasons, it would seem. It must be very exhausting.
Pencil drawing "Guitar"© Benjamin Antell Why do all guitars sound and feel different? It’s hard to find
2 guitars that sound exactly the same. I have a few guitars, and they
are all unique. Guitars are a lot like people, some kinda look the same
(twins), but still they are very different... SCI-----> FI I had to leave all my comic books behind, when we left Australia. I had all kinds of SCI FI magazines, some were from the 40’s. Imagine all the studio equipment they could have paid for... I was a great fan of comics of all kinds, mostly SCI FI or action comics. When we came back to Sweden, I began reading The Ghost Who Walks :). That avenue of pleasure was cut off years ago.
CHURCH I went to church to get more power (not the soda), like I go to the gas station to get gasoline when the tank is empty. I believe in churches that help poor countries, with food, clothing and education. It’s important that people get educated, so that they can get into different jobs, and get more independent. The church also needs to be into heavy prayer, praise music, gifts of the Spirit and generosity in general. I don’t believe in churches who put their money in the bank, that’s pretty lame. All the money that comes in through tithes etc should go directly to the poor, and to the maintenance of the churches. I wouldn't’t build big fancy churches though, because nobody needs monuments. Pastors should not have excessive wages, only normal working mans wages, with normal benefits. If God wants them to have more, I’m sure that He will give them whatever He sees fit, in His own way. These are my own thoughts...I have spoken :)
When Mr. Schwarzenegger and I had speaks, before he became a movie star. He was very dedicated to his body building. That’s why he "made it". Without dedication, there can be no fruit. That’s the biggest reason why people don’t “make it”, and feel that they come out losers. Do what you believe in, and do it with all your might, then you will succeed. If you want a spiritual life, that might also take some time..and that's really the secret to success. Look 4 God's kingdom first, then your life will get in gear. I eye-balled for the passage in the bible, that talks about this. But I'm afraid I'm an idiot, when it comes to quoting the word, because of my X-memory :)
Painting "Communique" © Benjamin Antell I've let others dictate my life too much, that’s why I’ve been in advertising most of my life. I've worked for movie companies, all kinds of large corporations and record companies. Do what you gotta do, don’t let people push you into something, that you don’t want to do. You will never be happy if you do. It took me a long time to break free. I’m now working full time with music and art. It was certainly a load off my back. I have lots of work to do, if I’m going to catch up with myself. I realize that, I’ll never be able to do all that I wanted to do, because life is too short. But I will do what I can now, and rest when I’m dead. Rest is important I know, but so is hard work. Diversity is also said to be important, I’ve had my share of getting side tracked.
They have mostly been kind to me, which is nice. I'm constantly criticized
by people though, but mostly it’s just one persons opinion, so
I'm cool. I’m doing what I feel is right, I follow my heart. I
don’t think you can do more than that. MUSIC I believe that there are two types of music in the world. RAIN RAIN RAIN When you get older, memory becomes like a dew drop, here in the morning, and gone at noon.
Life is like a bottle of ketchup, first nothing, then nothing, and all of a sudden it’s all gone. I hear it all the time, people saying that this or that person deserves to go to Heaven, because of his/her good deeds. It’s not about deeds. Nobody deserves to go to Heaven...it’s all about Grace. There is not one perfect human on this sick planet, not one. Everybody has one or two skeletons in the closet, that’s for sure. We all mess up somehow during the day. And we can't pay for our sins, in any way! Jesus did that for us, on the cross. Run a sin check on your life...
People write books about all kinds of topics, based on simple theories. Take evolution, I'm sure that there is not a single book in the Universe, on evolution which is based solely on facts. The facts are mixed with theories (creative idea's:). I think it's incredibly dishonest to dismiss God, just because you haven’t met Him, and even worse, to try to brainwash people into believing your theories, as the truth.
SHRINKS Shrinks may be able to help people in many ways, but depression can
only be cured by God. Sure you can medicate people (put them half to
sleep), and alleviate the symptoms of their problems. But to live a
full life, you need to receive the Lord, and the Holy Spirit in you
life. There is a void in us all, which is meant to be filled with the
Devine. If it is left void, there can be no peace in our lives, I found
that out. I Give Bruce Almighty 4 out of 5 Uncle's
I've pretty much switched to Gibson guitars. I wish I had a 335 with 3 splitable humbuckers (so I could get Fender type of sounds as well). I used to be a Fender man. Now I use both, but mostly Gibson's (at the moment :-). I got one for my last Buick :) Mrs. C wanted me to get rid of the V8, and then I got a call from the previous owner, who was the proud owner of a Gibson LP Custom, the rest is exhaust. Now I don’t even own a car. I'd like to drive a Hot Rod next, if I ever get the chance...or a HD. It makes no difference to me if it's restored or flaky. It's fun to drive a well built old car, when you gotta do your thing.
Gotta go vacuum the rug © Benjamin Antell :) Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben
BEN's WRITE 8, 2006 04 07 South Wartzor
Peace, It's a beautiful day, the sunshine is shining :)
I happened to see a debate on TV yesterday :) As I passed the living room, they were talking about God and stuff, so I decided to listen. There was a guy Ruben Stiller interviewed who basically said that he didn't need Jesus forgiveness for anything. That sounded nuts to me. He actually thought that he had never sinned! We all sin every day, I know I do. I wouldn't let ME into heaven, I'm a real dork. But God forgives me my blunders every day, and for this I'm eternally grateful. One thing I often do, is shoot my mouth off about other people's mistakes. I don't always realize that I'm often doing the same things, but from another's point of view. John 9:41 Freely quoted: If you were blind, you would have no sin, but since you claim to see, your sin remains. Mark 16:15-18 ...among other things, it says there that it wont hurt them if they take up snakes. But that doesn't mean that we should dance around with snakes, and turn that into a religion! That too has happened and it's stupid, if ever something was stupid. I just want to add, that I've always liked Mr. Ruben Stiller. But his remarks about Jesus Christ whom I love with all my heart, made me kinda sad. But that's not my problem. I've never understood why some people have a burning desire to poke fun at Christ, and talk about their theories as having anything to do with reality. Mr. Stiller doesn't know Christ, and he has never looked for Christ. If he had looked for him with an earnest heart, he WOULD have found him. It's a simple as that. If anyone thirsts go to Jesus because He has the living water, if you taste it, you will never need another Coke in your life. John 7:37 (very freely :-)
This is a reworked photo I took in Hollywood 1988 "Living Voda". © Benjamin Antell
A painting from 2003 "Nothing can ever separate us" © Benjamin Antell Nothing can ever separate us from His love. Just hang in there, He will give you strength if you ask Him. :) Romans 8:38-39.
John 16:12-13 (from Tyndale's Living Bible) : "Oh there is so much more I want to tell you, but you can't understand it now, when the Holy Spirit comes, He will guide you into all truth, for He will not be presenting His own ideas, but He will be passing on to you what He has heard". People are telling me that they love me, all of a sudden. That hasn't happened too frequently in my life :) I musta been a bad, bad boy-man-fossil... I like to give away stuff...whoooom, "what was that? "that was your blessing mate". That's right, when we are generous, we should not boast about it, then we have received our blessing for it here on Earth already :-) Basically what you are reading, are random thoughts popping in/out of my head, as a result of my walk with God ;) I could sit here and hone the message, make it 24 pages, in really elaborate text, but why would I want to do that? This is kinda scary. I found some passages about the Pope in the Bible. In revelation 17:4-6. Among other things it says that he resides in a city on 7 hills, that would be Rome, Italy. I recommend you read the chapters. Seems like he will be the head of the Universal church, that will come to power in the end times. A church with no connection to God. How crazy is that? I don't wish to offend my Catholic friends, but I have to be honest.
Here's a portrait I did of the Pope in 2003 "Bestia", I think it was. © Benjamin Antell I was thinking yesterday that, the ONLY thing God really requires of us is that we love each other, but we can't even get along. 1 John 3:14. I don't wanna be Johnny Raincloud but, I don't see love happening a lot.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben
BEN's WRITE 7, 2006 04 06 South Wartzor
Peace, Iggy Pop once said, that love is over rated. If he only knew what he is missing.
A painting of "the star of Bethlehem" © Benjamin Antell I think it's a cryin' shame how most people dismiss God/love. But then again, the devil is the best marketing guru in the world. He makes us feel cool about being wicked. And that those of us who are kind, are weak sissies ... I think that's stoopid :)
It's all about the invisible (to most people) war, in the spirit world all around us.
A painting of "the resurrection of Christ" © Benjamin Antell Everything is in the bible, all of life's mysteries...everything. Ephesians 6:12, Romans 8:5, Romans 8:10.
A portsrait of Christ, after a statue in London. I forgot who did the statue © Benjamin Antell (John 24:46-49 spoken by Christ, after He rose from the dead). I've been ill for a while. Last night I was in real pain for about 8 hrs. or something. Then I said to God, "if You really love me, please take the pain away, I can't stand it any longer"...and He did it in a second. I thought that was pretty neat. But now I'm tired. I'm outta here! I give God's love 10 Uncle's out of 5 possible.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben
BEN's WRITE 6 2006 04 05 South Wartzor
Peace, Blessed are U poor, 4 U'rs is the kingdom of God. Blessed are U who hunger now, For U shall be filled. Blessed are U who weep now, for U shall laugh. Blessed are U when men hate U, and they exclude U, and revile U, and cast out U'r name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap 4 joy! 4 indeed U'r reward is great in Heaven, 4 in like manner their fathers did to the prophets. "But woe to U who R rich, for U have received your consolation..." Luke 6:...20-24, Luke 4:18, Luke 4:4, Mark 12:43, Mark 10:21.
When I grew there was a LOT of talk about money. As if getting rich was the ultimate goal in life. I had a plan to get rich before I reached 30. But then I met God at 21, and the plan vapoorized totally in the blinking of an eye. I don't think 4 one second that we are supposed to be filthy rich, in terms of mulah. Although I'm sure that God blesses some of us, in that way too. The same rain falls on U, that falls on me. I have starved, so I know what that is like. And I have been a successful business man, so I also know how disgusting that can be. I'm not saying money is bad, but it can have a disastrous effect on people.
A photo from Santa Monica, California 1988 © Benjamin Antell You could watch Envy, with Jack Black, the one and only Christopher Walken and Ben Stiller. It's a comedy, it's very funny. I give it 4,5 Uncle's out of 5 possible :) Romans 8:5-8, Matthew 19:23-26
The rest is about greed, the slimy want for MORE. That's how I see it. We should be thankful for what we have. I thank God for every new day.
A photo I took in Hollywood 1988 © Benjamin Antell Look for God first, give him all your time, so that you get to know Him. Not just 5 minutes per night :-) But really do it! Instead of watching TV, pray to God, tell Him that you want to know him. Skip a meal and pray. It might seem kinda boring at first, but, He will answer. 2 Corinthians 5:17 I'm just happy to know the Lord, He is my pride and joy. I'm still amazed that He would actually take the time of day, to come and see me personally, that totally blew me away. I don't like to call myself a Christian, but I guess that's what I basically am. There are so many weirdo's out there who think and/or call themselves Christians, even though they don't know God at all. They cause a lot of grief both in the spiritual world and on earth. It's a sad, sad thing.
What have you got to lose, except you life. Think about it, your blinking life! It's serious stuff. If you don't accept God into your life, you will suffer after death too...I'm not kidding. It only gets worse.
A prtrait of "the devil in Hell" © Benjamin Antell I can't repeat the most common expression upon arriving to "the other" side.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben
BEN's WRITE 5, 2006 04 04 South Wartzor
Peace, Film manuscripts are always shallow nowadays, and then they throw in some naked models, with porcelain teeth, filed noses, stretched faces, silicone features, pumped up lips, and spray painted tans, and a confused or militant homosexual...
All shows seem to be styled by that same 14 year old person, who is that guy? :) Romans 8:5-8 (look it up). Soon we won't have anything left but lard in our brains. When is somebody going to make a really witty movie like: What about Bob? I give "what about Bob" 5 Uncle's out of five possible !!! -The film manuscripts are always shallow, and then they throw in some naked models, with porcelain teeth, filed noses, stretched faces, silicone features, pumped up lips, and spray painted tans, and a confused or militant homosexual or two... And then insecure viewers think that, that's what they should look and be like. I feel really sorry for the children watching. They will have their values distorted for the rest of their lives. Mark 9:42 that is laying it on the line!
My daughter Marléne and a fire truck in Sweden © Benjamin Antell Very freely quoted:
I don't think we are supposed to take that literally. I think that it's a figure of speech. I could be wrong, but that's how it sounds like to me. So If He says that He created the world in seven days, it could just mean seven stages. And what difference, would it make if He created the world in a different amount of time than someone guesses, that He did? I don't see that this, would amount even to a hill of beans.
Many times they do it just because they need more money, so that they can continue to sit in their sandboxes in the desert, without having to work. I'm not saying that all scientists are lazy lay-abouts, but there is a bunch of them out there, wasting everybody's time and money. The worst thing they do, is that they tell lies. Lies that stop some people from finding God. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes on judgment day, that's for sure! What about Piltdown Man, A human cranium combined with an ape's, a hoax still found in history books! Nebraska man, dreamed up by scientists...turned out NM was conjured up form a pig's tooth. I could list many, many hoaxes here...Have they no shame?
My "portrait of Darwin"...from 2001, computer painting. © Benjamin Antell Man are they going to look stupid, when Jesus returns, that's right folks, He'll be back! Don't worry, you won't miss Him when He comes! That's one appointment nobody will miss! And there will be no but's then, we will hear no motor boat impressions in front of the throne.
He decided to trust the scientists. His blood is on their hands, on the final hour. Why do some scientists have such a strong will, to believe in something that they are making up themselves? It has become a religion to them! Really, just as silly as any other religion. Man what a stubborn bunch of monkeys we are. In that respect they are partly right :-) John 9:41 If God is going to use us, we have to be like dead leaves, on the tree of the world. Otherwise the Holy Spirit (our helper, that God sends to guide us during the day) can't blow us in the direction that He want's to. John 3:8. We can't cling to the tree, if He is going to use us. John 15:26.
My photo of a Pimp mobile in L.A. 1988 © Benjamin Antell I can understand that, because I used to collect stuff as a kid. Now
there is nothing in the world, that I really love. I have a bunch of
studio gadgets and guitars, but they are only tools when I make music.
They don't mean anything more to me, than just that. If I lost the house
and everything in it 2day, it would be "kinda" sad I guess,
but I wouldn't lose any sleep over it, unless I had to sleep in the
woods without a tent, during winter :) Like my friend Ronnie said, "life is short and death is long". If you have never tried God, please do so, you won't regret it. Let Him prove Himself to U! Use your life wisely, remember you only have one life on planet earth. Wrooooom! What was that? "that was your life mate"... (I stole that from Monty Python, or was it Fawlty Towers?)
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben
BEN's WRITE 4, 2006 04 03 South Wartzor
Peace, "the light was yellow, sir"
Photo taken of me prior to my crash © Benjamin Antell I tried to penetrate the door with my head...then I bounced around like a pin ball, ending up underneath the car. I should have realized by then, that I had the makings of a pearl diver. I had hit my family jewels on the handle bar or something. And I noticed that I could hold my breath for a few minutes longer, than I thought was possible for a man. It would have been painful, working as a pearl diver though :) Thud..splash... I've escaped death a number of times, I guess it's not uncommon. Bob Dylan sings about that on his album Love and Theft too. I remember Bob crashed with his bike also, before there were Mp3's. I guess we rarely get to go, before our time is up. I was lucky, because I didn't know the Lord back then. Psalms 34:18-22...He even saves us from accidents... I know now that God wants to know each and everyone of us personally. Like it says in Hosea 6:6.
A small ink painting from the early 80's "ID" © Benjamin Antell
Partly because at that time people lived under the law. After Jesus came, it was all about grace (and love). Nobody can work himself to heaven by being good. It doesn't work that way, the only thing you have to do is "believe", and ask God to come into your heart and take over your business. Stay in the back seat and let him do the driving. You don't have to start at the beginning of the NT, you can plunge into His word anywhere. Just dive in, the only rock in the water is Jesus, and He won't hurt you in any way. There are 66 books in the New Testament.
A photo from Hollywood 1988 © Benjamin Antell
I had a visitor today, so I'm late with my write.
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get U, Uncle Ben PS. (an addition to yesterdays devotional: Proverbs 3:9-10)
BEN's WRITE 3 2006 04 02 South Wartzor Peace, "Study fails to show healing power of prayer" That was on the news yesterday, all over the Internet. That is "one" of the silliest conclusions I have read in a while. What a bunch of crapola.I have seen hundreds if not thousands of people being healed mostly at Pentecostal churches. 1. I was healed through prayer myself in 1976. I hurt my back while working in a factory when I was a kid. Two or 3 doctors said that I would never get well, one of them even laughed at me, the wicked doctor. I still remember how it went down... I went to a meeting in City Kyrkan (City Church) in Stockholm, Sweden (where I lived at the time), and there was a healing service. The preacher Margaret something... was from Africa. The funny thing (kinda comical) was, that she got a Malaria attack in Helsinki (Finland), and couldn't make it, so she sent her little brother instead. He was only about 15 yrs. Old. He gave a short rap, it sounded to me like his first one :) Then he said "everybody who wants to get healed, put your hands up". I didn't because I didn't really believe that I would get healed, having been ill for years. I told God quietly, "I know that You can heal me if You want to". And immediately ZAP! a tremendeous power hit my body from above. There's nothing on earth that I can compare it with, but it was strong! In that instant I was healed, and I've never had any problems with my back since then! The pain is gone!!! I can bounce around like a yoyo.....................'... 2. I also have a friend George who was healed about the same time. He has documentation that proves he was healed. When he went to a meeting with one leg shorter than the other, and while Derek Prince from England, prayed for him, the leg grew out! He has documents from the doctors, before and after. He can bounce too! 3. When I was little, my grandmother Selma also got healed. She was in for surgery. She had a large tumour in her stomach. When the congregation Sion in Vasa, Finland prayed for her, a little girl had a vision. She said "a baker went into the hospital, and removed a ball from a ladies tummy". The morning after when the doctors took new ex-rays, and sharpened their knives, they could not believe their eyes. The tumour had disappeared. They asked if they could slice her up and have a peek, but she said "if it's gone, it's gone, I'm outta here". She lived almost 30 years after that, and the tumour never came back! She is bouncing around in Heaven now... Seems to me like they made some pretty crummy investigations about the healing power of prayer. Perhaps the men who prayed, were not men of faith. There are a lot of phony priests out there, in many churches, so watch out. (2 John 1:7-12) There are a number of priests, that only see their job, as any other work. If they have no personal relationship with God, they are just a waste of space. I guess that they are just too dumb to quit. I'd sack them right away, because they are a hindrance to God's work. 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Corinthians 6:14 Or then again, perhaps the people investigating, didn't want to find what they claim they were looking for, that would NOT surprise me either. Mark 3:28-30, Mark 6:4-6, Luke 11:52, Luke 10:21 I could go on for days about miracles that I have seen, anyone who goes to bible based churches can tell you about miracles. They had a buch of crutches and stuff up front in the City Church, that healed people had left behind. They are a part of every day life for those who believe. I remember a guy trowing away his eye glasses after he was baptized in church, his vision was perfect! Proverbs 4:20-22 I think it's is a part of the devil's end-time campaign, to try to wreck everything that God is doing. After all he is a copy cat. I don't care if you don't believe that there is a devil or not. You just have to look around you. People killing, robbing, raping, molesting, taking drugs, building atom bombs. making talk shows :) ...come on...it's pretty obvious to see that there are two different powers at work here. I have experienced some weird stuff in the spirit world too, but I'm not going to delve into that here. Prayer is powerful, try it if you don't believe me. And if you do, make sure you pray to God, and not to any demi gods and things like trees a or angels etc. Pray to the Creator and not to the creation. If you pray to God in Jesus name, remember that you have audience at the throne, be respectful and He will answer you. It seems to be easier to get good results if you fast, prior to the prayer. Perhaps going without food for a day or two, will make God take you more seriously, or something, I don't know, but it seems that way to me. I have received answers to my prayers, almost without exception, when I have fasted prior to praying. Matthew 18:19 and 20, Luke 18:1-6, John 14:12-18 God seems to speak mostly through His word, when He speaks to me, He normally makes me look up certain passages in the bible. The answer's are there as I look them up...it's just as exciting every time. One thing that bugs me a lot, is that many are fooled by spirits at seances etc. The world is filled with spirits (fallen angels), and they know everything about us, because they are constantly around us. So it's not strange that they can tell you things about you, and your loved ones, that you thought no-one else knew about. We should not mess with these losers. The spirits have nothing else to do, than to cause grief, and try to fool us about this, and that. They love to yap and yap, and tell lies. Don't talk to them. God hates them. Don't attend seances, and don't go to fortune tellers, God hates that. Ask Him what you want to know instead. Leviticus 19:31 Old Testament. I'm so not into philosophy and semi-intellectual BS. I don't like religion per se, it's a pain in the whatsit, and it's not going to save anyone. Believe in God, get a good relationship going, with him. The "smart" men of this world, will look like a bunch of monkeys on judgment day. Many of them believe that they actually are descendants, of monkeys.. I think that's kinda funny. I'll get into that evolution rubbish later. The wisdom of the world, is foolishness to God. 1 Corinthians 3:18-23, 1 Cor 1:19-26...
Graphic art 1996 © Benjamin Antell I know some will say that I've lost it, that I'm completely bonkers, believing in this. I don't care. John Safran was delivered from a lot of spirits on TV. I wish he would understand to receive Christ into his life. Otherwise the spirits might return, and they never come alone the second time. People are set free all the time in many of the churches that I go to. It's just one of those things. It's no big deal for God. It can happen in a quiet fashion also, it all depends. I don't think one should focus too much on it, because it just a natural part of healing. Demons can't stand good preaching, they panic and want to get out, which is a good thing :) Matthew 17:19-21 and Matthew 12:29 Life is too short, and I'm not going to hide these truths, just because of fear of what someone might think, after all I have an obligation to tell what I know. Who cares what somebody else thinks? The only one I really respect in this world, is the Holy Trinity, so sue me. Mark 8:38
A scanned object 199? © Benjamin Antell The only true love I've known, is God's love. He has been good to me since I met him in 1975. If I hadn't met Him then, I would probably not be alive today, because this world has NOTHING to offer me...read my lips "nada".
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get you, Uncle Ben
PS. With God, I mean the Lord God Jehovah of the Bible, not any other God's like Allah, the beloved moon god of the Moslem people etc. Our Moslem's brothers word for God is Allah, which is very confusing to us in the west, since Allah is an ancient moon God, like Ra etc. Hence the crescent moon symbol of the Moslem flag. I read this somewhere many years ago. Correct me if I'm wrong, I do not wish to offend anyone.
BEN's WRITE 2, 2006 04 01 South Wartzor Peace, I've prayed with a few people lately. It's kinda scary how little they seem to know about God etc...-nothing.
An animated doll I once bought of the Chief Inspector © Benjamin Antell They've never said a prayer, and they've never been to a Christian church meeting. This is supposed to be a Christian part of the world :( You don't have to promise God this or that, when you talk to Him. It's better not to make a lot of promises, that will make you eat crow later. The only thing you need to do, is pray something along these lines: Dear Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus, Your son. And I ask you to forgive me my sins, and please come into my heart and take over my life...amen. That's basically all you need to do. Stay alert after that, because things will start to happen in your life. I kid U not. God will lead you, and show you many interesting things. It may happen in a second, or it might take some time, but He WILL guide you. God meets everyone in a personal way, I think that's cool and kinda mind boggling. It doesn't matter what evils you have been into, God will forgive you anything you ask Him to forgive you, if you really mean it. Churches are going to Ad Agencies for campaigns, hoping to get more church members that way. How sick is that? Those pastors can't have all their mushrooms in the basket. How about going to God for advice? Duh. I'm not a member of any church, but I do try to go every week. Any bible based church is cool. If you find one and it doesn't seem cool, find another one. Give it time. There's a lot of churches out there. Like Bono of U2 once said (about something similar), "you don't have to agree on all issues". Just sit back and listen, and compare the pastors rap to what the bible says. Not all pastors have their shirts on the right way. Don't put anybody up "there" on a pedestal, very few manage to say up there, it's very slippery up there :) That way you won't get too disappointed later, when the whatsit hits the fan. (The Catholic church is not a Christian church. They worship idols. I'm sure there are fine Catholics, but the church creates idols (saints). And God hates idols. Isaiah 65:5. If God does a miracle in the Catholic church, they steal the Glory from Him, and give it to some loser they make a saint, I think it's sick...makes me wanna puke. I don't understand how they can pray to man made idols.) Times Square Church, New York City is a cool church. The pastor is not into modern music, but he's a cool dude. http://www.worldchallenge.org You can get ear plugs here, internationally: http://www.e-ar.com/e%2Da%2Dr.com/ Remember to remove them when the sermon starts :) One thing that bugs me a lot, are people who "pretend" to love others. Of course it's a cool thing to encourage people. But don't say you love them, if you don't. They will end up despising you later, if they find out that it was a farce. The bible tells us to really love, and not to pretend. Romans 12:9 and 10. When the congregation ask you for mulah, ask God how much you should give. Don't let them manipulate you into feeling guilty, so that you try to pay them for a good conscience :-) God isn't short of cash, but He wants us to contribute. 10% of what we earn, we should give it to the church according to the bible. If you don't feel like giving, don't, then your gift is worthless. You have to love doing it...give gladly :-) Money won't get you to heaven. Many give only what they have left over...but you should give 10% to God first, right away when you get paid. He will bless you if you do it. Your money will last longer, it sounds wacko, crazy, whatever...but it works...it really does. It wasn't generosity that killed the cat. I'm happy if I have my daily bread, that's basically all we need anyway. Yeah, bread and a toaster... Bread a toaster and some cheese...and butter... Yeah that's the ticket...and a cup of Java... Speaking of bread...
A T-shirt design I made for Marcie's Boutique in Rockhampton, Queensland, AU © Benjamin Antell
Whatever you do, don't let the devil get you, Uncle Ben
I'm not trying to put anyone down with my Write, I'm just trying to convey what God has put on my heart. I also feel that that life is too short, to just shut up and go with the flow, when people suffer under all kinds of bondage, when they could be set free in Christ. All Graphics, art and photography © Benjamin Antell 2006. You may link to this site if you wish. Images may be used by written permission. From BIG BEN, BOX 325, FIN-65101 VASA, FINLAND -or- >>>press here<<< Some of the paintings are computer paintings, and others oils, mixed media, or computerized collages painted with software. If you want to know which is which ask. |
