I am often perplexed and saddened when I hear someone say that they believe only parts of the Bible, that much of it is embellished, or made up. But how do they know what parts to believe? How does one pick and choose? Is it that they only choose to believe the 'nice' parts, or the 'feel good' parts? Do they choose not to believe the parts where there is war and famine? Or maybe the parts that convict them of their sin?

I think most of these people have never actually read the Bible, except maybe a verse here or there. I think they believe the Bible is full of don'ts, full of restrictions. I must admit, I haven't read the Bible in its entirety, but I have read nearly all of the New Testament and some of the Old. I believe Paul when he writes to Timothy, "Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action). So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work. II Timothy 3:16-17 (Amplified).

The other day, I was having lunch with a couple of dear friends. Our conversation was all over the place, so I don't even remember the subject at this point, but one of my friends turned to me and said, "But with you it's all or none." Indeed, when I gave my life to Jesus, I gave my ALL. He doesn't want just a portion. He doesn't want a half-way believer. He wants our ALL. When we enter into a relationship, we don't want the other person to give only part of himself. We want him to give his all. When you give only a portion of yourself, you miss out. But when you give your ALL, your life will be full and rich with blessings!

If you're one of those people that pick and choose scripture to believe, please take another look. Take some quiet time to sit down, open up the scriptures, and ask the Lord to speak to you through His word. Ask Him to show you His truth. His word is full of real history, with real people. It is full of poetry, and prophecy. There are letters from the apostle Paul, to various churches throughout the region. The first four books in the New Testament are the disciples personal accounts with Jesus. These accounts are told from their individual perspective. Before you start a chapter, read the introduction to give you better understanding of what you are about to read.

Remember this...half way won't get you all the way. Peace and love!

Leslie Nease was a contestant on Survivor China. On the show, as a Christian she faced ridicule and persecution for her faith. In her blog she talks about the worlds perception of Christians.

Real Life! with Leslie Nease: Living in the Shadow of a Stereotype

If you are one of those poor people that believe the FDA, please read the following article on the latest findings for the safety, or lack thereof, of the artificial sweetener, Splenda.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/02/10/New-Study-of-Splenda-Reveals-Shocking-Information-About-Potential-Harmful-Effects.aspx

The fact is, ALL artificial sweeteners are unsafe, at least for the long term.  It's best to opt out all together.  The FDA says the additives, preservatives, artificial this and artificial are perfectly safe in such small doses...well, add all those small doses up and over time you become a walking time bomb.  Your body becomes so toxic that you begin to have digestive problems, develop allergies, are diagnosed with various types of cancers, or develop migraine headaches, etc.  The list goes on.

Is real sugar any better?  Not much.  It has been processed so much that it no longer has any nutritional value, and is laced with chlorine residues.  So what do you do?  If you must have sugar, eat raw organic sugar.  There are many other options to take sugars place, as well.  Agave nectar, evaporated cane juice, stevia, raw honey (not heated), pure maple syrup, and a few others.  You will pay more, but what price are you willing to pay for better health?