Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas !

Posted on 12/06/2013 by Jim Italiano

Derrick Johnson’s Vocal Orchestra – The ReGeneration

   Christmas in Velvet

This is from an old cassette that I  transferred to CD – Now I could buy it iTunes …But I enjoyed the work. Great song- lots of fun. Merry Christmas
.

Posted in Christmas, Music As I See It | Leave a comment | Edit

Christmas Song Time

Posted on 12/05/2013 by Jim Italiano

1951 Classic hard to get Burl Ives.  I will be posting more Christmas rarities – If you like them….

Burl Ives - Gingerbread House

Burl Ives – Gingerbread House

Posted on 12/06/2013 by Jim Italiano

Hard to find Promo from Big Tree Records.

Maplewood II Makeover

Fabulous new look, same sensational food and some new delicacies at Joe Italiano’s Maplewood II in Mays Landing


By Frank Gabriel

| Posted Sep. 12, 2013

Since opening as a humble Hammonton tavern in 1945, the Maplewood name has grown to become synonymous with elevated Italian cuisine, served along with, to quote their own legendary roadside signage “The World’s Best Spaghetti.”

Founded by Joe Italiano Sr., his son and namesake took over the kitchen after returning from serving overseas in the Korean War. Channeling family food traditions, the now-octogenarian Joe, Jr. did more for the image of Italian-American cuisine locally than anyone else we can imagine — including the creation of truly spectacular white seafood sauces, virtually unheard of hereabouts.

His son, third generation owner and operator Jim “Jimmy” Italiano, recently put his own personal touch on this standard-bearer of southern New Jersey restaurant brands, via a complete revision of Mays Landing’s Maplewood II.

Founded by Joe Jr. in the early 1980s, Mays Landing’s version was a little different than the original, housed in an older building inherited from another restauranteur. After successfully squeezing themselves into the cramped quarters for more than 30 years, Jimmy pulled the trigger this past April on a long anticipated project he labels “Like a rehab — almost.”

He goes on to say that it was “a gigantic project just to get open, due to the age and condition of the building.” All of which meant a brand new, much larger parking facility, completely renovated interiors — including a sweet little bar with seating for about a dozen — a stone-ringed hearth fireplace in the dining room plus many new appliances for the kitchen.

Crucial throughout this nearly six-month process was family friend and general contractor Joe Continiso. Having helped the Italiano family in Hammonton with a variety of small jobs, Jimmy Italiano asked him to take on this massive one along with Philly-based interior decorator Jane Reynolds. A longtime customer from when she used to work at Kessler Hospital, according to Italiano, Reynolds helped select the soft wood tones that now permeate throughout.

The third leg of Italiano’s team was longtime Hammonton employee chef Jose Montalvo, brought in to provide some updates to the bill of fare. Now don’t panic, all you veteran Maplewood diners out there, you’ll still be able to enjoy classic pastas like the eponymous Joe’s Special — shrimp, crab, mussels, clams and scungilli in a choice of red or white sauce; their famous broccoli and shrimp; or our personal crave, Uncle Nino’s special, laden with lobster, shrimp, Dungeness crab and clams (pictured).

But you’ll also encounter a few newer items, tested and perfected in the Hammonton mothership. Among them will be veal arugula, cavatelli Franco tossed with shrimp and crab in a garlic-and-chopped tomato basil sauce, classic veal scallopine, and a retro Italian dish, tripe in tomato sauce.

Slated for re-launch Friday, Sept. 13, this new Maplewood has been a long time coming for the humble, soft-spoken Italiano.

“I felt like I went from being a project manager to getting back running a restaurant,” says Italiano. 

Most members of his staff will return after the hiatus, ensuring a continued level of service to match the brilliant cuisine. With seating for about 100 between the now-spacious dining room and that aforementioned bar —where patrons are free to order food as well, formerly a well-kept secret — his expectations are huge for the just-enhanced property, and he expects the same reaction from patrons.

“We think our customers will be pleased at what we’ve done,” he says, “and the quality of food and service will be remain high.” 

Italiano allows himself a tiny smile after nearly completing this lengthy ordeal. With well over half-a-million bucks invested, it is indeed a long-term venture. But for southern New Jersey’s first family of Italian restauranteurs, nothing less would be acceptable, or expected.

“Tell your family we’re open and ready to roll,” says an enthusiastic Italiano. “We’re also waiting for you.” 


Maplewood II

6125 Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing 

609 -625-1181
www.maplewood.me

Robin & Jimmy in the Studio

Robin & Jimmy in the Studio

Posted on 08/28/2013 by Jim Italiano

Here is a song Robin and I did in a friend’s studio — actually unrehearsed… We were there for to see if he could help Robin with some recording and he asked if we could do something off the cuff, so we did an old Worship song we knew called ” You are Holy” – This is a song that you can sing to the Lord one on one.  I ( Jimmy ) played the studio owner’s classical guitar on this. Hope you like it.  Recorded June 2013

Track #1

Robin Italiano Sings “We Shall Behold Him” 1985

Robin Italiano Sings “We Shall Behold Him” 1985

Posted on 08/26/2013 by Jim Italiano

Here is a song that Robin did in a friend’s studio about 1985. This was one of our first dates. I seen the gifting she had back then, and even more now. God is always glorified through her. Robin is one of the few people who will not comprise her talent. She only sings for The Lord. Even this was her first time in a recording studio, she nailed this “hard to sing song” by Sandi Patti on the first or second take. This was an old cassette I had, and I transferred it to CD. I hope you enjoy it. She covers quite a range of notes. An oldie but goodie. This song speaks of Jesus return.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Don’t forget to ask questions

Don’t forget to ask questions. Lots of Questions. How can I make this work? How can we turn this around? How we experience less stress in this situation ? Who said it has to be hard ?

Family Rocks Out !

https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=317031935097027

Hope

I am convinced that you must have a Hope for a better future .
 Pro. 29:18, Phil. 3:14, John 14:2 .

Faith Comes by Hearing

Pressure creates Diamonds

Pressure creates Diamonds

My Side of the Debate

As  I observe  our society, and the debates about gay marriage , gun laws, liberalism and conservatism, I sometimes want to put my 2 cents into the discussion. I usually hold back. I am not naturally opinionated and outspoken. I never felt like I could argue good or “out wit” an opponent. It take a lot for me to speak my mind or even get mad. I do have strong convictions when it come to my world though – Bible Truths, or music theory and guitar playing, or how to run a restaurant and manage people.  But I don’t want to disagree because I feel I am right and dogmatic. My motive is to see you helped. To experience Joy based on the Truth given to us by our Creator. Romans 14 helped me see this. It shares a principle – a truth- that has helped me plenty. It has been called the principle of the lesser brother.   The first four verses read:     
      Welcome those who are weak in faith, but do not argue with them about their personal opinions. ² Some people’s faith allows them to eat anything, but the person who is weak in the faith eats only vegetables. ³ The person who will eat anything is not to despise the one who doesn’t; while the one who eats only vegetables is not to pass judgment on the one who will eat anything; for God has accepted that person. ⁴ Who are you to judge the servants of someone else? It is their own Master who will decide whether they succeed or fail. And they will succeed, because the Lord is able to make them succeed.
The last 8 verses read :
If you hurt others because of something you eat, then you are no longer acting from love. Do not let the food that you eat ruin the person for whom Christ died! ¹⁶ Do not let what you regard as good get a bad name. ¹⁷ For God’s Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives. ¹⁸ And when you serve Christ in this way, you please God and are approved by others.
¹⁹ So then, we must always aim at those things that bring peace and that help strengthen one another. ²⁰ Do not, because of food, destroy what God has done. All foods may be eaten, but it is wrong to eat anything that will cause someone else to fall into sin. ²¹ The right thing to do is to keep from eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that will make other believers fall. ²² Keep what you believe about this matter, then, between yourself and God. Happy are those who do not feel guilty when they do something they judge is right! ²³ But if they have doubts about what they eat, God condemns them when they eat it, because their action is not based on faith. And anything that is not based on faith is sin.

All your feelings and debates about personal matters- I say keep between you and the Lord. Don’t try to change the country because 4% or so believe in your thoughts on a subject. If it is right– The Bible just said that God will help you succeed. ( See above verse 4). For all those who feel so strong on a subject, we can find smarter more distinguished people who disagree with you. That goes for all of us.   > ⁷ For God’s Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives. 
Peace – Joy  – Righteousness -  that is the evidence that you are right in your convictions. Did you ever notice how those who are so intent on pushing their  ways -their modern liberal views” lack those qualities?  Did you watch Andrew Breitbart’s anticipated and last film ” Occupy Unmasked” ? OH SORRY . I didnt mean to get political…. but this is my blog..

Who Am I ?

	I am accepted...
John 1:12	I am God’s child.
John 15:15	I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1	I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17	I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20	I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27	I am a member of Christ’s body.
Ephesians 1:3-8	I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14	I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10	I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16	I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
	I am secure...
Romans 8:1-2	I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28	I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39	I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22	I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4	I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6	I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20	I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7	I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18	I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
	I am significant...
John 15:5	I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16	I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16	I am God’s temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21	I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6	I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10	I am God’s workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12	I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13	I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

Jan 2013 Reading & Listening

Here is my Jan 2013 Reading &  Listening list.  (Some of these are still current )
SPOKEN WORD :

• Charles Capps : The Tongue : A Creative Force - A Talking Book
• Charles Capps : Fight The Good Fight of Faith - 2 Cds
• Annette Capps : Do You Know Who You Are? -2 Cds
• Eric Lofholm :  Master The Art of Time Management - On Cd 5 of 6   ( I've learned and implemented some of the concepts of this already and have got a few projects started and finished quickly.)
• Charles Nieman : Kings and Priests : Partners in Gods Kingdom - Cds 3 & 4 ( On 4)
• Anthony Robbins : The Time of Your Life - Cassette One on Focus  ( Yes Cassette - My car has one)

MUSIC  (And Music Instructional )

• Barney Kessel : Solo, and other assorted albums from this Jazz Guitar Icon...
• Thomas Marriott : Constraints and Liberations  ( Jazz Trumpet)
• Miles Davis : In A Silent Way
• Joe Diorio : Solo Guitar ( Re-mastered)
• Julian Bream : Twentieth-Century Guitar
• Flying Solo - Mimi Fox
• Bill Evans : The Language of Improvisation
• There was one night after work that I cranked up  Deep Purple  - MKIII The Final Concerts

BOOKS

• Bible
• Tim Redmond - The Power to Create
• Howard C. Estep : For Then Shall Be....
• Howard C. Estep : Seven Positive Steps to Successful Soul Winning
• Andrew Wommack : The True Nature of God

The Blood Covenant

A Bible Study on The Blood Covenant

Here is a Bible Study I put together for my Pastor, To be used one on one with a study partner.

The Blood Covenant

A Blood Covenant is one of the most enduring, sacred, holy, solemn and serious agreements, or pact, two parties can ever be involved with. It is also one of the most valuable discoveries any thinking person could find out about in their study of the Bible. The Blood Covenant is based upon the oldest rite known to the Human family.
• Primitive people from the beginning of time practiced blood covenants in some form. They were common among the Indian tribes of America and the custom is still practiced in many parts of the world.
• There are many reasons two Parties would enter into a blood Covenant – and there was no covenant more sacred than this Blood Covenant. Here are some of the reasons:
1. In partnership, it was used to make sure that neither partner will take advantage of the other.
2. Between friends, it is a symbol of Love, Devotion and Loyalty.
3. In primitive times, a weaker tribe would use a blood covenant to insure a stronger tribe would not overtake or destroy them.
All of Gods Dealings with the human race revolved around the Old and New Covenants (or testaments). In this study we will introduce some powerful ideas to help you begin to take advantage of Your Covenant with God.
1. Read Psalm 89 :34 , and answer the questions :
• What will God not violate? __________________
• God will change His mind about what He says. True or False
2. After Adam and Eve fell in the garden, mankind was in a state of separation from God. To remedy this God approached Abraham and offered a Covenant Agreement to him.
Read Genesis 17:1-7 and answer the following questions:
• In Verse 2 , what did God make with Abraham ? _____________________
• In Verse 7, who will God establish this covenant with? _______________ and his _____________________.
• Fill in the blanks of verse 7 “ I will establish my _______________________ as an __________________ covenant between Me and you and your ____________________ after you for the generations to come , to be your _________________ and the God of your descendants after you.”
• If you were a descendant of Abraham, then you could have this same “God” to be a “God” to you also. True or False
3. Read Exodus 2: 23-25
• When the Israelites cried out for help what happened? ___________________________________________________________________________
• What did God remember? _____________________________________________________
4. Read Exodus 6: 1- 8 carefully and thoughtfully. What are 5 things God will do for His covenant people who are in bondage? ____________________________________________________________________
╬ The Covenant between God and Abraham had the seal of circumcision as a sign of “The Blood Covenant”. Abraham and his descendants were to walk perfect before their God. But God knew man could not keep his end of the covenant. The Old Testament had animal sacrifices and ceremonies to cover Israel’s sins and covenant breaking- because they could not keep God’s law. The promise to Abraham was that, through him, all the people of the earth would be blessed. The coming of Jesus was really the aim of the covenant. At the Cross Jesus gave His life for us, and opened up a New Covenant sealed in his Blood. Galatians 5:15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. We become that “new creation” when we receive salvation.
5. Read Luke 22:19-20 and answer: What was poured out for you? __________________________________
• By Jesus Blood, I am included in the New Covenant. True or False (circle)
6. Read Hebrews 8:6-13 and answer the following Questions :
• Which Covenant has better promises? Old or New ( Circle)
• The Old covenant was written on Stone (10 commandments) where does God write our laws? _________________________________
• What does vs. 12 promise us? _________________________________
7. Since we are now armed with the fact that we have a Better covenant that Old Israel did and we see what God did for them, when we face trouble we must (circle one) :
a. Search our covenant promises from the Bible, and Stand strong in Faith for God’s Provision.
b. Call the Pastor to complain.
c. Don’t get our hopes up – It might be God’s will for us to lose.
8. Read these verses and Relate them to Your Covenant with God Through Jesus Blood:
Genesis 26:3
Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham.
Hebrews 6:13
When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
• When you write out these verses, realize that God swears to keep His Promise :
Hebrews 13 :5
Philippians 4 : 19
Mark 11 :23-24
Find and write out a Bible Verse that meaningful to you.

Applying a ” Covenant ” mindset to that verse, how does it affect your thinking or understanding? _________________________________________
9. Read Romans 4 :18 -24 and answer the following :
• Abraham had no hope of a son in natural – vs. 19     True or False
• God had made a promise ( covenant) vs. 18                True or False
• vs. 20-21 He did not ____________ through unbelief regarding the _____________ of God, but was strengthened in his _____________ and gave glory to God, being fully ___________________ that God had the power to do what He had _________________________________________________________.
Remember that the reason Abraham was fully persuaded was because of his Covenant with God!
Memory Verse
Acts 3:25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’

The Authority of The Believer

A Bible Study on The Authority of the Believer

Here is a Bible Study I put together for my Pastor, To be used one on one with a study partner.
                                       The Authority of the Believer

The Apostle Paul prayed a prayer for the Christians in Ephesus asking God “…that the eyes of their heart be enlightened….that they might know the incomparably great power for those who believe”. Do we have “Power” that we are not using? Do we have an “authority” that we don’t know about? Can we take charge of the circumstances we face in this life? And further, what part do we play in receiving Gods best for us now? This exciting Bible Study will give us the answers.
1. Read the prayer in Ephesians 1: 17-23 and answer these questions:
In vs. 19 what belongs to us? _________________________________________________________
Where is Christ seated in vs. 20 _______________________________________________________
Name the 5 things that vs. 21 says Jesus is far above_____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Vs. 22 states the Jesus is appointed head over everything for the _________________.
Vs. 23 says the Church is His ________________. We are the Church. True or False ?
2. Read Ephesians 2:4-6. As the Body of Christ where are you seated? ______________________________________________________________________________
3. Luke 10:19 tells us that Jesus has given you _______________ to overcome all the _______________ of the enemy.
╬ As the Body of Christ, seated with Jesus in his heavenly position (eph.2:6), you, the child of God have Authority over all the power of the enemy!
4. Read Ephesians 6:12 and answer the following questions.
a. Who is our enemy? _______________________________________________________________
b. We struggle with flesh and blood people in our Christian walk. True or False ?
c. Ephesians 6:10 tells us to be strong in ______________ and in His mighty ________________.
╬ Authority is Delegated Power. Policemen who direct traffic during rush hour just raise a hand, and the cars stop. These men don’t have the physical power to stop a vehicle, but they are not relying on their own strength to stop the traffic. They are strong in the Authority that is invested in them by the government they serve. Likewise, the value of our Authority rests on the power that is behind it also. God Himself is the power behind our authority! The devil and his forces are obliged to recognize our authority! What does this mean to you? Discuss.
5. Satan is a defeated enemy. When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, He totally defeated the devil.
• Read 1 John 3:8
What was Jesus ‘main purpose in coming to earth? ___________________________________
• Read Colossians 2:15
What did Jesus do to Satan and his team? ___________________________________________
• Read Mark 16:17
Jesus gave us authority in His name. What did He tell us to do in His name concerning the devil and demons? _________________________________________________________
Who has authority to cast out devils? _____________________________________________
• Read 1 John 4:4
God lives inside of you. What does this verse say about God inside of you and the devil in the world? __________________________________________________________________
6. Since we are now armed with this truth from the Bible concerning Satan’s defeat and the Authority of the Believer, we must (circle one)
a. Pray to God to fight the Devil.
b. Call the Pastor to pray away our temptations and attacks.
c. Take the Name of Jesus and command the devil and his works and leave us now!
7. Read 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5.
What type of weapons do we have? ________________________________________________
What do our weapons do? _______________________________strongholds
_______________________________arguments
_______________________________every thought
╬ We can see from 2 Cor. 10:4, 5 that much of our enemy’s attack is aimed at our minds: in thoughts, arguments against the knowledge of God, and eventually strongholds. It is important that we spend time thinking upon God’s Word and do not allow the devil any foothold in our thought life.
Write out Ephesians 4:27 ________________________________________________.
8. Our opponent seeks to rob us of our faith in God’s Word. What kind of fight are we called to? ______________________________________________________________________ (1 Timothy 6:12)
9. “All authority in heaven and on earth” (Matt 28:18) was given to Jesus Christ, and belongs to us through Him. We help Him carry out his work upon the earth “In His Name”. But we must act upon our authority and exercise it.
a. James 4:7
What two things are we told to do? ______________________________________________
What will the devil do? _________________________________________________________
b. 1 Peter 5:8-10
What are we told to do in vs. 8 and 9? ___________________________________________
What will God do? vs. 10______________________________________________________
c. Matthew 4:1-11
What three words did Jesus use to resist the devil? ________________________________
What did Jesus quote after He said “It is written” __________________________________
How does this apply to you? Discuss.
10. Read Matthew 18:18 and answer the questions.
a. The power of “Binding & Loosing” belongs to me. True or False?
b. When I bind or loose on earth, God will back me up. True or False ?
╬ Heaven will back us, according to what we bind or refuse to allow on earth. We (the Church) have allowed a lot of things to continue, because we haven’t exercised our Authority. We haven’t done anything about the situation. We are waiting on God, and He won’t do anything until we act. This shows our authority. This explains much of the evil going on in the world today. Discuss.
11. Exercising You Authority in Christ:
• Draw near to God. If there is any sin in your life, what should you do? _________________________________________________________1 John 1:9
• Use your authority in Prayer. For example:
“In the Name of Jesus, I Command you Satan and all your demons to STOP in all maneuvers against me in the area(s) of _________________________.”
List the specific area(s), i.e., finances, guilt, sickness, temptation, etc.
• Look up Scriptures that relate to your situation. Begin to meditate on those verses and speak them with Authority as Jesus did. He said “It is written”. The Word of God is your offensive weapon called a ______________________________ (Ephesians 6:17).
SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSE: LUKE 10:19

Why Did Jesus Come ?

Why Did Jesus Come ?

Why did Jesus come?
“I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10
In order to benefit from a brand new product, we must first know the purpose of that product. If I knocked on your door attempting to sell you a new nutritional Super Water, but you didn’t know what it was for, its purpose, I would be out of a sale. But if I told you this super water would help you reach your ideal weight, make you look and feel great, and cause others to stop and ask you why you are so happy, you would know the purpose of my Super H2o. Well, I drank all the water so I can’t sell you any but you get the idea. We need to know the purpose of a thing to receive its benefits. I hope you wouldn’t water the plants with this super water – it not the purpose of it.
Why did Jesus come to earth? What was His mission and purpose…. to start another religion? to leave us with a code of conduct? No! “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” He came to give us life. His purpose for coming here to earth and dying for you on that cross was so that you could have LIFE!
In the original Greek language the word used here for LIFE is defined as
Life in the absolute sense. Life as God has it. The God Kind of life. Spiritual life. Eternal Life. The union of your spirit with God.
Who need this life? Aren’t we all alive? After all we are breathing, thinking and talking. This leads us to the greatest discovery a person can make. The Truth that can set us free. The central message of the Whole Bible. And the reason for this message.
Yes, we are alive physically and mentally. But look at Genesis 2:17…

but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die

Now look at Ephesians 2:1…

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins

Both sides of the Bible show us our predicament.
Now we are not the cause, but the casualty. And because of this, we can actually be a movie star…. We can play the lead role in “THE WALKING DEAD”! We are the walking dead. Alive physically but separated from God spiritually. This is not a nice picture, but it helps explain our world’s current state of affairs.
Spiritual Death is the gift of our first parents Adam & Eve. Romans 5:12 tells us…

just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned

Hey thanks. This is only the first half of the story though. The good news, The Gospel , is this great discovery -the truth that can set you free has the final say. When you know the purpose of Jesus coming was to get you this LIFE, then you are on the super highway to a new world. He said I am come that you may have Life! Abundant Life. Life where you lack it. In the heart , your spirit. A union of your spirit with The Lord. 1 Corinthians 6 17 says “But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
Look at these Scriptures:
• For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
(John 3:16)
• He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. (John 3:36)
• And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. (I John 5:11,12)
• Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Rev.3:20)
• “…..you may be partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4)
Look at that last verse. A Partaker of His divine Nature. Why do we need the Nature of God within us? So we can be like Him. This restores us to Gods original intent before the fall of man. A family. Gods Family. In this new Life, He makes us partakers of His nature so that we can actually be like Him. Not just power to imitate- actually be like Him. You dont become a Christian by acting like one. We are NOT on a performance basis with God. He doesn’t say ” Here are My Standards–shape up or ship out. You got to measure up boy.” You can solve the problem of a sinful nature by improving behavior!
Now you may ask “Okay I see it. I believe it. I can even feel it .But how do I benefit? I know the purpose of Jesus coming. How do I get this new life?
John 1:12 states
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God ..” and again Romans 10 :9
” that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Don’t just think it. Don’t just mentally assent to it. ACT on it. Say it out loud. Make a Decision of quality of which there is no retreat!
“THIS DAY I RECIEVE JESUS AS MY LORD AND SAVIOR. I BELIEVE THAT GOD HAS RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, AND HE IS ALIVE TODAY. JESUS COME INTO MY HEART. I PLEDGE ALLIGANCE TO YOU. I TURN MY BACK ON MY OLD LIFE AND PUBLICLY ACKNOWLEGE YOU AS LORD. THANK YOU FOR COMING INTO MY HEART . THIS DAY I BECOME YOUR CHILD. JESUS IS LORD OF ME. AMEN!!
Romans 6:23 says “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” You have just gotten a new gift from your new parent. Eternal life. Now and forever. The new movie you are in is “Forever Different”. You play the lead role. Here is a Preview:
‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’
(Matt.15: 20 -24)
Go, and be a Star for the Lord.
Written by Jimmy Italiano

A Favorite Jazz Guitar Song of Mine

Click here - I promise you will swing.

A Redemption Poem

A Redemption Poem

When God placed man in Eden,
Amid the glories there, He gave him full dominion,
Put all beneath his care; No curse rests on the garden,
No sin nor pain was known, Death had not cursed creation,
Nor taught its lips to moan.
Then came the mighty tempter.
Up from his dread domain. To curse God’s fair creation,
Give birth to sin and pain; The man yields to temptation,
And filled with treason’s blight, He sells his vast possessions,
Then all is plunged in night.
Man’s driven from the garden,
With no approach to God, Save through bleeding sacrifice,
Whose blood flows o’er the sod; For man is dead in spirit,
And Satan rules o’er him; Then thru this curst relation
Man’s sorrows reach the brim.
When driven out of Eden,
By justice’s awful rod, A promise then was given,
Of Christ — Incarnate God, Who’d break the rule of Satan,
The claims of justice pay, Restore the lost Creation,
Bring in Millennial Day.
Promise by E.W. Kenyon

Jim Italiano's Blog: Readers Are Leaders

Jim Italiano's Blog: Readers Are Leaders: Here is some Wisdom that has shaped my Beliefs: 1. Super Successful People read 16-21 Non-Fiction books per year. 2. Readers Are Leaders. 3....

The Integrity of God’s Word

This is one of my favorite chapters of E.W.Kenyon’s Book “The Two Kinds of Faith” written in the 1940′s. Enjoy
Chapter I
THE BASIS FOR FAITH
THIS faith business has me whipped”, said a young man the other day.
“The pastor preached on it Sunday. He didn’t tell me how to get faith, but he told me the necessity of it, told what it could do.
“He quoted those wonderful sentences from the lips of the Master, ‘All things are possible to him that believeth.’ ‘If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed . . . . ‘
“I have tried to get it. I have done everything that I knew or anyone else could tell me, but it seems to be so elusive. Can you tell me where the difficulty lies?”
I liked him. He was so frank, so genuine. The distress in his eyes challenged me.
I said to him, “Faith comes through the Word of God.
“You have faith in the man for whom you work ; if he promises you a raise in your salary, you wouldn’t question it.
“You have faith in the bank where you do business. If they told you that your account was overdrawn, you wouldn’t question it.
“You know that you and your word are one. You are back of your word, back of every word that you promise.
“God and His Word are one. God is back of every Word that He promises. Not only is He back of it, but His throne is back of His Word.
“He said, ‘I watch over my Word to perform it.’
“He is a business man. He knows that His Word is the foundation of everything, so He stands back of it.
“Jesus said, ‘Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall never pass away.’
“This is the thing that gives faith . . . the integrity of this Word.”
“Faith comes by hearing the Word, understanding it, by it becoming a part of us.
“I am going to say a hard thing. I am sure you will understand me. Lying and deceit and dishonesty are the badges of the world.
“We see it in international relationship between nations.
“They have their secret service men listening in everywhere, robbing each other of blueprints of warships, etc., until there is no chance of security anywhere.
“This is the reason for our unbelief. The air is pregnant with it. When we come up against the Word of God which cannot lie and cannot be challenged, somehow or other we are unprepared to accept it.
“Satan is a liar and he is the god of this world.
“Jesus came as a Revelation of Truth. He is the only one who ever made men become honest, when to tell the truth meant that they would be burned at the stake.
“Here we see the foundation of this Faith. You come to know Jesus through the word. He introduces you to the Father.
“Then you begin to act on the Word, to test it out, as it were.
“After a bit you will find that acting on what Jesus said, or the Father said, becomes as natural as acting on the word of the man for whom you are working.”
He said after careful thought, “Thank you. I believe I have learned something I have never seen before.”
One Foundation
There is but one foundation for Faith, the Living Word.
As we become one with the Word in our actions, then faith becomes an unconscious reality.
You never think of your Faith, you only think of the need and His ability to meet it.
If you wish faith to grow and become robust and strong, soak in the Word, feed on it, meditate on it, until you become one with it in the sense that you are one with your business.
Find out what you are in Christ, what your privileges are, what He thinks of you, what He says of you.
You will find all this in the Word.

Action !

ACTION

I know a special truth. I have proved it for myself. I act on this principle and have had great results in life and business. When I am down and out, I can take this “way of escape” and leave that state.

The principle I speak of is Action.
The Bible shares this wisdom when it says;
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves….. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. (James Chapter One)
Act ! Be a doer! Do something that you have been putting off ! Write that letter. Pick up that phone and make that call. (Remember that the phone does not weigh 100 lbs.) Forgive that person. Give that donation. Just do it !
Any movement towards order creates pleasure. Action will always overcome feelings.

Bing Crosby Tells The Small One : A Christmas Story

The Small One : A Christmas Story

                             A Christmas Story .. Here is a charming story with a good message. 

  Bing Crosby tells the story well – about a donkey that fulfills his destiny. There is hope for all…. It’s about 12 minutes long – take the time to enjoy it – don’t rush through  life…   I will be posting some other obscure Christmas recordings – usually from older records .  I hope you enjoy.  Merry Christmas

January 2013

If I were you, I would have these convictions for the New Year.

• I am created to be in a relationship with my Creator. This is the starting point for my life. If I don't acknowledge this basic truth, then I am a fool. Jesus made a way for me to be in right relationship with God. He is not "a" way or "one" of the ways to God. He was God in the flesh, and He Himself paid for the debt of sin that stood between God and Me . The answer? -- John 3:16 & John 1:12  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ...  As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.   Click on the above button on this page called  For You .


•  Mind management is a must. What is my Dominant thought?


• I need Mentors in my life. Mentorship is learning without the pain. Somebody knows what I don't. I wrote about this here :  http://jimitaliano.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/please-help/


• My wife is 50% of my wisdom.


• I am fooling myself if I think that my success is automatic. I must work harder on myself than I do on my job.


• Life is hard, but the harder I work on myself the easier life will get.


• I must write down my goals.


• Not reading is the same as not being able to read. Books are a mans best friend.


• I should develop my creative side. I don't want to be an old fart.


• I will not neglect or fail to appreciate my friends and loved ones.

I realize that I am not a great blogger or gifted writer. Sometimes I ask myself why am I writing these posts. Originally , I wanted a place to document some of the truths that have helped me in life and share them with my kids. But I also want any other readers to benefit from this blog. I believe that the Truths from Gods Word can absolutely help you succeed. But remember, that the only knowledge that benefits you is the knowledge that you act upon. So for 2013,  lets be Doers of God's Word !  James  tells us in the Bible :

¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, always be more willing to listen than to speak. Keep control of your anger. ²⁰ Anger does not help you live the way God wants. ²¹ So get rid of everything evil in your lives—every kind of wrong you do. Be humble and accept God’s teaching that is planted in your hearts. This teaching can save you.

²² Do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves. ²³ Hearing God’s teaching and doing nothing is like looking at your face in the mirror ²⁴ and doing nothing about what you saw. You go away and immediately forget how bad you looked. ²⁵ But when you look into God’s perfect law that sets people free, pay attention to it. If you do what it says, you will have God’s blessing. Never just listen to his teaching and forget what you heard.

²⁶ You might think you are a very religious person. But if your tongue is out of control, you are fooling yourself. Your careless talk makes your offerings to God worthless. ²⁷ The worship that God wants is this: caring for orphans or widows who need help and keeping yourself free from the world’s evil influence. This is the kind of worship that God accepts as pure and good.

Burl Ives narrarates " The Christmas Orphan "

The Christmas Orphan

This is an hard to find Christmas 45 by Burl Ives. The Christmas orphan is a wonderful story, that has a surprise ending. The b-side of this record is called 'little paper sacks". I may post that later is I get a request.  . Enjoy !