If you own just one Bible ... you are abundantly blessed. 1/3 of all the world does not have access to one.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
If your parents are still alive and still married ... you are very rare, even in the United States.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful ... you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.
If you prayed yesterday and today ... you are in the minority because you believe God does hear and answer prayers.
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
If you believe in Jesus as the Son of God and as your Saviour ... you are blessed as being part of a small minority in the world ... Amen
Brothers and sisters in Christ, each beatitude tells how to be blessed. “Blessed” means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate or enviable state of those who are in God’s kingdom. The Beatitudes don’t promise laughter, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. To Jesus, “blessed” means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. To find hope and joy, the deepest form of happiness, follow Jesus no matter what the cost.
I'll ask again...ARE YOU BLESSED?
Read God's Word
Sunday, March 18, 2007
STAY SAFE IN THE WORLD TODAY
Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.
Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals. So, ... above all else, avoid hospitals.
BUT, ... You will be pleased to learn that only 001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church!
... And ... Bible study is safe too. The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.
So, ... for SAFETY'S sake - Attend church, and read your Bible. IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Fear not my dear brothers & sisters in Christ...Christ’s death and resurrection set us free from the fear of death because death has been defeated. Every person must die, but death is not the end; instead, it is the doorway to a new life. All who dread death should have the opportunity to know the hope that Christ’s victory brings. How can you share this truth with those close to you?
Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.
Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals. So, ... above all else, avoid hospitals.
BUT, ... You will be pleased to learn that only 001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church!
... And ... Bible study is safe too. The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.
So, ... for SAFETY'S sake - Attend church, and read your Bible. IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Fear not my dear brothers & sisters in Christ...Christ’s death and resurrection set us free from the fear of death because death has been defeated. Every person must die, but death is not the end; instead, it is the doorway to a new life. All who dread death should have the opportunity to know the hope that Christ’s victory brings. How can you share this truth with those close to you?
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Mary, did you know...
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby you've kissed the face of God.
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the Great I Am.
Brother Mark Lowry, thank you so much for such a beautiful song!
that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby you've kissed the face of God.
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the Great I Am.
Brother Mark Lowry, thank you so much for such a beautiful song!
Friday, March 16, 2007
RECOVER YOUR HAPPINESS
A - Accept Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if you have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions.
B - Break Away Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life.
C - Create Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with.
D - Decide Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.
E - Explore Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about yourself.
F - Forgive Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.
G - Grow Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way.
H - Hope Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.
I - Ignore Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds.
J - Journey Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to learn something new every day, and you'll grow.
K - Know Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.
L - Love Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room for endless happiness.
M - Manage Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.
N - Notice Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.
O - Open Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times, there's still much to be thankful for.
P - Play Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness.
Q - Question Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.
R - Relax Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working out in the end.
S - Share Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will return to you many times over.
T - Try Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish.
U - Use Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value. Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.
V - Value Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged you, and be there for them as well.
W - Work Work hard every day to be the best person you can b e, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.
X - X-Ray Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness and beauty within.
Y - Yield Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find success at the end of the road.
Z - Zoom Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head. Let nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus on your abilities, your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow.
Some people bring unhappiness on themselves by choosing ill-gotten treasures. For example, craving satisfaction, they may do something that destroys their chances of ever achieving happiness. God’s principles for right living bring lasting happiness because they guide us into long-term right behavior in spite of our ever-changing feelings.
B - Break Away Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life.
C - Create Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with.
D - Decide Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.
E - Explore Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about yourself.
F - Forgive Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.
G - Grow Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way.
H - Hope Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.
I - Ignore Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds.
J - Journey Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to learn something new every day, and you'll grow.
K - Know Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.
L - Love Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room for endless happiness.
M - Manage Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.
N - Notice Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.
O - Open Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times, there's still much to be thankful for.
P - Play Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness.
Q - Question Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.
R - Relax Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working out in the end.
S - Share Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will return to you many times over.
T - Try Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish.
U - Use Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value. Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.
V - Value Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged you, and be there for them as well.
W - Work Work hard every day to be the best person you can b e, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.
X - X-Ray Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness and beauty within.
Y - Yield Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find success at the end of the road.
Z - Zoom Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head. Let nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus on your abilities, your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow.
Some people bring unhappiness on themselves by choosing ill-gotten treasures. For example, craving satisfaction, they may do something that destroys their chances of ever achieving happiness. God’s principles for right living bring lasting happiness because they guide us into long-term right behavior in spite of our ever-changing feelings.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
THE U IN JESUS
Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."
So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.
Will YOU pass it on.
God stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."
So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.
Will YOU pass it on.
Friday, March 02, 2007
A PLACE CALLED “SUCCESS”
The road to success is not straight.
There is a curve called Failure,
A loop called Confusion,
Speed bumps called Friends,
Red lights called Enemies,
Caution lights called Family.
You will have flats called Jobs.
But, if you have a spare called Determination,
An engine called Perseverance,
Insurance called Faith,
A driver called Jesus,
You will make it to a place called Success.
To be established means to be successful. Real success comes only to those who do what is right. Their efforts stand the test of time. Then, what kind of success does wickedness bring? We all know people who cheated to pass the course or to get a larger tax refund—is this not success? And what about the person who ignores his family commitments and mistreats his workers but gets ahead in business? These apparent successes are only temporary. They are bought at the expense of character. Cheaters grow more and more dishonest, and those who hurt others become callous and cruel. In the long run, evil behavior does not lead to success; it leads only to more evil. Real success maintains personal integrity. If you are not a success by God’s standards, you have not achieved true success.
There is a curve called Failure,
A loop called Confusion,
Speed bumps called Friends,
Red lights called Enemies,
Caution lights called Family.
You will have flats called Jobs.
But, if you have a spare called Determination,
An engine called Perseverance,
Insurance called Faith,
A driver called Jesus,
You will make it to a place called Success.
To be established means to be successful. Real success comes only to those who do what is right. Their efforts stand the test of time. Then, what kind of success does wickedness bring? We all know people who cheated to pass the course or to get a larger tax refund—is this not success? And what about the person who ignores his family commitments and mistreats his workers but gets ahead in business? These apparent successes are only temporary. They are bought at the expense of character. Cheaters grow more and more dishonest, and those who hurt others become callous and cruel. In the long run, evil behavior does not lead to success; it leads only to more evil. Real success maintains personal integrity. If you are not a success by God’s standards, you have not achieved true success.
The Greatest Man in History
The Greatest Man in History...
Had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.!
Brothers and Sisters, knowing about Jesus, or even believing that he is God’s Son, does not guarantee salvation. You must also want to follow and obey him.
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus" 1 Timothy 2:5
We human beings are separated from God by sin, and only one person in the universe is our mediator and can stand between us and God and bring us together again—Jesus, who is both God and man. Jesus’ sacrifice brought new life to all people.
Have you let him bring you to the Father?
Had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.!
Brothers and Sisters, knowing about Jesus, or even believing that he is God’s Son, does not guarantee salvation. You must also want to follow and obey him.
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus" 1 Timothy 2:5
We human beings are separated from God by sin, and only one person in the universe is our mediator and can stand between us and God and bring us together again—Jesus, who is both God and man. Jesus’ sacrifice brought new life to all people.
Have you let him bring you to the Father?
Friday, February 23, 2007
Cell Phone vs The Bible
I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
What if we bought a new one every time it wore out?
What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?
This is something to make you go ...hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't ever have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill! And no dropped calls!
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR BIBLE IS?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
What if we bought a new one every time it wore out?
What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?
This is something to make you go ...hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't ever have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill! And no dropped calls!
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR BIBLE IS?
Monday, February 19, 2007
Willing to risk & sacrifice
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, in the functions of intercessors for one another in our ministry of love we must be willing to risk & sacrifice…are you ready? In like manor...
Moses was willing to be blotted out of God's book. (Ex 32:32),
Moses was willing to be blotted out of God's book. (Ex 32:32),
Abraham was willing to suffer God's possible displeasure by negotiating Him down to 10 godly men in Sodom & Gomorrah. (Genesis 18:22),
When king David disobeyed by taking a census, he was willing to be destroyed in order to seek safety for his people. (1 Chronicles 21:17),
Daniel was willing to talk with God when He was very angry. (Dan 9:16),
Jesus was willing to become sin and lay down His life so that others could find forgiveness. (Isaiah 53:12),
The Centurion was willing to approach authority as well as subject himself to it. (Matt 8:5),
Martha dared to risk her friendship with Jesus to challenge His decision of delay. (John 11:21-22),
A father risked public exposure, fear of man's opinions, and disappointment for the sake of interceding for his possessed son. (Mark 9:17),
The Nobleman risked his self-sufficient pride. He could not help his son but he knew who could. He also risked public exposure and reputation. (John 4:49),
Stephen was willing to face the murderous rage of a crowd and asked God to forgive them. (Acts 7:59),
Esther was willing to perish at risk of defending her people to the king. At the very least she was willing to face a life of ill-favor, isolation and banishment from the king's court. (Esther 4:16),
David as a young boy was willing to face death from Goliath for the sake of Israel. At the very least he was willing to face humiliation, failure and defeat. (1 Sam 17:37)
I dare ask again...Are you ready?Saturday, February 17, 2007
I'm Too Blessed To Be Stressed
My dear brothers and sister in Christ, I'm Too Blessed To Be Stressed,
and Too Anointed To Be Disappointed therefore I refuse to be discouraged,
to be sad or to cry. I refuse to be downhearted and here's the reason why:
I have a God who is almighty;
who is sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me,
and I am on His team.
He is all wise and powerful;
Jesus is His Name;
though everything else is changeable,
My God remains the same.
I refuse to be defeated!
My eyes are on my GOD!
He has promised to be with me,
as through this life I trod.
I am looking past my circumstances,
to Heaven's throne above.
My prayers have reached the heart of God.
I am resting in His Love.
I give thanks to Him in everything.
My eyes are on His face.
The battle is His; the victory is mine;
He will help me win the race!
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, each beatitude tells how to be blessed. "Blessed" means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate or enviable state of those who are in God’s kingdom. The Beatitudes don’t promise laughter, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. To Jesus, "blessed" means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. To find hope and joy, the deepest form of happiness, follow Jesus no matter what the cost.
I repeat, "I'M TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!"
and Too Anointed To Be Disappointed therefore I refuse to be discouraged,
to be sad or to cry. I refuse to be downhearted and here's the reason why:
I have a God who is almighty;
who is sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me,
and I am on His team.
He is all wise and powerful;
Jesus is His Name;
though everything else is changeable,
My God remains the same.
I refuse to be defeated!
My eyes are on my GOD!
He has promised to be with me,
as through this life I trod.
I am looking past my circumstances,
to Heaven's throne above.
My prayers have reached the heart of God.
I am resting in His Love.
I give thanks to Him in everything.
My eyes are on His face.
The battle is His; the victory is mine;
He will help me win the race!
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, each beatitude tells how to be blessed. "Blessed" means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate or enviable state of those who are in God’s kingdom. The Beatitudes don’t promise laughter, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. To Jesus, "blessed" means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. To find hope and joy, the deepest form of happiness, follow Jesus no matter what the cost.
I repeat, "I'M TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!"
Thursday, February 15, 2007
WHAT IS LOVE?
Love is patient. (Charity suffereth long) Love is tolerant toward others. Love endures trying circumstances with others and maintains an even temper.
Love is kind. Love is compassionate towards others. Love is tender, considerate, and helpful.
Love is not jealous. Love is not envious, does not desire anything another person may have, but instead is even thankful for the advantages of the other person.
Love does not brag. (Charity vaunteth not) Love does not boast about oneself. When we boast about ourselves, we put other people down by elevating ourselves above them. Boasting can make other people feel inferior to us.
Love is not arrogant. (Not puffed up) Love is not conceited or puffed up with pride, does not elevate oneself above others, does not lord it over others.
Love does not act unbecomingly. (Not behave itself unseemly) Love does not behave improperly towards others, does not take advantage of others in any circumstance. Love is well-mannered toward others in speech, in behavior, and in dress.
Love does not seek its own. Love is not selfish. Love seeks the benefit of others before oneself.
Love is not provoked. Love is not easily angered, does not respond to ill treatment from others.
Love does not take into account a wrong. (Thinketh no evil) Love does not keep a record of injuries inflicted by others; true love is unconditional.
Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness. (Rejoiceth not in iniquity) Love does not rejoice when others do evil, but it rejoices when others do good. Love does not delight to see anyone involved in any form of evil.
Love rejoices in the truth. Love rejoices when the truth is made known. Love never rejoices when someone is unjustly accused.
Love bears all things. Love puts up with others when they are unpleasant, even when they continue to be unpleasant, unkind, and unloving.
Love believes all things. Love believes the best about others. Love continues to have confidence in others even when no one else does.
Love hopes all things. Love continues to hope for the best for others, even when they may not deserve the best.
Love endures all things. Love continues to love, no matter how much it costs. Love does not give up on the person loved. Love prevails, both in good times and bad times.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, our society confuses love and lust. Unlike lust, God’s kind of love is directed outward toward others, not inward toward ourselves. It is utterly unselfish. This kind of love goes against our natural inclinations. It is possible to practice this love only if God helps us set aside our own desires and instincts, so that we can give love while expecting nothing in return. Thus the more we become like Christ, the more love we will show to others.
(Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Life Application Notes)
Love is kind. Love is compassionate towards others. Love is tender, considerate, and helpful.
Love is not jealous. Love is not envious, does not desire anything another person may have, but instead is even thankful for the advantages of the other person.
Love does not brag. (Charity vaunteth not) Love does not boast about oneself. When we boast about ourselves, we put other people down by elevating ourselves above them. Boasting can make other people feel inferior to us.
Love is not arrogant. (Not puffed up) Love is not conceited or puffed up with pride, does not elevate oneself above others, does not lord it over others.
Love does not act unbecomingly. (Not behave itself unseemly) Love does not behave improperly towards others, does not take advantage of others in any circumstance. Love is well-mannered toward others in speech, in behavior, and in dress.
Love does not seek its own. Love is not selfish. Love seeks the benefit of others before oneself.
Love is not provoked. Love is not easily angered, does not respond to ill treatment from others.
Love does not take into account a wrong. (Thinketh no evil) Love does not keep a record of injuries inflicted by others; true love is unconditional.
Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness. (Rejoiceth not in iniquity) Love does not rejoice when others do evil, but it rejoices when others do good. Love does not delight to see anyone involved in any form of evil.
Love rejoices in the truth. Love rejoices when the truth is made known. Love never rejoices when someone is unjustly accused.
Love bears all things. Love puts up with others when they are unpleasant, even when they continue to be unpleasant, unkind, and unloving.
Love believes all things. Love believes the best about others. Love continues to have confidence in others even when no one else does.
Love hopes all things. Love continues to hope for the best for others, even when they may not deserve the best.
Love endures all things. Love continues to love, no matter how much it costs. Love does not give up on the person loved. Love prevails, both in good times and bad times.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, our society confuses love and lust. Unlike lust, God’s kind of love is directed outward toward others, not inward toward ourselves. It is utterly unselfish. This kind of love goes against our natural inclinations. It is possible to practice this love only if God helps us set aside our own desires and instincts, so that we can give love while expecting nothing in return. Thus the more we become like Christ, the more love we will show to others.
(Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Life Application Notes)
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
“WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST”
Brothers and Sisters, you are no longer alone, for Christ lives in you—he is your power for living and your hope for the future
You are believers, and the light of the Gospel shines in your minds (II Corinthians 4:4).
You are doers of the Word and blessed in your actions (James 1:22, 25).
You are joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
You are new creatures in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
You are partakers of His divine nature (II Peter 1:3, 4).
You are a spirit being-alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11).
You are alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
You are ambassadors for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20).
You are over-comers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony (Revelation 12:11).
You are born of God, and the evil one does not touch you (I John 5:18).
You are called of God to be the voice of His praise (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 66:8).
You are complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
You are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
You are far from oppression, and fear does not come near you (Isaiah 54:14).
You are firmly rooted, built up, established in your faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).
You are forgiven of all your sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).
You are free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
You are God’s children-for you are born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23).
You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
You are greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).
You are healed by the stripes of Jesus (I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5).
You are His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).
You are holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).
You are more than conquerors through Him Who loves you (Romans 8:37).
You are part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (I Peter 2:9).
You are raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6).
You are redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68).
You are strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
You are submitted to God, and the devil flees from you because you resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).
You are the head and not the tail; you are above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
You are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
You are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).
You are the temple of the Holy Spirit; you are not your own (I Corinthians 6:19).
You can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with your shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
You can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
You have given, and it is given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into your bosom (Luke 6:38).
You have no lack for our God supplies all of your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
You have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created you (Colossians 3:9, 10).
You have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
You have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues.
You have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm you (Mark 16:17, 18; Luke 10:17, 19).
You have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17, 18).
You have the Greater One living in you; greater is He Who is in you than he who is in the world (I John 4:4).
You have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; I Corinthians 2:16).
You have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
You press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling you upward (Philippians 3:14).
You shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus (John 14:12).
You show forth the praises of God Who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9).
You are believers, and the light of the Gospel shines in your minds (II Corinthians 4:4).
You are doers of the Word and blessed in your actions (James 1:22, 25).
You are joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
You are new creatures in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
You are partakers of His divine nature (II Peter 1:3, 4).
You are a spirit being-alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11).
You are alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
You are ambassadors for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20).
You are over-comers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony (Revelation 12:11).
You are born of God, and the evil one does not touch you (I John 5:18).
You are called of God to be the voice of His praise (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 66:8).
You are complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
You are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
You are far from oppression, and fear does not come near you (Isaiah 54:14).
You are firmly rooted, built up, established in your faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).
You are forgiven of all your sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).
You are free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
You are God’s children-for you are born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23).
You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
You are greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).
You are healed by the stripes of Jesus (I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5).
You are His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).
You are holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).
You are more than conquerors through Him Who loves you (Romans 8:37).
You are part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (I Peter 2:9).
You are raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6).
You are redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68).
You are strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
You are submitted to God, and the devil flees from you because you resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).
You are the head and not the tail; you are above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
You are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
You are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).
You are the temple of the Holy Spirit; you are not your own (I Corinthians 6:19).
You can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with your shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
You can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
You have given, and it is given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into your bosom (Luke 6:38).
You have no lack for our God supplies all of your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
You have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created you (Colossians 3:9, 10).
You have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
You have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues.
You have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm you (Mark 16:17, 18; Luke 10:17, 19).
You have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17, 18).
You have the Greater One living in you; greater is He Who is in you than he who is in the world (I John 4:4).
You have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; I Corinthians 2:16).
You have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
You press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling you upward (Philippians 3:14).
You shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus (John 14:12).
You show forth the praises of God Who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9).
“WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST”
Brothers and Sisters, because Christ lives in us as believers, we can remain courageous and hopeful to the end. We are not saved by being steadfast and firm in our faith, but our courage and hope do reveal that our faith is real. Without this enduring faithfulness, we could easily be blown away by the winds of temptation, false teaching, or persecution, therefore we must know who we are and Whose we are.
We are believers, and the light of the Gospel shines in our minds (II Corinthians 4:4).
We are doers of the Word and blessed in our actions (James 1:22, 25).
We are joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
We are new creatures in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
We are partakers of His divine nature (II Peter 1:3, 4).
We are a spirit being-alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11).
We are alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
We are ambassadors for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20).
We are over-comers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11).
We are born of God, and the evil one does not touch us (I John 5:18).
We are called of God to be the voice of His praise (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 66:8).
We are complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
We are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
We are far from oppression, and fear does not come near us (Isaiah 54:14).
We are firmly rooted, built up, established in our faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).
We are forgiven of all our sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).
We are free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
We are God’s children-for we are born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23).
We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
We are greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).
We are healed by the stripes of Jesus (I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5).
We are His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).
We are holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).
We are more than conquerors through Him Who loves us (Romans 8:37).
We are part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (I Peter 2:9).
We are raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6).
We are redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68).
We are strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
We are submitted to God, and the devil flees from us because we resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).
We are the head and not the tail; we are above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
We are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
We are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).
We are the temple of the Holy Spirit; we are not our own (I Corinthians 6:19).
We can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with our shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
We can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
We have given, and it is given to us; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into our bosom (Luke 6:38).
We have no lack for our God supplies all of our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
We have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created us (Colossians 3:9, 10).
We have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
We have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues.
We have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm us (Mark 16:17, 18; Luke 10:17, 19).
We have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of our understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17, 18).
We have the Greater One living in us; greater is He Who is in us than he who is in the world (I John 4:4).
We have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; I Corinthians 2:16).
We have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
We press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward (Philippians 3:14).
We shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus (John 14:12).
We show forth the praises of God Who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9).
We are believers, and the light of the Gospel shines in our minds (II Corinthians 4:4).
We are doers of the Word and blessed in our actions (James 1:22, 25).
We are joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
We are new creatures in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
We are partakers of His divine nature (II Peter 1:3, 4).
We are a spirit being-alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11).
We are alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
We are ambassadors for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20).
We are over-comers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11).
We are born of God, and the evil one does not touch us (I John 5:18).
We are called of God to be the voice of His praise (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 66:8).
We are complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
We are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
We are far from oppression, and fear does not come near us (Isaiah 54:14).
We are firmly rooted, built up, established in our faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).
We are forgiven of all our sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).
We are free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
We are God’s children-for we are born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23).
We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
We are greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).
We are healed by the stripes of Jesus (I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5).
We are His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).
We are holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).
We are more than conquerors through Him Who loves us (Romans 8:37).
We are part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (I Peter 2:9).
We are raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6).
We are redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68).
We are strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
We are submitted to God, and the devil flees from us because we resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).
We are the head and not the tail; we are above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
We are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
We are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).
We are the temple of the Holy Spirit; we are not our own (I Corinthians 6:19).
We can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with our shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
We can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
We have given, and it is given to us; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into our bosom (Luke 6:38).
We have no lack for our God supplies all of our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
We have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created us (Colossians 3:9, 10).
We have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
We have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues.
We have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm us (Mark 16:17, 18; Luke 10:17, 19).
We have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of our understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17, 18).
We have the Greater One living in us; greater is He Who is in us than he who is in the world (I John 4:4).
We have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; I Corinthians 2:16).
We have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
We press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward (Philippians 3:14).
We shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus (John 14:12).
We show forth the praises of God Who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9).
“WHO I AM IN CHRIST”
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, when you use the gifts God has given you, you will find that God will give you the power you need, therefore I say boldly and believe wholeheartedly, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7).
I am a believer, and the light of the Gospel shines in my mind (II Corinthians 4:4).
I am a doer of the Word and blessed in my actions (James 1:22, 25).
I am a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).
I am a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
I am a partaker of His divine nature (II Peter 1:3, 4).
I am a spirit being-alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11).
I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
I am an ambassador for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20).
I am an over-comer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11).
I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch me (I John 5:18).
I am called of God to be the voice of His praise (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 66:8).
I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
I am far from oppression, and fear does not come near me (Isaiah 54:14).
I am firmly rooted, built up, established in my faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).
I am forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).
I am free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
I am God’s child-for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23).
I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
I am greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).
I am healed by the stripes of Jesus (I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5).
I am His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).
I am holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).
I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me (Romans 8:37).
I am part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (I Peter 2:9).
I am raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6).
I am redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68).
I am strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
I am submitted to God, and the devil flees from me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).
I am the head and not the tail; I am above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).
I am the temple of the Holy Spirit; I am not my own (I Corinthians 6:19).
I can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with my shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16). I can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
I have given, and it is given to me; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into my bosom (Luke 6:38).
I have no lack for my God supplies all of my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
I have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created me (Colossians 3:9, 10).
I have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
I have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues.
I have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm me (Mark 16:17, 18; Luke 10:17, 19).
I have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of my understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17, 18).
I have the Greater One living in me; greater is He Who is in me than he who is in the world (I John 4:4).
I have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; I Corinthians 2:16).
I have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
I press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward (Philippians 3:14).
I shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus (John 14:12).
I show forth the praises of God Who has called me out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9).
I am a believer, and the light of the Gospel shines in my mind (II Corinthians 4:4).
I am a doer of the Word and blessed in my actions (James 1:22, 25).
I am a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).
I am a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
I am a partaker of His divine nature (II Peter 1:3, 4).
I am a spirit being-alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11).
I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
I am an ambassador for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20).
I am an over-comer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11).
I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch me (I John 5:18).
I am called of God to be the voice of His praise (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 66:8).
I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
I am far from oppression, and fear does not come near me (Isaiah 54:14).
I am firmly rooted, built up, established in my faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).
I am forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).
I am free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
I am God’s child-for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23).
I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
I am greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).
I am healed by the stripes of Jesus (I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5).
I am His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).
I am holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).
I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me (Romans 8:37).
I am part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (I Peter 2:9).
I am raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6).
I am redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68).
I am strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
I am submitted to God, and the devil flees from me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).
I am the head and not the tail; I am above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).
I am the temple of the Holy Spirit; I am not my own (I Corinthians 6:19).
I can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with my shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16). I can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
I have given, and it is given to me; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into my bosom (Luke 6:38).
I have no lack for my God supplies all of my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
I have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created me (Colossians 3:9, 10).
I have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
I have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues.
I have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm me (Mark 16:17, 18; Luke 10:17, 19).
I have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of my understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17, 18).
I have the Greater One living in me; greater is He Who is in me than he who is in the world (I John 4:4).
I have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; I Corinthians 2:16).
I have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
I press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward (Philippians 3:14).
I shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus (John 14:12).
I show forth the praises of God Who has called me out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9).
HOW TO HAVE A GOOD DAY EVERY DAY
1. BE PLEASANT. Jesus said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” When we are pleasant toward others, it comes back to us in a hundredfold return.
2. BE POSITIVE. Function in faith, facing every obstacle with the affirmation, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Rise above the cynicism, negativism, and despondency of our present age with the attitude that says, “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).
3. BE PRODUCTIVE. The Apostle Paul exhorts us, “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need” (Eph 4:28). Happiness is the fruit of productive living.
4. BE PURE. Purity means to hate what is evil and cling to what is good; to avoid the very appearances of evil, and to be holy even as Christ is holy (see Romans 12:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 1:16).
5. BE PLIABLE. Bounce back when disappointed and learn to adjust to the changing circumstances of life. Remember, “When you can’t direct the winds, adjust your sails.”
6. BE PATIENT. It has been said that, “Hurry is not of the devil; it is the devil.” In our day of hustle and bustle and fast living in the rat race it is imperative that we learn the patience of Job (James 5:11).
7. BE PEACEFUL. Every person is confronted with good reasons for worry, anxiety and fear. We face financial setbacks, health problems, and adverse circumstances which are beyond our control. The Christian antidote to worry is the peace of Christ which floods our hearts as we cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6,7).
8. BE PRIORITIZED. Put first things first. Jesus tells us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
9. BE PRAYERFUL. Prayer is unbroken communion with the Lord. It involves both talking and listening as we learn to practice the presence of God every minute of every day. The psalmist tells us, “In thy presence is the fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).
10. BE PRAISEFUL. Praise is the single most prevalent attitude and action in the believer’s life. Praise springs forth from the heart that is careful to count the blessings of the Lord as opposed to forgetting His goodness (Psalm 103:1-5).
Thank you Dr. David C. Cooper
2. BE POSITIVE. Function in faith, facing every obstacle with the affirmation, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Rise above the cynicism, negativism, and despondency of our present age with the attitude that says, “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).
3. BE PRODUCTIVE. The Apostle Paul exhorts us, “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need” (Eph 4:28). Happiness is the fruit of productive living.
4. BE PURE. Purity means to hate what is evil and cling to what is good; to avoid the very appearances of evil, and to be holy even as Christ is holy (see Romans 12:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 1:16).
5. BE PLIABLE. Bounce back when disappointed and learn to adjust to the changing circumstances of life. Remember, “When you can’t direct the winds, adjust your sails.”
6. BE PATIENT. It has been said that, “Hurry is not of the devil; it is the devil.” In our day of hustle and bustle and fast living in the rat race it is imperative that we learn the patience of Job (James 5:11).
7. BE PEACEFUL. Every person is confronted with good reasons for worry, anxiety and fear. We face financial setbacks, health problems, and adverse circumstances which are beyond our control. The Christian antidote to worry is the peace of Christ which floods our hearts as we cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6,7).
8. BE PRIORITIZED. Put first things first. Jesus tells us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
9. BE PRAYERFUL. Prayer is unbroken communion with the Lord. It involves both talking and listening as we learn to practice the presence of God every minute of every day. The psalmist tells us, “In thy presence is the fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).
10. BE PRAISEFUL. Praise is the single most prevalent attitude and action in the believer’s life. Praise springs forth from the heart that is careful to count the blessings of the Lord as opposed to forgetting His goodness (Psalm 103:1-5).
Thank you Dr. David C. Cooper
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
I WAS THE ONE
I was the one.
I was the one who flogged Him.
I was the one who taunted Him.
I was the one who spit upon Him.
I was the one who tortured Him in unspeakable ways.
I was the one who put the crown of thorns upon His head.
I was the one who put His cross upon His back.
I was the one who laughed when He could not carry it.
I was the one who grabbed Him and slammed Him down on the ground over His cross.
I was the one who picked up the nails.
I was the one who picked up the hammer.
I was the one who drove the nails into His hands and feet.
I was the one who pushed Him upright upon the tree to die by suffocation.
I was the one who heard Him mumble I was forgiven.
I was the one who watched His mother and the other Mary weep.
I was the one who saw John cry.
I was the one who turned away and did not care.
I was the one who did not believe the stories about Him.
I was the one who pushed the spear into His side.
It was my job.
I was big and strong.
I knew how to use a hammer.
I was following orders.
After awhile they all look alike and act alike.
After awhile you get used to seeing the suffering.
After awhile you don't care anymore.
This one was different.
He said He forgave me because I did not know what I was doing.
I went home afterward.
Out of the hundreds I had done, this one bothered me.
He said He forgave me.
The earthquake shook the ground and shook me.
It got dark before it was supposed to get dark.
Someone outside said they killed the Messiah.
I was the one.
That night I could not sleep.
I walked outside that night.
I was upset because He said He forgave me.
I can still hear His voice.
I didn't look at Him.
You never want to look at them.
I kept hearing His voice saying He forgave me.
I couldn't get His voice out of my mind.
I was just doing my job.
The next day and the day after people were still in a stir about what I had done.
No one really knew who I was.
I was just a nameless and faceless person doing a job.
I was the one.
He said He forgave me.
I did not report to work for the next few days.
I kept hearing Him say He forgave me.
Five days later I heard people say He was alive.
People said He had come back from the dead.
No one comes back from the dead.
I am telling you, no one comes back from being dead.
But I saw Him.
He was alive.
When I saw Him I could see His scars.
I saw Him with my own eyes.
When I saw Him I looked at Him.
He looked at me.
He looked at me and said He loved me.
He said He forgave me.
Then I realized what I had done.
My heart broke.
My soul broke.
My mind broke.
My life was in tatters.
I was the one.
I fell to the ground.
I wished I could die.
Then He reached down and He touched me.
He said He loved me.
He forgave me.
I was the one…and so were you.
I was the one who flogged Him.
I was the one who taunted Him.
I was the one who spit upon Him.
I was the one who tortured Him in unspeakable ways.
I was the one who put the crown of thorns upon His head.
I was the one who put His cross upon His back.
I was the one who laughed when He could not carry it.
I was the one who grabbed Him and slammed Him down on the ground over His cross.
I was the one who picked up the nails.
I was the one who picked up the hammer.
I was the one who drove the nails into His hands and feet.
I was the one who pushed Him upright upon the tree to die by suffocation.
I was the one who heard Him mumble I was forgiven.
I was the one who watched His mother and the other Mary weep.
I was the one who saw John cry.
I was the one who turned away and did not care.
I was the one who did not believe the stories about Him.
I was the one who pushed the spear into His side.
It was my job.
I was big and strong.
I knew how to use a hammer.
I was following orders.
After awhile they all look alike and act alike.
After awhile you get used to seeing the suffering.
After awhile you don't care anymore.
This one was different.
He said He forgave me because I did not know what I was doing.
I went home afterward.
Out of the hundreds I had done, this one bothered me.
He said He forgave me.
The earthquake shook the ground and shook me.
It got dark before it was supposed to get dark.
Someone outside said they killed the Messiah.
I was the one.
That night I could not sleep.
I walked outside that night.
I was upset because He said He forgave me.
I can still hear His voice.
I didn't look at Him.
You never want to look at them.
I kept hearing His voice saying He forgave me.
I couldn't get His voice out of my mind.
I was just doing my job.
The next day and the day after people were still in a stir about what I had done.
No one really knew who I was.
I was just a nameless and faceless person doing a job.
I was the one.
He said He forgave me.
I did not report to work for the next few days.
I kept hearing Him say He forgave me.
Five days later I heard people say He was alive.
People said He had come back from the dead.
No one comes back from the dead.
I am telling you, no one comes back from being dead.
But I saw Him.
He was alive.
When I saw Him I could see His scars.
I saw Him with my own eyes.
When I saw Him I looked at Him.
He looked at me.
He looked at me and said He loved me.
He said He forgave me.
Then I realized what I had done.
My heart broke.
My soul broke.
My mind broke.
My life was in tatters.
I was the one.
I fell to the ground.
I wished I could die.
Then He reached down and He touched me.
He said He loved me.
He forgave me.
I was the one…and so were you.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
A Mother's Question
A mother asked President Bush,
"Why did my son have to die in Iraq?"
Another mother asked President Kennedy,
"Why did my son have to die in Viet Nam?"
Another mother asked President Truman,
"Why did my son have to die in Korea?
Another mother asked President F.D. Roosevelt,
"Why did my son have to die at Iwo Jima?"
Another mother asked President W. Wilson,
"Why did my son have to die on the battlefield of France?"
Yet another mother asked President Lincoln,
"Why did my son have to die at Gettysburg?"
And yet another mother asked President G. Washington,
"Why did my son have to die near Valley Forge?"
Then long, long ago, a mother asked ...
"Heavenly Father, why did my Son have to dieon a cross outside of Jerusalem?"
The answers to all these are similar ...
"So that others may have life and dwell in peace,happiness and freedom."
IF YOU DON'T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS, PLEASE, FEEL FREE ...
TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM!!!
"Why did my son have to die in Iraq?"
Another mother asked President Kennedy,
"Why did my son have to die in Viet Nam?"
Another mother asked President Truman,
"Why did my son have to die in Korea?
Another mother asked President F.D. Roosevelt,
"Why did my son have to die at Iwo Jima?"
Another mother asked President W. Wilson,
"Why did my son have to die on the battlefield of France?"
Yet another mother asked President Lincoln,
"Why did my son have to die at Gettysburg?"
And yet another mother asked President G. Washington,
"Why did my son have to die near Valley Forge?"
Then long, long ago, a mother asked ...
"Heavenly Father, why did my Son have to dieon a cross outside of Jerusalem?"
The answers to all these are similar ...
"So that others may have life and dwell in peace,happiness and freedom."
IF YOU DON'T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS, PLEASE, FEEL FREE ...
TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM!!!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
My Friend, It's Too Late
My friend, I stand in the Judgment now
and feel that you're to blame somehow.
On earth, I walked with you each day
and never did you point the way.
You knew the Lord in truth and glory,
But never did you tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim;
You could have led me safe to Him.
Though we lived together on the earth,
You never told me of the second birth.
And now I stand this day condemned,
because you failed to mention Him.
You taught me many things, that's true;
I called you "Friend" and trusted you,
but I learned now that it's too late,
you could have kept me from this fate.
We walked by day and talked by night,
and yet you showed me not the light.
You let me live, and love, and die,
you knew I'd never live on high.
Yes, I called you "Friend" in life,
and trusted you through joy and strife.
And yet on coming to the end,
I cannot, now call you "My Friend."
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
Sometimes we wonder about the fate of those who haven’t heard of Christ and have not even had a Bible to read. God assures us that all who honestly seek him—who act in faith on the knowledge of God that they possess—will be rewarded. When you tell others the gospel, encourage them to be honest and diligent in their search for truth. Those who hear the gospel are responsible for what they have heard.
and feel that you're to blame somehow.
On earth, I walked with you each day
and never did you point the way.
You knew the Lord in truth and glory,
But never did you tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim;
You could have led me safe to Him.
Though we lived together on the earth,
You never told me of the second birth.
And now I stand this day condemned,
because you failed to mention Him.
You taught me many things, that's true;
I called you "Friend" and trusted you,
but I learned now that it's too late,
you could have kept me from this fate.
We walked by day and talked by night,
and yet you showed me not the light.
You let me live, and love, and die,
you knew I'd never live on high.
Yes, I called you "Friend" in life,
and trusted you through joy and strife.
And yet on coming to the end,
I cannot, now call you "My Friend."
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
Sometimes we wonder about the fate of those who haven’t heard of Christ and have not even had a Bible to read. God assures us that all who honestly seek him—who act in faith on the knowledge of God that they possess—will be rewarded. When you tell others the gospel, encourage them to be honest and diligent in their search for truth. Those who hear the gospel are responsible for what they have heard.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
DYING TO SELF
When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught and you don't sting and hurt with insult; but you heart is happy being counted worthy to suffer for Christ...that is DYING TO SELF.
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice is disregarded, your opinion ridiculed and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence...that is DYING TO SELF.
When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, and irregularity, or annoyance; when you stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility and endure it as Jesus endured......that is DYING TO SELF.
When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any raiment, any interruption by the will of God…that is DYING TO SELF.
When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or to record your own good words or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown...that is DYING TO SELF.
When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy or question God while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances...that is DYING TO SELF.
When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up in your heart...that is DYING TO SELF.
Are you dead yet? In these last days, the Spirit would bring us to the cross, "That I may know Him...being made conformable unto His death". (Phil. 3:10)
Thanks to "The Word Training Center"
Elder J.A. Vazquez
When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice is disregarded, your opinion ridiculed and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence...that is DYING TO SELF.
When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, and irregularity, or annoyance; when you stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility and endure it as Jesus endured......that is DYING TO SELF.
When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any raiment, any interruption by the will of God…that is DYING TO SELF.
When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or to record your own good words or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown...that is DYING TO SELF.
When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy or question God while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances...that is DYING TO SELF.
When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up in your heart...that is DYING TO SELF.
Are you dead yet? In these last days, the Spirit would bring us to the cross, "That I may know Him...being made conformable unto His death". (Phil. 3:10)
Thanks to "The Word Training Center"
Elder J.A. Vazquez
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
TYPES OF FAITH
LITTLE FAITH: "Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" (Matthew 6:30). (See also Matthew 8:26; 14:31; 16:8.)
GREAT FAITH: "When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel" (Matthew 8:10). (See also Matthew 15:28.)
NO FAITH: "And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" (Mark 4:40). (See also Mark 6:6.)
TAUNTING FAITH: "He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him" (Matthew 27:42).
SAVING FAITH: "And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee" (Luke 5:20). "And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace" (Luke 7:50).
STOLEN FAITH: "Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved" (Luke 8:12).
LOST FAITH: "And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him" (Luke 8:25).
HEALING FAITH: "And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace" (Luke 8:48). (See also Acts 14:9.)
PRECIOUS FAITH: "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:1).
INCREASING FAITH: "And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith" (Luke 17:5). (See also 2 Corinthians 10:15.)
FAILING FAITH: "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:32).
HINDERED FAITH: "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" (2 Corinthians 4:4). (See also John 5:44; Acts 13:8.)
USELESS FAITH: "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue" (John 12:42).
FAITH FILLED: "And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people" (Acts 6:8). (See also Acts 6:5; 11:24.)
THE FAITH: "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13). (See also 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Timothy 4:1; Jude 3.)
OPEN-DOOR FAITH: "And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles" (Acts 14:27).
ERRING FAITH: "Which some professing have erred concerning the faith . . ." (1 Timothy 6:21).
STEPPING FAITH: "And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised" (Romans 4:12).
WALKING FAITH: "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).
LIVING FAITH: "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him" (Hebrews 10:38).
WORD OF FAITH: "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach" (Romans 10:8). (See also 1 Timothy 4:6.)
WEAK FAITH: "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations" (Romans 14:1).
VAIN FAITH: "And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17). (See also 1 Corinthians 15:2, 17.)
HOUSEHOLD FAITH: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10).
JOYOUS FAITH: "And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith" (Philippians 1:25).
GROUNDED FAITH: "If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister" (Colossians 1:23).
STEDFAST FAITH: "For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ" (Colossians 2:5). (See also 1 Peter 5:9.)
ROOTED FAITH: "Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving" (Colossians 2:7).
WORKING FAITH: "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father" (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
PATIENT FAITH: "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:3).
SPREADING FAITH: "For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing" (1 Thessalonians 1:8).
COMFORTING FAITH: "Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith" (1 Thessalonians 3:7).
LACKING FAITH: "Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith" (1 Thessalonians 3:10).
GROWING FAITH: "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth" (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
UNFEIGNED FAITH: "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also" (2 Timothy 1:5). (See also 1 Timothy 1:5.)
HOLDING FAITH: "Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck" (1 Timothy 1:19).
FIRST FAITH: "Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith" (1 Timothy 5:12).
FIGHTING FAITH: "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:12).
OVERTHROWN FAITH: "Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some" (2 Timothy 2:18).
KEPT FAITH: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).
COMMON FAITH: "To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour" (Titus 1:4).
SOUND FAITH: "This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith" (Titus 1:13). (See also Titus 2:2.)
COMMUNICATING FAITH: "That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus" (Philemon 6).
EFFECTIVE FAITH: "That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus" (Philemon 6).
ASSURING FAITH: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water" (Hebrews 10:22).
PROFESSED FAITH: "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)" (Hebrews 10:23).
UNWAVERING FAITH: "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed" (James 1:6).
UNDERSTANDING FAITH: "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" (Hebrews 11:3).
ACTIVE FAITH: Hebrews 11:4-40.
FOLLOWING FAITH: "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation" (Hebrews 13:7).
DEAD FAITH: James 2:14-26.
NOT FAITH ONLY: "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (James 2:24).
PRAYING FAITH: "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him" (James 5:15).
TRIED FAITH: "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:7).
EXAMINING FAITH: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).
VICTORIOUS FAITH: "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4).
OVERCOMING FAITH: "Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5:5).
LYING FAITH: "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son" (1 John 5:10).
TREMBLING FAITH: "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble" (James 2:19).
HOLY FAITH: "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost" (Jude 20).
Thank you brother Louis Rushmore
GREAT FAITH: "When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel" (Matthew 8:10). (See also Matthew 15:28.)
NO FAITH: "And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" (Mark 4:40). (See also Mark 6:6.)
TAUNTING FAITH: "He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him" (Matthew 27:42).
SAVING FAITH: "And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee" (Luke 5:20). "And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace" (Luke 7:50).
STOLEN FAITH: "Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved" (Luke 8:12).
LOST FAITH: "And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him" (Luke 8:25).
HEALING FAITH: "And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace" (Luke 8:48). (See also Acts 14:9.)
PRECIOUS FAITH: "Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:1).
INCREASING FAITH: "And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith" (Luke 17:5). (See also 2 Corinthians 10:15.)
FAILING FAITH: "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:32).
HINDERED FAITH: "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" (2 Corinthians 4:4). (See also John 5:44; Acts 13:8.)
USELESS FAITH: "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue" (John 12:42).
FAITH FILLED: "And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people" (Acts 6:8). (See also Acts 6:5; 11:24.)
THE FAITH: "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13). (See also 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Timothy 4:1; Jude 3.)
OPEN-DOOR FAITH: "And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles" (Acts 14:27).
ERRING FAITH: "Which some professing have erred concerning the faith . . ." (1 Timothy 6:21).
STEPPING FAITH: "And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised" (Romans 4:12).
WALKING FAITH: "For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).
LIVING FAITH: "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him" (Hebrews 10:38).
WORD OF FAITH: "But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach" (Romans 10:8). (See also 1 Timothy 4:6.)
WEAK FAITH: "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations" (Romans 14:1).
VAIN FAITH: "And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17). (See also 1 Corinthians 15:2, 17.)
HOUSEHOLD FAITH: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10).
JOYOUS FAITH: "And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith" (Philippians 1:25).
GROUNDED FAITH: "If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister" (Colossians 1:23).
STEDFAST FAITH: "For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ" (Colossians 2:5). (See also 1 Peter 5:9.)
ROOTED FAITH: "Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving" (Colossians 2:7).
WORKING FAITH: "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father" (1 Thessalonians 1:3).
PATIENT FAITH: "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:3).
SPREADING FAITH: "For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing" (1 Thessalonians 1:8).
COMFORTING FAITH: "Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith" (1 Thessalonians 3:7).
LACKING FAITH: "Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith" (1 Thessalonians 3:10).
GROWING FAITH: "We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth" (2 Thessalonians 1:3).
UNFEIGNED FAITH: "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also" (2 Timothy 1:5). (See also 1 Timothy 1:5.)
HOLDING FAITH: "Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck" (1 Timothy 1:19).
FIRST FAITH: "Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith" (1 Timothy 5:12).
FIGHTING FAITH: "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:12).
OVERTHROWN FAITH: "Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some" (2 Timothy 2:18).
KEPT FAITH: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).
COMMON FAITH: "To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour" (Titus 1:4).
SOUND FAITH: "This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith" (Titus 1:13). (See also Titus 2:2.)
COMMUNICATING FAITH: "That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus" (Philemon 6).
EFFECTIVE FAITH: "That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus" (Philemon 6).
ASSURING FAITH: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water" (Hebrews 10:22).
PROFESSED FAITH: "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)" (Hebrews 10:23).
UNWAVERING FAITH: "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed" (James 1:6).
UNDERSTANDING FAITH: "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear" (Hebrews 11:3).
ACTIVE FAITH: Hebrews 11:4-40.
FOLLOWING FAITH: "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation" (Hebrews 13:7).
DEAD FAITH: James 2:14-26.
NOT FAITH ONLY: "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (James 2:24).
PRAYING FAITH: "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him" (James 5:15).
TRIED FAITH: "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:7).
EXAMINING FAITH: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).
VICTORIOUS FAITH: "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (1 John 5:4).
OVERCOMING FAITH: "Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5:5).
LYING FAITH: "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son" (1 John 5:10).
TREMBLING FAITH: "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble" (James 2:19).
HOLY FAITH: "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost" (Jude 20).
Thank you brother Louis Rushmore
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Something About That Name! (JESUS)
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Philippians 2: 9
We are told that He has been given “a name that is above every name”.
What name is it?
JESUS!
At the mention of that simple name:
Live’s have been altered;
Fevered brows have cooled;
Blinded eyes have opened;
Deaf ears have unstopped;
Sin’s shackles have fallen away;
Night has turned to day;
Defeat has been swallowed up in the jaws of victory;
Hope had replaced defeat;
Dead men have come to life;
Lost men have been found;
Devils have trembled;
Sinners have broken;
Saints have shouted;
Angels have bowed;
More has been done through the agency and power of that Name than of all the names of all other people combined.
There really is just something about that Name!
The Name Jesus is the sweetest Name ever to fall upon human ears!
That Name is a cause for celebration in Heaven.
That Name strikes fear into the hearts of the inhabitants of Hell.
That Name is what changed my life, opened my eyes and saved my soul!
There’s Just Something About That Name!
In Heaven they know that Name! In Heaven they praise that Name! In Hell they know that Name! Those in Hell will one day bow and praise that Name! Satan knows that Name! One day, even Satan himself will bow and praise that Name! The only place where the Name of Jesus is not known in power and glory is in the heart and lives of lost men and women. One day, even you, lost friend, will bow and praise that Name. Doesn’t it make more sense to bow in this altar and acknowledge and accept that Name today and be saved, than to deny Jesus, die lost and still have to acknowledge His as Savior, Lord and Christ some day? Don’t you want to do it when it can save you instead of when it can do you no good?
We are told that He has been given “a name that is above every name”.
What name is it?
JESUS!
At the mention of that simple name:
Live’s have been altered;
Fevered brows have cooled;
Blinded eyes have opened;
Deaf ears have unstopped;
Sin’s shackles have fallen away;
Night has turned to day;
Defeat has been swallowed up in the jaws of victory;
Hope had replaced defeat;
Dead men have come to life;
Lost men have been found;
Devils have trembled;
Sinners have broken;
Saints have shouted;
Angels have bowed;
More has been done through the agency and power of that Name than of all the names of all other people combined.
There really is just something about that Name!
The Name Jesus is the sweetest Name ever to fall upon human ears!
That Name is a cause for celebration in Heaven.
That Name strikes fear into the hearts of the inhabitants of Hell.
That Name is what changed my life, opened my eyes and saved my soul!
There’s Just Something About That Name!
In Heaven they know that Name! In Heaven they praise that Name! In Hell they know that Name! Those in Hell will one day bow and praise that Name! Satan knows that Name! One day, even Satan himself will bow and praise that Name! The only place where the Name of Jesus is not known in power and glory is in the heart and lives of lost men and women. One day, even you, lost friend, will bow and praise that Name. Doesn’t it make more sense to bow in this altar and acknowledge and accept that Name today and be saved, than to deny Jesus, die lost and still have to acknowledge His as Savior, Lord and Christ some day? Don’t you want to do it when it can save you instead of when it can do you no good?
Thursday, December 21, 2006
KWANZAA HISTORY
Kwanzaa, (matunda ya kwanza, Swahili for “first fruits”), an African American holiday observed by African communities throughout the world that celebrates family, community, and culture. It is a seven-day holiday that begins December 26 and continues through January 1. Kwanzaa has its roots in the ancient African first-fruit harvest celebrations from which it takes its name. However, its modern history begins in 1966 when it was developed by African American scholar and activist Maulana Karenga.
Kwanzaa is organized around five fundamental activities common to other African first-fruit celebrations:
(1) the ingathering of family, friends, and community;
(2) reverence for the creator and creation (including thanksgiving and recommitment to respect the environment and heal the world);
(3) commemoration of the past (honoring ancestors, learning lessons and emulating achievements of African history);
(4) recommitment to the highest cultural ideals of the African community (for example, truth, justice, respect for people and nature, care for the vulnerable, and respect for elders); and
(5) celebration of the “Good of Life” (for example, life, struggle, achievement, family, community, and culture).
Kwanzaa is celebrated through rituals, dialogue, narratives, poetry, dancing, singing, drumming and other music, and feasting. A central practice is the lighting of the mishumaa (seven candles) of Kwanzaa. A candle is lit each day for each of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles).
These principles are:
Kwanzaa is organized around five fundamental activities common to other African first-fruit celebrations:
(1) the ingathering of family, friends, and community;
(2) reverence for the creator and creation (including thanksgiving and recommitment to respect the environment and heal the world);
(3) commemoration of the past (honoring ancestors, learning lessons and emulating achievements of African history);
(4) recommitment to the highest cultural ideals of the African community (for example, truth, justice, respect for people and nature, care for the vulnerable, and respect for elders); and
(5) celebration of the “Good of Life” (for example, life, struggle, achievement, family, community, and culture).
Kwanzaa is celebrated through rituals, dialogue, narratives, poetry, dancing, singing, drumming and other music, and feasting. A central practice is the lighting of the mishumaa (seven candles) of Kwanzaa. A candle is lit each day for each of the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles).
These principles are:
- Umoja (unity);
- Kujichagulia (self-determination);
- Ujima (collective work and responsibility);
- Ujamaa (cooperative economics);
- Nia (purpose);
- kuumba (creativity);
- Imani (faith).
Kwanzaa ends with a day of assessment on which celebrants raise and answer questions of cultural and moral grounding and consider their worthiness in family, community, and culture.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Who is Jesus?
In Genesis, He is God the Creator.
In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb.
In Leviticus, He is the High Priest.
In Numbers, He is the Pillar of Cloud By Day and the Pillar of Fire by night.
In Deuteronomy, He is the Prophet like unto Moses.
In Joshua, He is the Captain of our Salvation.
In Judges, He gives Victory Over Enemies.
In Ruth, He is the Kinsman Redeemer, Your Lover.
In 1st and 2nd Samuel, He is the Trusted Prophet.
In 1st and 2nd Kings, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is the intercessor and High Priest.
In Ezra, He is the Temple.
In Nehemiah, He is the Rebuilder Of The Broken Down Walls Of Our Life.
In Esther, He Stands In The Gap To Deliver You From Your Enemies.
In Job, He is the Ever-Living Redeemer.
In Psalms, He is the Shepherd.
In Proverbs, He is Wisdom.
In Ecclesiastes, He is your Purpose, delivering you from vanity.
In the Song of Solomon, He is the Lover And Bridegroom.
In Isaiah, He is the Mighty Counselor, the Prince of Peace, the Everlasting Father.
In Jeremiah, He is the Balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for a sin-sick soul.
In Lamentations he is the Ever-Faithful One upon whom you can depend.
In Ezekiel, He is the one who Brings Dry, Dead Bones Back To Life.
In Daniel, He is the Fourth Man In “Life's Fiery Furnaces.”
In Hosea, He is the Faithful Husband, That Is “Forever Married To The Backslider.”
In Joel, He is the Baptizer With The Holy Ghost And Fire.
In Amos, He is the Burden-Bearer.
In Obadiah, He is the One Mighty to Save.
In Jonah, He is the Great Foreign Missionary.
In Micah, He is Judge Of The Nation.
In Nahum, He is the Jealous God.
In Habakkuk, He is the Holy One.
In Zephaniah, He is our Savior.
In Haggai, He Overthrows The Enemies.
In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts.
In Malachi, He is the Sun Of Righteousness, Rising With Healing In His Wings.
In Matthew, He is the Messiah.
In Mark, He is the Wonder-Worker.
In Luke, He is the Son of Man.
In John, He is the Son of God.
In Acts, He is the Holy Ghost That Has Come Down From God.
In Romans, He is the Righteousness of God.
In 1st Corinthians, He is our Sanctifier.
In 2nd Corinthians, He the Triumphant One, Giving Victory.
In Galatians, He is Liberty.
In Ephesians, He is the Head of the Church.
In Philippians, He is the God Who Supplies all our Needs.
In Colossians, He is Completeness.
In 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, He is the Soon Coming King.
In 1st and 2nd Timothy, He is our Mediator Between God And Man.
In Titus, He is our Faithful Pastor.
In Philemon, He is a Friend That Sticketh Closer Than A Brother.
In Hebrews, He is Perfection.
In James, He is the Great Physician.
In 1st and 2nd Peter, He is the Chief Shepherd who shall appear with a Crown of Unfading Glory.
In 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John, He is Love. In Titus, He is our Faithful Pastor.
In Jude, He is the Lord Coming With Ten Thousands Of His Saints.
In the Revelation, He is the Soon Coming King.
In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb.
In Leviticus, He is the High Priest.
In Numbers, He is the Pillar of Cloud By Day and the Pillar of Fire by night.
In Deuteronomy, He is the Prophet like unto Moses.
In Joshua, He is the Captain of our Salvation.
In Judges, He gives Victory Over Enemies.
In Ruth, He is the Kinsman Redeemer, Your Lover.
In 1st and 2nd Samuel, He is the Trusted Prophet.
In 1st and 2nd Kings, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is the intercessor and High Priest.
In Ezra, He is the Temple.
In Nehemiah, He is the Rebuilder Of The Broken Down Walls Of Our Life.
In Esther, He Stands In The Gap To Deliver You From Your Enemies.
In Job, He is the Ever-Living Redeemer.
In Psalms, He is the Shepherd.
In Proverbs, He is Wisdom.
In Ecclesiastes, He is your Purpose, delivering you from vanity.
In the Song of Solomon, He is the Lover And Bridegroom.
In Isaiah, He is the Mighty Counselor, the Prince of Peace, the Everlasting Father.
In Jeremiah, He is the Balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for a sin-sick soul.
In Lamentations he is the Ever-Faithful One upon whom you can depend.
In Ezekiel, He is the one who Brings Dry, Dead Bones Back To Life.
In Daniel, He is the Fourth Man In “Life's Fiery Furnaces.”
In Hosea, He is the Faithful Husband, That Is “Forever Married To The Backslider.”
In Joel, He is the Baptizer With The Holy Ghost And Fire.
In Amos, He is the Burden-Bearer.
In Obadiah, He is the One Mighty to Save.
In Jonah, He is the Great Foreign Missionary.
In Micah, He is Judge Of The Nation.
In Nahum, He is the Jealous God.
In Habakkuk, He is the Holy One.
In Zephaniah, He is our Savior.
In Haggai, He Overthrows The Enemies.
In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts.
In Malachi, He is the Sun Of Righteousness, Rising With Healing In His Wings.
In Matthew, He is the Messiah.
In Mark, He is the Wonder-Worker.
In Luke, He is the Son of Man.
In John, He is the Son of God.
In Acts, He is the Holy Ghost That Has Come Down From God.
In Romans, He is the Righteousness of God.
In 1st Corinthians, He is our Sanctifier.
In 2nd Corinthians, He the Triumphant One, Giving Victory.
In Galatians, He is Liberty.
In Ephesians, He is the Head of the Church.
In Philippians, He is the God Who Supplies all our Needs.
In Colossians, He is Completeness.
In 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, He is the Soon Coming King.
In 1st and 2nd Timothy, He is our Mediator Between God And Man.
In Titus, He is our Faithful Pastor.
In Philemon, He is a Friend That Sticketh Closer Than A Brother.
In Hebrews, He is Perfection.
In James, He is the Great Physician.
In 1st and 2nd Peter, He is the Chief Shepherd who shall appear with a Crown of Unfading Glory.
In 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John, He is Love. In Titus, He is our Faithful Pastor.
In Jude, He is the Lord Coming With Ten Thousands Of His Saints.
In the Revelation, He is the Soon Coming King.
Friday, December 08, 2006
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (EBONICS STYLE)
Sometimes we have to get the message across as best we can. Try this for those who can't
understand the King James Version:
1. I'm God. Don't play me. (I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt not have any other gods before me.)
2. Don't be makin no hood ornaments and charms outta me, or like me. (Thou shalt not have any graven images)
3. Don't be callin' me for no reason. (Thou shalt not use the name of the Lord thy God in vain)
4. Y'all betta be in church on Sunday,and not just the Sundays when it's Mother's day, Easter and Christmas (Remember to keep the Sabbath day holy)
5. Don't dis or cuss out yo momma...and if you know who ya daddy is, don't dis him neither. (Honor thy father and thy mother)
6. Don't be goin' on no drive bys. (Thou shalt not kill)
7. Stick to ya own Boo. (Thou shalt not commit adultery)
8. Don't be borrow'n stuff and don't give it back. (Thou shalt not steal)
9. Don't be snitchin' on the otha' man to save your behind. (Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy brother)
10. Don't be eyein' (skeeming) yo homie's crib, ride, woman, or nuffin. (Thou shalt not covet anything that belongs to thy brother).
Colossians 4:6 says "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
When we tell others about Christ, it is important always to be gracious in what we say. No matter how much sense the message makes, we lose our effectiveness if we are not courteous. Just as we like to be respected, we must respect others if we want them to listen to what we have to say. "Seasoned with salt" means that what we say should be "tasty" and should encourage further dialogue no matter the race, gender or peer group. The commands and guidelines were intended to direct the community to meet the needs of each individual in a loving and responsible manner.
Thank you Brother Rev. Rudy Brooks for these "tasty" words.
understand the King James Version:
1. I'm God. Don't play me. (I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt not have any other gods before me.)
2. Don't be makin no hood ornaments and charms outta me, or like me. (Thou shalt not have any graven images)
3. Don't be callin' me for no reason. (Thou shalt not use the name of the Lord thy God in vain)
4. Y'all betta be in church on Sunday,and not just the Sundays when it's Mother's day, Easter and Christmas (Remember to keep the Sabbath day holy)
5. Don't dis or cuss out yo momma...and if you know who ya daddy is, don't dis him neither. (Honor thy father and thy mother)
6. Don't be goin' on no drive bys. (Thou shalt not kill)
7. Stick to ya own Boo. (Thou shalt not commit adultery)
8. Don't be borrow'n stuff and don't give it back. (Thou shalt not steal)
9. Don't be snitchin' on the otha' man to save your behind. (Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy brother)
10. Don't be eyein' (skeeming) yo homie's crib, ride, woman, or nuffin. (Thou shalt not covet anything that belongs to thy brother).
Colossians 4:6 says "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
When we tell others about Christ, it is important always to be gracious in what we say. No matter how much sense the message makes, we lose our effectiveness if we are not courteous. Just as we like to be respected, we must respect others if we want them to listen to what we have to say. "Seasoned with salt" means that what we say should be "tasty" and should encourage further dialogue no matter the race, gender or peer group. The commands and guidelines were intended to direct the community to meet the needs of each individual in a loving and responsible manner.
Thank you Brother Rev. Rudy Brooks for these "tasty" words.
BEATITUDES OF MARRIAGE
Blessed are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate, considerate, and loving after the wedding bells have ceased ringing.
Blessed are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to one another as they are to their friends.
Blessed are they who love their mates more than any other person in the world, and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vow of a lifetime of fidelity and mutual helpfulness to one another.
Blessed are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of the Lord.
Blessed are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set apart some time each day for the reading of the Bible and for prayer.
Blessed are those mates who never speak loudly to one another, and who make their home a place “where seldom is heard a discouraging word.”
Blessed are the husband and wife who faithfully attend the worship service of the church, and who work together in the church for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom.
Blessed are the husband and wife who can work out the problems of adjustment without interference from relatives.
Blessed is the couple which has complete understanding about financial matters, and have worked out a perfect partnership, with all money under the control of both.
Blessed are the husband and wife who humbly dedicate their lives and their homes to Christ, and who practice the teachings of Christ in the home by being unselfish, loyal and loving.
Blessed are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to one another as they are to their friends.
Blessed are they who love their mates more than any other person in the world, and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vow of a lifetime of fidelity and mutual helpfulness to one another.
Blessed are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of the Lord.
Blessed are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set apart some time each day for the reading of the Bible and for prayer.
Blessed are those mates who never speak loudly to one another, and who make their home a place “where seldom is heard a discouraging word.”
Blessed are the husband and wife who faithfully attend the worship service of the church, and who work together in the church for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom.
Blessed are the husband and wife who can work out the problems of adjustment without interference from relatives.
Blessed is the couple which has complete understanding about financial matters, and have worked out a perfect partnership, with all money under the control of both.
Blessed are the husband and wife who humbly dedicate their lives and their homes to Christ, and who practice the teachings of Christ in the home by being unselfish, loyal and loving.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
WHO IS JESUS TO ME?
1: He is enduringly strong
2: He is entirely sincere
3: He is eternally steadfast
4: He is immortally gracious
5: He is imperially powerful
6: He is impartially merciful
7: He is the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizons of the globe
8: He is God's Son
9: He is the sinner's saviour
10: He is the captive's ransom
11: He is the breath of life
12: He is the centerpiece of civilization
13: He stands in the solitude of Himself
14: He is august
15: He is unique
16: He is unparalleled
17: He is unprecedented
18: He is undisputed
19: He is undefiled
20: He is unsurpassed
21: He is unshakable
22: He is the lofty idea in philosophy
23: He is the highest personality in psychology
24: He is the supreme subject in literature
25: He is the unavoidable problem in higher criticism
26: He is the fundamental doctrine of theology
27: He is the cornerstone
28: He is the capstone
29: He is the stumbling stone of all religion
30: He is the miracle of the ages
31: No means of measure can define His limitless love
32: No far-seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply
33: No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings
34: He forgives
35: He forgets
36: He creates
37: He cleanses
38: He restores
39: He rebuilds
40: He heals
41: He helps
42: He reconciles
43: He redeems
44: He comforts
45: He carries
46: He lifts
47: He loves
48: He is the God of the second chance, the fat chance, the slim chance, the no chance
49: He discharges debtors
50: He delivers the captives
51: He defends the feeble
52: He blesses the young
53: He serves the unfortunate
54: He regards the aged
55: He rewards the diligent
56: He beautifies the meek
57: He is the key to knowledge
58: He is the fountain of life
59: He is the wells spring of joy
60: He is the storehouse of wisdom
61: He is the foundation of faith
62: He is the doorway of deliverance
63: He is the pathway to peace
64: He is the roadway of righteousness
65: He is the gateway to glory
66: He is the highway to happiness
67: He supplies strength to the weary
68: He increases power to the faint
69: He offers escape to the tempted
70: He sympathizes with the hurting
71: He saves the hopeless
72: He shields the helpless
73: He sustains the homeless
74: He gives purpose to the aimless
75: He gives reason to our meaninglessness
76: He gives fulfillment to our emptiness
77: He gives light in the darkness
78: He gives comfort in the loneliness
79: He gives fruit in the barrenness
80: He gives future to the hopeless
81: He gives life to the lifeless
82: He guards the young
83: He seeks the stray
84: He finds the lost
85: He guides the faithful
86: He rights the wronged
87: He avenges the abused
88: He defends the weak
89: He comforts the oppressed
90: He welcomes the prodigal
91: He heals the sick
92: He cleanses the dirty
93: He beautifies the meek
94: He restores the failure
95: He mends the broken
96: He blesses the poor
97: He fills the empty
98: He clothes the naked
99: He satisfies the hungry
100: He elevates the humble
101: He forgives the sinner
102: He raises the dead
103: His office is manifold
104: His promise is sure
105: His life is matchless
106: His goodness is limitless
107: His mercy is enough
108: His grace is sufficient
109: His reign is righteous
110: His yoke is easy
111: His burden is light
112: He is indestructible
113: He is indescribable
114: He is incomprehensible
115: He is inescapable
116: He is invincible
117: He is irresistible
118: He is irrefutable
119: I can't get Him out of my mind
120: I can't get Him out of my heart
121: I can't outlive Him
122: I can't live without Him
123: The Pharisees couldn't stand Him and found out they couldn't stop Him
124: Satan tried to tempt Him but found he couldn't trip Him
125: Pilate examined Him on trial but found no fault in Him
126: Romans crucified Him but couldn't take His life
127: Death couldn't handle Him
128: The grave couldn't hold Him
129: He had no predecessor
130: He will have no successor
131: He is the lion
132: He is the lamb
133: He is God
134: He is man
135: He is the seven-way King
136: He's the King of the Jews - that's a racial King
137: He's the King of Israel - that's a national King
138: He's the King of righteousness - that's a moral King
139: He's the King of the ages - that's an eternal King
140: He's the King of heaven - that's a universal King
141: He's the King of glory - that's a celestial King
142: He's the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords
Just Give Me Jesus!
2: He is entirely sincere
3: He is eternally steadfast
4: He is immortally gracious
5: He is imperially powerful
6: He is impartially merciful
7: He is the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizons of the globe
8: He is God's Son
9: He is the sinner's saviour
10: He is the captive's ransom
11: He is the breath of life
12: He is the centerpiece of civilization
13: He stands in the solitude of Himself
14: He is august
15: He is unique
16: He is unparalleled
17: He is unprecedented
18: He is undisputed
19: He is undefiled
20: He is unsurpassed
21: He is unshakable
22: He is the lofty idea in philosophy
23: He is the highest personality in psychology
24: He is the supreme subject in literature
25: He is the unavoidable problem in higher criticism
26: He is the fundamental doctrine of theology
27: He is the cornerstone
28: He is the capstone
29: He is the stumbling stone of all religion
30: He is the miracle of the ages
31: No means of measure can define His limitless love
32: No far-seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply
33: No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings
34: He forgives
35: He forgets
36: He creates
37: He cleanses
38: He restores
39: He rebuilds
40: He heals
41: He helps
42: He reconciles
43: He redeems
44: He comforts
45: He carries
46: He lifts
47: He loves
48: He is the God of the second chance, the fat chance, the slim chance, the no chance
49: He discharges debtors
50: He delivers the captives
51: He defends the feeble
52: He blesses the young
53: He serves the unfortunate
54: He regards the aged
55: He rewards the diligent
56: He beautifies the meek
57: He is the key to knowledge
58: He is the fountain of life
59: He is the wells spring of joy
60: He is the storehouse of wisdom
61: He is the foundation of faith
62: He is the doorway of deliverance
63: He is the pathway to peace
64: He is the roadway of righteousness
65: He is the gateway to glory
66: He is the highway to happiness
67: He supplies strength to the weary
68: He increases power to the faint
69: He offers escape to the tempted
70: He sympathizes with the hurting
71: He saves the hopeless
72: He shields the helpless
73: He sustains the homeless
74: He gives purpose to the aimless
75: He gives reason to our meaninglessness
76: He gives fulfillment to our emptiness
77: He gives light in the darkness
78: He gives comfort in the loneliness
79: He gives fruit in the barrenness
80: He gives future to the hopeless
81: He gives life to the lifeless
82: He guards the young
83: He seeks the stray
84: He finds the lost
85: He guides the faithful
86: He rights the wronged
87: He avenges the abused
88: He defends the weak
89: He comforts the oppressed
90: He welcomes the prodigal
91: He heals the sick
92: He cleanses the dirty
93: He beautifies the meek
94: He restores the failure
95: He mends the broken
96: He blesses the poor
97: He fills the empty
98: He clothes the naked
99: He satisfies the hungry
100: He elevates the humble
101: He forgives the sinner
102: He raises the dead
103: His office is manifold
104: His promise is sure
105: His life is matchless
106: His goodness is limitless
107: His mercy is enough
108: His grace is sufficient
109: His reign is righteous
110: His yoke is easy
111: His burden is light
112: He is indestructible
113: He is indescribable
114: He is incomprehensible
115: He is inescapable
116: He is invincible
117: He is irresistible
118: He is irrefutable
119: I can't get Him out of my mind
120: I can't get Him out of my heart
121: I can't outlive Him
122: I can't live without Him
123: The Pharisees couldn't stand Him and found out they couldn't stop Him
124: Satan tried to tempt Him but found he couldn't trip Him
125: Pilate examined Him on trial but found no fault in Him
126: Romans crucified Him but couldn't take His life
127: Death couldn't handle Him
128: The grave couldn't hold Him
129: He had no predecessor
130: He will have no successor
131: He is the lion
132: He is the lamb
133: He is God
134: He is man
135: He is the seven-way King
136: He's the King of the Jews - that's a racial King
137: He's the King of Israel - that's a national King
138: He's the King of righteousness - that's a moral King
139: He's the King of the ages - that's an eternal King
140: He's the King of heaven - that's a universal King
141: He's the King of glory - that's a celestial King
142: He's the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords
Just Give Me Jesus!
Thursday, November 30, 2006
I Know...
I know He is the beginning,
so why do I worry about the end?
I know He is the Creator,
so why do I wonder who will destroy?
I know He has forgiven me,
so why can't I forgive myself?
I know He is a healer,
so why do I speak of sickness?
I know He can do all things,
so why do I say I can't?
I know He will protect me,
so why do I fear?
I know He will supply all my needs,
so why can't I wait?
I know He is my strength and my salvation,
so why do I feel weak?
I know that everything and everyone has a season,
so why when someone's season is over do I weep instead of rejoice?
I know He is the right way,
so why do I go the wrong way?
I know He is the light,
so why do I choose to walk in darkness?
I know that whatever I ask of GOD, GOD will give me,
so why am I afraid to ask?
I know tomorrow is not promised,
so why do I put off for tomorrow what I can do today?
I know that the truth shall make me free,
so why do I continue to lie?
I know He gives us revelation, knowledge and understanding,
so why do I lean on my own understanding?
I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit,
so why do I choose to live in the spirit but walk in the flesh?
I know that when praises go up, blessings come down,
so why do I refuse to praise Him?
I know I am saved,
so why do I refuse the word He has given me?
I know He has a plan for me,
so why am I rushing it because I am eager to do His will,
when it is His time not my time?
so why do I worry about the end?
I know He is the Creator,
so why do I wonder who will destroy?
I know He has forgiven me,
so why can't I forgive myself?
I know He is a healer,
so why do I speak of sickness?
I know He can do all things,
so why do I say I can't?
I know He will protect me,
so why do I fear?
I know He will supply all my needs,
so why can't I wait?
I know He is my strength and my salvation,
so why do I feel weak?
I know that everything and everyone has a season,
so why when someone's season is over do I weep instead of rejoice?
I know He is the right way,
so why do I go the wrong way?
I know He is the light,
so why do I choose to walk in darkness?
I know that whatever I ask of GOD, GOD will give me,
so why am I afraid to ask?
I know tomorrow is not promised,
so why do I put off for tomorrow what I can do today?
I know that the truth shall make me free,
so why do I continue to lie?
I know He gives us revelation, knowledge and understanding,
so why do I lean on my own understanding?
I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit,
so why do I choose to live in the spirit but walk in the flesh?
I know that when praises go up, blessings come down,
so why do I refuse to praise Him?
I know I am saved,
so why do I refuse the word He has given me?
I know He has a plan for me,
so why am I rushing it because I am eager to do His will,
when it is His time not my time?
Thursday, November 23, 2006
You've Got Mail
I suppose that if you are a part of the computer generation, the first thing you do in the morning is to switch it on. Then after a few necessary things and pouring a cup of coffee, you sit down to check the weather bug and see who else is online.
Yes, we live in a very technological world. We can play games with a friend in another state and fax a letter to someone in another country instantly.
It is well known that received emails are not always desirable. We learn to sort them out, deleting the spam and with experience, (sometimes acquired the hard way) carefully erasing the evil virus from our computer without any harm to our equipment.
Perhaps if we looked at some of the lessons in the Bible from this standpoint, it might be more enlightening. Let’s look at Ephesians, chapter four, as though it was incoming messages.
Just as we receive computer information daily from different sources, our mental computers are fed from various points of origin also. And like our email, we learn to avoid the questionable addresses. Practice lets us know that they are not so easily recognizable as well as www.satan.something.
We should delete the old man of sin and to reprogram the spirit of our mind. Lying is to be erased and speaking the truth should be saved in a permanent file. Bitterness, wrath and evil conversation should be deleted and kindness, tenderheartedness and forgiveness should be forwarded to everyone we know. Temptation is a terrible virus and there is no protection from it. Everyone in the literal World Wide Web is subject. It must be respected for the lasting damage it can cause. Yes, our whole system could crash! Let not the sun go down without deleting this type of incoming messages.
We must remember that outgoing email should not be filled with evil communication but only those things necessary for edification that it may impart a blessing to those who receive it and not grieve the Holy Spirit who inspired it.
Ephesians 4:22-32
Thank you Sister Dody Gibson
Yes, we live in a very technological world. We can play games with a friend in another state and fax a letter to someone in another country instantly.
It is well known that received emails are not always desirable. We learn to sort them out, deleting the spam and with experience, (sometimes acquired the hard way) carefully erasing the evil virus from our computer without any harm to our equipment.
Perhaps if we looked at some of the lessons in the Bible from this standpoint, it might be more enlightening. Let’s look at Ephesians, chapter four, as though it was incoming messages.
Just as we receive computer information daily from different sources, our mental computers are fed from various points of origin also. And like our email, we learn to avoid the questionable addresses. Practice lets us know that they are not so easily recognizable as well as www.satan.something.
We should delete the old man of sin and to reprogram the spirit of our mind. Lying is to be erased and speaking the truth should be saved in a permanent file. Bitterness, wrath and evil conversation should be deleted and kindness, tenderheartedness and forgiveness should be forwarded to everyone we know. Temptation is a terrible virus and there is no protection from it. Everyone in the literal World Wide Web is subject. It must be respected for the lasting damage it can cause. Yes, our whole system could crash! Let not the sun go down without deleting this type of incoming messages.
We must remember that outgoing email should not be filled with evil communication but only those things necessary for edification that it may impart a blessing to those who receive it and not grieve the Holy Spirit who inspired it.
Ephesians 4:22-32
Thank you Sister Dody Gibson
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Why So Downcast?
My eyes have never beheld what I believe I will one day possess.
My hands have never touched hands damaged in crucifixion, yet I believe I will one day touch them.
My feet have never touched pavement of gold, yet one day I fully expect to walk on such streets.
My mind has never understood the mysteries of God, yet there will come a day when it will all make sense.
So until then, I will rejoice in what I do not possess because I have something that will carry me in confidence until that moment arrives. What will carry me is the belief that the Father has fully paid my sin debt which gives me the freedom to love and follow where He leads.
I don’t need to see it or hold it in my hands to believe that it is real.
Some say seeing is believing - but for me it’s the opposite. Belief comes first, seeing will come soon enough. I am willing to wait.
I have been forgiven. I have been loved. I have chosen to love and forgive in return. My heart yearns for a day, a time, a moment. Yet in that special moment there will no longer be a need for time. I don’t have to understand it all to hunger for my first taste of eternity.
My life can be lived in no other way than to believe, for without this trust, this conviction, this joyous confidence - I would become a pitiful cynic. A man in desperate need for the one thing I have rejected; The one thing that provides a doorway to joy, peace and contentment, the one thing so closely linked to love and faith.
We have a future and a promise. God has a plan for our good. He’s preparing a place just for us. He’s promised to come back for us.
We, more than all others, have the greatest reason to bubble over with this most joyous anticipation.
It is because of the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus’ that we have been given yet another wonderful gift from the hand of God Himself. That gift is hope.
Thank you brother Glenn A. Hascall
My hands have never touched hands damaged in crucifixion, yet I believe I will one day touch them.
My feet have never touched pavement of gold, yet one day I fully expect to walk on such streets.
My mind has never understood the mysteries of God, yet there will come a day when it will all make sense.
So until then, I will rejoice in what I do not possess because I have something that will carry me in confidence until that moment arrives. What will carry me is the belief that the Father has fully paid my sin debt which gives me the freedom to love and follow where He leads.
I don’t need to see it or hold it in my hands to believe that it is real.
Some say seeing is believing - but for me it’s the opposite. Belief comes first, seeing will come soon enough. I am willing to wait.
I have been forgiven. I have been loved. I have chosen to love and forgive in return. My heart yearns for a day, a time, a moment. Yet in that special moment there will no longer be a need for time. I don’t have to understand it all to hunger for my first taste of eternity.
My life can be lived in no other way than to believe, for without this trust, this conviction, this joyous confidence - I would become a pitiful cynic. A man in desperate need for the one thing I have rejected; The one thing that provides a doorway to joy, peace and contentment, the one thing so closely linked to love and faith.
We have a future and a promise. God has a plan for our good. He’s preparing a place just for us. He’s promised to come back for us.
We, more than all others, have the greatest reason to bubble over with this most joyous anticipation.
It is because of the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus’ that we have been given yet another wonderful gift from the hand of God Himself. That gift is hope.
Thank you brother Glenn A. Hascall
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
12 Steps
I took one Step... began to moan
I can't do this on my own.
I took two Steps... began to pray,
God, please restore me today.
I took three Steps... gave up my will;
Maybe God loves me still.
I took a Fourth... I looked inside,
Nothing more would I hide.
And on the Fifth... I said aloud,"
I've done some wrong, and I'm not proud."
I took six Steps... and got prepared
To lose the defects... I was scared.
Now I'm at Seven... take them away
Today, Dear God, for this I pray.
And on Eight... the list was long,
Amends to make for all the wrong.
I took nine Steps.. put down my pride;
Forgiveness asked, I will not hide.
Ten Steps I take... each day I pray...
I make amends along the way.
And on Eleven... I prayed to know
His Will each day, which way to go.
I took twelve Steps... I'm like a bird
To others now, I spread the word!
I can't do this on my own.
I took two Steps... began to pray,
God, please restore me today.
I took three Steps... gave up my will;
Maybe God loves me still.
I took a Fourth... I looked inside,
Nothing more would I hide.
And on the Fifth... I said aloud,"
I've done some wrong, and I'm not proud."
I took six Steps... and got prepared
To lose the defects... I was scared.
Now I'm at Seven... take them away
Today, Dear God, for this I pray.
And on Eight... the list was long,
Amends to make for all the wrong.
I took nine Steps.. put down my pride;
Forgiveness asked, I will not hide.
Ten Steps I take... each day I pray...
I make amends along the way.
And on Eleven... I prayed to know
His Will each day, which way to go.
I took twelve Steps... I'm like a bird
To others now, I spread the word!
Sunday, October 01, 2006
TEN WAYS TO HAVE A BLESSED DAY
TODAY I will not strike back. . . If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind, I will not respond in a like manner.
TODAY I will ask God to bless my 'enemy'. . If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand "enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or stranger.
TODAY I will be careful about what I say. . . I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip.
TODAY I will go the extra mile. . . I will find ways to help share the burden of another person.
TODAY I will forgive. . . I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way.
TODAY I will do something kind for someone, (But I will do it in secret. . . ) I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another.
TODAY I will treat others the way I wish to be treated. . I will practice the golden rule. "Do Unto others as I would have them do unto me"- with EVERYONE I encounter.
TODAY I will raise the spirits of some who is discouraged. . My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling with life.
TODAY I will nurture by body . . . I will eat less . . . I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank God for my body.
TODAY I will grow Spiritually. . . I will spend a little more time in prayer today. I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to God's voice.
TODAY I will ask God to bless my 'enemy'. . If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand "enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or stranger.
TODAY I will be careful about what I say. . . I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip.
TODAY I will go the extra mile. . . I will find ways to help share the burden of another person.
TODAY I will forgive. . . I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way.
TODAY I will do something kind for someone, (But I will do it in secret. . . ) I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another.
TODAY I will treat others the way I wish to be treated. . I will practice the golden rule. "Do Unto others as I would have them do unto me"- with EVERYONE I encounter.
TODAY I will raise the spirits of some who is discouraged. . My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling with life.
TODAY I will nurture by body . . . I will eat less . . . I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank God for my body.
TODAY I will grow Spiritually. . . I will spend a little more time in prayer today. I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to God's voice.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
The Difference Between Rich/Poor People?
One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"It was great, Dad."
"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.
"Oh yeah," said the son.
"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.
The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless. Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."
Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.
Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!
Life is too short and friends are too few.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"It was great, Dad."
"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.
"Oh yeah," said the son.
"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.
The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless. Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."
Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.
Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!
Life is too short and friends are too few.
Friday, July 21, 2006
THANK YOU
When someone gives you a gift, do you say, "That’s very nice, now how much do I owe you?" No, the appropriate response to a gift is "Thank you." Yet how often Christians, even after they have been given the gift of salvation, feel obligated to try to work their way to God. Because our salvation and even our faith are gifts, we should respond with gratitude, praise, and joy.
Dear GOD: I want to thank You for what you have already done.
I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards;
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better;
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me;
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ;
I am thanking you right now
I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves;
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet;
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job;
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are
removed; I am thanking you right now.
I am thanking you because I am alive.
I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties.
I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.
I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, when you know that "it's already done," what's left but to thank Him; just for being God, all by Himself.
Dear GOD: I want to thank You for what you have already done.
I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards;
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better;
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me;
I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ;
I am thanking you right now
I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves;
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet;
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job;
I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are
removed; I am thanking you right now.
I am thanking you because I am alive.
I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties.
I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.
I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, when you know that "it's already done," what's left but to thank Him; just for being God, all by Himself.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
For God so loved the world...
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. John 3:16
The entire gospel comes to a focus in this verse. God’s love is not static or self-centered; it reaches out and draws others in. Here God sets the pattern of true love, the basis for all love relationships—when you love someone dearly, you are willing to give freely to the point of self-sacrifice. God paid dearly with the life of his Son, the highest price he could pay. Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life that he had bought for us. When we share the gospel with others, our love must be like Jesus’—willingly giving up our own comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving God’s love.
In John 3:16 we find that God offers:
The Greatest Love............"For God so loved the world,"
The Greatest Gift............."that he gave His only begotten Son,"
The Greatest Invitation...."that whosoever"
The Greatest Faith..........."Believeth in Him"
The Greatest Pardon........"should not perish"
The Greatest Promise......"but have everlasting life."
God So loved us that He gave His only begotten Son to be a sacrifice for Our sins.
Jesus was born that I might be born twice.
He became poor, that I might possess wealth.
He became homeless, that I might have a mansion.
He was stripped that I might have clothes.
HE was forsaken, that I should have friends.
He was bound that I might have perfect liberty.
He was sad, that I might have joy.
He descended, that I should be lifted up.
He became a servant, that I might be a son forever.
He was hungry, that I should always have food.
He was made sin, that I should share His Righteousness.
He died, so that I should have eternal life.
HE will come down again, so that I might go up.
All of this...that He might display in me the riches of
His Goodness and His Grace...
His Tender Mercy and His loving kindness...
His never ending forgiveness ....
His Patience and His Longsuffering...
His Compassion... and His Care
His Rest and His Peace
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
Gave His lovely body to a curse tree
Gave His lovely head a thorny crown
Gave His lovely hands and feet to some rusty nails
Gave His lovely back to a splintery Cross
Gave His lovely side to a Roman Spear
Gave up His life in obedience to His Father
Gave up His remain to a dusty Grave....
But 3 days later on the first day of the week...
Three days after they cursed Him...
Three days after they spit in His lovely face
Three days after they beat Him senseless...
Three days after they gambled for His clothes
Three days after they hung Him between two thieves....
He got up with all power in Heaven and earth in His Lovely hands. that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
The entire gospel comes to a focus in this verse. God’s love is not static or self-centered; it reaches out and draws others in. Here God sets the pattern of true love, the basis for all love relationships—when you love someone dearly, you are willing to give freely to the point of self-sacrifice. God paid dearly with the life of his Son, the highest price he could pay. Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life that he had bought for us. When we share the gospel with others, our love must be like Jesus’—willingly giving up our own comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving God’s love.
In John 3:16 we find that God offers:
The Greatest Love............"For God so loved the world,"
The Greatest Gift............."that he gave His only begotten Son,"
The Greatest Invitation...."that whosoever"
The Greatest Faith..........."Believeth in Him"
The Greatest Pardon........"should not perish"
The Greatest Promise......"but have everlasting life."
God So loved us that He gave His only begotten Son to be a sacrifice for Our sins.
Jesus was born that I might be born twice.
He became poor, that I might possess wealth.
He became homeless, that I might have a mansion.
He was stripped that I might have clothes.
HE was forsaken, that I should have friends.
He was bound that I might have perfect liberty.
He was sad, that I might have joy.
He descended, that I should be lifted up.
He became a servant, that I might be a son forever.
He was hungry, that I should always have food.
He was made sin, that I should share His Righteousness.
He died, so that I should have eternal life.
HE will come down again, so that I might go up.
All of this...that He might display in me the riches of
His Goodness and His Grace...
His Tender Mercy and His loving kindness...
His never ending forgiveness ....
His Patience and His Longsuffering...
His Compassion... and His Care
His Rest and His Peace
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
Gave His lovely body to a curse tree
Gave His lovely head a thorny crown
Gave His lovely hands and feet to some rusty nails
Gave His lovely back to a splintery Cross
Gave His lovely side to a Roman Spear
Gave up His life in obedience to His Father
Gave up His remain to a dusty Grave....
But 3 days later on the first day of the week...
Three days after they cursed Him...
Three days after they spit in His lovely face
Three days after they beat Him senseless...
Three days after they gambled for His clothes
Three days after they hung Him between two thieves....
He got up with all power in Heaven and earth in His Lovely hands. that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
According to God’s Word:
I am a child of God (Romans 8:16)All things are working together for my good. (Romans 8:28)
I am an heir of God and a fellow heir with Christ (Romans 8:17)
I am being transformed into the same image (of the glory of the Lord) from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18)
I am in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I am a new creature. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
I am a citizen of heaven. (Philippians 3:20)
I am redeemed. (Galatians 3:13)
I am God’s own purchased possession. (Revelation 5:9)
I am a stranger and pilgrim here on earth. (1 Peter 2:11)
I am an ambassador from the Kingdom of God (2 Corinthians 5:20)
I am held in His hand and no one can snatch me away. (John 10:29)
Sin shall not be master over me. (Romans 6:14)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenlies (Ephesians 1:20)
Christ is in me. (Colossians 1:27)
I am the righteousness of God in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
I have been made complete in Him. (Colossians 2:9-10)
I have been set free by the Truth. (John 8:31-32)
I am loved by Jesus. (John 15:9; Romans 8:38-39)
I have died to sin. (Romans 6:2-11)
I have been raised with Christ to walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)
My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit Who is in me. (1 Corinthians 6:11)
I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)
God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19)
I have authority over all the power of the enemy. (Luke 10:19)
God will never leave me or forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5)
I am more than a conqueror in all things. (Romans 8:37)
I reign in life. (Romans 5:17)
Goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. (Psalm 23:6)
I am qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints. (Colossians 1:12)
I have received the Power of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:8)
Friday, June 16, 2006
My Attorney
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; [13] So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; [14] And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Philippians 1:12-14 (KJV)
One of the reasons I’m passionate about the prison ministry and have been since I retired from the military. Those brothers and sisters look forward to us as if we’re the only family they have because in some cases, we are.
I understand wholeheartedly that being imprisoned would cause many people to become bitter or to give up. God’s word reveals to us how Paul saw it as one more opportunity to spread the Good News of Christ. Paul realized that his current circumstances weren’t as important as what he did with them. Turning a bad situation into a good one, he reached out to the Roman soldiers who made up the palace guard and encouraged those Christians who were afraid of persecution.
As a matter of fact many of us from the mental prisons we’ve taken residence in. We may not be in a physical prison, but we still have plenty of opportunities to be discouraged…times of indecision, financial burdens, family conflict, church conflict, or the loss of our jobs. How we act in such situations will reflect what we believe. Like Paul we must look for ways to demonstrate our faith even in bad situations. Whether or not the situation improves, our faith will grow stronger.
Trust me; we will all get our day in court. As a child of the most high, here’s how I picture my day in court.
After living what I felt was a “decent” life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.
As I looked around I saw the “prosecutor.” He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.
The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room. I couldn’t take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, “Let us begin.”
The prosecutor rose and said, “My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this sinner belongs in hell.” He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank.
I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn’t that at least equal out part of the harm I’d done?
Satan finished with a fury and said, “This sinner belongs in hell, and is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.”
When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.
He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, “Hi, Dad,” and then He turned to address the court. “Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won’t deny any of these allegations.. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this sinner deserves to be punished.” Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, “However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine.”
My Lord continued with, “His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy.”
As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, “There is nothing else that needs to be done. I’ve done it all.”
The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words resounded from His lips… “This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed.”
As my Lord embraced me and led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, “I won’t give up, and I will win the next one.”
I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, “Have you ever lost a case?” Christ lovingly smiled and said, “Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, “PAID IN FULL.”
Brothers and sisters in Christ, count your blessings, not your problems!
No matter your prison, God has the key.
One of the reasons I’m passionate about the prison ministry and have been since I retired from the military. Those brothers and sisters look forward to us as if we’re the only family they have because in some cases, we are.
I understand wholeheartedly that being imprisoned would cause many people to become bitter or to give up. God’s word reveals to us how Paul saw it as one more opportunity to spread the Good News of Christ. Paul realized that his current circumstances weren’t as important as what he did with them. Turning a bad situation into a good one, he reached out to the Roman soldiers who made up the palace guard and encouraged those Christians who were afraid of persecution.
As a matter of fact many of us from the mental prisons we’ve taken residence in. We may not be in a physical prison, but we still have plenty of opportunities to be discouraged…times of indecision, financial burdens, family conflict, church conflict, or the loss of our jobs. How we act in such situations will reflect what we believe. Like Paul we must look for ways to demonstrate our faith even in bad situations. Whether or not the situation improves, our faith will grow stronger.
Trust me; we will all get our day in court. As a child of the most high, here’s how I picture my day in court.
After living what I felt was a “decent” life, my time on earth came to the end. The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house. The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.
As I looked around I saw the “prosecutor.” He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat my Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.
The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in full flowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room. I couldn’t take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, “Let us begin.”
The prosecutor rose and said, “My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this sinner belongs in hell.” He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and in the past when I cheated others. Satan told of other horrible perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank.
I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about. As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn’t that at least equal out part of the harm I’d done?
Satan finished with a fury and said, “This sinner belongs in hell, and is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.”
When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench. The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan, and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him in His full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.
He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, “Hi, Dad,” and then He turned to address the court. “Satan was correct in saying that this man had sinned, I won’t deny any of these allegations.. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this sinner deserves to be punished.” Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father with outstretched arms and proclaimed, “However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and he has accepted Me as his Savior, so he is Mine.”
My Lord continued with, “His name is written in the book of life and no one can snatch him from Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This man is not to be given justice, but rather mercy.”
As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, “There is nothing else that needs to be done. I’ve done it all.”
The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down. The following words resounded from His lips… “This man is free. The penalty for him has already been paid in full. Case dismissed.”
As my Lord embraced me and led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, “I won’t give up, and I will win the next one.”
I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, “Have you ever lost a case?” Christ lovingly smiled and said, “Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, “PAID IN FULL.”
Brothers and sisters in Christ, count your blessings, not your problems!
No matter your prison, God has the key.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
WHERE GOD WANTS ME
One day I happened to call a man on business whom I didn't know, have not nor will probably ever talk to again. But this day, he felt like talking. He was head of security at a company that had invited the remaining members of a company who had been decimated by the attack on the Twin Towers to share their office space.
With his voice full of awe, he told me stories of why these people were alive and their counterparts were dead.
All the stories were just little things. You might know about the head of the company who got in late that day because his son started kindergarten.
Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts. There were other stories that I hope and pray will someday be gathered and put in a book. The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning. He took the various means to get to work, but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive.
Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone ... all the little things that annoy me ... I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment. May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I was thinking of you all and felt a strong desire in my heart to share these testimonies in hopes that you’d agree with me when I say, “What a mighty God we serve. In all that we do, we should totally give HIM thanks and our blessings will continue to multiply.
With his voice full of awe, he told me stories of why these people were alive and their counterparts were dead.
All the stories were just little things. You might know about the head of the company who got in late that day because his son started kindergarten.
Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts. There were other stories that I hope and pray will someday be gathered and put in a book. The one that struck me was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning. He took the various means to get to work, but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive.
Now when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone ... all the little things that annoy me ... I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment. May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I was thinking of you all and felt a strong desire in my heart to share these testimonies in hopes that you’d agree with me when I say, “What a mighty God we serve. In all that we do, we should totally give HIM thanks and our blessings will continue to multiply.
THAT'S GOD
Have you ever been just sitting there and all of a sudden you feel like doing something nice for someone you care for?
THAT'S GOD! He speaks to you through the Holy Spirit.
Have you ever been down and out and nobody seems to be around for you to talk to?
THAT'S GOD! He wants you to speak to Him.
Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven't seen in a long time and then next thing you know you see them or receive a phone call from them?
THAT'S GOD! There's no such thing as coincidence.
Have you ever received something wonderful that you didn't even ask for, like money in the mail, a debt that had mysteriously been cleared, or a coupon to a department store where you had just seen something you wanted, but couldn't afford.
THAT'S GOD. . He knows the desires of your heart. .
Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue how it is going to get better, but now you look back on it?
THAT'S GOD! He passes us through tribulation to see a brighter day.
Don't tell GOD how Big your storm is.
Tell the storm how Big your GOD is!
THAT'S GOD! He speaks to you through the Holy Spirit.
Have you ever been down and out and nobody seems to be around for you to talk to?
THAT'S GOD! He wants you to speak to Him.
Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven't seen in a long time and then next thing you know you see them or receive a phone call from them?
THAT'S GOD! There's no such thing as coincidence.
Have you ever received something wonderful that you didn't even ask for, like money in the mail, a debt that had mysteriously been cleared, or a coupon to a department store where you had just seen something you wanted, but couldn't afford.
THAT'S GOD. . He knows the desires of your heart. .
Have you ever been in a situation and you had no clue how it is going to get better, but now you look back on it?
THAT'S GOD! He passes us through tribulation to see a brighter day.
Don't tell GOD how Big your storm is.
Tell the storm how Big your GOD is!
Thursday, April 20, 2006
My name is Jamie
My name is Jamie
I am but three,
My eyes are swollen
I cannot see,
I must be stupid
I must be bad,
What else could have made
My daddy so mad?
I wish I were better
I wish I weren't ugly,
Then maybe my mommy
Would still want to hug me.
I can't speak at all
I can't do a wrong
Or else I'm locked up
All the day long.
When I awake I'm all alone
The house is dark My folks aren't home.
When my mommy does come
I'll try and be nice,
So maybe I'll get just
One whipping tonight.
Don't make a sound!
I just heard a car
My daddy is back
From Charlie's Bar.
I hear him curse
My name he calls
I press myself
Against the wall.
I try and hide
From his evil eyes
I'm so afraid now
I'm starting to cry.
He finds me weeping
He shouts ugly words,
He says it’s my fault
That he suffers at work.
He slaps me and hits me
And yells at me more,
I finally get free
And I run for the door.
He's already locked it
And I start to bawl,
He takes me and throws me
Against the hard wall.
I fall to the floor
With my bones nearly broken,
And my day continues
With more bad words spoken...
"I'm sorry!” I scream
But it’s now much too late
His face has been twisted
Into unimaginable hate.
The hurt and the pain
Again and again
Oh please God, have mercy!
Oh please let it end!
And he finally stops
And heads for the door,
While I lay there motionless
Sprawled on the floor.
My name is Jamie
And I am but three,
Tonight my daddy
Murdered me.
Believe it or not…there are thousands of kids out there just like Jamie.
He shall judge the poor of the people; he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. Psalm 72:4
I am but three,
My eyes are swollen
I cannot see,
I must be stupid
I must be bad,
What else could have made
My daddy so mad?
I wish I were better
I wish I weren't ugly,
Then maybe my mommy
Would still want to hug me.
I can't speak at all
I can't do a wrong
Or else I'm locked up
All the day long.
When I awake I'm all alone
The house is dark My folks aren't home.
When my mommy does come
I'll try and be nice,
So maybe I'll get just
One whipping tonight.
Don't make a sound!
I just heard a car
My daddy is back
From Charlie's Bar.
I hear him curse
My name he calls
I press myself
Against the wall.
I try and hide
From his evil eyes
I'm so afraid now
I'm starting to cry.
He finds me weeping
He shouts ugly words,
He says it’s my fault
That he suffers at work.
He slaps me and hits me
And yells at me more,
I finally get free
And I run for the door.
He's already locked it
And I start to bawl,
He takes me and throws me
Against the hard wall.
I fall to the floor
With my bones nearly broken,
And my day continues
With more bad words spoken...
"I'm sorry!” I scream
But it’s now much too late
His face has been twisted
Into unimaginable hate.
The hurt and the pain
Again and again
Oh please God, have mercy!
Oh please let it end!
And he finally stops
And heads for the door,
While I lay there motionless
Sprawled on the floor.
My name is Jamie
And I am but three,
Tonight my daddy
Murdered me.
Believe it or not…there are thousands of kids out there just like Jamie.
He shall judge the poor of the people; he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor. Psalm 72:4
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
EVOLUTION?
Maybe there IS something to this idea of evolution proposed by Charles Darwin.
Maybe people did descend from lower animals, because church people often seem stubborn as MULES about church work, sly as a FOX in their own business deals, busy as BEES in spreading the latest gossip, blind as a BAT to the needs of others, quiet as a MOUSE in spreading the Gospel, but have eyes like a HAWK to see a mote in their brother’s eye.
They are eager as a BEAVER about a bazaar and barbeque, but lazy as a HOUND DOG about prayer meeting.
They are mean as SNAKES when things don’t go their way, but gentle as a LAMB when they need the pastor’s help.
They are noisy as CROWS for the church to advance, but slow as SNAILS in visiting the unchurched.
Many are night OWLS on a Saturday night, but BED BUGS on Sunday morning, slippery as EELS on Sunday night and scarce as HEN’s teeth during a revival!
(Just a thought) !
Just how did God create the earth? This is still a subject of great debate. Some say that there was a sudden explosion, and the universe appeared. Others say God started the process, and the universe evolved over billions of years. Almost every ancient religion has its own story to explain how the earth came to be. And almost every scientist has an opinion on the origin of the universe. But only the Bible shows one supreme God creating the earth out of his great love and giving all people a special place in it. We will never know all the answers to how God created the earth, but the Bible tells us that God did create it. That fact alone gives worth and dignity to all people.
Maybe people did descend from lower animals, because church people often seem stubborn as MULES about church work, sly as a FOX in their own business deals, busy as BEES in spreading the latest gossip, blind as a BAT to the needs of others, quiet as a MOUSE in spreading the Gospel, but have eyes like a HAWK to see a mote in their brother’s eye.
They are eager as a BEAVER about a bazaar and barbeque, but lazy as a HOUND DOG about prayer meeting.
They are mean as SNAKES when things don’t go their way, but gentle as a LAMB when they need the pastor’s help.
They are noisy as CROWS for the church to advance, but slow as SNAILS in visiting the unchurched.
Many are night OWLS on a Saturday night, but BED BUGS on Sunday morning, slippery as EELS on Sunday night and scarce as HEN’s teeth during a revival!
(Just a thought) !
Just how did God create the earth? This is still a subject of great debate. Some say that there was a sudden explosion, and the universe appeared. Others say God started the process, and the universe evolved over billions of years. Almost every ancient religion has its own story to explain how the earth came to be. And almost every scientist has an opinion on the origin of the universe. But only the Bible shows one supreme God creating the earth out of his great love and giving all people a special place in it. We will never know all the answers to how God created the earth, but the Bible tells us that God did create it. That fact alone gives worth and dignity to all people.
Through Christ
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Can we really do everything? The power we receive in union with Christ is sufficient to do his will and to face the challenges that arise from our commitment to doing it. He does not grant us superhuman ability to accomplish anything we can imagine without regard to his interests. As we contend for the faith we will face troubles, pressures, and trials. As they come, ask Christ to strengthen you.
The road to success is not straight.
There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family.
You will have flats called Jobs.
But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith,
a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.
Can we really do everything? The power we receive in union with Christ is sufficient to do his will and to face the challenges that arise from our commitment to doing it. He does not grant us superhuman ability to accomplish anything we can imagine without regard to his interests. As we contend for the faith we will face troubles, pressures, and trials. As they come, ask Christ to strengthen you.
The road to success is not straight.
There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family.
You will have flats called Jobs.
But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith,
a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.
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About Me
- Elder Vazquez
- I'm just a nobody, trying to tell everybody about Somebody who can save anybody. I give all honor to the Father for the privilege of being His instrument, through whom He lives and works for His glory alone. I served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years, retiring in September 2003. In my final three years, I was co-pastor at Greater New Refuge COGIC in Fallon, Nevada, under Pastor Gregory L. Brown. I supported my pastor and church by helping with a new sanctuary's construction and caring for all ministry needs while staying true to my mandate to preach the Word of God without compromise. In November 2002, I was licensed to preach and ordained in June 2003. While stationed in Virginia Beach, I served at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for 17 years under Bishop-Elect W.D. Scott, Sr., and now I serve at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, VA, under Bishop B. Courtney McBath. I also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion from Saint Leo University, deepening my foundation and commitment to this path of faith.