Lord God, Abba, Father,
I humbly come into Your presence in this New Year, 2011 asking You in I prayer to bless me with spiritual discernment and use me to help others. Give me the confidence to speak Your Word boldly today. Use me to do Your work and allow me to praise Your Name once more. Restore my soul, extend my bondaries and bless my ministry. Magnify the work of my hands to bring glory to Your Name. Make the desires of my heart the absolute same as Yours, Father. Help me to stand when I want to quit. Turn my mistakes into learning experiences. Make a way where I can't see one now. Give me strength and means to continue serving. May depression not find an open door in my house. Sharpen the tools of ministry in my possession. Don't let me give up running the race out of futility. Use me today to do what You desire. Use me to do something extraordinary today. Open the door where previous failures have seemingly closed them. Give me passion for Your Word. Use me anyway You will. Give my blessing to those I serve. This day for extending Your love to someone who doesn't know it. Remind me often today why I serve You. Feed my thirst with streams of Living Water. Use me to do great things of which I know not. Help me be more effective helping others. Use me to accomplish what You desire. Honor to serve Your cause.
Read God's Word
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
PRAYING IN GOD'S NAME
He is Jehovah - He never changes. Ex 3:14
He is El-Shaddai - He is Almighty God, the only true God. Gen 17:1; Ps 91:1
He is Adonai - He is Lord of all. Ps 110:1
He is Jehovah Jireh - He provides - completely! Gen 22:13,14
He is Jehovah Rophe - He is the one who heals. Ex 15:26
He is Jehovah Nissi - He is our banner, our victory. Ex 17:15
He is Jehovah M'Kaddeshem - He makes us holy. Ex 31:13
He is Jehovah Shalom - He is peace. Jud 6:24
He is Jehovah Tsidkenu - He makes us righteous. Jer 23:6
He is Jehovah Rohi - He makes a way for us. Ps 23
He is Jehovah Shammah - He's there - He will not hide. Eze 48:35
He is Immanuel - God with us. Isa 7:14
At the Name of Jesus, every knee will bow. Phil 2:5-11
The Name of the Lord is a strong Tower. Ps 18:10
He is Lord. He does not share his glory. Is 42:8
His Name is the Word of God. Rev 19:13
There is no other name that can save us. Acts 4:12
Anything asked in his Name, he will do. John 14:13
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. Psalm 8:9
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, O lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7
He is El-Shaddai - He is Almighty God, the only true God. Gen 17:1; Ps 91:1
He is Adonai - He is Lord of all. Ps 110:1
He is Jehovah Jireh - He provides - completely! Gen 22:13,14
He is Jehovah Rophe - He is the one who heals. Ex 15:26
He is Jehovah Nissi - He is our banner, our victory. Ex 17:15
He is Jehovah M'Kaddeshem - He makes us holy. Ex 31:13
He is Jehovah Shalom - He is peace. Jud 6:24
He is Jehovah Tsidkenu - He makes us righteous. Jer 23:6
He is Jehovah Rohi - He makes a way for us. Ps 23
He is Jehovah Shammah - He's there - He will not hide. Eze 48:35
He is Immanuel - God with us. Isa 7:14
At the Name of Jesus, every knee will bow. Phil 2:5-11
The Name of the Lord is a strong Tower. Ps 18:10
He is Lord. He does not share his glory. Is 42:8
His Name is the Word of God. Rev 19:13
There is no other name that can save us. Acts 4:12
Anything asked in his Name, he will do. John 14:13
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. Psalm 8:9
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, O lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7
THANK YOU LORD
Thank you, Lord for everything …
The big things and the small,
For “every good gift comes from You,”
The Giver of them all.
And all too often we accept
Without any thanks or praise,
The gifts You send as blessings
Each day in many ways.
And so at this very moment,
I offer up a prayer,
To thank You, Lord, for giving me
A lot more than my share.
First, thank You for the little things
That often come my way,
The things I take for granted,
But don’t mention when I pray.
The unexpected courtesy,
The thoughtful, kindly deed,
A hand reached out to help me
In the time of sudden need.
Oh, make me more aware, dear Lord,
Of little daily graces
That come to me with “sweet surprise”
From never-dreamed-of places.
Then, thank You for the “miracles”
I am much too blind to see,
And give me new awareness
Of my many gifts from Thee.
And help me to remember
That the key to life and living,
Is to make each prayer a prayer of thanks
And every day Thanksgiving.
Amen.
The big things and the small,
For “every good gift comes from You,”
The Giver of them all.
And all too often we accept
Without any thanks or praise,
The gifts You send as blessings
Each day in many ways.
And so at this very moment,
I offer up a prayer,
To thank You, Lord, for giving me
A lot more than my share.
First, thank You for the little things
That often come my way,
The things I take for granted,
But don’t mention when I pray.
The unexpected courtesy,
The thoughtful, kindly deed,
A hand reached out to help me
In the time of sudden need.
Oh, make me more aware, dear Lord,
Of little daily graces
That come to me with “sweet surprise”
From never-dreamed-of places.
Then, thank You for the “miracles”
I am much too blind to see,
And give me new awareness
Of my many gifts from Thee.
And help me to remember
That the key to life and living,
Is to make each prayer a prayer of thanks
And every day Thanksgiving.
Amen.
The Daniel Fast
Its Origin
The Daniel Fast is based on verses from the Bible found in Daniel 10:2-3. “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” These three weeks refer to the observance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which take place during the first month of the year (Exodus 12:1-20).
Some also may cite the example in Daniel 1:8. However, in this verse Daniel did not want to eat the king’s delicacies because it would have included food that was forbidden by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11); to eat it would be defiling his body. Another reason would have been because the king’s meats had probably been dedicated to the false Babylonian idols as was their practice. Daniel believed to do so would have been to acknowledge their idols as deities, against God’s commandments.
Its Purpose
While the Daniel Fast is cleansing your body by omitting certain foods for a limited time, the deeper and true basis of intent is for spiritual connection. The purpose of Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural, self-gratifying food and drink. Your focus is to be on God, not on the fleshly things of the world. Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God.
During the Daniel Fast you will want to concentrate on prayer, Bible study, and reflection. The Daniel Fast is a great way to enter into preparation for growing in the Lord.
If you have a medical condition or are undergoing any medical treatments it is advisable to first consult your physician. You may also want to pray, consult a mature Christian or your pastor before fasting. Remember, fasting should be periodically and for limited days.
The Guidelines
The basic guidelines for the Daniel Fast include eating:
*fruits, nuts
*vegetables
*water only to drink (to flush out toxins) Some say natural fruit juices may be included if they contain no preservatives, sugars, etc., but even those juices should be very limited. Coffee and tea are not permitted.
The Daniel Fast should eliminate all meats, pastries, chips, breads, and fried food. Breads contain yeast, baking powder and so on; those are leavening agents and should be avoided. Leaven is symbolic of sin in certain scriptures (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).
With these things listed, it is concluded that any food having artificial additives, chemicals, or that is processed should be totally avoided during the fast. Fruits and vegetables are the mainstay of the Daniel Fast and can be acceptably prepared in a variety of ways. Many fasting recipes and several cookbooks are designed for the Daniel Fast.
The Daniel Fast is a powerful spiritual discipline. With the coupling of fasting and prayer, one can open themselves to God’s Holy Spirit. Having a sincere desire to seek God, you can come to Him with a contrite and repentant heart and He will minister to you in a powerful way. God’s awesome power is transforming and you will know that with God, all things are possible.
It is important to note that the Bible nowhere commands believers to observe a Daniel fast. As a result, it is a matter of Christian freedom whether to observe a Daniel fast. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33).
“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning” (Joel 2:12)
The Daniel Fast is based on verses from the Bible found in Daniel 10:2-3. “At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” These three weeks refer to the observance of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which take place during the first month of the year (Exodus 12:1-20).
Some also may cite the example in Daniel 1:8. However, in this verse Daniel did not want to eat the king’s delicacies because it would have included food that was forbidden by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 11); to eat it would be defiling his body. Another reason would have been because the king’s meats had probably been dedicated to the false Babylonian idols as was their practice. Daniel believed to do so would have been to acknowledge their idols as deities, against God’s commandments.
Its Purpose
While the Daniel Fast is cleansing your body by omitting certain foods for a limited time, the deeper and true basis of intent is for spiritual connection. The purpose of Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural, self-gratifying food and drink. Your focus is to be on God, not on the fleshly things of the world. Too often, the focus of fasting is on the lack of food. Instead, the purpose of fasting should be to take your eyes off the things of this world to focus completely on God.
During the Daniel Fast you will want to concentrate on prayer, Bible study, and reflection. The Daniel Fast is a great way to enter into preparation for growing in the Lord.
If you have a medical condition or are undergoing any medical treatments it is advisable to first consult your physician. You may also want to pray, consult a mature Christian or your pastor before fasting. Remember, fasting should be periodically and for limited days.
The Guidelines
The basic guidelines for the Daniel Fast include eating:
*fruits, nuts
*vegetables
*water only to drink (to flush out toxins) Some say natural fruit juices may be included if they contain no preservatives, sugars, etc., but even those juices should be very limited. Coffee and tea are not permitted.
The Daniel Fast should eliminate all meats, pastries, chips, breads, and fried food. Breads contain yeast, baking powder and so on; those are leavening agents and should be avoided. Leaven is symbolic of sin in certain scriptures (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).
With these things listed, it is concluded that any food having artificial additives, chemicals, or that is processed should be totally avoided during the fast. Fruits and vegetables are the mainstay of the Daniel Fast and can be acceptably prepared in a variety of ways. Many fasting recipes and several cookbooks are designed for the Daniel Fast.
The Daniel Fast is a powerful spiritual discipline. With the coupling of fasting and prayer, one can open themselves to God’s Holy Spirit. Having a sincere desire to seek God, you can come to Him with a contrite and repentant heart and He will minister to you in a powerful way. God’s awesome power is transforming and you will know that with God, all things are possible.
It is important to note that the Bible nowhere commands believers to observe a Daniel fast. As a result, it is a matter of Christian freedom whether to observe a Daniel fast. At the same time, the Bible presents fasting as something that is good, profitable, and beneficial. The book of Acts records believers fasting before they made important decisions (Acts 13:2; 14:23). Fasting and prayer are often linked together (Luke 2:37; 5:33).
“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning” (Joel 2:12)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Knowledge Is More Than Just Power
It is a GROUNDED knowledge
"If you continue in the faith grounded" (Col. 1:23). It is not simply believing "as my church believes." Saving knowledge rests upon a double basis: the Word and Spirit. The one is a guide, the other a witness. Saving knowledge is not changeable or doubtful—but has a certainty in it. "We believe and are sure that you are that Christ" (John 6:69); "being always confident" (2 Cor. 5:6). A godly man holds no more than he will die for. The martyrs were so confirmed in the knowledge of the truth, that they would seal it with their blood.
It is an APPRECIATIVE knowledge
The jeweler who has the skill to value a jewel is said to know it. He who esteems God above the comforts of the earth knows him (Psalm 73:25). To compare other things with God is to debase deity; as if you should compare a glow-worm with the sun.
It is an ENLIVENING knowledge
"I will never forget your precepts, for with them you have quickened me" (Psalm 119:93). Bible knowledge in a natural man's head is like a torch in a dead man's hand. True knowledge animates. A godly man is like John the Baptist, "a burning and a shining lamp". He not only shines by illumination—but he burns by affection. The spouse's knowledge made her "love-sick" (Song 2:5). "I am wounded with love." I am like a deer that is struck with an arrow; my soul lies bleeding, and nothing can cure me—but a sight of him whom my soul loves!
It is an APPLIED knowledge
"I know that my redeemer lives" (Job 19:25). A medicine is best when it is applied. This applicative knowledge is joyful. Christ is called a "surety" (Heb. 7:22). Oh what joy, when I am drowned in debt, to know that Christ is my surety! Christ is called an "advocate" (1 John 2:1). The Greek word for advocate, parakletos, signifies a comforter. Oh, what comfort it is when I have a bad cause, to know Christ is my advocate, who never lost any cause he pleaded!
It is a TRANSFORMING knowledge
"We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image" (2 Cor. 3:18). As a painter looking at a face draws a face like it in the picture; so looking at Christ in the mirror of the gospel, we are changed into his likeness. We may look at other objects that are beautiful—yet not be made beautiful by them. A deformed face may look at beauty, and yet not be made beautiful. A wounded man may look at a surgeon, and yet not be healed. But this is the excellence of divine knowledge, that it gives us such a sight of Christ as makes us partake of his nature! Like Moses when he had seen God's back parts, his face shone; some of the rays and beams of God's glory fell on him.
It is a SELF-EMPTYING knowledge
Carnal knowledge makes the head giddy with pride (1 Cor. 8:1,2). True knowledge brings a man out of love with himself. The more he knows—the more he blushes at his own ignorance. David, a bright star in God's church, still thought himself rather a cloud than a star (Psalm 73:22).
It is a GROWING knowledge
"Increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col. 1:10). True knowledge is like the light of the morning, which increases on the horizon until it comes to the full meridian. So sweet is spiritual knowledge that the more a saint knows—the more thirsty he is for knowledge. It is called "the riches of knowledge" (1 Cor. 1:5). The more riches a man has, the more still he desires. Though Paul knew Christ—yet he wanted to know him more: "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection" (Phil. 3:10).
It is a PRACTICAL knowledge
"His sheep follow him because they know his voice." (John 10:4). God requires a knowledge accompanied by obedience. True knowledge not only improves a Christian's sight—but improves his pace. It is a reproach to a Christian to live in a contradiction to his knowledge, to know he should be strict and holy—yet to live loosely. Not to obey—is the same as not to know: "the sons of Eli knew not the Lord" (1 Sam. 2:12). They could not but know, for they taught others the knowledge of the Lord; yet they are said not to know—because they did not obey. When knowledge and practice appear together, then they herald much happiness.
"If you continue in the faith grounded" (Col. 1:23). It is not simply believing "as my church believes." Saving knowledge rests upon a double basis: the Word and Spirit. The one is a guide, the other a witness. Saving knowledge is not changeable or doubtful—but has a certainty in it. "We believe and are sure that you are that Christ" (John 6:69); "being always confident" (2 Cor. 5:6). A godly man holds no more than he will die for. The martyrs were so confirmed in the knowledge of the truth, that they would seal it with their blood.
It is an APPRECIATIVE knowledge
The jeweler who has the skill to value a jewel is said to know it. He who esteems God above the comforts of the earth knows him (Psalm 73:25). To compare other things with God is to debase deity; as if you should compare a glow-worm with the sun.
It is an ENLIVENING knowledge
"I will never forget your precepts, for with them you have quickened me" (Psalm 119:93). Bible knowledge in a natural man's head is like a torch in a dead man's hand. True knowledge animates. A godly man is like John the Baptist, "a burning and a shining lamp". He not only shines by illumination—but he burns by affection. The spouse's knowledge made her "love-sick" (Song 2:5). "I am wounded with love." I am like a deer that is struck with an arrow; my soul lies bleeding, and nothing can cure me—but a sight of him whom my soul loves!
It is an APPLIED knowledge
"I know that my redeemer lives" (Job 19:25). A medicine is best when it is applied. This applicative knowledge is joyful. Christ is called a "surety" (Heb. 7:22). Oh what joy, when I am drowned in debt, to know that Christ is my surety! Christ is called an "advocate" (1 John 2:1). The Greek word for advocate, parakletos, signifies a comforter. Oh, what comfort it is when I have a bad cause, to know Christ is my advocate, who never lost any cause he pleaded!
It is a TRANSFORMING knowledge
"We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image" (2 Cor. 3:18). As a painter looking at a face draws a face like it in the picture; so looking at Christ in the mirror of the gospel, we are changed into his likeness. We may look at other objects that are beautiful—yet not be made beautiful by them. A deformed face may look at beauty, and yet not be made beautiful. A wounded man may look at a surgeon, and yet not be healed. But this is the excellence of divine knowledge, that it gives us such a sight of Christ as makes us partake of his nature! Like Moses when he had seen God's back parts, his face shone; some of the rays and beams of God's glory fell on him.
It is a SELF-EMPTYING knowledge
Carnal knowledge makes the head giddy with pride (1 Cor. 8:1,2). True knowledge brings a man out of love with himself. The more he knows—the more he blushes at his own ignorance. David, a bright star in God's church, still thought himself rather a cloud than a star (Psalm 73:22).
It is a GROWING knowledge
"Increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col. 1:10). True knowledge is like the light of the morning, which increases on the horizon until it comes to the full meridian. So sweet is spiritual knowledge that the more a saint knows—the more thirsty he is for knowledge. It is called "the riches of knowledge" (1 Cor. 1:5). The more riches a man has, the more still he desires. Though Paul knew Christ—yet he wanted to know him more: "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection" (Phil. 3:10).
It is a PRACTICAL knowledge
"His sheep follow him because they know his voice." (John 10:4). God requires a knowledge accompanied by obedience. True knowledge not only improves a Christian's sight—but improves his pace. It is a reproach to a Christian to live in a contradiction to his knowledge, to know he should be strict and holy—yet to live loosely. Not to obey—is the same as not to know: "the sons of Eli knew not the Lord" (1 Sam. 2:12). They could not but know, for they taught others the knowledge of the Lord; yet they are said not to know—because they did not obey. When knowledge and practice appear together, then they herald much happiness.
Woman Of Purpose
My Dear Sisters in Christ,
You are a Woman of Purpose
You need not roar as the world
You are anointed
Your voice is soft and non-threatening
Your words are kind yet firm
You are anointed
Your heart is full of love and wisdom
Your destiny is sure
You are anointed
Your hands extend across continents
Your actions and decisions influence multitudes
You are anointed
Yet your soul only belongs to …One
God Almighty
He anoints you
God alone holds the strings to which you dance
live…move…and have your very being
He empowers you
Therefore go! Change the world
Fulfill the purpose for which you were created
You are Anointed with Power!
God has a purpose for your life. Even if you are far away from being what He has called you to be, you are still important to Him. Please know and remember you matter, you count, you are valuable and loved.
Thank you, Sister Nikki Jourdan, for blessing me.
You are a Woman of Purpose
You need not roar as the world
You are anointed
Your voice is soft and non-threatening
Your words are kind yet firm
You are anointed
Your heart is full of love and wisdom
Your destiny is sure
You are anointed
Your hands extend across continents
Your actions and decisions influence multitudes
You are anointed
Yet your soul only belongs to …One
God Almighty
He anoints you
God alone holds the strings to which you dance
live…move…and have your very being
He empowers you
Therefore go! Change the world
Fulfill the purpose for which you were created
You are Anointed with Power!
God has a purpose for your life. Even if you are far away from being what He has called you to be, you are still important to Him. Please know and remember you matter, you count, you are valuable and loved.
Thank you, Sister Nikki Jourdan, for blessing me.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Developing a relationship with God
Developing a relationship with God is a process. It takes time and commitment to work on your close, personal and intimate relationship with God. Getting close to God is easy, staying close to God is more difficult. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, staying close to God requires commitment and dedication. Starting your morning off with a conscious desire to draw close to God will ensure a day full of God's presence. God is always close to you, but it is up to you to remain close to Him.
One - Sing to God a new song. Psalm 40:3 says, "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God." The hardest time of the day for getting closer to God is first thing in the morning. For some reason, upon awakening is when every negative thought invades the mind. As soon as you open your eyes, begin by singing a song to God. Singing a new song to God will wipe out every negative, depressing thought.
Two - Start each day by saying good morning to God. Psalm 5:3 says, "I lay my requests before you Lord in the morning, and I wait in hopeful expectation." Acknowledging God in the morning is a great way to draw closer to Him and it establishes a relationship that remains throughout the day. As you pray to God your urgent requests, you will wait expectantly for His answers. Realizing that God wants to bless you with the desire of your heart will keep you focused on Him as you wait.
Three - Quote scripture, God's word, to put God in the center of your heart and mind. Psalm 119:11 states, "Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might sin against God." Memorizing scripture for daily devotions is a great way to get closer to God. Choose one scripture to meditate on. Psalm 51:10 says, "Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me." This is the perfect prayer request to start off any day. Ask God to mold you into the person He wants you to be. As you choose to live right, you will get closer to God.
Four - Worship God throughout the day to keep you close to Him. Psalm 22:3 says, "God inhabits the praises of His people." When we sing worship songs to God, He is there. Get closer to God by worshiping Him. Psalm 95:6 says, "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care."
Five - Celebrate communion with others as a way to get closer to God. Take the elements, the bread and the cup, in remembrance of what God did for you when he sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for your sins. Communion is done in fellowship with other believers as a reminder of God's love.
Six - Enter church, or God's house, gets you closer to Him. Hebrews 10:25 says, "Do not forsake the gathering of yourselves together as some are in the habit of doing." Coming together in unity with other believers invites God's presence. Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." If you want to get closer to God, get closer to others. Unity among believers is powerful and effective.
Seven - Observe nature as a powerful way to get closer to God. Sit by a running stream or climb the highest mountain. Watch the ocean tide or sit in the midst of a forest. Psalm 95:4,5 says, "In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for he made it, and His hands formed the dry land." God created everything and nature is a representation of His glory, His splendor and His beauty. If you want to get closer to God, get closer to His creation.
One - Sing to God a new song. Psalm 40:3 says, "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God." The hardest time of the day for getting closer to God is first thing in the morning. For some reason, upon awakening is when every negative thought invades the mind. As soon as you open your eyes, begin by singing a song to God. Singing a new song to God will wipe out every negative, depressing thought.
Two - Start each day by saying good morning to God. Psalm 5:3 says, "I lay my requests before you Lord in the morning, and I wait in hopeful expectation." Acknowledging God in the morning is a great way to draw closer to Him and it establishes a relationship that remains throughout the day. As you pray to God your urgent requests, you will wait expectantly for His answers. Realizing that God wants to bless you with the desire of your heart will keep you focused on Him as you wait.
Three - Quote scripture, God's word, to put God in the center of your heart and mind. Psalm 119:11 states, "Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might sin against God." Memorizing scripture for daily devotions is a great way to get closer to God. Choose one scripture to meditate on. Psalm 51:10 says, "Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me." This is the perfect prayer request to start off any day. Ask God to mold you into the person He wants you to be. As you choose to live right, you will get closer to God.
Four - Worship God throughout the day to keep you close to Him. Psalm 22:3 says, "God inhabits the praises of His people." When we sing worship songs to God, He is there. Get closer to God by worshiping Him. Psalm 95:6 says, "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care."
Five - Celebrate communion with others as a way to get closer to God. Take the elements, the bread and the cup, in remembrance of what God did for you when he sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for your sins. Communion is done in fellowship with other believers as a reminder of God's love.
Six - Enter church, or God's house, gets you closer to Him. Hebrews 10:25 says, "Do not forsake the gathering of yourselves together as some are in the habit of doing." Coming together in unity with other believers invites God's presence. Matthew 18:20 says, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." If you want to get closer to God, get closer to others. Unity among believers is powerful and effective.
Seven - Observe nature as a powerful way to get closer to God. Sit by a running stream or climb the highest mountain. Watch the ocean tide or sit in the midst of a forest. Psalm 95:4,5 says, "In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for he made it, and His hands formed the dry land." God created everything and nature is a representation of His glory, His splendor and His beauty. If you want to get closer to God, get closer to His creation.
Friday, January 07, 2011
TAKING TIME
Take time to think...It is the source of power.
Take time to play...It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read...It is the fountain of wisdom.
Take time to pray...It is the greatest power on Earth.
Take time to love and be loved...It is a God- given privilege.
Take time to be friendly...It is the road to happiness.
Take time to laugh...It is the music of the soul.
Take time to give...It is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to work...It is the price of success.
Take time to do charity...It is the key to Heaven.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, please take your time and enjoy this day that was not promised, to the fullest. Live, Laugh and Love. God's Word clearly tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1...
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and
A time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.
What are you doing with your time?
Take time to play...It is the secret of perpetual youth.
Take time to read...It is the fountain of wisdom.
Take time to pray...It is the greatest power on Earth.
Take time to love and be loved...It is a God- given privilege.
Take time to be friendly...It is the road to happiness.
Take time to laugh...It is the music of the soul.
Take time to give...It is too short a day to be selfish.
Take time to work...It is the price of success.
Take time to do charity...It is the key to Heaven.
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, please take your time and enjoy this day that was not promised, to the fullest. Live, Laugh and Love. God's Word clearly tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:1...
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and
A time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.
What are you doing with your time?
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
THE FOUR KINDS OF LOVE
The four kinds of love are Storge (Stor-gay), Eros, Agape, and Philia. And here's what they mean?
STORGE refers to familial love. It is evident, for example, in the warm affection that parents have toward their children. If you're a parent, you know what I'm talking about when you rock your little child to sleep at night. I remember one particular incident when my daughter Jennifer was just a baby, and I was a brand new daddy. (Jennifer was our first). She was having a tough time sleeping, and I was tired. I wanted her to sleep, so I was rocking her -- trying to get her to sleep. She wouldn't. She wasn't tired. Well, after awhile, I was dozing, but she wasn't. I finally woke up enough to focus - and there she was, her big eyes just inches from mine, staring into me. I could almost hear her say: "Don't sleep, Daddy. Look at me instead." I laughed hysterically and held her tightly. I oozed love and affection. This of course is just one memory of many, but it is a perfect example of storge love. A deep and abiding affection.
EROS is the desire to draw out all that is good, beautiful and true. It is motivated by need. It's often understood to refer primarily to sex, but that's really only one part of it - albeit a significant part. Eros involves the emotional need to elicit physical love and affection ("beautiful expression" in general) from the one you love. In most contexts, this involves a romantic kind of love. Sadly, our society has cheapened this type of love - and it seems to be the only kind of love that's celebrated in our entertainment culture. (And frankly it's only "celebrated" in a one-dimensional and often exploitative manner). For a biblical picture of erotic love, you need go no further than the Song of Solomon.
PHILIA is Friendship Love. It is not sexual in nature, though (in the right circumstance) it can lead to or complement Eros. Philia is the kind of bond seen in Scripture between David and Jonathan. It's the kind of love talked about by Jesus, who said: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Philia is the embodiment of everything a true, meaningful friendship represents. I have often counseled teenagers that they should pursue Philia love with a prospective girlfriend or boyfriend well before they contemplate any other kind of love. The exception to that is....
AGAPE love is the selfless love for others. In Exodus 32, Moses confronts God and asks forgiveness for the people of Israel. God refuses, at first, to forgive them, but allows that no penalty or sin is on Moses' head. Moses isn't satisfied, and casts his fate with those of the people. If God won't forgive the people of Israel, then Moses wants to be punished along with them. THAT is Agape love. It is, in fact, a picture of what Jesus did on the cross for our sins. Selfless, sacrificial love - in which nothing is asked in return. This is the kind of love that everyone should pursue.
STORGE refers to familial love. It is evident, for example, in the warm affection that parents have toward their children. If you're a parent, you know what I'm talking about when you rock your little child to sleep at night. I remember one particular incident when my daughter Jennifer was just a baby, and I was a brand new daddy. (Jennifer was our first). She was having a tough time sleeping, and I was tired. I wanted her to sleep, so I was rocking her -- trying to get her to sleep. She wouldn't. She wasn't tired. Well, after awhile, I was dozing, but she wasn't. I finally woke up enough to focus - and there she was, her big eyes just inches from mine, staring into me. I could almost hear her say: "Don't sleep, Daddy. Look at me instead." I laughed hysterically and held her tightly. I oozed love and affection. This of course is just one memory of many, but it is a perfect example of storge love. A deep and abiding affection.
EROS is the desire to draw out all that is good, beautiful and true. It is motivated by need. It's often understood to refer primarily to sex, but that's really only one part of it - albeit a significant part. Eros involves the emotional need to elicit physical love and affection ("beautiful expression" in general) from the one you love. In most contexts, this involves a romantic kind of love. Sadly, our society has cheapened this type of love - and it seems to be the only kind of love that's celebrated in our entertainment culture. (And frankly it's only "celebrated" in a one-dimensional and often exploitative manner). For a biblical picture of erotic love, you need go no further than the Song of Solomon.
PHILIA is Friendship Love. It is not sexual in nature, though (in the right circumstance) it can lead to or complement Eros. Philia is the kind of bond seen in Scripture between David and Jonathan. It's the kind of love talked about by Jesus, who said: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Philia is the embodiment of everything a true, meaningful friendship represents. I have often counseled teenagers that they should pursue Philia love with a prospective girlfriend or boyfriend well before they contemplate any other kind of love. The exception to that is....
AGAPE love is the selfless love for others. In Exodus 32, Moses confronts God and asks forgiveness for the people of Israel. God refuses, at first, to forgive them, but allows that no penalty or sin is on Moses' head. Moses isn't satisfied, and casts his fate with those of the people. If God won't forgive the people of Israel, then Moses wants to be punished along with them. THAT is Agape love. It is, in fact, a picture of what Jesus did on the cross for our sins. Selfless, sacrificial love - in which nothing is asked in return. This is the kind of love that everyone should pursue.
Monday, January 03, 2011
A New Year Prayer
Holy Father,
God of our yesterdays, our today, and our tomorrows.
We praise You for Your unequaled greatness.
Thank You for the year behind us and for the year ahead.
Help us in Your new year, Father, to fret less and laugh more.
To teach our children to laugh by laughing with them.
To teach others to love by loving them.
Knowing, when Love came to the stable in Bethlehem, He came for us.
So that Love could be with us, and we could know You.
That we could share Love with others.
Help us, Father, to hear Your love song in every sunrise,
in the chirping of sparrows in our backyards,
in the stories of our old folks, and the fantasies of our children.
Help us to stop and listen to Your love songs,
so that we may know You better and better.
We rejoice in the world You loved into being.
Thank You for another new year and for new chances every day.
We pray for peace, for light, and for hope, that we might spread them to others.
Forgive us for falling short this past year.
We leave the irreparable past in your hands, and step out into the unknown new year knowing You will go with us.
We accept Your gift of a new year and we rejoice in what's ahead, depending on You to help us do exactly what You want..
I say it again, we rejoice!
In Jesus name,
Amen.
God of our yesterdays, our today, and our tomorrows.
We praise You for Your unequaled greatness.
Thank You for the year behind us and for the year ahead.
Help us in Your new year, Father, to fret less and laugh more.
To teach our children to laugh by laughing with them.
To teach others to love by loving them.
Knowing, when Love came to the stable in Bethlehem, He came for us.
So that Love could be with us, and we could know You.
That we could share Love with others.
Help us, Father, to hear Your love song in every sunrise,
in the chirping of sparrows in our backyards,
in the stories of our old folks, and the fantasies of our children.
Help us to stop and listen to Your love songs,
so that we may know You better and better.
We rejoice in the world You loved into being.
Thank You for another new year and for new chances every day.
We pray for peace, for light, and for hope, that we might spread them to others.
Forgive us for falling short this past year.
We leave the irreparable past in your hands, and step out into the unknown new year knowing You will go with us.
We accept Your gift of a new year and we rejoice in what's ahead, depending on You to help us do exactly what You want..
I say it again, we rejoice!
In Jesus name,
Amen.
Friday, December 17, 2010
The "U" in JesUs
Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God even 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 even the word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth during 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."
There are so many people just like 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!
God even 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 even the word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth during 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."
There are so many people just like 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!
IT IS GOD IN ME
It is only God within me, who is good or beautiful, I am nothing without His life inside. It is His love I have, His joy, His words, is what I speak or write.
I am nothing without Him so I cannot boast, or praise myself, Or be prideful by telling you any unkind thoughts I might have felt.
I am, who I am, only by knowing God's own words, He wrote them for me to love and ponder on, His words alone will make me whole.
God is pleased when I encourage myself and you and give thanks for His love in our lives, Uplifting and blessing you, leads me into His light.
Whether I create, paint, sing or write, I am here to pray for, love and support you, and to think of you higher than myself,
For I live only, because of GOD in me.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:31
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24
...be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. Titus 3:1,2
May you be blessed as you seek to honor Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
I am nothing without Him so I cannot boast, or praise myself, Or be prideful by telling you any unkind thoughts I might have felt.
I am, who I am, only by knowing God's own words, He wrote them for me to love and ponder on, His words alone will make me whole.
God is pleased when I encourage myself and you and give thanks for His love in our lives, Uplifting and blessing you, leads me into His light.
Whether I create, paint, sing or write, I am here to pray for, love and support you, and to think of you higher than myself,
For I live only, because of GOD in me.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:31
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24
...be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. Titus 3:1,2
May you be blessed as you seek to honor Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
God's Plan of Salvation
My dear brothers and sisters, becoming a Christian is the most important decision you can make. This decision does not only determine where you will spend eternity, but it
will determine every aspect of your life..
All People Have Sinned Against God
The Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
(Romans 3:23). The word sin means to miss a target by falling short of
that target. Sin is the failure of a person to live the life which God
has planned for him to live. Everyone has sinned, it is universal.
The Price of Sin Is High
The Bible says, "the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is
eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23). The person
who lives without God in this life will pay the awful price of an
eternity separated from God. The Bible calls this place of separation
hell. Hell was never meant to be the eternal home of mankind, but God
could not allow rebellious people to enter into heaven. Heaven is the
eternal dwelling of God's people, and it is a place where God lives in
perfect harmony with His people.
God Loves us in Spite of Our Sin
The Bible says, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while
we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).
Because of the righteousness of God, man must pay the penalty for sin,
or someone who is acceptable to God must pay the penalty. The death of
Jesus is the greatest demonstration of the love of God for sinners. It
is a great love for someone to die in place of a loved one. But Jesus
died for those in rebellion.
Repent, Turn Toward God, and Have Your Sins Completely Taken Away
The Bible says, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins
may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the
presence of the Lord;" (Acts 3:19). The word repent means to turn around
and go in a different direction. It means a change of mind and life
toward God. If you are willing to turn to God, then God will restore you
to childhood purity. Jesus described this experience as the "new birth."
Your part is to confess your sin, and God's part is to forgive and
restore.
By Grace You Receive His Free Gift (Eternal Life) Through Faith Which is Also from God
The Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not
of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8). The word grace
refers to the kindness and love of God in His willingness to forgive and
save. Faith means to trust to a point of commitment. You cannot just
believe in God. You must be willing to give your life to God's teachings
and God's will. Salvation is God's gift if you will receive it with a
commitment to turn and follow Jesus.
Confess Jesus and Believe That He Was Raised from the Dead by God
The Bible says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord
Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from
the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9). The word confess means to
acknowledge to God that Jesus is Savior and Lord, to believe with all
your heart that Jesus died on the cross for you and came out of the
grave, and to believe that He is alive and will change your life as you follow
and obey His teachings.
Pray to the Lord and Be Saved:
The Bible says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord
shall be saved." (Romans 10:13). Whoever means anyone can ask God for
forgiveness of sin and turn from sin and follow Jesus.
Pray this simple prayer and mean it and you will be saved
"Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I know You
died on the cross for me. I now turn from my sins and ask You to forgive me.
I invite You into my heart and life. I trust You as Savior and will follow
You as Lord. Thank You for saving me. Amen."
If you prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, would
you email me and tell me? I care about you.
This prayer of faith begins you on the greatest journey one can ever
make. You need to contact a local Bible believing church and tell them
of your decision. They will instruct you on baptism and church
membership.
Faith in Jesus Christ makes the difference between despair and hope.
"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)
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
will determine every aspect of your life..
All People Have Sinned Against God
The Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
(Romans 3:23). The word sin means to miss a target by falling short of
that target. Sin is the failure of a person to live the life which God
has planned for him to live. Everyone has sinned, it is universal.
The Price of Sin Is High
The Bible says, "the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is
eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23). The person
who lives without God in this life will pay the awful price of an
eternity separated from God. The Bible calls this place of separation
hell. Hell was never meant to be the eternal home of mankind, but God
could not allow rebellious people to enter into heaven. Heaven is the
eternal dwelling of God's people, and it is a place where God lives in
perfect harmony with His people.
God Loves us in Spite of Our Sin
The Bible says, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while
we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).
Because of the righteousness of God, man must pay the penalty for sin,
or someone who is acceptable to God must pay the penalty. The death of
Jesus is the greatest demonstration of the love of God for sinners. It
is a great love for someone to die in place of a loved one. But Jesus
died for those in rebellion.
Repent, Turn Toward God, and Have Your Sins Completely Taken Away
The Bible says, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins
may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the
presence of the Lord;" (Acts 3:19). The word repent means to turn around
and go in a different direction. It means a change of mind and life
toward God. If you are willing to turn to God, then God will restore you
to childhood purity. Jesus described this experience as the "new birth."
Your part is to confess your sin, and God's part is to forgive and
restore.
By Grace You Receive His Free Gift (Eternal Life) Through Faith Which is Also from God
The Bible says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not
of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8). The word grace
refers to the kindness and love of God in His willingness to forgive and
save. Faith means to trust to a point of commitment. You cannot just
believe in God. You must be willing to give your life to God's teachings
and God's will. Salvation is God's gift if you will receive it with a
commitment to turn and follow Jesus.
Confess Jesus and Believe That He Was Raised from the Dead by God
The Bible says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord
Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from
the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9). The word confess means to
acknowledge to God that Jesus is Savior and Lord, to believe with all
your heart that Jesus died on the cross for you and came out of the
grave, and to believe that He is alive and will change your life as you follow
and obey His teachings.
Pray to the Lord and Be Saved:
The Bible says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord
shall be saved." (Romans 10:13). Whoever means anyone can ask God for
forgiveness of sin and turn from sin and follow Jesus.
Pray this simple prayer and mean it and you will be saved
"Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I know You
died on the cross for me. I now turn from my sins and ask You to forgive me.
I invite You into my heart and life. I trust You as Savior and will follow
You as Lord. Thank You for saving me. Amen."
If you prayed this prayer to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, would
you email me and tell me? I care about you.
This prayer of faith begins you on the greatest journey one can ever
make. You need to contact a local Bible believing church and tell them
of your decision. They will instruct you on baptism and church
membership.
Faith in Jesus Christ makes the difference between despair and hope.
"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)
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
Monday, December 13, 2010
WORDS TO LIVE BY
The most useless thing to do...
Worry
The greatest Joy...
Giving
The greatest loss...
Loss of self-respect
The most satisfying work...
Helping others
The ugliest personality trait...
Selfishness
The most endangered species...
Dedicated leaders
The greatest "shot in the arm"...
Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome...
Fear
Most effective sleeping pill...
Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease...
Excuses
The most powerful force in life...
Love
The most dangerous type of person...
A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer...
The brain
The worst thing to be without...
Hope
The deadliest weapon...
The tongue
The two most power-filled words...
"I Can"
The greatest asset...
Faith
The most worthless emotion...
Self-pity
The most prized possession...
Integrity
The most beautiful attire...
A SMILE!
The most powerful channel of communication...
Prayer
The most contagious spirit...
Enthusiasm
The most important thing in life...
GOD
Worry
The greatest Joy...
Giving
The greatest loss...
Loss of self-respect
The most satisfying work...
Helping others
The ugliest personality trait...
Selfishness
The most endangered species...
Dedicated leaders
The greatest "shot in the arm"...
Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome...
Fear
Most effective sleeping pill...
Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease...
Excuses
The most powerful force in life...
Love
The most dangerous type of person...
A gossiper
The world's most incredible computer...
The brain
The worst thing to be without...
Hope
The deadliest weapon...
The tongue
The two most power-filled words...
"I Can"
The greatest asset...
Faith
The most worthless emotion...
Self-pity
The most prized possession...
Integrity
The most beautiful attire...
A SMILE!
The most powerful channel of communication...
Prayer
The most contagious spirit...
Enthusiasm
The most important thing in life...
GOD
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Iron Blunteth Iron
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Iron surely does sharpeneth iron indeed. God's Word say's it in Proverbs 27:17 but He also inspired Paul to remind us through His Word in 1 Corinthians 15:33 not to be deceived because evil communications corrupt good manners. In other words, bad company corrupts good character. Yes indeed the benefits and virtues of friendship are extolled when Iron sharpens iron. There’s something about a peer, an equal—one with the same mettle and determination as ourselves—that causes us to be sharpened and made more keenly aware of our circumstances in friendship but... it’s also equally true that iron blunts iron. And—quite rapidly—our keen edge can be lost in the presence of ungodly friends. The same positive formations that can occur with godly influences can be seen doing the opposite for wickedness through corrupt influences. When it comes to building successful relationships with others it basically comes down to one thing Aretha Franklin reminded us of with a hit song...
"R.E.S.P.E.C.T."
And that "R.E.S.P.E.C.T." is reflected in the very way we relate to the other party.
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood. Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird. And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives. So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof. -Proverbs 1:10-19
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, if we approach the relationship from the viewpoint of how can I bring benefit to that other person – then you have immediately created an environment whereby a relationship can be developed. In simplistic terms, it’s more about the give rather than the get.
Be blessed by being a blessing.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Once Upon a Time...
Close your eyes...And go back.
Before the Internet or PC or the MAC,
Before semi-automatics and crack,
Before Play-station, SEGA, Super Nintendo, even before Atari...
Before cell phones, CD's, DVD's, voicemail and e-mail....
Go way back… way, way, way back...
Go back.
I'm talking bout hide and seek at dusk Red light, Green light Red Rover....Red Rover..... Playing kickball & dodge-ball until the first… no, second... no... third street light came on.
Ring around the Rosie, London Bridge, Hot potato, Hop Scotch, Jump rope,
TAG… YOU'RE IT!!
Parents stood on the front porch and yelled (or whistled) for you to come home - no pagers or cell phones
Take One Giant Step... May I? Seeing shapes in the clouds, Endless summer days and hot summer nights (no A/C) with the windows open.
The sound of crickets.
Running through the sprinkler. Cereal boxes with that GREAT prize in the bottom. Cracker jacks with the same thing. Ice pops with 2 sticks you could break and share with a friend.
But wait, there's more...
Watching Saturday Morning cartoons Tom and Jerry, serial adventures, Captain Midnight, Cisco Kid, The Lone Ranger, Boston Blackie.
Catching lightning bugs in a jar Christmas morning.
Your first day of school.
Bedtime Prayers and Goodnight Kisses. Climbing trees.
Swinging as high as you could in those long swings to try and reach the sky.
A million mosquito bites and sticky fingers, Jumping down the steps, Jumping on the bed, Pillow fights, Running home from the western movie you just saw 'til you were out of breath.
Laughing so hard that your stomach hurt.
Being tired from PLAYING. WORK: meant taking out the garbage, cutting the grass, washing the car, or doing the dishes.
Your first crush.
Your first kiss (I mean the one that you kept your mouth CLOSED and your eyes OPEN)
Rainy days at school and the smell of damp concrete and chalk erasers
Oh, I'm not finished yet....
Kool-Aid was the drink of the summer. So was a swig from the hose. Giving your friends a ride on your handlebars of your bike.
Attaching pieces of cardboard to your bike frame to rub against your spokes.
Wearing your new shoes on the first day of school.
Class Field Trips with soggy sandwiches.
When nearly everyone's mom was at home when the kids got there from school.
When a quarter seemed like a fair allowance, and another quarter a MIRACLE
When ANY parent could discipline ANY kid, or feed him, or use him to carry Groceries... And nobody, not even the kid, thought a thing of it.
When your parents took you to the cafeteria and it was a real treat.
When being sent to the principal's office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited you at home.
Basically, we were in fear for our lives but it wasn't because of drive by shootings, drugs, gangs, etc. We simply did not want our parents to get mad at us.
Didn't that feel good? Just to go back and say, "Yeah, I remember that!" Well, let's keep going!!
Let's go back to the time when...
Decisions were made by going "eeny-meeny-miney-mo" Mistakes were corrected by simply exclaiming, "do over!"
"Race issues" meant arguing about who ran the fastest.
Catching fireflies could happily occupy an entire evening.
It wasn't odd to have two or three "best" friends.
The worst thing you could catch from the opposite sex was cooties.
Nobody was prettier than Mom. Scrapes and bruises were kissed by mom and made better.
Getting a foot of snow was a dream come true.
Abilities were discovered because of a "double-dog-dare"
Spinning around, getting dizzy and falling down was cause for giggles.
The worst embarrassment was being picked last for a team.
Water balloons were the ultimate, ultimate weapon.
If you can remember most or all of these, then you have lived during a more pleasant simpler time !
I wonder how many of you that I have sent this to remember all of these things. I know some of you are my vintage.
Those of you who remember will have lived in an era that no one else will ever experience. The era has passed and slowly those of us who lived it are passing also. If you do not remember, then ask your parents, grand parents or great grand parents. We went from am radio to the stars. Your era is here, be part of it. Make it worthwhile for future generations to build on.
Keep God in your lives.
We did.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
What is love?
What is love?
Those who don`t like it call it responsibility.
Those who play with it call it a game.
Those who don`t have it call it a dream.
Those who understand it call it destiny.
And me, I call it you.
Those who don`t like it call it responsibility.
Those who play with it call it a game.
Those who don`t have it call it a dream.
Those who understand it call it destiny.
And me, I call it you.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Heartprints
Whatever our hands touch -
We leave fingerprints!
On walls, on furniture
On doorknobs, dishes, books.
There's no escape.
As we touch we leave our identity.
Wherever I go today
Help me leave heartprints!
Heartprints of compassion
Of understanding and love.
Heartprints of kindness
And genuine concern.
May my heart touch a lonely neighbor
Or a runaway daughter
Or an anxious mother
Or perhaps an aged grandfather.
Send me out today
To leave heartprints.
And if someone should say,
"I felt your touch,"
May they also sense the love
that is deep within my heart.
We leave fingerprints!
On walls, on furniture
On doorknobs, dishes, books.
There's no escape.
As we touch we leave our identity.
Wherever I go today
Help me leave heartprints!
Heartprints of compassion
Of understanding and love.
Heartprints of kindness
And genuine concern.
May my heart touch a lonely neighbor
Or a runaway daughter
Or an anxious mother
Or perhaps an aged grandfather.
Send me out today
To leave heartprints.
And if someone should say,
"I felt your touch,"
May they also sense the love
that is deep within my heart.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Woman Of Purpose
Hello My Sister
You are a Woman of Purpose
You need not roar as the world
You are anointed
Your voice is soft and non-threatening
Your words are kind yet firm
You are anointed
Your heart is full of love and wisdom
Your destiny is sure
You are anointed
Your hands extend across continents
Your actions and decisions influence multitudes
You are anointed
Yet your soul only belongs to …One
God Almighty
He anoints you
God alone holds the strings to which you dance
live…move…and have your very being
He empowers you
Therefore go! Change the world
Fulfill the purpose for which you were created
You are Anointed with Power!
God has a purpose for your life. Even if you are far away
from being what He has called you to be, you are still important to Him.
Please know and remember you matter, you count, you are valuable and loved.
Sister Nikki Jourdan, I thank you for such a beautiful and blessed reminder.
You are a Woman of Purpose
You need not roar as the world
You are anointed
Your voice is soft and non-threatening
Your words are kind yet firm
You are anointed
Your heart is full of love and wisdom
Your destiny is sure
You are anointed
Your hands extend across continents
Your actions and decisions influence multitudes
You are anointed
Yet your soul only belongs to …One
God Almighty
He anoints you
God alone holds the strings to which you dance
live…move…and have your very being
He empowers you
Therefore go! Change the world
Fulfill the purpose for which you were created
You are Anointed with Power!
God has a purpose for your life. Even if you are far away
from being what He has called you to be, you are still important to Him.
Please know and remember you matter, you count, you are valuable and loved.
Sister Nikki Jourdan, I thank you for such a beautiful and blessed reminder.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
LISTEN FOR LOVE
There are times when we are timid and shy about expressing the love we feel. For fear of embarrassing the other person, or ourselves, we hesitate to say the actual words "I love you." So we try to communicate the idea in other words.
We say 'take care' or 'don't drive too fast' or 'be good.' But really, these are just other ways of saying 'I love you,' 'you are important to me,' 'I care what happens to you.'
We are sometimes very strange people. The only thing we want to say, and the one thing that we should say, is the one thing we don't say.
And yet, because the feeling is so real, and the need to say it is so strong, we are driven to use other words and signs to say what we really mean. And many times the meaning never gets communicated at all and the other person is left feeling unloved and unwanted.
Therefore, we have to listen for love in the words that people are saying to us. Sometimes the explicit words are necessary, but more often, the manner of saying things is even more important. A joyous insult carries more affection and love within the sentiments which are expressed insincerely.
An impulsive hug says I love you even though the words might be saying a very different thing.
Any expression of a person's concern for another says I love you. Sometimes the expression is clumsy, sometimes even cruel. Sometimes we must look and listen very intently for the love that contains. But it is often there, beneath the surface.
A mother may nag her son constantly about his grades or cleaning his room. The son may hear only the nagging, but if he listens carefully, he will hear the love underneath the nagging. His mother wants him to do well, to be successful. Her concern and love for her son unfortunately emerge in her nagging. But it is love all the same.
A daughter comes home way past her curfew, and her father confronts her with angry words. The daughter may hear only the anger, but if she listen carefully, she will hear the love under the anger. "I was worried about you," the father is saying. "Because I care about you and I love you. You are important to me."
We say I love you in many ways - with birthday gifts, and little notes, with smiles and sometimes with tears.
Sometimes we show our love by just keeping quiet and not saying a word, at other times by speaking out, even brusquely. We show our love sometimes by impulsiveness. Many times we have to show our love by forgiving someone who has not listened to the love we have tried to express.
The problem in listening for love is that we don't always understand the language of love which the other person is using.
A girl may use tears or emotions to say what she wants to say, and her boyfriend may not understand her because he expects her to be talking his language. Thus, we have to force ourselves to really listen for love.
The problem with our world is that people rarely listen to each other. They hear the words, but they don't listen to the actions that accompany the words or the expression on the face.
Or people listen only for rejection or misunderstanding. They do not see the love that is there just beneath the surface, even if the words are angry.
We have to listen for love in those around us.
If we listen intently we will discover that we are a lot more loved than we realize. Listen for love and we will find that the world is a very loving place, after all.
LOVE is a happy thing.
It makes us laugh,
It makes us sing,
It makes us sad,
It makes us cry,
It makes us seek the reason why,
It makes us take,
It makes us give,
but above all else, it makes us live!
Thank you kindly Sister Jayne Fisher, reminding us of the importance of listening for love. God bless you.
We say 'take care' or 'don't drive too fast' or 'be good.' But really, these are just other ways of saying 'I love you,' 'you are important to me,' 'I care what happens to you.'
We are sometimes very strange people. The only thing we want to say, and the one thing that we should say, is the one thing we don't say.
And yet, because the feeling is so real, and the need to say it is so strong, we are driven to use other words and signs to say what we really mean. And many times the meaning never gets communicated at all and the other person is left feeling unloved and unwanted.
Therefore, we have to listen for love in the words that people are saying to us. Sometimes the explicit words are necessary, but more often, the manner of saying things is even more important. A joyous insult carries more affection and love within the sentiments which are expressed insincerely.
An impulsive hug says I love you even though the words might be saying a very different thing.
Any expression of a person's concern for another says I love you. Sometimes the expression is clumsy, sometimes even cruel. Sometimes we must look and listen very intently for the love that contains. But it is often there, beneath the surface.
A mother may nag her son constantly about his grades or cleaning his room. The son may hear only the nagging, but if he listens carefully, he will hear the love underneath the nagging. His mother wants him to do well, to be successful. Her concern and love for her son unfortunately emerge in her nagging. But it is love all the same.
A daughter comes home way past her curfew, and her father confronts her with angry words. The daughter may hear only the anger, but if she listen carefully, she will hear the love under the anger. "I was worried about you," the father is saying. "Because I care about you and I love you. You are important to me."
We say I love you in many ways - with birthday gifts, and little notes, with smiles and sometimes with tears.
Sometimes we show our love by just keeping quiet and not saying a word, at other times by speaking out, even brusquely. We show our love sometimes by impulsiveness. Many times we have to show our love by forgiving someone who has not listened to the love we have tried to express.
The problem in listening for love is that we don't always understand the language of love which the other person is using.
A girl may use tears or emotions to say what she wants to say, and her boyfriend may not understand her because he expects her to be talking his language. Thus, we have to force ourselves to really listen for love.
The problem with our world is that people rarely listen to each other. They hear the words, but they don't listen to the actions that accompany the words or the expression on the face.
Or people listen only for rejection or misunderstanding. They do not see the love that is there just beneath the surface, even if the words are angry.
We have to listen for love in those around us.
If we listen intently we will discover that we are a lot more loved than we realize. Listen for love and we will find that the world is a very loving place, after all.
LOVE is a happy thing.
It makes us laugh,
It makes us sing,
It makes us sad,
It makes us cry,
It makes us seek the reason why,
It makes us take,
It makes us give,
but above all else, it makes us live!
Thank you kindly Sister Jayne Fisher, reminding us of the importance of listening for love. God bless you.
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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.