The Blessings For Blessing The Lord.

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

God promises great blessings to his people but many of these blessings require active participation.

He will
set us free from our fears (Psalm 34:4),
deliver us from trouble (Psalm 34:6),
guard and defend us (Psalm 34:7),
show us goodness (Psalm 34:8),
supply our needs (Psalm 34:9),
listen when we call to him (Psalm 34:15),
and redeem us (Psalm 34:22),
but we must do our part.

We can
appropriate his blessings when we seek him (Psalm 34:4, 10);
cry out to him (Psalm 34:6, 17);
trust him (Psalm 34:8);
fear him (Psalm 34:9);
refrain from lying (Psalm 34:13);
turn from evil, do good, and search for peace (Psalm 34:14);
are brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18);
and serve him (Psalm 34:22).”

Its conditional. Some blessings come with a price and in order to receive it we have to be willing to go through in order to get to.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Joyful Noise

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Psalm 100:1

The worship we give to the Lord and the work we do for Him must always be done with gladness. When I look around, I realize the men I most respect are men who serve the Lord. When I look ahead, I realize that anything I do—even if it’s nothing more than offering a cup of cold water in the Lord’s name—will be rewarded (Matthew 10:42). When I look back, I realize the enemy attacks the people at the back of the pack—those who aren’t serving the Lord (Deuteronomy 25:18). Therefore, the best place to be is in the front lines, serving the Lord wholeheartedly.

THE GREATEST

If John 3:16 was the only word we had from God, it would be enough. Put your name in the middle of it and get ready for excitement now and eternal life forever. Thanks, Father, You did it. We believe it.

GOD CAN

And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. 12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. Luke 13:11, 12

After you have analyzed your condition and understood its origin, it will take the authority of God’s Word to put the past under your feet! Although the problem may be rooted in the past, the prescription is a present Word from God! The Word you hear today will heal your yesterday!

GIVING & RECEIVING

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38

Notice, the word says, "shall man give unto yo", God is blessing the givers to also receive. As much as you give, as much or more will be given back unto you in return. Its a win-win situation. Therefore, let us all start this new year that was not promised by giving as much as possible to those who are in need. And in the midst of blessing others by doing the possible, God in turn will take care of what we see as the impossible in our lives.

Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back--given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.

THUG LIFE

Thugs are seen as strong, hard, roughneck, they want some thug love. Some even call themselves and their friends by something (dog) less than what God created us to be. Be mindful that behind some thugs story there is a tragic stories of rejection and opposition.

But we serve a God who specializes in taking a thug and straightening him out. God can take those who rejected you and even the ones who opposed you to set the stage for promotion that would not have taken place unless you had had those rejections and oppositions. Trust me, I know... He did it for me and I know wholeheartedly that He can do it for you too.

I Will Bless The LORD

I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalms 34:1

take a close look at David’s determination. He says, "I will bless the LORD." The word "bless" means "to confer happiness or prosperity upon another." When we bless the Name of the LORD, we're actually giving Him praise, worshiping Him, glorifying Him, honor Him, exalt Him, magnify Him. Doing so, pleases Him.

It’s amazing to think that we actually have the ability to bring happiness and prosperity to the God of the universe. Yet He genuinely enjoys hearing our praise. We are those who have been blessed by the LORD. But we also have the ability to bless Him back.

In this New Year (New Season) that was not promised to us, lets used the gifts and talents that God has molded into His ministry (not ours) through us to make a difference in someone else's life. Lets give Him the glory by realizing that no ministry belong to man but to God. Let that gift that God has blessed us with in order to bless His people, burn with the passion that blesses & pleases Him.

What You Shall Become

...Do not fear, from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come because of your words. Daniel 10:12

The enemy is trying to steal, kill, and destroy you not because of what you are but now but because of what he knows you shall become through Christ Jesus.

We all have goals, dreams, and visions in life. We pray about them and try to hold fast to them, because with faith in Jesus we know they will come to pass. And, when they do, it is the most wonderful feeling. A dream becoming reality, a prayer answered, and our faith in God strengthened even more.

Relax, My dear brothers & sisters in Christ, 'don't be afraid to let your request be made known (Philippians 4:6). Just as God heard Daniels prayers the very moment he humbled himself to receive understanding, your prayers will be heard as well the very moment you do the same.

Another year of success and happiness has passed. With every new year, comes greater challenges and obstacles in life. I wish you courage, hope and faith to overcome all the hurdles you face. May you have a great year and a wonderful time ahead. God bless you.

WHO AM I?

You may say, “There are many reasons why God shouldn’t use me...” You’re right! But don’t worry. You’re in good company.

Moses stuttered.
David’s armor didn’t fit.
John Mark was rejected by Paul.
Timothy had ulcers.
Hosea’s wife was a prostitute.
Amos’ only training was in the school of fig tree pruning. Jacob was a liar.
David had an affair.
Solomon was too rich.
Jesus was too poor.
Abraham was too old.
David was too young.
Peter was afraid of death.
Lazarus was dead.
John was self-righteous.
Naomi was a widow.
Paul was a murderer...so was Moses.
Jonah ran from God.
Miriam was a gossip.
Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
Elijah was burned out.
John the Baptist was a loudmouth.
Martha was a worry-wart.
Mary was lazy.
Samson had long hair.
Noah got drunk.
Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?
So did Peter, Paul---well, lots of folks did.

But God doesn’t require a job interview. He doesn’t look at financial gain or loss. He’s not prejudiced or partial; not judging or grudging, sassy or brassy; not deaf to our cry, not blind to our need. As much as we try, God’s gifts are free. If you are magically in love with Him; if you hunger for Him more than your next breath., he’ll use you in spite of who you are, where you’ve bee, or what you look like. I pray that we will step out of our limitations into the unlimitable nature of who God is. Then our passion for God and our passion to communicate Him will make mincemeat of our limitations.

THE LOVE LETTER

Everyone longs to give themselves to someone, to have a deep soul relationship with another to be loved thoroughly and exclusively.

But God says to a Christian - NO, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled and content with being loved by me alone, with giving yourself totally and unreservedly. With having an intense, personal and loving relationship with me alone, discovering that only in me is your satisfaction to be found. Then you will never be united with another until you are united with me exclusively of anyone or anything else. Exclusively of any other desires or longings. I want you to have the best. PLEASE allow me to give it to you. I want you to stop planning and stop wishing and allow me to give you the most thrilling plan existing, one that you cannot imagine. I want you to have the best so just keep watching me, expecting the greatest thing and listen and learn the things I tell you. You just wait . . . . that's all. Don't be anxious. Don't worry. Don't look around at the things others have received or that I have given them. Don't look at the things you think you want, just keep looking to me or you'll miss what I want to show you and then, then, when you are ready, I'll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any you can dream of!!! You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready -- I am working at this very moment to have the both of you ready at the same time -- until you are both satisfied exclusively with me and the life that I have prepared for you, you won't be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with me. And this is PERFECT love.

And dear one, I want you to have this wonderful love. I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with me and enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty, perfection and love. KNOW that I love you, I am God. Know it and be satisfied!!!

100 PRAYER POINTS

Study the underlisted scriptures to develop faith to pray the following prayers with the understanding that God has planned for your business prosperity.

Deuteronomy 28:1-14, 8:18; Proverbs 10:4, 22:29, 24:27, 27:23-27; Joshua 1:8; Ecclesiastes 5:19.
Also don’t forget that there are responsibilities attached to your prosperity.

As you study, try to identify those responsibilities and fulfill them and by doing so you will be connected to God’s covenant of uninterrupted blessings.

1. Oh Lord, baptize me with the generous spirit of a cheerful giver who gives out of love and not out of compulsion.

2. The Lord will make me a pillar of support for the expansion of God’s Kingdom in Jesus name.

3. All my past generosity will be remembered by God. Every impossible situation in my life will be turned around by God on the account of my past generosity in Jesus name.

4. I believe in miracles, I serve a God of miracles therefore; every chapter closed by men against me will be re-opened by God in my favour in Jesus name.

5. Just as the famine in the days of Joseph elevated him, help me Lord to see the opportunity that the current global financial crises is creating for my prosperity in Jesus name

6. Oh Lord endow me with the required mental skill to interpret every opportunity that comes my way correctly and take maximum advantage of them in Jesus name.

7. I receive Grace to enjoy riches that will endure throughout my life time in Jesus name.

8. I receive total liberty from the embarrassing yoke of debt in Jesus name.

9. I receive total deliverance from the embarrassing stigma of knocking on doors and repeated phone calls begging for financial assistance in Jesus name.

10. I will enjoy the surplus of heaven to achieve my purpose and have leftovers in Jesus name.

11. Murmuring will not take the place of money in my life and money will not mess me up; all my bills will be supernaturally settled in Jesus name.

12. I refuse to be a burden on my neighbours, families and friends. I am a lender and not a borrower in Jesus name.

13. Whenever the needies need my help my purse will not be empty. I will be readily available to meet their needs in Jesus name.

14. Oh Lord, deliver me (my husband, my children etc) from the slavery of evil appetite/habit that are killing my health and destiny in Jesus name.

15. The Lord will satisfy my mouth with good things. I shall have appetite and money to eat choiced foods and accomplish great things in Jesus name.

16. I receive total deliverance from the curse of poverty and affliction that has ever plaqued my family line. I will live to transfer prosperity to my posterity in Jesus name.

17. I shall not only be great in wealth but also have great name in Jesus name.

18. Let your Spirit empower me oh Lord, to attain, sustain and enjoy success in Jesus name.

19. My joy shall multiply at the end of this month… I shall therefore count blessings and not sorrows in
Jesus name.

20. Oh Lord deliver me from profitless labour and confused activities in Jesus name.

21. I shall not waste my seed. I will be divinely guided to plant my seed on fertile soil in Jesus name.

22. Oh Lord, let the resources required to fulfill my dream in the custody of my enemies relocate into the custody of my friends and helpers in Jesus name.

23. Oh Lord, let money forever remains my loyal messenger in Jesus name.

24. Both the help from above and abroad will combine and compete to settle my bills and fulfill my dreams this year in Jesus name.

25. From now on all my investments and labour since the beginning of my career and ministry will begin to yield their
full profit in Jesus name.

26. In every tight situation, let my tithe provoke heavenly solution in Jesus name.

27. This week my past generosity will spring forth a pleasant surprise in Jesus name.

28. Throughout this year, none of my resources shall be wasted on medical bills or any form of profitless venture in Jesus name.

29. Satan will not receive the backing of heaven to wipe out my financial resources with evil erosion in Jesus name.

30. Whosoever looks up to me for help this year will not be disappointed. I shall have enough to satisfy my needs and plenty to give to others in need in Jesus name.

31. I receive deliverance from the bondage of doubt and fear that past failures and misfortune has introduced into my life in Jesus name.

32. I receive the required courage to step into the greatness God has ordained for me in Jesus name.

33. I submit to the leadership of God’s Spirit and I receive the backing of heaven to breakthrough and succeed in all my undertakings in Jesus name.

34. I receive the favourable countenance of God, therefore Heaven will agree with all my steps of faith and God’s will shall prosper in my hands.

35. I refuse to submit my courage to frustration. God will send me encouragement today; I will be energized to continue the race in Jesus name.

36. The sun is rising today announcing my season of success and fulfilling my purpose in Jesus name.

37. Those that believe in me and have invested in my dream, encouraging and supporting me will not be disappointed in Jesus name.

38. The Lord will allow something better to come out of every bad situation that baffles me in Jesus name.

39. Let the prophetic power that operated in the valley of dry bones re-unite me with my lost (glory, helper, husband, wife, children, joy etc) in Jesus name.

40. Every carnal attitude of disobedience and demonic spirits that are promoting barrenness in my life are terminated today in Jesus name.

41. Those doubting my ability to succeed will soon become my subjects in Jesus name.

42. Those that refuse to lend unto me during my moment of struggling will soon begin to lean on me in Jesus name.

43. Those laughing at me today will soon laugh with me and regret their folly of looking down on me in Jesus name.

44. Those who gather to frustrate my vision will beg to be part of my celebration in Jesus name.

45. Every opposition I encounter today will soon form a chapter of my success story in Jesus name.

46. The Lord will release a measure of prosperity into my life that will swallow all my history of poverty in Jesus name.

47. The Lord will give me a new name and a new identity that will bury all the ugly stories associated with my background in Jesus name.

48. My new life in Christ has clothed me with a garment of righteousness; my past sinful life will no longer hurt or haunt me in Jesus name.

49. A similar grace that made Jabez more honourable than his brethren will distinguish me among my equals in Jesus name.

50. Today marks the beginning of my bouncing back. My spiritual life shall be restored and my lost glory shall be fully recovered.

51. I declare every department of my life under the control of Satan disconnected in Jesus name.

52. All the sinful habits that enslave me to Satan will henceforth irritate me in Jesus name.

53. In all the areas where men have failed me, let your mercy prevail for me in Jesus name.

54. In all the areas where money may disgrace me, let your mercy raised men of influence in my favour in Jesus name.

55. This week I will encounter God’s mercy that will end all problems of money associated with my family in Jesus name.

56. Inadequate supply will not compel me to abandon God. Excess supply will not deceive me to disconnect from God in Jesus name.

57. I receive Christ Spirit of endurance to endure the season of adversity and wait for the era of prosperity in Jesus name.

58. The present adversity will not last forever; my business will not sink with the ongoing economic meltdown. The Spirit of God will usher in a new era of prosperity in Jesus name.

59. God’s covenant of exception as it was in the land of Goshen will work in my favour against the ongoing economic recession in Jesus name.

60. Whatever positive purpose, I pursue, I will posses because the Spirit of God will instruct my steps in the right direction in Jesus name.

61. I rebuke the spirit of bareness from my business; my business will be fruitful and profitable in Jesus name.

62. The Holy Spirit will be the invincible Chief Executive Officer of my business in Jesus name.

63. I will not suffer scarcity of idea nor adequate capital to take my business to the next level in Jesus name.

64. The Spirit of God will expose and expel every Achan (traitor) among my employees that has the tendency of ruining my business in Jesus name.

65. The Spirit of God will deliver me from making recruitment error that is capable of crippling my business in Jesus name.

66. The Spirit of excellence, commitment, loyalty and uprightness will compel all my employees to work for the progress of my company in Jesus name.

67. Evil intentions and machination of my competitors will fail in Jesus name.

68. Every weapon sponsored through family relations or friends to wreck my business will not succeed in Jesus name.

69. I pronounce unstoppable prosperity over every project of my company in Jesus name.

70. Because this business is founded in partnership with God, it will take root downward, develop into branches and bear fruits upward in Jesus name.

71. I command a miraculous and total recovery of all debts owned my company in Jesus name.

72. All my long-forgotten proposal will begin to receive the attention of the right and relevant authority in Jesus name.

73. The favour of God will envelope my company, office and shop in Jesus name.

74. Both my company identity and complimentary card will carry God’s presence and attract favour of my prospective customers, clients and contracts in Jesus name.

75. I repeal every Local and International legislation that is not in favour of the prosperity of my business in Jesus name.

76. My business premises will not receive demonic visitation of armed robbers and dupes; law enforcement agents sponsored against me will not succeed at implicating me in Jesus name.

77. Partnership that will ruin my business will not receive my endorsement in Jesus name.

78. Agent of darkness on evil assignment against my business will receive God’s judgment of blindness in Jesus name.

79. The economic policy of this nation will begin to favour the prosperity of my business in Jesus name.

80. The vision of the Government in power will not antagonize my business prosperity in Jesus name.

81. Anoint me Lord to breakthrough without bribery in Jesus name.

82. Holy Ghost fire will consume all satanic rope and chains that is around my wrongly seized goods; heaven will secure their release this week in Jesus name.

83. I untie all my customers and clients that have been tied around the aprons of my competitors with demonic spell in Jesus name.

84. Every goods that have overstayed in this shop and are at the risk of expiration will bring in money and relocate to its end users (consumer) in Jesus name.

85. This month I will sign a contract whose profit will pay all my debts and leave me with surplus that will make me to have nothing to do with debt again in Jesus name.

86. This month, my business premises will relocate from a rented apartment to our own property in Jesus name.

87. Henceforth, I will not borrow to pay my staff again in Jesus name.

88. My business will be sufficient to pay my bills, pay my staff and surplus enough to contribute to community development in Jesus name.

89. I receive help from above to resurrect my collapse business and expand and diversify my flourishing ones in Jesus name.

90. I will not lack creative ideas to satisfy my customers / clients in Jesus name.

91. All the customers that I have pursued in the past without success will begin to beg to do business with me in Jesus name.

92. The current economic meltdown will not fold up my business in Jesus name.

93. The winnowing power of God’s Spirit will blow away the spirit of waste and agents of waste from my business in Jesus name.

94. God’s wind of wonder will deposit wealth into my business in Jesus name.

95. The Spirit of God will guide my business decision; my capital shall not be tied down on unprofitable goods in Jesus name.

96. Products that have lost market value, and customers taste and appetite will not be grounded in my shop in Jesus name.

97. The Spirit of God will resist me from being teleguided or manipulated by fraudsters (419) to sign away all that I have laboured for in Jesus name.

98. I shall not be manipulated by greed and covetousness to disobey heavenly warning through dream and prophecy in Jesus name.

99. None of my business trips will record arm robbery attack or accident in Jesus name.

100. The supreme council of heaven will repeal, reverse, and amend every decree, policy, legislation that is contrary to all my noble business vision in Jesus name.

Thank you, my dear Nigerian Brothers and Sisters of Oasis of Wisdom Bible Church.

IN THE WORDS OF satan

I've been here since the beginning
Know exactly how you work
I know all of your cravings
Know what makes you go berserk
Been lying from the start just to make you play a part in my infinite rebellion against the Father God

Hate
Everything he is
And I make you hate him too
Make you hate him with your actions it's so easy for me to do
'Cause you like it...
Sin feels good for the ego...
You love it...
Oh, come on baby let your hair go

And all the time, I'm winding you up
Like my perfect little puppet, you're my favorite robot, welcome to the show but I'm watching you and all of hell is with me too, helping me make my lies look true

Oh and there is a lie that works for everyone, everyone
A lie that opens your hearts so I can get me some more of your free will
I'm winding you
Winding you
Give me the control that's why I'm telling you
Selling you
Anything
Everything
Appealing to your human way of being and I use it all against you to just keep your eyes from seeing past the life you're living
Past the moment you're in
Past the pleasure of your sin

Or the cigarette you're smoking
Choking on your lust
I'll make you drunk with pride
So deeply spun into my system that you won't see the light
Never mind that I'm drowning you
I keep deceiving you...

`Cuz I don't tell you
Bout the God in heaven
Who loves you
Who yearns for you, no
I don't tell you
`Bout the freedom of forgiveness and truth
Why would I tell you?
Why would I tell you, the truth?

But I'll say that millions of years ago an accident exploded
And you're the result of this cosmic unknown with no real purpose
Created for no real intent
The reason for your living is just coincidence
So all the remains is what you can gain
Whatever meaning you attach to your days you decide
Mmm, but I help you recognize the important things in life
Introducing money, it's the root of all, evil they say so
I attach your self worth to the salary you're paid, be a slave to your property
Your jewelry
Your cars and things
Advertise that lie up on the TV so you want that bling
Selling bit by bit the little pieces of your soul
Climbing up the ladder of economic control
Oh, the greed of man makes it so easy to pervert the Father's plan

Or I'll tell you...
There is a heaven but there's many ways to get in
Keep you so confused that you stay bound to your sin
Tell you there are many ways to the same God
Keep you distracted with your methods so your heart stays hard,
I'll make you think you've got spirituality, but it's really just emotional alchemy
Oh, the vanity of self-idoltary I never let you see that it breeds
Hedonism! Whoo!
And it's the anthem of this generation
Come on, drink it, snort it, smoke it, swallow it
Chew on my illusion of freedom til you vomit it

And still I don't tell you
Bout the God in heaven
Who loves you
Who yearns for you
No I don't tell you
Bout the freedom of forgiveness and truth
Why would I tell you?
Why would I tell you the truth?

"In the Words of Satan" is written and performed by "The Arrows"

Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus

What if I told you Jesus came to abolish religion
What if I told you voting republican really wasn't his mission
What if I told you republican doesn't automatically mean Christian
And just because you call some people blind
Doesn't automatically give you vision
I mean if religion is so great, why has it started so many wars
Why does it build huge churches, but fails to feed the poor
Tells single moms God doesn't love them if they've ever had a divorce
But in the old testament God actually calls religious people whores
Religion might preach grace, but another thing they practice
Tend to ridicule God's people, they did it to John The Baptist
They can't fix their problems, and so they just mask it
Not realizing religions like spraying perfume on a casket
See the problem with religion, is it never gets to the core
It's just behavior modification, like a long list of chores
Like lets dress up the outside make look nice and neat
But it's funny that's what they use to do to mummies
While the corps rots underneath
Now I ain't judgin
I'm just saying quit putting on a fake look, Cause there's a problem
If people only know you're a Christian by your Facebook
I mean in every other aspect of life, you know that logic's unworthy
It's like saying you play for the Lakers just because you bought a jersey
You see this was me too, but no one seemed to be on to me
Acting like a church kid, while addicted to pornography
See on Sunday I'd go to church, but Saturday getting faded
Acting if I was simply created just to have sex and get wasted
See I spent my whole life building this facade of neatness
But now that I know Jesus, I boast in my weakness
Because if grace is [water](undefined), then the church should be an ocean
It's not a museum for good people, it's a hospital for the broken
Which means I don't have to hide my failure, I don't have to hide my sin
Because it doesn't depend on me it depends on him
See because when I was God's enemy and certainly not a fan
He looked down and said I want, that, man
Which is why Jesus hated religion, and for it he called them fools
Don't you see so much better than just following some rules
Now let me clarify, I love the church, I love the bible, and yes I believe in sin
But if Jesus came to your church would they actually let him in
See remember he was called a glutton, and a drunkard by religious men
But the son of God never supports self righteousness not now, not then
Now back to the point, one thing is vital to mention
How Jesus and religion are on opposite spectrums
See one's the work of God, but one's a man made invention
See one is the cure, but the other's the infection
See because religion says do, Jesus says done
Religion says slave, Jesus says son
Religion puts you in bondage, while Jesus sets you free
Religion makes you blind, but Jesus makes you see
And that's why religion and Jesus are two different clans
Religion is man searching for God, Christianity is God searching for man
Which is why salvation is freely mine, and forgiveness is my own
Not based on my merits but Jesus's obedience alone
Because he took the crown of thorns, and the blood dripped down his face
He took what we all deserved, I guess that's why you call it grace
And while being murdered he yelled
"Father forgive them they know not what they do."
Because when he was dangling on that cross, he was thinking of you
And he absorbed all of your sin, and buried it in the tomb
Which is why I'm kneeling at the cross, saying come on there's room
So for religion, no I hate it, in fact I literally resent it
Because when Jesus said it is finished, I believe he meant it.

Thank you brother Jefferson Bethke.

NOW IT MUST BE STATED...

A lot of people I really like and respect have read this poem and some even watched and shared the video. And I realize I may bug a few of them by what I’m about to write. But it keeps getting posted on Facebook, and the more I see it, the more I realize: I’m not a fan.

I think he has several good thoughts, but his opening statement is not true. His entire premise starts there–and it’s not right. Jesus did not come to abolish religion, but to fulfill religion. He didn’t come to tear apart the Temple or the priesthood, but to fulfill everything that religion represented.

Jesus did not hate religion, as is asserted in this video. The rules and regulations of the Jewish faith were His creation, after all. As part of the Godhead, He was the one who established the length of a garment, the feasts and festivals, and the Sabbath, and all the other rules found in Leviticus and Numbers and Deuteronomy. What Jesus hated was that the leaders of that religion had so inserted themselves into the process that they made it even more difficult for man to reach out to God.

It was not the religious man doing his best to offer a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord that Jesus railed against. It was not the woman giving her mite in the temple that He spoke out about. The “white-washed sepulchers” Jesus called out were religious leaders who made it difficult for that man and that woman to reach out to the God who had established the religion in the first place.

The problem here is that his poetry slam is not about religion per se, but his issues with the modern American church. And yet, even then I would argue that his theory is unfounded. Are there dead churches where what you say and do and what you watch and don’t watch are more important than being the hands and feet of Jesus? Of course there are.

But there also hundreds, if not thousands, of local churches–religious centers, if you will–who show the world every day the reality of a life changed by Christ. Churches that reach out and serve food to the homeless, who share gifts and love with single moms, who stand against sex trafficking and slavery. Churches whose people give hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to help feed the hungry, provide education, and build wells in villages where there is no clean water.

The problem with religion is that Jesus has fulfilled it, so the rules and regulations–which are about making you justified before God–no longer have meaning because Christ himself justifies you. Is Jesus greater than religion? Of course He is. Because everything religion is about–man reaching out to God, to make himself better and worthy–is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.

EMOTIONALLY DISTANT SPOUSE

My dear brother and sister's in Christ, the following are quotes from various resources for those of you who are dealing with an emotionally distant spouse or maybe you ARE an emotionally distant spouse and you will find benefit in reading what others have to tell you. i love you all and pray these quotes will benefit your marriage.

• Each of us will suffer at different points in our lives, and when we are married, we are committed to sharing in the pain of another person. For that reason, we need to look to our commitment and to our marriage vows for strength, stability, and endurance —especially when feelings of love aren’t as strong as they once were. (H. Norman Wright, One Marriage Under God)

• Just because a man answers, “I don’t know”, doesn’t make him relationally challenged. Men speak a different language that has been demeaned, belittled, and just plain assaulted over the past 10,000 years (give or take a few thousand years).

It is well assumed that women are better relationally than men, but I believe it is time to start saying that women are different relationally than men. It’s not that men are poor relationally, we’re just different, special, if you will.

The reason the majority of men give the typical response of, “I don’t know”, is that we are intimidated. The guys way, of relating has been so criticized that we have lost our confidence to relate to women. What your husband won’t tell you as that, “I’m afraid I’ll say something wrong and get blasted for it.” That’s it! Most men fear failure, and when it comes to loving like a woman, we feel like failures. So we end up avoiding it at all cost, many times, at the cost of our marriage. (Michael Smalley,)

• “WE NEED TO TALK.” Why do we fear these four little words? Why do they arouse the same physical protective responses that occur in life threatening situations? She says: “We need to talk.” He hears: “I want to rip you open emotionally and describe all the ways in which you are a failure.” This should take about four hours and afterwards I will probably not be speaking to you and certainly not touching you. (Okay, I may be exaggerating this terror a bit, or perhaps not.) When feeling threatened or attacked, our fight-or-flight response steps in to protect us. (Don Ferguson, “Reptiles in Love: Ending Destructive Fights and Evolving Toward More Loving Relationships”)

• Men who are faced with constant criticism give up. The friction they find when they come home drives them deeper into the sports page and ties them more passively than ever to the TV. Solomon gave up. We detect his hopeless attitude toward the contentious women in his life in Proverbs 27:16: “He who would restrain her restrains the wind, and grasps oil with his right hand.” Most men will do anything to avoid confrontation.

When confronted at home with never-ending conflict, a man will appear to sound the retreat. Only is it seldom a real retreat. Often, it’s an advance in a new direction. He chooses to work late, and so, avoids confrontation. At least at the office he’s in control. It’s wonderful to be at a job where things can be made to happen. He likes the joy of picking up the phone, punching a number and enjoying instant respect. He knows who he is and that he’s in charge. (James Walker, from the book, Husbands Who Won’t Lead and Wives Who Won’t Follow)

• The single best day in every marriage is when two partners take responsibility for their part of the pie. (Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, I Love You More, pg. 119)

• Once a husband and wife, together take responsibility for the good as well as the bad in their relationship a small seedling of hope is planted. Its tiny roots are found in a rich soil, free from negative thinking about what somebody should have done or what somebody didn’t do. It is a seedling that, in time, will sprout optimism. (Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, I Love You More, pg. 120)

• Marriage calls us to an entirely new and selfless life, and any situation that calls me to confront my selfishness has enormous spiritual value. Perhaps God designed marriage to make us holy even more than to make us happy. I’m not suggesting that God has anything against happiness, or that happiness and holiness are mutually exclusive, but looking at marriage through the lens of holiness began to put marriage in a new perspective for me. In fact, it has led me to believe that couples don’t really fall “out of love.” I think it’s more precise to say they fall out of repentance. What usually happens is that we let little vices— like impatience, disrespect, selfishness, pride, and anger— pollute a once-precious relationship. Instead of letting marriage draw us into holiness, we let it draw us into bitterness and accusation. Here’s the kicker: a lot of people want out of a relationship not only because they no longer “love” their spouse. The truth is, they despise what they themselves have become and want a new start with someone who hasn’t seen them at their worst. But changing partners isn’t the answer—changing ourselves is. (Gary Thomas, from the article, The Transforming Miracle of Marriage, as posted on www.ncfliving.org)

• One of the most moving speeches we’ve ever heard was given by President Ronald Reagan. He was standing in front of the wall that had divided East and West Germany for many years. As he concluded, his voice thundered with passion and he issued this challenge: “Mr. Gorbachev, bring down this wall!” Not long after that message, the wall came down. It was a great historical moment, captured forever on film and in the hearts of all who saw it. Some walls are invisible, but they can be just as divisive. The worst is a wall that is silently put in place by a wife or husband because of unmet expectations. This wall can be nearly impossible to bring down—unless, of course, God steps in. (From the book, “The Best Think I Ever Did for My Marriage”, compiled by Nancy Cobb and Connie Grigsby)

• MEN: When you need space, reassure her that it’s not about her. If you’re like most guys, when you have a lot of thinking to do—even if there’s no conflict—you need time alone to process things. Most women we heard from react exactly the opposite—only 9 percent wanted to handle their feelings of insecurity alone. (Which is also why, when you two are at odds and you most want to get away to process in silence, she most wants to talk.) So state your need in the context of hers: “Honey, right now I just need some time alone—I’m just out of sorts. It has nothing to do with how I feel about you.” That will make it much easier for her to let you have space without misinterpreting your need. (Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn, from the book “For Men Only … A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women)

• Some spouses were often giving during the early days of the marriage, but under the influence of numerous types of stress, the emotional wounds of mistrust from childhood and adolescence emerged. These individuals then begin to pull away or to criticize their spouse in an unconscious attempt to distance him/her. Other important factors which lead a spouse to withdraw love and giving are various hurts during the course of the marriage which lead to the development of a fear of vulnerability, anger and sadness. (Richard Fitzgibbons, article titled, “The Emotionally Distant Spouse” as featured on the web site, Marital Healing.com)

• Men, If she’s upset, realize she doesn’t need space—she needs a hug. When our wife is upset, we do what we do with other guys: We give her space to work things out. But with very few exceptions, when women are upset they don’t want space. They want a hug. I think this next comment is one of the most valuable “just do this” quotes in the book:

“All I want is him to know that half the time I’m just as confused as he is. Instead of getting upset and leaving me alone to ‘calm down,’ I just want him to come close and give me a huge hug and let me know he loves me and wants me to feel better again.” (Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn, from the book “For Men Only … A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women)

• Each day I am confronted by women who are extremely frustrated with their marriages. They usually express no hope that their husbands will ever understand what it is that frustrates them, let alone change enough to solve the problem. From their perspective, marital problems are created by their husbands who do little or nothing to solve them. Wives tend to see themselves as the major force for resolving conflicts, and when they give up their effort, the marriage is usually over. When I talk to their husbands, they usually have a very different explanation as to why their wives feel the way they do. They often feel that the expectations of women in general, and their wives in particular, have grown completely out of reach. These men, who feel that they’ve made a gigantic effort to be caring and sensitive to their wives, get no credit whatsoever for their sizable contribution to the family. They feel under enormous pressure to improve their financial support, improve the way they raise their children, and improve the way they treat their wives. Many men I see are emotionally exhausted and feel that for all their effort, they get nothing but criticism. (Dr Willard F. Harley, from the Marriagebuilders.com article, “Why Men Leave”)

• Emotional stability and satisfaction are important to every human being. If the wife hangs all her feelings out to her husband in the hope that he will somehow validate them without being told to do so, that woman is setting herself up for disappointment. She must enlist other allies, same-sex friends who can understand the parts of her that he may never understand. She, and you, cannot afford to hinge emotional stability entirely upon any one person’s responses. People are simply too diverse. (Dr Les Carter, from the book, “Distant Partner”)

• It’s probably not the case that your husband withdraws from arguments out of being indifferent or uncaring. Chances are, he’s flooded with emotions that he doesn’t like and has allowed to build up. Some emotions he’s afraid of, and he feels ashamed of his inability to express them. When he does express them, they may come out fragmented or disorganized, the way someone speaks in a foreign language when not fluent. Finding the right words can feel exhausting; he’s also trying to gauge whether you’re okay, he’s digging himself into a hole, or he’s about to be attacked. Describing what he feels is sometimes hard. He will disengage if he feels you are waiting to ounce on his every word.

We’ve heard frustrated wives describe such men as “stupid.” Whether or not someone is disadvantaged or underdeveloped, telling him he’s dumb is cruel and disrespectful. Doing so will only create or exacerbate an unsafe, disharmonious environment. Ask yourself: What’s my goal? If it’s to prove that he’s wrong, you will probably be trying to prove his guilt and bring him down. If it’s to come together, to be understood and known and embraced and love, bring open heart and open arms. Don’t use honey-we-need- to-talk as an outlet to get a pound of flesh. (Paul and Sandy Coughlin, from the book “Married But Not Engaged”)

• What are the four most intimidating words in a couple’s vocabulary? “We need to talk.” (Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott)

• Many women prefer to deal with conflict by talking it out, only to find that their husbands prefer to withdraw—which the wives find maddening. Occasionally it’s the opposite, with the wife doing the avoiding. A number of reasons for these scenarios have been suggested. The wife may be better with language, better at articulating her thoughts and making cogent arguments. The husband may feel overwhelmed by the onslaught of her verbiage. Rather than “lose” in a straightforward exchange of opinion—which may seem unmanly—he may find it easier to disengage. He may view conflict as a battle if he has to fight with verbal weapons. Another possibility: The avoiding partner may have grown up in a home where one parent verbally abused the other. The avoiding partner may fear that any hint of disagreement will escalate into a painful war of words—and try very hard to stay away from conflict. (Phillip J. Swihart, a contributing author to the book, “The First Five Years of Marriage”)

• Keep in mind that it’s best not to judge another by your own communication style. What is typical and comfortable for you may not be for your partner. An example would be that most women show concern by following up a person’s statement with a question about it. Women are used to this and comfortable with it. But if a man changes the subject, she may view this as indifference. “After all, if he was sensitive, he would follow up with some questions about what I said,” she thinks. But that’s not the typical response for many men. Not asking additional questions could be his way of showing respect for her privacy or independence. For a man, asking questions could be viewed as pushy, intrusive, or unnecessary. Most men tend to feel more comfortable speaking in public than in private, intimate conversations. With most women it’s just the opposite. Women enjoy private, one-on-one conversations because they are more personal, intimate, and they build relationships. (From the book, How to Change Your Spouse Without Ruining Your Marriage, by Norman H. Wright and Gary Oliver)

• Through my communion with God I have learned how to read [my husband] Mark. He still often retreats inwardly when the pressures of being a pastor, author, and speaker accumulate, but I have learned not to take his withdrawal personally; instead, I lift him to God. God often shows me little ways to bless him, to help him see we’re in this together, to let him know I love him and support him. So the best thing I ever did for my marriage i continue to do every day: I speak few words to Mark first thing. Instead, I fill my early mornings talking—and listening—to the One in heaven who cherishes me. He fills me and shows me how to interact with the one on earth who cherishes me. (Cheryl Buchanan, a contributing author to the book, “The Best Thing I Ever Did for My Marriage”)

• I think there’s a great difference between a husband not wanting to talk about work and a husband simply not wanting to talk to his wife. A lot of men feel a need for escape from their jobs when they come home in the evening. They’re tense, tired, and what they look for is an entirely opposite environment. To even think about the office brings back the tension. It’s more work to rehash the day’s activities. Now, maybe it would be good for your husband to talk about work some evenings. But don’t start with that subject. Gently pull him away from it; then, if it seems he might be willing to reflect on his day, ease him into it that way. (Jay Kesler, from the book, “Family Forum”)

• Something wonderful happens in a woman’s heart when she takes her eyes off of her husband and her circumstances and places them on the Lord. We know for a fact that God can turn hearts of stone into hearts of flesh (See Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26). His Word tells us that, and we can testify that it has occurred in our own lives. If you’re letting your differences with your mate eat away at you, you’re headed to a place you don’t want to go. Let go of thinking your ways are better than his. As you do, you’ll find yourself moving in a different direction—you will have veered off the road to bitterness and onto the pathway to joy. And that’s a trip worth taking. (The Best Thing I ever Did for My Marriage, with Nancy Cobb and Connie Grigsby)

• Bad things happen to good marriages when we expect our partner to think, feel and behave the way we want them to. Each unrealistic expectation is like a link in a heavy chain that increasingly binds us to a disappointing marriage. (Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, from the book, “Building Better Marriages in Oklahoma”)

• Having different attitudes toward talking doesn’t mean there is something wrong with either spouse, that anyone was deceived, or that marriage is hopeless. Relating to each other is not a technique we’re born with. It’s like a muscle that needs to be developed over time—and massaged when it hurts. (Romie Hurley, contributing author to the book, “The First Five Years of Marriage”)

• Not every husband can be turned into a sparkling conversationalist. But the surest way to get him to talk is to find out what he wants to talk about. If you can discover those areas, he might start opening up more. (Jay Kesler, from the book, “Family Forum”

• One of the hardest things for couples to learn is to lay down their lives for each other (see John 15:13) in the mundane world of daily living (see Romans 12:1). Learning to understand the needs of a spouse who talks less or more than you do requires sacrifice. It means not demanding your rights, and loving another as you love yourself. But these are things we can do because God promises to help us by His Holy Spirit if we ask. It’s easy to get discouraged when all you hear from your spouse is silence. It may seem that things are hopeless, but you can gain new perspective through prayer, reading the Bible, or seeking counsel from a pastor or therapist. (Romie Hurley, a contributing author for the book “The First Five Years of Marriage”)

BROKEN TO BE BLESSED

Broken and Blessed are two words don't seem to go together. If anything, they seem to be exact opposites. We all know what it means to be broken---to be shattered, to feel as if our entire world has fallen apart, or perhaps been blown apart. We all have times in our lives when we don't want to raise our heads off the pillow, and when we feel certain the tears will never stop flowing. Brokenness is often accompanied by emptiness-a void that cannot be filled, a sorrow that cannot be comforted, a wound for which there is no balm.

Nothing feels blessed about being broken. The most painful and difficult times of my life have been those times when I felt broken. I don't like pain, suffering, or feelings of brokenness any more than anybody else does. Certain circumstances in life hurt, at times so intensely that we think we will never heal.

One of the things I have discovered through being broken, however, is that after brokenness we can experience God's greatest blessings. After brokenness our lives can be the most fruitful and have the most purpose. The dawn after a very dark and storm-wreaked night is glorious. Feeling joy again after a period of intense mourning can be ecstatic. A blessing can come in the wake of being broken.

But this blessing comes only if we experience brokenness fully and confront why it is that God has allowed us to be broken. If we allow God to do his complete work in us, blessing will follow brokenness.

Bishop TD Jakes spoke a message on the Order of the Breaking of Bread and he brought our attention to the similarities surrounding How God deals with us as His children.

Jesus took the bread, He blessed the bread, He broke the bread, He gave the bread. Luke 24:13-31

The Taking Stage: This is the stage where He pulls you from familiar and reliable circumstances to unfamiliar and unreliable circumstances.

The Blessing Stage: This is the stage where He seems to bless everything you are doing. You seem to without effort be having everything given to you.

The Breaking Stage: This is the stage where everything seems to be a mess, and things seem to just be taken from you. It is the fellowship of His suffering.

The Giving Stage: This is the stage where you have been broken enough for Him to give you to others who need you.

What stage does God have you in right now?

STEPLADDER TO SUCCESS

Step 1: free your mind from negativity!

Step 2: cast out self doubt!

Step 3: cast out procrastination!

Step 4: free your mind up for success!

Step 5: cease your friendship with misery!

Step 6: free your mind up to become financially free!

Step 7: ask yourself, “Are members of your family or any of your friends, "helping you stretch your vision" or "are they choking your dream?"

Step 8: if your family or friends are “helping you stretch your vision", embrace them with all your heart!

Step 9: if your family or friends are "choking your dream", cast them aside, drop them like a hot potato, because they will bring you down!

Step 10: learn to recognize opportunity when it presents itself! The revelation should hit you so hard that it moves you to act swiftly and decisively, knowing and believing that success awaits you at every turn!

Step 11: don't let anyone hold you back or destroy your dream!

Success Declaration

I am breathing in new health, gratitude, peace and strength.

I have the tenacity to solve my challenges and achieve my goals.

I declare and decree that I am a conqueror, victorious, wise, successful and blessed.

I am covered by the Lord’s sovereign power, peace and provision to endure any challenges, enjoy life and excel in my purpose.

I feel worthy of receiving respect, peace, love and the abundant life.

I follow through on what I start.

I am worthy, loving and capable of achieving my personal definition of success.

This is a brand new day to live without apology and to live with gratitude, courage, hope, love,self-control and faith.

I am growing each day with inner strength to overcome the challenges of life.

I'm learning everyday to forgive myself and draw emotional boundaries around those who have hurt me as I release my anger and forgive them.

I am taking better care of myself.

When I experience the "joy stealers" of depression, guilt, low self-esteem, clutter, fear, doubt,temptation or procrastination ...

I am willing to recognize and resolve my unhealthy patterns.

I can come out of any cave of dark depression and into the light to enjoy the many blessings and promises of God for me and my family.

I'm learning that all relationships are teachers.

I am developing wise judgment and boundaries to know which people in my life are the lifters and which ones are the leaners.

I am using my time, talent and treasures in better ways because I realize that each day is a gift.

Today I am focused on my goals and priorities because I am learning how to keep the main thing...

THE MAIN THING!

I can say “no” to unnecessary demands of my time, money and energy.

I can say “yes” to; God, success, my destiny and my well-being.

I am open to receive "unusual blessings of favor."

I am too blessed to be stressed.

I see and feel something new in myself and in those around me. My possibilities and potential for success are unlimited.

I am discovering the truth that sets me free to be more whole, relaxed, trusting, active and optimistic.

I am always in the right place at the right time with the right outlook.

My very presence impacts others in a positive way.

I am attracting into my life people and circumstances to take my life to the next level of awareness and abundance.

Those things that use to tempt and tear me apart, no longer hold so much power over me because I am learning each day how to stay in the light of God's power, peace, protection, provision and a positive state of mind.

This is a brand new day and I will be glad in it.

Yes, there will be issues out of my control and yet opportunities to grow in my faith and courage.

No matter what challenges or changes I must face today, this is the day the Lord has made.

All my needs are met.

I am still here and there is nothing that is going to happen today that my God and I together can't handle.

I will do my best to reduce my stress and until further notice...

God is in charge.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, your words can bring life or death, peace or stress, sickness or health into yours and or someone else s life. please promise to read these "Affirmations and Declarations" above a minimum of twice a day. In case of emergency read it three times a day to continue building up your immune system against the attack of doubt, fear, procrastination or stress.

Polish up your faith. Let your light shine. God bless you. I love you all.

Thank you Jewel Diamond Taylor. The past five years, you've been a tremendous blessing to me and my ministry.

Why Should Christians Attend Church?

For believers, there is no substitute for attending church. Besides something that pleases God, it is necessary for a believer's spiritual well-being. For shut-ins or invalids who aren't able to go to church, the ministries on radio or TV might be the only kind of fellowship or spiritual nourishment that they get. God certainly understands the circumstances of these people, and recognizes the sincerity of their hearts. However, it is a different matter for those who could attend church but are too lazy, or put other things such as entertainment and amusements before God, or who harbor bitterness or indifference toward other believers.

It is important to attend church for the following reasons:

(1) It is an Expression of our Love for God

Going to church is a visible, tangible expression of our love and worship toward God. It is where we can gather with other believers to publicly bear witness of our faith and trust in God, something that is required of all Christians (Matt. 10:32-33) -- and it is where we can bring Him offerings of praise, thanks, and honor, which are pleasing to Him. The psalmist wrote, "I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You" (Psa. 22:22). People are often motivated toward church attendance for how it will bless themselves, however we should remember that the primary purpose of the corporate gathering is to bring "service" to the Lord as a blessing to Him (Psa. 134:2). Indeed, the Lord is deserving of our time and energy to honor Him with our service of devotion. "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created" (Rev. 4:11).

(2) It builds up our Spiritual Strength

Receiving the preaching and teaching of the Word of God increases our faith and builds us up spiritually. Every believer knows what it is to face spiritual conflicts to their faith, and must realize the importance of being fed spiritually so that they can overcome the challenges. Paul states that Christians face a wrestling match with the Devil and his evil spiritual forces, and warns that the church must put on spiritual armor for protection, as it will take everything at our disposal to stand (Eph. 6:10-18). How important that we take every opportunity available to receive ministry and strength from God's Word. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17).

(3) It brings a special visitation of the Lord's Presence

There is the promise of a special visitation of the Lord's presence whenever two or more gather specifically in the name of Jesus. By implication, this means whenever "Jesus" is the object of gathered prayer, worship, praise, preaching, etc. Even though Jesus resides within the heart of every believer, he honors a gathering in his name by coming in the "midst," with his power, awareness, and anointing. In such a gathering, Christ is able to do things in hearts that he may not at any other time. The scripture says that God inhabits the praise of His people (Psa. 22:3), and in such an atmosphere the Holy Spirit will often manifest spiritual gifts that minister to the body of Christ. "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them" (Matt. 18:20).

(4) It provides fellowship with other Christians

Gathering together also has compounded importance to the relationship of the Christian brethren. The Bible makes it clear that a right relationship with God requires a "vertical" and "horizontal" alignment -- that is, we must have a vertical fellowship with God and a horizontal fellowship with other believers. It is not possible to love God and refuse to love the brethren. If you have a problem loving other Christians, you have a problem in your relationship with God. Scripture warns us that unforgiveness toward others will void God's forgiveness of our own sins (Matt. 6:15). John wrote, "He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him" (1 John 2:9-10).

One of the most important reasons that we go to church is to practice love toward the brethren in the form of fellowship. The Bible clearly shows that if we have a right relationship with God, we have fellowship with others believers. "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7). Keeping ourselves in love and harmony with other believers keeps us humble before God so that Christ's blood can continue to cleanse us from our sins.

(5) It is an act of obedience to God

Not to be forgotten, going to church is also a matter of obeying God's Word. The writer of the Hebrew epistle tells us not to forsake assembling together, implying that continued absence can lead to willful sin. "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins," (Heb. 10:24-26). Once again, we are reminded that a great part of the purpose of the gathering is for the consideration of our brethren, coming together to help motivate and encourage one another. This is a responsibility charged to every believer. To reject church attendance, is a rejection of one of the sacred duties of the believer. "Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).

(6) It provides accountability to spiritual leadership

More strong evidence that proves that we're to be a part of a church fellowship, is that we're told to submit to the authority of spiritual leaders (within the boundaries of God's Word). "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you" (Heb. 13:17). God designed this system of accountability for the progress and protection of His flock. Obviously, this really isn't possible unless we are a part of an organized fellowship which has identified elders, pastors, or leaders. It is easy to see that one cannot genuinely be under submission to a TV pastor who has never met you. Nor is it possible to be under submission by visiting a different church each week. The Bible tells us to know them that are over us in the Lord (1 Thes. 5:12). Submission necessitates a commitment and relationship to a local body of believers and to their spiritual leaders.

(7) It combines our spiritual strength in prayer

The Bible indicates that agreement in prayer with other believers has special favor with God. "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven" (Matt. 18:19). There is multiplied strength in the combined faith of God's people, and it is clear that greater spiritual gains can be realized through corporate prayer and worship. This agrees with how God has historically blessed the union of His people in battle against their enemies. "Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you" (Lev. 26:8).

(8) It honors the Lord's Day

The fourth commandment of the law that God gave Moses was to set aside the seventh day of the week, Saturday, as a holy day to the Lord. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Ex. 20:8). This was, and will always remain, the official Sabbath. However, after Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week, Sunday, the early Christians began meeting together on this day as well as with the Jewish community in the synagogues on the Sabbath. History indicates that due to the enmity of the orthodox Jews toward the Christian Jews in their midst, the Jewish Christians were eventually ostracized. And although they were no longer bound to a rigid code of laws (Gal. 3:10-11, Col. 2:16), it is believed that they came to view Sunday as a combined observance of the Sabbath and the resurrection day of Jesus (Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 16:2). This day of Christian worship came to be called the Lord's Day (Rev. 1:10), a day to fellowship in celebration of the resurrection, to worship, pray and study the Word together.

Today, the Christian Jew or gentile, is free from the bondage of the old law. The indwelling of God's spirit has brought a new way for Christians to fulfill the desires of God through His love (Gal. 5:18, Rom. 13:8-10). However, the new covenant does not invalidate the relevance of the ten commandments as they pertained to God's wishes for His people. As much as it remains God's desire for man not to kill, steal or commit adultery, God is still very much pleased for believers to honor Him on a day reserved for Him, out of their love for Him and His people.

Thank you Dr. Dale A. Robbins for your insight.

No God, No Point

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp--
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Joe, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.

'And why is everyone so quiet,
So somber - give me a clue.'
'Hush, child,' He said,
'they're all in shock.
No one thought they'd be seeing you.'

JUDGE NOT!!

Remember...Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.

Every saint has a PAST...
Every sinner has a FUTURE!
Now it's your turn... Share this poem.

Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil...

IT HAS NO POINT!

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day

Dear Lord, I thank you for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for Your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.

Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God's eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent, and confess with my mouth my wrongdoing, and receive the forgiveness of God.

And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus' example -- to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do Your will.

Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those who will not read this nor share it with others. I pray for those who don't believe. But I thank you that I believe.

I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for my brother, Ernest, my sisters, Leticia, Alicia and Olga and each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight. I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees them and every mouth that confesses them willingly.

This is my prayer.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.