"Be who you are and say what you feel....Because those that matter.....don’t mind.....And those that mind....don't matter." -- Theodor Seuss Geisel (Better known as Dr. Seuss)
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ… know ye not that real love is an action, not a feeling. It produces selfless, sacrificial giving. The greatest act of love is giving oneself for others. One question that often comes up when the subject of real love is brought up is, “How can we lay down our lives?” The answer is fairly simple, “By serving others with no thought of receiving anything in return.” Sometimes it is easier to say we’ll die for others than to truly live for them…this involves putting others’ desires first. Jesus taught this same principle of love when He said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” We are to love each other as Jesus loved us, and he loved us enough to give his life for us. We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to practice sacrificial love: listening, helping, encouraging, giving. One morning you will never wake up. Do all your friends know you love them? I was thinking...I could die today, tomorrow or next week, and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that needed rekindling or three words needing to be said. Let every one of your friends know you love them. Even if you think they don't love you back, you would be amazed at what those three little words and a smile can do. Think of someone in particular who needs this kind of love today. Give all the love you can, and then try to give a little more.
And just in case GOD calls me home before I see you again....... I LOVE YA!
Read God's Word
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
THE STEINWAY EXPERIENCE
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, our God, EL-ELYON, "God Most High", is in control of all the adverse, unpleasant, unfavorable, and difficult circumstances of our lives. You may be going through an adverse experience as you read these notes. Let's call it, for illustration purposes, a "STEINWAY EXPERIENCE" (read on).
If you had to name the most famous piano, the one that produced the most beautiful sound in the world which one would you name? Most people would say "Steinway". The STEINWAY PIANO has been preferred by keyboard masters such as Rachmaninoff, Horowitz, Cliburn, and Liszt and for good reason. It is a skillfully crafted instrument that produces a phenomenal sound. Steinway pianos are built today the same way they were 140 years ago when Henry Steinway started his business. 200 craftsmen and12,000 parts are required to produce one of these magnificent instruments. Most crucial is the RIM-BENDING PROCESS, where 18 layers of maple are bent around an iron press to create the shape of a Steinway grand. Five coats of lacquer are applied and then HAND-RUBBED to give the piano its outer glow. The instrument then goes into the "POUNDER ROOM", where each key is pounded 10,000 times to ensure QUALITY and DURABILITY. Followers of Jesus Christ, much like the grand Steinway, are being "HANDCRAFTED" with all of the steps being watched over and directed by our Most High God, El Elyon , the One Who is in sovereign control of every detail of this process often referred to as "sanctification". We are being PRESSED and FORMED and SHAPED, all that we might "become conformed (molded with an inner and essential and not merely superficial conformity) to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29). God’s ultimate goal for us is to make us like Christ (1 John 3:2). As we become more and more like him, we discover our true selves, the persons we were created to be. How can we be conformed to Christ’s likeness? By reading and heeding the Word, by studying his life on earth through the Gospels, by being filled with his Spirit, and by doing his work in the world. We are being polished, sometimes with what seems like a great amount of what we could call the "rubbing of affliction", until we "glow." We are then being continually tested in the laboratory of everyday human experience. The process of sanctification is not always pleasant, but we can persevere with hope, knowing that our lives will increasingly reflect the beauty of holiness to the eternal praise of the Most High God.
Amen!
If you had to name the most famous piano, the one that produced the most beautiful sound in the world which one would you name? Most people would say "Steinway". The STEINWAY PIANO has been preferred by keyboard masters such as Rachmaninoff, Horowitz, Cliburn, and Liszt and for good reason. It is a skillfully crafted instrument that produces a phenomenal sound. Steinway pianos are built today the same way they were 140 years ago when Henry Steinway started his business. 200 craftsmen and12,000 parts are required to produce one of these magnificent instruments. Most crucial is the RIM-BENDING PROCESS, where 18 layers of maple are bent around an iron press to create the shape of a Steinway grand. Five coats of lacquer are applied and then HAND-RUBBED to give the piano its outer glow. The instrument then goes into the "POUNDER ROOM", where each key is pounded 10,000 times to ensure QUALITY and DURABILITY. Followers of Jesus Christ, much like the grand Steinway, are being "HANDCRAFTED" with all of the steps being watched over and directed by our Most High God, El Elyon , the One Who is in sovereign control of every detail of this process often referred to as "sanctification". We are being PRESSED and FORMED and SHAPED, all that we might "become conformed (molded with an inner and essential and not merely superficial conformity) to the image of His Son" (Romans 8:29). God’s ultimate goal for us is to make us like Christ (1 John 3:2). As we become more and more like him, we discover our true selves, the persons we were created to be. How can we be conformed to Christ’s likeness? By reading and heeding the Word, by studying his life on earth through the Gospels, by being filled with his Spirit, and by doing his work in the world. We are being polished, sometimes with what seems like a great amount of what we could call the "rubbing of affliction", until we "glow." We are then being continually tested in the laboratory of everyday human experience. The process of sanctification is not always pleasant, but we can persevere with hope, knowing that our lives will increasingly reflect the beauty of holiness to the eternal praise of the Most High God.
Amen!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
ARE YOU BLESSED?
If you own just one Bible ... you are abundantly blessed. 1/3 of all the world does not have access to one.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
If your parents are still alive and still married ... you are very rare, even in the United States.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful ... you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.
If you prayed yesterday and today ... you are in the minority because you believe God does hear and answer prayers.
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
If you believe in Jesus as the Son of God and as your Saviour ... you are blessed as being part of a small minority in the world ... Amen
Brothers and sisters in Christ, each beatitude tells how to be blessed. “Blessed” means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate or enviable state of those who are in God’s kingdom. The Beatitudes don’t promise laughter, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. To Jesus, “blessed” means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. To find hope and joy, the deepest form of happiness, follow Jesus no matter what the cost.
I'll ask again...ARE YOU BLESSED?
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
If your parents are still alive and still married ... you are very rare, even in the United States.
If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful ... you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.
If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch.
If you prayed yesterday and today ... you are in the minority because you believe God does hear and answer prayers.
If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
If you believe in Jesus as the Son of God and as your Saviour ... you are blessed as being part of a small minority in the world ... Amen
Brothers and sisters in Christ, each beatitude tells how to be blessed. “Blessed” means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate or enviable state of those who are in God’s kingdom. The Beatitudes don’t promise laughter, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. To Jesus, “blessed” means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. To find hope and joy, the deepest form of happiness, follow Jesus no matter what the cost.
I'll ask again...ARE YOU BLESSED?
STAY SAFE IN THE WORLD TODAY
Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.
Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals. So, ... above all else, avoid hospitals.
BUT, ... You will be pleased to learn that only 001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church!
... And ... Bible study is safe too. The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.
So, ... for SAFETY'S sake - Attend church, and read your Bible. IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Fear not my dear brothers & sisters in Christ...Christ’s death and resurrection set us free from the fear of death because death has been defeated. Every person must die, but death is not the end; instead, it is the doorway to a new life. All who dread death should have the opportunity to know the hope that Christ’s victory brings. How can you share this truth with those close to you?
Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.
Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals. So, ... above all else, avoid hospitals.
BUT, ... You will be pleased to learn that only 001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church!
... And ... Bible study is safe too. The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.
So, ... for SAFETY'S sake - Attend church, and read your Bible. IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Fear not my dear brothers & sisters in Christ...Christ’s death and resurrection set us free from the fear of death because death has been defeated. Every person must die, but death is not the end; instead, it is the doorway to a new life. All who dread death should have the opportunity to know the hope that Christ’s victory brings. How can you share this truth with those close to you?
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Mary, did you know...
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby you've kissed the face of God.
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the Great I Am.
Brother Mark Lowry, thank you so much for such a beautiful song!
that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will calm a storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby you've kissed the face of God.
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the Great I Am.
Brother Mark Lowry, thank you so much for such a beautiful song!
Friday, March 16, 2007
RECOVER YOUR HAPPINESS
A - Accept Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if you have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions.
B - Break Away Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life.
C - Create Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with.
D - Decide Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.
E - Explore Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about yourself.
F - Forgive Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.
G - Grow Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way.
H - Hope Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.
I - Ignore Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds.
J - Journey Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to learn something new every day, and you'll grow.
K - Know Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.
L - Love Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room for endless happiness.
M - Manage Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.
N - Notice Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.
O - Open Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times, there's still much to be thankful for.
P - Play Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness.
Q - Question Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.
R - Relax Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working out in the end.
S - Share Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will return to you many times over.
T - Try Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish.
U - Use Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value. Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.
V - Value Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged you, and be there for them as well.
W - Work Work hard every day to be the best person you can b e, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.
X - X-Ray Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness and beauty within.
Y - Yield Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find success at the end of the road.
Z - Zoom Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head. Let nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus on your abilities, your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow.
Some people bring unhappiness on themselves by choosing ill-gotten treasures. For example, craving satisfaction, they may do something that destroys their chances of ever achieving happiness. God’s principles for right living bring lasting happiness because they guide us into long-term right behavior in spite of our ever-changing feelings.
B - Break Away Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to accomplish with your life.
C - Create Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams, sorrows, and happiness with.
D - Decide Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the way.
E - Explore Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about yourself.
F - Forgive Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.
G - Grow Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or stand in your way.
H - Hope Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as you remain dedicated to the task.
I - Ignore Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small inkling of what the future holds.
J - Journey Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try to learn something new every day, and you'll grow.
K - Know Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.
L - Love Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart, there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's room for endless happiness.
M - Manage Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things in life.
N - Notice Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.
O - Open Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the worst of times, there's still much to be thankful for.
P - Play Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without happiness.
Q - Question Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.
R - Relax Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things always have a way of working out in the end.
S - Share Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything that you invest in others will return to you many times over.
T - Try Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish.
U - Use Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value. Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.
V - Value Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged you, and be there for them as well.
W - Work Work hard every day to be the best person you can b e, but never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second chance.
X - X-Ray Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the goodness and beauty within.
Y - Yield Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll find success at the end of the road.
Z - Zoom Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head. Let nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus on your abilities, your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow.
Some people bring unhappiness on themselves by choosing ill-gotten treasures. For example, craving satisfaction, they may do something that destroys their chances of ever achieving happiness. God’s principles for right living bring lasting happiness because they guide us into long-term right behavior in spite of our ever-changing feelings.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
THE U IN JESUS
Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."
So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.
Will YOU pass it on.
God stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."
So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.
Will YOU pass it on.
Friday, March 02, 2007
A PLACE CALLED “SUCCESS”
The road to success is not straight.
There is a curve called Failure,
A loop called Confusion,
Speed bumps called Friends,
Red lights called Enemies,
Caution lights called Family.
You will have flats called Jobs.
But, if you have a spare called Determination,
An engine called Perseverance,
Insurance called Faith,
A driver called Jesus,
You will make it to a place called Success.
To be established means to be successful. Real success comes only to those who do what is right. Their efforts stand the test of time. Then, what kind of success does wickedness bring? We all know people who cheated to pass the course or to get a larger tax refund—is this not success? And what about the person who ignores his family commitments and mistreats his workers but gets ahead in business? These apparent successes are only temporary. They are bought at the expense of character. Cheaters grow more and more dishonest, and those who hurt others become callous and cruel. In the long run, evil behavior does not lead to success; it leads only to more evil. Real success maintains personal integrity. If you are not a success by God’s standards, you have not achieved true success.
There is a curve called Failure,
A loop called Confusion,
Speed bumps called Friends,
Red lights called Enemies,
Caution lights called Family.
You will have flats called Jobs.
But, if you have a spare called Determination,
An engine called Perseverance,
Insurance called Faith,
A driver called Jesus,
You will make it to a place called Success.
To be established means to be successful. Real success comes only to those who do what is right. Their efforts stand the test of time. Then, what kind of success does wickedness bring? We all know people who cheated to pass the course or to get a larger tax refund—is this not success? And what about the person who ignores his family commitments and mistreats his workers but gets ahead in business? These apparent successes are only temporary. They are bought at the expense of character. Cheaters grow more and more dishonest, and those who hurt others become callous and cruel. In the long run, evil behavior does not lead to success; it leads only to more evil. Real success maintains personal integrity. If you are not a success by God’s standards, you have not achieved true success.
The Greatest Man in History
The Greatest Man in History...
Had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.!
Brothers and Sisters, knowing about Jesus, or even believing that he is God’s Son, does not guarantee salvation. You must also want to follow and obey him.
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus" 1 Timothy 2:5
We human beings are separated from God by sin, and only one person in the universe is our mediator and can stand between us and God and bring us together again—Jesus, who is both God and man. Jesus’ sacrifice brought new life to all people.
Have you let him bring you to the Father?
Had no servants, yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army, yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.
Feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us.!
Brothers and Sisters, knowing about Jesus, or even believing that he is God’s Son, does not guarantee salvation. You must also want to follow and obey him.
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus" 1 Timothy 2:5
We human beings are separated from God by sin, and only one person in the universe is our mediator and can stand between us and God and bring us together again—Jesus, who is both God and man. Jesus’ sacrifice brought new life to all people.
Have you let him bring you to the Father?
Friday, February 23, 2007
Cell Phone vs The Bible
I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
What if we bought a new one every time it wore out?
What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?
This is something to make you go ...hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't ever have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill! And no dropped calls!
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR BIBLE IS?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it as we traveled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
What if we bought a new one every time it wore out?
What if we upgraded it to get the latest version?
This is something to make you go ...hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't ever have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill! And no dropped calls!
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR BIBLE IS?
Monday, February 19, 2007
Willing to risk & sacrifice
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, in the functions of intercessors for one another in our ministry of love we must be willing to risk & sacrifice…are you ready? In like manor...
Moses was willing to be blotted out of God's book. (Ex 32:32),
Moses was willing to be blotted out of God's book. (Ex 32:32),
Abraham was willing to suffer God's possible displeasure by negotiating Him down to 10 godly men in Sodom & Gomorrah. (Genesis 18:22),
When king David disobeyed by taking a census, he was willing to be destroyed in order to seek safety for his people. (1 Chronicles 21:17),
Daniel was willing to talk with God when He was very angry. (Dan 9:16),
Jesus was willing to become sin and lay down His life so that others could find forgiveness. (Isaiah 53:12),
The Centurion was willing to approach authority as well as subject himself to it. (Matt 8:5),
Martha dared to risk her friendship with Jesus to challenge His decision of delay. (John 11:21-22),
A father risked public exposure, fear of man's opinions, and disappointment for the sake of interceding for his possessed son. (Mark 9:17),
The Nobleman risked his self-sufficient pride. He could not help his son but he knew who could. He also risked public exposure and reputation. (John 4:49),
Stephen was willing to face the murderous rage of a crowd and asked God to forgive them. (Acts 7:59),
Esther was willing to perish at risk of defending her people to the king. At the very least she was willing to face a life of ill-favor, isolation and banishment from the king's court. (Esther 4:16),
David as a young boy was willing to face death from Goliath for the sake of Israel. At the very least he was willing to face humiliation, failure and defeat. (1 Sam 17:37)
I dare ask again...Are you ready?Saturday, February 17, 2007
I'm Too Blessed To Be Stressed
My dear brothers and sister in Christ, I'm Too Blessed To Be Stressed,
and Too Anointed To Be Disappointed therefore I refuse to be discouraged,
to be sad or to cry. I refuse to be downhearted and here's the reason why:
I have a God who is almighty;
who is sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me,
and I am on His team.
He is all wise and powerful;
Jesus is His Name;
though everything else is changeable,
My God remains the same.
I refuse to be defeated!
My eyes are on my GOD!
He has promised to be with me,
as through this life I trod.
I am looking past my circumstances,
to Heaven's throne above.
My prayers have reached the heart of God.
I am resting in His Love.
I give thanks to Him in everything.
My eyes are on His face.
The battle is His; the victory is mine;
He will help me win the race!
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, each beatitude tells how to be blessed. "Blessed" means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate or enviable state of those who are in God’s kingdom. The Beatitudes don’t promise laughter, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. To Jesus, "blessed" means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. To find hope and joy, the deepest form of happiness, follow Jesus no matter what the cost.
I repeat, "I'M TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!"
and Too Anointed To Be Disappointed therefore I refuse to be discouraged,
to be sad or to cry. I refuse to be downhearted and here's the reason why:
I have a God who is almighty;
who is sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me,
and I am on His team.
He is all wise and powerful;
Jesus is His Name;
though everything else is changeable,
My God remains the same.
I refuse to be defeated!
My eyes are on my GOD!
He has promised to be with me,
as through this life I trod.
I am looking past my circumstances,
to Heaven's throne above.
My prayers have reached the heart of God.
I am resting in His Love.
I give thanks to Him in everything.
My eyes are on His face.
The battle is His; the victory is mine;
He will help me win the race!
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, each beatitude tells how to be blessed. "Blessed" means more than happiness. It implies the fortunate or enviable state of those who are in God’s kingdom. The Beatitudes don’t promise laughter, pleasure, or earthly prosperity. To Jesus, "blessed" means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. To find hope and joy, the deepest form of happiness, follow Jesus no matter what the cost.
I repeat, "I'M TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!"
Thursday, February 15, 2007
WHAT IS LOVE?
Love is patient. (Charity suffereth long) Love is tolerant toward others. Love endures trying circumstances with others and maintains an even temper.
Love is kind. Love is compassionate towards others. Love is tender, considerate, and helpful.
Love is not jealous. Love is not envious, does not desire anything another person may have, but instead is even thankful for the advantages of the other person.
Love does not brag. (Charity vaunteth not) Love does not boast about oneself. When we boast about ourselves, we put other people down by elevating ourselves above them. Boasting can make other people feel inferior to us.
Love is not arrogant. (Not puffed up) Love is not conceited or puffed up with pride, does not elevate oneself above others, does not lord it over others.
Love does not act unbecomingly. (Not behave itself unseemly) Love does not behave improperly towards others, does not take advantage of others in any circumstance. Love is well-mannered toward others in speech, in behavior, and in dress.
Love does not seek its own. Love is not selfish. Love seeks the benefit of others before oneself.
Love is not provoked. Love is not easily angered, does not respond to ill treatment from others.
Love does not take into account a wrong. (Thinketh no evil) Love does not keep a record of injuries inflicted by others; true love is unconditional.
Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness. (Rejoiceth not in iniquity) Love does not rejoice when others do evil, but it rejoices when others do good. Love does not delight to see anyone involved in any form of evil.
Love rejoices in the truth. Love rejoices when the truth is made known. Love never rejoices when someone is unjustly accused.
Love bears all things. Love puts up with others when they are unpleasant, even when they continue to be unpleasant, unkind, and unloving.
Love believes all things. Love believes the best about others. Love continues to have confidence in others even when no one else does.
Love hopes all things. Love continues to hope for the best for others, even when they may not deserve the best.
Love endures all things. Love continues to love, no matter how much it costs. Love does not give up on the person loved. Love prevails, both in good times and bad times.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, our society confuses love and lust. Unlike lust, God’s kind of love is directed outward toward others, not inward toward ourselves. It is utterly unselfish. This kind of love goes against our natural inclinations. It is possible to practice this love only if God helps us set aside our own desires and instincts, so that we can give love while expecting nothing in return. Thus the more we become like Christ, the more love we will show to others.
(Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Life Application Notes)
Love is kind. Love is compassionate towards others. Love is tender, considerate, and helpful.
Love is not jealous. Love is not envious, does not desire anything another person may have, but instead is even thankful for the advantages of the other person.
Love does not brag. (Charity vaunteth not) Love does not boast about oneself. When we boast about ourselves, we put other people down by elevating ourselves above them. Boasting can make other people feel inferior to us.
Love is not arrogant. (Not puffed up) Love is not conceited or puffed up with pride, does not elevate oneself above others, does not lord it over others.
Love does not act unbecomingly. (Not behave itself unseemly) Love does not behave improperly towards others, does not take advantage of others in any circumstance. Love is well-mannered toward others in speech, in behavior, and in dress.
Love does not seek its own. Love is not selfish. Love seeks the benefit of others before oneself.
Love is not provoked. Love is not easily angered, does not respond to ill treatment from others.
Love does not take into account a wrong. (Thinketh no evil) Love does not keep a record of injuries inflicted by others; true love is unconditional.
Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness. (Rejoiceth not in iniquity) Love does not rejoice when others do evil, but it rejoices when others do good. Love does not delight to see anyone involved in any form of evil.
Love rejoices in the truth. Love rejoices when the truth is made known. Love never rejoices when someone is unjustly accused.
Love bears all things. Love puts up with others when they are unpleasant, even when they continue to be unpleasant, unkind, and unloving.
Love believes all things. Love believes the best about others. Love continues to have confidence in others even when no one else does.
Love hopes all things. Love continues to hope for the best for others, even when they may not deserve the best.
Love endures all things. Love continues to love, no matter how much it costs. Love does not give up on the person loved. Love prevails, both in good times and bad times.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, our society confuses love and lust. Unlike lust, God’s kind of love is directed outward toward others, not inward toward ourselves. It is utterly unselfish. This kind of love goes against our natural inclinations. It is possible to practice this love only if God helps us set aside our own desires and instincts, so that we can give love while expecting nothing in return. Thus the more we become like Christ, the more love we will show to others.
(Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Life Application Notes)
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
“WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST”
Brothers and Sisters, you are no longer alone, for Christ lives in you—he is your power for living and your hope for the future
You are believers, and the light of the Gospel shines in your minds (II Corinthians 4:4).
You are doers of the Word and blessed in your actions (James 1:22, 25).
You are joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
You are new creatures in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
You are partakers of His divine nature (II Peter 1:3, 4).
You are a spirit being-alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11).
You are alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
You are ambassadors for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20).
You are over-comers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony (Revelation 12:11).
You are born of God, and the evil one does not touch you (I John 5:18).
You are called of God to be the voice of His praise (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 66:8).
You are complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
You are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
You are far from oppression, and fear does not come near you (Isaiah 54:14).
You are firmly rooted, built up, established in your faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).
You are forgiven of all your sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).
You are free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
You are God’s children-for you are born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23).
You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
You are greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).
You are healed by the stripes of Jesus (I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5).
You are His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).
You are holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).
You are more than conquerors through Him Who loves you (Romans 8:37).
You are part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (I Peter 2:9).
You are raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6).
You are redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68).
You are strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
You are submitted to God, and the devil flees from you because you resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).
You are the head and not the tail; you are above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
You are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
You are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).
You are the temple of the Holy Spirit; you are not your own (I Corinthians 6:19).
You can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with your shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
You can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
You have given, and it is given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into your bosom (Luke 6:38).
You have no lack for our God supplies all of your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
You have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created you (Colossians 3:9, 10).
You have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
You have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues.
You have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm you (Mark 16:17, 18; Luke 10:17, 19).
You have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17, 18).
You have the Greater One living in you; greater is He Who is in you than he who is in the world (I John 4:4).
You have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; I Corinthians 2:16).
You have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
You press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling you upward (Philippians 3:14).
You shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus (John 14:12).
You show forth the praises of God Who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9).
You are believers, and the light of the Gospel shines in your minds (II Corinthians 4:4).
You are doers of the Word and blessed in your actions (James 1:22, 25).
You are joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
You are new creatures in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
You are partakers of His divine nature (II Peter 1:3, 4).
You are a spirit being-alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11).
You are alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
You are ambassadors for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20).
You are over-comers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony (Revelation 12:11).
You are born of God, and the evil one does not touch you (I John 5:18).
You are called of God to be the voice of His praise (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 66:8).
You are complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
You are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
You are far from oppression, and fear does not come near you (Isaiah 54:14).
You are firmly rooted, built up, established in your faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).
You are forgiven of all your sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).
You are free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
You are God’s children-for you are born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23).
You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
You are greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).
You are healed by the stripes of Jesus (I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5).
You are His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).
You are holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).
You are more than conquerors through Him Who loves you (Romans 8:37).
You are part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (I Peter 2:9).
You are raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6).
You are redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68).
You are strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
You are submitted to God, and the devil flees from you because you resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).
You are the head and not the tail; you are above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
You are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
You are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).
You are the temple of the Holy Spirit; you are not your own (I Corinthians 6:19).
You can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with your shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
You can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
You have given, and it is given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into your bosom (Luke 6:38).
You have no lack for our God supplies all of your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
You have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created you (Colossians 3:9, 10).
You have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
You have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues.
You have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm you (Mark 16:17, 18; Luke 10:17, 19).
You have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17, 18).
You have the Greater One living in you; greater is He Who is in you than he who is in the world (I John 4:4).
You have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; I Corinthians 2:16).
You have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
You press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling you upward (Philippians 3:14).
You shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus (John 14:12).
You show forth the praises of God Who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9).
“WHO WE ARE IN CHRIST”
Brothers and Sisters, because Christ lives in us as believers, we can remain courageous and hopeful to the end. We are not saved by being steadfast and firm in our faith, but our courage and hope do reveal that our faith is real. Without this enduring faithfulness, we could easily be blown away by the winds of temptation, false teaching, or persecution, therefore we must know who we are and Whose we are.
We are believers, and the light of the Gospel shines in our minds (II Corinthians 4:4).
We are doers of the Word and blessed in our actions (James 1:22, 25).
We are joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
We are new creatures in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
We are partakers of His divine nature (II Peter 1:3, 4).
We are a spirit being-alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11).
We are alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
We are ambassadors for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20).
We are over-comers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11).
We are born of God, and the evil one does not touch us (I John 5:18).
We are called of God to be the voice of His praise (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 66:8).
We are complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
We are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
We are far from oppression, and fear does not come near us (Isaiah 54:14).
We are firmly rooted, built up, established in our faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).
We are forgiven of all our sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).
We are free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
We are God’s children-for we are born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23).
We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
We are greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).
We are healed by the stripes of Jesus (I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5).
We are His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).
We are holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).
We are more than conquerors through Him Who loves us (Romans 8:37).
We are part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (I Peter 2:9).
We are raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6).
We are redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68).
We are strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
We are submitted to God, and the devil flees from us because we resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).
We are the head and not the tail; we are above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
We are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
We are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).
We are the temple of the Holy Spirit; we are not our own (I Corinthians 6:19).
We can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with our shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
We can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
We have given, and it is given to us; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into our bosom (Luke 6:38).
We have no lack for our God supplies all of our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
We have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created us (Colossians 3:9, 10).
We have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
We have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues.
We have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm us (Mark 16:17, 18; Luke 10:17, 19).
We have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of our understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17, 18).
We have the Greater One living in us; greater is He Who is in us than he who is in the world (I John 4:4).
We have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; I Corinthians 2:16).
We have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
We press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward (Philippians 3:14).
We shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus (John 14:12).
We show forth the praises of God Who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9).
We are believers, and the light of the Gospel shines in our minds (II Corinthians 4:4).
We are doers of the Word and blessed in our actions (James 1:22, 25).
We are joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
We are new creatures in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
We are partakers of His divine nature (II Peter 1:3, 4).
We are a spirit being-alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11).
We are alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
We are ambassadors for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20).
We are over-comers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Revelation 12:11).
We are born of God, and the evil one does not touch us (I John 5:18).
We are called of God to be the voice of His praise (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 66:8).
We are complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
We are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
We are far from oppression, and fear does not come near us (Isaiah 54:14).
We are firmly rooted, built up, established in our faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).
We are forgiven of all our sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).
We are free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
We are God’s children-for we are born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23).
We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
We are greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).
We are healed by the stripes of Jesus (I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5).
We are His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).
We are holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).
We are more than conquerors through Him Who loves us (Romans 8:37).
We are part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (I Peter 2:9).
We are raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6).
We are redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68).
We are strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
We are submitted to God, and the devil flees from us because we resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).
We are the head and not the tail; we are above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
We are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
We are the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).
We are the temple of the Holy Spirit; we are not our own (I Corinthians 6:19).
We can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with our shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16).
We can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
We have given, and it is given to us; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into our bosom (Luke 6:38).
We have no lack for our God supplies all of our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
We have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created us (Colossians 3:9, 10).
We have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
We have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues.
We have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm us (Mark 16:17, 18; Luke 10:17, 19).
We have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of our understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17, 18).
We have the Greater One living in us; greater is He Who is in us than he who is in the world (I John 4:4).
We have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; I Corinthians 2:16).
We have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
We press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward (Philippians 3:14).
We shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus (John 14:12).
We show forth the praises of God Who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9).
“WHO I AM IN CHRIST”
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, when you use the gifts God has given you, you will find that God will give you the power you need, therefore I say boldly and believe wholeheartedly, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7).
I am a believer, and the light of the Gospel shines in my mind (II Corinthians 4:4).
I am a doer of the Word and blessed in my actions (James 1:22, 25).
I am a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).
I am a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
I am a partaker of His divine nature (II Peter 1:3, 4).
I am a spirit being-alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11).
I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
I am an ambassador for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20).
I am an over-comer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11).
I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch me (I John 5:18).
I am called of God to be the voice of His praise (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 66:8).
I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
I am far from oppression, and fear does not come near me (Isaiah 54:14).
I am firmly rooted, built up, established in my faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).
I am forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).
I am free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
I am God’s child-for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23).
I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
I am greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).
I am healed by the stripes of Jesus (I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5).
I am His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).
I am holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).
I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me (Romans 8:37).
I am part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (I Peter 2:9).
I am raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6).
I am redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68).
I am strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
I am submitted to God, and the devil flees from me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).
I am the head and not the tail; I am above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).
I am the temple of the Holy Spirit; I am not my own (I Corinthians 6:19).
I can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with my shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16). I can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
I have given, and it is given to me; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into my bosom (Luke 6:38).
I have no lack for my God supplies all of my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
I have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created me (Colossians 3:9, 10).
I have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
I have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues.
I have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm me (Mark 16:17, 18; Luke 10:17, 19).
I have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of my understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17, 18).
I have the Greater One living in me; greater is He Who is in me than he who is in the world (I John 4:4).
I have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; I Corinthians 2:16).
I have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
I press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward (Philippians 3:14).
I shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus (John 14:12).
I show forth the praises of God Who has called me out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9).
I am a believer, and the light of the Gospel shines in my mind (II Corinthians 4:4).
I am a doer of the Word and blessed in my actions (James 1:22, 25).
I am a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17).
I am a new creature in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).
I am a partaker of His divine nature (II Peter 1:3, 4).
I am a spirit being-alive to God (I Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 6:11).
I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5).
I am an ambassador for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20).
I am an over-comer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11).
I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch me (I John 5:18).
I am called of God to be the voice of His praise (II Timothy 1:9; Psalm 66:8).
I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10).
I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
I am far from oppression, and fear does not come near me (Isaiah 54:14).
I am firmly rooted, built up, established in my faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7).
I am forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7).
I am free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2).
I am God’s child-for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (I Peter 1:23).
I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
I am greatly loved by God (Colossians 3:12; Romans 1:7; I Thessalonians 1:4; Ephesians 2:4).
I am healed by the stripes of Jesus (I Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5).
I am His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12).
I am holy and without blame before Him in love (I Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).
I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me (Romans 8:37).
I am part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (I Peter 2:9).
I am raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Colossians 2:12; Ephesians 2:6).
I am redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 28:15-68).
I am strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).
I am submitted to God, and the devil flees from me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7).
I am the head and not the tail; I am above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).
I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (II Corinthians 5:21).
I am the temple of the Holy Spirit; I am not my own (I Corinthians 6:19).
I can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with my shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16). I can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
I have given, and it is given to me; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, men give into my bosom (Luke 6:38).
I have no lack for my God supplies all of my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
I have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created me (Colossians 3:9, 10).
I have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).
I have received the power of the Holy Spirit to lay hands on the sick and see them recover, to cast out demons, to speak with new tongues.
I have power over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm me (Mark 16:17, 18; Luke 10:17, 19).
I have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of my understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17, 18).
I have the Greater One living in me; greater is He Who is in me than he who is in the world (I John 4:4).
I have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5; I Corinthians 2:16).
I have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
I press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward (Philippians 3:14).
I shall do even greater works than Christ Jesus (John 14:12).
I show forth the praises of God Who has called me out of darkness into His marvelous light (I Peter 2:9).
HOW TO HAVE A GOOD DAY EVERY DAY
1. BE PLEASANT. Jesus said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” When we are pleasant toward others, it comes back to us in a hundredfold return.
2. BE POSITIVE. Function in faith, facing every obstacle with the affirmation, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Rise above the cynicism, negativism, and despondency of our present age with the attitude that says, “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).
3. BE PRODUCTIVE. The Apostle Paul exhorts us, “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need” (Eph 4:28). Happiness is the fruit of productive living.
4. BE PURE. Purity means to hate what is evil and cling to what is good; to avoid the very appearances of evil, and to be holy even as Christ is holy (see Romans 12:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 1:16).
5. BE PLIABLE. Bounce back when disappointed and learn to adjust to the changing circumstances of life. Remember, “When you can’t direct the winds, adjust your sails.”
6. BE PATIENT. It has been said that, “Hurry is not of the devil; it is the devil.” In our day of hustle and bustle and fast living in the rat race it is imperative that we learn the patience of Job (James 5:11).
7. BE PEACEFUL. Every person is confronted with good reasons for worry, anxiety and fear. We face financial setbacks, health problems, and adverse circumstances which are beyond our control. The Christian antidote to worry is the peace of Christ which floods our hearts as we cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6,7).
8. BE PRIORITIZED. Put first things first. Jesus tells us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
9. BE PRAYERFUL. Prayer is unbroken communion with the Lord. It involves both talking and listening as we learn to practice the presence of God every minute of every day. The psalmist tells us, “In thy presence is the fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).
10. BE PRAISEFUL. Praise is the single most prevalent attitude and action in the believer’s life. Praise springs forth from the heart that is careful to count the blessings of the Lord as opposed to forgetting His goodness (Psalm 103:1-5).
Thank you Dr. David C. Cooper
2. BE POSITIVE. Function in faith, facing every obstacle with the affirmation, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Rise above the cynicism, negativism, and despondency of our present age with the attitude that says, “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).
3. BE PRODUCTIVE. The Apostle Paul exhorts us, “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need” (Eph 4:28). Happiness is the fruit of productive living.
4. BE PURE. Purity means to hate what is evil and cling to what is good; to avoid the very appearances of evil, and to be holy even as Christ is holy (see Romans 12:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Peter 1:16).
5. BE PLIABLE. Bounce back when disappointed and learn to adjust to the changing circumstances of life. Remember, “When you can’t direct the winds, adjust your sails.”
6. BE PATIENT. It has been said that, “Hurry is not of the devil; it is the devil.” In our day of hustle and bustle and fast living in the rat race it is imperative that we learn the patience of Job (James 5:11).
7. BE PEACEFUL. Every person is confronted with good reasons for worry, anxiety and fear. We face financial setbacks, health problems, and adverse circumstances which are beyond our control. The Christian antidote to worry is the peace of Christ which floods our hearts as we cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6,7).
8. BE PRIORITIZED. Put first things first. Jesus tells us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
9. BE PRAYERFUL. Prayer is unbroken communion with the Lord. It involves both talking and listening as we learn to practice the presence of God every minute of every day. The psalmist tells us, “In thy presence is the fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).
10. BE PRAISEFUL. Praise is the single most prevalent attitude and action in the believer’s life. Praise springs forth from the heart that is careful to count the blessings of the Lord as opposed to forgetting His goodness (Psalm 103:1-5).
Thank you Dr. David C. Cooper
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
I WAS THE ONE
I was the one.
I was the one who flogged Him.
I was the one who taunted Him.
I was the one who spit upon Him.
I was the one who tortured Him in unspeakable ways.
I was the one who put the crown of thorns upon His head.
I was the one who put His cross upon His back.
I was the one who laughed when He could not carry it.
I was the one who grabbed Him and slammed Him down on the ground over His cross.
I was the one who picked up the nails.
I was the one who picked up the hammer.
I was the one who drove the nails into His hands and feet.
I was the one who pushed Him upright upon the tree to die by suffocation.
I was the one who heard Him mumble I was forgiven.
I was the one who watched His mother and the other Mary weep.
I was the one who saw John cry.
I was the one who turned away and did not care.
I was the one who did not believe the stories about Him.
I was the one who pushed the spear into His side.
It was my job.
I was big and strong.
I knew how to use a hammer.
I was following orders.
After awhile they all look alike and act alike.
After awhile you get used to seeing the suffering.
After awhile you don't care anymore.
This one was different.
He said He forgave me because I did not know what I was doing.
I went home afterward.
Out of the hundreds I had done, this one bothered me.
He said He forgave me.
The earthquake shook the ground and shook me.
It got dark before it was supposed to get dark.
Someone outside said they killed the Messiah.
I was the one.
That night I could not sleep.
I walked outside that night.
I was upset because He said He forgave me.
I can still hear His voice.
I didn't look at Him.
You never want to look at them.
I kept hearing His voice saying He forgave me.
I couldn't get His voice out of my mind.
I was just doing my job.
The next day and the day after people were still in a stir about what I had done.
No one really knew who I was.
I was just a nameless and faceless person doing a job.
I was the one.
He said He forgave me.
I did not report to work for the next few days.
I kept hearing Him say He forgave me.
Five days later I heard people say He was alive.
People said He had come back from the dead.
No one comes back from the dead.
I am telling you, no one comes back from being dead.
But I saw Him.
He was alive.
When I saw Him I could see His scars.
I saw Him with my own eyes.
When I saw Him I looked at Him.
He looked at me.
He looked at me and said He loved me.
He said He forgave me.
Then I realized what I had done.
My heart broke.
My soul broke.
My mind broke.
My life was in tatters.
I was the one.
I fell to the ground.
I wished I could die.
Then He reached down and He touched me.
He said He loved me.
He forgave me.
I was the one…and so were you.
I was the one who flogged Him.
I was the one who taunted Him.
I was the one who spit upon Him.
I was the one who tortured Him in unspeakable ways.
I was the one who put the crown of thorns upon His head.
I was the one who put His cross upon His back.
I was the one who laughed when He could not carry it.
I was the one who grabbed Him and slammed Him down on the ground over His cross.
I was the one who picked up the nails.
I was the one who picked up the hammer.
I was the one who drove the nails into His hands and feet.
I was the one who pushed Him upright upon the tree to die by suffocation.
I was the one who heard Him mumble I was forgiven.
I was the one who watched His mother and the other Mary weep.
I was the one who saw John cry.
I was the one who turned away and did not care.
I was the one who did not believe the stories about Him.
I was the one who pushed the spear into His side.
It was my job.
I was big and strong.
I knew how to use a hammer.
I was following orders.
After awhile they all look alike and act alike.
After awhile you get used to seeing the suffering.
After awhile you don't care anymore.
This one was different.
He said He forgave me because I did not know what I was doing.
I went home afterward.
Out of the hundreds I had done, this one bothered me.
He said He forgave me.
The earthquake shook the ground and shook me.
It got dark before it was supposed to get dark.
Someone outside said they killed the Messiah.
I was the one.
That night I could not sleep.
I walked outside that night.
I was upset because He said He forgave me.
I can still hear His voice.
I didn't look at Him.
You never want to look at them.
I kept hearing His voice saying He forgave me.
I couldn't get His voice out of my mind.
I was just doing my job.
The next day and the day after people were still in a stir about what I had done.
No one really knew who I was.
I was just a nameless and faceless person doing a job.
I was the one.
He said He forgave me.
I did not report to work for the next few days.
I kept hearing Him say He forgave me.
Five days later I heard people say He was alive.
People said He had come back from the dead.
No one comes back from the dead.
I am telling you, no one comes back from being dead.
But I saw Him.
He was alive.
When I saw Him I could see His scars.
I saw Him with my own eyes.
When I saw Him I looked at Him.
He looked at me.
He looked at me and said He loved me.
He said He forgave me.
Then I realized what I had done.
My heart broke.
My soul broke.
My mind broke.
My life was in tatters.
I was the one.
I fell to the ground.
I wished I could die.
Then He reached down and He touched me.
He said He loved me.
He forgave me.
I was the one…and so were you.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
A Mother's Question
A mother asked President Bush,
"Why did my son have to die in Iraq?"
Another mother asked President Kennedy,
"Why did my son have to die in Viet Nam?"
Another mother asked President Truman,
"Why did my son have to die in Korea?
Another mother asked President F.D. Roosevelt,
"Why did my son have to die at Iwo Jima?"
Another mother asked President W. Wilson,
"Why did my son have to die on the battlefield of France?"
Yet another mother asked President Lincoln,
"Why did my son have to die at Gettysburg?"
And yet another mother asked President G. Washington,
"Why did my son have to die near Valley Forge?"
Then long, long ago, a mother asked ...
"Heavenly Father, why did my Son have to dieon a cross outside of Jerusalem?"
The answers to all these are similar ...
"So that others may have life and dwell in peace,happiness and freedom."
IF YOU DON'T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS, PLEASE, FEEL FREE ...
TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM!!!
"Why did my son have to die in Iraq?"
Another mother asked President Kennedy,
"Why did my son have to die in Viet Nam?"
Another mother asked President Truman,
"Why did my son have to die in Korea?
Another mother asked President F.D. Roosevelt,
"Why did my son have to die at Iwo Jima?"
Another mother asked President W. Wilson,
"Why did my son have to die on the battlefield of France?"
Yet another mother asked President Lincoln,
"Why did my son have to die at Gettysburg?"
And yet another mother asked President G. Washington,
"Why did my son have to die near Valley Forge?"
Then long, long ago, a mother asked ...
"Heavenly Father, why did my Son have to dieon a cross outside of Jerusalem?"
The answers to all these are similar ...
"So that others may have life and dwell in peace,happiness and freedom."
IF YOU DON'T STAND BEHIND OUR TROOPS, PLEASE, FEEL FREE ...
TO STAND IN FRONT OF THEM!!!
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
My Friend, It's Too Late
My friend, I stand in the Judgment now
and feel that you're to blame somehow.
On earth, I walked with you each day
and never did you point the way.
You knew the Lord in truth and glory,
But never did you tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim;
You could have led me safe to Him.
Though we lived together on the earth,
You never told me of the second birth.
And now I stand this day condemned,
because you failed to mention Him.
You taught me many things, that's true;
I called you "Friend" and trusted you,
but I learned now that it's too late,
you could have kept me from this fate.
We walked by day and talked by night,
and yet you showed me not the light.
You let me live, and love, and die,
you knew I'd never live on high.
Yes, I called you "Friend" in life,
and trusted you through joy and strife.
And yet on coming to the end,
I cannot, now call you "My Friend."
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
Sometimes we wonder about the fate of those who haven’t heard of Christ and have not even had a Bible to read. God assures us that all who honestly seek him—who act in faith on the knowledge of God that they possess—will be rewarded. When you tell others the gospel, encourage them to be honest and diligent in their search for truth. Those who hear the gospel are responsible for what they have heard.
and feel that you're to blame somehow.
On earth, I walked with you each day
and never did you point the way.
You knew the Lord in truth and glory,
But never did you tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim;
You could have led me safe to Him.
Though we lived together on the earth,
You never told me of the second birth.
And now I stand this day condemned,
because you failed to mention Him.
You taught me many things, that's true;
I called you "Friend" and trusted you,
but I learned now that it's too late,
you could have kept me from this fate.
We walked by day and talked by night,
and yet you showed me not the light.
You let me live, and love, and die,
you knew I'd never live on high.
Yes, I called you "Friend" in life,
and trusted you through joy and strife.
And yet on coming to the end,
I cannot, now call you "My Friend."
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
Sometimes we wonder about the fate of those who haven’t heard of Christ and have not even had a Bible to read. God assures us that all who honestly seek him—who act in faith on the knowledge of God that they possess—will be rewarded. When you tell others the gospel, encourage them to be honest and diligent in their search for truth. Those who hear the gospel are responsible for what they have heard.
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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.