Christians Unite

GOOD MORNING GOD!

2010-01-11T16:06:00.000-08:00

I use to get up in the morning and I was a crazed mess a lot of the time. I was tired and I did not feel good. I was confused,sometimes angry too. I knew most days I had many things facing me and the weight of the world seemed to be on my mere shoulders. Sound familiar? Yea, I can imagine it does. We all are trying to be a God, God-like, or the real living GOD- it just does not work! Why? We need to respect and expect God- which means we let Him take care of the earth and all the things,creatures, and people He placed here. Everyday we can wake up and turn to our Lord and reach out to Him. He will be, and is, there! While we are working for His kingdom each day, we can truly live as free people; having more peace and pleasure. Life can be enjoyed instead of every waking moment feeling like an annoying, nagging, chore to resent and lament. I have 10 scriptures from the book of Psalms that I read (and meditate on) every single morning upon rising, that I want to share with all of you. It is followed by a daily prayer, that is the conclusion of this post. I know in my heart that this will help to clear your inner vessel,for God will uplift you. Arise each day with gladness, God bless your soul.

1. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me Psalm 3:5
2. O Lord my God,in you do I take refuge Psam 7:1
3. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name,O Most High Psalm 9:2
4. I say to the Lord, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." Psalm 16:2
5. May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans! Psalm 20:4
6. To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust Psalm 25:1,2
7. "Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!" Psalm 35:27
8. When You said "Seek my face," My heart said to you, "Your face, Lord I will seek." Psalm 27:8
9. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us Psalm 90:17
10. I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart. On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased Psalm 138:1,3

Father,
I am heavenly blessed that you are my everything and the reason that I have all that I truly need. I am grateful to have Your face to seek at all times. This new day I shall spend with You and for You in Jesus' name, Amen

CUT THE ROPE

2010-01-02T14:04:00.000-08:00

There once was this young woman named Lisa. Her life was a dream, or so she thought. In her youth she was beautiful,smart, strong and courageous. Sought after by employers,friends and men- her hand could touch nothing but gold. It was her privilege,duty,and burden to care for her terminally ill father. He was good to her,although demanding. Her mother on the other hand,was cruel,deceptive,and full of anger and resentment toward Lisa.
Lisa unbeknown to her at the time, was loved deeply by God and blessed through His Grace. She loved pleasure rather than Him. Seeking instead after drugs,drinking,pre-martial sex,witchcraft,lying,jealousy and ungodly relationships of all kinds. God now meant nothing to her,despite growing up going to church faithfully. Lisa was sure that her looks,youth, skills,contacts and manipulation (works of Satan) was the ANSWER and the only one she needed to get through her life.

Her childhood was filled with some joy,and many material possessions. Her family spent alot of there time fighting and was trapped by unforgiveness, mistrust,and fears. Her parents' marriage broke up one day and her older siblings ran away- grownups eager to start their own lives, they were certain would be filled with happiness and true love. All which undoubtedly was lacking in the family household.

When Lisa moved into her father's home to care for him as he fell very ill, her mother's disapproval was always hovering over her. Her mother's goal was to destroy her ex-husband and Lisa by temper tantrums, meddling,criticism and hatred. Lisa fell deeper and deeper into sin, experimenting with sex acts with any man she could find. Witchcraft of all sorts (spells,card reading,and calling upon evil spirits). She found out she loved alcohol and that increased slowly but surely. Lisa fought with her family more and more, she had drama on her now numerous jobs, she went from boyfriend and one night stand lover to the next. She had revolving door friendships and she never looked back on anyone who crossed her. Lisa was addicted to several drugs that was growing a stronger hold on her than she realized or cared to admit. Like all addicts she was in denial. Not only was she wrong- she was ruining her life and all that God had in store for her.

Lisa kept on this path although a near collapsed lung, memory loss, and rapid fire mood swings plagued her. Her life and all that was in it disgusted her and made her unhappy. Lisa often contemplated running away from it all or suicide. She no longer cared as she had one battle too many and her father's health was turning for the worst. He was removed from her care and placed in a facility after a double leg amputation. Lisa was fired from her job as a office assistant,and she was evicted from the home she once shared with her father. Lisa had to sell her car and furniture to pay off bills that were swallowing her savings. She was broke, addicted to drugs and alcohol, and her boyfriend no longer wanted her around. Her friends had long deserted her. No one wanted to take her in or help her get on her feet. One of the last nights in her home she went into her walk in closet and sat down.
Lisa had had enough and this night was the night to end all the pain. Her first thought was to off herself and go into the hereafter. Lisa felt that she had nothing else to lose, all was lost in her beautiful brown eyes. With tears streaming down her young face, her father's .38 in her hand, a solution was within reach. Hours seem to have gone by and she was just sitting there in a daze, unable to pull the trigger.
Nostalgia, fear, depression ruled her brain but she began to do something completely out of character. Lisa suddenly remembered her upbringing of worshipping God in church! She decided although scared and numb maybe reluctant a bit, to reach out to the Almighty's unconditional love. Lisa boldly raised her self up onto her knees and whispered "Father I need you, help me Lord I am so sad and scared. Please help me to make it for I am weak. I need you now,right now!" God in heaven heard Lisa's fervent prayer and spoke back to her. Whatever was spoken renewed Lisa's soul and spirit, for within minutes she left that closet and threw the handgun away. Lisa smiled as she washed her face and took a long look in her bathroom mirror for one of the last times.

Her mother called the next day to say the family would help her move some belongings into her mother's home. She could live with her mom and stepfather. Lisa accepted and she quit drinking and taking drugs. Withdrawal was hard but constant prayer and God's word worked like a charm. Lisa felt so good in God's light and grace she even stopped smoking cigarettes too! Lisa's mother gave her time to get clean and free from her demons. They worked on their relationship for the first time in years- with God's leadership and lots of patience. It was not easy or perfect,but Christ filled and blessed tremendously. Lisa was thrilled at the opening and offer of employment at her stepfather's company. Her past clerical skills led to an executive administrative position with a decent,kind boss. Lisa was so happy to have a straight path to finally walk on. One thing was still missing in her life and deep down she knew it. One day she had to use a bathroom on a different floor at work due to remodeling going on at the time. Lisa was coming out of the stall when a woman she had never seen before asked her for a breath mint. Lisa happened to have some and of course shared them,as they struck up a conversation. Friendly and positive, the conversation led to God. Lisa was impressed to find someone of the same Christian faith (before she had not found one person who went to church or liked to talk about God at work). Lisa was even more impressed by the church this woman went to and all the great things this community of faith was dedicated to. The woman and Lisa exchanged numbers which came with an invite to the woman's church on the following Sunday.

Lisa decided to go after convincing her mother to tag along with her. Lisa felt at home right away as the presence of the Lord filled the church. Lisa was overjoyed and she could not get over the feeling of being with other sincere,proud believers. Soon after Lisa was a member of one the best churches in town and was determined to become an active believer. Her new friend from work led prayer and bible study sessions from her home twice a week. Lisa went several times before her friend decided to have Lisa share her story of struggle and redemption with the group. Afterwards fellow members came up to Lisa hugging her and offering kind words. Lisa was so amazed that people were so kind and not turned off by such a wild tale of shameful sin.

Lisa was on cloud nine and was even more joyous when her mother and stepfather decided to join her church. To this day Lisa, her husband (a youth leader for their church), and their children talk about her past mistakes. Lisa tells them that the things she engaged in can happen to anyone. For sin crouches at the door, but you must rule over it (Gen. 4:7). She also told them how God's love saves us from our afflictions (Psalm 116:8), and that he is always willing to seek and welcome us back into His open arms whenever we stray (Luke 15:6-7,20). Lisa was so happy to constantly tell her children about being baptized in Christ and granted eternal life and peace for she believed in Jesus as the son of the Living God. Also,how it all began because she took the first step to being saved, by calling upon the name of the Lord (Romans 10:13).

Daily Affirmations For The Soul

2009-09-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Say the following 5 times EACH,one to two times per day. For awakening,feeding, harmony,connection and inner alignment- Good luck and God bless!

1. God constantly blesses my open vessel
2. There is no doubt that through God, all things work out
3. I desire to live in Christ the King's palace eternally
4. Christ is my King, whom I diligently seek
5. I am led by God and his will, not by the world
6. Satan has no control over me,for I am a child of the most High God
7. I have been delivered from darkness,into God's glorious light
8. God's holy word lights my path
9. I am a happy humble servant of Christ Jesus
10. The Precious Lamb's blood has released me into liberty

** For you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground! (Psalm 143:10)

Biblical Competition

2009-07-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

NATIONAL BIBLE BEE

In November, Students from Across America Will Gather for the First National Bible Bee. The Top Winner Will Go Home with a $100,000 Prize!

I am so happy to share this information on such a wonderful competition that enhances and challenges today's youth. The filling and feeding of today's youth in the mind and spirit is pertinent for everyday life- preparing them for a great future. I have some of the information and of course a link about the Bee, so that you can get your child signed up.

There never has been a national competition with a world class prize designed to encourage the careful study and memorization of the Word of God- until now! The Shelby Kennedy Foundation has announced its intention to hold The Bible Bee, a national competition held in Washington, D.C., November 5-6, 2009, for students ages 7-18 dedicated to promoting Bible study and memorization. First prize for Primary Group(7-10) is $25,000: Junior Group (11-14) is $50,000: and for Senior Group (15-18) is $100,000. For more information, visit: http://www.biblebee.org
Good luck to all the students, God bless!

* Psalm 119:97,130
* Proverbs 29:18
* Philippians 4:13

ABIDING IN GOD'S JOY

2009-06-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

HOW TO ABIDE IN GOD'S JOY

The followng steps assures God's joy as it fills our hearts and lives

1. Surrender (1 Samuel 1:15,2:1-10 Job 42:2,5 Acts 9:18,20)
2. Dependence (Psalm 33:20-22, John 16:24,1 Peter 5:7,Romans 9:16)
3. Rest (Psalm 4:8, John 14:1,27 1 Kings 5:4, Hebrews 4:10)
4. Obedience (John 14:15,John 15:10, Galatians 5:16,19-21)
5. Rejoicing (Psalm 5:11, John 15:11,Philippians 4:4,Romans 12:12, Joel 2:21)

Surrendering to God can be done in just 2 actions. First like Hannah and Job you have to recognize who and what God is(loving almighty life giving spirit). Second you have to be willing to give up your sorrows,troubles,thinking and ways like Hannah,Job and Paul. This is how God can help,bless,uplift,change and work through,with and for you.

Dependence like the scriptures say in Psalm and John is asking,trusting,waiting,knowing God for what you need. Placing your desires and needs on God because of His mercy, and that He cares for all of us is the right and only thing to do. Like in 1 Samuel when Hannah said "There is no rock like our God" He is our everything who else and what can we truly depend upon in good times and bad?

Rest is what we need from our jobs,families, thoughts, stress,problems, and all sorts of daily activities. Assurance of God's love,help and peace equals rest. Lets go farther: rest like in 1 Kings and Psalm is God taking care of our entire lives. No need like it states,in John 14 to be afraid or worried because belief and peace is our 'rest' assurance. We are taught why to rest and that we should like God did in Hebrews 4

Obedience is a life long opportunity to receive God's best for our lives. Why ask God for His help and advice to only forget and refuse to follow and obey it? That is a waste and it is a dangerous trap. In John 14 and 15 we are told to obey God if we love Him and want to abide in His love. There is no love for God and no good for our lives if we disrespect,and disregard all that He commands us to do. We are told in Galatians 5 about the things God despises of and what happens if we engage in such behavior. Why then should we not follow God's advice and commands- oh yea,so we can be trapped always in misery and fear- lack for things and never experience God's great blessing of working through us, reject eternal life with the King (wow,a privilege and gift for no true believer to throw away)

Rejoicing is the end result from following the other 4 steps. It is a celebration of our best life ever! Be happy and secure always like in Psalm 5 and Phil. 4 Remember why and how you can rejoice like it says in John 15 and Romans 12. Know to rejoice like in Joel 2 because He has and always will do great things for us - we just have to let God reign supreme and be first in our lives- Best reason ever to rejoice,Hallelujah!

The Easter Gift

2009-04-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

The best gifts to give

At Easter…

To your friend ...

LOYALTY

To your enemy ...

FORGIVENESS

To your boss ...

SERVICE

To a child ...

A GOOD EXAMPLE

To your parents ...

GRATITUDE & DEVOTION

To your mate ...

LOVE & FAITHFULNESS

To all men and women ...

LOVE

To God ...

YOUR LIFE

Wishing you & your loved ones a wonderful and blessed Easter holidays, Take care always!!!!!!!!!!

God bless you and your family

Healing Through Scripture (Pt.4)

2009-03-25T14:50:00.000-07:00

There is a healing for every problem,affliction,heartache and pain....

I have many issues in my life that I have to and have,healed from. I talk to many people that seem so unhealthy and unhappy as they battle everything from satan to grave illnesses. I want to feel good and be enriched through the grace of God- I know you do to! Here are a few issuses many of us,or loved ones might be dealing with. I encourage you to take these scriptures and 'pray-read' them-(using the scriptures as you pray to the Lord). This is a powerful form of healing that connects us to the Father and heaven. We all need healing and no one is better at granting it unto you,than God!

1. Bleeding (Ezekiel 16:6,Mark 5:25-29)
2. Fatigue (Isaiah 40:29)
3. Headaches (Psalm 25:18,Psalm 119:25)
4. Heart (Psalm 31:24,Psalm 51:10)
5. Learning Disabilities (Cor. 2:16,Job 2:8,Dan. 1:17,Exodus 31:3&6,Neh. 9:20,Prov. 4:13)

God bless you and your loved ones on the journey of health,peace and well being!

Faith Foundations

2009-03-04T14:16:00.000-08:00

THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

1. God is eternal.
God said, "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14). Moses wrote:

"Before the mountains were born or you brought forth
the earth and the world, from everlasting to
everlasting you are God" (Psalm 90:2).

God does not live in the past or in the future, actually. He lives in the now.

"For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that
has just gone by, or like a watch in the night" (Psalm
90:4).

2. God is all-powerful. He said to Abram,

"I am God Almighty" (Genesis 17:1).

God's power is shown by His speaking the earth into existence. God said,

"'Let there be light,' and there was light" (Genesis
1:3).

Something of God's might, His genius, His complete ability to set all things in total harmony is seen throughout our universe. Our flights into space are possible because men can depend on the accuracy of God to direct the stars in the heavens.

3. God is good.

"He himself gives all men life and breath and everything
else" (Acts 17:25).

Our English words "God" and "good" are related.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down
from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not
change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17).

4. God is near.

"For in him we live and move and have our being" (Acts
17:28).

"He is not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:27).

God's children call Him "Father." He is the

"God, who richly provides us with everything for our
enjoyment" (1 Timothy 6:17).

5. "God is love" (1 John 4:8).
He sent His only begotten Son down to our world to live among us and to die for us on the cross. Love gives, and

"God so loved the world that he gave his one and only
Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but
have eternal life" (John 3:16).

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for
us all -- how will he not also, along with him,
graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32).

6. God is holy.
He will of necessity correct those who are not holy. This chastening is for our good, and to lead us to Himself. God does this because He loves us. God warns us in His word of the dangers of not living right, and this He does because He does not want us to be destroyed by our own stubborn wills.

God has

"set a day when he will judge the world with justice by
the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to
all men by raising him from the dead" (Acts 17:31).

How can we escape the judgment of the holy God? We can come to Him in faith, for

"without faith it is impossible to please God, because
anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and
that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews
11:6).

Our holy God desires holy people, so believers in God accept Christ as Lord, and they repent of their sins and they are baptized into Christ for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38).

The Devil Shall Flee

2009-03-04T13:12:00.000-08:00

Repeat the following 4 chants 2 times a day,everyday- keep Satan out of your life and from everywhere God leads you and your loved ones (2-4 can also be used as prayers)

1. The devil is a destroyer and a liar (repeat 15 times in a row)

2. Father God, In the name of the Jesus and the Holy Spirit rebuke Satan from me, my family and our home(s) (repeat 15 times in a row)

3. Thank you God, for rebuking Satan from me,my loved and our home(s)
(repeat 15 times in a row)

4. For your steadfast love and all your blessings Father God, I thank you
(repeat 10 times in a row)

*Jeremiah 6:16 Thus says the Lord: "Stand by the roads, and look for the ancient paths, where the good way is and walk in it, and find rest for your souls."

* Psalm 97:11,12 Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,and give thanks to his holy name!

* Matthew 4:10,11 Then Jesus said to him "Be gone Satan!" Then the devil left him

I'll Be There

2009-02-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

It is easy to shout praises and declare our faith when things are going well. This is the time to believe on the Name of the Son of God, declare our faith in God and love one another and our prayers will be answered. (Read I John 3:19-24). This is an opportunity to strengthen our faith in God’s Word. There is much to learn as we enforce the triumphant victory that Jesus won at Calvary.

There are Old Testament examples of people who maintained their faith during adverse situations. When Job suffered a reversal of fortune, lost his health, his wife and children, he searched for the meaning of faith. His three friends who came to see him insisted that he was being punished for his sins and the only solution was repentance. A fourth friend assured him that God was trying to teach him something.

When you sincerely seek answers God is faithful to answer. He revealed His power and wisdom to Job. No longer was Job’s faith in his righteousness or unrighteousness, but in an omniscient and omnipotent God. Job says to the Lord God Almighty: I had heard of You [only] by the hearing of the ear, but now my [spiritual] eye sees You. Therefore I loathe [my words] and abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:5-6)

The Lord then reprimanded Job’s friends for they had not spoken right things about Him. At God’s instruction they offered up for themselves a burnt offering; and Job, the servant of God prayed for them. After Job had interceded for his friends, God restored his fortune—and then doubled it! All his brothers and sisters and friends came to his house and celebrated. They told him how sorry they were, and consoled him for all the trouble God had brought him. Each of them brought generous housewarming gifts. God blessed Job's later life even more than his earlier life. (The Message Bible)

During this time of crisis let’s pray to the God who is our exceeding great Hope, praying for one another with joy. Begin praying for the needs of others and see what God will do. Remember, God began to move in Job’s life when he prayed for the needs of his friends. Let us develop an overcoming mindset, resting our faith in the God who knows and the God who sees. He hears and answers prayer.

Please join me as we pray together – united in prayer we stand and we shall see the salvation of the Lord.

Father in the name of Jesus, I ask that everyone who needs healing in their life be touched continually by your love,light and grace. I ask Father that by your loving-kindness and grace that you enable the merciful to fulfill your will in their lives - by sowing seeds of faith, love,hope,health,peace,prosperity and safety. Thank you Father God for shining your light of divine love in everyone's hearts, minds and spirits- In Jesus' name Amen

Troop Support

2009-01-31T15:08:00.000-08:00

Ways To Help Support Our Men & Women Serving Overseas

Pen Pals for Soldiers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, funded by private donations and staffed only by volunteers. All donations are tax deductible.

Donations to Pen Pals for Soldiers are used to pay for postage for the care packages or to purchase special items requested directly from our deployed troops.

Adopt -A -Service Person "Care Package"

For a $20.00 donation, we will mail a care package to a service person in your name. The care package includes postage, snacks, cross word puzzles, books, candy, kool-aide, hygene items, socks and other items. You may choose to send to a service man or woman serving overseas in the service branch of your choice.

Are you looking for a unique gift idea? We will mail a Adopt-a-Service Person care package to a service person with the name and address of the person you are donating this wonderful gift on behalf of yourself to a service person serving overseas. We will send the donator a confirmation with the name and address of the service person who will be receiving the care package.

How To Donate
1. PayPal or Credit Card - You can make a secure donation here: http://www.penpalsforsoldiers.org/wayshelp.php
Your donation will go directly to U.S. Postage cost for shipping care packages to all the troops overseas, and/or for purchasing care packages (toiletry, personal hygiene items, breakfast/power bars, magazines, beef jerky, nuts, and more) for the troops.

. Checks/Money Orders: We also accept checks and money orders payable to:

Pen Pals for Soldiers, Inc.

Please send checks or money orders to:

Pen Pals for Soldiers, Inc.
3885-J Cochran St. #103
Simi Valley , CA 93063

Write To Our Troops

2009-01-28T15:06:00.000-08:00

Below are current military addresses of both men and women who are interested in receiving mail from a PEN PAL. Your cards, letters and postcards mean a lot to our SOLDIERS serving overseas. The single most requested items from our SOLDIERS are cards, letters and postcards.

It’s easy to write to the troops.

Write your letter or postcard as you would to a friend, family member.
If you would like a like a response back, include your address at the bottom of your letter or postcard.
Place your letter in and envelope and address it with the SOLDIERS name exactly as written (below). Include your return address on the outside of the envelope.
Place a postage stamp on your letter or postcard and place it in the mail.

Note:

It generally takes 4-8 weeks from the time you mail your letter or postcard until you get a response back. Write as many SOLDIERS as you like.

We live in the land of the free, because of the brave…..

Brian Meinert
MNC-I / PMO / K-9
APO AE 09342
Army Iraq - Military Working Dog Handler

Deployed til 4/2/09

6 males - 1 female - 7 dogs

Cpl David C. Olszak
K-9 Kennel Master
Unit 44505
FPO AP 96426-4505
Marine Iraq - Military Working Dog Handler

Deployed til 4/30/09

20 males - 6 dogs

Cpl Jakub Holmes
2D MP BN K-9 DET
UNIT 73795
FPO AE 09509-3795

Marine Iraq - Military Working Dog Handler
Deployed til 4/15/09
8 males - 8 dogs

Andrew M. Limes
447 AEG/ESFS/K9
APO AE 09321
Air Force K 9 Iraq Military Dog handler

Deployed til 4/15/09

8 males

SSgt Erik Ellingson
HHT 1-32 CAV / K9 101ABN (AASLT)
LSA Anaconda
APO AE 09391
Airman Iraq Military Dog Handler

Deployed til 1/31/09

2 males - 2 dogs

SrA Wayne W. Stickels
Law and Order Det (k9)
APO AE 09366

Air Force Kuwait Military Dog Handler

Deployed til 2/20/09

2 males

Sgt Matthew J. Favinger
Camp Korean Village MP/K9
FPO AE 09371

Marine Iraq Military Dog Handler

Deployed til 4/9/09

6 males

SSgt John J. Grice
379 ESFS/K-9
APO AE 09309 Airman Iraq Military Dog Handler

Deployed til 2/1/09

10 males - 1 female - several dogs

LCpl Brett Yamashita
Camp Korean Village
MP/K9
APO AE 09371
Marine Iraq Military Dog Handler

Deployed til 4/1/09

5 males

SSgt Eric S. Magnuson
Law & Order DET (K-9)
APO AE 09366
Airman Iraq Military Dog Handler

Deployed til 2/15/09

5 males - 2 females

Clayton W. Glover
TF Guardian ATTN: K-9
APO AE 09354
Army Afghanistan Kennel Master

Deployed til 8/14/09

17 males - 5 females

Sgt Thomas Williams
1/2 WPNS CO EOD
UNIT 73035
FPO AE 09509-3045

Marine Iraq Military Dog Handler

Deployed til 3/15/09

10 males - 1 dog "Eve"

Johnny W. Kyte
TF GUARDIAN
ATTN: K9
APO AE 09354

Army Afghanistan Military Dog Handler

Deployed til 2/15/09

11 males - 1 females

Army - Iraq

Deployed til 9/15/09

FEMALE SOLDIERS

CPT Ramona Toussaint
C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

CPT Lori August

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

SPC Linda Welsh

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

SPC Tryon

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

2LT White

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

2LT Kwan

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

2LT Stump

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

MAJ Alexanian

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

CPT Darst

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

CPT Shaw

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

SPC Olivares

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

SFC Rainford

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

SSG Saint

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

SPC Savoy

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

SPC Anderson

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

SFC Kym B. Ricketts

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

CPL Kermetris Hill

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

MALE SOLDIERS

SFC Stephens

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

PFC Torres

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

SGT Nanai

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

SGT Hunter

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

SPC Harrison

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

PV2 Worthington

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

SPC Hunter

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

SPC Curry

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

CPT Johnson

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

CPT Bhatta

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

CPT Roberts

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

CPT Bender

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

SSG Smallwood

C CO 27th BSB
1st Cavalry Division
APO AE 09331

Read The Bible In A Year (PT.1)

2009-01-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

I have put together a chart that will help you on a spiritual journey of reading the word of God. Each and every month, I will post this chart that has morning and evening reading assignments-that if followed,in 365 days you will have read the entire Holy Bible! I am so excited and will be doing this at home as well- Are we ready? Here is the month of January- covered are the books of: Genesis, Matthew, and Exodus (Partially)

DATE MORNING EVENING

Jan. MATT. GEN.
1 1 1,2,3
2 2 4,5,6
3 3 7,8,9
4 4 10,11,12
5 5:1-26 13,14,15
6 5:27-48 16,17
7 6:1-18 18,19
8 6:19-34 20,21,22
9 7 23,24
10 8:1-17 25,26
11 8:18-34 27,28
12 9:1-17 29,30
13 9:18-38 31,32
14 10:1-20 33,34,35
15 10:21-42 36,37,38
16 11 39,40
17 12:1-23 41,42
18 12:24-50 43,44,45
19 13:1-30 46,47,48
20 13:31-58 49,50

EX.
21 14:1-21 1,2,3
22 14:22-36 4,5,6
23 15:1-20 7,8
24 15:21-39 9,10,11
25 16 12,13
26 17 14,15
27 18:1-20 16,17,18
28 18:21-35 19,20
29 19 21,22
30 20:1-16 23,24
31 20:17-34 25,26

The Christ Bell

2009-01-03T14:50:00.000-08:00

I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven.. I am significant (Phil 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom.. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil.. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ ( Col .. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are!?

Keep this bell ringing...pass it on
'The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you;
The LORD turn His face toward you
And give you peace..'
Numbers 6:24-26

"Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead, tell the storm how big your God is.!*

Merry Christmas To All!

2008-12-17T15:20:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS- HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Well I just love to give and receive hoilday greetings,its sweet and makes me feel good. I try to read my bible and reflect on a daily basis if possible, and I have been reminded of the best gift we all have gotten. What does it mean to truly give, to whom,why,how? Take a look at the following- 'Tis the season!

1. John 3:16 (God's ultimate gift to us)
2. Matthew 19:20-21 (Never be at a loss to surrender 'material things' for the kingdom)
3. Luke 6:30 (Give to all who ask)
4. Malachi 3:10 (Give back to God what He already has given to you)
5. Matthew 22:21 (Give to God what he owns- our very selves)
6. Joel 2:13 (Our hearts are the best gifts to give)
7. Exodus 35:29 (Give of a free will what God commands)
8. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (Be a cheerful giver)
9. James 1:17 (Every gift is from God)
10. Ezekiel 16:49 (A mistake not to give to the needy)
11. Esther 4:4 (Give even when it is rejected)
12. Genesis 27:28 (May you receive all that you truly need)

** Isaiah 9:6
Jesus is the best,true and only reason for the season- Love to the King!

Twelve This Thanksgiving

2008-11-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

As Thanksgiving is nearing I have become reflective on what the term means and what this special day stands for. I was reading my bible, flipping through scriptures and truly started to understand.... GOD is the reason we are to be thankful and much thanks and praise realy goes to Him! I have gathered some scriptures that really put God, His kingdom, His son,His will & ways - into light. Insight we are never to forget, be joyous in, look forward too & be full of gratitude for. Read,reflect and enjoy... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

1. 1 Corinthians 1:4
2. Psalm 97:12
3. Luke 17:18
4. 2 Samuel 22:50
5. 2 Corinthians 9:11,15
6. 2 Chronicles 6:12-14
7. 1 Corinthians 10:31
8. 1 Timothy 1:17
9. Nehemiah 9:5-6
10. Jonah 2:9
11. Mark 8:6
12. Haggai 1:4-6,9

** O God, help me to live the life of gratitude that you invite me to live. Amen.

Does God Really Care?

2008-10-27T15:59:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we humans feel very small - and with good reason!

We are microscopic on our planet. The total human population could stand within a surface area of 200 square miles, whereas earth's volume is 260,000,000,000 cubic miles. Yet "our" Earth is a mere pinhead beside its sun. The sun is but one star among millions across space so vast as to defy comprehension. At jet travel speed, reaching the nearest star would take us about a million years.

In the grand scale of time and space we seem utterly insignificant. When we feel lost and lonely, who feels with us? Who sees our few, fleeting moments? Who cares about our troubles?

Sometimes, beneath the night sky, David also feels small and vulnerable. David hears the Creator's importance loudly announced by the power and order in the universe.

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens! (Psalm 8:1)

David recognizes that the sheer scale of the universe seems to rule out any "importance" for humans. He asks,

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him? (Psalm 8:3-4)

How incredible - that the Creator of all this cares for me! Yet the very proof for God's majesty also shows our place of responsibility. God expects us to read and honor that evidence. Even little children know awe and wonder: "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise" (Psalm 8:2). David recognizes how much God invests in each human:

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of Your hands (Psalm 8:5-6)

Try an experiment: Let the magic of your favorite music play along the edges of your mind. Wonder at your ability to enjoy such ethereal beauty. Picture, in any attractive setting, the meal you find most delicious. Savor it. Appreciate the aesthetic qualities of taste, aroma, color, form and texture. Feel the warmth of embrace, the joy of eyes that meet and understand. Let the gift of "love" fill you with awe.

Can This Be God's Will?

2008-10-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

Your success in life's race depends on your reason for running. One of Aesop's fables tells of a dog that stumbled upon a hare. Swift and determined, the hound chased the hare over many miles. Finally, the hound gave up in exhaustion. Seeing the race, a by-stander praised the hero-hare. He mocked the loser. Indignantly the hound replied, "You forget that it is one thing to run for your dinner and another to run for your life."

Many people are "running for their dinner." They are smart and driven. Yet they are pursuing just one more job to pay the bills. Their highest goal is to provide for the body's needs and pleasures. "'Let us eat and drink,' you say, 'for tomorrow we die!'" While this quote sounds like a beer commercial, it actually comes from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah (22:13). He is describing a pervasive view of life in both his day and our own. As many discover the hard way, this worn out view of life is empty and meaningless.

Our bodies will fail and fail far too soon. "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14). What business person would invest in a market he knows to be rapidly and finally declining? Yet that same shrewd investor forgets the greatest truth about profit and loss. "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).

Jesus encourages you in your search when he advises, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life" (John 6:27). Don't run for your dinner, run for your life!

While on earth, food was about the last thing on the mind of Jesus. He begins His special work by fasting for forty days (Luke 4:2). Later, He turns down the offer of a much-needed meal. Why? "My food," He answers, "is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work" (John 4:34).

The will of God! This alone fills and satisfies Jesus. He craves soul satisfaction as a starving man craves food. He calls us to have this same priority in our lives: "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:31-33).

Healing Through Scripture (Pt. 3)

2008-10-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

There is a healing for every problem,affliction, heartache and pain....

I have many issues in my life that I have to and have,healed from. I talk to many people that seem so unhealthy and unhappy as they battle everything from satan to grave illnesses. I want to feel good and be enriched through the grace of God- I know you do to! Here are a few issuses many of us,or loved ones might be dealing with. I encourage you to take these scriptures and 'pray-read' them-(using the scriptures as you pray to the Lord). This is a powerful form of healing that connects us to the Father and heaven. We all need healing and no one is better at granting it unto you,than God!

1. Back Problems Luke 13:11-12
2. Diabetes Psalm 107:20, Jeremiah 33:6
3. Eyes Isaiah 35:5,42:16& Mark 8:23,Deut 34:7
4. Feet 1 Samuel 2:9, Psalm 116:8,Proverb 3:23
5. Fire/Flood Isaiah 43:2

** Make a liar out of the devil who has tried to trap you and/or loved ones into thinking there is no way out to your problems,conflicts and suffering- God bless you all!

Scribes,Pharisees, & Sadducees

2008-09-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

Read the following to figure out who the scribes,pharisees, and sadducees
Scribes where, their purpose and what role they played in the life of Jesus his apostles

In the days of the Hebrews monarchy this was the title of a court official, a secretary of state (2 Sam. 8: 17; 2 Kgs. 12: 10; 2 Kgs. 18: 18). After the captivity we find the title given to Ezra (Ezra 7: 6, 21) and to others who acted as teachers of the law. Scribes are frequently mentioned in the N.T., being sometimes called lawyers. It was their business to develop the law in detail and apply it to the circumstances of their time; hence grew up the oral or traditional law side by side with the written law. Their method of teaching was catechetical. Their aim was to reproduce and teach others to reproduce accurately the words of the wise (hence the office is a symbol of fidelity in instruction, Matt. 13: 52). The scribes never taught on their own authority (contrast with this the Lord’s method, Matt. 7: 29).

Pharisees
A religious party among the Jews. The name denotes separatists. They prided themselves on their strict observance of the law, and on the care with which they avoided contact with things gentile. Their belief included the doctrine of immortality and resurrection of the body and the existence of angels and spirits. They upheld the authority of oral tradition as of equal value with the written law. The tendency of their teaching was to reduce religion to the observance of a multiplicity of ceremonial rules, and to encourage self-sufficiency and spiritual pride

Sadducees
A party or caste among the Jews. The name is probably derived from Zadok, the high priest in Solomon’s time. The party consisted of old high-priestly families who came to the front during the Maccabean war. They formed the Jewish aristocracy, and were powerful though quite small in numbers. In their treatment of religious questions they held to the letter of the Mosaic revelation and denied the authority of ancient tradition; they taught complete freedom of the will in moral action; they were opposed to the Pharisees as to the belief in angels and spirits; they refused also to accept the doctrine of immortality as a necessary part of the Jewish faith. It was through their influence that Greek culture spread in Israel. Their opposition to our Lord was the result of his action in cleansing the temple, which they regarded as an infringement of their rights. They opposed the work of the apostles because they preached the resurrection (Acts 4: 1-3; cf. Mark 12: 18-27; Acts 23: 7-8).

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS

2008-08-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

I encourage you to use the appropriate self-talk to build self-confidence,overcome rejection,have high self esteem and trust in God.
Read these affirmations aloud. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS

In spite of the rejection I have experienced, I declare that everything the Heavenly Father says about me is true:

God loves me and accepts me just as I am
From today forward Life is good to me

I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3).

Everything that I need He has already supplied.

I am chosen by the Heavenly Father (Eph. 1:4).

I am holy and without blame (Eph. 1:4).

I am a child of God according to the good pleasure of His will (Eph. 1:5).

I am accepted in the Beloved (Eph. 1:6).

I am redeemed through the blood of Jesus (Eph. 1:7).

I am a person of wisdom and prudence (Eph. 1:8).

I am an heir (Eph. 1:11).

I am attracting the more abundant life to myself

I have a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ (Eph. 1:17).

I am saved by grace (Eph. 2:5).

I am seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:6).

I am the workmanship of my Heavenly Father (Eph. 2:10).

I am near to the God of the Universe by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13).

I am a new creation (Eph. 2:15).

I am a member of God’s household (Eph. 2:19).

I am a citizen of heaven (Eph. 2:19).

I am a partaker of the promises of God in Christ (2 Pet. 1:4).

I am strengthened with might by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:16).

-I allow Christ to dwell in my heart by faith (Eph. 3:17).

I am rooted and grounded in love (Eph. 3:17).

I speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15).

I am renewed in the spirit of my mind (Eph. 4:23).

I am a follower of Jesus (Eph. 5:1).

I walk in love (Eph. 5:2).

I am light (Eph. 5:8).

I walk circumspectly (Eph. 5:15).

I am filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).

I am more than a conqueror (Rom. 8:37).

I am an overcomer (Rev. 12:11).

I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 1:30).

I am healed (1 Pet. 2:24).

I am free (John 8:36).

I am salt (Matt. 5:13).

I am consecrated (1 Cor. 6:11 amp).

I am sanctified (1 Cor. 6:11).

I am victorious (1 John 5:4).

I love others even as I love myself.

Everything God says about me in His Word is true. Jesus is my Lord.

HEALING THROUGH SCRIPTURE (PT.2)

2008-07-23T15:17:00.000-07:00

I have many issues in my life that I have to and have,healed from. I talk to many people that seem so unhealthy and unhappy as they battle everything from satan to grave illnesses. I want to feel good and be enriched through the grace of God- I know you do to! Here are a few issuses many of us,or loved ones might be dealing with. I encourage you to take these scriptures and 'pray-read' them-(using the scriptures as you pray to the Lord). This is a powerful form of healing that connects us to the Father and heaven. We all need healing and no one is better at granting it unto you,than God!

1. Absentmindness: (Prov. 16:3,John 14:26, 1 Cor. 2:16)

2. Accidents: (Psalm 91:10-12, Mark 3:5,Isaiah 43:2)

3. Cancer: (Exodus 23:25,1 Peter 2:24,Matthew 8:17)

4. Death: (Psalm 33:18-19,Psalm 118:17)

5. Finances: (Phil. 4:19, Prov. 11:31, Prov.15:6,Prov. 8:21,Matt.6:24-25&33)

* Take good care of yourselves and one another,God bless you all!

Becoming 1 With The Lord Through Prayers

2008-07-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

Heavenly Father, You spoke by the Spirit through Your servant James, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” Help me to watch and pray each day, at the beginning, throughout the day and at the end of the day. You will answer; You will guide, protect and sustain me. Thank You for providing strength to resist temptation. My prayers are forceful and effective, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Father-God, I count myself dead to sin, but alive to You, and I refuse to allow sin to reign in my mortal body. Today and every day, I present myself to You as being alive from the dead, and my members as instruments of righteousness. Sin shall not have dominion over me, for I am not under law but under grace in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Father, I desire to be completely abandoned unto You. It's so wonderous to be captivated in your bonds of love, yet completely free from sin's entanglements, free from doubt and fear, free from worry and grief. You are my God, and I will praise you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Father-God, I thank you for flooding my mind with wisdom and creative ideas. You created me for Your pleasure, and I submit to the constant ministry of transformation by the Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, day by day, I am being transformed into the image and likeness of your dear Son! Amen.

*** Take the time fellow Christians to praise the Lord, rejoice for He has risen! Take the time to talk to God, with our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, and remain open and still to receive His guidance,wisdom and truth- not just our ears and eyes need to be awakened but also our very souls and spirits- deep down we all desire answers and correction and to have purity of heart, as it sustains and balances us which will always lead us to our one and only true Father and savior. As it says in Matthew 5:3 'Blessed is the poor in spirit' and in Matthew 7:7 'Ask, and it will be given to you;seek,and you will find' Prayer is the key that opens the doors to what we need and yearn for- Admitting we are thirsty as it states in Matthew 5:3, and that when we ask and seek as it states in Matthew 7:7 - is how you #1 Know that a 'door' needs to opened for you. #2 That when we need the 'door' to be opened at just the right moment- it WILL BE!

**Give glory and thanks to God always, never forsaking that we can turn to Him for anything,everytime - God bless!!!

Christian One Liners

2008-07-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

Lets have a laugh as we serve God and love ourselves and others :)

Don't let your worries get the
best of you; remember, Moses started
out as a basket case.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Some people are kind, polite, and
sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Many folks want to serve God,
but only as advisors.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

It is easier to preach ten sermons
than it is to live one.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The good Lord didn't create anything
without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

When you get to your wit's end,
you'll find God lives there.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

People are funny; they want the front
of the bus, the middle of the road, and
the back of the church.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Opportunity may knock once, but temptation
bangs on your front door forever.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Quit griping about your church;
if it was perfect, you couldn't belong.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

If the church wants a better pastor,
it only needs to pray for the one it has.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God Himself does not propose to judge
a man until he is dead. So why should you?

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Some minds are like concrete:
thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Peace starts with a smile.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

I don't know why some people
change churches; what difference does
it make which one you stay home from?

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

A lot of church members who are singing
'Standing on the Promises'
are just sitting on the premises.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

We were called to be witnesses,
not lawyers or judges.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Be ye fishers of men. You catch
them - He'll clean them.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Coincidence is when God
chooses to remain anonymous.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Don't put a question mark
where God put a period.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Don't wait for 6 strong men
to take you to church.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Forbidden fruits create many jams.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God doesn't call the qualified,
He qualifies the called.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God grades on the cross, not the curve.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God loves everyone, but probably prefers
'fruits of the spirit' over 'religious nuts!'

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God promises a safe landing,
not a calm passage.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

He who angers you, controls you!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Prayer:

Don't give God instructions -- just report for duty!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The task ahead of us is never as
great as the Power behind us.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The Will of God never takes you to
where the Grace of God will not protect you.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

We don't change the message,
the message changes us.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

You can tell how big a person is
by what it takes to discourage him.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The best mathematical equation
I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Knowing Jesus (Pt 3)

2008-06-09T15:41:00.000-07:00

Knowing Jesus Through His Prophecies

"Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what
John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did
was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah
(that is, the Christ)'...Philip found Nathanael and told him, 'We have
found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets
also wrote--Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.' " (John 1:40-41, 45)

God, through the prophets, had drawn a picture of the coming Messiah. Every Jew who heard readings from the Old Testament knew parts of this picture well. When Andrew and Philip met Jesus they began to see ways in which Jesus fit the prophetic picture. Believing Jews had waited centuries for this very moment. This kind of good news had to be shared! Philip soon told his friend, "We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

THE NATION OF THE MESSIAH

PROMISES TO ADAM AND ABRAHAM

Moses, in about 1500 B.C., was the opening writer of the Old Testament. He recorded God's first promise of hope for the sinful human family. God said to the snake:

"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your
offspring and hers; He will crush your head, and you will strike His
heel" (Genesis 3:15).

>From the beginning, the prophecies pointed to a male "offspring," a male child. He would crush or destroy the snake, Satan (note Revelation 12:9). Satan would also give Him much pain.

Later, God spoke again of an "offspring" or "seed." God chose Abraham, and God promised him,

"Through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you
have obeyed Me" (Genesis 22:18).

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

THE PROMISE TO ISRAEL

God repeated this promise to Abraham's son Isaac (Genesis 21:12; 26:4).

God then repeated the promise to Isaac's son Jacob (Genesis 28:14). Jacob was also called Israel, as we can read in Genesis 32:24-28. Israel had twelve sons.

Which one of these twelve would God choose to carry on the promise of the blessing? Just before his death, Israel gave God's blessings to each of his sons. Israel said to his son Judah:

"The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between
his feet, until He comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the
nations is His." (Genesis 49:10)

Israel's son, Judah, would be the family line that would have the "scepter," the stick of royal authority. Kings would come from the line of Judah. Many years after Genesis had been written, this prophecy came true. The kings of Israel did come from the tribe of Judah. Yet there was more to the prophecy. "He would come" - the One to whom that ruler's rod really belongs. He would be more than just Israel's King, for He would be over "the nations."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

THE FAMILY OF THE MESSIAH

The first king from Judah's line was David, in about 1000 B.C. God made amazing promises to King David (2 Samuel 7:8-29; Psalm 89:3-37; Psalm 132). These promises were repeated by the prophets (Isaiah 11:1; Amos 9: 11; Ezekiel 37:24-28). Jeremiah, for example, foretold,

"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a
righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and
right in the land" (Jeremiah 23:5).

The New Testament was written over 600 years after Jeremiah. The book of Matthew begins:

"A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of
Abraham." (Matthew 1:1)

It is due to the fact that Israel's laws about owning property that caused Jews to keep strict records of each genealogy. Therefore it was well-known among the Jews that Jesus was from David's family (Matthew 9:27; 15:22; Acts 2:22-36). Was it just by chance that Jesus came into that one nation, that one tribe, and that single family that had been predicted by God?

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

THE BIRTH PLACE OF THE MESSIAH

The number of places in the world is beyond counting. Who could foretell the exact place of the Messiah's birth? Yet the prophet Micah made an amazing promise: The great Ruler would come from the home village (1 Samuel 16) of His forefather David.

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans
of Judah, out of you will come for Me One who will be Ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old, from ancient times" (Micah 5:2).

The mother of Jesus lived in Nazareth. Government rules forced her to travel many miles to Bethlehem. Her male child was born there, in the very village marked 500 years earlier by Micah (Matthew 2; Luke 2; John 7:42). Did this also happen by chance?

Andrew and Philip knew that only God could foretell and fulfill in such exact ways. They understood enough of the prophecies to be able to say, "We have found the Messiah."

However, some prophecies were more difficult to understand and accept.

________________________
| |
| |
| THE NATION OF ISRAEL |
| |
|______________________ |
| | | |
| | | |
| | THE TRIBE OF JUDAH | |
| | | |
| |_________________ | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | FAMILY OF | | |
| | | DAVID | | |
| | | __________ | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | JESUS | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | |______ | | | |

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

MANY JEWS EXPECTED AN EARTHLY KING

Many Jews thought that the Messiah would be like other kings. They reasoned that if the Messiah would rule all nations, He would do so by armed force. So they looked for One to lead them in battle against their nation's enemy, Rome (Acts 5:36-37). Seeing the great powers of Jesus, they wanted to force Jesus to become their king (John 6:15). They expected earthly Jerusalem to be His capital city. Later, when Jesus came to Jerusalem, large crowds shouted their greetings:

"Hosanna to the Son of David." (Matthew 21:9)

"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David." (Mark 11:10)

"Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord." (Luke 19:38)

The crowds were soon disappointed. Instead of joining in their happiness, Jesus wept over the city (Luke 19:43-44). He warned that Jerusalem would soon be destroyed by the Romans (Luke 21:5-24). Instead of marching against the Roman rulers, Jesus came before them as an accused criminal on trial (Luke 23). Many who had welcomed Him began to call for His death. Nails were driven into His hands and feet to hold him onto the raised wood of the cross. There He was left to die slowly, in great pain.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

THE SUFFERING OF THE MESSIAH

Neither the followers of Jesus, nor His enemies, expected that the Messiah would suffer in such ways. Great kings are supposed to be accepted by their people; Jesus was rejected by His people. Great kings have honor and respect; Jesus died in shame. Great kings defeat their enemies; Jesus was crucified by His enemies. His friends were confused and sad. They said,

"But we had hoped that He was the One who was going to redeem Israel."
(Luke 24:21)

If they had looked more closely at the Old Testament prophecies, they would have realized that it foretold that the Messiah would be rejected. Before He died, Jesus often predicted that He would be killed by the Jewish and Roman leaders (Luke 17:25; 18:31-33; 20:9-15). In proof of this He quoted Psalm 118:22, which spoke of Israel's leaders rejecting God's chosen One. The prophet Isaiah (53:3) had also shown that God's chosen One would be "despised and rejected."

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

HOW THE MESSIAH WOULD SUFFER AND RISE

The Old Testament prophecies did not stop there. They went on to show exact ways in which the Messiah would be hurt. Here are a few, linked with passages in the New Testament:

* A close friend would turn against Him, betraying Him to His enemies
(Psalm 41:9; Luke 22:47-48).

* The price to be paid for this betrayal was thirty pieces of silver
(Zechariah 11:12-13; Matthew 26:14-15).

* His own followers would scatter, leaving Him alone (Zechariah 13:7;
Mark 14:49-50).

* People would strike Him and spit on Him (Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 26:67).

* While treated in the most shameful way, He would endure it in silence
(Isaiah 53:7; Mark 14:61; 15:5).

* He would be falsely judged and punished with criminals (Psalm 35:19;
Isaiah 53:8,12; John 15:24-25; 19:18).

* He would be pierced, even in His hands and feet (Psalm 22:16; Zechariah
12:10; John 19:18, 37; 20:27).

* Those who pierced Him would also gamble for his clothes (Psalm 22:18;
John 19:23-24).

* He would be killed - "cut off from the land of the living" (Isaiah 53:8;
John 19:25-37).

* His death would be the "guilt offering" for removing the sins of us all
(Isaiah 53:10-12; 1 Peter 2:24).

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

THE PROPHECIES FROM ISAIAH

Old Testament laws allowed only animals to be used as "guilt offerings." Isaiah wrote in about 700 B.C. and he followed those laws. How then could Isaiah speak of this Human as the "guilt offering"? Isaiah 53 said other surprising things. It showed that after His suffering He would enjoy great satisfaction as a result of that suffering. It showed that after His death He would again "see the light of life" (Isaiah 53:10-11).

Some might ask, "Did Christians later write into Isaiah 53 their own ideas about the Christ?" No, this did not come from Christians. Remember that all the Old Testament was translated into the Greek language in about 250 B.C. Long before Jesus' birth Isaiah 53 was already being read in many lands.

OLD MANUSCRIPTS OF ISAIAH

The oldest known Hebrew copy of Isaiah is one of the "Dead Sea Scrolls." It was found in 1947 at Qumran near the Dead Sea, and has been kept in Jerusalem. Scientists have examined this Isaiah scroll. They date this scroll as having been penned over 100 years before the coming of Jesus. Yet this very ancient Isaiah scroll says the same thing in Isaiah 53 as your Bible says today. There is no doubt at all - Isaiah's description of One dying for the sins of others, and then living again, was written long before Christianity began.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

JESUS CLAIMED TO FULFILL PROPHECY

None of us chooses our own family line and place of birth. None of us can choose to return to life after dying. Yet Jesus boldly claimed to fulfill all Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. To His own followers Jesus said,

"How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the
prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and
then enter His glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He
explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself
... He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you:
Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses,
the Prophets and the Psalms" (Luke 24:25-27, 44).

To the leading Jews He said,

"These are the Scriptures that testify about Me...If you believed Moses,
you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me" (John 5:39,46).

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

THE MESSAGE OF THE FIRST CHRISTIANS

The message that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesies about the Messiah continued to be the message of the early Christians:

"Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have
foretold these days" (Acts 3:24). (See also Acts 10:43; 13:32; 26:22-23).

Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead.

"This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ," he said (Acts 17:2-3).

Thanks Angel

2008-04-27T15:49:00.000-07:00

Has someone ever acted 'like an angel' to you? Now is the time to show your thanks for his or her angelic deed. Angels are God's ever present highly powerful helpers-mirroring their miraculous deeds is one of the best ways to serve God

It is good to be a blessing to others,especially those in need, as well as the ones who have helped you. Have you ever had a time in your life where God puts just the right people around to help,guide and love you through problems and pain? If you are saying 'yes' to this question, then it was an angelic act from God that enabled this help and support for you. I am asking you not to forget their angelic deed and reach out to these people, help and pray for them. God always wants us to be a helping hand, full of love and compassion for each other. Angelic deeds are what helps this earth to have foundation! Not only are you helping God you are helping yourself as well. Proverbs 11:25 says- Whoever brings blessings will be enriched,and one who waters will himself be watered

*May your walk with God be filled with blessings as you hold on tightly to His unchanging hand

Knowing Jesus( Pt 2)

2008-04-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

KNOWING JESUS THROUGH HIS WITNESSES

"The next day John was there again with two of his
disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said,
'Look, the Lamb of God!' When the two disciples
heard him say this, they followed Jesus.

"Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked,
'What do you want?'

"They said, 'Rabbi' (which means Teacher), 'where
are You staying?'

"'Come,' He replied, 'and you will see.' So they went
and saw where He was staying, and spent that day with
Him. It was about the tenth hour" (John 1:34-39).

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

WITNESSES

A "witness" is one who tells what he sees and knows to be true. When he gives his report of the truth, he TESTIFIES or gives TESTIMONY. John the Baptizer was such a witness (John 1:7).

"I have seen," he said, "and I testify that this is the
Son of God" (John 1:34).

John, when he saw Jesus, told the people, "Look!" Thus they too became eyewitnesses. Two of John's followers wanted to know Jesus more fully. They were faced with the same problem that any ordinary person has. How does a common person come into the presence of a King?

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
COME AND SEE

Since these two were followers of John, they knew John's great respect for the coming King. John was their leader, yet even he was not worthy to carry the shoes of the King (Matthew 3:11). Now, John had pointed to JESUS as that King. How could two ordinary men get close to this King? How could they come to know the high, exalted One of whom John spoke? (After all, have you ever met your nation's highest ruler?)

When they spoke to Jesus, He invited them to come to His place! "Come," He said, "and you will see." The memory of that invitation was so bright that they remembered exactly when it took place - the tenth hour. (If counted in the Jewish way this was at 4:00 P.M., and evening was coming.) So they spent the rest of that day with Jesus. This King wanted to talk with them. More than that, He was willing to let them stay with Him!

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

THE OPENNESS OF JESUS

The first lesson the two disciples learned from Jesus was His openness. They were free to KNOW Him personally. He welcomed them. They could see Him, talk with Him, and be close to Him.

John the Baptizer was right about the high honor owed to Jesus. Yet Jesus' greatness did not isolate Him from His people. In this, He was different from most kings. He made Himself poor in earthly things (2 Corinthians 8:9). Sometimes He had no proper place to sleep (Luke 9:58). He was among the ordinary people. He welcomed all, whether great or small. Even children felt very welcome.

"People were bringing little children to Jesus to have Him
touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw
this, He was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little
children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom
of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone
who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child
will never enter it.' And He took the children in His arms,
put His hands on them and blessed them" (Mark 10:13-16).

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

JESUS WAS COMPASSIONATE

Sinful people found Jesus friendly. He had no sin (John 8:46; Hebrews 4:15; 7:26). He taught them to "repent," to turn away from sin (Luke 13:3). Yet He made it very clear that He truly cared for them. He ate and drank with people known for their corrupt lives. He did the same for the government's tax officials, whom most people treated as enemies. Jesus became known as the "friend of tax-collectors and 'sinners' " (Luke 7:34). Jesus was among the people because of His concern and love for them. This explains why He spent so much time helping each one who came. He helped them, regardless of how great their problems. He helped them even when he was very busy with other important matters (Mark 1:21-34; 2:1-13; 5:21-43; 7:24-30; 10:46-52).

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

TO BE WITH HIM

There is another important reason why Jesus worked so openly. The Christian faith would begin as a matter of public knowledge and public record. Since Jesus worked among the people, there were often many eyewitnesses to what He said and did. He had nothing to hide. As He said at His trial,

"I have spoken openly to the world...I said nothing in
secret. Why question Me? Ask those who heard Me. Surely
they know what I said" (John 18:20-21).

When the apostle Paul was later tried in a royal court, he said,

"The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak
freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped
his notice, because it was not done in a corner" (Acts 26:26).

In this Christianity is different from other faiths based on claims of hidden events, and personal ideas or feelings. Such faiths have no way to prove to others that they are true. From the beginning Christianity was a matter of public and historical record, and could be fully examined. Today one can still find out whether it is true or false. Indeed, it demands such study. Christians invite people to check for themselves, to examine the facts. "Come and you will see!"

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

THE APOSTLES KNOW JESUS

One of the two disciples who met Jesus on that memorable day was named Andrew (John 1:40-42). He was the brother of Simon Peter. Their partners in the fishing business were Zebedee's sons, James and John (Luke 5:7-10). Jesus chose these four, and eight others, to serve as His special messengers or APOSTLES (Luke 6:12-16). One of the main duties of the apostles was to be WITH Jesus.

"He appointed twelve -- designating them apostles - that
they might be with Him and that He might send them out to
preach" (Mark 3:14).

Being "with Him" meant that they could watch him closely in good times and bad, happy times and sad, crowded times and lonely. They could see how He met every new challenge and trial. Many people are afraid to let others get close. Why? Closeness reveals one's faults. Yet Jesus invited others to be near. By watching, listening and sharing in His life, the apostles could KNOW His true character. They could also learn how to become like Him. With the help of the Holy Spirit, they would carry on Jesus' work after He left. They would be the Spirit's way for others to come to know Jesus. Jesus made this clear in one of His prayers for the apostles.

"My prayer is not for them alone (the first disciples). I pray
also for those who will believe in Me through their message,
that all of them may be one..."(John 17:20-21).

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

WITNESSES FOR CHRIST

How would people in later years believe in Christ?

"Through their message" (John 17:20).

That is, through the report of those first disciples, especially the apostles. ("Apostle" is like the word "ambassador." It means one who is sent with a special authority to pass on his leader's message.) Jesus gave to them the task of being witnesses, to testify to the truth about Him (Luke 24:48; Acts 10:39-41). Just before He sent them into the world, Jesus said,

"...You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea
and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

However, at the time when this was said (the first chapter of Acts), one of the twelve was missing. Judas had betrayed Jesus, and then had killed himself. Another had to be chosen to take his place. The importance of finding a real witness was shown by Simon Peter's words,

"Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have
been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out
among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when
Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a
witness with us of his resurrection" (Acts 1:21-22).

Yes, Jesus wanted the apostles to be "with Him" so that they could be true WITNESSES. They were in the best place to see and know the truth about Jesus. They were the kind of witnesses that any good court of law would welcome.

Jesus' witnesses were from ordinary positions in life. They had normal questions and doubts when they first heard about Jesus. Yet what they saw for themselves removed doubts and fears. The witnesses were many, coming from different backgrounds and interests. Like all witnesses, they stated their testimonies in different ways. Each spoke from his own viewpoint. When carefully compared these testimonies agree. There is nothing muddled or lacking. The apostles, and those closest to them, gave a full and clear report. They remained united, and true to this report, all of their lives. The collection of their reports and letters is called the New Testament.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

NOT FALSE

As the apostles spread the Good News about Jesus, they reminded the people that they were true witnesses. See the following verses.

Acts 2:32
Acts 3:15
Acts 4:33
Acts 5:32
Acts 10:39, 41
Acts 13:31

They were not ashamed to speak in the presence of others who had been there. When Peter re-told the facts about Jesus, he added,

"...as you yourselves know" (Acts 2:22).

Thousands in Jerusalem proved that they agreed with Peter (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14). From the very beginning, the rapid spread of Christianity showed how many found the testimony to be true. Peter's enemies did not show faults in his testimony. All they could do was to try to stop him by threats (Acts 4, 5,12). Peter later wrote,

"We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told
you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16).

Peter said this when he knew he would soon be killed (2 Peter 1:14; John 21:17-19). What reward could there have been in dying for lies? If Peter was not telling the truth of what he saw, what did he think he could gain? The apostles did not become rich (Acts 3:6; 1 Corinthians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 6:10). Instead of becoming famous they became infamous - they were hated by the world. They suffered great losses and hardships for their message (2 Corinthians 1:9; 6:1-10; 11:23-31). Paul wrote,

"It seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at
the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the
arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe...
Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the
refuse of the world" (1 Corinthians 4:9,13).

No, the apostles received no reward from this world, but only shame and pain. Why then did they keep telling the same story? For the simplest and best reason: They KNEW it was true. They had SEEN it with their own eyes. Their lives matched the honesty of their report. When threatened, they had to reply, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20).

Healing Through Scripture (Pt.1)

2008-04-06T14:28:00.000-07:00

I have many issues in my life that I have to and have,healed from. I talk to many people that seem so unhealthy and unhappy as they battle everything from satan to grave illnesses. I want to feel good and be enriched through the grace of God- I know you do to! I will start this series with a few things I know many of us,or loved ones might be dealing with. I encourage you to take these scriptures and pray-read them (taking the paragraphs and speak to God as a prayer). This is a powerful form of healing that connects us to God and heaven. We all need healing and no one is better at granting it unto you,than God!

1. Backsliding (Prov.4:23,Jer. 3:22,Hosea 14:4)

2. Depression (Isaisah 53:4-5, 61:3,51:1,Psalm 34:18,128:2,16:11,Jer. 31:13)

3. Fear (Det. 33:27,Isaisah 26:3,John 14:27)

4. Smoking,drugs,drinking (2 Cor. 7:1, Phil. 4:13,Psalm 27:1, Romans 8:35-38)

April Prayer Assignments

2008-04-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

Nations are changed because of prayer. Individuals and families are healed and restored because of prayer. In spite of what we may hear in the daily news remember we serve a God who is continually moving behind the scenes to bring about His perfect will for creation. Let us “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”(Hebrews 10:23, NKJV)
Please remember to pray for the armed forces stationed all over the world and their families.

APRIL:

1-5: The United States of America: Pray this month for recovery from natural disasters of tornadoes, floods and storms across the country.
Pray throughout this year as we elect new leaders including the next President of the United States of America
Pray for revival in our churches, communities and marketplaces.

6: China; Hong Kong: There is a real need for people to reach out to the 25 million Muslim believers in China. The Communist Party has used a ‘one child’ policy to try and control the growing population. This policy has had devastating effect on society; hundreds of baby girls are abandoned and in some areas where young men outnumber women by up to 40% young women have been abducted, taken as slaves or raped. There are over 60 million members of the Chinese Communist Party who are the ‘top dogs’ of Chinese society. Officially they are not allowed to believe in God, but there are many who secretly believe in Jesus despite opposition.
Pray for a visitation of the redemptive love of Jesus Christ to this nation.

7: China, Macau: There are over 60 million members of the Chinese Communist Party who are the ‘top dogs’ of Chinese society. Officially they are not allowed to believe in God, but there are many who secretly believe in Jesus despite opposition.
The government has tried to make churches loyal to the Communist Party. Many leaders have compromised their faith in order to obey their rules; they aren’t allowed to pray for healings or tell people that Jesus is coming again!
Pray for the hand of God to touch every person on this continent so they can experience a living Saviour.

8-9: China, Taiwan: China has always treated Taiwan as a renegade province. When Taiwan has talked about becoming independent China has threatened military action.
Most of the population follows a Chinese religion which is a mix of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Many rural churches in Taiwan don’t have a pastor.
Pray that more Christians would be able to train and be released to serve these churches.
There are over a million young people in colleges or universities across Taiwan.
Pray that during this critical time in their lives they would explore what Christianity really means and meet with the living God.

10-11: Columbia: There is a growing number of Christians in Colombia. This is a miraculous sign of God’s faithfulness and protection because Christians are often targets of violence by drug cartels and guerrillas.
Bellavista Prison is a maximum security prison in city of Medellin. It is home to some of Colombia’s most hardened and violent criminals; the murder rate inside the prison used to be as high as one per day! Many prisoners are hearing about God and becoming Christians. In a place that was called “hell on earth” prisoners are praying round the clock, the murder rate has dramatically fallen and inmates are being trained in their very own Bible school!
In some cities the number of evangelical Christians has multiplied by twenty times in the last 10 years. This sort of growth can be threatening to whatever group is in control of the area. Many church leaders are targets of violence and many have been martyred. Many Christian leaders have left the country.
Pray that those who have stayed would be given strength and protection.

12: Comoros: The Comoro Islands lie off the east African coast between Mozambique and the island of Madagascar. The Comores declared themselves independent from France in 1975. One island, Mayotte, decided to stay with France, but the rest of the islands still claim Mayotte as part of their territory. Frequent military takeovers and times of violence trouble the islands – tension exists on the two smaller islands who want to be separate.
Almost the entire population of the Comores is Muslim, with 780 mosques but no official churches. Although many people are disillusioned with Islamic society telling people about Christianity is absolutely forbidden.
Pray that the few Christians on the island would still find opportunities to share their faith.
Mayotte also has a Muslim majority, but mosque attendance is low and there is complete freedom for Christians to meet openly and tell others about Jesus.
Pray for revival to cover these Islands and a rich harvest results.

13: Congo: Under communist rule, all young people were brainwashed against religion, churches were closed and missionaries forced to leave the country. Since 1992 freedom of religion has been restored.
Missionaries have greater freedom to be resident in the country and are seeing successes in the capital and port towns.
Pray for the lasting peace that the Congo desperately needs.
The civil war has stopped many missionaries from returning to the Congo.
Pray that more will able to return in safety to support struggling churches and reach people who haven’t heard about Jesus.

14-15: Congo-DRC: The Democratic Republic of Congo, (formerly Zaire), is the size of Western Europe and rich in minerals, oil and fertile land. The DRC should be a wealthy country. Instead it is one of the poorest and most dangerous countries in the world; where even the desperately needed aid agencies fear to tread.
Pray for PEACE.
At least 30 and maybe as many as 147 language translations of the Bible are still needed.
There is a growing Muslim population and still a large number of people of tribal beliefs
Pray for them.

16: Cook Islands: The Cook Islands , Niue, Tokelau and Pitcairn are all officially or unofficially related to New Zealand. There has been a strong Christian influence on the islands for 150 years and lots of people go to church but many of the smaller islands don't have any evangelistic Christians.
Pray for new spiritual life on these islands.

17: Costa Rica: The country’s economy depends heavily on exporting basic produce like coffee and bananas. 20% of the population lives in deep poverty. The majority of Costa Ricans have grown up in a Catholic society, but most do not have a personal relationship with Jesus. Some Catholics, however, do have a personal and living faith in God.
Pray that many more Costa Ricans in the Catholic Church will be impacted by the gospel and give their lives to God.
Pray for bible-believing churches to be established amongst all Amerindian tribes.
Pray that these churches would encourage indigenous leaders and express the unique languages and cultures of each tribe.

18: Cote d’Ivoire: The number of evangelical Christians has nearly doubled since 1990 – there are now over 700 churches in the capital Abidjan. Worshipping spirits and objects has a strong hold in Cote d’Ivoire and gets mixed up in the churches as well.
Pray that Christians would break free from spirit worship and find greater freedom in Jesus.
The urban population is exploding, doubling every 10 years, with every people group from Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and Burkina Faso living in the capital.
Pray for the resources and vision to see new disciples and churches grow.

19: Croatia: Croatia lies on the Adriatic coastline to the west of Yugoslavia. Religion and ethnicity are really closely linked for Orthodox Serbs, Muslim Bosnians and Catholic Croats.
Pray for spiritual breakthrough, so that people’s ‘religion’ would not be a barrier for them seeking Jesus.
Pray for the growing number of Christian students in colleges and universities.

20: Cuba: Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Cuban economy has struggled to keep much of the population out of poverty.
During the ‘90s there has been rapid church growth and many churches are filled with young people despite the fact that Cuba’s communist ideals have opposed Christianity for 40 years.
For many years Christians faced imprisonment and discrimination under Communist rule. In the last ten years this persecution has really reduced (although it has not stopped completely).
Pray for complete freedom for Christians in Cuba.

21: Cyprus: The Greek Cypriot majority (77% of the population) are mainly Christian, while the Turkish minority in the north are Muslim. Although both groups are free to meet and worship, any evangelism is closely monitored.
There is a small group of about 20 new Christians in the Muslim north.
Pray that this group will be able to witness to their friends and families and grow!

22: Czech Republic: In recent polls 50% of the population described themselves as atheists.
Pray for the leadership of the Catholic and Protestant churches in the Czech Republic. The average age for Catholic priests is 69!
Pray that God can equip a new generation of spiritual leaders for this nation.
Many young people are really searching for answers
Pray that Christians would be motivated and excited about sharing their faith.

23: Denmark: Denmark is the most southerly country in Scandinavia - it is made up of the Jutland peninsula and more than 400 islands. The Faroe Islands and Greenland are still part of Denmark, but govern themselves independently. Denmark also leads the world in providing financial help to poorer countries – contributing 1% of its national income (that’s ten times as much as the USA)
90% of the population belongs to a church – but less than 4% regularly go along. The good news is that half the population prays to God!
Pray that Jesus would be real to people and transform their lives as they pray.
Pray for immigrant communities in Denmark – a small but significant part of society. Many of them are Arabic or Turkish Muslims.
Pray for opportunities for them to hear about Jesus.

24: Djibouti: Sandwiched between Ethiopia and Eritrea to the north and Somalia to the south, Djibouti has a strategic location – as a handy port to get to the Middle East. The country’s economy depends heavily on its port and on foreign help. Although officially an Islamic state, other religions are given freedom to worship. There are many Christians amongst the Ethiopian refugees living in Djibouti.
Pray that that would have enormous faith to see others come to know God.
There are a few Afar and Somali Christians – many of them are jobless and cannot read or write.
Pray that these small communities would not feel isolated but would be encouraged and grow.

25: Dominica: Dominica is located between Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Windward Islands. Colonized first by the French, Dominica came under British rule in 1759.
Pray for church leaders in Dominica - because the country is quite poor, many have to take on a second job to support themselves.

25: Dominican Rep: The Dominican Republic is the largest tourist destination in the Caribbean. It is the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola; shared with Haiti. Thirty years of repressive dictatorship ended in 1961 but civil war continued for a further five years. Recent governments have been corrupt and haven't managed to make life any better for Haitian immigrants who are the lowest of the low.
The Dominican Republic has depended on its sugar cane crops for over 500 years. Although it has made some rich it is also the reason why so many slaves were brought here against their will. Today Haitian immigrants are still exploited and poorly paid.
The number of bible-believing Christians and churches is growing!
Pray for a fairer wage for these workers and for fairer trade from richer countries who buy the sugar.
Many church leaders leave the Dominican Republic to work abroad in Puerto Rico of the United States, because it can be tough to live and work here.
Pray that the right people will be called with a heart to serve in the poorest areas that have the greatest need.
26: Ecuador: Ecuador is lies on the Pacific on the west of Latin America. It also includes the tiny Galapagos Islands, which are home to 6,000 people, thousands of sea turtles and one church (with two members!). Oil is big business in Ecuador. The discovery of oil has meant more money for a few people, but the poor have become poorer and the destruction to the Amazon rainforest has been massive. 40% of the people in Ecuador are Quichua (native Amerindians). In the 1960s only 120 of the Quichua were Christians, but since then thousands have turned to Jesus. In some areas nearly 50% of the Quichua are bible-believing Christians. This kind of growth is a modern day miracle!
Pray that the church would be able to reach out to the children and young people in Ecuador.
Most of the people in Ecuador live near the big cities of Quito and Guayaquil. Over a million people live in horrendous conditions in the city slums built on polluted marshes. Unfortunately very few Christians have a vision to work with these people.
Pray that people would be called and equipped to go to the slums and live with the people there to show them how much God loves them.

27-29: Egypt: Egypt is well known for its pyramids, Pharaohs and the Nile. It is a country that has barely changed for hundreds of years and at the same time it is rushing ahead to become westernized.
The Church in Egypt has survived for nearly 2,000 years, despite times of discrimination and severe persecution! Praise God for his faithfulness in Egypt.
Egyptian Christians could play a unique role in reaching other Muslim lands in the Middle East.
Pray for vision and resources that would equip people for this strategic challenge.
There have been Coptic Christians in Egypt for over a thousand years and it is by far one of the biggest groups of Christians anywhere in the Middle East.
Pray that Coptic Christians today would be filled with the Holy Spirit and have a strong relationship with God.

30: El Salvador: Since signing a peace deal in 1992 both sides are now in government, but they face huge challenges. 80% of the population lives in poverty while the rest are extremely wealthy. During the civil war loads of people became Christians. 22% of the population are now committed Christians.
Pray that leaders can find enough money and training to equip new leaders as the church grows.

The civil war has scarred El Salvador. Years of hate, violence, suspicion and devastation continue to affect society.
Pray that through peace, forgiveness and reconciliation El Salvador can build a fairer society for everyone.
Over 350,000 children were abandoned during the war.
Pray that they would be cared for and supported as they cope with trauma and loss.

Strength Of Angels

2008-03-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

Just How Strong Are Angels?

Find Out:
How strong and powerful are angels?
When did God create angels?
Do angels come at a certain time during death?

Peter puts the case mildly when he says angels are "stronger and more powerful" than humans (2 Peter 2:11). In the Bible they are better known for their power than their beauty or anything else. An angel rolled back the stone that covered Jesus' tomb—a real exhibition of strength (Matthew 28:2). An angel opened locked prison doors (Acts 5:17-20). Only one angel was sent to destroy the entire city of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 21:15) and only two angels were needed to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:13, 24, 25). Angels were also responsible for the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 12:13-30; Psalm 78:43, 49; Hebrews 11:28). As you can see, angels "excel in strength" (Psalm 103:20).

Since angels are spirit beings, they take on a physical form only when carrying out God's will. This can be of any shape and size. See my article "What Do Angels Look Like?" So how tall are angels? Even though angels are described in the Bible, we do not know how tall they were. Still, we do find measurements of the angel figures in Solomon's temple—two cherubim figures that were each 15 feet tall with a wingspan of 15 feet (1 Kings 6:23-28). Both figures were carved from olive wood and covered with gold. Solomon's cherubim were certainly different from the cute pictures of cherubs we see on greeting cards today.

The reason you could not easily find such text is because verses stating the creation of angels often do not use the word angel. Although the word angel is used almost 300 times in the Bible, many synonyms such as "the heavenly hosts" are used. In Colossians 1:16 Jesus Christ is called the creator of angels, and the angels referred to as "things invisible, thrones, powers, rulers, and authorities." Psalm 148 also states, "Praise him, all his angels, praise him all his heavenly hosts. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created." (Psalm 148:2, 5). This is the basis for the statement of faith found in the Nicene Creed which is affirmed every Sunday in many churches: "We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen."

Most theologians hold that all of the angels were created at the same time. There are no hints in scripture of angels being continually created. Angels do not reproduce. There are no baby angels. In Matthew 22:28-30 Jesus taught that angels do not procreate, so we can conclude that each angel is a direct creation of God. We know that "the morning stars" (another term for angels in the Bible) sang together, and all the angels shouted with joy at the creation of Earth (Job 38:7). So it follows that angels were created before the planet.

Augustine, writing in the fifth century, made an interesting argument that angels were formed on the first day of creation. He reasoned that since "all things were created and ordered and the work of creation was completed in six days," the angels must have been created during the six days as well. He also said that because God made light on the first day and angels are "participators of [God's] eternal light," they must have been created in that time span.

But many, including myself, are not convinced by Augustine's reasoning. The Bible never tells us when angels were created, but it does teach that God created the angels before the world. What point is there in speculating any further?

Nowhere in the Bible are there any verses about the "time the angels come." Death records indicate that people die at all hours and minutes of the day and night.

Knowing Jesus: (Pt 1)

2008-03-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

KNOWING JESUS THROUGH HIS MESSENGER

"'See, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way
before Me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come
to His temple; the Messenger of the covenant, whom you desire,
will come,' says the LORD Almighty" (Malachi 3:1).

The prophet Malachi gave God's final promises of the Old Testament. One of the greatest of these promises is found in Malachi chapter three, verse one. God assured His people that He would send a messenger. This messenger would have a special task--"to prepare the way." For whom? He "will prepare the way before ME," said the LORD (Yahweh)!

VOICE IN THE DESERT

Also in the book of Malachi (4:5) God promised to send a prophet, "Elijah." Elijah had lived in dry, desert places. An earlier prophet, Isaiah, had foretold the coming of a voice in the desert.

"A voice of one calling: 'In the desert prepare the way for
the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our
God....And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all
mankind will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken'"
(Isaiah 40:3-5).

For over a thousand years, from Moses to Malachi, God had spoken often. He had sent many prophets to Israel. Their work had resulted in the Old Testament. But after the prophet Malachi there were about 400 years of silence--no recognized prophets spoke from God. There were no new writers from God for the Old Testament. God's people wondered when God would fulfill His promises. When would the messenger come to make preparation? When would God's glory be revealed?

THE YEARS OF SILENCE

During those long years more and more people were hearing about God's promises. New rulers captured the land of Israel. While some Israelites (by then called Jews) stayed in their homeland, others were scattered far and wide. In distant countries they told others of the one true God. They were able to use Greek, the language that many peoples shared at that time.

OLD TESTAMENT IS TRANSLATED INTO GREEK

About 150 years after Malachi the full Old Testament was translated from the Hebrew language into the Greek language. During the following 250 years, trained workers made copies of this Greek Bible. The copies were carried to many places. In their weekly meetings, Jews read the Old Testament aloud (Acts 15:21). Even some non-Jews came to believe in God's promises. More and more people looked forward to the Lord's coming.

GOD SPEAKS AGAIN

Then people in Israel began to hear of amazing events. A child named John was born to a couple named Zechariah and Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-24, 57-80). Yet Elizabeth was well beyond the age for giving birth! An angel, using words from Malachi 4:5-6, had announced,

"He (John) will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power
of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous--to make
ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17).

John's father, Zechariah, had also used words from Malachi 3:1. By God's Spirit Zechariah prophesied:

"And you, my child (John), will be called a prophet of the
Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare
the way for Him" (Luke 1:76).

God's promises, made through Malachi 400 years earlier, were coming true! God was ending His long silence! He was speaking again. Just as He promised, He was speaking through an "Elijah."

THE NEW ELIJAH

John was not the Elijah of the past (John 1:21; Luke 9:30). But John was like that ancient prophet in many ways. Those who knew the Old Testament could recognize John, not only as a true prophet, but as a new "Elijah" (Matthew 11:7-14; 21:26).

Elijah spent much time in the wilderness -- 1 Kings 17-19
John spent much time in the wilderness -- Luke 1:80;Matthew 3:1

Elijah dressed in rough clothes -- 2 Kings 1:8
Like Elijah, John dressed in rough clothes -- Matthew 3:4

Like Elijah, John's preaching was full of courage. He had "the spirit and power of Elijah" (Luke 1:17). He spoke out against all sin, even the king's sin (Luke 3; Matthew 14). John commanded the people of Israel to prepare for the Lord's coming. John himself quoted from the prophet Isaiah (40:30),

"I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight
the way for the Lord' " (John 1:23).

How could they make the way straight? How could they prepare for the King?

JOHN THE BAPTIZER

John told them to prepare by repenting and being baptized.

"In those days John the Baptist came preaching..."Repent, for
the kingdom of heaven is near' " (Matthew 3:1-2).

John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a
baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4).

"Repentance" is making up one's mind to leave sin and to live for God. By repenting the people promised to do right in the future. Yet that decision alone could not change their wrongs of the past. For the pure and holy King there had to be FULL preparation. Even past sins had to be removed, by forgiveness.

Those who repented had to be baptized. John thus became known as "John the Baptizer," or "John the Baptist." (The word "baptize" comes from the Greek Language. In that language it means to immerse or plunge under water. That is why John baptized "in the Jordan River" and there was "much water," Mark 1:5; John 3:23).

Through baptism John separated the people. Those who wanted to get ready for the Messiah confessed their sins and were baptized. But others, especially the religious leaders, were too proud. They would not admit how sinful they were. They refused to be humbled by being dipped under the water. Baptism required simple obedience to God's command. It meant trusting God for forgiveness. Their hard hearts had no room for such trust and obedience.

All the people, even the tax collectors...acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John (Luke 7:29-30).

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

ONE GREATER THAN JOHN

The leaders should have listened to John. He was "a prophet...and more than a prophet," a truly great man (Matthew 11:9-11). Yet, as great as John was, the Coming One would be much greater. John himself said,

"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will
come One who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am
not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and
fire" (Matthew 3:11).

John hardly dared to touch the shoes of the Coming One. John used water for baptism; the Coming One could do something far greater--he would baptize using God's Spirit! The Holy Spirit is part of God Himself. Who would be so high and exalted that He could use the Holy Spirit as John used water?

Yet this Coming One looked like an ordinary man. So John, by himself, had no way to recognize Him. God told John to look for this sign: The Holy Spirit would take the shape of a dove and come down on the Coming One, the One about whom John preached (John 1:33).

THE BAPTISM OF JESUS

While John was prophesying about the Coming One, Jesus was over 100 kilometers (62 miles) away, at the village of Nazareth. He was a humble carpenter, helping to care for his mother, brothers and sisters.

Jesus then traveled to meet John and to be baptized by him. John knew of Jesus' goodness. He did not want to baptize Jesus. John said,

"...I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to
me?" (John 3:14).

Jesus had no sins to confess. He had no need of forgiveness. But He always fulfilled God's righteous will. He commanded John to baptize Him (Matthew 3:13-15). When Jesus was baptized, the Spirit of God came down and settled on Him. A voice from heaven said,

"You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased"
(Luke 3:21-22).

John realized then that the Coming One was JESUS. The One for whom John had been looking had arrived!

"...John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the
Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is
the One I meant when I said, A Man who comes after me has
surpassed me because He was before me. I myself did not
know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was
that He might be revealed to Israel.' Then John gave this
testimony: 'I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a
dove and remain on Him. I would not have known Him, except
that the One who sent me to baptize with water told me,
is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit>' I have seen and I
testify that this is the Son of God" (John 1:29-34).

LISTENING TO JOHN

Isaiah and Malachi had drawn a picture of the special messenger who would prepare the way. John the Baptizer was the only one who fit that picture. John prepared for the Great One to come.

For whom did he prepare? Jesus!

John led all the people toward Jesus (John 3:22-36). John's part is so important that it helps to begin each of the first four books of the New Testament -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Anyone who seeks to know the truth about Jesus should give careful thought to the report of John. For John too was a lover of truth.

John spoke the truth so boldly that he was later killed by King Herod (Mark 6:14-29). He was an eyewitness of heaven's sign, which pointed to Jesus. Through John's testimony we can be sure that the Coming One promised by the Old Testament is JESUS. John helps us to see the Light.

"There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John.
He came as a witness to testify concerning that Light, so
that through him all men might believe. He himself was not
the Light; he came only as a witness to the Light"
(John 1:6-7).

Betrayal Of Jesus

2008-03-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
Matthew 26:36-56

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”

The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.” At once he came up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you are here to do.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. Suddenly, one of those with Jesus put his hand on his sword, drew it, and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But all this has taken place, so that the scriptures of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.

Daily Prayer

2008-03-18T15:09:00.001-07:00

In Praise of God

You are holy, Lord, the only God,
and Your deeds are wonderful.
You are strong.
You are great.
You are the Most High.
You are Almighty.
You, Holy Father are King of heaven and earth.
You are Three and One, Lord God, all Good.
You are Good, all Good, supreme Good,
Lord God, living and true.
You are love. You are wisdom.
You are humility. You are endurance.
You are rest. You are peace.
You are joy and gladness.
You are justice and moderation.
You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.
You are beauty.
You are gentleness.
You are our protector.
You are our guardian and defender.
You are our courage. You are our haven and our hope.
You are our faith, our great consolation.
You are our eternal life, Great and Wonderful Lord,
God Almighty, Merciful Saviour.

God Has Spoken: (Pt. 4)

2008-03-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

"Only One God Has Spoken"

"Hear, O Israel; the LORD our God, the LORD is one.
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with
all your soul and with all your strength."
Deuteronomy 6:4-5

When God revealed Himself through His prophet Moses, God described Himself. He said that He is ONE God, not many "gods." The one and only God deserves ALL of our love, not just a part of it.

Confirmed by Jesus

When Jesus, the Prophet like Moses, came, He drew special attention to these verses from the sixth chapter of Deuteronomy. A leader asked Jesus about the most important command of the law. Mark 12:29 reports Jesus' reply:

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this:
'Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.
Love the LORD your God with all your heart...'"

Jesus continued then to quote from God's message in Deuteronomy 6. This truth is the foundation for all God's other commands. If many gods had made us, they might all have a right to our love. But the greatest fact of God is that He is ONE! One ALONE has the right to our love, That leads to the greatest command: That our WHOLE heart, soul, mind and strength should go to Him alone.

Can We Love Anyone Else?

If _all_ our love goes to God, then it cannot be divided. Does this mean that we should never love anyone else? What about loving one's own husband or wife or children? What about loving other people? Jesus went on immediately to say that the second most important command is this:

"Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31, quoting
Leviticus 19:18).

The Christian husband should love his wife (Ephesians 5:25). Neither Moses nor Jesus thought that these kinds of love took love away from God. Why? Because it is GOD'S WILL that we so love others. The true way to show LOVE for God is to OBEY God.

"For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments"
(1 John 5:3).

If God is truly "Lord," He deserves our full obedience. We cannot claim to love Him while forgetting who He is and what He deserves. Real love treats Him as the real God He is. So, when we love others, as HE commanded, that fits perfectly into true love and devotion to Him.

What, Then, is Divided Love?

By this we mean: What kind of love takes away from the full love we owe to God? The prophets of the Old and New Testaments answered this question very clearly. We take love away from God by treating God as if He were "second best." We do it when we trust people or things more than we trust the God who made us. We do it when we worship or pray to others. When an enemy tried to make Jesus divide His love in these ways, Jesus replied, "Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only" (Matthew 4:10).

God desires and demands *first place* in our lives. He cannot accept second place, for that would be a lie. Simple honesty requires that God alone be recognized and treated with highest honor. No other can claim the kind of honor that should go to God.

"I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not give My
glory to another or My praise to idols" (Isaiah 42:8).

The Name of the One God

The prophet Isaiah, in the passage just mentioned, was very certain of the true God. He is the One named "the LORD." Isaiah wrote in the Hebrew language, and in Hebrew that name is YHWH. (YHWH may be pronounced as YAHWEH). In many English Bibles, when you see the word LORD in large letters, it stands for this great name of God, YHWH.

When Eve gave birth to a child she said, "With the help of the LORD (YHWH) I have brought forth a man" (Genesis 4:1). She knew God's name, for He had dealt personally with her and her husband, Adam. Later, her children who turned to God "began to call on the name of the LORD (YHWH)" (Genesis 4:26). So "the LORD" is the One known from the very beginning as man's Creator.

When God told Moses to go to Egypt, Moses asked what name to use for God. In answer (Exodus 3:14-15) God said to Moses,

"I AM Who I AM. This is what you are to say to the
Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"

God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites,
'The LORD (YHWH), the God of Abraham, the God of
Isaac and the God of Jacob -- has sent me to you.'
This is MY name forever, the name by which I am to
be remembered from generation to generation."

The name YHWH shows that God is the "I AM," that He continues TO BE. (The name YHWH sound like the verb TO BE in the Hebrew language.) As the self-existing One, God does not depend on anything else for His being.

Instead, all others -- whether spirits or humans or material things -- depend on Him for their being or existence.

"I am He; I am the first and I am the last; apart
from Me there is no God....I am the LORD (YHWH),
who made all things, who alone stretched out the
heavens, who spread out the earth by Himself"
(Isaiah 44:6, 24; 48:12-13).

No Other Gods

The first of the Ten Commandments given at Mount Sinai was this:

"You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3).

When we understand who the LORD is, it is easy to see what is wrong with having other "gods." No one else can compare with God! Yes, there are some beings who have power. But all their power simply points to the far, far greater power of the true God who made them. He who gave them life can just as easily end it. Before Him, they are powerless!

The apostle Paul helped people to leave their useless "gods." He wrote letters to those who believed his message. Here is what Paul said:

"We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and
that there is no God but one" (1 Corinthians 8:4).

"You turned to God from idols to serve the living and
true God" (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

"Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to
those who by nature are not gods" (Galatians 4:8).

God is Spirit

Why have people made up their own ideas of "god"? Perhaps they feel that they can more easily understand and control such a "god." The true God is so great that He is beyond all that we can imagine. When King Solomon built a temple for God, he prayed to God,

"The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You.
How much less this temple I have built!" (1 Kings 8:27).

When we think of just that part of the heavens we see, this is truly amazing. How can one Person fill the whole universe, and even go beyond it? Yet Paul also said of God,

"For in Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts
17:28).

How can He be so far away, and yet also be all around us? If "He is not far from each one of us" (Acts 17:27) why do we not see Him?

The answer is in the basic truth of God's nature. Jesus clearly stated,

"God is Spirit" (John 4:24).

How is "spirit" different from an earthly "body?" Jesus said that a spirit does not have flesh and bones (Luke 24:39). The normal human body is very limited by the weaknesses of its flesh. It is tied down to one time and place. It cannot see or be in two places at the same time. Such limits do not have to apply to spirit. They especially do not limit the One who is called the Father of spirits (Hebrews 12:9).

God, as spirit, is so great that He is always present at all places. He can hold all in His control. There is no way to ever hide from Him.

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your
presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I
make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the
wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me" (Psalm 139:7-10).

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything
is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to
whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4:13).

Does God Have Hands and Eyes?

If God is spirit, and not fleshly body, how can the Bible speak of His "hands," "arms," "eyes" and other parts? The following picture may help us to see the answer.

Imagine a man talking to an ant. He is trying to explain to the ant what a human city is like. The ant has never seen anything as large as our city streets. Yet the ant does have small paths and tunnels in its ants' nest in the ground. So the man speaks of his streets as if they were like those ant paths. He speaks of the human city as if it were like a very large ants' nest.

In the same way, God uses things that we can understand to talk of things much greater. He does not have our earthly kind of eyes and hands. But He uses "eyes" to speak of His seeing. He uses "hands" to speak of His power and action.

Though He uses these helpful words we should remember that we are still so very small beside Him. Like the ant with the man, some things about God will remain beyond our full understanding. We accept what God says in the simple trust that He knows how best to tell us of things far greater than us.

The Holy Spirit

One of the things that may be difficult to understand is how God is one, and yet ABOVE our limited idea of one. For example, the first verses of the Bible speak of both "God" and "the Spirit of God."

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth...
and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters"
(Genesis 1:1-2).

Look again at the quotation from Psalm 139. The writer of that Psalm asks God, "Where can I go from your Spirit?" Then he says, "If I go up to the heavens, YOU are there." Why say "You" and, "Your Spirit"? why speak in two ways of God? We may not fully understand why. Yet God surely knows most about Himself. He knows how best to describe Himself.

Scripture talks often about the Holy Spirit. He is not just some tool or force of God. His is not a "thing." Instead He is Divine Person, described in ways that can only fit a person. Although He is sometimes spoken of as if He is part of God, yet the Holy Spirit is truly GOD, the only God.

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the
Lord is, there is freedom...which comes from the Lord,
who is the Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).

God has revealed Himself as both "Lord" and Spirit." This in no way goes against the truth He also revealed, that He is ONE. This oneness is above our full understanding. He is one, and there is no other God besides Him. Since He alone made us and cares for us, our hearts and lives belong wholly to Him.

God Has Spoken (Pt 3)

2008-03-12T14:21:00.000-07:00

"God Has Spoken Through a Prophet Like Moses."

"The Lord said to Moses, 'What they say is good. I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put My words in His mouth, and He will tell them everything I command Him'" (Deuteronomy 18:17-18).

Deuteronomy 18, which gave a test for prophets, also gave this remarkable promise about another future Prophet. He would come from "among their brothers." That is, He also would be an Israelite (also called Hebrew or Jew). Of greatest importance was that He would be like Moses -- this is how He would stand out so that people could recognize Him.

God's Glory Too Great for Man

Why was it so important to have this special Prophet like Moses? The same passage explained:

"The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from
among your own brothers. You must listen to Him. For this is
what you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb...when you said,
'Let us not hear the voice of the Lord our God nor see this
great fire anymore, or we will die'" (Deuteronomy 18:15-16).

God met the Israelites at Mount Horeb (Mount Sinai) after they had left Egypt. He came down in terrible fire and smoke on the mountain. The whole mountain shook. Thunder boomed from mighty flashes of lightning. A trumpet call grew louder and louder, and then God Himself spoke!

God's glory (described in Exodus 19 and Deuteronomy 5) was too great for them. The people trembled with fear. The fire and the voice of God were so awesome that the people thought they were going to die. The begged Moses,

"Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not
have God speak to us or we will die" (Exodus 20:19).

God replied,

"What they say is good" (Deuteronomy 18:17; also 5:28).

The people had seen that God was far too great for them to deal with Him directly. He "lives in unapproachable light" (1 Timothy 6:16).

They needed someone to represent them before God, someone to go between them and God. The first such go-between, or MEDIATOR, was Moses. He went to the people, taking to them God's messages. But a mediator works to bring BOTH sides together. So Moses also went to God. He took the needs of the people to God. In this way Moses did much good for his people. Yet God knew that people in the future also would need a mediator. So He promised in Deuteronomy 18 to send another Prophet from among the Israelites, a Prophet LIKE Moses.

We Need a Mediator, Not Mediums

Deuteronomy 18 shows another important reason for a mediator. God knows that people need answers for solving life's many problems. They need to make the best choices about how to live. God also knows that people often look for answers in the wrong places. For example, many turn to spirit mediums who claim to speak for the dead or other spirits. Many also seek answers in witchcraft, spiritism, magic spells, omens and other signs, such as the stars. In Deuteronomy 18:9-14, God commanded His people NOT to use these methods (also Leviticus 19:31; 1 Chronicles 10:13; Isaiah 8:19; Acts 19:19; Revelation 21:8). Was He trying to keep them from finding spiritual answers? Actually, God was keeping them from these methods because they give FALSE answers, which harm people (Isaiah 47:8-15; Jeremiah 27:9-10).

God's love went even further. Rather than stopping the search for answers, He opened the way for ALL the answers we need. For immediately after speaking against mediums, God promised to send the Prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-19). People do not need "mediums" because God gives His Mediator! God assured them,

"I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell
them everything I command him" (Deuteronomy 18:18).

Unlike messages from mediums, this message would be true and trustworthy. For it would be GOD'S OWN WORDS. "Everything" from God would be faithfully passed along to the people by the Prophet like Moses.

No Prophet Like Moses

Weren't all prophets "like Moses"? No. Even at the time of Moses there were other prophets, such as Miriam and Aaron. Yet God made it plain that Moses was quite different from them. God spoke to Moses in a far more open, direct and personal way. This is what God said:

"When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal Myself
to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams. But this is
not true of My servant Moses...with him I speak face to
face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the
Lord..."(Numbers 12:6-8).

Joshua came after Moses. Yet even in the passage which speaks of Joshua's greatness, Deuteronomy ends with these words,

"Since then, no prophet has arisen in Israel like Moses,
whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all the miraculous
signs and wonders...For no one has ever shown the mighty
power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the
sight of all Israel" (Deuteronomy 34:10-12).

Clearly, the other prophets were not like Moses. God was more direct with Moses. God used him as His special agent and lawgiver. Because of His unique authority, all other Israelite prophets, from Joshua on, taught their people to follow "the law of Moses." The coming Prophet would serve, like Moses, as God's mediator with special authority to give God's commandments to the people. And here is another important point: From Deuteronomy 34, we learn that being truly, "like Moses" had to include showing miracles of MIGHTY POWER.

Promises of "The Messiah"

After God's promise in Deuteronomy 18, many years passed with no prophet arising who seemed to match Moses. Yet God was not silent. He carefully guided history in the direction He had chosen. Along the way, God used prophets to give the meaning of His actions and to point ahead to what He planned.

Again and again, these prophets told of "One to come." He would be a King from David's family line (2 Samuel 7; Psalm 89; Isaiah 11). He would serve as "Priest forever" (Psalm 110). This same Psalm that said that he would be a Priest also pictured Him as David's "Lord". He would rule from the highest place, at God's right hand. Similar prophecies showed that this coming PROPHET, the coming PRIEST, and the coming KING would be the same Person – the MESSIAH!

Is Jesus that Messiah?

When an Israelite man was officially made a prophet or priest or king, oil was usually poured on his head. Such pouring was called "anointing," and served as a sign of the authority to lead. The Hebrew word Messiah means "Anointed One" (Psalm 2). This same word from the Greek language is CHRIST. Today most people who know the word "Christ" think immediately of JESUS Christ. This is because many proofs point to Jesus as the One promised by God. Jesus fits the descriptions of the Messiah or Christ as foretold by the Old Testament prophets.

Jesus also did the miracles of MIGHTY POWER that we would expect of the Prophet like Moses. He healed the blind, deaf and lame. He stilled storms and walked on the water. He gave life back to the dead! At the town of Nain, Jesus met a funeral group going to bury the only son of a widow. When He saw the widow's great sorrow, He went to the coffin. He touched it and called out, "Young man, I say to you, get up!" Many were present. They saw the boy arise from death! Luke 7:16 reports,

"They were all filled with awe and praised God. 'A great
prophet has appeared among us,' they said. 'God has come
to help His people.'"

The people knew what they had seen. Jesus lived among them. Many were present to see His great works. Here were miraculous "signs" showing more clearly than ever the power that only the Creator has over His creation. Therefore Jesus really was "a great prophet." The people who saw these things reasoned correctly,

“When the Christ comes, will He do more miraculous
signs than this man?” (John 7:31)

Here were the greatest teachings ever heard, and the greatest miracles ever seen. If Jesus was not the Christ, who could possibly do greater things? So even at that time many realized that He had to be the Prophet (John 7:40). If so, that also meant He was the Christ. When Jesus came into the city of Jerusalem for the last time they welcomed Him as "THE SON OF DAVID," "THE KING" and "THE PROPHET" (Matthew 21:8-11; Luke 19:37-38).

THE GREATEST SIGN

Jesus often foretold that He would be killed by the Jewish and Roman leaders (Matthew 16:4; 17:12,23; 20:18-19; 26:2). His death, He said, would be by crucifixion, in which a person was nailed to a wooden cross and left to die in great pain. He explained that His death would allow people to be forgiven of their sins (Matthew 20:28; 26:28). Yet, along with predictions of His death, Jesus promised that His greatest "SIGN" would be to RETURN from death in three days (Matthew 12:38-40; 17:23; John 2:19-22).

As is well-recorded by history, Jesus went on to actually fulfill that promise (Matthew 28; John 20; Acts 2)! Not even the greatest prophet, priest or king had ever dared to make such a promise for himself. And certainly none had been able to raise himself from the grave. Jesus, by God's power, both predicted it and accomplished it. Could there be any doubt that the Prophet foretold by Moses had finally arrived?

Peter was one of the eyewitnesses of these things. He had once fled from the enemies who killed Jesus. But after Jesus had returned from death, Peter knew that death was not to be feared any longer. With the help of God's Spirit, Peter stood before the same enemies and boldly declared,

"Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance,
as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled
what He had foretold through all the prophets, saying
that this Christ should suffer....For Moses said,
'The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet
like me from among your people; you must listen to
everything He tells you. Anyone who does not listen
to Him will be completely cut off from among His people.'
Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as
have spoken, have foretold these days" (Acts 3:17-24).

Peter quoted from the very passage we have studied – Deuteronomy 18. That passage, he said, looked ahead to JESUS CHRIST. "Indeed, all the prophets" had pointed forward to this one great Prophet like Moses! He is now MEDIATOR between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5). That is why we are told, "listen to everything He tells you" (Acts 3:22).

What if we fail to listen to Jesus? We miss God's most important message for life, and that has this terrible result:

"Anyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut
off from among His people" (Acts 3:23).

Such a person can no longer belong with God and His people! This is a serious matter. Our lives depend on listening carefully to the Prophet like Moses.

Food For Eternal Life

2008-03-02T15:20:00.000-08:00

Eating the Food of Eternal Life
John 6:27-40

Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.”

**Seeking and obeying God - seeing and knowing of His word as the real and only truth is what our Father requires of us- it is a choice given to us freely. To have eternal life we must believe in what His son came down to earth apart from His Father to show and teach us. Obey the word of God and all commandments and will for our lives, that is an important factor as well.
Our time here on earth is a gift. God gives us a life through a body,soul and spirit- on each level he can contact us and provide for us as we in turn perform our will He has planned for our lives. When we honor and obey God and all of His teachings and commands we then are showing God how much we believe in Him,and the love we have for Him. The gift of life if lived righteously, ensures your most important everlasting gift-eternal life. A life with our Lord and a place in His splendid kingdom. This is true obedience & acceptance which thus equals true happiness,harmony,joy and peace. When Jesus said 'Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life'

*This is what he is telling all of us: honor God with all he has given you through life and spirit- you then shall be happy and at peace while here on earth-your every need will be met. Your next journey will be even more happy and peaceful in the eternal life- where your life of righteousness is to be honored forever. Jesus was teaching us to learn from all his teachings of God's love and grace apply this knowledge to our lives- look for it,crave it- use it! Incredible gifts- Thanks be to the Father for He is GOOD

Prayer Assignments For March

2008-02-27T22:44:00.000-08:00

Let us pray for people all over the world and put their concerns and needs ahead of our own
Please also remember to pray for the armed forces stationed all over the world and their families.

DAY:
1: Belgium: There is a lack of Belgian pastors and priests, especially in the northern Flemish area. Less than half of the leaders in the Flemish churches are from that area. The average age of their priest is 64! Pray for the leadership of the church in Belgium.Pray for new life in the church and for many Belgians to be called into leadership in the church.
2. Belize: Most Belizeans would call themselves Christians, but in each different culture there are underlying superstitions or black magic. Many new Christians fall away because there isn't enough follow-up to help people understand how to live out their faith Pray that Spanish speakers, Caribbean Garifuna and Mayans would all have the chance to hear the truth about Jesus in a way that is culturally relevant.
3. Benin: More people follow traditional ethnic religions in Benin than in any other African nation. Voodoo has its origins in the ethnic religion of the Fon peoples and many are tied up in fear and superstition. Pray that the freedom of knowing Jesus would break into people’s lives. A million people live in Benin’s cities and Christians have grown from a few hundred to over 30% of the population. There is still a need for Christians to reach out to the Muslim urban population (20%) Loads of young people have become Christians and there are student groups meeting around the country. Pray that these young people would continue to grow in their passion for God.
3. Bermuda: Bermuda is tourist hot spot and a popular tax haven. Most Bermudans are well off - in fact Bermuda is the wealthiest Black-majority territory in the world. Pray that Christians in Bermuda would get more involved financially and spiritually to support missions.
4. Bhutan: Bhutan is one of the least evangelized nations in the world. King Wangchuk and the government reinforce the hold of Buddhism over the country. Pray for spiritual freedom for all in Bhutan. Bhutan was totally closed to Christians until 1965 and even now only a small number of organisations are allowed in and only if they are helping to run hospitals or schools. There is strictly no evangelism allowed! Pray that despite all these restrictions everyone in Bhutan would get to hear the gospel.
5.-6. Bolivia: Churches are growing, but because many people can't read it can be a challenge to teach the bible. Over half of the population is children or teenagers but the church doesn't understand how to reach out to them and bring them into a relationship with God. Pray that leaders can creatively disciple people so that they fully understand the gospel and what God wants for their lives. 50% of the all the world's cocaine is grown in Bolivia. Pray for the country's Christian leaders and political leaders as they try to deal with the issue Pray that they would have integrity and concern for the families who depend on the money they make from the crops.
7. Bosnia: 1.3 million refugees fled Bosnia during the war. Only a quarter of those have returned and many of them are still homeless. Pray for all those struggling to rebuild their lives. In 2000 Christians began to work with the 30,000 students in the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo. Pray that the young people there would really open their hearts to God
8. Botswana: The Tswana peoples were some of the first to hear the gospel through British missionaries in the 19th century. A hundred years later most are still ‘Christian’ in name only – without it having any real meaning in their lives. Pray that the amazing truth and love of Jesus would be a reality! The Kalahari Desert covers 80% of the country. The San, who once lived in the desert, have seen their way of life completely destroyed as mining, farming and tourism have taken over. Now living in poverty on the outskirts of towns and cities, thousands have become Christians. Pray that their cultural identity and identity in Christ can survive as they adapt to these changes. One in three Botswanans have contracted HIV – the highest rate of infection in the world. 60,000 children have been orphaned through AIDS and half of the student population is infected. Pray for the ministry of churches in Botswana as they deal with this crisis.
9-11. Brazil: There is so much injustice in much of Brazilian society, against the poor, underprivileged children and the tribal Brazilian Indian peoples. Pray for God's justice to be restored. There are more Catholics in Brazil than anywhere else, but the majority of Brazilians are involved with spiritism too. Loads of people claim to be Christian but would visit a spiritist doctor or medium for healing or advice! Over 50% of Brazilians are under 18. Pray that the church can communicate God's truth to this generation and effectively disciple them. Pray for the growing movement to plant new churches that are relevant to youth. Pray that the mission movement in Brazil continues to grow and that those sent out from Brazil are well supported, protected and encouraged at home and overseas.
12. British Indian Ocean Territory: The British Indian Ocean Territory is a string of tiny islands in the Indian Ocean. Apart from a UK-US naval base (with around 2,000 people) no-one lives there, as all the original islanders were evicted and sent to Mauritius in 1968. The islanders have won a High Court ruling in the UK giving them permission to return, although this decision may be opposed by the US. Pray for a revelation of Jesus Christ of Nazareth on all of the islands.
12. British Virgin Island: The British Virgin Islands are a cluster of 60 Caribbean islands, of which 15 have people living on them. The islands' motto is a biblical one; 'where there's no vision the people will perish'. Use this as a prayer for the Christians living there - that they would have a passion to see others saved
13. Brunei: Brunei is a small country on the north coast of the island of Borneo. The Sultan of Brunei runs the country and he's one of the richest men in the world. Islam is the state religion and gradually restrictions on Christians are increasing. Muslims aim for Brunei to be a 'pure' Islamic state by 2020 - and offer incentives like jobs and houses to spread Islam. The king is one of the wealthiest men in the world and his family and friends are the most powerful people in the country. Pray that one of them would become a Christian!
14. Bulgaria: 10,000 Turkish Millet became Christians during the 1990s mainly through supernatural dreams, visions and healings - a major breakthrough in Turkish peoples responding to Jesus! 50% of the population lives below the poverty line. Pray for the long-term discipleship of these new Christians. Pray that Christians can be united and effective in rebuilding the country. Pray for biblical, wise and humble Christian leaders – who can train others to use the gifts they have.
15. Burkina Faso: Landlocked in West Africa, on the edges of the Sahara Desert, Burkina Faso is a country troubled by drought and famine. One of the world’s poorest countries, most of the population makes just enough food to get by each day. Almost 2 million people have left Burkina and resettled in Cote d’Ivoire, Mali and France. Burkina Faso is dominated by idol worship, secret societies and the occult, even in some churches. Pray that the power of the occult would be broken and the truth of Jesus would not be compromised. Only 2 indigenous languages in Burkina have a Bible Pray for the translators who have taken on the awesome challenge of translating more.
16. Burundi: The legacy of oppression and killing goes a long way back for the Hutu. Pray for reconciliation and peace between the Hutu and Tutsi. Many children have been orphaned through war and there is little chance for them to receive any education. Pray that organizations can find the opportunity and resources to love and care for these broken kids.
17. Cambodia: Since 1990 there has been an open door for Christians to share the gospel in Cambodia. More and more churches are being planted in Cambodia - there's a new one every week! Pray for the Church in Cambodia which has survived through the worst persecution. Pray for support and cooperation between those in leadership of different churches.
18. Cameroon: Cameroon is one of Africa’s most ethnically complicated countries – over 500 different peoples speaking more than 280 languages. Christian radio and television stations were given permission to broadcast in 2000 - such an exciting opportunity for more people to hear about Jesus! Many significant leaders in the police, army and politics have become Christians which is amazing. Pray that their influence can bring positive changes into society. Pray that a personal relationship with God can bring real life to the churches in Cameroon, where many have no spiritual life or real understanding of Jesus. Pray for the Missionaries that are desperately needed to reach communities living in the north, many of whom are Muslim.
19.-21. Canada: Canada is one of the most multi-cultural societies in the world. At its heart are the three diverse cultures; French, British and native Canadian. Added to this mix are a significant number of people who have come from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Canada’s indigenous people suffered cruelly in the past at the hands of white people. Strong anti-white and anti-Christian propaganda leads many to be suspicious of Christianity and court cases against churches are increasing over their treatment of native Canadians earlier in the 20th century. Pray for a growth of indigenous leadership and culturally appropriate churches in these communities. Immigrant communities in Canada continue to grow; Vancouver is the world’s second largest Sikh city and Toronto claims to be the most racially diverse city in the world. Pray for meaningful evangelism, church planting and spiritual growth into these diverse cultures.
22. Cape Verde: Cape Verde is a collection of fifteen islands of the west coast of Africa. Dry and windswept, the islands have suffered long periods without rain with one drought lasting 20 years – crippling the economy and killing off crops and animals needed for food. Pray for the country’s leaders – that they can find solutions to the problems facing Cape Verde because of the droughts. Although many Caboverdians would call themselves Christians, their beliefs are mixed up with other superstitions. Pray that they would really understand what Christianity is about and turn to Jesus.
23. Cayman Islands: The Caymans are three small islands south of Cuba. Most of the people living on the Cayman Islands are foreigners. Because there's no tax to pay here and no control over exchange rates the islands are the wealthiest in the Caribbean and major centre for off shore finance. There is one bank for every 50 people in the Caymans! However much of the wealth flowing through the island is actually funding international crime. Pray that Christians here would be Christ-centered in how they live in the middle of so much wealth and materialism.
24-25. Central African Republic: Whole areas of the Central African Republic (CAR) were cleared from the 17th century onwards, as people were kidnapped and sold into slavery – a practice that continued into the late 19th century. Since the 1960s loads of people have become Christians, but there has not been enough discipleship to see their faith mature. The church is struggling with divisions and lack of trust between leaders. Pray for leaders to rise up with maturity and a new trust in one another for the sake of the gospel.
26. Chad: With 200 people groups and 120 languages, Chad is one of the most unreached countries in Africa and presents a challenge to the gospel. The harsh natural environment and extreme poverty of Chadians has reduced their life expectancy to just 47 years. The nation is plagued by waterborne diseases, malaria and meningitis. Pray that the churches in Chad would grow and mature in their faith and discipleship. Many congregations mix Christianity up with other ideas and beliefs and can be legalistic. Pray that the Holy Spirit would be working to bring true freedom in their lives. There are more unreached peoples in Chad than anywhere else in Africa. Pray for ongoing support and protection for missionaries already working here. Pray also that God would call many to dedicate years to learning the languages and building the Kingdom in Chad.
27. Chile: Chile lies on the west coast of Latin America. It is a long, thin country, which has the Pacific Ocean to the west and the mountains of the Andes on the east. The Mapuche are the largest of Chile’s native Amerindian people. Years of abuse and oppression have left them with a deep mistrust of outsiders. Although there is a small community of 4,000 Christians among them, old traditions of animism (worshipping and sacrificing to spirits) hold a strong influence. The Chilean Church doesn’t have a strong vision for world mission as many churches do not have connections with the bigger picture of the global Church. Pray that God would break this spiritual isolation and give fresh vision.
28.-31. China, PRC: China is the third largest state in the world. One in five people in the world live in China. The massacre of students at Tiananmen Square in 1989 was a defining moment in China’s history. This event was a turning point for many students and young professionals in the cities who turned to God for the first time. The Christians in China have suffered harsh persecution, but have remained faithful and committed. Churches are growing and seeing the Holy Spirit move in power. The Communist Party have used a ‘one child’ policy to try and control the growing population. This policy has had devastating effect on society; hundreds of baby girls are abandoned and in some areas where young men outnumber women by up to 40% young women have been abducted, taken as slaves or raped. Pray for Christians who have a burden for the children of China, especially the girls. Pray for an outbreak of supernatural revival across this nation.

**Members I am so proud of all of you and the commitment I see in all in regards to our Father in Heaven. Prayer is so important and powerful as it pertains to healing and cleansing. Rebirth, renewal, change,growth and blessings are unleashed through prayer- May you be blessed and fruitful as well as the people you have prayed for. Love to all!

Feed The Inner Vessel

2008-02-26T15:10:00.000-08:00

Let's face it- there is nothing like prayer and meditation to help you get through each long and busy day.There's nothing like inspiration,hope,and a positive outlook as your goals every single day!I ask that every day you try to have a inspirational thought;and a new ideal to live by.Take the following list; using it to meditation and prayer, daily.

** And remember - Good will and peace from God our Father are yours! Col. 1:2 May mercy,peace,and love fill your lives! Jude 1:2

1. Forgiveness: As I forgive, I begin anew
2. Healing: I am healthy,whole, and vitally alive
3. Guidance: God guides my way
4. Prosperity: God fills my life with abundance
5. Comfort: God soothes me with a tender touch
6. Renewal: The spirit of God infuses me with life and renewal
7. Harmony: I am an ambassador of peace and harmony in the world
8. Inner Peace: God's spirit within me is my constant source of peace and serenity
9. Divine Order: Divine order surrounds me and is within me. I am calm and collected
10. Grace: The grace of God shall lead and inspire me

Daily Prayer

2008-02-24T14:50:00.000-08:00

Prayer for Children

Blessed God, you have created life to begin with childhood, a time of innocence, laughter, and exploration. Bless, we beseech you, the children of this world. Grant unto them the nurture they need for strong physical growth, keen minds, balanced emotions, and a holy spiritual life. Send unto them teachers to inspire an inquiring and discerning heart, to enable curiosity toward their surroundings, and a knowledge of this global village. Bless them with love, hope, and vision, and keep them ever in your unfailing compassion and protection. Amen.

Just Say 'No' To Sin

2008-02-18T15:20:00.000-08:00

Consider Yourself Dead to Sin

Romans 6:3-14
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Public School Worship

2008-02-17T15:52:00.000-08:00

Students Legal Rights On Public School Campuses

I have found in growing up going to public school, and as it is today worshipping God, has no place in public school curriculum. Neither is any religion a part of any studies.I find this to be sad and disturbing, not to be able to discuss,study,learn or even pray as it pertains to God and religion. Of course the laws of the land have their reasons,which I find ridiculous and an insult to God, our father. Every thing you can think of is said,discusse, and taught in the classroom to educate,challenge and infuse young minds - except God and His word!How sad is it to have to pay a lot of money to send your child to a certain type of school, just so the child can do the simpliest of things like pray to God, in a classroom setting. Let alone have a continual education in Christ outside of church. I feel it is an insult to God to have worship and study of Him rejected from public school classrooms. With out God nothing ceases to exsist.He has created every human,creature and object- and in public school this has no merit or value?? As parents you have a right to know what is exceptable,as well as the rules of any public school- they may vary except when it pertains to God. There is light at the end of the tunnel for your children, they may worship and study God in public school! Here is a list of rights no one can make obselete for children in public schools in regards to worship:

1. The right to meet with other religious students and to form Bible Clubs
2. The right to express your religious beliefs through signs,symbols,and clothing
3. The right to talk about your religious beliefs and share your faith with other students on campus
4. The right to distribute religious literature,(Bibles), on campus during non instructional time
5. The right to pray on campus alone,with others,and during graduation
6. The right to carry or study your Bible or other religious literature on campus
7. The right to do research papers,speeches,creative projects or talent programs on religious themes
8. The right to be exempt from activities that contradict your religious beliefs
9. The right to celebrate or study religious holidays on campus
10.The right to study religious themes,religious literature,and religious history

* It has been made into laws and frowned upon for public schools to have anything to do with teaching the word of God.The rights listed above enables children to incorporate serving God on public campus, a daily activity.It was so frowned upon when I was a kid going to public school, I had no idea I had these rights,neither did my parents. Parents take note of those rights and be sure to educate yourself and kids on them,so that worship and study of our Lord does not fall to the wayside on public school campuses

God's Nature

2008-02-13T13:55:00.000-08:00

Malachi 3:3 says:
"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes,
he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you. Pass this on right now. This very moment, someone needs to know that God is watching over them. And, whatever they're going through, they'll be a better person in the end. "Life is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once."
JEREMIAH 1
and 29:11PSALMS 138 and 139

Daily Prayer

2008-02-12T16:29:00.000-08:00

Prayer to Overcome Sin

O everlasting God, let the light of Thine eternity now fall upon my passing days.
O holy God, let the light of thy perfect righteousness fall upon my sinful ways.
O most merciful God, let the light of Thy love pierce to the most secret corners of my heart and overcome the darkness of sin within me.
Amen

God Has Spoken (pt. 2)

2008-02-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

God speaks to us and through in many ways. Read the following to understand how amazing
Our Father is and His chosen methods of teaching and guiding us

"The heavens declare the glory of God...the commands of theLord are radiant giving light to the eyes." Psalm 19:1,8

King David's Psalm speaks of nature's message about God -- and it also speaks of another message. We "see" not only by the lights God placed in the heavens. We see also by another light, a spiritual light, "The commands of God." To know God, man needs more light than nature alone gives.

Nature Alone Is Not Enough

Nature has many valuable lessons for us. The amazing order in all things, living and non-living, tells us of wisdom and power far, far higher than ours. Our hearts reach upward in praise. "Laws of nature" are always so steady, so dependable, that we are led to believe that the great Law-Giver can also be trusted.

Nature also raises many questions. For example, since God is so great does He care about us who are so small? Some have felt that He is too high and too distant to be bothered. Therefore, they have turned to things of this earth, or to other spirits, for help in times of need.

Others feel that God is against them. They say, "If plenty of food is a sign of God's kindness, then what does the lack of food mean? In our times of suffering and death, has God changed from His kind ways?" Nature by itself does not give us important details about God's character and thinking. It does not tell us how to approach Him. It raises the questions, but does not give the answers we need.

The God Who Speaks

Why do some think it so strange that God speaks or communicates in some manner? Surely plain reason tells us that He should be ABLE to speak. Humans speak (some would say "too much"). Is the great Creator of humans LESS able to speak? When people thought that God failed to notice their sins, the writer of Psalms reasoned with them,

"Does He who implanted the ear not hear? Does He who formed theeye not see?" Psalm 94:9

That logic can be continued, "Does He who made the tongue not speak? Can He who gave language not use it? If God chooses to use special messengers, can He not provide His messengers with clear speech?" God wanted Moses to lead His people out of Egypt. When Moses had doubts God reasoned with him in this way:

"Who gave man his mouth?...is it not I, the Lord? Now go; Iwill help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus4:11-12)

Moses, of course, could speak. He worried that he could not speak well -- his words might not be clear and well-chosen. God assured him that He, the Creator of speaking ability, could do what was needed for a clear message. If we have worried that God's message is poorly given or is unclear, we can stop worrying. God not onlycommunicates. He communicates Very Well.

God Spoke By The Prophets

"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways" (Hebrews 1:1).

God's love for people is such that He did not remain silent. He did not leave us alone and ignorant. "God spoke." He could have communicated in any number of ways. "In the past," He chose to speak "through the prophets." Prophets were God's spokesmen, passing along God's message to the people.

The writer of the book of Hebrews had no doubt who those prophets were. He quoted often from them -- prophets like:

MOSES (Hebrews 1:6; 8:5)DAVID (Hebrews 1:5a,8; 4:7)NATHAN (Hebrews 1:5b)ISAIAH (Hebrews 2:13)JEREMIAH (Hebrews 8:8)HABAKKUK (Hebrews 10:37) andHAGGAI (Hebrews 12:26)

Hebrews chapter 11 also names many prophets. We call these the "Old Testament prophets." The book of Hebrews shows that the words given through these prophets were not their own words, but God's words.

When Psalm 95 is used, David is recognized as its human writer. Yet look at how it is expressed:

"God...spoke through David" (Hebrews 4:7).

In Hebrews 3:7 the same words by David are said to be from God's Spirit:

"So, as the Holy Spirit says...."

Similarly, through Jeremiah's writing,

"the Holy Spirit testifies to us..." (Hebrews 10:15).

Hebrews and other books of the Bible often speak like this. Nehemiah 9:20,30 is an example from the Old Testament. It tells how God's Spirit was in His prophets, teaching and warning His people for many years. In the Bible there is no doubt about it. God has spoken by His prophets so clearly that people long after can depend on their words. The books of Nehemiah and Hebrews were written hundreds of years after the old prophets died. Yet they still quoted and trusted those prophets' words as the true words of God.

How Were God's True Prophets Recognized?

But any person can claim to be a prophet speaking for God. He may do this to get money or power or fame. Some might even do it sincerely, for their own 'good' reasons. This was a problem in the past, and it is still a problem today. Many who now claim to speak for God argue AGAINST each other. Their messages do not agree. After speaking about God's true prophets of long ago, the apostle Peter warns,

"But there were also false prophets among the people, just asthere will be false teachers among you" (2 Peter 2:1).

God knew there would be false prophets. He also knew that people might have trouble knowing which speaker was true and which was false. So God made it very clear which prophets were truly sent by Him.

Look again at the example of Moses when God made him a prophet to carry His message to Egypt. Moses had grown up in Egypt and had not been known as a prophet then. How could the people possibly know that now God had made him a prophet? The people might even think of him as a false prophet. Moses asked God,

"What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'theLord did not appear to you'?" (Exodus 4:1).

In reply, God told Moses to throw his stick on the ground. By God's power, the stick became a snake. Then He had Moses pick it up. By God's power, it changed back into a stick.

"This," said the Lord, "is so that they may believe that theLord... has appeared to you" (Exodus 4:5).

God then gave Moses other miracles -- just as amazing -- to also prove that he was from God. God called these "signs" (Exodus 4:8,30).

We must be aware that God's enemies also had some power. "By their secret arts" Egypt's sorcerers and magicians copied a few things done by Moses (Exodus 7:11). But God has ALL power, so His miracles were always far greater. He showed the kind of power that only the Creator has over His creation. The power in Moses was so great that all could see that Moses was God's prophet.

><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

Tests For Prophets

Once God had proved the authority of Moses it was not always necessary for true prophets after him to do all the miracles he did. But through Moses God gave tests for future prophets. At that time any 'prophet' failing these tests was put to death. Deuteronomy 18:20-22 has one of these tests:

"But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I havenot commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the nameof other gods, must be put to death. You may say toyourselves, 'How can we know when a message has not beenspoken by the Lord?' If what a prophet proclaims in the nameof the Lord does not take place or come true, that is amessage the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spokenpresumptuously. Do not be afraid of him."

Yet God also knew that some dreamers and leaders might foretell events that actually happen. (This might be by luck, or by clever powers like the Egyptian magicians had.) So, in Deuteronomy 13, God told how to test such cases:

"If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among youand announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if thesign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and hesays, 'let us follow other gods'...you must not listen to thewords of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God istesting you to find out whether you love him with all yourheart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 13:1-3).

We have seen 3 tests --

All True Prophets After Moses Were Proved True By:

1. "Signs" -- if they had any -- clearly showing the CREATOR'S POWER over creation. (The weaker power of magicians was no proof.)2. ALL that they foretold coming true. (God NEVER lies or makes mistakes.)3. Agreeing with what God had revealed about Himself through Moses. (God does not deny Himself or His own teachings.)

Learning From The Prophets

False prophets did not have the power of God or the truth of God. At one point or another they all failed to pass these tests. In this way, through many centuries, God made clear who were His true prophets, and who were not. That is why the Bible not only says that "God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets" (Hebrews 1:1), but it actually names those true prophets. Their writings, called "Scripture," are God's words through His proven prophets.

If we really seek God and His way, we will go to Scripture.The Scripture itself claims to be the truth given by God(2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

Daily Prayer

2008-02-09T14:58:00.000-08:00

For the Lonely and Depressed

God bless all who are battling those inner demons of depression, loneliness, unworthiness, and hopelessness. Shine Your warm Heavenly Light down upon all of us, Lord, who are looking for our soul mates. Guide us to find peace, happiness, and contentment in our lives and within ourselves.Amen.

Daily Prayer

2008-02-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

Prayer for Peace

Heal my wounded heart.Grant me the courage to change my heart.Let Peace live in my heart.Fill me with compassion for those suffering in war.Help me care for those in war.Help me bring Peace to those in war.Help me stop wars.Help soldiers stop wars.Help leaders stop wars.Fill me with Peace and Justice.Help me to work for Peace with Justice.Let there be Peace with Justice among all peoples.

FEBRUARY PRAYER ASSIGNMENTS

2008-02-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

FEBRUARY PRAYER ASSIGNMENTS

In the United States we think of February as the month of showing love for that ‘someone special’ in our life. God is always ready to demonstrate His love for the world:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 KJV)
I ask you this month as you pray for the nations listed below that you allow the love of Christ to flow from your heart and believe that the winds of revival will cover the nations of the earth.
February:
1-3 Europe: The European Union (EU) is a political and economic community of 27 member states with supranational and intergovernmental features, located primarily in Europe. The European Union is composed of 27 independent sovereign countries which are known as member states: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. There are three official candidate countries, Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia and Turkey; the western Balkan countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Serbia are officially recognized as potential candidates.
To join the EU, a country must meet the Copenhagen criteria, defined at the 1993 Copenhagen European Council. These require a stable democracy which respects human rights and the rule of law; a functioning market economy capable of competition within the EU; and the acceptance of the obligations of membership, including EU law. Evaluation of a country's fulfillment of the criteria is the responsibility of the European Council.
Four Western European countries that have chosen not to join the EU have been partly integrated into the EU's economy; Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are a part of the single market through the European Economic Area, and Switzerland has similar ties through bilateral treaties. The microstates' relationships can include use of the euro and other co-operation. EU citizens elect the Parliament every five years. (Source: Wikipedia, 1/08)
Pray for a sovereign move of the Holy Spirit across these nations. Pray for the leaders of the church that they will rise up and continue to proclaim Revival! for their nations.

4 - 6 Pacific: New Zealand is a secular society; people see the church and Christianity as irrelevant. More and more people claim to be of ‘no religion’ and churches are rapidly shrinking and losing their young people. Churches need to understand how to reach out to these ‘post-modern’ generations.
New Zealand is ranked 4th in the world for the number of missionaries that it sends out.
Large numbers of Polynesians have immigrated to New Zealand to look for work. Auckland has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. Many live in poorer areas, where unemployment and crime are commonplace.
The recent revival in Maori culture is changing New Zealand society. Throughout history Maoris have suffered; they lost rights to their land in the 19th century and now have higher levels of unemployment and poverty than European New Zealanders.
Pray that a new generation of Maoris would find cultural acceptance and freedom in Jesus.

7-8 Afghanistan: The new government has a challenging time ahead.
Pray for God’s wisdom in the decisions they make and courage to practically uphold their agreement to the Human Rights Charter.
Afghanistan's living standards are among the lowest in the world. Much of the population continues to suffer from shortages of housing; clean water, electricity, medical care, and jobs, but the Afghan government and international donors remain committed to improving access to these basic necessities by prioritizing infrastructure development, education, housing development, jobs programs, and economic reform over the next year.
Pray that God will bring a lasting peace and justice to Afghanistan.
Under the Taliban regime women in Afghanistan were denied basic human rights and suffered cruelly at the hands of men. Pray that promised freedom will be a reality for women in Afghanistan. Afghanistan is one of the least reached countries in the world. There are an amazing 48,000 mosques. Under Taliban rule the death penalty was imposed for anyone converting from Islam.
Pray that this will not continue unofficially.
Approximately half the population is ‘Pashtuns’ – the largest Muslim tribal society in the world. There are 27 million Pashtuns living in Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan.
Pray that those working with the Pashtuns will be encouraged and that they have breakthrough
9 Albania: In 1995 Albania was the most heavily ‘evangelized’ nation in Europe – by both Christians and Muslims.
Pray for a long term vision to see people meet Jesus and follow Him in a way that is culturally appropriate.
Most ethnic Albanians are Muslims and live outside Albania in Kosovo or Macedonia.
Pray that they would have opportunities to hear the gospel.

10-11 Algeria: The Berber peoples could make up as much as 40% of the population, but the Arab majority have tried to impose their culture on them and stopped them from using their own language. Thousands in the Kabyle region have become Christians and meet openly in their villages.
Pray for these churches – that they would be protected from persecution and grow in the faith in God.
As many as 2.5 million Algerians have left their country and moved to Europe. There could be more opportunity for them to hear about Jesus but also about Islam.
11 American Samoa: American Samoa consists of five volcanic and two tiny coral islands in the Southern Pacific Ocean. Lots of people have left the Church and joined the Mormons.
Pray that theirs eyes would be opened to this false teaching and that they find real life and truth in Jesus.
Andorra: Andorra, officially the Principality of Andorra is a small landlocked country in western Europe, located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains and bordered by Spain (Catalonia) and France (Northern Catalonia and old Occitania). Once isolated, it is currently a prosperous country mainly because of tourism and its status as a tax haven. The people of Andorra are currently listed as having the highest human life expectancies on Earth, at an average of 83.52 years (2007 est).
(Source: Wikipedia, 1/08)
Pray that that would come to know the giver of life.

12-13 Angola: In the first decade of violence Christians faced intense persecution and thousands were martyred or abducted. Throughout the suffering and devastation many Christians have remained strong in their faith and the church is growing.
Pray that a lasting peace can be restored to Angola.
Luanda and other cities are home to millions of refugees living in squalor and many orphaned or abandoned children struggle to survive.
Pray that churches and other groups can meet the needs of all those who are suffering.
13 Anguilla, Antigua: In the Caribbean Sea, Anguilla is at the northern end of the Leeward Islands. Anguilla refused to follow St Kitts and Nevis into independence and has remained a British dependent. Territory.
Pray for better cooperation between the 21 churches on the island.
In between the Caribbean and the Atlantic, Antigua and Barbuda have belonged to the Spanish, the French and lastly the British. The islands gained their independence in 1981.
Pray for the many refugees who came here from Montserrat after the volcanic eruption on their island.

14-15 Argentina: Most of the church growth is in the cities.
Pray that the Church will have a vision to impact their communities and do more to address the enormous poverty in the city.
Pray that the move of God will spread into rural areas.

**Thank You members for your prayers and support, united we can make a difference in each other lives!

The Gift Of Gratitude

2008-02-03T15:31:00.001-08:00

Give Thanks

Gratitude is a gift. It is a gift that constantly gives.
Being grateful is not an order or a burden. Gratitude is a perfect way to let God know you
are aware of His love and gifts. God is everything on this earth that you see and receive. From water earth air and trees to
you me and all the things we have and cherish. Why wouldn't you want to thank your Creator for all the love and gifts he bestows?
'I wish I had more' 'This is not enough' 'I would be happier if I had such and such' How often do we children of God say and think
these things? If you have been guilty of this then please consider Psalm 105:5 Remember the wondrous works that he has done, His miracles, and the judgements He uttered This verse does help to remind s that God's miraculous gifts and judgements help to enrich our lives and give us what we need. If you wish you had more money- be grateful you have some! So many have ZERO- you are so very lucky
to be able to take care of yourself and loved ones. You may say better health I desire- forgetting you COULD be sicker or even deceased
We take so much for granted by whining and complaining thus missing the blessings and gifts we have been given.
Psalm 103:2-4
Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity,
and heals all diseases, who redeems life from the pit who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.
Gratitude is also a great way to serve God, letting Him know you understand and appreciate where all your gifts and miracles come from.
When you make the train or bus on time, the red light does not catch you in traffic, your mystery aliments are cured in nick of time, and affordable, loved ones say just the things to cheer you up, you meet your soulmate,get a new great job, or a loved one kicks a bad addiction- who do you think is behind all of that- who do you think you should be thanking?? God Himself!
God wants us to be happy and fulfilled while we are here and to sow seeds(putting gratitude and righteousness behind blessings)
How can it be difficult to give thanks to our Father in Heaven? How can you not think that God loves you enough to bestow blessings and
gifts unto you? As it says in Philipians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus
Gratitude turns blessings into more blessings, by acknowledging where and who gave them to us and what we are to do with them
Always know deep within your heart everything you have has God's name and approval attached to it-give thanks at all times.
Just say 'Lord thank you for blessing me or loved one,thank you Lord for your miracles and favors'
Constantly give thanks, let God guide all your favor and blessings- you will see the difference!
God bless all of you!

Daily Prayer

2008-02-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

Read the following prayer and if it expresses the desire of your heart repeat it to God.

Dear God,
I know that I have sinned and my sin separated me from You. I do believe Jesus died on the cross for me and rose from the dead so my sin can be forgiven. God please forgive me. I ask Jesus to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. I will obey you and live for you the rest of my life. Thank you for the gift of eternal life. Thank you for loving me.

In Jesus Name I Pray, Amen

Satan Defeated

2008-01-31T14:55:00.001-08:00

One of the greatest challenges in life is satan. he is everywhere and constantly tempts you. The more God blesses and uplifts us, the more satan is present to destroy your gifts from God. No one on earth is exempt but read the following it helps me to have faith satan is truly powerless up against God and those who is enriched through the spirit

Satan Is Defeated
Revelation 20:1-6
Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and locked and sealed it over him, so that he would deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be let out for a little while.
Then I saw thrones, and those seated on them were given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony to Jesus and for the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. Over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him a thousand years.

WHO IS MIGHTIER THAN GOD?

2008-01-29T14:26:00.000-08:00

Psalm 89 1-18

I will sing of your steadfast love, O LORD,a forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to my servant David: ‘I will establish your descendants forever, and build your throne for all generations.’” Selah Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD, a God feared in the council of the holy ones, great and awesome above all that are around him? O LORD God of hosts, who is as mighty as you, O LORD? Your faithfulness surrounds you. You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them. You crushed Rahab like a carcass; you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. The heavens are yours, the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it—you have founded them. The north and the south—you created them; Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name. You have a mighty arm; strong is your hand, high your right hand. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O LORD, in the light of your countenance; they exult in your name all day long, and extol your righteousness. For you are the glory of their strength; by your favor our horn is exalted. For our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel.

Complete Faith

2008-01-29T14:23:00.000-08:00

Have Faith

I was once told by a wise teacher that faith activates God's power. It was so amazing to hear at the time,I had to sit down to ponder it. No one had ever said something so profound to me in my life. So I started to think,that is right you have to have faith to see and experience God's miracles! It starts with something you want or desire,even pray for. If you don't have faith that it will be blessed and granted upon you by God-it may never show up or you miss Him directing you toward it. Once you have a firm unmovable belief in something-which is faith, nothing stops God from granting it unto you. When Jesus went around various places teaching and healing,at times his disciples had trouble believing his miracles gifts. They would question his power and authority. The people Jesus saw,some he helped ,and others would come toward him with disbelief. Which of course was the wrong thinking! As it says in Mark5:34 'Daughter you faith has made you well' Key word FAITH. When you believe in God all things are possible,when you do not anything can come against you,take root in your life and lead you astray. People today having no faith in God more or less belong to satan and those disguised and are false. Like Moses in the book of Exodus- he was fearful the people of Egypt would not take him seriously as a messenger of God. The more he did go on to listen and have faith in God and his mission, he was able to show people God was speaking through him to them. When we have disbelief like King Pharaoh-who took no heed of God's message and command- he had no faith that he should listen or obey. Much wrath,misery and destruction followed because of it. Just like when we have no faith, when you have none you cannot make or accept changes. You also cannot allow God's will for you to take place,his guidance and wisdom is blocked. Thus enables for you to be stuck in bad situations and a possible victim of satan himself. Fellow christians think twice about everything you pray for, put complete faith behind it.

Daily Prayer

2008-01-27T15:06:00.000-08:00

A Servant of the Lord
God knew you before the foundation of the world, and He prepared paths that you are to walk in. Do you know who are you are, why you are here and how you will achieve your purpose? If you do not know how to respond I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to help you find the answers. Even though Jesus was equal with God, He came to earth and fulfilled his assignment as a servant of God. You are a child of God who is free to choose whom you will serve. Will you serve God and fulfill his purposes for your life?

PRAYER: As a servant of the Lord, I purpose to be kind to everyone. I will teach others without being quarrelsome or resentful. It is absolutely clear that you called me to a free life. I will make sure that I don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever I want to do and destroy my freedom. Rather, I purpose to use my freedom to serve others in love; that's how freedom grows. Amen
Scripture Reading2 Timothy 2:24Galatians 5:13

WELCOME

2008-01-26T14:39:00.000-08:00

Welcome everyone! I wanted to create a site that is fun and for christians. I want this site to be all about the word of God. Please share what concerns you about God,scripture,prayers, prayer requests,current events too, as it relates to God. I hope you have fun learning,sharing and posting

Let the word of God be your guide for it is an instruction manual of how you are to live your daily life.

Questions,lessons, truth,and wisdom is contained in the Bible.
No other document on this earth can prepare,guide,teach or enrich you like God's word

God Has Spoken

2008-01-26T14:37:00.000-08:00

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1
With these words the Bible opens the history of our world. It does not try to prove that God exists. From the very beginning God already is, and He is already active. The writers of the Bible never doubt or question God's existence. Nor do they go into long arguments to show to others that God is real. Why is this?
God's Presence Is Well Known
"No one has ever seen God" (John 1:18). The fact that God is not directly seen does not have to lead to doubt. Though God is invisible, we know He is there because of the results of His powerful work. The world around us, called "nature," is one of those results (Genesis 1:1). With other results of God's work, nature speaks clearly of its Creator.
People through the ages, and all over the world, have come to the same conclusion: Creation points to an amazing Creator.

Seeing The Creator Through Creation
The apostle Paul speaks of those who try to hide the truth about God. He shows why God is angry with them:
"Since what may be known about God is plain to them, becauseGod has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities -- his eternal power anddivine nature -- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse"(Romans 1:19-20).
Realities about God can be "clearly seen!" How? "Being understood from what has been made." Looking at creation helps us to know about God!
We know of the wind's presence by its effects as it moves dust and leaves. In a far greater way, we know things about God by the effect of His work around us. God has made it clear. That is why people have "no excuse" when they twist the truth about God.
Creation By Accident?
Some want to live as if there is no God to whom they must answer. To avoid the need for God they teach that all we see came into being by accident. Over the ages, small bits of matter gradually changed by accident and formed humans who have no spirit and no real purpose. From a long line of accidents, we are an accident on its way to its final accident!
Does such a picture make sense? How could so many accidents result in such order? What would happen if you caused a great explosion to scatter a pile of rocks and wood? Even if you repeated this many times over, would the millions of pieces ever have the chance of coming together in such a way as to form a normal house? Would the heavier rocks happen to come down first to make a perfect foundation? Would smaller pieces fall in by chance to make straight walls on all sides, with doors and windows all in place? Would other pieces finally fall in such order as to make a roof that keeps rain out?
Every house has a builder
No one would dare say that a house came about by accident. Its order and design show beyond a doubt that it had a builder. Notice the simple force of Hebrews 3:4,
"For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder ofeverything."

Creation Tells The Glory Of God
What about the order of the stars and planets? Israel's great king, David, sang this song:
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim thework of His hands" (Psalm 19:1).
King David was right. If our sun (just one of billions of stars) is so powerful, how much more powerful is the One who made all suns! He is called "the Father of lights" (James 1:17)!
Yet the sun's strength is strictly controlled. If the sun changed its course even a little, all life on our planet would soon end. Everything is in perfect place for life to exist on this earth. Such careful design in every detail must have a Builder! But we have not yet mentioned the man and woman, with their children, who live in this amazing home.
The brain of even the smallest child has many more active parts than all the stars the eye sees at night! Our minds work with great thoughts. Our eyes see beauty in living colors. The human spirit has power to _choose_ and to _love_. Our hearts reach high in _worship_. King David, when he thought of his own body and soul, was moved to sing to God,
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfullymade; your works are wonderful, I know that full well" (Psalm 139:14).
The person who pretends there is no God and no soul is like a mouse eating bread in the dark. With its mouth full, the mouse announces, "I do not believe there is a baker. I do not believe there is such a thing as grain for making bread, for I have never seen these things." We stand on the evidence! The proof is all around us and _within_ us! The Bible describes those who refuse to see it:
"For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futileand their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimedto be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:21-22).

Give Glory And Thanks To God
Notice that Paul, in Romans 1:21, show that it is only right that we should give to our Maker glory and thanks. The air we breathe is GOD'S air -- its gases mixed in just the right parts to give life and not death. When you eat, remember that the food and drink you enjoy are God's good provisions for you.
"God has not left himself without testimony; He has shownkindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in theirseasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills yourhearts with joy" (Acts 14:17).
That we exist and live at all is itself a wonderful gift. The truth is that we owe all that we are and have to our Maker! When we truly understand that, it is not hard to give to God the praise due to His name. It is not hard to give back in service to Him the life that He first gave to us. It is the right thing to do. And our lives are far better in every way when we respect, worship and serve our Creator. Such service takes time and effort. Yet isn't that time actually the time HE is giving to us? "Our" time on earth can and will end some day. Since it is really HIS gift of time, we can afford to take time for Him. Believing in God goes beyond simply knowing facts about God. It leads us to praise God and to seek Him. Even those who do not yet know how to come to God can begin to seek Him. A Roman soldier named Cornelius was one such person (Acts 10). Because he was truly seeking God, his prayers were heard.

Let's Sum It Up
God does not need to prove that He exists for it is already obvious. Just look around you! Look in the mirror at how you are put together! You know that this life and universe are far too orderly to be accidents. That means that behind all this there is a very wise, powerful Creator. His work also shows that He really cares about what He made. It's time we cared enough to thank Him for the life He gave us.

Do You Know God?

2008-01-26T14:36:00.000-08:00

Who is God? He is Knowable
God, who created the universe in all of its magnitude and creative details, is able to be known, by us. He tells us about himself, but even goes beyond that. He welcomes us into a relationship, so that we personally can get to know him. Not only can we know about him, we can know him, intimately.
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strengthor the rich man boast of his riches,but let him who boasts boast about this:that he understands and knows me,that I am the Lord,who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth,for in these I delight," declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23,24)
Who is God? He is Approachable
God invites us to talk to him and engage him in what concerns us. We don't have to get our act together first. Neither do we need to be polite, theologically correct or holy. It is his nature to be loving and accepting when we go to him.
"The Lord is near to all who call on him,to all who call on him in truth." (Psalms 145:18)
Who is God? He is Creative
Everything we make is put together with existing materials or built on previous thoughts. God has the capacity of speaking things into existence, not just galaxies and life forms, but solutions to today's problems. God is creative, for us. His power is something he wants us to be aware of and to rely on.
"Great is our Lord and mighty in power;his understanding has no limit." (Psalms 147:5)"...where does my help come from?My help comes from the Lord,the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalms 121:1,2)
Who is God? He is Forgiving
We sin. We tend to do things our way instead of God's way. And he sees it and knows it. God does not merely overlook such sin, but is prepared to judge and condemn people for their sin. However, God is forgiving and will forgive us from the moment we begin a relationship with him. Jesus, the Son of God, paid for our sin with his death on a cross. He rose from the dead and offers us this forgiveness.
"We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done... We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us." (Romans 3:22,25)
Who is God? He is Honest
Just like a person who lets you know their thoughts and feelings, God clearly tells us about himself, the possible difference being, he is always honest. Everything he says about himself, or about us, is reliable information. Truer than our feelings, thoughts, and perception, God is totally accurate and honest in what he says. Every promise he makes to us can be fully counted on, he means it. We can take him at his word.
"The unfolding of your words gives light;it gives understanding to the simple.Your word is a lamp to my feetand a light to my path." (Psalms 119:130,105)
Who is God? He is Capable
How would you like to be always 100% right, about everything? God is. His wisdom is unlimited. He understands all the elements of a situation, including the history and future events related to it. We do not have to update him, counsel him or persuade him to do the right thing. He will, because he is capable and his motives are pure. If we trust him, he will never make a mistake, never undercut us or deceive us. He can be fully trusted to do what is right, in all circumstances, at all times.
"No one whose hope is in youwill ever be put to shame..." (Psalms 25:3)

Religious But Lost??

2008-01-26T14:34:00.000-08:00

Religious but lost??

My grandma used to say this to some of our family members when our knowledge of God and or actions in daily life did not measure up. Religous but lost, hmmm.. I have often wondered if that was true of me and other family members. What about YOU- are u religious but lost? let's find out, I have a series of questions and I would like all my readers' input on:
1. Who is God to you?
2. How do you feel about God?
3. What is a Holy Spirit?
4.Who is Jesus Christ?
5. What was Jesus Christ's purpose?
6.What is so special about being a christian?
7. Are you spiritual,religious or both?- How do they differ?
8. What is your divine purpose?
9. Does God have a plan for your life?
10. What does being a christian mean to you?
* Tough questions? Perhaps, but look inward and seek the word of God and see if you're religious,lost or somewhere in between... good luck and God bless!

Adam and Eve : Proof of Exsistence

2008-01-26T14:31:00.000-08:00

The Life of Adam and Eve

First, Genesis 1-2 presents them as actual persons and even narrates the important events in their lives. Second, they gave birth to literal children who did the same (Genesis 4-5). Third, the phrase "this is the account of" that Moses used to record later history in Genesis (e.g., Gen. 6:9; 10:1; 11:10, 27; 25:12, 19) appears in the creation account (2:4) and of Adam, Eve, and their descendants.
Fourth, later Old Testament chronologies place Adam at the beginning of the list (Gen. 5:1; 1 Chron. 1:1). Fifth, the New Testament places Adam at the beginning of Jesus' literal ancestors (Luke 2:38). Sixth, Jesus referred to the life of Adam and Eve as the first literal "male and female," making their physical union the basis of marriage (Matt. 19:4).
The Story of Adam and Eve
Seventh, the book of Romans declares that literal death came into the world by a literal "one man" - Adam (Rom. 5:12). Eighth, the comparison of Adam (the "first Adam") with Christ (the "last Adam") in 1 Corinthians 15:45 manifests that Adam was understood as a literal, historical person.
Ninth, Paul's declaration that "it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve" (1 Tim. 2:13-14) reveals that he speaks of real persons. Tenth, logically there had to be a first real set of human beings, male and female, or else the race would have had no way to get going. The Bible calls this literal couple "Adam and Eve," and there is no reason to doubt their real existence.
The Genesis account contradicts macroevolution. Genesis speaks of the creation of Adam from the dust of the ground, not his evolution from other animals (Gen. 2:7). It speaks of direct immediate creation at God's command, not long natural processes (cf. Gen. 1:1, 3, 6, 9, 21, 27). God created Eve from Adam; she did not evolve separately. Adam was an intelligent being who could speak a language, study and name animals, and engage in life-sustaining activity. He was not an ignorant half-ape.