Saturday, December 26, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Praise and Worship
Just wanted to share this message during the holiday season. Have a very Merry Christmas!
When you express your love for God, it's called worship. One way you can express your love is by singing to him, and during the Christmas season, there are more opportunities to praise God in song than any other time of the year.
Did you know that more songs have been written about Jesus Christ than any other topic in the world? Christianity is a singing faith because it's not about religion. It's about a love affair. It's about a relationship with God. He loves you so much that He sent His Son as a baby in a manger.
Nothing will make you more aware of God's love and God's presence in your life than singing His praises. You may be thinking, 'But you don't understand. I can't sing.'
But the Bible says, "Make a joyful noise." You can do that! You don't have to be a perfect singer to make a joyful noise.
Since you can sing anywhere, you can express your love of God anywhere. That means you can worship in the shower. You can worship in your backyard mowing the lawn. You can worship washing dishes. You can worship driving to work.
This Christmas season tell God you love him by singing to Him. If you really think about what God has done in your life, you won't be able to help yourself - a song will just burst out of you.
When you express your love for God, it's called worship. One way you can express your love is by singing to him, and during the Christmas season, there are more opportunities to praise God in song than any other time of the year.
Did you know that more songs have been written about Jesus Christ than any other topic in the world? Christianity is a singing faith because it's not about religion. It's about a love affair. It's about a relationship with God. He loves you so much that He sent His Son as a baby in a manger.
Nothing will make you more aware of God's love and God's presence in your life than singing His praises. You may be thinking, 'But you don't understand. I can't sing.'
But the Bible says, "Make a joyful noise." You can do that! You don't have to be a perfect singer to make a joyful noise.
Since you can sing anywhere, you can express your love of God anywhere. That means you can worship in the shower. You can worship in your backyard mowing the lawn. You can worship washing dishes. You can worship driving to work.
This Christmas season tell God you love him by singing to Him. If you really think about what God has done in your life, you won't be able to help yourself - a song will just burst out of you.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Precious
A couple of weeks ago I went to see the movie "Precious". My bestfriend and I were so excited for our "Girls NITE ONLY". We settled into our seats with our popcorn and snacks that were not on our diet list, ready to be entertained. But much to my surprise I was not entertained. I was shocked, horrified and disgusted. I couldn't believe what I was watching. I couldn't even think about the symbollism, the plot or the message the producers were trying to get across to me.
So when I left the movie, I was past disgusted. I wanted to do an all out multi-media SMEAR CAMPAIGN against the movie. But I didn't because I kept feeling as though I was missing something. I began to ask my professional peers, family members, church members and others who had seen the movie their opinions. Many people felt like I did that it didn't end well and that it was too much to take in one sitting.
However, yesterday I was in Atlanta at a book signing for my new client Ms. Steen Miles, Senator, Author and TV Personality. She is absolutely one of the most inspiring women that I have ever met. I asked her if she had seen the movie Precious, she told me that she had. I asked her what her thoughts were after seeing the movie.
After sharing with me her take and how she saw the movie as a positive, I was then entrigued that this very powerful woman of God saw this movie as POSITIVE... How could that be.
Well, Ms. Steen Miles, enlightened me last night. I asked her what she thought about the ending. She said that the ending was positive. I asked how. She told me that when Precious walked out of the welfare office with her two children she was walking away Free. But I asked her free to do what? Ms. Miles, said something to me that made me understand finally what I had missed in this movie. HOPE... When Precious walked away, she was finally in the moment and she finally had HOPE. You can't see HOPE, You have to believe HOPE.
The Bible tells us in Hebrews that ..Faith is the substance of things hope for and the evidence of things not seen.
Be Blessed
So when I left the movie, I was past disgusted. I wanted to do an all out multi-media SMEAR CAMPAIGN against the movie. But I didn't because I kept feeling as though I was missing something. I began to ask my professional peers, family members, church members and others who had seen the movie their opinions. Many people felt like I did that it didn't end well and that it was too much to take in one sitting.
However, yesterday I was in Atlanta at a book signing for my new client Ms. Steen Miles, Senator, Author and TV Personality. She is absolutely one of the most inspiring women that I have ever met. I asked her if she had seen the movie Precious, she told me that she had. I asked her what her thoughts were after seeing the movie.
After sharing with me her take and how she saw the movie as a positive, I was then entrigued that this very powerful woman of God saw this movie as POSITIVE... How could that be.
Well, Ms. Steen Miles, enlightened me last night. I asked her what she thought about the ending. She said that the ending was positive. I asked how. She told me that when Precious walked out of the welfare office with her two children she was walking away Free. But I asked her free to do what? Ms. Miles, said something to me that made me understand finally what I had missed in this movie. HOPE... When Precious walked away, she was finally in the moment and she finally had HOPE. You can't see HOPE, You have to believe HOPE.
The Bible tells us in Hebrews that ..Faith is the substance of things hope for and the evidence of things not seen.
Be Blessed
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wouldn't it be fitting if this went completely around the world!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Who Packed Your Parachute?
Who Packed Your Parachute?
An excerpt from Aim for the Heart
By Tom Mathews
As a leader, do you honor and appreciate the power of WE? Do you stop to thank and recognize the members of your team? Do you consistently show an attitude of gratitude?I recently read a great story about Captain Charles Plumb, a graduate from the Naval Academy, whose plane, after 74 successful combat missions over North Vietnam, was shot down. He parachuted to safety, but was captured, tortured and spent 2,103 days in a small box-like cell.
After surviving the ordeal, Captain Plumb received the Silver Star, Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit and two Purple Hearts, and returned to America and spoke to many groups about his experience and how it compared to the challenges of every day life.
Shortly after coming home, Charlie and his wife were sitting in a restaurant. A man rose from a nearby table, walked over and said, "You're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!"
Surprised that he was recognized, Charlie responded, "How in the world did you know that?" The man replied, "I packed your parachute." Charlie looked up with surprise. The man pumped his hand, gave a thumbs-up, and said, "I guess it worked!" Charlie stood to shake the man's hand, and assured him, "It most certainly did work. If it had not worked, I would not be here today."
Charlie could not sleep that night, thinking about the man. He wondered if he might have seen him and not even said, "Good morning, how are you?" He thought of the many hours the sailor had spent bending over a long wooden table in the bottom of the ship, carefully folding the silks and weaving the shrouds of each chute, each time holding in his hands the fate of someone he didn't know.
Plumb then began to realize that along with the physical parachute, he needed mental, emotional and spiritual parachutes. He had called on all these supports during his long and painful ordeal.
How many times a day, a week, a month, do we pass up the opportunity to thank those people in our organization who are "packing our parachutes?"
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Flowers From lloyd1985
To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' ...
When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. ..
Concentrate on this sentence... 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.' ...
Something good will happen to you today; Count your Blessings, and may you find something to smile about each day~
There comes a point in your life when you realize:
Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore....
And who always will.
So, don't worry about people from your past,
there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future..
Tina Stoves Writes Speaks Inspires
What You cant See
One the outside I smile like everything’s fine
Blinded by the light when you look into my eyes
Distracted by my style and the clicking of my heels
But my soul screams out its time to be healed
They ask me how I’m doing and I tell them fine
But they don’t know about the nights I set up crying
Dying to be heard, demanding to be free
The load is getting heavy stop pressuring me
Trying to please the world instead of my self
I always aim at first, never second best
If I could only reach that mountain that’s so high to climb
Then maybe things would change in time
But until then I will smile and laugh like normal
But know one will ever know my life’s so informal
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
HAVE YOU EVER LOST JESUS?
LUKE 2:41-49
His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother[a] did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
Who lost HIM? How long did it take to lose HIM? What did they do when they figured that HE was lost? Where did they look? How long did thy look? Where did they find HIM?
Are we in danger sometimes of losing Jesus?
Do we make every effort not to lose Jesus?
Where do we find Jesus?
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother[a] did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
Who lost HIM? How long did it take to lose HIM? What did they do when they figured that HE was lost? Where did they look? How long did thy look? Where did they find HIM?
Are we in danger sometimes of losing Jesus?
Do we make every effort not to lose Jesus?
Where do we find Jesus?
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thanksgiving Afterthoughts
After traveling for 10 hours to my hometown of Alton, Illinois, I woke up on Thanksgiving morning prepared to see family and friends that I hadn't seen since the previous year. Thanksgiving has always been a time of sharing memories and laughter with family and friends. Traveling to Illinois from Birmingham to have Thanksgiving with my dad has been a tradition for the past fifteen years. However, this is the first year that all of my brothers and sister also came home.
My daughter had a paper to write for school and she worked on the paper during the Thanksgiving break. Her paper was entitled "A Different Kind of Doggy-Bag". In her paper, she wrote about the wonderful tradition of going from house to house and how people take home covered plates from the meal that they had previously eaten. She made a great comparison to her mom, dad, aunts and uncles and how they were the original meal and their legacy was her doggy bag. Listening to the lives of her ancestors, she realized that she had the best leftovers that it would be a waste of a great meal if she didn't take that doggy bag and fill her own shoes.
This was the best Thanksgiving that I have had in fifteen years. I left Illinois with a different kind of doggybag too.
My daughter had a paper to write for school and she worked on the paper during the Thanksgiving break. Her paper was entitled "A Different Kind of Doggy-Bag". In her paper, she wrote about the wonderful tradition of going from house to house and how people take home covered plates from the meal that they had previously eaten. She made a great comparison to her mom, dad, aunts and uncles and how they were the original meal and their legacy was her doggy bag. Listening to the lives of her ancestors, she realized that she had the best leftovers that it would be a waste of a great meal if she didn't take that doggy bag and fill her own shoes.
This was the best Thanksgiving that I have had in fifteen years. I left Illinois with a different kind of doggybag too.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Confusion
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. — 1 Corinthians 14:33
A friend was holding a clinic for Christian Athletes one year in Mobile, and it came to him to ask the group how many of them were confused. There were about 300 people at that clinic, and from what he could tell, 298 of them raised their hands. And his assistant coach Dave was one of the two who didn't raise a hand. He could tell us that Dave has never been confused in his life because he doesn't worry. He doesn't try to figure out anything. He is not interested in having all the answers to everything because he trusts God.
When you trust God, you can relax and enjoy life. You don't have to go through life worrying and trying to figure out how to solve all your problems. Think about all the things you have worried about in your life and how they have all worked out. That ought to help you realize that worry and reasoning are a waste of time and energy. Stop worrying. Stop complicating your life by trying to figure out everything. Just admit that you don't know, that you are not able, that you need God. Then go on living, and enjoy life while God is giving you the answers.
A friend was holding a clinic for Christian Athletes one year in Mobile, and it came to him to ask the group how many of them were confused. There were about 300 people at that clinic, and from what he could tell, 298 of them raised their hands. And his assistant coach Dave was one of the two who didn't raise a hand. He could tell us that Dave has never been confused in his life because he doesn't worry. He doesn't try to figure out anything. He is not interested in having all the answers to everything because he trusts God.
When you trust God, you can relax and enjoy life. You don't have to go through life worrying and trying to figure out how to solve all your problems. Think about all the things you have worried about in your life and how they have all worked out. That ought to help you realize that worry and reasoning are a waste of time and energy. Stop worrying. Stop complicating your life by trying to figure out everything. Just admit that you don't know, that you are not able, that you need God. Then go on living, and enjoy life while God is giving you the answers.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A Thanksgiving Blessing by LaSharn Faush
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Heavenly Father, we come this morning thanking You for the gift of life. We thank You for food and shelter; for friends and family. Lord, we thank You for the good times and we thank You for the not so good times. For we realize that all things work together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. We thank You for the sunshine and we thank You for the rain. We thank You for the sparrow who reminds us that You are a loving Father, who takes care of Your children. Most of all, Father God, we thank You for sending Jesus; who died a horrible death just to save us from our sins. Help us to be grateful and mindful of the many blessing You have given to us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Heavenly Father, we come this morning thanking You for the gift of life. We thank You for food and shelter; for friends and family. Lord, we thank You for the good times and we thank You for the not so good times. For we realize that all things work together for the good of those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. We thank You for the sunshine and we thank You for the rain. We thank You for the sparrow who reminds us that You are a loving Father, who takes care of Your children. Most of all, Father God, we thank You for sending Jesus; who died a horrible death just to save us from our sins. Help us to be grateful and mindful of the many blessing You have given to us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Why Did God Give Us A Choice?
This question was recently asked in a study and it caused me to consider-why did God give us a choice? Since He is the Everlasting (EL Olam) God, He would know everything from beginning to ending. WE were created in His image, because of His great love for us and His wanting to share this love. God created us to both worship Him and love Him. Jeremiah 31:3 tells us "I have loved you with an everlasting love." He is telling us that even though He knows us totally yet He still loves us.
Just as we each desire to be loved without any restraints, so it is with God. Would you like to have someone love you simply because you forced them to do so? How could you ever be sure that they sincerely loved you? But just think of the difference when we have a choice in who we love. God is no different-He wants our total and committed love. "You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3) As stated in Deuteronomy 6 "love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength". God wants to be our first love but He wants us to come to Him freely, without threats or force, but of our own choice. Just as we in our human nature need and desire love and affection from our mates, family, etc., so too does God desire our love.
God has always given us a choice beginning with Adam and Eve-choose to obey and not eat of the tree of knowledge or disobey, eat of the fruit from the tree and accept the consequences. Each time we choose to disobey He grants us grace and mercy again and again, however, there may be undesired consequences due to our actions. "Faithfully obey the Lord-will set you high above all nations. (Deut.28:1-2) Obedience to God assures you will be blessed.
Throughout Scripture, we are reminded of His great love for us-"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Psalm 136 reminds us tha no matter what is happening in our lives God's love endures forever.
St. Teresa of Avila phrased it best "Christ does not force our will. He only takes what we give Him. But He does give Himself entirely until He sees that we yield ourselves entirely to Him."
Does your life demonstrate the right choice? A love for God.
Just as we each desire to be loved without any restraints, so it is with God. Would you like to have someone love you simply because you forced them to do so? How could you ever be sure that they sincerely loved you? But just think of the difference when we have a choice in who we love. God is no different-He wants our total and committed love. "You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3) As stated in Deuteronomy 6 "love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength". God wants to be our first love but He wants us to come to Him freely, without threats or force, but of our own choice. Just as we in our human nature need and desire love and affection from our mates, family, etc., so too does God desire our love.
God has always given us a choice beginning with Adam and Eve-choose to obey and not eat of the tree of knowledge or disobey, eat of the fruit from the tree and accept the consequences. Each time we choose to disobey He grants us grace and mercy again and again, however, there may be undesired consequences due to our actions. "Faithfully obey the Lord-will set you high above all nations. (Deut.28:1-2) Obedience to God assures you will be blessed.
Throughout Scripture, we are reminded of His great love for us-"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Psalm 136 reminds us tha no matter what is happening in our lives God's love endures forever.
St. Teresa of Avila phrased it best "Christ does not force our will. He only takes what we give Him. But He does give Himself entirely until He sees that we yield ourselves entirely to Him."
Does your life demonstrate the right choice? A love for God.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Forgiveness
Forgiveness....
In the dictionary forgiveness means the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven. But what does forgiving mean, forgiving means to stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake. Forgiveness is a hard thing to do when someone has hurt you especially someone you love and care for. We talked about this word at campus outreach a couple of Wednesdays ago. Ephesians 4:30-32 says "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Me forgiving someone meant getting back at them and hurting them like they hurt me but two negatives do not make a positive. Now I know it does in a science world but for example in a relationship if I cheated that doesn't mean he has to cheat. Now I look at my life and try to forgive someone without some kind of pain, which is hard...very hard.
Where do we find the strength to forgive?
I didnt know the answer to this question until campus outreach. We forgive through the gospel. We need to find satisfaction in Him and not the world. We ought to Trust Him and have everlasting Faith with Him.
I heard this analogy awhile ago and it has kept with me. We do not go to the shower clean, we go to the shower to get clean. Meaning we should not go to God clean, we go to God to get clean. I always thought my life had to be perfect to go to Him but it doesn't. He forgives me just like He forgives you for everything no matter how large the sin may be and thats what I love so much about Him. But I also know there aren't many second chances to know Him and we never know when He will return but what I do know is that we all should know Him before judgement day. I don't know if any of this is making a lot of sense, I've never written anything so excuse me if my thoughts are not in a perfect order so I hope someone will get something out of this. I do love you guys and will forever love you.
In the dictionary forgiveness means the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven. But what does forgiving mean, forgiving means to stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake. Forgiveness is a hard thing to do when someone has hurt you especially someone you love and care for. We talked about this word at campus outreach a couple of Wednesdays ago. Ephesians 4:30-32 says "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Me forgiving someone meant getting back at them and hurting them like they hurt me but two negatives do not make a positive. Now I know it does in a science world but for example in a relationship if I cheated that doesn't mean he has to cheat. Now I look at my life and try to forgive someone without some kind of pain, which is hard...very hard.
Where do we find the strength to forgive?
I didnt know the answer to this question until campus outreach. We forgive through the gospel. We need to find satisfaction in Him and not the world. We ought to Trust Him and have everlasting Faith with Him.
I heard this analogy awhile ago and it has kept with me. We do not go to the shower clean, we go to the shower to get clean. Meaning we should not go to God clean, we go to God to get clean. I always thought my life had to be perfect to go to Him but it doesn't. He forgives me just like He forgives you for everything no matter how large the sin may be and thats what I love so much about Him. But I also know there aren't many second chances to know Him and we never know when He will return but what I do know is that we all should know Him before judgement day. I don't know if any of this is making a lot of sense, I've never written anything so excuse me if my thoughts are not in a perfect order so I hope someone will get something out of this. I do love you guys and will forever love you.
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
— Psalm 94:19 (NIV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
God is our comforter, sustainer, and Lord. Only his gracious presence and tender blessings can bring consolation and comfort to our restless and discouraged souls. So let's turn to him, honestly confessing both our sins and our sorrows. Let's ask him to take our anxiety away and restore to us the passion, the joy, and the confidence of our salvation.
My Prayer...
Almighty Shepherd, in the noise and confusion of many thoughts burdened by many concerns, minister to me through your Holy Spirit. I need your comfort and peace. I ask for your presence and your grace. In Jesus' name I ask. Amen.
See Greg O Quin LEAD ME JESUS
New York, NY - Greg O'Quin and vocal ensemble iPraize returns to the gospel music scene with a brand new album, AFTER THE STORM. After a long 8 year hiatus, O'Quin is back on a new label, Pendulum Records, to offer a dynamic CD with 15 power-filled songs.
See Greg O Quin LEAD ME JESUS w/ Lyrics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=896ZBM-GA9c&feature=player_embedded
O'Quin, a native of Dallas, hit the scene in 2001 and scored with a smash song, "I Told The Storm." It captured the people's hearts and emotions as it told the story of resilience and survival. That song went on to be a Top 10 song in 2001 and garnered O'Quin several Dove and Stellar Award nominations.
.The Audacity of ‘Precious’
At Cannes, the film received a 15-minute standing ovation. “They wouldn’t stop clapping,” Daniels told me as he gulped a vodka. “I’m a director — after six minutes, I’m saying, please sit down. But I’m also a producer, so I’m thinking, what’s the record? Can we break the record for the longest standing ovation at the festival?”
Just a few months before its premiere at Cannes, “Precious” won three awards at the Sundance Film Festival, including a special jury prize for Mo’Nique, who plays Precious’s monstrous mother. Graphic as the film is, it is less so than “Push,” the 1996 novel on which it is based. Written by an African-American poet and writer known as Sapphire, “Push” relied on intentionally misspelled, broken and slangy English to convey Precious’s sense of despair and rage. The novel mixes poems by Precious with sexually extreme scenes, like those in which she is forced to perform oral sex on her mother. It is almost relentlessly bleak: when Precious discovers she is H.I.V.-positive, she is certain of her imminent death. Daniels’s movie, by contrast, offers a greater sense of possibility. He doesn’t ignore her disease, hardships or struggles, but he also liberates her from them. Precious is a stand-in for anyone — black, white, male, female — who has ever been devalued or underestimated.
Yet the movie is not neutral on the subject of race and the prejudices that swirl around it, even in the supposedly postracial age of Obama. “ ‘Precious’ is so not Obama,” Daniels said. “ ‘Precious’ is so not P.C. What I learned from doing the film is that even though I am black, I’m prejudiced. I’m prejudiced against people who are darker than me. When I was young, I went to a church where the lighter-skinned you were, the closer you sat to the altar. Anybody that’s heavy like Precious — I thought they were dirty and not very smart. Making this movie changed my heart. I’ll never look at a fat girl walking down the street the same way again.”
For More
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/25/magazine/25precious-t.html
http://www.oprah.com/media/20090506-tows-precious-trailer
Are we really going to get to HIM this Thanksgiving?
One Thanksgiving season a family was seated around their table, looking at the annual holiday bird. From the oldest to the youngest, they were to express their praise. When they came to the 5-year-old in the family, he began by looking at the turkey and expressing his thanks to the turkey, saying although he had not tasted it he knew it would be good.
After that rather novel expression of thanksgiving, he began with a more predictable line of credits, thanking his mother for cooking the turkey and his father for buying the turkey. But then he went beyond that. He joined together a whole hidden multitude of benefactors, linking them with cause and effect. He said, "I thank you for the checker at the grocery store who checked out the turkey. I thank you for the grocery store people who put it on the shelf. I thank you for the farmer who made it fat. I thank you for the man who made the feed. I thank you for those who brought the turkey to the store."
Using his Columbo-like little mind, he traced the turkey all the way from its origin to his plate. And then at the end he solemnly said "Did I leave anybody out?" His 3-year-older brother, embarrassed by all those proceedings, said, "God." Solemnly and without being flustered at all, the 5-year-old said,"I was about to get to him." Well, isn't that the question about which we ought to think at Thanksgiving time? Are we really going to get to HIM this Thanksgiving?
After that rather novel expression of thanksgiving, he began with a more predictable line of credits, thanking his mother for cooking the turkey and his father for buying the turkey. But then he went beyond that. He joined together a whole hidden multitude of benefactors, linking them with cause and effect. He said, "I thank you for the checker at the grocery store who checked out the turkey. I thank you for the grocery store people who put it on the shelf. I thank you for the farmer who made it fat. I thank you for the man who made the feed. I thank you for those who brought the turkey to the store."
Using his Columbo-like little mind, he traced the turkey all the way from its origin to his plate. And then at the end he solemnly said "Did I leave anybody out?" His 3-year-older brother, embarrassed by all those proceedings, said, "God." Solemnly and without being flustered at all, the 5-year-old said,"I was about to get to him." Well, isn't that the question about which we ought to think at Thanksgiving time? Are we really going to get to HIM this Thanksgiving?
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Choosing to Become Like Jesus
Choosing to Become Like Jesus
(Excerpt from Purpose Driven Connection)
"This will continue until we are . . . mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him" (Ephesians 4:13).
"This will continue until we are . . . mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him" (Ephesians 4:13).
Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic; it is a gradual, progressive development that will take the rest of your life as God helps you make healing choices.
The Apostle Paul said, "This will continue until we are . . . mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him" (Ephesians 4:13).
As you struggle with your hurts, habits, and hang-ups, it is important to remember you are a work in progress. God doesn’t expect you to be perfect; he knows you will make mistakes. The Bible says we won't be perfectly like Jesus until we’re able to see Jesus perfectly: "We can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is" (1 John 3:2 NLT).
A simple truth to remember is that God is far more interested in building your character than he is anything else. We worry when God seems silent on a specific issue, but what God cares about most is that whatever you do, you do in a Christlike manner (1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Corinthians 16:14; Colossians 3:17, 23).
In other words, God is interested in who you are. For instance, he's much more concerned about your character than your career, because you will take your character into eternity, but not your career.
The Bible warns, "Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out . . . Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you" (Romans 12:2 MSG).
Becoming like Jesus means we must make choices that are countercultural. These kinds of healing choices will protect us from other forces trying to mold us into their image.
Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could simply live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper: he wants to make us like himself before he takes us to heaven.
(Excerpt from Purpose Driven Connection)
"This will continue until we are . . . mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him" (Ephesians 4:13).
"This will continue until we are . . . mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him" (Ephesians 4:13).
Spiritual maturity is neither instant nor automatic; it is a gradual, progressive development that will take the rest of your life as God helps you make healing choices.
The Apostle Paul said, "This will continue until we are . . . mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him" (Ephesians 4:13).
As you struggle with your hurts, habits, and hang-ups, it is important to remember you are a work in progress. God doesn’t expect you to be perfect; he knows you will make mistakes. The Bible says we won't be perfectly like Jesus until we’re able to see Jesus perfectly: "We can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is" (1 John 3:2 NLT).
A simple truth to remember is that God is far more interested in building your character than he is anything else. We worry when God seems silent on a specific issue, but what God cares about most is that whatever you do, you do in a Christlike manner (1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Corinthians 16:14; Colossians 3:17, 23).
In other words, God is interested in who you are. For instance, he's much more concerned about your character than your career, because you will take your character into eternity, but not your career.
The Bible warns, "Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out . . . Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you" (Romans 12:2 MSG).
Becoming like Jesus means we must make choices that are countercultural. These kinds of healing choices will protect us from other forces trying to mold us into their image.
Jesus did not die on the cross just so we could simply live comfortable, well-adjusted lives. His purpose is far deeper: he wants to make us like himself before he takes us to heaven.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Can you give it up...for HIM?
Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. But many that are first will be last, and the last first." Mark 10:29-31
Christ took this occasion to speak to his disciples about the difficulty of the salvation of those who have abundance of this world. Those who thus eagerly seek the wealth of the world, will never rightly prize Christ and his grace. Also, as to the greatness of the salvation of those who have but little of this world, and leave it for Christ. The greatest trial of a good man's constancy is, when love to Jesus calls him to give up love to friends and relatives. Even when gainers by Christ, let them still expect to suffer for him, till they reach heaven. Let us learn contentment in a low state, and to watch against the love of riches in a high one. Let us pray to be enabled to part with all, if required, in Christ's service, and to use all we are allowed to keep in his service.
Christ took this occasion to speak to his disciples about the difficulty of the salvation of those who have abundance of this world. Those who thus eagerly seek the wealth of the world, will never rightly prize Christ and his grace. Also, as to the greatness of the salvation of those who have but little of this world, and leave it for Christ. The greatest trial of a good man's constancy is, when love to Jesus calls him to give up love to friends and relatives. Even when gainers by Christ, let them still expect to suffer for him, till they reach heaven. Let us learn contentment in a low state, and to watch against the love of riches in a high one. Let us pray to be enabled to part with all, if required, in Christ's service, and to use all we are allowed to keep in his service.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Obedience
Why did HE put us here? What exactly does HE expect from us? Are we pleasing HIM?
These are questions we have been researching for for thousands of years.
Do we have the answers?
God doesn't require us to understand His will, just obey it, even if it seems unreasonable. Most people place a condition on God. They only obey him when His instructions are logical. Failing to commit yourself completely, causes continual frustration in your life. God requires us to put him first in every aspect of our lives. This subject calls for a self-examination to see if YOU are totally committed to God...
Luke 11.28
A wonderful prayer for Veteran's Day
God of peace,
we pray for those who have served our nation
and have laid down their lives
to protect and defend our freedom.
We pray for those who have fought,
whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war,
whose nights are haunted by memories
too painful for the light of day.
We pray for those who serve us now,
especially for those in harm's way.
Shield them from danger
and bring them home.
Turn the hearts and minds
of our leaders and our enemies
to the work of justice and a harvest of peace.
May the peace you left us,
the peace you gave us,
be the peace that sustains,
the peace that saves us.
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer!
Amen.
-ConcordPastor
we pray for those who have served our nation
and have laid down their lives
to protect and defend our freedom.
We pray for those who have fought,
whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war,
whose nights are haunted by memories
too painful for the light of day.
We pray for those who serve us now,
especially for those in harm's way.
Shield them from danger
and bring them home.
Turn the hearts and minds
of our leaders and our enemies
to the work of justice and a harvest of peace.
May the peace you left us,
the peace you gave us,
be the peace that sustains,
the peace that saves us.
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer!
Amen.
-ConcordPastor
Power of "His Word"
Can scripture save the world?
Columbia Pictures
It's a blockbuster.
How timely that the second installment of a seven-part graphic novel series on the End of Days is hitting shelves at about the same time that 2012, the Mayan doomsday flick, hits theaters.
"Nobody wants the world to end, but everybody wants to see it happen," says California megachurch pastor Phil Hotsenpiller, author of the Armageddon Now.
The first of his graphic novels (comic books on steroids, for those new to the genre) is called Armageddon Now: World War 3 and came out at the beginning of this year. Yes, the story is about the last days, but it's not told in a Left Behind sort of way. The characters aren't Christian, but they use the scriptures to find hints on how to save the world.
Experiencing God's healing
How you decided to choose your faith walk: Many people are as I was, a baptized church member, who had no assurance of heaven and no intimate relationship with God.
When I was in college, one weekend my parents made me go to a youth revival. There I heard a teenager talk about falling in love with Jesus. He radiated love, joy and peace.
I prayed, "I want what he's got."
God brought me into His holy presence. I saw I was covered with soot - my sins. He touched me and cleansed me. He filled me with His Holy Spirit and delivered me from alcoholism.
I became a "new creature in Christ Jesus." II Corinthians 5:17. I told God that I put my trust in Jesus to get me to heaven. I have not doubted my salvation since.
How faith functions in your daily life: Every day I "consider myself to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus." Romans 6:11, 13. I yield myself to God. I ask Him to fill me with His Holy Spirit and anoint me. I read the Bible and pray daily, because I love God.
He Who Walks With Me ... The Holy Spirit
He who walks with me:
When I was a young girl I would hear my mother singing gospel songs early in the mornings along with the smell of bacon, biscuits and eggs. Then when she was about to set the table, she would begin to moan the hymns and the sounds of my family gathering at the table seemed help move the tune along. It was glorious to hear her as she stopped long enought to say; "Here take a seat James you take one biscuit ... and where's your sister?" I would ease into the kitchen and take a seat as she began to moan again. There was a robust deep sound that would resonate from somewhere spiritual within her voice as she sang.
In 1974 my step-father died in a car accident and in 1978 my mother became ill. She stayed in the hospital two months and then she was gone. She was forty-one years old. My siblings and I were devastated. I went to the funeral, holding my four year old baby sister, who had cerebral palsy in one arm and my three year old daughter in the other. My baby brother stood close by holding onto me as tight as he could. He was nine years old. My other siblings were teenagers.
As I left the graveyard I looked to the heavens and I wondered how would I make it without a mother. The answer came one day when I heard a song on the radio that Aretha Franklin was singing called, Precious Memories. That moment I felt the presence of The Holy Spirit and I knew that He was walking with me through all of my trials and tribulations.
I want to say to you today that God is real. Just hold onto your faith and He will reveal himself to you. He is walking beside you today and all that you have to do is believe and call on Him.
Tahiera Monique Brown
When I was a young girl I would hear my mother singing gospel songs early in the mornings along with the smell of bacon, biscuits and eggs. Then when she was about to set the table, she would begin to moan the hymns and the sounds of my family gathering at the table seemed help move the tune along. It was glorious to hear her as she stopped long enought to say; "Here take a seat James you take one biscuit ... and where's your sister?" I would ease into the kitchen and take a seat as she began to moan again. There was a robust deep sound that would resonate from somewhere spiritual within her voice as she sang.
In 1974 my step-father died in a car accident and in 1978 my mother became ill. She stayed in the hospital two months and then she was gone. She was forty-one years old. My siblings and I were devastated. I went to the funeral, holding my four year old baby sister, who had cerebral palsy in one arm and my three year old daughter in the other. My baby brother stood close by holding onto me as tight as he could. He was nine years old. My other siblings were teenagers.
As I left the graveyard I looked to the heavens and I wondered how would I make it without a mother. The answer came one day when I heard a song on the radio that Aretha Franklin was singing called, Precious Memories. That moment I felt the presence of The Holy Spirit and I knew that He was walking with me through all of my trials and tribulations.
I want to say to you today that God is real. Just hold onto your faith and He will reveal himself to you. He is walking beside you today and all that you have to do is believe and call on Him.
Tahiera Monique Brown
Monday, November 9, 2009
Daily Scripture:Psalms 72:18-19
Have a Blessed Day!
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name for ever; may his glory fill the whole earth! Amen and Amen!
We are taught to bless God in Christ, for all he has done for us by him. David is earnest in prayer for the fulfilment of this prophecy and promise. It is sad to think how empty the earth is of the glory of God, how little service and honour he has from a world to which he is so bountiful. May we, like David, submit to Christ's authority, and partake of his righteousness and peace. May we bless him for the wonders of redeeming love. May we spend our days, and end our lives, praying for the spread of his gospel.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name for ever; may his glory fill the whole earth! Amen and Amen!
We are taught to bless God in Christ, for all he has done for us by him. David is earnest in prayer for the fulfilment of this prophecy and promise. It is sad to think how empty the earth is of the glory of God, how little service and honour he has from a world to which he is so bountiful. May we, like David, submit to Christ's authority, and partake of his righteousness and peace. May we bless him for the wonders of redeeming love. May we spend our days, and end our lives, praying for the spread of his gospel.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Daily Scripture: Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
Our Lord warned his disciples to prepare for persecution. They were to avoid all things which gave advantage to their enemies, all meddling with worldly or political concerns, all appearance of evil or selfishness, and all underhand measures. Christ foretold troubles, not only that the troubles might not be a surprise, but that they might confirm their faith.
Our Lord warned his disciples to prepare for persecution. They were to avoid all things which gave advantage to their enemies, all meddling with worldly or political concerns, all appearance of evil or selfishness, and all underhand measures. Christ foretold troubles, not only that the troubles might not be a surprise, but that they might confirm their faith.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Daily Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3
Have a Blessed Day!
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion - to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion - to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Hear the Prayer. "Thy Sins Are Forgiven"
For fifty plus years of radio broadcasting, Rev. Erskine R. Faush, Sr. has prayed for a city.
Scroll down and hear the Prayer below, "Thy Sins Are Forgiven" with incredible scenes and music that follow. It will remind you who started your day and who holds our every move.
Scroll down and hear the Prayer below, "Thy Sins Are Forgiven" with incredible scenes and music that follow. It will remind you who started your day and who holds our every move.
Daily Scripture: John 6:27-35
Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God the Father set his seal." Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing 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, "Then what sign do you do, that we may see, and believe you? What work do you perform? Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, `He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven; my Father 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, "Lord, give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." John 6:27-35
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Hope....empty dream or Divine promise
"Hope" is what you've got left when nothing else is working out right. Taking it to God in prayer, removes the obstacles of alone-ness and worry. If He'll take care of the lillies of the field, He will take care of you. Sometimes - like now - I don't see His process or His favor; but "hope" keeps me going. Although I KNOW He walks with me EVERY day, His presence sometimes feels far away. In my heart, I KNOW everything will turn out all right; I just have to wait and persevere through ALL life puts me through. "Be still, and know that I AM GOD." But, Lord, sometimes it's just too hard...
Hope....empty dream or Divine promise
COMMENT NOW
Hope....empty dream or Divine promise
COMMENT NOW
Denzel One Of Hollwood's Most Notable Christians
Not one to wear his faith on his sleeve, Denzel Washington surprised many by lending his voice to "The Bible Experience," an audio Bible featuring some of the country's top African-American stars. (Washington and his wife Pauletta narrate The Song of Songs.) The two-time Oscar winner is in the upper echelon of Hollywood actors, receiving a $20 million paycheck per movie. But his superstar status rises far above mere moviemaking. A 2006 Barna study found that Washington is better known and better loved than any living American religious figure. The son of a Pentecostal minister, he has reportedly donated $2.5 million to his church, the West Angeles Church of God in Christ. It was in the parking lot of that church that Washington landed the "Bible Experience" gig. Casting director Robi Reed told the L.A. Times that when she saw her fellow churchgoer and started describing the project, he interrupted her to say, "I have to do it."
Text by Michael Kress
Text by Michael Kress
Man says image of Jesus appears
Weird Car News
Man says image of Jesus appears on truck window
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. -- (AP) Jim Stevens said he's not particularly religious and is clueless about why an image resembling Jesus Christ keeps appearing on his pickup. Stevens, of Jonesborough, said nearly every morning, an image that looks to him like the face of Jesus Christ has appeared in the condensation on the driver's side window of his Isuzu truck. A Johnson City Press photo of the truck showed a facial image.Stevens said when he first saw the image, he figured it would evaporate and not return. But it kept reappearing for two weeks now. Stevens said folks at the grocery store he goes to were amazed to see the image. He said he isn't going to wash the truck for a while
http://autos.aol.com/gallery/weird-car-news?ncid=AOLCOMMautodynlsec0004&icid=mainmaindl4link5http%3A%2F%2Fautos.aol.com%2Fgallery%2Fweird-car-news%3Fncid%3DAOLCOMMautodynlsec0004
Man says image of Jesus appears on truck window
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. -- (AP) Jim Stevens said he's not particularly religious and is clueless about why an image resembling Jesus Christ keeps appearing on his pickup. Stevens, of Jonesborough, said nearly every morning, an image that looks to him like the face of Jesus Christ has appeared in the condensation on the driver's side window of his Isuzu truck. A Johnson City Press photo of the truck showed a facial image.Stevens said when he first saw the image, he figured it would evaporate and not return. But it kept reappearing for two weeks now. Stevens said folks at the grocery store he goes to were amazed to see the image. He said he isn't going to wash the truck for a while
http://autos.aol.com/gallery/weird-car-news?ncid=AOLCOMMautodynlsec0004&icid=mainmaindl4link5http%3A%2F%2Fautos.aol.com%2Fgallery%2Fweird-car-news%3Fncid%3DAOLCOMMautodynlsec0004
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Prayer For Strength And Courage
For fifty plus years Rev. Erskine Faush, Sr. has lifted a City with one simple act in the incredible medium of radio, broadcasting a mesage of hope. Every morning, his voice has been the start of the day, calming the storms and encouraging our weakness to let go and let God fight our battles. For fifty plus years, his prayers have inspired generations to know Jesus.
Three generations were involved in this move from the airways to video to an international product that live on generation after generation. This is the first of Volume I.
In this prayer you will hear "thy sins are forgiven, be of good cheer, arise and walk." Following the prayer, experience Blessed Assurance from a gifted musician, Dr. West Byrd.
Blessings to you and yours.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Drink From The Well of Hope with Tahiera Monique Brown
In our everyday lives we take so much for granted when things are going well. With the economy as it is today, so many people tremble as they dress for work. They look at their families, pastors and friends for support, but there are still so many others who feel totally alone.
So many of us look to our pastors on Sunday to speak a word of hope to us that will carry us until the end of the next week. In the book of Genesis, we read about the creation of the world and all of the preparations that were made for the introduction of man. God knew us and he prepared a place for us to reside in that had all of the comforts man could possibly hope for. I know that life is a journey and many men of God has tried to prepare one generation after another for the knowledge of the word of God and and also teach them how to live in the world as a believer.
In the struggles of today, many believers can call on those they worship with to pray for them and encourage them. Although we struggle we know that as children of God, we are never alone. Seeking help is seeking answers to be able to live through a struggle that when said out loud brings hope.
Having faith is knowing that you will overcome and knowing that God has not left you. You know that through prayer you will be able to endure knowing that there is hope for you and your family.
I am here as a believer and because of that belief God brought me through a terrible ordeal. He never left me alone. I encourage you to never let go of your faith ...
Tahiera Monique Brown
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
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