My Coworker sent me this I thought it was so powerful....
It’s funny how if there is a food item that we really want and have a taste for, we will wait for it. we will plan to get in line, even a time to go, and wait. if we have to wait a little longer than expected, 8 times out of 10 we will not get out of line in fear of losing our place. so when it comes to the blessings that are meant for us, why do we get out of line? We will attempt to get it ourselves and you know we can’t do it quite like God can. and then we are pleading for help to fix it up.
Think about that for a minute. Know that what’s for you is for you, Lean not to your own understanding but trust……. You know the rest J. So today I pray that you will wait and receive the blessings that are promised to you. Good things come to those that wait, better things come to those that trust
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
WHAT HAPPENS IN HEAVEN WHEN WE PRAY?
This is one of the nicest e-mails I have seen :
I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.
I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.
Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.
The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them." I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged
for delivery to Earth.
Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section, my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed.
"How is it that there is no work going on here? I asked."
"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments."
"How does one acknowledge God's blessings? "I asked.
"Simple," the angel answered. Just say, "Thank you, Lord."
"What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked.
"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy, and if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."
"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness.. You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day."
"If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation... You are ahead of 700 million people in the world."
"If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world."
"If your parents are still alive and still married.... you are very rare."
"If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair......."
"Ok," I said. "What now? How can I start?"
The Angel said, "If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all."
Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you care to, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are..........
ATTN: Acknowledge Dept.
"Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people with whom to share it."
I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels. My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, 'This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received.
I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world.
Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.
The angel then said to me, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here, the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them." I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged
for delivery to Earth.
Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of a very small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing. "This is the Acknowledgment Section, my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed.
"How is it that there is no work going on here? I asked."
"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments."
"How does one acknowledge God's blessings? "I asked.
"Simple," the angel answered. Just say, "Thank you, Lord."
"What blessings should they acknowledge?" I asked.
"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy, and if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity."
"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness.. You are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day."
"If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation... You are ahead of 700 million people in the world."
"If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world."
"If your parents are still alive and still married.... you are very rare."
"If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair......."
"Ok," I said. "What now? How can I start?"
The Angel said, "If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you as very special and you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all."
Have a good day, count your blessings, and if you care to, pass this along to remind everyone else how blessed we all are..........
ATTN: Acknowledge Dept.
"Thank you Lord, for giving me the ability to share this message and for giving me so many wonderful people with whom to share it."
Friday, February 15, 2013
What Does the Bible Say About Purpose?
Question: "What does the Bible say about how to find purpose in life?"
Answer: The Bible is very clear as to what our purpose in life should be. Men in both the Old and New Testaments sought for and discovered life’s purpose. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, discovered the futility of life when it is lived only for this world. He gives these concluding remarks in the book of Ecclesiastes: "Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Solomon says that life is all about honoring God with our thoughts and lives and thus keeping His commandments, for one day we will stand before Him in judgment. Part of our purpose in life is to fear God and obey Him.
Another part of our purpose is to see life on this earth in perspective. Unlike those whose focus is on this life, King David looked for His satisfaction in the time to come. He said, "And I—in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness" (Psalm 17:15). To David, full satisfaction would come on the day when he awoke (in the next life) both beholding God's face (fellowship with Him) and being like Him (1 John 3:2).
In Psalm 73, Asaph talks about how he was tempted to envy the wicked who seemed to have no cares and built their fortunes upon the backs of those they took advantage of, but then he considered their ultimate end. In contrast to what they sought after, he states in verse 25 what mattered to him: "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you" (verse 25). To Asaph, a relationship with God mattered above all else in life. Without that relationship, life has no real purpose.
The apostle Paul talked about all he had achieved religiously before being confronted by the risen Christ, and he concluded that all of it was like a pile of manure compared to the excellence of knowing Christ Jesus. In Philippians 3:9-10, Paul says that he wants nothing more than to know Christ and “be found in Him,” to have His righteousness and to live by faith in Him, even if it meant suffering and dying. Paul’s purpose was knowing Christ, having a righteousness obtained through faith in Him, and living in fellowship with Him, even when that brought on suffering (2 Timothy 3:12). Ultimately, he looked for the time when he would be a part of the "resurrection from the dead."
Our purpose in life, as God originally created man, is 1) glorify God and enjoy fellowship with Him, 2) have good relationships with others, 3) work, and 4) have dominion over the earth. But with man's fall into sin, fellowship with God is broken, relationships with others are strained, work seems to always be frustrating, and man struggles to maintain any semblance of dominion over nature. Only by restoring fellowship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ, can purpose in life be rediscovered.
The purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We glorify God by fearing and obeying Him, keeping our eyes on our future home in heaven, and knowing Him intimately. We enjoy God by following His purpose for our lives, which enables us to experience true and lasting joy—the abundant life that He desires for us.
Answer: The Bible is very clear as to what our purpose in life should be. Men in both the Old and New Testaments sought for and discovered life’s purpose. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, discovered the futility of life when it is lived only for this world. He gives these concluding remarks in the book of Ecclesiastes: "Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Solomon says that life is all about honoring God with our thoughts and lives and thus keeping His commandments, for one day we will stand before Him in judgment. Part of our purpose in life is to fear God and obey Him.
Another part of our purpose is to see life on this earth in perspective. Unlike those whose focus is on this life, King David looked for His satisfaction in the time to come. He said, "And I—in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness" (Psalm 17:15). To David, full satisfaction would come on the day when he awoke (in the next life) both beholding God's face (fellowship with Him) and being like Him (1 John 3:2).
In Psalm 73, Asaph talks about how he was tempted to envy the wicked who seemed to have no cares and built their fortunes upon the backs of those they took advantage of, but then he considered their ultimate end. In contrast to what they sought after, he states in verse 25 what mattered to him: "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you" (verse 25). To Asaph, a relationship with God mattered above all else in life. Without that relationship, life has no real purpose.
The apostle Paul talked about all he had achieved religiously before being confronted by the risen Christ, and he concluded that all of it was like a pile of manure compared to the excellence of knowing Christ Jesus. In Philippians 3:9-10, Paul says that he wants nothing more than to know Christ and “be found in Him,” to have His righteousness and to live by faith in Him, even if it meant suffering and dying. Paul’s purpose was knowing Christ, having a righteousness obtained through faith in Him, and living in fellowship with Him, even when that brought on suffering (2 Timothy 3:12). Ultimately, he looked for the time when he would be a part of the "resurrection from the dead."
Our purpose in life, as God originally created man, is 1) glorify God and enjoy fellowship with Him, 2) have good relationships with others, 3) work, and 4) have dominion over the earth. But with man's fall into sin, fellowship with God is broken, relationships with others are strained, work seems to always be frustrating, and man struggles to maintain any semblance of dominion over nature. Only by restoring fellowship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ, can purpose in life be rediscovered.
The purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We glorify God by fearing and obeying Him, keeping our eyes on our future home in heaven, and knowing Him intimately. We enjoy God by following His purpose for our lives, which enables us to experience true and lasting joy—the abundant life that He desires for us.
Should Christians Believe In Astrology?
Check out this video on YouTube:
http://youtu.be/J5MhC8anD6Y
http://youtu.be/J5MhC8anD6Y
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The Power Of Purpose
Proverbs 16:9
9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps
God never does anything without a cause, everything he does has Purpose. Therefore, he created you in his own IMAGE, moreover you have purpose and don’t take that lightly. When God formed you he breathed life into you, he sculpted and designed you in His likeness. Therefore everything you touch and do should bring life. Often times our words can bring death to situations that God wanted to be living and flourishing. Much like that dream you keep putting off.. yes, I am speaking to you.. You know what God has given you to do… SOOO why aren’t you doing it? Now don’t say because you don’t have the resources because where God guides…God provides.. now I’m not saying you’re going to have 40 acres and a mule on your first day but you will have the determination and the zeal to push you to where you need to be. God is not a man that he might lie. Therefore all you need to do is have some faith WOMAN! Go out there and GET YOUR BLESSING…IT’S YOUR TIMMMMMMMEEE.. *Mary Mary Voice* But Seriously what dreams are you currently let die because you are afraid… what passions are you letting go stale because you are too busy being a slave to your “career” now don’t get me wrong our jobs are assignments.. but every assignment has a due date.. and maybe God is saying please turn this career in so I can give you an even harder assignment that is going to take you to the next level and it has an even greater reward!!! God doesn’t do anything lack luster! So why are you! Now my advice to you is live this day with full confidence in GOD...BELIEVE!!! BE what God has called you to be, and LEAVE the details up to HIM! God has got your back! God knows what you wake up every morning dreaming to do…and it will happen.. trust me..
Prayer:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference. And Lord I Trust you with all my heart and I promise to lean not to my own understanding but in all ways acknowledge you and I trust that you will direct my path….
Amen
9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps
God never does anything without a cause, everything he does has Purpose. Therefore, he created you in his own IMAGE, moreover you have purpose and don’t take that lightly. When God formed you he breathed life into you, he sculpted and designed you in His likeness. Therefore everything you touch and do should bring life. Often times our words can bring death to situations that God wanted to be living and flourishing. Much like that dream you keep putting off.. yes, I am speaking to you.. You know what God has given you to do… SOOO why aren’t you doing it? Now don’t say because you don’t have the resources because where God guides…God provides.. now I’m not saying you’re going to have 40 acres and a mule on your first day but you will have the determination and the zeal to push you to where you need to be. God is not a man that he might lie. Therefore all you need to do is have some faith WOMAN! Go out there and GET YOUR BLESSING…IT’S YOUR TIMMMMMMMEEE.. *Mary Mary Voice* But Seriously what dreams are you currently let die because you are afraid… what passions are you letting go stale because you are too busy being a slave to your “career” now don’t get me wrong our jobs are assignments.. but every assignment has a due date.. and maybe God is saying please turn this career in so I can give you an even harder assignment that is going to take you to the next level and it has an even greater reward!!! God doesn’t do anything lack luster! So why are you! Now my advice to you is live this day with full confidence in GOD...BELIEVE!!! BE what God has called you to be, and LEAVE the details up to HIM! God has got your back! God knows what you wake up every morning dreaming to do…and it will happen.. trust me..
Prayer:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference. And Lord I Trust you with all my heart and I promise to lean not to my own understanding but in all ways acknowledge you and I trust that you will direct my path….
Amen
The Season of Lent
Lent 101
Lent is a season of the Christian Year where Christians focus on simple living, prayer, and fasting in order to grow closer to God.
When is Lent?
It's the forty days before Easter. Lent excludes Sundays because every Sunday is like a little Easter. Basically, it's about one-tenth of a year (like a tithe of time). Mardi Gras is the day before Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday. This year it's from February 22-April 8 (Easter) 2012.
Mardi Gras? What does that have to do with JESUS??
Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday." It refers to the day before Lent starts. Since Lent always starts on a Wednesday, the day before is always a Tuesday. And it's called "Fat" or "Great" because it's associated with great food and parties.
In earlier times, people used Lent as a time of fasting and repentance. Since they didn't want to be tempted by sweets, meat and other distractions in the house, they cleaned out their cabinets. They used up all the sugar and yeast in sweet breads before the Lent season started, and fixed meals with all the meat available. It was a great feast! Through the years Mardi Gras has evolved (in some places) into a pretty wild party with little to do with preparing for the Lenten season of repentance and simplicity. Oh well. But Christians still know it's origin, and hang onto the true Spirit of the season.
So the real beginning of Lent is Ash Wednesday?
Yes. Ash Wednesday, the day after Mardi Gras, usually begins with a service where we recognize our mortality, repent of our sins, and return to our loving God. We recognize life as a precious gift from God, and re-turn our lives towards Jesus Christ. We may make resolutions and commit to change our lives over the next forty days so that we might be more like Christ. In an Ash Wednesday service, usually a minister or priest marks the sign of the cross on a person's forehead with ashes.
Why ashes?
In Jewish and Christian history, ashes are a sign of mortality and repentance. Mortality, because when we die, our bodies eventually decompose and we become dust/ dirt/ash/whatever. Repentance, because long ago, when people felt remorse for something they did, they would put ashes on their head and wear "sackcloth" (scratchy clothing) to remind them that sin is pretty uncomfortable and leads to a sort of death of the spirit. This was their way of confessing their sins and asking for forgiveness.
Where do the ashes come from?
On what we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem while people waved palms and cheered him on. Less then a week later, Jesus was killed. The palms that were waved in joy became ashes of sorrow. We get ashes for Ash Wednesday by saving the palms from Palm Sunday, burning them, and mixing them with a little water (like tears) or oil. It's symbolic.
What do Christians do with ashes?
At an Ash Wednesday service, folks are invited to come forward to receive the ashes. The minister will make a small cross on your forehead by smudging the ashes. While the ashes remind us of our mortality and sin, the cross reminds us of Jesus' resurrection (life after death) and forgiveness. It's a powerful, non-verbal way that we can experience God's forgiveness and renewal as we return to Jesus.
So what is LENT?
At Jesus' baptism the sky split open, the Spirit of God, which looked like a dove, descended and landed on Jesus, and a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, My Beloved, with whom I am pleased." Afterward, as told in Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was sent into the wilderness by the Spirit. Where he fasted and prayed for 40 days. During his time there he was tempted by Satan and found clarity and strength to resist temptation. Afterwards, he was ready to begin his ministry.
(Speculation)
Maybe Jesus needed some time with God to sort through the major changes happening in his life. Maybe needed to get away from family, friends and the familiar routine in order to see God (and himself) more clearly. Perhaps he wanted some intentional time with God as he searched for direction and answers like you. Like Jesus, we may need to take some serious time to pray and listen for God.
Why "DO" Lent? How do I start?
Are you searching for something more? Tired of running in circles, but not really living life with direction, purpose or passion? It's pretty easy to get caught up in the drama of classes, relationships, family, and work. Our lives are filled with distractions that take us away from living a life with Christ. We try to fill the emptiness inside us with mindless TV, meaningless chatter, stimulants, alcohol, too many activities or other irrelevant stuff. We run away from life and from God.
Lent is a great time to "repent" -- to return to God and re-focus our lives to be more in line with Jesus. It's a 40 day trial run in changing your lifestyle and letting God change your heart. You might try one of these practices for Lent:
FASTING: Some people have been known to go without food for days. But that's not the only way to fast. You can fast by cutting out some of the things in your life that distract you from God. Some Christians use the whole 40 days to fast from candy, TV, soft drinks, cigarettes or meat as a way to purify their bodies and lives. You might skip one meal a day and use that time to pray instead. Or you can give up some activity like worry or reality TV to spend time outside enjoying Goods creation. What do you need to let go of or "fast" from in order to focus on God? What clutters your calendar and life? How can you simplify your life in terms of what you eat, wear or do?
SERVICE: Some Christians take something on for Christ. You can collect food for the needy, volunteer once a week to tutor children, or work for reform and justice in your community. You can commit to help a different stranger, co-worker or friend everyday of Lent. Serving others is one way we serve God.
PRAYER: Christians also use Lent as a time of intentional prayer. You can pray while you walk, create music or art as a prayer to God, or savor a time of quiet listening. All can be ways of becoming more in tune with God.
Christians from many different traditions celebrate Lent. How will you use the time to grow closer to God?
Top Ten List: THINGS YOU CAN TRY FOR THE LENTEN SEASON
10. Try an electronic fast. Give up TV, Guitar Hero, texting, tweeting, e-mail and all things electronic for one day every week. (or everyday of Lent!) Use the time to read & pray.
9. Start a prayer rhythm. Say a prayer every time you brush your teeth, hear an ambulance, or check your e-mail. Before you text someone, pray for them.
8. Read one chapter in the Bible each day. (Matthew's a good book to start with. Psalms, too.)
7. Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it (maybe even yourself.)
6. Give up soft drinks, fast food, tea or coffee. Give the money you save to help folks in Haiti or others in crisis.
5. Create a daily quiet time. Spend 30 minutes a day in silence and prayer.
4. Cultivate a life of gratitude. Write someone a thank you letter each week and be aware of how many people have helped you along the way.
3. Be kind to someone each day.
2. Pray for others you see as you walk to and from classes or drive to and from work.
1. Volunteer one hour or more each week with a local shelter, tutoring program, nursing home, prison ministry or a Habitat for Humanity project.
For more information visit: http://www.gcfbaptistchurch.org/gethsemane-observes-lent-2013/
Lent is a season of the Christian Year where Christians focus on simple living, prayer, and fasting in order to grow closer to God.
When is Lent?
It's the forty days before Easter. Lent excludes Sundays because every Sunday is like a little Easter. Basically, it's about one-tenth of a year (like a tithe of time). Mardi Gras is the day before Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday. This year it's from February 22-April 8 (Easter) 2012.
Mardi Gras? What does that have to do with JESUS??
Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday." It refers to the day before Lent starts. Since Lent always starts on a Wednesday, the day before is always a Tuesday. And it's called "Fat" or "Great" because it's associated with great food and parties.
In earlier times, people used Lent as a time of fasting and repentance. Since they didn't want to be tempted by sweets, meat and other distractions in the house, they cleaned out their cabinets. They used up all the sugar and yeast in sweet breads before the Lent season started, and fixed meals with all the meat available. It was a great feast! Through the years Mardi Gras has evolved (in some places) into a pretty wild party with little to do with preparing for the Lenten season of repentance and simplicity. Oh well. But Christians still know it's origin, and hang onto the true Spirit of the season.
So the real beginning of Lent is Ash Wednesday?
Yes. Ash Wednesday, the day after Mardi Gras, usually begins with a service where we recognize our mortality, repent of our sins, and return to our loving God. We recognize life as a precious gift from God, and re-turn our lives towards Jesus Christ. We may make resolutions and commit to change our lives over the next forty days so that we might be more like Christ. In an Ash Wednesday service, usually a minister or priest marks the sign of the cross on a person's forehead with ashes.
Why ashes?
In Jewish and Christian history, ashes are a sign of mortality and repentance. Mortality, because when we die, our bodies eventually decompose and we become dust/ dirt/ash/whatever. Repentance, because long ago, when people felt remorse for something they did, they would put ashes on their head and wear "sackcloth" (scratchy clothing) to remind them that sin is pretty uncomfortable and leads to a sort of death of the spirit. This was their way of confessing their sins and asking for forgiveness.
Where do the ashes come from?
On what we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem while people waved palms and cheered him on. Less then a week later, Jesus was killed. The palms that were waved in joy became ashes of sorrow. We get ashes for Ash Wednesday by saving the palms from Palm Sunday, burning them, and mixing them with a little water (like tears) or oil. It's symbolic.
What do Christians do with ashes?
At an Ash Wednesday service, folks are invited to come forward to receive the ashes. The minister will make a small cross on your forehead by smudging the ashes. While the ashes remind us of our mortality and sin, the cross reminds us of Jesus' resurrection (life after death) and forgiveness. It's a powerful, non-verbal way that we can experience God's forgiveness and renewal as we return to Jesus.
So what is LENT?
At Jesus' baptism the sky split open, the Spirit of God, which looked like a dove, descended and landed on Jesus, and a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, My Beloved, with whom I am pleased." Afterward, as told in Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus was sent into the wilderness by the Spirit. Where he fasted and prayed for 40 days. During his time there he was tempted by Satan and found clarity and strength to resist temptation. Afterwards, he was ready to begin his ministry.
(Speculation)
Maybe Jesus needed some time with God to sort through the major changes happening in his life. Maybe needed to get away from family, friends and the familiar routine in order to see God (and himself) more clearly. Perhaps he wanted some intentional time with God as he searched for direction and answers like you. Like Jesus, we may need to take some serious time to pray and listen for God.
Why "DO" Lent? How do I start?
Are you searching for something more? Tired of running in circles, but not really living life with direction, purpose or passion? It's pretty easy to get caught up in the drama of classes, relationships, family, and work. Our lives are filled with distractions that take us away from living a life with Christ. We try to fill the emptiness inside us with mindless TV, meaningless chatter, stimulants, alcohol, too many activities or other irrelevant stuff. We run away from life and from God.
Lent is a great time to "repent" -- to return to God and re-focus our lives to be more in line with Jesus. It's a 40 day trial run in changing your lifestyle and letting God change your heart. You might try one of these practices for Lent:
FASTING: Some people have been known to go without food for days. But that's not the only way to fast. You can fast by cutting out some of the things in your life that distract you from God. Some Christians use the whole 40 days to fast from candy, TV, soft drinks, cigarettes or meat as a way to purify their bodies and lives. You might skip one meal a day and use that time to pray instead. Or you can give up some activity like worry or reality TV to spend time outside enjoying Goods creation. What do you need to let go of or "fast" from in order to focus on God? What clutters your calendar and life? How can you simplify your life in terms of what you eat, wear or do?
SERVICE: Some Christians take something on for Christ. You can collect food for the needy, volunteer once a week to tutor children, or work for reform and justice in your community. You can commit to help a different stranger, co-worker or friend everyday of Lent. Serving others is one way we serve God.
PRAYER: Christians also use Lent as a time of intentional prayer. You can pray while you walk, create music or art as a prayer to God, or savor a time of quiet listening. All can be ways of becoming more in tune with God.
Christians from many different traditions celebrate Lent. How will you use the time to grow closer to God?
Top Ten List: THINGS YOU CAN TRY FOR THE LENTEN SEASON
10. Try an electronic fast. Give up TV, Guitar Hero, texting, tweeting, e-mail and all things electronic for one day every week. (or everyday of Lent!) Use the time to read & pray.
9. Start a prayer rhythm. Say a prayer every time you brush your teeth, hear an ambulance, or check your e-mail. Before you text someone, pray for them.
8. Read one chapter in the Bible each day. (Matthew's a good book to start with. Psalms, too.)
7. Forgive someone who doesn't deserve it (maybe even yourself.)
6. Give up soft drinks, fast food, tea or coffee. Give the money you save to help folks in Haiti or others in crisis.
5. Create a daily quiet time. Spend 30 minutes a day in silence and prayer.
4. Cultivate a life of gratitude. Write someone a thank you letter each week and be aware of how many people have helped you along the way.
3. Be kind to someone each day.
2. Pray for others you see as you walk to and from classes or drive to and from work.
1. Volunteer one hour or more each week with a local shelter, tutoring program, nursing home, prison ministry or a Habitat for Humanity project.
For more information visit: http://www.gcfbaptistchurch.org/gethsemane-observes-lent-2013/
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
The Curse is Broken by James Fortune
Listen: http://youtu.be/7k6GjyeFspU
[Verse:]
The enemy is trying to make me believe
That my past is who I am
That the mistakes I made from yesterday
Is all that I would ever be
They told me I would be nothing
Nobody in my family ever was
They said you’re just like your momma
Just like your daddy
Never amounted to anything
[Pre Chorus:]
But that’s not me, that’s not who I am
God gave me a promise, on that I stand
[Chorus:]
The curse is broken
My past can’t hold me
I’m more than a conqueror
That’s what he told me
The curse is broken
My body’s healed
The devil’s a liar
It’s in his will
The mistake, is not who I am
The lies they told, is not who I am
My past, is not who I am
The curse is broken in my life
The abortion, is not who I am
The misfortune, is not who I am
The disease, is not who I am
The curse is broken in my life
I’m healed, that’s who I am
I’m free, that’s who I am
I’m a conqueror, that’s who I am
The curse is broken in my life
I’m blessed, I’m delivered, I’m redeemed
The curse is broken in my life
SJAMES FORTUNE Lyrics A-Z Lyrics
[Verse:]
The enemy is trying to make me believe
That my past is who I am
That the mistakes I made from yesterday
Is all that I would ever be
They told me I would be nothing
Nobody in my family ever was
They said you’re just like your momma
Just like your daddy
Never amounted to anything
[Pre Chorus:]
But that’s not me, that’s not who I am
God gave me a promise, on that I stand
[Chorus:]
The curse is broken
My past can’t hold me
I’m more than a conqueror
That’s what he told me
The curse is broken
My body’s healed
The devil’s a liar
It’s in his will
The mistake, is not who I am
The lies they told, is not who I am
My past, is not who I am
The curse is broken in my life
The abortion, is not who I am
The misfortune, is not who I am
The disease, is not who I am
The curse is broken in my life
I’m healed, that’s who I am
I’m free, that’s who I am
I’m a conqueror, that’s who I am
The curse is broken in my life
I’m blessed, I’m delivered, I’m redeemed
The curse is broken in my life
SJAMES FORTUNE Lyrics A-Z Lyrics
Monday, February 4, 2013
Abundance
How are you taking care of the things of God? If you aren’t taking care of them now, how are you going to take care of them in Heaven?”
For a minute after I heard that comment I just sat and asked myself those questions over and over…waiting for someone other than me to respond…maybe that inner Angel would respond and be like “ Oh Girl, you are doing all the right things, you are eating right and exercising your spirit and your body” then I blinked and all of what was said wasn’t true! Epic FAIL! I know you’re thinking like okay we aren’t perfect, so what! Well… just because you aren’t perfect doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive for perfection, that you shouldn’t walk and live as if you have a Heavenly Reward waiting on you! I think most times we are living those YOLO lives, and I laugh every time I think about that… God wants us to live Abundant lives.. to be at peace with who we are..it says it plainly in John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” Although God wants us to live abundantly that doesn’t mean to be greedy! In 1 John 2:16 it says “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.” I think as American’s we are innately consumers but God made us to be producers of light for His Kingdom.. but how can we do that if we aren’t healthy physically and spiritually?! How can we prosper the Kingdom if we can barely walk up the stairs without getting winded? Seriously, our health is serious and if we don’t get a hold on it we won’t be well enough to live out our purpose for God. I don’t know what your specific struggle maybe it’s negative thoughts, weight, depression, lack of reading your word, sleeplessness, anger, unforgiveness…Whatever it is… DEAL WITH IT!!! Don’t allow those minor things to become MAJOR in your Life! God is the ONLY MAJOR that should be RUNNING YOUR LIFE! It’s time to do the WORK and WORK out our issues.. no more hiding behind a smile, no more faking it until you make it. .because In CHRIST you shouldn’t have to.. especially when God has given us a new DAY! As long as your still breathing there is HOPE!! Don’t give up! KEEP PUSHING!! ENCOURAGE YOURSELF!!! GOD HASN’T FORGOTTEN ABOUT YOU!!! I charge you to write out your issues and deal with them one at a time… God is waiting on you…
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Prayer:
God change my heart so I can appreciate my blessings..
Amen…
For a minute after I heard that comment I just sat and asked myself those questions over and over…waiting for someone other than me to respond…maybe that inner Angel would respond and be like “ Oh Girl, you are doing all the right things, you are eating right and exercising your spirit and your body” then I blinked and all of what was said wasn’t true! Epic FAIL! I know you’re thinking like okay we aren’t perfect, so what! Well… just because you aren’t perfect doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strive for perfection, that you shouldn’t walk and live as if you have a Heavenly Reward waiting on you! I think most times we are living those YOLO lives, and I laugh every time I think about that… God wants us to live Abundant lives.. to be at peace with who we are..it says it plainly in John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” Although God wants us to live abundantly that doesn’t mean to be greedy! In 1 John 2:16 it says “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.” I think as American’s we are innately consumers but God made us to be producers of light for His Kingdom.. but how can we do that if we aren’t healthy physically and spiritually?! How can we prosper the Kingdom if we can barely walk up the stairs without getting winded? Seriously, our health is serious and if we don’t get a hold on it we won’t be well enough to live out our purpose for God. I don’t know what your specific struggle maybe it’s negative thoughts, weight, depression, lack of reading your word, sleeplessness, anger, unforgiveness…Whatever it is… DEAL WITH IT!!! Don’t allow those minor things to become MAJOR in your Life! God is the ONLY MAJOR that should be RUNNING YOUR LIFE! It’s time to do the WORK and WORK out our issues.. no more hiding behind a smile, no more faking it until you make it. .because In CHRIST you shouldn’t have to.. especially when God has given us a new DAY! As long as your still breathing there is HOPE!! Don’t give up! KEEP PUSHING!! ENCOURAGE YOURSELF!!! GOD HASN’T FORGOTTEN ABOUT YOU!!! I charge you to write out your issues and deal with them one at a time… God is waiting on you…
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Prayer:
God change my heart so I can appreciate my blessings..
Amen…
God Knows My Heart
God, who knows the heart, showed that He accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us” (Acts 15:8). “For the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts” (1 Chronicles 28:9). “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
When people say God knows my heart. Please know that he really does know your heart. Don’t try to hide behind your words because God knows your motives. God wants us to be true to who we are no matter how ugly or dirty our past are, and continue to be. God truly knows your heart. God wants you that way so that HE can get the Glory out of your life. God wants you that way so that you can give him power and let GO, God wants it that way so that your burden will be light and he will carry it for you!! God wants what’s best for you even when we can’t always see it. I often get caught up in the ebb and flow of life… because it’s easy! I don’t want to think most times I just want to go to work, smile, go home, watch TV, and do it all over again the next day. HOWEVER, the Call on my life and YOURS ….and the PURPOSE of my life and YOURS… is not going to allow that!! Because we are Purposed FILLED Individuals and the Holy Spirit walks and guides us.. one of our hardest things is being content with where we are especially if it’s not where God wants us to be. Now don’t get me wrong there are times when God wants you to stay in a season for a while, but that’s not what I am referring to.. I am speaking on our FAITH and our WITNESS growing to the next level. Remember, if you say “God I want to live for you, I will do what you ask of me” ALL of the TIME it means GET READY! From the time God enters your life to the time you go to your Heavenly reward God is working on you and your destiny and you are working TOO. God doesn’t want for you to be perfect; he just wants you. So don’t be so caught up in the ebb in flow because if you are how can God send you North, South, East, and West. If your main direction is to the couch! It’s hard I’m not going to say that it is easy, but knowing that God is with you and his warrior angels are around protecting you; should and will give you confidence in his ALMIGHTY POWER!!! GOD IS I AM!!! Remember that God knows your heart and he has a plan for you. Also, remember that that plan comes with training and trials; both of which aren’t going to be EASY!
Prayer
God I thank you for accepting me for who I am, I thank you God for opening my eyes, ears, and heart to a new place in you. I know that you know my heart so God I ask that you cleanse my heart and make me pure again. I repent and turn away from anything I may have done known or unknown that wasn’t pleasing to you! I believe in your power and I know that you are able to take me to the next level in my faith walk. I have FULL confidence that my destiny is already in place and I am on track with who you want me to become. I rebuke any spirits, and blockade spirits from blocking this prayer IN JESUS NAME, YOU ARE TO GO TO JESUS! God take my Prayer Life and Faith to the next level, and prepare me for the things I am about to face. I know that you are HERE with me now!!! Thank you for Mobilizing your WARRIOR ANGELS all around me, my family, my home, my friends, my job and my coworkers! GOD YOU ARE I AM.. HAVE YOUR WAY IN MY LIFE!!
In Jesus Name AMEN!
When people say God knows my heart. Please know that he really does know your heart. Don’t try to hide behind your words because God knows your motives. God wants us to be true to who we are no matter how ugly or dirty our past are, and continue to be. God truly knows your heart. God wants you that way so that HE can get the Glory out of your life. God wants you that way so that you can give him power and let GO, God wants it that way so that your burden will be light and he will carry it for you!! God wants what’s best for you even when we can’t always see it. I often get caught up in the ebb and flow of life… because it’s easy! I don’t want to think most times I just want to go to work, smile, go home, watch TV, and do it all over again the next day. HOWEVER, the Call on my life and YOURS ….and the PURPOSE of my life and YOURS… is not going to allow that!! Because we are Purposed FILLED Individuals and the Holy Spirit walks and guides us.. one of our hardest things is being content with where we are especially if it’s not where God wants us to be. Now don’t get me wrong there are times when God wants you to stay in a season for a while, but that’s not what I am referring to.. I am speaking on our FAITH and our WITNESS growing to the next level. Remember, if you say “God I want to live for you, I will do what you ask of me” ALL of the TIME it means GET READY! From the time God enters your life to the time you go to your Heavenly reward God is working on you and your destiny and you are working TOO. God doesn’t want for you to be perfect; he just wants you. So don’t be so caught up in the ebb in flow because if you are how can God send you North, South, East, and West. If your main direction is to the couch! It’s hard I’m not going to say that it is easy, but knowing that God is with you and his warrior angels are around protecting you; should and will give you confidence in his ALMIGHTY POWER!!! GOD IS I AM!!! Remember that God knows your heart and he has a plan for you. Also, remember that that plan comes with training and trials; both of which aren’t going to be EASY!
Prayer
God I thank you for accepting me for who I am, I thank you God for opening my eyes, ears, and heart to a new place in you. I know that you know my heart so God I ask that you cleanse my heart and make me pure again. I repent and turn away from anything I may have done known or unknown that wasn’t pleasing to you! I believe in your power and I know that you are able to take me to the next level in my faith walk. I have FULL confidence that my destiny is already in place and I am on track with who you want me to become. I rebuke any spirits, and blockade spirits from blocking this prayer IN JESUS NAME, YOU ARE TO GO TO JESUS! God take my Prayer Life and Faith to the next level, and prepare me for the things I am about to face. I know that you are HERE with me now!!! Thank you for Mobilizing your WARRIOR ANGELS all around me, my family, my home, my friends, my job and my coworkers! GOD YOU ARE I AM.. HAVE YOUR WAY IN MY LIFE!!
In Jesus Name AMEN!
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