Found this after Christmas and just HAD to share it!
What a cute take on an old story. LOVE this! Enjoy this version of the Christmas Story as told by the children of St. Paul's Church, New Zealand!
Merry Christmas! Christ the Savior is born!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Sugar Plum Fairy - Tchaikovsky
Glass Harp playing Sugar Plum Fairy |
This "glass duo" is from Poland and were playing at the Chamber Music Festival in Bologna, Italy in June of 2010.
Both of these musicians were trained on traditional instruments, the violin and the trumpet. The Glass Duo was founded by Anna and Arkadiusz Szafraniec. They are the only glass music group in Poland, one of few professional ensembles worldwide. They have brought their glass music to the stages of many renowned concert halls.
Here is some further information about the Glass Duo.
What is the range of your instrument?
It is now nearly five octaves, which, as far as we know, makes their instrument the biggest glass harp in the world.
What is the origin of the term "glass harp"?
The term was coined by Bruno Hoffman, the greatest promoter of glass music in 20th century. He created the term because of its resemblance to the aeolian harp. It is controversial, whether or not using such a term is justified. Nevertheless, it has become popular among other performers, so that is why they also use it. The Glass Duo personally like the term coined by Richard Pockridge, who called the set of "singing wine glasses" The Angelic Organ.
How many musicians perform on glass instruments nowadays?
The Glass harp is quite rare today and only few musicians maintain its tradition throughout the world. In Poland there is only one professional group - The Glass Duo. More popular is the glass harmonica. Although it is more comfortable for the performer, in the Duo's opinion, it is not as inspiring, not as expressive as the glass harp.
The Glass harp is quite rare today and only few musicians maintain its tradition throughout the world. In Poland there is only one professional group - The Glass Duo. More popular is the glass harmonica. Although it is more comfortable for the performer, in the Duo's opinion, it is not as inspiring, not as expressive as the glass harp.
Where does their repertoire come from?
There are many original works composed especially for glass instrument, for example by such masters as Mozart or Beethoven. They have several such works in their repertoire, but they try to promote glass music not only with original literature, but rather with their favorite pieces of music. They play mostly their own arrangements, but also works composed especially for them by other composers.
There are many original works composed especially for glass instrument, for example by such masters as Mozart or Beethoven. They have several such works in their repertoire, but they try to promote glass music not only with original literature, but rather with their favorite pieces of music. They play mostly their own arrangements, but also works composed especially for them by other composers.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
That's My King - Dr. S.M. Lockridge
This is one of those messages that you will want to bookmark. Since I have found this message, about a month ago I have listened to it at least 5 times. It is a message that will stir you up, encourage you and help you refocus! He is amazing this KING we serve! Join with me and listen to Dr. S.M. Lockridge as he teaches, That's My King! Thank you Lord!
This post is hitting on December 24th because tomorrow we celebrate the coming of this GREAT KING! Do you know Him?
This is a great day to ask Him to cover your life and take your sin. He is amazing, this Jesus! May your Christmas have NEW meaning this year. May the reason for this season be REAL to you! I wonder if ya know Him? I pray you do!
This post is hitting on December 24th because tomorrow we celebrate the coming of this GREAT KING! Do you know Him?
This is a great day to ask Him to cover your life and take your sin. He is amazing, this Jesus! May your Christmas have NEW meaning this year. May the reason for this season be REAL to you! I wonder if ya know Him? I pray you do!
That's My King! the original transcript
The late Dr. S.M. Lockeridge, a preacher from San Diego, California proclaimed the greatness of our God and King in this sermon in Detroit in 1976.
My King was born King. The Bible says He's a Seven Way King. He's the King of the Jews - that's an Ethnic King. He's the King of Israel - that's a National King. He's the King of righteousness. He's the King of the ages. He's the King of Heaven. He's the King of glory. He's the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that's my King.
Well, I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don't try to mislead me. Do you know my King? David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. He's enduringly strong. He's entirely sincere. He's eternally steadfast. He's immortally graceful. He's imperially powerful. He's impartially merciful. That's my King.
He's God's Son. He's the sinner's saviour. He's the centrepiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He's honest. He's unique. He's unparalleled. He's unprecedented. He's supreme. He's pre-eminent. He's the grandest idea in literature. He's the highest personality in philosophy. He's the supreme problem in higher criticism. He's the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. He's the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That's my King.
He's the miracle of the age. He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He's the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He's available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He's the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. That's my King.
Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom. He's the doorway of deliverance. He's the pathway of peace. He's the roadway of righteousness. He's the highway of holiness. He's the gateway of glory. He's the master of the mighty. He's the captain of the conquerors. He's the head of the heroes. He's the leader of the legislatures. He's the overseer of the overcomers. He's the governor of governors. He's the prince of princes. He's the King of kings and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King.
His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . .but He's indescribable. He's indescribable. That's my King.
He's incomprehensible. He's invincible. He's irresistible. I'm coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens can't contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can't get Him out of your mind. You can't get Him off of your hands. You can't outlive Him and you can't live without Him. The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldn't kill Him. Death couldn't handle Him and the grave couldn't hold Him. That's my King.
He always has been and He always will be. I'm talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He'll have no successor. There's nobody before Him and there'll be nobody after Him. You can't impeach Him and He's not going to resign. That's my King! That's my King!
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We're around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but in the end all that matters is God's power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honour and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? And ever and ever and ever and ever. And when you get through with all of the 'ever's, then . . .Amen.
My King was born King. The Bible says He's a Seven Way King. He's the King of the Jews - that's an Ethnic King. He's the King of Israel - that's a National King. He's the King of righteousness. He's the King of the ages. He's the King of Heaven. He's the King of glory. He's the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords. Now that's my King.
Well, I wonder if you know Him. Do you know Him? Don't try to mislead me. Do you know my King? David said the Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork. My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love. No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies. No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing. He's enduringly strong. He's entirely sincere. He's eternally steadfast. He's immortally graceful. He's imperially powerful. He's impartially merciful. That's my King.
He's God's Son. He's the sinner's saviour. He's the centrepiece of civilization. He stands alone in Himself. He's honest. He's unique. He's unparalleled. He's unprecedented. He's supreme. He's pre-eminent. He's the grandest idea in literature. He's the highest personality in philosophy. He's the supreme problem in higher criticism. He's the fundamental doctrine of historic theology. He's the carnal necessity of spiritual religion. That's my King.
He's the miracle of the age. He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He's the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously. He supplies strength for the weak. He's available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He's the Almighty God who guides and keeps all his people. He heals the sick. He cleanses the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharged debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek. That's my King.
Do you know Him? Well, my King is a King of knowledge. He's the wellspring of wisdom. He's the doorway of deliverance. He's the pathway of peace. He's the roadway of righteousness. He's the highway of holiness. He's the gateway of glory. He's the master of the mighty. He's the captain of the conquerors. He's the head of the heroes. He's the leader of the legislatures. He's the overseer of the overcomers. He's the governor of governors. He's the prince of princes. He's the King of kings and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King.
His office is manifold. His promise is sure. His light is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. I wish I could describe Him to you . . .but He's indescribable. He's indescribable. That's my King.
He's incomprehensible. He's invincible. He's irresistible. I'm coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens can't contain Him, let alone some man explain Him. You can't get Him out of your mind. You can't get Him off of your hands. You can't outlive Him and you can't live without Him. The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him. Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree about Him. Herod couldn't kill Him. Death couldn't handle Him and the grave couldn't hold Him. That's my King.
He always has been and He always will be. I'm talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He'll have no successor. There's nobody before Him and there'll be nobody after Him. You can't impeach Him and He's not going to resign. That's my King! That's my King!
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory. Well, all the power belongs to my King. We're around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but in the end all that matters is God's power. Thine is the power. Yeah. And the glory. We try to get prestige and honour and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His. Yes. Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory, forever and ever and ever and ever. How long is that? And ever and ever and ever and ever. And when you get through with all of the 'ever's, then . . .Amen.
Friday, December 23, 2011
If Mary and Joseph Used Facebook
Cute and well thought out message here, If Mary and Joseph Used Facebook. With ALL the Christmas hype and commercialism, wouldn't it be good to REALLY remember what the season is all about?
Anyway, very creative video. ENJOY and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Anyway, very creative video. ENJOY and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Charlie Brown Christmas
Even a guy like Charlie Brown needed to know what Christmas was all about. He cries out and asks, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?"
So when you need to know something, you need to be like Charlie Brown and ask the question.
Linus steps up to inform Charlie Brown with what the meaning of Christmas is all about. Sit back and listen...even a child can get this. Love it...enjoy!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Garden - Need To Breathe
Need To Breathe |
This song is about Jesus and his struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane....hence the title, Garden.
Let the songs that I sing bring joy to you. Let the words I say confess my love. Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune. Father let my heart be after you. LOVE THIS! They were trying to achieve a simple song with a great sound. Yep, this would be that.
This is a sit back and relax type of tune so why don't you do this during our CRAZY Christmas season. Sit back and breathe. ENJOY!
GARDEN
Won't you take this cup from me
Cause fear has stolen all my sleep
If tomorrow means my death
Pray you'll save their souls with it
Let the songs I sing bring joy to you
Let the words I say confess my love
Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you
In this hour of doubt I see
Who I am is not just me
So give me strength to die myself
So love can live to tell the tale
Let the songs I sing bring joy to you
Let the words I say confess my love
Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you
Father let my heart be
For you
For you
For you
For you
Let the songs I sing bring joy to you
Let the words I say confess my love
Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you
Father let my heart be after you
Cause fear has stolen all my sleep
If tomorrow means my death
Pray you'll save their souls with it
Let the songs I sing bring joy to you
Let the words I say confess my love
Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you
In this hour of doubt I see
Who I am is not just me
So give me strength to die myself
So love can live to tell the tale
Let the songs I sing bring joy to you
Let the words I say confess my love
Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you
Father let my heart be
For you
For you
For you
For you
Let the songs I sing bring joy to you
Let the words I say confess my love
Let the notes I choose be your favorite tune
Father let my heart be after you
Father let my heart be after you
Monday, December 19, 2011
Handel's Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus
How can we celebrate the season without remembering and singing one of the most famous pieces of music in history, from Handel's Messiah, the Hallelujah Chorus.
Here is an incredible piece played LIVE from Radio City Music Hall in New York City by Andre Rieu's. A masterpiece and it never grows old sung in its original version. By the way, if you are ever in an audience when this great piece is sung, it is customary to STAND during declaration! Hallelujah!
Merry Christmas one and all! He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! And He Shall REIGN Forever and Ever! Hallelujah! Come Lord Jesus!
Here is an incredible piece played LIVE from Radio City Music Hall in New York City by Andre Rieu's. A masterpiece and it never grows old sung in its original version. By the way, if you are ever in an audience when this great piece is sung, it is customary to STAND during declaration! Hallelujah!
Merry Christmas one and all! He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! And He Shall REIGN Forever and Ever! Hallelujah! Come Lord Jesus!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day - Casting Crowns
Love the group Casting Crowns and I love the song, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. This season take a minute to enjoy the beauty and the Majesty of the season. Merry Christmas.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Let It Rain - Jesus Culture
Woke up tonight and found myself praying for many things; my husband, my family, my friends, and for my country. I would move from this ones need to that ones healing and then back to the firsts issues again. I am asking for MORE Lord. More of your goodness. More of mercy. More of your grace. MORE LORD! I just am waiting for the Lord to break through and touch all these needs.
Then I remembered this song and loved this version too, so I had to cue it up and listen again. Let It Rain by Jesus Culture is such a powerful song and SO what I needed tonight. I am wanting the Lord to open the flood gates of heaven and let it rain! Send your Spirit, Lord Jesus to saturate our dry and thirsty souls. Pour out your Spirit Lord to the point that we won't have room enough to contain it. We want more, Lord! We NEED more, Lord. We want to KNOW you, Lord. Show us your Glory, Lord. Let it rain!
Then I remembered this song and loved this version too, so I had to cue it up and listen again. Let It Rain by Jesus Culture is such a powerful song and SO what I needed tonight. I am wanting the Lord to open the flood gates of heaven and let it rain! Send your Spirit, Lord Jesus to saturate our dry and thirsty souls. Pour out your Spirit Lord to the point that we won't have room enough to contain it. We want more, Lord! We NEED more, Lord. We want to KNOW you, Lord. Show us your Glory, Lord. Let it rain!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
The Ancient War Cry - Eric Ludy
Rak Chazak |
There has been an ancient war cry throughout all the generations of the Hebrew....Rak Chazak (pronounced rock cra-zock).
Chazak is the rock-like "oomph" of the spiritually zealous heart, the game face of a mighty man, tenacity of soul, the gritting of the teeth of the spirit inspired warrior and the bearing of those teeth to the enemy. It is possessing a resolute and growling resolve for the glory of God, a flush of spiritual fervor, a tensing of all a soldier's muscles. Do you have this spiritually? We should have this -- as EVERYTHING WE NEED for LIFE and GODLINESS has been awarded to us already! This is Chazak. But what about Rak Chazak?
It came from Chazak Amats in the bible. The other word that goes with it is Amats. What is Amats?
Amats is heavenly audacity, it's rushing headlong into the most hazardous and impossible battles without pausing to consider the impossibilities. It's a confidence in victory even before the field is taken. It's lambs moving with liquid ferocity straight into the lion's lair. It means swift footed, all-believing, super-conquering, prevailing faith in the Lord of Battles.
Who had Amats in the bible? David against Goliath (I Samuel 17:1-58). How about the three who overheard him in the cave of Adullam... for a cup of cool water from the well of Bethlehem. (2 Samuel 2:23)
Chazak and Amats is what came into the disciples after Pentecost - the Spirit of God. Moses' last gasp, his great speech before the promised land (which he did not get to enter). He is laying out the ground rules for the kingdom that is to be established across that Jordan river. Be strong and of good courage - Chazak Amats....for the Lord thy God, He it is that does go with thee! He will not fail thee nor forsake thee. And Moses called unto Joshua in the sight of all Israel, Chazak! Amats! Be strong and of good courage!
We obey - God Wins!
Be strong and of good courage...Rak Chazak!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tim Tebow and His Faith...
Tim Tebow |
So all of this still hardly makes him a topic for me to blog about...well, that is the part of the story I love the best. The history on Tim goes back to his conception. His parents share the testimony (part One) of Tim's life and the testimony (part Two). There was even a Focus on the Family ad that ran during the 2011 Super Bowl that caused a lot of uproar because it was a pro-life message as Tim's mother Pam share their story for life. Tim's parent were told that their "baby" was just a blob, not even a fetas and even one doctor called the"blob", affectionally known now as Tim Tebow, a tumor. MIRACULOUS story!
Be encouraged in your faith! Our God is Big and STRONG and MIGHTY. What a powerful testimony as they walked through their tests. There were days of doubt and struggle I am sure, but they persevered and the world is a better place for it!
LOVE! |
So here is what the world has to say about this incredibly athlete and Bob Costas has a clip regarding it. The world just don't know quite what to think of him!
To God be the Glory!
P.S. added on January 17, 2012....Well, the Broncos are out of the Super Bowl race but I had to follow up with one more incredible tribute to Tim Tebow. Every week, Tebow picks out someone who is suffering, or who is dying, or who is injured that he is made aware of. He flies them and their families to the Broncos game, rents them a car, puts them up in a nice hotel, buys them dinner (usually at a Dave and Buster's) get them and their families pre game passes, visits with them just before kickoff, gets them 30-yard line tickets down low, visits with them after the game (sometimes for an hour), has them walk with him to his car and sends them off with a basket full of gifts. How can anyone not like this guy? We need more Tim Tebows in the world!
By the way, he does this at home and on the road, win or loose, every game!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Advent - God With Us
Here is a modern look at Advent through an interesting song. Really a fresh take on a very old practice. This is about 5 minutes long but really kind of neat. ENJOY!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Christmas With a Capital "C"
I heard this song, Christmas With a Capital "C" and so agree with the lyrics. It's called Christmas...not Happy Holidays. This song unashamedly speaks that Christmas is about the birth of Christ and we should not back down from that. I totally agree. Other events have "their" day and we are expected to just let them take Christmas away because it is offensive to some. So what! It's Christmas - the celebration of Christ's birth! I am SO into that!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Freedom Reigns - Jesus Culture
Sometimes we just need a reminder of what God is up to. I love Jesus Culture and this song, Freedom Reigns ALWAYS minsters life to me when I need it. Wether we feel it or not, Jesus Reigns yesterday, today and forever and ONE day ALL of the earth will declare it. Amazing God! Amazing!
There is FREEDOM in Jesus. My prayer is that you will walk in that freedom - there is NOTHING like it! Jesus Reign in my heart, in my city, in my world. Amazing!
There is FREEDOM in Jesus. My prayer is that you will walk in that freedom - there is NOTHING like it! Jesus Reign in my heart, in my city, in my world. Amazing!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
I Pray On Christmas - Harry Connick, Jr.
To get into the Christmas season, let's join Harry Connick, Jr. with Kim Burrell as they sing, I Pray on Christmas. Incredible voices as they call on the Lord and join together in an incredible music duet. I simply LOVE Kim's voice. The women has soul and a voice too. Enjoy and don't forget to pray - not only on Christmas, but everyday! AWESOME!
Friday, December 2, 2011
For the Honor - Elevation Worship
A friend living in Minnesota told me about this group, Elevation and so I listened. The more I listened to this song, the more I really enjoyed it. I say that because I want you to give it a chance when you hear it by listening a couple of times over a couple of days. Their music is a bit different than some Christian Worship Music but it has a good feel and a great message. For The Honor has such powerful images and is full of much truth but in our busyness of life, sometimes we miss the point found in this message; Honor!
What is honor?
Noun (a person, place or thing): High respect; esteem.
Verb (an action word): Regard with great respect.
What is honor?
Noun (a person, place or thing): High respect; esteem.
Verb (an action word): Regard with great respect.
Synonyms (words that mean the same thing):
Because this is a worship song, you need to listen to it when you have a heart of worship. If I could suggest, at the end of a long day, curl up on a comfortable chair, grab a blanket, a cup of tea, light a candle or dim the lights and then listen. Hear the message; completely. HEAR what the Spirit is saying to the churches. We need to be FULL of His Word and FULL of His Spirit...we NEED to be READY for those days when all we will do is worship! ENJOY!
noun. honour - credit - respect - homage - dignity - glory
verb. honour - respect - esteem - venerate - revere - dignify
Because this is a worship song, you need to listen to it when you have a heart of worship. If I could suggest, at the end of a long day, curl up on a comfortable chair, grab a blanket, a cup of tea, light a candle or dim the lights and then listen. Hear the message; completely. HEAR what the Spirit is saying to the churches. We need to be FULL of His Word and FULL of His Spirit...we NEED to be READY for those days when all we will do is worship! ENJOY!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Hallelujah Chorus by the Philadelphia Opera Company
Found this last year but didn't get around to posting it so I thought I would be the first of the season for this year! This incredibly fun event in a food court was staged by the Philadelphia Opera Company singing the Hallelujah Chorus on Saturday, October 30, 2010. There were over 650 choristers who met at Macy's Center City in Philadelphia.
There was another event like the one above that was hosted on November 13, 2010, in a food court at the Well and Seaway Mall by the Niagara Chorus. Here is their version of the Hallelujah Chorus.
There was another event like the one above that was hosted on November 13, 2010, in a food court at the Well and Seaway Mall by the Niagara Chorus. Here is their version of the Hallelujah Chorus.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
10 Basic Blessings
I saw 10 Basic Blessings You Should Be Thankful For which was published by Charisma Magazine, Fire in my Bones by J. Lee Grady and thought it was worth sharing. He wrote a really great article on things that WE, as Americans, need to be thankful for when so many are grumbling about how "bad" things are. Really? Bad? Do we, again as Americans, even KNOW what bad looks like?
Rather than rewriting his entire article you can go to the link above to read it, but I will post his list; as just thinking about this puts a lot of things into perspective.
1. Got clean water? The next time you uncap a bottle of water or grab a drink from the tap, remember that one in eight people in the world (that’s 884 million people) lack access to clean water supplies. Millions of women around the world spend several hours a day collecting water. When you take a five-minute shower, you use more water than a typical person in a developing country uses in a whole day.
2. Do you have a bathroom? About 40 percent of the world's population (2.6 billion people) do not have toilets. Lack of sanitation facilities spreads disease and is a major reason why more than 2 million people die annually of diarrhea.
3. How’s your electricity? The power in my house might be interrupted briefly three times a year because of Florida storms. But 1.6 billion people—a· quarter of humanity—live without any electricity. And, because of unreliable infrastructure, at least 2 billion people on earth don’t have any light at night.
4. Got a roof over your head? One billion people live in slums. That's almost one-sixth of the world’s population. Of this total, 640 million children live without adequate shelter; they live in cardboard boxes, tin-roofed shacks, one-room mud huts or filthy, crowded tenements. It’s been estimated that 1.4 billion people will live in slums by 2020. Meanwhile here in the United States, between 2.3 to 2.5 million people are classified as homeless.
5. Is there food on your table? In the United States we are battling an obesity epidemic. Yet according to UNICEF, 22,000 children die each day due to poverty. Approximately 790 million people in the developing world are chronically undernourished, and almost 28 percent of all children in developing countries are estimated to be underweight or stunted.
6. Got a stove? In developing countries, some 2.5 billion people use fuelwood, charcoal or animal dung to meet their energy needs for cooking. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 80 percent of the population depends on these crude, traditional means for cooking, as do over half of the populations of India and China. The really sad part: Indoor air pollution resulting from the use of solid fuels claims the lives of 1.5 million people each year, more than half of them below the age of 5.
7. Got regular income? You may have had to take a pay cut during the recession. But keep in mind that at least 80 percent of humanity lives on less than $10 a day. The world's average income is about $7,000 a year. Still, only about 19 percent of the world's population lives in countries with per capita incomes at least this high.
8. Did you go to school? Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names. Enrollment data shows that about 72 million children of primary school age in the developing world were not in school in 2005 (and 57 percent of them were girls).
9. Are you generally healthy? Americans face illness like people in other nations—and more than 12 million Americans are battling cancer in any given year. But many of us have access to health care. In the developing world, more than 2.2 million children die each year because they are not immunized. An estimated 40 million people in developing countries are living with HIV/AIDS. Every year there are 350–500 million cases of malaria, with 1 million fatalities, mostly in Africa.
10. Are you free to worship God? More than 400 Christians die for their faith every day around the world, and most of these believers suffer in Islamic countries—although the top hot spot for Christian persecution, according to Open Doors International, is the atheist regime of North Korea.
What will you be grateful for this Thanksgiving? In these tough economic times you may feel the urge to complain. Be thankful instead! God calls us to live above this negativity. When we give thanks in all things, God gives us a supernatural attitude adjustment. When we thank God for all He has given us, acknowledging that we don’t deserve His goodness, our grumbling melts into gratitude and our impatience turns to praise.
Rather than rewriting his entire article you can go to the link above to read it, but I will post his list; as just thinking about this puts a lot of things into perspective.
1. Got clean water? The next time you uncap a bottle of water or grab a drink from the tap, remember that one in eight people in the world (that’s 884 million people) lack access to clean water supplies. Millions of women around the world spend several hours a day collecting water. When you take a five-minute shower, you use more water than a typical person in a developing country uses in a whole day.
2. Do you have a bathroom? About 40 percent of the world's population (2.6 billion people) do not have toilets. Lack of sanitation facilities spreads disease and is a major reason why more than 2 million people die annually of diarrhea.
3. How’s your electricity? The power in my house might be interrupted briefly three times a year because of Florida storms. But 1.6 billion people—a· quarter of humanity—live without any electricity. And, because of unreliable infrastructure, at least 2 billion people on earth don’t have any light at night.
4. Got a roof over your head? One billion people live in slums. That's almost one-sixth of the world’s population. Of this total, 640 million children live without adequate shelter; they live in cardboard boxes, tin-roofed shacks, one-room mud huts or filthy, crowded tenements. It’s been estimated that 1.4 billion people will live in slums by 2020. Meanwhile here in the United States, between 2.3 to 2.5 million people are classified as homeless.
5. Is there food on your table? In the United States we are battling an obesity epidemic. Yet according to UNICEF, 22,000 children die each day due to poverty. Approximately 790 million people in the developing world are chronically undernourished, and almost 28 percent of all children in developing countries are estimated to be underweight or stunted.
6. Got a stove? In developing countries, some 2.5 billion people use fuelwood, charcoal or animal dung to meet their energy needs for cooking. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 80 percent of the population depends on these crude, traditional means for cooking, as do over half of the populations of India and China. The really sad part: Indoor air pollution resulting from the use of solid fuels claims the lives of 1.5 million people each year, more than half of them below the age of 5.
7. Got regular income? You may have had to take a pay cut during the recession. But keep in mind that at least 80 percent of humanity lives on less than $10 a day. The world's average income is about $7,000 a year. Still, only about 19 percent of the world's population lives in countries with per capita incomes at least this high.
8. Did you go to school? Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names. Enrollment data shows that about 72 million children of primary school age in the developing world were not in school in 2005 (and 57 percent of them were girls).
9. Are you generally healthy? Americans face illness like people in other nations—and more than 12 million Americans are battling cancer in any given year. But many of us have access to health care. In the developing world, more than 2.2 million children die each year because they are not immunized. An estimated 40 million people in developing countries are living with HIV/AIDS. Every year there are 350–500 million cases of malaria, with 1 million fatalities, mostly in Africa.
10. Are you free to worship God? More than 400 Christians die for their faith every day around the world, and most of these believers suffer in Islamic countries—although the top hot spot for Christian persecution, according to Open Doors International, is the atheist regime of North Korea.
What will you be grateful for this Thanksgiving? In these tough economic times you may feel the urge to complain. Be thankful instead! God calls us to live above this negativity. When we give thanks in all things, God gives us a supernatural attitude adjustment. When we thank God for all He has given us, acknowledging that we don’t deserve His goodness, our grumbling melts into gratitude and our impatience turns to praise.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Hold On to Your Hope - Robby Mounce
So back September 23rd my sons team was playing Mineral Wells Community Christian School in a six-man football game when the game abruptly ended because a player was hurt on the field.
Eventually Robby Mounce (#11 in purple) was air-lifted from the field and taken to a Ft. Worth Hospital. We have been following his recovery since then. We have met his family, his team-mates, friends and youth pastor and have watched this incredible journey as God has been so faithful to minister to this family!
Here was one of the first news reports we heard about Robby on Fox 4 news.
On the 18th of November, Robby went to a new home that someone has given their family for six months (rent free) as their old home was a mobile home and Robby would not be able to navigate it very well. He was home for Thanksgiving and continues to improve. This was the most recent news story about Robby.
If you google Robby's name you come up with many other stories about him, but one of my favorite was these two girls who wrote a song about him, Hold On to Your Hope.
Robby is a miracle in the making. Incredible story and so blessed to see how God has been completing the work in Robby! Our God is good and ALL that he does is good!
Eventually Robby Mounce (#11 in purple) was air-lifted from the field and taken to a Ft. Worth Hospital. We have been following his recovery since then. We have met his family, his team-mates, friends and youth pastor and have watched this incredible journey as God has been so faithful to minister to this family!
Here was one of the first news reports we heard about Robby on Fox 4 news.
On the 18th of November, Robby went to a new home that someone has given their family for six months (rent free) as their old home was a mobile home and Robby would not be able to navigate it very well. He was home for Thanksgiving and continues to improve. This was the most recent news story about Robby.
If you google Robby's name you come up with many other stories about him, but one of my favorite was these two girls who wrote a song about him, Hold On to Your Hope.
Robby is a miracle in the making. Incredible story and so blessed to see how God has been completing the work in Robby! Our God is good and ALL that he does is good!
Monday, November 28, 2011
George Washington's Thanksgiving
Now that all your "turkey" has settled and you are back into your routines, I ran across this posting regarding George Washington and his 1789 Thanksgiving proclamation. A far cry from what we are hearing in the news today but this is what the First President of the United States believed. Not only was this HIS belief but he was repeatedly elected so you know that the "people" believed this same way. The "people" had a heart for God and founded this nation to be a nation after the heart of God. If the "people" had a different heart than this, they would have elected someone who represented their hearts.
That is what is going on today, many people have hearts that are far from God so they are electing people with godless agendas and selfish convictions. God forgive us!
"Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor - and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me 'to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.'
"Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be - That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks - for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation - for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war - for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed - for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
"And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions - to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually - to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed - to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord - To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us - and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best."
That is what is going on today, many people have hearts that are far from God so they are electing people with godless agendas and selfish convictions. God forgive us!
George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1789
"Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor - and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me 'to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.'
"Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be - That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks - for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation - for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war - for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed - for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.
"And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions - to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually - to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed - to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord - To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us - and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best."
Friday, November 25, 2011
Mario Monti - Prime Minister of Italy
Mario Monti (3-19-43) |
Monti is a member of the Presiderium of the Friends of Europe, a leading European think tank, and was the first chairman of Bruegel, a European think tank founded in 2005. He is the European Chairman of the Trilateral Commission, (another think tank founded in 1973 by David Rockefeller). He is also a leading member of the exclusive Bilderberg Group of economists.
Monti has been an international adviser to Goldman Sachs and the Coca-Cola Company. To say that he is well, rich, would be a slight understatement. To say he has rich friends, would again, be a significant understatement. Many sources are calling this "takeover a "coup d'etat". This new takeover has global implications.
What does all this mean in light of the Bible? Well go to my link called the Obama Deception. Once there, click on the link of the same name or scroll to the bottom of that page and watch the video. This video is FULL of information about the Bilderberg Group and the Trilateral Commission and many other rather interesting facts that will effect you and me in this every changing world.
You can read in my Rights and Responsibility blog about how even Chris Matthews has defected from the Obama "spell" but are there are already many factors outside our country in place that may never be reversible. Daily we could see the book of Revelation unfold before our eyes.
Maranatha - Come Lord Jesus!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
The Manifested Glory of God
So last week at Bethel Church in Redding, California an interesting thing occurred. It was November 13th and the Glory of the Lord came down...or should I say up! Notice how the Glory Cloud "rose" among them.
Steve Fish, a Pastor at Convergence Church (click on 11-20-11) from Ft. Worth, Texas had an excellent message regarding the Glory of the Lord in response to this video from Redding.
THE GLORY OF THE LORD:
Exodus 16:10 It came about as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the sons of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.
Exodus 24:16, 17 The glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; and on the seventh day He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud. And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top.
Exodus 29:42 (the tabernacle) It shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the doorway of the tent of meeting before the LORD, where I will meet with you, to speak to you there. I will meet there with the sons of Israel, and it shall be consecrated(to make holy) by My glory.
Exodus 40:34, 35 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Steve Fish, a Pastor at Convergence Church (click on 11-20-11) from Ft. Worth, Texas had an excellent message regarding the Glory of the Lord in response to this video from Redding.
THE GLORY OF THE LORD:
Exodus 16:10 It came about as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the sons of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.
Exodus 24:16, 17 The glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; and on the seventh day He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud. And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top.
Exodus 29:42 (the tabernacle) It shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the doorway of the tent of meeting before the LORD, where I will meet with you, to speak to you there. I will meet there with the sons of Israel, and it shall be consecrated(to make holy) by My glory.
Exodus 40:34, 35 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
Numbers 14:20 So the LORD said, “I have pardoned them according to your word; but indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the LORD.
Numbers 16:42 It came about, however, when the congregation had assembled against Moses and Aaron, that they turned toward the tent of meeting, and behold, the cloud covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared.
I Samuel 4:21 And she called the boy Ichabod (no glory), saying, “The glory has departed from Israel,” because the ark of God was taken and because of her father-in-law and her husband.
Psalms 26:8 O LORD, I love the habitation of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells.
Psalm 63:2 Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory.
Isaiah 40:5 Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, And all flesh will see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” (This is the prophetic word of Jesus' coming!)
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 2:11 This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.
John 11:40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (raising the dead is a manifestation Glory of God!)
John 17:22 The glory which You have given Me I have given to them (this is you and me!), that they may be one, just as We are one;
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (He came to redeem us from the curse and from falling short of glory!)
Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:21, 22 that the creation itself will be liberated (set free) from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
Ephesians 5:27 (we are going to presented Jesus) and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
Revelation 21:23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Acts 4:13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. (The GLORY was on them and they "recognized" it.)
II Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. (From glory to glory to glory...we are being transfigured (metamorphosis).)
II Corinthians 3:10 For indeed what had glory, in this case has no glory because of the glory that surpasses it. For if that which fades away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.
II Corinthians 3:12 Therefore having such a hope (the hope of glory), we use great boldness in our speech. (Boldness in Greek means "freedom of speech". We have no need to "veil" who we are anymore! We are FREE to be who we really are!)
II Corinthians 3:7 But if the ministry of death, in letters engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face, fading as it was...
II Corinthians 3:13 (Moses glory was fading away)...and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away.
II Corinthians 3:11 For if that which fades away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory. (Moses glory was fading but we have unfading glory (vs 11).)
II Corinthians 3:10 For indeed what had glory, in this case has no glory because of the glory that surpasses it. For if that which fades away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory. (surpassing glory (vs 10) and ever increasing glory!)
Come brothers and sisters, let us WALK IN HIS GLORY!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
I See Heaven - Bryan & Katie Torwalt
Another POWERFUL song that ministers to my heart and fills my Spirit! I See Heaven...do you?
I pray you are encouraged today as you take the time to position yourself to receive from the Lord. If you need hope, strength, comfort, joy, help, peace, life, whatever YOUR need, get under the spout where the Lord can rain down on you. Be filled with His goodness, His healing, His provision by worshipping His Holy Name! He IS the answer!
Lord send your Glory down on us - we are desperate for you. Amen!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Twilight
If you haven't heard about the books from the Twilight Series you must live under a rock. The advertisements are everywhere, from billboards to posters and even commercials on television. This book series is targeted to teens and pre-teens and seems to be the most popular among girls. They have made movies too of the series and they have used attractive people as the main characters to draw even more teen girls in.
So why a blog about it? Well, it's because of the context of the series...it is about vampires. I find it hard to believe in my adult years I am seeing the younger generation drawn to such an evil subject with such enthusiasm. I see a resurgence of this affinity toward spiritually in the dark places. These young girls today sit in theaters for hours, camping out for tickets to be the first to see the midnight showing of their newest release. It is heartbreaking that even many young Christian kids are part of the audience for such a dark subject matter. It troubles me and I just don't understand kids fascination and parents lack of discernment to intersect this spiritual wickedness in their homes.
Here is a great teaching done by Mark Driscoll on the topic. He is funny and direct and hopefully effective in educating you and your family on why these type of books are poison for your families spirits and souls. This is no series a Christian has any business participating in..yet sadly they are.
Monday, November 21, 2011
I'm A Lover of Your Presence by Bryan and Katie Torwalt
The Holy Spirit has been reshaping me and changing my world lately as He has ever so gently has been ministering over me, to me, in me, around me, through me and about me. This is one of the songs that keeps resonating in my Spirit. I wake up hearing it sung over me, I fall asleep hearing the words ministering to me, I find myself humming it throughout the day and then periodically I just stop and feel the presence of the Lord envelope me!
I'm A Lover of Your Presence is so what I feel and desire. I am a lover of Him and His presence. He changes me and I am better for the time I take to let Him pour His goodness into my life. My prayer is that you too will still yourself for a time and let the Lord minister to you as you wait on Him and become a lover of His presence too!
I'm A Lover of Your Presence is so what I feel and desire. I am a lover of Him and His presence. He changes me and I am better for the time I take to let Him pour His goodness into my life. My prayer is that you too will still yourself for a time and let the Lord minister to you as you wait on Him and become a lover of His presence too!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Holy Spirit - Bryan & Katie Torwalt
He is always interceding on our behalf! |
Since I was a little girl the cry of my heart has been the presence of the Lord. More and more I have wanted Him as I have tasted and seen that He alone undoes me - my failures, my lack, my fear, my insecurities, my humanness is melted in His scent, His movement, His very breath is life and His presence, well, basically just overwhelming! I am wasted again by how BIG and Mighty and Great this God I serve is; yet He takes time to love me! He has and will forever be welcome in my heart! Have your way Holy Spirit!
Take a few minutes and quiet yourself as the Lord ministers over you! Let Him love you, fill you, hold you, pour out Himself over you! Position yourself to be overcome by His presence! Oh Lord, NOTHING compares to that - YOU ministering to us. There is no thing that can satisfy like a moment in the presence of a living God! Get ready to get wet! HALLELUJAH! HE IS WITH YOU and FOR YOU and LOVES YOU!
To those musicians reading; I love to play the guitar and am desiring to do more on the piano as well, but I wanted to share not only the words of this song but also the chords too so you can enter fully into worship. ENJOY!
HOLY SPIRIT
by Bryan and Katie Torwalt
Verse 1 A there's nothing worth more D that will ever come close
no thing can compare A you're our living hope D your presence
Verse 2 A I've tasted and seen D of the sweetest of love were my heart becomes free A and my shame is undone D your presence Lord
Chorus A Holy Spirit you are welcome here D Bm come flood this place and fill the atmosphere A your glory God is what our hearts long for D Bm A to be overcome by your presence Lord
Bridge let us become more aware of your presence let us become experience the glory of your goodness D A/C# Bm A/C# let us become more aware of your presence D A/C# Bm A/C# D let us become experience the glory of your goodness Lord
Thursday, November 3, 2011
A Little Leaven - How to Break Through!
Break Through the Walls |
My heart races with scriptures as I begin to minister to people and the first words that come to me have to do with the power of words. What are words? Do they matter? Are they important? What about names? Is there a "ranking" that we give to names? Well, first off, the Word (the bible) says that there is ONE name above EVERY name and THAT name, every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth (Philippians 2:9-10) and that Name is God (or Jesus! - Romans 14:11)
So, for definition purposes, cancer is a name that is BELOW the name of Jesus yet because we have seen what cancer has done to so many we instantly fall to a place of fear BUT if we are really going to be fair to the power of names and our experiences, then we need to also look at what the name of Jesus has accomplished too, right? Well the name of Jesus has conquered EVERYTHING including death, hell and the grave (Romans 5 and Revelation 1:18) and ALL names are under the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ! I think where we begin to falter in our faith is that "our" experiences usually carry more weight in our opinions because our experiences in the Lord are usually not as strong in our mind as our personal dealings. We NEED to change this. NOTHING should be as TRUE to us then that which God has said. It should be over even the things we have seen, that is, if we are truly "fully persuaded" as Paul writes! (Romans 4:21)
See, I believe that we need to put our TRUST in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalms 25:3 and Romans 10:11) and His reports (His last will and TESTAMENT - the scriptures!) We are thankful for doctors, nurses, oncologist and all the people that have given their lives to the medical field and who have a love for science, medicine and people BUT with all that said, and with all that they know, they are just mere men and they pale in comparison to what the knows and what the Lord has said! (Psalm 24:1 and 1 Corinthians 10:26) Right?
Again, Paul calls this being FULLY persuaded. (Romans 4:21) We can't waiver. We can't move. We can't wince, or doubt or falter. It was written of Abraham this way, "against all hope in hope, Abraham believed and it was credited to him as righteousness." (Romans 4:18-21) He was "immoveable" yet even he faltered and "took things into his own hands" and strayed from God's BEST plan. It is because of this "detour" that even today we have issues in our world that go back to this simple "decision" that Abraham made that was apart from God's best. Do you see it? WE matter in the equation. WE have a part to play in the outcome. WE have been given ALL that we need for life and godliness! (II Peter 1:3)
My prayer for you it that YOU will understand the power of YOUR meditations (Psalm 19:14). See the Word says, "As a man thinketh - so is he." (Proverbs 23:7) The Word has said, "Whatever we bind on earth, will be bound in heaven." (Matthew 18:18)
Again, the Word says, "to think on these things (Philippians 4:8); whatever is true (that Jesus paid for sickness and diseases on his back - Isaiah 53:4-5 and I Peter 2:24), whatever is noble (Jesus is the King - Satan is defeated, the foe, the liar, the imposter), whatever is right (that God desires GOOD things for you and his fingerprints are GOOD - satan is evil and his fingerprints are evil - whose fingerprints are these on your life?), whatever is pure (healing is pure - sickness is confusion, mucky and messy), whatever is lovely (Jesus is lovey - cancer/sickness is NOT), whatever is admirable (walking in divine health...everyone is seeking "health" today)—if anything is excellent (that means extremely good; outstanding, eminent degree, superiority) or (think on what is) praiseworthy (like JESUS and ALL that He has done! SATURATE yourself in worship music, worship songs, TEACHINGS, healing praise, the WORD on audio. Fill your "thoughts" with ONLY Him and His Word)—think about SUCH things. This is called STARVING the doubt and FEEDING the faith.
A LITTLE leaven, leavens the WHOLE lump...here is the verses found in Galatians 5: 6a-10: The only thing that COUNTS IS faith expressing itself through love. 7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? 8 That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty.
What we THINK about, feeds us - it is like leaven...vs 7 - you were running a good race, WHO (identify the fingerprints and you will know who) cut in on you to KEEP you from obeying (thinking on what God says, NOT on what you have been told by doctors - OBEY the Word). A little leaven (those thoughts are like poison that GROW on our fear - just like yeast grows on sugar) and it grows IN us... it feeds cancer.
QUIET the fear (Jesus is peace - Satan is fear...fingerprints again). QUIET the noise and HEAR God. Oh, How He Loves you and He is SO for you, dear child of God! This is my favorite song and I have posted it here before: How He Loves Us So by Kim Walker. Take a minute and think about how much the Lord REALLY loves you!
Finally, I listen to incredible teachings by many people but I would encourage you to start with Thurman Scrivner of the Living Savior Ministries. He basically does what I have done here, he shows you the Scriptures and then your spirit agrees with what God has said and it changes EVERYTHING!
Praying WITH you dear child of God, in Jesus MIGHTY Name, Amen!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
I Will Praise Thee, O Lord - Psalm 9:1
I have created a wall on Facebook where co-laborers in Christ can share what God is doing in their lives. It is a wall full of blessings, praise, prayer requests and testimonies of how GOOD our God is! The other day (the 30th of October to be exact), a friend posted the following and I was totally moved by it and had to share it here as well. As you read the following your heart will fill with praise, adoration, faith, hope, love and ALL the GOOD things of GOD as HE is SO Good and SO Worthy of Praise.
From Spurgeon's Morning & Evening devotional
October 30th's morning portion:
"I will praise Thee, O Lord." — Psalm 9:1
Praise should always follow answered prayer; as the mist of earth's gratitude rises when the sun of heaven's love warms the ground. Hath the Lord been gracious to thee, and inclined His ear to the voice of thy supplication? Then praise Him as long as thou livest. Let the ripe fruit drop upon the fertile soil from which it drew its life. Deny not a song to Him who hath answered thy prayer and given thee the desire of thy heart.
From Spurgeon's Morning & Evening devotional
October 30th's morning portion:
"I will praise Thee, O Lord." — Psalm 9:1
Praise should always follow answered prayer; as the mist of earth's gratitude rises when the sun of heaven's love warms the ground. Hath the Lord been gracious to thee, and inclined His ear to the voice of thy supplication? Then praise Him as long as thou livest. Let the ripe fruit drop upon the fertile soil from which it drew its life. Deny not a song to Him who hath answered thy prayer and given thee the desire of thy heart.
To be silent over God's mercies is to incur the guilt of ingratitude; it is to act as basely as the nine lepers, who after they had been cured of their leprosy, returned not to give thanks unto the healing Lord. To forget to praise God is to refuse to benefit ourselves; for praise, like prayer, is one great means of promoting the growth of the spiritual life.
It helps to remove our burdens, to excite our hope, to increase our faith. It is a healthful and invigorating exercise which quickens the pulse of the believer, and nerves him for fresh enterprises in his Master's service. To bless God for mercies received is also the way to benefit our fellow-men; "the humble shall hear thereof and be glad." Others who have been in like circumstances shall take comfort if we can say, "Oh! magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together; this poor man cried, and the Lord heard him." Weak hearts will be strengthened, and drooping saints will be revived as they listen to our "songs of deliverance." Their doubts and fears will be rebuked, as we teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. They too shall "sing in the ways of the Lord," when they hear us magnify His holy name.
Praise is the most heavenly of Christian duties. The angels pray not, but they cease not to praise both day and night; and the redeemed, clothed in white robes, with palm-branches in their hands, are never weary of singing the new song, "Worthy is the Lamb."
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
PRAYER for OUR NATION!
As a reminder - we are praying for our nation at 9:00PM EST EVERY day. (I have made this a reoccurring reminder on my phone, with an alarm, so as to not forget to pray!)
Below is a guide but by no means feel as though you have to follow my outline. Hear the Spirit and pray accordingly!
In the MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS CHRIST WE PRAY:
1 John 5:14.........And this is the confidence that we have in Lord, that, if we ask any thing according to YOUR will that YOU hear us.
1Tim 2:1............Heavenly Father, I give thanks for our government.
1 Tim 2:2...........I pray for all men and women having authority over us in any way.
Prov. 1:23..........Pour out Your Spirit upon them and make Your Word known to them.
Ps 25:21...........Cause them to be men and women of integrity, obedient concerning us,
1 Tim 2:2...........that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.
Prov. 2:10..........Let wisdom enter their hearts, and let knowledge be pleasant to them.
Prov. 2:11..........Let discretion preserve them and understanding keep them,
Prov. 2:12..........to deliver them from the way of evil and from evil men.
Psalm 1:1..........Make their hearts and ears attentive to godly counsel,
2Chr 20:32.........doing what is right in your sight.
Prov. 2:21..........Let the upright dwell in our government.
Heb 12:27..........Cause there to be a shaking in all areas.
Prov. 2:21..........Let those complete and blameless before You stay.
Prov. 2:22..........and cut off the wicked. Let the unfaithful be rooted out.
1Cor 4:5............Bring to light what is hidden in darkness,
1Cor 4:5............and expose the secret aims of the hearts.
Rev 2:5.............Let this nation remember from where they have fallen,
Rev 2:5.............repenting, and returning to doing their first works,
1Chr 22:19........setting their hearts and their souls to seek the Lord,
2Chr 7:14..........humbling themselves, praying, and turning from their wicked ways.
2Chr 7:14..........Then hear them, O Lord, and forgive their sins and heal our land.
Acts 26:18........Open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light.
Heb 3:13...........Soften the hearts that are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Ps 107:20..........Deliver them from their destruction.
2Pet 3:9............Father, You have been long-suffering toward us,
2Pet 3:9............not willing that any should perish,
2Pet 3:9............but that all should come to repentance.
Isa 49:22...........Raise up a standard in this nation.
Zech 10:1..........Cause the rains of Your Spirit to flood this land
Hab 3:2.............and revive Your work in the midst of us.
Isa 59:16...........Raise up intercessors for this nation
2Cor 10:4..........to pull down strongholds over this land.
Isa 40:5............And let the glory of the Lord be revealed!
Below is a guide but by no means feel as though you have to follow my outline. Hear the Spirit and pray accordingly!
In the MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS CHRIST WE PRAY:
1 John 5:14.........And this is the confidence that we have in Lord, that, if we ask any thing according to YOUR will that YOU hear us.
1Tim 2:1............Heavenly Father, I give thanks for our government.
1 Tim 2:2...........I pray for all men and women having authority over us in any way.
Prov. 1:23..........Pour out Your Spirit upon them and make Your Word known to them.
Ps 25:21...........Cause them to be men and women of integrity, obedient concerning us,
1 Tim 2:2...........that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty.
Prov. 2:10..........Let wisdom enter their hearts, and let knowledge be pleasant to them.
Prov. 2:11..........Let discretion preserve them and understanding keep them,
Prov. 2:12..........to deliver them from the way of evil and from evil men.
Psalm 1:1..........Make their hearts and ears attentive to godly counsel,
2Chr 20:32.........doing what is right in your sight.
Prov. 2:21..........Let the upright dwell in our government.
Heb 12:27..........Cause there to be a shaking in all areas.
Prov. 2:21..........Let those complete and blameless before You stay.
Prov. 2:22..........and cut off the wicked. Let the unfaithful be rooted out.
1Cor 4:5............Bring to light what is hidden in darkness,
1Cor 4:5............and expose the secret aims of the hearts.
Rev 2:5.............Let this nation remember from where they have fallen,
Rev 2:5.............repenting, and returning to doing their first works,
1Chr 22:19........setting their hearts and their souls to seek the Lord,
2Chr 7:14..........humbling themselves, praying, and turning from their wicked ways.
2Chr 7:14..........Then hear them, O Lord, and forgive their sins and heal our land.
Acts 26:18........Open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light.
Heb 3:13...........Soften the hearts that are hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
Ps 107:20..........Deliver them from their destruction.
2Pet 3:9............Father, You have been long-suffering toward us,
2Pet 3:9............not willing that any should perish,
2Pet 3:9............but that all should come to repentance.
Isa 49:22...........Raise up a standard in this nation.
Zech 10:1..........Cause the rains of Your Spirit to flood this land
Hab 3:2.............and revive Your work in the midst of us.
Isa 59:16...........Raise up intercessors for this nation
2Cor 10:4..........to pull down strongholds over this land.
Isa 40:5............And let the glory of the Lord be revealed!
PLEASE PRAY THESE SCRIPTURES OVER OUR NATION and LEADERS:
Prayers for our NATION - may these verses be true of our people and our land:- I Corinthians l6:13 supernatural spiritual strength: "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong!"
- Psalms 18:1-2: "I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
- Exodus 15:2 supernatural physical strength: "The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father’s God, and I will extol Him."
- I John 2:10 leadership that does not stumble: "The one who loves his brother abides in the Light and there is no cause for stumbling in him."
- Psalms 35:1-10 - "Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.” May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind,
with the angel of the Lord driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery,
with the angel of the Lord pursuing them. Since they hid their net for me without cause and without cause dug a pit for me, may ruin overtake them by surprise—
may the net they hid entangle them, may they fall into the pit, to their ruin. Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his salvation. My whole being will exclaim, “Who is like you, O Lord? You rescue the poor from those too strong for them, the poor and needy from those who rob them.”
- Psalms 35:22-28 - 'O Lord, you have seen this; be not silent. Do not be far from me, O Lord. Awake, and rise to my defense! Contend for me, my God and Lord. Vindicate me in your righteousness, O Lord my God; do not let them gloat over me. Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!” or say, “We have swallowed him up.” May all who gloat over my distress be put to shame and confusion; may all who exalt themselves over me be clothed with shame and disgrace. May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of his servant.” My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.'
PLEASE PRAY for Our Nation's PRESIDENT, SECRETARY of STATE and OUR DEFENSE SECRETARY, our ATTORNEY GENERAL and those in the CIA and FBI:
(Lord we pray if they are NOT people who believe in you, that they will be and that they will uphold YOUR ways!) - II Chronicles 1:10 -- supernatural wisdom: “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?”
- Proverbs 4:11 divine guidance: "I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths."
- Psalms 119:66 - "Teach me good discernment and knowledge. For I believe in Your commandments."
- Psalms 119:169 - "May my cry come before you, O Lord; give me understanding according to your word."
- Proverbs 2:1-15 - " My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways."
- Proverbs 2:22 - May we be a land that is righteous and not wicked for "... the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it."
- II Samuel 22:33-35 - "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze."
Please cover those who are serving in the ARMED FORCES:
(Father we pray these words will be ALIVE over our loved ones serving!) - II Samuel 22:33-35 - "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze."
- Psalms 91 Reassurance: " He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the Lord, who is my refuge— then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
- Psalms 27 - " The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord. Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
- Psalms 28 - " To you I call, O Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place. Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts. Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back upon them what they deserve. Since they show no regard for the works of the Lord and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again. Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever."
- Psalms 30 - " I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. O Lord, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit. Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.” O Lord, when you favored me, you made my mountainc stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. To you, O Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: “What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me; O Lord, be my help.” You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever."
- Psalms 31 - "In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth. I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction,a and my bones grow weak. Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends—those who see me on the street flee from me. I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life. But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave. Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous. How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues. Praise be to the Lord, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city. In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. Love the Lord, all his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."
- Psalms 37 - " Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous. The days of the blameless are known to the Lord, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty. But the wicked will perish: The Lord’s enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish—vanish like smoke. The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be cut off. If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed. Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off; the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip. The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives; but the Lord will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial. Wait for the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it. I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found. Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace. But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off. The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.