Sunday, December 25, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
"GIFT OF LOVE"
"GIFT OF LOVE"
written by Kathy Todd
This is the season to feel the gift of love.
The unconditional love that comes from above.
Given to all of those who will receive.
By opening their hearts and in love believe.
That Jesus was born from a virgin on Christmas Day.
God putting his gift of love for the world into play.
Jesus was born a King, he did not have to earn it.
He was born to save the world, the star of Bethlehem was lit.
Above the manger where baby Jesus lay.
The brightest star that led the wise men there that day.
To bless baby Jesus with gifts and to honor him.
As the bright and morning star that will never go dim.
Send a gift of thanks to our almighty God in heaven above.
For sending the world baby Jesus, to us his Gift of Love.
written by Kathy Todd
This is the season to feel the gift of love.
The unconditional love that comes from above.
Given to all of those who will receive.
By opening their hearts and in love believe.
That Jesus was born from a virgin on Christmas Day.
God putting his gift of love for the world into play.
Jesus was born a King, he did not have to earn it.
He was born to save the world, the star of Bethlehem was lit.
Above the manger where baby Jesus lay.
The brightest star that led the wise men there that day.
To bless baby Jesus with gifts and to honor him.
As the bright and morning star that will never go dim.
Send a gift of thanks to our almighty God in heaven above.
For sending the world baby Jesus, to us his Gift of Love.
Friday, December 16, 2011
"QUOTE FOR TODAY"
"We're all sinners, and as a result we have the capacity to hurt - and to be hurt - in all of our relationships. Thankfully, for those willing to do the work, there is a roadmap back to healing, trust and restoration." -- unknown
Thursday, December 15, 2011
"SHARED ARTICLE"
!! Hello, I come across this in my facebook feed and wanted to share it on here!!
Keep Your
Dreams Alive
“Where there is no vision, the people perish...”
(Prover...bs 29:18, KJV)
Throughout life, we will always have forces opposing us to try to keep us from becoming all God’s created us to be. And many times, the adversities and unfair situations are set up by the enemy to try to discourage us and deceive us into giving up on our dreams. Today, you may feel like you’re at an empty place in life. Not much is going your way. You’ve been through difficulties and setbacks. But I believe God wants to restore you. He wants to encourage you, and pour out His spirit upon you. He wants to do a new thing in and through you. It doesn’t matter what’s happened in your past, God has something new for your future. I always say, when one dream dies, dream another dream.
Today, remember, God has placed so much inside of you. You have gifts, talents and abilities that no one else has. You may have had more than your share of unfair things happen. But it’s not how you start....it’s how you finish that matters. It’s time to shake off the past and shake off that discouragement. Let faith arise in your heart and keep your dreams alive...♥
Father God, I know that You have chosen me for such a time as this. I may not understand everything that has happened in my past, but I choose to trust in You. I believe that You are working all things together for my good. Give me Your faith so that I can boldly pursue the dreams You have given me in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Peace & Love, TracySee More
Dreams Alive
“Where there is no vision, the people perish...”
(Prover...bs 29:18, KJV)
Throughout life, we will always have forces opposing us to try to keep us from becoming all God’s created us to be. And many times, the adversities and unfair situations are set up by the enemy to try to discourage us and deceive us into giving up on our dreams. Today, you may feel like you’re at an empty place in life. Not much is going your way. You’ve been through difficulties and setbacks. But I believe God wants to restore you. He wants to encourage you, and pour out His spirit upon you. He wants to do a new thing in and through you. It doesn’t matter what’s happened in your past, God has something new for your future. I always say, when one dream dies, dream another dream.
Today, remember, God has placed so much inside of you. You have gifts, talents and abilities that no one else has. You may have had more than your share of unfair things happen. But it’s not how you start....it’s how you finish that matters. It’s time to shake off the past and shake off that discouragement. Let faith arise in your heart and keep your dreams alive...♥
Father God, I know that You have chosen me for such a time as this. I may not understand everything that has happened in my past, but I choose to trust in You. I believe that You are working all things together for my good. Give me Your faith so that I can boldly pursue the dreams You have given me in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Peace & Love, TracySee More
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
"QUOTE FOR TODAY"
"God wraps answers to prayers in many different packages. --- So don't examine things and people with merely your natural eyes." -- Called Magazine
Friday, December 9, 2011
"QUOTE FOR TODAY"
Someone once asked Billy Graham, "If Christianity is valid, why is there so much evil in the world?" To this the famous preacher replied, "With so much soap, why are there so many dirty people in the world? Christianity, like soap, must be personally applied if it is to make a difference in our lives." -- Billy Graham
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
"SHARED ARTICLE"
!! Found this article in my facebook newsfeed and felt led to share .... Be blessed! Kathy :o)
THE SCRIPTURES AND SIN, by A. W. Pink
(a bit long, but worth the read)
There is grave reason to believe that much Bible reading and Bible study of the last few years has been of no spiritual profit to those who engaged in it. Yes, we go further; we greatly fear that in many instances it has proved a curse rather than a blessing. This is strong language, we are well aware, yet no stronger than the case calls for. Divine gifts may be misused, and Divine mercies abused. That this has been so in the present instance is evident by the fruits produced. Even the natural man may (and often does) take up the study of the Scriptures with the same enthusiasm and pleasure as he might of the sciences. Where this is the case, his store of knowledge is increased, and so also is his pride. Like a chemist engaged in making interesting experiments, the intellectual searcher of the Word is quite elated when he makes some discovery in it; but the joy of the latter is no more spiritual than would be that of the former. Again, just as the successes of the chemist generally increase his sense of self-importance and cause him to look with disdain upon others more ignorant than himself, so alas, is it often the case with those who have investigated Bible numerics, typology, prophecy and other such subjects.
The Word of God may be taken up from various motives. Some read it to satisfy their literary pride. In certain circles it has become both the respectable and popular thing to obtain a general acquaintance with the contents of the Bible simply because it is regarded as an educational defect to be ignorant of them. Some read it to satisfy their sense of curiosity, as they might any other book of note. Others read it to satisfy their sectarian pride. They consider it a duty to be well versed in the particular tenets of their own denomination and so search eagerly for proof-texts in support of "our doctrines." Yet others read it for the purpose of being able to argue successfully with those who differ from them. But in all this there is no thought of God, no yearning for spiritual edification, and therefore no real benefit to the soul.
Of what, then, does a true profiting from the Word consist? Does not 2 Timothy 3:16,17 furnish a clear answer to our question? There we read, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Observe what is here omitted: the Holy Scriptures are given us not for intellectual gratification and carnal speculation, but to furnish unto "all good works," and that by teaching, reproving, correcting us. Let us endeavor to amplify this by the help of other passages.
1. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word convicts him of sin. This is its first office: to reveal our depravity, to expose our vileness, to make known our wickedness. A man’s moral life may be irreproachable, his dealings with his fellows faultless; but when the Holy Spirit applies the Word to his heart and conscience, opening his sin-blinded eyes to see his relation and attitude to God, he cries, "Woe is me, for I am undone." It is in this way that each truly saved soul is brought to realize his need of Christ. "Those who are whole need not a physician, but those who are sick" (Luke 5:31). Yet it is not until the Spirit applies the Word in Divine power that any individual is made to feel that he is sick, sick unto death.
Such conviction that brings home to the heart the awful ravages which sin has wrought in the human constitution is not to be restricted to the initial experience which immediately precedes conversion. Each time that God blesses His Word to my heart, I am made to feel how far, far short I come of the standard which He has set before me, namely, "Be you holy in all manner of conversation" (1 Pet. 1:15). Here, then, is the first test to apply: as I read of the sad failures of different ones in Scripture, does it make me realize how sadly like unto them I am? As I read of the blessed and perfect life of Christ, does it make me recognize how terribly unlike Him I am?
2. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word makes him sorrow over sin. Of the stony-ground hearer it is said that he "hears the word, and anon with joy receives it; yet has he not root in himself" (Matt. 13:20,21); but of those who were convicted under the preaching of Peter it is recorded that they were pricked in their heart (Acts 2:37). The same contrast exists today. Many will listen to a flowery sermon, or an address on "dispensational truth" that displays oratorical powers or exhibits the intellectual skill of the speaker, but which, usually, contains no searching application to the conscience. It is received with approbation, but no one is humbled before God or brought into a closer walk with Him through it. But let a faithful servant of the Lord (who by grace is not seeking to acquire a reputation for his "brilliance") bring the teaching of Scripture to bear upon character and conduct, exposing the sad failures of even the best of God’s people, and, though the crowd will despise the messenger, the truly regenerate will be thankful for the message which causes them to mourn before God and cry, "Oh, wretched man that I am." So it is in the private reading of the Word. It is when the Holy Spirit applies it in such a way that I am made to see and feel my inward corruption’s that I am really blessed.
What a word is that in Jeremiah 31:19: "After that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yes, even confounded." Do you, my reader, know anything of such an experience? Does your study of the Word produce a broken heart and lead to a humbling of yourself before God? Does it convict you of your sins in such a way that you are brought to daily repentance before Him? The paschal lamb had to be eaten with "bitter herbs" (Ex. 12:8); so as we really feed on the Word, the Holy Spirit makes it "bitter" to us before it becomes sweet to our taste. Note the order in Revelation 10:9, "And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make your belly bitter, but it shall be in your mouth sweet as honey." This is ever the experimental order: there must be mourning before comfort (Matt. 5:4); humbling before exalting (1 Pet. 5:6).
3. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word leads to confession of sin. The Scriptures are profitable for "reproof" (2 Tim. 3:16), and an honest soul will acknowledge its faults. Of the carnal it is said, "For every one that loves evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved" (John 3:20). "God be merciful to me a sinner" is the cry of a renewed heart, and every time we are quickened by the Word (Ps. 119) there is a fresh revealing to us and a fresh owning by us of our transgressions before God. "He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy" (Prov. 28:13). There can be no spiritual prosperity or fruitfulness (Ps. 1:3) while we conceal within our breasts our guilty secrets; only as they are freely owned before God, and that in detail, shall we enjoy His mercy.
There is no real peace for the conscience and no rest for the heart while we bury the burden of unconfessed sin. Relief comes when it is fully unbosomed to God. Mark well the experience of David, "When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer" (Ps. 33:3,4). Is this figurative but forcible language unintelligible unto you? Or does your own spiritual history explain it? There is many a verse of Scripture which no commentary save that of personal experience can satisfactorily interpret. Blessed indeed is the immediate sequel here: "I acknowledged my sin unto you, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and you forgave the iniquity of my sin" (Ps. 32:5).
4. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word produces in him a deeper hatred of sin. "You that love the Lord, hate evil" (Ps. 97: 10). "We cannot love God without hating that which He hates. We are not only to avoid evil, and refuse to continue in it, but we must be up in arms against it, and bear towards it a hearty indignation" (C. H. Spurgeon). One of the surest tests to apply to the professed conversion is the heart’s attitude towards sin. Where the principle of holiness has been planted, there will necessarily be a loathing of all that is unholy. If our hatred of evil be genuine, we are thankful when the Word reproves even the evil which we suspected not.
This was the experience of David: "Through your precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way" (Ps. 119:128). Observe well, it is not merely "I abstain from," but "I hate"; not only "some" or "many," but "every false way"; and not only "every evil," but "every false way." "Therefore I esteem all your precepts concerning all things to be right, and I hate every false way" (Ps. 119:128). But it is the very opposite with the wicked: "Seeing you hate instruction, and cast my words behind you" (Ps. 50:17). In Proverbs 8:13, we read, "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil," and this godly fear comes through reading the Word: see Deuteronomy 17:18, 19. Rightly has it been said, "Until sin be hated, it cannot be mortified; you will never cry against it, as the Jews did against Christ, Crucify it, Crucify it, until sin be really abhorred as He was" (Edward Reyner, 1635).
5. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word causes a forsaking of sin. "Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity" (2 Tim. 2: 19). The more the Word is read with the definite object of discovering what is pleasing and what is displeasing to the Lord, the more will His will become known; and if our hearts are right with Him the more will our ways be conformed thereto. There will be a "walking in the truth" (3 John 4). At the close of 2 Corinthians 6 some precious promises are given to those who separate themselves from unbelievers. Observe, there, the application which the Holy Spirit makes of them. He does not say, "Having therefore these promises, be comforted and become complacent thereby," but "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit" (2 Cor. 7:1).
"Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you" (John 15:3). Here is another important rule by which we should frequently test ourselves: Is the reading and studying of God’s Word producing a purging of my ways? Of old the question was asked, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?" and the Divine answer is "by taking heed thereto according to your word." Yes, not simply by reading, believing, or memorizing it, but by the personal application of the Word to our "way." It is by taking heed to such exhortations as "Flee fornication" (1 Cor. 6:18), "Flee from idolatry" (1 Cor. 10:14). "Flee these things"—a covetous love for money (1 Tim. 6:11), "Flee also youthful lusts" (2 Tim. 2:22), that the Christian is brought into practical separation from evil; for sin has not only to be confessed but "forsaken" (Prov. 28: 13).
6. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word fortifies against sin. The Holy Scriptures are given to us not only for the purpose of revealing our innate sinfulness, and the many, many ways in which we "come short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23), but also to teach us how to obtain deliverance from sin, how to be kept from displeasing God. "Your word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against you" (Ps. 119:11). This is what each of us is required to do: "Receive, I pray you, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart" (Job 22:22). It is particularly the commandments, the warnings, the exhortations, we need to make our own and to treasure; to memorize them, meditate upon them, pray over them, and put them into practice. The only effective way of keeping a plot of ground from being overgrown by weeds is to sow good seed therein: "Overcome evil with good" (Rom 12:21). So the more Christ’s Word dwells in us "richly" (Col. 3: 16), the less room will there be for the exercise of sin in our hearts and lives.
It is not sufficient merely to assent to the veracity of the Scriptures, they require to be received into the affections. It is unspeakably solemn to note that the Holy Spirit specifies as the ground of apostasy, "because the love of the truth they received not" (2 Thess. 2:10, Greek). "If it lie only in the tongue or in the mind, only to make it a matter of talk and speculation, it will soon be gone. The seed which lies on the surface, the fowls in the air will pick up. Therefore hide it deeply; let it get from the ear into the mind, from the mind into the heart; let it soak in further and further. It is only when it has a prevailing sovereignty in the heart that we receive it in the love of it—when it is dearer than our dearest lust, then it will stick to us" (Thomas Manton).
Nothing else will preserve from the infections of this world, deliver from the temptations of Satan, and be so effective a preservative against sin, as the Word of God received into the affections, "The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide" (Ps. 37:31). As long as the truth is active within us, stirring the conscience, and is really loved by us, we shall be kept from falling. When Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife, he said, "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (Gen. 39:9). The Word was in his heart, and therefore had prevailing power over his lusts. The ineffable holiness, the mighty power of God, who is able both to save and to destroy. None of us knows when he may be tempted: therefore it is necessary to be prepared against it. "Who among you will give ear . . . and hear for the time to come?" Isa. 42:23). Yes, we are to anticipate the future and be fortified against it, by storing up the Word in our hearts for coming emergencies.
7. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word causes him to practice the opposite of sin. "Sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4). God says "You shall," sin says "I will not"; God says "You shall not," sin says "I will." Thus, sin is rebellion against God, the determination to have my own way (Isa. 53:6). Therefore sin is a species of anarchy in the spiritual realm, and may be likened unto the waving of the red flag in the face of God. Now the opposite of sinning against God is submission to Him, as the opposite of lawlessness is subjection to the law. Thus, to practice the opposition of sin is to walk in the path of obedience. This is another chief reason why the Scriptures were given: to make known the path which is pleasing to God for us. They are profitable not only for reproof and correction, but also for "instruction in righteousness."
Here, then, is another important rule by which we should frequently test ourselves. Are my thoughts being formed, my heart controlled, and my ways and works regulated by God’s Word? This is what the Lord requires: "Be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (Jas. 1:22). This is how gratitude to and affection for Christ are to be expressed: "If you love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). For this, Divine assistance is needed. David prayed, "Make me to go in the path of your commandments" (Ps. 119:35). "We need not only light to know our way, but a heart to walk in it. Direction is necessary because of the blindness of our minds; and the effectual impulsions of grace are necessary because of the weakness of our hearts. It will not answer our duty to have a naked notion of truths, unless we embrace and pursue them" (Manton). Note it is "the path of your commandments": not a self-chosen course, but a definitely marked one; not a public "road," but a private "path."
Let both writer and reader honestly and diligently measure himself, as in the presence of God, by the seven things here enumerated. Has your study of the Bible made you more humble, or more proud—proud of the knowledge you have acquired? Has it raised you in the esteem of your fellow men, or has it led you to take a lower place before God? Has it produced in you a deeper abhorrence and loathing of self, or has it made you more complacent? Has it caused those you mingle with, or perhaps teach, to say, I wish I had your knowledge of the Bible; or does it cause you to pray, Lord give me the faith, the grace, the holiness You have granted my friend, or teacher? ‘Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear unto all’ (1 Tim. 6:15).
(With love and prayers, Rosie)
THE SCRIPTURES AND SIN, by A. W. Pink
(a bit long, but worth the read)
There is grave reason to believe that much Bible reading and Bible study of the last few years has been of no spiritual profit to those who engaged in it. Yes, we go further; we greatly fear that in many instances it has proved a curse rather than a blessing. This is strong language, we are well aware, yet no stronger than the case calls for. Divine gifts may be misused, and Divine mercies abused. That this has been so in the present instance is evident by the fruits produced. Even the natural man may (and often does) take up the study of the Scriptures with the same enthusiasm and pleasure as he might of the sciences. Where this is the case, his store of knowledge is increased, and so also is his pride. Like a chemist engaged in making interesting experiments, the intellectual searcher of the Word is quite elated when he makes some discovery in it; but the joy of the latter is no more spiritual than would be that of the former. Again, just as the successes of the chemist generally increase his sense of self-importance and cause him to look with disdain upon others more ignorant than himself, so alas, is it often the case with those who have investigated Bible numerics, typology, prophecy and other such subjects.
The Word of God may be taken up from various motives. Some read it to satisfy their literary pride. In certain circles it has become both the respectable and popular thing to obtain a general acquaintance with the contents of the Bible simply because it is regarded as an educational defect to be ignorant of them. Some read it to satisfy their sense of curiosity, as they might any other book of note. Others read it to satisfy their sectarian pride. They consider it a duty to be well versed in the particular tenets of their own denomination and so search eagerly for proof-texts in support of "our doctrines." Yet others read it for the purpose of being able to argue successfully with those who differ from them. But in all this there is no thought of God, no yearning for spiritual edification, and therefore no real benefit to the soul.
Of what, then, does a true profiting from the Word consist? Does not 2 Timothy 3:16,17 furnish a clear answer to our question? There we read, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Observe what is here omitted: the Holy Scriptures are given us not for intellectual gratification and carnal speculation, but to furnish unto "all good works," and that by teaching, reproving, correcting us. Let us endeavor to amplify this by the help of other passages.
1. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word convicts him of sin. This is its first office: to reveal our depravity, to expose our vileness, to make known our wickedness. A man’s moral life may be irreproachable, his dealings with his fellows faultless; but when the Holy Spirit applies the Word to his heart and conscience, opening his sin-blinded eyes to see his relation and attitude to God, he cries, "Woe is me, for I am undone." It is in this way that each truly saved soul is brought to realize his need of Christ. "Those who are whole need not a physician, but those who are sick" (Luke 5:31). Yet it is not until the Spirit applies the Word in Divine power that any individual is made to feel that he is sick, sick unto death.
Such conviction that brings home to the heart the awful ravages which sin has wrought in the human constitution is not to be restricted to the initial experience which immediately precedes conversion. Each time that God blesses His Word to my heart, I am made to feel how far, far short I come of the standard which He has set before me, namely, "Be you holy in all manner of conversation" (1 Pet. 1:15). Here, then, is the first test to apply: as I read of the sad failures of different ones in Scripture, does it make me realize how sadly like unto them I am? As I read of the blessed and perfect life of Christ, does it make me recognize how terribly unlike Him I am?
2. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word makes him sorrow over sin. Of the stony-ground hearer it is said that he "hears the word, and anon with joy receives it; yet has he not root in himself" (Matt. 13:20,21); but of those who were convicted under the preaching of Peter it is recorded that they were pricked in their heart (Acts 2:37). The same contrast exists today. Many will listen to a flowery sermon, or an address on "dispensational truth" that displays oratorical powers or exhibits the intellectual skill of the speaker, but which, usually, contains no searching application to the conscience. It is received with approbation, but no one is humbled before God or brought into a closer walk with Him through it. But let a faithful servant of the Lord (who by grace is not seeking to acquire a reputation for his "brilliance") bring the teaching of Scripture to bear upon character and conduct, exposing the sad failures of even the best of God’s people, and, though the crowd will despise the messenger, the truly regenerate will be thankful for the message which causes them to mourn before God and cry, "Oh, wretched man that I am." So it is in the private reading of the Word. It is when the Holy Spirit applies it in such a way that I am made to see and feel my inward corruption’s that I am really blessed.
What a word is that in Jeremiah 31:19: "After that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yes, even confounded." Do you, my reader, know anything of such an experience? Does your study of the Word produce a broken heart and lead to a humbling of yourself before God? Does it convict you of your sins in such a way that you are brought to daily repentance before Him? The paschal lamb had to be eaten with "bitter herbs" (Ex. 12:8); so as we really feed on the Word, the Holy Spirit makes it "bitter" to us before it becomes sweet to our taste. Note the order in Revelation 10:9, "And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make your belly bitter, but it shall be in your mouth sweet as honey." This is ever the experimental order: there must be mourning before comfort (Matt. 5:4); humbling before exalting (1 Pet. 5:6).
3. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word leads to confession of sin. The Scriptures are profitable for "reproof" (2 Tim. 3:16), and an honest soul will acknowledge its faults. Of the carnal it is said, "For every one that loves evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved" (John 3:20). "God be merciful to me a sinner" is the cry of a renewed heart, and every time we are quickened by the Word (Ps. 119) there is a fresh revealing to us and a fresh owning by us of our transgressions before God. "He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy" (Prov. 28:13). There can be no spiritual prosperity or fruitfulness (Ps. 1:3) while we conceal within our breasts our guilty secrets; only as they are freely owned before God, and that in detail, shall we enjoy His mercy.
There is no real peace for the conscience and no rest for the heart while we bury the burden of unconfessed sin. Relief comes when it is fully unbosomed to God. Mark well the experience of David, "When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer" (Ps. 33:3,4). Is this figurative but forcible language unintelligible unto you? Or does your own spiritual history explain it? There is many a verse of Scripture which no commentary save that of personal experience can satisfactorily interpret. Blessed indeed is the immediate sequel here: "I acknowledged my sin unto you, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and you forgave the iniquity of my sin" (Ps. 32:5).
4. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word produces in him a deeper hatred of sin. "You that love the Lord, hate evil" (Ps. 97: 10). "We cannot love God without hating that which He hates. We are not only to avoid evil, and refuse to continue in it, but we must be up in arms against it, and bear towards it a hearty indignation" (C. H. Spurgeon). One of the surest tests to apply to the professed conversion is the heart’s attitude towards sin. Where the principle of holiness has been planted, there will necessarily be a loathing of all that is unholy. If our hatred of evil be genuine, we are thankful when the Word reproves even the evil which we suspected not.
This was the experience of David: "Through your precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way" (Ps. 119:128). Observe well, it is not merely "I abstain from," but "I hate"; not only "some" or "many," but "every false way"; and not only "every evil," but "every false way." "Therefore I esteem all your precepts concerning all things to be right, and I hate every false way" (Ps. 119:128). But it is the very opposite with the wicked: "Seeing you hate instruction, and cast my words behind you" (Ps. 50:17). In Proverbs 8:13, we read, "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil," and this godly fear comes through reading the Word: see Deuteronomy 17:18, 19. Rightly has it been said, "Until sin be hated, it cannot be mortified; you will never cry against it, as the Jews did against Christ, Crucify it, Crucify it, until sin be really abhorred as He was" (Edward Reyner, 1635).
5. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word causes a forsaking of sin. "Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity" (2 Tim. 2: 19). The more the Word is read with the definite object of discovering what is pleasing and what is displeasing to the Lord, the more will His will become known; and if our hearts are right with Him the more will our ways be conformed thereto. There will be a "walking in the truth" (3 John 4). At the close of 2 Corinthians 6 some precious promises are given to those who separate themselves from unbelievers. Observe, there, the application which the Holy Spirit makes of them. He does not say, "Having therefore these promises, be comforted and become complacent thereby," but "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit" (2 Cor. 7:1).
"Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you" (John 15:3). Here is another important rule by which we should frequently test ourselves: Is the reading and studying of God’s Word producing a purging of my ways? Of old the question was asked, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?" and the Divine answer is "by taking heed thereto according to your word." Yes, not simply by reading, believing, or memorizing it, but by the personal application of the Word to our "way." It is by taking heed to such exhortations as "Flee fornication" (1 Cor. 6:18), "Flee from idolatry" (1 Cor. 10:14). "Flee these things"—a covetous love for money (1 Tim. 6:11), "Flee also youthful lusts" (2 Tim. 2:22), that the Christian is brought into practical separation from evil; for sin has not only to be confessed but "forsaken" (Prov. 28: 13).
6. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word fortifies against sin. The Holy Scriptures are given to us not only for the purpose of revealing our innate sinfulness, and the many, many ways in which we "come short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23), but also to teach us how to obtain deliverance from sin, how to be kept from displeasing God. "Your word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against you" (Ps. 119:11). This is what each of us is required to do: "Receive, I pray you, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart" (Job 22:22). It is particularly the commandments, the warnings, the exhortations, we need to make our own and to treasure; to memorize them, meditate upon them, pray over them, and put them into practice. The only effective way of keeping a plot of ground from being overgrown by weeds is to sow good seed therein: "Overcome evil with good" (Rom 12:21). So the more Christ’s Word dwells in us "richly" (Col. 3: 16), the less room will there be for the exercise of sin in our hearts and lives.
It is not sufficient merely to assent to the veracity of the Scriptures, they require to be received into the affections. It is unspeakably solemn to note that the Holy Spirit specifies as the ground of apostasy, "because the love of the truth they received not" (2 Thess. 2:10, Greek). "If it lie only in the tongue or in the mind, only to make it a matter of talk and speculation, it will soon be gone. The seed which lies on the surface, the fowls in the air will pick up. Therefore hide it deeply; let it get from the ear into the mind, from the mind into the heart; let it soak in further and further. It is only when it has a prevailing sovereignty in the heart that we receive it in the love of it—when it is dearer than our dearest lust, then it will stick to us" (Thomas Manton).
Nothing else will preserve from the infections of this world, deliver from the temptations of Satan, and be so effective a preservative against sin, as the Word of God received into the affections, "The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide" (Ps. 37:31). As long as the truth is active within us, stirring the conscience, and is really loved by us, we shall be kept from falling. When Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife, he said, "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (Gen. 39:9). The Word was in his heart, and therefore had prevailing power over his lusts. The ineffable holiness, the mighty power of God, who is able both to save and to destroy. None of us knows when he may be tempted: therefore it is necessary to be prepared against it. "Who among you will give ear . . . and hear for the time to come?" Isa. 42:23). Yes, we are to anticipate the future and be fortified against it, by storing up the Word in our hearts for coming emergencies.
7. An individual is spiritually profited when the Word causes him to practice the opposite of sin. "Sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4). God says "You shall," sin says "I will not"; God says "You shall not," sin says "I will." Thus, sin is rebellion against God, the determination to have my own way (Isa. 53:6). Therefore sin is a species of anarchy in the spiritual realm, and may be likened unto the waving of the red flag in the face of God. Now the opposite of sinning against God is submission to Him, as the opposite of lawlessness is subjection to the law. Thus, to practice the opposition of sin is to walk in the path of obedience. This is another chief reason why the Scriptures were given: to make known the path which is pleasing to God for us. They are profitable not only for reproof and correction, but also for "instruction in righteousness."
Here, then, is another important rule by which we should frequently test ourselves. Are my thoughts being formed, my heart controlled, and my ways and works regulated by God’s Word? This is what the Lord requires: "Be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (Jas. 1:22). This is how gratitude to and affection for Christ are to be expressed: "If you love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). For this, Divine assistance is needed. David prayed, "Make me to go in the path of your commandments" (Ps. 119:35). "We need not only light to know our way, but a heart to walk in it. Direction is necessary because of the blindness of our minds; and the effectual impulsions of grace are necessary because of the weakness of our hearts. It will not answer our duty to have a naked notion of truths, unless we embrace and pursue them" (Manton). Note it is "the path of your commandments": not a self-chosen course, but a definitely marked one; not a public "road," but a private "path."
Let both writer and reader honestly and diligently measure himself, as in the presence of God, by the seven things here enumerated. Has your study of the Bible made you more humble, or more proud—proud of the knowledge you have acquired? Has it raised you in the esteem of your fellow men, or has it led you to take a lower place before God? Has it produced in you a deeper abhorrence and loathing of self, or has it made you more complacent? Has it caused those you mingle with, or perhaps teach, to say, I wish I had your knowledge of the Bible; or does it cause you to pray, Lord give me the faith, the grace, the holiness You have granted my friend, or teacher? ‘Meditate upon these things; give yourself wholly to them; that your profiting may appear unto all’ (1 Tim. 6:15).
(With love and prayers, Rosie)
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
"RECOGNIZE WHAT IS M.A.D. IN YOUR LIFE TO BE M.A.D."
"RECOGNIZE WHAT IS M.A.D. IN YOUR LIFE TO BE M.A.D."
!! written by Kathy Todd
!!Recognize: to accept or be aware of; to make formal acknowledgement of; to percieve as existing or true
!!Mad: angry; greatly provoked or irritated
or
wildly enthusiastic about or fond of
=============================================
!! Here in this writing I am writing from a recent personal experience that God has prompted me to share. I'm talking about distractions and discouragements in our lives. Notice in the title I used the word MAD twice. First we must recognize in our lives what is making us M.A.D. -- which stands for MOST ANNOYING DISTRACTIONS and MOST ANNOYING DISCOURAGEMENTS. We must recognize these things in our lives. Sometimes our discouragements and distractions can take such a toll on our spirit and mind that we want to just give up or quit. We may ask ourselves Is it even worth the effort? -- The answer to that question is YES! One thing that is biblically true is the more you pursue and seek God, the harder Satan will fight back. Satan wants us to woller around in our discouragements and will also use things or people in our own lives to send distractions! By recent personal experience, when I am home alone, I find it much easier to get into the Bible, pray and praise and worship without the distractions of the TV, radios, toys banging etc.... you get the picture ... NOISE! Don't get me wrong, I love when my family is home with me :o) I miss them when they are not home. The point I am trying to get across is when the times come when I am not alone, I get distracted from my regular, daily routine of spending time with God. We have to RECOGNIZE what is distracting us and make every effort to remedy the situation where we can still find our time with God. I think personally, I have to find a place in my home to be alone even when everyone is with me. This is true with everyone!! We must recognize what is distracting us from spending time with God and doing what God has called us to do. The second concept that we must recognize is what is in our lives that is sending discouragement into our life! Discouragement is such a strong power that Satan uses in our lives to distract us from spending time with God. My recent personal experience with discouragement is the pain and tiredness that I get when fibro-flares come into my body. (Fibromyalgia -- my personal testimony http://lighthouse-in-a-dark-world.blogspot.com/2011/09/why-wont-you-get-this-off-me-living.html ) For about 2 months now, I haven't had a fibro-flare that was too bad until Friday, 11/18 and when this one hit me it discouraged me. It has intensified since then and I get to the point some days that I just really don't want to do anything. Satan, I know, loves seeing this! But you know what? I have become M.A.D. enough to fight back. Even though the pain is there, I'm going to keep moving and coming to the place and time when I will have that divine encounter with the Holy Spirit when this will be off of me! When I will be healed! Once I start to woller around in the pain, then Satan moves in for the kill. Please don't let this happen to you! Whatever your discouragement or distraction is, get M.A.D. enough and fight back. Don't let Satan push you around or push you down no longer. Many of us have been called by God to work in his kingdom and our own local churches. Get M.A.D. .... get angry at Satan and command him to get off you and leave you alone in Jesus Name!! And then keep moving and keep coming to the place where you will have your divine encounter with the Holy Spirit!! But know this, the harder you fight Satan, that harder he will fight back. Especially if you know for sure in your heart that he has to fear your high calling from God!!
!! The second M.A.D. in the title stands for MOST ANNOINTED DISCIPLE! Once we become M.A.D. enough at all the distractions and discouragements that we create on our own and the ones that come from Satan, we need to become M.A.D. again!! But this concept is way different. This is one of that comes with enthusiasm and excitement that only comes from spending time with God on a daily basis and doing what God has called us to do in his kingdom and in our local churches. We can't be a M.A.D -- a Most Annointed Disciple if we are wollering around in our distractions and discouragements. If you know where these things are coming from, fix it! And if you know without a shadow of a doubt that Satan has his deceitful eyes and slimy grip on you, then rebuke him off of you in Jesus Name!! And keep moving and coming to the place of divine encounter and divine revelation!! We owe this to our world we live in. If no MOST ANNOINTED DISCIPLE tells the lost how to be found, saved and live for Jesus, how will they ever know? How will they ever be saved? How will they know how to live a true, converted life for Jesus Christ? It is time to RECOGNIZE WHAT IS M.A.D. IN YOUR LIFE TO BE M.A.D. and to keep moving and keep coming to your place of divine encounter with the Holy Spirit!! There you will receive the power needed to be M.A.D. -- A MOST ANNOINTED DISCIPLE for Jesus Christ!!
!! written by Kathy Todd
!!Recognize: to accept or be aware of; to make formal acknowledgement of; to percieve as existing or true
!!Mad: angry; greatly provoked or irritated
or
wildly enthusiastic about or fond of
=============================================
!! Here in this writing I am writing from a recent personal experience that God has prompted me to share. I'm talking about distractions and discouragements in our lives. Notice in the title I used the word MAD twice. First we must recognize in our lives what is making us M.A.D. -- which stands for MOST ANNOYING DISTRACTIONS and MOST ANNOYING DISCOURAGEMENTS. We must recognize these things in our lives. Sometimes our discouragements and distractions can take such a toll on our spirit and mind that we want to just give up or quit. We may ask ourselves Is it even worth the effort? -- The answer to that question is YES! One thing that is biblically true is the more you pursue and seek God, the harder Satan will fight back. Satan wants us to woller around in our discouragements and will also use things or people in our own lives to send distractions! By recent personal experience, when I am home alone, I find it much easier to get into the Bible, pray and praise and worship without the distractions of the TV, radios, toys banging etc.... you get the picture ... NOISE! Don't get me wrong, I love when my family is home with me :o) I miss them when they are not home. The point I am trying to get across is when the times come when I am not alone, I get distracted from my regular, daily routine of spending time with God. We have to RECOGNIZE what is distracting us and make every effort to remedy the situation where we can still find our time with God. I think personally, I have to find a place in my home to be alone even when everyone is with me. This is true with everyone!! We must recognize what is distracting us from spending time with God and doing what God has called us to do. The second concept that we must recognize is what is in our lives that is sending discouragement into our life! Discouragement is such a strong power that Satan uses in our lives to distract us from spending time with God. My recent personal experience with discouragement is the pain and tiredness that I get when fibro-flares come into my body. (Fibromyalgia -- my personal testimony http://lighthouse-in-a-dark-world.blogspot.com/2011/09/why-wont-you-get-this-off-me-living.html ) For about 2 months now, I haven't had a fibro-flare that was too bad until Friday, 11/18 and when this one hit me it discouraged me. It has intensified since then and I get to the point some days that I just really don't want to do anything. Satan, I know, loves seeing this! But you know what? I have become M.A.D. enough to fight back. Even though the pain is there, I'm going to keep moving and coming to the place and time when I will have that divine encounter with the Holy Spirit when this will be off of me! When I will be healed! Once I start to woller around in the pain, then Satan moves in for the kill. Please don't let this happen to you! Whatever your discouragement or distraction is, get M.A.D. enough and fight back. Don't let Satan push you around or push you down no longer. Many of us have been called by God to work in his kingdom and our own local churches. Get M.A.D. .... get angry at Satan and command him to get off you and leave you alone in Jesus Name!! And then keep moving and keep coming to the place where you will have your divine encounter with the Holy Spirit!! But know this, the harder you fight Satan, that harder he will fight back. Especially if you know for sure in your heart that he has to fear your high calling from God!!
!! The second M.A.D. in the title stands for MOST ANNOINTED DISCIPLE! Once we become M.A.D. enough at all the distractions and discouragements that we create on our own and the ones that come from Satan, we need to become M.A.D. again!! But this concept is way different. This is one of that comes with enthusiasm and excitement that only comes from spending time with God on a daily basis and doing what God has called us to do in his kingdom and in our local churches. We can't be a M.A.D -- a Most Annointed Disciple if we are wollering around in our distractions and discouragements. If you know where these things are coming from, fix it! And if you know without a shadow of a doubt that Satan has his deceitful eyes and slimy grip on you, then rebuke him off of you in Jesus Name!! And keep moving and coming to the place of divine encounter and divine revelation!! We owe this to our world we live in. If no MOST ANNOINTED DISCIPLE tells the lost how to be found, saved and live for Jesus, how will they ever know? How will they ever be saved? How will they know how to live a true, converted life for Jesus Christ? It is time to RECOGNIZE WHAT IS M.A.D. IN YOUR LIFE TO BE M.A.D. and to keep moving and keep coming to your place of divine encounter with the Holy Spirit!! There you will receive the power needed to be M.A.D. -- A MOST ANNOINTED DISCIPLE for Jesus Christ!!
"QUOTE FOR TODAY"
"There are things that God wants to show us right now that no man has ever seen." -Damon Thompson
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
"WORSHIP"
PRAISE AND WORSHIP :o)
DO EVERYTHING by STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN
SO IN LOVE WITH YOU by PLANETSHAKERS
THIS LOVE by PLANETSHAKERS
GOD IS IN CONTROL by AVALON
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82-84EKIaqE&feature=related
Monday, November 28, 2011
"THE MAJESTY OF GOD"
++ The Lord reigneth, he is clothed (covered) with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved (shaken).
Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.
The floods have lifted up (raised up), O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.
The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.
Thy testimonies are very sure (certain): holiness becometh (will appear in) thine house, O Lord, for ever.
Psalm 93
Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.
The floods have lifted up (raised up), O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.
The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.
Thy testimonies are very sure (certain): holiness becometh (will appear in) thine house, O Lord, for ever.
Psalm 93
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
"WORSHIP HEIGHTENS YEARNING --- W.H.Y.?"
"Worship Heightens Yearning -- W.H.Y.?"
!! written by Kathy Todd (except for ++scriptures and ** songs)
!! Worship: to show profound devotion, respect, reverence, adoration, admiring love, honor to God; TO GLORIFY GOD WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART
!! Heightens: to increase the height of; to make higher; to increase the degree of; to strengthen, deepen or intensify; to brighten or become intense
!! Yearning: deep longing; to have an earnest or strong desire; an intense or overpowering longing, desire or need; craving
================================================
!! The Holy Spirit empowers us to do the work of God's Kingdom and our church. We have the power to seek out the lost and tell them of their sins and how to come to Jesus !!
++ But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, and of judgement, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.
Micah 3:8
================================================
!! The Holy Spirit sends us out into the mission field, the earth. To us it is our local community and all other surrounding areas that our church sits in the center of with the work being done by our congregation together in unity. !!
++ As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them off.
So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Se-leu`-ci-a; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
And when they were at Sal`-a-mis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister (as their assistant).
Acts 13:2-5
===============================================
!! The Holy Spirit comforts the church. We should know that if we do this, God will send his comfort to us as well by letting us know that growth is on the way!!
++ Then had the churches rest throughout all Ju-dae`-a and Galilee and Sa-ma`-ri-a, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
Acts 9:31
===============================================
!! The Holy Spirit will sanctify the saints of the church as we endeavour to maintain this knowledge in our hearts and minds from God and willfully by obedience put forth the effort !!
++ And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
I have therefore whereof I may glory (rejoice) through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Il-lyr`-i-cum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
But as it is written, TO WHOM HE WAS NOT SPOKEN OF, THEY SHALL SEE: AND THEY THAT HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND.
Romans 15:14-21
=============================================
!! When we open our hearts to God through worhip and praise.
!! It heightens our yearing to worship and praise all of our days.
!! Only true worship and praise will give us that desire.
!! To seek God's heart with a yearning the Holy Spirit will take us higher.
!! We will become empowered with this strong desire and intense crave.
!! To share this amazing feeling with the lost before they go to their grave.
!! The heightened yearning for the Holy Spirit will open our hearts to the lost.
!! To seek them out while working in the vineyard no matter the cost.
!! Our vineyard is the mission field, our communities where we plant seed.
!! A heightened yearning we receive through worship and praise is so much in need.
!! So the Holy Spirit will intensify our desire to go cultivate the mission field.
!! To bring growth to God's Kingdom, the very thing from the start he had willed.
!! Please hear the importance! Worship and praise heightens our yearning.
!! To open our hearts to God and obey the Holy Spirit to keep the fire burning!!
================================================
**PRAISE AND WORSHIP
Please click on links to listen!! Be blessed!!
Let The Worshippers Arise by Philips,Craig and Dean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F31Qd5jageE
Rooftops by Jesus Culture
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-gLdIO5G-Q
!! written by Kathy Todd (except for ++scriptures and ** songs)
!! Worship: to show profound devotion, respect, reverence, adoration, admiring love, honor to God; TO GLORIFY GOD WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART
!! Heightens: to increase the height of; to make higher; to increase the degree of; to strengthen, deepen or intensify; to brighten or become intense
!! Yearning: deep longing; to have an earnest or strong desire; an intense or overpowering longing, desire or need; craving
================================================
!! The Holy Spirit empowers us to do the work of God's Kingdom and our church. We have the power to seek out the lost and tell them of their sins and how to come to Jesus !!
++ But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, and of judgement, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.
Micah 3:8
================================================
!! The Holy Spirit sends us out into the mission field, the earth. To us it is our local community and all other surrounding areas that our church sits in the center of with the work being done by our congregation together in unity. !!
++ As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them off.
So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Se-leu`-ci-a; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
And when they were at Sal`-a-mis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister (as their assistant).
Acts 13:2-5
===============================================
!! The Holy Spirit comforts the church. We should know that if we do this, God will send his comfort to us as well by letting us know that growth is on the way!!
++ Then had the churches rest throughout all Ju-dae`-a and Galilee and Sa-ma`-ri-a, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
Acts 9:31
===============================================
!! The Holy Spirit will sanctify the saints of the church as we endeavour to maintain this knowledge in our hearts and minds from God and willfully by obedience put forth the effort !!
++ And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
I have therefore whereof I may glory (rejoice) through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Il-lyr`-i-cum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
But as it is written, TO WHOM HE WAS NOT SPOKEN OF, THEY SHALL SEE: AND THEY THAT HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND.
Romans 15:14-21
=============================================
!! When we open our hearts to God through worhip and praise.
!! It heightens our yearing to worship and praise all of our days.
!! Only true worship and praise will give us that desire.
!! To seek God's heart with a yearning the Holy Spirit will take us higher.
!! We will become empowered with this strong desire and intense crave.
!! To share this amazing feeling with the lost before they go to their grave.
!! The heightened yearning for the Holy Spirit will open our hearts to the lost.
!! To seek them out while working in the vineyard no matter the cost.
!! Our vineyard is the mission field, our communities where we plant seed.
!! A heightened yearning we receive through worship and praise is so much in need.
!! So the Holy Spirit will intensify our desire to go cultivate the mission field.
!! To bring growth to God's Kingdom, the very thing from the start he had willed.
!! Please hear the importance! Worship and praise heightens our yearning.
!! To open our hearts to God and obey the Holy Spirit to keep the fire burning!!
================================================
**PRAISE AND WORSHIP
Please click on links to listen!! Be blessed!!
Let The Worshippers Arise by Philips,Craig and Dean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F31Qd5jageE
Rooftops by Jesus Culture
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-gLdIO5G-Q
Monday, November 21, 2011
"AWESOME ARTICLE"
Here is a link to an awesome article on Crosswalk.com
Have a blessed day!!
http://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/thanksgiving/bringing-a-sacrifice-of-praise.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fbpage&utm_campaign=dailyupdate
Have a blessed day!!
http://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/thanksgiving/bringing-a-sacrifice-of-praise.html?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fbpage&utm_campaign=dailyupdate
"THANKSGIVING HUMOR"
Came across this video on Godtube.com --- thought within the humor, there was a great biblical lesson within the chaos :o)
Please click on link to watch
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=KWKKLGNX&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20Video&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11/21/2011
Please click on link to watch
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=KWKKLGNX&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20Video&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=11/21/2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
"SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS"
++ Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth.
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalm 100
===================================================
**PRAISE AND WORSHIP**
He Has Made Me Glad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJYNovccysY&feature=related
We Bring The Sacrifice of Praise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzfg0h0s7nw&feature=related
What A Mighty God We Serve
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGL15yoqsJI&feature=related
My Life Is In You Lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0M0NALW7EM&feature=related
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalm 100
===================================================
**PRAISE AND WORSHIP**
He Has Made Me Glad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJYNovccysY&feature=related
We Bring The Sacrifice of Praise
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzfg0h0s7nw&feature=related
What A Mighty God We Serve
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGL15yoqsJI&feature=related
My Life Is In You Lord
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0M0NALW7EM&feature=related
Friday, November 18, 2011
"QUOTE FOR TODAY"
"Love can melt the hardest heart, heal the wounds of the broken heart and quiet the fears of the anxious heart." -- Joyce Meyer
"W.H.Y.? -- WORRY HINDERS YIELDING"
"W.H.Y.? -- WORRY HINDERS YIELDING"
!! written by Kathy Todd (except for ++ scriptures and ** songs)
!! why: for what cause or reason
!! worry: to be or cause to be anxious or uneasy; a cause of uneasiness or anxiety
!! hinders: to cause delay, interruption, or difficulty in; to prevent from doing, acting, or happening
!! yielding: inclined to give in, submissive, compliant; to surrender or submit, as to a superior power (Holy Spirit)
===============================================
!! Just a couple of days ago, I was doing this to myself. I was worrying about my family's problems and not yielding myself, my mind, my spirit, my feelings and emotions to the Holy Spirit as I should have been. My mind was so preoccupied with worry that it made me become anxious and uneasy.
!! Worry hinders yielding to the Holy Spirit and in turn hinders the work God is trying to do in our lives. Worry is also known as a wavering faith and makes us enter into what I am calling in this writing the W.H.Y.? effect! -- Why am I in this situation? -- Why God are you allowing this to happen to me? --- Why God are you allowing so much pain? -- The W.H.Y.? questions are endless when your mind is entangled in worry. God does not want us to worry. As a matter of fact and truth, the Bible tells us NOT to worry. We are to put our full faith in God and allow him to work in our lives. If we allow worry to subdue our minds and emotions, it will eventually literally make us physically sick and full of anxiety.
!! With my own personal situation in the past couple of days, I can truthfully and honestly tell you that once I gave the situation to God by laying it down at the cross and asking for prayer and yielding to the Holy Spirit, God came through right on time by providing my family's needs!
!! Sometimes it seems as though God moves in a stressful situation immediately. On the other hand, God will sometimes allow us to wait to see if we will remain faithful to him and to his work in his Kingdom by continuing in obedience to his Holy Word.
!! I just felt led to share this because with the way todays society and economic status is, there is surely someone out there in this wide world full of worry as they are reading this that may need to hear this testimony. I pray this will help all who read this!
!! Don't fill your mind and spirit and emotions with worry! Give your situation to God with complete confidence and faith that he will come through. Ask for prayer for your situation! This is biblical to ask for prayer to make your needs known! Remain obedient to God's Holy Word and continue to serve God while you wait! No situation is too bad or embarrassing for God! Lift your head high and be encouraged and blessed!! Love to you all! :o)
====================================================
++ Jesus Said: "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment (clothing)?
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Which of you by taking thought (being anxious) can add one cubit unto his stature?
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lillies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed (not dressed) like one of these.
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Therefore take no thought (don't worry), saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Take therefore no thought (do not worry about) for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Matthew 6:25-34
=========================================================
**WHILE I'M WAITING by JOHN WALLER
Please click link to listen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9DTwLOxzhE
=========================================================
!! Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you now in the name of your son Jesus Christ! Lord, I praise you and glorify your holy name! Lord, you are my savior, my healer, my deliverer, my strength, my everything! I thank you Lord Jesus!! Lord, I thank you for your blessings upon my family!! Lord, please keep my mind from worry and please help those who read this prayer to keep from worry. Lord, I pray that this will help those who read this testimony. Lord, I know there will be more times in life that I will have to wait on you to work in situations. Lord, please remind me of this testimony at any time that worry tries to enter my mind, my spirit and my emotions. I thank you Lord Jesus for your mighty hand upon my life. Lord, I pray for the person reading this prayer right now. Lord, if there be any worry in their minds, please send a calm and comforting over them. I thank you Lord Jesus. I love you Lord Jesus and give you all of my glory, honor and praise! In Jesus name I pray, Amen!!
!! written by Kathy Todd (except for ++ scriptures and ** songs)
!! why: for what cause or reason
!! worry: to be or cause to be anxious or uneasy; a cause of uneasiness or anxiety
!! hinders: to cause delay, interruption, or difficulty in; to prevent from doing, acting, or happening
!! yielding: inclined to give in, submissive, compliant; to surrender or submit, as to a superior power (Holy Spirit)
===============================================
!! Just a couple of days ago, I was doing this to myself. I was worrying about my family's problems and not yielding myself, my mind, my spirit, my feelings and emotions to the Holy Spirit as I should have been. My mind was so preoccupied with worry that it made me become anxious and uneasy.
!! Worry hinders yielding to the Holy Spirit and in turn hinders the work God is trying to do in our lives. Worry is also known as a wavering faith and makes us enter into what I am calling in this writing the W.H.Y.? effect! -- Why am I in this situation? -- Why God are you allowing this to happen to me? --- Why God are you allowing so much pain? -- The W.H.Y.? questions are endless when your mind is entangled in worry. God does not want us to worry. As a matter of fact and truth, the Bible tells us NOT to worry. We are to put our full faith in God and allow him to work in our lives. If we allow worry to subdue our minds and emotions, it will eventually literally make us physically sick and full of anxiety.
!! With my own personal situation in the past couple of days, I can truthfully and honestly tell you that once I gave the situation to God by laying it down at the cross and asking for prayer and yielding to the Holy Spirit, God came through right on time by providing my family's needs!
!! Sometimes it seems as though God moves in a stressful situation immediately. On the other hand, God will sometimes allow us to wait to see if we will remain faithful to him and to his work in his Kingdom by continuing in obedience to his Holy Word.
!! I just felt led to share this because with the way todays society and economic status is, there is surely someone out there in this wide world full of worry as they are reading this that may need to hear this testimony. I pray this will help all who read this!
!! Don't fill your mind and spirit and emotions with worry! Give your situation to God with complete confidence and faith that he will come through. Ask for prayer for your situation! This is biblical to ask for prayer to make your needs known! Remain obedient to God's Holy Word and continue to serve God while you wait! No situation is too bad or embarrassing for God! Lift your head high and be encouraged and blessed!! Love to you all! :o)
====================================================
++ Jesus Said: "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment (clothing)?
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
Which of you by taking thought (being anxious) can add one cubit unto his stature?
And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lillies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed (not dressed) like one of these.
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Therefore take no thought (don't worry), saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Take therefore no thought (do not worry about) for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
Matthew 6:25-34
=========================================================
**WHILE I'M WAITING by JOHN WALLER
Please click link to listen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9DTwLOxzhE
=========================================================
!! Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you now in the name of your son Jesus Christ! Lord, I praise you and glorify your holy name! Lord, you are my savior, my healer, my deliverer, my strength, my everything! I thank you Lord Jesus!! Lord, I thank you for your blessings upon my family!! Lord, please keep my mind from worry and please help those who read this prayer to keep from worry. Lord, I pray that this will help those who read this testimony. Lord, I know there will be more times in life that I will have to wait on you to work in situations. Lord, please remind me of this testimony at any time that worry tries to enter my mind, my spirit and my emotions. I thank you Lord Jesus for your mighty hand upon my life. Lord, I pray for the person reading this prayer right now. Lord, if there be any worry in their minds, please send a calm and comforting over them. I thank you Lord Jesus. I love you Lord Jesus and give you all of my glory, honor and praise! In Jesus name I pray, Amen!!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
"QUOTE FOR TODAY"
"Everything in our lives needs to radically celebrate the cross." -Micah Wood ( The Ramp)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
"QUOTES FOR TODAY"
"The Kingdom of God is the kings dominion outworked in you. You have it so use it for the Glory of God." --Planetshakers
"To labor solely for your name, your fame, or pure gain is to labor in vain" -- Lecrae
"RAISED FROM SATAN'S PIT"
"RAISED FROM SATAN'S P.I.T."
!! written by Kathy Todd (except for ++scriptures and ** songs)
!!Yesterday I heard a story about how a caterpillar goes through metamorphosis to transform into a beautiful butterfly. The caterpillar wraps up in a blanket called a cacoon and starts to change. However there is a struggle once transformed to get out of the blanket or cacoon. Once, the newly transformed butterfly sheds the blanket, we can see the wonderous beauty as it takes flight.
!!Satan does this to God's saints! He wraps them up in his blanket and reminds them of their past. He wants to keep the saints of God bound in his pit and he works hard at it because he knows that once God's saints are raised up out of his pit and sheds this blanket from them.... he can't stop them!! He will keep trying hard to bind them in his pit again and again and so on...the only way Satan can succeed at this is if we allow him!! Resist Satan and come out of his pit!!
!! God wants to raise his saints from Satan's P.I.T. --- we just have to Pray It Through and let him!!
=====================================================
!!Satan wants God's saints to remain in his P.I.T.
!!The P.I.T. of worry, despair, guilt, confusion and there he'll sit.
!!Watching God's saints wrapped up in his blanket.
!!Reminding them of the past so they can't shake it.
!!God's Saints!? Yes, they make Satan uncomfortable and scared.
!!Because if they get out of his P.I.T., they become prepared.
!!Prepared to shed that blanket so their beauty in God will rise.
!!As we connect with the Holy Spirit, the saints great prize.
!!Raised from Satan's P.I.T. as we Pray It Through.
!!Reminding Satan of his place, his blanket the saints threw.
!!No longer bound in his P.I.T., Satan begins to squirm and shake.
!!The Saints Pray It Through to make his whole world quake.
!!To let Satan know the raised saints of God threaten his survival.
!!Because when saints aren't bound, they Pray It Through for Revival.
==============================================
++ I will praise thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.
O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.
O Lord, though hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.
Lord, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
I cried to thee, O Lord; and unto the Lord I made supplication.
What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper.
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Psalm 30
=======================================================
** REVIVAL IN THE LAND by CARMAN
Please click link to listen :o)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJDfWzSA3tE&feature=related
======================================================
!! Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you now in the name of your son Jesus Christ!! Lord, I praise you and glorify your Holy Name. Lord, you are my savior, my healer, my deliverer, my strength, my everything!! Lord, I come to you and humble myself before your Holy throne today and everyday Lord! Lord, please raise your saints from Satan's pit where he has them bound. Lord, give them the strength to resist Satan and shed the blanket of worry, despair, guilt, confusion, .... anything that Satan tries to put on them! Lord, your word says that no weapons formed by Satan against God's saints will prosper.. Lord, I claim that in my life today and pray that those saints reading this prayer will claim this in their life as well. I thank you Lord Jesus and I give you all of my glory, honor and praise!! In Jesus name I pray.. Amen!!
!! written by Kathy Todd (except for ++scriptures and ** songs)
!!Yesterday I heard a story about how a caterpillar goes through metamorphosis to transform into a beautiful butterfly. The caterpillar wraps up in a blanket called a cacoon and starts to change. However there is a struggle once transformed to get out of the blanket or cacoon. Once, the newly transformed butterfly sheds the blanket, we can see the wonderous beauty as it takes flight.
!!Satan does this to God's saints! He wraps them up in his blanket and reminds them of their past. He wants to keep the saints of God bound in his pit and he works hard at it because he knows that once God's saints are raised up out of his pit and sheds this blanket from them.... he can't stop them!! He will keep trying hard to bind them in his pit again and again and so on...the only way Satan can succeed at this is if we allow him!! Resist Satan and come out of his pit!!
!! God wants to raise his saints from Satan's P.I.T. --- we just have to Pray It Through and let him!!
=====================================================
!!Satan wants God's saints to remain in his P.I.T.
!!The P.I.T. of worry, despair, guilt, confusion and there he'll sit.
!!Watching God's saints wrapped up in his blanket.
!!Reminding them of the past so they can't shake it.
!!God's Saints!? Yes, they make Satan uncomfortable and scared.
!!Because if they get out of his P.I.T., they become prepared.
!!Prepared to shed that blanket so their beauty in God will rise.
!!As we connect with the Holy Spirit, the saints great prize.
!!Raised from Satan's P.I.T. as we Pray It Through.
!!Reminding Satan of his place, his blanket the saints threw.
!!No longer bound in his P.I.T., Satan begins to squirm and shake.
!!The Saints Pray It Through to make his whole world quake.
!!To let Satan know the raised saints of God threaten his survival.
!!Because when saints aren't bound, they Pray It Through for Revival.
==============================================
++ I will praise thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.
O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.
O Lord, though hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.
Lord, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
I cried to thee, O Lord; and unto the Lord I made supplication.
What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper.
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Psalm 30
=======================================================
** REVIVAL IN THE LAND by CARMAN
Please click link to listen :o)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJDfWzSA3tE&feature=related
======================================================
!! Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you now in the name of your son Jesus Christ!! Lord, I praise you and glorify your Holy Name. Lord, you are my savior, my healer, my deliverer, my strength, my everything!! Lord, I come to you and humble myself before your Holy throne today and everyday Lord! Lord, please raise your saints from Satan's pit where he has them bound. Lord, give them the strength to resist Satan and shed the blanket of worry, despair, guilt, confusion, .... anything that Satan tries to put on them! Lord, your word says that no weapons formed by Satan against God's saints will prosper.. Lord, I claim that in my life today and pray that those saints reading this prayer will claim this in their life as well. I thank you Lord Jesus and I give you all of my glory, honor and praise!! In Jesus name I pray.. Amen!!
Monday, November 14, 2011
"AN ATTITUDE WITH GRATITUDE"
"AN ATTITUDE WITH GRATITUDE"
written by Kathy Todd
An attitude with gratitude results in a thankful heart.
Regardless of the circumstances that have to take part.
Whether in the deepest valley or on the highest mountain top.
An open and thankful heart to God at no time should stop.
No matter the state, whether it be in sickness or good health.
Or even if there are only two pennies to rub or in millionaire wealth.
If the church is full or if there are only a few.
Got to have faith that God will fill up every pew.
Everything comes together at some point but only in God's time.
But only through a thankful heart as shown through out this ryhme.
So if your feeling down and questioning Why?, let a thankful heart intrude.
The doors of heaven open for blessings to fall on those with an attitude of gratitude.
written by Kathy Todd
An attitude with gratitude results in a thankful heart.
Regardless of the circumstances that have to take part.
Whether in the deepest valley or on the highest mountain top.
An open and thankful heart to God at no time should stop.
No matter the state, whether it be in sickness or good health.
Or even if there are only two pennies to rub or in millionaire wealth.
If the church is full or if there are only a few.
Got to have faith that God will fill up every pew.
Everything comes together at some point but only in God's time.
But only through a thankful heart as shown through out this ryhme.
So if your feeling down and questioning Why?, let a thankful heart intrude.
The doors of heaven open for blessings to fall on those with an attitude of gratitude.
"PEACE WITH THE LORD"
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Let your moderation (self-control) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful (worried) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Philipians 4:4-9
Let your moderation (self-control) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful (worried) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Philipians 4:4-9
"HE HAS MADE ME GLAD by MARANATHA SINGERS
Praise and Worship
He Has Made Me Glad by Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jukcsdEUHU&feature=related
He Has Made Me Glad by Maranatha Singers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jukcsdEUHU&feature=related
"I LIFT MY HANDS by CHRIS TOMLIN"
Praise and Worship
I Lift My Hands by Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbNK50T35wY&feature=related
I Lift My Hands by Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbNK50T35wY&feature=related
Friday, November 11, 2011
"WE NEED GOD IN AMERICA AGAIN by CARMAN"
THIS IS AN AWESOME VIDEO!!
WE NEED GOD IN AMERICA AGAIN by CARMAN
click link to listen to video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mDWP5aopJw
WE NEED GOD IN AMERICA AGAIN by CARMAN
click link to listen to video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mDWP5aopJw
"VETERANS DAY"
!!THANK YOU TO ALL VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES -- THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE DEFENDED, FOUGHT, STILL FIGHTING OR DIED FOR OUR FREEDOM AND FOR OUR COUNTRY -- WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOU!!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
"FAITH REMOVES OBSTACLES"
!! written by Kathy Todd (except for ++scriptures or **songs)
!!When we look at the obstacles set before us, doubt so easily enters our mind. Doubt tells us those obstacles are there and will remain there. Faith gives us the strength and power to conquer those obstacles and then not allow them to rebuild! Just like a group of people physically running a race on an obstacle course...they find ways to either go around the obstacle, go over it, go under it or go through it. And when they reach the finish line, they win the approval of the crowd cheering them on. This same thing happens with faith!! We see the obstacles however know and have faith that God has already gone before us to take down those obstacles. It is our responsiblity to keep running and moving forward to the finish line. As we move forward applying our faith, we obtain (win) God's aprroval and will receive his favor whether it be in our own individual walk or as a community of FAITH .. congregation ... body of Christ ... the church etc....!!! Though we see the obstacles in the natural, we have to believe and have full faith that God has already destroyed and demolished that obstacle spiritually!! We have to keep moving (running) forward knowing that no matter what obstacles are put in front of us, we can and will conquer them. Never looking back or allowing anything or anyone to hold us back from the finish line we are trying and working hard to reach. Keep the Faith and obtain (win) God's approval!! Have Faith that our victories are waiting for us on the other side of the obstacles. God has already done his part ... we must do ours!! :o)
======================================================
++Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
For by faith the elders obtained (won) a good report (God's approval).
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Hebrews 11:1-3
========================================================
++ Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;
I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:
And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
Isaiah 45:1-3
=========================================================
!!Praise the Lord God Almighty for going before us to take down the obstacles we face....we just got to have Faith!!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
!! Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you now in the name of your son Jesus Christ!! Lord I praise you and glorify your Holy name. You are my savior, my healer, my deliverer, my strength, my everything!! I thank you Lord Jesus. Lord, I humble myself before you today thanking you for your promises in your Holy word. Lord, I thank you for going before us and taking down any obstacles that build up against us as individuals and as your church. Lord, I thank you for doing your part and I pray for your strength,power and anointing to do our part. I love you Lord Jesus and give you all of my glory, honor and praise. In Jesus name I pray, Amen!!
=========================================================
** Keep Runnin by Lil' Dre **
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVLG3X8f7Ss
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
"GOD PROVIDES WHEN WE OBEY HIM"
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
(As it is written, HE HATH DISPERSED ABROAD; HE HATH GIVEN TO THE POOR: HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS REMAINETH FOR EVER.
Now he that ministereth (gives) seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness (plentifulness), which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
For the administration (rendering) of this service not only supplieth the want (need) of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
Whiles by the experiment (experience) of this ministration (service) they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
Any by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable (priceless) gift.
2 Corinthians 9:8-15
Monday, November 7, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
CONTACT US
HARVEST CENTER CHURCH
7824 Alabama Highway 68
Collinsville, Alabama 35961-4104
256-524-2050
View Larger Map
7824 Alabama Highway 68
Collinsville, Alabama 35961-4104
256-524-2050
View Larger Map
"QUOTE FOR TODAY"
"If you start doing what you can do, God will do what you can’t do." -Damon Thompson
"EXCEED YOUR CHALLENGES"
=======================================================
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to you now in the name of your son Jesus Christ. Lord, I praise you and glorify your Holy Name!! You are my saviour, my deliverer, my healer, my strength, my everything. I thank you Lord Jesus!! Lord please open our hearts, minds and spirits. Not only my own but all who desire more of you and desire to see and feel advancement in your kingdom. Lord, not only in my own church but in all Christian ministries all over the world who serves you in spirit and in truth. Lord, please give us your strength and power and boldness to face and conquer what may be challenging us or holding us back or struggling with. Lord, there are all kinds of challenges, barriers, and struggles that we deal with in life. Lord, I pray for any challenges, barriers or struggles in my life and in the life of those reading this prayer to be broken in the name of Jesus. I pray for breakthrough in their life and in their situations in Jesus Name. I thank you and love you Lord Jesus!! And I give you all of my glory, honor and praise!! In Jesus name I pray... Amen!!
=====================================================
Grace and peace be multiplied unto you througth the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
And beside this, giving all diligence , add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance (self-control); and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity (love).
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be idle nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election (relationship with God) sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall (stumble):
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto (given to) you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
2 Peter 1:2-12
========================================================
PRAISE AND WORSHIP:
first link POWER by PLANETSHAKERS
second link HOLDING NOTHING BACK by JESUS CULTURE
Click links to listen :o)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES6kgY3Gp-k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr9Wz3F9JPs
Saturday, November 5, 2011
TIME CHANGE REMINDER
:o) Remember to set your clocks back one hour tonight for all who are local :o)
Friday, November 4, 2011
QUOTE FOR TODAY
"The Holy Spirit was given without measure, so don't limit what He can do in you. See as He sees & receive what He does." -- Planetshakers
"GOD WILL FINISH THE WORKS HE STARTED"
"GOD WILL FINISH THE WORKS HE STARTED"
!!written by Kathy Todd (++except for scriptures and **songs)
!! I am so thankful for the words from the Holy Spirit Sunday night. Words spoken as a thanksgiving testimony! Words thanking God for what he has done, for what he is doing and for what his is going to do!! Thankfulness opens the gates of heaven and allows the Holy Spirit to do his work in which empowers us to do the works he started in us with anointing, fire and power.
!! Has God started a work in you that has not been completed? I believe and trust God to send his Holy Spirit to bring these works to completion. Not only in each individual, but also as a united body of believers within our local church, The Harvest Center.
!! God stands true to his promises in his Holy Word. Ask God and seek him to complete the works he started in you. Go to the doors of heaven through prayer to knock. There the Holy Spirit will be ready to pour out God's promises!
!! Embrace it .... Believe it......Live it!! He will lift you up out of your weaknesses and turn them into his strengths. It's his WORD!!
==============================================================================================================
++ Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many contribute to the glory of God.
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4
============================================================================================================
++ Praise ye the Lord, I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Psalm 111
============================================================================================================
** YES by JOHN WALLER --- (Praise and Worship Song) :o)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVVkiSaNplE
<iframe width="362" height="245" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TVVkiSaNplE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
!!written by Kathy Todd (++except for scriptures and **songs)
!! I am so thankful for the words from the Holy Spirit Sunday night. Words spoken as a thanksgiving testimony! Words thanking God for what he has done, for what he is doing and for what his is going to do!! Thankfulness opens the gates of heaven and allows the Holy Spirit to do his work in which empowers us to do the works he started in us with anointing, fire and power.
!! Has God started a work in you that has not been completed? I believe and trust God to send his Holy Spirit to bring these works to completion. Not only in each individual, but also as a united body of believers within our local church, The Harvest Center.
!! God stands true to his promises in his Holy Word. Ask God and seek him to complete the works he started in you. Go to the doors of heaven through prayer to knock. There the Holy Spirit will be ready to pour out God's promises!
!! Embrace it .... Believe it......Live it!! He will lift you up out of your weaknesses and turn them into his strengths. It's his WORD!!
==============================================================================================================
++ Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many contribute to the glory of God.
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Corinthians 4
============================================================================================================
++ Praise ye the Lord, I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
Psalm 111
============================================================================================================
** YES by JOHN WALLER --- (Praise and Worship Song) :o)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVVkiSaNplE
<iframe width="362" height="245" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TVVkiSaNplE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
"CHILDREN'S AND TWEENS MINISTRIES -- PUMPKIN CARVING AND SPECIAL LESSON"
During the morning service on 10/23/2011, the Children's and Tween's Ministries came together to have a special lesson and pumpkin carving with the children. The children had a wonderful time digging the icky stuff out of the pumpkins. Jesus does the same thing for us when we accept him as our Lord and Saviour. He goes in and digs out all the icky stuff (sin) and puts his light in us!! Praise the Lord for our children!! And Praise the Lord for God sending his son Jesus!!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
"OUTREACH MISSION -- TRUNK OR TREAT"
On Monday, 10/31/2011, the Harvest Center Church participated in an outreach mission by distributing several hundred bags of candy and church flyers to Halloween trick or treaters in Collinsville, Crossville and Geraldine. The tween's ministry put this outreach mission into action in which resulted in a UNITED effort of team work from the congregation with several bringing in candy, several giving cash donations for the outreach mission, several coming together on Friday evening, 10/28/2011 to stuff bags with candy and staple the church flyers to the bags, some giving decoration items and 3 who went to our local community and surrounding communities to distribute the bags of candy and church flyers. It was wonderful to bless others and see all the costumes!! We are praying and trusting God for his Holy Spirit to bring results!! To God be the glory...PTL!!
Back of Frank and Kathy's van in Crossville, AL!!
Phyllis handing out bags of candy and church flyers in Geraldine!!
Phyllis handing out bags of candy and church flyers in Geraldine!!
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