OUR FOCUS:

OUR FOCUS: THE GREAT COMMISSION AND THE GREAT COMMANDMENT







Sunday, April 29, 2012

"SERVICE TONIGHT"

We will be having tonight at 6:00pm

Communion and Feet Washing

Service

Everyone encouraged to attend this service to honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as we remember him and practice his ways during this service!!

:o) God Bless Everyone :o)

"QUOTES FOR TODAY"

"Never allow someone else's definition of "what is possible" to overshadow what God has defined as possible for your life." -- Called Magazine
 
" Faith causes us to step out and say or do what God places in our hearts, but fear causes us to timidly stay under control and domination." -- Joyce Meyer
 
"The failure to do right is just as evil as doing wrong. Get involved!" -- Lecrae
 
"It is impossible for people to take advantage of you unless you allow it." -- Joyce Meyer
 
"God won't always move every mountain ... but He'll make you strong enough to climb your mountain." -- Called Magazine
 
"God is working on your behalf. -- Believe it .... even when you can't see it or feel it." -- Called Magazine
 
"Faith doesn't stop all the storms from coming, it just overcomes them when they get there." -- Kenneth Copeland
 
"No matter what is going on in your life, obeying God is the answer." -- Joyce Meyer
 
"Think about His love, His faithfulness and His almighty power." -- Kenneth Copeland
 
"Put your faith in the truth of His word and your feelings will change." -- Kenneth Copeland
 
 

"INVITATION TO COME UNTO JESUS"

At that time Jesus answered and said,  I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11: 25-30

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Praise and Worship: (click links to liste :o) )

Our God Reigns by John Waller

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5SXhfANJv4

and

Hurt and the Healer by Mercyme

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxqfDs-64I0

"MORE CLEAR SIGHT"

"MORE CLEAR SIGHT"

written by Kathy Todd

Thank you Lord Jesus for more clear sight.
You picked me up, I feel much better tonight.

Discouragement comes and there you are.
To pick me up, you are never to far.

You are always there to pick me up.
Lord, send your Holy Spirit and fill my cup.

Let it overflow with life from your Living Water.
And let it flow freely and send your fire even hotter.

Than ever before, Lord let your fire rise up in me.
So others around me can feel and others can see.

That from that fire comes your power and glory.
Which I might add is a major part of your story.

Lord, lead my direction and give me even more clear sight.
Thank you Lord Jesus for sending to me your presence tonight.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

"????????????"

Why? That's pretty much how I am feeling tonight. Feeling somewhat empty ..... Lord, please send your Holy Spirit to me and fill the empty spaces with your presence!! Lord, please send your Holy Spirit and fill the empty spaces in the hearts and spirits of your people!!  Lord, I am not understanding your direction right now....please don't let what you call me to do for you go in vain! Lord, show me ways to help those who are lost that have not felt your presence in their life yet and Lord, show me ways to help those who have lost your presence they used to feel! Lord, I don't understand .. Why? Please Lord, come quickly! Amen

Friday, April 27, 2012

"REMEMBERING A YEAR AGO TODAY"

Today, I pray for all of those who were affected by the April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak in Alabama and other places that were affected.  There is so much on TV, internet and radio remembering back to this day.  My family was affected that day. Thankfully we did not loose our as so many did on this day.  However we did loose our electricity for a week.  I will tell you one good thing that God put in mine and my family's life.  During this week, we became a closer nit family.  With no television and internet, we just sat and talked, we played board games .... we just shared the moment of closeness together!!  God always brings good things out of the midst of bad things and tragedies however it is up to us as individuals to recognize the good things that come from these times of trials and suffering.  We were also blessed with sharing food with our elderly neighbors and a pregnant young teenager in our neighborhood.  As the food thawed, we cooked it, fed our neighbors and ourselves.  During this time, I did not have to throw any food away .... it was all ate!!  God provided us all of our needs during this time and also used us to bless others.  The blessing of others was very much fullfilling!!  We all must remember that God only brings good things to his people who trust him and love him and serve him!!  He does things for our good and FOR HIS GLORY!! :o)

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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, I humbly come to you today before your glorious throne remembering those who lost loved ones and homes and businesses one year ago today and for those who go through these things from day to day.  Lord, please don't let them remember the pain and hurt but remind them of the good things that were brought into their lives during these trying times of fear and pain and hurt!! Lord, please put your comforting arms around them and touch them with your Holy Spirit!  I thank you Lord Jesus and  I give you all of my glory, honor and priase! In Jesus name I pray -- Amen!
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 Here's a good song to celebrate the fact that God brings good things to us out of bad things in our life .... (note: the lyrics run on top of video frame :o) .... great message in the song! Click on link to listen:

Trip Lee -- For My Good

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKr2fvSXjwk

"HEALER OF THE BROKEN - DEVOTIONAL"

Here is the link to another great devotional from Girlfriends In God devotionals on Crosswalk.com :o) Once again, this not only applies to females .... everyone can benefit from this :o) Have a blessed day!

http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/girlfriends/girlfriends-in-god-april-27-2012.html

"WHAT IS OUR COMPLETE RESPONSIBILTY TO GOD?"

This is from the Church of God of Prophecy Global Prayer Network Facebook page :o)

Great Read:  (I copied and pasted on blog for those who don't have facebook)



What is Our Complete Responsibility to God?

by Church of God of Prophecy Global Prayer Network on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 2:44pm ·
(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)   "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."

To fulfill our whole duty or complete responsibility to God we must:

Fear God first then Keep his commandments

Why do we fear God before we love Him with all our heart soul mind and strength (the first and greatest commandment)? Because, (Proverbs 1:7) "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of 1 knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Psalms 14:1)   "…The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God…" 1 da'ath, (dah'-ath); (from yada'); knowledge, experiencing, encountering, awareness, the beginning or the principal thing required in fully knowing God.

I wonder if we are capable of keeping God’s commandments (obeying Him) being motivated only by our love for Him. David loved God and was so excited to bring the ark (the presence of God) back home. He made a brand new cart and very carefully and I’m sure very reverently, placed the ark of God on the cart. Then David and all Israel played and danced before the Lord with all their might. What a great display of their love and devotion that must have been. Then, as the cart moved on to the very smooth threshing floor of Chidon, the Oxen stumbled and Uzza, concerned about the welfare of the ark, put his hand out to steady it.

It would appear that the motive of David’s people was “right” at least in their own eyes but, when Uzza touched the ark and God’s anger was kindled and Uzza was struck dead. Why? ( 1 Chronicles 15:13NIV )   "It was because…We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way." The KJV says “…we sought him not after the due order…” (1 Chronicles 13:12)   "And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?" The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowingGod and knowing what God expects of us. This is the questioned David should have asked before he moved the sacred ark which was to be carried only by the priests on staves of wood. David searched the scripture, being motivated by the fear of God, understanding that God was serious about His specific directions for us.  (1 Chronicles 15:12)   "And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it."

As we study the history of God’s people it would appear that they never “got” the principle thing, to fear God. To fully know God we must be aware of those things that displease Him and the consequences of our disobedience. He very clearly informs us that: (1 Samuel 15:23) "…rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness (arrogance) is as iniquity and idolatry…" How do we acquire this knowledge? (Psalms 19:7)   "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting (returning to the starting point or the principal thing) the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple." God, in His wisdom, made His word quick and powerful so we could have knowledge of or fully know Him. He said: (Psalms 19:9) "The fear of the LORD is clean (everything connected with it is of a pure or holy tendency, adapted to cleanse the soul and to make it holy) , enduring for ever…" If we look for God, if we seek the knowledge of God, we will find it. By His word is: (Psalms 19:11) "…thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward…Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression."

Our Abba Father has lovingly given us all we need to have knowledge of Him. He wants us to know of His awesome power so we will be assured that God is well and able to perform all that He has promised. He does marvelous works in our lives, to demonstrate His love for us, and what do we do?

(Psalms 78:9-11)   "The children of Ephraim…kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law…forgat his works, and his wonders…" David goes on about all the miraculous things that God did and: (Psalms 78:17-22) "…they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High…And they tempted God in their heart… the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel; Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:"

God makes this very profound statement about His people as a warning to them and to us if we loose the fear of God . (Hosea 4:6)   "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee …" (Isaiah 5:13-14)   "Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge…Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it."

How does this affect us? We are living under grace; God’s grace covers every thing! If we feel this way does it sound like we have the knowledge of God? Consider this: (1 John 3:15) "Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." So Satan says “You still have eternal life you’re under the grace of God, you won’t die!” But, what is the whole duty of man? 1. Fear God: because no murderer hath eternal life in Him. We must have knowledge that there are consequences to our sin.

2. Keep His commandments: (John 13:34) "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

The same tempter is at work trying to keep us from our whole duty. We have access through grace, to an intimacy with God, enabling us to fully know Him. We must awaken ourselves to the fear of God. We must build up our selves on our most holy faith; we must pray in the Holy Spirit and let Him make intercession (on a regular basis) for us according to the will of God. (2 Corinthians 11:3)   "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."

Remember our complete responsibility, our whole duty:

Fear God, keep His commandments

(Psalms 36:1-3)  "The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good."

(Proverbs 2:1-6)  "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, (hide my word in your heart)turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,and if you callout for insight and cry aloud for understanding,and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

(Isaiah 29:13-14) "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:…behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people…for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." (Ephesians 5:21) "Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God."phobos, to be put in fear; alarm or fright:--be afraid, + exceedingly, fear, terror.

Bill Stockham
Upper Room Prayer Cell Coordinator

Thursday, April 26, 2012

"GREAT DEVOTIONAL"

Came across this devotional from crosswalk.com :o) It's from the Girl Friends In God devotionals however this is something everyone can apply to their life :o) Click on link to read:

http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/girlfriends/girlfriends-in-god-april-26-2012.html

"QUOTE FOR TODAY"

" When God's opinion is your anchor, you will no longer be tossed and blown by public opinion." -- Called Magazine

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

"QUOTE FOR TODAY"

"When God looks for someone to use, He doesn't look for someone who has a perfect performance but one who has a right heart toward Him." -- Joyce Meyer

"QUOTE FOR TODAY"

" IMPOSSIBLE? - The next time you think something is impossible for you to accomplish ... remember that God made the Bumble Bee with a body too big and wings too small for it to fly.- It was aerodynamically impossible, but God allowed it to soar anyway! :)"-- Called Magazine

Friday, April 20, 2012

"!! HOLY GHOST FIRE !!"

In my last post, I said that I would share today who and what I was talking about in the poem God gave me to write yesterday. While sitting in my van waiting for my kids to get out of school today, I started thinking and praying again while watching the clouds move across the sky.  It is so amazing to me how God created everything!!  As I sat there watching and being still in God's presence, these words the Holy Spirit put into my mind so I picked up a pencil and piece of paper and started writing about who and what I wrote about in yesterdays poem .... Here is what the Holy Spirit gave me to write! :o)

The Holy Ghost and his fire is what I'm talking about.
There is power with these two, there is no doubt.

The Holy Ghost is always with us true but about his fire.
It will come down a blazing when we become one to acquire.

On the day of Pentacost, they were all in one accord.
To lose the Holy Ghost fire is something we can't afford.

Because within that fire we will see peoples' lives saved.
Entering true revival when the Holy Ghost fire is ablazed.

Also within his fire we will see deliverance and healing.
But a gentleman the Holy Ghost is, to receive this we must be willing.

To get out of our comfort zones and praise the fire down.
In our individual spiritual zone but as one we'll feel the fire come down.

The Holy Ghost fire is what we need to break Satan's fatal grip.
He has upon the souls of the lost, we need this spiritual trip.

The trip into the spiritual realm with the Holy Ghost fire ablazed.
We'll never want to lose it again because we'll be truly amazed.

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:o) I encourage everyone to really seek God about the Holy Ghost fire saturating ourselves, our church, our ministries, our families , our communities, our LIVES!! :o)

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Here is a link to a song that helps me and I pray it helps everyone else too:

HOLY GHOST FIRE -- by T. Haddy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leXKq3ph1XQ






Thursday, April 19, 2012

" :o) THINKING AND RHYMING :o) "

**As I was sitting at my computer tonight, I was thinking and praying when these words come to me.  :o)

Who only comes when invited but only when we are one?
And sets hearts on fire to share the victory we've won.

Who has the power to burn up our impurities within?
And convicts our hearts to turn from our sin.

Tell also what this one brings from God above.
It's what Jesus said would come with comfort and love.

Now take a moment to think and some time to pray.
About what these words mean and what to you they say.

I know what they mean to me and in my heart will grow.
And share with you I will during the day tomorrow. :o)

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I encourage everyone to really seek God and pray about what these words mean to you!  Sometimes God wants us to be still and just feel his presence and listen for his voice for his direction.  And then when we realize what God is saying to us and realize where he is leading us, we will NEED the one this poem is revealing and will NEED what the one this poem is revealing brings when they come!

Will share with you during the day tomorrow who the one this poem is revealing is! :o)

"EASTER SUNDAY 2012"

oops!  the date on camera was wrong ... lol :o)

"INTERESTING ARTICLE"

Here is the link to an interesting article I read yesterday!! :o)

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/18/state-bible-2012/?cmpid=cmty_fb_State_of_the_Bible_2012

"DELAYED POSTINGS"

Wanted to apologize for the delay and break in posts.  Had a computer problem that was causing it to run really slow and lost information.  Finally got it fixed and will have the blog updated with new posts :o) Have a wonderful and blessed day!!