My Friends if You are Single...Do Not Despair
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
November 30
Let's take a quick look at the great movers and shakers of the church over the last two millenia.
First, Paul. He took the gospel to the gentiles, was the church's first major missionary and its first and greatest theologian. Paul was a Christian's Christian. Marital status: single.
Augustine: Augustine was the other great thinker of the early church. Most of our theology today is based on Augustine's groundwork. He was the first to articulate the ideas of the Trinity and to expand on Paul's writings on justification by faith. Marital status: single.
Martin Luther: Luther dragged a complacent church back to the bible, and centred it back on God. Marital status: single-ish. Luther was single for most of his ministry. He eventually married an ex-nun to help her leave a convent. In those days, the notion of women working was abhorrent, so the only way for a woman to be housed, fed, etc. was to be married, so Luther married her to give her her freedom. He did little of note after his marriage.
The Protestant reformers: Out of the quartet of John Wesley, Charles Wesley, George Whitfield and Jonathan Edwards, responsible for the great Protestant revivals of the end of the eighteenth century, only Charles Wesley was married.
John Stott: Probably the most influential evangelical Christian writer today. Marital status: single.
Jesus: God himself, who lived a human life to show as an example of how we can live, stayed single.
There are many, many others, but these were, I think, the best known and most influential folk of the whole of church history, and all but one were single for the length of their effective ministry.
I don't know why there seems to be this connection between singleness and Christian greatness. It might be that God feels that he needs to bless people in other ways if they're not blessed by marriage. God always sticks up for the underdog! Or it might be the more mundane reason that single people have more time on their hands, so can accomplish more.
For whichever reason, if God calls you to remain single, then rejoice! He might have greatness in store for you!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Jesus Challenged People by Rick Warren (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
Jesus Challenged People
By Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 30, 2009
We should consider the good of our neighbor and build up his character. Romans 15:2
This Christmas season, I want to encourage you to become a people-builder. It is a gift you can give someone that will last forever.
The Bible encourages us to do this in Romans 15:2, where it says, "We should consider the good of our neighbor and build up his character."
The key to building up people is kindness -- giving them what they need and not what they deserve. When you consider the way Jesus built up people, He did three things: challenged, encouraged, and spoke honestly.
Today, we will look at how Jesus challenged people to be all God made them to be. God doesn't want you to waste your life!
Challenge your family and friends to live beyond themselves and to discover their strengths and abilities. God has given each of us some special abilities, and he wants us to use them to help each other. We're to pass on to others God's many kinds of blessings.
We all need somebody who will help us discover our gifts and who will challenge us to develop, strengthen, and use them. You can play a critical role in this way by helping the ones you love to discover their strengths and abilities, and then challenging them to use them.
And, help them understand how special their gifts are รข€“ that we will all miss out on a blessing if they don't use the gifts God has given them. It's like a singer who never sings; we miss out on the blessing that would come from hearing the voice. We are meant to be a blessing to others.
By Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 30, 2009
We should consider the good of our neighbor and build up his character. Romans 15:2
This Christmas season, I want to encourage you to become a people-builder. It is a gift you can give someone that will last forever.
The Bible encourages us to do this in Romans 15:2, where it says, "We should consider the good of our neighbor and build up his character."
The key to building up people is kindness -- giving them what they need and not what they deserve. When you consider the way Jesus built up people, He did three things: challenged, encouraged, and spoke honestly.
Today, we will look at how Jesus challenged people to be all God made them to be. God doesn't want you to waste your life!
Challenge your family and friends to live beyond themselves and to discover their strengths and abilities. God has given each of us some special abilities, and he wants us to use them to help each other. We're to pass on to others God's many kinds of blessings.
We all need somebody who will help us discover our gifts and who will challenge us to develop, strengthen, and use them. You can play a critical role in this way by helping the ones you love to discover their strengths and abilities, and then challenging them to use them.
And, help them understand how special their gifts are รข€“ that we will all miss out on a blessing if they don't use the gifts God has given them. It's like a singer who never sings; we miss out on the blessing that would come from hearing the voice. We are meant to be a blessing to others.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Christmas Outreach: Be Willing to Pay the Cost by Rick Warren (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
Christmas Outreach: Be Willing to Pay the Cost
By Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 29, 2009
Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn't find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus. Impressed by their bold belief, he said, 'Friend, I forgive your sins.' Luke 5:18-20 (Msg)
Seven ways a small group can reach people for Jesus
#7 -- Your small group must be willing to pay the cost to bring someone to Jesus.
These four men wouldn't have made a hole in the roof unless they were willing to fix it. They had to pay the cost of bringing their friend to Jesus.
Bringing a friend to Jesus always requires sacrifice. For many small groups that means sacrificing their own comfort within the group. Many people have become so comfortable within their small groups that they are afraid of adding new people and messing up the group dynamics.
Before our friends will come to Jesus, they need to see us get out of our comfort zones. But we know that reaching others for Jesus is of eternal significance - it is the most important thing we can do for God while we are here on earth.
Therefore, this Christmas season, "pray that the Master's Word will simply take off and race through the country to a groundswell of response, just as it did among you." (2 Thessalonians 3:1 MSG)
And then be an instrument of that prayer, doing the work required to bring others to Jesus.
By Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 29, 2009
Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn't find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus. Impressed by their bold belief, he said, 'Friend, I forgive your sins.' Luke 5:18-20 (Msg)
Seven ways a small group can reach people for Jesus
#7 -- Your small group must be willing to pay the cost to bring someone to Jesus.
These four men wouldn't have made a hole in the roof unless they were willing to fix it. They had to pay the cost of bringing their friend to Jesus.
Bringing a friend to Jesus always requires sacrifice. For many small groups that means sacrificing their own comfort within the group. Many people have become so comfortable within their small groups that they are afraid of adding new people and messing up the group dynamics.
Before our friends will come to Jesus, they need to see us get out of our comfort zones. But we know that reaching others for Jesus is of eternal significance - it is the most important thing we can do for God while we are here on earth.
Therefore, this Christmas season, "pray that the Master's Word will simply take off and race through the country to a groundswell of response, just as it did among you." (2 Thessalonians 3:1 MSG)
And then be an instrument of that prayer, doing the work required to bring others to Jesus.
BEING A LIGHT by Robert Soto (Posted on an email from Words from the Creator)
BEING A LIGHT
By Robert Soto
Posted on an email from Words from the Creator
November 28, 2009
Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Today I had a lot of work to do. Each year I put up a large Christmas light display which averages about fourteen thousand little Christmas lights, that takes about three weeks to organize and display. I have been doing this for over fifteen years and each year I sort of wonder why I do it. I did not start off with fourteen thousand lights but slowly worked up to it with the continuing thought of adding even more next year. It gets so bright outside my house that you can actually read a book with the light produced by the little lights. When it gets cold, you can feel a little bit warmer standing out in my front yard than you do inside the house. But it seems like each year it takes more and more effort. It takes me a little longer to climb up and down the ladder and each morning I wake up with a little more pain than I want to. I guess this is all a sign of the times and of me getting older.
I get asked a lot of questions each year. One question is how much does it cost to light up fourteen thousand lights and the answer is always the same, "More than I have in the bank." Another question I get asked is "How long does it take to put up the display?" It depends on the weather but anywhere between three and four weeks. But the question I get asked the most is, "Why do you do it?" I guess I do it for the satisfaction that comes from knowing that I am bringing a little smile and a warm feeling to the hearts of the hundreds of people who will stop in front of my house. In many ways I am taking the passage in Matthew literally when Jesus said, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." For one thing that makes my display different than most of the rest in town, is that it is centered around the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus Christ. So through a few lights in my front yard, I am being a light unto the world and bringing a smile and the joy of Christmas to someone's heart.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
By Robert Soto
Posted on an email from Words from the Creator
November 28, 2009
Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Today I had a lot of work to do. Each year I put up a large Christmas light display which averages about fourteen thousand little Christmas lights, that takes about three weeks to organize and display. I have been doing this for over fifteen years and each year I sort of wonder why I do it. I did not start off with fourteen thousand lights but slowly worked up to it with the continuing thought of adding even more next year. It gets so bright outside my house that you can actually read a book with the light produced by the little lights. When it gets cold, you can feel a little bit warmer standing out in my front yard than you do inside the house. But it seems like each year it takes more and more effort. It takes me a little longer to climb up and down the ladder and each morning I wake up with a little more pain than I want to. I guess this is all a sign of the times and of me getting older.
I get asked a lot of questions each year. One question is how much does it cost to light up fourteen thousand lights and the answer is always the same, "More than I have in the bank." Another question I get asked is "How long does it take to put up the display?" It depends on the weather but anywhere between three and four weeks. But the question I get asked the most is, "Why do you do it?" I guess I do it for the satisfaction that comes from knowing that I am bringing a little smile and a warm feeling to the hearts of the hundreds of people who will stop in front of my house. In many ways I am taking the passage in Matthew literally when Jesus said, "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." For one thing that makes my display different than most of the rest in town, is that it is centered around the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus Christ. So through a few lights in my front yard, I am being a light unto the world and bringing a smile and the joy of Christmas to someone's heart.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Birth Pangs ---by Dr. Blackaby of Blackaby Ministries (Posted by Robert Wheeler on Facebook)
Birth Pangs
By Dr. Blackaby of Blackaby Ministries
Posted by Robert Wheeler on Facebook
November 28, 2009
"But all these things are merely
the beginning of birth pangs (NASB)."
MATTHEW 24:8
"When will Christ return? This question has been pondered much through the generations. The imminence of His coming provides the backdrop for everything the Christian does. Christ has not revealed exactly when He will come, but He has told us signs to watch for. The time of His coming is unclear; the fact of His coming is certain.
Jesus said that certain events would signal the nearness of His coming: There will be wars and rumors of wars; there will be famines and earthquakes; Christians will suffer persecution for the sake of Christ; false prophets will come and teach heresy, leading many astray; lawlessness will abound as people do what is right in their own eyes; the authorities will be unable to control crime. Because of lawlessness, people will become cynical and fearful, and their love for others will grow cold (Matt. 24:6-12).
Jesus said that the signs of the end times will be like birth pangs. The pain of childbirth increases in frequency, and it increases in intensity. Jesus said that the presence of war or famine or false teachers does not mean that His coming is upon us. These things, He said, are merely the beginning. He said that the frequency of wars, earthquakes, and crime will increase until finally Christ's return brings everything to a finish. The intensity of wars and famines and other human crises will also escalate.
Our day has seen everything Jesus spoke of reach unprecedented proportions. If there were ever a time Christians should be alert to Jesus' coming, it is today."
You can learn more about Dr. Blackaby, his writings, and his ministry at www.blackaby.org, or write:
Blackaby Ministries International
P.O. Box 16338
Atlanta, GA 30321
By Dr. Blackaby of Blackaby Ministries
Posted by Robert Wheeler on Facebook
November 28, 2009
"But all these things are merely
the beginning of birth pangs (NASB)."
MATTHEW 24:8
"When will Christ return? This question has been pondered much through the generations. The imminence of His coming provides the backdrop for everything the Christian does. Christ has not revealed exactly when He will come, but He has told us signs to watch for. The time of His coming is unclear; the fact of His coming is certain.
Jesus said that certain events would signal the nearness of His coming: There will be wars and rumors of wars; there will be famines and earthquakes; Christians will suffer persecution for the sake of Christ; false prophets will come and teach heresy, leading many astray; lawlessness will abound as people do what is right in their own eyes; the authorities will be unable to control crime. Because of lawlessness, people will become cynical and fearful, and their love for others will grow cold (Matt. 24:6-12).
Jesus said that the signs of the end times will be like birth pangs. The pain of childbirth increases in frequency, and it increases in intensity. Jesus said that the presence of war or famine or false teachers does not mean that His coming is upon us. These things, He said, are merely the beginning. He said that the frequency of wars, earthquakes, and crime will increase until finally Christ's return brings everything to a finish. The intensity of wars and famines and other human crises will also escalate.
Our day has seen everything Jesus spoke of reach unprecedented proportions. If there were ever a time Christians should be alert to Jesus' coming, it is today."
You can learn more about Dr. Blackaby, his writings, and his ministry at www.blackaby.org, or write:
Blackaby Ministries International
P.O. Box 16338
Atlanta, GA 30321
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
SOON IT WILL BE ALL OVER by Robert Soto (Posted on an email from Words from the Creator)
SOON IT WILL BE ALL OVER
By Robert Soto
Posted on an email from Words from the Creator
November 25, 2009
Psalm 37:1-2 "Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away."
Sometimes it is difficult to get ahead by doing what is right when everyone around seems to be getting ahead by doing wrong. Sometimes we look at our faith and what we believe about God and wonder where He is or if He even cares about me because of all the wrong that seems to be going on around us. I have often wondered what our people felt about God our Creator as they quickly started losing things like our land and the God-given culture that was so precious to us. We look at the things going on around us and we get distracted, and in doing so we wander away from the things that are true and from the things that God the Creator desires of us and the path we are supposed to take.
David was man who knew about the good and bad that happened all around him. He knew what it felt like to be rejected by friends and family. He knew what it meant to be victorious and then suffer defeat. But he encouraged us to stay focused. Not to get distracted from the path that we should follow. He encouraged us to have that special faith in God that no matter what happens around us, assures us that He is still with us and in control of our lives. David wrote, "Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away." In the end, the evil of this world will be dealt with. In the end, those who prosper by doing wrong will have to answer to God the Creator. In the end, they will be like the grass and plants of the fields and die. In the end, we who are trying to live the life that God desires of us will prosper.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
By Robert Soto
Posted on an email from Words from the Creator
November 25, 2009
Psalm 37:1-2 "Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away."
Sometimes it is difficult to get ahead by doing what is right when everyone around seems to be getting ahead by doing wrong. Sometimes we look at our faith and what we believe about God and wonder where He is or if He even cares about me because of all the wrong that seems to be going on around us. I have often wondered what our people felt about God our Creator as they quickly started losing things like our land and the God-given culture that was so precious to us. We look at the things going on around us and we get distracted, and in doing so we wander away from the things that are true and from the things that God the Creator desires of us and the path we are supposed to take.
David was man who knew about the good and bad that happened all around him. He knew what it felt like to be rejected by friends and family. He knew what it meant to be victorious and then suffer defeat. But he encouraged us to stay focused. Not to get distracted from the path that we should follow. He encouraged us to have that special faith in God that no matter what happens around us, assures us that He is still with us and in control of our lives. David wrote, "Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away." In the end, the evil of this world will be dealt with. In the end, those who prosper by doing wrong will have to answer to God the Creator. In the end, they will be like the grass and plants of the fields and die. In the end, we who are trying to live the life that God desires of us will prosper.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Monday, November 23, 2009
Christmas Outreach: Show Caring, Consistent Love by Rick Warren (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
Christmas Outreach: Show Caring, Consistent Love
By Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 23, 2009
Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn't find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus. Impressed by their bold belief, he said, 'Friend, I forgive your sins.' Luke 5:18-20 (Msg)
Seven ways a small group can reach people for Jesus
#1 - Give caring, consistent love to those who don't know Jesus.
Like the four friends who helped the paralytic, sometimes it takes something radical to lead someone to Jesus!
And sometimes it just takes the caring, consistent love of a small group of Christians. As we enter the holiday season, I want to encourage you to plan with your small group to reach out to friends and neighbors who do not know Jesus
The reason God used the four friends mentioned in Luke 5 is because they cared for the paralytic. Just like those four, your life mission should start with love - caring for those around you and caring enough about those who do not know Jesus that you reach out to them during this holiday season. The number one reason Christians don't share Christ with others is that they are too preoccupied with themselves.
Before you can care about others, you must become aware of them. When your small group meets, try to identify the people you know who need to know Jesus.
And start praying for them, that God will give you an opportunity to share your faith in a non-threatening way. Pray that God will soften their hearts and soften your heart.
Then, make a plan for how you can reach out to these people as a small group.
By Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 23, 2009
Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn't find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus. Impressed by their bold belief, he said, 'Friend, I forgive your sins.' Luke 5:18-20 (Msg)
Seven ways a small group can reach people for Jesus
#1 - Give caring, consistent love to those who don't know Jesus.
Like the four friends who helped the paralytic, sometimes it takes something radical to lead someone to Jesus!
And sometimes it just takes the caring, consistent love of a small group of Christians. As we enter the holiday season, I want to encourage you to plan with your small group to reach out to friends and neighbors who do not know Jesus
The reason God used the four friends mentioned in Luke 5 is because they cared for the paralytic. Just like those four, your life mission should start with love - caring for those around you and caring enough about those who do not know Jesus that you reach out to them during this holiday season. The number one reason Christians don't share Christ with others is that they are too preoccupied with themselves.
Before you can care about others, you must become aware of them. When your small group meets, try to identify the people you know who need to know Jesus.
And start praying for them, that God will give you an opportunity to share your faith in a non-threatening way. Pray that God will soften their hearts and soften your heart.
Then, make a plan for how you can reach out to these people as a small group.
Own Us, Posses Us by Ryan Raymond (Posted on his Blog)
Own Us, Posses Us
By Ryan Raymond
Posted on his Blog
http://ryanraymond247.blogspot.com/2009/11/own-us-posses-us.html
November 23, 2009 2:23 PM
Please refer to the BLOG website:
http://ryanraymond247.blogspot.com/2009/11/own-us-posses-us.html
Copy and paste the above address into your browser.
By Ryan Raymond
Posted on his Blog
http://ryanraymond247.blogspot.com/2009/11/own-us-posses-us.html
November 23, 2009 2:23 PM
Please refer to the BLOG website:
http://ryanraymond247.blogspot.com/2009/11/own-us-posses-us.html
Copy and paste the above address into your browser.
THE SOURCE OF STRENGTH by Robert Soto (Posted on an email from Words from the Creator)
THE SOURCE OF STRENGTH
By Robert Soto
Posted on an email from Words from the Creator
November 23, 2009
Exodus 15:2 "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him."
The other day I did the hoop dance before the people of the pow wow. This is from a guy who was told three months ago that I needed a total knee replacement. I must confess when I was told that, I believed that there was no other choice but to do as the surgeon suggested. But in my heart, I felt that I was not ready for such a procedure. I told him I felt that I had a high tolerance of pain and if ever I needed it I would make sure and give him a call. I did agree on my minor surgery but just eight days before it was scheduled, my pain went completely away. How did it happen? Was the specialist wrong when he told me I needed a total knee replacement? Was it God and a wonderful miracle of His healing power? I would like to believe it was a miracle from God and in many ways I feel it was. But this weekend as I did the hoop dance I could not help but meditate on a statement I heard from one of the spectators. He asked, "How does he do it?"
As I approached the microphone I kept asking myself the same question. How do I really do it? For me the answer is easy - because I know how I do it. I know that what I do today is not because of me, but because of God the Creator's strength which rests in me. It is taking all the resources that He offers me and taking advantage of them and allowing His strength to work through me. Moses wrote, "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." For when I do the hoop dance I must confess that it is not me, but God the Creator who is working through me in spite of my weakness.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
By Robert Soto
Posted on an email from Words from the Creator
November 23, 2009
Exodus 15:2 "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him."
The other day I did the hoop dance before the people of the pow wow. This is from a guy who was told three months ago that I needed a total knee replacement. I must confess when I was told that, I believed that there was no other choice but to do as the surgeon suggested. But in my heart, I felt that I was not ready for such a procedure. I told him I felt that I had a high tolerance of pain and if ever I needed it I would make sure and give him a call. I did agree on my minor surgery but just eight days before it was scheduled, my pain went completely away. How did it happen? Was the specialist wrong when he told me I needed a total knee replacement? Was it God and a wonderful miracle of His healing power? I would like to believe it was a miracle from God and in many ways I feel it was. But this weekend as I did the hoop dance I could not help but meditate on a statement I heard from one of the spectators. He asked, "How does he do it?"
As I approached the microphone I kept asking myself the same question. How do I really do it? For me the answer is easy - because I know how I do it. I know that what I do today is not because of me, but because of God the Creator's strength which rests in me. It is taking all the resources that He offers me and taking advantage of them and allowing His strength to work through me. Moses wrote, "The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." For when I do the hoop dance I must confess that it is not me, but God the Creator who is working through me in spite of my weakness.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The Power of His Resurrection by Adam Edelstein (Posted on Facebook)
The Power of His Resurrection
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
November 22, 2009
Philippians 3:10
The doctrine of a risen Saviour is exceedingly precious. The resurrection is the corner-stone of the entire building of Christianity. It is the key-stone of the arch of our salvation. It would take a volume to set forth all the streams of living water which flow from t...his one sacred source, the resurrection of our dear Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; but to know that He has risen, and to have fellowship with Him as such—communing with the risen Saviour by possessing a risen life—seeing Him leave the tomb by leaving the tomb of worldliness ourselves, this is even still more precious. The doctrine is the basis of the experience, but as the flower is more lovely than the root, so is the experience of fellowship with the risen Saviour more lovely than the doctrine itself. I would have you believe that Christ rose from the dead so as to sing of it, and derive all the consolation which it is possible for you to extract from this well-ascertained and well-witnessed fact; but I beseech you, rest not contented even there. Though you cannot, like the disciples, see Him visibly, yet I bid you aspire to see Christ Jesus by the eye of faith; and though, like Mary Magdalene, you may not "touch" Him, yet may you be privileged to converse with Him, and to know that He is risen, you yourselves being risen in Him to newness of life. To know a crucified Saviour as having crucified all my sins, is a high degree of knowledge; but to know a risen Saviour as having justified me, and to realize that He has bestowed upon me new life, having given me to be a new creature through His own newness of life, this is a noble style of experience: short of it, none ought to rest satisfied. May you both "know Him, and the power of His resurrection." Why should souls who are quickened with Jesus, wear the grave-clothes of worldliness and unbelief? Rise, for the Lord is risen.Read More
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
November 22, 2009
Philippians 3:10
The doctrine of a risen Saviour is exceedingly precious. The resurrection is the corner-stone of the entire building of Christianity. It is the key-stone of the arch of our salvation. It would take a volume to set forth all the streams of living water which flow from t...his one sacred source, the resurrection of our dear Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; but to know that He has risen, and to have fellowship with Him as such—communing with the risen Saviour by possessing a risen life—seeing Him leave the tomb by leaving the tomb of worldliness ourselves, this is even still more precious. The doctrine is the basis of the experience, but as the flower is more lovely than the root, so is the experience of fellowship with the risen Saviour more lovely than the doctrine itself. I would have you believe that Christ rose from the dead so as to sing of it, and derive all the consolation which it is possible for you to extract from this well-ascertained and well-witnessed fact; but I beseech you, rest not contented even there. Though you cannot, like the disciples, see Him visibly, yet I bid you aspire to see Christ Jesus by the eye of faith; and though, like Mary Magdalene, you may not "touch" Him, yet may you be privileged to converse with Him, and to know that He is risen, you yourselves being risen in Him to newness of life. To know a crucified Saviour as having crucified all my sins, is a high degree of knowledge; but to know a risen Saviour as having justified me, and to realize that He has bestowed upon me new life, having given me to be a new creature through His own newness of life, this is a noble style of experience: short of it, none ought to rest satisfied. May you both "know Him, and the power of His resurrection." Why should souls who are quickened with Jesus, wear the grave-clothes of worldliness and unbelief? Rise, for the Lord is risen.Read More
The Secret of Forgiveness The God of Great Grace By Adam Edelstein (Posted on Christ in Tech website)
The Secret of Forgiveness
The God of Great Grace
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Christ in Tech website
November 17th, 2009
It’s not easy watching Jesus wash these feet.
To see the hands of God massaging the toes of men is, well … it’s not right. The disciples should be washing his feet. Nathanael should pour the water. Andrew should carry the towel. But they don’t. No one does. Rather than serve, they argue over which one is the greatest (Luke 22:24).
What disappointment their words must have brought Jesus.
“I’m the number one apostle.”
“No, I’m much more spiritual than you.”
“You guys are crazy. I brought more people to hear Jesus than anyone.”
As they argue, the basin sits in the corner, untouched. The towel lies on the floor, unused. The servant’s clothing hangs on the wall, unworn. Each disciple sees these things. Each disciple knows their purpose. But no one moves, except Jesus. As they bicker, he stands.
But he doesn’t speak. He removes his robe and takes the servant’s wrap off of the wall. Taking the pitcher, he pours the water into the basin. He kneels before them with the basin and sponge and begins to wash. The towel that covers his waist is also the towel that dries their feet.
It’s not right.
Isn’t it enough that these hands will be pierced in the morning? Must they scrub grime tonight? And the disciples … do they deserve to have their feet washed? Their affections have waned; their loyalties have wavered.
We want to say …
Look at John, Jesus. This is the same John who told you to destroy a city. The same John who demanded that you censure a Christ-follower who wasn’t in your group. Why are you washing his feet?
And James! Skip James. He wanted the seat of honor. He and his brother wanted special treatment. Don’t give it to him. Give him the towel. Let him wash his own feet. Let him learn a lesson.
And while you are at it, Jesus, you might as well skip Philip. He told you there wasn’t enough food to feed the large crowd. You tested him, and he flunked. You gave him the chance, and he blew it.
And Peter? Sure, these are the feet that walked on water, but they’re also the feet that thrashed about in the deep. He didn’t believe you. Sure he confessed you as the Christ, but he’s also the one who told you that you didn’t have to die. He doesn’t deserve to have his feet washed.
None of them do. When you were about to be stoned in Nazareth, did they come to your defense? When the Pharisees took up rocks to kill you, did they volunteer to take your place? You know what they have done.
And what’s more, you know what they are about to do!
You can already hear them snoring in the garden. They say they’ll stay awake, but they won’t. You’ll sweat blood; they’ll saw logs.
You can hear them sneaking away from the soldiers. They make promises tonight. They’ll make tracks tomorrow.
Look around the table, Jesus. Out of the twelve, how many will stand with you in Pilate’s court? How many will share with you the Roman whip? And when you fall under the weight of the cross, which disciple will be close enough to spring to your side and carry your burden?
None of them will. Not one. A stranger will be called because no disciple will be near.
Don’t wash their feet, Jesus. Tell them to wash yours.
That’s what we want to say. Why? Because of the injustice? Because we don’t want to see our King behaving as a servant? God on his hands and knees, his hair hanging around his face? Do we object because we don’t want to see God washing feet?
Or do we object because we don’t want to do the same?
Stop and think for a minute. Don’t we have some people like the disciples in our world?
Double-tongued promise-breakers. Fair-weather friends. What they said and what they did are two different things. Oh, maybe they didn’t leave you alone at the cross, but maybe they left you alone with the bills . . .
or your question
or your illness.
Or maybe you were just left at the altar,
or in the cold,
holding the bag.
Vows forgotten. Contract abandoned.
Logic says: “Put up your fists.”
Jesus says: “Fill up the basin.”
Logic says: “Bloody his nose.”
Jesus says: “Wash his feet.”
Logic says: “She doesn’t deserve it.”
Jesus says: “You’re right, but you don’t, either.”
I don’t understand how God can be so kind to us, but he is. He kneels before us, takes our feet in his hands, and washes them. Please understand that in washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus is washing ours. You and I are in this story. We are at the table. That’s us being cleansed, not from our dirt, but from our sins.
And the cleansing is not just a gesture; it is a necessity. Listen to what Jesus said: “If I don’t wash your feet, you are not one of my people” (John 13:8).
Jesus did not say, “If you don’t wash your feet.” Why not? Because we cannot. We cannot cleanse our own filth. We cannot remove our own sin. Our feet must be in his hands.
Don’t miss the meaning here. To place our feet in the basin of Jesus is to place the filthiest parts of our lives into his hands. In the ancient East, people’s feet were caked with mud and dirt. The servant of the feast saw to it that the feet were cleaned. Jesus is assuming the role of the servant. He will wash the grimiest part of your life.
If you let him. The water of the Servant comes only when we confess that we are dirty. Only when we confess that we are caked with filth, that we have walked forbidden trails and followed the wrong paths.
We tend to be proud like Peter and resist. “I’m not that dirty, Jesus. Just sprinkle a few drops on me and I’ll be fine.”
What a lie! “If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).
We will never be cleansed until we confess we are dirty. We will never be pure until we admit we are filthy. And we will never be able to wash the feet of those who have hurt us until we allow Jesus, the one we have hurt, to wash ours.
You see, that is the secret of forgiveness. You will never forgive anyone more than God has already forgiven you. Only by letting him wash your feet can you have strength to wash those of another.
Still hard to imagine? Is it still hard to consider the thought of forgiving the one who hurt you?
If so, go one more time to the room. Watch Jesus as he goes from disciple to disciple. Can you see him? Can you hear the water splash? Can you hear him shuffle on the floor to the next person? Good. Keep that image.
John 13:12 says, “When he had finished washing their feet …”
Please note, he finished washing their feet. That means he left no one out. Why is that important? Because that also means he washed the feet of Judas. Jesus washed the feet of his betrayer. He gave his traitor equal attention. In just a few hours Judas’s feet would guide the Roman guard to Jesus. But at this moment they are caressed by Christ.
That’s not to say it was easy for Jesus.
That’s not to say it is easy for you.
That is to say that God will never call you to do what he hasn’t already done.
I am the bread that gives life.
John 6:35
The God of Great Grace
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Christ in Tech website
November 17th, 2009
It’s not easy watching Jesus wash these feet.
To see the hands of God massaging the toes of men is, well … it’s not right. The disciples should be washing his feet. Nathanael should pour the water. Andrew should carry the towel. But they don’t. No one does. Rather than serve, they argue over which one is the greatest (Luke 22:24).
What disappointment their words must have brought Jesus.
“I’m the number one apostle.”
“No, I’m much more spiritual than you.”
“You guys are crazy. I brought more people to hear Jesus than anyone.”
As they argue, the basin sits in the corner, untouched. The towel lies on the floor, unused. The servant’s clothing hangs on the wall, unworn. Each disciple sees these things. Each disciple knows their purpose. But no one moves, except Jesus. As they bicker, he stands.
But he doesn’t speak. He removes his robe and takes the servant’s wrap off of the wall. Taking the pitcher, he pours the water into the basin. He kneels before them with the basin and sponge and begins to wash. The towel that covers his waist is also the towel that dries their feet.
It’s not right.
Isn’t it enough that these hands will be pierced in the morning? Must they scrub grime tonight? And the disciples … do they deserve to have their feet washed? Their affections have waned; their loyalties have wavered.
We want to say …
Look at John, Jesus. This is the same John who told you to destroy a city. The same John who demanded that you censure a Christ-follower who wasn’t in your group. Why are you washing his feet?
And James! Skip James. He wanted the seat of honor. He and his brother wanted special treatment. Don’t give it to him. Give him the towel. Let him wash his own feet. Let him learn a lesson.
And while you are at it, Jesus, you might as well skip Philip. He told you there wasn’t enough food to feed the large crowd. You tested him, and he flunked. You gave him the chance, and he blew it.
And Peter? Sure, these are the feet that walked on water, but they’re also the feet that thrashed about in the deep. He didn’t believe you. Sure he confessed you as the Christ, but he’s also the one who told you that you didn’t have to die. He doesn’t deserve to have his feet washed.
None of them do. When you were about to be stoned in Nazareth, did they come to your defense? When the Pharisees took up rocks to kill you, did they volunteer to take your place? You know what they have done.
And what’s more, you know what they are about to do!
You can already hear them snoring in the garden. They say they’ll stay awake, but they won’t. You’ll sweat blood; they’ll saw logs.
You can hear them sneaking away from the soldiers. They make promises tonight. They’ll make tracks tomorrow.
Look around the table, Jesus. Out of the twelve, how many will stand with you in Pilate’s court? How many will share with you the Roman whip? And when you fall under the weight of the cross, which disciple will be close enough to spring to your side and carry your burden?
None of them will. Not one. A stranger will be called because no disciple will be near.
Don’t wash their feet, Jesus. Tell them to wash yours.
That’s what we want to say. Why? Because of the injustice? Because we don’t want to see our King behaving as a servant? God on his hands and knees, his hair hanging around his face? Do we object because we don’t want to see God washing feet?
Or do we object because we don’t want to do the same?
Stop and think for a minute. Don’t we have some people like the disciples in our world?
Double-tongued promise-breakers. Fair-weather friends. What they said and what they did are two different things. Oh, maybe they didn’t leave you alone at the cross, but maybe they left you alone with the bills . . .
or your question
or your illness.
Or maybe you were just left at the altar,
or in the cold,
holding the bag.
Vows forgotten. Contract abandoned.
Logic says: “Put up your fists.”
Jesus says: “Fill up the basin.”
Logic says: “Bloody his nose.”
Jesus says: “Wash his feet.”
Logic says: “She doesn’t deserve it.”
Jesus says: “You’re right, but you don’t, either.”
I don’t understand how God can be so kind to us, but he is. He kneels before us, takes our feet in his hands, and washes them. Please understand that in washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus is washing ours. You and I are in this story. We are at the table. That’s us being cleansed, not from our dirt, but from our sins.
And the cleansing is not just a gesture; it is a necessity. Listen to what Jesus said: “If I don’t wash your feet, you are not one of my people” (John 13:8).
Jesus did not say, “If you don’t wash your feet.” Why not? Because we cannot. We cannot cleanse our own filth. We cannot remove our own sin. Our feet must be in his hands.
Don’t miss the meaning here. To place our feet in the basin of Jesus is to place the filthiest parts of our lives into his hands. In the ancient East, people’s feet were caked with mud and dirt. The servant of the feast saw to it that the feet were cleaned. Jesus is assuming the role of the servant. He will wash the grimiest part of your life.
If you let him. The water of the Servant comes only when we confess that we are dirty. Only when we confess that we are caked with filth, that we have walked forbidden trails and followed the wrong paths.
We tend to be proud like Peter and resist. “I’m not that dirty, Jesus. Just sprinkle a few drops on me and I’ll be fine.”
What a lie! “If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).
We will never be cleansed until we confess we are dirty. We will never be pure until we admit we are filthy. And we will never be able to wash the feet of those who have hurt us until we allow Jesus, the one we have hurt, to wash ours.
You see, that is the secret of forgiveness. You will never forgive anyone more than God has already forgiven you. Only by letting him wash your feet can you have strength to wash those of another.
Still hard to imagine? Is it still hard to consider the thought of forgiving the one who hurt you?
If so, go one more time to the room. Watch Jesus as he goes from disciple to disciple. Can you see him? Can you hear the water splash? Can you hear him shuffle on the floor to the next person? Good. Keep that image.
John 13:12 says, “When he had finished washing their feet …”
Please note, he finished washing their feet. That means he left no one out. Why is that important? Because that also means he washed the feet of Judas. Jesus washed the feet of his betrayer. He gave his traitor equal attention. In just a few hours Judas’s feet would guide the Roman guard to Jesus. But at this moment they are caressed by Christ.
That’s not to say it was easy for Jesus.
That’s not to say it is easy for you.
That is to say that God will never call you to do what he hasn’t already done.
I am the bread that gives life.
John 6:35
SYMBOL OF OUR PROMISES by Robert Soto (Posted on an email from Words from the Creator)
SYMBOL OF OUR PROMISES
By Robert Soto
Posted on an email from Words from the Creator
November 14, 2009
Joshua 21:45 "Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled."
Apaches wore symbols around them to remind them of things they said or promised. They would wear things on them or around them to remind them of promises or oaths they had taken before the people and before God the Creator. When General Miles and Geronimo met and took an oath Geronimo said, "We raised our hands to heaven and said that the treaty was not to be broken." I'm not sure whose idea it was to raise their hands as a symbol of keeping their promise. Whether it was an Apache tradition or a symbol of General Miles' Christianity, I don't know. But I do know that symbols of peoples' promises have been given throughout history. Today we shake hands when we give a promise. We sign contracts or exchange gifts. Among some of our people a pipe was smoked as a symbol that a promise was meant to be kept. Regardless, with Geronimo that day, they raised their hands in the air as a symbol that all that was laid on the table that day was going to be kept by both parties.
The problem was the cultural difference between both. How do you deal with a people whose word was their word which was meant to be kept when you come from a people who would say and do whatever was needed to get what they wanted? Yet whether General Miles intended to keep his promises or not did not matter, because God the Creator had stated what we would call a God-given truth, that if God the Creator gave us an example of the keeping of a promise, He expected us to do the same. Joshua wrote the following about God. He said, "Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." In the end the symbol of the promise is not as important as the fact that God the Creator will always keep His word. He has given us an example, so we need to do likewise.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
By Robert Soto
Posted on an email from Words from the Creator
November 14, 2009
Joshua 21:45 "Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled."
Apaches wore symbols around them to remind them of things they said or promised. They would wear things on them or around them to remind them of promises or oaths they had taken before the people and before God the Creator. When General Miles and Geronimo met and took an oath Geronimo said, "We raised our hands to heaven and said that the treaty was not to be broken." I'm not sure whose idea it was to raise their hands as a symbol of keeping their promise. Whether it was an Apache tradition or a symbol of General Miles' Christianity, I don't know. But I do know that symbols of peoples' promises have been given throughout history. Today we shake hands when we give a promise. We sign contracts or exchange gifts. Among some of our people a pipe was smoked as a symbol that a promise was meant to be kept. Regardless, with Geronimo that day, they raised their hands in the air as a symbol that all that was laid on the table that day was going to be kept by both parties.
The problem was the cultural difference between both. How do you deal with a people whose word was their word which was meant to be kept when you come from a people who would say and do whatever was needed to get what they wanted? Yet whether General Miles intended to keep his promises or not did not matter, because God the Creator had stated what we would call a God-given truth, that if God the Creator gave us an example of the keeping of a promise, He expected us to do the same. Joshua wrote the following about God. He said, "Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." In the end the symbol of the promise is not as important as the fact that God the Creator will always keep His word. He has given us an example, so we need to do likewise.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Servants Maintain a Low Profile by Rick Warren (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
Servants Maintain a Low Profile
By Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 22, 2009
by Rick Warren
And all of you must put on the apron of humility, to serve one another; for the scripture says, "God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5 (TEV)
Real servants maintain a low profile. Servants don't promote or call attention to themselves. Instead of acting to impress and dressing for success, they "put on the apron of humility, to serve one another" (1 Peter 5:5 TEV).
If recognized for their service, they humbly accept it but don't allow notoriety to distract them from their work. Paul exposed a kind of service that appears to be spiritual but is really just a put-on, a show, an act to get attention. He called it "eyeservice," serving in order to impress people with how spiritual we are (Ephesians 6:6 KJV; Colossians 3:22 KJV).
This was a sin of the Pharisees. They turned helping others, giving, and even prayer into a performance for others. Jesus hated this attitude and warned, "When you do good deeds, don't try to show off. If you do, you won't get a reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1 CEV).
Self-promotion and servanthood don't mix. Real servants don't serve for the approval or applause of others. They live for an audience of One. As Paul said, "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10 NIV).
You won't find many real servants in the limelight; in fact, they avoid it whenever possible. They are content with quietly serving in the shadows.
Joseph is a great example. He didn't draw attention to himself, but quietly served Potiphar, then his jailer, then Pharaoh's baker and wine taster, and God blessed that attitude. When Pharaoh promoted him to prominence, Joseph still maintained a servant's heart, even with his brothers, who had betrayed him.
Unfortunately, many leaders today start off as servants but end up as celebrities. They become addicted to attention, unaware that always being in the spotlight blinds you.
You may be serving in obscurity in some small place, feeling unknown and unappreciated. Listen: God put you where you are for a purpose! He has every hair on your head numbered, and he knows your address.
By Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 22, 2009
by Rick Warren
And all of you must put on the apron of humility, to serve one another; for the scripture says, "God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5 (TEV)
Real servants maintain a low profile. Servants don't promote or call attention to themselves. Instead of acting to impress and dressing for success, they "put on the apron of humility, to serve one another" (1 Peter 5:5 TEV).
If recognized for their service, they humbly accept it but don't allow notoriety to distract them from their work. Paul exposed a kind of service that appears to be spiritual but is really just a put-on, a show, an act to get attention. He called it "eyeservice," serving in order to impress people with how spiritual we are (Ephesians 6:6 KJV; Colossians 3:22 KJV).
This was a sin of the Pharisees. They turned helping others, giving, and even prayer into a performance for others. Jesus hated this attitude and warned, "When you do good deeds, don't try to show off. If you do, you won't get a reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1 CEV).
Self-promotion and servanthood don't mix. Real servants don't serve for the approval or applause of others. They live for an audience of One. As Paul said, "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10 NIV).
You won't find many real servants in the limelight; in fact, they avoid it whenever possible. They are content with quietly serving in the shadows.
Joseph is a great example. He didn't draw attention to himself, but quietly served Potiphar, then his jailer, then Pharaoh's baker and wine taster, and God blessed that attitude. When Pharaoh promoted him to prominence, Joseph still maintained a servant's heart, even with his brothers, who had betrayed him.
Unfortunately, many leaders today start off as servants but end up as celebrities. They become addicted to attention, unaware that always being in the spotlight blinds you.
You may be serving in obscurity in some small place, feeling unknown and unappreciated. Listen: God put you where you are for a purpose! He has every hair on your head numbered, and he knows your address.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Will You be Ready...? By Adam Edelstein (Posted on Facebook)
Will You be Ready...?
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
November 20, 2009
Black clouds darken the sky while the battle lines are drawn,
You must choose your side in the war 'tween right and wrong.
My Commander in this fight is the Lord Jesus Christ,
My reward when the battle is won is to be His bride.
Our strength is in our Savior and our faith in Him,
It's our sacred duty to help all of those lost in sin.
Keep your eyes on Him and His love in your heart,
Even in the darkest hour, from you He will not part.
Our enemy, satan, is the prince of lies,
He feeds on lust and misery and lost peoples cries.
He is ever sneaky, creeping in our homes,
We must be ever diligent and never fight him alone.
We need the Kings Great Power, His Awesome, Holy Word.
When you use this armor, the devils attempts are absurd!
The devil will use your family and friends to get to you,
when he does you know what you must surely do.
Pray for guidance bretheren, God is always with you,
The one who truly loves you is the one to see you through.
One sweet day My God will come, perhaps He comes today,
Will we all be ready , when it's time to fly away?
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
November 20, 2009
Black clouds darken the sky while the battle lines are drawn,
You must choose your side in the war 'tween right and wrong.
My Commander in this fight is the Lord Jesus Christ,
My reward when the battle is won is to be His bride.
Our strength is in our Savior and our faith in Him,
It's our sacred duty to help all of those lost in sin.
Keep your eyes on Him and His love in your heart,
Even in the darkest hour, from you He will not part.
Our enemy, satan, is the prince of lies,
He feeds on lust and misery and lost peoples cries.
He is ever sneaky, creeping in our homes,
We must be ever diligent and never fight him alone.
We need the Kings Great Power, His Awesome, Holy Word.
When you use this armor, the devils attempts are absurd!
The devil will use your family and friends to get to you,
when he does you know what you must surely do.
Pray for guidance bretheren, God is always with you,
The one who truly loves you is the one to see you through.
One sweet day My God will come, perhaps He comes today,
Will we all be ready , when it's time to fly away?
SEEING WITH SINCERITY by Robert Soto (Posted on an email from Words from the Creator)
SEEING WITH SINCERITY
By Robert Soto
Posted on an email from Words from the Creator
November 13, 2009
1 Peter 1:22 "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart."
Sincerity goes a long ways. With sincerity comes the whole issue of faith and trust in an individual. One who believes that the person who is speaking is sincere in his promise, and is able to do what he promises or says he will do. As Geronimo and General Miles met, it was clear that General Miles wanted more than just to know who Geronimo was; he wanted to understand him. As Geronimo recalled the meeting he had with General Miles he wrote, "So General Miles told me how we could be brothers to each other. We raised our hands to heaven and said that the treaty was not to be broken." I don't know if General Miles meant to keep his word, but to an Apache his word was his word. We look at the sounds that come out of a man's mouth that we call words and we believe them. A man's word is like a written contract; we believe and we trust.
A sincere heart - what does it mean to have a sincere heart? I have been promised a lot in life and many times as sincere as a person was, I discovered that sincerity did not come in the form of actions but just words that meant nothing but empty sound. Peter said, "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." Sincerity comes from a pure heart and a pure heart comes from obeying the truth. When we saturate ourselves with the truth we start seeing things and people the way God the Creator sees them. Your character becomes more like God's character so that you start loving others with a sincere love, a love that cannot be broken. Unfortunately, much of what was promised by General Miles did not happen. He might have desired to keep his promises, but he was only the servant of a system that would never - and even today still cannot see our people the way God the Creator see us, with sincere love.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
By Robert Soto
Posted on an email from Words from the Creator
November 13, 2009
1 Peter 1:22 "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart."
Sincerity goes a long ways. With sincerity comes the whole issue of faith and trust in an individual. One who believes that the person who is speaking is sincere in his promise, and is able to do what he promises or says he will do. As Geronimo and General Miles met, it was clear that General Miles wanted more than just to know who Geronimo was; he wanted to understand him. As Geronimo recalled the meeting he had with General Miles he wrote, "So General Miles told me how we could be brothers to each other. We raised our hands to heaven and said that the treaty was not to be broken." I don't know if General Miles meant to keep his word, but to an Apache his word was his word. We look at the sounds that come out of a man's mouth that we call words and we believe them. A man's word is like a written contract; we believe and we trust.
A sincere heart - what does it mean to have a sincere heart? I have been promised a lot in life and many times as sincere as a person was, I discovered that sincerity did not come in the form of actions but just words that meant nothing but empty sound. Peter said, "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart." Sincerity comes from a pure heart and a pure heart comes from obeying the truth. When we saturate ourselves with the truth we start seeing things and people the way God the Creator sees them. Your character becomes more like God's character so that you start loving others with a sincere love, a love that cannot be broken. Unfortunately, much of what was promised by General Miles did not happen. He might have desired to keep his promises, but he was only the servant of a system that would never - and even today still cannot see our people the way God the Creator see us, with sincere love.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Friday, November 20, 2009
WORDS THAT WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN by Robert Soto (Posted on an email from Words from the Creator)
WORDS THAT WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN
By Robert Soto
Posted on an email from Words from the Creator
November 12, 2009
Matthew 12:36-37 "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
I remember one day going to the bank to attempt to get a loan to buy a van. When that loan agent asked what I did for a living I told him I was a pastor. He said, "Oh, one of the three "P's" that we do not lend money to?" It caught me by surprise so I said, "What was that?" Then he said, "You have heard of the three "P's" that you cannot trust or lend money to? They are politicians, policemen and preachers." Well, I remember when I was a little boy we were hired by my dad to spread flyers advertising the Christmas specials in the store. While we were there a politician asked us to put his political flyer in my Dad's flyer and he would be waiting at the end of a certain street with the money. He promised five cents for every flyer we delivered. When we finished we went to the corner he told us to meet him at and as expected, he never showed up and of course we never got our money. When I told my dad about it he looked at me and said, "Son, never trust a politician; they never keep their word." Words I have never forgotten and that I am reminded of when a politician will say whatever it takes to get elected and them go back on his word.
I guess that was a lesson Geronimo learned early in his life: who can trust the government? Just as they say whatever it takes to get elected, so they will continue to say whatever it takes to get what they want. General Miles told Geronimo, "The President of the United States has sent me to speak to you. He has heard of your trouble with the white men, and says that if you will agree to a few words of treaty we need have no more trouble. Geronimo, if you will agree to a few words of treaty all will be satisfactorily arranged." It seemed that when it came to our people, promises and treaties were made but never meant to be kept. But one thing one must remember is that there is a God who cares about the words we speak and promise. There is a God who will hold man to account for the countless treaties they have broken. Jesus said, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." One day our government, our politicians and even we ourselves will have to be accountable for all the broken words we've spoken.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
By Robert Soto
Posted on an email from Words from the Creator
November 12, 2009
Matthew 12:36-37 "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
I remember one day going to the bank to attempt to get a loan to buy a van. When that loan agent asked what I did for a living I told him I was a pastor. He said, "Oh, one of the three "P's" that we do not lend money to?" It caught me by surprise so I said, "What was that?" Then he said, "You have heard of the three "P's" that you cannot trust or lend money to? They are politicians, policemen and preachers." Well, I remember when I was a little boy we were hired by my dad to spread flyers advertising the Christmas specials in the store. While we were there a politician asked us to put his political flyer in my Dad's flyer and he would be waiting at the end of a certain street with the money. He promised five cents for every flyer we delivered. When we finished we went to the corner he told us to meet him at and as expected, he never showed up and of course we never got our money. When I told my dad about it he looked at me and said, "Son, never trust a politician; they never keep their word." Words I have never forgotten and that I am reminded of when a politician will say whatever it takes to get elected and them go back on his word.
I guess that was a lesson Geronimo learned early in his life: who can trust the government? Just as they say whatever it takes to get elected, so they will continue to say whatever it takes to get what they want. General Miles told Geronimo, "The President of the United States has sent me to speak to you. He has heard of your trouble with the white men, and says that if you will agree to a few words of treaty we need have no more trouble. Geronimo, if you will agree to a few words of treaty all will be satisfactorily arranged." It seemed that when it came to our people, promises and treaties were made but never meant to be kept. But one thing one must remember is that there is a God who cares about the words we speak and promise. There is a God who will hold man to account for the countless treaties they have broken. Jesus said, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." One day our government, our politicians and even we ourselves will have to be accountable for all the broken words we've spoken.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Get Ready!!! By Adam Edelstein (Posted on Facebook)
Get Ready!!!
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
November 20, 2009
What a day that will be.
When my Jesus I shall see.
He will take me by the hand
And lead me to the promise land.
When I look upon his face
It shines with his amazing grace.
God is King, who makes our hearts ring!
Please don't wait tomorrow may be... too late!
Accept him today
This is my plead..
So please don't stray.
For God said he come back to raptured his saints away..
For this is what the Bible say:
If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth
that Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead you shall be saved!
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
November 20, 2009
What a day that will be.
When my Jesus I shall see.
He will take me by the hand
And lead me to the promise land.
When I look upon his face
It shines with his amazing grace.
God is King, who makes our hearts ring!
Please don't wait tomorrow may be... too late!
Accept him today
This is my plead..
So please don't stray.
For God said he come back to raptured his saints away..
For this is what the Bible say:
If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth
that Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead you shall be saved!
A PROCLAMATION OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS By Robert Soto (Published in an email from Words From the Creator)
A PROCLAMATION OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS
By Robert Soto
Published in an email from Words From the Creator
November 20, 2009
Psalm 50:6 "And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge."
It's hard to imagine a righteous God when bad things are happening all over the world. I try to imagine what was going on in the minds of our people as they kept seeing one band after another band being conquered by the United States Army and being thrown onto reservations that could not even sustain animal life. As they saw their children starve and die of diseases that we had no immunity for. I try to imagine how they felt as they saw loved ones die, and the land they loved so dearly disappear from their hands forever. I wonder how their faith continued in a God that maybe they felt had abandoned them. I wonder where their faith in God the Creator went to. I know that at one point Geronimo looked to some of his men and said that the God of the Whites was more powerful than their God since He had allowed all this to happen.
Most of us say we have faith in God. Most of us would say that our faith would not waver. But the real test of our faith is not what comes out of our mouth when all is going well, but what comes out of our heart when our world seems to be falling apart. That is where our faith in God is shown, and the reality of the words we repeat and say we believe about God are revealed. David said, "And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge." The Creation understands the concept of God and His righteous acts better than mankind which was created in the image of God the Creator. The Creation understands that the acts of God are righteous because God is righteous in all He does. The Creation has a better understanding of a God who is not only a righteous God but in view of His righteousness, He is also a God of justice who judges every aspect of man and his creation. What kind of God do you love? What kind of God do you worship? What kind of God do you claim to know and honor? In all that God is, just remember that God is righteous in all He does, whether the situation is to our favor or not.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
By Robert Soto
Published in an email from Words From the Creator
November 20, 2009
Psalm 50:6 "And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge."
It's hard to imagine a righteous God when bad things are happening all over the world. I try to imagine what was going on in the minds of our people as they kept seeing one band after another band being conquered by the United States Army and being thrown onto reservations that could not even sustain animal life. As they saw their children starve and die of diseases that we had no immunity for. I try to imagine how they felt as they saw loved ones die, and the land they loved so dearly disappear from their hands forever. I wonder how their faith continued in a God that maybe they felt had abandoned them. I wonder where their faith in God the Creator went to. I know that at one point Geronimo looked to some of his men and said that the God of the Whites was more powerful than their God since He had allowed all this to happen.
Most of us say we have faith in God. Most of us would say that our faith would not waver. But the real test of our faith is not what comes out of our mouth when all is going well, but what comes out of our heart when our world seems to be falling apart. That is where our faith in God is shown, and the reality of the words we repeat and say we believe about God are revealed. David said, "And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge." The Creation understands the concept of God and His righteous acts better than mankind which was created in the image of God the Creator. The Creation understands that the acts of God are righteous because God is righteous in all He does. The Creation has a better understanding of a God who is not only a righteous God but in view of His righteousness, He is also a God of justice who judges every aspect of man and his creation. What kind of God do you love? What kind of God do you worship? What kind of God do you claim to know and honor? In all that God is, just remember that God is righteous in all He does, whether the situation is to our favor or not.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thanksgiving -by Dr. Blackaby of Blackaby Ministries (Available on the BMI website)
Thanksgiving
By Dr. Blackaby of Blackaby Ministries
Available on the BMI website:
http://www.blackaby.org/devarchive.asp
Thursday, November 19, 2009
For this article, please go to the following link:
http://www.blackaby.org/devarchive.asp
By Dr. Blackaby of Blackaby Ministries
Available on the BMI website:
http://www.blackaby.org/devarchive.asp
Thursday, November 19, 2009
For this article, please go to the following link:
http://www.blackaby.org/devarchive.asp
Never Let Prayer Become a Routine..What if God Spoke During Your Prayer... By Adam Edelstein (Posted on Facebook)
Never Let Prayer Become a Routine..What if God Spoke During Your Prayer...
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
"Our Father which art in heaven....."
---Yes.
Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.
---But you called me.
Called you? I didn't call you. I'm praying. "Our
Father which art in heaven....."
---There you did it again.
Did What?
---Called me. You said, "Our Father which art in heaven."
Here I am.....What's on your mind?
But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just
saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer.
It makes me feel good, kind of like getting a duty done.
---All right. Go on.
"Hallowed be thy name....."
---Hold it. What do you mean by that?
By what?
---By "Hallowed be thy name"?
It means.....it means.....Good grief, I don't know what
it means. How should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the
way, what does it mean?
---It means Honored, Holy, Wonderful.
Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what
"hallowed" meant before. "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth
as it is in heaven."
---Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
---What are you doing about it?
Doing? Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind
of neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there.
---Have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church.
---That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper?
You've really got a problem there, you know. And then
there's the way you spend your money
---all on yourself. And what
about the kind of books you read?
Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the
rest of those people at the church.
---Excuse me. I thought you were praying for my will to
be done. It that is to happen, it will have to start with
the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.
Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now
that you mention it, I could probably name some others.
---So could I
I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I
really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to,
you know, be really free.
---Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work
together, you and I. Some victories can truly be won. I'm proud of you.
Look, Lord, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer
than it usually does. "Give us this day, our daily bread."
---You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this, "Criticize me day"?
Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break
in and remind me of all my hang-ups.
---Praying is a dangerous thing. You could wind up changed,
you know. That's what I'm trying to get across to you.
You called me, and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep
praying, I'm interested in the next part of your prayer.....(pause).
Well, go on.
I'm scared to.
---Scared? Of what?
I know what you'll say.
---Try me and see.
"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."
---What about Ann?
See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why
Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories about my family. She
never paid back the debt she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!
---But your prayer? What about your prayer?
I didn't mean it.
---Well, at least you're honest. But it's not much fun
carrying that load of bitterness around inside, is it?
No. But I'll feel better soon as I get even. Boy, have
I got some plans for that neighbor. She'll wish she had never
moved into this neighborhood.
---You won't feel any better. You'll feel worse.
Revenge isn't sweet. Think of how unhappy you already are. But
I can change all that.
You can? How?
---Forgive Ann. Then I'll forgive you. Then the hate
and sin will be Ann's problem and not yours. You will have
settled your heart.
Oh, you're right. You always are. And more than I want
to revenge Ann, I want to be right with you.....(pause).....(sigh).
All right. All right. I forgive her. Help her to find the right
road in life, Lord. She's bound to be awfully miserable now that I
think about it. Anybody who goes around doing the things she does to
others has to be out of it. Someway, somehow, show her the right way.
---There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?
Hmmmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all. In fact, I
feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll have to go to bed
uptight tonight for the first time since I can remember. Maybe I won't
be so tired from now on because I'm not getting enough rest.
---You're not through with your prayer. Go on.
Oh, all right. "And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil."
---Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself
in a place where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?
---Don't turn on the TV when you know the laundry needs
to be done and the house needs to be picked up. Also, about
the time you spend coffeeing with your friends, if you can't
influence the conversation to positive things, perhaps you should
re-think the value of those friendships. Another thing, your neighbors and
friends shouldn't be your standard for "keeping up". And please
don't use me for an escape hatch.
I don't understand the last part.
---Sure you do. You've done it a lot of times. You get
caught in a bad situation. You get into trouble and
then you come running to me, "Lord, help me out of this mess, and I
promise you I'll never do it again." You remember some of those bargains
you tried to make with me?
Yes and I'm ashamed, Lord. I really am.
---Which bargain are you remembering?
Well, there was the night that Bill was gone and the
children and I were home alone. The wind was blowing so hard I thought
the roof would go any minute and tornado warnings were out. I
remember praying, "Oh God, if you spare us, I'll never skip my
devotions again."
---I protected you, but you didn't keep your promise, did you?
I'm sorry, Lord, I really am. Up until now I thought
that if I just prayed the Lord's Prayer every day, then I could do what
I liked. I didn't expect anything to happen like it did.
---Go ahead and finish your prayer.
"For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory
forever." Amen
---Do you know what would bring me glory? What would
really make me happy?
No, but I'd like to know. I want now to please you. I
can see what a mess I've made of my life. And I can see how great it
would be to really be one of your followers.
---You just answered the question.
I did?
---Yes. The thing that would bring me glory is to have
people like you truly love me. And I see that happening
between us. Now that some of these old sins are exposed and out of the
way, well, there is no telling what we can do together.
Lord, let's see what we can make of me, O.K.?
---Yes, let's see.
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
"Our Father which art in heaven....."
---Yes.
Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.
---But you called me.
Called you? I didn't call you. I'm praying. "Our
Father which art in heaven....."
---There you did it again.
Did What?
---Called me. You said, "Our Father which art in heaven."
Here I am.....What's on your mind?
But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just
saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer.
It makes me feel good, kind of like getting a duty done.
---All right. Go on.
"Hallowed be thy name....."
---Hold it. What do you mean by that?
By what?
---By "Hallowed be thy name"?
It means.....it means.....Good grief, I don't know what
it means. How should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the
way, what does it mean?
---It means Honored, Holy, Wonderful.
Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what
"hallowed" meant before. "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth
as it is in heaven."
---Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
---What are you doing about it?
Doing? Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind
of neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there.
---Have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church.
---That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper?
You've really got a problem there, you know. And then
there's the way you spend your money
---all on yourself. And what
about the kind of books you read?
Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the
rest of those people at the church.
---Excuse me. I thought you were praying for my will to
be done. It that is to happen, it will have to start with
the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.
Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now
that you mention it, I could probably name some others.
---So could I
I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I
really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to,
you know, be really free.
---Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work
together, you and I. Some victories can truly be won. I'm proud of you.
Look, Lord, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer
than it usually does. "Give us this day, our daily bread."
---You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight as it is.
Hey, wait a minute! What is this, "Criticize me day"?
Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break
in and remind me of all my hang-ups.
---Praying is a dangerous thing. You could wind up changed,
you know. That's what I'm trying to get across to you.
You called me, and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep
praying, I'm interested in the next part of your prayer.....(pause).
Well, go on.
I'm scared to.
---Scared? Of what?
I know what you'll say.
---Try me and see.
"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."
---What about Ann?
See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why
Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories about my family. She
never paid back the debt she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!
---But your prayer? What about your prayer?
I didn't mean it.
---Well, at least you're honest. But it's not much fun
carrying that load of bitterness around inside, is it?
No. But I'll feel better soon as I get even. Boy, have
I got some plans for that neighbor. She'll wish she had never
moved into this neighborhood.
---You won't feel any better. You'll feel worse.
Revenge isn't sweet. Think of how unhappy you already are. But
I can change all that.
You can? How?
---Forgive Ann. Then I'll forgive you. Then the hate
and sin will be Ann's problem and not yours. You will have
settled your heart.
Oh, you're right. You always are. And more than I want
to revenge Ann, I want to be right with you.....(pause).....(sigh).
All right. All right. I forgive her. Help her to find the right
road in life, Lord. She's bound to be awfully miserable now that I
think about it. Anybody who goes around doing the things she does to
others has to be out of it. Someway, somehow, show her the right way.
---There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?
Hmmmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all. In fact, I
feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll have to go to bed
uptight tonight for the first time since I can remember. Maybe I won't
be so tired from now on because I'm not getting enough rest.
---You're not through with your prayer. Go on.
Oh, all right. "And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil."
---Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself
in a place where you can be tempted.
What do you mean by that?
---Don't turn on the TV when you know the laundry needs
to be done and the house needs to be picked up. Also, about
the time you spend coffeeing with your friends, if you can't
influence the conversation to positive things, perhaps you should
re-think the value of those friendships. Another thing, your neighbors and
friends shouldn't be your standard for "keeping up". And please
don't use me for an escape hatch.
I don't understand the last part.
---Sure you do. You've done it a lot of times. You get
caught in a bad situation. You get into trouble and
then you come running to me, "Lord, help me out of this mess, and I
promise you I'll never do it again." You remember some of those bargains
you tried to make with me?
Yes and I'm ashamed, Lord. I really am.
---Which bargain are you remembering?
Well, there was the night that Bill was gone and the
children and I were home alone. The wind was blowing so hard I thought
the roof would go any minute and tornado warnings were out. I
remember praying, "Oh God, if you spare us, I'll never skip my
devotions again."
---I protected you, but you didn't keep your promise, did you?
I'm sorry, Lord, I really am. Up until now I thought
that if I just prayed the Lord's Prayer every day, then I could do what
I liked. I didn't expect anything to happen like it did.
---Go ahead and finish your prayer.
"For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory
forever." Amen
---Do you know what would bring me glory? What would
really make me happy?
No, but I'd like to know. I want now to please you. I
can see what a mess I've made of my life. And I can see how great it
would be to really be one of your followers.
---You just answered the question.
I did?
---Yes. The thing that would bring me glory is to have
people like you truly love me. And I see that happening
between us. Now that some of these old sins are exposed and out of the
way, well, there is no telling what we can do together.
Lord, let's see what we can make of me, O.K.?
---Yes, let's see.
THE LORD CREATOR REIGNS By Robert Soto (Published in an email from Words From the Creator)
THE LORD CREATOR REIGNS
By Robert Soto
Published in an email from Words From the Creator
November 19, 2009
I Chronicles 16:31 "Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!"
So when we say that the creation speaks about God the Creator, what is the creation saying? The problem is that most of are too busy to hear. We are too satisfied with the concrete forests that we have created. For one thing the creation declares is that God is in control. No matter how much we try to ignore the Creator around us, from time to time He reminds us that He is still in control. We build our mansion in the forest thinking we have it all under control because we now control the forest. Then a forest fire comes and destroys our meager efforts. We build our homes along the seashore and put all sorts of barriers only to have them knocked down by a hurricane. We build our homes and we look at them with great satisfaction and He brings earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, landslides and the list could go on and on.
Yet Samuel looked at all that goes on in this earth and then wrote, "Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!" We might ignore the heavens and we might ignore the earth, but we cannot ignore God. God the Creator still reigns over the affairs of mankind and from time to time God the Creator comes around and reminds us that He is still in total control of our lives and everything around us. He reminds us that in His eternal power He is still in control, and compared to the power of the Creator we are nothing. He knocks our pride to nothing and He brings our hearts into total perspective as to who He is. God the Creator, He is God and He reigns over the affairs of mankind.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
By Robert Soto
Published in an email from Words From the Creator
November 19, 2009
I Chronicles 16:31 "Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!"
So when we say that the creation speaks about God the Creator, what is the creation saying? The problem is that most of are too busy to hear. We are too satisfied with the concrete forests that we have created. For one thing the creation declares is that God is in control. No matter how much we try to ignore the Creator around us, from time to time He reminds us that He is still in control. We build our mansion in the forest thinking we have it all under control because we now control the forest. Then a forest fire comes and destroys our meager efforts. We build our homes along the seashore and put all sorts of barriers only to have them knocked down by a hurricane. We build our homes and we look at them with great satisfaction and He brings earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, landslides and the list could go on and on.
Yet Samuel looked at all that goes on in this earth and then wrote, "Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!" We might ignore the heavens and we might ignore the earth, but we cannot ignore God. God the Creator still reigns over the affairs of mankind and from time to time God the Creator comes around and reminds us that He is still in total control of our lives and everything around us. He reminds us that in His eternal power He is still in control, and compared to the power of the Creator we are nothing. He knocks our pride to nothing and He brings our hearts into total perspective as to who He is. God the Creator, He is God and He reigns over the affairs of mankind.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Real Servants Pay Attention by Rick Warren (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
Real Servants Pay Attention
By Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 18, 2009
"Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now." (Proverbs 3:28 TEV).
Real servants pay attention to needs. Servants are always on the lookout for ways to help others. When they see a need, they seize the moment to meet it, just as the Bible commands us: "Whenever we have the opportunity, we have to do what is good for everyone, especially for the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10 GWT).
When God puts someone in need right in front of you, he is giving you the opportunity to grow in servanthood. Notice that God says the needs of your church family are to be given preference, not put at the bottom of your "things to do" list.
We miss many occasions for serving because we lack sensitivity and spontaneity. Great opportunities to serve never last long. They pass quickly, sometimes never to return again. You may only get one chance to serve that person, so take advantage of the moment.
"Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now" (Proverbs 3:28 TEV).
John Wesley was an incredible servant of God. His motto was:
"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can."
That is greatness. You can begin by looking for small tasks that no one else wants to do. Do these little things as if they were great things, because God is watching.
By Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 18, 2009
"Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now." (Proverbs 3:28 TEV).
Real servants pay attention to needs. Servants are always on the lookout for ways to help others. When they see a need, they seize the moment to meet it, just as the Bible commands us: "Whenever we have the opportunity, we have to do what is good for everyone, especially for the family of believers" (Galatians 6:10 GWT).
When God puts someone in need right in front of you, he is giving you the opportunity to grow in servanthood. Notice that God says the needs of your church family are to be given preference, not put at the bottom of your "things to do" list.
We miss many occasions for serving because we lack sensitivity and spontaneity. Great opportunities to serve never last long. They pass quickly, sometimes never to return again. You may only get one chance to serve that person, so take advantage of the moment.
"Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now" (Proverbs 3:28 TEV).
John Wesley was an incredible servant of God. His motto was:
"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can."
That is greatness. You can begin by looking for small tasks that no one else wants to do. Do these little things as if they were great things, because God is watching.
Just Suppose… By ADAM EDELSTEIN (Posted on Christ in Tech website)
Just Suppose…
By ADAM EDELSTEIN
Posted on Christ in Tech website
November 18th, 2009
Some people, it seems, get offended way too easily. I mean, isn’t that what all this prayer hullabaloo is all about — people getting offended? Those of us in the majority are always tippy-toeing around, trying to make sure we don’t step on the toes or hurt the feelings of the humorless. And you can bet there’s a lawyer standing on every corner making sure we don’t.
Take this prayer deal. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Some atheist goes to a high school football game, hears a kid say a short prayer before the game and gets offended.
So he hires a lawyer and goes to court and asks somebody to pay him a whole bunch of money for all the damage done to him. Damaged for life by a 30-second prayer? Am I missing something here?
I don’t believe in Santa Claus, but I’m not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don’t agree with Darwin, but I didn’t go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theory of evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what’s the big deal?
It’s not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts. They’re just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.
“But it’s a Christian prayer,” some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. And we are in the Bible Belt. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect — somebody chanting Hare Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. And I wouldn’t be offended. It wouldn’t bother me one bit. When in Rome…
“But what about the atheists?” is another argument. What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We’re not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds.
If that’s asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer.
Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don’t think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world’s foundations.
Nor do I believe that not praying will result in more serious injuries on the field or more fatal car crashes after the game. In fact, I’m not so sure God would even be at all these games if he didn’t have to be. That’s just one of the downsides of omnipresence. If God really liked sports, the Russians would never have won a single gold medal, New York would never play in a World Series and Deion Sanders’ toe would be healed by now. Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights.
Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep.
Our Bible tells us just to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you — well … just sue me.
Something To Ponder…
JUST SUPPOSE that at every ball game, graduation, prom, etc., someone who has had enough of stupid, anti-historical court decisions had the guts to start reciting the Lord’s Prayer loudly, and others joined in, then more,until hundreds participated
And JUST SUPPOSE this spread all over our land until this became standard practice in hundreds of schools — then thousands-then tens of thousands. Just what would local school boards do? Expel half the student body? What would a Federal district court do? Order hundreds of nonviolent, decent minors jailed? Or thousands?
Just what would the Supreme Court do about it — issue more edicts? What if millions decided the Supreme Court was out of its league and said “So what?”
JUST SUPPOSE hundreds of brave school board members, local judges, prosecutors, and others, each in their own area of authority, refused to intervene, realizing that we have already tried it the other way, and the result was a modern-day Sodom and Gomorra of immorality and senseless violence.
JUST SUPPOSE this then spread next into classroom after classroom, and either a brave student or a brave teacher started the Lord’s Prayer (or Psalm 100, or a Bible reading, etc.) each morning, until hundreds of thousands stood up and did their part and stopped cowering before the destructive, God-hating secular attitudes of the pagan minority who parrot the media line.
JUST SUPPOSE every God-fearing Christian participated-peacefully, nonviolently, but firmly and continually. Where would they get enough jails to hold us all? How would they prosecute hundreds of thousands? It is far more than the government can do to even stop the flow of illegal drugs, despite their best efforts, and overcrowded jails. Hardened criminals walk after doing only half of their sentence to ease jail crowding. Even if they try to pick on a handful to make examples of them, what if hundreds of thousands stood up to the tyranny of the minority and demanded their freedom of religion back? They can’t build enough jails or courts to begin to deal with such a movement.
During the Civil Rights battles of the 60’s, black people decided they had had enough and stood up to the system — a few dozen here, a few hundred there — and eventually the whole country heard, and repented, and CHANGED. Racial repression was an evil whose time was over.
But now, there is another battle-and the stakes are even higher. The future of all children, white, black, and otherwise, is at stake. No other country on earth allows a tiny minority of impractical anti-religious bigots to censor their people’s right to free religious expression. Even Russian public schools show videos of the life and teachings of Jesus now. We tend to get exactly the kind of government we deserve.
If you make a time line or a graph, you will see that the exponential increase in public school violence, pregnancy, and foul language all started at exactly the time the Supreme Court threw prayer and Bible reading out of the schools. We told God we didn’t need HIM, and the results speak for themselves.
JUST SUPPOSE hundreds of Christians passed this message on to all their friends, leaders, and contacts.
JUST SUPPOSE hundreds of churches, organizations and ministries passed this message on to their constituencies with a request to reprint, re-paste, and repeat it wherever possible.Once upon a time the Church was the moral conscience and spiritual lighthouse of the nation. Now, most congregations are impotent, minor-league social welfare agencies or mutual comfort societies with no impact on the world around their little enclave.
JUST SUPPOSE — What do you suppose you should do? YOU MAY NOT KNOW WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS, BUT KNOWING WHO HOLDS THE FUTURE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE. YOU DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH THIS — TAKE ACTION, PASS IT ON, OR JUST SIMPLY READ IT AND DO NOTHING!!! THE CHOICE IS YOURS.
By ADAM EDELSTEIN
Posted on Christ in Tech website
November 18th, 2009
Some people, it seems, get offended way too easily. I mean, isn’t that what all this prayer hullabaloo is all about — people getting offended? Those of us in the majority are always tippy-toeing around, trying to make sure we don’t step on the toes or hurt the feelings of the humorless. And you can bet there’s a lawyer standing on every corner making sure we don’t.
Take this prayer deal. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Some atheist goes to a high school football game, hears a kid say a short prayer before the game and gets offended.
So he hires a lawyer and goes to court and asks somebody to pay him a whole bunch of money for all the damage done to him. Damaged for life by a 30-second prayer? Am I missing something here?
I don’t believe in Santa Claus, but I’m not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don’t agree with Darwin, but I didn’t go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theory of evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what’s the big deal?
It’s not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts. They’re just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.
“But it’s a Christian prayer,” some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. And we are in the Bible Belt. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect — somebody chanting Hare Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. And I wouldn’t be offended. It wouldn’t bother me one bit. When in Rome…
“But what about the atheists?” is another argument. What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We’re not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds.
If that’s asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer.
Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don’t think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world’s foundations.
Nor do I believe that not praying will result in more serious injuries on the field or more fatal car crashes after the game. In fact, I’m not so sure God would even be at all these games if he didn’t have to be. That’s just one of the downsides of omnipresence. If God really liked sports, the Russians would never have won a single gold medal, New York would never play in a World Series and Deion Sanders’ toe would be healed by now. Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights.
Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep.
Our Bible tells us just to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you — well … just sue me.
Something To Ponder…
JUST SUPPOSE that at every ball game, graduation, prom, etc., someone who has had enough of stupid, anti-historical court decisions had the guts to start reciting the Lord’s Prayer loudly, and others joined in, then more,until hundreds participated
And JUST SUPPOSE this spread all over our land until this became standard practice in hundreds of schools — then thousands-then tens of thousands. Just what would local school boards do? Expel half the student body? What would a Federal district court do? Order hundreds of nonviolent, decent minors jailed? Or thousands?
Just what would the Supreme Court do about it — issue more edicts? What if millions decided the Supreme Court was out of its league and said “So what?”
JUST SUPPOSE hundreds of brave school board members, local judges, prosecutors, and others, each in their own area of authority, refused to intervene, realizing that we have already tried it the other way, and the result was a modern-day Sodom and Gomorra of immorality and senseless violence.
JUST SUPPOSE this then spread next into classroom after classroom, and either a brave student or a brave teacher started the Lord’s Prayer (or Psalm 100, or a Bible reading, etc.) each morning, until hundreds of thousands stood up and did their part and stopped cowering before the destructive, God-hating secular attitudes of the pagan minority who parrot the media line.
JUST SUPPOSE every God-fearing Christian participated-peacefully, nonviolently, but firmly and continually. Where would they get enough jails to hold us all? How would they prosecute hundreds of thousands? It is far more than the government can do to even stop the flow of illegal drugs, despite their best efforts, and overcrowded jails. Hardened criminals walk after doing only half of their sentence to ease jail crowding. Even if they try to pick on a handful to make examples of them, what if hundreds of thousands stood up to the tyranny of the minority and demanded their freedom of religion back? They can’t build enough jails or courts to begin to deal with such a movement.
During the Civil Rights battles of the 60’s, black people decided they had had enough and stood up to the system — a few dozen here, a few hundred there — and eventually the whole country heard, and repented, and CHANGED. Racial repression was an evil whose time was over.
But now, there is another battle-and the stakes are even higher. The future of all children, white, black, and otherwise, is at stake. No other country on earth allows a tiny minority of impractical anti-religious bigots to censor their people’s right to free religious expression. Even Russian public schools show videos of the life and teachings of Jesus now. We tend to get exactly the kind of government we deserve.
If you make a time line or a graph, you will see that the exponential increase in public school violence, pregnancy, and foul language all started at exactly the time the Supreme Court threw prayer and Bible reading out of the schools. We told God we didn’t need HIM, and the results speak for themselves.
JUST SUPPOSE hundreds of Christians passed this message on to all their friends, leaders, and contacts.
JUST SUPPOSE hundreds of churches, organizations and ministries passed this message on to their constituencies with a request to reprint, re-paste, and repeat it wherever possible.Once upon a time the Church was the moral conscience and spiritual lighthouse of the nation. Now, most congregations are impotent, minor-league social welfare agencies or mutual comfort societies with no impact on the world around their little enclave.
JUST SUPPOSE — What do you suppose you should do? YOU MAY NOT KNOW WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS, BUT KNOWING WHO HOLDS THE FUTURE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE. YOU DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH THIS — TAKE ACTION, PASS IT ON, OR JUST SIMPLY READ IT AND DO NOTHING!!! THE CHOICE IS YOURS.
LIFE IS BUT A BREATH By Robert Soto (Published in an email from Words From the Creator)
LIFE IS BUT A BREATH
By Robert Soto
Published in an email from Words From the Creator
November 18, 2009
Psalm 39:4-5 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath."
I'm not sure when it happened but it seems like one day I woke up and it was fifty-seven years later. Life seems to be flying by as the wind and each year seems to pass like days and each day passes like seconds. Sometimes I am afraid to blink for fear that ten years will disappear from my life. So the question always comes: what are you doing with your life? We live each day like tomorrow has no end, like we forget that tomorrow is just around the corner and life as we know it to be, will soon come to an end. So the question always lingers on - what am I doing with my life? Is the life I have and live day by day a life that brings honor to the God who created us? Is the life we life day by day a productive life that brings joy and contentment to others?
There are a lot of questions that can be asked. There are a lot of things that need to be done. The other day as I passed through a cemetery and the wind was blowing through the trees it seemed like I heard the following: "Here lie thousands whose dreams were never complete." As I drove away that day I prayed that I would not be one of those who will one day pass to the other side and leave this earth unfulfilled and discontented. David asked God the Creator the following question, "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath." I am not sure I would ask God to reveal to me the number of my days, but one thing I have learned is that we should live each day as if this one is our last one. Live each day not so much with eternal plans, but asking God the Creator how I can give Him my best now and in whatever days I might have.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
By Robert Soto
Published in an email from Words From the Creator
November 18, 2009
Psalm 39:4-5 "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath."
I'm not sure when it happened but it seems like one day I woke up and it was fifty-seven years later. Life seems to be flying by as the wind and each year seems to pass like days and each day passes like seconds. Sometimes I am afraid to blink for fear that ten years will disappear from my life. So the question always comes: what are you doing with your life? We live each day like tomorrow has no end, like we forget that tomorrow is just around the corner and life as we know it to be, will soon come to an end. So the question always lingers on - what am I doing with my life? Is the life I have and live day by day a life that brings honor to the God who created us? Is the life we life day by day a productive life that brings joy and contentment to others?
There are a lot of questions that can be asked. There are a lot of things that need to be done. The other day as I passed through a cemetery and the wind was blowing through the trees it seemed like I heard the following: "Here lie thousands whose dreams were never complete." As I drove away that day I prayed that I would not be one of those who will one day pass to the other side and leave this earth unfulfilled and discontented. David asked God the Creator the following question, "Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath." I am not sure I would ask God to reveal to me the number of my days, but one thing I have learned is that we should live each day as if this one is our last one. Live each day not so much with eternal plans, but asking God the Creator how I can give Him my best now and in whatever days I might have.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
THE DAY OF THE LORD ---by Dr. Blackaby of Blackaby Ministries (Posted by Robert Wheeler on Facebook)
THE DAY OF THE LORD
By Dr. Blackaby of Blackaby Ministries
Posted by Robert Wheeler on Faceboo
November 17, 2009
"For you yourselves know that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night."
1 THESSALONIANS 5:2
"In the Scriptures, the exhortation to prepare for the day of the Lord is usually given to God's people, rather than to unbelievers. Christians must be prepared for Christ's return, so that they can properly respond to Him. The most important thing about the day of the Lord is clear: it comes unexpectedly.
In Scripture, there are several references to the day of the Lord. Often this refers to Jesus' first coming or His second coming, but it can also refer to any time God comes to His people, either in salvation or judgment (Isa. 13:6; Joel 2:11; Mal. 3:2). Amos had predicted that the day of the Lord would be far different than the people expected (Amos 5:18). The people of his day thought it would come with joy and singing, yet Amos said there would be grieving and judgment of sin. When Jesus came the first time, His coming caught people by surprise. Because they were expecting the Messiah to come in a different way, many did not recognize Him.
The final day of the Lord will be at Christ's second coming. Meanwhile, there will be times when God will come to you, your family, and friends. You need to be watching for the signs of God's convicting work in your children, your friends, and your coworkers. You must take notice when God begins to do a special work in the lives of the people in your church. It may be that you have an unusual sense of God's presence in a worship service and you begin to intercede for those who are present. Prepare yourself now and pay attention to what is happening in the lives of those around you. You may discover that the day of the Lord is at hand."
You can learn more about Dr. Blackaby, his writings, and his ministry at www.blackaby.org, or write:
Blackaby Ministries International
P.O. Box 16338
Atlanta, GA 30321
By Dr. Blackaby of Blackaby Ministries
Posted by Robert Wheeler on Faceboo
November 17, 2009
"For you yourselves know that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night."
1 THESSALONIANS 5:2
"In the Scriptures, the exhortation to prepare for the day of the Lord is usually given to God's people, rather than to unbelievers. Christians must be prepared for Christ's return, so that they can properly respond to Him. The most important thing about the day of the Lord is clear: it comes unexpectedly.
In Scripture, there are several references to the day of the Lord. Often this refers to Jesus' first coming or His second coming, but it can also refer to any time God comes to His people, either in salvation or judgment (Isa. 13:6; Joel 2:11; Mal. 3:2). Amos had predicted that the day of the Lord would be far different than the people expected (Amos 5:18). The people of his day thought it would come with joy and singing, yet Amos said there would be grieving and judgment of sin. When Jesus came the first time, His coming caught people by surprise. Because they were expecting the Messiah to come in a different way, many did not recognize Him.
The final day of the Lord will be at Christ's second coming. Meanwhile, there will be times when God will come to you, your family, and friends. You need to be watching for the signs of God's convicting work in your children, your friends, and your coworkers. You must take notice when God begins to do a special work in the lives of the people in your church. It may be that you have an unusual sense of God's presence in a worship service and you begin to intercede for those who are present. Prepare yourself now and pay attention to what is happening in the lives of those around you. You may discover that the day of the Lord is at hand."
You can learn more about Dr. Blackaby, his writings, and his ministry at www.blackaby.org, or write:
Blackaby Ministries International
P.O. Box 16338
Atlanta, GA 30321
A Church for Dogs or a Church for Homeless People? by Dan Lacich (Posted on Provocative Christian website)
A Church for Dogs or a Church for Homeless People?
By Dan Lacich
Posted on Provocative Christian at the following website:
http://provocativechristian.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/a-church-for-dogs-or-a-church-for-homeless-people/
Please refer to the above web address to read the article.
By Dan Lacich
Posted on Provocative Christian at the following website:
http://provocativechristian.wordpress.com/2009/11/17/a-church-for-dogs-or-a-church-for-homeless-people/
Please refer to the above web address to read the article.
THE CREATION KNOWS BETTER by Robert Soto (Posted as email from wordsfromcreator)
THE CREATION KNOWS BETTER
by Robert Soto
Posted as email from wordsfromcreator
November 17, 2009
Psalm 97:6 "The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory."
When was the last time you stopped and listened to the Creation? Most of us are too busy to even think of all that we can learn from the creatures that God the Creator has placed on this earth. Creatures that speak louder than anything that has been written on this earth. Have you ever wondered how we knew there was a God before there was a Bible? Have you ever wondered how man understood the works of God the Creator before people like Moses, David, Isaiah, Solomon, Daniel, Paul, John, Peter and the rest of the team were led by the Holy Spirit to write them down? Our people knew there was a God. Not because we heard it in church or because a pastor or evangelist spoke, but because we heard from the Creation itself. Our people learned about God by the Creation around us which spoke about a great Creator.
When we start seeing His creation we start seeing God. No one can deny that there must have been a superior being who created everything around us. The stars speak of a Creator. The animal life speaks of a Creator. The creatures of the air speak of a Creator. The fish of the sea speak of a Creator. If we only stop to listen we would not only hear about God the Creator but learn about His wonderful works toward us. David said "The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory." The stars in the midst of darkness proclaim the righteousness of God the Creator. The sun in the sky declares the righteousness of God the Creator. The moon that lights up the night declares God the Creator. If we would only stop and listen we would all see the glory of God and all that He has done on our behalf - not only yesterday, but today and into the future.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
by Robert Soto
Posted as email from wordsfromcreator
November 17, 2009
Psalm 97:6 "The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory."
When was the last time you stopped and listened to the Creation? Most of us are too busy to even think of all that we can learn from the creatures that God the Creator has placed on this earth. Creatures that speak louder than anything that has been written on this earth. Have you ever wondered how we knew there was a God before there was a Bible? Have you ever wondered how man understood the works of God the Creator before people like Moses, David, Isaiah, Solomon, Daniel, Paul, John, Peter and the rest of the team were led by the Holy Spirit to write them down? Our people knew there was a God. Not because we heard it in church or because a pastor or evangelist spoke, but because we heard from the Creation itself. Our people learned about God by the Creation around us which spoke about a great Creator.
When we start seeing His creation we start seeing God. No one can deny that there must have been a superior being who created everything around us. The stars speak of a Creator. The animal life speaks of a Creator. The creatures of the air speak of a Creator. The fish of the sea speak of a Creator. If we only stop to listen we would not only hear about God the Creator but learn about His wonderful works toward us. David said "The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory." The stars in the midst of darkness proclaim the righteousness of God the Creator. The sun in the sky declares the righteousness of God the Creator. The moon that lights up the night declares God the Creator. If we would only stop and listen we would all see the glory of God and all that He has done on our behalf - not only yesterday, but today and into the future.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
Monday, November 16, 2009
Learning to Cope With Pain by Robert Soto (Received in email from Wordsfromcreator)
Learning to Cope With Pain
By Robert Soto
Received in email from Wordsfromcreator
November 16, 2009
I Corinthians 12:9-10 "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
Last night I had a dream. I dreamt that my grandson was in pain and I could not do anything about it except pray and hold him. It was a toothache and if you have ever had a toothache you know that they are not the best thing to have. But in my dream, all I could do was hold him and keep praying for him. I was totally hopeless with the situation. I woke up thinking of all the times he will have to suffer pain as he grows up. Then I started to think of all the times I have suffered pain. The list kept growing and growing because I discovered that pain comes in all different forms. Pain can be spiritual. Pain can be physical. Pain can be emotional. I'm sure the list can go on and on. For example the pain of losing a loved one is not physical, nor is the pain of a failed relationship. So pain comes in all different forms and at different levels.
But how do you handle the pains of life? How do you handle the pain of disappointment or the pain of discouragement? Paul gave us some idea of how to handle the pains of life. After he pleaded three times for God the Creator to take away the pain, God the Creator said to him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." God the Creator told Paul that he had sufficient power to get over the hardships of life. To conquer the pain when pain becomes unbearable. His grace - undeserved mercy - will give us the power to endure whatever comes our way. That is why Paul then said, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." He gives us the power to endure during a time of weakness because it is when we are at our weakest that He gives us the power to endure and survive.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
By Robert Soto
Received in email from Wordsfromcreator
November 16, 2009
I Corinthians 12:9-10 "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
Last night I had a dream. I dreamt that my grandson was in pain and I could not do anything about it except pray and hold him. It was a toothache and if you have ever had a toothache you know that they are not the best thing to have. But in my dream, all I could do was hold him and keep praying for him. I was totally hopeless with the situation. I woke up thinking of all the times he will have to suffer pain as he grows up. Then I started to think of all the times I have suffered pain. The list kept growing and growing because I discovered that pain comes in all different forms. Pain can be spiritual. Pain can be physical. Pain can be emotional. I'm sure the list can go on and on. For example the pain of losing a loved one is not physical, nor is the pain of a failed relationship. So pain comes in all different forms and at different levels.
But how do you handle the pains of life? How do you handle the pain of disappointment or the pain of discouragement? Paul gave us some idea of how to handle the pains of life. After he pleaded three times for God the Creator to take away the pain, God the Creator said to him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." God the Creator told Paul that he had sufficient power to get over the hardships of life. To conquer the pain when pain becomes unbearable. His grace - undeserved mercy - will give us the power to endure whatever comes our way. That is why Paul then said, "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." He gives us the power to endure during a time of weakness because it is when we are at our weakest that He gives us the power to endure and survive.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
The Month Before Christmas-A MUST READ FOR ALL CHRISTIANS (Posted by Robert Wheeler on Facebook)
"The Month Before Christmas-A MUST READ FOR ALL CHRISTIANS
Posted by Robert Wheeler on Facebook
November 16, 2009
This was sent to me by my dear friend CarolAnn Sirchie and is a must read for all Christians !
"Twas the month before Christmas*
*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.*
*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*
*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*
*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*
*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd! *
*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*
*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*
*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*
*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*
*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
*Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*
*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*
*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !*
Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet during the holidays a
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!
Posted by Robert Wheeler on Facebook
November 16, 2009
This was sent to me by my dear friend CarolAnn Sirchie and is a must read for all Christians !
"Twas the month before Christmas*
*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.*
*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*
*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
* December 25th is just a ' Holiday '.*
*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*
*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd! *
*Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa*
*In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.*
*As Targets were hanging their trees upside down*
* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*
*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*
*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !*
*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
*Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*
*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*
*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday !*
Please, all Christians join together and wish everyone you meet during the holidays a
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Christ is The Reason for the Christ-mas Season!
God Delivers…By Adam Edelstein (Posted on Christ in Tech Web Page)
God Delivers…
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Christ in Tech Web Page
http://christintech.org/?p=757
November 12th, 2009
Isaac, Abraham’s sweet delight,
Carried wood for sacrifice.
But God delivered him.
Job did a godly life attain,
Knew sore sorrow and great pain.
But God delivered him.
Joseph refused Potiphar’s wife,
Then knew a prisoner’s life.
But God delivered him.
David kept lambs in tender care,
Faced the fierce Goliath’s stare.
But God delivered him.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,
Into a furnace they did go.
But God delivered them.
Daniel faithfully knelt in prayer,
Cruelly cast into lion’s lair.
But God delivered him.
Jesus, redeemer of the lost,
Incurred God’s wrath on the cross.
But God delivered him.
Paul and Silas did salvation tell,
At midnight sang in dank cell.
But God delivered them.
Saints, ransomed by the Savior’s grace,
Trial of life you’re sure to face.
But God will deliver you.
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Christ in Tech Web Page
http://christintech.org/?p=757
November 12th, 2009
Isaac, Abraham’s sweet delight,
Carried wood for sacrifice.
But God delivered him.
Job did a godly life attain,
Knew sore sorrow and great pain.
But God delivered him.
Joseph refused Potiphar’s wife,
Then knew a prisoner’s life.
But God delivered him.
David kept lambs in tender care,
Faced the fierce Goliath’s stare.
But God delivered him.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,
Into a furnace they did go.
But God delivered them.
Daniel faithfully knelt in prayer,
Cruelly cast into lion’s lair.
But God delivered him.
Jesus, redeemer of the lost,
Incurred God’s wrath on the cross.
But God delivered him.
Paul and Silas did salvation tell,
At midnight sang in dank cell.
But God delivered them.
Saints, ransomed by the Savior’s grace,
Trial of life you’re sure to face.
But God will deliver you.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Roads By Adam Edelstein Posted on Facebook
Roads
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
November 13, 2009
So many roads,
so many paths,
so many oceans to navigate through...
Why do people choose the easiest?
The shortest?
The one most taken?
Why do they choose to BELONG to this world?
To live by it's rules?
To go by it's ways?
All to find out that at the end awaits only darkness, pain and even death.
Why?
If these roads are full of lies, sadness and defeat.
Why?
When there's a road less taken waiting to be run through, trampled over or
just walked through even if it's only by curiosity.
A road that brings life, love, happiness and shelter from the storm.
And though it may be a tough, trying road but it promises joy, forgiveness
and most importantly a Guide who will never leave us or betray us.
He leads us, loves us, and puts us in victory.
Even when we're so tired we can't go a step further He simply picks us up
and carries us until we get back on our feet.
And the best part...He leads us Home.
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
November 13, 2009
So many roads,
so many paths,
so many oceans to navigate through...
Why do people choose the easiest?
The shortest?
The one most taken?
Why do they choose to BELONG to this world?
To live by it's rules?
To go by it's ways?
All to find out that at the end awaits only darkness, pain and even death.
Why?
If these roads are full of lies, sadness and defeat.
Why?
When there's a road less taken waiting to be run through, trampled over or
just walked through even if it's only by curiosity.
A road that brings life, love, happiness and shelter from the storm.
And though it may be a tough, trying road but it promises joy, forgiveness
and most importantly a Guide who will never leave us or betray us.
He leads us, loves us, and puts us in victory.
Even when we're so tired we can't go a step further He simply picks us up
and carries us until we get back on our feet.
And the best part...He leads us Home.
Servants Make Themselves Available By Rick Warren (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
Servants Make Themselves Available
By Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 15, 2009
"No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:4 NASB).
Real servants make themselves available to serve. Servants don't fill up their time with other pursuits that could limit their availability. They want to be ready to jump into service when called on.
Much like a soldier, a servant must always be standing by for duty: "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:4 NASB).
If you only serve when it's convenient for you, you're not a real servant. Real servants do what's needed, even when it's inconvenient.
Are you available to God anytime? Can he mess up your plans without you becoming resentful? As a servant, you don't get to pick and choose when or where you will serve.
Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever he needs to.
If you will remind yourself at the start of every day that you are God's servant, interruptions won't frustrate you as much, because your agenda will be whatever God wants to bring into your life. Servants see interruptions as divine appointments for ministry and are happy for the opportunity to practice serving.
By Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 15, 2009
"No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:4 NASB).
Real servants make themselves available to serve. Servants don't fill up their time with other pursuits that could limit their availability. They want to be ready to jump into service when called on.
Much like a soldier, a servant must always be standing by for duty: "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:4 NASB).
If you only serve when it's convenient for you, you're not a real servant. Real servants do what's needed, even when it's inconvenient.
Are you available to God anytime? Can he mess up your plans without you becoming resentful? As a servant, you don't get to pick and choose when or where you will serve.
Being a servant means giving up the right to control your schedule and allowing God to interrupt it whenever he needs to.
If you will remind yourself at the start of every day that you are God's servant, interruptions won't frustrate you as much, because your agenda will be whatever God wants to bring into your life. Servants see interruptions as divine appointments for ministry and are happy for the opportunity to practice serving.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Heartprints By Adam Edelstein (Posted on Facebook)
Heartprints
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
November 12, 2009
Whatever our hands touch...
We leave fingerprints.
On walls,
On furniture,
On door knobs, dishes and books.
Smudges, showing we were there!
Oh Lord, please, wherever I go today...
Help me leave Heartprints.
Heartprints of compassion,
Understanding and love.
Heartprints of kindness
And genuine concern.
I shall go out today... to leave Heartprints...
And if someone should say,
"I felt your touch!"
May that one feeling be
Your loving touch,
Lord, through me!
May my heart touch...
My lonely neighbor, with a smile,
A worried mother, with peace,
A runaway child, with safety,
A homeless person, with warmth,
And my dear friends, with love.
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
November 12, 2009
Whatever our hands touch...
We leave fingerprints.
On walls,
On furniture,
On door knobs, dishes and books.
Smudges, showing we were there!
Oh Lord, please, wherever I go today...
Help me leave Heartprints.
Heartprints of compassion,
Understanding and love.
Heartprints of kindness
And genuine concern.
I shall go out today... to leave Heartprints...
And if someone should say,
"I felt your touch!"
May that one feeling be
Your loving touch,
Lord, through me!
May my heart touch...
My lonely neighbor, with a smile,
A worried mother, with peace,
A runaway child, with safety,
A homeless person, with warmth,
And my dear friends, with love.
We Serve God by Serving Others By Rick Warren (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
We Serve God by Serving Others
By Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 14, 2009
"Whoever wants to be great must become a servant" (Mark 10:43 MSG).
We serve God by serving others.
The world defines greatness in terms of power, possessions, prestige, and position. If you can demand service from others, you've arrived. In our self-serving culture with its me-first mentality, acting like a servant is not a popular concept.
Jesus, however, measured greatness in terms of service, not status. God determines your greatness by how many people you serve, not how many people serve you.
This is so contrary to the world's idea of greatness that we have a hard time understanding it, much less practicing it. The disciples argued about who deserved the most prominent position, and 2,000 years later, Christian leaders still jockey for position and prominence in churches, denominations, and parachurch ministries.
Thousands of books have been written on leadership, but few on servanthood. Everyone wants to lead; no one wants to be a servant. We would rather be generals than privates. Even Christians want to be "servant-leaders," not just plain servants. But to be like Jesus is to be a servant. That's what he called himself.
While knowing your shape is important for serving God, having the heart of a servant is even more important. Remember, God shaped you for service, not for self-centeredness. Without a servant's heart, you will be tempted to misuse your shape for personal gain. You will also be tempted to use it as an excuse to exempt yourself from meeting some needs.
God often tests our hearts by asking us to serve in ways we're not shaped. If you see a man fall into a ditch, God expects you to help him out, not say, "I don't have the gift of mercy or service."
While you may not be gifted a particular task, you may be called to do it if no one who is gifted at it is around. Your primary ministry should be in the area of your shape, but your secondary service is wherever you're needed at the moment.
Your shape reveals your ministry, but your servant's heart will reveal your maturity. No special talent or gift is required to stay after a meeting to pick up trash or stack chairs. Anyone can be a servant. All it requires is character.
It is possible to serve in church for a lifetime without ever being a servant. You must have a servant's heart.
How can you know if you have the heart of a servant?
Jesus said, "You can tell what they are by what they do" (Matthew 7:16 CEV).
By Rick Warren
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 14, 2009
"Whoever wants to be great must become a servant" (Mark 10:43 MSG).
We serve God by serving others.
The world defines greatness in terms of power, possessions, prestige, and position. If you can demand service from others, you've arrived. In our self-serving culture with its me-first mentality, acting like a servant is not a popular concept.
Jesus, however, measured greatness in terms of service, not status. God determines your greatness by how many people you serve, not how many people serve you.
This is so contrary to the world's idea of greatness that we have a hard time understanding it, much less practicing it. The disciples argued about who deserved the most prominent position, and 2,000 years later, Christian leaders still jockey for position and prominence in churches, denominations, and parachurch ministries.
Thousands of books have been written on leadership, but few on servanthood. Everyone wants to lead; no one wants to be a servant. We would rather be generals than privates. Even Christians want to be "servant-leaders," not just plain servants. But to be like Jesus is to be a servant. That's what he called himself.
While knowing your shape is important for serving God, having the heart of a servant is even more important. Remember, God shaped you for service, not for self-centeredness. Without a servant's heart, you will be tempted to misuse your shape for personal gain. You will also be tempted to use it as an excuse to exempt yourself from meeting some needs.
God often tests our hearts by asking us to serve in ways we're not shaped. If you see a man fall into a ditch, God expects you to help him out, not say, "I don't have the gift of mercy or service."
While you may not be gifted a particular task, you may be called to do it if no one who is gifted at it is around. Your primary ministry should be in the area of your shape, but your secondary service is wherever you're needed at the moment.
Your shape reveals your ministry, but your servant's heart will reveal your maturity. No special talent or gift is required to stay after a meeting to pick up trash or stack chairs. Anyone can be a servant. All it requires is character.
It is possible to serve in church for a lifetime without ever being a servant. You must have a servant's heart.
How can you know if you have the heart of a servant?
Jesus said, "You can tell what they are by what they do" (Matthew 7:16 CEV).
Friday, November 13, 2009
Who is God to You…By Adam Edelstein (Posted on Facebook from Christ in Tech)
Who is God to You…
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
from Christ in Tech
http://christintech.org/?p=761
November 13th, 2009
THE MANY NAMES OF CHRIST
To the ARTIST He is the One Altogether Lovely.
To the ARCHITECT He is the Chief Corner Stone.
To the BAKER He is the Living Bread.
To the BANKER He is the Hidden Treasure.
To the BIOLOGIST He is the Life.
To the BUILDER He is the Sure Foundation.
To the CARPENTER He is the Door.
To the DOCTOR He is the Great Physician.
To the EDUCATOR He is the Great Teacher.
To the ENGINEER He is the New and Living Way.
To the FLORIST He is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley.
To the GEOLOGIST He is the Rock of Ages.
To the HORTICULTURIST He is the True Vine.
To the JUDGE He is the Righteous Judge, Judge of All Men.
To the JEWELER He is the Pearl of Great Price.
To the LAWYER He is the Counselor, the Lawgiver, the Advocate.
To the NEWSPAPER He is the Good Tidings of Great Joy.
To the OCULIST He is the Light of the Eyes.
To the PHILANTHROPIST He is the Unspeakable Gift.
To the PHILOSOPHER He is the Wisdom of God.
To the PREACHER He is the Word of God.
To the SCULPTOR He is the Living Stone.
To the SERVANT He is the Good Master.
To the STATESMAN He is the Desire of All Nations.
To the STUDENT He is the Incarnate Truth.
To the THEOLOGIAN He is the Author and Finisher of our Faith.
To the TOILER He is the Giver of Rest.
To the SINNER He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the World.
To the CHRISTIAN He is the Son of the Living God, the Savior, the Redeemer and the Lord.
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
from Christ in Tech
http://christintech.org/?p=761
November 13th, 2009
THE MANY NAMES OF CHRIST
To the ARTIST He is the One Altogether Lovely.
To the ARCHITECT He is the Chief Corner Stone.
To the BAKER He is the Living Bread.
To the BANKER He is the Hidden Treasure.
To the BIOLOGIST He is the Life.
To the BUILDER He is the Sure Foundation.
To the CARPENTER He is the Door.
To the DOCTOR He is the Great Physician.
To the EDUCATOR He is the Great Teacher.
To the ENGINEER He is the New and Living Way.
To the FLORIST He is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley.
To the GEOLOGIST He is the Rock of Ages.
To the HORTICULTURIST He is the True Vine.
To the JUDGE He is the Righteous Judge, Judge of All Men.
To the JEWELER He is the Pearl of Great Price.
To the LAWYER He is the Counselor, the Lawgiver, the Advocate.
To the NEWSPAPER He is the Good Tidings of Great Joy.
To the OCULIST He is the Light of the Eyes.
To the PHILANTHROPIST He is the Unspeakable Gift.
To the PHILOSOPHER He is the Wisdom of God.
To the PREACHER He is the Word of God.
To the SCULPTOR He is the Living Stone.
To the SERVANT He is the Good Master.
To the STATESMAN He is the Desire of All Nations.
To the STUDENT He is the Incarnate Truth.
To the THEOLOGIAN He is the Author and Finisher of our Faith.
To the TOILER He is the Giver of Rest.
To the SINNER He is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the World.
To the CHRISTIAN He is the Son of the Living God, the Savior, the Redeemer and the Lord.
The Waiting Is the Hardest Part, Part 3 By Jon Walker (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
The Waiting Is the Hardest Part, Part 3
By Jon Walker
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 12, 2009
"God also said to Abraham, 'As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.'" (Genesis 17:15–16 NIV).
(This guest devotional is by Jon Walker, author of 'Growing with Purpose,' and editor of the Purpose Driven Life On-line Devotionals)
Just like you or me, Sarah and Abraham may have thought, "God doesn't understand our circumstances; his commandments are good guidelines, but they simply don't work well in the nitty-gritty of life."
And so Hagar gave birth to Ishmael.
Yet the promise had been that Sarah would be the one to deliver a son for Abraham; so the wait continued, long after reaching the point of desperate frustration--the place where you say, "God, I can't go on any longer!"
You've been there--like the widow knocking on the judge's door, you pray day and night but the shutters stay closed and the door remains shut (Luke 18). Sarah and Abraham knocked on that door for another fourteen years! (Genesis 16:16; Genesis 21:5).
While Abraham and Sarah waited, God made a covenant with Abram, changing his name to Abraham, which means "father of many." And he changed Sarai's name to Sarah, saying she would be the mother of nations and among her off-spring would be kings (Genesis 17 NIV).
Then God sent three mysterious visitors to tell Abraham that Sarah would provide him a son within the year. Sarah laughed, not believing God was about to give birth to his promise (Genesis 18).
Yet, they were totally and wholly dependent upon God to fulfill his promise. Not dependent because they'd obediently submitted everything to God, but totally dependent because they'd exhausted every other possibility.
And that's often why God delays. He's waiting on us to be ready for him.
Finally, God opened Sarah's womb so she could bear Abraham a son in his old age, at the time appointed by God (Genesis 21:2).
Jon Walker can be found on Facebook at GraceCreates with Jon Walker. This devotional is copyrighted 2009 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.
By Jon Walker
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 12, 2009
"God also said to Abraham, 'As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.'" (Genesis 17:15–16 NIV).
(This guest devotional is by Jon Walker, author of 'Growing with Purpose,' and editor of the Purpose Driven Life On-line Devotionals)
Just like you or me, Sarah and Abraham may have thought, "God doesn't understand our circumstances; his commandments are good guidelines, but they simply don't work well in the nitty-gritty of life."
And so Hagar gave birth to Ishmael.
Yet the promise had been that Sarah would be the one to deliver a son for Abraham; so the wait continued, long after reaching the point of desperate frustration--the place where you say, "God, I can't go on any longer!"
You've been there--like the widow knocking on the judge's door, you pray day and night but the shutters stay closed and the door remains shut (Luke 18). Sarah and Abraham knocked on that door for another fourteen years! (Genesis 16:16; Genesis 21:5).
While Abraham and Sarah waited, God made a covenant with Abram, changing his name to Abraham, which means "father of many." And he changed Sarai's name to Sarah, saying she would be the mother of nations and among her off-spring would be kings (Genesis 17 NIV).
Then God sent three mysterious visitors to tell Abraham that Sarah would provide him a son within the year. Sarah laughed, not believing God was about to give birth to his promise (Genesis 18).
Yet, they were totally and wholly dependent upon God to fulfill his promise. Not dependent because they'd obediently submitted everything to God, but totally dependent because they'd exhausted every other possibility.
And that's often why God delays. He's waiting on us to be ready for him.
Finally, God opened Sarah's womb so she could bear Abraham a son in his old age, at the time appointed by God (Genesis 21:2).
Jon Walker can be found on Facebook at GraceCreates with Jon Walker. This devotional is copyrighted 2009 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
God Can... By Adam Edelstein (Posted on Facebook)
God Can...
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
November 12, 2009
When you feel unlovable, unworthy and unclean, when you think that no one can heal you
Remember, Friend,
God Can.
When you think that you are unforgivable for your guilt and your shame
Remember, Friend,
God Can.
When you think that all is hidden and no one can see within
Remember, Friend,
God Can.
And when you have reached the bottom and you think that no one can hear
Remember my dear Friend,
God Can.
And when you think that no one can love the real person deep inside of you
Remember my dear Friend,
God Does.
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
November 12, 2009
When you feel unlovable, unworthy and unclean, when you think that no one can heal you
Remember, Friend,
God Can.
When you think that you are unforgivable for your guilt and your shame
Remember, Friend,
God Can.
When you think that all is hidden and no one can see within
Remember, Friend,
God Can.
And when you have reached the bottom and you think that no one can hear
Remember my dear Friend,
God Can.
And when you think that no one can love the real person deep inside of you
Remember my dear Friend,
God Does.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Dying For A Cause By Robert Soto (Posted on an email from WORDS FROM THE CREATOR)
Dying For A Cause
By Robert Soto
Posted on an email from WORDS FROM THE CREATOR
Note: Robert is of Indian heritage and often writes about his Native History
November 11, 2009
Daniel 3:28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God."
Today our family will do what we have been doing for a long time. We will meet at the Veteran's Memorial and be part of the Veteran's Day Memorial Service. I have had the privilege of writing about ten songs for our veterans. Songs that will help future generations learn of the sacrifice men and women have been making for the sake of the people. This month I was asked to write a song that will be sung tomorrow in honor of the 34 young men from our area who have given their lives in this present war. Young men who will never see their dreams come true. Young men who will never see their children grow up. Young men who had plans to succeed but will never see their hopes and visions of life come true. Today we, our family and some of the Indian community will come together with over a thousand people and remember their sacrifice so that we could remain a free nation.
When I write a song, it brings up a lot of emotion in me. My heart hurts for those who have lost loved ones. When I sing that song, not a word will be spoken as hundreds will stand in honor of thirty four young men who will never again breathe a breath in the land they went to protect. There were three young men in the Bible who remind me of the sacrifice these thirty-four, as well as the millions before them, have made. Daniel wrote, "They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God." They would rather sacrifice their lives than serve someone else. My song will share of their sacrifice.
THEY DIED FOR THAT WHICH WAS GOOD
ha´ for
goki´yaa´ their country
naana´goni´sa´a´ they travel across
'a´shi and
daats' iistsa´a´ they died
ha' for
hooyi´ ' i´ that which was good
danahii-ni´ our land
Take the time today to thank a veteran for your freedom. Take the time today to pray for those across the ocean to come back safe.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
By Robert Soto
Posted on an email from WORDS FROM THE CREATOR
Note: Robert is of Indian heritage and often writes about his Native History
November 11, 2009
Daniel 3:28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God."
Today our family will do what we have been doing for a long time. We will meet at the Veteran's Memorial and be part of the Veteran's Day Memorial Service. I have had the privilege of writing about ten songs for our veterans. Songs that will help future generations learn of the sacrifice men and women have been making for the sake of the people. This month I was asked to write a song that will be sung tomorrow in honor of the 34 young men from our area who have given their lives in this present war. Young men who will never see their dreams come true. Young men who will never see their children grow up. Young men who had plans to succeed but will never see their hopes and visions of life come true. Today we, our family and some of the Indian community will come together with over a thousand people and remember their sacrifice so that we could remain a free nation.
When I write a song, it brings up a lot of emotion in me. My heart hurts for those who have lost loved ones. When I sing that song, not a word will be spoken as hundreds will stand in honor of thirty four young men who will never again breathe a breath in the land they went to protect. There were three young men in the Bible who remind me of the sacrifice these thirty-four, as well as the millions before them, have made. Daniel wrote, "They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God." They would rather sacrifice their lives than serve someone else. My song will share of their sacrifice.
THEY DIED FOR THAT WHICH WAS GOOD
ha´ for
goki´yaa´ their country
naana´goni´sa´a´ they travel across
'a´shi and
daats' iistsa´a´ they died
ha' for
hooyi´ ' i´ that which was good
danahii-ni´ our land
Take the time today to thank a veteran for your freedom. Take the time today to pray for those across the ocean to come back safe.
Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:
McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church
A ‘Simple’ Plan to Reach the World for Christ By Robert Andrescik (Published in Northland's Blogs)
A ‘Simple’ Plan to Reach the World for Christ
The Stories of Northland written By Robert Andrescik on November 11, 2009
Published in Northland, A Church Distributed's BLOGs
Please refer to the website below:
http://www.northlandchurch.net/index.php/blogs/doing_church_simply_story/
The Stories of Northland written By Robert Andrescik on November 11, 2009
Published in Northland, A Church Distributed's BLOGs
Please refer to the website below:
http://www.northlandchurch.net/index.php/blogs/doing_church_simply_story/
The Waiting Is the Hardest Part, Part 2 By Jon Walker (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
The Waiting Is the Hardest Part, Part 2
By Jon Walker
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 11, 2009
"Now the serpent . . . said to the woman, 'Did God really say, You must not eat from any tree in the garden?'" (Genesis 3:1 NIV).
(This guest devotional is by Jon Walker, author of 'Growing with Purpose,' and editor of the Purpose Driven Life On-line Devotionals)
And so Sarai took it upon herself to fulfill the promise, no longer trusting God to do his job. The waiting is the hardest part, and Sarai was tired of the wait.
Sitting in a humid tent, she heard the support poles creak; she heard, through the open flaps, a camel snort; and she heard . . . was that a voice, like the hiss of a serpent, saying, "Did God really say your husband would be the father of a family so vast it would surpass the number of stars in the sky?" (Consider Genesis 3).
Perhaps Sarai said, "God can, but he won't." Or maybe she said, "God can't figure this out, but I can." Looking through the tent's door, she saw her servant Hagar, and in that moment she saw the solution, though she didn't see the Pandora's box she would soon open. Perhaps she even thought, "Of course! This is probably the answer God meant for me to see all along."
Sarai believed her assumptions more than she believed God's promise. She wondered why God was no longer on her side--"Why is the LORD keeping this from me?"--instead of confessing she was no longer one with God's will.
Ask God to help you identify the places in your life where you're saying, "The LORD is keeping this from me!" God's interest is that you master the lessons of faith. He wants you to succeed, able to walk further in faith each day. So failure is not defeat; he will continue to teach you--and stretch you--until walking by faith and not by sight is as natural as breathing. Tell God, "I believe; help my unbelief!"
Jon Walker can be found on Facebook at GraceCreates with Jon Walker. This devotional is copyrighted 2009 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.
By Jon Walker
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 11, 2009
"Now the serpent . . . said to the woman, 'Did God really say, You must not eat from any tree in the garden?'" (Genesis 3:1 NIV).
(This guest devotional is by Jon Walker, author of 'Growing with Purpose,' and editor of the Purpose Driven Life On-line Devotionals)
And so Sarai took it upon herself to fulfill the promise, no longer trusting God to do his job. The waiting is the hardest part, and Sarai was tired of the wait.
Sitting in a humid tent, she heard the support poles creak; she heard, through the open flaps, a camel snort; and she heard . . . was that a voice, like the hiss of a serpent, saying, "Did God really say your husband would be the father of a family so vast it would surpass the number of stars in the sky?" (Consider Genesis 3).
Perhaps Sarai said, "God can, but he won't." Or maybe she said, "God can't figure this out, but I can." Looking through the tent's door, she saw her servant Hagar, and in that moment she saw the solution, though she didn't see the Pandora's box she would soon open. Perhaps she even thought, "Of course! This is probably the answer God meant for me to see all along."
Sarai believed her assumptions more than she believed God's promise. She wondered why God was no longer on her side--"Why is the LORD keeping this from me?"--instead of confessing she was no longer one with God's will.
Ask God to help you identify the places in your life where you're saying, "The LORD is keeping this from me!" God's interest is that you master the lessons of faith. He wants you to succeed, able to walk further in faith each day. So failure is not defeat; he will continue to teach you--and stretch you--until walking by faith and not by sight is as natural as breathing. Tell God, "I believe; help my unbelief!"
Jon Walker can be found on Facebook at GraceCreates with Jon Walker. This devotional is copyrighted 2009 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.
Quit Your Whining and Trust in GOD to Pick You Up...Pity Party is OVER By Adam Edelstein (Posted on Facebook)
Quit Your Whining and Trust in GOD to Pick You Up...Pity Party is OVER
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
November 10, 2009
Today, upon a bus, I saw a lovely girl with golden hair,
Envied her, she seemed so gay, and wished I were so fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle;
She had one leg, and wore a crutch; and as she passed -- a smile.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine
I have two legs. The world is mine.
And then I stopped to buy some sweets.
The lad who sold them had such charm,
I talked with him -- he seemed so glad -- if I were late 'twould do
no harm
And as I left he said to me: "I thank you. You have been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you.
"You see," he said, "I'm blind."
Oh God, forgive me when I whine
I have two eyes. The world is mine.
Later, walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue,
He stood and watched the others play, it seemed he knew not what to
do.
I stopped a moment, then I said: "Why don't you
join the others, dear?"
He looked ahead without a word, and then I knew
-- he could not hear.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine
I have two ears. The world is mine.
With legs to take me where I'd go --
With eyes to see the sunset's glow --
With ears to hear what I would know --
Oh God, forgive me when I whine
I'm blessed indeed. The world is mine.
RUBBER CITY PRINTERY, INC.
When you feel down and depressed and think God has given you too many
troubles. Why not try to think about the things you do have. Just this
one little idea can turn your whole outlook on life for the better
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on Facebook
November 10, 2009
Today, upon a bus, I saw a lovely girl with golden hair,
Envied her, she seemed so gay, and wished I were so fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle;
She had one leg, and wore a crutch; and as she passed -- a smile.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine
I have two legs. The world is mine.
And then I stopped to buy some sweets.
The lad who sold them had such charm,
I talked with him -- he seemed so glad -- if I were late 'twould do
no harm
And as I left he said to me: "I thank you. You have been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you.
"You see," he said, "I'm blind."
Oh God, forgive me when I whine
I have two eyes. The world is mine.
Later, walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue,
He stood and watched the others play, it seemed he knew not what to
do.
I stopped a moment, then I said: "Why don't you
join the others, dear?"
He looked ahead without a word, and then I knew
-- he could not hear.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine
I have two ears. The world is mine.
With legs to take me where I'd go --
With eyes to see the sunset's glow --
With ears to hear what I would know --
Oh God, forgive me when I whine
I'm blessed indeed. The world is mine.
RUBBER CITY PRINTERY, INC.
When you feel down and depressed and think God has given you too many
troubles. Why not try to think about the things you do have. Just this
one little idea can turn your whole outlook on life for the better
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
I was Standin' on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona waiting.... 'The Waiting Room'
I was Standin' on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona waiting.... 'The Waiting Room'
By Wil Dershimer
July 13, 2009
Earlier, I was standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona waiting.... (Eagles 1970s)
Well actually, I was sitting in a GMC dealer's waiting room in Buford, Georgia waiting on my truck to be serviced.
However, waiting gave me cause to reflect on the service I heard the previous day at NorthPoint Community Church. This is where my son & family attend. Pastor Andy Stanley was on vacation, so the sermon was delivered by the Buckhead Church's campus pastor, Jeff Henderson. (The Buckhead Church is a branch of NorthPoint)
The topic of his sermon was, 'The Waiting Room'. How often are we sitting in a waiting room, most likely not enjoying the wait and probably trying to talk ourselves into being patient. This is hard to do, especially for people like me that generally like to have a couple things going on at the same time, like listening to TV or XM radio and working on a computer, or maybe all 3 at the same time.
As Jeff indicated, we often are waiting, getting impatient, and just want to take matters into our own hand and get the job completed. Like, operating on our self instead of the doctor we are waiting on to do the job. Or, servicing my own truck instead of waiting for the GMC dealer specialists to do the servicing.
Well, the point is, we often are waiting on God, in his waiting room. How many times have we given up and decided to do it 'on our own'. Jeff used the illustration from the Bible of Abram and Sarai and God's Covenant with Abram (Genesis 15). Eventually, they quit waiting and did it their selves. The result was a son, Ishmael (Genesis 16) and Sarai lost her maidservant, Hagar, through the strife that this caused. Plus the ultimate conflicts between the Arabs (Ishmael's descendants) and the Jews, (Isaac's descendants). Trying to fulfill the Covenant themselves, most likely was not God's way. They just quit waiting.
It is very difficult at times to wait on God. Jeff gave us a little card that contained a prayer that I would like to share:
"Heavenly Father, Thank you for the promise that I am your handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which you have prepared in advance for me to do. But I need you to encourage me this week. Thank you for preparing me during this season of waiting. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
I would like to encourage all of us that are waiting on God. Consider writing a note to those that you know are waiting, and waiting, and waiting, and encourage them to continue to wait on God in God's waiting room.
Wil
(Information adapted from sermon by Jeff Henderson at North Point Community Church, July 12, 2009)
By Wil Dershimer
July 13, 2009
Earlier, I was standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona waiting.... (Eagles 1970s)
Well actually, I was sitting in a GMC dealer's waiting room in Buford, Georgia waiting on my truck to be serviced.
However, waiting gave me cause to reflect on the service I heard the previous day at NorthPoint Community Church. This is where my son & family attend. Pastor Andy Stanley was on vacation, so the sermon was delivered by the Buckhead Church's campus pastor, Jeff Henderson. (The Buckhead Church is a branch of NorthPoint)
The topic of his sermon was, 'The Waiting Room'. How often are we sitting in a waiting room, most likely not enjoying the wait and probably trying to talk ourselves into being patient. This is hard to do, especially for people like me that generally like to have a couple things going on at the same time, like listening to TV or XM radio and working on a computer, or maybe all 3 at the same time.
As Jeff indicated, we often are waiting, getting impatient, and just want to take matters into our own hand and get the job completed. Like, operating on our self instead of the doctor we are waiting on to do the job. Or, servicing my own truck instead of waiting for the GMC dealer specialists to do the servicing.
Well, the point is, we often are waiting on God, in his waiting room. How many times have we given up and decided to do it 'on our own'. Jeff used the illustration from the Bible of Abram and Sarai and God's Covenant with Abram (Genesis 15). Eventually, they quit waiting and did it their selves. The result was a son, Ishmael (Genesis 16) and Sarai lost her maidservant, Hagar, through the strife that this caused. Plus the ultimate conflicts between the Arabs (Ishmael's descendants) and the Jews, (Isaac's descendants). Trying to fulfill the Covenant themselves, most likely was not God's way. They just quit waiting.
It is very difficult at times to wait on God. Jeff gave us a little card that contained a prayer that I would like to share:
"Heavenly Father, Thank you for the promise that I am your handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which you have prepared in advance for me to do. But I need you to encourage me this week. Thank you for preparing me during this season of waiting. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
I would like to encourage all of us that are waiting on God. Consider writing a note to those that you know are waiting, and waiting, and waiting, and encourage them to continue to wait on God in God's waiting room.
Wil
(Information adapted from sermon by Jeff Henderson at North Point Community Church, July 12, 2009)
The Waiting Is the Hardest Part, Part 1 by Jon Walker (Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook)
The Waiting Is the Hardest Part, Part 1
By Jon Walker
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 10, 2009
"Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children . . . so she said to Abram, 'The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.' Abram agreed to what Sarai said" (Genesis 16:1–2 NIV).
(This guest devotional is by Jon Walker, author of 'Growing with Purpose,' and editor of the Purpose Driven Life On-line Devotionals.)
And so Sarai took it upon herself to solve God's problem. After all, God told Sarai's husband, Abram, that he'd have a huge family, more descendants than there are stars in the sky (Genesis 15).
Sarai waited and waited for God to provide their first descendant, to answer her prayers, to make good on his promise--but the baby didn't come. Every day, the tension and the frustration mounted. As that great theologian and musician, Tom Petty, sings: "The waiting is the hardest part."
Like me--perhaps like you--Sarai began to wonder if God would ever answer her prayers or if he had forgotten about her. Perhaps--like you, like me--Sarai questioned whether God really knew what he was doing.
It appears Sarai's thoughts walked as far as her faith would carry her until she stood looking at the mountains of her fear. Did God understand how important this was to her? How could God deny her the greatest desire of her heart? Was God even on her side?
Even as Sarai acknowledged God's ability to fulfill the promise--"The LORD has kept me from having any children . . . "--she denied God's sovereignty to decide when the promise would be fulfilled.
If we could ask Sarai, "Can God?" she most likely would answer "Yes." If we then asked Sarai, "Will God?" her honest answer may have been "No."
When faced with a delayed answer, do you break with God? What does manipulating an answer to our prayers say about our belief in God's character?
Jon Walker can be found on Facebook at 'GraceCreates' with Jon Walker. This devotional is copyrighted 2009 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.
By Jon Walker
Posted by Mia Swanepoel on Facebook
November 10, 2009
"Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children . . . so she said to Abram, 'The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her.' Abram agreed to what Sarai said" (Genesis 16:1–2 NIV).
(This guest devotional is by Jon Walker, author of 'Growing with Purpose,' and editor of the Purpose Driven Life On-line Devotionals.)
And so Sarai took it upon herself to solve God's problem. After all, God told Sarai's husband, Abram, that he'd have a huge family, more descendants than there are stars in the sky (Genesis 15).
Sarai waited and waited for God to provide their first descendant, to answer her prayers, to make good on his promise--but the baby didn't come. Every day, the tension and the frustration mounted. As that great theologian and musician, Tom Petty, sings: "The waiting is the hardest part."
Like me--perhaps like you--Sarai began to wonder if God would ever answer her prayers or if he had forgotten about her. Perhaps--like you, like me--Sarai questioned whether God really knew what he was doing.
It appears Sarai's thoughts walked as far as her faith would carry her until she stood looking at the mountains of her fear. Did God understand how important this was to her? How could God deny her the greatest desire of her heart? Was God even on her side?
Even as Sarai acknowledged God's ability to fulfill the promise--"The LORD has kept me from having any children . . . "--she denied God's sovereignty to decide when the promise would be fulfilled.
If we could ask Sarai, "Can God?" she most likely would answer "Yes." If we then asked Sarai, "Will God?" her honest answer may have been "No."
When faced with a delayed answer, do you break with God? What does manipulating an answer to our prayers say about our belief in God's character?
Jon Walker can be found on Facebook at 'GraceCreates' with Jon Walker. This devotional is copyrighted 2009 by Jon Walker. Used by permission.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Making Decisions A Study by Adam Edelstein (Posted on the Website Christ in Tech)
Making Decisions A Study
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on the Website Christ in Tech
http://christintech.org/?p=745
November 9th, 2009
This is a great study if you have ever felt lost…Take time to do it…and if you like email me at adam@christintech.org so we can discuss it. Be Blessed
“God has a plan and that plan is good. Our question is, how do I access it?”
1. Think of a decision you have struggled over. What feelings were involved in trying to make the “right” decision?
Just down the hall from the chapel is a room uncluttered by televisions, stereos, and e-mail-infected computers. Envision a study with bookshelves lining the walls, a braided rug on the floor and an inviting fire in the hearth. In front of the fire are two high, wingback chairs, one for you and one for your Father. Your seat is empty, and your Father motions for you to join him. Come and sit and ask him whatever is on your heart. No question is too small, no riddle too simple. He has all the time in the world. Come and seek the will of God.
To pray, “Thy will be done” is to seek the heart of God. The word “will” means “strong desire.” The Study is where we learn what God desires. What is his heart? His passion? He wants you to know it.
Shall God hide from us what he is going to do? Apparently not, for he has gone to great lengths to reveal his will to us. Could he have done more than send his Son to lead us? Could he have done more than give his word to teach us? Could he have done more than orchestrate events to awaken us? Could he have done more than send his Holy Spirit to counsel us?
2. When did God reveal his will to you in a specific way?
3. Why does God’s will sometimes seem hidden?
By Adam Edelstein
Posted on the Website Christ in Tech
http://christintech.org/?p=745
November 9th, 2009
This is a great study if you have ever felt lost…Take time to do it…and if you like email me at adam@christintech.org so we can discuss it. Be Blessed
“God has a plan and that plan is good. Our question is, how do I access it?”
1. Think of a decision you have struggled over. What feelings were involved in trying to make the “right” decision?
Just down the hall from the chapel is a room uncluttered by televisions, stereos, and e-mail-infected computers. Envision a study with bookshelves lining the walls, a braided rug on the floor and an inviting fire in the hearth. In front of the fire are two high, wingback chairs, one for you and one for your Father. Your seat is empty, and your Father motions for you to join him. Come and sit and ask him whatever is on your heart. No question is too small, no riddle too simple. He has all the time in the world. Come and seek the will of God.
To pray, “Thy will be done” is to seek the heart of God. The word “will” means “strong desire.” The Study is where we learn what God desires. What is his heart? His passion? He wants you to know it.
Shall God hide from us what he is going to do? Apparently not, for he has gone to great lengths to reveal his will to us. Could he have done more than send his Son to lead us? Could he have done more than give his word to teach us? Could he have done more than orchestrate events to awaken us? Could he have done more than send his Holy Spirit to counsel us?
2. When did God reveal his will to you in a specific way?
3. Why does God’s will sometimes seem hidden?
Interpreting Dreams and Reaching the "New Age" Enlightenment Followers By Joel News (Posted by Jaci Patellis To Members of MyPurpose Ministries Group)
Interpreting Dreams and Reaching the "New Age" Enlightenment Followers
By Joel News
Posted by Jaci Patellis To Members of MyPurpose Ministries Group on Facebook
September 22
Below is a compelling article on how one woman is using her spiritual gifts to help others interpret their dreams and receive Christ into their lives using her knowledge of both the dark side of Christianity (including internal demons) and the unending beauty and love of Jesus Christ, the Ultimate Victor!
Article is quoted and directly from Joel News, an International Newsletter
www.joelnews.org/frontpage.htm
"USA: Taking Jesus to the New Age community"
"Tucked between a tarot card reader and a Rastafarian artist, Cindy McGill is offering 'Organic Spiritual Alignments' at her table along the circuslike boardwalk of Venice Beach, California. As part of an outreach to new agers, McGill is giving 'Free Spiritual Readings' and dream interpretations in this bohemian community. Using gifts of the Holy Spirit, she and her team of prophetic evangelists attract people who would normally just walk by more traditional evangelists. McGill founded Hope for the Harvest Ministries, an organization that evangelizes at the Burning Man (photo) and other pagan artistic festivals. Draped with its 'Catalyst of Light' sign, her table entices an eclectic mix of people.
"If we use their language and simply show love, people will be more open to an encounter with Jesus."
Venice's head psychic - a woman with wild, blond hair, pink highlights, and long, red fingernails - is the first to approach the table. She tells McGill she has spent 17 years working as a psychic on the boardwalk. "I put a spell on someone," she tells McGill. "I want to make sure everything is going well." McGill reaches out to take her hand, saying she wants to invite her to have a spiritual alignment, a euphemism for asking the Holy Spirit to touch her heart. "I just want to release the Spirit so everything is very, very clear," McGill tells her, "so you can see the Truth, the Light and the Way absolutely illuminated." McGill gets up from her chair, places her hands on the woman's shoulders and speaks in tongues, while asking the Holy Spirit to separate the psychic from any demonic forces that may try to interfere with God's plan for her life. Afterward, the woman graciously thanks McGill and leaves. "What I wanted to do is to create an opportunity to let her feel God's presence," McGill says. "I went as far as I could. The bottom line is just to show them love. It's their language."
McGill (photo) says it's often necessary to change 'our language' to reach New Age believers. In the same way Jesus used parables, McGill says she uses euphemisms, initially, so people will be more open to an encounter with Jesus. Before each outreach, she and her team of volunteers ask God to show them what people's dreams mean and to give them guidance on the best strategies to reach the lost. After a dream interpretation, people are "even hungrier to learn who we are," McGill says. At that point, she often reveals they are followers of Jesus and ask if they would like to have an encounter with their creator.
"Many people receive dreams from God. We help interpret them and point out that God has a purpose for their life."
Around noon, two Iraq War veterans approach the table. Jeff Lovejoy, a 34-year-old Los Angeles resident with black plastic earrings, tells McGill he's been having vividly horrid war dreams, but near the end everything fades to black. "I don't know if I died," he says. McGill tells him that the fact that he didn't die means God has a plan for his life. "You have a destiny, something you have not fulfilled yet. You have divine protection and intervention around to help bring you to your purpose." Lovejoy's friend, Jason Hughes, 31, tells McGill he has been having recurrent chase dreams in which he has to rescue people, but he wakes up before the "bad action" occurs. His is one of the 25 most common dreams. McGill tells him a spiritual stronghold in his past is trying to block his destiny. She prays, asking God to stop the dream and show Hughes his purpose in life. She asks if he'd like to commit his life to Christ. He does and gives her a hug. He tells her he plans to go to church.
After the team finishes for the day, McGill says she plans to continue her outreach to the New Age community as God gives more people dreams, including 'apocalyptic dreams'. She's also working on launching a dream-interpretation reality television show. "People are getting dreams about the end of the world, and these are nonbelievers," McGill says. I taught a dream course for a bunch of 5- to 9-year-olds, and they started telling me dreams that were blowing my mind. These little kids are dreaming dreams about Jesus coming, things blowing up, wars and all kinds of things the Bible talks about in Matthew 24."
Source: Troy Anderson, Charisma"
By Joel News
Posted by Jaci Patellis To Members of MyPurpose Ministries Group on Facebook
September 22
Below is a compelling article on how one woman is using her spiritual gifts to help others interpret their dreams and receive Christ into their lives using her knowledge of both the dark side of Christianity (including internal demons) and the unending beauty and love of Jesus Christ, the Ultimate Victor!
Article is quoted and directly from Joel News, an International Newsletter
www.joelnews.org/frontpage.htm
"USA: Taking Jesus to the New Age community"
"Tucked between a tarot card reader and a Rastafarian artist, Cindy McGill is offering 'Organic Spiritual Alignments' at her table along the circuslike boardwalk of Venice Beach, California. As part of an outreach to new agers, McGill is giving 'Free Spiritual Readings' and dream interpretations in this bohemian community. Using gifts of the Holy Spirit, she and her team of prophetic evangelists attract people who would normally just walk by more traditional evangelists. McGill founded Hope for the Harvest Ministries, an organization that evangelizes at the Burning Man (photo) and other pagan artistic festivals. Draped with its 'Catalyst of Light' sign, her table entices an eclectic mix of people.
"If we use their language and simply show love, people will be more open to an encounter with Jesus."
Venice's head psychic - a woman with wild, blond hair, pink highlights, and long, red fingernails - is the first to approach the table. She tells McGill she has spent 17 years working as a psychic on the boardwalk. "I put a spell on someone," she tells McGill. "I want to make sure everything is going well." McGill reaches out to take her hand, saying she wants to invite her to have a spiritual alignment, a euphemism for asking the Holy Spirit to touch her heart. "I just want to release the Spirit so everything is very, very clear," McGill tells her, "so you can see the Truth, the Light and the Way absolutely illuminated." McGill gets up from her chair, places her hands on the woman's shoulders and speaks in tongues, while asking the Holy Spirit to separate the psychic from any demonic forces that may try to interfere with God's plan for her life. Afterward, the woman graciously thanks McGill and leaves. "What I wanted to do is to create an opportunity to let her feel God's presence," McGill says. "I went as far as I could. The bottom line is just to show them love. It's their language."
McGill (photo) says it's often necessary to change 'our language' to reach New Age believers. In the same way Jesus used parables, McGill says she uses euphemisms, initially, so people will be more open to an encounter with Jesus. Before each outreach, she and her team of volunteers ask God to show them what people's dreams mean and to give them guidance on the best strategies to reach the lost. After a dream interpretation, people are "even hungrier to learn who we are," McGill says. At that point, she often reveals they are followers of Jesus and ask if they would like to have an encounter with their creator.
"Many people receive dreams from God. We help interpret them and point out that God has a purpose for their life."
Around noon, two Iraq War veterans approach the table. Jeff Lovejoy, a 34-year-old Los Angeles resident with black plastic earrings, tells McGill he's been having vividly horrid war dreams, but near the end everything fades to black. "I don't know if I died," he says. McGill tells him that the fact that he didn't die means God has a plan for his life. "You have a destiny, something you have not fulfilled yet. You have divine protection and intervention around to help bring you to your purpose." Lovejoy's friend, Jason Hughes, 31, tells McGill he has been having recurrent chase dreams in which he has to rescue people, but he wakes up before the "bad action" occurs. His is one of the 25 most common dreams. McGill tells him a spiritual stronghold in his past is trying to block his destiny. She prays, asking God to stop the dream and show Hughes his purpose in life. She asks if he'd like to commit his life to Christ. He does and gives her a hug. He tells her he plans to go to church.
After the team finishes for the day, McGill says she plans to continue her outreach to the New Age community as God gives more people dreams, including 'apocalyptic dreams'. She's also working on launching a dream-interpretation reality television show. "People are getting dreams about the end of the world, and these are nonbelievers," McGill says. I taught a dream course for a bunch of 5- to 9-year-olds, and they started telling me dreams that were blowing my mind. These little kids are dreaming dreams about Jesus coming, things blowing up, wars and all kinds of things the Bible talks about in Matthew 24."
Source: Troy Anderson, Charisma"
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