Discover HIS-tory: God’s Story

Discover HIS-tory: God’s Story

Believers trust that the events of the Bible are real. But what do leading archaeologists and historians on all sides of the debate have to say about the Israelites' sojourn to Egypt and the journey to the Red Sea parting? Is there evidence that matches the Bible? This is your chance to find out! Discover the evidence to support your faith alongside filmmaker Tim Mahoney!

https://store.patternsofevidence.com/products/patterns-of-evidence-4-feature-films

Bamboozled By Jesus: How God Tricked Me into the Life of My Dreams

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Bamboozled By Jesus: How God Tricked Me into the Life of My Dreams

Description

Thriving stand-up comic and actress Yvonne Orji—best known as Issa Rae's BFF on the HBO series, Insecure—shares the secrets to living the life of your dreams.

Yvonne Orji has never shied away from being unapologetically herself, and that includes being outspoken about her faith. Known for interpreting Biblical stories and metaphors to fit current times, her humorous and accessible approach to faith leaves even non-believers inspired and wanting more. 

The way Yvonne sees it, God is a Sovereign Prankster, punking folks long before Ashton Kutcher made it cool. When she meditates on her own life—complete with unforeseen blessings and unanticipated roadblocks—she realizes it’s one big testimony to how God tricked her into living out her wildest dreams. And she wants us to join in on getting bamboozled. This is not a Self-Help book—it’s a Get Yours book! 

In Bamboozled by Jesus, a frank and fresh advice book, Orji takes readers on a journey through twenty-five life lessons, gleaned from her own experiences and her favorite source of inspiration: the Bible. But this ain’t your mama’s Bible study. Yvonne infuses wit and heart in sharing pointers like why the way up is sometimes down, and how fear is synonymous to food poisoning. Her joyful, confident approach to God will inspire everyone to catapult themselves out of the mundane and into the magnificent. 

With bold authenticity and practical relatability, Orji is exactly the kind of cultural leader we need in these chaotic times. And her journey through being Bamboozled by Jesus paints a powerful picture of what it means to say “yes” to a life you never could’ve imagined—if it wasn’t your own.

Reviews

“Inspiration practically leaps off the pages and into the hearts of readers—the writing is engaging and the comedic timing is absolute gold. Orji is a cheerleader and best friend for every dreamer.”― LaParis Hawkins, Booklist 

“Not only is Yvonne really funny and smart, she brings a fresh new perspective to every story she tells. She is an absolute master, and an original voice that needs to be heard now more than ever. Once you let her in your mind, you’ll never want her to leave.”

― Chris Rock, actor & comedian 

"Yvonne somehow found a way to brilliantly weave her humor, insight, courage, and faith into pages that feel like a weekend retreat hanging with your best, boldest, brightest and most blessed girlfriend. Bamboozled by Jesus is real talk about deep faith put in practice from a woman committed to living a life of vision, purpose, service and success." 

 ― Kerry Washington, actress, producer, & director 

“Whether it’s as an actress, comedian or thought-leader, Yvonne has always given a fresh perspective and authentic storytelling. Bamboozled is a culmination of the characteristics that make her so special: sharp wit, fierce intelligence and an unapologetic sense of self.”

― Rachel Hollis, author & speaker 

"A delightful debut... Orji's boundless enthusiasm will appeal to her fans and newcomers alike."― Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Yvonne Orji is an Emmy-nominated Nigerian-American actress, writer and comedian. A failed doctor (blame organic chemistry), Yvonne took to comedy after needing a talent for a beauty pageant. Now, she entertains international audiences, as can be seen in her one-hour HBO comedy special, Momma, I Made It! A sought after speaker, she’s given the opening keynote at the Forbes’ Under 30 Summit, and her TEDx talk, “The Wait Is Sexy,” has garnered over a million views. Her breakout TV role was playing Molly on HBO’s hit show Insecure. She currently resides in Los Angeles. Connect with Yvonne on Twitter and Instagram: @YvonneOrji.

Talk About What You Love 💬 💕💕💕

 The Wisdom Center

Talk About What You Love💬 💕💕💕

Enthusiasm breeds excitement. Enthusiasm is the only climate the Seeds of Success will grow in. If you want others to get involved in your dreams and goals you must exude an aura of excitement. Your energy will attract others to your dream. Thought and talk magnify anything. Reactions to your enthusiasm purges relationships. Reactions to your enthusiasm should decide who receives the Gift of Access to you.
Scripture Reference

Proverbs 18:21:
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." 

Life Purpose

1. Life Purpose



"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."1

I have read that Bob Russell, in his book, When God Builds a Church, tells about one occasion when he went to The Pancake Factory restaurant and noted that their luncheon special for the day was a grilled chicken sandwich with spicy Mexican sauce. He "kind of" felt that they had lost their focus.

I'm sure that many businesses have lost their main focus—as have some churches which get sidetracked into doing many good things, but miss the main thing. But what concerns me today, however, is how so many Christians have lost their main focus, if in fact they ever had one.

For example, I have asked hundreds of people in various classes I have taught: "How many believe that God has a purpose for your life?" Almost every hand is raised. Then I ask, "How many of you know what your God-given life-purpose is?"

Here's the shocker—barely a hand is raised!

If we are to be true followers of Christ our focus, first of all, needs to be on him and to be committed to living in harmony with God's will according to the principles found in his Word, the Bible, so that we glorify God in all that we are and do.

Second, our purpose needs to include our personal and spiritual growth and maturity.

Third, God's purpose for us is also in how we invest our lives in living for and serving Him. Keep in mind that we serve God by serving others—using the gifts and talents that God has given to each of us.

Fourth, our purpose as Christians is also to be witnesses for Christ—not as a preacher or evangelist (although that will be true for some)—but in all that we are and do so that others seeing Jesus in us will want him for themselves, and to share our Christian faith as the opportunity arises.

It helps to clearly define your God-given life purpose—basing it on you gifts, talents, abilities and interests—by writing it down and getting it into sharp focus. Then memorize it and repeat it every day so that it is programmed into your unconscious mind. This in turn makes it a part of your deep-down belief system and helps you to live it automatically.

Don't write it in generalities. Be specific. State exactly what you are going to be and do and how you are going to do it. Remember, "Blessed is he who aims at nothing for he shall surely hit it."

Suggested prayer: "Thank you God that you have a purpose for my life. Please help me to discover what it is and get the training I need to fulfill it to the best of my ability. Please help me to so live that others will see Jesus in me and, in so doing, will want him for themselves. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Luke 19:10 (NIV).

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According to Your Faith

Thursday, March 13, 2008

1. According to Your Faith

"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"1

Earl Nightingale tells about a strength test in which people were asked to squeeze a dynamometer (a machine that tests the power of your grip) as hard as they could. After that first squeeze had been measured, they were put under hypnosis and told they were very strong. When asked to grip the machine again, their scores averaged forty percent better.

Their physical strength did not increase under hypnosis. But their ability to use that strength did. It wasn't the hypnosis that did it, but their belief about themselves.

When we are led to believe we are stronger, we react accordingly. There is a sense in which we all go through life "self-hypnotized" in that a great deal of what we do is determined by what others have told us—and what we have told ourselves—and believed!

What we need to do is listen to what God's Word, the Bible, says about us, believe it, and act accordingly. As the Apostle Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" [that is, things that are in harmony with God's will].2

If there is one thing I have learned over the years it's that God never calls any of us to do anything that he hasn't equipped us to do. And he calls all of us to be faithful servants in his work on earth, and to be faithful stewards of all that he has given to us: our time, talents, money, and our resources.

Suggested prayer, "Dear God, I come to you making myself available. Please use me to be a part of your plans and the work you are doing in the world today. Like the doubting father in today's Bible text, I do believe; help me to overcome any and all unbelief. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Mark 9:23-24 (NIV).
2. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV).

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Sex and the Single Adult

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

1. Sex and the Single Adult

"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."1

Having worked for a number of years with singles especially in the area of divorce and grief recovery, a constant question raised by many has to do with sexuality. As one person asked, "How far can [an unmarried] couple go regarding being intimate sexually without compromising their integrity as Christians?"

I heard one teacher say that sex for single adults wasn't a problem because if you aren't having sexual relations, you lose your desire for it. That makes about as much sense as saying if you aren't getting food, you lose your desire for it. I heard a well-known teacher state that the answer for sex and the single adult was discipline. Both of these teachers were married!

True, discipline is certainly needed but discipline alone isn't sufficient. Having been single myself for a number of years, I can understand the struggle and the challenge.

But why does the Bible teach that sex is for married couples only? There are a number of good reasons. It is so unwanted babies will not be brought into the world—or babies without both a mother and father to care for them. It is a protection against disease ... including the deadly disease of AIDS. Also, when a couple gets involved sexually too soon, they can become physically bonded without becoming bonded in a healthy manner emotionally and spiritually.

Also, sexual intimacy can blind a couple to reality and cause them to ignore major character weaknesses in their partner. It can stop them growing as whole persons and easily become an addiction. It can leave committed couples guilt-ridden and destroy what could have been a wonderful relationship.

For a couple that chooses to live in harmony with God's will and save sex for marriage, how can they cope with their powerful sex drive?

First, it is advisable to keep yourself accountable to a trusted friend or group of the same sex.

Second, it is wise to have interests so you can sublimate much of your sex drive by pouring your energy into creative and fulfilling pursuits such as serving others, having a hobby, or a work into which you can put your heart and best efforts.

Third, be sure to get legitimate needs met in legitimate ways. For example, we have a need for several areas of intercourse (besides sexual intercourse) such as the following:

Intellectual intercourse—a mutual sharing of ideas.

Social intercourse—being with and sharing social times with friends of both sexes.

Emotional intercourse—an honest sharing of feelings with trusted friends and
developing healthy non-romantic relationships.

Spiritual intercourse—relating to and staying in fellowship with God and living in harmony with his will.

These needs can all be met outside of marriage and can be a big help in waiting for marriage to get one's sexual needs met. However, if we don't get these needs met in healthy ways, we open ourselves to temptation in a vain attempt to get our needs met in unhealthy ways including through sexual intercourse. Big mistake!

Fourth, most importantly, be sure that your partner is committed to the Lord and to his will. This will include being committed to celibacy until marriage. Pray together often and, above all, commit and trust your life and your relationship to the Lord every day.

Fifth, don't allow yourself to be in compromising places and situations where you know you will leave yourself wide open to temptation.

Sixth, if you have already given in to sexual temptation, ask for God's forgiveness and start again determining, with God's help and wise planning, not to give in to sexual temptation.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you created us male and female, and for the gift of sexuality. With your help I choose to live in harmony with your will. I surrender my sexuality to you. Help me to get legitimate needs met in legitimate ways so that I will not set myself up for undue temptation and fall into sexual immorality. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Colossians 3:5 (NIV).

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When It Comes to Defending the Faith, There is No 'Plan B'

When It Comes to Defending the Faith, There is No 'Plan B'

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

"As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops gathers this week for its semi-annual meeting, we hope the bishops will give serious attention to the crisis our Catholic hospitals are facing," said American Life League president Judie Brown. "That's why we took out a full-page ad in the Washington Times and other publications, asking the bishops to oppose laws that require Catholic facilities of any kind to violate Church teaching."


Passage of Connecticut legislation demanding that Catholic hospitals act contrary to church teachings is only the latest in a series of attacks by abortion proponents on Catholic healthcare institutions' constitutionally protected freedom of religion. The law that went into effect October 1 forces Catholic hospitals to provide the abortive drug, Plan B, to victims of sexual assault. Similar measures have been proposed in other states. "Planned Parenthood and its minions are determined to introduce bills in state legislatures that would force Catholic healthcare providers to take actions contrary to Catholic teaching," said Brown. "This attack on the freedom of religion is unconscionable. Would Planned Parenthood also endorse efforts to force synagogues and mosques to serve pork?"


Plan B, a so-called emergency contraceptive, can act after fertilization to prevent a newly-formed human embryonic person from implanting in the mother's womb. "Pro-abortion wordsmiths insist this is not abortion," said Brown. "However, the Plan B regimen mode of action can result in the taking of a human being's life prior to implantation. That is abortion. The Catholic Church forbids the use of any form of artificial contraception, and thus a Catholic institution facing a government mandate regarding the use of this deadly chemical must refuse to comply with such a law. Even if it means that such hospitals must shut down due to lack of funding, no state should be able to force Catholic institutions to violate Church teaching."


American Life League is leading the charge to protect Catholic institutions from outrageous laws and judicial decisions. The ad, headlined, "When it comes to defending the faith, there is no 'Plan B,'" can be viewed at http://www.all.org/pdf/planb.pdf.


Source: American Life League

CONTACT: Michael Hichborn of the American Life League, +1-540-226-9178,
MHichborn@ALL.org


Web Site: http://www.all.org/pdf/planb.pdf