Monday, March 17, 2008
1. Build Up Your Self-Confidence
God to Joshua: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."1
According to Samuel Johnson, "Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings." This is true for both the non-Christian and the Christian alike but what the Christian needs perhaps even more is God-confidence.
As another has pointed out, "Moses lacked self-confidence when God called him. Had Joshua had lots of self-confidence why would God have told him to not be afraid? Gideon certainly lacked self-confidence. And until the disciples of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit they had little if any self-confidence. When Jesus was taken captive, his disciples fled for their lives. Undoubtedly, just as I would have done had I been in their shoes. Had Paul had lots of self-confidence in all situations, why would God have sent an angel to him when he was in prison to tell him to fear not? And over and over God had to tell David not to fear."
Lacking self-confidence is par for the course for most of us for we all struggle with this to some degree. So how do we overcome?
First, we do this by building on our successes and not on our failures—and on what we can do, not on what we can't do! For instance, I may be a terrible bricklayer but that doesn't make me a terrible person.
Second, more importantly, building up our self-confidence needs to come from within; that is, building up my belief in myself. This comes mostly from being open, honest and transparent with at least one or two trusted friends to whom I reveal my total self—warts and all. As they love and accept me as I am, little by little I learn (in a healthy way) to love and accept myself as I am. As we grow in self-love, it is amazing how our self-confidence increases.
Third, and how do I build up my God-confidence? By choosing to trust him no matter how I feel. When I am lacking in self-confidence, I keep saying to God, "I'm afraid, but I choose to trust you in this situation." Eventually my feelings catch up with my choice to trust God.
Fourth, we also build up God-confidence through experience—by stepping out and practicing faith in God and doing what we believe he wants us to do. As we see God using us, our God-confidence grows.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you love and accept me as I am—and that you love me too much to leave me as I am. Please help me to accept myself as you do, and help me to grow to become the person you want me to be so that my God-confidence and self-confidence will increase greatly. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Joshua 1:9 (NIV).
<:))))><
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Missing Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Found Dead in Iraq
The CNN has reported that Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Paul Faraj Rahho, who was kidnapped in northern Iraq last month was found dead on Thursday, according to a Nineveh province official.
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).
<:))))><
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).
<:))))><
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Promises, Promises
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
1. Promises, Promises
"Your kingdom [God] is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made."1
"In the latter days of the Vietnam War, an American Colonel named Earl Woods made a promise. Woods believed that his friend, a South Vietnamese colonel named Vuong Phon, saved his life. In gratitude for that act, Woods promised to name his son after his friend, who was known as 'Tiger.' Sports fans will immediately understand that the promise was kept. That son has immortalized his father's friend for most everyone has heard of Tiger Woods."2
When I was growing up in secular Australia, in grade school every chapter in our English class readers [text books] had a moral that applied to healthy everyday living, and on the header over the door of every classroom was a motto. I still remember one of these that was from the Bible: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."3 We were also taught that "a man was as good as his word."
I also learned early in life that a man who didn't keep his word couldn't be trusted—such was a serious character flaw. Sadly today for many, giving their word doesn't mean a thing. Think of so many crooked business leaders who lie by cooking their financial books, politicians who make promises to get votes, promises they have no intention of fulfilling, and so many of the rest of us who place little value on the word we give and the promises we make.
So I ask myself the question, "Am I as good as my word? Am I a man of character who keeps his word and fulfills his promises?"
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you always keep your word, and that you always fulfill your promises. Please help me to do the same. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Psalm 145:13 (NIV).
2. By J. Michael Shannon, http://tinyurl.com/36bvwm
3. Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV).
<:))))><
1. Promises, Promises
"Your kingdom [God] is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made."1
"In the latter days of the Vietnam War, an American Colonel named Earl Woods made a promise. Woods believed that his friend, a South Vietnamese colonel named Vuong Phon, saved his life. In gratitude for that act, Woods promised to name his son after his friend, who was known as 'Tiger.' Sports fans will immediately understand that the promise was kept. That son has immortalized his father's friend for most everyone has heard of Tiger Woods."2
When I was growing up in secular Australia, in grade school every chapter in our English class readers [text books] had a moral that applied to healthy everyday living, and on the header over the door of every classroom was a motto. I still remember one of these that was from the Bible: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."3 We were also taught that "a man was as good as his word."
I also learned early in life that a man who didn't keep his word couldn't be trusted—such was a serious character flaw. Sadly today for many, giving their word doesn't mean a thing. Think of so many crooked business leaders who lie by cooking their financial books, politicians who make promises to get votes, promises they have no intention of fulfilling, and so many of the rest of us who place little value on the word we give and the promises we make.
So I ask myself the question, "Am I as good as my word? Am I a man of character who keeps his word and fulfills his promises?"
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you always keep your word, and that you always fulfill your promises. Please help me to do the same. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Psalm 145:13 (NIV).
2. By J. Michael Shannon, http://tinyurl.com/36bvwm
3. Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV).
<:))))><
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Curse of Theological Rigidity
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
1. The Curse of Theological Rigidity
"Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example."1
People who are theologically rigid are the very opposite of what God's Word encourages leaders to be. They see themselves as being very spiritual and good Christians. The Pharisees of Jesus' day saw themselves in the same light.
The fact is that people who are theologically rigid are not spiritual at all. They are theologically rigid because they are emotionally rigid. And they are emotionally rigid because they are living in denial—denying their insecurities and inner unresolved painful issues. Some are very angry. Others are control freaks. Some are both.
Furthermore, theologically rigid people who become leaders in the church (or in politics or any other area) do great damage to people both psychologically and spiritually. They keep people immature, over-dependent, and in denial just as they themselves are. They, like the Pharisees, love their rules more than they love people. They use people to fulfill their own manipulative purposes. They are legalists who demand that others conform to their unrealistic expectations and, if they refuse to do so, they will be rejected—in some religious and political environments they can be totally ostracized and/or even killed.
God's word describes people who fall back into legalism as being bewitched.2 Remember though; they only control us if we allow them to. In some extreme cultures one may be forced to be controlled outwardly or be killed but it is important that, with God's help, one keeps control of his or her mind and beliefs.
Suggested prayer:
"Dear God, please deliver me from the trap and curse of theological rigidity and legalism and give me the insight to recognize it whenever it appears. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. 1 Peter 5:2-3 (NLT).
2. Galatians 3:1.
<:))))><
1. The Curse of Theological Rigidity
"Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example."1
People who are theologically rigid are the very opposite of what God's Word encourages leaders to be. They see themselves as being very spiritual and good Christians. The Pharisees of Jesus' day saw themselves in the same light.
The fact is that people who are theologically rigid are not spiritual at all. They are theologically rigid because they are emotionally rigid. And they are emotionally rigid because they are living in denial—denying their insecurities and inner unresolved painful issues. Some are very angry. Others are control freaks. Some are both.
Furthermore, theologically rigid people who become leaders in the church (or in politics or any other area) do great damage to people both psychologically and spiritually. They keep people immature, over-dependent, and in denial just as they themselves are. They, like the Pharisees, love their rules more than they love people. They use people to fulfill their own manipulative purposes. They are legalists who demand that others conform to their unrealistic expectations and, if they refuse to do so, they will be rejected—in some religious and political environments they can be totally ostracized and/or even killed.
God's word describes people who fall back into legalism as being bewitched.2 Remember though; they only control us if we allow them to. In some extreme cultures one may be forced to be controlled outwardly or be killed but it is important that, with God's help, one keeps control of his or her mind and beliefs.
Suggested prayer:
"Dear God, please deliver me from the trap and curse of theological rigidity and legalism and give me the insight to recognize it whenever it appears. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. 1 Peter 5:2-3 (NLT).
2. Galatians 3:1.
<:))))><
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
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).
<:))))><
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).
<:))))><
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Join Us for the Next Billy Graham Television Special
Real Happiness: Why is it so hard to find?
The pursuit of happiness … The American dream, or the American disappointment?
Money, fame, personal success … How many of us pursue happiness from the world, only to find it becomes “chasing after the wind”?
Join us for the next Billy Graham Television Special, airing nationwide March 1-9, which shares the stories of Americans whose shattered dreams were the first step to finding lasting joy in Jesus Christ.
To check local listings and see a preview of the program,
visit http://www.billygraham.org/TV.
© 2008 BGEA
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Rapture and Jesus' Return to Earth
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
1. The Rapture and Jesus' Return to Earth
"So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man [Jesus] will come [again] at an hour when you do not expect him."1
When one of my nephews was only five, he heard me talking about Christmas being the time when we celebrate Jesus Christ's coming to earth. He wanted to know if Jesus would come back to earth again. I assured him that Jesus promised that he would come back again.2
According to Bible scholars the return of, or second coming of, Jesus Christ is called the Rapture which comes from the Latin word "Rapare" which means to take away or to snatch out.
Following Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, he was "snatched away" and taken up to heaven. While Jesus' disciples were standing there looking up in amazement, two angels appeared to them and said: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."3
Jesus' first coming to earth 2000 years ago is an undeniable fact of history. His second coming is just as certain. The critical issue is to be ready for Christ's return. According to God's Word here's what will take place at the rapture: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we [true followers of Jesus] who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."4
Jesus is coming again just as he went. It could be today. He said that he would come at an hour when we do not expect him.5
To be absolutely sure you are ready for the rapture be sure to accept God's invitation for forgiveness and his gift of eternal life. To do so click on the God's Invitation" button below or for further help click on the "Know God" button or on: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, again I thank you for the promise of Christ's return. Thank you for your great salvation and the promise of a home in Heaven for all who believe in and have accepted you as their Savior. Help me to be sure I am ready today for Christ's return by having repented of my sins, asked for and accepted your forgiveness and received Jesus as my Savior. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
NOTE: For an interesting depiction of the Rapture click on: http://www.youtube.com/v/SmLhyPjHVes. We do not endorse any of the other links on this page.
1. Matthew 24:44 (NIV).
2. See John 14:3.
3. Acts 1: 11 (NIV).
4. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV).
5. See Matthew 24:44.
<:))))><
1. The Rapture and Jesus' Return to Earth
"So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man [Jesus] will come [again] at an hour when you do not expect him."1
When one of my nephews was only five, he heard me talking about Christmas being the time when we celebrate Jesus Christ's coming to earth. He wanted to know if Jesus would come back to earth again. I assured him that Jesus promised that he would come back again.2
According to Bible scholars the return of, or second coming of, Jesus Christ is called the Rapture which comes from the Latin word "Rapare" which means to take away or to snatch out.
Following Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, he was "snatched away" and taken up to heaven. While Jesus' disciples were standing there looking up in amazement, two angels appeared to them and said: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."3
Jesus' first coming to earth 2000 years ago is an undeniable fact of history. His second coming is just as certain. The critical issue is to be ready for Christ's return. According to God's Word here's what will take place at the rapture: "For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we [true followers of Jesus] who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever."4
Jesus is coming again just as he went. It could be today. He said that he would come at an hour when we do not expect him.5
To be absolutely sure you are ready for the rapture be sure to accept God's invitation for forgiveness and his gift of eternal life. To do so click on the God's Invitation" button below or for further help click on the "Know God" button or on: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, again I thank you for the promise of Christ's return. Thank you for your great salvation and the promise of a home in Heaven for all who believe in and have accepted you as their Savior. Help me to be sure I am ready today for Christ's return by having repented of my sins, asked for and accepted your forgiveness and received Jesus as my Savior. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
NOTE: For an interesting depiction of the Rapture click on: http://www.youtube.com/v/SmLhyPjHVes. We do not endorse any of the other links on this page.
1. Matthew 24:44 (NIV).
2. See John 14:3.
3. Acts 1: 11 (NIV).
4. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV).
5. See Matthew 24:44.
<:))))><
Monday, February 25, 2008
Compassion and Kindness
Monday, February 25, 2008
1. Compassion and Kindness
"Be kind and compassionate [tenderhearted] to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."1
Michael Josephson of Character Counts shared how he "once read of a man on a subway with two young children who were being loud and unruly. The man seemed to ignore their behavior, so a fed-up passenger confronted him: 'Sir, don't you see how your children are disturbing everyone? How can you be so thoughtless?'
"The man sobbed, 'I'm so sorry. Their mom just died and I've been thinking of how we'll live without her.' In an instant the critic's self-righteousness turned to self-condemnation.
"Why is it that so many of us have to be hit over the head before we turn on our caring and empathy buttons?
"The next time you have the choice between being right and being kind, choose kindness."2
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me an understanding and compassionate heart so that I will always be kind when what is needed is understanding and kindness so that I will be 'more and more like Jesus in every way.' Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV).
2. Michael Josephson, Character Counts, "Being Right or Being Kind." (533.5) Character Counts
<:))))><
1. Compassion and Kindness
"Be kind and compassionate [tenderhearted] to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."1
Michael Josephson of Character Counts shared how he "once read of a man on a subway with two young children who were being loud and unruly. The man seemed to ignore their behavior, so a fed-up passenger confronted him: 'Sir, don't you see how your children are disturbing everyone? How can you be so thoughtless?'
"The man sobbed, 'I'm so sorry. Their mom just died and I've been thinking of how we'll live without her.' In an instant the critic's self-righteousness turned to self-condemnation.
"Why is it that so many of us have to be hit over the head before we turn on our caring and empathy buttons?
"The next time you have the choice between being right and being kind, choose kindness."2
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me an understanding and compassionate heart so that I will always be kind when what is needed is understanding and kindness so that I will be 'more and more like Jesus in every way.' Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV).
2. Michael Josephson, Character Counts, "Being Right or Being Kind." (533.5) Character Counts
<:))))><
Friday, February 22, 2008
Letter from Barack Obama on Marriage and Gay Rights
Letter from Barack Obama on Marriage and Gay Rights
2004-02-11
As an African-American man, a child of an interracial marriage, a committed scholar, attorney and activist who works to protect the Bill of Rights, I am sensitive to the struggle for civil rights. As a state Senator, I have taken on the issue of civil rights for the LGBT community as if they were my own struggle because I believe strongly that the infringement of rights for any one group eventually endangers the rights enjoyed under law by the entire population. Since 1996, I have been the sponsor or a chief co-sponsor of measures to expand civil liberties for the LGBT community including hate-crimes legislation, adoption rights and the extension of basic civil rights to protect LGBT persons from discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment and credit.
Today, I am a candidate for the U.S. Senate. Unlike any of my opponents, I have a legislative track record. No one has to guess about what I will do in Washington. My record makes it very clear. I will be an unapologetic voice for civil rights in the U.S. Senate.
For the record, I opposed DOMA [the Defense of Marriage Act] in 1996. It should be repealed and I will vote for its repeal on the Senate floor. I will also oppose any proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution to ban gays and lesbians from marrying. This is an effort to demonize people for political advantage, and should be resisted ... .
When Members of Congress passed DOMA, they were not interested in strengthening family values or protecting civil liberties. They were only interested in perpetuating division and affirming a wedge issue. ...
Despite my own feelings about an abhorrent law, the realities of modern politics persist. While the repeal of DOMA is essential, the unfortunate truth is that it is unlikely with Mr. Bush in the White House and Republicans in control of both chambers of Congress. ...
We must be careful to keep our eyes on the prize—equal rights for every American. We must continue to fight for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. We must vigorously expand hate-crime legislation and be vigilant about how these laws are enforced. We must continue to expand adoption rights to make them consistent and seamless throughout all 50 states, and we must repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” military policy.
I know how important the issue of equal rights is to the LGBT community. I share your sense of urgency. If I am elected U.S. Senator, you can be confident that my colleagues in the Senate and the President will know my position.
~ Senator Barack Obama
Democratic Candidate for the U.S. Senate
First Published by Windy City Media Group
N.B:
The Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, is the commonly-used name of a federal law of the United States that is officially known as Pub.L. 104-199, 110 Stat. 2419, enacted 1996-09-21 and codified at 1 U.S.C. § 7 and 28 U.S.C. § 1738C. The law has two effects.
1. No state (or other political subdivision within the United States) need recognize a marriage between persons of the same sex, even if the marriage was concluded or recognized in another state.
2. The Federal Government may not recognize same-sex or polygamous marriages for any purpose, even if concluded or recognized by one of the states.
The bill was passed by Congress by a vote of 85-14 in the Senate and a vote of 342-67 in the House of Representatives, and was signed by President Bill Clinton on September 21, 1996.
Renowned Author and Genealogist Darius A. Gray Presents 'Blacks in the Bible' and 'African American Roots'
22 Feb 2008 01:27 Africa/Lagos
African American History Month Celebration: Renowned Author and Genealogist Darius A. Gray Presents 'Blacks in the Bible' and 'African American Roots'
Darius A. Gray, renowned author, genealogist and co-director of the Freedman Bank Project, will speak about "Blacks in the Bible" at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on Friday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. Gray's appearance is sponsored by New Detroit, the race relations leadership coalition, in partnership with the Wright Museum of African American History and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Friday night presentation is by invitation only but is open to media representatives.
On Saturday, Gray will present a free public workshop, "African American Roots" from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the museum. Gray, who is co-host of the television program "Questions and Answers" and a participant in the PBS series "Ancestors," will discuss the Freedman Bank records. Participants will learn about local family history centers and how to conduct online family searches. Free family search software will be provided for participants who bring their laptops. (The museum has wireless capability.) No pre-registration is required.
The Charles H. Wright Museum is located at 315 E. Warren Avenue in Detroit. Additional information is available by contacting the museum at (313) 494-5800.
Contact: Diana Christensen
(313)872-2202
dchristensen@bergmuirhead.com
PRNewswire-Feb. 21
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
Source: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
African American History Month Celebration: Renowned Author and Genealogist Darius A. Gray Presents 'Blacks in the Bible' and 'African American Roots'
Darius A. Gray, renowned author, genealogist and co-director of the Freedman Bank Project, will speak about "Blacks in the Bible" at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on Friday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. Gray's appearance is sponsored by New Detroit, the race relations leadership coalition, in partnership with the Wright Museum of African American History and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Friday night presentation is by invitation only but is open to media representatives.
On Saturday, Gray will present a free public workshop, "African American Roots" from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the museum. Gray, who is co-host of the television program "Questions and Answers" and a participant in the PBS series "Ancestors," will discuss the Freedman Bank records. Participants will learn about local family history centers and how to conduct online family searches. Free family search software will be provided for participants who bring their laptops. (The museum has wireless capability.) No pre-registration is required.
The Charles H. Wright Museum is located at 315 E. Warren Avenue in Detroit. Additional information is available by contacting the museum at (313) 494-5800.
Contact: Diana Christensen
(313)872-2202
dchristensen@bergmuirhead.com
PRNewswire-Feb. 21
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
Source: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Launch of New Christian Networking Website
Launch of New Christian Networking Website
From Vince Rizzo.
Feb 20, 2008
Greetings In Jesus Name,
I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that we have just created a new Christian network very much like MySpace or Facebook.
If you are enjoying our Ames Community Kingdom, this is the next step. We have created Faith-Space and students will now be able to blog, view and post videos, converse with other Ames Students and you will be able to invite any of your Christian friends to sign-up as well absolutely free. We invite you to visit us at: Faith-Space.
Blessings,
Dr. Vince & Laura Rizzo
www.freebiblecollege.com
From Vince Rizzo.
Feb 20, 2008
Greetings In Jesus Name,
I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that we have just created a new Christian network very much like MySpace or Facebook.
If you are enjoying our Ames Community Kingdom, this is the next step. We have created Faith-Space and students will now be able to blog, view and post videos, converse with other Ames Students and you will be able to invite any of your Christian friends to sign-up as well absolutely free. We invite you to visit us at: Faith-Space.
Blessings,
Dr. Vince & Laura Rizzo
www.freebiblecollege.com
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The "Angel" Within
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
1. The "Angel" Within
"So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."1
I have read that "one of the most distinguished sculptors in American history was a man named Gutzon Borglum. He was a sculptor on a grand scale who is perhaps best known for his bust of Abraham Lincoln at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. On that project he carved the head of Lincoln from a large block of marble that had long been in his studio.
"The woman who cleaned his work area had swept around the formless mass of marble day after day for a long time. Then one day, as Borglum's work progressed, she began to see the face of Lincoln emerging from the stone. She quickly turned and, looking at Borglum, asked, "Is that master Lincoln?"
"Yes," he replied.
"How did you know he was in there?" she asked.
"The great sculptor knew, for he had double vision. All great artists have such a gift. They see what is and what can be."2
Years before Michelangelo said the same thing: "I saw the angel in the marble and I chiseled until I set it free."
And that's how God sees you and me. He sees the "angel" within us (our God-given potential) and when we are truly committed to him, through his Spirit he will keep "chipping away" until we become all that he envisions us to be.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that when I surrender my life to you, through your Spirit you are making and molding me into the person you have envisioned me to be. And when some of that chipping/molding is painful, help me to realize that is all a part of your refining work in my life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (TLB).
2. Leader Links, http://www.leaderlinks.com
<:))))><
1. The "Angel" Within
"So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."1
I have read that "one of the most distinguished sculptors in American history was a man named Gutzon Borglum. He was a sculptor on a grand scale who is perhaps best known for his bust of Abraham Lincoln at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. On that project he carved the head of Lincoln from a large block of marble that had long been in his studio.
"The woman who cleaned his work area had swept around the formless mass of marble day after day for a long time. Then one day, as Borglum's work progressed, she began to see the face of Lincoln emerging from the stone. She quickly turned and, looking at Borglum, asked, "Is that master Lincoln?"
"Yes," he replied.
"How did you know he was in there?" she asked.
"The great sculptor knew, for he had double vision. All great artists have such a gift. They see what is and what can be."2
Years before Michelangelo said the same thing: "I saw the angel in the marble and I chiseled until I set it free."
And that's how God sees you and me. He sees the "angel" within us (our God-given potential) and when we are truly committed to him, through his Spirit he will keep "chipping away" until we become all that he envisions us to be.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that when I surrender my life to you, through your Spirit you are making and molding me into the person you have envisioned me to be. And when some of that chipping/molding is painful, help me to realize that is all a part of your refining work in my life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (TLB).
2. Leader Links, http://www.leaderlinks.com
<:))))><
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Ignoring the Warnings
Ignoring the Warnings
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
1. Ignoring the Warnings
"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment."1
I read about a West Virginia State Trooper who stopped a woman driver for going 15 miles over the speed limit. After handing her a ticket, the driver asked him, "Don't you give out warnings?"
"Yes, ma'am," he replied. "They're all up and down the road. They say, "'Speed Limit 55.'"2
I can imagine that many people—who have rejected God all their life and failed to accept his forgiveness for their sins—when they stand before God at the end of life's journey and are required to give an account of their life and receive God's judgment are going to want to say the same as the lady above: "Don't you give out warnings?"
I can imagine God saying, "Yes, sir/madam, my Word, the Bible, is filled with warnings from cover to cover to prepare for life after death. And every year of your life you were reminded of my offer of forgiveness and eternal life at both Christmas and Easter."
And this is what they will hear God say to them: "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"3
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you have warned me over and over to prepare to meet you face to face after I die. Please help me to make my life right with you today, to obtain your forgiveness for all my sins and be prepared for life after death. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
And, Dear friend, if you have never put your life right with God, he is giving you that opportunity today. For God's Invitation go to: http://tinyurl.com/6k49w or for further help to know God go to: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.
1. Hebrews 9:27 (NIV).
2. from Reader's Digest, "All in a Day's Work," by Patricia Greenlee.
3. Matthew 7:23 (NKJV).
<:))))><
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
1. Ignoring the Warnings
"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment."1
I read about a West Virginia State Trooper who stopped a woman driver for going 15 miles over the speed limit. After handing her a ticket, the driver asked him, "Don't you give out warnings?"
"Yes, ma'am," he replied. "They're all up and down the road. They say, "'Speed Limit 55.'"2
I can imagine that many people—who have rejected God all their life and failed to accept his forgiveness for their sins—when they stand before God at the end of life's journey and are required to give an account of their life and receive God's judgment are going to want to say the same as the lady above: "Don't you give out warnings?"
I can imagine God saying, "Yes, sir/madam, my Word, the Bible, is filled with warnings from cover to cover to prepare for life after death. And every year of your life you were reminded of my offer of forgiveness and eternal life at both Christmas and Easter."
And this is what they will hear God say to them: "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"3
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you have warned me over and over to prepare to meet you face to face after I die. Please help me to make my life right with you today, to obtain your forgiveness for all my sins and be prepared for life after death. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
And, Dear friend, if you have never put your life right with God, he is giving you that opportunity today. For God's Invitation go to: http://tinyurl.com/6k49w or for further help to know God go to: http://tinyurl.com/8glq9.
1. Hebrews 9:27 (NIV).
2. from Reader's Digest, "All in a Day's Work," by Patricia Greenlee.
3. Matthew 7:23 (NKJV).
<:))))><
Sunday, February 17, 2008
The Nigerian Fools Who Think They Can Fool God
The Nigerian Fools Who Think They Can Fool God
The largest Church in the world is located in Nigeria and there are more churches in Nigeria than schools. There is a church in every neighborhood and in fact, in the mega city of Lagos, you can find a church on every street. So, Nigerians are church loving people with over 55% of the population of over 140 million noted as Christians.
I have gone through the most popular Christian denominations in Nigeria, from the Roman Catholic Church to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and had the privilege of being very close to the notable men of God in Nigeria, including the Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, the Archbishop of Lagos and Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the RCCG. I have also done street evangelism for over 11 years in Lagos where I preached the gospel on public transport buses and on the street. I have traveled to most cities in Nigeria and lived with Nigerians from different tribes. So, I know my fellow Nigerians very well.
I have seen that more than 90% of the Nigerians who claim to be Christians are not true Christians, but mere churchgoers, because, they do not live or work according to the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are hypocrites who only parade themselves as Christians in the masquerade of the Christian religion. They are good actors and actresses who are simply playing "church" in conceit and deceit. The evidence of their hypocrisy is the decadence in every facet of the Nigerian society. The rampant cases of corruption in high places and low places have exposed the falsehood of these so-called "Christians".
You see Nigerian parents who have abused the ethics of good parenting and cannot show good examples to their children. Mothers have become pimps and encourage their daughters to practice either full time or part time prostitution. They hawk their bodies to those who can pay the price and they often come cheap. Fathers no longer see anything wrong in the criminal activities of their children. They pat them on the back for being smart whenever any of their sons or daughters cheats, lies or steals to make money or pass the compulsory examination for the academic or professional certification required to get a dream job to boost their egoistic pursuits in the social hierarchy of their materialistic society.
Corruption is now a daily way of life in Nigeria.
The ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) is the most corrupt political party in the history of Nigerian politics. The elected members of the PDP and other office holders have stolen billions of dollars from public coffers and they armed most the political thugs who are now the gunmen and militants on rampage in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria since 1999 to date.
If the Nigerians claiming to be Christians but behave like devils are bad, the Nigerians claiming to be pious Muslims are worse. The Nigerian Muslims are not only as corrupt as the fake Nigerian "Christians", but they use their erroneous Sharia Law to institutionalize their hypocrisy and use it to violate the fundamental human rights of their fellow citizens and commit atrocities.
Only the poor Muslim women are always caught in adultery and they are condemned to be stoned to death. Only the poor Muslim men are caught stealing and condemned to be amputated. But the rich Muslims who steal public funds from public coffers are never tried or punished. In fact, the President of Nigeria, the Muslim Alhaji Umaru Yar' Adua gave them National Honors in Abuja, on February 14, 2008, to continue the perpetuation of corruption as the bedrock of the Nigerian society.
What are the Nigerian religious leaders doing to address the epidemic of corruption in Nigeria?
Most of the Nigerian religious are the beneficiaries of these corrupt Nigerian public officers and corrupt business leaders. They are willing receivers of the stolen goods.
The Nigerian churches have been collecting tithes and offerings from the misappropriated funds, Internet scams, robberies, and other financial crimes committed by the heartless, merciless and shameless Nigerian criminals and prostitutes operating in offices, on the streets and waterways in Nigeria. So, they are partners in crime.
The tragic irony is, they are still posing and posturing as pious God-fearing Nigerians.
These corrupt Nigerian cheats, liars, pretenders, prostitutes, fraudsters, robbers, looters, and other criminals are the worst species of humans I have ever seen since I was born.
This corrupt generation of Nigerians is what Jesus Christ called them “a generation of vipers”.
The largest Church in the world is located in Nigeria and there are more churches in Nigeria than schools. There is a church in every neighborhood and in fact, in the mega city of Lagos, you can find a church on every street. So, Nigerians are church loving people with over 55% of the population of over 140 million noted as Christians.
I have gone through the most popular Christian denominations in Nigeria, from the Roman Catholic Church to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and had the privilege of being very close to the notable men of God in Nigeria, including the Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, the Archbishop of Lagos and Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the RCCG. I have also done street evangelism for over 11 years in Lagos where I preached the gospel on public transport buses and on the street. I have traveled to most cities in Nigeria and lived with Nigerians from different tribes. So, I know my fellow Nigerians very well.
I have seen that more than 90% of the Nigerians who claim to be Christians are not true Christians, but mere churchgoers, because, they do not live or work according to the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are hypocrites who only parade themselves as Christians in the masquerade of the Christian religion. They are good actors and actresses who are simply playing "church" in conceit and deceit. The evidence of their hypocrisy is the decadence in every facet of the Nigerian society. The rampant cases of corruption in high places and low places have exposed the falsehood of these so-called "Christians".
You see Nigerian parents who have abused the ethics of good parenting and cannot show good examples to their children. Mothers have become pimps and encourage their daughters to practice either full time or part time prostitution. They hawk their bodies to those who can pay the price and they often come cheap. Fathers no longer see anything wrong in the criminal activities of their children. They pat them on the back for being smart whenever any of their sons or daughters cheats, lies or steals to make money or pass the compulsory examination for the academic or professional certification required to get a dream job to boost their egoistic pursuits in the social hierarchy of their materialistic society.
Corruption is now a daily way of life in Nigeria.
The ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) is the most corrupt political party in the history of Nigerian politics. The elected members of the PDP and other office holders have stolen billions of dollars from public coffers and they armed most the political thugs who are now the gunmen and militants on rampage in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria since 1999 to date.
If the Nigerians claiming to be Christians but behave like devils are bad, the Nigerians claiming to be pious Muslims are worse. The Nigerian Muslims are not only as corrupt as the fake Nigerian "Christians", but they use their erroneous Sharia Law to institutionalize their hypocrisy and use it to violate the fundamental human rights of their fellow citizens and commit atrocities.
Only the poor Muslim women are always caught in adultery and they are condemned to be stoned to death. Only the poor Muslim men are caught stealing and condemned to be amputated. But the rich Muslims who steal public funds from public coffers are never tried or punished. In fact, the President of Nigeria, the Muslim Alhaji Umaru Yar' Adua gave them National Honors in Abuja, on February 14, 2008, to continue the perpetuation of corruption as the bedrock of the Nigerian society.
What are the Nigerian religious leaders doing to address the epidemic of corruption in Nigeria?
Most of the Nigerian religious are the beneficiaries of these corrupt Nigerian public officers and corrupt business leaders. They are willing receivers of the stolen goods.
The Nigerian churches have been collecting tithes and offerings from the misappropriated funds, Internet scams, robberies, and other financial crimes committed by the heartless, merciless and shameless Nigerian criminals and prostitutes operating in offices, on the streets and waterways in Nigeria. So, they are partners in crime.
The tragic irony is, they are still posing and posturing as pious God-fearing Nigerians.
These corrupt Nigerian cheats, liars, pretenders, prostitutes, fraudsters, robbers, looters, and other criminals are the worst species of humans I have ever seen since I was born.
This corrupt generation of Nigerians is what Jesus Christ called them “a generation of vipers”.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Witnessing Made Easy
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
1. Witnessing Made Easy
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things."1
"Do you remember the Mercedes TV commercial a few years ago that showed a Mercedes crashing into a concrete wall during a safety test? An engineer in a white lab coat walks over after the crash and kneels down to examine the damage, which is minimal. A reporter then asks the engineer about Mercedes' energy absorbing car body. After the engineer tells all about the unique design the reporter asks him why Mercedes doesn't enforce their patent on the design, a design evidently copied by several other companies because of its success.
"The engineer then replied matter-of-factly, 'Because some things in life are too important not to share.' How true this is. There are many things in life that fall into this 'too important not to share category.' Advances in science, in medicine, in technology. But all of these pale in importance to that of sharing our faith."2
As Billy Graham said, "I am convinced the greatest act of love we can ever perform for people is to tell them about God's love for them in Christ."
There are many ways we can do this. Here's one very simple way. For example, whenever I eat at a restaurant, I always leave one of my Good News business witness cards with the tip. And whenever a suitable opportunity arises, without being pushy, I ask the person I am talking to if I can give him or her one of my cards. It is a very attractive card that invites people to visit one of our Good News websites. The site has many articles that speak to the felt needs of the average person—articles that deal with overcoming worry, stress, marriage, relationships, and the like.
And, by the way, speaking to an individual's felt needs is the only known sure-fire way to get people to read any message. The website also has a highly visible link to the clear gospel message, "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian … without having to be religious." The general card I give out in the U.S. points to: www.GoodNewsfor.com/usa. (In time we will have them for other countries and in other languages as well.)
I've never had anyone ever refuse to accept one of these cards. They are attractively printed and are not in any way preachy. This is a very easy, attractive, and non-offensive way to witness even for the most timid person. If you live in the U.S., or have friends who live in the U.S., I encourage you to send for a package of 50 of the "Good News for USA" business witness cards to give to family, friends and contacts. They are only a web click away at: https://actscom.com/donate.php and are available for a donation, not only to cover the cost of printing and postage, but also to help support the building and maintaining of this gospel web outreach ministry.
It is true, the gospel message of Jesus Christ is far too important not to share. Please send today for a pack of Good News Business Witness cards so you, too, can be involved in what God is doing in the world today.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I come to you with all my fears making myself available for you to use as a witness for Jesus Christ. Please use me to be 'as Christ' in some way to someone in need today, and give me the courage to share my Christian faith in a non-offensive and gracious way. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Romans 10:15 (NKJV).
2. Rev. Steve Jackson, Sermon: "Come and See."
<:))))><<
1. Witnessing Made Easy
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things."1
"Do you remember the Mercedes TV commercial a few years ago that showed a Mercedes crashing into a concrete wall during a safety test? An engineer in a white lab coat walks over after the crash and kneels down to examine the damage, which is minimal. A reporter then asks the engineer about Mercedes' energy absorbing car body. After the engineer tells all about the unique design the reporter asks him why Mercedes doesn't enforce their patent on the design, a design evidently copied by several other companies because of its success.
"The engineer then replied matter-of-factly, 'Because some things in life are too important not to share.' How true this is. There are many things in life that fall into this 'too important not to share category.' Advances in science, in medicine, in technology. But all of these pale in importance to that of sharing our faith."2
As Billy Graham said, "I am convinced the greatest act of love we can ever perform for people is to tell them about God's love for them in Christ."
There are many ways we can do this. Here's one very simple way. For example, whenever I eat at a restaurant, I always leave one of my Good News business witness cards with the tip. And whenever a suitable opportunity arises, without being pushy, I ask the person I am talking to if I can give him or her one of my cards. It is a very attractive card that invites people to visit one of our Good News websites. The site has many articles that speak to the felt needs of the average person—articles that deal with overcoming worry, stress, marriage, relationships, and the like.
And, by the way, speaking to an individual's felt needs is the only known sure-fire way to get people to read any message. The website also has a highly visible link to the clear gospel message, "How to Be Sure You're a Real Christian … without having to be religious." The general card I give out in the U.S. points to: www.GoodNewsfor.com/usa. (In time we will have them for other countries and in other languages as well.)
I've never had anyone ever refuse to accept one of these cards. They are attractively printed and are not in any way preachy. This is a very easy, attractive, and non-offensive way to witness even for the most timid person. If you live in the U.S., or have friends who live in the U.S., I encourage you to send for a package of 50 of the "Good News for USA" business witness cards to give to family, friends and contacts. They are only a web click away at: https://actscom.com/donate.php and are available for a donation, not only to cover the cost of printing and postage, but also to help support the building and maintaining of this gospel web outreach ministry.
It is true, the gospel message of Jesus Christ is far too important not to share. Please send today for a pack of Good News Business Witness cards so you, too, can be involved in what God is doing in the world today.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I come to you with all my fears making myself available for you to use as a witness for Jesus Christ. Please use me to be 'as Christ' in some way to someone in need today, and give me the courage to share my Christian faith in a non-offensive and gracious way. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Romans 10:15 (NKJV).
2. Rev. Steve Jackson, Sermon: "Come and See."
<:))))><<
Saturday, February 09, 2008
My Tetimony-Healed of Brain Cancer
You have to read this to fully appreciate the awesome supremacy of Jehovah God in "My Tetimony-Healed of Brain Cancer".
Friday, February 01, 2008
A letter from an Orthodox Rabbi to the United Nations,protesting the Israeli government's blockade of Gaza
2. A letter from an Orthodox Rabbi to the United Nations,protesting the Israeli government's blockade of Gaza:
Click here to read the important Letter.
Other important features to read.
An amusing article from me on fighting identity theft
An article on gender issues by Father Elias, entitled, ,"Is the human male merely a godless killer monkey?!"
Click here to read the important Letter.
Other important features to read.
An amusing article from me on fighting identity theft
An article on gender issues by Father Elias, entitled, ,"Is the human male merely a godless killer monkey?!"
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
I Thank God for My Birthday!
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
~ Psalm 103:5
I am a year older today.
I am very glad and grateful to God for all the beautiful and wonderful things He has been doing in my life from birth.
I thank God for my mother, Gladys Eke of blessed memory and I thank God for my father, Sunday Eke of blessed memory.
I thank God for my brothers and sister and others God has brought into my life.
I thank God for making me one in a million.
I thank God for making my future secure.
For God is my life insurance.
I thank God for the Queen of my heart who called me this morning from Abuja in Nigeria, and for loving me like no other woman has ever loved me since I was born.
She is one in a million.
Psalm 103 (King James Version)
1. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
18. To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20. Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
~ Psalm 103:5
I am a year older today.
I am very glad and grateful to God for all the beautiful and wonderful things He has been doing in my life from birth.
I thank God for my mother, Gladys Eke of blessed memory and I thank God for my father, Sunday Eke of blessed memory.
I thank God for my brothers and sister and others God has brought into my life.
I thank God for making me one in a million.
I thank God for making my future secure.
For God is my life insurance.
I thank God for the Queen of my heart who called me this morning from Abuja in Nigeria, and for loving me like no other woman has ever loved me since I was born.
She is one in a million.
Psalm 103 (King James Version)
1. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
3. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
4. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;
5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
7. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.
8. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
9. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.
10. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
11. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
12. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
13. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
14. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.
15. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
16. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
17. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;
18. To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.
19. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
20. Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.
21. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
22. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Nigerian Pagans Are More Honest and Transparent Than Nigerian Christians
The irony of corruption in Nigeria is the complicity of Nigerian churches and mosques.
They are among the largest beneficiaries of the misappropriated funds stolen by corrupt Nigerian office holders and contractors.
The fact is Nigerian pagans are more honest and transparent than the so called Christians and Muslims.
Nigerians fear the Juju than they fear the Almighty God.
Most of the indicted and convicted corrupt public officials and their accomplices claim to be Christians and Muslims and I have seen their pastors, bishops and Imams collecting fat offerings, tithes, donations and gifts from them. Then asking God to have mercy on them and forgive them, instead of warning them as Jesus Christ warned "Repent or Perish!".
They are afraid of warning them and calling them crooks and rogues, lest they frighten them away and lose their financial contributions and other benefits.
The rich are honoured with knighthood and given other titles in the church.
Cultists have been honoured by many churches in Nigeria. They are the chief launchers and chairmen and leading ladies of the fund raising committees.
I have since passed a vote of No Confidence in Nigerian Christians and Muslims, because I have not seen any difference in their behaviour outside the church and mosque when compared to the pagans.
The only difference is they go to church and mosque while the pagans go to the shrine.
The dishonesty, hypocrisy and selfish opportunism among Nigerian Christians and Muslims are responsible for the perpetuation of corruption in Nigeria, from the hawkers of fake products on the street to the embezzlers of revenue allocations in the corridors of power.
From Lagos to Abuja to Calabar to Enugu to Bonny Island, I have been there and seen corruption in high places and low places.
The metamorphosis of corruption in Nigeria can be seen in the parade of their ignorance in the masquerade of arrogance. But as Jesus Christ said, "by their fruits you shall know them", their deeds indoors and outdoors show their true characters, regardless of their lip service and eye service in their churches and mosques.
My duty is to witness and give my eye witness accounts in my books like the Chronicles of the Holy Bible.
They are among the largest beneficiaries of the misappropriated funds stolen by corrupt Nigerian office holders and contractors.
The fact is Nigerian pagans are more honest and transparent than the so called Christians and Muslims.
Nigerians fear the Juju than they fear the Almighty God.
Most of the indicted and convicted corrupt public officials and their accomplices claim to be Christians and Muslims and I have seen their pastors, bishops and Imams collecting fat offerings, tithes, donations and gifts from them. Then asking God to have mercy on them and forgive them, instead of warning them as Jesus Christ warned "Repent or Perish!".
They are afraid of warning them and calling them crooks and rogues, lest they frighten them away and lose their financial contributions and other benefits.
The rich are honoured with knighthood and given other titles in the church.
Cultists have been honoured by many churches in Nigeria. They are the chief launchers and chairmen and leading ladies of the fund raising committees.
I have since passed a vote of No Confidence in Nigerian Christians and Muslims, because I have not seen any difference in their behaviour outside the church and mosque when compared to the pagans.
The only difference is they go to church and mosque while the pagans go to the shrine.
The dishonesty, hypocrisy and selfish opportunism among Nigerian Christians and Muslims are responsible for the perpetuation of corruption in Nigeria, from the hawkers of fake products on the street to the embezzlers of revenue allocations in the corridors of power.
From Lagos to Abuja to Calabar to Enugu to Bonny Island, I have been there and seen corruption in high places and low places.
The metamorphosis of corruption in Nigeria can be seen in the parade of their ignorance in the masquerade of arrogance. But as Jesus Christ said, "by their fruits you shall know them", their deeds indoors and outdoors show their true characters, regardless of their lip service and eye service in their churches and mosques.
My duty is to witness and give my eye witness accounts in my books like the Chronicles of the Holy Bible.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year—Begin With the End in Mind
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
1. Happy New Year—Begin With the End in Mind
It was Steven Covey, author of the popular book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, who coined the phrase, "Begin with the end in mind."
Most of us know that New Year Resolutions we make at the beginning of each New Year usually last until the next setback or challenge we face.
However, if we print a copy of "Steven Covey's Seven Habits" and tape them to the fridge or other prominent place and read them often, we have a much greater chance of finishing this New Year with a sense of achievement:
Steven Covey's Seven Habits:
Be proactive. Don't stand still. Take the initiative and be responsible.
Begin with the end in mind. Start any activity, a meeting, run, day, or life, with an end in mind. Work to that end and make sure your values are aligned with your goals.
Put first things first. Prioritize your life so you're working on the important stuff.
Think win/win. This is pretty obvious. You get what you put in.
Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Listen to emphasize, obtain information, and understand the other person's point of view.
Synergize. Work to create outcomes that are greater than the individual parts.
Sharpen the saw. Cultivate the essential elements of your character: physical, mental, social/emotional, and spiritual.1
And as Pastor Tod Bolsinger put it, "We need to live every day with the end in mind–and most important of all, live with Jesus' end in mind."
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."2
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me every day this year to live, not only with the end of this year in mind but with the end of my life in mind so that, when I stand before you to give an account of my life, I will hear your welcome words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.' So help me God. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Steven, Covey, http://tinyurl.com/39v3r5.
2. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV).
<)))><
1. Happy New Year—Begin With the End in Mind
It was Steven Covey, author of the popular book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, who coined the phrase, "Begin with the end in mind."
Most of us know that New Year Resolutions we make at the beginning of each New Year usually last until the next setback or challenge we face.
However, if we print a copy of "Steven Covey's Seven Habits" and tape them to the fridge or other prominent place and read them often, we have a much greater chance of finishing this New Year with a sense of achievement:
Steven Covey's Seven Habits:
Be proactive. Don't stand still. Take the initiative and be responsible.
Begin with the end in mind. Start any activity, a meeting, run, day, or life, with an end in mind. Work to that end and make sure your values are aligned with your goals.
Put first things first. Prioritize your life so you're working on the important stuff.
Think win/win. This is pretty obvious. You get what you put in.
Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Listen to emphasize, obtain information, and understand the other person's point of view.
Synergize. Work to create outcomes that are greater than the individual parts.
Sharpen the saw. Cultivate the essential elements of your character: physical, mental, social/emotional, and spiritual.1
And as Pastor Tod Bolsinger put it, "We need to live every day with the end in mind–and most important of all, live with Jesus' end in mind."
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."2
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me every day this year to live, not only with the end of this year in mind but with the end of my life in mind so that, when I stand before you to give an account of my life, I will hear your welcome words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.' So help me God. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Steven, Covey, http://tinyurl.com/39v3r5.
2. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV).
<)))><
Friday, December 14, 2007
Nigeria’s Men of God Released
Nigeria’s Men of God Released
Bookplus Nigeria Limited, a Lagos-based publishing firm, has announced the release of Bisi Ojediran’s latest work, Nigeria’s Men of God. The book, which hit the market last Thursday, is the third religious book by the novelist.
Nigeria’s Men of God chronicles the events leading to the calling of ministers of God in the nation, as well as how they are coping with the enormous challenge of working in the Lord’s vineyard.
It features such gospel greats as Bishop David Oyedepo, Primate Peter Akinola, Archbishop Sunday Ola Makinde, Dr. Ademola Ishola, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Pastor Williams Kumuyi, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Rev. Wilson Badejo, Dr. Tunde Bakare, among others.
The statement by Bookplus explains that the book is conceived to give some insight into the life and times of these men of God, and the circumstances surrounding their calling.
According to the Publisher, “The book is intended to showcase the little beginnings of these great gospel preachers in Nigeria with a view to encouraging those who may be going through the same experience.”
“Learning about the humble beginnings of our spiritual fathers, and how they were called into the service of God, is very inspirational. Reading how these great men sustain their faith and handle temptation also provides a guide in staying the course in a relationship with the ONLY LIVING GOD,” the statement adds
A few names have been repeated from an earlier publication, but the Publisher said this new book is an attempt to “serve most of the big names on the same plate.” The book, written from interviews and reference materials even features Dr. Morris Cerullo, President of Morris Cerullo World Evangelism as a special entry.
Bisi said he is happy to work for God. He explained that people are wired differently by God to work for Him. The thing is finding what gift He gave you and how best to use it to His glory.
“ From my study of psychology too, I know that no two people are the same. So we should quit trying to be like others who have been wired differently from us,” said Bisi, who revealed that what he is doing now is trying to further develop his gift by competing with himself.
According to him, he will continue to write novels and inspirational books. “Good novels serve life’s lessons too. My latest novel The False Truth, for example, shows how not to be a tin god in power,” he says.
Bisi has written seven novels, an economics textbook; two religious/inspirational books, English and Mathematics books for Nursery and Primary Schools, eight plays and four Supplementary English Readers for Secondary Schools. Bisi's novels are The Black Godfather, Love Wars, Sacred Seduction (a political satire) and The Governor's Wife, A Daughter For Sale, and The False Truth (another political satire on the sit-tight syndrome in Africa).
Bookplus Nigeria Limited, a Lagos-based publishing firm, has announced the release of Bisi Ojediran’s latest work, Nigeria’s Men of God. The book, which hit the market last Thursday, is the third religious book by the novelist.
Nigeria’s Men of God chronicles the events leading to the calling of ministers of God in the nation, as well as how they are coping with the enormous challenge of working in the Lord’s vineyard.
It features such gospel greats as Bishop David Oyedepo, Primate Peter Akinola, Archbishop Sunday Ola Makinde, Dr. Ademola Ishola, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Pastor Williams Kumuyi, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Rev. Wilson Badejo, Dr. Tunde Bakare, among others.
The statement by Bookplus explains that the book is conceived to give some insight into the life and times of these men of God, and the circumstances surrounding their calling.
According to the Publisher, “The book is intended to showcase the little beginnings of these great gospel preachers in Nigeria with a view to encouraging those who may be going through the same experience.”
“Learning about the humble beginnings of our spiritual fathers, and how they were called into the service of God, is very inspirational. Reading how these great men sustain their faith and handle temptation also provides a guide in staying the course in a relationship with the ONLY LIVING GOD,” the statement adds
A few names have been repeated from an earlier publication, but the Publisher said this new book is an attempt to “serve most of the big names on the same plate.” The book, written from interviews and reference materials even features Dr. Morris Cerullo, President of Morris Cerullo World Evangelism as a special entry.
Bisi said he is happy to work for God. He explained that people are wired differently by God to work for Him. The thing is finding what gift He gave you and how best to use it to His glory.
“ From my study of psychology too, I know that no two people are the same. So we should quit trying to be like others who have been wired differently from us,” said Bisi, who revealed that what he is doing now is trying to further develop his gift by competing with himself.
According to him, he will continue to write novels and inspirational books. “Good novels serve life’s lessons too. My latest novel The False Truth, for example, shows how not to be a tin god in power,” he says.
Bisi has written seven novels, an economics textbook; two religious/inspirational books, English and Mathematics books for Nursery and Primary Schools, eight plays and four Supplementary English Readers for Secondary Schools. Bisi's novels are The Black Godfather, Love Wars, Sacred Seduction (a political satire) and The Governor's Wife, A Daughter For Sale, and The False Truth (another political satire on the sit-tight syndrome in Africa).
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Abortion, Atheism, Pornography Mark Routes to Jesus, Heaven, God
10 Dec 2007 17:34 Africa/Lagos
Abortion, Atheism, Pornography Mark Routes to Jesus, Heaven, God
New Christian Book Explores How Salvation Road Includes Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Hot-Button Topics Like Homosexuality, Gambling, Alcohol, the ACLU and Evolution
CLEVELAND, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ --
Michael M. Murray's provocative new Christian book, "52 Paths to Heaven: Discover How Simple Joys and Tough Times Shape Your Journey" (published by AuthorHouse -- http://www.authorhouse.com/), shows how people discover Jesus through friendships, poems, churches and the Bible as well as crime, TV shows, terrorism and global spirituality.
"You could meet Jesus after hearing the Gospel or by praying," says Murray. "But just about any experience can help draw someone to Jesus. You need to sin before you know you're a sinner."
If God can speak through a donkey, a burning bush and dreams in the Bible, "he can be just as creative in other ways too," Murray says. Topics in "52 Paths to Heaven" include:
-- Alcohol
-- Catholicism
-- Euthanasia
-- Marriage
-- Movies
-- Nature
-- Racism
-- Suicide
-- Terrorism
"With nasty attitudes and endless arguments, some Christians give Christianity a bad name," Murray says. "However, it all comes down to this: Have you somehow encountered Jesus and owned up to your sins? Your circumstances may cover everything from pure delight to selfishness."
In addition to personal accounts, the book shows how sin-stained, hate- mongering pastors blow homosexuality out of proportion and why sensitivity should prevail; suicide demands mercy and doesn't disqualify Christians; calamities help us become dependent on the Lord; pornography ruins lives, but God has a rescue plan; and world religions other than Christianity fall short of God's demand for the perfect sin sacrifice.
For more than 20 years, Michael Murray has taught the Bible to children, organized spiritual retreats, discipled men, served in a hospice home and supported social justice organizations. He earned a journalism degree at Kent State University and worked in newspapers before becoming a marketing executive. He frequently speaks at national conferences in his field. Michael lives in northeast Ohio with his family. For an excerpt and more information, visit http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~47303.aspx. Additionally, view more excerpts and author videos at http://www.52pathstoheaven.com/.
AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher (http://www.authorhouse.com/) for emerging, self-published (http://www.authorhouse.com/GetPublished/FAQ.aspx) authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com/.
EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Promotional Services Department
Tel: 888-728-8467
Fax: 812-961-3133
Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.
Source: AuthorHouse
CONTACT: Promotional Services Department of AuthorHouse, +1-888-728-8467,
Fax: +1-812-961-3133, pressreleases@authorhouse.com
Web Site: http://www.authorhouse.com/
http://www.52pathstoheaven.com/
Abortion, Atheism, Pornography Mark Routes to Jesus, Heaven, God
New Christian Book Explores How Salvation Road Includes Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Hot-Button Topics Like Homosexuality, Gambling, Alcohol, the ACLU and Evolution
CLEVELAND, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ --
Michael M. Murray's provocative new Christian book, "52 Paths to Heaven: Discover How Simple Joys and Tough Times Shape Your Journey" (published by AuthorHouse -- http://www.authorhouse.com/), shows how people discover Jesus through friendships, poems, churches and the Bible as well as crime, TV shows, terrorism and global spirituality.
"You could meet Jesus after hearing the Gospel or by praying," says Murray. "But just about any experience can help draw someone to Jesus. You need to sin before you know you're a sinner."
If God can speak through a donkey, a burning bush and dreams in the Bible, "he can be just as creative in other ways too," Murray says. Topics in "52 Paths to Heaven" include:
-- Alcohol
-- Catholicism
-- Euthanasia
-- Marriage
-- Movies
-- Nature
-- Racism
-- Suicide
-- Terrorism
"With nasty attitudes and endless arguments, some Christians give Christianity a bad name," Murray says. "However, it all comes down to this: Have you somehow encountered Jesus and owned up to your sins? Your circumstances may cover everything from pure delight to selfishness."
In addition to personal accounts, the book shows how sin-stained, hate- mongering pastors blow homosexuality out of proportion and why sensitivity should prevail; suicide demands mercy and doesn't disqualify Christians; calamities help us become dependent on the Lord; pornography ruins lives, but God has a rescue plan; and world religions other than Christianity fall short of God's demand for the perfect sin sacrifice.
For more than 20 years, Michael Murray has taught the Bible to children, organized spiritual retreats, discipled men, served in a hospice home and supported social justice organizations. He earned a journalism degree at Kent State University and worked in newspapers before becoming a marketing executive. He frequently speaks at national conferences in his field. Michael lives in northeast Ohio with his family. For an excerpt and more information, visit http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~47303.aspx. Additionally, view more excerpts and author videos at http://www.52pathstoheaven.com/.
AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher (http://www.authorhouse.com/) for emerging, self-published (http://www.authorhouse.com/GetPublished/FAQ.aspx) authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com/.
EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Promotional Services Department
Tel: 888-728-8467
Fax: 812-961-3133
Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.
Source: AuthorHouse
CONTACT: Promotional Services Department of AuthorHouse, +1-888-728-8467,
Fax: +1-812-961-3133, pressreleases@authorhouse.com
Web Site: http://www.authorhouse.com/
http://www.52pathstoheaven.com/
Abortion, Atheism, Pornography Mark Routes to Jesus, Heaven, God
10 Dec 2007 17:34 Africa/Lagos
Abortion, Atheism, Pornography Mark Routes to Jesus, Heaven, God
New Christian Book Explores How Salvation Road Includes Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Hot-Button Topics Like Homosexuality, Gambling, Alcohol, the ACLU and Evolution
CLEVELAND, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ --
Michael M. Murray's provocative new Christian book, "52 Paths to Heaven: Discover How Simple Joys and Tough Times Shape Your Journey" (published by AuthorHouse -- http://www.authorhouse.com/), shows how people discover Jesus through friendships, poems, churches and the Bible as well as crime, TV shows, terrorism and global spirituality.
"You could meet Jesus after hearing the Gospel or by praying," says Murray. "But just about any experience can help draw someone to Jesus. You need to sin before you know you're a sinner."
If God can speak through a donkey, a burning bush and dreams in the Bible, "he can be just as creative in other ways too," Murray says. Topics in "52 Paths to Heaven" include:
-- Alcohol
-- Catholicism
-- Euthanasia
-- Marriage
-- Movies
-- Nature
-- Racism
-- Suicide
-- Terrorism
"With nasty attitudes and endless arguments, some Christians give Christianity a bad name," Murray says. "However, it all comes down to this: Have you somehow encountered Jesus and owned up to your sins? Your circumstances may cover everything from pure delight to selfishness."
In addition to personal accounts, the book shows how sin-stained, hate- mongering pastors blow homosexuality out of proportion and why sensitivity should prevail; suicide demands mercy and doesn't disqualify Christians; calamities help us become dependent on the Lord; pornography ruins lives, but God has a rescue plan; and world religions other than Christianity fall short of God's demand for the perfect sin sacrifice.
For more than 20 years, Michael Murray has taught the Bible to children, organized spiritual retreats, discipled men, served in a hospice home and supported social justice organizations. He earned a journalism degree at Kent State University and worked in newspapers before becoming a marketing executive. He frequently speaks at national conferences in his field. Michael lives in northeast Ohio with his family. For an excerpt and more information, visit http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~47303.aspx. Additionally, view more excerpts and author videos at http://www.52pathstoheaven.com/.
AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher (http://www.authorhouse.com/) for emerging, self-published (http://www.authorhouse.com/GetPublished/FAQ.aspx) authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com/.
EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Promotional Services Department
Tel: 888-728-8467
Fax: 812-961-3133
Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.
Source: AuthorHouse
CONTACT: Promotional Services Department of AuthorHouse, +1-888-728-8467,
Fax: +1-812-961-3133, pressreleases@authorhouse.com
Web Site: http://www.authorhouse.com/
http://www.52pathstoheaven.com/
Abortion, Atheism, Pornography Mark Routes to Jesus, Heaven, God
New Christian Book Explores How Salvation Road Includes Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Hot-Button Topics Like Homosexuality, Gambling, Alcohol, the ACLU and Evolution
CLEVELAND, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ --
Michael M. Murray's provocative new Christian book, "52 Paths to Heaven: Discover How Simple Joys and Tough Times Shape Your Journey" (published by AuthorHouse -- http://www.authorhouse.com/), shows how people discover Jesus through friendships, poems, churches and the Bible as well as crime, TV shows, terrorism and global spirituality.
"You could meet Jesus after hearing the Gospel or by praying," says Murray. "But just about any experience can help draw someone to Jesus. You need to sin before you know you're a sinner."
If God can speak through a donkey, a burning bush and dreams in the Bible, "he can be just as creative in other ways too," Murray says. Topics in "52 Paths to Heaven" include:
-- Alcohol
-- Catholicism
-- Euthanasia
-- Marriage
-- Movies
-- Nature
-- Racism
-- Suicide
-- Terrorism
"With nasty attitudes and endless arguments, some Christians give Christianity a bad name," Murray says. "However, it all comes down to this: Have you somehow encountered Jesus and owned up to your sins? Your circumstances may cover everything from pure delight to selfishness."
In addition to personal accounts, the book shows how sin-stained, hate- mongering pastors blow homosexuality out of proportion and why sensitivity should prevail; suicide demands mercy and doesn't disqualify Christians; calamities help us become dependent on the Lord; pornography ruins lives, but God has a rescue plan; and world religions other than Christianity fall short of God's demand for the perfect sin sacrifice.
For more than 20 years, Michael Murray has taught the Bible to children, organized spiritual retreats, discipled men, served in a hospice home and supported social justice organizations. He earned a journalism degree at Kent State University and worked in newspapers before becoming a marketing executive. He frequently speaks at national conferences in his field. Michael lives in northeast Ohio with his family. For an excerpt and more information, visit http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~47303.aspx. Additionally, view more excerpts and author videos at http://www.52pathstoheaven.com/.
AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher (http://www.authorhouse.com/) for emerging, self-published (http://www.authorhouse.com/GetPublished/FAQ.aspx) authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com/.
EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Promotional Services Department
Tel: 888-728-8467
Fax: 812-961-3133
Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)
This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.
Source: AuthorHouse
CONTACT: Promotional Services Department of AuthorHouse, +1-888-728-8467,
Fax: +1-812-961-3133, pressreleases@authorhouse.com
Web Site: http://www.authorhouse.com/
http://www.52pathstoheaven.com/
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Pegs on Which to Hang Anger
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
1. Pegs on Which to Hang Anger
"Behold, You [God] desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom."1
As a general rule, loved people love people and hurt people hurt people. And angry people, besides angering other people, are constantly looking for pegs on which to hanger their anger.
I was watching a TV interview recently and the person being interviewed was obviously a very angry person with a not-too-hidden agenda. This person avoided every question the interviewer asked and continued to spew out his bitter negative comments.
This type of person, who has a negative axe to grind, sees only what he wants to see and hears only what he wants to hear. And he will twist what he hears to make it match his distorted perception of reality. Reality is not on their agenda.
It's the same with people who have a critical attitude. They're angry too and are constantly looking for pegs on which to hang their anger. They will read into situations exactly what they want to see and hear as a way to avoid facing their own reality. They live in denial—an ultimately dangerous and self-destructive way to live.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please deliver me from the sin of denial and help me to be courageously honest with myself and with you and see in myself any unresolved anger, a critical attitude, and/or any other personal problem I may have. And lead me to find the help I need to resolve and overcome my problems. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Psalm 51:6 (NKJV).
Note: For further help read, "Taming Your Anger," at: http://tinyurl.com/b439f
<:))))><
1. Pegs on Which to Hang Anger
"Behold, You [God] desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom."1
As a general rule, loved people love people and hurt people hurt people. And angry people, besides angering other people, are constantly looking for pegs on which to hanger their anger.
I was watching a TV interview recently and the person being interviewed was obviously a very angry person with a not-too-hidden agenda. This person avoided every question the interviewer asked and continued to spew out his bitter negative comments.
This type of person, who has a negative axe to grind, sees only what he wants to see and hears only what he wants to hear. And he will twist what he hears to make it match his distorted perception of reality. Reality is not on their agenda.
It's the same with people who have a critical attitude. They're angry too and are constantly looking for pegs on which to hang their anger. They will read into situations exactly what they want to see and hear as a way to avoid facing their own reality. They live in denial—an ultimately dangerous and self-destructive way to live.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please deliver me from the sin of denial and help me to be courageously honest with myself and with you and see in myself any unresolved anger, a critical attitude, and/or any other personal problem I may have. And lead me to find the help I need to resolve and overcome my problems. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."
1. Psalm 51:6 (NKJV).
Note: For further help read, "Taming Your Anger," at: http://tinyurl.com/b439f
<:))))><
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Religion Communicators Council Accepting Wilbur Award Nominations
29 Nov 2007 17:35 Africa/Lagos
Religion Communicators Council Accepting Wilbur Award Nominations
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is seeking nominations for the annual Wilbur Awards recognizing excellence in communicating religious issues, values and themes produced by the mainstream media.
Wilbur Award categories include newspapers, editorial cartoons, magazines, photography, books, television, radio, feature films and Web-based communications. Entries are currently being accepted through Feb. 1, 2008. Details and entry information are available at www.religioncommunicators.org.
This year's Wilbur Awards recognize outstanding work performed in 2007. Entries are eligible if released or distributed through non-religious medium or general circulation during the year. The work entered must be intended for general public consumption, with full or partial production and/or funding by the medium of distribution.
Recipients will be honored April 5 at the Wilbur Awards banquet in Washington, D.C. during the annual convention of RCC.
The Wilbur Awards started in 1960 and are named for Marvin C. Wilbur, a pioneer in the field of religious public relations. The highly regarded competition is judged by media professionals in a jury process.
.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional information about the Wilbur Awards is
available by contacting Scott Collins at Buckner International in Dallas,
758-8061 or sacollins@buckner.org
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
Source: Religion Communicators Council
CONTACT: Scott Collins, +1-214-758-8061, sacollins@buckner.org, for
Religion Communicators Council
Religion Communicators Council Accepting Wilbur Award Nominations
WASHINGTON, Nov. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is seeking nominations for the annual Wilbur Awards recognizing excellence in communicating religious issues, values and themes produced by the mainstream media.
Wilbur Award categories include newspapers, editorial cartoons, magazines, photography, books, television, radio, feature films and Web-based communications. Entries are currently being accepted through Feb. 1, 2008. Details and entry information are available at www.religioncommunicators.org.
This year's Wilbur Awards recognize outstanding work performed in 2007. Entries are eligible if released or distributed through non-religious medium or general circulation during the year. The work entered must be intended for general public consumption, with full or partial production and/or funding by the medium of distribution.
Recipients will be honored April 5 at the Wilbur Awards banquet in Washington, D.C. during the annual convention of RCC.
The Wilbur Awards started in 1960 and are named for Marvin C. Wilbur, a pioneer in the field of religious public relations. The highly regarded competition is judged by media professionals in a jury process.
.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional information about the Wilbur Awards is
available by contacting Scott Collins at Buckner International in Dallas,
758-8061 or sacollins@buckner.org
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
Source: Religion Communicators Council
CONTACT: Scott Collins, +1-214-758-8061, sacollins@buckner.org, for
Religion Communicators Council
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Baghdad Patriarch Among New Catholic Cardinals
Pope Benedict XVI has elevated 23 churchmen from around the world to t...
Monday, November 19, 2007
Russian Doomsday Cult Waits For the End of the World
Michelle Carlile-Alkhouri reports
Nov. 19 - At least 30 members of a Russian doomsday cult have barricaded themselves in a remote cave to await the end of the world.
The cult members are hidden inside a snow-covered hillside in the Penza region of central Russia. They are near the village of Nikolskoye, some 400 kilometres southeast of Moscow. They are inside a cave and are threatening to blow themselves up with about 400 litres of stockpiled gasoline if police intervene.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
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
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
Monday, November 12, 2007
Pope Benedict XVI to Visit United States and United Nations
12 Nov 2007 18:26 Africa/Lagos
Pope Benedict XVI to Visit United States and United Nations
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Pope Benedict XVI will come to the United States with visits to Washington and New York City on a six-day trip which includes an address at the United Nations.
The visit is slated for April 15-20.
Among venues during the visit will be the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where Pope Benedict will meet with the Bishops of the United States.
"This is a blessed moment for our nation," said Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). "Pope Benedict is not just the leader of Catholics, he is also a man of inspiration for all those who work for peace."
Cardinal Edward Egan of New York voiced the delight of the people of New York.
"When our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, told me last July that he would be visiting New York this coming April, I was delighted with the news and shared it with the People of God of the Archdiocese of New York and the entire community of greater New York. The response of all was both rejoicing and thanksgiving to the Lord for the great grace of the presence of the successor of St. Peter in our midst. I have assured the Holy Father of a warm and prayerful welcome. We all look forward to his visit with pleasure and anticipation."
Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington spoke of "faith-filled joy and enormous enthusiasm" in the Archdiocese of Washington.
"Personally, and in the name of all of the clergy, religious and faithful of the archdiocese, I express our warmest welcome while renewing our sentiments of love and loyalty to our Holy Father. We all look forward to his visit as a time of renewal of our faith and pastoral ministry and an opportunity to confirm our solidarity with the Church universal made visible among us by the successor to Peter, Pope Benedict XVI," Archbishop Wuerl said.
"It is an enormous privilege for the Church of Washington to host our Holy Father. We pledge to do all that we can to make his presence among us a moment of true spiritual renewal and a vibrant manifestation of God's kingdom at work among us."
Msgr. Walter Rossi, rector of the national Shrine, noted the Shrine's importance in the nation.
"The Shrine was established by the Bishops of the United States as our nation's tribute to Mary Immaculate and so it is appropriate that the Bishops of our country meet with the successor of Peter in the house they established to honor the Mother of God," he said.
Information on media credentials will be forthcoming.
Source: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
CONTACT: Sr. Mary Ann Walsh of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops,
+1-202-541-3200 (office), +1-301-587-4762 (home), +1-301-325-7935 (mobile)
Pope Benedict XVI to Visit United States and United Nations
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Pope Benedict XVI will come to the United States with visits to Washington and New York City on a six-day trip which includes an address at the United Nations.
The visit is slated for April 15-20.
Among venues during the visit will be the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where Pope Benedict will meet with the Bishops of the United States.
"This is a blessed moment for our nation," said Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). "Pope Benedict is not just the leader of Catholics, he is also a man of inspiration for all those who work for peace."
Cardinal Edward Egan of New York voiced the delight of the people of New York.
"When our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, told me last July that he would be visiting New York this coming April, I was delighted with the news and shared it with the People of God of the Archdiocese of New York and the entire community of greater New York. The response of all was both rejoicing and thanksgiving to the Lord for the great grace of the presence of the successor of St. Peter in our midst. I have assured the Holy Father of a warm and prayerful welcome. We all look forward to his visit with pleasure and anticipation."
Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington spoke of "faith-filled joy and enormous enthusiasm" in the Archdiocese of Washington.
"Personally, and in the name of all of the clergy, religious and faithful of the archdiocese, I express our warmest welcome while renewing our sentiments of love and loyalty to our Holy Father. We all look forward to his visit as a time of renewal of our faith and pastoral ministry and an opportunity to confirm our solidarity with the Church universal made visible among us by the successor to Peter, Pope Benedict XVI," Archbishop Wuerl said.
"It is an enormous privilege for the Church of Washington to host our Holy Father. We pledge to do all that we can to make his presence among us a moment of true spiritual renewal and a vibrant manifestation of God's kingdom at work among us."
Msgr. Walter Rossi, rector of the national Shrine, noted the Shrine's importance in the nation.
"The Shrine was established by the Bishops of the United States as our nation's tribute to Mary Immaculate and so it is appropriate that the Bishops of our country meet with the successor of Peter in the house they established to honor the Mother of God," he said.
Information on media credentials will be forthcoming.
Source: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
CONTACT: Sr. Mary Ann Walsh of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops,
+1-202-541-3200 (office), +1-301-587-4762 (home), +1-301-325-7935 (mobile)
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Desmond Tutu: God Has A Dream for The Middle East
Desmond Tutu speaks out on the Middle East: * A powerful word from one of the greatest Christian leaders of our time. Reminiscent of Dr Martin Luther King.Jr, Tutu says, "God has a dream for the Middle East"
http://www.fatherdave.org/article/article_887.html
Professor Marsh of Virginia on the American church: * Marsh fears that American Evangelicals have exchangedfaith for nationalism! This is a brilliant critique ofhow easily religion can become an 'opiate of the masses': http://www.fatherdave.org/article/article_888.html
My sermon on the 'Deserving Poor'?: * At the risk of sounding arrogant, I think this may be oneof the most important sermons I've come out with for some time. It's on Jesus' story about Lazarus and the rich man;
http://www.fatherdave.org/article/article_886.html
Please take time to read these articles. You won't regret it!
What to do with Retired Politicians?
An interesting little chat has opened up between Stephen andmyself over the key role being played by retired politiciansnowadays as advocates for social justice. I've been very impressed by the work of Jimmy Cater in the US, and now former Aussie Prime Minster, Malcolm Frazer, seems to be following in his footsteps! My question is, what contribution do we see the current headsof state in both Oz and the US, making after they retire from public life?
Dreaming of a new form of Church!
Stephen continues to push the boundaries of our imaginations,looking for a new form of church that goes beyond literalismand is truly inclusive. He's set up another survey, asking, "Is it time to drag thechurch into the 21st Century?" Should we be sticking with the fundamental truths passed down to us by our forebears, or adapting our faith to the world as it is. And is this really the key question we need to face ifwe want to make our churches more inclusive?
http://www.fatherdave.org/article/article_887.html
Professor Marsh of Virginia on the American church: * Marsh fears that American Evangelicals have exchangedfaith for nationalism! This is a brilliant critique ofhow easily religion can become an 'opiate of the masses': http://www.fatherdave.org/article/article_888.html
My sermon on the 'Deserving Poor'?: * At the risk of sounding arrogant, I think this may be oneof the most important sermons I've come out with for some time. It's on Jesus' story about Lazarus and the rich man;
http://www.fatherdave.org/article/article_886.html
Please take time to read these articles. You won't regret it!
What to do with Retired Politicians?
An interesting little chat has opened up between Stephen andmyself over the key role being played by retired politiciansnowadays as advocates for social justice. I've been very impressed by the work of Jimmy Cater in the US, and now former Aussie Prime Minster, Malcolm Frazer, seems to be following in his footsteps! My question is, what contribution do we see the current headsof state in both Oz and the US, making after they retire from public life?
Dreaming of a new form of Church!
Stephen continues to push the boundaries of our imaginations,looking for a new form of church that goes beyond literalismand is truly inclusive. He's set up another survey, asking, "Is it time to drag thechurch into the 21st Century?" Should we be sticking with the fundamental truths passed down to us by our forebears, or adapting our faith to the world as it is. And is this really the key question we need to face ifwe want to make our churches more inclusive?
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Friday, November 02, 2007
Moms Looking for Spiritual Outlet Online
Moms Looking for Spiritual Outlet Online
New Website From Precious Moments Provides Interactive Community Celebrating Life Events
CHICAGO, Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ --
Today's mothers value their spirituality as an important part of their family life. In a recent study distributed to over 2,400 moms nationwide, 67.4% of moms named spirituality their most important priority after their family. These moms are concerned about instilling a sense of values into their children and 75% of those surveyed responded that they are actively seeking ways to integrate spirituality into the everyday lives of their families. The study was conducted by Precious Moments in conjunction with Mom Talk Radio, a BSM Media company, and illustrated the strong desire moms have to integrate their spirituality into everyday family events. Precious Moments(R), the gift company known for their faith-based figurines and products, recognized the lack of such a resource on the Internet and have responded by creating a website designed to connect mothers of like-minded beliefs and morals.
The site, www.preciousmoms.com, is set to launch on November 1, 2007 and will feature celebration planning tools, inspirational messages and advice from real world like-minded moms. Visitors to the site will be able to download invitations and recipes, send blessings to their loved ones and interact with mothers across the globe. Many well-known "mom bloggers" have teamed up with Precious Moments(R) to help mothers chronicle the precious moments in their own lives. These contributors are the authorities on subjects from expanding children's dietary horizons to keeping a positive outlook while juggling work and family.
"For years, Moms have looked to Precious Moments for gifts for their loved ones and to commemorate life events," said Bret Moore, Vice President of Marketing for Precious Moments. "It was a natural fit to create a site that is a resource for all their spiritual needs -- everything from celebration tips to an opportunity to interact with Moms of a similar mind-set."
Precious Moments(R) began in the early 1970's as a gift card and poster company. Created by Samuel Butcher to share his messages of faith through art, the company introduced its first collection of original figurines in 1978. In 2005, a new chapter in the Precious Moments story began, as the collection "came home" to join the rest of the Precious Moments family at Precious Moments, Incorporated. The company remains committed today to its original purpose of creating art which combines heartfelt emotion and abiding faith.
For more information, please contact Amy Shiman at Ashiman@bsmmedia.com or 954-943-2322.
Source: Precious Moments
CONTACT: Amy Shiman, +1-954-943-2322, Ashiman@bsmmedia.com, for Precious
Moments
Web site: http://www.preciousmoms.com/
New Website From Precious Moments Provides Interactive Community Celebrating Life Events
CHICAGO, Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ --
Today's mothers value their spirituality as an important part of their family life. In a recent study distributed to over 2,400 moms nationwide, 67.4% of moms named spirituality their most important priority after their family. These moms are concerned about instilling a sense of values into their children and 75% of those surveyed responded that they are actively seeking ways to integrate spirituality into the everyday lives of their families. The study was conducted by Precious Moments in conjunction with Mom Talk Radio, a BSM Media company, and illustrated the strong desire moms have to integrate their spirituality into everyday family events. Precious Moments(R), the gift company known for their faith-based figurines and products, recognized the lack of such a resource on the Internet and have responded by creating a website designed to connect mothers of like-minded beliefs and morals.
The site, www.preciousmoms.com, is set to launch on November 1, 2007 and will feature celebration planning tools, inspirational messages and advice from real world like-minded moms. Visitors to the site will be able to download invitations and recipes, send blessings to their loved ones and interact with mothers across the globe. Many well-known "mom bloggers" have teamed up with Precious Moments(R) to help mothers chronicle the precious moments in their own lives. These contributors are the authorities on subjects from expanding children's dietary horizons to keeping a positive outlook while juggling work and family.
"For years, Moms have looked to Precious Moments for gifts for their loved ones and to commemorate life events," said Bret Moore, Vice President of Marketing for Precious Moments. "It was a natural fit to create a site that is a resource for all their spiritual needs -- everything from celebration tips to an opportunity to interact with Moms of a similar mind-set."
Precious Moments(R) began in the early 1970's as a gift card and poster company. Created by Samuel Butcher to share his messages of faith through art, the company introduced its first collection of original figurines in 1978. In 2005, a new chapter in the Precious Moments story began, as the collection "came home" to join the rest of the Precious Moments family at Precious Moments, Incorporated. The company remains committed today to its original purpose of creating art which combines heartfelt emotion and abiding faith.
For more information, please contact Amy Shiman at Ashiman@bsmmedia.com or 954-943-2322.
Source: Precious Moments
CONTACT: Amy Shiman, +1-954-943-2322, Ashiman@bsmmedia.com, for Precious
Moments
Web site: http://www.preciousmoms.com/
Hold Tight
Friday, November 2, 2007
Hold Tight
"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, unto which you are called."1
I checked the following story on snopes.com but it wasn't listed, so I can't confirm it either way. At any rate it makes an excellent parable. According to the story: "On a commuter flight from Portland, Maine, to Boston in 1987, the pilot heard an unusual noise near the rear of the plane. Henry Dempsey turned the controls over to the co-pilot and went back to check it out. As he reached the tail section, the plane hit an air pocket, and Dempsey was tossed against the rear door. He quickly discovered the source of the mysterious noise. The rear door had been improperly latched prior to take-off, and it flew open. Dempsey was instantly sucked out of the tiny jet.
"The co-pilot saw the red light that indicated an open door. He radioed the nearest airport requesting permission for an emergency landing. He reported that the pilot had fallen out of the plane and wanted a helicopter to search the area. After the plane landed, the ground crew found Dempsey holding on to the outdoor ladder of the aircraft. Somehow he had caught the ladder and held on for ten minutes as the plane flew 200 mph at an altitude of 4,000 feet, and then, when landing, he kept his head from hitting the runway, which was only 12 inches away. "
In today's pressured world it is very easy to be "sucked into" all sorts of temptations—which, if we give in to them, could easily destroy us. So we need to hold on tenaciously to eternal values and the eternal life that God has given to all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Suggested prayer:
"Dear God, please give me the strength and courage to hold on to you, to my faith, and to eternal values no matter what trials and temptations may come my way. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."
1. The Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 6:12).
<:))))><
http://www.actsweb.org/daily_encounter.php
Hold Tight
"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, unto which you are called."1
I checked the following story on snopes.com but it wasn't listed, so I can't confirm it either way. At any rate it makes an excellent parable. According to the story: "On a commuter flight from Portland, Maine, to Boston in 1987, the pilot heard an unusual noise near the rear of the plane. Henry Dempsey turned the controls over to the co-pilot and went back to check it out. As he reached the tail section, the plane hit an air pocket, and Dempsey was tossed against the rear door. He quickly discovered the source of the mysterious noise. The rear door had been improperly latched prior to take-off, and it flew open. Dempsey was instantly sucked out of the tiny jet.
"The co-pilot saw the red light that indicated an open door. He radioed the nearest airport requesting permission for an emergency landing. He reported that the pilot had fallen out of the plane and wanted a helicopter to search the area. After the plane landed, the ground crew found Dempsey holding on to the outdoor ladder of the aircraft. Somehow he had caught the ladder and held on for ten minutes as the plane flew 200 mph at an altitude of 4,000 feet, and then, when landing, he kept his head from hitting the runway, which was only 12 inches away. "
In today's pressured world it is very easy to be "sucked into" all sorts of temptations—which, if we give in to them, could easily destroy us. So we need to hold on tenaciously to eternal values and the eternal life that God has given to all who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Suggested prayer:
"Dear God, please give me the strength and courage to hold on to you, to my faith, and to eternal values no matter what trials and temptations may come my way. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."
1. The Apostle Paul (1 Timothy 6:12).
<:))))><
http://www.actsweb.org/daily_encounter.php
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
GodTube.com - #1 Fastest Growing Website in U.S. - Launches Social Network
GodTube.com - #1 Fastest Growing Website in U.S. - Launches Social Network
GodTube.com Unveils the 'VIDEO POLICE' and the 'GODCASTER'
GodTube.com Launches Family-Friendly, Kid-Safe Alternative to Facebook.com
DALLAS, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ --
GodTube.com, the website which set the record as the #1 fastest growing website in the world according to ComScore during its first official launch month of August, today announced the launch of a new social network to connect the 2.1 Billion Christians around the world with the introduction of two new, advanced safety and internet broadcasting tools: the "Video Police" and the "GodCaster".
The GodCaster is a revolutionary viral video broadcaster that allows users to stream live video from GodTube.com to millions of websites on the internet. The GodCaster also functions as a viral video blog allowing users to leave video messages across the internet. In its initial Beta launch, the GodCaster will be available to churches and ministries around the world to stream their service online, hold a virtual bible study or even start an online congregation. GodTube.com plans to make the GodCaster available to the general public in the near future.
The Video Police are real human beings monitoring GodTube.com 24/7 to ensure all content is family-friendly and kid safe. Parents can immediately report any concerns by clicking on the "Video Police" button which opens a live interactive video window where they can see, hear and interact with
the GodTube.com Video Police Team.
"At GodTube.com we make the safety and security of children and families our top priority," explained Christopher Wyatt, Founder & CEO of GodTube.com.
"We have gone above and beyond to live up to this commitment. Every minute of every video that is uploaded is reviewed. We flag and remove any sexual offenders as well as any violent criminals. We do not believe that it is acceptable to have 29,000 sexual predators on any website, especially one used by young people and teens. In addition to these measures, we have electronic defense systems and live human interaction. We challenge all social networks to put the safety of our
children above bottom-line profit."
Although GodTube.com is announcing the official launch of its social network on October 17, the site already has over 150,000 registered users with active profiles on the network. GodTube.com's live and interactive technology uses a state of the art flash media server providing users face-to-face interaction in virtual Bible studies, chats, and live broadcasts, as well as opportunities to connect through messaging, email, video blogging, and eCards.
GodTube.com has become an instant success. In just a few short months, the website has experienced explosive growth and is on track to draw 5-7 Million unique visitors in the month of October. GodTube.com broadcasts more Christian video in a single day than all of the Christian television networks do in an entire year, and the company is on track to broadcast
more than 2 million hours of Christian video this month alone.
With more than 25,000 videos offering a diverse array of video content ranging from powerful personal testimonials to humorous youth-oriented videos and sermons, GodTube.com provides thought-provoking and welcoming ways for people to explore their faith online.
SOURCE GodTube.com
GodTube.com Unveils the 'VIDEO POLICE' and the 'GODCASTER'
GodTube.com Launches Family-Friendly, Kid-Safe Alternative to Facebook.com
DALLAS, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ --
GodTube.com, the website which set the record as the #1 fastest growing website in the world according to ComScore during its first official launch month of August, today announced the launch of a new social network to connect the 2.1 Billion Christians around the world with the introduction of two new, advanced safety and internet broadcasting tools: the "Video Police" and the "GodCaster".
The GodCaster is a revolutionary viral video broadcaster that allows users to stream live video from GodTube.com to millions of websites on the internet. The GodCaster also functions as a viral video blog allowing users to leave video messages across the internet. In its initial Beta launch, the GodCaster will be available to churches and ministries around the world to stream their service online, hold a virtual bible study or even start an online congregation. GodTube.com plans to make the GodCaster available to the general public in the near future.
The Video Police are real human beings monitoring GodTube.com 24/7 to ensure all content is family-friendly and kid safe. Parents can immediately report any concerns by clicking on the "Video Police" button which opens a live interactive video window where they can see, hear and interact with
the GodTube.com Video Police Team.
"At GodTube.com we make the safety and security of children and families our top priority," explained Christopher Wyatt, Founder & CEO of GodTube.com.
"We have gone above and beyond to live up to this commitment. Every minute of every video that is uploaded is reviewed. We flag and remove any sexual offenders as well as any violent criminals. We do not believe that it is acceptable to have 29,000 sexual predators on any website, especially one used by young people and teens. In addition to these measures, we have electronic defense systems and live human interaction. We challenge all social networks to put the safety of our
children above bottom-line profit."
Although GodTube.com is announcing the official launch of its social network on October 17, the site already has over 150,000 registered users with active profiles on the network. GodTube.com's live and interactive technology uses a state of the art flash media server providing users face-to-face interaction in virtual Bible studies, chats, and live broadcasts, as well as opportunities to connect through messaging, email, video blogging, and eCards.
GodTube.com has become an instant success. In just a few short months, the website has experienced explosive growth and is on track to draw 5-7 Million unique visitors in the month of October. GodTube.com broadcasts more Christian video in a single day than all of the Christian television networks do in an entire year, and the company is on track to broadcast
more than 2 million hours of Christian video this month alone.
With more than 25,000 videos offering a diverse array of video content ranging from powerful personal testimonials to humorous youth-oriented videos and sermons, GodTube.com provides thought-provoking and welcoming ways for people to explore their faith online.
SOURCE GodTube.com
Sunday, October 21, 2007
An Awesome Book "Revolution in World Missions" Free For You:
Revolution in World Missions
Choose the following link to get a FREE 212 page, National 1,000,000 bestselling book 'Revolution in World Missions.'
Revolution in World Missions
If you yearn to live a life of selflessness and discipleship, this book is for you.
K.P. Yohannan will open your eyes to the reality of the lost world, and introduce you to an army of native missionaries who are winning thousands to Christ in the most unreached areas of the world.
Click here to Get this free book now.
Please forward this information to everyone in your address book
Choose the following link to get a FREE 212 page, National 1,000,000 bestselling book 'Revolution in World Missions.'
Revolution in World Missions
If you yearn to live a life of selflessness and discipleship, this book is for you.
K.P. Yohannan will open your eyes to the reality of the lost world, and introduce you to an army of native missionaries who are winning thousands to Christ in the most unreached areas of the world.
Click here to Get this free book now.
Please forward this information to everyone in your address book
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Hallelujah! Jehovah Reigns Forever
I am very happy to share this awesome words of a song which came to me while I was praying and praising the Almighty God Jehovah at about 8.55 am this morning.
Hallelujah!
Jehovah reigns forever!
Hallelujah!
Jehovah reigns forever!
Hallelujah!
Jehovah reigns forever!
Hallelujah!
Jehovah reigns forever!
Hallelujah!
Jehovah reigns forever!
Hallelujah!
Jehovah reigns forever!
Hallelujah!
Jehovah reigns forever!
Hallelujah!
Jehovah reigns forever!
Hallelujah!
Jehovah reigns forever!
Hallelujah!
Jehovah reigns forever!
Hallelujah!
Jehovah reigns forever!
Hallelujah!
Jehovah reigns forever!
Hallelujah!
Jehovah reigns forever!
Hallelujah!
Jehovah reigns forever!
Monday, October 15, 2007
From Australia With Love
Hi MichaelChima,
We're still in school holiday period here and I'm beginning
this email from the middle of the Australian bush - at
beautiful Binacrombi.
It's raining (which is great, as we're still in drought) and
there are a small group of Rosella's gathered on our balcony.
Also exciting: 2 enormous fish were caught in our river today!
Unfortunately they were carp, which isn't great, as they are
pests. We need to work out how to re-trout the river!
Incidentally, if you haven't heard the bushman's recipe for
cooking carp, it's the same as for bush parrot:
1. Place a rock with carp in a billy full of water and boil.
2. When rock is nice and soft, carp is ready to eat.
3. Even then, throw out carp and eat rock as it tastes better
Enough frivolity. Let's do an article round-up.
New Articles
Three new articles for you this week:
A sermon:
* 'Why do Bad Things happen to Good People?'
That's the question Jesus is confronted with in Luke 13
and His response is not really what we wanted or expected:
http://www.fatherdave.org/article/article_852.html
A book review:
* Professors Mearsheimer and Walt's have just published a
very imporant book, entitled, "The Israel Lobby and US
Foreign Policy". I've got Uri Avnery's excellent review:
http://www.fatherdave.org/article/article_878.html
A surprise:
* An article by me on the dangers of 'identity theft'
And I've included some f/ree software, to help protect
your email address from being harvested by spambots.
http://www.fatherdave.org/article/article_877.html
Read. Absorb. Download. Enjoy! :-)
Middle Sponsor: Speed up your sluggish computer x 10 times!
Former hacker shows you how to transform your Dead Slow PC
into a Fast, Secure & Stable Super-System in only 15 Minutes!
http://www.fatherdave.net/pcaccelerator.htm
What's new on http://www.fighting-fathers.com/forum ?
Firstly, my apologies for not being very active on the forum
over the holiday period though it's been gratifying to see
the place still teeming with life while I am absent.
There's been plenty of action in the 'faith issues' section,
with Brother Andrew, Stephen, and new kid on the block,
James M, making particularly noteworthy contributions.
Let me focus on a couple of threads from across the forum:
Original Sin
Christine and I have continued our dialogue over the question
of 'original sin', though I confess that I'm beginning to wax
philosophical. I think the thread needs an injection of fresh
ideas before I end up dragging it into esoteric academia. :-0
I've moved the discussion into the faith section so that it
might get more attention. Inject fresh ideas here:
Faith Issues -> General -> original sin, and Pelagius
Common Dreams
In a similar vein and in the same area of the forum, Stephen
has cut to the chase and asked us what sort of church do we
dream of becoming?
Do we want to be truly relevant, or do we fear letting go of
our long-held traditions, and are these the only two options?
Faith Issues -> General -> Common Dreams
We have a prophet in our midst
It is said of the Biblical prophets that their messages of
doom and destruction functioned as a form of 'shock therapy',
opening the eyes of the sleeping nation to the terrible sin
they were involved in.
In the same spirit, James M has burst on to the forum scene
with some no-holds-barred firey prophesies targetting the US,
Australia, Hillsong Church and others who have blood on their
hands through our global warring.
Don't write James off as an over-zealous dreamer, and note
that he is entirely accepting of criticism. I do urge you
to read and respond to this material. Here are some samples:
Social Comment -> World Politics -> Prophetic rebuke ,, Howard
Social Comment -> World Politics -> What God thinks ... USA
More on Internet P.0.r.n
The other thread that stood out for me this week was the one
on 'Dating, games and Lies' that started to re-focus on the
issue of men and p.0.r.n.
Alfamax's post on the subject gets my 'Post of the Week'
award this week, though I think there's still a lot more
that could be said on this subject and that needs to be said.
Let me encourage you to jump back on board with this one:
Faith Issues -> Feedback on Sermons ... -> Dating, ... Lies
---
OK. I'm going to leave it there this week.
As I said, the post from Alfamax gets 'Post of the Week' and
is now on display at http://fighting-fathers.blogspot.com
Before I let you go, a special invitation if you're in Sydney
this coming Saturday. We still have a couple of tickets left
for the Marrickville Multi-Faith Forum, convening on the topic
of 'A multi-faith response to Domestic Violence'.
The great draw-card for this meeting is not only hearing from
my f/riend Sheikh Mansour and other local clergy, but you'll
also get to hear from my wonderful partner, Ange, who will be
our representative speaker at the meeting.
The details are as follows:
Saturday October 20th, 4pm to 7pm (at the latest)
Petersham Town Hall, 107 Crystal Street, Petersham
BYO light food (preferably not pork chops but it's your call)
AND: You must let me know you're coming as space is limited
I'll hope to see some of on Saturday, but you'll hopefully be
getting the monthly ezine from me before then anyway. In the
meantime, please do consider making your contribution to the
forum, MichaelChima.
It's at http://www.fighting-fathers.com/forum in case you've
lost the URL. ;-)
May the Lord bless and strengthen you for the work to which
you have been called.
Yours in the Good Fight,
Dave
dave@fatherdave.org
www.fatherdave.org
P.P.S. Partner me in the Good Fight:
http://www.fatherdave.org/partners.htm
We're still in school holiday period here and I'm beginning
this email from the middle of the Australian bush - at
beautiful Binacrombi.
It's raining (which is great, as we're still in drought) and
there are a small group of Rosella's gathered on our balcony.
Also exciting: 2 enormous fish were caught in our river today!
Unfortunately they were carp, which isn't great, as they are
pests. We need to work out how to re-trout the river!
Incidentally, if you haven't heard the bushman's recipe for
cooking carp, it's the same as for bush parrot:
1. Place a rock with carp in a billy full of water and boil.
2. When rock is nice and soft, carp is ready to eat.
3. Even then, throw out carp and eat rock as it tastes better
Enough frivolity. Let's do an article round-up.
New Articles
Three new articles for you this week:
A sermon:
* 'Why do Bad Things happen to Good People?'
That's the question Jesus is confronted with in Luke 13
and His response is not really what we wanted or expected:
http://www.fatherdave.org/article/article_852.html
A book review:
* Professors Mearsheimer and Walt's have just published a
very imporant book, entitled, "The Israel Lobby and US
Foreign Policy". I've got Uri Avnery's excellent review:
http://www.fatherdave.org/article/article_878.html
A surprise:
* An article by me on the dangers of 'identity theft'
And I've included some f/ree software, to help protect
your email address from being harvested by spambots.
http://www.fatherdave.org/article/article_877.html
Read. Absorb. Download. Enjoy! :-)
Middle Sponsor: Speed up your sluggish computer x 10 times!
Former hacker shows you how to transform your Dead Slow PC
into a Fast, Secure & Stable Super-System in only 15 Minutes!
http://www.fatherdave.net/pcaccelerator.htm
What's new on http://www.fighting-fathers.com/forum ?
Firstly, my apologies for not being very active on the forum
over the holiday period though it's been gratifying to see
the place still teeming with life while I am absent.
There's been plenty of action in the 'faith issues' section,
with Brother Andrew, Stephen, and new kid on the block,
James M, making particularly noteworthy contributions.
Let me focus on a couple of threads from across the forum:
Original Sin
Christine and I have continued our dialogue over the question
of 'original sin', though I confess that I'm beginning to wax
philosophical. I think the thread needs an injection of fresh
ideas before I end up dragging it into esoteric academia. :-0
I've moved the discussion into the faith section so that it
might get more attention. Inject fresh ideas here:
Faith Issues -> General -> original sin, and Pelagius
Common Dreams
In a similar vein and in the same area of the forum, Stephen
has cut to the chase and asked us what sort of church do we
dream of becoming?
Do we want to be truly relevant, or do we fear letting go of
our long-held traditions, and are these the only two options?
Faith Issues -> General -> Common Dreams
We have a prophet in our midst
It is said of the Biblical prophets that their messages of
doom and destruction functioned as a form of 'shock therapy',
opening the eyes of the sleeping nation to the terrible sin
they were involved in.
In the same spirit, James M has burst on to the forum scene
with some no-holds-barred firey prophesies targetting the US,
Australia, Hillsong Church and others who have blood on their
hands through our global warring.
Don't write James off as an over-zealous dreamer, and note
that he is entirely accepting of criticism. I do urge you
to read and respond to this material. Here are some samples:
Social Comment -> World Politics -> Prophetic rebuke ,, Howard
Social Comment -> World Politics -> What God thinks ... USA
More on Internet P.0.r.n
The other thread that stood out for me this week was the one
on 'Dating, games and Lies' that started to re-focus on the
issue of men and p.0.r.n.
Alfamax's post on the subject gets my 'Post of the Week'
award this week, though I think there's still a lot more
that could be said on this subject and that needs to be said.
Let me encourage you to jump back on board with this one:
Faith Issues -> Feedback on Sermons ... -> Dating, ... Lies
---
OK. I'm going to leave it there this week.
As I said, the post from Alfamax gets 'Post of the Week' and
is now on display at http://fighting-fathers.blogspot.com
Before I let you go, a special invitation if you're in Sydney
this coming Saturday. We still have a couple of tickets left
for the Marrickville Multi-Faith Forum, convening on the topic
of 'A multi-faith response to Domestic Violence'.
The great draw-card for this meeting is not only hearing from
my f/riend Sheikh Mansour and other local clergy, but you'll
also get to hear from my wonderful partner, Ange, who will be
our representative speaker at the meeting.
The details are as follows:
Saturday October 20th, 4pm to 7pm (at the latest)
Petersham Town Hall, 107 Crystal Street, Petersham
BYO light food (preferably not pork chops but it's your call)
AND: You must let me know you're coming as space is limited
I'll hope to see some of on Saturday, but you'll hopefully be
getting the monthly ezine from me before then anyway. In the
meantime, please do consider making your contribution to the
forum, MichaelChima.
It's at http://www.fighting-fathers.com/forum in case you've
lost the URL. ;-)
May the Lord bless and strengthen you for the work to which
you have been called.
Yours in the Good Fight,
Dave
dave@fatherdave.org
www.fatherdave.org
P.P.S. Partner me in the Good Fight:
http://www.fatherdave.org/partners.htm
Saturday, October 06, 2007
The Greatest Prize On Earth
The Greatest Prize On Earth
The greatest prize is not the Nobel Prize and it is not the Oscar.
No, it is not the Grammy or the Emmy. It is not the Cannes Palm d’Or and it is not the Leone d’Oro of the Biennale Venice. It is not the Booker or the Pulitzer.
In fact, the greatest prize is the most precious, yet the commonest prize of all, and it is priceless. It is more precious than silver and gold. It cannot be bought or sold. Yet, it is the most abused, misused, violated, and wasted on earth. As I have since realized that the bottomless is fathomless, such is the depth and the worth of this prize.
The world froze before my very eyes yesterday morning. And this was not the first time, but the last time was over ten years ago. The memories still linger on my mind and I never wished to go through the flames of the crucible again. But yesterday morning I gazed at it eyeball to eyeball as my younger sister and the only daughter of my beloved mother collapsed and was foaming in the mouth.
Her eldest daughter Bombom had raised the alarm, as she was about to leave for school. Her only son in Kindergarten was sobbing and crying, “Mommy, come now.” The boy is only five years old. He must have been confused to see his mother slumping and jerking.
“Uncle, come and see mommy!” Bombom screamed.
Her mother was in the bedroom and I rushed inside to see her slumping over the bathtub with a small pair of scissors in her right hand. She was not having her bath and she was fully dressed in her house clothes. She was jerking with seizure and collapsing. I shouted her maiden name and raised her up. She collapsed in my arms and foaming in the mouth with her teeth about to clench and she could bite her tongue. So, I quickly put my forefinger in-between her teeth as she gritted them. The daughter was panicking in fear and trembling.
“Call the emergency number!” I shouted.
She was nervous and forgot that the emergency numbers were already pasted on the handset.
“Bombom! Hurry! Call 1007! And tell them that there is an emergency! That your mother has collapsed!”
“Oh, my God! Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord!” I exclaimed at the frightening sight of my sister.
Only God could save her now.
Bombom frantically called the number and I could hear her answering questions. She is only 10 and in such a state of shock, she could not say much.
“Jesus, please save my sister’s life! Do not let anything happen to her!Jesus! Blood of Jesus. Jesus have mercy on my sister. She is your daughter. Oh, God! Save your daughter’s life!” I was shouting my SOS prayer to the only one I could call to save her life now.
“Go and call any of our neighbours in the next house!” I shouted.
She ran and soon returned with Uluoma, a girl in her late teens, who is staying with her family.
“Please, call the hospital for an ambulance!” I told Uluoma.
She acted like a much-matured young woman. She called the right emergency number.
I told her to call Emma, who could reach my sister’s husband who was not in and was in Lagos.
The ambulance came with the paramedics armed with their emergency First Aid kit and stretchers. Four of the female paramedics were in white tops and white pants and white shoes. And one of them was in a blouse, blue denim pants, and canvas shoes. She seemed to be the leader. She did not waste time to attend to my sister. Three men accompanied them. They put the oxygen mask on her and we lifted her up and placed her on the stretcher. They carried her into the waiting ambulance and rushed her to the hospital nearby. I followed in another vehicle from the hospital.
Inside the ER, the paramedics handed her over to the waiting doctor and nurses and they knew what to do and did so without wasting time. I was standing by in the corridor praying for divine intervention. Later, the doctor asked me what happened to her. And I explained how I found her slumping in her bathtub after her eldest daughter raised an alarm that her mother was in trouble. The doctor and nurses told me she was now stable and I thanked them one after the other as they were going in and out of ER. Then I knelt on the floor to thank God. At this moment, nothing mattered most to me, except the precious life of my sister. All my great dreams of winning an Oscar, Nobel, and other highly coveted prizes evaporated in the state of emergency. They became meaningless to me. Even the sight of two beautiful and well-endowed young women walking along the corridor did not delight or excite me. The prettiest women were the nurses in white helping the doctor to revive my sister. The nurses and doctors at the Nigeria LNG RA Hospital on Bonny Island were God sent angels. The Chief Medical Officer who bought two of my medical books last year and I gave him the complimentary medical books and journals for their library, also came to pay attention to my sister.
As my world froze yesterday morning, I now realized how insignificant and irrelevant are the vanities of life. Because, the jeeps, cars, houses, plots of land, million naira bank accounts, trips to the US, UK and Singapore and shopping in Dubai, did not matter anymore. What mattered most was the revival and survival of my sister. And when she came around, I experienced the kind of peace of mind I have never felt before. I sighed in great relief. Then I returned to the house to have my bath and put on new clothes. The husband arrived with his colleagues and went to the hospital to visit her.
“Thank God, she is alive and recovering fast. Thank God. Thank God,” he said.
He returned to the house with her soiled clothes and washed them like a nursing mother washing the dirty diapers of her baby.
I was overwhelmed by his tender loving care for his wife and this is the same man who once beat her up and swore to deal with her, but now very sober and loving. What a life.
Thank God, I advised my sister to forgive him and love him.
They have come a long way, from their one room bed sitter in Lagos, to their four bedroom flat in Ibadan and now living in a big house with guest rooms and building houses in Port Harcourt and Uyo, and driving two jeeps and one car. And they can afford to spend vacations anywhere in the world.
I am very glad and grateful to the Almighty God for blessing them with abundant life and prosperity. I wish them longer life with their five beautiful and wonderful children and more prosperity.
What happened yesterday confirmed my hypothesis on two of my so-called female companions who confess and profess so much love online and offline.
“I love you. I am missing you. When are you coming to Abuja?”
“Oh, darling. I am bored without you. When are you coming to Lagos?”
I called the one in Abuja first and told her that I was in the ER with my sister in critical condition. But till date, she has not even called to ask me how she is faring.
I called the one in Lagos, and told her. She called me as I hung up and I told her what happened. How my sister slumped in her bathtub. She said, she would call back to know how she fared, but till date, she has not called.
The one in Abuja is the most disappointing. Only last week, she called me, to whine over how a wicked Muslim man beat her up and I kept on calling her to know how she was feeling. I reported the incident to the Muslim Association of Nigeria and another Islamic NGO for Muslim women in Nigeria.
The one in Lagos was writhing in pains a year ago, and I was by her side to care and comfort her.
It is in critical situations of emergencies that you would really know those who are fair weather friends and those who are truly your friends.
Anyone who does not appreciate your welfare and the welfare of your family is not a friend.
The person is only a selfish fair weather friend who only wants her own bargains and selfish interests and selfish pleasures.
The sooner you separate the goats from the sheep, the better, and safer you would be.
Do not waste the precious quality time of your precious life with such selfish and uncaring people.
Jesus Christ said:
"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.
If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
~ Matthew 7:6 (The Holy Bible, New International Version)
Your life is very precious and sacred, therefore, do not give them to the dogs of this world, and do not offer your highly valuable skills and talents to the pigs of this world, lest they turn around to spite you and vandalize your genius.
There are humans who behave like dogs, pigs, and you must identify them, beware of them, and do not waste your precious life with such dogs and pigs of the earth.
There are great lessons to learn from the problems and the troubles in this world.
There are great lessons to learn from the storms of life.
Make sure that you are not ignorant of these vital lessons of life. Because, they will guide and guard you safely the rest of your life.
Life is too precious and too valuable to be toyed with.
Do not let anyone or anything mess up, toy with, or waste your precious life.
How much we appreciate our life and the lives of others shows how much we appreciate God and our existence on earth.
No price you place on your life is too much. Because, as I said earlier, life is priceless.
You are more precious and worthier than all the status symbols, worldly acquisitions, and possession on earth.
You are the image and likeness of God, the greatest being in the whole universe and who reigns in awesome majesty in eternity. And He wants you to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life on earth.
Do not let anyone steal your greatest prize.
Do not let anyone take away your precious and priceless life.
You have won it, you deserve it, therefore cherish, and treasure your life with every breath you have.
When I returned from the hospital yesterday, I knelt down in my sister's bedroom and praised God for saving my sister. Then, I went to my room and went on my knees again to thank God for His benevolent divine intervention in the emergency and saved the beautiful and wonderful life of my dear sister
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