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
<:))))><
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
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
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Dear Beloved Friends In Jesus Christ
Dear beloved friends,
It is our delight to write to you of all the exciting things that are happening of late in the Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for all Nations church!
Pastor Sunday was recently in Trinidad, San Fernando, ministering in various churches there.
Apart from preaching the life changing gospel to the local people of Trinidad and Tobago, Pastor Sunday also had the privilege of meeting with Prime Minister Patrick Manning.
The congregation of Point Fortin Open Bible Cathedral in Trinidad thanked Pastor Sunday for his presence and teaching at their church saying, .You really challenged our hearts and thinking. You motivated and inspired us in several ways. We have rededicated our lives to the work of God, in particular to missions..
During this trip Pastor Sunday also went to Philadelphia and taught the students of the History Makers Bible School. History Makers Bible School (www.hmbs.org) is a unique institute of training where students will learn how to take the doctrines of the Bible, get spiritual understanding of life and relationship with God, and how to use it to impress the Kingdom of God upon every area of society, bringing divine revolution into economic/business, educational, media, entertainment, political, sports and social/spiritual areas of life.
In September Bishop LaDonna Osborne was the teacher at the opening class. Pastor Sunday taught in October and will teach again in November on the subject: The Kingdom of God.
Classes are held every second weekend of every month by various world renown and seasoned teachers of the gospel.
While at the History Makers Bible School, Pastor Sunday formed a team of World Changers namely the HISTORY MAKERS TEAM. These are people who are already doing exploits for the Kingdom of God but wish to fall under the mentorship of dynamic leaders for a greater effect in different spheres of society.
The motto for the organization is self descriptive of their cause:
.Those who want to do and live for something larger, bigger and greater than themselves..
More exciting and breakthrough news for the Embassy of God church is that we have again made headline news on BBC World, the program being broadcast all day. The video is featured on our website, www.godembassy.org.
More information about the program will be sent to you shortly.
We give God the glory that there was also news broadcast featuring the Embassy of God on German TV channel 1 in August and in July, also French TV did a report. God is really doing something significant toward the end time furtherance of His Kingdom! Just recently we also had articles published in Associated Press, Reuters, Wallstreet Journal and Charisma magazine.
Our annual Winter Fast will be held from 7-14 December, 2006. This is a time or refreshing and restoration; a time of worship and seeking God.s face. For more information concerning this, please see our website www.godembassy.org.
We thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter and trust that it has been both informative and inspiring to you.
May you have a blessed and prosperous day in the Lord Jesus Christ!
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24
Remain blessed in Him!
It is our delight to write to you of all the exciting things that are happening of late in the Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for all Nations church!
Pastor Sunday was recently in Trinidad, San Fernando, ministering in various churches there.
Apart from preaching the life changing gospel to the local people of Trinidad and Tobago, Pastor Sunday also had the privilege of meeting with Prime Minister Patrick Manning.
The congregation of Point Fortin Open Bible Cathedral in Trinidad thanked Pastor Sunday for his presence and teaching at their church saying, .You really challenged our hearts and thinking. You motivated and inspired us in several ways. We have rededicated our lives to the work of God, in particular to missions..
During this trip Pastor Sunday also went to Philadelphia and taught the students of the History Makers Bible School. History Makers Bible School (www.hmbs.org) is a unique institute of training where students will learn how to take the doctrines of the Bible, get spiritual understanding of life and relationship with God, and how to use it to impress the Kingdom of God upon every area of society, bringing divine revolution into economic/business, educational, media, entertainment, political, sports and social/spiritual areas of life.
In September Bishop LaDonna Osborne was the teacher at the opening class. Pastor Sunday taught in October and will teach again in November on the subject: The Kingdom of God.
Classes are held every second weekend of every month by various world renown and seasoned teachers of the gospel.
While at the History Makers Bible School, Pastor Sunday formed a team of World Changers namely the HISTORY MAKERS TEAM. These are people who are already doing exploits for the Kingdom of God but wish to fall under the mentorship of dynamic leaders for a greater effect in different spheres of society.
The motto for the organization is self descriptive of their cause:
.Those who want to do and live for something larger, bigger and greater than themselves..
More exciting and breakthrough news for the Embassy of God church is that we have again made headline news on BBC World, the program being broadcast all day. The video is featured on our website, www.godembassy.org.
More information about the program will be sent to you shortly.
We give God the glory that there was also news broadcast featuring the Embassy of God on German TV channel 1 in August and in July, also French TV did a report. God is really doing something significant toward the end time furtherance of His Kingdom! Just recently we also had articles published in Associated Press, Reuters, Wallstreet Journal and Charisma magazine.
Our annual Winter Fast will be held from 7-14 December, 2006. This is a time or refreshing and restoration; a time of worship and seeking God.s face. For more information concerning this, please see our website www.godembassy.org.
We thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter and trust that it has been both informative and inspiring to you.
May you have a blessed and prosperous day in the Lord Jesus Christ!
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24
Remain blessed in Him!
Friday, November 03, 2006
You Are The Only One Who Can Limit God
By Bishop Gaspar Anastasi
You are the only one who can limit God
Too many Christians are looking for God to do miracles in their lives, yet they have not made a full commitment to Him.
In other words, they want the blessings without the Blessor. And that won’t work.
You see, God wants complete access and freedom to live in us and manifest Himself through us. Many of us just want a quick fix for a certain trial we’re going through, when what we need is a complete overhaul. We need a new lifestyle that will enable us to steer clear of those perils and problems in the first place. But many of us don't want Jesus Christ at the helm. We don’t want Him directing our lives and calling the shots because we have no intention of stopping the sin we’re living in.
Fortunately for us, God doesn’t work that way. I say “fortunately” because if God did work that way, no one would give themselves over to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. God blesses those whom He possesses.
Either Jesus Christ is Lord over all your life or He isn’t Lord at all. God won’t settle for anything less. He doesn’t want just part of you. He wants all of you. That’s what He means when He says, “I am a jealous God.” He won’t share you with anything or anyone, especially satan.
Many Christians don’t even realize that they are living in sin. They’ve gotten so used to complaining about their hard times and blaming others (including God) for their problems, that they can’t see that their own disobedience is to blame.
If your life is not reflecting the light of Jesus, and if God’s blessings aren’t flowing to you on a regular basis, examine yourself. See if Jesus really is Lord in your actions and in your relationships. He may not be. Before you point fingers at other people, realize that you are the only one who can limit God in your circumstances.
If you refuse to look at life through His eyes and rebel against His will (which is what you’re doing when you sin), you tie His hands and prevent Him from moving on your behalf the way He wants.Want to see miracles in your life? Want to see prosperity like you never imagined?
Want to have peace reign in your home instead of strife? Line your life up with God’s Word. How do I do that? you ask.Give Jesus first place in everything you do. Open up the Bible and spend time with Him when you get up in the morning. Before you spend time with the television or radio. Come before Him in honesty and simplicity.
There’s no use trying to hide your sins from Him. God already knows what you did. Ask His forgiveness and move on.Give over control to Jesus Christ. Only then will you begin to see growth and change in your life. If you have a problem, only the Master Mechanic knows how to fix it. But He can do only as much as you allow Him to.
Listen To Sermons
You are the only one who can limit God
Too many Christians are looking for God to do miracles in their lives, yet they have not made a full commitment to Him.
In other words, they want the blessings without the Blessor. And that won’t work.
You see, God wants complete access and freedom to live in us and manifest Himself through us. Many of us just want a quick fix for a certain trial we’re going through, when what we need is a complete overhaul. We need a new lifestyle that will enable us to steer clear of those perils and problems in the first place. But many of us don't want Jesus Christ at the helm. We don’t want Him directing our lives and calling the shots because we have no intention of stopping the sin we’re living in.
Fortunately for us, God doesn’t work that way. I say “fortunately” because if God did work that way, no one would give themselves over to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. God blesses those whom He possesses.
Either Jesus Christ is Lord over all your life or He isn’t Lord at all. God won’t settle for anything less. He doesn’t want just part of you. He wants all of you. That’s what He means when He says, “I am a jealous God.” He won’t share you with anything or anyone, especially satan.
Many Christians don’t even realize that they are living in sin. They’ve gotten so used to complaining about their hard times and blaming others (including God) for their problems, that they can’t see that their own disobedience is to blame.
If your life is not reflecting the light of Jesus, and if God’s blessings aren’t flowing to you on a regular basis, examine yourself. See if Jesus really is Lord in your actions and in your relationships. He may not be. Before you point fingers at other people, realize that you are the only one who can limit God in your circumstances.
If you refuse to look at life through His eyes and rebel against His will (which is what you’re doing when you sin), you tie His hands and prevent Him from moving on your behalf the way He wants.Want to see miracles in your life? Want to see prosperity like you never imagined?
Want to have peace reign in your home instead of strife? Line your life up with God’s Word. How do I do that? you ask.Give Jesus first place in everything you do. Open up the Bible and spend time with Him when you get up in the morning. Before you spend time with the television or radio. Come before Him in honesty and simplicity.
There’s no use trying to hide your sins from Him. God already knows what you did. Ask His forgiveness and move on.Give over control to Jesus Christ. Only then will you begin to see growth and change in your life. If you have a problem, only the Master Mechanic knows how to fix it. But He can do only as much as you allow Him to.
Listen To Sermons
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Let Us Give Free Copies of the Holy Bible To Everyone Who Does Not Have One
In the Almighty name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Saviour and Messiah, I invite you to join me and my brethren to spread the Word of God all over the world to reach the unreached.
As they say that charity begins at home, we are starting next year 2007 in Nigeria and we need as many copies of the Holy Bible as possible in English, Hausa, Arabic, Yoruba and the Igbo languages and distribute them free to those who are willing to accept the awesome gift of the Word of God.
We need up to 10 million copies of the Holy Bible for Nigeria.
You can donate copies of the Holy Bible for this divine mission of the Great Commission of our Messiah Jesus Christ.
Just send them!
God bless you as you do so.
As they say that charity begins at home, we are starting next year 2007 in Nigeria and we need as many copies of the Holy Bible as possible in English, Hausa, Arabic, Yoruba and the Igbo languages and distribute them free to those who are willing to accept the awesome gift of the Word of God.
We need up to 10 million copies of the Holy Bible for Nigeria.
You can donate copies of the Holy Bible for this divine mission of the Great Commission of our Messiah Jesus Christ.
Just send them!
God bless you as you do so.
Friday, September 15, 2006
See Even The Dog Believes In God And Prays
See how the innocent dog joins the innocent child to pray.
How about you?
1. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
~ Psalm 14:1-7 (Holy Bible, King James Version)
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Dear Pastors in Nigeria
Dear Pastors,
I greet you by the grace of God in Jesus Christ our Lord and Messiah.
I have joined the Deeper Christian Life Bible Church, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Assemblies of God and others to testify of the good news of the gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ since 1988 to date, both in Lagos and on Bonny Island, Rivers State. I was baptized in the Deeper Life on December 1, 1990 when I was living in Lagos where I became the house fellowship captain and visitations team leader. I preached the good news on public transport buses, on the streets and in homes for over 11 years and I enjoyed doing so to the glory of the Almighty Jehovah God.
I believe we are all educated and enlightened enough to understand what I am going to address in few words.
Please, do you know about Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria?
Please, do surveys of all the churches in each of these countries and do a survey of the number of churches in Nigeria.
Then, analyze the GDP and GNP of each of them and compare them to Nigeria.
Analyze the living standards in each of them and compare them to Nigeria.
Analyze also the level of corrupt practices in each of them and compare them to Nigeria.
What are their resources and compare them to Nigeria.
We preach and preach and preach in a million and one churches in every nook and cranny of Nigeria as the so called Christian churches are competing more for the Guinness Book of Records than for the Kingdom of God on which of them has the biggest church building or largest congregation as if the population of church goers is the indicator of true Christians.
We also preach our own theology more than we preach the truth of Jesus Christ.
One church preaches that you cannot receive Holy Ghost Baptism except you have been first baptized by immersion in water as if the church does not know about Cornelius And His Household?
PETER COMMANDS THEM TO BE BAPTIZED...
1. How could anyone forbid water to those who had received the
Spirit just as the apostles did? - Ac 10:47; cf. 11:17-18
2. So Cornelius and his household were commanded to be baptized
in the name of the Lord - Ac 10:48
http://www.bible.ca/eo/ba/ba_06.htm
Were they baptized by immersion in the swimming pool of Cornelius or by sprinkling water on their bowed heads?
We see all the social and economic inadequacies, inefficiencies and failures in Nigeria as spiritual problems caused by both visible and invisible evil demons and spirits instead of saying the truth that our corrupt government has failed to utilize our vast resources for the common benefits of all Nigerians, to create good jobs for the millions of school leavers and graduates who are now applicants and millions of them have been forced to do odd jobs instead of practicing what they studied in schools. And instead of asking them their academic or technical qualifications, many fake pastors or ministers lie to them that household wickedness, marine spirits and other generational curses are holding them in bondage from getting their dream jobs, dream wives and even visas to flee Nigeria.
To get a good job in Nigeria, you need to fast and pray and if you get it, it is a miracle!
To get a good spouse in Nigeria, you need to fast and pray and if you get one, it is a miracle.
To get a good accommodation in Nigeria, you need to fast and pray and if you get it, it is a miracle.
To even pass your examinations in Nigeria and gain admission into primary school, secondary school or post-secondary institution, you need to fast and pray and if you get it, it is a miracle.
Lest I forget to get a Visa to flee or travel out of Nigeria, you need to fast and pray and if you get it, it is a miracle.
Pastors and ministers even prescribe the dosage of fasting and prayers depending on what they assume is the gravity of your sickness, disease or problem.
These erroneous and ambiguous sermons have only led millions of the ignorant masses astray and worsened the social, economic and academic state of Nigeria to make Nigeria become one of the poorest countries in the world.
A pastor says sexual immorality causes poverty and millions of pious Nigerians who are even Christians live in abject poverty.
Then, when they complain to their pastors, the fake pastors will now claim to discern the generational curses or household wickedness to blame for their poverty. And will not interview the poverty-stricken members of their church to know their real economic, social, academic and technical causes of their poverty. Instead they lie to them to hope for miracles of dream jobs or windfalls to make them rich overnight.
Churches have become fund raising centres or NGOs competing for the best tactics to extort money from both members of their congregation and invited guests including pagans, crooks, rogues and Moslems.
More millions have been spent on competitions to build the best magnificent church buildings than on evangelism or on the economic empowerment of the economic handicapped poor and needy among us.
Most churches hate to see beggars and paupers coming to their church on Sunday.
The more posh cars and jeeps they see parking in front of their churches the more elated they are and they praise and shout more "Hallelujahs!", because the sight of these posh cars and jeeps is the evidence of the miracles of prosperity God is doing for their churches. And they fail to see the corrupt government officials, shylock landlords, wicked employers who pay their poor employees meagre wages and come to bribe their pastors with fat offerings and tithes and ask for dedications for their new cars and jeeps bought by cheating and exploiting the poor and needy ones they employ and by fraudulent means. And the churches expected to alleviate the suffering of the common man will give him excuses and lies on how the sin in his life is the cause of his poverty.
Even if he repents, they will say repentance is not enough, that he must undergo 7 to 70 days fasting and praying for deliverance before he can be saved from his perpetual poverty.
I wonder when Jesus Christ gave such excuses?
Let us all stop deceiving ourselves and Nigerians and tell the ignorant masses the truth as Jesus Christ preached and practiced by his exemplary life and not competing for who is going to be the pastor of the most magnificent church building, largest congregation of owner of jeeps in Nigeria or Africa.
It is even easier to see God than to see many of the celebrated General Overseers of the churches in Nigeria. You have to book an appointment weeks in advance. And I don't know how many poor members of their congregations the GOs have been humble enough to visit and spend some time to know how they are faring?
We must realize that the social, political, economic, academic and other similar woes plaguing Nigeria today are not caused by evil spirits, carry-over generational curses, marine spirits and demons but by the hypocrisy, kleptocracy, cheating, greediness, wickedness, bribery and corruption of most Nigerians in both the private and public sectors.
If you are threatening the poor masses with your competitive doctrines and continue to keep them in ignorance of the truth, remember the sermons of Jesus Christ on the generation of vipers, "Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves" (Mark I 1: 17).
May God help us all.
Yours faithfully,
Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima.
August 2006.
I greet you by the grace of God in Jesus Christ our Lord and Messiah.
I have joined the Deeper Christian Life Bible Church, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Assemblies of God and others to testify of the good news of the gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ since 1988 to date, both in Lagos and on Bonny Island, Rivers State. I was baptized in the Deeper Life on December 1, 1990 when I was living in Lagos where I became the house fellowship captain and visitations team leader. I preached the good news on public transport buses, on the streets and in homes for over 11 years and I enjoyed doing so to the glory of the Almighty Jehovah God.
I believe we are all educated and enlightened enough to understand what I am going to address in few words.
Please, do you know about Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria?
Please, do surveys of all the churches in each of these countries and do a survey of the number of churches in Nigeria.
Then, analyze the GDP and GNP of each of them and compare them to Nigeria.
Analyze the living standards in each of them and compare them to Nigeria.
Analyze also the level of corrupt practices in each of them and compare them to Nigeria.
What are their resources and compare them to Nigeria.
We preach and preach and preach in a million and one churches in every nook and cranny of Nigeria as the so called Christian churches are competing more for the Guinness Book of Records than for the Kingdom of God on which of them has the biggest church building or largest congregation as if the population of church goers is the indicator of true Christians.
We also preach our own theology more than we preach the truth of Jesus Christ.
One church preaches that you cannot receive Holy Ghost Baptism except you have been first baptized by immersion in water as if the church does not know about Cornelius And His Household?
PETER COMMANDS THEM TO BE BAPTIZED...
1. How could anyone forbid water to those who had received the
Spirit just as the apostles did? - Ac 10:47; cf. 11:17-18
2. So Cornelius and his household were commanded to be baptized
in the name of the Lord - Ac 10:48
http://www.bible.ca/eo/ba/ba_06.htm
Were they baptized by immersion in the swimming pool of Cornelius or by sprinkling water on their bowed heads?
We see all the social and economic inadequacies, inefficiencies and failures in Nigeria as spiritual problems caused by both visible and invisible evil demons and spirits instead of saying the truth that our corrupt government has failed to utilize our vast resources for the common benefits of all Nigerians, to create good jobs for the millions of school leavers and graduates who are now applicants and millions of them have been forced to do odd jobs instead of practicing what they studied in schools. And instead of asking them their academic or technical qualifications, many fake pastors or ministers lie to them that household wickedness, marine spirits and other generational curses are holding them in bondage from getting their dream jobs, dream wives and even visas to flee Nigeria.
To get a good job in Nigeria, you need to fast and pray and if you get it, it is a miracle!
To get a good spouse in Nigeria, you need to fast and pray and if you get one, it is a miracle.
To get a good accommodation in Nigeria, you need to fast and pray and if you get it, it is a miracle.
To even pass your examinations in Nigeria and gain admission into primary school, secondary school or post-secondary institution, you need to fast and pray and if you get it, it is a miracle.
Lest I forget to get a Visa to flee or travel out of Nigeria, you need to fast and pray and if you get it, it is a miracle.
Pastors and ministers even prescribe the dosage of fasting and prayers depending on what they assume is the gravity of your sickness, disease or problem.
These erroneous and ambiguous sermons have only led millions of the ignorant masses astray and worsened the social, economic and academic state of Nigeria to make Nigeria become one of the poorest countries in the world.
A pastor says sexual immorality causes poverty and millions of pious Nigerians who are even Christians live in abject poverty.
Then, when they complain to their pastors, the fake pastors will now claim to discern the generational curses or household wickedness to blame for their poverty. And will not interview the poverty-stricken members of their church to know their real economic, social, academic and technical causes of their poverty. Instead they lie to them to hope for miracles of dream jobs or windfalls to make them rich overnight.
Churches have become fund raising centres or NGOs competing for the best tactics to extort money from both members of their congregation and invited guests including pagans, crooks, rogues and Moslems.
More millions have been spent on competitions to build the best magnificent church buildings than on evangelism or on the economic empowerment of the economic handicapped poor and needy among us.
Most churches hate to see beggars and paupers coming to their church on Sunday.
The more posh cars and jeeps they see parking in front of their churches the more elated they are and they praise and shout more "Hallelujahs!", because the sight of these posh cars and jeeps is the evidence of the miracles of prosperity God is doing for their churches. And they fail to see the corrupt government officials, shylock landlords, wicked employers who pay their poor employees meagre wages and come to bribe their pastors with fat offerings and tithes and ask for dedications for their new cars and jeeps bought by cheating and exploiting the poor and needy ones they employ and by fraudulent means. And the churches expected to alleviate the suffering of the common man will give him excuses and lies on how the sin in his life is the cause of his poverty.
Even if he repents, they will say repentance is not enough, that he must undergo 7 to 70 days fasting and praying for deliverance before he can be saved from his perpetual poverty.
I wonder when Jesus Christ gave such excuses?
Let us all stop deceiving ourselves and Nigerians and tell the ignorant masses the truth as Jesus Christ preached and practiced by his exemplary life and not competing for who is going to be the pastor of the most magnificent church building, largest congregation of owner of jeeps in Nigeria or Africa.
It is even easier to see God than to see many of the celebrated General Overseers of the churches in Nigeria. You have to book an appointment weeks in advance. And I don't know how many poor members of their congregations the GOs have been humble enough to visit and spend some time to know how they are faring?
We must realize that the social, political, economic, academic and other similar woes plaguing Nigeria today are not caused by evil spirits, carry-over generational curses, marine spirits and demons but by the hypocrisy, kleptocracy, cheating, greediness, wickedness, bribery and corruption of most Nigerians in both the private and public sectors.
If you are threatening the poor masses with your competitive doctrines and continue to keep them in ignorance of the truth, remember the sermons of Jesus Christ on the generation of vipers, "Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves" (Mark I 1: 17).
Matthew 25
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
7"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
9" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
10"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'
12"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'
13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
The Parable of the Talents
14"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15To one he gave five talents[a] of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. 17So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. 18But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
19"After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'
21"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
22"The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'
23"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'
24"Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'
26"His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.
28" 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. 29For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 30And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
The Sheep and the Goats
31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."
Footnotes:
Matthew 25:15 A talent was worth more than a thousand dollars.
Isaiah 58
True Fasting
1 "Shout it aloud, do not hold back.
Raise your voice like a trumpet.
Declare to my people their rebellion
and to the house of Jacob their sins.
2 For day after day they seek me out;
they seem eager to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that does what is right
and has not forsaken the commands of its God.
They ask me for just decisions
and seem eager for God to come near them.
3 'Why have we fasted,' they say,
'and you have not seen it?
Why have we humbled ourselves,
and you have not noticed?'
"Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please
and exploit all your workers.
4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife,
and in striking each other with wicked fists.
You cannot fast as you do today
and expect your voice to be heard on high.
5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen,
only a day for a man to humble himself?
Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed
and for lying on sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast,
a day acceptable to the LORD ?
6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness [a] will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
13 "If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath
and from doing as you please on my holy day,
if you call the Sabbath a delight
and the LORD's holy day honorable,
and if you honor it by not going your own way
and not doing as you please or speaking idle words,
Footnotes:
a. Isaiah 58:8 Or your righteous One
Salt and Light
13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16 (New International Version)
May God help us all.
Yours faithfully,
Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima.
August 2006.
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