I really like this song for many reasons. First it's a powerful message, with an awsome music mix behind it.
Second it relates to any part of a persons life. At my age (51) this kind of message can hammer home the forgiveness of God's love.
In present day, we can see God's love perform miracles daily. Remember the request for Shon Coleman and his family from an earlier post?
Yesterday we recieved word that Shon's bone marrow cancer count was "Zero".
I know what you are thinking, it was misdiagnosed earlier. While I'll admit that is a possibility, the tumor removed from his head was not a diagnosis, it was a sign for many to see God's love manifest itself in our lives.
To not believe in miracles and say you believe in God is a lie. For God can and does perform miracles everyday. we may not see them, but you can bet someone does.
My hope and prayer is that God continues to bless each of you.
Enjoy the song, I sure do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7elxC8LXfzE
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Angels among Us.
I believe I have met a few angels over my few years, that I believe were put in my path to teach me a lesson. The lesson is whether your the stranger or it's someone else that is a stranger to you, always go out of your way to help others. And your reward is much greater than any of us here on earth could imagine. It may be as simple as a hot meal and a warm blanket, or as complex as helping a new found friend to clean out a loved one's house that needed it.
Matthew 25:35-46 says-
For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.
Then the righteous ones will reply, "Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?
I tell you the truth, says the King, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"
The King will turn to those on the Left and say, Away with you , you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me in you home. I was naked and you didn't give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me. Then they will reply, "Lord when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty, or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?" And he answers, I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me." And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life."
Hebrews 13:2 says,- Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some have done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
I believe there are angels out there, whether it be the person needing a hot meal being a homeless person or an angel that could vanish. But I believe there are also special people who I call angels that just come and Knock on the door to help, when there is no reward here. But then I realized how great there reward is that is waiting.
A little over two months has passed since my uncle passed away. And while we were cleaning out his house, there was a knock on the door. My aunt had been hoping to sell the house. The man at the door was looking to buy, and she asked him. Are you the answer to my prayers? Then another man walking up, Said he may not be but I am! That was Mr. Rutland. He buys and sells antiques, and our house was full of them, among other things. Well after the Antiques were gone, and most of the family too, he was there. Day in and Day out he and his wife were there helping without asking for anything in return. I thank God there are people out in the world like that. Angels that have special callings, and when they make it to heaven one day, the treasure they find will be far greater than anyone could ever imagine. I believe that God put the Rutlands in my path to teach me a lesson. I have learned no matter the person that needs help, you should help them. Because it may not be an ordinary person. And if the situation doesn't look promising still help, because whatever the other person is struggling with is between them and their walk with God. Besides, helping someone else may show them the light in Christianity, and it may be the beginning of their walk with the Lord. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Rutland. You have touched my heart.
Matthew 25:35-46 says-
For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.
Then the righteous ones will reply, "Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?
I tell you the truth, says the King, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"
The King will turn to those on the Left and say, Away with you , you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me in you home. I was naked and you didn't give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me. Then they will reply, "Lord when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty, or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?" And he answers, I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me." And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life."
Hebrews 13:2 says,- Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some have done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
I believe there are angels out there, whether it be the person needing a hot meal being a homeless person or an angel that could vanish. But I believe there are also special people who I call angels that just come and Knock on the door to help, when there is no reward here. But then I realized how great there reward is that is waiting.
A little over two months has passed since my uncle passed away. And while we were cleaning out his house, there was a knock on the door. My aunt had been hoping to sell the house. The man at the door was looking to buy, and she asked him. Are you the answer to my prayers? Then another man walking up, Said he may not be but I am! That was Mr. Rutland. He buys and sells antiques, and our house was full of them, among other things. Well after the Antiques were gone, and most of the family too, he was there. Day in and Day out he and his wife were there helping without asking for anything in return. I thank God there are people out in the world like that. Angels that have special callings, and when they make it to heaven one day, the treasure they find will be far greater than anyone could ever imagine. I believe that God put the Rutlands in my path to teach me a lesson. I have learned no matter the person that needs help, you should help them. Because it may not be an ordinary person. And if the situation doesn't look promising still help, because whatever the other person is struggling with is between them and their walk with God. Besides, helping someone else may show them the light in Christianity, and it may be the beginning of their walk with the Lord. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Rutland. You have touched my heart.
I guess the question is, Have we entertained angels or been entertained by angels? Have we crossed the path of someone we could have helped in any small way that could lead them to Jesus?
I hope that everyone takes every opportunity to help in the small ways when they can't in the big ways. Because everything we can do big or small can show someone the love of Jesus. I hope everyone has a blessed day!!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Easter!
This morning the church Easter Egg hunt reminded me of truly the greatest gift of all. As all the children were hunting their plastic eggs, and getting the goodies that were inside, I couldn't help but see the empty eggs that fallen from easter baskets and were just passed over. I picked up one of those plastic eggs and thought this is truly the greatest gift. IT WAS EMPTY!! Just like the tomb! Praise God, he has risen!! Like empty plastic egg, the tomb was empty this day, over two thousand years ago! Thank you GOD for giving your one and only son, for our sins because for this day we are truly saved!!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16.
Happy Easter and May God Bless everyone !!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16.
Happy Easter and May God Bless everyone !!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
SO THIS IS EASTER?
Remember why we celebrate the Easter weekend?
Do you know the meaning of day?
My hope and prayer is, that all of you continue to include GOD in your life.
GOD BLESS YOU.
Do you know the meaning of day?
My hope and prayer is, that all of you continue to include GOD in your life.
GOD BLESS YOU.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Have you Seen him?
The Easter Story.
When Jesus was crucified, Christ's body was placed in a tomb. The entrance was shielded by a huge stone, and soldiers guarded the entrance.
On Sunday, the third day, Mary Magdalene and Mary the Mother of James went to look at the tomb. Matthew 28:1.
A Violent Earthquake occurred, and an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and went to the tomb, broke the seal and rolled away the stone, and then sat upon it. His appearence was like lightning and he was dressed in clothes as bright and white as snow. The Guards were so afraid of the angel, they shook and passed out like dead men.
The angel spoke to the women and said, " Do not be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come in and see where he lay. Then go and tell his disciples he has risen, and is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see him. Matthew 28: 5-10.
The women hurried away from the tomb, afraid but yet joyous, and ran to tell his disciples. Then Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They clasped his feet and worshiped him. Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, there they will see me."
After Jesus had risen and appeared to Mary Magdalene, she went and told those who had been with him and who had been mourning. She said I have just seen him, and they didn't believe her. Afterwards Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. The returned and told the rest, but they didn't believe them either. Later Jesus appeared to the eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him. He told everyone to go into the world and Preach the good news of all Creation. Mark 16: 12-15.
The Question is, Has he appeared to you and you didn't believe it was him or even you didn't recognize him? He visited the twelve in different forms, and they did not know he was in their very presence. Are we doing all we can to tell the world about Jesus, so that they can recognize him in their presence? I pray that we are because there is always another life that needs saving. Because he has risen, we all have forgiveness of our sins. I hope you have a blessed and Happy Easter.
When Jesus was crucified, Christ's body was placed in a tomb. The entrance was shielded by a huge stone, and soldiers guarded the entrance.
On Sunday, the third day, Mary Magdalene and Mary the Mother of James went to look at the tomb. Matthew 28:1.
A Violent Earthquake occurred, and an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and went to the tomb, broke the seal and rolled away the stone, and then sat upon it. His appearence was like lightning and he was dressed in clothes as bright and white as snow. The Guards were so afraid of the angel, they shook and passed out like dead men.
The angel spoke to the women and said, " Do not be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come in and see where he lay. Then go and tell his disciples he has risen, and is going ahead of you to Galilee. There you will see him. Matthew 28: 5-10.
The women hurried away from the tomb, afraid but yet joyous, and ran to tell his disciples. Then Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They clasped his feet and worshiped him. Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, there they will see me."
After Jesus had risen and appeared to Mary Magdalene, she went and told those who had been with him and who had been mourning. She said I have just seen him, and they didn't believe her. Afterwards Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. The returned and told the rest, but they didn't believe them either. Later Jesus appeared to the eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him. He told everyone to go into the world and Preach the good news of all Creation. Mark 16: 12-15.
The Question is, Has he appeared to you and you didn't believe it was him or even you didn't recognize him? He visited the twelve in different forms, and they did not know he was in their very presence. Are we doing all we can to tell the world about Jesus, so that they can recognize him in their presence? I pray that we are because there is always another life that needs saving. Because he has risen, we all have forgiveness of our sins. I hope you have a blessed and Happy Easter.
An Important Message
We here at CTC (Carrying The Cross) realize that not everybody can agree on every aspect of the word of GOD. As astonishing as that is to say, we are after all far from perfect and born in sin. It's no wonder that we can't agree on everything. The Devil is working hard to disrupt and destroy our lives.
What we can agree to though is certain principles. Marriage, Jesus Christ truly was walking this earth, and is still alive today. Basic Christian principles are what we need to hold onto to be able to better prepare ourselves for the onslaught that is coming from the adversary.
As the song we sang in Church last night goes, Though I stand in the valley of decision and the adversary says just give in... just HOLD on, My LORD will show up and take me through that fire again.
I would like to pass along this letter from the Manhattan Declaration. Please read and do as your Saviour moves to do.
GOD bless each of you.
A Letter to Signers of the Manhattan Declaration
Thank you for your continuing support of the Manhattan Declaration.
The timing of our movement is providential. We couldn't have realized when we released the Manhattan Declaration what threats to life and liberty we would soon be facing with the passage of the healthcare bill. At this critical moment for our nation, we give thanks to God that nearly half a million Christians have pledged to stand strong in defense of the most fundamental moral principles of a just and good society. God bless you for making this commitment.
We are reminded by this legislation that we must redouble our efforts. We must equip ourselves to defend winsomely the truth in the public square. The timing of the upgrading of our website is providential as well. We originally released the Manhattan Declaration last fall with a website literally assembled overnight. We realized a couple of months ago that we needed a better facility that could provide more resources to help people to better connect as this movement grows and develops. On the new website you'll find a wealth of resources that will help you to fight this battle. Please visit http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/.
You'll find news of the work going on at the grassroots level. For example, a few weeks ago we addressed by phone a group of pastors and lay leaders in Frankfort, Kentucky, who were preparing to present the Manhattan Declaration to their legislature. They did so, and the result was a resolution passed by the Kentucky House endorsing and urging support for the Manhattan Declaration. It was sponsored by 45 members and adopted by voice vote. (www.manhattandeclaration.org/pdfs/KY-bill.pdf)
Just imagine what might happen to our politics and culture if state legislatures across the country were to copy what Kentucky has done. Can you urge your legislators to do so?
With the battles going on in Washington, we must intensify our efforts. The three of us want to do exactly what our supporters in Kentucky did, but at the federal level. When we have one million signatures, we will ask for a meeting with the President. Any document this strong, pledging not to compromise our faith, signed by a million people coming from the three great historic traditions of the Christian faith, will make a huge impact. Please help us accomplish this: Here are some things you can do:
Circulate the declaration through your church. One church in eastern Washington did this and got all 470 members to sign on. That made local press. www.manhattandeclaration.org/, www.manhattandeclaration.org/sign.aspx
If you haven't already done so, ask your pastor to refer to the Manhattan Declaration from the pulpit. Remember, too, there's a great Bible study that goes with it which you can download free from our website. Here are some resources your pastor may find helpful:
PowerPoint
Church Bulletin Article
Start a Bible study in your home.
Speak in any public forum where you have the opportunity. We are doing this and getting a great reaction. I (Chuck Colson) have asked people to raise their hands if they've not heard of the document. Astonishingly, half the people do. Once I explain it, they give it thunderous applause. Despite all the press and internet exposure, many people are still unaware of the Manhattan Declaration. That's why all of us have to work to spread this message. www.manhattandeclaration.org/pdfs/ManhattanDeclarationStudyGuide.pdf
Don't forget letters to the editor of your local newspaper.
There are 80,000 of you who have put this on Facebook. Let's do more. Movements today advance by social networking. http://www.facebook.com/ManhattanDeclaration
Finally, forward this to your friends and ask them to sign on. If each of us gets just one friend to sign, we'll have nearly one million signatures.
Many of you have written asking what you can personally do. The answer first, is to pray. Second, you can help us with the costs of maintaining the website. To make the significant upgrades, two of our member organizations put up the initial funds. We are not in the fundraising business, but we would welcome support, because we will have continuing costs of maintaining the website and providing resources to fuel this movement. If you choose to help, you can send gifts, which a number of people have indicated they want to do. In due course there will be a button on the website to facilitate this, but for the moment those who wish to help can send a gift to Manhattan Declaration, P.O. Box 1396, Ashburn, Virginia 20146.
It is nothing less than a miracle that we have been able, with virtually no budget, to accumulate in four or five months almost a half million signers. Some organizations that have been working to build their lists for 30 years haven't done much better than that. God will continue to do the miracles - and we will do our part as well. As the great missionary William Carey said, "Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God."
Thank God He is raising up hundreds of thousands of Christians to draw a line in the sand at this time of ominous challenge to the fundamental principles of justice and truths of our faith - principles and truths which are the very foundation of our nation and of every society that values human dignity and the common good.
God bless you.
Dr. Timothy George
Dr. Robert George
Mr. Charles Colson
What we can agree to though is certain principles. Marriage, Jesus Christ truly was walking this earth, and is still alive today. Basic Christian principles are what we need to hold onto to be able to better prepare ourselves for the onslaught that is coming from the adversary.
As the song we sang in Church last night goes, Though I stand in the valley of decision and the adversary says just give in... just HOLD on, My LORD will show up and take me through that fire again.
I would like to pass along this letter from the Manhattan Declaration. Please read and do as your Saviour moves to do.
GOD bless each of you.
A Letter to Signers of the Manhattan Declaration
Thank you for your continuing support of the Manhattan Declaration.
The timing of our movement is providential. We couldn't have realized when we released the Manhattan Declaration what threats to life and liberty we would soon be facing with the passage of the healthcare bill. At this critical moment for our nation, we give thanks to God that nearly half a million Christians have pledged to stand strong in defense of the most fundamental moral principles of a just and good society. God bless you for making this commitment.
We are reminded by this legislation that we must redouble our efforts. We must equip ourselves to defend winsomely the truth in the public square. The timing of the upgrading of our website is providential as well. We originally released the Manhattan Declaration last fall with a website literally assembled overnight. We realized a couple of months ago that we needed a better facility that could provide more resources to help people to better connect as this movement grows and develops. On the new website you'll find a wealth of resources that will help you to fight this battle. Please visit http://www.manhattandeclaration.org/.
You'll find news of the work going on at the grassroots level. For example, a few weeks ago we addressed by phone a group of pastors and lay leaders in Frankfort, Kentucky, who were preparing to present the Manhattan Declaration to their legislature. They did so, and the result was a resolution passed by the Kentucky House endorsing and urging support for the Manhattan Declaration. It was sponsored by 45 members and adopted by voice vote. (www.manhattandeclaration.org/pdfs/KY-bill.pdf)
Just imagine what might happen to our politics and culture if state legislatures across the country were to copy what Kentucky has done. Can you urge your legislators to do so?
With the battles going on in Washington, we must intensify our efforts. The three of us want to do exactly what our supporters in Kentucky did, but at the federal level. When we have one million signatures, we will ask for a meeting with the President. Any document this strong, pledging not to compromise our faith, signed by a million people coming from the three great historic traditions of the Christian faith, will make a huge impact. Please help us accomplish this: Here are some things you can do:
Circulate the declaration through your church. One church in eastern Washington did this and got all 470 members to sign on. That made local press. www.manhattandeclaration.org/, www.manhattandeclaration.org/sign.aspx
If you haven't already done so, ask your pastor to refer to the Manhattan Declaration from the pulpit. Remember, too, there's a great Bible study that goes with it which you can download free from our website. Here are some resources your pastor may find helpful:
PowerPoint
Church Bulletin Article
Start a Bible study in your home.
Speak in any public forum where you have the opportunity. We are doing this and getting a great reaction. I (Chuck Colson) have asked people to raise their hands if they've not heard of the document. Astonishingly, half the people do. Once I explain it, they give it thunderous applause. Despite all the press and internet exposure, many people are still unaware of the Manhattan Declaration. That's why all of us have to work to spread this message. www.manhattandeclaration.org/pdfs/ManhattanDeclarationStudyGuide.pdf
Don't forget letters to the editor of your local newspaper.
There are 80,000 of you who have put this on Facebook. Let's do more. Movements today advance by social networking. http://www.facebook.com/ManhattanDeclaration
Finally, forward this to your friends and ask them to sign on. If each of us gets just one friend to sign, we'll have nearly one million signatures.
Many of you have written asking what you can personally do. The answer first, is to pray. Second, you can help us with the costs of maintaining the website. To make the significant upgrades, two of our member organizations put up the initial funds. We are not in the fundraising business, but we would welcome support, because we will have continuing costs of maintaining the website and providing resources to fuel this movement. If you choose to help, you can send gifts, which a number of people have indicated they want to do. In due course there will be a button on the website to facilitate this, but for the moment those who wish to help can send a gift to Manhattan Declaration, P.O. Box 1396, Ashburn, Virginia 20146.
It is nothing less than a miracle that we have been able, with virtually no budget, to accumulate in four or five months almost a half million signers. Some organizations that have been working to build their lists for 30 years haven't done much better than that. God will continue to do the miracles - and we will do our part as well. As the great missionary William Carey said, "Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God."
Thank God He is raising up hundreds of thousands of Christians to draw a line in the sand at this time of ominous challenge to the fundamental principles of justice and truths of our faith - principles and truths which are the very foundation of our nation and of every society that values human dignity and the common good.
God bless you.
Dr. Timothy George
Dr. Robert George
Mr. Charles Colson
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)