It's Time For You To Speak To Yourself

By Rick Renner

...If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. - Luke 17:6

When Jesus taught His disciples about the evil effects of bitterness, unforgiveness and offense, He also told them how to uproot and remove offenses and unforgiveness from the heart. Praise God that Jesus didn't just identify the problem and then leave us to figure out our deliverance by ourselves! He took it one step further and gave us the secret weapon for jerking those roots clear out of the ground and sending them to a place where they will never again produce their wicked fruit in us.

Jesus said, "...If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you" (Luke 17:6). Notice Jesus said, "...Ye might say unto this sycamine tree..." In order to get rid of these destructive devices, you have to rise up and take authority over them!

Jesus specifically said that you must literally speak to the sycamine tree. The word, "say" used in Luke 17: 6 is the Greek word, "lego," which means to speak, but the tense that is used depicts a strong, stern, serious, deeply felt kind of speaking. In other words, this isn't a person who mutters thoughtless nonsense; this is a person who has made an inward resolution and now speaks authoritatively and with great conviction.

Take Courage, There's Hope In Jesus Christ

During the 2012 Christmas season, we sang songs of peace and hope, such as "Joy to the World" and "Silent Night." As we sang those songs, "all is calm, all is bright," did not describe the condition of our nation. 

Nearly two weeks before Christmas, a 20-year-old man fatally shot his mother at home, and then shot 20 children, ages 6 and 7, and six adults at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, before turning the gun on himself. In late October, a hurricane-turned-superstorm affected 24 states and left a path of death and destruction. Some survivors of Hurricane Sandy are still grieving over the death of their loved ones and dealing with loss of their property. In June, a gunman killed 12 people, injured 59, and then killed himself at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado.  

Not only did these events leave our country in mourning, it left grieving family members and close friends wondering how will they ever move on with their lives. You may have had personal disappointments and heartaches that were not made public, but still left you feeling fearful and hopeless.

Guidance is a Promise From God

By Susan Ferguson 

You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory, Psalm 73:23-24 NIV.

Whether we are getting married, buying a house, seeking service for the Lord, or making career decisions, we need God's guidance to help us make the right decisions. God is eager to lead us, and He wants us to make wise decisions. Throughout our lives, He extends His guiding hand to give us counsel and direction.

Some Christians have difficulty seeking direction and knowing God's will. Some of us believe only the "super spiritual" Christians can know His will. Guidance is a priceless promise available to all His children. He loves us equally and unconditionally. His watchful eye can guide us through our earthly pilgrimage to help fulfill His purpose for our lives.

Merry Christmas from Pastors Steve and Pattie Reeves

Don't Let Unforgiveness Ruin Your Holiday Spirit

By Pastor Patricia Reeves

The holidays are here and you do not want to be in turmoil due to unforgiveness of a family member or friend. Let your Thanksgiving and Christmas be full of JOY and HAPPINESS. Don't have a cloud over your home or spirit because you're holding on to grudges or past hurts. 

Unforgiveness has been a leading cause of illness and death, more than attacks from a gun or knife. Unforgiveness can cause illness in your body without warning or an explanation.  In the medical world, tumors are said to be a cause of stress and worry and in the spiritual realm, we call it unforgiveness.

Kneel and Pray for Newtown

By Nicole Unice

I am in the carpool line and scrolling through my Twitter and I see the word "school" and "shooter" and my stomach drops and it hasn't stopped hurting now. I pick up my children and I can tell the teachers and principal of my school don't know yet, because when something like this happens adults can connect by just looking at one another, and I know that they haven't heard.

Continue reading here:http://www.nicoleunice.com/blog/kneel-and-pray-for-newtown/

Be Careful of What You Dump on Those Who Are Listening to You

by Rick Renner 

My Grandfather Miller lived on a large parcel of land that was located just outside Tulsa. Right in the middle of his land was a small lake that the local people called "Dead Man's Lake," because a dead body had been found at the bottom of the lake many years earlier.

The water in that little lake was muddy red and terribly dirty because the entire lake bed was comprised of red clay. I can remember fishing with my grandfather on the banks of that lake, thinking with great distaste that we were actually going to eat the catfish we pulled out of that filthy water!

That little lake was fed by a notorious little river in Oklahoma called Bird Creek. Not only was Bird Creek known for being muddy, but it was also well-known for the oversized water moccasins that would slither over the branches and debris floating in its waters. This little river was so close to my grandfather's property that my family would cross over a Bird Creek bridge every time we drove to his house.

Nearly every spring during the Oklahoma tornado season, the waters of Bird Creek would rise during heavy rains. It would rise and rise until, finally, those filthy, stinking waters would spill out of the banks of the river and inundate the entire local area. Of course, whenever the waters of Bird Creek rose, they would also rush into Dead Man's Lake on my grandfather's property. The grimy waters would then flood out of the banks of that little lake and literally slime my grandfather's entire property with gunk and goo.

As a boy, I thought it was fun when my grandfather's property got flooded because it meant we had to get in our own boat, pull the motor, and ride across highways covered with water in order to reach Grandfather Miller's house. He and his wife would be standing on the porch, waiting and waving, as we pulled up to the house in our boat.

But when the waters finally receded, the fun was over. Now it was time to clean up the stinking mess left by the flood. Everything in sight was slimed with filth by those rising waters. Believe me, the mess left by a flood was always pretty nasty!

Read More here: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Sparkling-Gems--November-15-2012.html?soid=1100589326261&aid=L1gTIT5a7D0

Pastors Steve and Pattie Reeves Salute Our Veterans

Performances Have Begun for "A Night to Remember"

We (Pastors Steve and Pattie Reeves, co-owners, Covenant Home Care) would like to invite you, your family and friends to attend "A Night to Remember" Christmas Celebration.

We are singing with Thurlow Spurr and the 300-voice CMI Michigan/Ohio Concert Choir and our children are dancing and singing. The performances have so far been outstanding and we expect them to get even better. It's great to be with a group of people of "Faith" who are faithful in taking "Music to the World."

There are six more performances and you can select a venue near your home and join us.  We would love to see our family and friends at our performances in Novi, Grand Rapids, Midland, Flint, Lansing, or Toledo, Ohio.

For more information about the CMI Michigan/Ohio Concert Choir, or to order tickets online, go to www.cmichoir.org.

Joel Osteen: Yes is in Your Future

By Pastor Joel Osteen

Do you get discouraged when all you hear is No? You worked hard and didn’t get the promotion. You prayed and believed but didn’t qualify for the new home. You put time and energy into a relationship but it didn’t work out.  On the way to your yes, there will be no’s. You have to get through the no’s to get to your yes’. The mistake many people make is they get discourage by the no’s and they quit trying. The right attitude is “I’m one step closer to my yes!” Don’t get stuck in a no, when you know yes is in your future.

Will you keep the faith? If you are to keep moving forward you have to keep this on the forefront of your mind; yes is in my future. Yes. I will find that special someone. Yes, I will get that dream job. Yes, I will fulfill my destiny. The no’s are a test of our faith! When you hit your big yes all the other no’s will seem so insignificant.

A Poisonous Recipe: How to Destroy Your Church

By Scott Brown

Here is a step-by-step recipe I have seen work successfully over and over again throughout the course of my life. I share this dangerous recipe today so that when you identify these poisonous ingredients in your life, you will know what you may be inadvertently stirring up.

1) Be a whisperer.

Proverbs 16:28: "A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends."

2) Allow your tongue and the tongues of your family members to run unbridled.

James 3:5-8: "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."

3) Hold others to a higher standard than yourself.

Proverbs 11:9: "The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor."

4) Assume the worst of others.

Psalm 41:7: "All who hate me whisper together about me; they imagine the worst for me."

5) Listen to rumors against others.

Proverbs 17:4: "An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue."

6) Repeat every rumor you hear.

Proverbs 17:9: "He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends."

7) Forget that you were forgiven much and demand that you are treated perfectly.

Matthew 18:27-28: "Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!'"

Be warned though. Following this recipe always calls the judgment of God down on the heads of those who use it. And tragically I have seen some of the sweetest people's lives destroyed by this poison being stirred up in their homes. And, some of the happiest churches have been crippled and even destroyed by it.

Psalm 101:5: "Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly I will destroy. Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart I will not endure."

Scott T. Brown is a pastor at Hope Baptist Church and the director of the National Center for Family-Integrated Churches, spending his time as an expository preacher and helping people think through the two greatest institutions God has provided — the church and the family. Scott graduated from California State University in Fullerton with a degree in History and received a Master of Divinity degree from Talbot School of Theology.

Article URL: http://www.christianpost.com/news/a-poisonous-recipe-how-to-destroy-your-church-82663/#IwyDLKaCqomfIWDG.99 

Rick Renner: "Is God Against Cosmetics?"

Sparkling Gems with Rick Renner

Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
-- 1 Peter  3:3-4

Many years ago, my wife and I were invited to minister in a church that believed it was a sin for women to wear jewelry or cosmetics. We only discovered it was this kind of church when we arrived that evening.

As is our custom in our ministry before I preach the Word, Denise stood to sing. Her song was exceptionally beautiful and anointed that night. However, I noticed that while she sang, the people kept pointing to her lips and to her earrings. They were obviously distraught about Denise's jewelry and cosmetics - and as a result, they missed the entire song!

It is on the basis of First Peter 3:3,4 that some religious groups believe the use of jewelry and cosmetics is a sin. Those verses say, "Whose adorning let is not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

Busting the Myth: Christians and Divorce

By John Stonestreet

Maybe you’ve seen the popular Discovery Channel show, “Mythbusters.” In it, a couple of hilarious special effects experts pit Hollywood and urban legends against scientific tests. Sometimes the myths turn out to be solid facts. But usually, the show’s hosts bust them (and set a lot of things on fire in the process).

Well, it’s time to bust a favorite myth of our culture.

If we’ve heard it once, we’ve heard it a thousand times: The divorce rate among Christians is basically the same as it is among non-Christians. As Glenn Stanton pointed out recently at The Gospel Coalition, we usually hear this argument from fellow Christians, who ask, “How can we make a stink about the sanctity of marriage if we’re divorcing at the same rate as the world?” It’s a popular folk statistic on Christian websites, radio programs, in books—even from the pulpit.

The problem is, it’s not quite true.

Complaining Only Makes Things Worse

By Dr. Dale A. Robbins

We may know it by different terms -- such as griping, grumbling, whining, or belly-aching. In the King James version of the Bible, the common term used was “murmuring.” But regardless of the word we use to describe it, complaining always has the has the same syptoms. The dictionary defines it as “an expression of unhappiness, dissatisfaction, or discontent.” Complaining is the outward expression of discontent from within. 

As we look back into the Old Testament and see how God dealt with the Children of Israel, we discover that the Lord always considered their complaints as an act of unbelief directed toward Him. When they complained about their circumstances, their type of food, and even at Moses, God was displeased because they weren’t thankful for what He had provided them. He was disappointed that they refused to trust in Him to provide, protect, and direct the order of their lives. “Now when the people complained, it displeased the LORD; for the LORD heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the LORD burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp” (Numbers 11:1).

Complaining is Evidence of Unbelief

Regardless of whatever circumstances may cause discontent or dissatisfaction, complaining is always an expression of unbelief toward God’s order in our life. You see, the whole premise of Christianity is that Jesus becomes the Lord (boss) of our life and our circumstances. They are in his hands. Thus, if believers complain, it really becomes an accusation against our Lord, in whom we’ve trusted our lives. “...for the LORD hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the LORD” (Ex. 16:8). (See also Psm. 106:24-26)

Complaining is unbelief in God’s Word which says “...all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). If the Christian really believes that the Lord is in control of their life, and is working “ALL THINGS together for our good,” he will stop complaining and start thanking the Lord for the plan He is working together for us. 

Even when the Devil comes against our faith with trials that are “not so good,” God will even turn these situations around and “work them together for good” as we remain steadfast in faith. Don’t become bitter and start complaining, but continue to praise God and give thanks to God “in spite” of all things. This will prevent the Devil from overcoming you with discouragement and will send him fleeing. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18). 

Thanksgiving is the expression of gratefulness and faith in God, and is the very opposite of complaining. Giving of thanks expresses appreciation for what God has done, what He has promised, and the confidence that He is directing our life with His order and provision. God will answer prayers and work in the behalf of the thankful (Psm. 50:14-15).

Complaining Gives Place to the Devil

The Apostle Paul warned Christians to avoid the danger of complaining. “...nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer” (1 Cor. 10:10). In this Paul indicated that complaining actually gives place to the Devil in our lives and opens the door to destruction by Satan (the destroyer). The Devil thrives in an atmosphere of complaining. Complaining can literally invoke a curse of destruction as it did in the lives of the Israelites who were destroyed in the wilderness. 

The Israelites kept complaining that they were going to die in the wilderness (Num. 14:2-3), so the Lord finally got fed up with their whining and actually allowed their complaints to come upon them. He said, “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who complain against Me? I have heard the complaints which the children of Israel make against Me. Say to them, As I live, says the LORD, just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will do to you: The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness, all of you who were numbered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above” (Num. 14:27-29). The Lord allowed the Destroyer to answer their complaints with the very destruction that they confessed and predicted.

Complaining is Not For Christians

The Apostle Paul tells Christians to do all things without complaining (Phil. 2:14), and the epistle of Jude places complainers in the same category as ungodly sinners who will inherit judgment: “...to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds... These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts...” (Jude 1:15-16). Complaining is common-place in the lives of unbelievers who have no trust in God, but Christians should be people of faith, filled with gratefulness and thanksgiving.

Besides this, the Bible teaches all believers to dwell upon the “good and virtuous” things (Phil. 4:8). So if all Christians obeyed this scripture, what would they find to complain about? Complaining is evidence of not obeying God’s Word.

What about the root of complaining? As said previously, “complaining” is an expression of discontent. Therefore, if Christians were “content” in Christ Jesus as Paul said we should be, they wouldn’t have anything to complain about. “...for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” (Phil. 4:11). (See also 1 Tim. 6:8, Heb. 13:5) 

I use to think people complained because they had a lot of problems. But I have come to realize that they have problems because they complain. Complaining doesn’t change anything or make situations better. It amplifies frustration, spreads discontent and discord (which God hates - Prov 6:16-19), and can invoke an invitation for the destroyer to cause havoc with our lives.

How important it is that believers guard the words of their mouth! The scriptures tell us that our words are literally the basis for whether we are justified or condemned. Realizing this, we should eradicate negative words, griping, or grumbling, and fill our mouth with praise and thanksgiving!

“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:36-37).

This article (VL-105) is copyrighted © by Dale A. Robbins, 1990, and is a publication of Victorious Publications, Grass Valley, CA 95949. Unless otherwise stated, all scripture references were taken from The New King James Bible, © Thomas Nelson Inc., 1982. You may download this article for personal use as long as you retain credit to the author. Obtain permission before reproducing copies for any reason, by filling out our simple permission form. This writing is also available as an attractive tri-fold pamphlet, which can be downloaded for reproduction from our Online Catalog. For media reproduction rights, or to obtain quantities of this title in other formats,email us. 

Article used with permission of Victorious Publications

Joel Osteen: Push the Delete Button

"Our mind is like a computer. The way we program it will determine how it's going to function. Just like a virus can slow down a perfectly good, working computer, our wrong thinking can slow down our destiny.

In fact, our lives follow our thoughts. If you're going to live in victory, you have to learn to hit the delete button and silence the negative thoughts. Romans 12:2 says to "Renew your mind with God's Word." Turn off the negative recording that's reminding you of everything you're not and start reprogramming your mind with God's Word and who He says you are."

Source: Audio Podcast: feed://www.joelosteen.com/_vti_bin/jomhelper.asmx/GetPodcastAudio

Be Encouraged!

http://www.facebook.com/DIQ4U/photos_stream

Special Invitation from Pastors Steve and Patricia Reeves

We would like to take this opportunity to share our excitement and invite our family and friends to join to us in "A Night to Remember" Christmas Celebration.  We will be singing with Thurlow Spurr and the 300-voice CMI Michigan/Ohio Concert Choir and our children will be dancing and singing. It's great to be with a group of people of "Faith" who are faithful in taking "Music to the World."

There are eight perfomances and you can select a venue near your home and join us.  Tickets can be purchased by calling Covenant Home Care's office at 248-593-6177 or 1-800-993-SING (7464).  We will be singing and performing in all eight  productions. We would love to see our family and friends on opening night, November 2nd, in Dearborn, MI. For more information about the CMI Michigan/Ohio Concert Choir, visit www.cmichoir.org.www.cmichoir.org.

Recovering The Gospel Of God's Grace
By Michael J. S. Austin, Ph.D.

This is close to my central passion - recovering what has either been lost or simply missed in the gospel and then making it clearly and widely known. Oftentimes the gospel gets cluttered with a lot of baggage and dismissed by preconceived ideas. In this article I aim to share a summary of the central message, the climax of the ages; the good news of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

� What this is NOT

First let me clear the ground and tell you what I am not doing - I have not just unearthed a fantastic golden key for unlocking all mysteries, nor am I going to tell you to your open-mouthed amazement that I have just dug up in the Gobi desert, near fossil dinosaur eggs, a scroll that give a whole new slant on Christianity! Neither am I sharing how to meditate your way into the centre of divine consciousness. With those ideas cleared out of the way, we must ask, "Just what is the gospel - the central biblical message?"

� Christianity is Christ

This is where I am positively sharing the Lord Jesus Christ - he is the centre. In his humanity, Jesus was descended from David, a king of Israel. He who made all things, the eternally pre-existing second Person of the triune living God, was born in Bethlehem. At around 30 years of age, Jesus began his public ministry. He taught with astonishing authority as he announced the imminent royal reign of God, freely shared God's compassion, gave sight to the blind, cleansed lepers, welcomed moral outcasts and raised the dead. These mighty acts accredited and confirmed both Jesus' message and his Person, as Israel's long-awaited royal deliverer - their Messiah and Son of God (see Luke 5:13, Luke 18:41-43, John 11:44, Acts 2:22-24).

� God in action on behalf of others

In his crowning work as both God and man, Jesus gave himself into death as the final, divinely appointed sacrifice for sin (see John 1:29 & Hebrews 10:12), when he was publicly crucified by command of the Roman Governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate. But on the third day Jesus was raised, bodily resurrected by God, with many compelling evidences, as Lord over all for ever. All of this fulfilled what the Old Testament prophets had foretold. All was 'in accordance with the Scriptures' (1 Corinthians 15:3 & 4).

Jesus' setting in history shows that Christianity is rooted in a real person who fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies. We are not merely talking about wonderful ideas, but carefully recorded teaching and events that can be checked out as to their time and place.

� Jesus is Lord and Saviour

Following Jesus' resurrection and ascension to his rightful place of universal Lordship, he began to pour out the Holy Spirit empowering his disciples to spread the news of salvation to all the nations. God has spoken! He has made himself known in Scripture and supremely in the Lord Jesus. Now we may know that as well as creating all things and being himself the moral foundation of the universe, the eternal Son of God has gone to the limits of love, paying the awful price of sin, so that all who turn to him in repentance and faith may be freely forgiven (see Acts 13:38 & Romans 3:23, Ephesians 1:7, 2:8-9). Now they live for him who gave his all for them!

� How much we need to be saved!

The New Testament Scriptures explain how the terrible revolt against God's authority means we all share in the consequences - we are all law-breakers, sinners who continually miss God's perfect standard. We stand condemned, guilty and under sentence of eternal banishment from God. This was the sentence that Jesus willingly endured when he died on the cross. That is boundless grace and love - the self-sacrificing love of God that we see focused - at the cross.

� Grace is always more than you think!

God's grace is at the heart of the good news: Jesus' death is God's grace in action. Now he calls people to receive peace with God and to be justified by faith. And all freely on account of the perfect sacrifice for sins made by the Lord Jesus, God's sinless Son, when he shed his blood, dying upon the cross. Nowhere else will you ever hear of such love as this! This is the extraordinary good news of the grace of God. This is why when God's Spirit moves your heart and mind; you must call upon the Lord, trusting HIM to save you - rescuing you from sin's condemnation.

� You are never too bad!

None are too bad for such a great Saviour! Many indeed, would have written themselves off in their awful excess and hardness of heart unless the Good Shepherd had not lovingly pursued them. Many have felt a great weight of sin and guilt, before they simply trusted that the Lord Jesus has taken their place and died for their sins - Oh, he did it for me, and it can never be undone! They grasp that by faith they may be freely justified - declared 'not guilty'! Oh, the joy that follows - their utter sense of amazed wonder that God would welcome and freely forgive, even THEM! Here in salvation, we see the overflowing riches of God's grace in action! (See Ephesians 1:6 'glorious grace' and 2:7 'the immeasurable riches of his grace'). The Bible is very clear that 'salvation belongs to the Lord!' (Jonah 2:9).

� No-one has reached God's standard

Perhaps you feel you are not that bad and hardly need a Saviour at all, compared with many. This is where you must turn away from such pride, comparing your own performance with others! For, 'All have sinned'! (Romans 3:23).

This is the wonder and astonishment of the ages that God would forgive even those who have little idea how seriously he views their rebellion against himself! Are you amazed that God would freely forgive all who turn to him in repentance and faith? Then seek the Lord while he may be found and get right with him today. Prove that he also is the God of grace for you - overflowing in undeserved favour, as you trust his promise in 'the gospel of the grace of God' (Acts 20:24)!

ANSWERS FOR A SEARCHING GENERATION

Michael J. S. Austin, Ph.D. has authored several books and many articles that offer answers for many of life's big questions - 'Is biblical Christianity finished, or does it still speak to the 21st century?'

Take a look at my ebook, I saw Him die - Viewing Jesus' death TODAY

Use the following link: http://www.amazon.com/saw-Him-die-Viewing-ebook/dp/B007TX696U/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_t_2

This title is challenging! Pray for Revival - in China, Arab regions and everywhere!

Try this link: http://www.amazon.com/Pray-Revival-everywhere-challenge-ebook/dp/B007WT07PA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340899344&sr=1-1&keywords=pray+for+revival+-+michael+austin

Use my books and articles to help you find faith in Christ, or to strengthen your faith.

Also find titles on other websites - Thank you!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_J._S._Austin,_Ph.D.
http://EzineArticles.com/?Recovering-The-Gospel-Of-Gods-Grace&id=7241351

7 Steps to a Healthy Marriage

By Denise Spooner

COMMITMENT

Commitment is the foremost important decision to make before you are wed, beginning with, "from this day forward.." Statistics show, those with a mind set of believing they are marrying ‘until do us part' have a 50% greater chance of weathering storms that come their way during their marriages. With over half of all marriages ending in divorce within the first three years, that doubles your chances of marriage survival. 

Going into marriage knowing you are basically stuck for life with the one you have chosen, will make a drastic impact on decisions you make together with your spouse, how you handle conflict, how many children you both want if any, where you want to spend your lives together, career choices and much more.

Be committed from day one, make the choice to stick it out no matter what. With this in mind, all decision will be made together, all conflicts will be resolved, you will agree on how many children you want, where you want to live together and what careers you both want to purse with eachother's blessing and support. 

Pray with Kenneth Copeland about Severe Drought Across America

The drought across the country has taken its toll on crops, causing farmers to lose money. Grass that was once green has turned brown and resembles straw. There's a great need for rain. Many municipalities have limited the days in which residents can water their lawns. We need rain! The record-setting high temperatures have also caused many people to suffer heat-related illnesses. We need rain!

Let's join with Kenneth Copeland in praying for rain. To do so, click here:
Pray with Kenneth Copeland about Severe Drought Across America

Never Fear Another Day
By Steve Wickham

Everything lies ahead of us as opportunities to be conquered. When we know this, when we lock it into our consciousness through a sense of inspired habit, we never have to fear again.

Our sins and our brokenness are borne over the shoulders of Christ and we no longer have to carry that burden. But this knowledge must find its way into our relational worlds through the constant practice of letting go and living beyond the strains of the protected psyche - that place we go in order to protect ourselves from risk, usually through avoidance. This is the place we go to when we fly away from our darkness.

We have to accept our darkness.

Once we have accepted our darkness - that, we are all sinners - and, we can remain conscious of both our lack and the completeness of God's grace to completely meet that lack - we live free.

There is then the ability to never fear another day.

DISCIPLE OR 'LIVING HERESY'

There are many insufficient, inappropriate and inadequate theories advocating how to live the Christian life. There may be more misguided attempts to live the Christian life than well-advised endeavours to pick up one's cross and follow Jesus.

Any Christian life lived that minimises either the sinner's sinful nature, within that man or woman or boy or girl, or the grace of God to save them, is a heresy.

Both the truth of the sinful nature and the truth of the grace of God must be borne front and centre of mind. The more honestly we consciously admit and tackle our sinful natures, knowing they will remain with us throughout our lives until glory, the more we will marvel at and actively rely upon the grace of God.

The more we hold these two things in tension with each other, the better we will live the Christian life, and the less the probability we will be living heresies.

Added to this is the additional blessing; we never need fear another day.

THE IMPORTANCE OF REMINDERS

We are a forgetful people. We need to be reminded, or remind ourselves, of the need to be fearless. Being acknowledged sinners means guilt and shame can be disposed of. We loudly applaud the grace of God that sanctifies us. But we quickly forget how amazing grace is.

When the amazing reality of grace is realised, mindfully, it helps us live fearlessly.

With grace already behind us we have nothing to lose and nothing left to prove.

But again, we need practical ways of reminding ourselves of this urgent and important truth. We need to be reminded how well the grace of God covers our darkness.

� 2012 S. J. Wickham.

Steve Wickham is a Registered Safety Practitioner (BSc, FSIA, RSP[Australia]) and a qualified, unordained Christian minister (GradDipBib&Min). Steve writes at: http://epitemnein-epitomic.blogspot.com.au/ and http://tribework.blogspot.com.au/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Wickham
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The Power of Praise & Worship

By Dr. Dale A. Robbins

Acts 16:23-26 “And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
(24) Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
(25) And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
(26) And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.”

This Bible story begins the unjust arrest of Paul and Silas. Because they had cast a spirit of divination out of a girl, the local Philippian authorities beat them and then threw them into a jail cell. Besides the trauma of the severe beating, they were fastened in stocks which clamped their arms and legs in an immobile position, causing cramps and loss of circulation. The atmosphere there was depressing. According to the standards of that day, a prison was more like the resemblance of a dungeon. A dark, damp, stench-ridden place, with no facility for waste or comforts of any kind.

Yet, in spite of the throbbing pain in their bodies and the disheartening atmosphere, at midnight Paul and Silas were heard praying and singing praises to God! What a strange sound this must have been to the other prisoners, who were used to only hearing the groans or cursings of those who had been beaten.

Then suddenly, there was an earthquake that shook the prison! The doors flung open, and amazingly, the bonds of Paul, Silas, and every other prisoner were released! What caused this mighty discharge of power?

Too Busy For Life?

By Darlene Bishop

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33).

A man I knew lost his daily planner a while back. It contained all his contact addressees, his calendar, to do list, and monthly reminders. It even held his personal credit card information and expenses for the past year. He was devastated. Not as much for the loss of his personal information, which was bad enough, but because he had appointments scheduled and notes to himself that he hadn't recorded anywhere else. He didn't know where he was supposed to be or when, and he didn't know what he needed to do!

In our society, many people greatly rely on planners, computers, wall calendars, or personal digital assistants (PDA's) to keep them on schedule and to help them accomplish all they need to do. I know...I'm one of them! Because our plates are too full of the smorgasbord of life - church, work, school, grocery shopping, errands, ball games, school plays, bowling leagues, doctor appointments, church dinners, club meetings, etc. - we must keep a written account of what we need to do and when. Without it, we're lost and unable to accomplish our desired, or even necessary, objectives.

Prayer Changed America's History and Can Do it Again!

History provides hope for another spiritual awakening in the U.S.
By Dr. Dale A. Robbins

Today we face what seems to be a hopeless condition in America. Gross immorality has engulfed the land. Crime has taken over the streets. Sexual promiscuity and perversion fills our society. Drunkenness and drug abuse is everywhere. God has been rejected by most of our citizens -- virtually kicked out of our government and our schools. A few years ago, Billy Graham issued a profound warning, that “If God doesn’t soon bring judgment upon America, He'll have to go back and apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah!”

How far it seems that the United States has drifted from its rich religious heritage. But many may not realize, that despite our nation’s Christian beginnings, in only a few short years after it’s founding it had already declined to a level of moral decadence and depravity that would rival today’s sad condition.

Unanswered Prayers: The Most Common Reasons Why

By Dr. Dale A. Robbins

One of the greatest benefits afforded to every Christian is the privilege of answered prayers. In the Bible, Jesus made this tremendous promise, “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Matt 21:22). However, despite the Lord’s willingness to answer prayer, it is obvious that some prayers have gone unanswered. Why is this? The following are the most common reasons why some prayers do not get results:

1. Lack of Fellowship with God and His word
John 15:7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
Unanswered prayers are sometimes a result of absence from fellowship with the Lord and His Word. Jesus promised that if we would remain in His fellowship, and allow His Word to remain in us, this would produce results in prayer.

2. Not seeking to Please the Lord

1 John 3:22 “And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 
Answers to prayer come when we seek to keep His commandments and please the Lord with our life. This is not to suggest that we “earn” answered prayers, any more than we can earn salvation which comes only by faith (Eph. 2:8-9). He answers our prayers from his “grace” and “mercy” (Heb. 4:16), not merely from our good deeds. However, keeping His commandments and pleasing the Lord is a product of our obedience to His word, which is faith in action (James 2:20). What are His commandments? He commanded that we are to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, and soul, and to love our neighbor as ourself (Mark 12:30-31). Further, Jesus said we are to love our brethren as He has loved us. “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Lack of love, bitterness, unforgiveness is the root of many unanswered prayers, since faith works by love (Gal 5:6).

Food For Thought: The Law of Faith

My Beloved,

Do you want to see miracles in your life? Use the law of faith. There are laws in the spiritual realm that provide you and I with endless resources.

God's Spirit dwells in you. It's a matter of being conscious of Him. God is not going to do anything for you and I without our cooperation. He is waiting on our cooperation to accomplish great things.

God used Moses, Joshua, and other people of faith to do great things. But when they passed away and people began to backslide, God stopped manifesting His power.

God is the same for He never changes. If we cooperate with Him, He will do great things with us and through us. However, if we don't cooperate, we put ourselves at a disadvantage.

How can we cooperate with God? Start with small steps; begin to feed on God's Word daily. When our hearts are full of the Word of God and circumstances come our way, our mouth will instinctively speak the Word.

Matthew 12:35 (NIV) says, "The good man brings good things out of the good stores up in him…"

Jesus teaches us that what we say reveals what is in our hearts. The kind of words that come from our mouth indicate what we have stored in our hearts.

This is a subject that I cannot cover in one blog, so I will be sharing more with you in coming weeks.

All My Love,
Sarah Marie Gardner
President and Founding Pastor
Life Christian Church


Pastor Sarah Marie Gardner's teaching is motivated by a deep love for people and a desire to show them how to walk in victory by faith in God.

Has God Spoken to You Today?

The polite part of speaking with God is to be still long enough to listen.
Edward Gloeggler

Happy Father's Day!

We want to wish all fathers a Happy Father's Day today. We hope they enjoy a special time with their families.

Many fathers want the best for their children and their wives. We recently read a blog written by Jane Hansen Hoyt, president and CEO of Aglow International. She wrote about how she and her husband kept moving until they finally moved into a town home with a beautiful view.

Just like men want the best, God wants the best for His children, too. Jane Hansen Hoyt has wonderful insights. Read her blog post here called, A Room With A View:

Salvation is For All

Romans 10: 5-13 (Good News Translation)


Moses wrote this about being put right with God by obeying the Law: Whoever obeys the commands of the Law will live.


But what the scripture says about being put right with God through faith is this: 
You are not to ask yourself, Who will go up into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down). Nor are you to ask, Who will go down into the world below? (that is, to bring Christ up from death). 


What it says is this: 
         

God's message is near you, on your lips and in your heart—that is, the message of faith that we preach. If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised him from death, you will be saved. For it is by our faith that we are put right with God; it is by our confession that we are saved.

The scripture says, Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.


This includes everyone, because there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles; God is the same Lord of all and richly blesses all who call to him.As the scripture says, Everyone who calls out to the Lord for help will be saved.

Psalm 23--Living Bible

© Lostbear | Stock Free Images &Dreamstime Stock Photos

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!

He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He restores my failing health. He helps me do what honors him the most.

Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.

You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow!

Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.

Praying is the Key

Photo from: © Creativestock |Stock Free Images & Dreamstimes Stock Photos

By Janice S Ramkissoon

Jeff Banks and the revival choir sings: "Prayer is the key, faith unlocks the door" and as I sit here listening to Yolanda Adams, singing: "I got to pray, got to trust, got to believe" I'm reminded of the same. As I'm encouraged by these saints, I think of Paul's address to the saints in Colosse. He urges them to "Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving" (Colossians 4:2).

John 3:16 (New International Version)

"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."

Jesus, Our Redeemer!

Watch this talented artist portray what Jesus has done for us on the cross. Then, thank God for Jesus and this young man who is furthering the Gospel through his painting of Jesus.

David Garibaldi: Jesus Painting from Thriving Churches on Vimeo.

HE IS RISEN!

John 20 (New King James Version)

1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. ² Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” 

³ Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. ⁴ So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. ⁵ And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in.

The Easter Lily

By Irvin Rozier

On December 19, 2003, I was missing my parents, who had gone on to be with Jesus.My Dad, Rev. A.J. Rozier, died on December 22, 1966. He was 40 years old and we buried him Christmas day, 1966. My mother, Mary, died on January 7, 2001. She was 71.

I woke up that cold December morning and drove to the family cemetery where my parents are buried. I arrived there, and sat in my warm truck as I recalled precious memories of Daddy and Mama. After several minutes. I opened the door of my truck, got out, and slowly walked the short distance to my parents' graves. As I did, I pulled the collar of my jacket tightly around my neck. We had already had several days of freezing weather and it was cold and windy that morning. I approached my Daddy's grave, saw something, and stared with disbelief. There, growing beside the grave, was one Easter Lily...IN FULL BLOOM. As tears filled my eyes, the presence of the Lord was strong as He gently reminded me through this flower, that He still lives. And because He lives, my parents live also, and I will see them again one day.

God, What's Next?

Pastors Steve and Pattie Reeves take the
carpet as they share their exciting
journey of faith.

By Pastors Steve and Pattie Reeves

When we reflect back on our humble beginnings, we think of Ruth and Naomi and what they had to endure to reach their destiny.

There have been times in our married lives when we thought that we had it all together.  We had all the pieces in place, then, it was all gone.  Things changed, people changed with the changes, and emptiness, loneliness and grief became our companions.  We found ourselves in a foreign, unfamiliar place and holding on to what little faith we had. 

Life was good before the change and this place was not comfortable to us.  We knew who we were in Christ. We knew we were gifted, talented and not afraid of taking risk.  We often quoted Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  We had plans, big dreams and knew for certain we would reach them.  We did everything above board, we tithed, gave offerings, helped the poor and needy and served in the church and community.  We were positioned no matter what, we did not question God. We believed in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  Because we held on, it happened and it changed our lives, our goals and our future for the better. 

Created to be Creative

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).


God created the heavens and earth and created man in His own image, and He gave man dominion over all living things. Let's think about this for a moment. We are created in God's image, so we are created to be creative. God delights in our success and creativity. He wants us to use and develop our creative abilities and do well. 

To do well is to develop wealth from the creative abilities He has given us, for the Bible says, "It is He that giveth us power to get wealth" (Deuteronomy 8:18). So, take the talents that God has given you and develop them wisely. 

Pastors Steve and Pattie Reeves, the owners of Covenant Home Care, took their talents and gifts and developed a "Ministry of Helps," which in the secular is called, "Home Care." They send staff into the homes of the elderly and the sick and administer and provide nursing, physical therapy and home health aide services. They can even pray with those who request it. But what is so amazing is the root word of administer is minister. Now, that's a "God thing"--they get paid to minister!

Their journey of faith allows them to live an abundant life; not just for themselves, but they have enough to bless others!