Wednesday, December 31, 2014
BOOK REVIEW- YOU'RE THE ONE
Natalie and Fred. A match made in Heaven? Not exactly. Natalie loves kids, she loves her job as a Nursery school teacher. She would also like to have her own child with her boyfriend of 3 years. But things between them just seem to be off somehow. On a hunch, Natalie follows Fred to La Bohème, where she not only finds the truth but also meets Adrien, a charmingly shy professional chess player. She likes being around him more than she thinks she should.
I found this story to be short, yes, but also sweet and charming. My favorite parts probably has to be the conversations between Natalie and Adrien. Snappy, cute and funny. It was also a nice touch that Adrien wasn't some over the top handsome "player" type of guy. The only playing he did was the chess games; he truly cared about other people's feelings. Another plus for me was the fact that it was a stand alone story, just like the Amazon information said.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Not "HUMP DAY" TO ME
Every day is a Blessing from the Lord.
Enough with the Hump Day.
I get why/how people look at it-use the term.
But like I said...
So, in my own small way...
I'm taking the day back!!!!
PROPHETS KNOW DEAD CHURCHES/MINISTERS
Prophets Know When Churches And Ministers Are Dead #prophets
Revelation 3:1
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Matthew 23:27
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Jude 1:12
These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Prophetic Types
Which prophetic type do you identify
with the most?
with the most?
Moses- Delivering and shepherding prophet.
Miriam- Praising, dancing prophet.
Joseph- Administrative prophet, dreamer, interpreter.
Samuel- Judging prophet, fathering prophet (training other prophets).
Deborah- Governing and Judging prophet, Mothering prophet.
David- Governing prophet, worshiping prophet, psalmist.
Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun- musical, worshiping prophets
Elijah- Confrontational prophet.
Elisha- Miracle prophet.
Isaiah- Evangelical prophet.
Jeremiah- Weeping prophet
Ezekial- Visionary prophet
Daniel- Governing, administrative prophet, visionary.
Haggai & Zecharaih - Building and encouraging prophets.
Anna- Praying and fasting prophet
Barnabas - Encouraging prophet, Apostolic prophet.
Paul- Apostle (missionary prophet).
Judas and Silas- Confirming prophets.
Agabus- Warning prophet #prophets
Miriam- Praising, dancing prophet.
Joseph- Administrative prophet, dreamer, interpreter.
Samuel- Judging prophet, fathering prophet (training other prophets).
Deborah- Governing and Judging prophet, Mothering prophet.
David- Governing prophet, worshiping prophet, psalmist.
Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun- musical, worshiping prophets
Elijah- Confrontational prophet.
Elisha- Miracle prophet.
Isaiah- Evangelical prophet.
Jeremiah- Weeping prophet
Ezekial- Visionary prophet
Daniel- Governing, administrative prophet, visionary.
Haggai & Zecharaih - Building and encouraging prophets.
Anna- Praying and fasting prophet
Barnabas - Encouraging prophet, Apostolic prophet.
Paul- Apostle (missionary prophet).
Judas and Silas- Confirming prophets.
Agabus- Warning prophet #prophets
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Monday, December 29, 2014
BOOK REVIEW- Brody: The Bang Shift Series
Bang Shift is a name that comes from some of the possibly shady mercenary work that Brody "Brutus" Jackson does on the side as he works as a mechanic in a small town. Its a nickname that the other guys he works with jokingly call it. Brody meets up with Alexandria Collins and her son who have been hiding under FBI/Witness protection for ten years. He meets her when her junk car needs a tow. She's scared of big guys and guys in groups for a good reason but she likes Brody right off the bat. Brody is not only attracted to Xan but he's afraid that he knows her from somewhere; but he can't remember. He lost years of his memory after an accident and now his new assignment is to protect Xan and her son. Looks like this is going to be a tough assignment for everyone.
I really had mixed feelings about this book. It started out really well, with action right off the bat. That really was a good setup for the story; I liked that. Things were moving right along and the story was flowing and I was enjoying it. Both "Brutus" and Xan were attracted to each other and the pull and their resistance was I thought pretty well written. Xan's son Scott, was well filled out as a character as well. There were some interesting secondary characters as well, Roxie (Xan's neighbor)and "Bear" another guy from the Bang Shift group. There's a story there about Roxie and Bear.... And Roc who works with the group? Doesn't sound like a good guy.
The language in this book is not clean and neither is the mental POV from Xan and Brutus; it was like listening to mental foreplay. And when "Brutus" and Xan finally did something about it, then there were page after page of very descriptive, rough sex. It like the story stopped while this went on. After some time the story finally picked back up and when it did it became more interesting to me because of the mysteries involved. There is a great twist at the end too.
All in all I think the story really didn't need quite so much sex in it. I don't like the "F" word anywhere and it was pretty much everywhere in the story. The lanuage was pretty rough at times. That's my own personal opinion and of course I'm sure not everyone agrees with me.
I probably would have rated it higher except for those things.
"I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review".
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Saturday, December 27, 2014
islam claiming America in Congress and Cathedral
Subject: Islam claiming America in Congress and Cathedral
Many believed that when they cast their ballot on November 4th against the dictatorial Islamic socialist policies of the occupant of the Oval Office, that they did their part. There was a collective sigh of relief across the sane members of society that perhaps the message sent to Washington was to right the good ship America. I warned Americans that they had only taken the first step. The second step, the far harder, would be the arduous task of holding those who were elected accountable. It is proving true. A sign of the times, a harbinger if you will, is what happened at the National Cathedral with the prayers in the name of allah. Moreover, it was a planned and coordinated event with Congress.
"Get out of here," you say! Well, here's the rest of the story. Introduced by newly re-elected House Speaker John Boehner (R-Oh), Imam Hamad Ahmad Chebli of the Islamic Society of Central Jersey in Monmouth opened the House business with prayer on Thursday, November 13. Chebli began: "In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful. Praise be to Allah, the cherisher, the sustainer of the world, the most gracious, the most merciful master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship and thine do we seek. Guide us to the safe path." The Washington Post reported that Chebli was also part of the prayer at the National Cathedral, which was "sponsored by the Washington National Cathedral, the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS), the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and other Islamic organizations."
The Muslim Brotherhood strategic plan for North America, submitted as evidence in the 2008 Holy Land Foundation trial, called for Islamic colonization of America to carry out a grand "civilization jihadist" mission dedicated to "eliminating and destroying" America from within, and "sabotaging its miserable house." The Islamic Society of North America, the parent of the Islamic Society of Central Jersey, was listed as supporting the plan. CAIR was named an un-indicted co-conspirator in the trial. It is well known that the Muslim Brotherhood (and its affiliate al Qaeda) is a foreign policy partner of the "president." CAIR and the various Islamic Societies are considered by experts as terrorist sponsoring fronts.
The "president's" sentiment toward Islamists is well established. It is beyond belief, however, that after an election rejecting the "president's" Islamic socialist policies that the House Speaker would desecrate the House of Representatives by allowing an Imam with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood to symbolically claim Congress with a prayer in the name of allah. The peaceful religion claim is a ruse. Islam is incompatible with representative government and freedom. We elected a new Congress to protect the Constitution and national security, to right the nation. Boehner should be removed for allowing such an "in your face" move against American citizens. Accountability is necessary. I ask again the 2 Corinthians 6:14question, "What partnership has light with darkness?"
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Church Awake!! See how naive the Congress is like Church.
Daily Jot
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Many believed that when they cast their ballot on November 4th against the dictatorial Islamic socialist policies of the occupant of the Oval Office, that they did their part. There was a collective sigh of relief across the sane members of society that perhaps the message sent to Washington was to right the good ship America. I warned Americans that they had only taken the first step. The second step, the far harder, would be the arduous task of holding those who were elected accountable. It is proving true. A sign of the times, a harbinger if you will, is what happened at the National Cathedral with the prayers in the name of allah. Moreover, it was a planned and coordinated event with Congress.
"Get out of here," you say! Well, here's the rest of the story. Introduced by newly re-elected House Speaker John Boehner (R-Oh), Imam Hamad Ahmad Chebli of the Islamic Society of Central Jersey in Monmouth opened the House business with prayer on Thursday, November 13. Chebli began: "In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful. Praise be to Allah, the cherisher, the sustainer of the world, the most gracious, the most merciful master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship and thine do we seek. Guide us to the safe path." The Washington Post reported that Chebli was also part of the prayer at the National Cathedral, which was "sponsored by the Washington National Cathedral, the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS), the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and other Islamic organizations."
The Muslim Brotherhood strategic plan for North America, submitted as evidence in the 2008 Holy Land Foundation trial, called for Islamic colonization of America to carry out a grand "civilization jihadist" mission dedicated to "eliminating and destroying" America from within, and "sabotaging its miserable house." The Islamic Society of North America, the parent of the Islamic Society of Central Jersey, was listed as supporting the plan. CAIR was named an un-indicted co-conspirator in the trial. It is well known that the Muslim Brotherhood (and its affiliate al Qaeda) is a foreign policy partner of the "president." CAIR and the various Islamic Societies are considered by experts as terrorist sponsoring fronts.
The "president's" sentiment toward Islamists is well established. It is beyond belief, however, that after an election rejecting the "president's" Islamic socialist policies that the House Speaker would desecrate the House of Representatives by allowing an Imam with ties to the Muslim Brotherhood to symbolically claim Congress with a prayer in the name of allah. The peaceful religion claim is a ruse. Islam is incompatible with representative government and freedom. We elected a new Congress to protect the Constitution and national security, to right the nation. Boehner should be removed for allowing such an "in your face" move against American citizens. Accountability is necessary. I ask again the 2 Corinthians 6:14question, "What partnership has light with darkness?"
Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!
Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com
www.dailyjot.com
Connie Williams: God says, 'I'm About to Make a Spectacle of Myself'
Connie Williams: God says, 'I'm About to Make a Spectacle of Myself'\
"This is a wake-up call. Hear the alarm going off. It's time to wake up. For this is the season of discovery; this is the season of revelation knowledge. This is not a season of arguing and running to and fro. This is a season of that I will expose Myself as your God." I hear the word of the Lord saying, "Get ready, for this generation shall have their eyes anointed with eye salve again." (Photo via Wikimedia)
From the desk of Steve Shultz:
Not only do I like this Word of the Lord through Dr. Connie Williams but I bear witness to it.
Trust me that you're going to feel very encouraged after reading it.
Here are two short excerpts from it:
"Get ready," says the Lord, "for Me to show Myself in spite of you. And on your least day, watch Me heal the sick. On your day when you forgot to pray, watch Me raise the dead.
For God said, "I'm about to make a spectacle of Myself. I'm about to show Myself. Get ready," says God, "cause it's My desire to show Myself through you. Through you," thus says the Lord.
Be sure to forward this word to your friends and encourage them to subscribe to THE ELIJAH LIST! Subscribe right here: http://elijahlist.com/subscribe.
Enjoy!
Steve
Note from Steve: By the way, to have daily, encouraging prophetic emails from The Elijah List sent to your inbox, just CLICK HERE.
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Blessings,
Steve Shultz, Founder and Publisher
The Elijah List & Breaking Christian News
http://www.elijahlist.com
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To subscribe to The Elijah List go to:http://elijahlist.com/subscribe
Steve Shultz, Founder and Publisher
The Elijah List & Breaking Christian News
http://www.elijahlist.com
http://www.breakingchristiannews.com
To subscribe to The Elijah List go to:http://elijahlist.com/subscribe
God says, "I'm About to Make a Spectacle of Myself"
This is a Wake-up Call
I hear the Word of the Lord saying, "This is not a season of judgment because I've finished judgment in Christ. So when you see the sinkholes, when you see the tsunamis, when you see the hurricanes, when you see the tornado, know,"says the Lord, "that the earth is reacting to the manifestation of the sons of God. Never have there been a people on the earth such as these before. They're already here. All I am doing is awakening what I put in them when I knew them before the foundation.
"This is a wake-up call. Hear the alarm going off. It's time to wake up. For this is the season of discovery; this is the season of revelation knowledge. This is not a season of arguing and running to and fro. This is a season of that I will expose Myself as your God." I hear the word of the Lord saying, "Get ready, for this generation shall have their eyes anointed with eye salve again." (Photo via Wikimedia)
So don't think it's strange when you see something out of the corners of your eye. Don't think it's strange when you see a fog or a blur. "Don't think it strange," says the Lord, "because I'm going to begin to open your eyes to things from this day forward that even the prophets of old desired to look into but could not."
Undiscovered Wealth
I hear the word of the Lord saying, "This is the day of undiscovered wealth: undiscovered wealth in the backyard, in your front yard, in chests, in trunks, all kinds of stuff going down through your family's lineage. Stuff that past generations put up for you to discover." God said, "Get ready for the wealth to explode among My sons because My sons know what to do with wealth. They know they can have wealth and wealth not have them."
"Get ready," says the Lord, "for Me to show Myself in spite of you. And on your least day, watch Me heal the sick. On your day when you forgot to pray, watch Me raise the dead. Because in this season it's not about you, it's not about your shortcomings, it's not about your rights and wrongs and what you could or should have done, this is My day" says the Lord, "This is My Sabbath and I intend to rest, and the place for Me to rest is in you."
A Season of Discovery and Revolutionizing Science
There will be sinkholes and tsunamis affecting whole neighborhoods and whole communities but God said, "It's not judgment. The earth is reacting to the groaning, to the manifestation, to the placement of the sons of God.Unusual weather patterns and different kinds of clouds discovered in the sky and photographed in the sky and lines photographed in the sky, chemicals in the sky, different things in the sky photographed and documented," says the Lord, "this is the season of discovery because of My people."
I hear the word of the Lord saying, "Get ready for Me to revolutionize science as you have known it; even the science of astronomy as you have known it. Everything that has not reflected Me, get ready for Me to bring everything in line so that it reflects Me," says the Lord.
I hear the word of the Lord saying, "Get ready for Me to revolutionize science as you have known it; even the science of astronomy as you have known it. Everything that has not reflected Me, get ready for Me to bring everything in line so that it reflects Me," says the Lord.
"This is the season I shall be seen on tape, on film; I shall be heard on audio, I shall be seen on pictures. For this is the day, from this day, all through 2019, this is the day that I will prove Myself, not just to My people, but I will prove Myself to creation. Get ready for some unusual happenings that are not going to be able to be explained away; you're just gonna have to say, 'It's God and that's all I know.'
"I'm About to Make a Spectacle of Myself"
"Get ready," says the Lord, "for people that have been out of time that willingly hid themselves to come upon the scene saying 'God said it's our season of exposure again.' Get ready for My anointing and My glory to rest upon them. And it's not because of them, it's about Me," says the Lord.
There are some photographs and some pictures about to come out in the newspaper; in USA Today there will be some photographs of God. I see a photograph of a hand, I see a photograph of this, but God said, "I'm about to display My glory in the clouds. I'm about to display Myself in the clouds," and pictures are gonna be taken that are gonna be in the secular newspaper and on the secular news. (Photo via Wikipedia)
There are some photographs and some pictures about to come out in the newspaper; in USA Today there will be some photographs of God. I see a photograph of a hand, I see a photograph of this, but God said, "I'm about to display My glory in the clouds. I'm about to display Myself in the clouds," and pictures are gonna be taken that are gonna be in the secular newspaper and on the secular news. (Photo via Wikipedia)
For God said, "I'm about to make a spectacle of Myself. I'm about to show Myself. Get ready," says God, "cause it's My desire to show Myself through you. Through you," thus says the Lord.
Dr. Connie Williams
Connie Williams International
Email: mail@drconniewilliams.org
Website: DrConnieWilliams.org
Connie Williams International
Email: mail@drconniewilliams.org
Website: DrConnieWilliams.org
Dr. Connie Williams is a celebrated international teacher, motivational speaker, and author. Armed with a strong prophetic gift, Dr. Connie has prophesied for over 30 years to a diverse range of leaders from all backgrounds including the political, sports, and business industries. Additionally, she has served as a prophetic consultant for both Fortune 500 companies and various entertainment industry projects, and she is a circuit speaker for national and international network programs and conferences. With authenticity and clarity, Dr. Connie defines herself as a "midwife prophet"; one who assists in spiritual delivery, revelation, and proper identification of what God deposits within his people to reach the new realms and dimensions He has ordained.
To subscribe to The Elijah List go to:http://elijahlist.com/subscribe
BOOK REVIEW- FINDING SOUTHERN COMFORT
Harper Kirkpatrick has been dumped by her longtime boyfriend Billy, and her funds are almost non-existent. Her party planner boss sends her to a party but its not the kids party she thinks it is. A bachelor party and she's the enterainment? She's horrified but doesn't back down and Cameron Bennett, the host of the party admires her spunk. She then answers an ad for a nanny and is horrified even more when it turns out to be that same good looking host of the party; he would be her boss. But the money is too good and her options too few so she goes for it. After all her job also includes a place to live in a really great place which she also really needs. She's so in over her head. What does she know about kids? Toddlers? And a toddler with an eating problem and sad eyes?
I liked:
- Harper's young, outgoing personality; she's flamboyant.
- Harper's outspoken, Chicago style head on approach to many situations
- Bella wasn't just a kid that was resenting someone else new in her life (which can be used a lot in stories. It can be true but I liked this approach.
- The unusual problem that Bella lived with and that it wasn't solved overnight. There were so many things that people tried that didn't work. Made it more real.
- The asthma angle to the story.
- Cameron had more to him than what you originally think, so different than you first see. He's not really all stuffy and stiff.
- Harper has such a tightknit loving family; those memories are included.
- McKenna (Harper's sister)
- Adam (Harper's friend and ally)
- her ex Billy, telling her she never finishes anything, it helped her in the long run
I really had no problem with the ending of the book although some of the reviewers said that it felt it was too rushed. Some parts of the book were somewhat predictable while others weren't. Still I did enjoy it.
“I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review”.
Mornings With the Holy Spirit: A Prophetic Promise From God
God has a prophetic promise for you this morning! Check out part one of my video series for Mornings With the Holy Spirit and be sure to read the description box to find out how you can download a free chapter of my new prophetic devotional and/or join me live on prayer calls!
Heart of the Prophetic on Facebook
Friday, December 26, 2014
Thursday, December 25, 2014
6. God Is With Us - Casting Crowns
Merry Christmas 2014.
I loved this song so much I bought this CD last year.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Monday, December 22, 2014
BOOK REVIEW- Discipleship : Living for Christ in the Daily
A serious study; not meant for light reading. It covers the person's individual life, the church, and the Kingdom of God. Those are the main catagories with other subjects covered within those groups.
I found this book a bit daunting when it came to reading, maybe because of the seriousness of the material, depth of information, and the layout used. I did find a few things that got my attention; that I agreed wholeheartedly with. One example is " From a letter- Dedicate yourself daily to the person of Jesus. Then it will be possible to burn for him and give up all self-concern." He also wrote that his father often said that stupidity is the greatest sin. He defined that as spiritual dullness; having a dead conscience, not listening in one's heart to God. These are just two gems I found in this book. You might have to dig a bit but I think you will find more as you study and involve yourself in the process. I just found it a bit dry.
*I received the book in this post compliments of Plough Publishing
P- 2015 FAVOR/ACCELERATION
My note-
Hmm, I can agree with that. Anyone else? I really like the statement-
"Don't talk yourself out of it". We can be really skilled about that can't we? That's one skill I plan to keep on, unlearning!!
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Mark Schultz - Different Kind of Christmas (Live)
Mark:
____
This is a special song that was written to honor
my wife's father who passed away two years ago.
I hope it encourages you this season.
BOOK REVIEW- Shadow of Deceit
Shannon Reidel is still recovering from the car accident that killed her husband and now dangerous people are coming after her demanding something she doesn't know anything about. Add to that the FBI agent Tony Crazaniak, believes her dead husband Tyler was involved in something criminal and that she needs protection. The attraction between the two of them is something they both resist because there is just too much at stake; finding the missing blue diamond and the location of the mine is only the start. Shannon's love ones are being threatened too.
This story had action right out the gate and Shannon was no perfect, retiring heroine. I liked the fact that she still struggled with the physical limitations from the car accident, it made her more real. I did find that although the story started out fast, it did seem to slow a bit about halfway through or so, I think that had more to do with Shannon and Tony trying to get to know each other better. I did like the touches of humor in the story. "The Crazaniak Effect", is one example; which I am not going to explain. . There were times when Shannon was a bit too independent and put herself into dangerous situations, which made me want to slap her in the head. Dumb, dumb, dumb. I would think for a smart woman she sure made some dumb decisions. Of course that helped keep the story going, I know that.
I liked Tony's friend, Thiggy and his side story as well. Unique and different.
"I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review."
Friday, December 19, 2014
TekDry - Fox 2 News Headlines
TekDry - Fox 2 News Headlines
This business provides a service to restore phones like smart phones if dropped in water.
Also works on camera's. ipods & etc.
This business provides a service to restore phones like smart phones if dropped in water.
Also works on camera's. ipods & etc.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Not Witholding yourself from others
I re-found this note today..still a thought provoker. At least to me.. (Not sure who the writer of it is)-
"to withhold your life from others and not serve others is essentially the same as refusing to give Christ a cup of water as He dragged His cross up Golgatha to die for you."
"to withhold your life from others and not serve others is essentially the same as refusing to give Christ a cup of water as He dragged His cross up Golgatha to die for you."
Joy is Not a Four Letter Word
Joy is Not a Four Letter Word
We are not created to be unhappy. Joylessness is counter to our beings, to the way we’re intended to function as people. There’s a reason that it seems like such hard work, and why it takes more muscles to frown than to smile – God made us that way. What’s more, it’s a vicious circle… to lack joy in our lives and joy in our approach to life simply means that we’re allowing joylessness to become our default option. Joylessness is a burden. It bends us, and if we allow ourselves to give in to it, it will do its best to break us. Under that burden, we find ourselves staggering down a slippery slope in a downward spiral, weariness and apathy leading to resentment and bitterness, because those who do experience joy in their lives seem almost to be mocking us.
“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. - Psalm 16:9-11
my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. - Psalm 16:9-11
We are not created to be unhappy. Joylessness is counter to our beings, to the way we’re intended to function as people. There’s a reason that it seems like such hard work, and why it takes more muscles to frown than to smile – God made us that way. What’s more, it’s a vicious circle… to lack joy in our lives and joy in our approach to life simply means that we’re allowing joylessness to become our default option. Joylessness is a burden. It bends us, and if we allow ourselves to give in to it, it will do its best to break us. Under that burden, we find ourselves staggering down a slippery slope in a downward spiral, weariness and apathy leading to resentment and bitterness, because those who do experience joy in their lives seem almost to be mocking us.
Deciding to rejoice as your default option in your approach to life means hitting the reset button on your approach to everything. Joy isn’t a temporary thing, it’s a permanent condition, and if your joy fades then you’re not rejoicing right! Negativity is a transitory thing, because it’s not intended to last. It’s supposed to lead to a reaffirmation of purpose, and an awakening of the sense of possibility in your life. As Christians, when trials occur, we identify the problem and instead of bowing to the weight of joylessness we embrace the opportunity to lift ourselves higher despite the problem. We don’t toil under the burden of tribulations. We stand on top of them so that we can get a better view.
Scripture is bursting with exhortations to rejoice. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 simply says, “Rejoice always”, as part of a three part command to pray and give thanks, “for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” James 1:2 encourages the twelve tribes of Israel to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials”. Psalm 100:1 instructs us to “Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!”; Psalm 118: 24 announces that “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it”; Psalm 126:5 promises that “Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.” 1 Peter 4:13 tells us to “rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” Nehemiah 8:10 commands us, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Zephaniah 3:17 simply states, “The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Notice a pattern? These are not equivocations. These are statements, announcements, instructions, commands and promises. These are avowals with authority behind them, because we have authority from Christ over negativity. We have authority from Christ over passivity, and apathy, and resentment, and bitterness. We have authority from Christ over joylessness, and a mandate from Him to spread joy wherever we can, to exemplify His Spirit in our lives.
Joy is a delightfully contagious way to live. It spreads like wildfire, a smile begetting a smile. We're not supposed to be controlled by our emotions, because we have been given authority to stand when the world wants us to fall. The biggest enemy we face isn't the enemy; it's passivity, and a meek acceptance of the majesty of God. It’s a gradual falling off of awe, a reluctant nod where a huge grin should be. The Good News becomes just okay news. Christianity becomes life enhancing instead of life changing. We stop being radicals, because we think it’s enough just to be ‘nice’. A cup of coffee in the morning is ‘nice’. It’s ‘nice’ when we get nothing but green lights on the way to work. ‘Nice’ people only finish last because they’re content not to be first, and when the Church becomes willing to settle for being ‘nice’, the Church becomes dull, predictable and monotonous. We need to live in wonder and astonishment at the Kingdom we’ve inherited, not be blasé about it.
Think about the things that stand in the way of you and a lifestyle of rejoicing. Do you have areas of your heart and your daily routine that lack joy, that you feel drag you down? This isn’t good for you. It’s not healthy, for your mind, your body or your spirit. We act in service of Christ, and as His representatives on earth, and we’re commanded to rejoice. As we live in joy, we become more like Him, and others can see, reflected in our smiles, the smile of Jesus. God is happy. He wants us to live in victory, because He paid for it with the blood of his Son.
We live in expectation of victory, with the confidence of those who have already won, a confidence born of an everlasting, astounding love, a confidence that engenders the kind of faith that is said to move mountains. While others buckle under the burden of their problems, we set them upon the ground, stand upon them and then pull our suffering friends up to stand with us, smiling all the while.
Photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenkerns/8645901176/">lorenkerns</a> / <a href="http://foter.com/">Foter</a> / <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">CC BY</a>
Photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/lorenkerns/8645901176/">lorenkerns</a> / <a href="http://foter.com/">Foter</a> / <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">CC BY</a>
KITTY LITTER DONATED TO SHELTERS-
Freekatlitter.com and Fresh Step Team up to Donate Much Needed Cat Litter
Since Freekatlitter.com and Fresh Step teamed up to donate cat litter in late July, over 550,000 scoops of litter have been donated! That's A LOT of premium litter going to shelters and rescues around the country - and it's all because of people (like you) who visitFreekatlitter.com to donate litter for free.
Heather, Emily and Wendy & their kitten friends welcome the donation!
The first donation of Fresh Step litter (3,000 lbs) was delivered to the Humane Society of Central Oregon. Waiting for the delivery was Lynne Ouchida, the Outreach Coordinator, some of the wonderful staff and a handful of excited kittens. "When the delivery truck arrived with Fresh Step Cat litter, HSCO felt like Santa Claus brought the number one wish list item for our animals. For the first time, cat litter is no longer on our 'wish list.", Said Lynne.
Not only does the litter help fill an important need at shelters and save money that can be spent on other important programs, it also helps adopt more cats. Lynne explains, "Having a premium cat litter to reduce odors is critical because it creates a pleasant environment for potential adopters to interact with the cats. With Fresh Step there is no offensive odor when we open the kennel doors. Making a good first impression is key in the adoption process."
A BIG thanks to all of you who visit Freekatlitter.com for making this all possible. Please spread the word!
A BIG thanks to all of you who visit Freekatlitter.com for making this all possible. Please spread the word!
Click HERE to see an amazing video of a military hero and the kitten that saved her!
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
THE BUMPS ARE WHAT YOU CLIMB ON- Book
FREE for limited time...I just really liked the title!!! And the book info!
Are there bumps on your path?
Use them to climb higher! Here is powerful encouragement to help you.
We can't prevent the crisis hours of life. But we can successfully deal with them. In The Bumps Are What You Climb On, Warren W. Wiersbe offers solid hope and comfort for times when you are faced with depression, frustration, disappointment, or loneliness. He extracts wisdom from the Bible and presents it in thirty brief, accessible meditations that guide you to respond with faith.
These meditations will spark a fresh optimism for facing a new day or new week. They show you how to trust in God's promises, reap the benefits of forgiveness, find contentment, add joy to life, and more. With Wiersbe's uplifting teaching and empowering challenges, The Bumps Are What You Climb On also makes a compelling devotional for any believer, at any time. Book Link on Amazon
Use them to climb higher! Here is powerful encouragement to help you.
We can't prevent the crisis hours of life. But we can successfully deal with them. In The Bumps Are What You Climb On, Warren W. Wiersbe offers solid hope and comfort for times when you are faced with depression, frustration, disappointment, or loneliness. He extracts wisdom from the Bible and presents it in thirty brief, accessible meditations that guide you to respond with faith.
These meditations will spark a fresh optimism for facing a new day or new week. They show you how to trust in God's promises, reap the benefits of forgiveness, find contentment, add joy to life, and more. With Wiersbe's uplifting teaching and empowering challenges, The Bumps Are What You Climb On also makes a compelling devotional for any believer, at any time. Book Link on Amazon
PEACE SOLDIERS PRACTISE
"Practice your peace every day. Soldiers practice with their weapons until they become instinctive, until they are intuitive and instinctive power takes hold. Practice with your weapons. I believe peace is a weapon. I believe rest is a weapon. Practice it until it's instinctive and intuitive, until you walk in it, until you know how to take a step back into the presence of God, into the peace of God, and into the rest of God."From THE OVERCOMING LIFE 2: RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
GRAHAM COOKE/ FACEBOOK
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
BOOK REVIEW- A MOST INCONVENIENT MARRIAGE
Nurse, Abigal Stuart marries her dying patient; promising to go to his Ozark farm and care for his ma and his ill sister. After the war, Abigal keeps her promise to her husband, Jeremiah Calhoun and although there are some difficulties she does well with her new family. Things take a downhill slide when the "real" Jeremiah shows up. He's a man she's never seen before and he knows he never married her. Now that makes two people who are hostile to her -Jeremiah and his sister. They think she has a scheme to steal their farm.
I enjoyed this book; the idea was a good one and made for a pretty good read. In fact the reason I picked this book was because the storyline drew me. A few times it felt that the story dragged a bit because of the on and off signals between Abigal and Jeremiah (but mainly Jeremiah). I found myself almost yellng out loud a couple of times. " You are married! What's with trying to court other people, since you are legally married." Yes, I know someone else said he was Jeremiah but the names on the legal paper had both of THEIR names on it. I didn't get it that they couldn't get that. Kind of caused a problem for me as I read it.
I got a FREE copy of this Bethany House book (through Bethany House Publishing, A Division of Baker Publishing Group) in exchange for an honest review.
Why Are Some Pastors So Against Intercession?
Why Are Some Pastors So Against Intercession?
I believe prayerlessness is the greatest sin in the church—and unfortunately some leaders are propagating this sin and discouraging those with prayer burdens from cooperating with the Spirit of God to bring His will to the earth.
I've seen for years how prayer is lacking in many churches. Even churches that do have prayer meetings often relegate intercessors to the back of the church lest their effectual fervent prayer offend the lukewarm saints. But a recent message I received on my Facebook page really took the proverbial cake.
A precious and confused saint wrote: "Can you please give us clarity. I hear pastors say God did not call intercessors and you can't find it in the bible. He said only Jesus can intercede. Thank you."
Of course, hundreds of people sounded off to refute this claim. Some pointed to 1 Timothy 2:1-3 where Paul instructed his spiritual son to "make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings for everyone." Others pointed to Acts 12:5, when the church "prayed to God without ceasing" for Peter when he was in prison. Still others pointed to James 5:14 where Christ's brother instructed the sick to "call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord."
What's the Root of This?
Why on earth would a pastor—or anyone—try to convince their members to abandon the call to intercession? Technically, we're all called to be intercessors, though I believe some people have a stronger ministry mantle and anointing to intercede.
Abraham was an intercessor (Gen. 18; 19). Moses was an intercessor (Ex. 32:1-14; Ps. 106:23). Samuel was an intercessor (1 Sam. 7:3; 1 Sam.12:24). Hezekiah, Paul, Stephen, Amos, Solomon, Anna the prophetess, Ezra, Elijah, Daniel and Nehemiah all entered into strong intercession. Although intercessors are called to do more than occupy a prayer closet, believers are certainly called to intercede.
So what is the root of all this? Why would pastors say such a thing? It could be a lack of knowledge (see Hos. 4:6). It could be flat-out deception. It could be a controlling spirit. It could be fear that the intercessors will gain prophetic insight into the sin in their lives. It could be wrong teaching on the topic. It could be bad experiences with immature intercessors who overstepped their boundaries. No matter what the root is, it's dangerous.
Prayer Precedes Revival
Some people ask me why I bother praying and suggest that prayer rallies and solemn assemblies are a waste of time. I beg to differ. The only way we'll see a true transforming revival in this land is to pave the way for the King of glory to enter through our humble repentance, pursuit of the Lord in holiness, and desperate prayer.
Could it be possible that the enemy is trying to shut that down with all this nonsense about intercession not being in the Bible? The enemy hates prayer with a passion because he knows it's our lifeline to God. He knows that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous person makes tremendous power available (see James 5:16). He knows that night and day prayer opens the door for justice (see Luke 18:1-8).
I would encourage you as the days grow darker to read the Bible for yourself. Most pastors are precious people, but no pastor is God. I've seen far too many people follow their beloved pastor into error in the name of loyalty. We all need a personal relationship with God and that doesn't happen without prayer. We all need to obey Scripture and that often requires intercession followed by faith-inspired action generated through intimacy with Him.
Jennifer LeClaire is senior news editor of Charisma. She is also director of Awakening House of Prayer in Fort Lauderdale and author of several books, including Satan's Deadly Trio: Defeating the Deceptions of Jezebel, Religion and Witchcraft, and The Spiritual Warrior's Guide to Defeating Jezebel. You can visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
Monday, December 15, 2014
P- WONDER- Susie Larson
SUSIE LARSON/ FACEBOOK
Morning Blessing:
May the Lord Himself open your eyes and awaken your heart
to the truth about who you are from HIS perspective!
In Christ Jesus, you are dearly loved, profoundly called,
and divinely equipped.
You possess all the riches of heaven.
His promises belong to you!
May you walk and talk and pray and live
in a manner worthy of your royal status in Him.
May you believe with your whole heart
that YOU are positioned right where you are,
for such a time as this.
May God increase your influence, anoint your words,
and appoint your everyday moments.
You're a royal ambassador for the Most High God.
Blessings upon you this day!
Sunday, December 14, 2014
CHANGE THE ATMOSPHERE-BATTLE 4 IT!
"Spiritual warfare is about taking ground in peoples' lives.
It's about changing the climate,
shifting the atmosphere away from negativity towards
kindness, and laughter, and peace, and so on.
It's about occupying that space in a way that glorifies the Lord."
From THE OVERCOMING LIFE 1: UNDERMINING THE ENEMY
Saturday, December 13, 2014
BOOK REVIEW- SWYNMOOR
Lord Tomlin (Tom) has had a good but poorer life as the future heir of Castle Swynmoor His aunt is the one with all the power and she comes with Lady Topaz determined to see them married, whether they want to or not. Kerris Seaborn has come with the monks to present the annual offering of pickles. Tom finds her more interesting than Lady Topaz. There's an army sitting outside the castle preparing for battle. If that wasn't enough, there's some kind of magic going on with those pickles...
Kerris Seaborn has been raised in the Abby as a Foundling, from a baby left on their steps. Part of her job was to help make the barrels of pickles; but something always seems to go wrong with hers. When it comes time for the monks to take the barrels to the Castle as part of their annual offerring, Kerris is chosen to go with them. Its her first real trip outside the Abby and she has to present them in the Old Language that she has been studying and transcribing. How would I describe this story? Kind of an odd but interesting fairy tale. When it first started, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. The enemy army was as dumb as a box of rocks. But as I kept going, it really was kind of funny. Their leader, Reynaud the Black wasn't exactly what I expected either, which turned out more enjoyable than I thought. I really hated the Aunt, she was so overbearing. That was good work on the author's part. Lady Topaz had some depth to her that comes out as the story continues. The power of the pickles causes some unexpected results.
I liked all four of the MC's- Tom, Topaz, Reynaud and Kerris, they all added to the story. By the way, this book was a clean read when it came to romance.
Expect a twist at the end of the book.
“I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review”.
Redeemed women of God have
"Redeemed women of God
have tender, merciful hearts,
backbones of steel, and
hands that have been trained for battle."
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
TWIN FACTOR ON FACEBOOK
Only 19 days left until the premiere of Twin Factor TV! Make sure you tune it to the Pursuit Channel on Monday December 29th at 2:30pm for our debut episode! You are not gonna want to miss this!!
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