Don’t Hurt Your Witness! (Anonymous) November 12 – November 19, 2009

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston , Texas . Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had  given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, ‘You’d better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.’ Then he thought, ‘Oh, forget it, it’s only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a ‘gift from God’ and keep quiet…’ When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, ‘Here, you gave me too much change ‘ The driver, with a smile, replied, ‘Aren’t you the new preacher in town?’ ‘Yes’ he replied. ‘Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what y ou would do if I gave you too much change. I’ll see you at church on Sunday.’ When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, ‘Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.’ Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to the test! Always be on guard — and remember — You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself ‘Christian.’ Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character.Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. I’m glad a friend forwarded this to me as a reminder. So, I choose to forward it to you – my friend. God bless you; I hope you are having a wonderful day!   If you don’t pass this on to anybody, nothing bad will happen; but, if you do, you will have ministered to someone. The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not PROTECT you… Stay FAITHFUL and Be GRATEFUL!

 

---

 

 

 

Breakfast At McDonald’s (Anonymous) November 11- November 18, 2009

Breakfast at McDonald’s   This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end! (After the story, there are some very interesting facts!): I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree.. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called, ‘Smile.’ The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway.. So, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally. Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald’s one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son. We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch…. an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved. As I turned around I smelled a horrible ‘dirty body’ smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was ’smiling’ His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God’s Light as he searched for acceptance.. He said, ‘Good day’ as he counted the few coins he had been clutching… The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation.. I held my tears as I stood there with them. The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, ‘Coffee is all Miss’ because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm). Then I really felt it – the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action. I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman’s cold hand. He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, ‘Thank you.’ I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, ‘I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.’ I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son… When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, ‘That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope..’ We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give. We are not church goers, but we are believers. That day showed me the pure Light of God’s sweet love. I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in ‘my project’ and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, ‘Can I share this?’ I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed. In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald’s, my son,the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student. I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE. Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.

Faith Bloggers Burn Out! by Elaine Davenport November 10- November 17, 2009

I am going to talk about something for which I have great expertise.    That is Blogging.  I have plenty of wounds and medals to show for it.   I have seen some things that I didn’t want to see.  I’ve heard some things that I didn’t want to hear.  Originally, it was like walking across a mine field.  However, I’ve made invaluable friendships all over the world.  I would not trade it for anything!

The good side of Faith Blogging is that the sky is the limit…people WILL come to hear what God has to say if you are truthful.   Stick to the Word of God and let God lead you.  Do not compromise the truth.  Don’t alter, don’t add.

The bad side is that there are many distractions and great warfare to stop you from being a Faith Blogger.

THE VERY FIRST TIME THAT I PUT UP MY WEBSITES; ALL OF THEM CRASHED AT THE SAME TIME!  (It was a faith test; God restored them within 1 minute of when I prayed.)

There are not enough Christian Faith Bloggers.    WE NEED MORE!  It is a big step so think about it and pray about it.

Some bloggers have made themselves bad reputations and have brought the profession a bad name because of the liberties that they have taken.     As a rule, I’d say that these are not faith bloggers.

However,  faith bloggers must be warned; it isn’t an easy job!   Many Christians come online and forget they are Christians.  They get influenced by the prevailing mindsets.  People on the Internet are very opinionated…aren’t you?

Here are some tips to avoid burn out:

BEFORE YOU START DO TWO THINGS PLEASE:   RESEARCH AND PRAY!

YOUR WILLINGNESS AND OBEDIENCE ARE SO NECESSARY.

1.  The fact that you like to write; not necessarily hear yourself speak is a plus to this endeavor.

2. Know in advance what it is specifically that you’re going to be talking about.  Do not stray from the focus.

3.  The Internet is a place with great distraction; be prayed up before any blogging endeavor.

4. Prepare yourself for the unexpected.

5.  Those who disagree with you will outnumber those that do agree.

6. Decide if you’ll even entertain the detractors.  (I do not. and they know it.)

7.  POST, POST, POST .  Schedule your time correctly.  If you have a Blog you must post regularly.  I’d recommend daily to start and after you build a following you can cut back.

8. Consider more than one blog and tie them together.

9.  Keep your eye on your behind the scenes statistics; who is coming to read what you have to say and where are they coming from.  Certain Blogging sites provide this data while others do not.  Be advised of this.

10.    If you treat it as a chore it will show up in your writings; I don’t know exactly how but it does.  The people that come will actually examine your site to weigh your dedication.

11.  PRAY PRAY PRAY.  For direction, what to write and pray for Faith friends to support you abd for traffic to come where people will be Blessed.
12.  Do not offend; but do not compromise your faith.

13.  NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK.  Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Friendster, MySpace  etc. are all good ways to make connections.  This is not an all encompassing list.
14.  Google Reader will allow you to build networks through emails.  This will Bless people and bring traffic.
15.  Seek ways to update your site and to make it visually appealing.

16.  You need Faith Blogging friends…pray about it and proceed cautiously.  If you’ll visait their sites and leave comments, they’ll do the same for you…usually.  Seek linking partnerships.

17.  Do not allow your personal life to overwhelm your Faith Blogging or vice versa.

18.  If the computer starts acting up; pray for a new one.  (I’m serious)

19.  Stay in faith!  If God means for you to take the message to the nations via the Internet, HE will send the provision.  Your job is to be obedient and willing.

20. Keep confessing the Word of God over yourself and your Blog.

21.  Expect increase.  Be confident.

22.  Expect the enemy to surface time and time again, he is a defeated foe!  Don’t forget that.  He will use people.  Your job is to stay on the path.

EDITOR’S NOTE:  I am not writing this because I’ve burned out, but because it may appear glamorous to many; but it can be if indeed the person(s )totally understand the dynamics.

I originally was in a network of 6 Faith Bloggers, but two of them are no longer writing.  There is a third that I am led to believe that they are changing their genre ultimately.  That leaves three out of the original 6. I have since added 5 more but I do pray daily for my fellow Faith Bloggers including those that took a time out.

*** I AM CALLING IT BURNOUT BUT A BETTER WORD MIGHT BE A DISTRACTION…

The Efficacy of Words by Patricia Saddler November 9- November 16, 2009

The Efficacy of Words     

By Patricia Saddler

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines efficacy as power to produce effects; …as the efficacy of the gospel in converting men from sin; the efficacy of prayer; the efficacy of medicine in counteracting disease; the efficacy of manure in fertilizing land.

Growing up in the 50’s we kids had a saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”  Today as an adult (the sum total of words) I realize that statement was not the truth.  In reality words are far more powerful than sticks or stones.

 

 

 

The efficacy of words have the ability to harm you or protect you; to bring disease upon you or keep you healthy; to bring death to you or life.  Notice I said “…as an adult (the sum total of words)… I am who I am today because of words that have been spoken to me and words I spoke over myself, some good … some not so good.  I’ll write a little about that later.

Words are far more powerful than most people realize and the most powerful of all words is the Word of GOD. John 1:1 reads, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD, and the Word was GOD.”  Here we see that God and His Word are the same. Verse 3 reads, “All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” The Word created all things.  Throughout the beginning of the book of Genesis it states that GOD said … and then He saw … In Genesis 1:26 GOD said, “…Let us make man in our image, after our likeness …”  We were created as speaking spirits just as our Creator is a speaking SPIRIT.  Our words are powerful like His Words; however, His Words are far more powerful.

There’s another saying I grew up hearing and saying, “You are what you think you are.”  It wasn’t until I grew up stronger in the Word of GOD that I realized the absolute truth of what I was saying.  I was activating a biblical principle without realizing what I was doing.  You see, what you think you will eventually say.  Over the years as a special education teacher there were many times a child would cough or sneeze in my face and I would say, “Oh no, I’m going to catch your cold.”  Usually I’d find myself with an itchy, scratchy throat before the day was over.  Here’s another word that often came out of my mouth, “I’m so shy.  I do well teaching my students and interacting with my parents, but put me before a group of other people and I can’t put to words together without shaking like a leaf.”  As a result of my confession, I spent most of my adult life extremely shy.  I had created that persona with my words.

 

Today I speak in many open forums without an ounce of shyness.  When the school I taught at for 23 years closed I spoke at the closing ceremony.  One of the retirees in attendance later said to me, “Pat Saddler, I never knew you to be so bold.  What happened?”  What happened?  The Word of GOD happened.  I began speaking His Word over my life and re-created a bolder, securer, more loving persona unlike I ever thought possible.  I’m a new creation in CHRIST JESUS.  I’m a new creation through speaking His Words.  When the doctor (another speaking spirit) told me I had asthma I spoke GOD’S Word and said, “Oh no, by the stripes of JESUS I’m healed!”  When the bank teller told me my balance was a negative $127.00 and I knew I wasn’t expecting any money any time soon, I said, “But my GOD supplies all my needs.”  Before the week was over I had a paying speaking engagement, a friend blessed me with $100.00, and another brought me $50.00 worth of groceries not knowing that my cupboards were bare.  In all three situations the people told me that they were led to be a blessing to me.

And by the way, my lungs are strong and healthy.  You see, when we speak GOD’S Word over a situation He sends His ministering angels to perform it.

The efficacy of words must not be taken lightly.  Keep that in mind when speaking about anything or anyone.  Proverbs 18:21 reads, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

From one speaking spirit to another: Choose your words wisely.  Speak only what you desire not what adverse circumstances project, but what GOD’S Word says about it.  His Words are far more powerful and bring sweeter results.

Where Were You? by Elaine Davenport November 9-16, 2009

You are a really good person.  You’re cool too.  Everyone likes you.  You dress good.  Things are going your way and then:

 

THE WORLD ENDS…                   

WHAT NOW?

 

Oh my goodness!  The bible is so  rich.  So much can be  gleaned from reading Matthew 25: 13-46.

This begins with a statement that  reminds us that we DON’T know when Jesus is coming back;  not the day or the hour.

This is the story that speaks of Jesus giving talents to 3 of his servants.   I am one of his servants and there are millions of others who serve him as well.

The story then talks about Jesus coming back and asking what did we do with what he left for us.  Now hear this:

 

We have all been given different assignments.  I guarantee you that if you spend some time in prayer and meditation (on a regular basis; not just once or every now and then) you’ll find out what God wants you to do.

This is a two part ending.  On the one hand, Jesus returns and assesses what the servants did with the talents.  But let’s also look at the second part:

 

LOOK AT VERSE 30; the unprofitable servant is cast into utter darkness.

But, even further let’s look at the future verses for more information on the nature of the talents…

The bible mentions that there will be a separation of the sheep from the goats.

Jesus mentions these things and says when I was this way where were you?

1. Hungry

2. Thirsty

3. Stranger

4. Incarcerated

5. Sick

Your ability to answer this question correctly will determine where you spend your eternity.

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________

MATTHEW 25

Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

¹⁴For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

¹⁵And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

¹⁶Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.

¹⁷And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.

¹⁸But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

¹⁹After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

²⁰And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

²¹His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

²²He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

²³His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

²⁴Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:

²⁵And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.

²⁶His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:

²⁷Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.

²⁸Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

²⁹For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

³⁰And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

³¹When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

³²And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

³³And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

³⁴Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

³⁵For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

³⁶Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

³⁷Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

³⁸When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

³⁹Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

⁴⁰And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

⁴¹Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

⁴²For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

⁴³I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

⁴⁴Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

⁴⁵Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

⁴⁶And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

__________________________________________________________________________________

BE A BOLD CHRISTIAN! by Elaine Davenport November 8- November 15, 2009

I never lied to anyone…about how I feel about telling people about God.  I’m a radical  so do not expect less.  Today, it will seem like I’m being bold, but I am being conservative…in my opinion.

 

MY CONSTANT PRAYER IS FOR CHRISTIANS TO BE MORE BOLD ABOUT THEIR FAITH!

The devil has things so twisted; that it is considered impolite to  approach people boldly about their eternal life status.    With such restraints a lot of people are headed to hell…unless something is changed.

WHAT IS THE ONE THING THAT PEOPLE IN OTHER RELIGIONS ARE AFRAID OF?  A BOLD CHRISTIAN THAT KNOWS THE BIBLE.   WHETHER THEY BE MUSLIM, JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES OR WHATEVER…THEY ARE AFRAID OF A BOLD CHRISTIAN!  EVEN SOME CHRISTIANS ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN THEY CROSS THE PATH OF A POWER BACKED CHRISTIAN!   THE DEVIL REALLY IS!

It’s a good thing that many of us don’t take our instructions from the devil!

In a recent Presidential race one of the candidates proudly proclaimed that they don’t wear their “religion” ( or faith in God) on their sleeve.  I kept thinking:  “Why not!”

Why would you not want to tell the world about your faith in God?  I don’t get that if you say you are a believer.  And let’s say for the record that you don’t want to talk you just want to do something.  Then, what are you doing?

Have you ever met a pushy Christian?  How many have you met?  If your answer is not many then I need  to get back in my prayer closet and work harder

THE GREAT COMMISSION IS THE BIGGEST ASSIGNMENT THAT DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WILL EVER GET.  IT IS ESSENTIAL NOT TO GET OFF TRACK AND TO STAY FOCUSED ON WHAT PLEASE GOD.  IT IS GOD’S DESIRE TO ADD TO HIS FAMILY.    DO NOT LOSE SIGHT OF THAT!

1. Jesus said:  “All power has been given to me in heaven and in earth! “  That means when we go we have God backed power…All the power!

2.   Go and teach all the nations (leave no one out)  (All means everything…every single one!)

A.  Baptize them in the name of The Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost.

3. Teach them to observe all of the commands I have given you.

A.  I am with you always.

B.  Even unto the end of the world.

THAT’S WHAT JESUS TOLD US TO DO.    THIS IS THE PLAN.  THIS IS THE ASSIGNMENT!   LET’S GET THIS DONE.

Matthew 28:16-20 (King James Version

¹⁶Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

¹⁷And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

¹⁸And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The Race by Gladwell Musau November 8 – November 15, 2009

 

I AM CERTAIN THAT YOU WILL ENJOY THIS WRITING BY MY DEAR FRIEND GLADWELL MUSAU.

GLADWELL HAS A WONDERFUL SITE  CALLED RAINBOW GULF OF LOVE.  PLEASE LOOK IN THE BLOGROLL TO THE RIGHT ON THIS PAGE.  THANKS

Music to Listen To as you read:

Ecclesiastes 9:11 I have seen something else under the sun:
THE RACE is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favour to the learned; BUT TIME AND CHANCE happen to them all.

Just couple of minutes ago, I read a friend’s comment on my Facebook profile that mentioned about the race… of course, racing on the track. Her comment got me thinking. Like King Solomon’s observation, I do agree…EVERYONE OF US is on a race…THE RACE OF LIFE. For the single…it’s the race to get married, for the childless couple…its a child which seems out of reach. For the poor…its that job that can bring in a steady income. For the sick…the race of gain back their health. Whatever race of life you may be facing, one thing is sure, there are no rules, nor guarantees. But in the race…two more things may or may not work for you…TIME AND CHANCE.

When someone dies young…we call it UNTIMELY death. TIME worked against their race. When one dies unaccomplished…we call it a WASTED life. CHANCES offered in their lives were unutilised. Theirs was a race carelessly run. As you and I run through the race of life, let us remember…TODAY is the HAPPENING OF YOUR RACE. And YOU are the CHANCE in your race of life. Keep your feet moving, keep your eyes open…TIME AND CHANCE will HAPPEN TO YOU too!

Prayer For The Day by E. Davenport November 6- November 13, 2009

Dear Heavenly Father,  thank You for Your Word as it is in the bible.  Thank You that we can count on You and put all of our trust in You.  For everyone that reads this today, we ask that You would strengthen them with might in their inner man, that You would draw nigh unto them, and they would change right now and begin to seek You out to find out what Your will is for their lives.

It is our prayer that people will change and put you first.  That people will bein to develop the most amazing prayer lives.  That those who already have a prayer life; wil  become more consisyent in prayer as they prepare themselves to move up to the next level.

We pray healing for the sick and oppressed; financial clarity and increase for those that would live by Your laws and put You first.  We pray that Your Good News; the Gospel will be shared and carried to the uttermost parts of the eath.  We pray that people living in caves would hear about and then see Jesus knowing that he is real.   We pray that people from other religions will turn to You and know that You are real.  We pray against hatred, lies and deception.  We pray that people will not be gullible when asked the question:  “Whom will you serve?” and that they will no longer make bad and wrong choices.  We bind confusion, offense, colorism, racism, pride, smugness, lies and anything that would exalt itself against the knowledge of God.

Thank You for hearing our prayer in Jesus Name.  Amen.