Thanksgiving Day has come and gone.  I hope everyone had a nice one!

 

 The leftovers are almost all gone (unless you froze some for later).  Your house may already be transformed into a colorful Christmas scene, with lights and trees and greens and a nativity set.  Cowboys fans are already looking ahead to a tough remaining schedule in order to make the playoffs.  Some of you have already done a lot of shopping for Christmas gifts, perhaps even venturing out on Black Friday.

 

 Now what?  Well, although Thanksgiving Day is past, I hope that we can maintain that “attitude of gratitude” in the coming days.  May I suggest something?  (Thanks, I knew you would say “yes”!!)

 

 How about doing the “Twelve Days of Christmas” with a little twist this year?  Beginning on December 14 and leading to the 12th day, Christmas Day, give thanks for one thing (or person) each day, and as a practical expression of gratitude, do something that will benefit and bless someone else.  For example, if you are thankful for a person in your life, express your thanksgiving by helping that person out with a project, sending a note/email/blog-note, making a phone call, something to encourage that person.  Or it could be by giving of your time and resources and providing for the needs of those less fortunate in your community.  In other words, be thankful by just not saying “thank you,” but be thankful by doing “thank you.”  And, after all, shouldn’t there be a Thanksgiving Season like there is a Christmas Season – and couldn’t the Seasons run simultaneously?  I think so!

 

Just an idea.  I am looking forward to taking my own advice.  Can’t wait!  Maybe I won’t wait!!  And I am looking forward to your comments because somewhere in those 12 days of Christmas, I have to be thankful for my fellow-bloggers – that’s YOU!!

 

 Happy Thanksgiving/Christmas Season!!       

We've all grown up with books and the written word.  And, because of that, we take for granted what a wonderous gift they are.  Primitive peoples, when first swamped by civilization, can more fully appreciate the miracle that allows an inanimate object to, literally, speak to us. 

Of course, the most wondrous Book of all is the Bible.  God's way of speaking to us.  His words.  A gift to us.  And, I spend time daily, listening to God, through the Book He has blessed us with.

I also believe that God speaks to us through other books.  I'm no theologian.  Not really qualified to make that assessment, you might argue.  But, I do.  God, I firmly believe, has inspired other mortals to write other books that come to us in the right season and help us to grow in our relationship with Him and with His only son, Jesus Christ.

I've written in this space several times about what a life-changing event Pastor Rick Warren's "A Purpose Driven Life" was for Catherine and I about four or five years ago when we did "40 Days of Purpose."  I have another book to share now -- a novel this time by William Paul Young  -- that has had a great impact on both of us.  It is called "The Shack." 

I'm not sure my feeble attempts at critiquing it will suffice so let me fall back on the words of others who seem to have come away with much the same emotions that I did:

"Through my tears and cheers, I have been indeed transformed by the tender mercy with which William Paul Young opened the veil that too often separated me from God and from myself,"  writes Patrick M. Roddy.

"'The Shack' cuts through the cliches of both religion and bad writing to reveal something compelling and beautiful about life's integral dance with the Divine,"  says Mike Morrell.

The story will make you cry.  It's a hard story about a very broken world.  It will force you to think about your own relationship with Father, Son and Holy Ghost.  It may help you answer serious questions about why bad things happen to good people.  Why God allows evil to permeate this place.

The Shack has moved me to a different and better place in my walk, with a renewed determination to put God at the center of everything I do.

"The Shack."  Willam Paul Young.   Buy it.  If you can't afford it, email me and I will get you a copy.

Rich 

The following is a copy of a pamphlet originally followed by the oxford group.
I hope this will help those who read it.
Keep in mind as you read this and practice listening to god that human nature (sin) is the real problem; Change that and we are well on our way to solving our social, economic, and national problems.  Moral recovery has to come before any economic recovery can become permanent.
Christ controlled people make Christ controlled nations, and only Christ controlled nations will achieve world peace; then and only then will we have any hope of being the worthy Stuarts of this planet that the lord intended and so desires us to be.

How to Listen to God

God will tell you all that you need to know. 
He will not always tell you all that you want to know.
These are a few simple suggestions for people who are willing to make an experiment. You can discover for yourself the most important and practical thing any human being can ever learn-how to be in touch with God.
All that is needed is the willingness to try it honestly. Every person who has done this consistently and sincerely has found that it really works.

Before you begin, look over these fundamental points. They are true and are based on the experience of thousands of people.

1. God is alive. He always has been and He always will be.

2. God knows everything.

3. God can do anything.

4. God can be everywhere-all at the same time. (These are the important differences between God and us human beings.)

5.  God is invisible-we can't see Him or touch Him-but God is here. He is with you now. He is beside you. He surrounds you. He fills the room or the whole place where you are right now. He is in you now. He is in your heart.

6.  God cares very much for you. He is interested in you. He has a plan for your life.

7. He has an answer for every need and problem you face.

8. God will help you do anything that He asks you to do.

9. Anyone can be in touch with God, anywhere and at any time, if conditions are obeyed.

These are the conditions:
- To be quiet and still
- To listen
- To be honest about every thought that comes
- To test the thoughts to be sure that they come from God
- To obey

So, with these basic elements as a background, here are specific suggestions on how to listen to God:

I. Take Time
Find some place and time where you can be alone, quiet and undisturbed. Most people have found that the early morning is the best time. Have with you some paper and pen or pencil.

2. Relax
Sit in a comfortable position. Consciously relax all your muscles. Be loose. There is no hurry. There needs to be no strain during these minutes. God cannot get through to us if we are tense and anxious about later responsibilities.

3. Tune In
Open your heart to God. Either silently or aloud, just say to God in a natural way that you need to find His plan for your life-you want His answer to the problem or situation that you are facing just now. Be definite and specific in your request.

4. Listen
Just be still, quiet, relaxed and open. Let your mind go "loose." Let God do the talking. Thoughts, ideas, and impressions will begin to come into your mind and heart. Be alert and aware and open to every one.

5. Write!
Here is the important key to the whole process. Write down everything that comes into your mind. Everything! Writing is simply a means of recording so that you can remember later. Don't sort out or edit your thoughts at this point.

Don't say to yourself-
This thought isn't important;
This is just an ordinary thought;
This can't be guidance;
This isn't nice;
This can't be from God-,
This is just me thinking, etc.
Write down everything that passes through your mind.
Names of people;
Things to do;
Things to say;
Things that are wrong and need to be made right.

Write down everything.
Good thoughts-bad thoughts;
Comfortable thoughts-uncomfortable thoughts;
"Holy" thoughts--"unholy' thoughts;
Sensible thoughts--"crazy" thoughts.
Be Honest! Write down everything-. A thought comes quickly, and it escapes even more quickly unless it is captured and put down.

6. Test
When the flow of thoughts slows down, stop. Take a good look at what you have written. Not every thought we have comes from God So we need to test our thoughts. Here is where the written record helps us to be able to look at them.

a) Are these thoughts completely honest, pure, unselfish and loving?
b) Are these thoughts in line with our duties to our family, to our country?
c) Are these thoughts in line with our understanding of the teachings found in our spiritual literature?

7. Check
When in doubt and when it is important, what does another person who is living two-way prayer think about this thought or action? More light comes in through two windows than one. Someone else who also wants God's plan for our lives may help us to see more clearly. Talk over together what you have written. Many people do this. They tell each other what guidance has come. This is the secret of unity. There are always three sides to every question-your side, my side, and the right side. Guidance shows us; which is the right side-not who is right, but
what is right.

8. Obey
Carry out the thoughts that have come. You will only be sure of guidance as you go through with it. A rudder will not guide a boat until the boat is moving. As you obey, very often the results will convince you that you are
on the right track.

9. Blocks?
What if I don't seem to get any definite thoughts? God's guidance is as freely available as the air we breathe. If I am not receiving thoughts when I listen the fault is not Gods.

Usually it is because there is something I will not do:
something wrong in my life that I will not face and make right;
a habit or indulgence I will not give up;
a person I will not forgive;
a wrong relationship in my life I will not give up;
a restitution I will not make;
Something God has already told me to do that I will not obey.
Check these points and be honest. Then try listening again.

10. Mistakes
Suppose I make a mistake and do something in the name of God that isn't right? Of course we make mistakes. We are humans with many faults. However, God will always honor our sincerity. He will work around and through every honest mistake we make. He will help us make it right.

But remember this-sometimes when we do obey God...

someone else may not like it or agree with it.

So when there is opposition, it doesn't always mean you have made a mistake. It can mean that the other person doesn't want to know or to do what is right. Suppose I fail to do something that I have been told and the opportunity to do it passes? There is only one thing to do. Put it right with God. Tell him you're sorry. Ask Him to forgive you, then accept His forgiveness and begin again. God is our Father-He is not an impersonal calculator. He understands us far better than we do.

11. Results
We never know what swimming is like until we get down into the water and try. We will never know what this is like until we sincerely try it. Every person who has tried this honestly finds that a wisdom, not their own, comes into their minds and that a power greater than human power begins to operate in their lives. It is an endless adventure. There is a way of life, for everyone, everywhere. Anyone can be in touch with the living God, anywhere, anytime, if we fulfill His conditions.

When man listens, God Speaks.
When man obeys, God Acts.

This is the law of Prayer,

God's plan for this world goes forward through the lives of ordinary people who are willing to be governed by Him.

 

The point of the above is this...
If a man is bankrupt and consents to his chief creditor reorganizing and running the business, the first thing he must do is to produce the books—all of them.
The difficulty with so many debtors is that they conceal some of their debts, or fail to mention some particularly foolish blunder or some doubtful transaction to which fear prompted them.
A satisfactory re-organization is impossible if there is only a partial disclosure.
If, then, I want God to take control of my life, the first thing I must do is to produce the books.
I must be willing to look with God at everything I know about myself, and at everything
He can show me when I honestly test my life by what I see of His will in Christ.
(an except from the book "When Man Listens" by Cecil Rose)

CLICK ON ANY GRAFFIC FOR MUSICThe Story of Christ's Birth
 Luke 2:1-20

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.

So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”


So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”

And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.

And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

 

Wow! I can not fathom it has been five years, it seems like a lifetime ago you came to be a part of our family . Anyway I am up early this morning. I have your bacon baking at 375 for 25 minutes in the oven. We have 10 minutes to go, everyone is still snoozing , it is 7:30 in the morning and they have the day off so who can blame them right. A storm just decided to pop up from the North and I was able to open the window and watch the birds fly Southeast as it moves in, its raining now. Its just beautiful outside. I Love the rain. Today will be a happy day for you, last night we let you open one present early, it was a little girl barbie doll with three little grey kittens. Carly, you played with it for hours last night. Anyway Happy Birthday Baby we all Love You! :)

I just received news that my family and I have been praying about.  With the economy the way it is, we were having difficulty getting the school loans we needed for my daughter's college.  I just received the email stating that our loan was approved and the funds have been sent out!

I cannot tell you how relieved i am about this!  I prayed about it.  I gave it to God and he delivered!  What an awesome God!!!!!!!!!

God bless all!  We now have one more thing to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Some Thanksgiving inspiration.....

 

God

Is

Very

Eager

 

 

To

Have

All

Nations

Know

Salvation

 

__________________________________________________
________

Today as I pause, my thanks to give,

How blessed I am, this life to live.

And when my blessings I review,

None is greater, than knowing you.

Kindness you have shown to me

Such love is surely heavenly!

 

 

My Thanksgiving Note to Y’all ~

I have been blogging here on FOX for only 3 weeks, and I am so very thankful to all of you who have read my postings and who have been so affirming and encouraging to me.  You have brought something into my life that is very special.  I hope that you have found something in my posts that encouraged you or made you laugh or just made you wonder what I was talking about!!    

 

I wish y’all a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.  Share you smiles with those whom you love, and remember to give God thanks for all of His blessing!!!

         THANK Y'ALL

 

 

 

follow stanleymathis at http://twitter.com


View Yahoo's #2 Best Gifts Shop Here!!




Zimbio Interactive Magazine With 10 Million Readers A Month


Simply, click on the links I've provided you to view my personal profile page, hiddenmanna2008, or photos, there, in the #1 position of relevance when searching for articles on end times, prophecies of end times, prophecy of end times, end time prophecy, interpreting end time prophecy, researching prophecies, interpreting bible prophecies, understanding end times, understanding prophecies, accurate end time interpretations, interpreting end times, understanding end time prophecies, and interpreting end time prophecies, in Zimbio.Com's Search Engine.




The Blood Of The Lamb
     

Because of my viewpoint, and the simple vocabulary I'm blessed with to create an understanding, I've always been told I'd be a good teacher, even as a young man doing time, whether it was in jail, or at Seagoville Federal Correctional Institution, where I received a "Most Congeniality Award."

And though I'm not as vocal, now, everyone of all races were open to me, then, for having a gift of understanding, and being a black guy who spoke on a quite few subject matters, and could play many kinds of games (i.e., tennis, hand ball, basketball, football, baseball, billiards, poker, bid wiz, chess, checkers, spades, dominoes, as well as, being a crowd pleasing ping pong player). My strength is in God's Word.

Because of Jesus' appointed black (coarse hair) priesthood bloodline, Satan's plan is to insure that black people continue to be a reproach to other races. And as long as he can continue to convict us by association and cause separation between the haves, and the have not within our black community, Satan knows he will kill two birds with one stone because, his plan is to always spy, and when appropriate, attack the reputation of our wealthy and influential blacks and force them to hire high priced attorneys, so they, too, may lose all they have attained through their many years of dedicated labor.

So wise up young black men, and women, and take a page from out of Jesus' Book of Matthew to do your business in secret, even prayers, so the evil ones can't see. And let your words be few to those you know despise you, and always seeking dirt against you. Stop boasting and bragging, so much, and take care of the business of Jesus' kingdom, so you may become sons and daughters of our Father. Stop the killing!

Google, "Lemba Tribe Yemenite Jewish Priests in Southern Africa," and see the proof that sustains everything I've shared with you about the daughter of Zion's descendants being of the black Jewish Priesthood. Non black Jewish scientists have proven through D.N.A. results, that, some males of the "Buba tribe" still carry 50% of their father's Jewish priesthood gene from when the prophet Jeremiah secretly lead their ancestors to Yemen, out of Jerusalem, before king Nebuchadnezzar took captive all who were left in Jerusalem, to Babylon.

The false prophets can't argue with the Buba and Lemba tribe's D.N.A., coupled with, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit's testimony within my faith blogs. Where there is three?  There is divinity, says, Yeshua.

It is written, that, the kingdom of Judah shall be inherited by the ( meek ) descendants of Zerubbabel, and His companions, the children of Israel, as well as, the Lemba tribe, who ancestors (also sons of Solomon) had the "Ark of the Covenant," which was a very large drum. What deceiving rabbi, or church leader will argue with the testimonies and interpretations given within my faith blogs?

The 50% Jewish Priesthood D.N.A. of the males in the Buba tribe, twenty five hundred years, later, is unquestionable. One cannot believe everything their pastor tells them about scripture when he, himself, plays a roll (unknowingly in most cases)  within Christianity based on lies, and deception.

Mr. Parker, an angel of our Yeshua, and a world renown British biblical scholar, and researcher, who set out on a "Quest to Find the Ark of the Covenant," is responsible for locating the Lemba Tribe through his investigation of many different books in our bible. God's Word, which is Jesus, and His Spirit of truth, which dwelt in Him, is being poured out over the face of the earth to expose the "war lords" of world destruction who are many within the church of Jesus Christ.

Now you must sow the seeds I've sown in you to become a son, or daughter of man. And give all glory to Jesus! Amen.



NOTICE: In an interview with NOVA, team member Dr. David Goldstein commented on the team's findings: "The first striking thing about the Y chromosomes of the Lemba is that you find this particular chromosomal type (Cohen modal haplotype) that is characteristic of the Jewish priesthood in a frequency that is similar to what you see in major Jewish populations. Click Here To Visit The Lemba Tribe.



  Checkout My New MySpace 2.0. Personal Profile Page

click on graffics

Be Thankful


Be thankful that you don't already have
everything you desire.  If you did,
what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.



Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.



Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.



It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

 

I have been writing a "mini series" (really, not so mini) on my blog under the news category.  I had read an article about charities and it got me to think about the charities that have personally touched my life and my children. 

While writing about this, I realized, I have a fabulous story to tell.  It's a roller coaster of a ride...but It's my life.  Hollywood could not have created it, only God.

I have written about trials and tribulations....I am starting on part 3 soon.  I beg of you, if there is one woman out here reading, who has cried because of something her husband/boyfriend has done or said, I beg you to please read my blogs about giving to charities.  You owe it to yourself to read it! 

I promise there is a happy ending like no other!  God really is fascinating!  And, he really is ALL THAT!

Miracles?  Yep!

If you want to read my fascinating story about God, please read my mini story-my own little biography.  I'm trying my hardest to find forgiveness and writing this all is making me feel better....I hope to be able to let go...

These are from Charles Schultz and Charlie Brown ~

Sometimes I lie awake at night . . .

 

. . . and wonder if my life would be different if I had it to do over. . .  then a voice comes to me out of the dark that says, “Boy, there’s an original thought!”

 

. . . and I ask can my generation look to the future with hope?  Then, out of the dark, a voice comes to me that says, “Why, sure. . . well, I mean . . . that is . . . it sort of depends . . . I mean . . . if . . . when . . . who. . . we . . . and . . . . “

 

. . . and I ask, “Is it all worth it?”  Then a voice says, “Who are you talking to?”  Then another voice says, “You mean ‘To whom are you talking?’”  No wonder I lie awake at night!”

 

. . . and I ask, “Why am I here?  What’s the purpose of it all?  Does my life have any meaning?”  Then a voice comes to me that says, “Forget it!  I hate questions like that!”

 

. . . and I worry, and worry, and worry . . . then a voice comes to me out of the dark that says, “We understand your problem . . . details at eleven.”

 

. . . and I ask myself, “Why?”  Then a voice comes to me that says, “Why, what?”

 

. . . and I ask, “Who, Why, What, and Where?”  Then a voice comes back to me that says, “Wait a minute . . . I think you’ve lost me.”

 

. . . and I ask, “Why isn’t the world perfect?”  Then a voice comes to me that says, “We admit it . . there are still a few kinks that need working out.”

 

. . . and I ask, “Where have I gone wrong?”  Then a voice says to me, “This is going to take more than one night!”

 

. . . and I ask myself, “Is this all there is?”  Then I hear a voice that says, . . “What kind of question is that?”

THE SERENITY PRAYER

God grant me

the serenity

to accept the things

I cannot change,

the courage to change

the things I can,

and the wisdom

to know

the difference.

Amen!

---

:) HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!! :) 

During the waning days of the Presidential campaign an Associated Press story got wide play in newspapers around the country - often headlined something like "Evangelicals in the News - Not in the Newsroom."  It has sparked some interesting comment since, from Rod Dreher in the National Review and, of all places, the New York Times.  The conclusion, what most everyone agrees on, is that Evangelical Christians, in particular, and people of faith, in general, are woefully under-represented in American newsrooms. 

This, I'm sure, comes as a shock to no one.

But, let me quote some statistics:

In 2007 The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press reported that 8% of journalists surveyed at national media outlets said they attended church or synagogue weekly. Nearly a third (29%) never attend such services.  39% report they go a few times a year.

Pew polling of the general public found 39% of Americans say they attend religious services weekly.   Other polls find that about 2/3rds of Americans say they attend, at least, occasionally.

I think the numbers are probably a little less skewed at local media outlets and, I'm guessing, much better at Fox 4 News.  Just a rough count of the committed, church-going Christians that I'm aware of in the newsroom is a whole lot higher than 8%.

But, at the network level, at places like the New York Times and the Washington Post, such people are nearly non-existent.  Don't take my word for it - here's what Nicolas Kristof, a columnist at the New York Times writes about Evangelicals:

"nearly all of us in the news business are completely out of touch with a group that includes 46 percent of Americans."

Kristof is a talented journalist.  And, a remarkably honest one.  He goes on to write:

"liberal critiques sometimes seem not just filled with outrage at Evangelical-backed policies, which is fair, but also to have a sneering tone about conservative Christianity itself. Such mockery of religious faith is inexcusable."

Kristof's mea culpa column has others in the business writing and talking about increasing the diversity -- not just of Evangelicals but of journalists of other Faiths.  To be effective, we have to represent and understand our audience.  Newsrooms should reflect the diversity of those they report to.

I don't intend for this blog to spark the sort of knee-jerk reaction that I'm sure it will with a lot of you.  Angry broadsides at the "Godless Media" aren't entirely accurate and don't do anybody any good.  Part of the problem is that the only contact many journalists have with Evangelical Christians is from hate-filled emails and  phone calls.  That is not the "fruit of the Spirit." 

What I would encourage, instead, is that you let your newspaper and television outlets know that you appreciate when we do cover religious issues.  I've fought for and succeeded in getting several stories on the air in recent years -- a four-part series on short-term missions, stories about Dallas Theological Seminary offering classes on the internet in China, for example.  When you see that kind of thing call and email in a positive way.  My bosses do pay attention.  I'll keep pitching those kind of stories and positive feedback from viewers will help them get on the air.

Rich

 

 

 

  

Thought you might enjoy this interesting prayer given in Kansas at the opening session of their Senate. It seems prayer still upsets some people.

When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard:

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your
direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.

We confess that we have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and call it Pluralism.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free.

Amen!"

The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest.

In 6 short weeks, Central Christian Church, where Rev. Wright is pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls responding negatively.

The church is now receiving international requests for copies of this prayer from India, Africa and Korea.

Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, "The Rest of the Story," and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired.

With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called "one nation under God."
 

Running into the unknown,

stepping out in faith,

 breaking free of comfort zones,

being molded and shaped

every breathe praising You,

 my mind is made brand new,

 my life a testimony, Jesus I need You!!

 

Holly Smith copyright 2008

I can’t carry a tune.

But many a day,

A tune has carried me.

A song in my heart

Has put a skip in my step,

A smile on my face

A hope in my soul.

Songs are written

Not only to be sung.

They are written

To be experienced.

They are God’s way

Of putting us in tune

With His very heart.

Life can be a sad song.

But God’s song will carry you through.

 

 

 

Andy Pettite, Pitcher of the New York Yankees, is coming to speak at Lakewood Baptist Church in Irving, TX.

Lakewood Baptist Church
1705 Esters Road
Irving, TX 75061
Phone: (972) 790-3700
Email: lakewood@lakewoodirving.com

Click here for more info:  http://www.lakewoodirving.com/

Service begins at 10:00am, so come early to ensure you get a seat!

See you there!

BE A PRAYER PEST!

A poem by Francine M. O'Connor

One day Jesus told us the story

of a widow in trouble, you see.

She begged a judge for help

but he simply ignored her plea.

This judge had no time to be bothered

with the poor lady's problem that day.

He didn't care what she needed

or what God had to say.

But the lady kept on trying,

For she wanted the judge to hear

her plea for justice and help,

so she called out loud and clear.

She knocked on the judges door

and pestered him night and day.

Then finally the judge had to listen

to what she had to say.

Jesus said we should pray

in a pestering kind of way.

For unlike that selfish judge,

God wants to hear what we say.

So don't you ever stop praying,

and know God always hears.

For God really cares about you,

and is listening for your prayer.

---

HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!

We all seek miracles at one time or another but, don't really know where to find them or, know what the signs are that it has already happened.  I have come to learn that a miracle does not necessarily have to come the way you requested it.  It can be sent in many different ways.  Ways that are unclear to us as to why it came that way.  Sometimes, inorder for a prayer to be answered, other things have to change.  It's not a price that we pay for what we have asked for, but, kind of like an exchange.  Sometimes, we don't like the outcome, but, always remember, that EVERYTHING happens for a reason. 

_____

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.
 
 
 She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three
 times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes.
 
 
 Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she
 slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with
 the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.
 
 She waited patiently for  the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment.   Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat
 with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good.

Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it! 

'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of  voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he
 said without waiting for a reply to his question. 

'Well, I want to talk  to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. 'He's  really, really sick...and I want to buy a miracle.' 

 

 

'I beg your pardon?'   said the pharmacist. 

 

'His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?' 

 

'We don't sell miracles here, little girl.
 I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said, softening a little. 

'Listen , I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get
 the rest. Just tell me how much it costs..' 

The pharmacist's brother was
 a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of a
 miracle does your brother need?' 

' I don't know,' Tess replied with her
 eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an
 operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money.' 
'How much do you have?' asked the man from Chicago 

'One dollar  and eleven cents,' Tess answered barely audibly.
 
 'And it's all the money  I have, but I can get some more if I need to.'
 
 'Well, what a  coincidence,' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a
 miracle for little brothers. '
 
 He took her money in one hand and with  the other hand he grasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live. I want  to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you  need.' 
 

That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon,  specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it  wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. 

 

Mom and Dad were  happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.
 
 
 'That surgery,' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle. I wonder how
 much it would have cost?' 
 
Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost..one dollar and eleven cents....plus the faith of a little child. 

_______________

In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need. 

A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law. 
 
 
 ______________ 
A ball is a circle, no beginning, no  end. It keeps us together like our Circle o f Friends. But the treasure inside  for you to see is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me.
 
 Today  I pass the friendship ball to you. 
 
  
 MY OATH T O YOU...
 
 When you are sad....I will dry your
 tears. 
 
When you are scared.....I will comfort your fears.
 
 When  you are worried.....I will give you hope.
 
 When you are confused.....I  will help you cope.
 
 And when you are lost....And can't see the light,

I shall be your beacon....Shining ever so bright.
 
 This is my oath.....

I pledge till the end. 
 
Why you may ask?....Because you're my friend. 

 

Signed: GOD