Hey You! God Loves You

Fwd: Fw: PRAYER REQUEST: Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani

2012-01-22T18:49:00.001-08:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: JAMES SPURLING <spurlingj@bellsouth.net>
Date: Sun, Jan 22, 2012 at 8:49 PM
Subject: Fw: PRAYER REQUEST: Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani
To: Tracy Hughes <j.boysmom@yahoo.com>, paul young <pauldy43@gmail.com>, Sharon Spurling <spurlingkay@bellsouth.net>, Ann Elliott <sldelliott@frontier.com>, April Womack <awomack@gsp.net>, Kelly.Spurling@vocalocity.com, Mark Kratz <kratzkrew@yahoo.com>

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Lou & Kathie <compupal@bellsouth.net>
To: Undisclosed-Recipient@yahoo.com
Sent: Tue, January 17, 2012 1:02:40 AM
Subject: PRAYER REQUEST: Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani

> *Sent:* Tuesday, January 3, 2012 8:56:12 PM
> *Subject:* Pray for Youcef Nadarkhani facing execution in Iran
>
> *[image: Description: Description:
> 316610_280881058607074_280880131940500_1042814_171121071_n.jpg]*
>
> * **This Prayer Chain is calling ALL Christians into action NOW on behalf
> of this Iranian pastor, who faces execution!*
>
> *
> Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani never practiced the Muslim faith and converted to
> Christianity at age 19, becoming a pastor later. But the courts say that
> since his mother and father *
>
> *were practicing Muslims, he must recant his Christian faith or die. So
> far, in three court appearances, he has refused to do so - RISKING
> EXECUTION AT ANY MOMENT. *
>
> *The Iranian Supreme Court often acts quickly in administering the death
> penalty.*
>
>
>
> *According to a report, when asked by judges to "repent," Youcef replied:
> "Repent, What should I return to? To the blasphemy that I had before my
> faith in Christ?"
>
> The judges replied: "To the religion of your ancestors - Islam." To which
> Yousef replied: "I cannot."
>
> It's time for the body of Christ to act, to pray, to plead for the life of
> our Brother before Christ so that His servant may be spared. *
>
> *This is what you are asked/called to do. As soon as you receive this
> email, PRAY IMMEDIATELY. *
>
> *Forward to your Church so that they may all pray too. Then forward this
> PRAYER REQUEST to every CHRISTIAN you know so that they may pray also.
> *
>
> *The Bible States , "If God is with us, who can stand against us." *
>
>
>
> *Hebrews 13:2 Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow
> prisoners .. *
>
>

Giving Ourselves unto Whom We Belong

2011-07-15T13:04:00.001-07:00

Years ago, a rock singer had a popular song that you sometimes may hear on the pop stations titled My Life. The singer repeatedly says that it is My Life and for other people to leave him alone. Nothing intrinsically wrong with not wanting people meddling in our affairs, but we need to realize that it is not our life, we are not our own, but we belong to the creator of all things. Even though we may never say or sing it is my life, it is very easy to have a this is my life mindset.

1^st Corinthians 6:19) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

A Call to Action Due to the Price Paid

1^st Peter 1:13) Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14) As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

15) But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16) Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

17) And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

18) Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

19) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

20) Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

21) Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

22) Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

23) Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

In the first chapter of Peter’s first epistle verses 13-17, he encourages believers to prepare their minds and pin all their hopes on Jesus, whom we have received and one day will see face to face. He calls upon believers to be obedient children and forsake their former way of living prior to conversion. Separation to God who is so high above and all together separate than anything in this universe is encouraged by Peter, this separation is to spill over in all areas of life. Additionally, Peter admonishes believers to life their life in reverential fear of God, for He is also is a God of judgment.

Starting in verse 18, Peter gives the reasoning behind this radical holy way of living. He states the price that was paid to deliver us from a life of separation of God. The price paid was the blood of Christ, the perfect undefiled sacrifice to redeem us from our defiled lives. What a price was paid for our redemption, no wonder Paul stated that we were not our own but had been bought with a price.

It is obvious that the price we were bought with was far from ordinary. Apart from being the blood of the Son of God, which is of greater significance than mortal man can fathom, there are some noteworthy aspects of the price that was paid for our souls that should shape our way of thinking and ultimately living.

1) It was a perfect sacrifice. In verses 18-19 of 1^st Peter Chapter 1, Peter speaks of the perfection of the sacrifice. It was a complete, perfect price that God paid for you and me. God does not do things halfway, which means that we have been completely redeemed from our former way of living. That being the case, we ought to live like those who have been totally redeemed.

2) It was a sacrifice in eternity. In verse 20, in my opinion Peter is alluding to eternity before the world and in verse 23 eternity when the world as we know it is destroyed. It is a price that is outside of the continuum of time or of eternity rather. Because of the eternal aspects of the price paid, we should view and live life from an eternal perspective.

3) It is a life giving sacrifice. In verse 23 we see that the price that was paid caused us to be born again, to be given a new life that sprang up from the seed of Christ.

The first step in living our lives in the reality of who we truly belong to is to change our way of thinking. We have to continually remind ourselves of whose we are and the price paid. Instead of thinking about what I want to do, we need to meditate upon what God would have us to do. God has given us gifts, spiritual and natural for us to use for Him during the time of our pilgrimage here on earth, the question we need to be asking is; how does He want me to use those gifts for His glory and the kingdom of God?

　

Psalm 73

2011-07-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

¹ Truly God is good to Israel,
To such as are pure in heart.
² But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;
My steps had nearly slipped.
³ For I was envious of the boastful,
When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

⁴ For there are no pangs in their death,
But their strength is firm.
⁵ They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like other men.
⁶ Therefore pride serves as their necklace;
Violence covers them like a garment.
⁷ Their eyes bulge^[a] with abundance;
They have more than heart could wish.
⁸ They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression;
They speak loftily.
⁹ They set their mouth against the heavens,
And their tongue walks through the earth.

¹⁰ Therefore his people return here,
And waters of a full cup are drained by them.
¹¹ And they say, “How does God know?
And is there knowledge in the Most High?”
¹² Behold, these are the ungodly,
Who are always at ease;
They increase in riches.
¹³ Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain,
And washed my hands in innocence.
¹⁴ For all day long I have been plagued,
And chastened every morning.

¹⁵ If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.
¹⁶ When I thought how to understand this,
It was too painful for me—
¹⁷ Until I went into the sanctuary of God;
Then I understood their end.

¹⁸ Surely You set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction.
¹⁹ Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment!
They are utterly consumed with terrors.
²⁰ As a dream when one awakes,
So, Lord, when You awake,
You shall despise their image.

²¹ Thus my heart was grieved,
And I was vexed in my mind.
²² I was so foolish and ignorant;
I was like a beast before You.
²³ Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You hold me by my right hand.
²⁴ You will guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory.

²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
²⁶ My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

²⁷ For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish;
You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry.
²⁸ But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord GOD,
That I may declare all Your works.

The Psalmist is really discouraged about how life appears at times. How that it seems that the wicked prosper and that there is no repercussions for their evil deeds. However, God gives him a wake-call and he sees the final end of the unrepentant. The psalmist is also reminded of what a treasure he himself has in God. With a renewed faith he declares, whom in heaven do I have but God and there in nothing on this planet that I desire but God.

What an awesome statement. If we could only have our hearts washed from the temporal trapping of this present world and have the healing balm of the Holy Spirit applied to our eyes, we could see that all that we could ever desire or ask for now and throughout eternity is found in our God.

Oh great God, may you free us from desiring the things of this world and turn our wayward hearts towards You. Amen

Death Can be Painful

2011-07-03T21:42:00.001-07:00

Imagine being stretched out on two wooden beams laid crossways and having nails driven through your feet and hands to hold you to the beams. Now imagine the cross being stood upright with you nailed to it. If the pain of the nails being driven through your flesh is not enough, imagine trying to hold yourself up in order to breathe as your lungs fill up with fluid. Death by crucifixion is not something that most would choose, but Jesus willingly died this way for the sins of the world.

It is interesting that Jesus tells His followers that in order to follow Him they must take up their cross and follow Him daily. Make no mistake, the cross is a torturous means of execution and we must carry it everyday if we would be disciples of Christ. The flesh must be crucified and we must consent to its crucifixion.

Once I have agreed with God and consented about the death of the flesh by submitting to His will, the process begins. Any part of the soul that is rebelling against God must die. That part of the soul will hang on a cross of God’s choosing until it chooses to give up the ghost as Jesus did. The process is painful; the only freedom from the pain is death, choosing to let the flesh die, letting go and giving in to God.

When Jesus died the veil in the temple was tore in half by God, signifying that the way to God had been opened up for all humanity; so that all people could come right into the presence of God for themselves without the need for a priest. When we let go and choose to die, I believe we open avenues in our lives for people to come and know God.

Why as believers do we expect a pain free trek to Heaven? Following Jesus involves a being executed on a cross. The pain can be intense but the reward is out of this world.

Die Daily

2011-06-25T22:52:00.000-07:00

Following Jesus requires the crucifixion of our flesh on a daily basis. Though we have died with Jesus, a daily crucifixion must take place of this flesh we live in. Paul contrasts being in the flesh and being in the Spirit in Romans 8. Even though we who have Christ are in the Spirit and not in the flesh, Paul speaks of putting to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit.

As followers of Jesus, we must put the death our sinful desires. The temptation to sin must be slaughtered by the Spirit of God.
As followers of Jesus, we must put to death our carnal way of thinking. We need to think with the mind of Christ that is within us through the Holy Spirit. We must view this life from God’s perspective.
As followers of Christ, we have to die to anything that competes with our love of the Lord.
As followers of Jesus, we must die to the rights to ourselves. If we are born again believers we are not our own, we have been bought with a price, the blood of Jesus.

Having a Vision

2011-06-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

Do you have a vision for your life? Do you have a vision of God's will for your life? I believe it is imporatnt for us as believers to have a vision of His will for our lives. I feel that too often take God's will much to lightly and place too much emphasis on what we want to do. God is working in in His children, but how much more would He do if His children who He redeemed with the precious blood of Christ would only cooperate with Him. I wonder what would happen if God's people would accept their position of working together with God as His bond-servant. I believe we would see an awesome move of God in our lives and experience God as we never have before. Check out my latest on Associated Content A Vision of God's Will

Awesome Devotion

2011-06-14T07:03:00.001-07:00

Oswald Chambers devotional for today is awesome. Check it out My Utmost for His Highest

Prayer

2011-06-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

As believers what is the most important thing that we can do to make a difference? I believe the most important thing that believers need to be doing is praying. Without God's help we are helpless, without God's blessings on our lives we are hopeless, without the power of God's Spirit we are powerless, and without the guidance of the Holy Spirit we are clueless. Believers should seek God's help, His blessings, His power and His divine guidance. It is through the privilege of prayer that we seek these things. Seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened, ask and you shall receive.

Good Instruction

2011-05-10T07:15:00.001-07:00

Good instruction from Oswald chambers this morning.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Fulfilled Prohecy

2011-05-10T07:11:00.001-07:00

I see the fullfillment of Jesus' words as I read this passage. Here I am half way around the globe, living in a different culture reading about a Jewish womam pouring perfume on Jewish man prior to His crucifixion 2000 years after the fact. Jesus spoke the truth, He is the truth, the way and the life. Know Him!

in reference to:

"Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me. 11"For you always have (M)the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. 12"For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it (N)to prepare Me for burial. 13"Truly I say to you, (O)wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.""
- Matthew 26 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Description of the Life of Faith

2011-05-08T07:22:00.001-07:00

In todays devotional, Oswald gives a godd description of the life of faith. Todays excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest is well worth reading.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Why Don't We Drill for Our Own Oil

2011-03-22T10:22:00.001-07:00

Maybe I am a little ignorant and unlearned, but I have a hard time understanding why we do not drill for own oil in Alaska and offshore as well. Why does some of those in power insist on keeping the United States dependent on foriegn oil? There is a mystery here and I am afraid of what the answer may be.

in reference to: Obama: Drill, Brazil, Drill! (view on Google Sidewiki)

Spring Time poem

2011-03-17T20:46:00.001-07:00

I wrote a little poem about spring. its not much but sort of captures the magic of a spring night.

in reference to: Spring Night - Associated Content from Yahoo! - associatedcontent.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

What is Your Goal in Life?

2011-03-17T07:07:00.001-07:00

Oswald Chambers points out the most important goal to have in life, that is to live a life that is well pleasing to our creator. The only way we can do that is believing is His only begotten Son who died for our sins and arose from the grave so that we could have a right relationship with our Heavenly Father.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Live the Message

2011-03-10T07:02:00.001-08:00

What leaps out at me from today's excerpt from "My Utmost for His Highest" is that believers should live the message of Christ. Believe it or not that is what I taught in bible study last night. Coincidence? No, I believe God is reminding me that if we are going to be a light in this world of darkness we have to life the life.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Romantic Gift Ideas

2011-03-01T17:08:00.001-08:00

Even though Valentines Day has come anf gone, it is never too late to by that someone special a gift to show them how much you care. Check out this collection of romantic gift ideas.

in reference to: Romantic Gift Ideas (view on Google Sidewiki)

Is Pornography harmful

2011-03-01T13:22:00.001-08:00

Here is an article that describes the problems caused by pornography.

in reference to: Can Pornography Hurt a Marriage (view on Google Sidewiki)

Giving Ourselves to Whom We Belong

2010-12-05T06:55:00.001-08:00

As we get ready for church and put on our best clothes, best Christian manners, and our Jesus mask, may we be reminded that we are called to so much more than a Sunday morning extravagamza of fine suits, Sunday dresses, and parading around like we are the holiest of the holy; we are called to present ourselves daily to God as a living sacrifice. That is so much more than our standard religious activity.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Good Morals are Not an Accident

2010-12-04T06:57:00.001-08:00

Good morals, and a vibrant relationship with Christ does not happen by accident, it is something that believers must put some effort into. We are not saved by our own efforts, but by the grace of God, but it takes effort on our part to live up to the life we have been called to live.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Textbroker

2010-12-03T08:38:00.001-08:00

For aspiring freelance writers or for those who just want to make a few dollars on the side, textbroker is a good entry level writing site. They are reliable, they pay, and provide a steady stream of writing jobs.

in reference to: Unique content - Textbroker.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Reality of Redemption

2010-12-03T07:07:00.001-08:00

The reality of redemption in Christ, a reality not based on emoitions or human experiences, but on the death and resurrection of The Son of God. When believers life their live according to this reality they truly experience God.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Fighting with Philistines

2010-11-27T12:12:00.000-08:00

Fighting with Philistines

article on suite101 about fighting with Philistines

Fighting with Philistines

2010-11-27T12:11:00.000-08:00

Fighting with Philistines

Things Looking Up for Cracker Barrel

2010-11-24T09:43:00.001-08:00

Things appear to be looking up for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Perhaps what looks good for Cracker Barrel is good for the overall economy. With Cracker Barrel serving a good cross-section of main-stream America. maybe it is a sign that the U.S. economy is on the rebound.

in reference to: Cracker Barrel Beats - Zacks.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Enraged About Educational Entitlements

2010-11-24T09:33:00.001-08:00

While I admire the spunk of these students, I have to question if one has the right to be upset over the loss of entitlements. Where do people get the idea that the government owes them anything?
Entitlements are nice for those receiving them, but someone has to pay for the entitlements. If a society can afford to dole out these benefits, so be it, but if not, then there is nothing wrong with people paying their own way through innovation hard work.

in reference to: Demonstrators Attack Police Van as U.K. Students Protest Over College Fees - Bloomberg (view on Google Sidewiki)

Prayer for the Persecuted Church

2010-11-14T05:53:00.000-08:00

Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.

Becoming His

2010-09-04T07:30:00.001-07:00

The clarion call of Chritiananity, to give ourselves over so fully to Christ that it can be said that we are His.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Holiness

2010-09-01T06:54:00.001-07:00

This helps to understand the meaning of true holiness before God, and reminds me of how far I am away from it.

in reference to: Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest": September 1st. (view on Google Sidewiki)

Useful to God

2010-08-30T05:53:00.001-07:00

I guess what Oswald is saying here is that it is not so much about being busy for God, but rather letting God be busy in our lives. God is soveriegn, but when I surrender to Him in faith and obedience, I allow His will to work without the hindrance of my will.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

The Life of Faith

2010-08-29T06:58:00.001-07:00

The Chtistian life is a journey of faith, Jesus is building our faith through the trials and difficulties of this life. This is a good analogy of the life of faith by Oswald Chambers. It is in Old English, but the meaning is still quite clear. May we all grow deeper in faith and closer to Christ today, may He take us up on the mountain and show us His glory.

in reference to: Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest": August 29th. (view on Google Sidewiki)

Look What The Competion is Doing

2010-08-28T20:26:00.001-07:00

It seems that Cracker Barre'ls competition is resorting to giving away food to bring in the guests. Cracker Barrel is not giving away food, but is still offering tasty, quality food at hard to beat prices.

in reference to: Chili's Free Chips & Queso! (view on Google Sidewiki)

Good Ole Uncle Herschel

2010-08-28T14:44:00.001-07:00

Seeing this article on the late Uncle Herschel, rest his soul, I had to post this link on my blog. Uncle Herschel is to me the Cracker Barrel Icon. To me he embodies what I want to believe is the original vision for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, good ole southern, country hospitality serrved with a smile.

in reference to: Uncle Herschel finally gets his Way - Decaturdaily.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Oswald Chambers on Prayer

2010-08-28T08:29:00.001-07:00

This devotional is well worth reading, so many times we take our prayers before God as a wish list seeking things instead of seeking more of God Himself in our lives, which is what we desperately need the most.

in reference to: Oswald Chambers' "My Utmost For His Highest": August 28th. (view on Google Sidewiki)

Garagedelparco

2010-08-18T08:45:00.001-07:00

For those who need to compro auto usate or are looking to vendita auto usate, the garagedelparco web site may be of help. Garagedelparco has been in business since 1978, and takes pride in providing professional service to their clients. Garagedelparco also prides itself in bringing plenty of experience to the table and paying close attention to the needs of their customers and in making sure that their customers are satisfied with the service that they receive.

For those who are looking for auto usate milano , Garagedelparco has a great selection of used cars. at the garagedelparco site you will find high-end sports car brands such as Maserati, Porshe, BMW, Jaguar and others. You will also find classy luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Renault and others. In addition to the high-end sports cars and luxury cars, garagedelparco also has a selection of used cars from well known companies such as Toyota, Ford, Chrysler, Kia, and other companies as well. This great variety of used cars available on the Garagedelparco web site provides a selection of vehicles for just about anybodies taste or needs.

Garagedelparco’s well rounded line-up of vehicles is something that is a big plus in the used automobile industry. The fact that Garagedelparco prides itself in providing efficient, thorough, and competent service for their clientele is a big plus as well. So, in reviewing the Garagedelparco website, I give it a thumbs up for a great selection of used automobiles. Not just the amount of used cars available, but the variety of vehicle as well. The luxury, the sports cars, and the average cars as well, something for everybody. I also give Garagedelparco a thumbs up on their experience, being in business since 1978 tells me that they must be doing something right. So for those who are looking for auto usate milano, check out Garagedelparco.

Becoming a Slave and Giving Away Our Lives

2010-08-14T06:57:00.001-07:00

Jesus declares His mission, and reminds us of our mission as well. We are called to serve and to give our lives away for others. This may not fit in with pop culture theology, but this is the essance of the Christian life, our King Jesus came as a servant and gave His life away, He calls us to do the same. This what we have been saved for, this is the glory of the Christian life, to follow in the footsteps of our King.

in reference to:

"25(U)But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26"It is not this way among you, (V)but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28just as (W)the Son of Man (X)did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.""
- Matthew 20 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Oswald Nails it Again

2010-08-09T06:16:00.001-07:00

Our walk with Jesus is not about emotional highs or being simply religious, even though the spirit touchs our emotions at times and we can't deny the religious aspect, but our walk with Christ is about moment by moment allowing Him to have his way in my life. It is about me trusting Him to the point that I throw up my arms in sweet surrender to His will. When we lift our hand in praise, may we also raise our hands in surrender, saying " alright, Jesus, you got me. I'm yours."

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

For investors

2010-07-31T11:06:00.001-07:00

For investors who are intersted in dividend investing, this article offers some utlity names that are well worth looking into.

in reference to: 11 High Yield Utility Stocks Beating the Market | InvestorPlace (view on Google Sidewiki)

Working out the details

2010-07-31T06:55:00.001-07:00

It is easy to be so busy with life and even busy in spiritual matters that we forget to acknowledge God in all areas of our lives. Proverbs 3: 5-6 says that we shouldtrust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not to our own understanding and to acknowledge God in all our ways, then he will make our paths straight. We need to take the time and effort to let God be involved in all areas of life, so that our lives wil be all that God intends for them to be.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Another Cracker Barrel Location

2010-07-28T10:32:00.001-07:00

It is good to see that some companies are still expanding in a slow economy. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has showed amazing resilency in the current economic environment.

in reference to: Cracker Barrel deal is nearly complete - Decaturdaily.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

An Interesting Perspective

2010-07-28T07:40:00.001-07:00

In today's devotion, an interesting perspective is given on the Christian life. A perspective that goes against the grain of the way many view their walk with Jesus. If you have the time, read the entire devotion; it is well worth the reading.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Promises of God

2010-07-27T05:51:00.001-07:00

I love reading about the promises of God. They never fail, God is faithful. When you are feeling low, and it seems like all hope has gone, just remember, the promises of God that never fail.

in reference to:

"45(AD)Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass."
- Joshua 21 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Nothing New for Cracker Barrel

2010-07-24T21:03:00.001-07:00

Offering holiday products early is nothing new for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store's gift shop. It seems that they have already been doing this for a few years, maybe longer. I always make a joke about all the Halloween merchandise, I say " It is shame to commercialize a good pagen holiday like Halloween." Occasionally people will get the joke and laugh, and sometimes I get no response. Anyways, Cracker Barrel's gift shop is on top of things getting the holiday merchandise out early.

in reference to: Some stores offering holiday items early » Knoxville News Sentinel (view on Google Sidewiki)

If we only realized all we have in Christ

2010-07-23T06:39:00.001-07:00

If we could only realize all that we have in Christ, what has been imparted to us by His divine power. It blows me away to think that the holiness of Jesus has been given to me, that it is in me through the Holy Spirit that live in all believers. Is the holiness of Jesus always what I exhibit? Not hardly, but on the journey of faith I am learning to let it have preeminence in my life, it is a ongoing process. I have not arrived, but praise God I am on my way. How about you?

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

We have great power in the name of Jesus

2010-07-23T06:21:00.001-07:00

Even though it seems like there are overwhelming challenges before us and fierce opposition, in the name of Jesus we like the Ephraim and Manasseh have great power. It is true that the devil goes about as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour, but the word says that greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world. There is a promised land of victory, peace, and great joy for the soul of the believer in Jesus, may we rise up with confidence and great courage and take possesion.

in reference to:

"17Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasseh, saying, "You are a numerous people and have great power; you shall not have one lot only, 18but the hill country shall be yours. For though it is a forest, you shall clear it, and to its farthest borders it shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, even though they have (M)chariots of iron and though they are strong.""
- Joshua 17 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Something to Consider

2010-07-22T05:49:00.001-07:00

This devotional is something for all believers to consider. We often use the phrase "living for Jesus", yet dying with Jesus can be a foriegn concept to us. Before we can truly live for Jesus, we must choose to die with him. The old man with its sinful desires must be delivered over to death.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Win a free lunch at Cracker Barrel

2010-07-17T11:58:00.001-07:00

Winning a free lunch at Cracker Barrel is the real prize here. I will take a free lunch at Cracker Barrel anyday, you can even let the country star stay home, I will take my wife instead. Even though I work for Cracker Barrel Old Country store, I really love the Cracker Barrel Menu, lots to choose from and in my opinion the Cracker Barrel menu prices are some of the best in the casual dining industry.

in reference to: Cracker Barrel & Craig Morgan Say “That’s Why!” You Can Win Lunch With Craig » Got Country? (view on Google Sidewiki)

The latest Cracker Barrel Music Offering

2010-07-17T09:46:00.001-07:00

Cracker Barrel's retail side's latest offering in music. Cracker Barrel's retail side is showing once more that as the store side of the business that they can provide current, relevent products to to Cracker Barrel customers who shop in the gift shop prior and after their dining experience.

in reference to: Photo Friday: LBT, TBP, Craig Morgan : MusicRow (view on Google Sidewiki)

The day that the Sun stood still.

2010-07-17T08:18:00.001-07:00

This illusrates how far our God will go to give victory to His children. If God will stop the Sun and moon at the request of His servant Joshua, is there anything that He will not do for us to ensure our victory. Fight on weary soldiers, there is victory in Jesus.

in reference to:

"13(L)So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, Until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies Is it not written in (M)the book of Jashar? And (N)the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day."
- Joshua 10 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

God is in Control

2010-07-16T08:02:00.001-07:00

An excellent devotion by Oswald Chambers today. What a blessed thought, God is in control and there is nothing that I will face that He does not know about, care about or that He is in control of. Why worry, why be in despair, for we have a Heavenly Father that loves us with an inexpessionalble and has soveriegn control over our circumstances. Praise be the Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Making God our all in all.

2010-07-13T05:55:00.001-07:00

Very good devotional, we were created for this. We were created to choose to belong to Christ. Everybody belongs to Him already, but not everybody has chosen to be His. Make it your goal to be His.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Worth reading

2010-07-12T06:18:00.001-07:00

Todays devotional from Oswald Chambers is well worth taking the time to read and contemplelate on our relationship with Christ. The question we should ask is, is my relationship with Jesus all about Him or is it all about me?

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

The Everlasting Arms

2010-07-06T05:55:00.001-07:00

What a blessed thought as we face this life, that underneath us, upholding us, is the everlasting arms of Jesus. No wonder the songwriter who wrote 'Leaning n the Everlasting Arms' wrote " What a fellowship, what a joy is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms"

in reference to:

"27"(AX)The eternal God is a dwelling place, (AY)And underneath are the everlasting arms;"
- Deuteronomy 33 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

It is a shame

2010-06-24T21:25:00.001-07:00

Either our Commander in chief is totally out of touch with mainstream America or he really does not care. Anyways, there is no excuse for rewarding bad behaviour and punishing good behavior.

in reference to: Opinion: President Obama's Policies Reward the Bad, Punish the Good (view on Google Sidewiki)

Google Sidewiki entry by paul

2010-06-23T07:10:00.001-07:00

Faith is embracing the reality of God in the deepest part of my soul, having that reality as a hope and an anchor for my soul.

in reference to:

"1Now faith is the (A)assurance of things (B)hoped for, the conviction of (C)things not seen."
- Hebrews 11 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Judging others

2010-06-17T05:51:00.001-07:00

This is someyhing I need to wok on. My harsh criticism of others.

in reference to: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Faith

2010-06-16T07:45:00.001-07:00

Our faith in God is not just a mental or emotional ascent of a belief in God, but is a supernatural occurance that is birthed by the living word of God. Faith is the reality of God stamped on our spirit and spreading through our soul, creating conviction and confidence in our God.

in reference to:

"1Now faith is the (A)assurance of things (B)hoped for, the conviction of (C)things not seen. 2For by it the (D)men of old (E)gained approval. 3By faith we understand that the (F)worlds were prepared (G)by the word of God, so that what is seen (H)was not made out of things which are visible."
- Hebrews 11 - Passage Lookup - New American Standard Bible - BibleGateway.com (view on Google Sidewiki)

Being faithful in a world that is unfaithful

2010-06-16T07:21:00.001-07:00

It does seem like we are faced with many challenges that tempt and pressure us to act contrary to our faith, and I think this is the rub, to go against those inclinations and submit to Christ anyways. I must admit I often fail in that, but I am learning, and leaning on the mercy of our Lord. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saves a wretch like me.

in reference to:

"“Now you work it out in your life, and be faithful to Me, even though the nature of everything around you is to cause you to be unfaithful.”"
- My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (view on Google Sidewiki)

Fwd: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 07/17/2009

2009-07-17T19:35:00.001-07:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: system@vomgroups.com <system@vomgroups.com>
Date: Fri, Jul 17, 2009 at 4:01 AM
Subject: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 07/17/2009
To: pauldy@tds.net

vom groups

weekly prayer updates

Thank you for praying for persecuted Christians around the world.

Let the fires go out in the boiler room of the church and the place will still look smart and clean, but it will be cold. The Prayer Room is the boiler room for its spiritual life. - Leonard Ravenhill

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. - Ephesians 6:18

VOM-USA Prayer Update for July 17, 2009
On Tue. Jul 14 2009 at 01:43 PM Moderator wrote:
SOMALIA - Sons of Christian Beheaded – Compass Direct News

Islamic extremists have beheaded two boys in Somalia because their Christian father, 55 year-old Musa Mohammed Yusuf, refused to give them information about an underground church leader, according to Compass Direct News. The extremists from the group al shabaab killed 11-year-old Abdi Rahaman Musa Yusuf and 12-year-old Hussein Musa Yusuf, after abducting them in front of their mother. The terrorists are currently looking for Yusuf in Kenyan refugee camps. Yusuf was a leader of an underground church in Yonday village, 19 miles from Kismayo, Somalia. On February 20, the extremists interrogated Yusuf about his relationship with Salat Mberwa, the Christian leader who discipled him in the faith and led an underground fellowship with 66 believers. When Yusuf told them he did not have any connection to him and knew nothing about him, they left and vowed to return the next day. Yusuf fled immediately and the next day the extremists killed his sons. Yusuf's wife and 7-year-old son have joined him in the refugee camp in Kenya where Mberwa and other believers are helping them. VOM encourages you to pray for Yusuf and his family as they have lost their sons. Pray God comforts them during this difficult time, and provides the family with other believers who can encourage them with scriptures and songs.

1 Thessalonians 2:2

TANZANIA - Church buildings burned down in Zanzibar – Compass Direct News

On June 28, two church buildings on the outskirts of Unguja Township on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar were burned by suspected Muslim extremists, according to Compass Direct News. A flier stating, "We don't want churches on our street. Today we are going to burn the church, and if you continue we are going to burn your house also," was left at the home of the man who donated the plot of land for The Evangelical Assemblies of God church building. The church was burned. The Pentecostal Evangelical Fellowship in Africa church building, only a few miles away, was also torched. The week before, an assistant sheikh approached the church leader and told him that the building, which was in the final stages of construction, would be destroyed unless the construction was stopped. Pray that increased persecution will result in increased boldness among believers in Zanzibar. Pray that the passion of God's people in Zanzibar will be a light that draws others to Christ.

Acts 4:29-31

CHINA - Chinese couple sentenced for "engaging in illegal religious activities" – China Aid Association

Officials arrested Pastor Dou Shaowen on June 14 along with other believers during a house church raid. He was given a one year-sentence of "re-education" through labor, according to China Aid Association. Pastor Dou's wife, Feng Lu, received the same sentence. While Pastor Dou is imprisoned in a labor camp, authorities have permitted Feng Lu to serve her sentence at home so she can care for their 12-year-old daughter. However, officials informed her she will be sent to the camp if she is discovered engaging in further "illegal religious activities." The believers who were given 15-day administrative sentences following the June 14 house church attack have not been released at last report. Pray for this family, especially their child. Ask God to encourage and protect them.

Psalm 23

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Fwd: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 07/10/2009

2009-07-11T07:17:00.001-07:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: system@vomgroups.com <system@vomgroups.com>
Date: Fri, Jul 10, 2009 at 4:02 AM
Subject: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 07/10/2009
To: pauldy@tds.net

vom groups

weekly prayer updates

VOM-USA Prayer Update for July 10, 2009
On Wed. Jul 08 2009 at 11:13 AM Moderator wrote:
MAURITANIA - Christian aid worked killed – VOM Sources

On June 23, Al-Qaeda reportedly claimed responsibility for shooting and killing, Christopher Leggett, an American aid worker in Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania. On June 25, Al-Jazeera TV reportedly received an audio statement from Al-Qaeda which stated that "two knights of the Islamic Maghreb succeeded Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m. to kill the infidel American Christopher Leggett for his Christianising activities." Leggett worked for a non-governmental organization in Mauritania involved in training and equipping prisoners to re-enter society. He also oversaw a microloan program which fostered the growth of small businesses. He had been a resident of Mauritania for the past seven years along with his wife and four children. Thank the Lord for Christopher Leggett's life as a cross-bearing disciple. Ask God to comfort those who mourn for him. Pray that Christians in Mauritania will be emboldened to follow in their savior's footsteps and remain steadfast in faith.

1 Corinthians 4:9-14, 16

EGYPT - Christians attacked by Muslims – VOM Canada

On June 21, Christians in the village of Ezbet Boshra-East, Egypt were fearful to leave their homes after a Muslim mob attacked believers and damaged property, according to VOM contacts. A group of 25 Christians from Cairo arrived in the village to visit Father Isaac Castor, who lives in a building owned by the Coptic Church. When Muslims noticed six of the believers entering the building, they approached the remaining Christians waiting outside and began to taunt them. A Muslim woman approached one of the Christians and slapped her. Hundreds of Muslims then started to throw stones at the building and the believers. Some Christian homes in the village were plundered, farmers' crops were uprooted and Father Castor's car was vandalized. Over a dozen Christians and several Muslims were injured in the violence. Nineteen Christians were arrested and released the following day. Their homes were reportedly ransacked by police and they were mistreated while in detention. Pray for healing for those injured. Pray that Christians in Egypt will put their hope in the Lord as the one who upholds their cause. Ask God to move in the lives of those who persecute believers in Egypt.

Psalm 146

CHINA - Update: House church leaders released in Sichuan – China Aid Association

Praise God! The house church leaders arrested in Langzhong city, Sichuan province on June 9 have been released following international pressure, according to China Aid Association. Thirteen of the leaders served 10 days of administrative detention and were released on June 20. The five leaders placed in criminal detention were released on June 23. Meanwhile, three other house church leaders arrested on June 14 for "illegal religious activities," in Taochuan village, Shaanxi province have been released. Praise God for these believers and their faithfulness. Ask God to protect them as they continue serving him.

Psalm 23

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www.VOMBooks.com
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Psalm 81

2009-06-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

Psalm 81
1 Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
2 Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.
3 Blow up the trumpet in the new moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day.
4 For this was a statute for Israel, and a law of the God of Jacob.
5 This he ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when he went out through the land of Egypt: where I heard a language that I understood not.
6 I removed his shoulder from the burden: his hands were delivered from the pots.
7 Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah.
8 Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you;
O Israel, if you would listen to Me!
9 Let there be no strange god among you;
Nor shall you worship any foreign god.
10 I, the LORD, am your God,
Who brought you up from the land of Egypt;
Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.
11 But My people did not listen to My voice,
And Israel did not obey Me.
12 So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart,
To walk in their own devices.
13 Oh that My people would listen to Me,
That Israel would walk in My ways!
14 I would quickly subdue their enemies
And turn My hand against their adversaries.
15 Those who hate the LORD would pretend obedience to Him,
And their time of punishment would be forever.
16 But I would feed you with the finest of the wheat,
And with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.

In looking at this psalm, we see a call for Israel to praise God and worship Him upon instruments as the psalmist recounts how God established Israel after delivering them from the land of Egypt. In verse 8 the direction of the psalm changes as the Holy Spirit through the mouth of the psalmist begins to admonish the children of Israel to hear the word of the Lord.
God is pleading for His children to listen to His voice. God is still pleading for His children to hearken to His voice. As it was in the past with the Israelites, idolatry is still forbidden. Putting anything in the forefront of our lives besides the Lord that overrides His will for our lives, amounts to idolatry, whatever it may be.

God only wanted what was best for His chosen people, God still wants what is best for us, His chosen in Christ. If we will only hear and obey His voice, He will give us the best. How many times have we grieved our Lord and prevented Him from blessing us by not following Him and doing our own thing.

God only wants what is best for us. When we walk by faith and trust in His love and goodness, believing that His will is the absolute best that we can aspire to in this life, then we will experience the best that our Lord has to offer.

The question that we have to ask ourselves is this, do we really believe that God alone and following His will is the absolute best for us, or should I refrain from surrendering my all to Jesus out of fear that I know better than God what is best for me.

A Friend has shared a video with you from tangle.com

2009-03-28T23:41:00.001-07:00

Click the link below to view it now:

http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=c0958e515bc6e3f9f221&sp=2

"In Chains For a Higher Call"

Pray for those who suffer for the name of Christ. The song is I will sing by Rich Mullins.

Fwd: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 03/27/2009

2009-03-27T23:54:00.001-07:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: pauldy tds.net <pauldy@tds.net>
Date: Sat, Mar 28, 2009 at 2:25 AM
Subject: Fwd: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 03/27/2009
To: pauldy43@gmail.com

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: system@vomgroups.com <system@vomgroups.com>
Date: Fri, Mar 27, 2009 at 4:01 AM
Subject: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 03/27/2009
To: pauldy@tds.net

vom groups

weekly prayer updates

VOM-USA Prayer Update for March 24, 2009
On Tue. Mar 24 2009 at 08:37 AM Moderator wrote:
PAKISTAN – UPDATE - Young Christian Woman and Her Father Remain in Prison – VOM Sources

Twenty-year-old Sandul Bibi and her father, Gulsher Masih, remain in prison in Pakistan despite four court hearings, according to VOM contacts. "On Feb. 24 Sandul and Gulsher had another court appearance and nothing significant was determined," VOM contacts said. This has been the outcome for the last four court hearings. Sandul and Gulsher are charged with violating section 295-B of the Pakistani legal code, the 'blasphemy' law. Sandul is falsely accused of ripping pages from the Quran. On Oct. 9 a large crowd of Muslims attacked Christian families at a church, throwing stones and firing guns. They were shouting, "Kill Gulsher and his daughter Sandul." Sandul and her father were arrested after a mob from the local mosque surrounded their house. Loudspeakers from different mosques broadcast accusations that Christians had disgraced the Quran, calling Muslims to attack and burn their homes. The angry crowd threw stones and set fire to Sandul's home. Christians believe Sandul and her father were targeted and arrested because they were aggressively winning villagers to Christ. VOM encourages you to continue lifting this family up in prayer, asking God to encourage them.

2 Thessalonians 3:2-5

IRAN - Christian Released After 27 Days in Prison – Farsi Christian News Network

On Feb. 25, 27-year-old Hossein Karimi was released from prison after placing his home as collateral, according to Farsi Christian Network News (FCNN). Hossein, a new convert, had been arrested on charges of attending home churches, evangelizing, storing Bibles and converting to the Christian faith, FCNN reported. Hossein was arrested by Iranian secret police on Jan. 30 and was held for 27 days in an unknown location until his release. He is now waiting for the courts to give him a scheduled date to present his case. Prior to this recent incident, Hossein was arrested in November 2008. According to FCNN, he was taken into custody, fingerprinted and photographed. He was then released on bail after four days with a stipulation that he would no longer participate in any Christian activities. Praise God for Hossein's faithfulness to the Lord and his release. The Voice of the Martyrs encourages you to pray for him. Ask God to protect him as the Iranian government will be watching him closely. Pray Hossein will continue to stand for Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57

ISRAEL- Case of Bombing at Christian Home Still Unsolved – Jerusalem Institute of Justice

The Israeli government has not prosecuted individuals responsible for the bombing at the Ortiz home in Ariel, Israel, despite the family providing a video tape of the culprits, according to Jerusalem Institute of Justice. The attack on March 20, 2008, which was recorded on the family's surveillance camera, severely injured 15-year-old Ami Ortiz. Even though the family has provided police with the video, the perpetrators have not been arrested. Praise God for Ami's continued recovery. Pray those responsible for the attack will be brought to justice. Ask God to protect Messianic Jews who are taking a stand for Christ despite possible persecution. Pray Ami and his family will forgive their persecutors.

Psalm 91:1-5

LAOS – Believers Facing Increased Persecution – VOM Sources

Believers in Oudomsay province, Laos, are facing increased harassment from authorities. One believer has repeatedly been summoned by police since November 2008. Pray for the continued safety of believers in Laos. Ask God to encourage and strengthen them during this difficult time.

Psalm 32:7

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www.VOMBooks.com
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Listen in on VOM's Persecution Podcast.
Podcasting stories of the persecuted church around the world to build fellowship and unity among the Body of Christ.

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Fwd: Fw: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 02/06/2009

2009-02-06T18:48:00.001-08:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: paul young <pauldy@tds.net>
Date: Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 7:11 PM
Subject: Fw: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 02/06/2009
To: pauldy43@gmail.com

----- Original Message -----

From: system@vomgroups.com

To: pauldy@tds.net

Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 3:01 AM

Subject: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 02/06/2009

vom groups

weekly prayer updates

Thank you for praying for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world.

"Always respond to every impulse to pray. The impulse to pray may come when you are reading or when you are battling with a text. I would make an absolute law of this - always obey such an impulse." Martyn Lloyd-Jones

It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken. With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence." - 2 Corinthians 4:13-14

VOM-USA Prayer Update for February 3, 2009
On Tue. Feb 03 2009 at 08:29 AM Moderator wrote:
INDIA - Pastor beaten in Andhra Pradesh – VOM Sources

On January 16, Pastor Yakobu, 37, was attacked by Hindu extremists at his home in Gumpula village, Andhra Pradesh, India, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. At midnight, Pastor Yakobu was home alone when he heard a knock on his door. When he answered, six men burst in, beat him, cut him with a knife and shaved his head. They also set fire to his clothes and books and shouted that they didn't want any pastors in the village. The next morning, Pastor Yakobu and several other local pastors went to the police station and filed a complaint against the attackers. Pray for healing for Pastor Yakobu. Pray that he, his wife and their children will rely on God's guidance and care. Pray for an outpouring of the Lord's Spirit in India to embolden and strengthen Christians facing trials for their faith.

Psalm 91:16

SRI LANKA - UPDATE: Christians lobby against anti-conversion bill – VOM Sources

In February, the Sri Lankan parliament is due to debate a draft bill entitled "Prohibition of Forcible Conversion of Religion." The debate on this bill comes as the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress launched a report in January that contained highly inflammatory and false accusations against the Christian community in an attempt to bolster support for the repressive legislation. The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka is urging immediate attention in advocating against the proposed anti-conversion bill. Anti-conversion bills are often used to stop Christians from evangelizing. Pray this legislation is not passed into law in Sri Lanka. Ask God to encourage believers to remain faithful in their commitment to Christ despite attempts by the government to silence them. Thank God for the faithfulness of believers in Sri Lanka.

Romans 8:31

CHINA – Prominent House Church Leader Forced Out of Beijing – China Aid Association

On Jan. 16, more than a dozen Public Security Bureau (PSB) officers forcibly escorted Pastor "Bike" Zhang Mingxuan from another pastor's home in Beijing and forcibly put him on a bus to Henan province. Pastor Bike went to Beijing to Pastor Hua Huiqi's home to see the church leader's father, Hua Zaichen who is dying. But Chinese authorities continue to refuse to allow Pastor Bike and his family to stay in the country's capital city. Government officials broke into the house while Pastor Bike was praying for Hua Zaichen, who is 91. Chinese authorities are also preventing the ailing man's wife, 79-year-old Shuang Shuying who is in prison, from seeing him. Please continue praying for Pastor Hua's family as they go through immense challenges. Ask God to encourage Pastor Bike to continue his ministry despite the Chinese government persecution. Praise God for his resilience and ask him to not lose heart in well-doing.

2 Timothy 1:7

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Links

www.Persecution.com
The Voice of the Martyrs Official Homepage

www.VOMBooks.com
The Voice of the Martyrs Online Store

Listen in on VOM's Persecution Podcast.
Podcasting stories of the persecuted church around the world to build fellowship and unity among the Body of Christ.

www.PrisonerAlert.com
Write to a Christian Prisoner in their own Language

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to the Weekly Prayer Updates topic at vomgroups.com. If you have received this email in error or if you wish to unsubscribe, click here.

Fwd: Fw: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 01/23/2009

2009-01-23T12:25:00.001-08:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: paul young <pauldy@tds.net>
Date: Fri, Jan 23, 2009 at 2:59 PM
Subject: Fw: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 01/23/2009
To: pauldy43@gmail.com

----- Original Message -----

From: system@vomgroups.com

To: pauldy@tds.net

Sent: Friday, January 23, 2009 3:01 AM

Subject: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 01/23/2009

vom groups

weekly prayer updates

Thank you for joining with us as we pray for the persecuted church around the world. "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." -James 5:16

VOM Prayer Update for January 20, 2009
On Tue. Jan 20 2009 at 12:07 PM Moderator wrote:
CHINA - Deathly Ill Husband Denied Visitation with his Imprisoned Wife – China Aid Association

Chinese government authorities have denied Hua Zaichen, 91, visitation with his imprisoned wife, 79-year-old Shuang Shuying, according to China Aid Association (CAA).
Zaichen, who is deathly ill, requested a final meeting with his wife to say his goodbyes, but officials refused to grant the request. "Authorities say Shuang Shuying is not allowed to leave prison before February 8, 2009, the end of her two-year sentence. Officials stated that if her husband died before then, she would be allowed to see his body for 10 minutes and would have to be chained, handcuffed, shackled and wearing a prison uniform," CAA added. Pray for this family that has endured many hardships for the sake of their faith. Pray for Shuang Shuying to be released. Praise God for their courage!

Joshua 1:9

INDIA - Four Christians Arrested in Madhya Pradesh – VOM Sources

On Jan. 5, police arrested four Christians in the village of Kushalpura, Madhya Pradesh, India on false charges of forcible conversion. At 10:00 a.m., Pastor Kantilal Bhuria went to the home of a local Christian where 25 believers were gathered for prayer. During the service, a mob of Hindu extremists barged into the house and accused Pastor Bhuria of forcibly converting Hindus. The extremists verbally abused those present and beat a Christian woman. The police arrived on scene after receiving a phone call from the attackers and arrested four believers. At last report, these Christians remained in detention. Pray for the release of these Christians. Ask God to give them and other suffering believers in India grace, wisdom and endurance as they serve Him.

1 Peter 5:10-11

KAZAKHSTAN – President Sends Repressive Law for Constitutional Review – Forum 18 News

President Nursultan Nazarbaev of Kazakhstan has sent a repressive new law which aims to severely limit freedom of religion or belief to the country's Constitutional Council, Forum 18 News Service reported. Meanwhile, the government continues to repress the exercise of freedom of thought, conscience and belief. In January a Baptist pastor, Aleksandr Kerker, was fired from his job because he led worship without state permission. Pastor Kerker lost his job after authorities visited his employer. Pray for believers in Kazakhstan facing the possibility of harsher conditions if this repressive law is passed. Ask God to provide for Pastor Kerker and his family during this challenging time. Pray this pastor forgives his persecutors and for God to touch the heart of these authorities.

Philipians 4:6-7

UZBEKISTAN – Children and Parents Threatened for Attending Services – Forum 18 News

Police in southeast Uzbekistan have begun a campaign against children attending places of worship, Forum 18 News Service reported. The authorities' campaign, which also uses the state-controlled mass media, attacks schools and parents who allow children to attend religious "sects." Pray for Christian families who have come under scrutiny in Uzbekistan. Ask God to give them courage to continue serving the Lord despite what authorities say.

Psalm 91

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Links

www.Persecution.com
The Voice of the Martyrs Official Homepage

www.VOMBooks.com
The Voice of the Martyrs Online Store

Listen in on VOM's Persecution Podcast.
Podcasting stories of the persecuted church around the world to build fellowship and unity among the Body of Christ.

www.PrisonerAlert.com
Write to a Christian Prisoner in their own Language

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What about Jesus?

2009-01-10T18:03:00.000-08:00

So what about Jesus, this man who lived and died over 2000 years ago and was raised from the dead of which we have eyewitness accounts. Credible historians of the time period validate the biblical account of Jesus of Nazareth. It seem that a lot of people on this planet would like to do away with this man, more than a man, He is the Son of God. It is interesting that people want to do away with the one who died for their sins on an old rugged cross and who offers eternal life to all those who would place their trust in Him and confess Him as Lord. So what will you do with this Jesus?

Fwd: Fw: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 12/26/2008

2008-12-27T15:18:00.001-08:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: paul young <pauldy@tds.net>
Date: Sat, Dec 27, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Subject: Fw: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 12/26/2008
To: pauldy43@gmail.com

----- Original Message -----

From: system@vomgroups.com

To: pauldy@tds.net

Sent: Friday, December 26, 2008 3:01 AM

Subject: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 12/26/2008

vom groups

weekly prayer updates

VOM Prayer Updates for December 23, 2008
On Tue. Dec 23 2008 at 12:08 PM Moderator wrote:
PAKISTAN - Young Christian Woman and Her Father Imprisoned – VOM Sources

Twenty- year-old Sandul Bibi and her father Gulsher are in prison in Pakistan, charged with violating section 295-B of the Pakistani legal code, the "blasphemy" law. Sandul is falsely accused of ripping pages from the Quran. On Oct. 9, a large crowd of Muslims attacked Christian families at a church, throwing stones and firing guns. They were shouting, "Kill Gulsher and his daughter Sandul." Sandul and her father were arrested after a mob from the local mosque surrounded their house. Loudspeakers from different mosques broadcast accusations that Christians had disgraced the Quran, calling Muslims to attack and burn their homes. The angry crowd threw stones and set fire to Sandul's home. Christians believe Sandul and her father were targeted and arrested because they were aggressively winning villagers to Christ. Pray Sandul and her father are released from prison. Ask God to encourage her family and for believers in Pakistan to be emboldened to continue proclaiming and sharing Christ.

Joshua 1:9

INDONESIA - Riots Erupt in Indonesia over Christian Teacher's Alleged Blasphemy – VOM Sources

On Dec. 9, riots broke out in Masohi, Central Maluku province, Indonesia, after Welhelmina Holle, a Christian elementary school teacher, allegedly made comments that insulted Islam while tutoring a Muslim student. News of the incident spread throughout the Muslim community, sparking the Indonesian Ulema Council to file a complaint with the police against Holle. Approximately 500 Muslims protested outside the Central Maluku Education Agency, accusing Holle of blasphemy and calling for his dismissal. The mob then gathered outside the Central Maluku Police headquarters and demanded to meet with the police chief, but when informed that he was not on the premises, the Muslims dispersed. However, confrontations between some of the Muslims and police officials incited violence. Police and soldiers were eventually able to intervene, but two churches, a health clinic, several vehicles and approximately 65 homes were burned. At the time of the report, Holle remained in detention. He is reportedly being charged with blasphemy, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Ask God to strengthen Holle. Pray for those who have lost property in the riots. Pray that Christ will equip Indonesian Christians to follow His example and remain faithful to Him.

2 Timothy 1:7

KENYA - Somali Christian Shot by Muslims in Kenyan Refugee Camp – Compass Direct News

Salat Sekondo Mberwa, a Somali Christian who fled to a refugee camp in Dadaab, Kenya, in 2005 after Muslims murdered a Christian relative, was shot by Muslims on Nov. 26, according to Compass Direct News. At approximately 6:00 p.m., the Muslims broke into Mberwa's residence in the camp and shot him in the shoulder as he tried to escape out a window. The assailants left him for dead. He was later discovered by his family and is recovering in Dadaab. Mberwa faced a similar attack on Oct.13 when five Muslim youths threatened him and forcibly entered his residence. When Mberwa and his son fought off the assailants, Mberwa was arrested by relief camp police. Pray for a speedy recovery for Mberwa. Ask God to protect the Mberwa family as they face opposition. Pray that Somali Christians forced to flee their country will continue to rely on the Lord to meet their needs.

Psalm 103:1-5

Printer-Friendly Format

Links

www.Persecution.com
The Voice of the Martyrs Official Homepage

www.VOMBooks.com
The Voice of the Martyrs Online Store

Listen in on VOM's Persecution Podcast.
Podcasting stories of the persecuted church around the world to build fellowship and unity among the Body of Christ.

www.PrisonerAlert.com
Write to a Christian Prisoner in their own Language

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Awesome God

2008-11-22T15:44:00.000-08:00

If you have a moment, click on the GodTube video to the left. As it plays the song Awesome God it shows scenes re-enacting the life of Christ. As we think on Jesus and the mission that He accomplished here on earth, dying for our sins so that we could have an eternal relationship with God,we have to admit that our God is an awesome God.

Fw: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 11/21/2008

2008-11-21T20:37:00.001-08:00

----- Original Message -----

From: system@vomgroups.com

2008-10-11T23:16:00.000-07:00

I was praying tonight and was more than a little concerned about the financial crisis and this passage of scripture came to me:
11 The LORD spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. He said:
12 "Do not call conspiracy
everything that these people call conspiracy [f] ;
do not fear what they fear,
and do not dread it.

13 The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy,
he is the one you are to fear,
he is the one you are to dread,

14 and he will be a sanctuary;
but for both houses of Israel he will be
a stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall.
And for the people of Jerusalem he will be
a trap and a snare.

15 Many of them will stumble;
they will fall and be broken,
they will be snared and captured."

16 Bind up the testimony
and seal up the law among my disciples.

17 I will wait for the LORD,

I think sometimes we fear the wrong things and think little about the most important .I know that we are facing a serious economic crisis ,but God is still in control .He is the one that we should regard and trust in at all times ,not just in crisis situations .So instead of letting worry get the best of you ,lift up your eyes to the heavens ,to a loving ,omnipotent God who has everything under control .
Listen to the words of Jesus in the book of MATTHEW
25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?

31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Iceberg Alley

2008-10-04T18:37:00.000-07:00

If you have an interest in seeing some awesome icebergs ,then this is the article you need to check out .This is some neat stuff check out Iceberg Alley

Fw: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 10/03/2008

2008-10-03T09:20:00.001-07:00

----- Original Message -----

From: system@vomgroups.com

To: pauldy@tds.net

Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 4:01 AM

Subject: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 10/03/2008

vom groups

weekly prayer updates

VOM Prayer Updates for September 30, 2008
On Tue. Sep 30 2008 at 08:52 AM Moderator wrote:
IRAQ Father and Son Martyred Compass Direct News

Rayan Nafei Jamooa, a Christian, was killed by a group of armed extremists on Sept. 10 in Mosul, Iraq, Compass Direct News reported. The murder occurred only two weeks after his father, Nassar Jamooa, also a Christian, was kidnapped and killed by unidentified assailants. Although there are often financial motivations behind the kidnapping of Christians in Iraq, a local clergyman noted that ransom money was not requested in either case and maintains that these men were targeted strictly because of their faith in Christ. Pray for those who are grieving the loss of Rayan and Nassar. Pray that their killers will come to know Christ's love, forgiveness and blessing through the lives of God's people in Iraq.

Romans 12:14, 21

INDIA Government Warns States to Control Anti-Christian Violence VOM Sources

VOM sources report India's government formally warned Orissa and Karnataka state to control the anti-Christian violence that has continued into its fifth week following the murder of a Hindu leader by Maoists extremists. Despite the warning, VOM sources continue to receive reports of attacks on Christians in both states and throughout the country.

* In Orissa's Kandhamal district, a Christian man was hacked to death by militants who stopped him and his wife while they were fleeing to a relief camp in the town of Phulbani on Sept. 20. His wife escaped the scene unharmed. Arson attacks on at least 10 houses and the kidnappings of Christians have also been reported. A young Christian woman was dragged from a relief camp into a nearby jungle where she was abused by a gang of extremists.

* In Karnataka, seven Christians were arrested and detained on charges of forcible conversion in Thalikare village and four churches, three in the city of Bangalore and one in Kodagu district, were ransacked and vandalized by extremists, also on Sept. 20.
Pray for an end to this wave of brutal violence. Pray that believers under attack will set Christ apart as Lord and not give in to fear. Pray that those who persecute Christians will come to repentance and faith in Christ.

1 Peter 3:14-17

Sri Lanka Churches Set on Fire National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka

More than 60 people set fire to a church building used for Sunday school in Puttlam district, the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka reported. Members of the church who live in the vicinity arrived at the scene and attempted to stop the arson attack and were assaulted by the mob. The attackers threatened children who had also gathered, but their parents took them away to safety. The pastor informed the police about the attack, however, they were not able to bring the large mob under control for some time, but eventually succeeded in dispersing them. Meanwhile on Aug. 17, another church in Puttlam district was set on fire and completely destroyed during the night. A group of people who visited the pastor's house earlier that evening and threatened him are suspected of having carried out the arson attack. A police complaint has been made and three people have been arrested. Pray for the members of these two churches. Ask God to protect them and provide resources to rebuild the church building. Pray their testimonies will glorify God and draw their persecutors into fellowship with Him.

Psalm 23

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Fwd: Fw: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 09/26/2008

2008-09-26T11:22:00.001-07:00

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: paul young <pauldy@tds.net>
Date: Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Subject: Fw: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 09/26/2008
To: pauldy43@gmail.com

----- Original Message -----

From: system@vomgroups.com

To: pauldy@tds.net

Sent: Friday, September 26, 2008 4:01 AM

Subject: Weekly Prayer Updates Update 09/26/2008

vom groups

weekly prayer updates

VOM Prayer Update for September 22, 2008
On Mon. Sep 22 2008 at 07:34 AM David H wrote:
INDIA – Attacks on Christians Continue for Third Week – VOM Sources

UPDATE: VOM contacts report violence against Christians in Orissa state has continued for the third week as Hindu extremists have refused to accept the Maoists' claim of responsibility for the murder of a Hindu leader in late August. On September 13, an irate mob torched a church building in the village of Anchhla, Koraput district. In another incident, a Christian man was killed by militants in the town of Raikia. On September 14, 12 homes belonging to Christians were burned in the village of Makabali. Extremists have even launched attacks on the police for intervening in the violence. Christians fear they will continue to be targeted, particularly since extremists have prepared a list of approximately 140 Christians who they allege were the Hindu leader's killers. The list is being distributed among Hindu supporters in order to identify who should be punished or killed in case the government fails to take action to their satisfaction. Pray that the perpetrators of these attacks will come to repentance and salvation. Ask God to strengthen the thousands of Christians affected by the violence to remain steadfast in faith. Pray for full and lasting peace in this persecution-torn region.

Revelation 2:10

IRAN – Parliament Votes to Punish Apostasy with Death – Compass Direct News

On September 9, Iran's parliament voted in favor of a draft law that would mandate the death penalty for men convicted of apostasy, a charge frequently brought against Christians in the country. If this law passes all stages of Iran's legislative process, male Muslim converts to Christianity if convicted would have no other punishment than death.. Under current Iranian law, apostasy is a capital offence, but the judge is free to decide the penalty. Pray for believers in custody in Iran and ask God to protect them. Ask the Holy Spirit to encourage believers in Iran who are standing for Christ unashamedly despite the cost they might pay. Praise God for their courage.

2 Samuel 22:31

LAOS – Evicted Families in Need, Believers Still Being Held – VOM Sources

VOM contacts in Laos report that seven families evicted from their homes by police early last year continue to face hardships as they relocate to other areas. Meanwhile, eight pastors who were arrested in Udom Sai province in March 2008, are still being held in prison and there is no indication when they might be released. Please pray for the evicted families and ask God to meet their needs. Pray for the families of imprisoned pastors who are financially challenged, especially for some of the children that have had to leave school because their parents are in prison. Ask God to watch over and protect VOM workers serving persecuted believers in Laos.

John 15:18-21

AZERBAIJAN – Baptist Pastor Ordered to Remain in Prison – Forum 18 News

A judge has ordered imprisoned Baptist Pastor Hamid Shabanov detained for another two months. "The judge called the latest hearing without even informing Hamid's lawyer. This was a clear violation," Ilya Zenchenko head of the Baptist Union told Forum 18 News. The pastor was arrested in June following a police raid on his home and faces charges of possession of an illegal
weapon; charges that his family insist are fabricated. Pray for Pastor Shabanov's family and congregation. Ask God to protect and encourage them.

Psalm 91:1-5

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A Man With a Vision

2008-09-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

I want this to be a spiritual blog page but I couldnt resist posting this .I really like this man and think he could very possibly have the makings of a good president . Check him out !

Time or Eternity

2008-09-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

Time or eternity ,what bears the most on your mind .God likens our fleeting mortal years to a vapor .A wisp a smoke that appears for a little time and then vanishes .Imagine too lines drawn together on a plane ,one has a point of beginning and a point of ending ,that's your time here on earth .The other line has no point of beginning and no ending point ,it stretches on unto infinity ,that line would be eternity .If you are able to read this you are on the line that has a beginning and an end ,at what point your line ends ,nobody but God knows .When that line ends you will be on the infinite line of eternity ,where are you going to spend it ?

Jesus ,God's son died on the cross for your sins and rose from the dead so that you could spend eternity with God in a place free from pain ,sickness ,death and any kind of evil .Would you consider accepting His offer of Eternal Life .If you would like to know more about what God has to offer you click here ,Know Him

2008-09-02T21:56:00.000-07:00

History lesson.

OUR REAL ROOTS:
Forsaken Roots

Did you know that 52 of the 55 signers of The Declaration of Independence were orthodox, deeply committed Christians? The other three all believed in the Bible as the divine truth, the God of scripture, and His personal intervention.

It is the same congress that formed the American Bible Society. Immediately after creating the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress voted to purchase and import 20,000 copies of scripture for the people of this nation.

Patrick Henry, who is called the firebrand of the American Revolution, is still remembered for his words, 'Give me liberty or give me death.' But in current textbooks the context of these words is deleted. Here is what he said: 'An appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations. The battle sir, is not of the strong alone. Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death.'

These sentences have been erased from our textbooks.

Was Patrick Henry a Christian? The following year, 1776, he wrote this 'It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here.'

Consider these words that Thomas Jefferson wrote on the front of his well- worn Bible: 'I am a Christian, that is to say a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus. I have little doubt that our whole country will soon be rallied to the unity of our Creator and, I hope, to the pure doctrine of Jesus also.'

Consider these words from George Washington, the Father of our Nation, in his farewell speech on September 19, 1796:

'It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. Of all the dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity, our religion and morality are the indispensable supporters. Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that our national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.'

Was George Washington a Christian? Consider these words from his personal prayer book: 'Oh, eternal and everlasting God, direct my thoughts, words and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the lamb and purge my heart by the Holy Spirit. Daily, frame me more and more in the likeness of thy son, Jesus Christ, that living in thy fear, and dying in thy favor, I may in thy appointed time obtain the resurrection of the justified unto eternal life. Bless, O Lord, the whole race of mankind and let the world be filled with the knowledge of thy son, Jesus Christ.'

Consider these words by John Adams, our second president, who also served as chairman of the American Bible Society.

In an address to military leaders he said, 'We have no government armed with the power capable of contending with human passions, unbridled by morality and true religion. Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.'

How about our first Court Justice, John Jay?

He stated that when we select our national leaders, if we are to preserve our Nation, we must select Christians. ' Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian Nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.'

John Quincy Adams, son of John Adams, was the sixth U.S. President.

He was also the chairman of the American Bible Society, which he considered his highest and most important role. On July 4, 1821, President Adams said, 'The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.'

Calvin Coolidge, our 30th President of the United States reaffirmed this truth when he wrote, 'The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.'

In 1782, the United States Congress voted this resolution: 'The congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools.'

William Holmes McGuffey is the author of the McGuffey Reader, which was used for over 100 years in our public schools with over 125 million copies sold until it was stopped in 1963. President Lincoln called him the 'Schoolmaster of the Nation.'

Listen to these words of Mr. McGuffey: 'The Christian religion is the religion of our country. From it are derived our notions on character of God, on the great moral Governor of the universe. On its doctrines are founded the peculiarities of our free institutions. From no source has the author drawn more conspicuously than from the sacred Scriptures. >From all these extracts from the Bible I make no apology.'

Of the first 108 universities founded in America , 106 were distinctly Christian, including the first.

Harvard University, chartered in 1636. In the original Harvard Student Handbook rule number 1 was that students seeking entrance must know Latin and Greek so that they could study the scriptures:

'Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life, John 17:3; and therefore to lay Jesus Christ as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning. And seeing the Lord only giveth wisdom, let everyone seriously set himself by prayer in secret to seek it of him (Proverbs 2:3).'

For over 100 years, more than 50% of all Harvard graduates were pastors!

It is clear from history that the Bible and the Christian faith, were foundational in our educational and judicial system. However in 1947, there was a radical change of direction in the Supreme Court.

Here is the prayer that was banished:

'Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence on Thee. We beg Thy blessings upon us and our parents and our teachers and our country.

Amen..'

In 1963, the Supreme Court ruled that Bible reading was outlawed as unconstitutional in the public school system. The court offered this justification: 'If portions of the New Testament were read without explanation, they could and have been psychologically harmful to children.'

Bible reading was now unconstitutional , though the Bible was quoted 94 percent of the time by those who wrote our constitution and shaped our Nation and its system of education and justice and government.

In 1965, the Courts denied as unconstitutional the rights of a student in the public school cafeteria to bow his head and pray audibly for his food.

In 1980, Stone vs. Graham outlawed the Ten Commandments in our public schools.

The Supreme Court said this: 'If the posted copies of the Ten Commandments were to have any effect at all, it would be to induce school children to read them. And if they read them, meditated upon them, and perhaps venerated and observed them, this is not a permissible objective.'

Is it not a permissible objective to allow our children to follow the moral principles of the Ten Commandments?

Check this:
'THIS CONSTITUTION WILL FAIL, AS OTHERS HAVE BEFORE IT, AND THAT WILL BE DUE TO THE CORRUPTION OF THE PEOPLE, FOR WHOM IN THE END ONLY DESPOTISM WILL SERVE.' Benjamin Franklin 1706 - 1790 (how did he know?)

James Madison, the primary author of the Constitution of the United States , said this: 'We have staked the whole future of our new nation, not upon the power of government; far from it. We have staked the future of all our political constitutions upon the capacity of each of ourselves to govern ourselves according to the moral principles of the Ten Commandments.'

Today we are asking God to bless America . But how can He bless a Nation that has departed so far from Him?

Most of what you read in this article has been erased from our textbooks.. Revisionists have rewritten history to remove the truth about our country's Christian roots. I, Mary Jones, the designer of this web page, encourage all who read and agree with the words herein, to share it with others, so that the truth of our nation's history may be told.

The Fear of God

2008-08-31T22:04:00.000-07:00

The fear of God seems like a foreign concept to a lot of us these days .It is almost like nobody really takes God seious these days .There are some in our culture who seem to be shaking their fist in the face of God ,just daring Him to do anything about it .I read this scripture today :2 Corinthians 7
1)Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
That is some pretty strong scripture from a mighty man of God who was inspired by a mighty God .What is it that we need to be cleansed from in order for us to perfect holiness in our lives .Do we have a healthy enough fear of God to even care about what might be defiling us before a holy God .Think about it .

What God's Grace Means to Me

2008-08-23T21:12:00.000-07:00

A lot of times we throw the word grace around and don't give a lot of thought as to what it means to those we are talking to or to our selves for that matter .Well I would like to say what God's grace means to me in this moment of time .What it means to me at the present is that I am going to keep going on ,I'm not going to quit ,I am pushing through all the dark feelings and confusion and this dismal funk that I am feeling tonight and I am going to yet keep trusting in my Savior and Lord Jesus .
People might have the impression that believers in Jesus have it made in the shade and they don't face things like depression or other things that can weigh heavey on an individual .Well I am here to tell you ,we have our problems too but what makes the difference in a true believers life is that God gives them His grace(His unmerited favor and His supernatural power)to help them come out triumphant ,not because of the circumstances that they are in but in spite of the circumstances that they are in
So I would like to say that tonight ,by the grace of God almighty ,I keep my sanity ,I am not giving up ,and I will keep on keepin on .

Future Plans

2008-08-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

What are your plans for the future? Say for the next 10 years ,next 25 years ,or the next 50 years if you are young . How will you spend those years and what are your hopes and dreams for your future . If you are like most people you have your dreams and your plans for the future , there is certainly nothing wrong with dreaming and planning .But lets look a little farther into the future ,say 200 years ahead .Where will you be 200 years from now ,you say dead , of course , your body will be dust but what about your soul ,where will it be ? God tells us that it is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgement . How will you face the judgement of God ,will you be found guilty or innocent .
The word of God says that we are all born guilty of sin ,and are worthy of death .But the good news is that somebody took our guilt upon Himself and took our punishment for our sin . That person was Jesus ,the son of God who took the punishment for our sins by being executed upon a cross . But what is really amazing is that he did not stay dead but he came back to life proving Himself to indeed be the son of God .
If you believe this to be true in your heart and you will confess Jesus as Lord with your mouth the word of God says that you will be saved ,saved from your sins and saved from an eternal separation from God in a place called the Lake of Fire which the bible calls the second death.Confessing Jesus as Lord is not just some majic words we say but words that strongly imply that a person has turned from his sins and has surrendered his life to Jesus and has placed their hope and trust in Him .
So where do you plan on spending your future .

Finding relief for you allergy

2008-08-09T11:50:00.000-07:00

Are you one of the many who are suffering from allegies that give you sinus problems.There are many solutions being offered today ,here is one you might want to look into .

Pulsatile Sinus Irrigation is a gentle, pulsating stream to cleanse & moisturize the sinuses and massage the cilia of the nose and sinuses to their normal, healthy state.

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mylot

2008-07-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

I have added this blog to mylot,a place to share just whatever comes to mind.
myLot User Profile

HOW IS YOUR EYESITE?

2008-06-14T21:57:00.000-07:00

22)The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be clear, thy whole body shall be full of light.

23)But if thine is bad, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness

Through what kind of lense are we viewing life,through a clear lense or one that is smudged and dirty and difficult to see through.In this passage Jesus is not talking about our natural eyesite of course,but the eye of the soul.If the lense in the eye of our soul is smudged by sin,or by the vain philosophy of this world,or by our fleshly nature than our view of life is severly tainted.We shall experience a darkness of the soul that will be a great darkness,a darkness that will obscure the clear direction that God has for our lifes.But on the other hand,if through faith in Jesus and a full surrender to His Lordship my eye is clear,my soul shall be filled with glorious light from the Father of Lights.I will then be able to see clearly life and even myself from God's perspective,thus enabling me to see clearly God's direction for my life. How about it,how are you seeing life?

Fw: VOM-USA News & Prayer Update (June 10, 2008)

2008-06-11T21:02:00.001-07:00

----- Original Message -----

From: The Voice of the Martyrs

To: pauldy@tds.net

Sent: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 1:47 AM

Subject: VOM-USA News & Prayer Update (June 10, 2008)

Dear Mr paul young,

"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." (1 Timothy 4:15-16)

Prayers for June 10th, 2008 From The Voice of the Martyrs
INDIA Pastor Beaten; Churches Attacked - VOM Sources On May 27, Pastor Rampal Kori was beaten by two Hindu militants in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, "The militants repeatedly struck the pastor, who was returning from prayer meetings, with an iron rod and accused him of forcibly converting villagers to Christianity. They also robbed him of 3000 Rupees (US $70). Pastor Kori sustained serious injuries that required stitches in his head." Meanwhile on May 26, in an unrelated incident, militants demolished a thatched church in the district of Adilabad, Andhra Pradesh. On June 1, another group attacked the Masihi Mandir Church in the district of Oriya Para, Chhattisgarh state, during a morning church service. VOM sources added, "At approximately 11:00 a.m., the militants barged into the church building and destroyed the facility's furniture. The attackers accused the believers present of forcibly converting people, and threatened them with dire consequences if they continued to worship Christ." Pray for healing for Pastor Kori. Ask God to strengthen the believers whose churches were attacked as they continue to stand in His grace. Psalm 37: 3-6 ERITREA Christians Arrested - Compass Direct News On May 28, Eritrean police arrested 34 evangelical Christians in the city of Keren, Eritrea. According to Compass Direct News, "The Christians, who are members of the Berhane Hiwet (Light of Life) Church, were meeting in a private home for prayer and fellowship. All 24 men and 10 women present in the meeting were taken to prison, with their children left behind. The next day security officials transferred the women prisoners to the Adi-Abeyto Military Confinement facility on the outskirts of the capital city of Asmara." Pray for the release of Eritrean Christians who are imprisoned for the sake of Christ. Ask God to strengthen and comfort their families, especially the children. Pray that the Eritrean government will respect the rights of Christians to freely worship their Lord. Ephesians 1: 19-23 IRAN UPDATE: Christian Converts Released from Prison - Compass Direct News Praise God! Homayon Shokohie Gholamzadeh (48), an Iranian Christian convert arrested on May 11 by police in the city of Shiraz, was released from prison on May 22. According to Compass Direct News, Gholamzadeh was taken into custody with his wife and another couple before boarding a flight at Shiraz International Airport. On June 2, Mojtaba Hussein (21), another Iranian Christian convert from Islam arrested on May 11, was released from prison. According to Compass Direct, the authorities demanded valuable property deeds as bail collateral for the release of the two believers. Praise God for the release of these believers. Pray God encourages them as they live their lives for Him. Pray for other believers who face challenges for practicing their faith. Psalm 34: 1-10 CHINA Christians Detained for Helping Quake Victims - China Aid Association On June 1, Chinese Public Security Bureau (PSB) police officers disrupted a house church meeting and forcefully detained seven believers during a Sunday service at Taikang county, Henan province. According to China Aid Association (CAA), "Approximately six PSB officials disrupted the house church meeting and forcefully detained seven of the participants. Police officials did not state the reason for the detention. During interrogation, police officials questioned the members as to who would be taking donations to the earthquake disaster area. One woman and her child were released; however the other six remain in detention under a charge of sending money to a disaster area in the name of a house church." According to reports, PSB officials have said they will not release those detained until they paid a fine. Pray for believers in China who are facing difficulties practicing their faith. Ask God to give them boldness to serve Him and for Him to give them the ability to forgive their persecutors. Psalm 34: 17-22 Click for Printer-Friendly Prayers www.persecution.com
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To Hear His Voice

2008-05-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 3:15;While it is said, To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

To hear the voice of our creator,to have His words of divine grace fall upon our listening ears.Or do we have listening ears that would hear His sweet voice? If we would but listen we would hear Him say I love you.My precious son took your punishment on the cross of calvary,embrace Him as Lord and Saviour and live. We would hear Him say,I have a plan and a purpose for your life.That plan and purpose is to be an active part of my everlasting kingdom,to work with Me in its upbuilding and share in its benefits.And He would say My grace is sufficent,I knew you before you were born and I know all about you.Your weaknesses and strenghs, your high points and low points,and I still want you to be apart of my kingdom and spend eternity with Me. Wow,to hear His voice and respond.What an invitation from the King of Glory.Have you heard His voice today?listen to His voice from the pages of God's word.His words are spirit and life.

Fw: VOM-USA News & Prayer Update (May 20, 2008)

2008-05-24T11:23:00.001-07:00

----- Original Message -----

From: The Voice of the Martyrs

To: pauldy@tds.net
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 4:30 AM
Subject: VOM-USA News & Prayer Update (May 20, 2008)

Dear Mr paul young,

"Be joyful always; pray continually;" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

Prayers for May 20, 2008 From The Voice of the Martyrs
ALGERIA Christian Sentenced for Carrying a Bible - Compass Direct News On April 29, a court in Djilfa, south of Algiers, charged a 33-year-old Muslim convert to Christianity with "printing, storing and distributing" illegal religious material. According to Compass Direct News, "An Algerian Christian detained five days for carrying a Bible and personal Bible study books was handed a 300-Euro (US $460) fine and a one-year suspended prison sentence." Compass reported this conviction was the latest in numerous detentions and court cases against Algerian Christians. "Since January, police and provincial officials have ordered the closure of up to half of the country's estimated 50 Protestant congregations," Compass Direct said. The 33-year-old Algerian Christian converted from Islam to Christianity eight years ago. On April 25, he was stopped at a police road block while riding in a shared taxi. Compass Direct added, "Officials took the convert into custody upon finding a Bible and several religious study books in his luggage. Police appear to have previous knowledge of the Christian's connections. Officers refused to let the convert call friends to let them know of his detention, naming a church member in Tiaret whom they claimed he would contact." Pray believers in Algeria will remain faithful despite persecution. Ask God to protect and give courage to this Algerian Christian who is standing for Christ. Psalm 37:28 CHINA & BURMA Pray for Believers Affected by the Cyclone and Earthquake - VOM Sources The Voice of the Martyrs is encouraging believers to pray for those affected by the cyclone in Burma (Myanmar) and the earthquake in China. Pray God will comfort Christians who have been displaced and lost loved ones during these natural disasters. Ask Him to provide for them during this difficult time and for the Holy Spirit to be their comforter. Isaiah 61: 1-3 WEST BANK Pastor's Son Recovering after Bomb Attack - VOM Sources Praise God! Amiel Ortiz, the teenage son of Messianic Pastor David Ortiz, is recovering after he was seriously injured when a bomb delivered to the family's home in the Jewish settlement went off in his hands. According to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts, Amiel's father reports, "We checked out of the Schneider Children's Hospital last week after a six-week stay, eight days in the ICU and the rest on the children's floor. Ami received excellent care from the doctors and nurses in that hospital, but in response to prayer from the four corners of the earth, Ami has been healing at a rate that is extraordinary The plastic surgeon that worked on Ami said that in his 15 years of experience, he had never seen such extensive wounds. He said he has at least 100 pieces of shrapnel in his body from his head to his feet, which his body is slowly bringing up under the surface of the skin, which will come out by themselves." Pray for Amiel's continued recovery as he has transitioned into a rehabilitation center. Pray specifically for both eardrums to be restored, for him to regain use of his hands and arms, and healing for the burns and scars on his body. Also for the emotional healing for Amiel and his family, and for those responsible for the attack to be brought to justice. Ask God to give this family strength to forgive their attackers. 1 Corinthians 1: 3-5 VIETNAM Government Officials Confiscate Evangelist's Home - Compass Direct News Government officials in Vietnam's Lao Cai province have confiscated the land and home of a former opium addict because of his phenomenal success as an evangelist. According to Compass Direct News, "Local Christians report Sua Yinh Siong of Lau Chai village, in Sapa district in the Northwest Mountainous Region, had long been a desperate opium addict, leading to destitution for him and his family. In 2004, after becoming a Christian, Siong broke from his addiction and his animistic past, taking down paraphernalia for ancestor worship and other spirit-related articles and burning them. His joy over his liberation soon spread to others, and eventually more than 200 families also decided to follow Christ." The Compass report added, " Earlier this month, Siong told other Christian leaders that government harassment had reached a crisis point - in April, local and provincial officials had confiscated his land, citing 'illegal religious activities.' In the first few days of this month, Siong said officials evicted him from his home and threatened to destroy it." Pray for protection for Siong and his family and for their land and home to be returned. Ask God to use his testimony to draw more nonbelievers into fellowship with Him. Philippians 4:13 Click for Printer-Friendly Prayers www.persecution.com
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2008-05-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

Is there a Purpose?

2008-05-03T20:04:00.000-07:00

What is our purpose
Why are we here?Why Have we been given the breath of life?For what is the purpose of the human existence?Are we here to soak up a few pleasures with a minimal amount of suffering and then cease to exist upon our expiration date?Or is their a reason to this thing we call life?Questions that have plagued mankind thru the ages and now it seems that some have given up trying to find out if there is a purpose to life and have just accepted the mortal life of a few years of a mixed bag of pleasure and pain. But just for a minute,let us consider the inventions that frail humanity has created over the years.Most without a doubt have been created with a purpose,they been created with a specific purpose in mind.Should we think that our Creator would do anything less,we are definitely a creation and not a random freak of nature(it would take a great degree of blind faith to believe we evolved into the complex creatures that we are;the odds are astronomicly against such an occurrence). May we look no further than the Holy Scriptures for our answer to this perplexing dilemma.Romans 11:36)For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Life and even the universe itself and all it contains is all about Him,our Creator God,our Heavenly Father.Therefore we can know that there is a purpose,we have a destiny,we have a Creator who is enthralled with His creation,enough that He sent His son Jesus to die in our place on an old rugged cross.Therefore we should give heed to the apostle Paul's admonition in 1st Cor 10:31)So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.