It's Sunday morning, and church service will begin in the next ten minutes. In walks a young girl, dressed in a super mini-skirt and cropped shirt with 5 inch heels and torn stockings. Instantly, heads turn and people start pointing and whispering among themselves saying things like, "how dare she wear something like that to church service?" and "Did she come straight from the club?"
What they don't know is that this young girl was a call girl, who had a dream last night where she was positive God reached out His hand and called her back to Him. She rushed to the church building this morning wanting to get her life on track and turn back to God. However, she sees the people (the church) talking about her and embarrassed she turns and runs back out the door ...back to the streets from whence she came. Unfortunately, this is just one of many examples of experiences that people are having "in church" every week across the country. I believe we have lost sight of the fact that we are supposed to be "the church." It's much bigger than the "building" we worship in.
What happen to the church being a place of support, love, forgiveness? When did we become so judgmental that we lost sight of our purpose? Why are there so many Christians remaining in bondage because they are afraid to let down their guards and share their struggles with sexual immorality or drugs or lying because they fear what people will say?
There was a time when "church" was a safe haven - a place where one could shed the layers of disappointment, bitterness and shame and through people ... could embrace the grace and mercy of our loving God. Now all too often, people are so wrapped up in their own "issues" that we are no longer reaching out to the sick and brokenhearted.
Too often, we come to the church building and go through the motions of "just being there" and leave just as messed up as we were when we came in. We have to stop this and get back to being the church God called us to be. We must realize that it's not just a place for the saints that seemingly have it altogether come to gather each week ... but it should be ...
A place of prayer
A place of healing
A place of unconditional love and support
A place of compassion
A place of forgiveness
A place of refuge
A place of honor and respect
And this is not just an attitude to adopt when you walk into the church building ... but we as the church need to be this way at all times. What do your words and actions say about "the church" on your job, in your neighborhoods or in the marketplace? Can a person that is in search of God follow you to find Him? Or will they like the girl in the story be too embarrassed to come to you that they decide to stay in sin and bondage?
Let us remember to ...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven... Matt 5:16
by: Tanya James
How to Have a Blessed Life
To receive more Blessings in your life you must ask God for the things you want. A Blessing is not a Blessing until it is declared. Begin today to be more specific about the Blessings you want to receive. Video presented by Great I Am Boutique www.GreatIAm.net.
New Trend 2009 for Christian Clothing: Christian Bling T-shirts
Christian clothing has really become popular in the past few years. More and more Christians are wearing their faith. However, there is a new trend for Christians. Christian Bling! Christian T-shirts with rhinestones and crystals are becoming more and more popular. There are beautiful women Christian rhinestones t-shirts at Great I Am Boutique.
One of their featured designs is God’ Angel. You are God's Angel. Angels are servants of God that help carry out His commands. One of His commandments for us is to share his love with others. This beautiful design is made with sparkling clear and pink crystals. On the back of the shirt, are your angel wings. The wings are made with clear crystals. The shirt can be made with or without the angel wings on the back. You must see this tee! To view visit www.GreatIAm.net.
Choose To Be Free
Freedom is your choice... Choose to be free today! You can be free from addictions.... God will help you! Just ask him for his help and watch what happens in your life. Watch this video of Mandisa as she talks about being free to lose weight. I pray this is of encouragement to you.
Praise Your Way to a Breakthrough!
Do you need God to make a way out of no way? The swiftness and surety of your deliverance starts with how you respond to hard times and difficult situations. Hear me when I say that it is not just enough to thank God and honor Him only when you've received a blessing. God wants you to show the extent of your faithfulness and trust in Him even in the midst of going through a challenge. The power of your praise will determine the magnitude of your breakthrough.
Praise is not just clapping your hands or applauding God. It is showing respect, honor, and gratefulness using your whole heart, mind, spirit and body despite your circumstances. Paul and Silas didn't wait until they experienced a breakthrough to praise and thank God. In the midst of difficult circumstances, they praised God and received the breakthrough they desired.
Acts 16:25, 26 (New Living Translation) reveals, "Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!"
Paul and Silas praised God even when their backs were bleeding and their feet and hands were in chains. Despite the pain and suffering they were going through, they praised God anyway; and as a result, God shook the very foundations of the prison, setting them free. God will shake the foundation of your prison; your bondage, your problem...if you make a decision to praise and give Him thanks, no matter what.
Praising God should become second-nature for all Believers. "This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord" (Psalm 102:18). We were created to praise God, and it becomes a natural expression of your love for the Father when you spend time in the Word and meditate on His goodness.
When you have a heart for God and you know He loves you, your confidence in His ability to deliver you soars. You know help is on the way and you eagerly anticipate it. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages, "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus" (NLT). God doesn't tell you to thank Him for negative circumstances; He says to thank Him while you're in the midst of them. Doing this shows that you trust Him to bring you out.
The storms of life are going to come; but don't let them disturb your peace and affect your thoughts and emotions. This will only move you into self-pity and frustration. Instead, maintain an attitude of praise.
Your first line of defense is the Word of God. Meditate on it and give it life by speaking it over your circumstances. If you need healing meditate on scriptures that reveal God's ability to heal. Receive that Word in your spirit and begin praising God for your healing.
The Word of God declares, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7, NIV).
When you are in a situation and there seems to be no way out, open your mouth and praise the Lord-and don't stop. Instead of crying and complaining, give God praise because you know He has a plan for you that includes deliverance, restoration and peace. Thank Him for His goodness because your praise will stop the enemy and move the hand of God
When your deliverance comes, continue to praise Him because He has more in store for you. Thank Him for breakthrough in your home, on your job and with your children. Through your authority in Jesus, place a demand on your breakthrough and watch God show up in your life in ways you would have never imagined.
by: Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
Praise is not just clapping your hands or applauding God. It is showing respect, honor, and gratefulness using your whole heart, mind, spirit and body despite your circumstances. Paul and Silas didn't wait until they experienced a breakthrough to praise and thank God. In the midst of difficult circumstances, they praised God and received the breakthrough they desired.
Acts 16:25, 26 (New Living Translation) reveals, "Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!"
Paul and Silas praised God even when their backs were bleeding and their feet and hands were in chains. Despite the pain and suffering they were going through, they praised God anyway; and as a result, God shook the very foundations of the prison, setting them free. God will shake the foundation of your prison; your bondage, your problem...if you make a decision to praise and give Him thanks, no matter what.
Praising God should become second-nature for all Believers. "This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord" (Psalm 102:18). We were created to praise God, and it becomes a natural expression of your love for the Father when you spend time in the Word and meditate on His goodness.
When you have a heart for God and you know He loves you, your confidence in His ability to deliver you soars. You know help is on the way and you eagerly anticipate it. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages, "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus" (NLT). God doesn't tell you to thank Him for negative circumstances; He says to thank Him while you're in the midst of them. Doing this shows that you trust Him to bring you out.
The storms of life are going to come; but don't let them disturb your peace and affect your thoughts and emotions. This will only move you into self-pity and frustration. Instead, maintain an attitude of praise.
Your first line of defense is the Word of God. Meditate on it and give it life by speaking it over your circumstances. If you need healing meditate on scriptures that reveal God's ability to heal. Receive that Word in your spirit and begin praising God for your healing.
The Word of God declares, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7, NIV).
When you are in a situation and there seems to be no way out, open your mouth and praise the Lord-and don't stop. Instead of crying and complaining, give God praise because you know He has a plan for you that includes deliverance, restoration and peace. Thank Him for His goodness because your praise will stop the enemy and move the hand of God
When your deliverance comes, continue to praise Him because He has more in store for you. Thank Him for breakthrough in your home, on your job and with your children. Through your authority in Jesus, place a demand on your breakthrough and watch God show up in your life in ways you would have never imagined.
by: Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
You Are Important!
1 CORINTHIANS 12:22,27 NKJ
22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
There are NO unnecessary parts in the Body of Christ.
The devil wants you to think your part does not matter, so you will slack off. But your part IS important. Your prayers are important. Your giving is important. Your witness to others is important.
It is easy to believe a famous person who ministers to thousands is vital in God's plan. But we need to be reminded that every member of the Body of Christ is needed,
including you! Don't condemn yourself because you aren't doing a job that puts you in the spotlight. Don't worry that no one knows what you are doing. God knows.
Someone witnessed to Billy Graham. Someone prayed for Oral Roberts to be healed of tuberculosis. Do you know their names? God does. What if they hadn't been faithful and obedient to do their part? What if the person who brought you the Gospel hadn't been obedient?
So, when you are tempted to be discouraged and think what you do doesn't matter -- resist those thoughts! No one but God may see what you are doing, but it is significant.
Have confidence in God. He knows what He is doing. God placed you where you are. God has a plan and a job for you to do there. Be faithful and do it. When it is time for you to do something else, God will arrange it and lead you out.
Don't try to be somebody else. Just be faithful and obey God where you are. Too many Christians think preachers are supposed to do all the work in the Body of Christ. Preachers may be likened to a mouth. A mouth is important. But a mouth is not more important than our hidden, internal organs. We don't see the liver and kidneys working. However, you could live without a mouth capable of speech, but not without functioning kidneys or liver.
1 CORINTHIANS 12:22 NLT
22 In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary.
A body may exist without some of its parts functioning, but it cannot accomplish as much as it would otherwise.
Do your part! God thinks it's meaningful. Don't let the devil convince you otherwise. Maybe all you can do is pray, but that is most important. Obey God and be faithful where you are. You are needed or God would not have placed you there.
God says you are necessary and IMPORTANT!
22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
There are NO unnecessary parts in the Body of Christ.
The devil wants you to think your part does not matter, so you will slack off. But your part IS important. Your prayers are important. Your giving is important. Your witness to others is important.
It is easy to believe a famous person who ministers to thousands is vital in God's plan. But we need to be reminded that every member of the Body of Christ is needed,
including you! Don't condemn yourself because you aren't doing a job that puts you in the spotlight. Don't worry that no one knows what you are doing. God knows.
Someone witnessed to Billy Graham. Someone prayed for Oral Roberts to be healed of tuberculosis. Do you know their names? God does. What if they hadn't been faithful and obedient to do their part? What if the person who brought you the Gospel hadn't been obedient?
So, when you are tempted to be discouraged and think what you do doesn't matter -- resist those thoughts! No one but God may see what you are doing, but it is significant.
Have confidence in God. He knows what He is doing. God placed you where you are. God has a plan and a job for you to do there. Be faithful and do it. When it is time for you to do something else, God will arrange it and lead you out.
Don't try to be somebody else. Just be faithful and obey God where you are. Too many Christians think preachers are supposed to do all the work in the Body of Christ. Preachers may be likened to a mouth. A mouth is important. But a mouth is not more important than our hidden, internal organs. We don't see the liver and kidneys working. However, you could live without a mouth capable of speech, but not without functioning kidneys or liver.
1 CORINTHIANS 12:22 NLT
22 In fact, some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary.
A body may exist without some of its parts functioning, but it cannot accomplish as much as it would otherwise.
Do your part! God thinks it's meaningful. Don't let the devil convince you otherwise. Maybe all you can do is pray, but that is most important. Obey God and be faithful where you are. You are needed or God would not have placed you there.
God says you are necessary and IMPORTANT!
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