walk

hg

2010-04-05T13:50:00.002-04:00

Africa

2010-02-23T13:44:00.002-05:00

2009-09-29T20:13:00.000-04:00

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.

How great is our God

2009-09-25T09:35:00.008-04:00

Sometimes we walk the wrong path,We chase after what we want and out of his perfect will.But when we get to the end......We realize we should have followed His path,His way .Wounded broken confused we stagger back! And in His Love He takes us back.Unfailing love that we could never explain or understand .Our God is good and great. His way His path is always right.

The splendor of a King,Clothed in majesty

Let all the earth rejoice,All the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light,And darkness tries to hide
And trembles at his voice,

We tremble at his voice,Age to age he stands

And time is in His Hands,Beginning and the End,
Beginning and the End,The Godhead, Three in one
Father, Spirit, Son,The Lion and the Lamb,

The Lion and the Lamb,How great is our God,

Sing with me,How great is our God,
And all will see,How great, How great Is our God

2009-09-06T19:36:00.004-04:00

Words cannot express the grief one feels when one loses love. Then again, wise words can heal wounds and help us reflect on the tragedy.I was never one to patiently pick up broken fragments and glue them together again and tell myself that the mended whole was as good as new. What is broken is broken -- and I'd rather remember it as it was at its best than mend it and see the broken places .The way to love is to realize that it might be lost.

It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

The Heart Of The Gospel

2009-08-10T09:25:00.000-04:00

The Heart Of The Gospel

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download
READ: 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed. —2 Corinthians 3:18

When E. Stanley Jones, well-known missionary to India, had the opportunity to meet with Mahatma Gandhi, he asked a searching question of India’s revered leader: “How can Christianity make a stronger impact on your country?” Gandhi very thoughtfully replied that three things would be required.

First, Christians must begin to live more like Jesus. Second, the Christian faith should be presented without any adulteration. Third, Christians should emphasize love, which is at the heart of the gospel.

These insightful suggestions are the key to effective evangelism around the world. As messengers of God’s love, we are to be human mirrors who reflect without distortion a growing likeness to our Lord; we are not to walk in “craftiness” (2 Cor. 4:2). If our lives reflect an image that is spiritually blurred, the truth of saving grace may not be clearly communicated (vv.3-5). We are also to share the biblical essentials of our faith clearly. We must not handle the Word of God “deceitfully” (v.2). And our lives are to be marked by love for God and others (1 John 5:1-2).

Let’s be sure that we reflect a clear image of Jesus’ likeness, the truth of God, and love. — Vernon C. Grounds

Called to be salt and light in this world,
Called to preserve and to shine,
Called to reflect the glory of God—
Oh, what a calling is mine! —Fitzhugh

The primary reason for living in this world is to reflect the likeness of Christ.

2009-08-07T11:00:00.002-04:00

[YOUTUBE=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkRdj9L3wyE]

2 Corinthians 4:8-18 (New International Version)

2009-07-06T09:25:00.000-04:00

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

13It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken."[a]With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, 14because 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. 15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

ODB -Land Of Eternal Spring

2009-06-10T09:18:00.001-04:00

June 10, 2009
Land Of Eternal Spring
ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download
READ: Ecclesiastes 12:1-7
I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken. —Psalm 37:25

The former president of Columbia Bible College in South Carolina, J. Robertson McQuilkin, pointed out that God has a wise purpose in letting us grow old and weak:

“I think God has planned the strength and beauty of youth to be physical. But the strength and beauty of age is spiritual. We gradually lose the strength and beauty that is temporary so we’ll be sure to concentrate on the strength and beauty which is forever. And so we’ll be eager to leave the temporary, deteriorating part of us and be truly homesick for our eternal home. If we stayed young and strong and beautiful, we might never want to leave.”

When we are young, happily occupied with all our relationships and activities, we may not long for our celestial Home. But as time passes, we may find ourselves without family and friends, afflicted with dim vision and hearing difficulties, no longer able to relish food, or troubled by sleeplessness.

Here’s the advice I give myself: Be grateful that, as the apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 6:17, “God . . . gives us richly all things to enjoy” in life’s summer and autumn. And rejoice too that with the onset of life’s winter we can anticipate that we’ll soon be living in the land of eternal spring. — Vernon C. Grounds

There’s a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way,
To prepare us a dwelling-place there. —Bennett

The promise of heaven is our eternal hope

First things first

2009-04-27T08:52:00.001-04:00

A seminar leader wanted to make an important point, so he took a wide-mouth jar and filled it with rocks. “Is the jar full?” he asked. “Yes,” came a reply. “Oh, really?” he said. Then he poured smaller pebbles into the jar to fill the spaces between the rocks. “Is it full now?” “Yes,” said someone else. “Oh, really?” He then filled the remaining spaces between the rocks and stones with sand. “Is it full now?” he asked. “Probably not,” said another, to the amusement of the audience. Then he took a pitcher of water and poured it into the jar.

“What’s the lesson we learn from this?” he asked. An eager participant spoke up, “No matter how full the jar is, there’s always room for more.” “Not quite,” said the leader. “The lesson is: to get everything in the jar, you must always put the big things in first.”

Jesus proclaimed a similar principle in the Sermon on the Mount. He knew that we waste our time worrying about the little things that seem so urgent but crowd out the big things of eternal value. “Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things,” Jesus reminded His hearers. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:32-33).

What are you putting first in your life?

When we’re up against the wall

2009-04-25T09:25:00.000-04:00

On April 25, 1915, soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed on the Gallipoli peninsula expecting a quick victory. But fierce resistance by the Turkish defenders resulted in an 8-month stalemate during which thousands on both sides were wounded or killed.

Many of the ANZAC troops who were evacuated to Egypt visited the YMCA camp outside Cairo where chaplain Oswald Chambers offered hospitality and hope to these men so broken and disillusioned by war. With great insight and compassion, Chambers told them, “No man is the same after an agony; he is either better or worse, and the agony of a man’s experience is nearly always the first thing that opens his mind to understand the need of redemption worked out by Jesus Christ. At the back of the wall of the world stands God with His arms outstretched, and every man driven there is driven into the arms of God. The cross of Jesus is the supreme evidence of the love of God.”

Paul asked: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Rom. 8:35). His confident answer was that nothing can remove us from God’s love in Christ (vv.38-39).

When we’re up against the wall, God is there with open arms. — David C. McCasland

God knows each winding way I take
And every sorrow, pain, and ache;
His children He will not forsake—
He knows and loves His own. —Bosch

God’s love still stands when all else has fallen.

More Than Anything - Lamar Campbell and Spirit Of Praise

2009-04-16T14:44:00.008-04:00

Psalm 138:6-8

6 Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly,but the proud he knows from afar.7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.

Dr Love Ph.D

2009-04-13T17:19:00.007-04:00

The crush, the turn down, the rebound. That little sequence pretty much depicts what many of us go through . We liked someone who suddenly became the answer to all our hopes and dreams of happiness; we were turned down or ignored by them; and finally we rebounded either in hope of wining their affection from a distance or because we became enamored with someone newer - better, someone who appreciated us for who we really were etc.

Pay attention to that language because that language is what we were after all along in our pursiut of a lover. It wasn’t because they were so grand in themselves that we loved them but rather because their granduer meant that our own pride might be uplifted by someone as lovely as them to lavish you or I with affections daily.

Which is why the turn down was so hard, why it felt more like a dehumanization than a difference of taste and interest.The dangerous thing about rebounds is that they don’t address the problem present in the love lost. I can remember my great pursuit, cycling through this sequence while all along endeavoring to truly learn and grow.

In the end I realized that relationships were more than just affirmation, that they had an ontology that had to be acknowledged. You see man was created in God’s image, that image had a story, a purpose, it had history. And until I acknowledged potential lovers as creations rather than just relationships I would never learn to appreciate and love them beyond what they gave/reciprocated to me. And once I realized their ontology, the cycle was much easier to break and the lessons I learned inside relationships made more sense.

I was growing in my appreciation and wisdom regarding God’s handiwork, its story and history; more than just trying to solve the individual mysteries of why they did or didn’t share my interest, of why we didn’t or did go the distance.

To put it another way my lifeboat had people who’s value wasn’t weighed in their ability to have relationships with me alone but rather in the imprint they bore from their maker.

God Is Love . Be Healed

TD Jakes - The Spellbreaker

2009-04-11T19:51:00.003-04:00

1 Timothy 4 (New International Version)

2009-04-11T19:41:00.002-04:00

Instructions to Timothy

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
6If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

9This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

11Command and teach these things. 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

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

Reginald Sharpe Jr. Sings- Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name

2009-03-24T15:50:00.000-04:00

Falling,Fallen-Getting up

2009-03-14T17:21:00.006-04:00

Its been a while? Maryland is still Maryland .Winter is almost over . Life sometimes throws you curve balls.Have you ever felt that you had fallen too far, or strayed too much from God? That perhaps you could never get back to a close walk with Him because of your sins or shortcomings? Today i feel like that,but its great to know that nothing that happens to us is new under the sun.

If you feel like I do Remember 1.Have faith in His faithfulness. Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). Remember, this walk with God is about His faithfulness.2. Believe that God finishes what He starts. Philippians 1:6 says, 'He began a good work in you. He will finish it!'3. Remember the prodigal son. (Luke 15:13-20) He had wasted everything, lost everything. Yet his father received him back. How much more will your Heavenly Father accept you? MUCH MORE.4. Go to God now. Run to Him. This is the will of God. I have never seen the perfect will of God illustrated more clearly than in these words: (Luke 15:18) “I will arise and go to my father.” When you GO TO HIM, you are IN His will.5. Be in awe of His love. (Luke 15:20) "While he was still far away, His father saw him; was filled with compassion and ran to him...” Notice, his father came to him, when he was far from home. No matter how FAR AWAY you feel you are, God is coming to you!6. Blessing and inheritance follow after love. When the son received his father’s love, blessings abounded. (Luke 15:22-24) “Bring the best robe...”

I put my faith in God’s faithfulness. He started a good work in me, and He will finish it. No matter how far away I feel I am from God’s will, I will arise and go to Him. I trust that He will embrace me; have compassion on me, and restore me to Him. I am in awe of His love, and I expect the blessing and inheritance to come to me because of His love

Managing The Mess

2009-02-24T08:10:00.001-05:00

When we meet Naomi in the Scriptures, her life is a mess. She and her husband had gone to Moab searching for food during a famine. While in that land, their two sons married Moabite women, and life was good—until her husband and sons died and she was stuck, widowed in a foreign land.

Though honest about her pain, Naomi obviously had a sense of who was in control: “The Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me” (Ruth 1:21).

The Hebrew word for “Almighty” (Shaddai) indicates God’s sufficiency for any situation. The word “Lord” (Yahweh) refers to His faithfulness as the loving covenant-keeping God. I love how Naomi put these two names together. In the midst of her complaint, she never lost sight of the fact that her God was a capable and faithful God. And, sure enough, He proved His capability to deliver her and His faithfulness to care for her to the very end.

If there seems to be no way out of your despair, remember that Naomi’s God is your God as well. And He specializes in managing our messes to good and glorious outcomes. Thankfully, He is both capable and faithful. So, when your life is a mess, remember who your God is! — Joe Stowell

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last. —von Schlegel

Stand back and watch the Lord manage your mess into a glorious outcome.

Standing for justice means fighting against injustice.

2009-02-20T08:38:00.000-05:00

Dying For Justice
ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download
READ: Deut. 24:14-22
You shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. —Deuteronomy 24:18
When Presbyterian clergyman Elijah Lovejoy (1802–1837) left the pulpit, he returned to the printing presses in order to reach more people. After witnessing a lynching, Lovejoy committed to fighting the injustice of slavery. His life was threatened by hateful mobs, but this did not stop him: “If by compromise is meant that I should cease from my duty, I cannot make it. I fear God more than I fear man. Crush me if you will, but I shall die at my post.” Four days after these words, he was killed at the hands of another angry mob.

Concern about justice for the oppressed is evident throughout Scripture. It was especially clear when God established the rules for His covenant people after they were released from Egyptian bondage (Deut. 24:18-22). Moses emphasized concern for the underprivileged (Ex. 22:22-27; 23:6-9; Lev. 19:9-10). Repeatedly, the Israelites were reminded that they had been slaves in Egypt and should deal justly with the underprivileged in their community. They were to love strangers (“aliens”) because God loves them, and the Israelites had themselves been aliens in Egypt (Ex. 23:9; Lev. 19:34; Deut. 10:17-19).

God desires that His people affirm the supreme worth of every individual by fighting against injustice. — Marvin Williams

Open my eyes, Lord, to people around me,
Help me to see them as You do above;
Give me the wisdom and strength to take action
So others may see the depth of Your love. —K. De Haan

Standing for justice means fighting against injustice.

Kenyan Artist Yvonne Makilya-You and I

2009-02-16T13:30:00.001-05:00

Enduring Love

2009-02-13T07:48:00.001-05:00

Like many people, I enjoy the Google homepage artwork that appears on special days and holidays. Last Valentine’s Day, the artistic logo showed an older couple—a man with a cane and a white-haired woman—walking hand in hand as the woman held two heart-shaped balloons. It was a beautiful reminder that while our culture glorifies youthful romance, true love has many stages during our journey through life.

Paul’s great essay in 1 Corinthians 13 celebrates the depth and tenacity of the love that carries us beyond self-interest and mere affection. “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails”.

Brian Wren has captured this reality in his moving hymn, “When Love Is Found”:

When love is tried as loved ones change,
Hold still to hope though all seems strange,
Till ease returns, and love grows wise
Through listening ears and opened eyes.
© Hope Publishing Co.

When our commitments are tested in the fires of life, no matter what difficulties we face, may God grant us a greater experience of His enduring love and the grace to demonstrate it each dayGod’s love is a fabric that never fades, no matter how often it is washed in the waters of adversity.

Matatizo

2009-02-12T11:10:00.002-05:00

Daniel 2:19-23 (New International Version)

2009-02-04T08:29:00.000-05:00

19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said:
"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.

21 He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.

22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.

23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king."

Amazing Love - Kayte Grace

2009-01-28T20:56:00.001-05:00

Luke 18:9-14 (New International Version)

2009-01-27T09:11:00.001-05:00

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about[a] himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'

13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Godly Men Shouldn't Be Weenies

2009-01-23T20:51:00.010-05:00

Christianity has basically communicated to men that the reason God put you on this earth is to be a good boy. Mind your manners, be a nice guy. That's soul killing! It's not true, and for a man to hear the message that the greatest achievement of his life is simply not rocking the boat, not offending anyone, not taking any risks but just being a genuinely swell guy--that kills him.

His nature is made for something much more dramatic. Here's how you can tell: look at the games boys play or the films men love. Boys want risk, adventure, danger, exploration. Why do men love maps? Women don't love maps.

Look at the films men love, whether it's Chariots of Fire, Schindler's List, The Shawshank Redemption, the Die Hard films, Indiana Jones, or James Bond. They all involve a challenge, a great battle, something to be won, some deep hardship to be faced and overcome.

That's the soul of a man. To tell him that you're really not made for that, that what God really wants is for you to be an altar boy, kills a man. It takes all the passion out of life

I have made many mistakes in my life . I have Loved God like David did(& women too lol).I am not perfect and God still loves me .Yes I may come across at first as alter boy but those who know me well know better. I am simply a man after God's own heart.Broken two faced,a sinner but still saved

Joe still living to please God

walking

2009-01-21T13:24:00.001-05:00

A woman bought a bottle of cod liver oil to give to her dog so he could have a healthier and shinier coat. Every morning, she pried the dog’s jaws open and forced the liquid down his throat. He struggled, but she persisted. He doesn’t know what’s good for him! she thought. Faithfully, each day she repeated the process.

One day, however, the bottle tipped over and she released her grip on the dog for just a moment to wipe up the mess. The dog sniffed at the fishy liquid and began lapping up what she had spilled. He actually loved the stuff. He had simply objected to being coerced!

Sometimes we use a similar method in telling others about Christ. Called buttonholing, it’s an intense, in-your-face kind of confrontation. While earnestly desiring to share the gospel, we may end up repelling people instead. In our sincere but overly enthusiastic attempt, we create resistance.

We are called to share the good news, but we are not responsible for someone’s acceptance or rejection of Christ. It’s not our job to try to convict someone of sin. That’s the Holy Spirit’s responsibility (John 16:8).

As you tell others of Christ’s sacrifice, be sensitive. Know when to slow down and let God and His Word do the convicting and drawing to Himself.

A well-read Bible makes a well-fed soul.

2009-01-15T08:20:00.000-05:00

If your soul is parched and thirsty
And you feel weighed down by care,
Go to God’s Word for refreshment—
You’ll find strength and comfort there.

Psalm 119:25-32 (New International Version)

25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I recounted my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;
then I will meditate on your wonders.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me through your law.
30 I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.
31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.
32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free.

I will speak in the anguish of my spirit. —Job 7:11

2009-01-13T09:46:00.000-05:00

To call God and us unequal partners is a laughable understatement. And yet by inviting us to do kingdom work on earth, God has indeed set up a kind of odd-couple alliance. God delegates work to human beings so that we do history together, so to speak. Clearly, the partnership has one dominant partner—something like an alliance between Microsoft and a high school programmer.

We know well what happens when human beings form unequal alliances: the dominant partner tends to throw his weight around and the subordinate mostly keeps quiet. But God, who has no reason to be threatened by us, invites a steady and honest flow of communication.

I sometimes wonder why God places such a high value on honesty in our prayers, even to the extent of enduring unjust outbursts. I am startled to see how many biblical prayers seem ill-tempered. Jeremiah griped about unfairness (20:7-10); Habakkuk accused God of deafness (1:2); Job conceded, “What profit do we have if we pray to Him?” (21:15). The Bible teaches us to pray with blistering honesty.

God wants us to come to Him with our complaints. If we march through life pretending to smile while inside we bleed, we dishonor the relationship

2008-12-31T20:34:00.002-05:00

Jesus came to earth to repair our sin-damaged lives

2008-12-10T09:23:00.000-05:00

During an all-night festival in Paris, five young people, apparently drunk, broke into the Orsay Museum and left a 4-inch gash in a priceless painting by Claude Monet. Culture Minister Christine Albanel said the painting could be restored, but she was deeply disturbed at the damage done by “a purely criminal act.”

One news headline read: “Monet Masterpiece Marred.” To mar is to injure or damage; to spoil, disfigure, or impair. It’s an apt description of sin’s effect on us. We know well the results of our own choices made in ignorance or defiance of God.

As we approach Christmas, it’s good to remember why Jesus was born. The Son of God did not come to establish a nostalgic, family-oriented, commercially successful holiday. The angel told Joseph: “[Mary] will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).

Christmas began with a present from God to His sin-damaged world: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23).

The masterpiece of God’s human creation, marred by turning away from Him, can be restored when we give our hearts to Christ. — David C. McCasland

He came into this world a babe,
This world that He Himself had made;
He came to do the Father’s will,
That ended on dark Calvary’s hill. —Newstrom

Jesus came to earth to repair our sin-damaged lives

True love dares to confront.

2008-11-21T08:22:00.001-05:00

When I sat in my car at the start of the automatic car wash, I didn’t know that my left front tire was not properly lined up with the track. The car wash started but my car wasn’t moving, so I accelerated. That caused my tire to jump the track.

Now I was stuck—I couldn’t move forward or backward. The car wash continued through its cycle without my car. Meanwhile, cars began lining up and waiting for me. I was glad when two workers at the station helped me get my car back on the track.

Sometimes in our Christian lives we get off track too. King David did in a big way. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and later ordered that her husband be put “in the forefront of the hottest battle” and left there to be killed (2 Sam. 11:3-4,15-17). David’s actions were way out of line with how God wanted him to behave as His chosen king.

David needed help to get back on track. The Bible says that “the Lord sent Nathan to David” (12:1). He confronted him about stealing another man’s wife, and David wisely repented (v.13). Nathan took a risk to help David get right with God, even though his sin still had dire consequences.

Does someone you know need your help to get back on track?

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download
READ: 2 Samuel 12:1-13
Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? —2 Samuel 12:9

2008-11-17T10:27:00.000-05:00

You didnt need Obama

2008-11-06T19:12:00.003-05:00

God created you and me to be what he created us to be .Actualization of your full potential is up to you as an individual. The Bible says clearly i can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.Your purpose awaits you.Success it is said is not the destination it is the journey .Until you have walked that long road you will never get to it. Its good to be pumped up in Yes We can! but how do we do that .I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me thats how

2008-10-26T19:25:00.000-04:00

Our fruitfulness and growth in Christ
Won’t happen instantly,
But meditating on God’s Word
Will bring maturity.

Salvation is the miracle of a moment; growth is the labor of a lifetime.

May the God of all grace, . .after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. —1 Peter 5:10

Walk circumspectly

2008-10-20T09:13:00.000-04:00

A newspaper ad showed three people waiting for a city bus. Two of them were bored and listless, while the third was happily playing a game on a small electronic device. “Do something with your nothing,” the ad said. “That nothing time. The time in between everything else you have to do.” The idea was to sell the portable player so people could use all those segments of wasted “waiting” time.

I suspect that many of us already constructively use those small increments of waiting time to read a book, memorize a verse, or pray for a friend. It’s our longer waiting periods filled with uncertainty and indecision that may leave us anxious and frustrated.

Paul challenged the Christians in Ephesus to “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16). The Greek scholar Kenneth Wuest suggests that this refers to time in its “strategic, opportune seasons” and means “making a wise and sacred use of every opportunity for doing good.”

During those seasons when we wonder, “How did I get here and when can I leave?” it’s best to look for our God-given opportunities instead of focusing on the obstacles. That’s the way to do something with our nothing.

Wait and, in waiting, listen for His leading;

Be strong, thy strength for every day is stored.

Go forth in faith, and let thine heart take courage;

There is no disappointment with the Lord. —Anon.

When you find time on your hands, put them together in prayer.

As we talk the talk, let’s make sure we walk the walk.

2008-10-19T12:37:00.000-04:00

On June 22, 2002, a 33-year-old pitching star for the St. Louis Cardinals was found dead in his Chicago hotel room. He was young, physically active, and appeared to be in good health. However, the autopsy revealed that he had a 90-percent blockage in two of three coronary arteries, an enlarged heart, and a blood clot in one of the arteries. His appearance misled many to think that he was physically healthy.

Jesus said that appearances can deceive people into thinking that they are spiritually healthy. After the Pharisees accused Him and His followers of breaking religious traditions by not washing their hands before they ate, Jesus said that the Pharisees had laid aside commands of God for man-made, religious traditions. He reminded them that kingdom righteousness was not an outside-in job but an inside-out, transforming work of God. Jesus said that they looked impressive spiritually, but their hearts were diseased and distant: “[They] honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” (Matt. 15:8). Their talk never matched their walk, thus producing the illegitimate child of hypocrisy.

Spiritual health is not determined by how we look, but by how we live. Let’s ask God to search us, know our hearts, test us, and lead us in His way (Ps. 139:23-24).

Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin and set me free. —Orr
Š 1964 Singspiration

As we talk the talk, let’s make sure we walk the walk.

Decisions & Blame

2008-10-14T11:12:00.006-04:00

Decision Making

Sometimes we have to make a small decision such as choosing what to eat for lunch or whether to paint the bedroom sky blue or periwinkle. Other times decisions are larger, such as whether or not to move to a new city for a better job, or keep your old one, end friendships etc . We each have our own style and ways to approach the decision making process. Some of us tend to know exactly what we want. We make up our minds quickly and act immediately. Others prefer to deliberate for a long time, weighing all the angles and options before deciding what to do.

Before you take the 1st step, reflect and discern.

Blaming Others

Blaming others for what’s not going right in our lives is often easy .Looking in the mirror and taking responsibility for what we have done to contribute or not contribute to our circumstance is a new skill we all need . If things are not going right for you, and you find yourself pointing the finger at others, turn that finger back at yourself, because that’s where you need to begin to make changes in your life. You and only you have the power to take charge of your circumstances and create the life you want.

Before you blame, accept responsibility!

Reflect,discern accept responsibility and move on with no bitterness and a clean heart

Eyes

2008-10-13T14:08:00.005-04:00

Fundi wa Mbao

2008-10-10T00:08:00.003-04:00

Give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! —Psalm 107:21

Jeremy Taylor was a 17th-century English cleric who was severely persecuted for his faith. But though his house was plundered, his family left destitute, and his property confiscated, he continued to count the blessings he could not lose.

He wrote: “They have not taken away my merry countenance, my cheerful spirit, and a good conscience; they have still left me with the providence of God, and all His promises . . . my hopes of Heaven, and my charity to them, too, and still I sleep and digest, I eat and drink, I read and meditate. And he that hath so many causes of joy, and so great should never choose to sit down upon his little handful of thorns.”

Although we may not be afflicted with the grievous difficulties that Jeremy Taylor endured, all of us face trials and troubles. Are we grumbling? Or do we refuse to let our “little handful of thorns,” our troubles, obscure the overwhelming abundance of our blessings?

When we feel like complaining, let’s remember God’s faithfulness and “give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! . . . Remember His marvelous works which He has done!”

Happy Erev Yom Kippur

2008-10-08T08:30:00.002-04:00

In Judaism, the holiest day of the year is Yom Kippur,the day of atonement. On that day, the nation seeks God’s forgiveness for sins both personal and national.

What is interesting, however, is the day before Yom Kippur, known as Erev Yom Kippur. It represents a person’s last opportunity to seek forgiveness from other people before Yom Kippur begins. This is important because, in Jewish thought, you must seek forgiveness from other people before you can seek the forgiveness of God.

Today, we are called to do the same. Jesus pointed out that in order to worship Him with all our heart, we first need to resolve matters with others. In Matthew 5:23-24, He said, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

Even in a matter so basic as our giving, the ability to truly worship God is hindered by the reality of relationships broken by our wrong actions, attitudes, and words.

So that our worship can be pleasing and acceptable to God, let us make every effort to be reconciled to one another—today.

Have you hurt a friend or brother?

Go at once and make things right;

From your heart say, “Please forgive me.”

How these words bring God delight!

An offense against your neighbor is a fence between you and God.

First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. —Matthew 5:24

The US Economy

2008-10-06T11:38:00.004-04:00

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."Jeremiah 29:7

Love Is Not Complicated

2008-09-30T13:34:00.008-04:00

Love is not complicated.I think i am just realizing that . Sometimes revelation can come out of the darkest parts of self or what seems to be a dark situation.Introspection sometimes reveals simplicity !the simplicity of life,the simplicity of truth.Truth that we try to complicate,obscure and change .Just look at the Adam and Isaac example.Straight forward uncomplicated love

The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

Genesis 2:18 (New International Version)

Now Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, for he was living in the Negev. He went out to the field one evening to meditate,and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel and asked the servant, "Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?""He is my master," the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.Then the servant told Isaac all he had done. Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.

Genesis 24:62-67

A solid foundation gives strength to a building and a life.

2008-09-24T09:39:00.003-04:00

For 41 years, New York’s Empire State Building enjoyed the distinction of being the world’s tallest building at 1,250 feet. Since then, others have passed it, including the 1,483-foot Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the 1,670-foot Taipei 101 building. The 2,657-foot Burj in Dubai to be completed in late 2008 will surpass those by far.

From ancient times, man has tried to distinguish himself through monuments of all kinds. It is still the dream of many today.

The writer to the Hebrews presents a better way to achieve significance. He noted that heroes of the faith never lost sight of the fact that they “were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Heb. 11:13). As a result, “God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them” (v.16).

It is a fact of life that every monumental work will likely be surpassed. Even man’s biggest “successes” are fleeting. Our best efforts can bring only temporary honor, which all too soon will be eclipsed by the new and greater achievements of others. But those who invest their efforts in living to please God have a lasting city and an everlasting honor to look forward to. God is even now preparing these for them.

Who is building your life? You or God?

True greatness does not lie with those
Who strive for worldly fame;
It lies instead with those who choose
To serve in Jesus’ name. —D. De Haan

A solid foundation gives strength to a building and a life.

He’s There All The Time

2008-09-17T08:46:00.000-04:00

I’ll never forget my frustrating experience when I went to Chicago’s Union Station early one morning to pick up an elderly relative who was arriving by train. When I got there, she wasn’t where I thought she would be. With increasing anxiety I scoured the place—to no avail. Thinking she had missed her train, I was about to leave when I glanced down a hallway toward the baggage area. There she was, luggage at her feet, patiently waiting for me to arrive. She had been there all the time. And, to my chagrin, she was right where she was supposed to be.

It’s that way with God. He’s there, patiently waiting for us. He assures us, “I did not say . . . , ‘Seek Me in vain’” (Isa. 45:19). Why, then, do we often have trouble finding Him? Probably because we are looking in all the wrong places.

You’ll find Him right where He is supposed to be—in His Word, in prayer, and in the voice of the Holy Spirit who lives within you. The God who says “seek, and you will find” (Matt. 7:7) also promises that “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). So, you can rejoice that God is right where He is supposed to be, and He’s waiting for you right now.
```

Isaiah 60
The Glory of Zion
1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

2 See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.

3 Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

change and guts

2008-09-06T17:38:00.002-04:00

Change and Guts .

Its hard when you know the right thing to do
Its hard when you need to change
Its hard when you cant master the guts to change
Its hard when you understand change
its hard to change
Its even harder to change and have the guts to change

Spiritual inactivity corrodes the soul.

2008-08-29T09:11:00.001-04:00

READ: 1 Timothy 6:11-16
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. —1 Timothy 6:11

On June 15, 1957, a brand-new car was buried in a concrete vault under the courthouse lawn in Tulsa. In June 2007, the car was unearthed as the city celebrated Oklahoma’s 100th year of statehood. Writing in the Tulsa World, Randy Krehbiel said: “Now we know what 50 years in a hole does to a Plymouth Belvedere.” Water seeping into the vault had turned the once shiny car into a rusted monument to the past. A hot-rod expert hired to start the engine pronounced it “hopeless.”

Spiritual inactivity corrodes the soul like moisture acting on metal. Paul urged Timothy, his young protégé, to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (1 Tim. 6:11). This command had no expiration date attached to it. The spiritual disciplines require continued attention throughout our lives. If rest becomes our goal, then rust is right behind.

Oswald Chambers said: “The intellect works with the greatest intensity when it works continuously; the more you do, the more you can do. We must work hard to keep in trim for God. Clean off the rust and keep bright by use.”

Our capabilities may vary with age, but pursuing the righteous life to which God has called us should never end. Don’t rust out!

Psalm 8

2008-08-21T08:28:00.001-04:00

Psalm 8
For the director of music. According to gittith
A psalm of David.
1 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
above the heavens.

2 From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise [b]
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.

3 When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,

4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?

5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings [c]
and crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:

7 all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,

8 the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

9 O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Cece waging war

2008-08-13T09:15:00.001-04:00

Wow Walking the walk is the hardest thing i have ever done . I know when i get to heaven i will get there battered but the Bible says the race doesn't go to the swiftest .I also know He who began a good work in me is faithful to complete it .I have tried walking this walk ,my way but I now know God's way is the only way . Success they say is not the destination but the journey.This journey is a difficult one for me ,with all my faults weakness God has still been kind to me . Take it from me God's way is the only way .You have to die to yourself and let Christ live in you and through you.

Psalm 32

1 Blessed is he
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.

2 Blessed is the man
whose sin the LORD does not count against him
and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night
your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.
Selah

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD "—
and you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
Selah

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you
while you may be found;
surely when the mighty waters rise,
they will not reach him.

7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you.

9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.

10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD's unfailing love
surrounds the man who trusts in him.

11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!

life

2008-07-31T09:37:00.001-04:00

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:1-2 (New International Version)

Micah 7 :8-20

2008-07-07T14:57:00.001-04:00

8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy!
Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness,
the LORD will be my light.

9 Because I have sinned against him,
I will bear the LORD's wrath,
until he pleads my case
and establishes my right.
He will bring me out into the light;
I will see his righteousness.

10 Then my enemy will see it
and will be covered with shame,
she who said to me,
"Where is the LORD your God?"
My eyes will see her downfall;
even now she will be trampled underfoot
like mire in the streets.

11 The day for building your walls will come,
the day for extending your boundaries.

12 In that day people will come to you
from Assyria and the cities of Egypt,
even from Egypt to the Euphrates
and from sea to sea
and from mountain to mountain.

13 The earth will become desolate because of its inhabitants,
as the result of their deeds.

Prayer and Praise
14 Shepherd your people with your staff,
the flock of your inheritance,
which lives by itself in a forest,
in fertile pasturelands. [a]
Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead
as in days long ago.

15 "As in the days when you came out of Egypt,
I will show them my wonders."

16 Nations will see and be ashamed,
deprived of all their power.
They will lay their hands on their mouths
and their ears will become deaf.

17 They will lick dust like a snake,
like creatures that crawl on the ground.
They will come trembling out of their dens;
they will turn in fear to the LORD our God
and will be afraid of you.

18 Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.

19 You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot
and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

20 You will be true to Jacob,
and show mercy to Abraham,
as you pledged on oath to our fathers
in days long ago

I need this

2008-06-04T10:24:00.002-04:00

In his book Lessons Learned Early, Jerry Jenkins tells a story about his freshman year in college. It was 1968, a year of tremendous political and social upheaval in the US.

Riots had broken out in many major cities. From the rooftop of his dorm in Chicago, Jerry heard sirens and saw fires burning. Students had been told to stay on campus, but Jerry wanted to see what was happening.

As he ran toward a store that was blazing a few blocks away, a police car pulled up beside him. “Don’t go down there,” the officer warned.

Jerry waited till the car pulled away and then kept walking. The officer returned. This time he made it more clear as he repeated, “Don’t go down there”—and leveled a shotgun out the window.

Our rebellious or willful streaks often lead to unhappy outcomes. In anger, Moses struck the rock to get water rather than just speak to it as God had commanded. He forfeited the privilege of entering the Promised Land with his people (Num. 20:7-12). Jonah disobeyed an order to go to Nineveh and was given 3 days to think about his choice—inside a big fish (Jonah 1).

What does it take for us to obey Him? Will we obey simply because we love Him? (John 14:15,21).
— Cindy Hess Kasper

Nothing between, like worldly pleasure:
Habits of life, though harmless they seem,
Must not my heart from Him ever sever—
He is my all! There’s nothing between. —Tindley
© 1968 by Singspiration, Inc.

Obedience is another word for love and loyalty.

Be Still

2008-05-27T07:53:00.000-04:00

And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

10 He replied, "I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."

11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

Those who let God provide will always be satisfied.

2008-05-15T08:20:00.001-04:00

Surprise Me!

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READ: Ephesians 3:14-21

“My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. —Isaiah 55:8

When our family went out for an ice cream cone, my dad would ask my mother what flavor she’d like. Often she would reply, “Surprise me!” She told me she was rarely disappointed in his choice.

Do you like surprises? Would you ever dare say, “Surprise me!” to God? A lot of us are a little scared to do that. Yes, we have faith that God is good and that He loves us. Yet we’re afraid we won’t like what He chooses for us.

Throughout the Bible we read that God delights in doing the unexpected. Sometimes it’s folding back the waters for His people to cross a sea on dry ground (Ex. 14:21-22). Or forgiving and embracing those who repent of their sin (Ps. 130:1-4). Jesus’ time on earth was filled with amazing events that pointed people to His Father—He turned water into wine, calmed storms, healed the sick, and raised the dead.

What kind of God do we serve? One who is not confined by our finite imagination (Eph. 3:20). God’s thoughts and ways are not like ours (Isa. 55:8), and He wants to bless us with far more than a special flavor of ice cream. He delights in His children who trust Him and are willing to say, “Surprise me, Lord!”

— Cindy Hess Kasper

O Lord, give me the grace to be
Content with what You give to me.
No! More than that, let me rejoice
In all You send me—it’s Your choice! —Anon.

Those who let God provide will always be satisfied.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T17:13:00.001-04:00

A Christian mother’s love contains
A gospel all its own,
Because the King of love has found
Her heart an ample throne.

Nothing touches a child like a mother’s love.

Happy Mother's day

Mum

Direction

2008-05-09T08:27:00.004-04:00

This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls"
Jeremiah 6

2008-05-06T09:16:00.002-04:00

Isaiah 40:25-41:1 (New International Version)

25 "To whom will you compare me?
Or who is my equal?" says the Holy One.

26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one,
and calls them each by name.
Because of his great power and mighty strength,
not one of them is missing.

27 Why do you say, O Jacob,
and complain, O Israel,
"My way is hidden from the LORD;
my cause is disregarded by my God"?

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 41
The Helper of Israel
1 "Be silent before me, you islands!
Let the nations renew their strength!
Let them come forward and speak;
let us meet together at the place of judgment.

Destiny and the comfort of a fixed fight

2008-05-05T07:58:00.013-04:00

Destiny is one of those things that I continue to blog about.Something about destiny hangs over my head .I can shake it or side step it .It consumes my thoughts at times ,I think more about destiny than other people (possibly) .The End purpose of Life,why are we here !Destiny why cant we shake destiny. Maybe because it is destiny . Do you ever feel like your steps are ordered that you going through life and situations like clockwork.

I go through cyclical revelations of destiny , every season is different but the course is the same in that no matter how many twists n turns the direction, goal and result is fixed .(I feel like I am fighting in a fixed fight-fixed in my favor )You cant talk about destiny and not talk about purpose .What is the purpose of your life .I might not have all the details about my purpose but I know the one who sets up time and purpose set up my destiny .That is a comfort I am glad to have . It makes life enjoyable ,when I go through rough seasons I remember, you are being refined to be unveiled .When things don't work out, my mind and heart are at peace knowing that the destiny maker only wants the best for me- the fight is fixed . When things go well !I remember it is his purpose not mine that matters-thats why he fixed the fight .

Have blessed day! enjoy what destiny sends your way & take comfort in God for He is still in control

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
~`~
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Psalm 139:1-3 (New International Version)

Recommited and rededicate

2008-05-04T19:22:00.002-04:00

Its been a while since I did an original post .Wondering in the backside of the desert has been difficult . Tribal hatred ,elections ,battle with passion or should I say burning with passion all sorts of things have been happening .For starters I have always been a focused kind of guy but the last 24 months have been everything but focused. Anyway I know we go through things for a reason and God's purpose always prevails.It cant be stopped and that's a good thing .Today I rededicated myself to Christ .Laying down the things I have carried in my christian walk that were not so christian . I guess the past 3 years was a finishing school. God wanted me to realise that I can't go into his promised land with the little things I think I can secretly carry there .(funny how we think we can sneak things before God's all seeing eye)

There is a fine difference between pretending and surrender.I now realise that I can't fool God. Running to say, well I repent ,its difficult well ,we are not perfect(I am not perfect)will not cut it anymore .I have to work out my faith and salvation in fear and trembling .I know things will have to change (how I related to others and to myself).I have to get to where God wants me to be .

Ethiopia 4 Jesus

2008-04-30T15:02:00.003-04:00

Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God.

Psalm 68:31 (New King James Version)

31 גְּעַ֨ר חַיַּ֪ת קָנֶ֡ה עֲדַ֤ת אַבִּירִ֨ים ׀ בְּעֶגְלֵ֬י עַמִּ֗ים מִתְרַפֵּ֥ס בְּרַצֵּי־כָ֑סֶף בִּזַּ֥ר עַ֝מִּ֗ים קְרָבֹ֥ות יֶחְפָּֽצוּ

Psalm 138

2008-04-29T10:01:00.001-04:00

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;your love, O LORD, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands.
Psalm 138:8 (New International Version)

Happy Passover

2008-04-19T18:26:00.003-04:00

Exodus 12
The Passover 1 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, 2 "This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year. 3 Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb [a] for his family, one for each household. 4 If any household is too small for a whole lamb, they must share one with their nearest neighbor, having taken into account the number of people there are. You are to determine the amount of lamb needed in accordance with what each person will eat. 5 The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats. 6 Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the people of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight. 7 Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. 8 That same night they are to eat the meat roasted over the fire, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. 9 Do not eat the meat raw or cooked in water, but roast it over the fire—head, legs and inner parts. 10 Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. 11 This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste; it is the LORD's Passover.
12 "On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn—both men and animals—and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. 13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.
14 "This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD -a lasting ordinance. 15 For seven days you are to eat bread made without yeast. On the first day remove the yeast from your houses, for whoever eats anything with yeast in it from the first day through the seventh must be cut off from Israel. 16 On the first day hold a sacred assembly, and another one on the seventh day. Do no work at all on these days, except to prepare food for everyone to eat—that is all you may do.
17 "Celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. 18 In the first month you are to eat bread made without yeast, from the evening of the fourteenth day until the evening of the twenty-first day. 19 For seven days no yeast is to be found in your houses. And whoever eats anything with yeast in it must be cut off from the community of Israel, whether he is an alien or native-born. 20 Eat nothing made with yeast. Wherever you live, you must eat unleavened bread."
21 Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, "Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. 22 Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. Not one of you shall go out the door of his house until morning. 23 When the LORD goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.
24 "Obey these instructions as a lasting ordinance for you and your descendants. 25 When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony. 26 And when your children ask you, 'What does this ceremony mean to you?' 27 then tell them, 'It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.' " Then the people bowed down and worshiped. 28 The Israelites did just what the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron.
29 At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on the throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner, who was in the dungeon, and the firstborn of all the livestock as well. 30 Pharaoh and all his officials and all the Egyptians got up during the night, and there was loud wailing in Egypt, for there was not a house without someone dead.

Introvert

2008-04-15T21:26:00.007-04:00

History shows that the majority of people that have done anything great have passed their youth in seclusion.Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881)

Contrary to what most people think, an introvert is not simply a person who is shy. In fact, being shy has little to do with being an introvert! Shyness has an element of apprehension, nervousness and anxiety, and while an introvert may also be shy, introversion itself is not shyness. Basically, an introvert is a person who is energized by being alone and whose energy is drained by being around other people.Introverts are more concerned with the inner world of the mind. They enjoy thinking, exploring their thoughts and feelings. They often avoid social situations because being around people drains their energy. This is true even if they have good social skills. After being with people for any length of time, such as at a party, they need time alone to "recharge."When introverts want to be alone, it is not, by itself, a sign of depression. It means that they either need to regain their energy from being around people or that they simply want the time to be with their own thoughts. Being with people, even people they like and are comfortable with, can prevent them from their desire to be quietly introspective.

Being introspective, though, does not mean that an introvert never has conversations. However, those conversations are generally about ideas and concepts, not about what they consider the trivial matters of social small talk.Introverts make up about 60% of the gifted population but only about 25-40% of the general population.Now I have to insert a disclaimer.I have been asked a couple of times about my being an introvert .And I am in a season in my life(past 3 years) where I have to say yes I am an introvert. Think David tending his fathers sheep or Moses in the backside of the desert.A seasonal introvert .Walking in the wilderness of my mind ,enjoying the concepts, ideas & waiting to hear that still soft voice.I firmly believe being alone has its advantages .When God created Adam he could have easily created a mob, instead He created one man(for a season Adam was alone with God) God then gave him a helper .Yes No man is an island but knowing yourself and your mind requires introspection that might drive you away from others.Extra ordinary people do extra ordinary things if you are an introvert like me ,you are in good company the Bible is strewn with Introverts who changed the world -Moses,David,Elijah,Paul

We were all created to do what we were created to do-Perfect for your task here on earth introvert and extrovert .God equipped you to accomplish his purpose

Celebrating Disappointment

2008-04-10T08:29:00.004-04:00

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing. —Psalm 30:11

After receiving his second Academy Award, Denzel Washington said to his family, “I told you, if I lost tonight, I’d come home and we’d celebrate. And if I won tonight, I’d come home and we’d celebrate.” Denzel, a Christian, was trusting God, whether in blessing or in disappointment.

A Christian couple I know were inspired to follow Denzel’s example. The woman was applying for a dream job that had just opened up where she worked. The interview went well, but she knew she might not get the position. Her husband suggested, “Let’s make reservations at our favorite restaurant this Friday to celebrate—no matter what the outcome.”Soon the news came that someone else was offered the job. But that Friday the disappointed couple still celebrated. While eating a delicious meal, they were able to count their blessings and renew their faith in the God who holds tomorrow’s opportunities in His hand.When the psalmist counted his blessings, he was lifted out of his despair and praised God, saying, “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing” (Ps. 30:11).Are you facing a situation in which you could be disappointed? Why not set up a celebration to count your blessings no matter what the outcome?

Thank God in your disappointment,Celebrate His grace and love;
Know that He will never leave you And will bless you from above.

The pain of disappointment is soothed by a heart of gratitude.

Micheal Jr-Thou Shalt Laugh

2008-04-05T10:41:00.003-04:00

Moral Benefits of Wisdom

2008-04-04T08:33:00.003-04:00

My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,

2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,

3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,

4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,

5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.

6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.

9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.

Proverbs 2

Right Place

2008-04-03T07:45:00.001-04:00

A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. —Proverbs 16:9

They were in the right place, on the wrong day. Or so it would seem.

The Dayspring Chorale, a traveling high school singing group, arrived at a nursing home for a Thursday concert. However, the folks at the home were expecting them on Friday. But they said if the group could get set up fast, they could sing for 20 minutes. Then they'd have to stop for a memorial service for one of the residents.

The chorale hurriedly got ready and sang, and as they did, the son of the man who had died heard them. When they were done, he asked if they could sing at his dad's service. They gladly agreed and ministered hope and truth to all who attended. God used these young people in a special way—all because of a secretarial error. But was it a mistake?

We carefully make schedules so we can be where we think we should be. But we always need to keep in mind the words of Solomon, "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Prov. 16:9).

Do we seek ministry in life's unplanned schedule changes? Do we turn detours into guided tours of what He wants to do through us? If we're doing God's will, we'll be in the right place. Then, wherever we are, we can point people to Him. — Dave Branon

Sometimes our plan does not unfold
The way we thought it would;
But God is always in control
To use it for our good. —Sper

Unexpected changes are opportunities in disguise.

Joshua 1:9

2008-04-01T14:40:00.001-04:00

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua 24
The Covenant Renewed at Shechem
1 Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges and officials of Israel, and they presented themselves before God.

2 Joshua said to all the people, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Long ago your forefathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the River [a] and worshiped other gods. 3 But I took your father Abraham from the land beyond the River and led him throughout Canaan and gave him many descendants. I gave him Isaac, 4 and to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. I assigned the hill country of Seir to Esau, but Jacob and his sons went down to Egypt.

5 " 'Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and I afflicted the Egyptians by what I did there, and I brought you out. 6 When I brought your fathers out of Egypt, you came to the sea, and the Egyptians pursued them with chariots and horsemen [b] as far as the Red Sea. [c] 7 But they cried to the LORD for help, and he put darkness between you and the Egyptians; he brought the sea over them and covered them. You saw with your own eyes what I did to the Egyptians. Then you lived in the desert for a long time.

8 " 'I brought you to the land of the Amorites who lived east of the Jordan. They fought against you, but I gave them into your hands. I destroyed them from before you, and you took possession of their land. 9 When Balak son of Zippor, the king of Moab, prepared to fight against Israel, he sent for Balaam son of Beor to put a curse on you. 10 But I would not listen to Balaam, so he blessed you again and again, and I delivered you out of his hand.

11 " 'Then you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho. The citizens of Jericho fought against you, as did also the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and Jebusites, but I gave them into your hands. 12 I sent the hornet ahead of you, which drove them out before you—also the two Amorite kings. You did not do it with your own sword and bow. 13 So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.'

14 "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

16 Then the people answered, "Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! 17 It was the LORD our God himself who brought us and our fathers up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. 18 And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites, who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because he is our God."

19 Joshua said to the people, "You are not able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God; he is a jealous God. He will not forgive your rebellion and your sins. 20 If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, he will turn and bring disaster on you and make an end of you, after he has been good to you."

21 But the people said to Joshua, "No! We will serve the LORD."

22 Then Joshua said, "You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD."
"Yes, we are witnesses," they replied.

23 "Now then," said Joshua, "throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel."

24 And the people said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God and obey him."

25 On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he drew up for them decrees and laws. 26 And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak near the holy place of the LORD.

27 "See!" he said to all the people. "This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the LORD has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God."

How Great Is Our God

2008-03-31T18:11:00.004-04:00

Mighty to Save

2008-03-30T17:25:00.003-04:00

Its hard walking sometimes its seems like I am just contradicting myself . Yesterday I was someone else .Then today again God let me know that He still wanted me .He is mighty to save and will complete the work He began
I am not perfect !
I am just living on the mercies of God.
An imperfect soul depending on a perfect God.
Having faith that what he did on the cross will always be enough to rescue me from myself.
Not only did i see his salvation today He moved mountains for me !
Thank you
My God My God

Nic At Nite

2008-03-28T10:39:00.001-04:00

ODB RADIO: Listen Now DownloadREAD: John 3:1-21
I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. —John 12:46

According to the apostle John, Nicodemus “came to Jesus by night” (John 3:2). Was this Pharisee skulking under cover of darkness, embarrassed or ashamed that he, as one of the ruling class, was curious about Jesus?
Some have suggested that it was just cooler at night. Others have said that evening was a better time to ask Jesus questions because it was quieter and there were fewer distractions.
We really don’t know the reason Nicodemus went to Jesus at night, but John seemed determined to make a point of that specific fact. Every time he mentioned Nicodemus, he identified him by saying something like: “You know who I’m talking about—the guy who came to Jesus by night” (see 7:50; 19:39).
Nicodemus, no doubt, was quite moral and lived according to Mosaic Law. People probably thought he was a pretty good person. Yet none of that mattered. He was in the dark about who Jesus really was, and he wanted to know the truth. So he was drawn from the darkness into the presence of “the light of the world” (John 8:12).
Jesus calls us “out of darkness” too (1 Peter 2:9) and promises that whoever believes in Him will not stay in the dark (John 12:46). — Cindy Hess Kasper
Our search for truth is hindered byThe darkness of the night,Until the Bright and Morning StarReveals His brilliant light. —Sper
Faith in Christ is not a leap into the dark; it’s a step into the Light.

Psalm 146 (New International Version)

2008-03-27T08:46:00.000-04:00

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD, O my soul.

2 I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortal men, who cannot save.

4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.

5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,

6 the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
the LORD, who remains faithful forever.

7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,

8 the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.

9 The LORD watches over the alien
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

10 The LORD reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.

No Fear

2008-03-26T08:06:00.000-04:00

Where Jesus reigns there is no fear,
No restless doubt, no hopeless tear,
No raging sea nor tempest dread,
But quietness and calm instead. —Anon.

I'm Significant

2008-03-25T17:19:00.000-04:00

He is Alive

2008-03-23T14:43:00.006-04:00

JESUS Is Alive .He Lives

The Certainty of God's Promise

13When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, 14saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants."^[c] 15And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

16Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6 (New International Version)

Do not gloat over me, my enemy!

2008-03-22T09:11:00.000-04:00

8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy!
Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness,
the LORD will be my light.

9 Because I have sinned against him,
I will bear the LORD's wrath,
until he pleads my case
and establishes my right.
He will bring me out into the light;
I will see his righteousness.

10 Then my enemy will see it
and will be covered with shame,
she who said to me,
"Where is the LORD your God?"
My eyes will see her downfall;
even now she will be trampled underfoot
like mire in the streets.

11 The day for building your walls will come,
the day for extending your boundaries.

Micah 7:8-11 (New International Version)

Happy Easter

2008-03-21T09:23:00.001-04:00

Remember Me
ODB RADIO: Listen Now Download

READ: Luke 23:39-43

Remember me when You come into Your kingdom. —Luke 23:42

Matthew Henshaw got his name into the Guinness Book of World Records in an unusual way. After swallowing a 15.9-inch sword, Henshaw attached a 40-pound sack of potatoes to the handle of the sword and held it for 5 seconds. (This is not recommended.)
Henshaw and others like him have gone to extraordinary lengths to have their names memorialized in the world’s most famous record book. The longing for immortality compels people to do many things—some remarkable, and some bizarre.
The immortality Jesus offers has nothing to do with anything we do. In fact, after giving His disciples the authority to do truly remarkable things (Luke 10:17-19), Jesus said, “Do not rejoice . . . that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (v.20).
At Golgotha, an unnamed thief believed that message just in time (Luke 23:40-42). He understood that eternal life had nothing to do with what he had done—good or bad. It had to do with what Jesus was doing—giving His own life so that even the undeserving could be welcomed into heaven by God. The important thing is being remembered not by others, but by God. — Julie Ackerman Link
Bearing shame and scoffing rude,In my place condemned He stood—Sealed my pardon with His blood:Hallelujah, what a Savior! —Bliss
Our lives matter because God loves us.

Destiny

2008-03-19T18:19:00.004-04:00

Destiny: We cant escape what we were created to do .

Jonah spent 3 days in the belly of the fish .

I spent 30 years wondering in the belly of my dreams.

Only to realise Destiny was still waiting for me

~Joe~

2008-03-18T12:16:00.001-04:00

Psalm 51

For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ;
you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.

14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

What matters to Jesus is what’s on the inside.-Daily Bread Devotional

2008-03-17T08:28:00.001-04:00

Inside Out

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download
READ: Mark 7:9-23

Out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, . . . blasphemy, pride, foolishness. —Mark 7:21-22

Shopping for a melon is a tough assignment. No matter how good it looks, it’s hard to tell! So I tap it, thump it, and, if no one is looking, squeeze it—and then take it home, only to discover that it’s bad on the inside.

When the Pharisees were irritated that Jesus’ disciples did not wash their hands before eating—a violation of one of their traditions—Jesus immediately challenged them. “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition” (Mark 7:9). He even called them “hypocrites” and explained that what comes from the inside of a person is what “defiles” him, not the other way around.

If we’re not careful, we can become absorbed with looking good on the outside and forget what really counts. In fact, when we get to the place where we are keeping all the “right” rules, we may become proud of ourselves and judgmental toward others. But harboring bitterness, clinging to critical attitudes, and thinking too highly of ourselves are the kind of defiling stuff that make us guilty of Jesus’ charge of “hypocrite.”

So don’t miss the point. Remember, it’s the things on the inside—your heart, your thoughts, your attitudes—that really matter. — Joe Stowell

More of Joe Stowell’s devotional material on hypocrisy is available on the Web. Check out “The Truth for Jesus’ Sake” What matters to Jesus is what’s on the insid

Drifted

2008-03-15T09:58:00.003-04:00

Lord you know how far i have drifted .I am sorry for drifting so far .I know your word says He who began a good work is faithful to complete it .Father complete the work you began in me .Forgive and forget my drifting away .Those who have drifted because of me let them also return to you.Wash me and make me whole again.

I’m available for God to use me,
Available, if God should choose me;
Should it be now or then, it doesn’t matter when;
I want to see lost souls be born again. —Anthony

God has work for all His children, regardless of age or ability.

Moving On

2008-03-14T10:31:00.002-04:00

You have to let go of the past in order to receive what the future holds. There is an old Swahili saying that says He that holds on to all looses all. Certain things in your life have to die so that new things can be born. When a baby is born the transition from womb to birth is traumatic but a very necessary process. When things begin to die in your life, It might be traumatic but embracing this death and learning from it is healthy.

Seeds have to die and be buried for crops to germinate and grow. Embrace change & learn from the past. Don’t hang on to it.You need to grow

God’s mercies are new every morning .Embrace the fresh anointing everyday brings and the death of yesterday

There are no degrees of honesty

2008-03-13T09:41:00.000-04:00

Lord, by Your Spirit grant that we
In word and deed may honest be;
All falsehood we would cast aside
From You, O Lord, we cannot hide.

Spiritual Discernment

2008-03-12T10:41:00.003-04:00

Spiritual discernment : calling on the Holy Spirit to lead or give direction on a matter. It is how the Spirit shows the church or its people what God wants them to do and be.

There is discernment of :

gifts,
spirits,
actions,
intents,
the spirit of the times we live in.

Discernment is more than just a skill. Discernment is a gift from God before it is anything else. Yet there are clearly skills you put to use in using your gift, and you can become better at it through training and experience.

Discernment is more than just a process. Even for the most 'material' or 'nitty-gritty' matters, there is a Spirit at work nudging us, leading us, even pulling us by the nose ring. Even for the most 'spiritual' matters, there are disciplines, methods, processes, means, and tools which the Spirit can work through to help us discern rightly. Discernment isn't usually a sudden zap from beyond, but something which emerges from hard work.

Learn to discern. Yearn to discern.

2008-03-11T08:51:00.002-04:00

With what shall I come before the LORD
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?

Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:6-7

We always have enough when God is our supply.

2008-03-10T08:39:00.003-04:00

March 10, 2008

Fast Feet

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

In You, O Lord, I take delight,
My every need You will supply;
I long to do what’s true and right,
So, Lord, on You I will rely.

We always have enough when God is our supply.

Read: Philippians 4:10-19 (New International Version)

Life by the Spirit-Galatians 5:16-26 (New International Version)

2008-03-08T11:43:00.001-05:00

16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Peace Peace -Kenya's Shame

2008-03-01T17:23:00.002-05:00

They Killed women and children in a Church .In Eldama Ravine they hacked and killed a Priest of God most High and they say Peace. shame on you Kenya-shame on you !Because it wasn't your family you say we should seat and watch Killers share power !

SHAME ON YOU!
HOW DO YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT WITH YOUR PEACE

Kenya-A Kingdom Divided-CBN NEWS

2008-02-29T12:25:00.000-05:00

When it comes to finding peace as a nation, I think Jesus said it best...

"every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand."

This saying is found in three gospels--Matthew 12:25; Mark 3:24, 25; Luke 11:17.

The new peace deal in Kenya between Opposition Party Leader Odinga and President Mwai Kibaki seems a lot like setting up a divided kingdom to me. The Associated Press reports...

Under the agreement, Odinga will become prime minister and have the power to "coordinate and supervise" the government - more authority than Kibaki wanted to yield.

Perhaps someone out there can explain the difference between what Odinga and Kibaki will be doing in their jobs, because I don't see how this isn't the same as having two Presidents.

Here's the thing, these guys HATE each other!

They have leveled accusations against against each other that would be hard to forgive and even more difficult to move beyond. Kibaki and Odinga have essentially called each other thieves and malcontents. They also have accused each other of destroying the country.

The challenge for these men will be to set aside their personal issues and govern justly.

But will these be able to care more for their countrymen than they do about their careers?

For Kenya's sake, I hope so. But the truth is...running a divided kingdom may be too big of a challenge.

Mwaki Kibaki Kenya's Neville Chamberlain-Peace In Our Time

2008-02-28T22:05:00.006-05:00

I love Peace but I am not one to be fooled -I think IDPs in Rift Valley deserve more than Pleasing the International community .Kenya is not more Important than Wambui and Kamau -Saving a Nation can never be more important than saving your people .

This whole peace with Odinga sounds like Neville Chamberlain's peace with Hitler.

God Save us

Speech given in Defense of the Munich Agreement, 1938 Neville Chamberlain

"Before I come to describe the Agreement which was signed at Munich in the small hours of Friday morning last, I would like to remind the House of two things which I think it very essential not to forget when those terms are being considered. The first is this: We did not go there to decide whether the predominantly German areas in the Sudetenland should be passed over to the German Reich. That had been decided already. Czechoslovakia had accepted the Anglo-French proposals. What we had to consider was the method, the conditions and the time of the transfer of the territory. The second point to remember is that time was one of the essential factors. All the elements were present on the spot for the outbreak of a conflict which might have precipitated the catastrophe. We had populations inflamed to a high degree; we had extremists on both sides ready to work up and provoke incidents; we had considerable quantities of arms which were by no means confined to regularly organised forces. Therefore, it was essential that we should quickly reach a conclusion, so that this painful and difficult operation of transfer might be carried out at the earliest possible moment and concluded as soon as was consistent, with orderly procedure, in order that we might avoid the possibility of something that might have rendered all our attempts at peaceful solution useless. . . .

. . . To those who dislike an ultimatum, but who were anxious for a reasonable and orderly procedure, every one of [the] modifications [of the Godesberg Memorandum by the Munich Agreement] is a step in the right direction. It is no longer an ultimatum, but is a method which is carried out largely under the supervision of an international body.

Before giving a verdict upon this arrangement, we should do well to avoid describing it as a personal or a national triumph for anyone. The real triumph is that it has shown that representatives of four great Powers can find it possible to agree on a way of carrying out a difficult and delicate operation by discussion instead of by force of arms, and thereby they have averted a catastrophe which would have ended civilisation as we have known it. The relief that our escape from this great peril of war has, I think, everywhere been mingled in this country with a profound feeling of sympathy.

[Hon. Members: Shame.] I have nothing to be ashamed of. Let those who have, hang their heads. We must feel profound sympathy for a small and gallant nation in the hour of their national grief and loss. Mr. Bellenger: It is an insult to say it.

The Prime Minister: I say in the name of this House and of the people of this country that Czechoslovakia has earned our admiration and respect for her restraint, for her dignity, for her magnificent discipline in face of such a trial as few nations have ever been called upon to meet.

The army, whose courage no man has ever questioned, has obeyed the order of their president, as they would equally have obeyed him if he had told them to march into the trenches. It is my hope and my belief, that under the new system of guarantees, the new Czechoslovakia will find a greater security than she has ever enjoyed in the past. . . .

I pass from that subject, and I would like to say a few words in respect of the various other participants, besides ourselves, in the Munich Agreement. After everything that has been said about the German Chancellor today and in the past, I do feel that the House ought to recognise the difficulty for a man in that position to take back such emphatic declarations as he had already made amidst the enthusiastic cheers of his supporters, and to recognise that in consenting, even though it were only at the last moment, to discuss with the representatives of other Powers those things which he had declared he had already decided once for all, was a real and a substantial contribution on his part. With regard to Signor Mussolini, . . . I think that Europe and the world have reason to be grateful to the head of the Italian government for his work in contributing to a peaceful solution.

In my view the strongest force of all, one which grew and took fresh shapes and forms every day war, the force not of any one individual, but was that unmistakable sense of unanimity among the peoples of the world that war must somehow be averted. The peoples of the British Empire were at one with those of Germany, of France and of Italy, and their anxiety, their intense desire for peace, pervaded the whole atmosphere of the conference, and I believe that that, and not threats, made possible the concessions that were made. I know the House will want to hear what I am sure it does not doubt, that throughout these discussions the Dominions, the Governments of the Dominions, have been kept in the closest touch with the march of events by telegraph and by personal contact, and I would like to say how greatly I was encouraged on each of the journeys I made to Germany by the knowledge that I went with the good wishes of the Governments of the Dominions. They shared all our anxieties and all our hopes. They rejoiced with us that peace was preserved, and with us they look forward to further efforts to consolidate what has been done.

Ever since I assumed my present office my main purpose has been to work for the pacification of Europe, for the removal of those suspicions and those animosities which have so long poisoned the air. The path which leads to appeasement is long and bristles with obstacles. The question of Czechoslovakia is the latest and perhaps the most dangerous. Now that we have got past it, I feel that it may be possible to make further progress along the road to sanity.

The phrase "peace for our time" was spoken on 30 September, 1938 by British prime minister Neville Chamberlain in his speech concerning the Munich Agreement, often misquoted as "peace in our time". It is primarily remembered for its ironic value. The Munich Agreement gave the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia to Hitler in an attempt to satisfy his desire for Lebensraum or "living space" for Germany. The German invasion of Sudetenland began on 1 October.

One year after the agreement, following continued aggression from Germany and its invasion of Poland, Europe was plunged into World War II.

2008-02-17T22:59:00.003-05:00

2008-02-17T22:59:00.001-05:00

Joseph Lekuton-(PNU)

2008-02-10T21:23:00.001-05:00

I normally try and keep this blog politics free but I think young people in Kenya have to start asking themselves difficult questions. Playing the neo liberal pro odm card just for the sake of looking progressive doesn’t mean you are a progressive. Joseph Lekuton is a good example of Pro PNU leaders we have in Kenya.

Look -Think don’t just support odm garbage just for the sake of it. British masters will not build Kenya

Proverbs 4:20-27 (New International Version)

2008-02-08T19:41:00.000-05:00

20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.

21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;

22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.

23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.

24 Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.

26 Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.

27 Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.

Forgiving ODM and Kalenjin Warriors But Not forgeting their Evil

2008-02-05T08:39:00.000-05:00

This morning I woke up and realized how much I hate ODM and now the tribes associated with it .As I took a shower the battle in my mind went one way then the other .In the end I said a silent prayer concluding that I should and must hate Evil. I also realized that We should not use broad swipes to classify people . Many in Kenya have died while many have gloated over those deaths ,some even justifying the killing of innocent Kikuyu Men Women and Children .How sad and how evil .Then as I sat down for breakfast my daily morning devotional had the following reading from Matthew 18:23-35

23"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii.He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded. 29"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.' 30"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

Matthew 18:23-35 (New International Version)

His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,His power has no boundary known unto men;For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,He giveth and giveth and giveth again.
Our sin is great—God’s grace is greater.

We should Forgive this Evil People .But they also need to realize How Evil they are

Reconciliation

2008-02-01T08:51:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 5:12-21 (New International Version)

12We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2008-01-15T07:42:00.001-05:00

God pursues us in our restlessness, receives us in our sinfulness, holds us in our brokenness. —Scotty Smith

Its a New Season 2008

2008-01-11T23:16:00.000-05:00

Wow its been a while . I got caught up in so many things but Its never too late to get back to what matters . Its a new season .God is doing something new. Happy new year!!!
I know its 11days late but its a new season and begining for me too . Lots of love

Psalm 119:25-32 (New International Version)

2008-01-03T08:58:00.000-05:00

25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.

26 I recounted my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.

27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;
then I will meditate on your wonders.

28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.

29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me through your law.

30 I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.

31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.

32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free.

December 18, 2007

2007-12-18T07:51:00.000-05:00

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READ: Psalm 139:1-12

O Lord, You have searched me and known me. —Psalm 139:1

Mary received a ceramic frog for her birthday from a co-worker, and she displayed it on her desk for all to see. Some of her fellow employees began to think she must like frogs, so they started to give her frog items for Christmas, birthdays, and special celebrations. Her office soon became filled with “things frog”—pens, candles, stickie notes, posters, coffee cups.

After Mary left the company, a friend asked her what she did with the frogs. She replied, “Well, I don’t really like frogs, so I gave them all away.”

Others mean well, yet don’t always know us well. They’ll never know us as God does. We are an open book to Him—there is nothing about us that is hidden from Him. Psalm 139 tells us:

• God knows everything we do (v.2). He knows all the activities of our day and every detail of our schedule.

• God knows everything we think (v.2)—the good and the bad, the wholesome, and the impure.

• God knows everywhere we go—“You comprehend my path . . . and are acquainted with all my ways” (v.3).

• God knows everything we say (v.4).

He knows us better than we know ourselves. Isn’t it a comfort to be known so intimately by our Lord—even with all our flaws—and yet be loved so completely!
—Anne Cetas

The blood of atonement fulfills all the law!
Amazement succumbs to the message of grace:
Though God knows our thoughts, every sin, every flaw,
His love bids us hide in His holy embrace. —Mollon

You’re not just a number computers can trace; Christ knows your need, your name, and your face.