Sunday, February 28, 2010
Jesus Christ Loves Us
Oh how wonderful the love of Jesus Christ is. He is always with us and never leaves us. It is amazing the way He leads, guides, and directs us in the way He would have us go. Putting your faith in Christ is truly the way to live. To all things do unto the glory of God. Simple conversations between God and us is truly a wonderful way to communicate with our Saviour. Jesus wants us to talk with Him in our own way. Take time to talk with God today. He will lift you up to places you have never seen.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
1: Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2: Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3: We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
4: So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
5: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
6: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
7: And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8: In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10: When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.
11: Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
12: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Labels: 2 Thessalonians, Christ, Christ Jesus, Christian, God, grace of God, Jesus, Jesus Christ, prayer
Thursday, April 23, 2009
National Day of Prayer on May 7
The theme for this year's National Day of Prayer on May 7 is Prayer ... America's Hope! It's based on Psalm 33:22, which says, "May Your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in You."
This is an extremely critical time in America's history. From economic pressures, to the ongoing threat of terrorism, to the unraveling of our culture's moral fabric, many people are dealing with a deep sense of uncertainty and apprehension.
However, we can be confident that when we come to God in humble prayer, He hears us and stands ready to respond to our cries for help. Our forefathers sought the Almighty for guidance and safekeeping; and we, too, can depend on His divine intervention if we will turn to Him in repentance and prayer. That will be our purpose as we gather with other people of faith across the nation on May 7th.
There are many ways you can get involved:
• Join our LIVE online prayer room every Thursday at Noon CST
• Find local events
• Connect with volunteers in your area
• Request free devotionals
• Download prayer resources
• Join the Online Prayer Rally
• Sign-up for weekly prayer tips via email
• Support Regan Smith, driver of the NDP and Furniture Row race car at NASCAR's Talladega event on April 26th
• View GOD TV's LIVE webcast and television coverage of the National Observance from Washington D.C. from 9-noon EST on May 7th.
Visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org to learn more.
Again, I hope you will join with millions of other Americans on Thursday, May 7th, to observe the 58th annual National Day of Prayer.
Sincerely,
Donald E. Wildmon,
Founder and Chairman
American Family Association
National Day of Prayer site.
Labels: American Family Association, Christ, Christian, God, grace of God, heart, Heaven, National Day of Prayer, prayer, prayers
Monday, December 15, 2008
New Petition for Iraqi Christians
New Petition for Iraqi Christians
Since 2003, half of the estimated one million Iraqi Christians have left their homes because of the relentless attacks they have been facing from Islamic extremists. Many Christians have been killed in Iraq, including Christian leaders such as Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho. The body of the archbishop was found in the city of Mosul after his abduction in February 2008.
Most recently, over 2,000 Christian families fled from the city of Mosul and more than a dozen were killed between September and November 2008. Christian homes and properties were destroyed. This latest wave of attacks took place following a demonstration that Christians staged opposing the removal of Article 50 from the Iraqi constitution. Article 50 provided a quota that allowed the Iraqi Christians to be represented in the country's parliament. Less than a third of these families had returned to their homes by November 20.
The perpetrators of the attacks warned the Christians to convert to Islam or pay the jizya tax which allows non-Muslims to live in Muslim countries, or leave the city or face death. This shows the Islamists' clear intention to either kill or expel Christians from the city of Mosul.
Despite such widespread and systematic attacks against Iraqi Christians, their plight has largely gone unnoticed by the international community.
Here's How You Can Help
#1 Pray: The first thing you can do to help is stop right now and ask the Lord to intervene.
#2 Next, review our petition. Iraqi officials are concerned about their relationship with the United States and other Western countries, so when the people shout, they will listen. We have also found that evil prefers to stay hidden and when we shine the light on it, it flees.
#3 Electronically sign the petition by clicking here.
#4 Print out the petition and take it to your church and have everyone you know sign it. Send it back to us so we can present it to Secretary Rice. Feel free to print out extra signature pages for large numbers of sign ups. When you have collected all your signatures, please mail the signature pages to :
ICC
PO Box 10277
Silver Spring, MD 20914-0277
or fax them to us (301-989-1709).
Please get them back to us by January 10.
#5 Forward this email to all your email contacts and ask them to do the same.
Sincerely in Christ,
Jeff King
President, ICC
International Christian Concern
P.O. Box 10277
Silver Spring, MD 20914-0277
Phone: (800) ICC-5441
Fax: (301) 989-1709
Psalms Chapter 100
1: Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2: Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3: Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4: Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5: For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Labels: Christian, Christian persecution, Iraq
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
No Christian Persecution in Iraq
The official position of Secretary Condoleezza Rice is that there is no religious persecution of Christians in Iraq.
That may be her "official" position, whatever that means. But the truth of the matter is totally the opposite. As you can see below there is a lot of Christian persecution going on.
The stories below are only a few of many and that does not include the stories that are not told to us.
Keep Iraq in your prayers, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10,000 Iraqi Christians Flee Mosul As Killings Continue
Added: Oct 20th, 2008 4:46 AM
By BosNewsLife Senior Correspondents Stefan J. Bos and Eric Leijenaar
MOSUL, IRAQ (BosNewsLife) -- Aid workers rushed Friday, October 17, to assist at least 10,000 Christians who so far fled Mosul amid fresh reports that Islamic extremists are trying to eradicate the Christian population in this northern Iraqi town.
Netherlands-based Open Doors, an organization assisting Christians persecuted for their faith, told BosNewsLife it is distributing food, cooking equipment and blankets among some 200 displaced families from Mosul, where up to 40 Christians were killed by militants in recent days.
For full story go HERE.
Four Christians Killed In Iraq
Added: Sep 25th, 2008 3:10 AM
By BosNewsLife News Center
MOSUL, IRAQ (BosNewsLife) -- Authorities were under pressure Wednesday, September 24, to investigate the death of at least four Christians in the Iraqi town of Mosul, amid signs of a fresh wave of anti-Christian violence in Iraq.
In one of the latest incidents, a Syrian Catholic man, Rayan Nafei Jamooa, was shot and killed September 10 by suspected Muslim militants, Iraqi Christians confirmed. The murder came just two weeks after his father, Nassar Jamooa, was reportedly kidnapped and killed.
Full story HERE.
MEDIA ADVISORY, Dec. 8 /Christian Newswire/ -- On Mike Huckabee's new Fox News program, former Governor David Beasley, who has worked on numerous humanitarian projects in the Middle East since leaving politics, claimed the United Stateshad failed in its responsibility to the hundreds of thousands of Iraqi Christians who have been forced to flee religious persecution in Iraq.
Full story HERE.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA (ANS) — Religious persecution continues in Iraq as nine Christian houses of worship were bombed this week. [1/11/2008]
Full story HERE.
Revelation 7:9-17
9: After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
10: And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
11: And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
12: Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
13: And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14: And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15: Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16: They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
17: For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Labels: Christian, Christian persecution, Iraq, persecuted
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Petition Effort for Christians in Orissa, India
This comes from http://www.persecution.org/suffering/index.php
On August 24, 2008, radical Hindu groups started an organized campaign to drive the Christian minority out of the state of Orissa, and the Indian government has not taken decisive action to stop the violence up to this day.
Tens of thousands of Christians in India have been deprived of their homes and their freedom, and over 50 Christians have been murdered as a result of the organized violence in Orissa that has also spread to Karnataka in recent weeks. Local officials in most cases have refused to protect Christians.
India, as a member of the international community, has an obligation to defend the freedom of religion guaranteed by its own constitution. This includes the freedom of its citizens to follow the religion of their choice. The publicly stated objective of those now committing and encouraging violent acts against Christians is to deny the citizens of India this freedom.
Many thousands of Christians now live in hiding or in relief camps, afraid to return to their communities, and afraid to rebuild their destroyed homes, due to the credible threats being made against them, and due to the inaction of law enforcement officials in their regions.
Here's How You Can Help
#1 Pray: The first thing you can do to help is stop right now and ask the Lord to intervene.
#2 Next, review our petition. Indian officials are concerned about their relationship with the United States and other Western countries, so when the people shout, they will listen. We have also found that evil prefers to stay hidden and when we shine the light on it, it flees.
#3 Electronically sign the petition by clicking here.
#4 Print out the petition and take it to your church and have everyone you know sign it. Send it back to us so we can present it to Secretary Rice.
Feel free to print out extra signature pages for large numbers of sign ups. When you have collected all your signatures, please mail the signature pages to :
ICC PO Box 10277
Silver Spring, MD 20914-0277
or fax them to us (301-989-1709).
Please get them back to us by November 30.
#5 Forward this email to all your email contacts and ask them to do the same.
Sincerely in Christ,
Jeff King
President, ICC
Psalms Chapter 19
1: The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2: Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
3: There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
4: Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5: Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6: His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
7: The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8: The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9: The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10: More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11: Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12: Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13: Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Labels: Christian, INDIA, persecuted, Psalms
Saturday, September 01, 2007
The Time Is Now
How can we take so much for granted. Is it because we have been spoiled for way to long? Imagine that evrything that was of any value to you at all was gone one day. How would someone handle that situation? Having our lives changed forever but God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is with us always. If we have God in our lives we can get through anything. He tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us. Isn't that a powerful statement? One day we will be in front of Him on judgement day. Will He say to you "then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: or will He say "then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:" We do not know the day or time when Christ will return. But He will. We need to be ready for that day. "Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." Don't go through life not knowing the love of God in your heart. Don't wait for an extreme event in your life to call upon our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Christ wants to be a friend to you. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you." While we were yet sinners Christ died for our sins. "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
John 14
1. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
8. Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9. Jesus saith unto him, have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
10. Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
12. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
15. If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
19. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
20. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
21. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
22. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
23. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
24. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
25. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
28. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
29. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.
30. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
31. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.
Remembering God Will Judge
King Solomon writes about vanity in all things. But that we are to enjoy life while we are able as a gift from God. Remembering that God will judge. Paul writes in Ephesians to put off the old man and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind not having vanity in your mind any longer. Simon Peter tells us in 2 Peter that we would be better off to have not known the way of righteousness, than, after having known it, to turn away from it. Paul, again, this time he is writing to the church in Corinth in 2 Corinthians telling them not to receive the grace of God in vain.
Ecclesiastes 1:1-18
1. The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
2. Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
3. What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?
4. One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.
5. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.
6. The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.
7. All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
8. All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
9. The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
10. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.
11. There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.
12. I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
13. And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.
14. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
15. That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.
16. I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
17. And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.
18. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
Ephesians 4:17-32
17. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19. Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20. But ye have not so learned Christ;
21. If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
25. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27. Neither give place to the devil.
28. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
2 Peter 2:1-22
1. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
4. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
5. And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6. And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
7. And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
8. (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
9. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10. But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13. And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
14. Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15. Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16. But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
17. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18. For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
20. For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
22. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, the dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
2 Corinthians 6:1-10
1. We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.
2. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
3. Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4. But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5. In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6. By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7. By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8. By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
9. As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
10. As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Labels: Christian
Friday, August 03, 2007
VOM Prayer Update
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."(Joshua 1:9)
Prayers for July 31, 2007From The Voice of the Martyrs
CHINA House Church Leader Released from Prison - China Aid AssociationOn July 26, 2007, Beijing house church leader Hua Huiqi was released from prison after serving six months. According to China Aid Association (CAA), Hua Huiqi and his 76-year-old mother, Shuang Shuying, were arrested in January after being attacked by seven police officers. "While they were walking near a 2008 Olympic hotel site in Beijing, they were kicked to the ground and later taken to the Olympic police station for questioning. Hua's mother was later sentenced to two years in prison. She is being held in a medical center because her health has deteriorated," CAA said. Praise God for Hua Huiqi's release. Please continue to pray for the release and healing of Shuang Shuying. Ask God to encourage Christians in China as they face escalating persecution ahead of the Olympics in 2008. Psalm 103:1-5, 1 Peter 2:24
IRAQ Christian Persecution in Iraq on the Rise - Christian Broadcasting Network NewsChristians in Iraq are experiencing a rise in persecution from Islamic extremists. According to a Christian Broadcasting Network News (CBNNews.com) report, Reverend Canon Andrew White, an Anglican minister from Baghdad, told a committee on religious freedom that Christians have been kidnapped, tortured and killed. Rev. White said in the last three to four months conditions in Iraq had deteriorated considerably. He added that he was given disturbing news at a congregational meeting this month. "Things are bad for everybody in Iraq. I said to them (church members), 'tell me what has happened over the past week.' And the people went through what had happened, and I realized that 36 of my congregation in that past week and been kidnapped. None of them have been returned," Reverend White said. Pray God protects and encourages Christians in Iraq. Ask God to send the Holy Spirit to refresh believers who face hardships everyday. Romans 8:31, Isaiah 54:17
INDIA Christian Martyred in India's Assam State - VOM SourcesOn June 28, Hemanta Das, a Christian convert from Hinduism to Christianity, was brutally beaten by suspected members of a religious fanatic group. Das, a former member of the Hindutva fanatic group known as Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, died four days later in a local hospital. The Council of Baptist Churches in Northeast India has declared Brother Das the first Assamese martyr. Das was a member of the Guwahati Baptist Church. The Voice of the Martyrs' contacts in India report, "On several occasions, Brother Das was cautioned by radical groups of the dire consequences that would follow if he tried to convert people to Christianity." Christian leaders in Assam state say that this murder case has been reported to local police, but police have not yet found those responsible. Pray for the family of Brother Das and for the Holy Spirit to convict those responsible for this attack. Ask God to protect and encourage Christians in India. John 14:27, Colossians 3:15
AFGHANISTAN Two South Korean Christians Killed by Taliban - Reuters News Agency/VOM SourcesThe Taliban killed two of the 23 Korean Christian hostages they had been holding since last week. Reuters News Agency reported kidnappers threaten to kill more of their 21 captives if the Afghanistan government fails to free rebel prisoners by 7:30 a.m. GMT on Wednesday. The 23, including 18 women, belong to the "Saemmul Church" in Bundang, a city outside Seoul, South Korea's capital. They were working at Korean Action, an aid organization in Kandahar. Most of the Koreans are in their 20s and 30s, and include nurses and English teachers. Killed on July 25, Bae Hyung-kyu (42), was a pastor and the leader of the group. Shim Sung-min (29), killed on July 31, was a former IT firm employee and planned to go to graduate school. Please pray for a peaceful resolution to this crisis. Pray for comfort for the families of the two Christians killed. Pray for the safety of the hostages and pray for their loved ones at home in South Korea. Psalm 91, Psalm 23
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Labels: Christian, Christian persecution, prayer, prayers, The Voice of the Martyrs, VOM
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Militants Attack GFA Bible College
About 500 anti-Christian radicals attacked a Gospel for Asia Bible college in the eastern Indian state of Orissa on Wednesday evening, February 28. Gospel for Asia leaders in the area report the mob, which was mobilized by a Hindu nationalist group, systematically attacked the approximately 300 students and staff members present on the campus. Five students and the women's dorm director were seriously injured. All have been hospitalized, and one student is in critical condition.
Orissa has a history of violence against Christians. Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two young sons were burned to death in the state in 1999. Two other Christians—a pastor and a layperson—were stabbed to death earlier this month. Police have yet to take any action on these two recent murders of Christians.
Read full story HERE .
The Republic of India (Hindi: भारत गणराज्य Bhārat Gaṇarājya), commonly known as India, is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second most populous country, and the most populous, secular liberal democracy in the world. India has a coastline of over seven thousand kilometres, bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the west, and the Bay of Bengal on the east. India borders Pakistan to the west;[1] the People's Republic of China, Nepal and Bhutan to the north-east; and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. In the Indian Ocean, India is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.
12: Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
13: Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
14: For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
15: By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
16: But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
17: Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
18: Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.
19: But I beseech you the rather to do this, that I may be restored to you the sooner.
20: Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
21: Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Labels: Christian, GFA, Gospel for Asia, persecuted
Monday, February 26, 2007
The Lost Tomb Of Jesus
2 Timothy 4:3-4
3: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4: And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
They have really outdone themselves this time. Who you may ask?
Simcha Jacobovici, Director/Producer/Writer and James Cameron, producer, along with some others are saying that they have found Jesus Christ and his families ossuaries (limestone bone boxes}. These ossuaries served as coffins in first-century Jerusalem.
The following is from http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/tomb/about/about.html . You can read the full story there.
All leading epigraphers agree about the inscriptions. All archaeologists confirm the nature of the find. It comes down to a matter of statistics. A statistical study commissioned by the broadcasters (Discovery Channel/Vision Canada/C4 UK) concludes that the probability factor is 600 to 1 in favor of this tomb being the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth and his family.
The film also documents DNA extraction from human residue found in two of the ossuaries and reveals new evidence that throws light on Jesus' relationship with Mary Magdalene.
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This is why I started out with 2 Timothy 4:3-4. Take a minute and read those verses again. Christ has told us that this would happen and there is still a lot more to come, I'm afraid to say.
The devil will do what ever it takes to put doubt in our minds or do anything to draw us away from Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Do not be swayed by their talk and so called proof. They have no proof. Just as scientists can not time date anything past thousands of years, as the scientists have stated themselves. Every time something is stated as being millions of years old someone did some assuming in there calculations. That is the only way that they can come up with a date. To add their own made up numbers into their calculations. There are assumptions put into there statistical evidence that is absolutely absurd. This involved multiplying the instances that each name appeared during that time period with the instances of every other name [like they have records of this}. Their research itself states that usually only 20% of ossuaries have inscriptions. So that would leave 80% of these ossuaries with nothing on them, no inscription, no name. Who knows what their names were or how many times, the names that they do not know, were used?
These people are out to make money along with trying to discredit the Christian faith. Do not let them cause you to waiver in any way the faith you have in the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
All we need to know is in The Holy Bible, the living Word of God. Amen
1 Timothy 6:1-21
1: Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
2: And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
3: If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4: He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5: Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6: But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7: For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8: And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
9: But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11: But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
12: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
13: I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
14: That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
15: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
16: Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
17: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18: That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19: Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
20: O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
21: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen
Labels: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Christ, Christ Jesus, Christian, discovery.com, Faith, James Cameron, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Lord, ossuaries, Simcha Jacobovici, The Lost Tomb Of Jesus
Saturday, February 24, 2007
CCA Washington Weekly Review 2-23-2007
Washington Weekly Review
Friday, February 23, 2007
Roberta Combs, President
Today, the tremendous movie, "Amazing Grace" about the life of William Wilberforce and his fight to end the slave trade in Great Britain begins in theaters all across America. Christian Coalition of America commends U.S. Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Mark Pryor (D-AR) for introducing a resolution, S. RES. 84, last week commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the British slave trade and honoring the life of William Wilberforce, a humanitarian who was instrumental in abolishing the British slave trade.
Senator Brownback said, “Wilberforce’s passion and commitment to end the British slave trade and renew the culture solidified the inherency of human dignity and sanctity of human life. As the 200th anniversary of British slave trade abolition approaches we should celebrate Wilberforce’s victories and use his legacy as an inspiration to renew our culture by continuing to fight for human life and human dignity.”
As a member of the British House of Commons, William Wilberforce fought for twenty years to pass legislation banning the slave trade. On February 23, 1807, the British Parliament passed a bill banning the slave trade in the British Empire . In 1833, the House of Commons voted to abolish slavery altogether.
Arkansas Democrat Senator Mark Pryor said about his and Senator Brownback's resolution: “William Wilberforce’s unmatched determination to end the British slave trade practice continues to inspire leaders and communities throughout the world. However, we can not turn a blind eye to how the slave trade has evolved into the trafficking of women and children. The life of Wilberforce is a powerful reminder that we all have a responsibility to stand up and speak out against injustice no matter how long it takes.”
Senator Brownback added, “We must continue to follow Wilberforce’s example and fight for the dignity and freedom of every person. It is intolerable that 200 years after Britain banned its slave trade, there are still hundreds of thousands of victims of human trafficking who are used as bonded labors, sex slaves, and in other horrifying capacities.”
In 2006, the United States Department of State estimated that between 600,000 and 800,000 persons were trafficked across international borders. In 2000, Senator Brownback was instrumental in drafting and passing the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, which seeks to combat human trafficking.
Pitts, Joe, Aderholt, Robert, Barrett, Gresham *, Blackburn, Marsha, Boozman, John *, Burton, Dan *, Campbell, John, Cantor, Eric, Carter, John, Chabot, Steve *, Clyburn, James, Doolittle, John, Feeney, Tom, Flake, Jeff *, Forbes, Randy, Fortenberry, Jeff *, Franks, Trent, Garrett, Scott, Gingery, Phil, Gohmert, Louie, Hastings, Alcee, Jordan, Jim, Kingston, Jack, Lamborn, Doug, Manzullo, Dan *, McHenry, Patrick, McIntyre, Mike , Miller, Gary, Moran, Jerry, Musgrave, Marilyn, Neugebauer, Payne, Donald *, Pence,Mike*, Poe, Ted *, Rogers, Mike (MI), Roskam, Peter, Sessions, Pete, Shadegg, John, Smith, Chris *, Weldon, Dave, Wilson, Joe *, Wolf, Frank
* Denotes member of Foreign Affairs Committee: 12
ACTION: Call both your Senators at 202-224-3121 or you can go to http://www.cc.org/contactcongress.cfm and urge your Senators to co-sponsor the bipartisan resolution, S. RES. 84, sponsored by Senators Sam Brownback and Mark Pryor which honors the end of the British slave trade and William Wilberforce.
Gene Nichol, Left-wing President of America's 2nd Oldest College, William & Mary College, Allowed Strip Show, "Sex Workers' Art Show," on Campus While Abolishing a Cross at Historic Wren Chapel in College Founded by Dedicated Christians Some 315 Years Ago/Alumni Begin to Withhold Support including Financial Donations
Incredibly, even though Gene Nichol, the new left-wing President of America's 2nd oldest college, William and Mary College -- chartered in February 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II -- removed the cross from the historic Wren Chapel, he allowed a strip show, called the "Sex Workers' Art Show." The participants in this "art" show, actually using the fees of ALL students at William and Mary College -- a college begun by dedicated Christians almost 315 years ago in Williamsburg, Virginia -- included prostitutes in various states of undress expressing their feelings on issues ranging from global politics to what prostitutes do and including male and female strippers.
Last October, William and Mary College President Gene Nichol ordered the cross banished from the historic school's Wren Chapel because supposedly some Jewish student complained and vowed never to return to the chapel as long as the cross was there. Incredibly, President Nichol capitulated and his decision actually received the support of the Faculty Assembly, the Student Senate, and the Board of Visitors. As a result, countless alumni have begun withholding support including financial donations. Another graduate has filed a federal lawsuit to force the school to return the cross to Wren Chapel.
In the Virginia State Legislature controlled by Democrats, Republican Delegate Robert G. Marshall, tried, unsuccessfully, to introduce an amendment withholding the state's half of Mr. Nichol's roughly $300,000 salary. The 2-foot-high, century-old bronze cross has been on display continously since Williamsburg's historic Bruton Parish, where such founding fathers as George Washington worshipped, loaned it to William and Mary College in 1940.
William and Mary alumni have accused President Gene Nichol of hypocrisy, allowing the sex worker show on Abraham Lincoln's birthday but abolishing the historic cross in Wren Chapel. The "Washington Times" interviewed 1981 graduate Karlo Bruno who said: "Where's the line? There's got to be a line somewhere. (President Nichol is) making a judgment call about the cross, but he refuses to make a judgment call about this depraved event that was going on at the University Center." Ms. Bruno is one of many William and Mary College alumni withholding funds and inheritance bequests from William and Mary College. Alumni include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and John Tyler.
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals 3-Judge Panel Unanimously Rules Yesterday that a 3-Hour Police Detention of Law-abiding Pro-life Demonstrators Presents Valid Constitutional Claims Under the 1st and 4th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution
Yesterday, after a 5-year-long lawsuit by pro-life demonstrators, a 3-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, overruled a lower federal court, and ruled that a 3-hour police detention of law-abiding, pro-life demonstrators presented valid constitutional claims under the First and Fourth Amendments of the United States Constitution.
On June 10, 2002, while the pro-life demonstrators, were driving box-body style trucks displaying images of first-term aborted babies in the Dayton, Ohio area, 12 law enforcement officers conducted unreasonable (and unconstitutional) police searches and seizures.
The circuit court judges unanimously ruled that these law enforcement officers violated the pro-life demonstrators' Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable police searches and seizures. These federal appeals court judges also ruled that the police violated the pro-life demonstrators' First Amendment rights to targeting them for disfavored treatment because they were "anti-abortion." There is little doubt, if the U.S. Supreme Court gets an appeal, it will rule with the pro-life demonstrators.
President George W. Bush Goes to Mount Vernon, home of America's First President, to honor George Washington/Compares War on Terror with Revolutionary War/Victories Then "were not meant for the United States alone," but were to advance freedom worldwide
Earlier this week, President George W. Bush made a trip to Mount Vernon, Virginia, right outside Washington D.C., to honor America's first president of the United States, George Washington. He celebrated the 275th birthday of President Washington and at the same time linked today's War against Terrorism to the United States' fight for independence
President Bush told the crowd at Mount Vernon on Monday: "George Washington's long struggle for freedom has also inspired generations of Americans to stand for freedom in their own time. Today, we're fighting a new war to defend our liberty and our people and our way of life." President Bush went on to say that the victories President Washington won "were not meant for the United States alone," but were to advance freedom worldwide. President Bush praised President Washington for showing steady wartime leadership. He said in his speech, "in the end, General Washington understood that the Revolutionary War was a test of wills, and his will was unbreakable."
Last week, Congressman Roscoe G. Bartlett, R-MD, reintroduced his legislation which will force the federal government to return honor to George Washington on HIS federal holiday to be celebrated next Monday. Congressman Bartlett said upon the reintroduction of his bill, H.R. 75: "A generic Presidents' Day diminishes the accomplishments of America's greatest Presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, while rewarding the mediocrity of others," said Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R-6-MD) explaining why he has reintroduced his legislation, the Washington-Lincoln Recognition Act, H.R. 75, to restore recognition of the federal holiday that will be observed on Monday, February 19, 2007 by its legal name, Washington's Birthday. February 22, 2007 is the 275th anniversary of George Washington's birth. There has never been a President's Day federal holiday!"
"The big lie of Presidents' Day stems from the 1968 law which shifted the observance of most federal holidays to Mondays," said Congressman Bartlett. "George Washington's birthday was one of the original federal holidays, but it is no longer observed on his actual birthday. February also marks the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, another of our greatest Presidents and my favorite President. Without this bill, there will be no commemoration of Abraham Lincoln's birthday or his accomplishments in preserving the Union and issuing the Emancipation Proclamation."
Finally, Congressman Bartlett said, There would be no Declaration of Independence, no United States of America, no Constitution, and no Presidency at all without George Washington. He is also the only President elected unanimously, not once, but twice. The story about Washington admitting to chopping down a cherry tree because he couldn't tell a lie was a historical myth designed to elevate his greatness. Presidents' Day is a historical myth that is more damaging because it eliminates Washington's indispensable greatness from our conversations, news stories and school lessons about this federal holiday. H.R. 75 would help correct this ongoing historic mistake." ,
ACTION: Call your Congressman at 202-225-3121 or you can go to http://www.cc.org/contactcongress.cfm and urge your Member of the House of Representatives to co-sponsor Congressman Bartlett's bill, H.R. 75, the "Washington-Lincoln Recognition Act."
Christian Coalition Activists need to Encourage 110th Congress to Pass Both "Net Neutrality" and "Multicast/Equal Access" Legislation to Prevent Discrimination Against Religious Broadcasters /Democrat-controlled Congress Expected to Pass "Net Neutrality"
The lame-duck Republican Senate did not pass a telecommunications bill and thus a "Net Neutrality" provision was not passed in the 109th Congress. "Net Neutrality" is an issue extremely important to America's grassroots organizations and those Americans who want to ensure the cable and phone companies controlling access to the Internet will not discriminate against groups like Christian Coalition of America. Although AT & T recently made an agreement with the FCC that it would agree to "net neutrality" in order to merge with BellSouth Corp. in a $86 billion merger, the agreement only lasts 2 years. Therefore Congress must pass "net neutrality" legislation in order to make "net neutrality" permanent.
It is anticipated that the Democrat-controlled Congress will agree with the position of the recent House Judiciary Committee Chairman, James Sensenbrenner, Republican-WI, and pass a "Net Neutrality" bill during the 110th Congress. If "Net Neutrality" legislation does not pass, consumers will have to pay an additional fee to have a website. The cable/telephone monopoly will be dividing the Internet into a "fast track" and "slow track." Our grassroots, who cannot afford the additional fees, will have to be on the slow track, which will mean that many of our websites will be passed by because the general public will not have the patience to go on the "slow track".
"Multicast/Equal Access" (formerly called "Multicast/Must-carry") will go a long way to preventing discrimination against religious broadcasters. Without a "Multicast/Equal Access" law, the cable and satellite companies would probably not add new Christian channels and the influence of current Christian channels will be diluted.
Please continue to ask your Members of Congress to support “Multicast/Equal Access” and religious broadcasters. Call your Congressman and 2 Senators at 202-225-3121 or you can go to http://www.cc.org/contactcongress.cfm and email them and let them know we need a “Multicast/Equal Access” and "Net Neutrality" legislation to pass in the 110th Congress.
Please sign our petition and join the Faith & Family Television Task Force at http://www.cc.org/taskforce.cfm encourage your family, friends and church friends to also sign the petition at our website join the Christian Coalition’s Judicial Task Force, which is dedicated to ending the obstruction of the President's judicial nominees and ensuring that they ALL receive a fair "up or down" vote by the full Senate. There are a number of President Bush's Circuit Court of Appeals' nominees who have not yet received a Senate floor vote. The challenge to confirm President Bush's nominees in a Democrat-controlled Senate will be very difficult and we need your help in doing just that. You will become part of a team of individuals who are committed to being ready on a moment’s notice to take action when obstruction occurs.
Please keep the above issues in prayer. Through prayer and action great and mighty things can be accomplished.
Psalm 33:12 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…”
Please be sure to forward this message on to as many people as possible!
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