Sunday, January 22
11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Saturday, January 21
10The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Friday, January 20
114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.
Thursday, January 19
19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.
Wednesday, January 18
3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Tuesday, January 17
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Monday, January 16
10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Sunday, January 15
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Saturday, January 14
6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Friday, January 13
19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Thursday, January 12
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORDand put their trust in him.
Wednesday, January 11
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Tuesday, January 10
9 See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.”
Monday, January 09
2 Corinthians 5:17
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Sunday, January 08
6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
Saturday, January 07
19 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
Friday, January 06
1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
Thursday, January 05
22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Wednesday, January 04
9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Tuesday, January 03
3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.
Monday, January 02
17 “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.
Sunday, January 01
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
December 17, 2016
2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
December 16, 2016
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
December 15, 2016
5 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.
December 14, 2016
1 “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.
December 13, 2016
18 and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
December 12, 2016
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
December 11, 2016
9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
December 10, 2016
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
Read John 1
December 09, 2016
9 You are a lion’s cub, Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? 10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his.
December 08, 2016
4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
December 07, 2016
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
December 06, 2016
18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
December 05, 2016
2 Peter 3:10
10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
December 04, 2016
1 The LORD said to Job: 2 “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!”
December 03, 2016
3 Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”
December 02, 2016
1 Samuel 12:24
24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
December 01, 2016
19 You, LORD, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation.
November 30, 2016
1 Chronicles 16:34
34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
November 29, 2016
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
November 28, 2016
7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
November 27, 2016
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
November 26, 2016
4 In that day you will say: “Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.
November 25, 2016
17 I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.
November 24, 2016
4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
November 23, 2016
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
November 22, 2016
2 Corinthians 4:15-16
15 All 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. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
November 21, 2016
2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. 3 For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.
November 20, 2016
But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’ ”
November 19, 2016
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
November 18. 2016
The LORD is slow to anger but great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.
November 17, 2016
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
November 16, 2016
Ephesians 3:20-21Now unto him that is able to do exceeding aboundantly above we ask or think, according to the Power that worketh in us,Unto him be glory the churchby Christ Jesus throughout all ages without end.Amen..
November 15, 2016
A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
November 14, 2016
2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.You know the way to the place where I am going.
November 13, 2016
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
November 12, 2016
2 Kings 17:38-39
Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods.Rather, worship the LORD your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.”
November 11, 2016
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
November 10, 2016
1 Chronicles 16:35
Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.”
November 09, 2016
1 John 2:23
No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.
November 08, 2016
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
November 07, 2016
1 Peter 5:6-8
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
November 06, 2016
I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly.
¹¹For the grace of GOD that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,¹² Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgement; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
He that believeth on him is not judged: he that believeth not hath been judged already, because he hath not believed on the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Husbands, love your wives,even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it;that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water wth the word,…
¹¹Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
¹²Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12
¹²Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest ,O LORD, and teachest him out of my thy law;
¹³That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.
Verily,Verily. I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
“How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.
2 Samuel 7:22
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this.Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
1 Thess. 5:15
When I said,“My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love,LORD,supported me. When anxiety was great within me,your consolation brought me joy.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
For we are God′s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
“I am the Alpha and Omega,”who is,and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
The fruit of that righteousness will peace: its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make youir paths straight.
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.
He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you,while he was still with you in Galilee:“The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”
Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
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.
But the fruit of the SPIRIT is love,joy,peace,forbearance,kindness,goodness,faithfulness,gentleness and selfcontrol. Against such things there is no law.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms,hymns, and songs from the SPIRIT, singing to GOD with gratitude in your hearts.
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.But thanks be to GOD! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Cor. 15:56:57
So then as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue and live your lives in him, rooted and built up on him, strenghtened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Do not conform to the pattorn 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.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak,remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said:‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
One thing I ask from the LORD,this only do I seek:that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
And without faith it is impossible with God,because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
4. April 2016
I′ll never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.
3. April 2016
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my GOD than dwell in tents of the wicked.
2. April 2016
The true light that gives to everyone was coming into the world.
1. April 2016
Put on the full armor of GOD, so that you can take your stand against the devil′s schemes.
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person,and they with me .
¹³ You, my brothers and sisters,were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh;rather,serve one another humbly in love.
For 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.
1 Timothy 4:8
neither height or depht, nor anything else in all creation,will be able to seperate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jesus said to her,″I am the one who brings people back to life,and I am life itself.Those who believe in me will live even if they die.Everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.Do you believe that?”
But God commendeth his love toward us,in that,while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto,but to minister,and to give his life a ransom for many.
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall take away from off all the earth:for the LORD hath spoken it.
The payment for sin is death, but the gift that God freely gives is everlasting life found in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So they took palm branches and went to meet him.They were shouting,“Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel!”
in order to guard those on paths of justice and to watch over the way of his godly ones.
We spread the message about Christ as we instruct and teach everyone with all the wisdom there is. We want to present everyone as mature Christian people.
Practice what you′ve learned and received from me, what you heard and saw me do. Then the God who gives this peace will be with you.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life,by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Teach me to do your will,because you are my God.May your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
I′m convinced that God,who began this good work in you,will carry it through to completion on the day of Christ Jesus.
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom he has called according to his plan.
That is why he is always able to save those who come to God through him.He can do this because he always lives and intercedes for them.
I wait for the Lord,I expectantly wait,and in His word do I hope.
In him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor,
The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life,and have it in abundance(to the full,till it overflows).
And the Lord shall be King over all the earth;in that day the Lord shall be one in this recognition and worship of men and His name one.
For our sake He made Christ virtually to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become endued with viewed as being in,and examples of the righteousness of GOD what we ought to be,approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him,ny His goodness.
2 Corinthians 5:21
But Jesus looked at them and said,With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God.
But if one is ill-treated and suffers as a Christian which he is contemptuously called,let him not be ashamed ,but give glory to GOD that he is deemed worthy to suffer in this name.
1 Peter 4:16
By the help of God I will praise His word; on God I lean,rely,and confidently put my trust;I will not fear. What can man,who is flesh, do to me?
All whom My Father gives (entrusts) to Me will come to Me;and the one who comes to me me i will most certainly not cast out I will never,no never,reject one of them who comes to Me.
Who shall ever seperate us from Christs love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation?Or calamity and distress?Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword?
Give thanks to the LORD.Call on him.Make known among the nations what he has done.
Blessed are those whose disobedience is forgiven and whose sins are pardoned.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their corrupt nature along with its passions and desires.
A righteous person lives on the basis of his integrity.Blessed are his children after he is gone.
26 February 2016
Better to have a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower. A righteous person runs to it and is safe.
Help carry each others burdens. In this way you follow Christs teachings.
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,but the Lord weighs and tries the hearts.
BELOVED,DO not put faith in every spirit,but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed for God;for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
1 John 4:1
When angry,do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation,your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down.Leave no such room or foothood for the devil give no opportunity to him.
Blessed(happy,fortunate,to be envied)are they who keep testimonies, and who seek,inquire for and of Him and crave Him with the whole heart.
Roll your works upon the Lord-commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will,and-so shall your plans be established and suceed.
For the love of Christ constraineth us;because we thus judge,that one died for all,therefore all died;and he died for all,that they that live should no longer live unto themselves,but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again.
2 Corinthians 14-15
For where two or three are gathered together in my name,there am I in the midst of them.
I can do all things in him that strenghteneth me.
I,Jehovah,search the mind,I try the heart,even to every man according to his ways,according to the fruit of his doing.
14. February 2016
Greater love hath no man than this,that a man lay down his life for his friends.
13. February 2016
And let us not be weary in well-doing:for in due season we shall reap,if we faint not.
12. February 2016
and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.My Father who had given them unto me,is greater than all;and no one is able to snatch the out of the Fathers hand. I and the Father are one.
11. February 2016
making known unto us the mystery of his, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him unto a dispensation of the fulness of the times,to sum up all things in Christ,the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth;in him,I say,
Wait for Jehovah: Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; Yea,wait thou for Jehovah.
9. February 2016
This is what I′m commanding you today: Love the LORD your God, follow his directions, and obey his commands,laws,and rules.Then you will live,your population will increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you′re about to enter and take possesion of.
8. February 2016
God′s word is living and active.It is sharper than any two-edged sword and cuts as deep as the place where soul and spirit meet, the place where joints and marrow meet. God′s word judges a person′s thoughts and intentions.
Praise the GOD and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father who is compassionate and the God who gives comfort.He comforts us whenever we suffer. That is why whenever other people suffer,we are ableto comfort them by using the same comfort we have received from GOD.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
6. February 2016
Don′t concern yourself about what you will eat and drink, and quit worriying about these things.Everyone in the World is concerned about these things, but your Father knows you need them.Rather, be concerned about his kingdom.Then these things will be provided for you.
5. February 2016
And in that day shall ye say, Give thanks unto Jehovah,call upon his name,declare his doings among the peoples,make mention that his name is exalted.Sing unto Jehovah; for he hath done excellent things: let this be known in all the earth.
In anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
3. February 2016
But let all those that take refuge in thee rejoice, Let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them:Let also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
2. February 2016
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh,the lst of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world: Let also that love thy name be joyfull in thee.
1 John 2:15:16
1. February 2016
Don′t love money. Be happy with what you have because GOD has said,“I will never abandon you or leave you.”So we can confidently say,“The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid. What can mortals do to me?″
31 January 2016
“Bring one-tenth of your income into the storehouse so that there may be food in my house. Test me in this way,”says the LORD of Armies.“See if I won′t open the windows of heaven for you and flood you with blessings.
30 January 2016
The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,²¹so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
29 January 2016
¹As a prisoner for the Lord,then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
28 January 2016
The mind governed by the flesh is death,but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God′s law, nor can it do so.Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
27 January 2016
People who do what is wrong hate the light and don′t come to the light. They don′t want their actions to be exposed.²¹ But people who do what is true come true come to the light so that the things they do for God may be clearly seen.
26 January 2016
If any lacks wisdom, you should ask God,who gives generously to all without finding fault,and it will given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt,because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea,blown and tossed by the wind.
25 January 2016
Be alert and sf sober mind.Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
1 Peter 5:8-9
24 January 2016
¹ My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin,we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.² He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 2:1-2
23 January 2016
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
22 January 2016
³But among you there must not even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed,because these are improper for God′s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity,foolish talk or coarse joking,which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
21 January 2016
This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.
1 John 4:13-15
20 January 2016
Rather, love your enemies,help them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then you will have great reward. You will be the children of the Most High God. After all, he is kind to unthankful and evil people. Be merciful as your Father is merciful.
19 January 2016
But whoever obeys what Christ says is the kind of person in whom God′s love is perfected.That′s how we know we are in Christ.Those who say that they live in him must live in him must live the same way he lived.
1 John 2:5-6
18 January 2016
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
17 January 2016
And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
1 John 4:21
16 January 2016
My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgements come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteoussness.
15 January 2016
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
1 John 4:20
14 January 2016
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said:”Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
13 January 2016
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;may those who love your salvation always say,“The Lord be exalted!”
12 January 2016
Love never does anything that is harmful to a neighbour.Therefore, love fulfills Moses′ Teachings.
11 January 2016
For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.
10 January 2016
Give, and you will receive. A large quantity, presses together,shaken down, and running over will be put into your pocket. The standards you use for others will be applied to you.″
09 January 2016
This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers,authorities,the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world.
08 January 2016
″You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
07 January 2016
In the same way, let your light shine before others,that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
06 January 2016
Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
05 January 2016
The Lord says: ″These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips,but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.
04 January 2016
Jesus answered him,″Love the Lord your God with all your heart,with all your soul,and with all your mind.′This is the greatest and most important commandment.
03 January 2016
When you give to the poor, don′t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.Give your contributions privately.Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you.
02 January 2016
I may have the gift to speak what God has revealed, and I may understand all mysteries and have all knowledge. I may even have enough faith to move mountains.But if I don′t have love,I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2
01 January 2016
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
31 December 2015
Let us then approach God′s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
30 December 2015
Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.
2 Corinthians 5:17
29 December 2015
³¹but those who hope in the Lord wil renew their strenght.They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary,they will walk and not be faint.
28 December 2015
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you withnmy righteous right hand.
27 December 2015
So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations: Baptize them in the name of the Father,and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
26 December 2015
As the shepherds returned to their flock, they glorified and praised God for everything they had seen and heard. Everything happened the way the angel had told them.
25 December 2015
A child will be born for us. The government will rest on his shoulders. He will be named:Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,Prince of Peace.
24 December 2015
Suddenly, a large army of angels appeared with the angel. They were praising God by saying,″Glory to God in the highest heaven,and on earth peace to those who have his good will!″.
23 December 2015
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in manager,because there was no guest room available for them.
22 December 2015
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
1 John 4:9
21 December 2015
²¹ She will give birth to a son,and you are to give him the name of Jesus, because he will save people from their sin.
20 December 2015
¹ Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised ,In the city of our God,In His holy mountain.² Beautiful in evelation,The joy of the whole earth,Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north,The city of the great King.
19 December 2015
I seek you with all my heart;do not let me stray from your commands.
18 December 2015
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,and will call him Immanuel.
17 December 2015
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
16 December 2015
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.It always protects, always trusts,always hopes,always persereves.
1 Corinthians 13:6-7
15 December 2015
With our tongues we praise our Lord and Father. Yet, with the same tongues we curse people,who were created in God′s likeness.Praise and curses come from the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, this should not happen!
14 December 2015
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will,he hears us. And if we know that he hears us–whatever we ask–we know that we have what we asked of him.
1 John 5:14-15
13 December 2015
But he said to me,″My grace is sufficient for my power is made perfect in weakness.″Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ‘s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
12 December 2015
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God′s grace.
11 December 2015
¹Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ² This is what the ancients were commended for.
10 December 2015
He himself was not the light;he came only as a witness to the light.
9 December 2015
¹Therefore,since we have these promises,dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
2 Corinthians 7:1
8 December 2015
so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many;and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
7 December 2015
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.We have seen his glory,the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
6 December 2015
² Consider it pure joy,my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds,³ because you know that the testingof your faith produces perseverance.
5 December 2015
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother′s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.
Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV
4 December 2015
Talk delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
3 December 2015
Whoever walks with wise people will be wise,but whoever associates with fools will suffer.
2 December 2015
God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it.Being saved is a gift from God. It‘s not the result of anything you’ve done,so no one can brag about it.
1 December 2015
Why are you discouraged,my soul? Why are you so restless?Put your hope in God,because I will still praise him.He is my savior and my God.
30 November 2015
How can a young person keep his life pure?He can do it by holding on to your word.
29 November 2015
Sink your roots in him and build on him. Be strenghtened by the faith that were taght,and overflow with thanksgiving.
28 November 2015
To the peoples,nations and men of every language,who ive in all the World:May you prosper greatly!
27 November 2015
When a divine revelation is on a king‘s lips,he cannot voice a wrong judgement.
26 November 2015
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise;give thanks to him and praise his names.
25 November 2015
But thanks be to GOD!He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57
24 November 2015
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15
23 November 2015
The King David went in and sat before the Lord,and he said: “Who am I,O Lord God,and what is my family,that you have brought me this far?”
1 Chronicles 17:16
22 November 2015
“Therefore I tell you,whatever you ask in prayer,believe that you receive it,and you will.And whenever you stand praying,forgive,if you have anything against any one;so that your Father also who is in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Mark 11:24-25 †
21 November 2015
Then the kingdom of Heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.Five of them were foolish and five are wise.
20 November 2015
I will give thanks to you,Lord,with all my heart;I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
19 November 2015
I have hidden your word in my heart that might not sin against you.
18 November 2015
The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field . When a man found it,he hid it again ,and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
17 November 2015
“Father,forgive them,for they do not know what they´re doing.”
16 November 2015
When Herod saw Jesus,he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him,he hoped to see him perform some miracle.
15 November 2015
But ye,beloved,building up yourselves on your most holy faith,praying in the Holy Spirit,keep yourselves in the Love of God,looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
14 November 2015
Though you have not seen him,you love him;and even though you do not see him now,you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,for are receiving the end result of your faith,the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9
13 November 2015
When tempted, no one should say,”God is tempting me.”For God cannot be tempted by evil,nor does he tempt anyone;but each person is tempted each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
12 November 2015
Yours,Lord,is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,for everything in heaven and earth is yours.Yours,Lord,is the kingdom;you are exalted as head over all.
1 Chronicles 29:11
For it is GOD´S will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.Live as free people,but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;live as GOD´S slaves.
1 Peter 2:15-16
10 November 2015
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.Rather,in humility value others above yourselves,not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.Philipians 2:3 -4
09 November 2015
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction:but he that refuseth reproof erreth.
08 November 2015
For there is one God,and one mediator between God and men,the man Christ Jesus;Who gave himself a ransom for all,to be testified in due time.
1 Timothy 2:5-6
07 November 2015
The ear that heard the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
06 November 2015
I beseech you therefore,brethren,by the mercies of God,that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,holy,acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
05 November 2015
For do I now persuade men,or God? or do i seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
04 November 2015
LORD, how long shall the wicked,how long shall the weaked triumph?
03 November 2015
Oh come, let us sing unto Jehovah; Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; Let us make a joyful noise unto him with the psalms.
02 November 2015
Mine eyes are ever toward Jehovah;For he will pluck my feet out of the net.
01 November 2015
Jehovah is nigh unto all them that call upon him,To all that call upon him in truth.He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him;He also will hear their cry and will save them.


We Stand for Equality
As an African American / Black American who grew up in the south, I've studied both the unparalleled bravery and ingenuity of my ancestors and the systemic system that has been in place from redlining to police brutality that has plague people who look like me in American society for centuries.
As a Christian, I've often been enraged and hurt to not only see, but experience racism first hand as a Black Man. The thing that truly sets off those visceral emotions within me is to see or experience racism from someone who claims to be a Christian or follower of Jesus! I'm bothered even in writing the previous sentence because it is a disturbing oxymoron!
Lion Heart Unlimited was created to Inspire, Motivate, Encourage, & Giveback...period. We follow Jesus and therefore we will Always Love & Respect All People. However, our Brand is committed to giving back to the Black & Brown youth that are in our local communities because they need our love and support, not just in words, but in deeds.
We stand for Equality, which defined means, the state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities. We work, hope, and pray for Equality for all African Americans / Black Americans, people who look like me who have suffered from oppression and injustice for centuries. We stand with our African American / Black American Brothers and Sisters in the fight for Equality and Justice. We also stand as a follower of Jesus, who was anointed to preach the gospel, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, recover the sight of the blind, and to free those who are oppressed. LOVE CONQUERS ALL - John 3:16.
Be a Lion!


LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST
Monday - Friday at 7:30 AM
Saturday Morning at 9:00 AM
Saturday Mass of Anticipation: 4:00 PM
Sunday Morning at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12 Noon
Holy Days to be announced
SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
Saturday: 1:00 to 1:30 P.M.
Confessions will be heard anytime upon request.
Ash Wednesday February 14, 2024
Mass schedule as follows
RENEWED IN THE EUCHARIST
February 25-27, Sunday– Tuesday, 7:00-8:15 PM
You and your friends are invited to a three-day parish renewal focused on the
Sunday– God’s Word Calls to Us
Monday– Our Unity in Christ
Tuesday– Sent as Disciples
St. Matthew’s Parish—Ridgefield NJ
Fr. Frank DeSiano was ordained a Paulist Priest in 1972. He had led parish missions and renewals throughout the United States. He frequently presents to priests,
deacons, and diocesan leaders. He has authored many books and articles.
He is now is President of Paulist Evangelization Ministries.


Second City Church is a community that worships God and celebrates the gospel and both of these are connected to missions, to going out with the good news of Jesus. We do this going in everything we do, from choosing music on Sunday and preaching, to having neighbors over for cookouts, to supporting missionaries around the world and works right here in the city of Harrisburg.
Here are some of the works that Second City supports:
- New City School and Logos Harrisburg – After some years of dreaming by many here at Second City Church, this school was started three 2.5 years ago to reach the children of Harrisburg with high-quality, Christ-centered education. There are now 2 preschool classes and a kindergarten class and the school is now officially affiliated with Logos in York. The school is located right in our building and our church supports the school in many ways.
- Bethesda Mission – Bethesda Mission has long been alight in our city, bringing hope for many people that find themselves down-and-out in the city of Harrisburg. As part of our local missions endeavors, there is a team that goes and leads worship at the mission (located just 8 blocks from the church) every first Sunday evening of the month.
- Paxton Ministries – Paxton Ministries is a Christ-centered ministry that provides housing and support services for adults in need, many of whom are challenged with financial needs, mental illnesses, and intellectual disabilities. Paxton both comes to us as a church sometimes and blesses us with their presence, but we also go to them and help lead worship at the Paxton home on Paxton street.
- InterVarsity Penn State Harrisburg
- Hope for the Inner City – Seeking to partner with like-minded works around the country and to learn form them, Second City has partnered with Hope for the Inner City in Chattanooga, TN. Beyond giving to this work, we have sent a team this past year to work alongside them and to earn from them.
International. The international missionaries that Second City supports are all located in areas that are too sensitive to have on our website. They are all doing medical missions and church planting. Please keep them in your prayers.


Empowered to Connect Conference – Kearney
April 27, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Empowered to Connect Conference is a two-day event presented by Show Hope. Experience practical teaching in a safe and supportive community as Show Hope works to equip families, churches, and professionals to better serve children impacted by adoption and foster care.
The cost of this conference is $10. Check-in begins at 8:30 am both days. Snacks and coffee will be provided, lunch is the attendees’ responsibility.
Click here to register for this event.
This simulcast conference is sponsored by Christian Heritage, in partnership with Right Turn® and Compass & Royal Family Kids.


From my friend & photog Kurt Frampton @ Chasing Light Studios in Kirkland. #seafair #BlueAngels
"THANK YOU! Thank you to everyone who has prayed, reposted, searched and/or reached out to our family on behalf of our daughter Alexis! There is so much we could say, we don’t even know where to start. We are so grateful that Alexis is safe and she is back here in our home.
Alexis will be 18 in a couple weeks and is struggling with what she wants in life. Like many teenagers, she desires the safety and comforts of home on the one hand and on the other, desires the perceived freedom and consequence-free life of living on her own.
As many of you know Alexis has Asperger’s Syndrome coupled with a few other unique challenges. (If you are interested in knowing more about Asperger’s, I highly recommend the children’s book “All Cats Have Asperger’s” for the most simple explanation.) Alexis chose not to come home last night and not to contact us.
She has expressed remorse and has promised not to ever do that again. This experience has increased our faith in God and His love for Alexis, for us and for our family. We have been buoyed up by love and support from you…..our friends and family. Your prayers, acts of service, willingness to help in anyway, crying with us……all of it…. have humbled us to our very core. We are amazed and grateful for the power of social media and the way the news of her missing spread so quickly throughout the world.
We have felt God’s love for us through YOU and we are grateful beyond words. Heart breaking tears have been replaced by tears of gratitude. Thank you for your continued prayers on Alexis’ behalf. We believe in miracles! With great love! —— Mike, Amy & Family”
Though not a native, I mourn with those that mourn, for loved ones lost, and in whose land I dwelt. Ik hou van #NED
From @jimgaffigan: “I usually don’t have a burger, a brat, and a steak but… it is 4th of July. And I need the energy if I’m gonna start blowin crap up. It’s what the founding fathers would want.”


This blog entry is written by our guest writer Sanna Gabriel. Photos courtesy of Touching Asia.
But there is hope! Shortly after my father visited the area, he wrote up a report detailing the horrible living conditions of the Badi people and sent it to all the supporters of Touching Asia ministries. Money immediately began pouring. The first girls’ home was inaugurated in Kathmandu in November 2009, only nine months after my father had been to Garbage Village, and thirty girls were finally given a roof over their heads, food in their stomachs, and the prospect of a bright future ahead.
Two older widows from a church in Kathmandu would be the ‘mothers’ of the home, responsible for making sure the girls from the village received love and care, food, shelter, clothing, and an education. My father says it was pure joy to buy track suits, socks, hats, and other personal items for the little girls. The girls were so delighted to find mattresses on the floor of their room they did not wait for the bunk beds to be brought in, but crept under the blankets right away. They had come from homes of few clothes and little warmth, and my father wrote in his next newsletter that it “must be like heaven to them. They also received a few stuffed animals—the first they had ever had—and tears welled up in my eyes when I saw their joy over these few things. How many more children are there in this world, suffering like these girls?”
The ministry was blessed from the beginning. Good News Mission financially underpinned the next two homes, which opened in March and November 2011, and an Australian church is currently supporting a fourth home. Though such efforts may seem small and futile in the face of overwhelming statistics, they are changing the world for the youngest and most vulnerable of people. The homes do not only provide a Christian home with house parents, but also a long-term education and vocational training in preparation for future job opportunities, breaking the generations-long cycle of poverty and prostitution.
There are many needs in the world, and though this is a tiny fraction of an enormous problem, God had let his light shine upon it. We cannot do everything, but we must do something. The compassion ministry in Nepal is currently providing a way out for the outcasts, and it is standing up against hundreds of years of culture and defying that which has stood still for so long. It is working to restore dignity to the Badi community and to see lives redeemed, saved, and healed.
For more information, contact me or my father at email@example.com or firstname.lastname@example.org. If you would like to support this project, you can do so in the following ways:


WHO WE ARE
We are an enthusiastic church and our Sunday meetings have a contemporary feel, with modern music and an open participation to all, where we seek to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. Bible teaching is always a key ingredient of our meetings together and we also provide children’s and youth programmes to run alongside those for adults.
Our tag line is...
'Partnering together under God to see all people become fully devoted followers of Christ.'
We have regular Sunday Worship Services and house groups that run during the week. We are a family friendly Church striving to share God's love in our community. We strive to reach out and share God's love with the town of Colwyn Bay through various ministries.
We are also a mission minded Church and support both local and International organisations.


Our experiment will be connected with prayers, music and songs from Taizé. The program will include meditations, common reflection of biblical texts and space for quiet time, relaxations in nature and sport. We will learn some songs from Taizé with solos and also some other liturgical music. This experiment will be guided by professional musicians. We invite you to seek and find God in nature, music, sung prayer and community life.
See some photos from MAGIS TAIZÉ experiment 2017 in Trlenská dolina: https://www.flickr.com/photos/magisce2017/sets/72157684220806591/


To celebrate the season, I’m sharing clips, extras, and behind-the-scenes notes from Rick Steves’ European Christmas.
A highlight for our crew was filming the Midnight Mass at the Vatican on Christmas Eve in 2004 — which happened to be Pope John Paul II’s last Christmas. The vast basilica was packed, the pope seemed radiant, and our cameraman put our viewers right in the front pew.
The Vatican is generally a very difficult place for visiting film crews to get permission to do anything. But for some reason, their welcome warmed at Christmas, and we found ourselves with a prime spot in the center of St. Peters — midway up the central pilaster, under Michelangelo’s magnificent dome, with a front-balcony perch to catch the action. In this extra, you’ll see just a bit more of Pope John Paul II’s final Christmas Mass.


I see a ministry that reaches out to the world to inspire, encourage and motivate people of all races, ages and cultures to live life to the fullest.
I see a ministry that preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ, the powerful divine strength that is accessible to everyone, so people can live life to the fullest no matter what the limitations seem to be.
The ministry I see will help lift up, value, cherish and respect every individual that is reached, to show them the love and acceptance of Jesus Christ.
I see a ministry, which inspires people to live a big life, fighting through every circumstance, never giving up, believing in the things that are greater than the part they play and being confident in what they want to achieve.
I see a ministry, that brings positivity into peoples’ lives and gives people an environment in which they feel secure whatever state they are in, in order that they can believe in their own potential.
The Ministry I see, disciples and develops people which live with circumstances to equip and empower them to be leaders through seminar`, coaching` and training` in order that they can empower others to be leaders.


Yarnfield House Church
House Church Meetings
Day: This Sunday
Place: High Winds, Yarnfield Lane, Yarnfield, Stone, ST15 0NF
How to Find Us:
Our drive is opposite the road called 'The Furlong'. Once you are on our property, walk down to the second entrance on the right.
What is House Church?
For us church is all about family. It's about building meaningful relationships, supporting one another, and using your God-given gifts to encourage others. It's about finding your place in the body of Christ. When we understand and experience life as part of a family, we are able to understand and experience God's love for us in a deeper and more intimate way. This can only be done effectively in small groups of up to around 20 people. Each House Church is led by one of our pastors who have been trained by Reign in Life Ministries.
At House Church each person is valued and has opportunity to ask questions and contribute to the meetings regardless of how young or old they are. When we meet together we take communion, worship, pray and hear the word of God preached.
Our meetings are Holy Spirit led, with a strong emphasis on the word of God and righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. We are a Pentecostal, charismatic ministry and take a modern approach to worship.
Due to the nature of meeting in small groups in people's homes, our meeting days and times are subject to change from time to time in order to accommodate the needs of our members. Please check at the top of the page for our current meeting details.
Children in Church
Children of all ages are welcome at House Church. We believe that children are very much part of the church family and are encouraged to contribute to meetings if they would like to. We provide Sunday School classes and meetings for the children as required. We always respond to the needs of whoever is attending our meetings and tailor things to suit.
Periodically we will hold larger meetings where people come together from across our House Church groups. This gives people opportunity to meet up with the wider church family, to enjoy worship on a larger corporate scale and to hear biblical teaching and prophetic direction from our Apostolic team.
Coming to House Church
If you would like to come along to our House Church in Yarnfield, please see our meeting times at the top of this page and come along. We look forward to meeting you and helping you on your spiritual journey.


Director Loyola Institute/Assistant Professor in Systematic Theology
Trinity College Dublin
In 2006 Fáinche Ryan was awarded a doctorate in Systematic Theology at the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). In the same year she was appointed Director of Studies at the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology, Cambridge, a college of the Cambridge Theological Federation. During this time she was also an Affiliated Lecturer at the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge. Immediately prior to her appointment at Trinity College Dublin Fáinche was a lecturer in theology at the Mater Dei Institute, Dublin.


A few things have been on my plate recently that make me think. All around me I see suffering in many different forms. As they say we each have a different cross to bear. Each cross uniquely our own. Some have health issues, others financial, others jobs or loneliness or any number of things. Some suffer quietly with grace that seems almost saintly while others (like me) struggle just to get through. I complain. I whine. I’m pathetic to say the least. We just recently struggled with a GI bug here and I was less than graceful. It amazes me to see someone who is clearly struggling but with such peace and joy that radiates from them, I need be more like that. I’ve also seen how worry can over take even the most simple situation. I see how worry can lead to such an overwhelming fear and doubt that despair can engulf a person. The truth is we only have today. Nothing else is for certain. We worry and worry about the future, about our crosses, about everything and I know that is not at all what God wants from us. He surely doesn’t want us to worry non stop, to freak our about every little detail until we become desperately engulfed with such negativity that no one wants to be around us. I do understand that things can be down right frightening at times. The who, what, where, when, how, why is always right there haunting us. But what good does it do? What can I do about it? Nothing. I have no power, neither do you. I can only control one thing and I even struggle with that…which is myself. What I say, what I do, that is all I can control. And I know I’m not the only one who struggles with this. So why do we spend so much time and energy worrying about every detail, conceiving every possible worst case scenario over and over until we cannot even smile or sleep peacefully for the dread of it all. We spend so much effort in these worries instead of just letting go, letting God do what he does best and to trust that someone bigger, better and more loving than ourselves has it under control. It may never turn into our worst case scenario, or maybe it will… but whatever happens it is our cross to bear, with as much humility and dignity as possible. To turn over it all to God for some greater good… knowing that some good can indeed come from my suffering. Realizing that we have no power, to trust and not take back, and to offer up the immense pain and frustrations is how we grow. Lord please help me to become the person you’ve called me to be. Help me stop worrying, and to have true joy through you.
suffering and worry


Effective Counsel for individuals, couples & families
Dr. Matt Heatherly is a pastoral counselor serving the Tuscaloosa, Alabama area. He brings his own unique combination of professional training, personal skills, and life experience to his therapy practice.
Matt is a graduate of the University of Alabama. Matt served for ten years as a pastor in churches where, among other responsibilities, his duties included worship-leading and working with teens. In 2004, Matt began his graduate work in psychotherapy at Purdue University and Indiana Wesleyan University.
Matt is now in his thirteenth year of service as a therapist or pastoral counselor. During that time he has worked with hundreds of individuals, couples, and families on all sorts of issues that affect their lives. While he tends to work mainly with healthy, high-functioning people, he also gained experience working with the seriously mentally ill in inpatient settings.
Personal experience deeply informs any counselor's work. Matt has personally known the pressures of college life, high-stress work settings, church politics, financial woes, relocations, being away from family, office politics, career change, death of parents, severed romantic relationships, and many of the other stressors that make modern life so tough.
Matt brings a practical mindset into this work, along with compassion, imagination and a dedication to professional excellence.
As a voracious life-long learner, Matt continually masters new skills through ongoing training each year.


A STUDY OF CHURCH MUSIC IN EGBEMA LAND IN EDO AND DELTA STATES OF NIGERIA, 1938 – 2014
Author: THIKAN NATHAN DOUTIMIWEI DUINBAINIMIBOFA
This thesis is a study of church music in Egbemaland between 1938 and 2014. Egbema comprises of several towns and villages in Edo and Delta States of Nigeria. The work examines the use of musical instruments in the churches (whether traditional or Western) and the religious music repertoire since the advent of Christianity in the area. The objectives of the study were to investigate the usage and roles of indigenously derived music in the churches in Egbemaland; identify the differences and similarities in the purpose and application of music in the various churches in the period under review; highlight the contributions of music to the growth of churches in Egbemaland; discuss the appropriateness and effectiveness of indigenously derived music in the worship of churches in the area; identify the textual, poetic and structural features of the music; analyze the textual, contextual and theological contents of the music; and transcribe and present the music in staff notation. The research design employed the historical, descriptive and hermeneutical methods. The researcher, employing the historical method, used both quantitative and qualitative variables in the collection of historical information from primary and secondary sources. The descriptive research method was used to derive the characteristics of the phenomenon being studied. The hermeneutical method was used in the interpretation and analysis of the texts of the repertoire. A total of thirty churches, amongst which are Orthodox, Pentecostal and Organization of African Indigenous Churches made up the population for the study. A combination of both the stratified and cluster sampling techniques was employed. The investigation established that church music in Egbemaland had both differences and similarities which existed in the choral and congregational singing and instrumental groups. It found that the interest, expression, vitality and value which music adds to worship contributed to the growth of the churches in Egbemaland. It further established that more indigenously derived music is appropriate and effective in the religious worship of the Christian churches in the area. It identified call and response, solo and chorus, verse and refrain, strophe and round as vocal forms. It established that the Period of Foundation (1938-1963) saw the emergence of the first Christian Churches in Egbemaland with very solemn, cold, sparse and minimal use of music. It also established that the Period of Nationalism (1963-1988) saw the beginning of translation and transliteration of English hymns into the Ijaw language for worship. It further established that the Period of Interculturalism (1988-2014) saw a blend of indigenously derived music with the music of other cultures. The study has provided a novel body of scholarly information on the structural features of indigenously derived church music in Egbemaland. It has also enhanced the development of sacred musicology through the interpretation of musico-theological elements in the church music in Egbemaland. The musical transcriptions in the study have added new insights to the corpus of Nigerian indigenous music. Recommendation is made for churches in a homogenous setting like Egbema, to employ more indigenous music in their worship services and activities and to also use more of the local language than any other.
Supervisor: Prof. Emurobome G. Idolor, Prof. Ovaborhene I. Idamoyibo


The elected Bishop of Mozambique, Archimandrite Ioannis (Tsaftarides) was born in Angeryko Zakynthos in 1969. Following his schooling on the island of his birth, he studied at the Ecclesiastical School of Athens, the Theology Faculty of the University of Athens and the Theology Faculty of the University of Sophia from where he graduated in 2001. He received a Master’s Degree in 2010 from the Department of Greek and Latin Studies of the University of Johannesburg and is preparing for a doctorate at the same University.
He was ordained Deacon on 21 November 1993 from the then Metropolitan Panteleimon of Zakynthos and on 17 December of the same year he was ordained Priest from the then Metropolitan of Dodonis (now Metropolitan of Zakynthos) Chrysostomos. He was consecrated as an Archimandrite in 1998 in Zambia by the late Pope and Patriarch Petros VII.
Since 1993 he has served as a missionary for the ancient Patriarchate, serving in churches in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Cairo and South Africa.
He has organized and participated in various conferences and has written various studies.
On October 7th, 2010, by proposal of His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa he was elected by the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Alexandria as Bishop of Mozambique.


Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December all across the world as the event of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a much adored festival celebrated with a lot of cheer, goodwill and wishes, and an excitement that is dominant in the children mostly! It is a season of gifting your loved ones, making them feel special, donating and celebrating with the under-privileged, family get-togethers with great food and turkey dinners, caroling and masses in the churches etc. A time for a lot of festivities and happiness, Christmas is the most awaited time of the year in even the Non-Christian families.
In the western countries and cultures, this day is celebrated as the birth of Jesus Christ, and is followed by offering prayers and attending masses in the churches in honor of the arrival of their Lord. This time of the year, the weather is harsh and it is mostly snowing in many countries, so there is a greater need to get families together and sit indoors with enough warmth from the fireplace, good food and wine, carol singing and gift sharing and an abundance of good cheer! The way Christmas is celebrated has evolved through the ages, with Santa Claus entering the scene as we know him, only a 100 years or so ago!
The church spreads the message of the Lord who helps you to cleanse you of all sins when confessed and as this happens there will only be light in your path, so Christmas brings that light to the fore in the form of Christmas decorations and mistletoe, the evergreen Christmas tree which symbolizes the hope that there will be a new beginning soon after the harsh winter where everything becomes dark and least lively. Families that get together also organize to have the under-privileged children and families well-fed, gifted and clothed, which are very good deeds and teach everyone the essence of sharing and caring for each other. There are lights put up in every home and in every street, no corner is left ignored, everyone is looking out for the other, children are taught goodness through stories and deeds of kindness are preached.
Masses are attended, good wishes and Christmas cards are exchanged, everyone looks forward to having a merrier than ever Christmas, and a happier than ever New Year. With so much of excitement and happiness being spread in all directions, there is little scope that this wave of cheer will not spread. Even non-Christian families celebrate Christmas, maybe not in the typical religious manner, but as a festival, who would ignore so much happiness coming their way! The idea of gifting, singing, dancing, surprising the children with gifts they’ve been waiting for all year and schools which have closed for the winter or Christmas holidays that stretch over the New Year, all in all it’s the time of the year when many people feel oneness with the festive spirit and want to celebrate with their dear ones.


A short anthem or gradual for SATB mixed voices unaccompanied, dedicated to John Fenstermaker and the Choir of Grace Cathedral.
I will exalt you, O God my King, and bless your Name for ever.
Every day will I bless you and praise your name for ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: there is no end to his greatness.
One generation shall praise your name to another.
They shall speak of the might of your wondrous acts, and sing of your righteous deeds.


In a world that seems not only to be changing, but even to be dissolving, there are some tens of millions of us who want Christmas to be the same it used to be, with the same old greeting "Merry Christmas" and no other. We long for the abiding love among men of good will which the season brings believing in this ancient miracle of Christmas with its softening sweetening influence to tug at our heart strings once again.
We want to hold on to the old customs and traditions because they strengthen our family ties, bind us to our friends, make us one with all mankind for whom the Child was born and bring us back again to the God who gave His only begotten Son that "whosoever beleiveth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life".
So I will not "spend" Christmas nor "observe" Christmas. I will "keep" Christmas - keep it as it is, in all the loveliness of its ancient traditions that has made me who I am...I see in me my mother, my grandmothers and their mothers before them as I make my tourtieres, my buche de Noel, my tire a neige, sewing the new pyjamas for the first night, put a lit candle in my living room window for those who will never be with us again in this life so they know I haven't forgotten them. I will keep telling my children and grandchildren that yes there really is a Santa Claus and that in this house there will always be cookies and milk laid out for him and carrots for his reindeer. I will continue to keep Christmas in this family, and when I hear a 6 year old granddaughter tell me (as in the other day) to not forget to get a present for Jesus' birthday when I am out shopping I know that I am doing a good thing in balancing the traditions in our lives.
So if you want to be politically correct you go right ahead...but as for me and my house???? We will continue to keep Christmas and to believe.
May you keep it in YOUR heart so that we may be kept in it's hope.


The Rev. Fr. James Brzezinski
The Rev. Fr. James Brzezinski is a cradle Episcopalian, baptized as an infant, who grew up in New England. In his youth, he sang in the Royal School of Church Music – Men and Boy Choir training program in his parish. Involvement in public school music classes and musical groups, church music, studying piano and organ, youth group, Sunday school, serving as an acolyte and eucharistic minister, James found his life centered around faith and activities in the church. During his confirmation by the bishop he felt the Holy Spirit issuing a call to religious service.
He attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey where he studied organ, voice, choral conducting, and music education. He suspended his musical studies and became an apprentice to a pipe organ builder in Wallington, New Jersey. Moving back to his home state of Connecticut he apprenticed with an organ pipe maker, learning the specialized craft of building the metal organ pipes. He then moved to California to work with the organ builders on the organ at Robert Schuller’s “Crystal Cathedral” in Garden Grove California.
While living in Long Beach, he joined an Episcopal church there singing in the choir, serving as a lector, lay reader, chalice bearer and substitute organist and choirmaster. After the Crystal Cathedral project, he accepted a position with an organ builder in Lakeland, Florida, where a year later he met Nancy Bock, a talented organist trained in Hamburg, Germany. Within ten months Nancy and James were married.
He operated his own business making organ pipes for other pipe organ builders. After closing his organ pipe shop he worked for the citrus processing company where his father-in-law was CEO. He assisted in managing the domestic and international logistics of shipping Frozen Concentrated Orange Juice.
Feeling the call to priesthood again, he returned to college and completed his Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Belhaven University. He spent three years as a seminarian at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin earning the Master of Divinity Degree.
He was ordained Deacon in 2012. He was ordained into the Sacred Order of Priests in 2013.
He has served Jesus Christ as a layman in Connecticut, New Jersey, California, Florida and Wisconsin. Since his ordination he has served churches in Wisconsin, was called as a Curate to the Church of the Holy Faith, Santa Fe, New Mexico, serving as Assistant for Pastoral Care and Liturgy, and was appointed Priest-in-Charge at St. Francis on the Hill in El Paso, Texas, serving as priest, healer, peacemaker, and rebuilder.
In May of 2017 he received a call to be the Rector, priest, and pastor of The Church of St. Anne in Morrison, Illinois, beginning his ministry at St. Anne’s on July 1, 2017.
He enjoys welcoming people into an ever-deepening relationship with Jesus Christ.
Fr. Brzezinski is always available for Pastoral Care, Confession, Spiritual Direction, Prayer or Conversation. Please Call Fr. Brzezinski on his cell phone: 407-761-5665 or the office: 815-772-2918 for an appointment, or email Fr. Brzezinski: email@example.com.


Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Beloved, we welcome you with great joy to the website of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Overcomers House, Chippenham, United Kingdom. As you navigate through our website, our desire is that you will take full benefit of all the resources available on this site which are designed to enrich your spiritual life and aid your Christian growth & development. As you walk along this new year, the Lord will walk with you; your lamp shall be lightened, your darkness shall be illuminated; by divine empowerment you shall be victorious over every troop and leap over walls of oppositions and limitations in Jesus Name.
I hope you continue to find our website useful as you visit regularly. We look forward to personally welcoming you to Overcomers House, Chippenham and hope you will become part of our wonderful Church family. God bless you as you come in Jesus Name, Amen.
Verse of the day
Daily scripture from the Holy Bible to bless everyone.
our statement, vision & mission
This is our statement of faith, our vision and mission statement to the community we serve and the world at large.
We believe in God the Father, the Creator of Heaven and Earth.
- We believe in Jesus Christ, His Son, who was crucified for the sins of all mankind and rose on the third day to sit at the right hand of God the Father.
- We believe in the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us and guides us according to the will of the Father.
- We believe in the Bible as the infallible Word of God.
- We believe in divine healing, the restoration of health to the one who believes and acts out God’s word, and that Jesus is the Healer.
- We believe in tithing and bringing offerings into the local church. We also believe in giving alms, caring for the poor, sick, homeless and otherwise unfortunate.
- We believe in water baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- To build a family church of all nations, colours and creed with committed believers whose focus above everything else will be on heaven at the same time not being miserable on earth.
- To be a church that affects and effect members and the community in all areas of life; giving a better meaning to life.
- To be a growing, glowing and influential church.
- To make Heaven.
- To take as many people with us.
- To have a member of RCCG in every family of all nations.
- To accomplish No. 1 above, holiness will be our lifestyle.
- To accomplish No. 2 and 3 above, we will plant churches within five minutes walking distance in every city and town of developing countries and within five minutes driving distance in every city and town of developed countries.
- We will pursue these objectives until every Nation in the world is reached for the Lord Jesus Christ


Adoration Room, Church of St Peter & Paul (2006)
The adoration room is located in an old conservation building next to the Church of St. Peter & Paul, where it was previously used as the priests’ residence. The façade of the building is kept in its original condition, and the external windows are left unchanged. As the original space was a small, dark room measuring 10m x 5m, a new internal shell – with lots of new openings with back lit LED light fittings – is created to illuminate the space. The back-lit Onyx wall on the right of the pulpit provides a source of illumination to the space. The intensity of light changes with the time of the day, signalling the movement of time in prayer.
Photos © John Heng


Welcome to the online home of Steve Lee and Miracle Street
In 1987 I committed my life to presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It led to the creation of Miracle Street and a journey I could never have imagined possible all those years ago. I owe a debt of gratitude that I could never repay to those who have prayed for me, supported the work and walked this journey by my side. Far more important than any of us are those who have heard the message, joined a church and embarked on the great adventure that is the Christian life.
Steve Lee (Founder of Miracle Street)


Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Alvin Kelly #999012; October 14, 2008
Yes, I would like to thank God for my salvation and all he has done in my life. I thank my family, loved ones, and friends. I give Him thanks, honor, and glory. I love you Mary Taylor with all my heart, I always have. You are my girl. I love you, Michelle. You are my little kitten. Kevin, it’s all you now. You are my boy. Sylvia, my sister, keep your eyes on Christ, forever. Everything is going to be okay. Angela Christine, keep your eyes on the prize and nothing else. I love all of you. God’s been good. I would like to address the family: I offer my sorrow and my heart goes out to ya’ll. I know you believe that you’re going to have closure tonight and as I stand before God today, the true judge, I had nothing to do with the death of your family. I ask God to hold this. I would like to address the family of John T. Ford: I ask for forgiveness, because I do stand guilty for my involvement for that. Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for coming to my life. (quiet singing) Thank you Lord Jesus for coming into my life, you walked me through prison. Thank you Lord Jesus because you died for me. Thank you Lord Jesus for remembering me...
For additional information, please see this Associated Press article


With a trained eye and steady hand, we capture the most significant moments
that tells the magical story of two lives becoming one.
Weddings are important to us because that’s how we started our company. Our films are creative and beautiful to watch. We offer a fresh perspective, boundless creativity, and a subtle approach.
We believe that every couple deserves to relive the joy of their wedding day a million times over.
Our goal is to capture the day in an honest way.
We do give 100%, Every Time.
Explore more of our Wedding Experience Films
"In this season of waiting, uncertainty, and stress, we are tempted to focus on the doom and gloom surrounding the pandemic. For sure this season is temporary. We have a reason to be optimistic. Our hope is Jesus! Some say, our hope is in Jesus. I choose to say, our hope is Jesus! In my waiting and adjusting to what is beginning to feel like our new normal, I have found this to be a great time to reevaluate my priorities in life and all that I hold dear.
I have a greater appreciation for God's gifts to me and the people with whom I am blessed to share this life." -Kearsen
Hey guys! It was our pleasure being home in Iva, South Carolina to capture Chip and Caroline's wedding day. Family and friends gathered together as we witnessed this special occasion. Everything was beautiful and we wish them many years of love and happiness!
100%, Every Time
#BecomingTheDaniels, with Jordan and Kenninetra
Photography AG3 Digital Photography
Dj DJ iAM
To our beautiful wedding guests, thank you for being part of our wedding celebration...embracing our joy, and supporting us. You traveled far and wide to make a special trip to witness our dedication and vows to one another. Our family and friends are now, one. Thank you!"
On a beautiful day in late August, Brittany & Richard had their wedding at the beautiful Occasions at Wedgefield. Everything was perfect from their love filled wedding ceremony to the intimate and elegant celebration afterward. It definitely had the feel of the ideal wedding all little girls dream. Their closest family and friends came together to witness and share in their commitment to one another. Happy tears and toasts were shared throughout the evening, wishing the happy couple a long life of love and abundant prosperity in all areas of their lives. Thank you for allowing us to share in your journey to the altar.
Enjoy watching, #CheersToTheSwaneys


Dr. Evans has served as the senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (OCBF) for over 40 years, witnessing its growth from ten people in 1976 to now over 10,000 congregants with 100 plus ministries. As the senior pastor and chief executive officer, Dr. Evans oversees the entire administrative, financial and ministry operations of the church. He serves as OCBF’s primary teacher and minister of the Word of God.
Under Dr. Evans’ vision and leadership, Kingdom Collegiate Academies was established as the provider of premier private school education with multiple academic, fine arts and athletic academies supported by a Kingdom worldview.
Dr. Evans also serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on over 1,200 radio outlets throughout the United States and in more than 130 countries.
Dr. Evans has authored over 100 books, booklets and Bible studies including Kingdom Man, Oneness Embraced, The Kingdom Agenda, Kingdom Disciples and Victory in Spiritual Warfare. Dr. Evans serves as chaplain for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, a ministry he has done for over 30 years. He is also the former chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys.
Through his local church and national ministry, Dr. Evans has set in motion the Kingdom Agenda philosophy of ministry that teaches God’s comprehensive rule over every area of life as demonstrated through the individual, family, church and society.
Dr. Evans is married to Lois, his wife and ministry partner of over 40 years. They are the proud parents of four, grandparents of twelve and great-grandparents of three.


HOW LEFT-HANDED WARRIORS BECOME WOUNDED HEALERS.
By Rev/Dr. Eddie Donnally
Can the deeply wounded actually become God’s most effective agents for healing?
Judges 20:16 mentions 700 “select men,” among 26,000 Benjamite warriors who were left handed. “Every one would sling a stone at a hair’s breadth and not miss.” In a dead run on horseback, they could sling a round stone at over 100 mph and place it in the middle of a foe’s forehead. They were the most deadly warriors of their day. The Bible typically depicts being left-handed as less than desirable and many theologians surmise that these fighters used their left hand because they had been wounded on the right side. Though they had to adjust and use their left hand, they were the elite.
All of us to some degree have been wounded, body, soul and spirit. Some wounds are inflicted by those we trust the most; friends, parents, our spouses or other relatives. For me, my mom died of cancer when I was five. My grandmother took over raising me but died when I was twelve. When I moved in with my new stepfamily, I was sexually traumatized by a relative.
Though I pushed my anger from my conscious thoughts, became a professional jockey, married and had children, it was still there. God made us in his image and we have God’s same yearning to rectify evil. Later, my relative was not available to hate and my rage found a natural outlet atop a half-ton Thoroughbred racing at 40 mph.
After 20 years of racing, I became a successful, workaholic newspaper writer and underwent a divorce. As is often the case, my adolescent behavior hit me like a running racehorse decades after it occurred. I suddenly acted out through same-sex promiscuity. I knew it was dangerous, yet couldn’t stop. My hate for my stepbrother had turned inward, becoming self hate. That self hate was fed by my behaviors which generated more self loathing which gave me more reason to hate myself. On and on it went.
In gaining my Doctorate of Ministry, I learned that the unfulfilled rage of abused persons often perpetuates this same deadly cycle. It’s why many abused females become prostitutes and males battle same-sex attraction. We act out the things we hate as a way to hurt ourselves and pay penitence for the guilt we feel for past and current behaviors. My drugs and alcohol abuse became another way to kill myself and on some level enjoy the process.
Yes, for some of us our deepest wounds are self inflicted.
A suicide attempt, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, anti-depressant medication and two stays in psyche wards followed my divorce and a descent into behaviors I abhorred but couldn’t stop. I was caught in the cycle of self hate. I was like a caged gerbil on an exercise wheel, running like crazy but remaining caged. After I hit my girlfriend and wound up detoxing in jail, my mind became clear enough to realize my rage was going to do more damage to others and destroy me.
Christ’s redemption comes in different ways for different people, but come it does if we genuinely seek it. Mine came in a large courtroom holding cell when a fellow inmate read James 1: 1-2 from a tiny Gideon New Testament given to me by a prison chaplain. The holding cell filled with a golden sparkling, music filled, smoky-blue haze I am convinced was the Shekinah Glory. All the prisoners had tear-filled eyes. We formed a circle of hands and asked Christ to change our lives. Though I had been in only one Pentecostal church service and thought it strange, I was given the gift of tongues, something I use in voice or silently every day.
Several things happened that day, December 16, 1996. II Cor. 5:17 says we become a “new creation,” when we come to Christ. I believe God rearranged my DNA. I first cried because of the misery I was in, then cried because I realized the misery I had created in others, and then I cried because God had forgiven me. In that was the bondage-breaking power to forgive my abuser. And I have.
Yet as a manifestation of God, my diving healing is, was, and is to come. I was, am and will continue to heal. God is no respecter of persons and why my redemption was so dramatic I don’t know, except God gave me the passion and perhaps ability to tell others about it.
The antidote for self hate is self love. That comes when we begin to wrap our minds around the fact that God the Father send God the Son, who lived as a human just like us and died a horrible death so we can be forgiven and have eternal life. If we are important to enough to have God die for me, how dare we hate ourselves. The antidote for rage is forgiveness and when we consider the extent of our forgiven sins, how dare we not forgive others. (Matt 18:21-35, Luke 7:41-48)
Salvation is the greatest healing miracle of all. Within it is not only personal healing but a passion to become an agent in other’s healing. That’s why I went back to school in my 60s, earned a doctorate, spent 16 months in a hospital resident chaplain program and now minister as a hospital and hospice chaplain. With my personal pain came an understanding of the depths of pain in others. That understanding empowered by the Holy Spirit becomes compassion
Repentance means to make a 180 degree turn and it does just that. Once our pain becomes compassion we act out Christ’s love for us just as we once acted out the Satan propagated hate for ourselves. That love ends the cycle of self hate becoming guilt-ridden, self punishing behaviors that only generate more self hate. Now, helping others heal helps us heal, and that healing generates a passion to help more heal, which additionally helps us heal. Christ’s grace has not only halted but reversed the cycle, 180 degrees. II Cor.1: 3-4 is a key. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
This is how left-handed warriors become wounded healers. We don’t adjust. Christ’s love does it for us. Through the realization of His grace and the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, we wounded become God’s warring agents for healing, as accurate and potent as the 700 elite Benjamites.


The entire premise of Velvet Elvis, besides God loving us, the emergent church being the only truly Gospel oriented movement, and other such tripe, is that there are some paintings out there that should be painted over, changed, and moved around. Such paintings are cliche, and are changed to move with the times. Bell questions whether or not the Virgin Birth, Real Presence, and a host of other doctrines are really necessary to our Salvation. Velvet Elvis left a bad taste in my mouth. Some of what was said was okay, but most of it was questioning the truths of all Christianity from the time of Christ onward. I happen to believe what is set forth in the Apostle's Creed, which is pulled from much of the Apostle's writings. . .and he was ripping that apart.
So, I picked up this book with it's somewhat jazzy looking cover thinking I was in for much the same fare. You're probably asking why I read that crap at this point. I like to stay up on current trends within the Christian (or not so Christian) church these days, just so that I can be informed when or if I have friends discussing such topics.
But, so far, two chapters in, it's different. It says that Rob Bell goes too far by using the repainting metaphor, and that rather than a Velvet Elvis, Christianity and Christology is more of a Rembrandt. Take out one brick, start poking holes anywhere, and the whole thing falls apart. Now, I'm only two chapters in. I'm fairly certain this man doesn't support any liturgical order in church, but it is very interesting to find a man who grew up fundamentalist say that doctrine is important - that you can't just trash everything.
Rob Bell's approach to Christianity may is sort of like the brick in the wall theory. If you take one brick out, the wall won't fall down, it won't destroy your faith . . . but is it a good idea to keep poking holes?
"Rob queries: Would the entire wall of Christianity fall down if we found out Jesus had really been the product of a secret liason between 'Larry' and a Jewish maiden? What would be lost if that brick were removed?
As one notorious, testosterone-drenched thirty-something pastor put it: 'Not to mention the incredible disrespect of this question to the Mother of Jesus, if we take that brick out, well . . . we would lose - Jesus.' (Pause for effect.) 'I went to public school, and I know that."
Hmmm . . . We'll see how the rest of the book goes.