BUILDING FAITH CONCLAVE PART ONE (predecessor to CAFE SOZO)

WE'VE MOVED!

2008-01-19T19:19:00.000-08:00

Please come and see us HERE: CAFE SOZO; CHRISTIAN ONLINE COFFEEHOUSE
You'll love it.

Blessings by Elaine Davenport Monday, Dec. 3, 2007

2007-12-03T16:07:00.000-08:00

Hi! I'm just checking in to tell you that we moved.
WE'RE HERE

We loved Blogger. However, we had all of our Blogs at Wordpress and it was easier to manage. Come and join us at Cafe Sozo. We're an Online Christian Coffeehouse with Music Videos and lots of words to encourage you. Blessings!

WE'VE MOVED by Elaine Davenport

2007-10-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

Our objective has always been to reach the world with the Good News of the Gospel of Christ. In order to do this more efficiently, we had to make a tough decision to move. This is our last posting at this site; so this notice should always be at the top of the page.

Our New Site: www.faithcenter.wordpress.com
(If you are unable to "click" on this; please copy and paste on top or look for the notice on the side of the page; and click there.

Blessings unto you and yours

I did not want to exxagerate by Elaine Davenport (Saturday, October 13, 2007)

2007-10-11T16:08:00.000-07:00

I was coming out of prayer this morning and I said to some friends: "Did you know that there may be 20,000 or 50,000 Christians in concentration camps in Korea? They were like: "Are you sure?" Well, I explained that I was sure but that I would research the numbers and present them with the facts. I am writing about it because we as believers have to pray for other believers who face challenges. We've got to do something. I want to present you with some articles of reference. By the way; my numbers are way off; clearly there are at least 200,000 Christians in concentration camps in North Korea and the actual numbers may far exceed that estimate. Please read:

Christian Persecution far worse than thought

One Million

40 Detention Centers

Observations from the Frontlines... by Elaine Davenport (Friday, October 12, 2007)

2007-10-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

First, let me say that I apologize. For months, I was writing with my greatest efforts at this Blog. With such success under my belt, I prayed and was led to start up four more. Each time, the next Blog received greater attendance than this one. I couldn't understand why. Was it because people didn't want to hear about faith? That's what I thought at first. That wasn't it. It was because this site someone wasn't getting advertised. I'm still trying to figure out how it works because dismantling it would be far too much work. Thanks for your patience.

Tina Turner had it Wrong by Elaine Davenport (Sunday, October 7, 2007)

2007-10-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

Tina Turner had a song that went to the top of the music charts. People sang it around the world. It was way near the top of the charts in Norway, Spain, Germany, the United States, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Canada, Ireland and many more countries according to sources. It was Song of the Year and Record of the year. To Tina's credit; it's reported that she hated the song. I distinctly remember going to see the movie with my friend Carmen. This was quite a while back. She got mad at the "Ike" in the movie played by Larry Fishburne. She began to yell at him and tell him off right there in the previously quiet movie theatre. I felt embarrassed. Neither of us realized that we were getting an erroneous message. We didn't know that Jesus had given us a command to love. Yeah, years ago we heard "Love your neighbor as yourself." but we had sort of forgotten. We both grew up in churches that didn't teach the Word of God. We were solid believers but we had drifted away from the close walk of our childhood. The movie was presented that there was no way that Tina could ever for give Ike. Everyone everywhere knew the storyline; which in a way "mimics remnants" of some things that have happened with more recent headlines. At any rate, "LOVE" has everything to do with it. It's the first thing that must be considered. It's the important thing.

Here's a warning:

You have to forgive the people who hurt you. Let your light shine in their lives. Don't allow bitterness or unforgiveness to take root.
Don't take the people around you for granted. Your family members, your friends, your neighbors, your church family including ministers and volunteers. Tell them that you love them and mean it. Encourage them, support them. Take time to reflect on what's important in your life. If you value those around you; they will value you.

Look at First Corinthians Chapter Thirteen from the Message Bible interpretation and think on what it says. You'll be Blessed.

1 Corinthians 13

The Way of Love

1 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.

11When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

It was just a song; but it left its' mark on many people (especially women). I am sure that Tina was moved at some point to forgive Ike.

What's Love Got to do with it?

Everything that's all.

For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love. Gal 5:6

The Power of the Blessing by Elaine Davenport ( Saturday, October 6, 2007)

2007-10-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

THE POWER OF THE BLESSING

And the woman bare a son and called his name Samson: and the child grew and the LORD blessed him. Judges 13: 24
And the spirit of the LORD began to move him at times…Judges 13: 25
The LORD bless thee and keep thee, the LORD make his face shine upon thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace. Numbers 6: 23-27

Blessings to you today. Oh what a wonderful day that it is. We have great cause to rejoice. I pray that all is well with you and with your household. If it isn’t, it will be. The situation has no choice but to change for the better, because you are there and you are BLESSED. You are a mighty person and God values you so much. He has called only you to do great and marvelous things while walking on a path that He called you to walk on. God wants you to be happy, very happy.

I looked up the word Blessed in the Websters 1828 Dictionary and it says: Happy; prosperous in worldly affairs; enjoying spiritual happiness and the favor of God; enjoying heavenly felicity. That word felicity : Happiness, or rather great happiness; blessedness; blissfulness; appropriately, the joys of heaven.

The next thing that I did was to find people in the bible who were Blessed. I began to note not only the joy and the miracles that unfolded in their lives; but the power that came upon them to do supernatural things. This has been noted by many; time after time and case by case. It’s amazing. When Gods Blessing is released, it is a time for great celebration. It’s also IMPORTANT for us as believers to release the Blessing over the lives of others.

I was so excited last week. …
I ran home to tell my children that starting every Friday, the Blessing would be released over their lives. I didn’t know what their reaction would be, but it was a faith statement. They were so excited. “WHAT?” I said in bewilderment. They didn’t want to wait until Friday. I had a good laugh and Hallelujah out of that response. I began to do this with other people and I noted OPEN DOORS.

All of a sudden barriers were falling down; people who had never been receptive to hear anything at all; were all of a sudden very excited! People were not only happy but they were hopeful and faith began to grow. There is power in the Blessing!
Try this link Online for WEBSTERS 1828 definition of POWER:

Blessings & Love, Sister E. Davenport

Speak the Word only (Friday, October 5, 2007)

2007-10-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

Reading this prayer and meditating upon it will Bless you mightily. You can personalize it. It is a great prayer to pray for other people like family, siblings, co-workers...you decide. It comes from Ephesians Chapter One. Are you willing to put in the time?

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

A Reminder of Love (Thursday, October 4, 2007)

2007-10-03T16:36:00.001-07:00

We all say that we know this but; every day there is evidence that we don't know it well. Every day we are tested.

Do you know it by heart? No play on words intended.

1 Corinthians 13 Amplified Bible
1IF I [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such [a]as is inspired by God's love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

2And if I have prophetic powers ([b]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody).

3Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or [c] in order that I may glory, but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing.

4Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

5It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

6It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

7Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

8Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy ([d]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].

9For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).

10But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded).

11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.

12For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as [e]in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand [f]fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been [g]fully and clearly known and understood [[h]by God].

13And so faith, hope, love abide [faith--conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope--joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love--true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Believing God is not hard by Elaine Davenport (Tuesday, October 2, 2007)

2007-10-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

It's amazing to me that when things get tough for some of us; our vision become obscured and we have to step back to gather our wits. Nobody likes to admit this so it's okay if this has only happened to me and a few others.

One day, I received a letter in the mail and I needed to have a certain amount of money by a certain date. I didn't panic, I just said: "Lord, that's Yours." That kind of faith came from a reservoir of studying the Word of God and walking it out.

The Bible says in Hebrews 11: 5, 6:

By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

I really want to focus in on faith. I want to focus in on your ability to believe God.

Faith isn't something that comes automatically. You can take two people; one is born again and the other is not and they "could" have the same amount of faith under certain circumstances. Faith is simply believing the unseen. If you like Monday Night Football, by some sort of faith you turn on the television expecting to see it. You pop your pop corn. You invite friends over to watch the game. You take a nap early so that you can stay up late. You might read up on the teams or watch a sports show to get yourself revved up for the big game. Do you know for a fact that Monday Night Football will be on? No, you don't but you're expecting it. Will they call you and remind you or assure you that the game will be on? No. Will someone ring your doorbell? NO, it is unlikely. Will they send you a postcard? No, it's unlikely. But, you believe to almost a certainty that it will happen. It's what you hope for.

What is faith according to the bible?

1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11: 1 (New International Version)

If we really simplify things; faith is believing God over circumstances.

God doesn't care what the circumstances are, He just wants us to believe Him.

My uncle had been diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo chemotherapy. We all prayed for things to go smoothly (as we await the manifestation of his healing).
He had his chemo treatment and he had no side effects except his foot was swollen, then we went over and laid hands on his foot and that went away.

We can believe God for big and little things. I believed God for many things. I've believed him for healing, writing opportunities, friendships, prayer successes and many things. My experience is that God can meet each and all of us wherever our faith level is.

STAY OUT OF THE WAY...

One great challenge that people face is when they figure that "God can't fix this problem; it's to messy or too complicated.

Be advised that in order for you to get help from God; you may have to get out of His way. For instance, when you give a burden to God; don't take it back the next day by praying for it all over again as if nothing happened.

Don't let your prayer requests become "fear" requests. Stay confident.

A Friend that I've written about had a Complicated Child Support Case that went back to 1960. That friend had paid off and on for forty years and was in arrears. They felt that they had overpaid and faced insurmountable red tape. We began to pray about it on a daily basis; each day addressing something different. This was after praying about it and getting instruction s from God to do this. Within 30 days the payment was reduced to $15.00 a month. Within 6 months the total payment was eliminated. We never had to write to ask them to clear my friends' credit; they did it automatically. It was a miracle and I'll tell you why. We tried to call on the phone to check the progress and we were told no one was working on the file and not to call. Don't tell me what God can't do.
I will continue this series later in the week.

The Light by Elaine Davenport (Monday, October 1, 2007)

2007-09-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. {1 Jn 1:5 RSV}

This is a dark world that we live in. However, those who have accepted Christ walk in the Light. God is Light. If we are in God then we are in the Light. There's enough stuff going on to make some people panic and be scared; if they don't know about faith. Faith people are supposed to understand that the darkness cannot overcome them. There are people around us who don't realize that they are functioning and dependent upon a dark world system and that each day they are more and more vulnerable.

A while back, the power went out in the whole State of Michigan. I think several states were affected in the United States. It happened during daylight hours and though we could still see well, we were functioning ineffectively and chaos was all around us. For example; all the Gas stations closed down. You couldn't buy ice and the supermarkets closed. Some phones didn't work. If you didn't have gas in your car you were unable to drive to the store and buy a charger for your cell phone. There were traffic jams everywhere. Yet despite all of this; it was 100 times worse when it got dark.

When it got dark, we all scrambled for candles. One neighbor had a generator. He allowed anyone with an extension chord to their homes so that they would have light. We all went to his yard for a cookout. The fire gave us light. Eventually we all went back to our dark homes. All we could do was sleep. We were so happy when daylight hit the next day. Our lives had been drastically altered by that experience.

We were used to living in the light. We didn't like the darkness, not that way beyond our control.

God is Light. When I came into the Kingdom of God, moving closer to God; accepting Jesus as the Master of my life, I had no idea what kind of choice I had made. The Light of God flushed in a gave light to every dark part of my life and corrected in. The Light flooded my household and ran out the darkness. I take that Light with me wherever I go. I see things differently. Things are different. I know what's going on. I know that what's not of God is darkness and I don't like darkness. Think about that.

James 1: 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

What Do You Hear ? (Unknown) Friday, September 28, 2007)

2007-09-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square in Manhattan. It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns, taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds of the city were almost deafening. Suddenly, the Native American said, "I hear a cricket."

His friend said, "What? You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise."

"No, I'm sure of it," the Native American said, "I heard a cricket."

"That's crazy," said the friend.

The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing. He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he located a small cricket. His friend was utterly amazed.

"That's incredible," said his friend. "You must have super-human ears."

"No," said the Native American. "My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you're listening for."

"But that can't be." said the friend. "I could never hear a cricket in this noise."

"Yes, it's true," came the reply. "It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you."

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk. And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs.

"See what I mean?" asked the Native American. "It all depends on what's important to you."

As Jesus tells the Pharisees in the Gospel, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar, but give to God what is God's."

- Unknown

Only a few people will get this; are you "one" of them? By Elaine Davenport (Thursday, September 27, 2007)

2007-09-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

God Bless you today. What a great day God has for you today. I was thinking of you this morning and decided to write you to share a few things with you. First, let me tell you that I faithfully pray for you and your family. This is true. You know, when I hear that someone needs prayer, I never feel bad or any sense of urgency if I know them because I’ve ALREADY been praying for them. I never stop. That means you.

I have a story to tell you. It’s not a long one. It’s a faith story. I have met some of the most wonderful people (the best I have ever known) since I decided to take a closer walk with God in my life. One of those people is my friend Barb. Now all of us have many stories of our lives that we can tell. Barb was kind enough to tell me one of her faith stories. It’s a good one and I know that she has many more. I asked her permission to share this with you and I got her consent. Thank you so much Barb for sharing this with all of us. Thank you.

Barb received an assignment from her home church to direct the Outreach Ministry at a church in Akron Ohio. We live in Michigan and Akron, Ohio is a little over a three hour drive in good weather. (smile) It’s just a little under two hundred miles in one direction. Barb was in charge of the bookstore and all Outreach activities. She was not relocating, she was commuting. Barb traveled every Sunday, rain or snow. (WE LIVE IN THE MIDWEST SO THERE WAS SNOW) Barbara told me that she came to love the people there and the assignment. Now, I’ve heard a lot of wonderful stories but none like this one. I’m sure there are more, (few) but I haven’t heard them. I asked her: “How did you do that? How did you stay connected?” Her response is what I want to talk to you about today.

She looked at me with an angelic face in all sincerity and said something like this: I spent those long commutes meditating and communing with the Lord. Those weren’t her exact words but I tried to give it a “broad” interpretation so people at all faith levels can understand. What she was explaining to me in a very humble way was that if you have a personal relationship with God, faith and trust in Him, nothing is impossible. I want you to just imagine that every Sunday, you have to get up and drive to Akron, Ohio to go to church. You can’t oversleep, you can’t say: “I’ll stay home this week,” you can’t quit, you have to go! Could you do it?

Now, my message for you this month is to tell you to: “STAY CONNECTED.” Some people who receive this will say: “Stay connected to what?” Some will understand. So let me just say this: these letters go out by the hundreds now. This is not meant to offend or to suggest that you aren’t connected…but the Word I’ve received to give you is to tell you to STAY THAT WAY.

When you buy a car, it comes with a battery. You don’t ask to see it because if the car is new, no one hears about batteries going bad. But we all know that a few years down the road and a couple of winters and that battery better be given some serious attention and the TRIPLE A card better be current because the car needs a battery that works. The more you drive the car, the more power that goes out of the battery. My husband just explained to me that when you recharge the battery it builds the power back up. HMM……….

(Some of you can see the analogy to our faith here)

THE BATTERY HAS TO STAY CHARGED ……….AND SO DO WE.

We have got to increase our prayer lives. We have got to stay connected to God. Sunday service isn’t enough and a fleeting emergency prayer isn’t enough either. I used to think that the more prayers that I sent up, that it was bad and that God wouldn’t want to answer my emergencies because I had bothered Him about so many little things. A lot of people think that now: “I don’t want to bother God, He’s busy.” So because I misunderstood, I wasn’t staying connected. All kinds of things were happening to me. And then…………I figured it out (with help). It was the other way around, completely different than what I thought. God wanted to hear from me. All the time. I eventually learned to pray for other people as a prayer intercessor, to increase my prayer life dramatically and to stay connected.
In return, my needs were met in mighty ways day by day! I’m sitting here laughing now about my latest miracle….get connected……and stay that way. Please, I’m begging you and praying too.

Is your Spiritual bank account flourishing or in the hole? by Elaine Davenport (Tuesday, September 25, 2007)

2007-09-24T05:05:00.000-07:00

How much have you deposited into your Spiritual bank account?

(THAT WILL DETERMINE WHAT YOU CAN TAKE OUT WHEN YOU NEED IT)

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10: 17

Blessings to you. How are you doing? I haven’t written in a while because I have been pretty busy trying to do so many things and trying to find a balance. I have been thinking about you and yet I don’t actually know much about you from a spiritual perspective. I know you from a world perspective and I know that you are a really good person. Only you and God know how you’re doing spiritually and He’s very smart.

That’s what I am writing to you about today…YOUR SPIRIT.

DID YOU KNOW THAT WHEN YOU”RE ON FULL SPIRITUALLY, YOU”RE THE STRONGEST THAT YOU”LL EVER BE?

I was praying and I was led to send 50 of these letters out and I just figured I would be led as to who should get one and so that’s why it’s in your hand now, or on your table or bed etc..

I keep calling the bank all the time to see what’s in any of my three financial accounts and sometimes I have to transfer money from one to another. You can have a lot of FINANCIAL bank accounts if you wish; but you can only have ONE SPIRITUAL bank account. Everyday you can put something in it. What is in it is up to you.

A lot of people have grown up to believe that only a small part of each of us is spiritual, if that much. Smile. It’s a terrible deception because the BIGGEST part of us is the SPIRIT man or woman. We are a spirit, we LIVE in a body and we possess a soul.

I really knew something was missing in my life when I was afraid all the time, I worried a lot and had a lot of anxiety. Everything bothered me and I worried much too much about what people thought of me, what would happen to me and my family. I can laugh about it all now. I’m 100% confident that ALL IS WELL.

As I began to choose my own personal path for spiritual enrichment, I chose to get to know God by establishing a personal relationship with Him. I found out about how God loves me (and you) unconditionally and what He wants me to do with my life. I began to pray for and love others unselfishly, standing in the gap for them through prayer; so that their needs could be met. My prayers were not short and as I tried it, my faith began to grow. I was led to read the bible. That was a miracle! I had never done it too much and had never wanted to. At first, I fell asleep. Then, I realized it was God talking to me and instructing me telling me why I didn’t have to be afraid of anything and so much more. I eventually learned that I was on the road to building myself up spiritually and how to stay that way. Do you like living life worrying about things or would you like to be confident?

MY PRAYER FOR YOU IS THAT YOU”LL THINK ABOUT THIS LETTER AND BUILD YOURSELF UP SPIRITUALLY. THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU NEED FOR YOU TO BE JUST THAT STRONG. I DON”T KNOW WHEN YOU AND YOUR FAMILY WILL FACE A TEST OR TRIAL; (we all do) BUT WHEN YOU DO, DON”T DO IT ALONE.

Do you want to beat this thing? Read the Bible... by Gene McGuire (Guest Writer) (Monday, September 24, 2007)

2007-09-23T18:47:00.000-07:00

Editor's Note: Most people are facing something big and need God's help. If you don't; ask around. I wanted to write to you about the CRITICAL IMPORTANCE of reading the bible every day for at least 30 minutes to an hour. I believe this is a key to the Open Door. I found this article written by Gene McGuire and I couldn't have expressed it better)

BY GENE MCGUIRE...

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God. . . .rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

COMMENT: Have you ever taken something for granted and then after a period of time your eyes are opened to a deeper understanding? Well, that happened to me the other day. You probably have been aware of what I am about to mention, but it took me 70 years to clearly see the obvious. What I’m talking about is a part of speech called a “contraction”. For all these years I never gave a second thought as to why that name was given to those particular words; it was just another word like a noun, adjective, pronoun, etc. I knew one when I saw one or used one. About a month ago, it finally dawned on me that the word “contraction” means to make smaller and that is what happens when we take two words, eliminate one or more letters and replace the missing letter(s) with an apostrophe. Now, of course, my failure to be fully aware of that concept is not very important to my life in the natural, however the same lack of cognition in spiritual matters could be very detrimental. I’ve heard some people say that they’ve read the Bible once, cover to cover, and truly believe that they’ve gotten out of it all it had to offer. NOT. There are deeper meanings in the Scriptures that only come to us by studying and meditating on God’s Word. A cursory examination of it is definitely insufficient because the Scriptures contain “acres of diamonds” that can be continually ”mined” by conscientious Christians.

SCRIPTURE STUDY: Psalms 119:130 and Hebrews 4:12

WISE SAYING: KNOW THE WORD, BE NOT DECEIVED. YOUR IGNORANCE COULD LEAVE YOU GRIEVED. (gene mcguire)

We're Looking for Faith Writers by Elaine Davenport (Saturday, September 22, 2007)

2007-09-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

*************We're looking for Faith writers for our Faith Blogs. *****************

We're accepting articles. We can't pay you but we can give you a letter of recommendation for you. Also, it will look great on your resume and you can call it community service or volunteer work. Accepted articles must be Word based. (Biblical) The length can range from 150 to 400 words. All submissions must be submitted by email. Prior writing experience is not a criteria; and resumes are unnecessary. If you feel it is an asset, you may submit it.

THE FIRST STEP

All we need from you initially is your email address and a brief statement of interest. After that we will email you. After receipt of the email; you will have 10 days to respond and then you will be on the second step. NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE WILL BE WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF RECEIPT OF STEP TWO MATERIALS FROM YOU THE REQUESTOR/WRITER.

THIS IS THE SECOND STEP
Cover letters or Letters of introduction are a requirement. Please if interested place a comment at the end of this post with your email address. Please include your name, address, church affiliation and experience or any other pertinent information. bIt will not be seen by other people. All information for these purposes remain confidential. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO PICK ARTICLES THAT ARE APPROPRIATE TO OUR STYLE. Please see the links below to our other Blogs so that you may better understand our writing style and our Spiritual objectives.

GODLY WISDOM
HEALMENOW
PRAYER FORCES
PRAYER TIME

Keeping Score by Elaine Davenport (Thursday, September 20, 2007)

2007-09-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

When we were little kids and I would sulk; my sister would ask what's wrong. I wouldn't even answer until she had asked me 5 or 6 times. I determined that she wasn't going to ask anymore, so I answered quite pitifully: "You did this to me, remember." I would say almost to the point of tears.

My sister would respond with wisdom: "Well, I did that because of what you did. We'd go back and forth until we were exhausted never resolving anything.

The most that we knew about forgiveness at that6 time from a practical sense was saying: "I'm sorry."

Now, in my house if you said it, you had to mean it; at least that's what I believed. My parents were pretty passionate.

A lot of people bring those childhood habits of keeping score into adult relationships and it's just not the best way to handle things. I wonder if it impacts our divorce rates, crime rates and how much it spills over into our everyday affairs.

Keeping score twinges on unforgiveness; it hinders the love walk.

Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

THE PERSECUTION HAS STARTED AND IT'S SPREADING by Elaine Davenport (Wednesday, September 19, 2007)

2007-09-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also (John 15:20).

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:10-12).

I read a report today and it sounded like the stories that we often hear in this country about the uneven scales of justice. In this country it's often been black vs. white. However, in the Middle East today it was reported that a mob of 150 Hindu extremists attacked a pastor and set his church on fire with 500 of the congregation inside.

Then I read about an 18 year old Christian who was finally released for a crime he didn't commit; while his Muslim "accomplice" had been declared innocent nine months earlier.

But the real shocker was when I read that in Egypt, the sixth Christian girl was kidnapped and they believe that she will be forced to marry a Muslim. They say this is becoming common in Egypt. Her name is Amal Zaki Nessim.

In Indonesia, Catholic students were forced to wear an Islamic veil. (9-17-07)

Countries with greater oppression more recently noted are: India, China, Egypt, Turkey, Iraq to name a few.

Please read the following report by the State Department concerning religious freedom. See link on the side panel.

WARFARE by Elaine Davenport (Monday, September 17, 2007)

2007-09-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

Luke 22:31-32
31"Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;
32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

I've been all over the Internet talking about Spiritual Warfare. It's funny, it hadn't even occurred to me that Satan was quietly looking for a way to attack me. It came out of nowhere. Of course, it wasn't a new trick, it was an old trick. He got someone close to me to walk in the flesh and tell me off. It took all that I had in reserve to stay in love. I'm just being honest. We have to stay in love. When we feel unloved we have to remember how much God loves us and we have to exude love. I had decided to give my friend some air for a while but I soon found myself apologizing to them. At the time, I thought there was nothing that I had done wrong; but there was. I examined myself and realized that I talk too much sometimes and I have to learn to listen. I can never walk or talk in the flesh ever because when I do, Satan enters.

I was so crushed by the verbal attack from my friend. I was hurt more so because of their unforgiveness. If it had been the other way around I thought; I would have forgiven them. I dwelled on this for hours. What a waste. I thought about relationships and friendships in our American culture and how people walk away from them over little or nothing. It could all be averted if people were just truthful, communicated better and were more apologetic, forgiving and loving.

I could never explain it unless it happened to me first which it did. Before that they were just words.

I was shaken and I ran to the Word of God. It was there that I was reinforced. The helpful thing was that the Word already deposited just needed a little stir.

I was reminded of a church service where we laughed at the devil for a long long time. We had so much fun. When he attacks; be ready to laugh. Be ready. Then laugh. Prepare yourself. It will not be easy; but do it. As soon as you laugh it will get easier. It's the eq1uivolent to telling him off; or worse. See that the attack is not from the person voicing the words to you or the situation that you're in. See that it is from the enemy and do not let him sift you.

Jesus told Peter that Satan sought to sift Peter and that he prayed about Peter's faith that it would not fail him. What will your faith do in a trial.

My faith has gotten stronger, thanks Satan. I stood you down. God backed me; He always does.

THIS MAY NOT MAKE YOU SHOUT; BUT by Elaine Davenport (Friday, September 14, 2007)

2007-09-14T04:46:00.000-07:00

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and I will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what shall I answer when I am reproved. And the Lord answered me, and said, "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."

—Habakkuk 2:1-3, King James Bible

VISION...

A vision is something that you see in your future. Can you put your hands on it? Yes, you can. All you have to do is keep seeing it and keep talking about it. It shall come to pass.

Vision is not something that would make you shout but you should. I'm not big on television, but when I do watch; I am very selective. I've noted that on some talk shows people talk about how they got an idea which later turned into a Blessing for them. I hear that a lot and these are mostly people in the world.

WE LIVE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD

"For indeed, the kingdom of God is 'within you." Luke 17:20

"...I say to you, 'unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.... Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." John 3:3-6

"...seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. " Luke 12:31-32

I just want to encourage you to meditate upon these scriptures and get a vision of God's plan for you. As you begin to really grab hold of that vision WHILE staying in the Word of God, your faith will rise up and your manifestation can come.

LIKE I SAID; THIS MAY NOT MAKE YOU SHOUT BUT IF YOU WANT MOVEMENT; GET A VISION.

Happy Birthday Sister Rose by Elaine Davenport (Thursday, September 13, 2007)

2007-09-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

This is the day the Lord has made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it." PSALMS 118:24

A few years ago, God sent a mighty woman of God into my life. She has Blessed me and prayed with and for me. She's like an angel, ever so faithful. She's in my inner circle. Her faith has been contagious and many times it has spread to me and reignited me. We all need 4 crazy friends on fire for God. Rose is one of them, a sister, a friend, an angel. May you be Blessed by having a Glorious day in the Lord on this your birthday. Love Sister Elaine

Satan, you've got the wrong house. by Elaine Davenport (Thursday, September 13, 2007)

2007-09-13T05:46:00.000-07:00

It's amazing. The devil is always trying to deliver voice mail, strife, confusion or affliction. Not just to me but to everybody all around me. What should we do?

Our bodies are our houses? Isn't that right. If you've made Jesus your Lord and Savior then the greater one lives on the inside of you. Don't forget it for a second. Our bodies are the temple (the dwelling place) of the Lord. The bible says so. So when Satan with his mess, our house is already occupied by the Light. Darkness can't dwell where light is. Remember that. The greater one lives on the inside of us.

Have you heard of process servers? Well, if one shows up at your door to serve a summons and it doesn't have your name on it; what would yo say? You'd say: "That's not me. You have the wrong house." Then shut your door. You can say the same thing to Satan the next time he tries to deliver something to you.

You live in the Kingdom of God. It's a place where you are covered by the Blood of the Lamb. No weapon can harm you. If God didn't say it: "It's a lie" You are of the circumcision; an elite group. Take nothing from the uncircumsized in the form of what you see. You believer walk by faith. That's a fact.

“The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.”—II Cor. 10:4.

THE DEVIL DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE ON VACATION by Elaine Davenport (Wednesday, September 12, 2007)

2007-09-11T12:40:00.000-07:00

1 Peter 5:8 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain
[A Public Domain Bible] [KJV at Zondervan] [Zondervan]

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

The devil doesn't care if you need a vacation or if you deserve one. He sure proved it to me.

I went on vacation to a family reunion a few years back. It was in Charleston, West Virginia. I was very excited about going. It was not a last minute decision. I had planned to have a great time. I arrived with my husband. Instead of renting a regular room we rented a suite with a kitchen and shared it with my brother and his family.

I decided to keep my normal routine. That meant that when I woke up that I would seek God and have my early morning meditation. I distinctly remember the last words said to me by the Holy Spirit: "Watch and pray." Now mind you that I didn't have a clue as to what that meant. I started praying harder after that and heard: "Watch and pray." I said: "Okay Lord." I then got ready to go for my walk alone.

As I walked; I prayed in the Spirit. I was in unfamiliar territory but the area looked harmless. After all, compared to where I lived it was a small town, almost rural but not quite. Our room was at the back of the hotel and I know that my protective husband could not see me from the window. Sheltered as I've been I knew that I had my angels with me. My angels don't blow bubbles, play marbles, basketball or chess, I keep them busy because I dispense them everyday with my mouth. If you don't that's okay; it doesn't affect me.

The weather was great as I cut down unknown streets and between buildings trying not to lose sight of the hotel as I walked early in the morning. In my spirit I heard again: "Watch and pray."

By this time, God has my full attention. I began to look around. I walked about a block and I saw a man in a red truck wit the weirdest face I have ever seen. He looked like his eyes were filled with hate and he fixed them on me, revved up his engine. I immediately began to say: "Devil, you don't know who you're messing with." In a contradictory manner that I can't explain, but I'm thinking it was nervousness not fear... I speeded up my pace and went about 2 steps and then I got madder. I decided to change my course and head towards the red truck letting this man know that
I was not afraid of him. I considered him to be Satan's representative. I knew my authority and no demon would force me off the street; this was warfare. He was gone. I began to walk all around praying louder, speaking in tongues looking for the red truck. It was totally gone.

This experience made me stronger. I give this message simply to illustrate the importance of staying prayerful. It was a Divine trip, a wonderful vacation, the devil tried to ruin it, but I didn't let him.

A Divine Moment by Elaine Davenport ( Tuesday, September 11, 2007)

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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Prov. 3:5-6).
The Word Divine basically means: things that are of or from God; also holy.

I had a tough time getting to Early Morning Prayer this morning. I am sure that the Holy Spirit woke me up early. I went back to sleep and then woke up late. Usually when I wake up "that" late; I stay home. After all it was ten minutes before prayer and I was sleepy. I started getting all of these thoughts to stay home and go back to sleep. Then I saw a picture of one of the faithful prayer warriors; Sister Rose. I also recalled that I had told another prayer warrior that I would see her there Monday morning. I knew the Lord told me to be there at least 4 days a week; despite my busy schedule; but this voice kept saying wait until Tuesday. I wasn't even sure how much gas was in the car. I needed to give Sister Rose a donation for her Holy Assignment the Lord has given her. In my meditation last night; I was clearly instructed to do this.

I got up. Good girl, I thought. I knew that it was going to be a good day.

I said my prayers before leaving home and prayed in the Spirit as I got ready. My hair was perfect, clothes were laid out and the car had gas. I think I arrived in 5 minutes. Prayer was wonderful, but afterwards I waited for Sister Rose and we talked to a couple of people and embarked on our trek to the car.

Sister Rose told me that she had a really hard time getting there today as well. Her truck had a weird flat tire and it shouldn't have. She heard voices trying to convince her not to go to prayer.

A young woman was standing there and I nor Sister Rose knew her. But Rose walked up to her and asked her if everything was okay and was she waiting for a ride home. She began to explain that she was waiting for a cab and how she was from Trinidad. As it turns out; she had been catching a cab to prayer off and on for two years. She had recently moved closer into a condo right by my house. We all began to laugh with great joy.

She explained that she had just told the Lord that she was spending too much on cabs and asked Him to send some people to give her a ride. We immediately understood that it was a Divine Moment. God sends them, we receive them in thanksgiving. So she will be riding with me to Early Morning Prayer and I recall when someone was coming to pick me up for prayer. I am too happy to be able to help. In case you're wondering how could someone catch a cab to prayer off and on for two years and not find a ride. I can't tell you. I just know it's a large church with thousands of members. I came with no transportation and had two new cars within a timespan of about a year and had acquired a steady ride within about 6 months so I can't say. This was even before I came to prayer. We've seen a lot of people come and go to prayer. We've prayed many prayers even on the parking lot; after prayer was over and seen and heard of many miracles as a result.
I thank God for Divine moments like this and I know that all of us were meant to be there. For it was a Divine connection. Prayer honors God and God honors Prayer. I know it for a fact.

'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'" (Jer. 29:11).

AARON HOPSON'S OBEDIENCE IS BLESSING THOUSANDS by Elaine Davenport (Monday, September 10, 2007)

2007-09-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

If you love me, you will obey what I command. John 14:15
- Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. John 14:21

On Sunday, I went by to take dinner to my uncle who has been facing a health challenge and he handed me a newspaper article. "I saved this for you." He said with a smile. I read the article with great interest and I was so happy.

It seems our local paper, The Detroit Free Press, had written an article on a young man by the name of Aaron Hopson, A MAN WHO LOVES GOD is a thirty something year old attorney. I've got to shorten the story but here is a good synopsis:

Aaron Hopson was praying at his kitchen table and God told him to introduce a prayer in a way that would be inspiring and encouraging. So he went to work. With heavenly backing, he created the recording of "The Battle Ready Prayer CD." The prayer is underscored by Joe McNair.

It seems that the prayer is a hit in Christian circles. It seems the focus is to seek the Lord's Blessing on His people.
He says that the prayer talks about how to be toward your fellow man, walking in love, walking in forgiveness, praying over marriages, praying for single people and prayers concerning children. Aaron says that these resulted from prayers that he has been making over the years.

On most any Wednesday, Aaron, Ryan Morris of Detroit,Mi, Julius Curling of Livonia, Mi and Barrett Hirston of Southfield, Mi are delivering food and clothing to the homeless population under Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit.

THE IMPACT OF THE CD

Aaron reports that as a result of cooperation and collaboration in a spirit of goodwill The Bathat many have assisted in passing along the Cd's. To date, over 35,000 have been given out. He mentioned that recently a ministry wanted to take 250 to South Africa.

HELPING HANDS

I am sure that many who shall remain nameless have assisted greatly; but according to the article his mom and dad: Joy and Raymond Hopson II of Southfield, Mi take orders and pack Cd's while he is at work.

Professionally, he is an attorney who oversees the Children's Justice Center of the Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services. They have implemented an Outreach program teaching about the law, rights and responsibilities of citizens, conflict resolution and other interesting topics.

SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING...

Aaron is a born again believer who stands firmly 0on and is rooted in the Word of God. I am asking you today to lift up he and his entire family and his friends in prayer. We praise God for saints like him that are doers of the Word and not forgetful hearers only.

Aaron further mentioned i9n the article that his brother Raymond, two nephews Raymond IV and Andrew as well as his wife Julia and son Aaron Jr. age seven years help with the project. They also have a daughter Charity, who is age nineteen months.

For a sound file of the free prayer , please visit the link on the left side of the page.

THIS IS A HUGE P.S.

OH MY GOD. THAT PRAYER IS SOOOO BLESSED. THANK YOU JESUS. PRAISE GOD. YOU HAVE TO HEAR IT.

I also thank God that I was able to read such a wonderful article in my local paper.

IT'S ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAITH by Elaine Davenport (Saturday, September 8, 2007)

2007-09-07T14:10:00.000-07:00

According to your faith be it unto you. Matthew 9: 29

I remember standing in church, touched by the Spirit of God and just praising God. I was charged up and rightfully so. God has been more than good to me and I know it. So that means I'm thankful; but does immense thankfulness translate to great faith? I am sure that that depends on each individual and a host of other factors. Certainly, we should all be in the business of building our faith and keeping an eye on where we are at. Why? That's easy, so we don't slip, so we don't drawback.

The devil has chosen to whoop on me periodically with "symptoms" a headache. I have always been able to apply the Blood of Jesus as well as healing scriptures and have these symptoms of a headache go away. To describe the "symptoms" is important because they are of great and growing intensity when they come. They don't come often enough for me to take them seriously, but they come. I wouldn't give them this much ink except this whole illustration may help someone.

Last night they were very bad and I just began to praise God over and over again. I praised myself to sleep. Before I went to sleep in the midst of a great symptom of pain; I felt a very cool breeze blow on me. I was lying near the fan, but it was on low. The Central Air was on in my house but the vent doesn't work well in my room. Yet, there was this breeze that was blowing on my face like from the North Pole and I was feeling so good from it that I didn't want it to stop. I was still Praising God as everything unfolded and the praise brought forth my healing.

This morning I was sleeping so good, I didn't want to get up. We can stand on the Word of God.

Divine Appointments at the Bus Stop by Elaine Davenport (Wednesday, September 5, 2007)

2007-09-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

Numbers 6:24-26
"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: the LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."

Yesterday, there was a hole in my schedule. There rarely is as I am busy a lot of most days. But yesterday, in the afternoon there was a window of time. My uncle was diagnosed with a rather serious condition and a long time family friend was seeing after him. I thought about her and about how many older people she had taken time out to see after or to clean up their houses. I remember how many times she did it without pay. I also recalled how challenging it ad been for her to get to the various places without a car or a drivers license. As a result, if she calls me for a ride; I generally try to accommodate her if I am able.

I was thinking about how kind she is and it was imprinted upon my heart about her salvation. Not long after that, my phone rang and it was her. She needed a ride home which is about 6 or 7 miles away. I take her home a lot but this time I wasn't going to be able to because of some challenges with my car. I explained the situation and told her that I would come by and pick her up and take her to get something to eat and then help her find the right bus stop and stand there with her to wait on the bus and to make certain that it was the right one. It had been in my spirit to do this if I wasn't able to drive.

She was very amenable to this. In fact, after I picked her up and began to minister to her; she explained that she had prayed and asked the Lord to have me go the the bus stop and wait with her until the bus came to make sure that it was the right one.

When we finally got to the bus stop a few bees chased us but we held our ground and ignored them. Finally, a young man came along and in answering us informed us that we were at the right bus stop and we made a lot of small talk; the three of us.

Pretty soon, we were joined by a woman who had just gotten out of jail. She explained that she had been incarcerated for 45 days for driving with a suspended drivers license. She was anxious to see her 4 year old son. Can you imagine the hardship? It seems the Correctional Facility which was over 100 miles away had their representatives drop her off in the Metro area, nowhere near her home and they told her to catch a bus by showing the Bus Driver her arm band as proof of recent jail release. She had no money. She asked us first if we thought she could ride for free and we honestly didn't know. Then she asked how much the bus fare was and we told her. She was going to run to an ATM machine about a block away to get some money; and try to get back before the overdue bus arrived.

As she ran up a hill nearby; we called her back. It's true that she was a stranger but it didn't seem fair to have her do all of that and we could help her. We gave her the bus fare. I told her: "There are no coincidences. The bible says that we are supposed to help people.' So she smiled and took the money. As we all began to talk, the other person that was there began to talk about a similar incarceration that he had faced for driving with a suspended license. He talked about the hardships he had faced and indicated that it was his fault so he was past reflecting on it. She agreed with him. He explained that he was on his way to his second job because he was about to gain custody of his little children and had to save money.

John 14:13-14
"And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it."

I am a prayer warrior and a lot of people might say: "Did you bring them to Christ?" No, I didn't but when I asked them all if we could hold hands and pray, they all agreed and I led a prayer and then spoke a Blessing over all of their lives. I am believing that God will send a worthy laborer behind me to bring them to Christ because that is most important. They were very thankful for the prayer; hearts have been prepared. It was my job on that day to point them to God. Not long afterward, the bus came; they all got on and we all waved good-bye. Now that's the kind of day that I like to have.

We're not like anyone else by Elaine Davenport (Tuesday, September 4, 2007)

2007-09-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

A lot of people think we're all the same; but we're not. We who have chosen to follow Christ are different; according to God. Listen to this from 1 Peter 2: 9

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Now let me begin my message. Last night around 12: 30 am; I was awakened and I kept hearing Phillipians 4: 13 which says:

I can do all things through Christ which stengtheneth me.

The Message Bible gives us a clearer more modern day version of what he Apostle Paul was saying:

Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

I love this kind of talk. This is what we're about. You see, we've chosen a life of faith, a faith journey; a faith adventure and we these words must be our mantra.

I meet people of all different faiths and they don't talk like this, but we must. When people ask us how we are this should be our response:

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me and that gives me great peace today; how are you?

WHO IS THEY, YOU MIGHT ASK.

That is simple; it's anyone who doesn't know this deep in their spirit. These are more than just words. It could be a close close friend, a family member, a stranger, a foreigner; it could be anyone. It could even be a fellow saint;

We are different than they are and they should know it. Spread the word.

Have a Blessed Labor Day! Monday, September 3, 2007

2007-09-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

Rest.......

Faith and The Power of Confession by Elaine Davenport ( Sunday, September 2, 2007)

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CONFESSION, PLAIN AND SIMPLE IS AN ACT OF FAITH. No one told me this; I just figured it out from reading and hearing the Word of God.

When I talk about confession in this matter today; I am speaking of confession like Abraham who called those things that be not as though they were. Jesus did it many times. I call it talking faith. Faith believes before it is seen. The bible says so.

One of the most powerful illustrations of this is the story of the Woman with the issue of blood. There are three accounts by Holy men of God: Matthew, Mark and Luke.

Here they are:
And behold, a woman who was diseased with an issue of blood for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the hem of His garment;

for she said to herself, "If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole." (THIS WAS HER CONFESSION)

But Jesus turned about, and when He saw her, He said, "Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole." And the woman was made whole from that hour. MATTHEW 9: 20-22

___________________________________________________________________________________

LUKE 8: 43-49

And a woman having an issue of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her living upon physicians but could not be healed by any,

came behind Him and touched the border of His garment; and immediately her issue of blood was stanched.

And Jesus said, "Who touched Me?" When all denied it, Peter and those who were with him said, "Master, the multitudes throng Thee and press Thee, and sayest Thou, `Who touched Me?'"

And Jesus said, "Somebody hath touched Me, for I perceive that virtue is gone out of Me."

47And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before Him, she declared unto Him before all the people for what cause she had touched Him, and how she was healed immediately.

48And He said unto her, "Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. Go in peace."

______________________________________________________________________________________

MARK 5: 27-34

And a certain woman who had an issue of blood twelve years,

and had suffered many things under many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse,

when she had heard of Jesus, came up behind Him in the press of the crowd and touched His garment;

for she said, "If I may touch but His clothes, I shall be whole." (THIS WAS HER CONFESSION)

And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.

And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that virtue had gone out of Him, turned about in the press of the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?"

And His disciples said unto Him, "Thou seest the multitude thronging Thee, and sayest Thou, `Who touched Me?'"

And He looked round about to see her who had done this thing.

But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done in her, came and fell down before Him and told Him all the truth.

And He said unto her, "Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole. Go in peace, and be whole of thy plague."

_________________________________________________________________________________

THIS WOMAN PUT FAITH INTO ACTION, BY BELIEVING, BY TALKING AND DOING.

SHE SAID: IF I MAY BUT TOUCH HIS GARMENT (HIS CLOTHES) , I'LL BE MADE WHOLE.
SHE BELIEVED...THEN SHE WENT TO FIND JESUS.

SHE PRESSED TO TOUCH HIM
SHE GOT HER HEALING....

BUT IT ALL STARTED WITH THE POWER OF CONFESSION WHICH BUILT HER FAITH AND GOD HONORED HER CONFESSION. WOW. THAT'S POWERFUL. WHAT ARE YOU CONFESSING?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Your confession doesn't have to be a dissertation; but it has to come out of your mouth.

Faith speaks and faith acts/ Faith doesn't just sit and wait and think good thoughts.
Let's look at Jesus in Mark 11`: 22, 23, 24 as he teaches the disciple of Jesus about the power of confession regarding problems or mountains that get in our way. Since I am a disciple of Jesus; I receive this as instruction for myself and other disciples. Here it is:

And Peter, calling to remembrance, said unto Him, "Master, behold, the fig tree which Thou cursed is withered away." And Jesus answering, said unto them, "Have faith in God.

For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, `Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea,' and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith.

IN ONE VERSE; JESUS TALKED ABOUT THE BASE WORD "SAY" 4 TIMES. THAT'S SIGNIFICANT.

So, I watch what I say knowing that my negative confession or my positive confession can shape my life. I believe it, put my faith out for it and back it up with the Word of God. In other words, whatever I am believing God for; I make certain that it is biblical, and in prayer; I make certain that God is directing me and ordering my steps and that it is pleasing to Him. Souls are important to God and I keep His mission in my heart. I work on becoming self "less" every day.

I might add that since Confession is an act of faith that one might remember that being in expectation of change, patience, praise and giving thanks are as well.

You don't need 911 Faith By Elaine Davenport (Saturday, September 1, 2007)

2007-08-31T18:56:00.000-07:00

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO FROM A FAITH PERSPECTIVE WHEN AN EMERGENCY HAPPENS?

I'm just curious. Are you ready?

IS YOUR HOUSE BUILT ON THE SAND?

* I'm not trying to puff anyone up, but a lot of people don't understand the need for building up faith. Fortunately, a lot of people do. Squirrels store nuts up all summer in my flower box for winter. It's the cutest thing; they know they'll need it.
Ants work and work. My grandmother used to say" If you don't do tis, even after I'm gone, I'll know it, the ants will bring me the news." Ants have been around for a long long time. I don't quote science journals, but the bible spoke of the hard working ants.

A Lesson from the Ant
6-11 You lazy fool, look at an ant.
Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two.
Nobody has to tell it what to do.
All summer it stores up food;
at harvest it stockpiles provisions.
So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing?
How long before you get out of bed?
A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there,
sit back, take it easy—do you know what comes next?
Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life,
poverty your permanent houseguest!

PROVERBS 6: 6 9THE MESSAGE BIBLE)

It's important to build a a solid foundation of faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. If you've got on your listening ears, hearing the Word, reading the Word, speaking the Word will build up your faith. You are a spirit and it will charge your spirit.

Maybe what you hear today isn't for today, but when you need it it will be there for you. That's why Jesus talked about the importance of not building a house on a foundation of sand. Let's look at what the message bible says:
21-23"Knowing the correct password—saying 'Master, Master,' for instance— isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? 'You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here.'

24-25"These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.

26-27"But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."

28-29When Jesus concluded his address, the crowd burst into applause. They had never heard teaching like this. It was apparent that he was living everything he was saying—quite a contrast to their religion teachers! This was the best teaching they had ever heard.

Matthew 7: 21-29

Habitat for Humanity builds thousands of homes across the nation. It is an incredible undertaking. They have a book on How To Build a House which cost $24.95. It's a bargain. There is a whole lot involved to housebuilding. You've got materials, codes, those things that make me impatient; they make things level, you need manpower. There's a lot of stuff. Despite all of that Jesus is talking about the location. This carpenter chose to build his house on the sand; perhaps for the sake of scenery; without regard for the risk. Maybe it was cheaper, maybe it was free. Obviously it was easier.

It is certainly easier to come to church once a week if then and hear the Word and get charged up for a short time. However in Mark; it says that The Sower sweth te Word and four different things can happen:

The sower soweth the Word. (THE WORD GOES FORTH; YOU HEAR IT)

15And these are they by the wayside, where the Word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately and taketh away the Word that was sown in their hearts.

16And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground who, when they have heard the Word, immediately receive it with gladness;

17but they have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time. Afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the Word's sake, immediately they are offended.

18And these are they which are sown among thorns, such as hear the Word,

19but the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the Word, and it becometh unfruitful.

20And these are they which are sown on good ground, such as hear the Word and receive it and bring forth fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred."

If you read and seriously meditate upon these; it will show you why you can't afford to just come to church on Sundays but that you have to deliberately set out to hear the Word of God and build up your faith. When an emergency comes for you or someone that you know, you don't want a battery that won't work, you want to be charged up. AMEN.

Just something to think about.

THE DEVIL HATES PRAYER by Elaine Davenport (Thursday, August 30, 2007)

2007-08-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5: 8

I was working in the yard on a very quiet day on a very quiet street. As I began to walk towards my car to get some more gardening tools out for my work; I heard a rumble in the sky. I also heard loud drums beating and loud roaring. When I took a second look; nothing was there. I was praying in the Spirit at the time. The Lord was giving me a reminder: Satan has troops in training, an army that you cannot see. Their job is to take you out. They specialize in COVERT OPERATIONS. You better remember that.

I CAN SAY THAT WAS A GOOD WARNING.
Right after that, they made an attack on me ever so subtly.

RIDING IN THE CAR...

Not long after that, I was riding in my car with a friend. All of a sudden: they went off on me. (That means they said something completely crazy that made no sense; accusing me.) I immediately forgave them. I had to. (I have worked my way up to instant forgiveness) Imperfect thoughts began to come to my mind. I began to second guess myself.

In the distance, I heard a voice that sounded like my own (almost like a loud whisper) saying: "I've had enough." I'm sick of this. It was as if I was being urged to scream this out.

I remembered a session of meditation that I had wit God where He often reminded me to protect my reputation at all costs. My decision was based on integrity. I figured that whoever the heathen was that was urging me to act ghetto would have to go back and crawl in whatever hole they emerged from. There would be no way for those words to come out of my mouth.

I had words alright; I began to pray in the spirit.

That next morning I remembered the war THAT IS GOING ON. (We can't forget it for a second). Satan sets us up making us look at people instead of who is behind the troubles people sometimes bring. I made a decision: Satan will not pop popcorn and sit back and orchestrate my life like a made for Tv movie. Him and his cronies sit around yelling: "Yea, that's good, that's good" as each conflict arises. I'm sure they yelled: "Awww" as I began to pray in the spirit praying out the perfect will of God squishing out all of their fiery darts.

THAT SAID: LET'S PRAY:

In Hebrews 10: 25 in the International Version of the Bible; it says:
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. 25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Divine Father in the heavenlies, we bask in Your presence and we marvel at You. Thank you for this present day and Your presence in this place! You are God and God alone and there is none like You.

We just thank you for Your Word Lord. Father, we stand before you with true hearts and power packed faith this day. Your Word says Be fruitful and multiply so we receive that as a fresh Word not to be ignored in this life.

We stand ready for any battle Lord and we make this pledge from Your Word:
We Put on the whole armour of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore “we” take unto ourselves the whole armour of God, that we may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. We Stand therefore, having our loins girt about with truth and we have on the breastplate of righteousness; And our feet are shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, we take the shield of faith, wherewith we shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And we take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: We pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and we watch thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Oh Father, we just praise You. We’re ready for battle and we declare certain Victory right now in Jesus Name. AMEN

MAKE THE DEVIL MAD by Elaine Davenport ( Wednesday, August 29, 2007)

2007-08-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

I was talking with some prayer friends this morning. We were having a remarkable time praising God and so many new ideas came to my mind. I was so Blessed in my life. God healed me over and over and saved me time and time again. He was patient with me and longsuffering is one of His qualities. I know that He was for me.

I was a Girl Scout at ten years old. I had not been attending meetings. I had a very complicated childhood. My parents were good parents. They instilled great character in us but unfortunately, they worked all of the time. Almost around the clock and I'm not kidding. I realize that they did this to make things easier for us. My dad worked one of his jobs on a mail train. He was usually gone two weeks at a time. As a result; we were forced to be independent, my sister and I. We could do almost anything we wanted. We were also loaded with chores and care giving responsibilities. We had younger siblings. (As teens we worked full time through high school; but that's another story.)

Because my schedule was so busy including ballet, tap, violin lessons, softball and a lot more; I didn't always make the Girl Scout meetings. I literally managed my own schedule.

Well, I heard that the Girl Scout troop that I was in was going bowling. I really wanted to go. I walked a few blocks to our troop leaders home to ask her if I could go. She was very surprised to see me. She told me that she thought that I had quit the troop. She maneuvered some things and allowed me to go. I felt so bad. Here I was trying to get a reward without having done anything to earn it. However, because I was on the rolls, she allowed me to go. I don't really like "squeaking in." I decided that at ten years old.

The devil tried to take my life on more than one occasion. People who know me, know its true. But I have the victory. I've been redeemed. The devil sure hoped that I would never find out my real strength.

So finally one day, I woke up. I decided to commit myself to God. I didn't want to have to send a prayer up one day and have God think: "Who?" "I thought she quit the troop?" God isn't like that though. He never forgets us. He won't forsake us.

I guess knowing that many people will push the envelope and try to get by on their own as long as they can. That kind of a decision makes the devil very happy. It goes along with his plan for your life. He came to kill, to steal and to destroy.

One day I woke up; I decided that I would run to God and He was waiting with open loving arms! I am so excited and the devil is so sad. Too bad.

I've committed myself to God and I encourage you to think about your level of commitment to God. Oh what great things God has for those who commit to Him.

Here are some scriptures to meditate on:

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this
- Psalm 37:5
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
- Proverbs 16:3
But your hearts must be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.
- 1 Kings 8:61
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.
- 2 Chronicles 16:9

The best kind of faith to have by Elaine Davenport (Monday, August 27, 2007)

2007-08-27T05:02:00.001-07:00

WHAT KIND OF FAITH IS THAT?

ANSWER: MOUNTAIN MOVING FAITH; THAT'S WHAT KIND. HMMM....

Mark 11: 22-26 King James Version

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive [them], and ye shall have [them]. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

The best kind of faith that any of us can have is God like faith. But how do we get it you might ask. That's a very good question and I have the answer for you. Now I'll be honest...it doesn't sound powerful or prophetic; but this is good medicine and it will give life to your situation.

In the above passage, Jesus says if you say unto a mountain to be removed and be cast into the sea, and believe it in your heart, it will happen. I kept trying to imagine myself telling that to a mountain. I couldn't do it. A mountain (itself) has never been my concern. It's funny now, but I just couldn't understand it. Soon I came to realize that he meant a problem and that (I could speak to it like it was a mountain (a big solid massive heavy roadblock) that needed to be moved. Then I saw it.

My next challenge was God like faith. I had to think about God and who He is and what He can do. I know that everything God spoke when the world came into being happened. Everything God said would happen, happened. Everything God intended happened. God will have His way and He can do anything. So Jesus said: Have God like faith. Could I do that? It all boiled down to if I believed that I could. I remember my first ride on a bike with two wheels. My father kept telling me that I could ride it. I heard it so much that I believed it. Soon, I was riding a bike. Why? Because I believed it, I envisioned myself doing it, I wanted to; I had seen a lot of other kids doing it.

As far as my having the faith of God is concerned. As I explained from this perspective it would be easy for me. I know personally that God is real, I know personally that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. I know He won't leave me or forsake me. I know that God is Love. I know God is Light. I know that Gods' Word is alive. I know that my redeemer lives. I know the greater One lives on the inside of me. I know that I am accepted in the Beloved.

SO DO I HAVE CONFIDENCE?

Yes, I have confidence.

DID I LIKE THE SITUATION THAT I GOT MYSELF INTO?

No, I didn't like it, but I'm patient and thankful that I know someone who can fix it.

Having God like faith is easy. It's the same confidence that I have when I make a purchase at a store using a credit card knowing it's going to be approved only I don't have to rely on a bank or a computer; I am in right standing; I've got Carte Blanche.

Am I arrogant?

No, I'm not. I'm more thankful than anyone can imagine, but I understand faith, God like faith. I've got a revelation on it and I wanted to share it with you and have you to think on it.

Word for the Day by Elaine Davenport (Sunday, August 26, 2007)

2007-08-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
Psalm 119: 130 KJV (King James Version)

A friend of mine needed prayer one day and I was moved by the Holy Spirit to pray with her. I was trained to pray scriptures and that's what I do. I didn't know of anything going on with her so I trusted God to give me the word. After we prayed, I could see that she felt better; just having heard the word of God. There was sheer relief all over her as if she had been freed from bondage. The Word of God can have that impact on each of us. I've known cases where the Word touched the hearts and lives of people from other faith backgrounds. I know of cases of people fr0om other faiths who crave the Word of God from the bible. I've heard recently of the Word of God delivering a woman from demonic possession as a result of practicing witchcraft.

The entrance of Gods' holy word gives great light. It also provides understanding no matter how smart you are or you think that you are. Gods' got fresh insight for you.
Each day, I purpose in my heart; to allow God to give me a different way of seeing things that I had not seen before.

Divine Revelation is the only thing that makes sense by Elaine Davenport (Friday, August 24, 2007)

2007-08-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

People have long been interested in knowing what to do, how to do it and what was going to happen. It's almost funny the different measures they will take to get this information. I call this concept they are seeking; Revelation. For me I seek Divine Revelation.

Let's define it: For me Divine Revelation is a form of communication in which men or women seek God and He in turn makes Himself, His will, His plans and/or other information known to them.

Revelation is important because it brings resolution. When I first heard about man's ability to receive revelation from God, I admit that I was also curious. I had long had communication with God for many years but I had never understood that God wanted to speak to me and hold a conversation.

On a side note...

I have a friend who is Muslim and she asked me about my meditation with God and seemed absolutely skeptical that God was able to communicate in that way. This is not a comparative religions treatise so that is all that I have to say on the matter.

My main point is to encourage you to seek revelation from God and wisdom from God everyday.

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."James 1:5.

ASK OF GOD ASK OF GOD ASK OF GOD ASK OF GOD ASK OF GOD ASK OF GOD ASK OF GOD ASK OF GOD

God can use you, if you'll be used by Elaine Davenport (Thursday, August 23, 2007)

2007-08-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

From the "Word for the Day" series by Elaine Davenport

HERE'S A TRUE STORY:

On a recent trip to a Faith Conference; myself and several friends found ourselves catching the bus in the sweltering Texas sun. We boarded the bus and did not know that you had to have correct change. As we talked about our being tourists and how much we liked Texas; we attempted to get change from the passengers on board. There was so much chatter amongst us. We were4 hot but in a great mood so we were also complimenting the bus driver on his patience. Everyone seems to be getting new job titles nowadays so maybe he's a large transport engineer. (smile)

Well, he eventually told us to please ride for free. We accepted but soon an opportunity arose that allowed us to pay so we did. I love Blessings but I don't like freebies. I always feel like someone is loosing somewhere so I am very careful not to accept them without and extensive interview. I'm just that way.

Eventually we all sat down on what seemed to be a huge bus on the outside but not so huge on the inside. It was very clean and colorful and the people were quite friendly. The heat? No.

There were 5 of us and we sat all over the "small" bus. I sat next to a handsome young man, who began to tell me a lot of Texas data. This young guy was so friendly but I was intrigued by his tatoos. He had so many; I found myself wondering if he was in a gang. I asked the Lord to forgive me of my wrong thinking. No one has the right to stereotype. After all, I'm in a gang. I'm in the Jesus gang and glad to be in it. I carry protection too. I don't go anywhere without the BLOOD. I have bodyguards; they're called angels. I wear a wire so I always know what's going on. My wire is like a pipeline if you must understand. That's the Holy Ghost. I could go on but this story is not about me. The kind you don't find in a Geography book. The young man told us many things, like how to get to the mall, the bus system, where to buy t-shirts etc.

We decided to get off the bus and visit the Target store. That was a joke. We had no idea that the store was nearly a mile from the bus stop. It was a very long mile in the Texas heat.

I was surprised to see the young man get off the bus with us. He walked with us. Right next to one of my sisters in Christ; a good friend; Sister LaTisha.

LaTisha is on the SWAT team at our church. That's the soul winning attack team. They go out on the streets and bring people to Christ. I believe that it was a Divine appointment that we all had with the young man that day. I asked him if he wanted me to pray with him about anything and he said something like: "I'm good." That means no thank you in a very polite way.

Our Word for the day is Salvation

One of the better definitions that I found was by Robert Longman Jr. was:

{Latin salvatus, past part. (to save); fr. assumed IE solu- (to make whole or complete again)]

The core Biblical meaning of 'salvation' has to do with being rescued from danger or death. Indeed, that is what the name Yeshua (Jesus) means : 'he rescues'. It is what the crowd shouts as Jesus entered Jerusalem that last time before death : hoshi'annah, 'save us!' (in this case, from the Romans).

Christ rescues us from :

* sin (our broken relationship with God, shown mostly in our broken relationships with each other);
* death (we die because we are kept apart from God because there is something in us that rebels against God -- Christ addresses that, overcomes it, transcended it, and is working to complete it in the future);
* captivity (we are set free from all that shackles and hinders us);
* the Devil ("deliver us from evil");
* the wrath that is to come (when Time ends).

Christ rescues us for :

* a restored relationship with God (reconciliation) and life with Christ without end;
* new wholeness or completeness of being;
* citizenship in Christ's Kingdom;
* new realms of possibility beyond what we can now imagine.

I watched quietly as Sister LaTisha began to speak to the young man that we met on the bus.
I heard her ask him if he knew where he was going if it so happened that he passed on. I heard her explain that salvation that we defined above is a free gift; that you don't have to earn or work for. I believe that she gave him some of these scriptures:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new

Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

It wasn't more than ten to fifteen minutes before we arrived at Target. While 4 of us chatted and complained about the heat; Sister LaTisha brought this young man to Christ. On a short walk in Texas, a young man was snatched from the devil's grasp and God added to His family. It was powerful and I wish that you could have been there too. I pray that this word will inspire you today. Blessings

Binding Catastrophes by Elaine Davenport (Wednesday, August 22, 2007)

2007-08-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

Father God, I just want to give You thanks. I just want to give You praise. Your Word says so much and I want it to consume my heart, my mind, my soul; because I love You and I am not alone. I thank You for the Blood of Jesus that forever protects believers and wisdom and understanding of it. I thank You for the ministering angels that are available to prosper my way, my paths. I thank You that I have the power to tread on serpents and scorpions and that nothing can harm me. I thank You for putting Your super on my natural allowing me to have authority in this earth. You said whatsoever things are bound on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatsoever things are loosed on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

So I speak against and bind earthquakes, fallen bridges, fallen concrete on freeways, rocks falling on cars, amusement park ride breakdowns and collapses, tunnels caving in on miners, volcanoes, water levels overflowing, poisonous streams, dangerous lead, or any earthly disasters or catastrophes. I speak against and bind severe fires that are out of control, floods, broken levees, hurricanes, airplane crashes, train derailments of any kind I speak for and loose peace over this land that we live in and I speak that people will begin to believe in their hearts and confess with their mouths that Jesus is Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.

My efforts to Tithe brought on the attack by Elaine Davenport ( Tuesday, August 21, 2007)

2007-08-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 10:35-38

Do not let this happy trust in the Lord die away, no matter what happens. Remember your reward! You need to keep on patiently doing God's will if you want Him to do for you all that He has promised. His coming will not be delayed much longer. And those whose faith has made them good in God's sight must live by faith, trusting Him in everything. Otherwise, if they shrink back, God will have no pleasure in them.

When I started going to church, my finances were horrible. I had no extra monies. Although I had attended church most of my life, I had never tithed and didn't intend to. I thought it was only for rich people. It just did not make sense to me to give God one tenth of my7 money. After my bills were paid for many years, I didn't even have one tenth left over. That was a joke. No one had ever shown me Malachi Three verses eight through twelve, or it might have at least pricked my conscience. Let's take a look at it:

Dare a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me! And you say, "How do we rob you?" In tithes and in offerings.
9
You are indeed accursed, for you, the whole nation, rob me.
10
3 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, That there may be food in my house, and try me in this, says the LORD of hosts: Shall I not open for you the floodgates of heaven, to pour down blessing upon you without measure?
11
For your sake I will forbid the locust to destroy your crops; And the vine in the field will not be barren, says the LORD of hosts.
12
Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land, says the LORD of hosts.

When I began to reconnect with God it wasn't because of my finances. The challenges that I faced were in so many areas. I listened with great interest as the ministers explained about the tithing, the offerings, the Blessing and God's will for my life. I decided to give more than I planned and to work my way up to tithing. Finally, I was able to tithe after many months of hearing the Word of God, building my faith, Trusting God and prayer. After a few months a major crisis developed and it was financial. My only recourse was to pray. I was in faith but it was clearly an attack by the enemy that I had not seen coming. I did not draw back. The problem was not only eliminated but it was also remedied and removed. I got the VICTORY. However, the truth of the matter is that my Victory had been won many years ago by Jesus, I just needed to have the actual physical manifestation of it. Some might wonder if my life changed after I tithed. I can truthfully say that it did in a powerful way. Instead of having fewer discretionary funds, I have more and all of my needs are always met.

Don't let the enemy prevent you from understanding God's will for your life.

Faith is to be shared by Elaine Davenport (Monday, August 20, 2007)

2007-08-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

Psalms 40:1-3

I waited patiently for God to help me; then He listened and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things He did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord, and put their trust in Him.

I'm not so popular in my family. Not like I was when I was in the world. I'm not surrounded in my family bu unbelief. That's what makes it such a challenge. I'm surrounded by a lot of belief.

I heard Hillary Clinton say that she doesn't wear her faith on her sleeve.

I don't deal in politics and it is likely that I won't even know who I am going to vote for until minutes before I go into the voting booth when I consult with God about it.

I guess wearing your faith on your sleeves means you keep it very private. That was the old way. It was the way that6 I and many others were raised. We were raised that only ministers or Sunday school teachers could be expected to want to engage you in a conversation about God. That was the protocol and that protocol was respected. I understand it.

Now this is 2007, and we have much more revelation. There are believers who still stick to the theory that their faith is a private matter. I won't bother them. However, we all have a mandate from God and it's in the bible since that's our Covenant, our instruction manual, our rulebook and Jesus is clear:

GO YE INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PREACH THE GOSPEL TO EVERY CREATURE. - Mark 16:15

So, if my family anyone that knows me expects me to be quiet about my faith; it's not going to happen. I'm going to preach the Gospel and I'm never going to stop. The good news is the gospel and it's good for me that my family is EXPECTING me to talk about it when they see me.

The Enemy wants you to stay home on Sundays by Elaine Davenport (Sunday, August 19, 2007)

2007-08-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

Romans 10:17 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain
[A Public Domain Bible] [KJV at Zondervan] [Zondervan]

17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

THE MESSAGE BIBLE GIVES GREAT FOOD FOR THOUGHT WHEN IT SAYS:

Romans 10:17 (The Message)
The Message (MSG)

Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
[The Message at Navpress] [NavPress]

14-17But how can people call for help if they don't know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven't heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? That's why Scripture exclaims,

A sight to take your breath away.
Grand processions of people
telling all the good things of God.
But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another: "Does anyone care, God? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?" The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ's Word is preached, there's nothing to listen to.

I have been obedient in ministering to my brother regarding his salvation; I've trusted God. After a few years out of the blue; he called with what I detected was a sense of urgency and said: "I'm going to church with you this coming Sunday." I said: "Okay." I was pleased but calm. I called him back and this is what I said to him:

NOW THE ENEMY WILL DO EVERYTHING THAT HE CAN TO KEEP YOU FROM COMING TO CHURCH. THE GREATEST THING THAT HE WILL DO IS TO CONVINCE YOU THAT IT IS YOUR IDEA.

He then said:

I DON"T CARE, I'M COMING.

This went on for 3 weeks. He never came. However, I have great joy because he's reaching out to God. My prayer is that his spirit man will rise up and take ascendancy.

Yet.

God is faithful and I am patient and the enemy is a defeated foe.

Next, I was recently discipling a friend of mine. She said she really wanted to come to church. Of course when the big day came, I couldn't find her. I'm patient and I know that she is a child of God and that she will walk in the Blessing and disciple many or satan wouldn't try so hard to block her destined path.

You may have encountered these problems as well. The enemy picked the wrong people to try to block because I will cover them in prayer and trust God to deliver them.
I have great joy over this and I am in covenant. So no matter what it looks like; Satan can't steal it.

Too much unbelief by Elaine Davenport (Friday, August 17, 2007)

2007-08-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

The following is a copy of an email that I sent out this day. My prayers are that people will take this seriously.

The Lord is...not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (II Peter 3:9)

Revelation 20:12, 15, And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life...And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

*****WARNING*****
This email contains strong content that you may or may not be willing to hear; but it is quite factual.

Blessings to you my friend and or relative. (Or both...smile) As my family rushes to get ready to go to breakfast , I am eager to get this message to you. I'm not writing to you to tell you to visit my Blogs, I'm just writing to ask you to think about some things.

Many of you have children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren. Some of you are planning families right now or look forward to a future of having them. I am writing to tell you that we are on a COLLISION COURSE with the forces of hell. Yes we are.

I"LL TELL YOU WHY:

Recent studies have shown that a "mere" three percent of the younger generation are believers. I'll be exact. Believers in Christ. Not anything else. In my generation that number was around 65%. Most of you know this is true even if you haven't seen the data. When we talk about God, most of us have a tendency to think about ourselves; but SOULS BEING SAVED is what is important to God. Consequently...YOU WILL BE ASKED HOW MANY SOULS DID YOU SAVE when you stand in judgement. You'll especially be held accountable for those around you.

I don't want to see masses of our young people going to hell. What about you? I look forward to writing you to tell you of my new assignment. Right now, I am asking you to think about this and if you feel led; to pass it on. God is watching our actions and looking at our hearts. Love E

MIRACLE IN TEXAS by Elaine Davenport (Thursday, August 16, 2007)

2007-08-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

Years ago,in the early springtime, I was led to jump on a plane with a friend and fly to Houston, Texas to visit a church. Everything went wrong on the surface, but God sent a man of God visiting our country from Tanzania to help my good friend Vivian and myself. We all had a delightful time. I had never been close friends with anyone from Africa so making friends with Pastor Eric was a refreshing surprise. Pastor Eric was trying to open a private school for little orphans. He carried a lap top computer and showed us a video of the sweet little children singing about Jesus. He explained that he needed to secure funding for the school and he was in the U.S. looking for donations and or sponsorship. I thought everything looked good and I offered to re work his brochure to make it more English or U.S. friendly. Well, Pastor Eric went back to Tanzania and I rewrote the brochure and mailed it to him. I never heard from him again though I spent many years praying for him and his family, the children and the school. I just couldn't understand. The emails bounced back and I lost his address.

This year, I traveled Fort Worth, Texas for a huge faith conference sponsored by another church. In a town of 600,000 residents; this conference had 10,000 + ATTENDEES FROM ALL 50 STATES AND OVER 30 COUNTRIES. It was clear that there was a move of God there. As we left various sessions you could see people praying with people on the street or bringing them to salvation. It was wonderful to see the camaraderie, the generosity, the love and kindness.

On my birthday that week, I had went over to get in line and Sister Rose asked me to go around the corner to pick up a bottle of water that she had left in line. I said no problem and went on. On my way, I had taken twenty steps or so and I saw a man talking to a woman with a color brochure; my brain started racing and I shouted: "Pastor Eric" It was my long lost friend and God has been good to he and his family. There are no coincidences and God is good.

Hearing from God by Elaine Davenport (Wednesday, August 15, 2007)

2007-08-15T05:05:00.000-07:00

One of the hardest things for me as a believer has been trying to tip toe around my mom in my faith walk. I love my mom but she doesn't want to hear a whole lot about God even though she believes. She once told me that she doesn't believe that people can really hear God speaking to them. I once quietly said: It's true." After that, I left it alone because I don't like confusion or drama. Smile.

However, yesterday in my meditation time the Holy Spirit explained that something special was being done with a reserved seat for me at an even that I planned to attend. I couldn't see how. (If I could see it faith wouldn't be necessary, right?)

As I drew nearer to the event, I was so leery of the anticipated crowd; mainly because I was late. I walked in and saw no one. I walked into the auditorium and saw that the seat I really wanted was taken. There were just a few people there. My friend quickly walked up to me and told me that the seat that I desired was saved for me. PRAISE GOD. I quickly ran to sit in it. About five minutes later, hundreds of people came rushing to get seats and they came from everywhere. It was powerful.

God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 1 Corinthians 1: 9

IT"S HARD TO LOVE A STRANGER THAT"S RUDE (but it can be done) By Elaine Davenport (Monday, August, 13, 2007)

2007-08-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

I love God. That much is clear, but I have a responsibility to do more than that. I recently went to a Faith Conference and it was oh so wonderful. The Message Bible greatly describes a recent challenge that I faced:

1 Peter 1:6-7 (The Message)
The Message (MSG)

I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.

I left a Healing line to go back to my seat and a lady from another country told me to go all the way around because she did not want for me to go past her. Of course, I was shocked but I did as she instructed. I remember thinking how rude that was and that I had never encountered that before. As I traveled the long way around, I was instructed by ushers because of the volume of people to go even another direction and it seemed to go on and on.

When I arrived at my seat, I was surprised when a young school teacher whom I did not know told me not to lose my joy. I realized that she was so right and I began to ask God to forgive me for not loving the lady (instead of dwelling on why she did that) that would not let me pass by her. I began to ask God to Bless her and I still will continue to pray that He will do this. She will likely stay on my prayer list for the rest of my life. It was a test and though I did not get 100%; I passed. Next time I'll ace it. You see, we are required to "LOVE" even if they are a stranger and no matter how they act. God doesn't love them any less than me or you. Blessings

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.

11When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

THE MESSAGE BIBLE

WORD FOR THE DAY by Elaine Davenport (Sunday, August 12, 2007)

2007-08-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

Malachi 3:8-10 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain
[A Public Domain Bible] [KJV at Zondervan] [Zondervan]

8Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

9Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.

10Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Thou shalt not steal. What a powerful group of words. Yet, I hear so many versions of excuses from people about tithing. Let me jus6t say I originally had a hard time with it myself. In fact, when I first tried tithing the devil attacked my finances so bad that I quit for a whole year. During that time by the mercy of God, I saved money for my emergency back up. Then I began again successfully and never looked back. If at first you don't succeed; try try again.

WORD FOR THE DAY by Elaine Davenport (Saturday, August 11, 2007)

2007-08-04T05:51:00.000-07:00

Jude 1:20 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain
[A Public Domain Bible] [KJV at Zondervan] [Zondervan]

20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

I often hear people that are not Christians talk about their interpretations of what's in the bible, but they never mention the Holy Ghost. It's something that they don't understand or believe. Unfortunately there are Christian churches who don't deem it necessary to speak in tongues. However, as a building faith site, this could pretty much be our mantra; that we build ourselves up in our most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. I do and it has changed my life and the lives of those around me.

WORD FOR THE DAY by Elaine Davenport (Friday, August 10, 2007)

2007-08-04T05:44:00.000-07:00

Psalm 55:17 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain
[A Public Domain Bible] [KJV at Zondervan] [Zondervan]

17Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

In this nations Business School, they teach people about being proactive. In fact, Stephen Covey became a noteworthy author because of his approach to it all. However, it all sounds so much like the biblical principles that we've been taught. Words written by holy men of God thousands of years ago.

Our instruction here is simple. Develop a daily prayer life and routine and God will hear our voices.

WORD FOR THE DAY by Elaine Davenport (Thursday, August 9, 2007)

2007-08-04T05:38:00.000-07:00

Psalm 55:22 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain
[A Public Domain Bible] [KJV at Zondervan] [Zondervan]

22Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

One night I could not sleep. I had a situation that I desperately needed to get out of but there was no way out. I prayed and was led to read 1 Corinthians 13 on Love. I remember thinking this makes no sense. Soon after I had cast this burden on God in prayer and read 1 Corinthians 13; I came to realize that there was a way out and it would require a financial loss on my part if I was willing to not let my pride get in the way. I took the way out that God gave to me.

WORD FOR THE DAY (Wednesday, August 8, 2007)

2007-08-04T05:34:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 4:20-22 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain
[A Public Domain Bible] [KJV at Zondervan] [Zondervan]

20My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

21Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

The Word of God is a guidepost for your life. Please, if you face any challenge and don't know which course to take...go to the Word. If someone comes to you for advice , sit down and take them through the Word of God. Keep it at the ready.

WORD FOR THE DAY by Elaine Davenport (Tuesday, August 7, 2007)

2007-08-04T05:28:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 6:16 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain
[A Public Domain Bible] [KJV at Zondervan] [Zondervan]

16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

An umbrella protects me from the rain, but I prefer a raincoat with a hood. The bottom line is that they both work the same way. They don't look the same but they both work and serve their purposes. Your faith is designed to do a whole lot for you. Dig it out and crank it out every day. Put on your shiled of faith and make a decision today that it is there for:

WHATSOEVER
WHOSOEVER
WHENEVER
HOWEVER
and WHY (ever) you need it. Make that decision today.

WORD FOR THE DAY by Elaine Davenport (Monday, August 6, 2007)

2007-08-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

Mark 8:34 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)

Public Domain
[A Public Domain Bible] [KJV at Zondervan] [Zondervan]

34And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself (or herself) , and take up his cross, and follow me.

Are you the "whosoever"? I am.

WORD FOR THE DAY by Elaine Davenport (Sunday, August 5, 2007)

2007-08-04T05:14:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 12:3 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)

3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

I won't make this long. I have been working on my discipleship abilities. In witnessing to a wonderful friend; she mentioned a very negative experience that she had at a small church. We must all realize that when God calls us and we accept that we are held to a higher standard of right living. Of course, you will be tested and tried, but your walk must be blameless. Many people fail to make Jesus Lord and master of their lives; but with the help of the Holy Ghost it can be done. A lot of the church world has been blinded to believe they don't need the Holy Ghost. It's not true. I cannot emphasize it enough. Are you making Jesus LOrd of your life? A good compass is this: At every turn, for every decision, every thought, every question, every action, can you ask yourself: "What would Jesus do and then do that?" If not, you've got work to do and angels stand at the ready to help you. PRAISE GOD.

WORD FOR THE DAY by Elaine Davenport (Saturday, August 4, 2007)

2007-08-04T05:01:00.000-07:00

God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.

10But when the Day of God's Judgment does come, it will be unannounced, like a thief. The sky will collapse with a thunderous bang, everything disintegrating in a huge conflagration, earth and all its works exposed to the scrutiny of Judgment. MESSAGE BIBLE 2 PETER 3: 9, 10

I used to read this passage in verse 9 and think it applied to anything that I wanted it to. Then I found out that these scriptures are referring to the last days. A lot of people in the world and in the church or shall I say: "in pursuit of holiness" don't "act" like these are the last days. The people in the world are blinded and can't hear or understand just yet; but they will. That is my prayer for them. Please join me in pr5ayer for them. Blessings

What is Spiritual Warfare? by Elaine Davenport (Thursday, August 2, 2007)

2007-08-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

Luke 10:19 "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall
by any means hurt you."

Yesterday after much prayer I was led to fast and pray. All I heard was "Spiritual warfare." I thought to myself how serious this must be and I began to get myself entrenched in the Word of God on that subject. I found out some things that are very important.

See "faith" is something that we have and none of us want interference. I'm pretty brave and I want to see my interference coming or know about it in advance. Smile. Almost always I do not.

I have a bank account that was lower than I wanted it to be a few days ago. Today, I went to check on it; it had spiraled downward. Do I call it an attack of spiritual warfare or my own carelessness? The truth is I don't know but I'd guess it was more of a combo of my carelessness which resulted in a set up that didn't happen because God gave me great favor at the bank.

While trying to gain an understanding of exactly what Spiritual Warfare is and isn't; I began to hear some things that were happening around the world on the news. So much of it sounded like vicious attacks of the enemy.

We've got to gain in our understanding of what Spiritual Warfare is and we must come to know beyond the shadow of a doubt that it is real. That's what we'll be talking about in the days ahead. We'll build your faith and out you of the offensive at the same time. Be ready.

One Afternoon with an Atheist by Elaine Davenport (Wednesday, August 1, 2007)

2007-07-30T05:28:00.000-07:00

There may be people who may read this; who knowingly or unknowingly may be looking to see if this is a critical piece. That is not the nature of this writing. It's simply about a personal experience that clearly shaped my walk with God.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

When I was younger and not walking close with God; I had an enlightening experience. It was what my friend Rose calls a "defining moment."

I always had two or three jobs even when I had a good job. We had moved into a new house and the financial needs became more demanding. I needed to be able to work at home and still earn extra monies. It so happened that an opportunity arose that allowed me to make money and a lot of it writing meaningful greetings cards and I leaped at the challenge.

BACKGROUND

I had written poetry for many years; all of my life in fact. When we were newly married in the middle of the night; something would wake me up and whisper poetry in my ears and I would jump up and write it down. When I became convinced that it could wait til morning, I would later find that it couldn't, it would be long forgotten. All I knew was that it was beautiful. So I ended up with a huge stack of poetry in a bin from these nightly writings. My husband and I even thought of putting a computer in the bedroom for my nightly writings but we decided against it.

THINGS HAPPEN TO BELIEVERS

I knew the Lord as a little child. I am very thankful. I know that this doesn't happen to everyone. God is love. I knew this as a child, but something happens to believers as we live in this world. I became sensitive to all of the unbelief that surrounded me in the wrong way. In my poems, Gods' name would just pop up. Or Jesus name would just pop up. I really couldn't explain it but they would be in the writings and nothing else would go there. I could be writing on anything, any subject and God's name, His hand was always in it.

I GOT THIS JOB OFFER

I heard about a place that paid for your poetry if they could convert it into Greeting cards. I began to do some research and wrote a stack of materials. I went to the business and met the owner. I literally spent the entire afternoon there. I don't recall her name and honestly I wouldn't say it if I did. The lady paid me extremely well and promised me that she would give me a byline on the back of the Greeting Cards that were published. She then gave me a very large assignment. I was so excited.

THEN THE BOOM FELL...

This is a true story. As I was leaving she said: "One small thing. You mention God in your poetry, can you just leave that out? I usually don't accept writings with Gods' name in it but you didn't have it in there a lot; but can you just do it less?"
She explained that she was an atheist. Now I had never met an atheist before. I couldn't even understand how someone could have that mindset. I was shocked. I remember thinking how I couldn't tell by looking at her. That was the most alarming thing.

MY RESPONSE...
I went numb. Those "visions of sugarplums" danced right out of my head. I just said the expected good-byes. For some reason I had parked a very long ways from the business. The walk back to my car was way too long. I was overcome with great sadness. I knew in my spirit that I could never return. I could not compromise my faith.

LOOKING BACK

I am very proud, because I wasn't walking close with God then. There comes a time when we will all face DEFINING MOMENTS; what will you do then? What choice will you make?

JUST A REMINDER (TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2007)

2007-07-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

I Corinthians 13 v. 8a. LOVE NEVER FAILS

Blessings to you my friend today. All is well. I am delighted to be able to speak to you today to encourage you. I am glad that there is a light around you and that your love is far reaching without exception. Yes, I know that I don’t see you very much and my plan to keep in touch with you falls short sometimes; but I care about you. I have some very special words for you today. This is why you have this letter.

You know, even though you may not ever hear this or maybe you do but just not enough…you’re a great person. You have special talents and only you can do some things that no one else can do. This makes you very unique. Many have noticed. Sometimes you have this way about you of cracking a joke or saying something witty or wise that no one but you could pull off. Sometimes it’s just a smile or a laugh. It makes those of us who know you, feel rewarded. When this happens we all say that you’re special and we’re very glad that we know you. Did I ever tell you that you are also generous? You are greatly capable of giving of yourself, your time, your energy, your compassion to those around you. Let’s talk about those talents that you have. Not the known ones but the ones yet to come: the creative and generous things that you think that you’ll do one day.

Let me tell you that we all have those kinds of ideas. I was amazed when someone told me that God puts those ideas right there in your heart. Really. Psalms 37: verse 4 says: “Delight yourselves in the Lord and he will give you the hidden desires of your heart.” I found this to be true as I began to delight in God, He began to give me my hidden desires in my heart. It surely is a good thing.

My main purpose for writing to you is to tell you how much God loves you. It’s a whole lot. He loves you. YOU ARE the apple of God’s eye. He wants you well, healthy and whole with everything in your life in place…EVERYTHING. You are special. I just wanted to tell you that God knows it and I know it too. Stay connected to Him, He’s the POWER SOURCE. If you know someone who can stand to hear this message, I encourage you to share it with them. Many thanks. Be well my friend, be well. Love Sister Elaine

THOUGHT YOU"D ENJOY THIS (MONDAY, JULY 30, 2007)

2007-07-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 13 (The Message Bible)
1 Corinthians 13
The Way of Love
1 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
11When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

EVERYONE WON"T GET THIS by Elaine Davenport (Sunday, July 29, 2007)

2007-07-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

I've spent many days and some sleepless nights for these past few years writing and rewriting about God. While some of my closest friends are faith writers; I've noted that they've easily found their style, the approach that they take in their writings is consistent. For instance one dear friend writes and has a no nonsense approach when it comes to his faith writing. On the other hand, I've found myself struggling to appeal (being sensitive to)to the varied backgrounds of the people that God sends to this site. However, I have realized that God can handle it, it's too big for me. In my travels, I have looked at people and thought incorrectly that they didn't know God that well or that they "looked" like they didn't love him that much. I've basically been wrong many times. I don't do that anymore. I didn't do it in a judgemental way, it's just that I'm always happier when I personally meet someone who really understands faithstuff. (my own made up word)

That said; I want to talk about FEARING GOD. Yes, I know again. It's that important.

My fearing God takes precedence over all. Things always appear to be the exception many times, BUT NOTHING IS.

All that said: I just want to give you some scriptures to chew on and meditate upon regarding the FEAR OF GOD

For those who don't know; fear of God means revering Him.
The payoff for meekness and Fear-of-GOD
is plenty and honor and a satisfying life. PROVERBS 22: 4

Here you see that there is a huge payoff other than intrinsic for fearing God.

Don't for a minute envy careless rebels; PROVERS 23: 17,18
soak yourself in the Fear-of-GOD—
That's where your future lies.
Then you won't be left with an armload of nothing.
Fear GOD, dear child—respect your leaders;
don't be defiant or mutinous.
Without warning your life can turn upside down,
and who knows how or when it might happen? PROVERBS 24: 21,22

Here you see a life instruction so to speak and a warning. It tells us that your life can be turned upside down without warning. It tells us to "soak" ourselves
in the fear of God.

Psalm 112 (Amplified Bible)
Psalm 112
1PRAISE THE Lord (Hallelujah!) Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who fears (reveres and worships) the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments.(A)
2His [spiritual] offspring shall be mighty upon earth; the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
3Prosperity and welfare are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
4Light arises in the darkness for the upright, gracious, compassionate, and just [who are in right standing with God].
5It is well with the man who deals generously and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice.(B)
6He will not be moved forever; the [uncompromisingly] righteous (the upright, in right standing with God) shall be in everlasting remembrance.(C)
7He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord.
8His heart is established and steady, he will not be afraid while he waits to see his desire established upon his adversaries.
9He has distributed freely [he has given to the poor and needy]; his righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) endures forever; his horn shall be exalted in honor.(D)
10The wicked man will see it and be grieved and angered, he will gnash his teeth and disappear [in despair]; the desire of the wicked shall perish and come to nothing.

THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR. LOOK AT VERSE ONE. IT SAYS BLESSED, HAPPY< FORTUNATE< TO BE ENVIED IS THE MAN WHO FEARS THE LORD.

O fear the Lord, you His saints [revere and worship Him]. For there is no want to those who truly revere and worship Him with godly fear. PSALM 34: 9

THERE IS NO WANT TO THE SAINTS WHO "TRULY" REVERE AND WORSHIP HIM.

6In the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children shall always have a place of refuge.
27Reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may avoid the snares of death.(B)
he reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it rests satisfied; he cannot be visited with [actual] evil.(H) PROVERBS 19: 26

DO YOU HAVE STRONG CONFIDENCE?
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A Prayer of Faith by Elaine Davenport (Saturday, July 28, 2007)

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FAITH
In the Name of Jesus, Father we come before you with
humble and thankful hearts. Father we are asking you to
strengthen________ (your name) this day. We stand on your word for
you said:
According to your faith be it unto you. Verily I say unto you
that if you have faith and doubt not, you shall not only do this
which is done to the fig tree but also if you say unto this
mountain be thou removed …it shall be done. The just shall
live by faith, but if any man draw back; my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for,
the evidence of things not seen.
Father, ___________( your name) is believing for: __________
_______________
And___________________ etc. She/He is standing on
their faith and we stand in agreement that these things
will unfold exactly that way that he/she wants them to
in accordance with your Word; though there is no evidence
that can be seen, __________(your name) is stronger and stronger
every day never doubting that these things will come to
pass. We also pray that YOU the God of our Lord Jesus
Christ , the Father of Glory , may give unto ___________
(your name) the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you.
That the eyes of __________’s (your name) understanding being enlight-
ened that she/he may know what is the hope of his calling
and the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is
the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought
in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at
his own right hand in the heavenly places….For this cause we
bow our knees unto You the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ
of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.
That he would grant unto_________(your name) according to the riches
of his glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in
the inner man; That Christ may dwell in ______________’s
heart by faith, that _____________ being rooted and grounded
in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the
breadth and length and depth and height; And to know the
love of Christ; which passeth knowledge, that she/he/they
might be filled with all the fullness of God!
In the Name of Jesus we ask and Pray.

Putting God First by Elaine Davenport (Friday, July 27, 2007)

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Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I deny before my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10: 32-33

Dear Heavenly Father, I am not ashamed of you. In fact, quite the contrary. I love you. You are First in my life. You are my daybreak, my daylight, my light and with you there is no night. Blessed Father, I pray this day for the misguided people. Someone must pray for you. I am asking you today to send your laborers to them. Many think that you and all the other Gods are one God. To hear the vain philosophies of mankind, we sound like the ancient Greeks. You are the true and living God and your sheep hear your voice. Yet, there is a misconception among men that we all have the same God no matter what the belief. Some think Jesus is a prophet O LORD. Please help them to understand that he is the Messiah and no one comes to the Father except through him. Let our words of truth from your Holy book fall on willing ears. Let us all be able to boldly confess you to all men. AMEN

They don't want to hear it by Elaine Davenport (Monday, July 23, 2007)

2007-07-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

Heavenly Father, we stand in Your presence and in awe of You. In the Name of Jesus we just ask You to help us to speak the mystery of Christ to those whom the god of this world hath blinded. Please count us to be the worthy laborers that other saints have prayed for us to have a Divine encounter with. Help us not to be ashamed of the gospel. Please give us an opening in conversations so that we may spread the light and snuff out the darkness.

Teach us patience. Help us to exude Your love to others. We ask for Your favor as we move out into the missions fields, the highways and the by ways and we thank you. Teach us to pray the perfect prayer so that hearts will be touched and minds will be enlightened. Help us to understand that it will not be a cakewalk without sacrifices. Teach us not to be offended but to love those that despitefully use us or snub us. Enable us to save the lost.

We ask for the spirit of boldness to overcome us and that You will send the ministering angels forth in front of us to prepare hearts and minds. Enable us to pray in public places and to give people an on time Word in due season. Heavenly Father, help us not to be lofty minded about our positions or abilities but enable us to humble ourselves and to be thankful. We'll be careful that You and not our flesh will get the praise, the honor and the accolades. We ask it all in the Authority of Jesus. So be it.

Spiritual Vacation by Elaine Davenport (Monday, July 23, 2007)

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Announcement: From August 5th through August 12th, 2007; I will leave town and travel to Convention for a Spiritual vacation that I have prayed for- for many years. When I return; I expect to have refreshing news for you.

I will then take a 2nd Spiritual Vacation for Convention from August 13th through August 17th, 2007. Many many prayers will be made on your behalf and you and your needs will be upon my heart and mind and taken to the throne of God. Blessings

When it's hard to find faith by Elaine Davenport (Sunday, July 22, 2007)

2007-07-22T15:19:00.000-07:00

I've tried to engage most of my faith friends in conversations about when it's hard to find faith. They don't want to talk about it or acknowledge it. It's not that they are in denial; it's just that there is a "supposition" in some circles, that you must be doing something wrong when you can't find it. Also, to be honest it's not a good position to be in. It happened to me. I was going good; staying in the Word and I got comfortable. Little by little I started doing a little less. Not noticeably to others but I knew it. I repented and got back to my position.

That's why in Ephesians Chapter Six, we are warned to:

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil Ephesians 6: 11

Then just in case we don't know what the armour is; we are further told:

So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate,

and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace.

In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all (the) flaming arrows of the evil one.

And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. EPHESIANS 6: 14-17

We are also told to do the following with this:

Ephesians 6:
18
With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones

THINK OF THE BOWLING ALLEY

LOOK AT EPHESIANS 6: 16. It says that if we take the shield of faith we can quench all the fiery darts of the enemy.

Imagine you throwing a bowling ball down the lane? You don't want a gutter ball. You want to be effective. You want to know down every single pin. You want a strike. Knock down every pin belonging to satan. Knock down every opposing force, idea, or thing that presents itself that goes against what you know God wants you to do. This isn't upper level Calculus; it's simple math.

I encourage you to stay prayed up and to outline every step in Ephesians 6 regarding the Shield of Faith.

If you can keep this mindset and don't let it slip; it won't be hard to find faith.

IT'S TIME FOR ACTION By Elaine Davenport (Saturday, July 21, 2007)

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My Dearest friend, how are you today? God Bless you. Bless God that I find myself writing to you again. I lift you and your family up in prayer daily but I never say the same thing. I realize that everyday different things happen to make our circumstances assorted so I don’t send up the same prayers for you everyday. I ask God to meet your needs because I trust Him, I know He knows what they are. I also stand in agreement with you regarding your prayer needs. You see, Jesus said in the 19th verse of the 18th Chapter of Matthew in the New Testament:

Again, I say unto you, That if any two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

You know, a friend of mine used to lovingly tease me and say: “What are you doing now?” I always laughed in a slightly guilty way. See, I always had a series of projects; I just sort of wandered into them. My problem was I wasn’t doing anything meaningful and I didn’t realize it. I’m still working on projects…only THIS TIME, I don’t have to feel guilty because I am working to please God according to the plan that He has for my life.

I found out that I don’t have to talk about it, I just have to do it.
This means that no matter how much time goes by, I am working on the goal that God has set before me. I won’t quit. I won’t be deterred. Don’t you do it either. I hear people all the time saying: “I’m going to do this.” “I’m thinking about doing that.” That thought didn’t come from nowhere. Act on it. If it will benefit mankind, you have an obligation to do it.

So I am led in many ways, but by faith I press on, by love I press on. You see, for years I felt that there was something that I was put here to do, but I wasted precious time, not doing it. It was deep in my heart, and even when I said : ‘I’m going to write a book.” Even I didn’t believe it. So of course, nothing happened. Are you making declarations that not even you believe? If you are, change it. You deserve better! Please forgive me if I seem to be pushing you to do your best, to reach higher. It’s just because you are so capable. God certainly knows it and He loves you.

I finally started to put that book together that I had talked about since the early 1980’s and guess what? By the time I actually just went on and did it, it turned out to be so easy for me. All that “talk” about writers cramps was merely a smokescreen. I don’t get any cramps when I talk. I don’t have any trouble thinking of things to say. So I transferred it to my writing.

It (writing a book) turned out to be merely the “tip” of the iceberg. I could have never perceived that there was something far greater that I was put here to do.
I’m only using myself as an example to spur you on. There is something deep in your heart. We all have it. It’s there. So my question is: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO AND WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO DO IT?
I guess that’s just the first part. Next, I’ll ask: “How do you intend to do it?” First, you’re going to have to trust God. A lot of people don’t want to trust God. They have many reasons. Some think it is just too much work. Others don’t know how. Some say that they are (trusting God). A lot of those same people do it like a 50-50 raffle. They trust God for half and then take over the other half. 75-25 is no better and neither is 90-10 or 95-5 or 99-1. It has to be 100%. Don’t let too much time go by before you get this. Please………

Then, I’d ask you to think of how what you’re doing is going to benefit others? I say this to you no matter what it is that you face. Perhaps right now there is a mountain in your life, a gigantic problem like Goliath. So you say: “Well, after I slay Goliath, I’m going to do this or that.” Or you might say: “I’m not even going to focus on this problem, I’m going to give it to God. (not an assignment, a problem) You get my drift right? Next, get a plan. Then, start making some notes in a notebook.
Get busy and continue to repeat the steps to a level of greater understanding and perfection. And even if a STORM comes, (we’ve all had them) PRESS ON! Finally, give thanks and expect to be guided. To most people, it sounds kind of strange to give thanks in a storm, but trust God that is the best time.
In graduate Business School they teach the Game theory. (It’s kind of funny.) In other words there are all of these varied strategy to quantifiably win at something.
But the most intriguing; yet easiest theory that I saw was the : “DO-NOTHING” theory. Some people actually believe they can have a good outcome by following this practice. It speaks for itself. Are you using that theory? Do you know it all too well? Most of us don’t even realize that we’re using this theory. Sometimes we call it procrastination. Hmmm.
It’s time for you to do something, but again I ask: What are you going to do and when are you going to do it?

I just want to remind you that no matter what the problem is; the bible has some scriptures about it.
When you read them, ask God to make it clear to you when you are reading so that you will have a clear understanding, get an amplified bible. Whatever it is that you have to do, do it. We all have something that we have to do that we don’t need to put off any longer.
I love you and that’s all that I have to say.
Copyright, 2005 Now thanks be unto God which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 11 Corinthians 2 verse 14

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.
--Philippians 4:8

ARE YOU AVERAGE? By Elaine Davenport (Friday, July 20, 2007)

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And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9: 8

MY BELOVED BRETHREN, BE YE STEADFAST, UNMOVABLE, ALWAYS ABOUNDING IN THE WORK OF THE LORD, FORASMUCH AS YE KNOW THAT YOUR LABOR IS NOT IN VAIN IN THE LORD-1 Corinthians 15:58.

My Dearest Friend, Blessings unto you. It is my prayer that this letter finds you well. I have been praying for you. I just want to tell you to stay in faith. I’m not worried about you either; because you are a mountain mover. Jesus said that if you have faith you can move it (any obstacle or challenge) and I know that you have faith. Today, I am writing to you about a matter that is important to God and important to you. Let me say that I realize that this question may have exact timing or bad timing; but it is expedient that you give it some thought. I thank you.

THE AVERAGE PERSON DOESN'T WANT TO HEAR THIS. THEY CAN'T HANDLE IT. THEY AREN'T AT THAT LEVEL YET. EVEN THOUGH THIS IS NOT POPULAR, WE MUST NOT COMPROMISE OURSELVES. NOT IN ANY WAY. WE ARE HERE TO SERVE GOD.

At a service at my church one day, a call went out for volunteers to serve in church. I didn’t think it applied to me. That’s funny now; but I was serious then. I wasn’t being arrogant or selfish; I was just honestly overloaded. I was wrong and I truly didn’t realize it. You see, I was loaded with assignments and I was doing them and in my brain, I could not envision expansion of my schedule. I wasn’t supposed to be counting what I did; I was just to abound, to thrive, to flourish in the grace given to me by God. I couldn’t envision the Blessings that I was blocking, the spiritual growth that lay ahead, the new friendships, the unlimited reward, the opportunity to please God in a great way, the passion, the fire and the love that would take hold of me as I grew spiritually. The real truth was that; I was like a passenger trying to board a plane with too much luggage. It wasn’t going to happen. Something had to go but I did not realize it.

Well right after that, at an outside organization where I volunteered (and enjoyed great prestige) everything changed and it impacted my schedule even more. I wasn’t working with people who would really understand my spiritual calling; though they were very good people. I was led to step back and take a time out. In prayer one day, I was reminded of a prior instruction deadline to join a particular division of service at my church. In my mind it didn’t seem like I was “experienced” enough to be of any use. Even though I was obedient; I was challenged in that service. There was a lot more to it than my showing up. God was trying to take me to higher levels and I didn’t see it right away though it was clearly there in front of me. Fortunately I served with some wonderful people who helped and encouraged me. I kept my faith up.

Soon, my breakthrough came. I found out by the example of other people that serving is not just about showing up on time and being responsible, prayed up and sincere. It’s really about your heart. You serve with your heart. I was surrounded by tremendous example. You can hear this but knowing it is a whole new ball game. It’s about loving God so much and loving His children and His creation so much that you will go to great lengths to please Him. (maybe even leaving your comfort zone) You’ll show your love to whosoever that you are working or serving with, interfacing with, helping or assisting. You’ll be a Blessing by setting a wonderful example as well. Praise God!

Do you see that scripture at the bottom of the page with an asterisk in front of it? Would you please read it? Let’s just say for the sake of understanding that God has given us all assignments and asked us to do them. Sometimes that might involve front lines work and sometimes that might involve behind the scenes work; but if God tells us to do it-He wants it done. I always ask myself: “What if Jesus came today and I had to give an accounting of the assignments that I was given? How would it look?” That helps me greatly to keep things in perspective. God has given us the goods and my question is: What have you done with the goods? What have you done with the talents that He gave you? I hope this helps you and makes you think. It makes me think too. I’m still working it out praise the Lord! I’m looking forward to stepping up the pace! I declare that we will have a good report when it is time to give it! Please don’t put it off and don’t be afraid to step up. I thank you. Blessings and Love, Sister Elaine D. novelistoo@gmail.com

P.S. Please if you are led, pray for the body of Christ to examine themselves in this area. Thank you so much.

*THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AS A MAN TRAVELING INTO A FAR COUNTRY, WHO CALLED HIS OWN SERVANTS, AND DELIVERED UNTO THEM HIS GOODS. AND UNTO ONE HE GAVE FIVE TALENTS, TO ANOTHER TWO, AND TO ANOTHER ONE; TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS SEVERAL ABILITY; AND STRAIGHTWAY TOOK HIS JOURNEY. THEN HE THAT HAD RECEIVED THE FIVE TALENTS WENT AND TRADED WITH THE SAME, AND MADE THEM OTHER FIVE TALENTS. AND LIKEWISE HE THAT HAD RECEIVED TWO, HE ALSO GAINED OTHER TWO. BUT HE THAT HAD RECEIVED ONE WENT AND DIGGED IN THE EARTH, AND HID HIS LORD’S MONEY. AFTER A LONG TIME THE LORD OF THOSE SERVANTS COMETH, AND RECKONETH WITH THEM-Mt 25:14-19.

Miracle at 70 Miles an Hour By Elaine Davenport (Thursday, July 19, 2007)

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For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. Psalm 91: 11

I start every day out with prayer for many many people. I plead the Blood of Jesus over our family, our home, our possessions, our cars, our situations. Everyday.

I had just began to pray the Prayer of Jabez daily as well and keep it posted on my back door. It says:

"Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request."
1Cronicles 4:10

I just have to tell you what happened to me yesterday. I had to take my mom to the hospital for a very serious matter. We did tons of driving as I took her to various clinic. There were times when I found myself sitting in the car alone. I was sleepy and wanted to go to sleep but I persevered. When I am with my mom I try to see to it that she gets a good snapshot of what a believer act of love is rather than a bad one so that it won't negatively impact my witnessing to her. She's a believer but she was raised in an era where they never taught about having a personal relationship with God and its importance. Anyways, we did a lot of driving.

I was sitting in the car in front of the Fairlane Clinic in Dearborn when this overwhelming desire to sing: "Oh, the Blood of Jesus" came over me. At first, I fought it because I couldn't "think" of any reason that I needed to sing it, but at first I sang it slowly then I got into it. I eventually stopped before my mom got back in the car. We both do a lot of talking. We drove on several freeways.

Well, I dropped mom off and jumped on the Southfield Freeway heading north to get home. I normally don't get in the fast lane but this day it just made sense. After a few miles; I heard a noise that sounded very unusual. I was going 70 miles an hour and I couldn't see anything so I kept on going.

I came off of the freeway and heade4d home. There was less noise but clearly there was a noise coming from my car. Just as I got near the end of my street I got out of the car to investigate; I had a very flat tire.

My road service had expired and they needed $58.00. I paid it and then found out that my car insurance would write me an i8mmediate check so that was done. I took my car to get the tire repaired and this is what they found:

my tire had a hole in it and another tire had a horrible leak in it and was just about to go flat as well, Both tires were repaired for free. PRAISE GOD.

I was reminded of the following verse:

"When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up A standard against him." Isaiah 59:19(b)

I don't know how long there was a hole in my tire. I just know that God sent His angels to suround me and prosper my way. I also know that it was a favor filled day.

Prayer of Salvation (Wednesday, July 18, 2007)

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Father, it is written in Your Word that if I confess with my mouth that Jesus

Is Lord and if I believe in my heart that You have raised him from the dead

Then I shall be saved. I confess with my Mouth that Jesus is My Lord. I

make him the Lord of my life right now. I believe in my heart that You

raised Jesus from the dead. I renounce my past life with Satan. I close the

door to any of his devices.

I thank You for forgiving me of all my sins. Jesus is my Lord and I am a new creation. Old things are passed away and all things have become new
In Jesus Name. Amen.

SALVATION: THE CHOICE IS YOURS Part Two By Patricia Saddler (Tuesday, July 17, 2007)

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PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO READ PART ONE FIRST!

AFTER YOU HAVE READ PART ONE AND PART TWO; PLEASE RETURN TOMORROW FOR PART THREE WHICH WILL INCLUDE THE PRAYER OF SALVATION WHICH WILL BE A BLESSING TO YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

THANKS FOR YOUR PATIENCE!

WHAT IS SALVATION?

Personally, years ago salvation was a term that I’d heard but didn’t quite know its meaning. I knew it was something that I thought Christians had. I’d heard that it was free, but what was it?
It wasn’t until ten years ago that I actually learned what it meant. Let me say that I accredit that to becoming a member of a church with a strong teaching ministry. In its simplest form salvation is deliverance from the power and penalty of sin. According to GOD’S WORD, when Adam sinned by disobeying GOD, sin entered into all humanity and death was the outcome of that sin. (Rom.5:12) Mankind has a sin nature because Adam is their father.

We (as humans) don’t sin because we want to; we sin because it’s our nature. In other words we’re “naughty by nature”. We lie, we cheat, we over eat, we engage in pre-marital sex, we gossip, we do drugs, we murder, we do all types of sin on many different levels. Regardless of how little or how much, sin is sin in GOD’S eyes and it separates us from fellowship with Him. But GOD in His infinite love for us gave us a solution. John 3:16 reads,” But GOD so loved the world that He gave His only begotten SON that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” The word loved in the Greek means unconditional love, love by choice, unconquerable benevolence and undefeatable goodwill, never seeking anything but the highest good for mankind.

Many times while on the street witnessing to others about salvation and how much they’re loved, I’ll hear, “You don’t know me. You don’t know what I’ve done in my life.” My response to them is, “That’s true. But GOD knows you. He knows all about you and everything you’ve ever done and he still loves you. He loved Adolph Hitler as much as He loves JESUS. He loved Jeffrey Dalmer as much as He loves JESUS.
He loves you as much as He loves JESUS. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in your life or what you’re presently doing, He loves you unconditionally just the way you are. You are that whosoever that JESUS died on the cross for to deliver you from eternal damnation. Hell, you don’t want to go there, but in Mark’s words, “it’s your choice.”

Patricia Saddler has been a special education teacher for the past 26 years. She is presently a member of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI. Patricia works in the Outreach ministries at her church and has grown to have a passion for those in need of salvation.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

SALVATION; THE CHOICE IS YOURS Part One By Patricia Saddler Guest Writer (Monday, July 16, 2007)

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I heard this story from a dear friend of mine and these were her words exactly:
Many years ago my ten year old special education student came up to me while I was on hall duty and eagerly chimed “Teacher, I have something special I’d like to share with the class during “show-n-tell”. Now normally, it’s been a good practice to inquire what it is before it’s presented; however, that morning I said, “Okay,”
Mark said: “Wait until I come in from hall duty.” When I came in I told the children to give Mark their undivided attention as he shared with them during “show-n-tell”. The children sat attentively as Mark began to speak. He said, “This morning class, I’d like to share with you about “salvation”.
My eyes immediately darted to the door as my mind began to race into,”What if the administrators that normally come in our room every morning walked in on his show-n-tell? What would they say? What would they think?” (I could have gotten in a whole heap of trouble my friend said.)
I got up and closed the door praying all the way back to my seat that they wouldn’t come in until Mark was finished. Public schools don’t condone religious conversations in the classroom, but I wasn’t about to stop Mark from sharing his topic. Plus, even though I went to church most Sundays at that time, I wasn’t sure myself exactly what salvation was and was as eager to hear what Mark was so eager to share.
Mark began to tell the children that JESUS wanted them to be “kings and queens” but it was their choice. He said they needed to go to church to find out about JESUS and what He’d done for them which would allow them to be kings and queens. He shared with them how kings and queens should act, but it was their choice.
Mark even gave them a remedy to get to church if they didn’t have parents or grandparents that go to church. The children sat mesmerized as they listened to Mark’s mini- sermon on salvation, as did his teacher. When the administrators finally came through the door apologizing for being late with their personal greeting, the children were calmly working on their bell work with their little spirits filled with Mark’s sermon on salvation.
My friend and I agreed that we’re never too educated, intellectual, or smart to learn from the “so called” least among us. I Corinthians 1:27(a) reads: But GOD hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. Listening to the story about special needs ten year old Mark started me on a quest to find out more about salvation.
My friend told me that she was in such a hurry to share this story with me. She knew that I’d be very excited because I have such passion for the ministry of salvation. She was right.
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We welcome Patricia Saddler; long time Prayer Intercessor to our site. The reader will look forward to her bold common sense approach laced with Godly Wisdom. Please tune in tomorrow to read Part Two of this series.

MAKE A PLEDGE TO FIGHT by Elaine Davenport (Sunday, July 15, 2007)

2007-07-12T16:12:00.000-07:00

Heavenly Father, I have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. (Hebrews 10:19) I will not cast away my confidence in you regarding this situation that I face or am enduring because I KNOW that it hath great recompense of reward). (Hebrew 10: 35) I am the just and I live by faith. (Hebrews 10: 38)

I will fight the good fight of faith. Thereby I will lay hold on the eternal life that I have been called to and I will continue to profess a good profession before many witnesses. (1Timothy 6: 12) I thank you Father that Your hand is upon and on this situation that I face. I thank You that You are God and that You are able to make all grace abound toward me that I ALWAYS have all sufficiency in ALL things and that I may abound
(be plentiful, thrive and flourish) to every good work! (2 Corinthians 8: 8)
Thank you Father for being the God of all comfort. (2 Corinthians 1: 3)

I thank you that You comfort me in all of my tribulation. (2 Corinthians 1: 4) My faith is in Your power. (1 Corinthians 2: 5) I have the God kind of faith. (Mark 11: 22) If a problem is in front of me or hindering me; it is a MOUNTAIN! Therefore, I “say” unto the mountain in front of me: BE THOU REMOVED _______________ (speak whatever it is) AND BE THOU CAST INTO THE SEA. (Mark 11: 23) Because I believe and have NO DOUBT in my heart; I will have what I say. God’s Word says so and I BELIEVE GOD. In Jesus Name, AMEN

Hold Fast To Your Profession of Faith by Elaine Davenport (Saturday, July 14, 2007)

2007-07-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

Occasionally I meet faith people who don't understand faith. I sympathize because I totally understand. We always have to remember that no matter how terrible any situation may be; that God can handle it. Maybe, we can't, but He can.

Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen. Hebrews 11: 1

Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him. Hebrews 11: 6
By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive for an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he went. Hebrews 11: 8

Dearest Friend, Blessings to you and yours. It is with great joy that I write to you today because I have been on quite a journey and I am relieved to have my feet settled and be in my right place, even though my journey continues. I am writing to you today to encourage you and to tell you to hold your chin up and to stand tall and be proud. Whatever you may be facing; you are not in it alone. I am praying for you. Prayer warriors are praying for you; but that’s not all. You see, behind the scenes, angels are moving and God the Father is arranging things so that you may have perfect peace. You just have to stay focused on God and speak the truth; the truth of Gods’ Word. I want to talk to you about your faith and my faith.

Do you believe God? Do you believe His Word? Either you do or you don’t. Everyday your faith will be tested. EVERYDAY.

*One morning after leaving prayer, I was walking next to a fellow prayer warrior. I said with my mouth: “I hate these dizzy spells that I have. I can hardly see or walk.” My friend looked at me and shook her head. She seemed angry. She said: “I don’t believe it.” She went on to say something like we just left prayer and you thanked God for hearing your prayers and ANSWERING them and now you’re out here confessing sickness. She looked at me as if to say: “WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PERSON THAT WAS IN THERE PRAISING GOD?”

I didn’t understand her lack of sympathy and pity at the time. I certainly didn’t like her response. I even prayed about it. Months passed and I realized this was good medicine that she gave to me. Sometimes believers go to other believers for advice and instead of a long dissertation of sympathy, they just need to hear three words: “ DO YOU BELIEVE GOD?”

YOU HAVE TO ACTIVATE YOUR FAITH by Elaine Davenport (Friday, July 13, 2007)

2007-07-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

Today, you need to know that God will do some stuff for you,
I know that you realize that He always acts on cue,
Just like a contact number when you get a master card,
You can activate your faith, it should not be so hard,
God tells you in His word, He tells you that it’s true,
His word is full of love and you know it’s meant for you.
You want him to lift you up, protect you, be your guide,
The book is in your hand and He said: “My child, abide.”

Lift up your beautiful arms, and toward heaven reach out,
Call upon His holy name, you can even shout,
Ask Him to come beside you to go with you where you go,
He will never mislead you, He will never tell you: “No.”
Sing praises to His name and give Him all the glory,
Confess to him your woes, retell Him your lifestory,
He will not judge or leave, that much I assure,
He can ease your burdens, He can give a cure.

God loves you so very much, if you only knew,
You would never feel sad, you would not miss your cue.
He told me to really tell you how He watches o’er your life,
He’s your Shepherd and He’ll lead you- away from all the strife.
So, when you hear songs of God’s love, bouncing in your head,
Think about your spirit and how it must be fed.
God has told you many things; and you know that you’re first rate,
Feel His presence, renew your faith and enter in the gate.
© Bended Knee Productions
Elaine Bracken-Davenport 2002

THEY CAME FOR LOVE by Elaine Davenport (Tuesday, July 10, 2007)

2007-07-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

We had our Family Reunion this year. It was wonderful; it wasn't so much about what we did for me; it was about what I saw. You need to know that I had prayed for this group of people for many months and others had too. In fact, my cousin and I were believing God for a spiritual reunion. It did happen, but not the way that I thought.

Days before the reunion, the regrets began to pour in. This person could not come and that person couldn't come. One by one; people were bowing out. I remembered the words of my dear friend Ruth (a mighty prayer warrior), who always says: "God will have who He wants to be there." Those words of wisdom have given me great comfort since I entertain a lot.

I decided to stand in faith for this reunion. Faith is what you can't see. Faith is what you don't know. Faith is what you haven't heard. Faith is required when you don't understand. I didn't know what was happening, so I gave it to God.

I asked myself what did I have to give to the many people who came. As a result of my prayer life, my prayers for the family that was coming, the teaching and instruction from the Word of God that had been imparted to me, I knew the answer without a second thought. Every thought for them, every action for them, every deed for them, every word for them would be motivated by and grounded in love.

Three days before the Reunion was scheduled to begin, the doorbell rang and rang and rang. Some of my family was here. They had come early. Oh Joy. (This site doesn't allow an exclamation mark or I'd have one. Smile.

NOW...

let's talk about what brought them here. That's the good part.

One of my cousins packed her family in a van and pressed her way here fighting a sinus headache. Another cousin traveled way across the country to Ohio where she picked up her mom and drove her here so that she could come too. One cousin flew south to help another cousin drive back. One cousin drove to another state and picked up her grandchildren and drove them here with her family. One cousin came a week early. One of my brothers drove from two states away and brought his son so that he could manage and coordinate many events. My nephew bought his plane ticket and came when it would have been much easier not to come. One cousin came at the last minute and was accommodated by her family who made great sacrifices to come. One cousin came two days early just so that our families could spend extra time together. I cannot cover every story but every story is a story of personal or financial sacrifice.

So you've heard the story of their sacrifices but you haven't heard about their love.
Most of the people came a long ways. They drove multiple hours in a hot season where gas prices are soaring. The angels prospered their way and so they came without incident.

It reminds me of Psalm 91 when it says:

A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you. (V.7)

By the day of the picnic; we had a great group of people and as we sat and gazed along the riverfront and looked on the beautiful blue waters; I looked around and realized with great pride that they had came for love. Love really can move mountains. In this family people love each other and like each other. It's a family legacy. My father taught it to us. God helped me maintain it. There are times when people can question their affections for family whether they admit it or not. I can say this: in this family everything is grounded in LOVE.

They came and they were a delight, they were charming, they brought smiles and words of kindness, God's grace was all over them; each of them. They brought love, they brought joy. I was able to see it; it was great. It truly was a spiritual Reunion.

I share this story to ask you all to pray for love in your family, pray for God's grace upon your family too. I encourage you to speak a Blessing over your family regularly; they deserve it.

Show them your Best Side By Elaine Davenport ( Tuesday, July 3, 2007)

2007-07-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

The answer to your weights, burdens, pressures, challenges, distractions and whatever name that you call it is Love.

When we were about to leave prayer much earlier today; the good minister gave us some verses to study and meditate upon:

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
St. John 13: 34

Then:

Love never fails.

1 Corinthians 13: 8a

When we were growing up; they had this thing called "the dozens." That meant that a person was quick witted and could get you told as they used to say. Later, people called it: "putting you in check." I once knew a lady who was good at it and she would recant stories of how she would put someone in check. She would tell people: "You don't want to see me act ugly." That's funny. People did accept and do accept the fact that they have a public image and a private image that they can let out of a box like Pandora.

That's what the world does. However, for born again believers, we have a directive as you saw above and it says: "Love one another." We can avoid the pitfalls of a split personality where "Pandora" comes out. We can choose to show people our better side all of the time. Make a decision.

BLAMELESS By Elaine Davenport (Sunday, July 1, 2007)

2007-07-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

You can’t be in faith and not understand God’s Word. He said He will not withhold from anyone whose walk is blameless. So let your walk be blameless.

God is so wonderful. He looked down the road at our world in the Year 2007 and He left us a command; to the body of Christ and even to the churches. He said:

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (NIV, John 13:34-35)

The world watches the Body of Christ with great amusement. So does the devil. And sometimes I wonder if we’re accommodating them unwittingly. Close critiquing of ministries that are different is widespread within the body of Christ even though the bible is clear about the body.

"And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way." (Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV)

Romans 12:4-8
Just as each of us has one body with many members and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 12:18-22
But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you." And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, (NIV)

I give you the Word of God and I’ll tell you that if you see another ministry that fails or misses the mark in your eyesight, pray for them and ask God what you can do to help them and wait for His instruction. Don’t give ammunition to the world by openly criticizing another ministry.

Many times I observe people complaining about other ministries; but I never see a reply very often. It’s probably because of the following verse. Get in the Word, I encourage you to meditate upon these scriptures before you publicly or privately criticize your brothers or sisters in Christ.

THE WORD IS REAL….
1 Corinthians 12:26-27
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (NIV)

"There is a saying, 'Love your friends and hate your enemies.' But I say: Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you. In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even scoundrels do that much. If you are friendly only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even the heathen do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. (TLB, Matthew 5:43-48)

"For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. "But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. (NAS, Matthew 6:14-15)

MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOU ARE BLAMELESS...IT'S HARD OR IT'S EASY; THAT DEPENDS ON YOU.
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Eternal Invincibility By Elaine Davenport ( Friday, June 29, 2007)

2007-06-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

…who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
(KJV) Esther 4: 14

Hello Friend. God Bless you today. You and your family, your friends and their families too. I have been thinking about you for some time. I thank God for you and the example that you give to us all. It is amazing you know, that each person has a special God given characteristic that can bring peace, light, wisdom and joy to someone else. That is how I see you. I’ve been thinking of you and just want to run some things by you.

Several years ago, I came off of the freeway driving pretty fast. I had just bought a new car, but I wasn’t excited about that. I was anxious to get home. In my mind I became convinced that I had to see my family before something happened to them. My mind was shooting thoughts: “What if you never see your husband anymore?” “What is the last thing that you said to him?” “Did you tell him that you loved him?” “Did you tell the children that you loved them?” The questions were coming in rapid succession. I starting driving faster and faster even though I was only four blocks from my house. Smile. Did I have any reason to be anxious? Had I gotten an emergency call summoning me home? The answer to both questions is NO.

By the way, I arrived home and nothing was wrong. As soon as I saw my family I realized that my thoughts were off base. There was no reason for me to panic like that. It was a symptom that something was lacking, that something was needed; but I hadn’t a clue what to do.

Sometimes our bodies send out physical indicators. Sometimes we have financial smoke signals in our lives. Sometimes we have emotional or mental symptoms that bother us. Did you know that we get spiritual symptoms that are sometimes good and sometimes bad?

My feelings on that day were out of control, I experienced fear, worry and anxiety. I had no peace, no true happiness; in fact I didn’t really know what it was (happiness). Looking back I had a “earth” happiness. Joy? What was that? It wasn’t even in my vocabulary because that was just a “seasonal” word. I didn’t have low self esteem; I just had less. My panic in the car was just another outward expression of my hopelessness at that time. During that time, I basically never slept; my mind just raced every night with “what ifs.” It’s a miracle that I didn’t have horrible bags under my eyes and that I was so agreeable most of the time. I knew deep inside that there was a better way for me. I decided to follow that instinct. My search took me on a journey that I will never forget.
Last night, I stayed up so that I could explain it to you. I got “chose.” I know it’s not proper English; but that’s what happened. That’s what we used to say when I was growing up. Smile.

Imagine that you’ve fallen in love. You’ve met someone wonderful; they are the best thing that has ever happened to you. They want the best for you, they love how you look, they applaud your desires, they encourage you and fully support you, they know your past and it doesn’t bother them; they just forget it…permanently never to be brought up again. When you look at them you see nothing but beauty; nothing but LOVE . Wow. For the first time in your life you have met someone with no earthly shortcomings…in other words if you told your friends about this relationship; they’d say: “That’s too good to be true.” That love that you experience has put a fire in you, a passion for the things that are right. You now have a bold confidence that you always saw in others/wanted. You’ve become transformed. You are not your old self. People who knew you before can’t believe the change in you. You’re full of love and have a heart of compassion for others. In fact, you no longer accept strife, you avoid anger, you’ve matured and you no longer judge others; just yourself. All of this has happened because of this wonderful bond that you now have. That’s how it is with God and that’s only the beginning, He’ll be with you forever only loving you more. You can’t even believe it’s real; but you know it is…that’s how you start using the word: “JOY.” In an imperfect world; you have been singled out to have a perfect relationship with Him.

My journey led me to the only solution for me. I gave my life to Christ…fully. I needed some invincibility and I got it. When we are born again, we have eternal invincibility and the devil would love to see us lose it- he brings trials, conflicts and confusion of the financial, the physical, of the mind or in whatever area; hoping that we will give up our invincibility; because otherwise he can’t defeat us…and we know he’s a defeated foe. ETERNAL INVINCIBILITY…WOW. So stand. Invincible= unbeatable, unshakeable, unconquerable.

My message to you is a reminder that: You’ve been chosen.
*You’ve been chosen to take authority over your problems and challenges. You’ve been given the keys to the kingdom, instructions on how to overcome any problem.
*Again, you’ve been chosen to do some special things that only YOU can do at a special time, and you HAVE TO do them. Don’t MISS your window.
*You’ve been chosen to speak to some people in certain situations and you HAVE TO speak to them.
*You’ve been chosen to spread the good news of God and you HAVE TO do it.
*You’ve been chosen to love your neighbor as yourself and you HAVE TO do it.
*You’ve been chosen to pray for others and you HAVE To pray for them.
*You’ve been chosen to set the Godly example and you HAVE TO set it.
*You’ve been chosen to stand and fight for the kingdom of God and you HAVE TO stand and fight.
*You’ve been chosen for many things… but especially for such a time as this, but you HAVE TO take action. I’m so glad. Love Sister Elaine Davenport

ADDENDUM……… I say this with the greatest humility for to God be the Glory……..
As many of you know this letter began many months ago when I found out that three young friends had been diagnosed with cancer. My heart was touched. Vivid memories of the terrible brain tumor that tried to take me down (and failed) came rushing back. I knew that they needed encouragement so I began to write them to tell them how they could look to God for their healings. Faith strengthened and healing came profoundly and the letter continued. Eventually it began to reach more and more people into the higher hundreds.

This letter is also Online now, In fact, you're reading it. It goes all over the world now. God is Awesome. I was as shocked as you are when I found out that the letter was traveling; but I shouldn’t have been.

Last month, I got an email from Atlanta, Georgia. It was from a wonderful longtime friend Cynthia Johnson who was frustrated. (My friend Cynthia formed a foundation to feed children in Africa.) Bless God that she recently formed a partnership with Bruce Wilkinson who wrote The Prayer of Jabez; to plant well over one hundred thousand gardens in Africa. )

Well Cynthia told me that the letter arrived just in time and that she wanted me to agree in prayer with her; as she was stuck in Georgia trying to get to Soweto in Africa. That there was a labor strike and not only was her plane delayed; but she needed to get to Australia for an ordination for an Apostle as well. You know what she said in her email that just really stuck in my heart? She said: “Elaine, I just need you to agree with me in prayer” and then she went on with the problem.

It was Divine that I was on the computer at the exact time that the email came in!

YES, I HAD NO PROBLEM AGREEING WITH HER IN PRAYER.

We went off on the devil period point blank and in our email and we demanded that he cease and desist. We called the strike OVER. We called for FAVOR and favor we got. I agreed with Cynthia in Prayer and she with I. We celebrated her Victory and gave thanks! Beforehand…….The next email that I got from her I did not see until the next morning; she said the strike was over and she was on her way to Africa and then Australia. HALLELUJAH. I yelled out something like: GOD IS. We just have to stand in faith. WE CAN do this.

You're in a Miracle Season by Elaine Davenport (Thursday, June 28, 2007)

2007-06-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

He who earnestly seeks good finds favor. Proverbs 11:27

You’re in a Miracle Season. I just wanted to write to tell you that many prayers have been sent up for you. I pray that you do know that all is well with you and your loved ones; everyone that you care about, no matter what it looks like.

Through many hours of prayer, I’ve been praying for everyone that gets this letter. Yes, that includes you! I just want to ask you:

“Have things been going your way?” You know, when things go the way that I want them to- it is a VERY good day. I like having good days; most people do. Do you?

Favor can affect you in a very small way or in a very big way. It happens to us all of the time and many of us (not everyone) never give it-this instance of favor even the slightest recognition.

I’ve been working on starting two businesses for over a year. These businesses both have to do with furthering God’s plan here in the earth. They can’t be launched together because one is entirely dependent on the success of the other. However, at the time of the initial planning stages; I encountered a
strong challenge. In reality to other people, the challenge would have
been insurmountable. However, I knew that it was minor because
it wasn’t my idea to start it.

It was a God idea so I knew He could handle it.

When I met with the Project Developer; I found out so much more

about favor.

For whoever finds Me finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD. Proverbs 8:35

When I was given the cost sheet; it was exactly right. For what I needed to do- this was a miracle! As new things came up (more expensive things); I was given great leniency and goodwill. The favor came continuously and still continues though the project is almost complete. I put my faith into action everyday and I start early; and I don’t quit; no matter how I feel. The people working with me do that as well. They are faith people so they understand. Miracle after miracle came and I just had to trust and lean on God. When you really think about it; it’s easy to lean on God. I am pleased to say that I learned some wonderful things. (I can’t wait until I get a release to tell you more about it all; but I can tell you God will have His way.) I learned through this experience to do right all of the time. When I did the right things-favor came. I’m not saying this like this is easy. Even if your mind is fixed, things come up but you just have to stay focused. I also learned to follow the rules and that obedience is critical.
PLEASE…
A lot of you know the story of Esther in the bible. It’s not a very long story but it is a story that well illustrates Gods’ favor. Esther who could have easily become an orphan without a future; led a favored and faith filled lifestyle which eventually led to her becoming queen. At a point in time, the test and trial came to Esther and her people and she; for her part; had to decide whether to turn her back on her people or to trust God. Esther put her faith into action and received favor. Not just a little favor; but enough FAVOR to spare her life and the lives of the Jewish people in her town. Esther knew what favor could do; and that knowledge enhanced her faith; her faith caused her to act and her acting caused the miracles to flow forth.

You need a combination of things working together to bring forth the miracle that you need; the miracle that God has for you.

With all of this talk about favor, I got to thinking one day recently. I asked myself: “Are you favoring God?” Are you giving Him special treatment? Are you biased towards and for Him all the time? I know that I can’t do for God what He does for me; but I can do what He expects of me and I know that my obedience, my putting Him first is a good way for me to give Him favor. I know that it is essential! It’s crucial! It’s love.

I just want to encourage you to consider favor to be a two sided coin and to encourage you to show God just how much favor that you have for Him. I am so thankful for people like you, I really am. PLEASE PUT YOUR FAITH INTO ACTION!

Advanced Thinking by Elaine Davenport (Wednesday, June 27, 2007)

2007-06-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

Dearest Friend,

God loves you. I know it. I have lifted you up in prayer everyday and will continue to do so. I was originally praying for financial, physical, psychological, emotional or any other kind of healing and then I stopped. I had to. The bible says that” by his stripes we were healed. That means you,( your sister, your brother, your mother, your father, your friend, your cousin etc.) already are. Even, if it doesn’t look like it. I always say especially if it doesn’t look like it.

I have a wonderful example for you, but it’s going to do one of three things. It’s either going to make you laugh, think I am crazy or it’s going to make you be astounded. Okay, here goes. Everyday I go to the library because I have to write my books and research. I always ask the Holy Spirit to reserve me a parking space in the first or second row. Sometimes, I just ask for the first row. I have a witness for all of this too. But, I’ll tell you about that later. Today, I sent my prayer out early and not at the last minute. Our new library here is extremely popular. A decent parking spot in the first four or five rows is treasured. Forget the front row. No one comes out. A lot of people think the people who work there take the good spots. But, I don’t have to worry about that. I have faith. Another reason that this is important is because going to the library is not my hobby. I like it, don’t get me wrong. But when I go, I go on a mission. God sends me there to do what He has called me to do. I feel like a V.I.P. and I should park like one.

Okay, so I arrived at the library and looked. It was quite crowded and there were no spots in the front row. Not at all phased, I drove around again. Without hesitation, I said: let me just sit here in the front row and wait for my spot. It is promised to me, it is mine.
About two seconds after I said that, a lady and a man came from nowhere and pulled a mini van out right in front of the door. I praised God. He is that good.

I decided to travel to travel to Toronto to save souls for Christ. Originally I planned to go with one of my friends from early morning prayer. Every obstacle that you can imagine came up against us. When you decide to work for God, the rewards are great, but the tribulation will come. I think we ended up with several plans to go with various people. At one point it was so funny, people kept saying: “How are you getting to Toronto?” and I would say: “I don’t know how. I just know I’m going.” You see, I was able to do that because I stayed close to God and I kept getting the message that I was going. So I stood on that word. It all worked out at the very last minute. I went. It was wonderful. Toronto is so diverse. We met people from all different backgrounds. There was no confusion, no division. It was very nice. I’ll tell you, I had two praying roommates. They prayed away a horrible headache that I had. When I drove away from that city, I had written down fourteen revelations and I had an idea for a revolutionary book. God is so faithful.

Enough about me, let’s talk about you. Whatever you are believing God for, He wants you to have it. All that you need is faith. The bible has a lot to say about faith, for example:

The just shall live by faith. Habakkuk 2 v. 4
Thy faith hath made thee whole…Matthew 9 v. 22
According to your faith be it unto you. Matthew 9 v. 29
Have faith in God Matthew 11 v. 22
Thy faith hath saved thee. Luke 7 v. 50
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Luke 22 v. 32

If you need to know about any area in your life that you want to stand on based on God’s word do this. Look in the subject area at the back of your bible. It is called the Concordance. You can look up many subjects back there. They will tell you where to find all of the scriptures that apply to your need. Look them up and read them daily. While you’re at it apply your faith and you’ll be successful. A lot of you who get this will say I already know this. So, it makes even me wonder why am I sending this to you. I don’t know, but there is a reason. Maybe, you need to apply more diligence, get rid of unforgiveness, praise God more, spend more time in the word or maybe it’s just a confirmation that you are doing everything right and that you have been patient and that you are about to reap a wonderful harvest. I sure hope so. Be Blessed. I love you.
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Can you make an Executive Decision? By Elaine Davenport (Tuesday, June 26, 2007)

2007-06-24T15:07:00.000-07:00

I saw this movie called Executive Decision. It was a story about some terrorists taking over a plane and how ordinary people overcame them. It was suspenseful, but the most impressionable part was when the "hero" had to fly a plane in mid air for the first time in his life to save the people. First, he had to defeat the terrorists one by one in the air; but then he had to land the plane. ONLY ONE PROBLEM: MOVIES AREN'T REAL.

Now there are more than 15 steps to landing a plane in a real life. You've got to:
THIS IS NOT A COMPLETE LIST.

1. Get to the controls and take a seat
2. Check your fuel continuously
3. Put on the radio headset
4. Say: "Mayday, Mayday."
5. Turn to station 121.5 (You can get help there)
6. Look at the instrumentation/see if the plane is level
7. Make sure the plane is flying straight
8. Find the altimer- this tells you your altitude (it's in the center of the control
panel.)
9. Begin your descent- pull the throttle back to slow down, as the plane slows, the nose drops.
10. Deploy the landing gear; if you're landing on water leave the landing gear up.
11. Look for a place to land. Preferably flat ground. If you're headed for trees; aim for the middle of them so that the wings will bear the impact.
12. Line the plane up.
13. Pull way back on the throttle/make sure the nose of the plane doesn't dip too much.
14. If you have time, drive over the area you intend to land in and look for obstructions.

15. Use the floor pedal to steer and brake the plane.

If you took the time to read this list and scan it; you would not be too eager to be in this situation. No one is; yet emergency plane landings happen all of the time. Most don't make the news unless something happens.

YOUR EXECUTIVE DECISION

You just have to turn your problem over to God. That's all you have to do. He can't work on it if you still are, so when you turn it over; let it go.

THE GOOD NEWS

I'll say it again another way. The good news is you don't have to do all this with God. He's in charge and yet a lot of people have trouble giving their troubles, cares, anxieties and burdening situations to God.

Joshua 1: 8 says:
This book of the law, thou shalt meditate therein day and night, for then thou can make thy way prosperous and then thou can have good success.

But, first you have to believe and trust God and you have to believe that God lives on the inside of you born again believer. If you have this revelation knowledge and not sense knowledge; your decision will be easy.

It's not unusual to run into people who say: "I don't know what I'm going to do." When we hear this; our job is to point them to God.

If you cast your burden on God; don't take it back. I see and hear this all the time. People praying daily for the same thing they asked God to take care of yesterday. God can hear. He heard you the first time. Be patient and stand in faith. Do not waiver. Be confident and courageous.

Psalm 34: 19:
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

This is not meant to teach you specifically how to fly a plane. It is just intended to show you the number of rules involved. This is a brief synopsis; there'sa a lot more to it than this.

Failure to Love by Elaine Davenport (Monday, June 25, 2007)

2007-06-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

My ministry had been teaching a lot about Love. We had spent a lot of time in 1Corinthians 13 where it talks about Love. I had the most unusual experience not too long after that. It gave me an opportunity to put the teaching into practice; not by teaching someone else but by learning through visualization.
* Sometimes it is hard to love people; especially when they don't want to love back, but we have to do it.

I was invited to a wonderful gathering. When I arrived; I was immediately notified that I would be the speaker. I'm sorry, I admit that it caught me off guard, only because writing is my comfort zone and I try to stay in that zone. However, I went to a quiet place to pray to find out what I would speak about. In my heart, there was an overwhelming need which came upon me to speak on Love; with an emphasis on First Corinthians Chapter Thirteen.

I was sure of it and prepared my speech. On the surface, I couldn't "see" where it was necessary but I gave it anyway. Then something phenomenal happened. Four more people who were also men and women of God whom I did not know spoke. Every single person spoke on Love. I believe that each one of us was called to minister on the message of Love for such a time as that.

Failure to Love can result in a great deal of pain. More explicitly; the denial that such a problem exists as we self examine can ultimately cause great pain.

When a small child sees fire for the first time; the parent may look at the child, point to the fire and say don't touch, fire burns.

This message is just that serious.

I HAVE A FRIEND

I have a friend who had a very close relationship with her daughter. They had been through many ups and downs. My friend has a rather strong personality; but she is a great person. By and by the daughter met and married a great guy who had children that he was raising. To many people, they are a perfect couple, but not to her mother. Over time, the mother and the son-in -law became distant only communicating through the daughter; if at all. There were several incidents of drama between them. My friend received the Love message; but she did not hear it. My friend has experienced great anguish and pain from this experience. When I asked my friend about loving her son in law; she brushed it off and made a remark about what the son in law had done to her. Two years later, my friend was in worse pain over the situation because things had gone from bad to worse and her daughter no longer visits.

In First Corinthians 13 it says:

1 Corinthians 13
If [can] speak in the tongues of men and [even] of angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such [a]as is inspired by God's love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

And if I have prophetic powers ([b]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody).

Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or [c] in order that I may glory, but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing.

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy ([d]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].

For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).

But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded).

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.

For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as [e]in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand [f]fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been [g]fully and clearly known and understood [[h]by God].

And so faith, hope, love abide [faith--conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope--joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love--true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love.

LET'S TALK ABOUT HEARING

We can't be deaf to the Word of God and we can't afford to be in denial. The cost of the ticket is way too much and we don't have time. I didn't say "you", I said "we."

Blessings
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Thought by Andrew Valle (Friday, June 22, 2007)

2007-06-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Selah

The level to which you ascend is directly proportional to the one to whom you submit.

The Holy Bible tells us everything that was made was made by the Creator and that in Him was life and the life was light of men. It further tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things will be added on to you. Who are you submitting to? Where is it taking you? Do you have all?

Wisdom would tell me that if I had any lack in my life that I should seek the light and his way of doing things. Let's make the choice to re-position ourselves so that we can draw on the life and the light of the creator. Aspiring to ascend to the heights, He intended for us at creation.

Selah

John 1: 3-4, Matthew 6: 33

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We greatly welcome Guest Writer Andrew Valle to our site. Please look for further insights from him on a frequest basis.

God is in Control by Elaine Davenport (Thursday, June 21, 2007)

2007-06-21T01:16:00.000-07:00

Last night, I tossed and turned over a rather serious prayer concern. Then I woke up. I heard these funny noises and I got up to investigate and look out of the window. Praise God it was raining. I recalled someone saying to me just earlier that day that we were having a drought and did I know it. I did not express dialogue, but I briefly replied something about the power of prayer which was for them. In my mind, I didn't accept such a declaration. So it had rained consistently all night long. I turned on the weather channel and it was raining all over the country.

That's just a side note to assure you that God is in control.

Getting to Forgetting by Elaine Davenport (Wednesday, June 20, 2007)

2007-06-20T04:48:00.000-07:00

You decide to take a vacation. It's something that you've always dreamed of. When you arrive at the airport the place is packed with other people whose intentions are the same as yours. You'd like to bring a lot of luggage but you know that you could not do so because there are weight restrictions. An overload could cause serious safety hazards and there are regulations that prohibit that. You decide to follow the rules.

We are instructed as believers not to try to carry our own burdens. We're invited and instructed to give them to God. We live in a world where the famous catch phrase: "I can handle it." is said by so many, but as born again believers we don't have to handle it.

Do you really want total peace? You have to ask this of yourself? If you do; there are some things that you must let go. You can start today. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it.

Unforgiveness is the unwillingness or inability to forgive. It could be a deliberate act, or it may not be so deliberate; but it has to be dealt with.

In following up the dialogue on "UNFORGIVENESS;" it's important to talk about how we must move ourselves to a level of forgetting. A common expression that the "world" uses is: "I can forgive you, but I won't forget it!" If you forgive, you have to forget. Point blank. We have Biblical precedence for this.

When God forgives, God forgets. He has great love for us. Psalm 103 verses 10 through 12 gives us good insight:

We do wrong things.
He does not *punish us for them as much as he should.
The sky is high above the earth.
So his kind love is great to those people that love him.

As far as the east is from the west,
so far has he taken our *sins from us.

A great example, is the example of the Apostle Paul. A known persecutor of Christians who was forgiven by God. Paul spoke in Ephesians 1 and said

Paul literally said: "Yes, I'm accused of sins, misdeeds and crimes in this city and I am guilty. Many wonder how I have the nerve to stand before you; but you must know that in Him, I have redemption for my trespasses. He was saying that God had forgiven and God had forgotten. WE know that "people" have trouble forgetting, but my message is that you must.

The bible says:

Trust in the Lord and lean not to thine own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge HIm and He will direct your paths.

When facing with the mountain of forgetting; we must give the burden to God, casting the lot of those cares on Him, because we know that He cares for us.

When we are unable to forget the slights, offenses, injustices, persecutions and transgressions against us and our families, we are in our own ways "holding" on to unforgiveness. When we do that, we delay our complete emotional healing. I've been through it and I write this to prevent this from happening to you.

Though there hasn't been a heap of discussion regarding this, I believe that this revelation will greatly reach the body of Christ so that we can totally separate ourselves step by step from the things that beset those that are of this world.

My prayer is that you will grab hold to this and expound on it; so that it will not be a hindrance to you.
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Spiritual Heart Attack- Part Two by Elaine Davenport (Tuesday, June 19, 2007)

2007-06-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

I have long considered myself a prayer warrior. Each day, I fight and stand ready for battle against the adversary. There is no reason whatsoever to take false pride in such a role. That position can only allow one to be vulnerable to attack.

UNFORGIVENESS CAN AFFECT YOU SPIRITUALLY; YOU CAN"T AFFORD IT. I heard a wonderful young minister say: "Don't sign for the package!"

I suppose the adversary has studied me and looked for chinks in my armor. He found it in the area of unforgiveness. It was an area that I was not aware of.

Just a few hours after leaving church one Sunday, I was verbally attacked in a nice way. I didn't deserve it. The more that I thought about it, the more I became convinced that an injustice had been committed to me. I should have recognized that it was a test; but instead I allowed my emotions to drift into dangerous territory as I decided "how soon" I would totally forgive the person.

The dangerous part is the damage that can be done to my heart.
The bible says:

Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it. Proverbs 4: 23

Hours longer than I should have; I forgave the person. I struggled with seeing them the same way beforehand. I believe one of the greatest challenges that believers have is realizing that we're all imperfect people.

We're supposed to have love for the next person the same that we have for ourselves. Love is longsuffering and we have to remember how many times we've heard that something was a piece of cake and it wasn't. As believers, we've been told that we'll face tests and trials and that we'll be persecuted. The lesson that I've learned is that when they do come, my assignment of love never changes; irregardless of how I feel. I've learned to give the burden to God.

I think that staying close to God and staying in the Word can help us to endure; the sin that "doth so easily beset us."

Unforgiveness is like an invisible poison; don't take it, reject it.
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Spiritual Heart Attack by Elaine Davenport (Monday, June 18, 2007)

2007-06-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

Unforgiveness is very real; it is an attack on your heart!

Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, "I repent,' you shall forgive him." Luke 17:3-4 NKJV

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV

"Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.” Mark 11:25 NASB

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 NASB

ASK YOURSELF
Ask yourself, who it is that allows you to feel pain, hurt, resentment, anger, rage and offense. The answer should not surprise you. I am responsible when my emotions try to lead me. Yet, even though I know it, it doesn't make it any easier when it happens.

Some years ago, when I made a decision to become a prayer warrior, I was led to make a list of people that I needed to forgive from throughout my life. Yt, I was able to make a two page list. I had all that unforgiveness inside me and I didn't even realize it. Some of the people, I forgave right away. Others took some days but I completed the list. From time to time. other people would cme to memory and I would forgive them too. They were spillovers from my my "pre" born again life.

None of them were hard cases except one. I had already forgiven the man who had murdered my father. That had taken years and lot of God's grace, but it had come before that. If we're not careful, unforgiveness can turn into bitterness which can grow and fester.

Let me say that I really was character wise a nice person all my life even before I truly became born again. Being nice won't get anyone a pass to heaven; though a lot of people think it will. I went the extra mile for people because I wanted to help them. I was raised that way. My grandmother fed the neighbors for years; just because. My mom used to pick people up in a blizzard going out to the bus stops and giving free rides. This was in the 60's. It was all I ever knew to do. Yet, as I entered adulthood with all of my spiritual knowledge, I changed. It was because I subscribed to the school of thought which says: "I'll forgive you, but I'll never forget it."

It would be years before I realized that this was not true forgiveness but a coping mechanism allowing myself to give people a "conditional" pass, not a complete pass. I think it's healthy to keep your eye on everyone including yourself, but there s a fine line between that and unforgiveness. It's a line that the believer can't cross.

Underneath all of the rhetoric; unforgiveness may be some sort of defense mechanism whose activation is triggered by our willingness to protect our hearts from further or future attacks. However, I suggest that unforgiveness is in of itself and attack on the heart ever so subtle.

Just as I was thinking that I was stronger than that; I was tested.

More tomorrow on how I coped with the flood of emotions that come as the believer tries to fight off rage and anger that can result in unforgiveness.

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Listen for the "Override." by Elaine Davenport (Saturday, June 16, 2007)

2007-06-16T03:04:00.000-07:00

I was riding in my car on the way to a prayer meeting. Just before going into the gas station, I was led to make a quick telephone call. I said a few words and said goodbye and laid the phone down abstractly. I arrived at the station pump almost immediately thereafter and jumped out and put gas in the car. Within minutes, I was back on the road and then I heard a voice clearly. It said: "You lost your phone." I became interested, not alarmed. Then another voice: "You lost it when you jumped out of your car. You need to get it. I began to imagine it on the ground and who might or might not see it. I even imagined whether it might be turned into the station and whether it would be there when I went back to get it. About that time, I was at least a mile away and near my freeway ramp which would take me even farther away. I was actually looking for a place to pull over. It's funny now. And then I heard it.

A Small Voice...

"Your phone is in your purse." It was calming and reassuring. I've heard the voice of reason before. I decided to trust it, but soon I found myself reaching for my purse to look inside. It's a huge purse with big dark pockets that don't allow for light. Traffic only allowed me to put it down.

I recalled John 10 verses 1-4:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

It was clear. That voice I call the Override.

In the supermarket, when the cashier rings up your groceries and makes a mistake, they have to call for the "Override" key or the person with the authority to correct the error. The cashier yells out: "OVVERRIDE, but the person who comes usually comes quietly to fix it. I've watched this scenario many times in my life. Perhaps you have as well.

When I'm uncertain of my proposed course, I ask the Lord to order my steps. I realize that there are more than one voice, but I listen for the override. Staying close to God allows me to know the voice when I hear it.

What 's your Mountain? By E. Davenport (Friday, June 15, 2007)

2007-06-12T03:58:00.000-07:00

God Bless You. Dear Friend, there is passion in my voice when I greet you. I have prayed for you and I am excited. Look back over your life and ask yourself: “How did I get to where I am now, from where I started?” “How did I come this far? “ It wasn’t by coincidence. I won’t begin to try to guess your circumstances, but if you examine the long road that you traveled; you should give a sigh and a shout and say: ”Thanks be to God.”

It was 1982, and everything was going my way. Nothing could have been better. It was (my husband) my daughter (who was just a baby) and myself. We hadn’t long been in our new home, which we had just decorated. One day, I noticed some little red bumps on my leg. Within a few days, they turned to these reddish blisters. At the same time, I got the worst fever. I remember my teeth chattering because I was so cold even though every blanket in the house was placed over my body. Even when the fever went away, I looked as though I’d been through some terrible ordeal. My “walk” turned into a hobble.

I was rushed to the hospital and they said that it was the worst case of Lupus that they had ever seen. I didn’t even know what that meant. It was a Friday. They gave me some steroids and told me to come back on Monday. They made it clear that they couldn’t help me. Over that week-end, I can’t tell you what I did. Laid around and rested. I just know that on Monday morning, I was back to normal. When I went returned to his office, the doctor couldn’t believe it. Neither could I. It was a miracle. An extraordinary change. Every physical sign of sickness was gone. I will never forget. It was NOT a coincidence. Too often we think it is. We shrug our shoulders and go on. It was God’s mercy. The bible says he has brand new mercies for us everyday.

To tell you the truth, I had always told people that God planned to give me 14 miracles in my lifetime. Then, I sat back and counted. I have said this since I was a little girl. I don’t know why I started doing this and the only reason that I continued with this confession is because I believed it. That in itself is a miracle considering that I only knew one fifth of what I know now. Now, I know that you can declare what will happen to you with your mouth. “death and life are in the power of the tongue…” You can cause Blessings to come into your life. You DECIDE.
You CONTROL.
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Have Faith in God. If you say unto this mountain; "Be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea, it shall be done. Mark 11: 23, n24

WHAT'S YOUR MOUNTAIN?

It's Action Time by E. Davenport (Thursday, June 14, 2007)

2007-06-12T03:44:00.000-07:00

NOTE: Your answer is so close that you won't have to look far for it. This isn't prophetic.Thanks be unto God who always causes us to triumph,If two of you will agree,New Testament,Matthew 18,

My dearest friend, how are you today? God Bless you. Bless God that I find myself writing to you again. I lift you and your family up in prayer daily but I never say the same thing. I realize that everyday different things happen to make our circumstances assorted so I don’t send up the same prayers for you everyday. I ask God to meet your needs because I trust Him, I know He knows what they are. I also stand in agreement with you regarding your prayer needs. You see, Jesus said in the 19th verse of the 18th Chapter of Matthew in the New Testament:

Again, I say unto you, That if any two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

You know, a friend of mine used to lovingly tease me and say: “What are you doing now?” I always laughed in a slightly guilty way. See, I always had a series of projects; I just sort of wandered into them. My problem was I wasn’t doing anything meaningful and I didn’t realize it. Eventually it made sense. Eventually, I had to kick it in gear. I’m still working on projects…only THIS TIME, I don’t have to feel guilty because I am working to please God according to the plan that He has for my life. I found out that I don’t have to talk about it, I just have to do it. This means that no matter how much time goes by, I am working on the goal that God has set before me. I won’t quit. I won’t be deterred. Don’t you do it either.

I hear people all the time saying: “I’m going to do this.” “I’m thinking about doing that.” That thought didn’t come from nowhere. Act on it. If it will benefit mankind, you have an obligation to do it. So I am led in many ways, but by faith I press on, by love I press on. You see, for years I felt that there was something that I was put here to do, but I wasted precious time, not doing it. It was deep in my heart, and even when I said : ‘I’m going to write a book.” Even I didn’t believe it. So of course, nothing happened. Are you making declarations that not even you believe? If you are, change it. You deserve better. Please forgive me if I seem to be pushing you to do your best, to reach higher. It’s just because you are so capable. God certainly knows it and He loves you.

I’m only using myself as an example to spur you on. There is something deep in your heart. We all have it. It’s there. So my question is: WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO AND WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO DO IT? I guess that’s just the first part. Next, I’ll ask: “How do you intend to do it?” First, you’re going to have to trust God. A lot of people don’t want to trust God. Some think it is just too much work. Others don’t know how. Some say that they are (trusting God). A lot of those same people do it like a 50-50 raffle. They trust God for half and then take over the other half. 75-25 is no better and neither is 90-10 or 95-5 or 99-1. It has to be 100%. Look at the date at the top of page one. Don’t let too much time go by before you get this. Please………

Then, I’d ask you to think of how what you’re doing is going to benefit others? I say this to you no matter what it is that you face. Perhaps right now there is a mountain in your life, a gigantic problem like Goliath. So you say: “Well, after I slay Goliath, I’m going to do this or that.” Or you might say: “I’m not even going to focus on this problem, I’m going to give it to God. (not an assignment, a problem) You get my drift right? Next, get a plan. Then, start making some notes in a notebook. If a STORM comes, (we’ve all had them) PRESS ON. Finally, give thanks and expect to be guided. To most people, it sounds kind of strange to give thanks in a storm, but trust God that is the best time.

In graduate Business School they teach the Game theory. (It’s kind of funny.) In other words there are all of these varied strategy to quantifiably win at something. But the most intriguing; yet easiest theory that I saw was the : “DO-NOTHING” theory. It speaks for itself. Are you using that theory? Do you know it all too well? Most of us don’t even realize that we’re using this theory. Sometimes we call it procrastination. Hmmm. It’s time for you to do something, but again I ask: What are you going to do and when are you going to do it?

Whatever it is that you have to do, do it. We all have something that we have to do that we don’t need to put off any longer. I challenge you to boldly declare that “In 2005, MY dream will come alive.” TAKE ACTION NOW. I love you and that’s all that I have to say.

Now thanks be unto God which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 11 Corinthians 2 verse 14
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PEACE AND WISDOM IN YOUR LIFE By E. Davenport (Wednesday, June 13, 2007)

2007-06-12T03:35:00.000-07:00

I’m going to ask you how you are doing, but I’m expecting you to say that you are well. You see, I’ve been praying for you. How are you doing?

Wouldn’t you like everything to be okay in your life everyday? Peace. Wouldn’t you like that even when it isn’t, that you are okay because you know that things will work out? Peace. Wouldn’t you like to make the right decisions, say the right words at the right time? Wisdom. Don’t you like the idea of not having to be anxious about anything, any situation or anyone? Peace.

My grandmother had a third grade education, but it didn’t really matter; she had divine wisdom. God was first in her life. She always knew what to do, what to say and how to do it. I used to be amazed. She never held a job outside of her household. Her husband provided for her and didn’t mind doing it. She baked and cooked for neighbors to earn money for her family. (Many days, the neighbors ate at our house for free, even the mailman. ) She earned the monies to put a down payment on their house during the depression. She had an inquisitive legal mind and she trusted God for her wisdom. I never heard her asking anyone for advice. People came to her for advice. She always knew what to do. She had the gift of wisdom. I didn’t realize that it was a gift from God for many years.

We grew up in a very small house on a street where the houses were very close together. I thought that we had it made. I actually didn’t figure out that we weren’t rich until I was a teen-ager. It didn’t matter though. We had a great home and an exciting childhood. I wouldn’t change it if I had the chance. I remember that my dad would work two or three jobs and when he would come home; we were usually very noisy, (we played piano, violin and clarinet and our house was often the neighborhood hang out) so he would say that he wanted some “peace and quiet.” Our house was so small, and that meant that we had to clear out of the dining room. That was where the television was. We only had one. When he realized that we really didn’t have anywhere to go, he stopped making that request. Instead, he would go into our remodeled basement and play music. I really believe it soothed his soul at the time.

So, I thought for a long time that the only way to get peace was if everybody was quiet, if I was sleeping good and well rested or if the house was empty. (smile) I was a kid, I really didn’t know about life’s woes. I’ll tell you, the day did come when I found out about life’s woes. It was never any big deal because I was walking in favor under grace and I knew it. I don’t know how to explain it but as a teenager, I used to tell people about how many times God had spared me. I was counting and I had confidence in God. (I still do)

It was going to be many years before I found out about peace. I didn’t know about it to verbalize it and not one person that I knew could explain it to me. The reason that I know about it now is because God placed teachers, prophets, evangelists, pastors and a bishop in my life to explain it to me and from that wealth of instruction… I’m passing the baton to you.

I’ll tell you as much as I can, but I’m asking you to seek the kind of information that will help you. We could all spend a lot of time everyday seeking information that isn’t really helpful to us, if we are not careful.

Many of you who receive this letter have peace in your life today. Some don’t, but you have had it. God wants us to have it everyday. THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE WHEN SOMETHING COMES AGAINST YOU, OR YOUR FAMILY, YOU HAVE GOT TO BE FORTIFIED. GOD SAYS SO and so that’s the way it will be.

One biblical definition of the word peace means a calm repose. Repose means rest and relax, unruffled. Let’s say that you received a call that your car was stolen or that your lights have been shut off and they should be on. Imagine your being actually be very calm about any surprising situation. Wouldn’t that be great? You can do it because you are standing in faith.

I remember my kids used to call me at work and say, “I’m locked out or I got in trouble at school.” Was I calm? Not enough, I remember. I have found that once I was Blessed to have divine peace that I was able to stand strong in the face of the stressful situations that present themselves in my life or the lives of others who have called for prayer or comfort or just a listening ear. Faith is what led the way and peace was one of the many bi products.

I’ll tell you that I was once plagued by fear and phobias. Even before my brain surgery I was afraid to go out of the house, afraid of airplanes, afraid of cats, had anxiety attacks and to overcome it all. I allowed the whole aspect of the surgical nature to make me worse…and then I was delivered of the phobias, the fears and the anxiety. No more worry, no more fear, no more phobias, no more anxieties, now, I have PEACE. Praise God. I’ve been trying to figure out a way to tell people why I feel good all the time and how. It is because of the divine peace, divine wisdom and strength that is available to all of us.

Finally brethern, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

II Corinthians 13 v. 11

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DESPERATE (TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2007) By E. Davenport

2007-06-12T03:06:00.000-07:00

NOTE: THIS IS A MESSAGE ABOUT HEALING, BUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE FAITH TO GET HEALED. SO I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A BLESSING TO GET THIS MESSAGE TO YOU TODAY.

JESUS IS THE SAME: YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER. Hebrews 13: 8

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. JAMES 5: 15

BLESSINGS TO YOU! I speak health, faith, wholeness and Godly wisdom into your life today. I pray for angels to move out in front of you to prosper your way and for you to allow...you to allow God to order your steps. I want to tell you how I was on the path to losing my life in two ways; and God saved me! I pray that it will be a Blessing to you or someone that you know.

I was always very weight conscious, so I noticed that bulge in my stomach almost immediately. I was busy. I put it in the back of my mind; on a shelf. I had just gotten out of Graduate School and life was living me. I worked in my yard, attended to my affairs and before I noticed it; three months had went by. I looked at my stomach again and it was noticeably larger. Panic struck my whole being.

I'll be honest; I didn't know much spiritually though I did talk to God. I had been turned off to churches not realizing that the BIGGEST LOSER in the end could be me. I'm sure that is why "discipleship" is so important to the Christian community. You can't just bring people to church, get them saved and forget about them. You have to check on them and let them know that you genuinely care about them and their walk with God!

My trip to the doctors wasn't good. He pushed and probed and referred me out. The second doctor immediately did an ultrasound. He pulled no punches for me that day. You have to have surgery is all he said. So we scheduled it.

In the meantime, God had sent a soldier to leave me a note about my spiritual life. It pricked me to the core, but though I decided to do nothing about it, God moved on with the plan.

This is my very first time being candid about this to an online audience that exceeds hundreds of people, but I feel that it will Bless some people. To God be the Glory!
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It came to me at that time not being born again that I needed to put off the surgery I was being rushed into. I called the doctor and he got mad when I told him. His words cut me to the core: “You don't have time to get a second opinion." I told him nicely that I would anyway and that the surgery was cancelled.

I was compelled to pull my hospital records. NEVER, I REPEAT NEVER go into the hospital for any test or stay without getting your records to "see" for yourself. My records revealed cancer and no one was ever going to tell me.

I researched the type and began the worst kind of prayer for me a prayer warrior: "REACTIONARY PRAYER." It is praying after something bad has happened when you had NEVER prayed before with any consistency. Surprisingly, I wasn't afraid. God is so merciful. The research showed it to be a rare challenging cancer with a low low survival rate. I told my husband and we generally talked about my funeral plans.

Needless to say...I felt pretty lousy about it all. I placed it all in the back of my mind on a shelf; again. I began the search for another doctor and a course to get closer to God. The days ahead would bring changes that I had never expected and I was dug in and ready for the journey. A fight was imminent and the question was: "Was I prepared for it in the very least? Satan had plans for me and at the time, I really didn’t even know if he was even real. Love Sister Elaine

II Corinthians 4:4 says—

“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

“Of course, it is not the literal eyes that Satan is blinding, but the minds of the people. A blind mind is worse than being void of sight. You will never understand anything good anymore because your mind has been blinded.”

WHAT DID I LEARN?

See, unless we learn something that be didn't know before, we can't get to the next level in Christ. I learned through all of this to Trust God. They sound like mere Words but they are powerful. You can';t see God, but He is there. You can't see what He's doing, but as soon as your request went forward in faith, He is moving behind the scenes to make the right things happen for you. That is why we walk by faith and not by sight. Please remember this.

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Father's Day by Gene McGuire, Guest Writer (Sunday, June 10, 2007)

2007-06-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

The Family Good News -Letter

23rd Year June 17, 2007

Dear Friends and Family,

Father’s Day has never been a big deal to me until some 25 years ago; you see, I never really knew my biological dad. I am told that we had contact until I was about 5 years old, but my only recollections are those told to me by my three sisters. Eugene, Sr., supposedly, was a great dad but left a lot to be desired as a husband. It is alleged that he was quite a musician, loved to sing, had an outgoing, pleasant personality and got along with people very well. His fatal flaw – something my mother just couldn't deal with – was his love for booze. I know what he looks like because I have a picture of him in my bedroom. Now, I could say that I love my Dad, but those would be just empty words because I never really knew him first hand. I can’t recall him ever buying me ice cream from the Good Humor Man, tucking me into bed, or even telling me that he loves me. Basically I am saying that in order to truthfully say I love my father, I must know him first. Unless there is meaningful interaction between two individuals no intimate relationship is possible.

Fortunately, In 1982 I found a Father that I can truthfully say “I love with all my heart”. I love this Father because He loved me first. (1 John 4:19) We all know that love is an action word and He proved His love for me by giving His only begotten Son so that I could receive Eternal Life. (John 3:16) I've gotten to know Him more and more as I read His Word, receive biblical teaching and communicate with Him in prayer. Romans 8:15 tells us that I can cry out to My Father using the term Abba, Father!!! I've been told that this Aramaic word is an endearing and affectionate term that can be translated Papa God!!! He loads me up with His blessings daily. There are so many aspects about My Father that thrill and overwhelm me, but His accessibility has got to be very close to the top of the list. I don't have to make an appointment with Him, He’s never on vacation, and He doesn't even take an afternoon snooze. I can come into His presence anytime I wish; be it for a personal need, interceding for others, or just to praise and worship Him. And I can most assuredly attest to the validity of the Scripture that tells us that “In His presence there is fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11) Some years ago a brother and sister singing duet called The Carpenters recorded a tune that aptly fits this situation to a tee. I believe the song was meant to give adoration from one human being to another, but in my book, "To Know Him is to Love Him" applies exclusively to My Heavenly Father. The more I know about His love, mercy, compassion and unmerited favor, the more I love Him.

Let me ask you a question: Is my Father your Father? Just because we're both human beings does not mean that we're related! Don't fall for that “Brotherhood of Man” baloney being bantered about. There are two distinct families on this planet: the Family of God and the family of the devil. (John 8:44, Eph. 2:3 and Romans 5:12) Psalm 51:5 tells us that everyone of us has been born in iniquity and conceived in sin. Here’s a quote from the Amplified Bible: Behold, I was brought forth in [a state of] iniquity; my mother was sinful who conceived me [and I too am sinful]. If you want to point a finger, direct it to our ancient ancestors, Adam and Eve. But accusations and recriminations won't help; we're got to deal with the situation as is. Just get over It!!!! The fact of the matter is that none of us are going to get out of this life alive, but if you don't have the right family affiliation when that physical death occurs, you'll miss Heaven and will spend your eternity in Hell. (Matt. 10:28, Luke 12:5 and Rev. 20:13:-15)

Now here’s a question that I've been asked before: “If your Father is so loving and merciful, why does He sends people to Hell?” The answer is that Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels, not for us human beings. (2 Peter 2:4 and Matt. 25:41) furthermore, the Good Book proclaims that God desires that no person should perish, but that all would be saved. (Matt. 18:14) The choice is up to each individual. I believe the Almighty understands that all of us are not born rocket scientists so He made Salvation extremely simple to understand. The person who recognizes his or her need for a Savior and acts on that revelation by receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior has this result: But as many as received Him [JESUS] He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. (John 1:12)
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Gene McGuire, noted Internet columnist is a frequent Guest Writer at our site and we are privileged. You'll be Blessed by his insights and his wisdom.

PLEASE NOTE: Happy Fathers Day to those with children and or who have the Fathering spirit. All the best.

Stay in your lane by Elaine Davenport (Friday, June 8, 2007)

2007-06-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

Having a prayer life can change your life. It will help you to move closer to God. It's amazing how many believers do not have a prayer life; but clearly that's not my call, not for me to judge.

See, we've all got to stay in our lane. If we get out of our lane, we get off the path of God's perfect will for us. That could cost us a lot including time.

A dear friend had a clear mandate from God as to what she was called to do. At the time, I did as well. However, her mandate seemed stronger because she talked about it more, so before I knew it; I was on her path. It took me over a year to get back on my own path. This is for somebody. Who knows what I missed when I was on my friend's path and not my own?

So today, I say to you all; appreciate and understand the path that others are on and if they don't know yet, pray for them. But as far as you are concerned; stay in your lane. IF you're completing an assignment where you are truly called by God; He'll make it easy for you. Be well.

Tell him off and mean it! (Conclusion) by Elaine Davenport (Thursday, June 7, 2007)

2007-06-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

Of course you know that as soon as I began my series on identifying Satan and calling him out to put him in his place; he set me up. But that's okay too, because that just lets me know that I'm on the right track. All is well.

Just like you speak to people who make you mad with a directness, you have to speak to Satan. I don't have to act crazy when I talk to people or to Satan. This is a good example of what you can say:

Satan, you have no credibility with me, none whatsoever. Now listen to me good: I see you in every false situation, you can't hide from me. You have no legal right to afflict me or mine so get your filthy hands off of this situation. You're the lowest low, murdering, stealing and lying is your profession and I regard you not! Just in case you forgot; Jesus bore all our sins and griefs on the cross at Calvary and as a born again card carrying believer, I've been redeemed from poverty, sickness and spiritual death. Nothing you can do can hurt me. I have power over you, I resist you and you have to flee, so move along..in the Authority of Jesis; I speak to you so bow and run!

When you speak to the devil: mean it and don't be afraid, he's afraid of you and your knowing the truth!

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Tell him off and mean it (Part Two) by Elaine Davenport (Wednesday, June 6, 2007)

2007-06-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

Note: Don't try to skim this. Just Read Part One first, you'll be glad you did. E

I see it all the time, it's an ugly thing. Unbelief,Fear and Discomfort. This is what happens to people one symptom or another when it comes to Satan. Even seasoned believers grapple with these obstacles, so don't feel bad. I have 3 sets of three word phrases to say to you: Get over it. Stand him down. Tell him off. Get focused. Here's what Webster's 1828 Dictionary has to say about that :

UNBELIE'F, n.

1. Incredulity; the withholding of belief; as, unbelief is blind.

2. Infidelity; disbelief of divine revelation.

3. In the New Testament, disbelief of the truth of the gospel, rejection of Christ as the Savior of men, and of the doctrines he taught; distrust of God's promises and faithfulness, &c. Matt. 13. Mark 16. Heb. 3. Rom. 4.

4. Weak faith. Mark 9.

FEAR, v.t. [L. vereor.]

1. To feel a painful apprehension of some impending evil; to be afraid of; to consider or expect with emotions of alarm or solicitude. We fear the approach of an enemy or of a storm. We have reason to fear the punishment of our sins.

I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Ps. 23.

2. To reverence; to have a reverential awe; to venerate.

This do, and live: for I fear God. Gen. 42.

3. To affright; to terrify; to drive away or prevent approach by fear, or by a scarecrow. [This seems to be the primary meaning, but now obsolete.]

We must not make a scarecrow of the law, setting it up to fear the birds of prey.

(non reverential) FEAR, v.i. To be in apprehension of evil; to be afraid; to feel anxiety on account of some expected evil.

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtility, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2Cor. 11.

Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Gen. 15.

FEAR, n. A companion. [Not in use. See Peer.]

DISCOMFORT, n. [dis and comfort.] Uneasiness; disturbance of peace; pain; grief; inquietude.

DISCOMFORT, v.t. To disturb peace or happiness; to make uneasy; to pain; to grieve; to sadden; to deject.

Figure out which category you fall in and deal with it. Tune in tomorrow and we;ll talk about the next step.

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Tell him off and mean it (PART ONE) by Elaine Davenport ( Tuesday, June 4, 2007)

2007-06-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

When my daughter was about thirteen years of age she had trouble at school from other children. Let me make it clear that I was not even a baby Christian then, smile; more like a newborn. My daughter would ride home on the school bus and kids would pick on her, ridicule her and call her names and tell jokes on her and she would do nothing or say nothing. She was really shy and easily intimidated. I taught my children never to fight or spar words with other people. They have adhered to that to this day though many years have passed.

When I first heard about a group of children from our neighborhood picking on her and pushing her; I almost couldn't believe it. I needed to see it for myself. So, I took off from work one day and drove home to meet the bus. When I turned the corner in my husbands car, I was surprised by what I saw. Two boys from around the block were pushing my daughter and my looking at them had no effect whatsoever. My daughter never turned around. I guess she though there was nothing that she could do, so she appeared to be accepting the pushing from rear with no response. I yelled out: "Hey, what are you doing?" One boy, the main perpetrator was quite proud to say: "I'm pushing her, I can't stand her." I replied: "I'm her mother, you better stop." Then I got out of my car.

There were about 5 kids in on it and they all were shocked to see me. I talked to them all at one time. I looked each of them in the eye and I didn't smile. I was furious. However, I wasn't about to act like a parent with no control, embarrassing myself or ending up on the five o'clock news. Each to his own, but that's not my style.

I pointed them out individually and I told them: "She lived here before all of you. In fact, I remember when you all moved in and she was the only one who not only befriended you, but introduced you to everyone else. You ought to be ashamed of yourselves. I'm going to see your parents and tell them just how you are and what you've done. One little boy yelled: "My mom doesn't speak English." My reply: "Does she know the word lawsuit? Tell her I'm coming."

I only went to see one parent. That was all that was necessary. It never happened again. Word spread to watch out for me. I TOOK MY AUTHORITY AS A PARENT AND THE PROBLEM STOPPED.

Now let's talk about Satan

He'll not only pick on your children, he'll do it to anyone you know including you and the only problem is that you can't see him.

Jesus talked about him. This is what he said:

He [the devil] was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies (John 8:44).

Then he said:

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10: 10

The Bible says:

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace... 1 Corinthians 14:33

The Bible even illustrates Satan's capability of entering into people and influencing their actions:

John 13:27 What thou doest, do quickly - This is not a permission, much less a command. It is only as if he had said, If thou art determined to do it, why dost thou delay? Hereby showing Judas, that he could not be hid, and expressing his own readiness to suffer.

If you want to know your enemy you need to study him:

These are references to Satan. Satan is real, you can't see him; but he is real. He's not a joke, but he IS under your feet. He gets his advantage if you don't know this, if you're afraid and when you don't believe this. He hopes that you don't.

*Unclean spirit (Matthew 12: 43)

* Evil one (Matthew 13: 19 )

* An adversary like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. ( 1 Peter 5: 8)

Now it's time for you to change your approach towards Satan. The average person gets madder at a fly or a mosquito than Satan. It's only a limited number of saints who even know how to talk to him in an effective way. Most people are just happy to know someone who has authority to call him out and tell him off, but they won't always be around.

It's time for you to tell Satan off and mean it.

That's what we're going to focus on and talk about tomorrow.

PART ONE

You've been chosen by Elaine Davenport (Monday, June 4, 2007)

2007-06-02T17:27:00.001-07:00

…who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
(KJV) Esther 4: 14

Hello Friend! God Bless you today! You and your family, your friends and their families too. I have been thinking about you for some time. I thank God for you and the example that you give to us all. It is amazing you know, that each person has a special God given characteristic that can bring peace, light, wisdom and joy to someone else. That is how I see you. I’ve been thinking of you and just want to run some things by you. Please join me in prayer when you have a quiet moment, in our effort to continuously send petitions of prayer for those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Just your one prayer can put a thousand angels to flight. Bless God!

Several years ago, I came off of the freeway driving pretty fast. I had just bought a new car, but I wasn’t excited about that. I was anxious to get home. In my mind I became convinced that I had to see my family before something happened to them. My mind was shooting thoughts: “What if you never see John anymore?” “What is the last thing that you said to him?” “Did you tell him that you loved him?” “Did you tell the children that you loved them?” The questions were coming in rapid succession. I starting driving faster and faster even though I was only four blocks from my house. Smile. Did I have any reason to be anxious? Had I gotten an emergency call summoning me home? The answer to both questions is NO.

By the way, I arrived home and nothing was wrong. As soon as I saw my family I realized that my thoughts were off base. There was no reason for me to panic like that. It was a symptom that something was lacking, that something was needed; but I hadn’t a clue what to do.

Sometimes our bodies send out physical indicators. Sometimes we have financial smoke signals in our lives. Sometimes we have emotional or mental symptoms that bother us. Did you know that we get spiritual symptoms that are sometimes good and sometimes bad?

My feelings on that day were out of control, I experienced fear, worry and anxiety. I had no peace, no true happiness; in fact I didn’t really know what it was (happiness). Looking back I had a “earth” happiness. Joy? What was that? It wasn’t even in my vocabulary because that was just a “seasonal” word. I didn’t have low self esteem; I just had less. My panic in the car was just another outward expression of my hopelessness at that time. During that time, I basically never slept; my mind just raced every night with “what ifs.” It’s a miracle that I didn’t have horrible bags under my eyes and that I was so agreeable most of the time. I knew deep inside that there was a better way for me. I decided to follow that instinct. My search took me on a journey that I will never forget.
Last night, I stayed up so that I could explain it to you. I got “chose.” I know it’s not proper English; but that’s what happened! That’s what we used to say when I was growing up. Smile.

Imagine that you’ve fallen in love. You’ve met someone wonderful; they are the best thing that has ever happened to you. They want the best for you, they love how you look, they applaud your desires, they encourage you and fully support you, they know your past and it doesn’t bother them; they just forget it…permanently never to be brought up again. When you look at them you see nothing but beauty; nothing but LOVE . Wow! For the first time in your life you have met someone with no earthly shortcomings…in other words if you told your friends about this relationship; they’d say: “That’s too good to be true.” That love that you experience has put a fire in you, a passion for the things that are right. You now have a bold confidence that you always saw in others/wanted. You’ve become transformed. You are not your old self. People who knew you before can’t believe the change in you. You’re full of love and have a heart of compassion for others. In fact, you no longer accept strife, you avoid anger, you’ve matured and you no longer judge others; just yourself. All of this has happened because of this wonderful bond that you now have. That’s how it is with God and that’s only the beginning, He’ll be with you forever only loving you more. You can’t even believe it’s real; but you know it is…that’s how you start using the word: “JOY.” In an imperfect world; you have been singled out to have a perfect relationship with Him!

My journey led me to the only solution for me. I gave my life to Christ…fully. I needed some invincibility and I got it. When we are born again, we have eternal invincibility and the devil would love to see us lose it- he brings trials, conflicts and confusion of the financial, the physical, of the mind or in whatever area; hoping that we will give up our invincibility; because otherwise he can’t defeat us…and we know he’s a defeated foe! ETERNAL INVINCIBILITY…WOW! So stand! Invincible= unbeatable, unshakeable, unconquerable!

My message to you is a reminder that: You’ve been chosen!
*You’ve been chosen to take authority over your problems and challenges. You’ve been given the keys to the kingdom, instructions on how to overcome any problem.
*Again, you’ve been chosen to do some special things that only YOU can do at a special time, and you HAVE TO do them. Don’t MISS your window.
*You’ve been chosen to speak to some people in certain situations and you HAVE TO speak to them.
*You’ve been chosen to spread the good news of God and you HAVE TO do it.
*You’ve been chosen to love your neighbor as yourself and you HAVE TO do it.
*You’ve been chosen to pray for others and you HAVE To pray for them.
*You’ve been chosen to set the Godly example and you HAVE TO set it.
*You’ve been chosen to stand and fight for the kingdom of God and you HAVE TO stand and fight.
*You’ve been chosen for many things… but especially for such a time as this, but you HAVE TO take action! I’m so glad! Love Sister Elaine Davenport

ADDENDUM……… I say this with the greatest humility for to God be the Glory……..
As many of you know this letter began many months ago when I found out that three young friends had been diagnosed with cancer. My heart was touched. Vivid memories of the terrible brain tumor that tried to take me down (and failed) came rushing back. I knew that they needed encouragement so I began to write them to tell them how they could look to God for their healings. Faith strengthened and healing came profoundly and the letter continued. Eventually it began to reach more and more people into the higher hundreds.

This letter is also Online. It goes all over the world now to Japan, to Germany, to Iraq, to Puerto Rico and I understand even to Sweden; as well as the United States. God is Awesome! I was as shocked as you are when I found out that the letter was traveling; but I shouldn’t have been!

Last month, when the Victory letter was sent out ONLINE (the same one that you received)… an email came back immediately from Atlanta, Georgia. It was from a wonderful longtime friend Cynthia Johnson who was frustrated! (My friend Cynthia formed a foundation to feed children in Africa.) Bless God that she recently formed a partnership with Bruce Wilkinson who wrote The Prayer of Jabez; to plant well over one hundred thousand gardens in Africa! )

Well Cynthia told me that the letter arrived just in time and that she wanted me to agree in prayer with her; as she was stuck in Georgia trying to get to Soweto in Africa. That there was a labor strike and not only was her plane delayed; but she needed to get to Australia for an ordination for an Apostle as well. You know what she said in her email that just really stuck in my heart? She said: “Elaine, I just need you to agree with me in prayer” and then she went on with the problem.

It was Divine that I was on the computer at the exact time that the email came in!

YES, I HAD NO PROBLEM AGREEING WITH HER IN PRAYER!

We went off on the devil period point blank and in our email and we demanded that he cease and desist! We called the strike OVER! We called for FAVOR and favor we got! I agreed with Cynthia in Prayer and she with I. We celebrated her Victory and gave thanks! Beforehand…….The next email that I got from her I did not see until the next morning; she said the strike was over and she was on her way to Africa and then Australia. HALLELUJAH! I yelled out something like: GOD IS! We just have to stand in faith! WE CAN do this!
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AN ANGELIC DELIVERY by ELAINE DAVENPORT(Sunday, June 3, 2007)

2007-06-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16: 15
Dear __________, How are you today? God Bless you and your family. I think about you a lot. I really do. I also pray for you. I don’t know what’s going on but your name keep coming up in my head and you’re on my heart a lot. You are a very nice person. You are a good person. It brings to mind a letter that I received from a dear friend by the name of Ruth Bankston.

Ruth left a message for me on my doorstep one day. I opened it up and it said: Elaine, you are a really nice person. You are a good person; you do so many beneficial things for the community. She went on to imply that I was pretty good at serving others unselfishly…and then she hit me with some words that would change my life. And so, of course; now I am going to say them to you:

ARE YOU FEEDING YOURSELF SPIRITUALLY?
Now maybe if you’re reading this letter, you might have a
long list of responses and I’ll say this: Who can tell? (that you’re feeding yourself and those around you spiritually)
I say this to encourage you to share what you know, to pass it on as though it is contagious. PLEASE!

When I read that letter, I was stumped. The question haunted me: What was this all about?... I thought. ( ARE YOU FEEDING YOURSELF SPIRITUALLY?) It really made me think. I felt guilty. What was I doing to myself? It’s a very simple question. I wasn’t even sure what the answer was, but when I became truthful with myself the answer was a FLAT OUT NO, I WAS FEEDING MY FACE (don’t laugh) but not my spirit. I’m just keeping it real ! I didn’t even know it was a problem until Ruth left that note on the doorstep.

That’s when I found out that I was spiritually starved! You see, I had never really thought about it. But from my background in life;
I just knew that there was something to this. Raised from a small child in the Lutheran church; I clearly knew that I was a spirit being.

I started thinking and thinking about that. My investigation led me to a new spiritual level. I took on some new habits. I started reading, hearing and speaking the Word of God and I found out that my spirit was just waiting for me to WAKE UP! I had a new walk, a new talk…I changed. Even after I realized all of this as you probably do too; I had to take extra care to protect myself to KEEP these good habits and to keep my spirit on full.

For those of you who are “seasoned” believers on a sure spiritual track…stay on guard. Don’t let anything get you off track. Don’t let anything slip…. The bible warns us in 1Peter 5: 8

(Peter commands saints to) Be sober, be circumspect, be cool, be marked by self-control, show sound moral judgment (Do it now. It is urgent). Be alert, vigilant, wide awake (Do it now. It is urgent). Your opponent (adversary) like a lion continually roaring and howling, is continuously walking around (pacing back and forth), continuously seeking to drink (you) down and devour (you).

I invite you to begin your own investigation NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE AT OR THINK YOU ARE OR AT. You have to do this my friend. And if you do…your life will get better (yes, it can even get better than it is now) and so will the lives of everyone who comes in contact with you.

I thank God for my friend Ruth Bankston. You see, she took the time to ask me that question and when she did; she gave me a gift. She thought me worthy of it. The gift…that gift was priceless! My life is changed. All because she cared. All because she loved God so much that when He asked her to say that to me…she didn’t blink an eye; she just did it! She had no way of knowing that I was really ready to receive it. I am humbled and I am thankful. If you don’t believe me, feed your spirit to see if my words are true. In the meantime, if you’ll just pass this gift on- you’ll be Blessed. Thank you and stay in touch. Love Sister Elaine

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STRETCH YOUR FAITH By Elaine Davenport (Saturday, June 2, 2007)

2007-05-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

Acts19 v. 20 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works; Not forsaking (neglecting) the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting (encouraging) one another : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10: 24,25

Dear Friend,
I prayed for you today. When I did, I got very emotional because I want to tell you in a way that you will not forget… that God loves you. It is not by coincidence that this letter arrived at your place wherever you are at this time in your life, on this very day.

Maybe your divine message will come by letter, but sometimes it will come in person. Mine did. My friend Ruth, left me the most beautiful note one day. She asked me if I had thought about feeding my spirit? When I got that note, I went and looked in the mirror. Did it show, I wondered? I was stumped. No one had ever asked me that question. While I was slowly mulling over my response, taking my own sweet time, I got really sick. Apparently I was already sick and just didn’t realize it. Well it looked like I was sick but I wasn’t. (HALLELUJAH) I almost fell for it too.

Overwrought and in despair, I ran to the bank. I had received the sentence of what I thought was certain death from the doctors and I tried to cover it up in my conversation with a friend from my post high school days that I ran into while standing in line. Thank God, my friend Adrienne wasn’t sold on my “faked” words that I was okay; which could not cover my spiritual deficiency. The truth was slipping out in the cracks.

I wasn’t well. My spirit was in turmoil and I was mentally down for the count. Her spirit told her that something wasn’t right and she practically delivered me right there on the spot. Now mind you, I was already pondering what to do about my spirit when God sent in the troops to rescue me.

Because she took the time to talk to me and tell me some things, I was able to claim my healing and I did. Think about that.

Is anything troubling you? Nothing, nothing is TOO BIG for God. How is your prayer life? I know that is a personal question, but I just want you to ask yourself that question. You know, how much time do you spend in prayer? Do you think that the results that you get far outweigh the investment of time? If you aren’t really certain, don’t feel bad. I’ ll give you the answer. THIS IS AN OPEN BOOK TEST. (Happy Face)

Here’s the answer: The more time that you spend thanking and praising God and praying, the better things will be. Try it.
You know, recently I conducted a focus group to try to assess how people viewed their faith. The results were amazing. What I found out is that most people feel that their faith is profound. I was encouraged by this; you should be too. It was a great experience for me.

I had to recently take my letter online. It is part of a bigger plan. In the past, I was not reaching enough people.

This is critical to the survival of this letter. (and it WILL survive) I realize that everyone is not online and will not be; but if you do have one, (an e-mail address) please send it to me. Instead of averaging 50 to 60 people (per month to a variety of people never fully being able to reach the 200 that I wanted to reach), the letters are now reaching 400 to 1,000 people (with increasing numbers.) each month.
*If you were one of the original bunch… (Which was around 300 people actually) THANK YOU. It was because of you and the fact that you are so very special that the message will pass on to even more people. I give a special thanks to the people who have thanked God, come together, for the miracles, the healings, the feet that never dashed against a stone, the prayers; those that stood in the gap and wrote notes, sent cards, sent e-mails, made phone calls, sent thanks, shared testimonies, called for prayer, I have especially enjoyed the contacts from total strangers, everything…it is amazing how the love of God affects us all.

Thanks to all of the people who wrote to Portia, she is much better thanks to your prayers. You’ll get a kick out of this. Last year, God reported that Portia
was healed of cancer. It took 8 months before her doctors agreed with that officially. WOULD YOU HAVE RATHER HAD THE FIRST OR THE SECOND REPORT IF YOU HAD CANCER?

I especially thank those of you who take the time to pass the message along; especially online to people that you know. My prayer is to see people healed and
made whole spiritually- to help the spiritually blind to see…I know because one time I was too(spiritually blind). I want to help those that can’t hear also but that’s another WHOLE letter. (smile)

I am personally asking you for a favor. No, I don’t need money. God takes care of me. Say something to someone today and please consider that you know someone who can benefit from this letter just as much as or more than you and help them. Maybe it’s not a letter that they need. Maybe they just need a hug, a card, a kind word, a good deed, a lift, something, a scripture, food, a bus ticket, a ride somewhere, a phone call, a bible, the Word of God, Jesus.

I’ll tell you a secret: MOST OF THE TIME IT ISN’T WHO YOU THINK IT IS. Please pray more, pray for guidance, pray for someone who needs a spiritual lift to call upon you. I pray for you and your family and friends daily and will continue on. Well, I’ve got to go. Remember that we ARE in a Holy season, a season of Blessings. You can get closer to God, even if you are already. Even if you are not. He chose you. You are special. He loves you. Be well. All is well over here. We finally have a name for this newsletter.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. Psalm 33 v. 12

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BOOMERANG FAITH! By Elaine Davenport (Friday, June 1, 2007)

2007-05-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered and said to one another, What manner of man is this? For he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

ST. LUKE 8 : 25

Dear Friend,
God Bless you today! (This letter ends with a special message just for you!) Be high and lifted up today because there is work for you to do. Yes, there is and it won’t be easy, but the rewards are great! A lot of people who receive these letters are in really good shape, but their families aren’t. Their friends are suffering and lost and their neighbors ( whom Jesus told us to love) are in worse shape. A lot of us have been Blessed and we continue to receive Blessings, but there is something that we are overlooking that is critical. What are you doing with your faith? Are you sharing it? Have you said a prayer for your family and your friends today? Don’t just wait until they call or you can go one better: you can strengthen them in the faith. There is a fight that we as believers are authorized to fight in; it’s the good fight of faith. Sometimes, just trying to carry the message will really seem like a battle or fight, but we must continue to do it anyway. We must!

Since most people have faith and since many have what they term in their ‘own’ words as “strong” faith; I just want to ask you what kind of effect does your faith have on other people? Do they know that you have really strong faith because they stood in your presence? Did they recognize your faith by your greeting? Do they know that you have faith by your words? Are your beautiful words of faith and love ALWAYS followed by appropriate words and actions when no one is watching or listening? Do people tell you that they know that it must have meant for them to talk to you? Do you exude so much faith that it has a MIGHTY effect on ALL that you encounter?
Does your faith hit people like a boomerang?

I always had thought that faith was about me professing it and declaring it, so I was doing that. Well, then I found it wasn’t enough. To make matters worse, after I detected that my words were causing ‘some’ people to frown, roll their eyes or just be downright uncomfortable, I went undercover with them (my words). I only used them around family or certain friends or in safe places. That’s what the enemy wanted me to do. That’s what most people do. One of my friends told me on a regular basis: it doesn’t take all that. I know what she meant. In the past, I would have said the same thing, but now all of a sudden, it was going to take all that and even more and when I began to profess my faith, I found out that it wasn’t hard or burdensome.

I found that there were millions of others who thought like me; but more importantly I found that God says it does take all of that. I don’t resent my friend; I am thankful that she pushed me to find out if I was overdoing what I was called to do and say or just doing the right thing like so many others. I know people who have been walking with God for years who say: I remember when I was like that, but I’ve mellowed. I have to say WHY have you mellowed or lost your enthusiasm? And after that I have to say that you cannot keep your love for God a secret!

YOU HAVE TO TELL PEOPLE! YOU HAVE TO! YOU CAN SAVE A LIFE!

I don’t care if they say they don’t want to hear it. If you don’t, the consequences for some poor soul are not pretty. You have to help!

We know what the word of God says about love. We know about the Great Commission, whereby our Lord Jesus instructed us to go forth to tell people about the good news or the gospel. It’s a funny thing, when I first thought about taking the gospel forth, I thought about faraway lands; which is good. Then one day, I wondered how many people was I missing in my own immediate circle? The answer was startling. Don’t settle. Don’t settle for a life that is right by your own definition. Too many times we compromise. Too many things have been lost in the shuffle. Find the truth, embrace it and tell it……………

PLEASE I BEG OF YOU. DESIGN A PLAN TO HELP CARRY THIS MESSAGE. AND EVEN IF YOU CAN’T COME UP WITH A HUGE OR ELABORATE PLAN; IN THE VERY LEAST PLEASE PRINT AND PASS OUT OR FORWARD THIS MESSAGE BECAUSE:

Perhaps, if you could do me one more favor. Please send me the email addresses of anyone that you feel would not remind receiving this newsletter OR if you can forward it AND let me know how many people it was. Write to: PeacefulOne@jesusanswers.com