Please come and see us HERE: CAFE SOZO; CHRISTIAN ONLINE COFFEEHOUSE
You'll love it.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Monday, December 3, 2007
Blessings by Elaine Davenport Monday, Dec. 3, 2007
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'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!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
WE'VE MOVED by Elaine Davenport
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
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)
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
Christian Persecution far worse than thought
One Million
40 Detention Centers
Observations from the Frontlines... by Elaine Davenport (Friday, October 12, 2007)
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.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Tina Turner had it Wrong by Elaine Davenport (Sunday, October 7, 2007)
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
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)
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
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
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Speak the Word only (Friday, October 5, 2007)
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.
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)
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.
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.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Believing God is not hard by Elaine Davenport (Tuesday, October 2, 2007)
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.
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.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
The Light by Elaine Davenport (Monday, October 1, 2007)
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
What Do You Hear ? (Unknown) Friday, September 28, 2007)
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
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
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Only a few people will get this; are you "one" of them? By Elaine Davenport (Thursday, September 27, 2007)
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.
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.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Is your Spiritual bank account flourishing or in the hole? by Elaine Davenport (Tuesday, September 25, 2007)
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.
(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.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Do you want to beat this thing? Read the Bible... by Gene McGuire (Guest Writer) (Monday, September 24, 2007)
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)
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)
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
We're Looking for Faith Writers by Elaine Davenport (Saturday, September 22, 2007)
*************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
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)
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
THE PERSECUTION HAS STARTED AND IT'S SPREADING by Elaine Davenport (Wednesday, September 19, 2007)
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.
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.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
WARFARE by Elaine Davenport (Monday, September 17, 2007)
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.
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.
Friday, September 14, 2007
THIS MAY NOT MAKE YOU SHOUT; BUT by Elaine Davenport (Friday, September 14, 2007)
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.
—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.
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