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
Sunday, May 27, 2007
NO COINCIDENCES by Elaine Davenport (Thursday, May 31, 2007)
(I am begging you to read this letter today ALL the way through…it will BLESS you, I don’t know how, but it will. )
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
Matthew 4 v. 19, 20
Dear Friend, God Bless you. How are you doing? I have to tell you, if you are reading this letter, just know that I pray for you and your family every day. I started off praying for my family. Then I added a few people, and a few more and before I knew it, I think there were over two hundred families in my prayer book that I specifically pray for. So I KNOW that “ALL IS WELL” with you. Please remember that when it seems like it isn’t well…it is only temporary and that’s when God wants you to stand on your faith.
It has been a faith filled month for me. One thing that I really learned was about “COINCIDENCES.” I have been trying to tell my children this over and over every day and I won’t get tired ever…I just want them to “get it.”
Let me tell you what happened to me. I was online at a website that gives out free stuff. I was so excited to be able to COLLECT all of this stuff for free. When I prayed, I was really thanking God. But not too long after that; I was led to give away something myself. I kept thinking: I don’t have anything to give away, that’s why I’m getting free stuff from other people. (smile) Then, I remembered that we had this Brand New Power Sprayer by Wagner that we paid good money for.
So, since we never used it, I checked with John to see if it was okay to give it away. After he said okay, I posted it as AVAILABLE at the various sites. I wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of mail! I was swamped with mail. I read over 90 emails and decided to give it to a young couple. I put it on my porch and they came and got it. Anyway, I was online later and I received an email from a girl who lived way out somewhere. She wanted to know if the Power Sprayer was still left. I promptly wrote her back to say that the POWER SPRAYER was long gone.
I’m going to call her Betty to protect her confidence. Betty wrote me right back.
“Thank You for responding so promptly.”
Then she said something very unusual. Now let me tell you first that I don’t talk to people online. Very rarely. She said:
I have six children, a job at the foundry and I walk to work. I have no car. I can fix cars and I need one. If you know of anyone with a car; please email me and let me know. God Bless you.
Well, I thought about it, I felt bad for her. Personally, I needed a car too and I can’t fix them. But, I knew what I could do to help.
I wrote her back and said: “I’ll be praying for you. Trust in God. He will help you. He will favor you. Trust Him. He will come through. “ Guess what? I meant it!
Remember what Peter said: Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have I give to thee….(so I gave her a boost of faith)
She wrote back and said: “Thank you, you’re right. I’d forgotten. I guess God wanted you to tell me that.”
I wrote her back and said: “REMEMBER THAT HE IS A GOD OF SUDDENLY.”
I kept telling her to EXPECT a car.
We agreed to stand in agreement that God would come through in the Name (Authority) of Jesus Christ. I then told her that I had to go. I knew that God would move, but the truth is she was a strange to me and I didn’t expect to know exactly when she got the car that we agreed that she was going to get. Well as soon as I got off the email there was an ad for a FREE CAR! I WISH THAT YOU COULD HAVE BEEN THERE. I wrote the people about Betty’s circumstances and asked them to SAVE the car for her. They didn’t know ME! Now mind you, it didn’t matter whether they knew me or not. God was in control. The last time that I heard from Betty was a day later.
She was emailing me to tell me that she was on her way to pick up the car and the title. I sent her back a HALLELUJAH and I never heard from her again. To tell you what a miracle it was, right after that my whole email files were wiped out and there wasn’t going to be any way to get in touch with her. But please see two things: Our jobs are to receive, but it is far better to give. We are equipped with valuable knowledge of God and it’s our job to encourage people in their faith and to REMEMBER that….THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES! Please, take some time to think about this story and about your own coincidences. If you want a copy of any letter from a prior month, let me know. Be Well Elaine Davenport
______________________________________________________________________________________
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
Matthew 4 v. 19, 20
Dear Friend, God Bless you. How are you doing? I have to tell you, if you are reading this letter, just know that I pray for you and your family every day. I started off praying for my family. Then I added a few people, and a few more and before I knew it, I think there were over two hundred families in my prayer book that I specifically pray for. So I KNOW that “ALL IS WELL” with you. Please remember that when it seems like it isn’t well…it is only temporary and that’s when God wants you to stand on your faith.
It has been a faith filled month for me. One thing that I really learned was about “COINCIDENCES.” I have been trying to tell my children this over and over every day and I won’t get tired ever…I just want them to “get it.”
Let me tell you what happened to me. I was online at a website that gives out free stuff. I was so excited to be able to COLLECT all of this stuff for free. When I prayed, I was really thanking God. But not too long after that; I was led to give away something myself. I kept thinking: I don’t have anything to give away, that’s why I’m getting free stuff from other people. (smile) Then, I remembered that we had this Brand New Power Sprayer by Wagner that we paid good money for.
So, since we never used it, I checked with John to see if it was okay to give it away. After he said okay, I posted it as AVAILABLE at the various sites. I wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of mail! I was swamped with mail. I read over 90 emails and decided to give it to a young couple. I put it on my porch and they came and got it. Anyway, I was online later and I received an email from a girl who lived way out somewhere. She wanted to know if the Power Sprayer was still left. I promptly wrote her back to say that the POWER SPRAYER was long gone.
I’m going to call her Betty to protect her confidence. Betty wrote me right back.
“Thank You for responding so promptly.”
Then she said something very unusual. Now let me tell you first that I don’t talk to people online. Very rarely. She said:
I have six children, a job at the foundry and I walk to work. I have no car. I can fix cars and I need one. If you know of anyone with a car; please email me and let me know. God Bless you.
Well, I thought about it, I felt bad for her. Personally, I needed a car too and I can’t fix them. But, I knew what I could do to help.
I wrote her back and said: “I’ll be praying for you. Trust in God. He will help you. He will favor you. Trust Him. He will come through. “ Guess what? I meant it!
Remember what Peter said: Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have I give to thee….(so I gave her a boost of faith)
She wrote back and said: “Thank you, you’re right. I’d forgotten. I guess God wanted you to tell me that.”
I wrote her back and said: “REMEMBER THAT HE IS A GOD OF SUDDENLY.”
I kept telling her to EXPECT a car.
We agreed to stand in agreement that God would come through in the Name (Authority) of Jesus Christ. I then told her that I had to go. I knew that God would move, but the truth is she was a strange to me and I didn’t expect to know exactly when she got the car that we agreed that she was going to get. Well as soon as I got off the email there was an ad for a FREE CAR! I WISH THAT YOU COULD HAVE BEEN THERE. I wrote the people about Betty’s circumstances and asked them to SAVE the car for her. They didn’t know ME! Now mind you, it didn’t matter whether they knew me or not. God was in control. The last time that I heard from Betty was a day later.
She was emailing me to tell me that she was on her way to pick up the car and the title. I sent her back a HALLELUJAH and I never heard from her again. To tell you what a miracle it was, right after that my whole email files were wiped out and there wasn’t going to be any way to get in touch with her. But please see two things: Our jobs are to receive, but it is far better to give. We are equipped with valuable knowledge of God and it’s our job to encourage people in their faith and to REMEMBER that….THERE ARE NO COINCIDENCES! Please, take some time to think about this story and about your own coincidences. If you want a copy of any letter from a prior month, let me know. Be Well Elaine Davenport
______________________________________________________________________________________
Have you made your list? By Elaine Davenport ( Wednesday, May30, 2007)
Years ago, my husband and I weren't faith people like we are now, but we knew that God was real. We took our wedding vows quite seriously though we lived in a world where many people do not. This is no slam on them because we know that there are all sorts of circumstances that people face. It's just that for the two of us, marriage was a life long dream with the right person. It wasn't easy. It was worth it and God honored it.
Well, that's not my point just wanted to give you some background.
We started a habit of making a list of the things we wanted to accomplish over the next five years and we'd speak about it and as each thing happened we scratched it off the list. IT worked and we did this for many years.
OUR LIST WAS NOT A LIST TOTALLY COMPRISED OF MATERIAL THINGS; YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THIS. There were goals and objectives on there as well and we weren't "faith" people. We didn't have that advantage; you do.
And then we found out that there are biblical principles for this.
For example there is Abraham, who God called the Father of many nations before he even had children. That is amazing. Look at Romans 10: 17:
(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
Then we found this which Blessed us:
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. Habakkuk 2: 2
I wanted to write a book and I found this:
Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
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.
I'm encouraging you to make a list. God will give you the things that need to be on there and the things that need not be on there. Just trust Him.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Well, that's not my point just wanted to give you some background.
We started a habit of making a list of the things we wanted to accomplish over the next five years and we'd speak about it and as each thing happened we scratched it off the list. IT worked and we did this for many years.
OUR LIST WAS NOT A LIST TOTALLY COMPRISED OF MATERIAL THINGS; YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THIS. There were goals and objectives on there as well and we weren't "faith" people. We didn't have that advantage; you do.
And then we found out that there are biblical principles for this.
For example there is Abraham, who God called the Father of many nations before he even had children. That is amazing. Look at Romans 10: 17:
(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
Then we found this which Blessed us:
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. Habakkuk 2: 2
I wanted to write a book and I found this:
Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)
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.
I'm encouraging you to make a list. God will give you the things that need to be on there and the things that need not be on there. Just trust Him.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
It was like SEPTEMBER 11 th all over again by Elaine Davenport(TUESDAY, MAY 29, 2007)
A nice site for information: http://www.digistat.com/gcf/spiritualwarfare.htm
Last week, I was piddling around the garden of a friend. It was a beautiful day, a little hot but there was peace in the air. n This bis a true story. I decided to get a shovel out of the car and as I walked towards the car, I heard a rumble from the sky. I also heard loud noises and voices, but I couldn't make it out. It sounded like there was a major war happening about two blocks away. I thought about September 11th and looked for smoke or fire in the sky. A minute later, there was no noise and I never saw any6thing at all. What to make of all of this?
When it all happened, I had been praying in the spirit all day.
I was reminded of the troops of Satan preparing for war with us. I know that their war is never ending and that many people have been picked off already. The bible says in Ephesians 6: 10-18:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye 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 take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
It's clear, there is a war going on.
AND THEN THE TEST CAME.
The Bible says in Mark 13: 19:
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
I know the Word of God. When it falls upon me, it's on good ground. So it cannot be snatched away, stolen away or caught away from me.
But Satan decided to test me anyway.
I was driving down the street in the car with a loved one, when all of a sudden they got mad at me. This is real. They began to yell at me. I was shocked. It was over nothing. I forgave them immediately as I prayed in the spirit.
Something inside my mind was screaming for me to yell out: "That's it! I'm finished, I've had it!" I said nothing. The bible says: "Don't give the devil any place." I won't.
I decided that they were not the SOURCE of the problem. Otherwise, it made no sense. I will not allow Satan and his imps to get their jollies by popping popcorn and sitting back wreaking havoc in my life like a made for TV movie. I can see them hoping that I would "fall" for it, saying: "That's good, that's good! And then being forced to say Aw!
Now someone may be reading this and saying: "Aw c'mon, it isn't that serious, I assure you that it is. My prayer is that you will remember this message here, God had you read it for a reason. Have a Blessed Day!
________________________________________________________________________________________
Last week, I was piddling around the garden of a friend. It was a beautiful day, a little hot but there was peace in the air. n This bis a true story. I decided to get a shovel out of the car and as I walked towards the car, I heard a rumble from the sky. I also heard loud noises and voices, but I couldn't make it out. It sounded like there was a major war happening about two blocks away. I thought about September 11th and looked for smoke or fire in the sky. A minute later, there was no noise and I never saw any6thing at all. What to make of all of this?
When it all happened, I had been praying in the spirit all day.
I was reminded of the troops of Satan preparing for war with us. I know that their war is never ending and that many people have been picked off already. The bible says in Ephesians 6: 10-18:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye 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 take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
It's clear, there is a war going on.
AND THEN THE TEST CAME.
The Bible says in Mark 13: 19:
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
I know the Word of God. When it falls upon me, it's on good ground. So it cannot be snatched away, stolen away or caught away from me.
But Satan decided to test me anyway.
I was driving down the street in the car with a loved one, when all of a sudden they got mad at me. This is real. They began to yell at me. I was shocked. It was over nothing. I forgave them immediately as I prayed in the spirit.
Something inside my mind was screaming for me to yell out: "That's it! I'm finished, I've had it!" I said nothing. The bible says: "Don't give the devil any place." I won't.
I decided that they were not the SOURCE of the problem. Otherwise, it made no sense. I will not allow Satan and his imps to get their jollies by popping popcorn and sitting back wreaking havoc in my life like a made for TV movie. I can see them hoping that I would "fall" for it, saying: "That's good, that's good! And then being forced to say Aw!
Now someone may be reading this and saying: "Aw c'mon, it isn't that serious, I assure you that it is. My prayer is that you will remember this message here, God had you read it for a reason. Have a Blessed Day!
________________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Walls Fall down By Elaine Davenport (Monday, May 28, 2007)
First let me say that I am a tither before I talk about a often misunderstood and suspicious topic in the body of Christ: MONEY.
I believe in making offerings unto God and I believe in sowing seed into ministries that have proven that they help people all over the world and that further the plan of God. It's not up for debate since the instructions come from God. I serve God.
It isn't necessary to list all that I do but just to say that I trust God completely to order my steps. That said, let's move on. I take the Father's business quite seriously.
Money never meant that much to me. Smile. I shop frugally when I do and my money is (Kingdom) mission minded. I can say that quite easily, though my family may be challenged to understand it.
I try to avoid the "M" word on my Blog. The fact of the matter is that people take it the wrong way. Even though many have a financial challenge at one time or another. This is so. I went before God about a huge financial need and He taught me about faith even though I thought I knew quite a bit about it.
I was led to meditate in the Book of Joshua.
The following scripture seemed to jump out at me:
Joshua 1:8 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Then I was led to read Joshua Chapters 1-6 daily for one hour. My focus was on a business matter.
Here's the link in the Online Bible should you wish to read it: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%201-6;&version=9;
I did this for 6 days. On the seventh day, I had promised that I would go to the park and praise God or shout. However, when that day came, I had a lot to do and so I decided not to do it. At the appointed time, I went anyway. I got to the park and the place was packed, but I praised and yelled and meditated. It was a great feeling. Almost to the minute of when I finished, news came of an impending breakthrough.
I rushed off to verify it, but the enemy had plans to thwart it. There was a mix up and I could not find what I needed, what I did find, was better than what I was pursuing. God is good.
It was such a remarkable victory that I've decided to incorporate this plan in my daily prayer style. I felt like tall solid walls had come down that day.
I pray that it will be a Blessing to you. At the end of the week, I was able to write some wonderful confessions specifically regarding business matters.
___________________________________________________________________________________
I believe in making offerings unto God and I believe in sowing seed into ministries that have proven that they help people all over the world and that further the plan of God. It's not up for debate since the instructions come from God. I serve God.
It isn't necessary to list all that I do but just to say that I trust God completely to order my steps. That said, let's move on. I take the Father's business quite seriously.
Money never meant that much to me. Smile. I shop frugally when I do and my money is (Kingdom) mission minded. I can say that quite easily, though my family may be challenged to understand it.
I try to avoid the "M" word on my Blog. The fact of the matter is that people take it the wrong way. Even though many have a financial challenge at one time or another. This is so. I went before God about a huge financial need and He taught me about faith even though I thought I knew quite a bit about it.
I was led to meditate in the Book of Joshua.
The following scripture seemed to jump out at me:
Joshua 1:8 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Then I was led to read Joshua Chapters 1-6 daily for one hour. My focus was on a business matter.
Here's the link in the Online Bible should you wish to read it: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua%201-6;&version=9;
I did this for 6 days. On the seventh day, I had promised that I would go to the park and praise God or shout. However, when that day came, I had a lot to do and so I decided not to do it. At the appointed time, I went anyway. I got to the park and the place was packed, but I praised and yelled and meditated. It was a great feeling. Almost to the minute of when I finished, news came of an impending breakthrough.
I rushed off to verify it, but the enemy had plans to thwart it. There was a mix up and I could not find what I needed, what I did find, was better than what I was pursuing. God is good.
It was such a remarkable victory that I've decided to incorporate this plan in my daily prayer style. I felt like tall solid walls had come down that day.
I pray that it will be a Blessing to you. At the end of the week, I was able to write some wonderful confessions specifically regarding business matters.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Don't Misunderstand Righteousness (PART TWO) by Allegra Howard, Guest Writer (Sunday, May 27, 2007)
It is as we begin to meditate, consider and call ourselves righteous, that we develop a righteousness consciousness. When we do this, we actually begin to produce better conduct or what the bible calls the fruit of holiness.
The next thing you may ask is, "What about my sin...that terrible unspoken habit I have? Well the remedy to getting rid of sin is merely a confession away. As we exercise our right in this area, maintaining our fellowship with the Father, we do actually see ourselves grow in righteousness and productive fruit thereof. It is as we grow in the Word of God and walk in the spirit that we will no longer fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
________________________________________________________________________________________
* This information cannot be copied or reproduced or distributed without the express permission of Allegra Howard
The next thing you may ask is, "What about my sin...that terrible unspoken habit I have? Well the remedy to getting rid of sin is merely a confession away. As we exercise our right in this area, maintaining our fellowship with the Father, we do actually see ourselves grow in righteousness and productive fruit thereof. It is as we grow in the Word of God and walk in the spirit that we will no longer fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
________________________________________________________________________________________
* This information cannot be copied or reproduced or distributed without the express permission of Allegra Howard
Don't misunderstand Righteousness by Allegra Howard, Guest Writer (Saturday, May 26, 2007)
If you were to ask someone if they were righteous, most people without any effort would say: "No." People usually equate righteousness with the goody goody way that you act. But righteousness has nothing to do with the way that you act. Holiness is conduct; and righteousness is what you become when you receive Jesus as Lord. In fact, righteousness is the reason Jesus came to earth because when Adam ate of the tree God commanded him not to eat of mankind immediately experienced a downward spiritual spiral. His nature changed from one that is righteous or in right standing with God to that of a sinner. Also, if we were to label what Adam's nature had become in uncommon terms, we could say that Adam was actually born again from that of a righteousness "er" to that of a sinn "er." So now, rather than having an inward spiritual tendency to do good, he had now inherited an inward nature to do evil. His nature had changed from one that was born of God to that of his illegitimate spiritual stepfather, Satan.
END OF PART ONE
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Allegra Howard is a noted writer, minister of the gospel, prayer intercessor and full time graduate student. She wrote and published, In The Garden, about the spiritual significance of The Garden of Eden.
She does freelance writing and is a sought after speaker. She loves the Lord, is born again and spirit filled. She is also a very dear friend.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
END OF PART ONE
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Allegra Howard is a noted writer, minister of the gospel, prayer intercessor and full time graduate student. She wrote and published, In The Garden, about the spiritual significance of The Garden of Eden.
She does freelance writing and is a sought after speaker. She loves the Lord, is born again and spirit filled. She is also a very dear friend.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, May 20, 2007
HOW ARE YOU SERVING? PREVAILED, MAY 21, 2007 (MONDAY)
PREVAILED, MAY 21, 2007 How are you serving?,
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Thursday, May 17, 2007
OUR WORDS by Elaine Davenport (SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2007)
I was watching television one day; it was a show called STARTING OVER. I think it's off of television now. It was a series directed to help people who were stuck in a so called rut and to help these grab hold of the dreams. Funny how that parallels the life of a believer. They were supported by : "life coaches." It was sweet.
Before I stopped watching for a myriad of reasons, my attention was caught by a very talented woman. She wanted to be a country singer. When she received a compliment, she responded in awe of her accomplishment. By I was struck by a string of "words" I kept hearing her say. It was an expression, but she kept saying: "I could just die."
I wanted to write her a letter, I never did. I rationalized that she'd probably be offended and misunderstand my letter.
I just prayed for her.
We have to watch our words. The angels move on our words. We can best be aided by using words that speak life, Blessing, favor, wisdom and peace into our lives. Just try it. You'll be all the better for it. Have a Blessed Day.
You are taken as in a net by the words of your mouth, the sayings of your lips have overcome you. Proverbs 6: 2
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18: 21
"...For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Mat 12:34).
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life" (Prov. 15:4)
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Before I stopped watching for a myriad of reasons, my attention was caught by a very talented woman. She wanted to be a country singer. When she received a compliment, she responded in awe of her accomplishment. By I was struck by a string of "words" I kept hearing her say. It was an expression, but she kept saying: "I could just die."
I wanted to write her a letter, I never did. I rationalized that she'd probably be offended and misunderstand my letter.
I just prayed for her.
We have to watch our words. The angels move on our words. We can best be aided by using words that speak life, Blessing, favor, wisdom and peace into our lives. Just try it. You'll be all the better for it. Have a Blessed Day.
You are taken as in a net by the words of your mouth, the sayings of your lips have overcome you. Proverbs 6: 2
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18: 21
"...For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Mat 12:34).
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life" (Prov. 15:4)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
PRAYER FOR FAITH (Saturday, May 19, 2007)
FAITH
In the Name of Jesus, Father we come before you with
humble and thankful hearts. Father we are asking you to
strengthen________ (you) 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, ___________( you) 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, __________(you) 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 (you) 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_________(you) according to the riches
of his glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in
the inner man; That Christ may dwell in my
heart by faith, that _____________ you 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.
In the Name of Jesus, Father we come before you with
humble and thankful hearts. Father we are asking you to
strengthen________ (you) 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, ___________( you) 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, __________(you) 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 (you) 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_________(you) according to the riches
of his glory to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in
the inner man; That Christ may dwell in my
heart by faith, that _____________ you 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.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Pin the tail on the donkey; or not! By Elaine Davenport (Friday, May 18, 2007)
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 2 Corinthians 5: 7
I don't know what games they play at children's birthday parties nowadays. But, when I was a little girl we played pin the tail on the donkey. They put a blindfold over your eyes and stuck a pin in your hand (with a tail on it) and pointed you towards the picture of the donkey. After it was all over, whoever got the closest to the right spot won.
Faith is like that in some ways and in some ways it isn't.
You can't see where you're going by faith. You don't know how you're going to get there. You may as well be blindfolded.
But, it doesn't matter because the angels have been sent to guide you. God will make sure that you get it right. If you by some way get it wrong, you don't lose. God is rich in mercy and He is the God of the 2ND, 3rd, 4Th, etc. chance and you'll get more turns until you win. You just gotta believe! It's not a game, it's your destiny and God has designed it so that you win. Just remember.
______________________________________________________________________________________
I don't know what games they play at children's birthday parties nowadays. But, when I was a little girl we played pin the tail on the donkey. They put a blindfold over your eyes and stuck a pin in your hand (with a tail on it) and pointed you towards the picture of the donkey. After it was all over, whoever got the closest to the right spot won.
Faith is like that in some ways and in some ways it isn't.
You can't see where you're going by faith. You don't know how you're going to get there. You may as well be blindfolded.
But, it doesn't matter because the angels have been sent to guide you. God will make sure that you get it right. If you by some way get it wrong, you don't lose. God is rich in mercy and He is the God of the 2ND, 3rd, 4Th, etc. chance and you'll get more turns until you win. You just gotta believe! It's not a game, it's your destiny and God has designed it so that you win. Just remember.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Monday, May 14, 2007
I GOT A GIFT I DIDN'T EXPECT WHEN I WENT TO HELP AN OLD FRIEND ( THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2007)
Dear Friend, how are you? I hope that you didn’t think that I forgot about you because I didn’t. Everyday, I think about the many people who come to this site and I get the prayers out for you. The word that comes to you today, seems a little different, but it is truly intended just for you.
Proverbs 17 verse 8 says:
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: withersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Let me tell you a true story. I’ll try my best to make it short. (smile)
I never had the ‘knack” or ability for taking care of sick or physically challenged people. I was never really even comfortable, around “the sick” always feeling awkward or that I might say or do the wrong thing. This was so true about me; until I became sick and physically challenged myself. I was so shocked when it happened. At the time, I thought that it was the worst thing ever!
However, I learned some things, the main thing I learned was how it “felt.” I felt bad and people felt bad for me, but very few knew how to help me. During that time, I needed spiritual strengthening; I just didn’t know it! When it was all over and done, I began to view people in a different light. I had graduated to a higher level…I understood how it felt.
This new revelation and my love for God led me to go to visit friends’ mom who was in a Nursing home a while back. I was told that she was exhibiting the physical manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease. Her name is Gloria Lamb. My going to visit her Blessed my life. During the last holiday season, I was so moved by her humility, gentle sweet spirit and her faith that I wrote about her in the Southfield Goodfellows Newspaper. Thousands read the article and there was great feedback. You see, many times when people really need us; we forget about them and we just can’t do that.
Many days I read the bible with Gloria. She never ceased to amaze me with her eagerness to pray. She had such a gentle and sweet spirit. One day I went to visit and it was significant because I hadn’t been in two weeks. It was as if she had been waiting for me. When I sat down she started telling me how good God had been to her. She was saying how she had it better than a lot of people, she said that she had no complaints, no regrets…she was just thankful. SO THANKFUL!
As it turned out, that was to be my last visit with her. I attended her funeral earlier this month and I will tell you that she left a legacy by example for the three generations of her family that still remain. I’m asking you to pray for them and I know that you will. Thanks. The more I thought and prayed for Gloria and other people, the smaller my problems became.
Now please just STOP and think for a moment, here is a woman ravaged by Alzheimer’s, but REMEMBERING God through the BARRIERS in her mind and THANKING HIM! I wish that you could have had a front row seat to witness that! I was Blessed. All of this happened as a result of my giving a little of my time..my reward was an incredible gift! It was much more than I can now describe!
In this letter, it was not my intention to tell you of my giving. My intention is to challenge myself and you to “THINK HARD” daily of “whose” life we can make a little or a lot better. We can do that with just a card, a letter, a visit, an email or a phone call. I encourage you. A long time back, I decided I was going to stop apologizing for not thinking of people and not staying in touch. Finally I said, I’m going to FIX my own problem, I’m going to do better with this staying in touch stuff. I didn’t know at the time HOW GREATLY my life would be enriched as a result of that decision …I just didn’t know.
So if you’re down, oppressed, feeling incredible pressure, experiencing money woes, feeling alienated, in poor health or just not feeling like your young self…I ENCOURAGE you to REACH OUT to someone ELSE…THINGS will turn around SUDDENLY for you! I know it, but I challenge you to try it.
All of us have giving spirits; we just have to develop them! Thanks for listening and remember…my prayers for you to be Blessed, to have Favor, and for you to have all of your prayers answered.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Proverbs 17 verse 8 says:
A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: withersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
Let me tell you a true story. I’ll try my best to make it short. (smile)
I never had the ‘knack” or ability for taking care of sick or physically challenged people. I was never really even comfortable, around “the sick” always feeling awkward or that I might say or do the wrong thing. This was so true about me; until I became sick and physically challenged myself. I was so shocked when it happened. At the time, I thought that it was the worst thing ever!
However, I learned some things, the main thing I learned was how it “felt.” I felt bad and people felt bad for me, but very few knew how to help me. During that time, I needed spiritual strengthening; I just didn’t know it! When it was all over and done, I began to view people in a different light. I had graduated to a higher level…I understood how it felt.
This new revelation and my love for God led me to go to visit friends’ mom who was in a Nursing home a while back. I was told that she was exhibiting the physical manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease. Her name is Gloria Lamb. My going to visit her Blessed my life. During the last holiday season, I was so moved by her humility, gentle sweet spirit and her faith that I wrote about her in the Southfield Goodfellows Newspaper. Thousands read the article and there was great feedback. You see, many times when people really need us; we forget about them and we just can’t do that.
Many days I read the bible with Gloria. She never ceased to amaze me with her eagerness to pray. She had such a gentle and sweet spirit. One day I went to visit and it was significant because I hadn’t been in two weeks. It was as if she had been waiting for me. When I sat down she started telling me how good God had been to her. She was saying how she had it better than a lot of people, she said that she had no complaints, no regrets…she was just thankful. SO THANKFUL!
As it turned out, that was to be my last visit with her. I attended her funeral earlier this month and I will tell you that she left a legacy by example for the three generations of her family that still remain. I’m asking you to pray for them and I know that you will. Thanks. The more I thought and prayed for Gloria and other people, the smaller my problems became.
Now please just STOP and think for a moment, here is a woman ravaged by Alzheimer’s, but REMEMBERING God through the BARRIERS in her mind and THANKING HIM! I wish that you could have had a front row seat to witness that! I was Blessed. All of this happened as a result of my giving a little of my time..my reward was an incredible gift! It was much more than I can now describe!
In this letter, it was not my intention to tell you of my giving. My intention is to challenge myself and you to “THINK HARD” daily of “whose” life we can make a little or a lot better. We can do that with just a card, a letter, a visit, an email or a phone call. I encourage you. A long time back, I decided I was going to stop apologizing for not thinking of people and not staying in touch. Finally I said, I’m going to FIX my own problem, I’m going to do better with this staying in touch stuff. I didn’t know at the time HOW GREATLY my life would be enriched as a result of that decision …I just didn’t know.
So if you’re down, oppressed, feeling incredible pressure, experiencing money woes, feeling alienated, in poor health or just not feeling like your young self…I ENCOURAGE you to REACH OUT to someone ELSE…THINGS will turn around SUDDENLY for you! I know it, but I challenge you to try it.
All of us have giving spirits; we just have to develop them! Thanks for listening and remember…my prayers for you to be Blessed, to have Favor, and for you to have all of your prayers answered.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
DREAMZ TEACHES US A LESSON IN FAITH IN SURVIVOR FIJI SEASON FINALE by Elaine Davenport (WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2007)
I'm a writer but I'm also an interpreter of the landscape. I know many faith people
watch little or no television, but I do selectively. I look for faith stories. Television doesn't intend for it to be that way, but sometimes it happens; especially in Reality shows. I won't watch many of them. However, I like watching Survivor.
When Survivor began it's new season, few people expected they would have a formerly homeless young Black man. He wasn't polished or refined but he sure was likable. He talked a lot and too much but we still kept liking him. We have this "thing" for the underdog. I never expected him to get to the end of the game. The pattern is that generally minorities get voted off right off the bat. Somehow, Dreamz made it.
There was a wild Season Finale on Survivor Fiji recently, the popular reality television show. I watched it looking for a faith story. I wasn't disappointed.
Dre Heard, (also known as DREAMZ) age twenty-five years old, had a tough life. He was homeless, was forced to drop out of high school and went back and got his GED. He was a popular underdog amongst many. My friend Anna Holmes always says, We're all going to face lessons but they don't all have to be hard. Dreamz faced a hard lesson in the Season Finale of Survivor Fiji last night.
The significant thing about this is that DREAMZ is reported to be a Christian.
The whole SURVIVOR situation forced him to take what I call: "The Faith Test."
SIDEBAR:
Earl Cole, age thirty-five wins Survivor Fiji. He is the first African American male to ever win. Every single jury member voted for Earl. This has never happened in the history of the show. Raised by a single mother, Earle quickly announced that he would share the money with his mom 50-50. It's safe to say, that if it were not for the faith test that DREAMZ had to take, Earl may not have won.
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED:
In one of the competitions, Yau Man (one of the survivors) won a 2008 Ford 350 Truck. He knew how much Dreamz wanted a car. So he made a deal with him that in exchange for the Ford 350 Truck, Dreamz would give up the Immunity Idol to Yau Man if he won it, when there were only four Survivors left in the game. It was a crazy request, but Dreamz agreed to it and took the truck.
THAT WAS HIS FAITH TEST.
END OF PART ONE******************************************************
PART TWO
WHEN EXACTLY DID DREAMZ GET HIS FAITH TEST?
His test was when Yau Man offered him the truck. He had to decide then whether to walk by faith and believe that God would give him the victory or to walk by sight and take the truck.
When there were four people left in the game, Dreamz won the immunity Idol. At that point it was clear that IF he gave it to Yau Man and kept his word, he'd miss out on an opportunity to win the million dollars.
So he had to decide: Would he keep his word and maintain his integrity as a Christian or would he succumb to the temptation to try for the million.
According to your faith be it unto you...Matthew 9: 29
DREAMZ MAKES SOME DECISIONS
Dreamz decided to take the Ford F350 TRUCK! He also agreed to give Yau Man an immunity idol in case he won it with four people left.
HE DID NOT KEEP HIS WORD
DREAMZ KEPT THE TRUCK AND THE IMMUNITY IDOL. FOR THE MEMBERS ON THE JURY; IT PROVED TO BE AN UNPARDONABLE SIN.
Dreamz had an opportunity to sit before the jury to be considered for the one million dollars. However, they had no sympathy for him because they felt he double dealed, back stabbed, betrayed alliances and did not keep his word. They didn't trust him in a game that many call: BACKSTABBING 101. Is it possible to win this game without smear or blemish? It's hard, but the people who generally win have usually managed to do this to a great degree. DREAMZ did not win the one million dollars but, will still win $100,000.
THE WAY SURVIVOR WORKS...It "looked " like Dreamz never could have won whether he kept his word regarding the truck or not. However, I would have hoped to see him keep his word. I truly believe his doing the right thing could have opened up the door for a Blessing for him. We'll never know.
I want to add that anyone can face a test of faith at almost any time. The only reason we saw the test that Dreamz faced was because he was on national TV. Make up your mind today that when your test comes, you'll pass it. If you fail your test, you'll have to take it over.
NOTE: I just want to say to Dreamz that I'll keep praying for you and believing that another door of opportunity will open for you. I know you'll be ready. Keep persevering.
_________________________________________________________
watch little or no television, but I do selectively. I look for faith stories. Television doesn't intend for it to be that way, but sometimes it happens; especially in Reality shows. I won't watch many of them. However, I like watching Survivor.
When Survivor began it's new season, few people expected they would have a formerly homeless young Black man. He wasn't polished or refined but he sure was likable. He talked a lot and too much but we still kept liking him. We have this "thing" for the underdog. I never expected him to get to the end of the game. The pattern is that generally minorities get voted off right off the bat. Somehow, Dreamz made it.
There was a wild Season Finale on Survivor Fiji recently, the popular reality television show. I watched it looking for a faith story. I wasn't disappointed.
Dre Heard, (also known as DREAMZ) age twenty-five years old, had a tough life. He was homeless, was forced to drop out of high school and went back and got his GED. He was a popular underdog amongst many. My friend Anna Holmes always says, We're all going to face lessons but they don't all have to be hard. Dreamz faced a hard lesson in the Season Finale of Survivor Fiji last night.
The significant thing about this is that DREAMZ is reported to be a Christian.
The whole SURVIVOR situation forced him to take what I call: "The Faith Test."
SIDEBAR:
Earl Cole, age thirty-five wins Survivor Fiji. He is the first African American male to ever win. Every single jury member voted for Earl. This has never happened in the history of the show. Raised by a single mother, Earle quickly announced that he would share the money with his mom 50-50. It's safe to say, that if it were not for the faith test that DREAMZ had to take, Earl may not have won.
HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED:
In one of the competitions, Yau Man (one of the survivors) won a 2008 Ford 350 Truck. He knew how much Dreamz wanted a car. So he made a deal with him that in exchange for the Ford 350 Truck, Dreamz would give up the Immunity Idol to Yau Man if he won it, when there were only four Survivors left in the game. It was a crazy request, but Dreamz agreed to it and took the truck.
THAT WAS HIS FAITH TEST.
END OF PART ONE******************************************************
PART TWO
WHEN EXACTLY DID DREAMZ GET HIS FAITH TEST?
His test was when Yau Man offered him the truck. He had to decide then whether to walk by faith and believe that God would give him the victory or to walk by sight and take the truck.
When there were four people left in the game, Dreamz won the immunity Idol. At that point it was clear that IF he gave it to Yau Man and kept his word, he'd miss out on an opportunity to win the million dollars.
So he had to decide: Would he keep his word and maintain his integrity as a Christian or would he succumb to the temptation to try for the million.
According to your faith be it unto you...Matthew 9: 29
DREAMZ MAKES SOME DECISIONS
Dreamz decided to take the Ford F350 TRUCK! He also agreed to give Yau Man an immunity idol in case he won it with four people left.
HE DID NOT KEEP HIS WORD
DREAMZ KEPT THE TRUCK AND THE IMMUNITY IDOL. FOR THE MEMBERS ON THE JURY; IT PROVED TO BE AN UNPARDONABLE SIN.
Dreamz had an opportunity to sit before the jury to be considered for the one million dollars. However, they had no sympathy for him because they felt he double dealed, back stabbed, betrayed alliances and did not keep his word. They didn't trust him in a game that many call: BACKSTABBING 101. Is it possible to win this game without smear or blemish? It's hard, but the people who generally win have usually managed to do this to a great degree. DREAMZ did not win the one million dollars but, will still win $100,000.
THE WAY SURVIVOR WORKS...It "looked " like Dreamz never could have won whether he kept his word regarding the truck or not. However, I would have hoped to see him keep his word. I truly believe his doing the right thing could have opened up the door for a Blessing for him. We'll never know.
I want to add that anyone can face a test of faith at almost any time. The only reason we saw the test that Dreamz faced was because he was on national TV. Make up your mind today that when your test comes, you'll pass it. If you fail your test, you'll have to take it over.
NOTE: I just want to say to Dreamz that I'll keep praying for you and believing that another door of opportunity will open for you. I know you'll be ready. Keep persevering.
_________________________________________________________
Sunday, May 13, 2007
What do you "really" know about hope? by Gene McGuire (Guest Writer) (TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2007)
"Faith is the substance of the things hoped for the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
NOTE: When the word hope is used in the bible, it is not a wishy-washy wishing kind of thing. Recently I came across an explanation of that word which was so excellent that I wanted to share it with you. (The following is from "The Daily Devotional Bible" by Thomas Nelson Publishers, page 799.)
Hope is the desire for something with the expectation of fulfillment. Hope involves trust in someone or something on which the expectation is centered. The Christian's hope is "sure and steadfast" (Heb. 6:19). Any hope is only as sure as its source is dependable. Christian hope is fixed upon God and His Word. Since God is omnipotent, He can fulfill that hopeful desire that He creates in His children. The hope of the wicked is described as being as fragile as the hope of the reeds when water is removed from their roots. (Job 8:11, 12) The hope of the godless is as fragile as a spider's web. (v. 14) He trusts in material things (v. 15) and these never endure. So there is only one step between true hope and hopelessness. All depends upon the source of the hope. Only God and His Word are completely dependable foundations of hope.
Today's Thought: Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Mark 13:31
NOTE: When the word hope is used in the bible, it is not a wishy-washy wishing kind of thing. Recently I came across an explanation of that word which was so excellent that I wanted to share it with you. (The following is from "The Daily Devotional Bible" by Thomas Nelson Publishers, page 799.)
Hope is the desire for something with the expectation of fulfillment. Hope involves trust in someone or something on which the expectation is centered. The Christian's hope is "sure and steadfast" (Heb. 6:19). Any hope is only as sure as its source is dependable. Christian hope is fixed upon God and His Word. Since God is omnipotent, He can fulfill that hopeful desire that He creates in His children. The hope of the wicked is described as being as fragile as the hope of the reeds when water is removed from their roots. (Job 8:11, 12) The hope of the godless is as fragile as a spider's web. (v. 14) He trusts in material things (v. 15) and these never endure. So there is only one step between true hope and hopelessness. All depends upon the source of the hope. Only God and His Word are completely dependable foundations of hope.
Today's Thought: Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Mark 13:31
Can you fight? By Elaine Davenport (Monday, May 14, 2007)
The bible tells us to fight the good fight of faith.
Don't ignore this because as a believer, you are also a soldier. Soldiers fall in so many categories. There are: career soldiers, soldiers just passing through, officers, heroes, dishonorable discharges, medal winners, marines, Navy seals, Special Ops, Special Forces, soldiers who don't want to be soldiers, Elite Forces and many more.
You're going to have to decide what kind of soldier you are, are going to be because the enemy has set his troops in motion and they are moving against you right now as we speak.
We're part of the FAITH FORCES and we not only have to work together but we've got to be ON GUARD AND ON WATCH like the Bible says.
My advice: Stay in the Word, Stay in Faith, Pray, Be on Guard and never forget that you have to fight. Never
EPHESIANS 6: 10-18
In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.(B)
Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God.
Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Don't ignore this because as a believer, you are also a soldier. Soldiers fall in so many categories. There are: career soldiers, soldiers just passing through, officers, heroes, dishonorable discharges, medal winners, marines, Navy seals, Special Ops, Special Forces, soldiers who don't want to be soldiers, Elite Forces and many more.
You're going to have to decide what kind of soldier you are, are going to be because the enemy has set his troops in motion and they are moving against you right now as we speak.
We're part of the FAITH FORCES and we not only have to work together but we've got to be ON GUARD AND ON WATCH like the Bible says.
My advice: Stay in the Word, Stay in Faith, Pray, Be on Guard and never forget that you have to fight. Never
EPHESIANS 6: 10-18
In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.(B)
Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God.
Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Friday, May 11, 2007
Faith for supernatural debt cancellation and a turnaround by Elaine Davenport
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11: 6
You reach a point where you almost hate to talk about money, because people so easily misunderstand. However folks in this present world we wrestle sometimes with financial things.
THIS IS A TRUE STORY
I have a friend who had a horrible Child Support debt. He bore some responsibility because he ran from it many years ago and he says that it caught up with him. It went well into the thousands. He says that he paid on it for twenty years and the balance never changed. Then he began to chance his faith.
It was put on my heart to begin to intercede for him that his debt would be cancelled. It was clear that it had him in bondage. It's hard to convince people who are "new" in the faith to stand, but he did comply. Things began to happen in the spirit realm. Where he had met closed doors in the past trying to get reconciliation; people out of state that he contacted began to listen.
THEN SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPENED!
I was in deep deep prayer one day when my friend contacted me and told me that they took his income tax check! He was devastated. I'm sure he thought to himself that this faith thing ain't working.
BUT GOD....
I convinced him to hang in there. Shortly thereafter, he received a total refund from someone else in the exact amount that was taken from him.
When the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord, lifts up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19b
(REMEMBER THAT)
Not long after that, my friend says there was an audit on his account and his debt was reduced. He says he literally gave up, but I convinced him not to. I told him how Satan tries to put up a smokescreen. He tried to convince me to give up on the situation. My prayers continued. Even when I didn't know it, because I was praying in the spirit. A new person was assigned to investigate his case. He called them frantically. They told him not to call back, they'd take care of it. Months went by. Prayers continued. My friend put the situation on the back burner. Then one day he got a notice telling him he still owed, but not to send any payments.
Every place that my friend wanted to get credit at, he was turned down because of this debt. He was barely making ends meet. One day he was Online and decided to check his credit report, not long after he had been turned down for credit.
The debt was gone, canceled, disappeared! He never got a letter or a notice or anything at all. It just fell off the face of the earth!
Right now, his life has completely turned around and he serves in the kingdom of God. Bless God.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
_____________________________________________________________________________________
(James 5:16b)
Hebrews 11: 6
You reach a point where you almost hate to talk about money, because people so easily misunderstand. However folks in this present world we wrestle sometimes with financial things.
THIS IS A TRUE STORY
I have a friend who had a horrible Child Support debt. He bore some responsibility because he ran from it many years ago and he says that it caught up with him. It went well into the thousands. He says that he paid on it for twenty years and the balance never changed. Then he began to chance his faith.
It was put on my heart to begin to intercede for him that his debt would be cancelled. It was clear that it had him in bondage. It's hard to convince people who are "new" in the faith to stand, but he did comply. Things began to happen in the spirit realm. Where he had met closed doors in the past trying to get reconciliation; people out of state that he contacted began to listen.
THEN SOMETHING TERRIBLE HAPPENED!
I was in deep deep prayer one day when my friend contacted me and told me that they took his income tax check! He was devastated. I'm sure he thought to himself that this faith thing ain't working.
BUT GOD....
I convinced him to hang in there. Shortly thereafter, he received a total refund from someone else in the exact amount that was taken from him.
When the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of the Lord, lifts up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19b
(REMEMBER THAT)
Not long after that, my friend says there was an audit on his account and his debt was reduced. He says he literally gave up, but I convinced him not to. I told him how Satan tries to put up a smokescreen. He tried to convince me to give up on the situation. My prayers continued. Even when I didn't know it, because I was praying in the spirit. A new person was assigned to investigate his case. He called them frantically. They told him not to call back, they'd take care of it. Months went by. Prayers continued. My friend put the situation on the back burner. Then one day he got a notice telling him he still owed, but not to send any payments.
Every place that my friend wanted to get credit at, he was turned down because of this debt. He was barely making ends meet. One day he was Online and decided to check his credit report, not long after he had been turned down for credit.
The debt was gone, canceled, disappeared! He never got a letter or a notice or anything at all. It just fell off the face of the earth!
Right now, his life has completely turned around and he serves in the kingdom of God. Bless God.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
_____________________________________________________________________________________
(James 5:16b)
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
You've "got" the situation, it doesn't have you. by Elaine Davenport
Maybe it was my imagination, but the other day when the phone rang it seemed to ring a little louder than usual. I knew that it was a distress call. I rushed to get the phone. It was a long time family friend in great distress. She was dealing with some problems and we began to take different strategies as though the two of us weren't faith people.
SIDEBAR
We have to remember that we are "faith" people. We don't think like everybody else. We don't have to deal with the troubles that come. We have a Father who cares so much for us that He says, give it all to Me, I'll take care of it.
At the end of the conversation, we prayed and then I spoke to my friend. I encouraged her to remember who God is. I reminded her of the devil's plan to kill, to steal and to destroy. I reminded her that God's Word says the she has the power over the enemy who when he comes in like a flood, will be met with the standard lifted up by the Spirit of the Lord. We also prayed for her peace. We talked about the unknown situation she's walking into and how God has got it under control whether she knows it or not. I plead the Blood of Jesus over her situation.
What was it that struck me?
I was reminded of the fact that this lady is an active believer. What struck me was the severity of the attacks on believers by Satan and so I want to encourage you today to stay close. There's an end to this movie. The season Finale doesn't lead to another season of ups and downs. In the end, we win and don't you forget that. Stay close to God. Stay close to the Word of God. Build yourselves up in the faith.
Stay encouraged.
______________________________________________________________________________________
SIDEBAR
We have to remember that we are "faith" people. We don't think like everybody else. We don't have to deal with the troubles that come. We have a Father who cares so much for us that He says, give it all to Me, I'll take care of it.
At the end of the conversation, we prayed and then I spoke to my friend. I encouraged her to remember who God is. I reminded her of the devil's plan to kill, to steal and to destroy. I reminded her that God's Word says the she has the power over the enemy who when he comes in like a flood, will be met with the standard lifted up by the Spirit of the Lord. We also prayed for her peace. We talked about the unknown situation she's walking into and how God has got it under control whether she knows it or not. I plead the Blood of Jesus over her situation.
What was it that struck me?
I was reminded of the fact that this lady is an active believer. What struck me was the severity of the attacks on believers by Satan and so I want to encourage you today to stay close. There's an end to this movie. The season Finale doesn't lead to another season of ups and downs. In the end, we win and don't you forget that. Stay close to God. Stay close to the Word of God. Build yourselves up in the faith.
Stay encouraged.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Looking for Writers by Elaine Davenport
Hello, I am currently seeking submissions for two new sites. One will be on THE BLOOD OF JESUS and the other will be focused on DISCIPLESHIP. If you have any expertise in these fields, please write to me at divaport@gmail.com
THANK YOU
Have a great day! I gotta go pray.
THANK YOU
Have a great day! I gotta go pray.
Monday, May 7, 2007
PREVAILED, CONCLUSION TO 4 PART SERIES: Why obedience is Important, May, 2007
Conclusion
A lot of times, we know that God is telling us to do something but we'll ask somebody to see what they have to say. So I asked my husband what he thought about my writing a newsletter for the subdivision. His reply was quite accurate. He said that would be out of order because there was no Board of Directors. He was right. Besides he said, we were moving. He said it was senseless for me to write a newsletter and we were leaving. I agreed.
I wrote the newsletter, the neighborhood unified and I wrote many more. I began to rekindle my passion for writing and then
You don't have enough time to hear the whole wonderful story...of how my life has turned around. I don't have enough time to tell it (smile) in this one sitting.
But then again, this is why I Blog....stay tuned.
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
A lot of times, we know that God is telling us to do something but we'll ask somebody to see what they have to say. So I asked my husband what he thought about my writing a newsletter for the subdivision. His reply was quite accurate. He said that would be out of order because there was no Board of Directors. He was right. Besides he said, we were moving. He said it was senseless for me to write a newsletter and we were leaving. I agreed.
I wrote the newsletter, the neighborhood unified and I wrote many more. I began to rekindle my passion for writing and then
You don't have enough time to hear the whole wonderful story...of how my life has turned around. I don't have enough time to tell it (smile) in this one sitting.
But then again, this is why I Blog....stay tuned.
1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, May 6, 2007
PREVAILED, Why obedience is important by Elaine Davenport
Hear, for I will speak of excellent things, and the opening of my lips shall be of right things; for my mouth shall speak truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. Proverbs 8: 6 (KJV)
Part 3 I NEED FOR YOU TO PICTURE THIS SCENARIO
There were many ups and downs that I had while in school. I was still very vulnerable looking back. I was slowly progressing from the paralysis on the left side of my body. I was trying to get victory over the speech impediment. It was still impossible for me to use my left hand. My mother began to make several weekly trips to the emergency room; often going in the middle of the night requiring my presence. My children were being attacked at school; mostly by bullies; mostly verbally. The work load was incredible. Often, I would stay up all night to read and by morning, I would remember nothing at all. My only solution then and even now was to study 3 to 4 times as much. I was a full time student and a housewife and mom. Something came over me in school and I began to seek out those who were failing to try to bail them out. This helping thing came over me. During the course of my studies; my writing gift materialized. God is good, I take no credit at all for it. It actually was a journey.
IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD
While driving through my neighborhood, I began to hear that voice again. I tried to locate it. This time I paid close attention. It was coming from my heart. I just kept getting this message to write a newsletter for the subdivision. I asked the question out loud in my car as I kept hearing it:
HOW IS THIS GOING TO HELP GOD?
PLEASE READ THE EXCITING CONCLUSION TOMORROW...and I'll give you a hint: God's plan for me had nothing to do with the newsletter in fact, it was training ground and it was all about obedience.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Part 3 I NEED FOR YOU TO PICTURE THIS SCENARIO
There were many ups and downs that I had while in school. I was still very vulnerable looking back. I was slowly progressing from the paralysis on the left side of my body. I was trying to get victory over the speech impediment. It was still impossible for me to use my left hand. My mother began to make several weekly trips to the emergency room; often going in the middle of the night requiring my presence. My children were being attacked at school; mostly by bullies; mostly verbally. The work load was incredible. Often, I would stay up all night to read and by morning, I would remember nothing at all. My only solution then and even now was to study 3 to 4 times as much. I was a full time student and a housewife and mom. Something came over me in school and I began to seek out those who were failing to try to bail them out. This helping thing came over me. During the course of my studies; my writing gift materialized. God is good, I take no credit at all for it. It actually was a journey.
IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD
While driving through my neighborhood, I began to hear that voice again. I tried to locate it. This time I paid close attention. It was coming from my heart. I just kept getting this message to write a newsletter for the subdivision. I asked the question out loud in my car as I kept hearing it:
HOW IS THIS GOING TO HELP GOD?
PLEASE READ THE EXCITING CONCLUSION TOMORROW...and I'll give you a hint: God's plan for me had nothing to do with the newsletter in fact, it was training ground and it was all about obedience.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday, May 5, 2007
PREVAILED. MAY, 2007 Why obedience is important
But He said, Blessed (happy and to be envied) rather are those who hear the Word of God and obey and practice it! Luke 11: 28
(It's just so important that you know that at the time all of this was happening, I didn't know much about the Word of God.)
PART TWO
When all of this happened, the only two friends of mine who weren't going to think I was crazy was Cynthia and Jerri. Two women of God. We all spent days (I more than they; rightfully so) trying to figure out what the words meant. I needed to understand what God was saying.
God sent me a message...
THINGS BEGAN TO HAPPEN...
Cynthia called one evening about an accelerated Bachelor's degree program at a Christian College about 10 miles away. Cynthia and I had talked for years about returning to school to get our degrees in such a program. We had heard it was hard and many people that we knew that had enrolled; had dropped out. Cynthia got in immediately, but I began to make excuses right off the bat. I decided not to get in the program and right after that I found myself calling the Admissions counselor. I
got in. There was a lot of prequalification criteria in addition to the program. A lot of the people who started dropped out.
To be successful in this program, you had to be a good writer. I felt it was a personal strength. It was, but I needed brushing up. My instructors favored my writing. There were times when I wanted to drop out of the program, but Cynthia and my new school friends were always there to talk me out of it.
Finally, the big day came. I graduated with a 4.0. I prepared to go get a Master's degree. By this time, I not only knew God had sent me back to school, I was anxious to see what He had next for me. This is a key factor. I finished my Master's degree with a high GPA and thought about law school, or a doctoral degree; but God sent another message.
My husband told me that he thought I needed to spend more time with my family. In doing so, I became more active in my neighborhood.
CHANGE WAS COMING AND IT WAS GOING TO BE DRASTIC.
Stay tuned for Part Three tomorrow
_____________________________________________________________________________________
(It's just so important that you know that at the time all of this was happening, I didn't know much about the Word of God.)
PART TWO
When all of this happened, the only two friends of mine who weren't going to think I was crazy was Cynthia and Jerri. Two women of God. We all spent days (I more than they; rightfully so) trying to figure out what the words meant. I needed to understand what God was saying.
God sent me a message...
THINGS BEGAN TO HAPPEN...
Cynthia called one evening about an accelerated Bachelor's degree program at a Christian College about 10 miles away. Cynthia and I had talked for years about returning to school to get our degrees in such a program. We had heard it was hard and many people that we knew that had enrolled; had dropped out. Cynthia got in immediately, but I began to make excuses right off the bat. I decided not to get in the program and right after that I found myself calling the Admissions counselor. I
got in. There was a lot of prequalification criteria in addition to the program. A lot of the people who started dropped out.
To be successful in this program, you had to be a good writer. I felt it was a personal strength. It was, but I needed brushing up. My instructors favored my writing. There were times when I wanted to drop out of the program, but Cynthia and my new school friends were always there to talk me out of it.
Finally, the big day came. I graduated with a 4.0. I prepared to go get a Master's degree. By this time, I not only knew God had sent me back to school, I was anxious to see what He had next for me. This is a key factor. I finished my Master's degree with a high GPA and thought about law school, or a doctoral degree; but God sent another message.
My husband told me that he thought I needed to spend more time with my family. In doing so, I became more active in my neighborhood.
CHANGE WAS COMING AND IT WAS GOING TO BE DRASTIC.
Stay tuned for Part Three tomorrow
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Friday, May 4, 2007
PREVAILED: MAY 4, 2007 Why Obedience is important by Elaine Davenport
Dear Friend, God Bless you today. I have been praying for you for many months; even if this is your first time ever coming to this site. I pray that things are balanced in your life ands that you remain spiritually enriched. I thank God for you and the fact that He has a grand design for your life.
In the book of Jeremiah: Chapter 39, verse 11, it says:
"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.
Have a Great day.
The following account is a true account. The most amazing fact that you must keep in mind as you read it is that I was not in a church, didn't know the Word of God and knew nothing about having a conversation with God. I was always a believer, I always had reverence for God; but this was the beginning of change for me. At this point; a messenger wouldn't do, so God spoke to me Himself.
And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to [reverently] fear the Lord our God for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 6: 24 (Amplified)
If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years
in pleasantness and joy. Job 36: 11 (Amplified)
He who turns away his ear from hearing the law [of God and man], even his prayer is an abomination, hateful and revolting [to God]. Proverbs 28: 9 (Amplified)
I'll never forget that day. I was at home roaming around like I had done for the past two years, stumbling and trying to regain my old self. Brain surgery had left my body in a semi devastated state. It truly appeared that God was restoring me; yet it had taken me far too long to appreciate it.
Yet, God was so merciful that He still saw some worth in me.
One day I was in the house all alone and I heard a voice speak clearly; it said: "I've opened up a door for you, why won't you walk through it?"
I turned and looked around knowing I was the only one at home. I was prepared to bolt and run straight out of the front door. I had not a clue what the answer to the question was or if I even heard it at all in the first place as I soon began to doubt.
I knew it was God. I had always had a remote closeness and after I thought about it long and hard; I realized that only God knew the thoughts and intents of my heart like the bible says. I my heart, there were some pressing desires regarding personal goals but there had never been time for them.
I knew I had heard that voice, but I couldn't see anyone. So I did the next best thing: I asked two very close God fearing friends if they knew what it meant. They both returned the question to me.
God was about to open a very wide door for me, but first, I had to obey.
THIS STORY WILL BE CONTINUED ON SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
In the book of Jeremiah: Chapter 39, verse 11, it says:
"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.
Have a Great day.
The following account is a true account. The most amazing fact that you must keep in mind as you read it is that I was not in a church, didn't know the Word of God and knew nothing about having a conversation with God. I was always a believer, I always had reverence for God; but this was the beginning of change for me. At this point; a messenger wouldn't do, so God spoke to me Himself.
And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to [reverently] fear the Lord our God for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 6: 24 (Amplified)
If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years
in pleasantness and joy. Job 36: 11 (Amplified)
He who turns away his ear from hearing the law [of God and man], even his prayer is an abomination, hateful and revolting [to God]. Proverbs 28: 9 (Amplified)
I'll never forget that day. I was at home roaming around like I had done for the past two years, stumbling and trying to regain my old self. Brain surgery had left my body in a semi devastated state. It truly appeared that God was restoring me; yet it had taken me far too long to appreciate it.
Yet, God was so merciful that He still saw some worth in me.
One day I was in the house all alone and I heard a voice speak clearly; it said: "I've opened up a door for you, why won't you walk through it?"
I turned and looked around knowing I was the only one at home. I was prepared to bolt and run straight out of the front door. I had not a clue what the answer to the question was or if I even heard it at all in the first place as I soon began to doubt.
I knew it was God. I had always had a remote closeness and after I thought about it long and hard; I realized that only God knew the thoughts and intents of my heart like the bible says. I my heart, there were some pressing desires regarding personal goals but there had never been time for them.
I knew I had heard that voice, but I couldn't see anyone. So I did the next best thing: I asked two very close God fearing friends if they knew what it meant. They both returned the question to me.
God was about to open a very wide door for me, but first, I had to obey.
THIS STORY WILL BE CONTINUED ON SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Faith to keep my job by Elaine Davenport
Years ago, I was on the verge of losing my job. I didn't understand it and it was too challenging. I thought about quitting, but instead I decided to read the Bible and pray about it. There were rumors that they were supposed to fire me when I started. I meditated on Psalms 34 V. 1-9 I began to recite it everyday. It was a faith building exercise for me. I ended up with a promotion. I wasn't expecting it. The whole exercise of faith established me for a great job, a subsequent marriage and even my current service unto God.
Psalm 34
1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear thereof and be glad.
3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.
4I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked unto Him and were lightened, and their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him!
9O fear the LORD, ye His saints! For them that fear Him suffer no want.
This is not some formula. But the exercise of faith, reading the Word, praying, believing God for the impossible, meditating on the Word, regaining my confidence, regaining my self esteem, improving myself, being obedient led to God honoring my prayer to not be fired from my job. Divine appointments and connections came out of nowhere. It was amazing.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Psalm 34
1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear thereof and be glad.
3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.
4I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked unto Him and were lightened, and their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him!
9O fear the LORD, ye His saints! For them that fear Him suffer no want.
This is not some formula. But the exercise of faith, reading the Word, praying, believing God for the impossible, meditating on the Word, regaining my confidence, regaining my self esteem, improving myself, being obedient led to God honoring my prayer to not be fired from my job. Divine appointments and connections came out of nowhere. It was amazing.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
My Crew by Elaine Davenport
I'm not "hip" according to my kids. But I want to say this: I run with a crew of folks that LOVE LOVE LOVE God! In some circles that's not cool! But, in my circle it is TOTALLY COOL!
Another thing we like is the Word, the understanding, the study, the research, the revelation; we can't get enough of it. We can't get enough of getting closer to God. So, if it sounds like I'm never going to quit talking about God and encouraging everyone to love Him and to get to know Him; or that I'm always going to have something to say about the subject of faith; I confess, it's true. I can't quit. Blessings
________________________________________________________________________________________
Another thing we like is the Word, the understanding, the study, the research, the revelation; we can't get enough of it. We can't get enough of getting closer to God. So, if it sounds like I'm never going to quit talking about God and encouraging everyone to love Him and to get to know Him; or that I'm always going to have something to say about the subject of faith; I confess, it's true. I can't quit. Blessings
________________________________________________________________________________________
TWO ANGLES TO SUBMISSION...WHICH SIDE IS A CHALLENGE FOR YOU? by Elaine Davenport
Submission is a word that people in our society have a problem with. In a country that has turned the corner of the denial of so many human freedoms, people have embraced those freedoms and there seems to have been a personality change.
When I was a little girl, Sunday was a day of worship and stores weren't open. You couldn't go shopping for clothes, shoes, beer, school supplies, nothing. In fact, the divorce rate was a lot lower and all of our friends went to church. I had never heard of an agnostic. I had heard of atheists, but no one knew any. Overall, things were vastly different. I think as a society, we were all much more cooperative. Good or bad, there weren't many lawsuits.
Well the pendulum swang and things changed and life is vastly different. We live in a society where people don't "like" to submit to anything unless they feel like it.
God asks us to submit to Him. That's one vantage point; a very valid one. Submission is the Number One thing, you'll have to do to come to God.
“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23)
For those who have submitted to God, He then says submit your cares or burdens to Him.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2Corinthians 12: 9
I talk to faith people everyday. One of our greatest challenges is transferring or submitting our burdens to God. He can handle any situation, any problem. Even if it's a big mess. God doesn't care. He can handle it. You'll just have to remember this. It will Bless you.
So these are two different versions of SUBMISSION and people have a problem with each of them.
Faith people have to comprehend what the value of submission. Let's take a look at Webster's 1828 Dictionary's definition of "submission:"
SUBMIS'SION, n. [L. submissio, from submitto.]
1. The act of submitting; the act of yielding to power or authority; surrender of the person and power to the control or government of another.
Submission, dauphin! 'tis a mere French word;
We English warriors wot not what it means.
2. Acknowledgment of inferiority or dependence; humble or suppliant behavior.
In all submission and humility,
York doth present himself unto your highness.
3. Acknowledgment of a fault; confession or error.
Be not as extreme in submission, as in offense.
4. Obedience; compliance with the commands or laws of a superior. Submission of children to their parents is an indispensable duty.
5. Resignation; a yielding of one's will to the will or appointment of a superior without murmuring. Entire and cheerful submission to the will of God is a Christian duty of prime excellence.
Imagine that submission is a two sided coin, which side are you dealing with?
Note: If your answer is neither; that's good. That's good.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
When I was a little girl, Sunday was a day of worship and stores weren't open. You couldn't go shopping for clothes, shoes, beer, school supplies, nothing. In fact, the divorce rate was a lot lower and all of our friends went to church. I had never heard of an agnostic. I had heard of atheists, but no one knew any. Overall, things were vastly different. I think as a society, we were all much more cooperative. Good or bad, there weren't many lawsuits.
Well the pendulum swang and things changed and life is vastly different. We live in a society where people don't "like" to submit to anything unless they feel like it.
God asks us to submit to Him. That's one vantage point; a very valid one. Submission is the Number One thing, you'll have to do to come to God.
“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23)
For those who have submitted to God, He then says submit your cares or burdens to Him.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2Corinthians 12: 9
I talk to faith people everyday. One of our greatest challenges is transferring or submitting our burdens to God. He can handle any situation, any problem. Even if it's a big mess. God doesn't care. He can handle it. You'll just have to remember this. It will Bless you.
So these are two different versions of SUBMISSION and people have a problem with each of them.
Faith people have to comprehend what the value of submission. Let's take a look at Webster's 1828 Dictionary's definition of "submission:"
SUBMIS'SION, n. [L. submissio, from submitto.]
1. The act of submitting; the act of yielding to power or authority; surrender of the person and power to the control or government of another.
Submission, dauphin! 'tis a mere French word;
We English warriors wot not what it means.
2. Acknowledgment of inferiority or dependence; humble or suppliant behavior.
In all submission and humility,
York doth present himself unto your highness.
3. Acknowledgment of a fault; confession or error.
Be not as extreme in submission, as in offense.
4. Obedience; compliance with the commands or laws of a superior. Submission of children to their parents is an indispensable duty.
5. Resignation; a yielding of one's will to the will or appointment of a superior without murmuring. Entire and cheerful submission to the will of God is a Christian duty of prime excellence.
Imagine that submission is a two sided coin, which side are you dealing with?
Note: If your answer is neither; that's good. That's good.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
YOU by Elaine Davenport
You are so much more important than you think you are. You are a spirit being. You live in a body. Your body also has a soul. Your soul represents the mind, the will the emotions that you feel or have. This is not rocket science yet some people have a hard time believing it.
God created you, but He also gave you free will. You get to decide what happens to you. Whether you want to live footloose and fancy free just living it up without a care, taking no heed for consequences until they happen or a life of Blessing and protection.
IT"S A REVOLVING DOOR
It's a revolving door. Now a lot of people run back and forth. Some go in and out at various intervals. Some hang out near the door; never venturing inside. "It's too many rules they say, but just in case as an insurance policy, they adopt some of the principles and some of the "language: and go about doing good. I don't know if anyone has told them that good works alone won't get them into heaven or if they believe it because they continue on.
GOING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. Luke 7:50
Thy means you, and thee means the same; so Jesus was saying to the woman with the issue of blood, YOUR faith has saved you.
It's all up to you. It's your faith. Not somebody else's. What are you believing God for? He's just looking for your prayer of faith. I encourage you today to get before Him because in His presence is fullness of joy.
(Psalms 16:11 NKJV) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
GO IN PEACE!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
God created you, but He also gave you free will. You get to decide what happens to you. Whether you want to live footloose and fancy free just living it up without a care, taking no heed for consequences until they happen or a life of Blessing and protection.
IT"S A REVOLVING DOOR
It's a revolving door. Now a lot of people run back and forth. Some go in and out at various intervals. Some hang out near the door; never venturing inside. "It's too many rules they say, but just in case as an insurance policy, they adopt some of the principles and some of the "language: and go about doing good. I don't know if anyone has told them that good works alone won't get them into heaven or if they believe it because they continue on.
GOING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. Luke 7:50
Thy means you, and thee means the same; so Jesus was saying to the woman with the issue of blood, YOUR faith has saved you.
It's all up to you. It's your faith. Not somebody else's. What are you believing God for? He's just looking for your prayer of faith. I encourage you today to get before Him because in His presence is fullness of joy.
(Psalms 16:11 NKJV) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
GO IN PEACE!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Monday, April 30, 2007
FAITH WORKS BY LOVE
A Translation From 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.
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.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
BLAMELESS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD by Elaine Davenport
God left us an instruction manual. It's called: The Bible. Most of us don't know it as well as we should. He wanted to make it easy for us because He loves us so much. It's not a "recipe" book for us to delve into ...it is a "complete" manual. Most misunderstandings in the body of Christ come from our overall inability to comprehend this. This treatise is an effort to take direction from the Word of God to examine certain areas.
I hear and read so much discussion about how things "ought" to be; but what does the Word say? What does God say? I respect opinions, but I respect God much more. No one can tell you God's intentions better than He. Please don't forget that.
SIDEBAR: AS THE BODY OF CHRIST; THE WORLD WATCHES US: WE MUST BE MINDFUL AND WE MUST BE CORRECT.
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.
WHO DOES GOD WANT US TO LOVE?
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 DEVIL WOULD LIKE TO GET YOU OFF OF YOUR PATH OF LOVE...
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 "role" of 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)
GOD EXPECTS US TO UNDERSTAND THAT AS THE BODY OF CHRIST WE WON'T ALL BE THE SAME...
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)
WE HAVE A DIRECTIVE PRAY FOR THOSE THAT PERSECUTE US, NOT TO TALK ABOUT THEM, BUT TO PRAY FOR THEM!
"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)
AND FINALLY FORGIVE...
"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)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
I hear and read so much discussion about how things "ought" to be; but what does the Word say? What does God say? I respect opinions, but I respect God much more. No one can tell you God's intentions better than He. Please don't forget that.
SIDEBAR: AS THE BODY OF CHRIST; THE WORLD WATCHES US: WE MUST BE MINDFUL AND WE MUST BE CORRECT.
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.
WHO DOES GOD WANT US TO LOVE?
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 DEVIL WOULD LIKE TO GET YOU OFF OF YOUR PATH OF LOVE...
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 "role" of 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)
GOD EXPECTS US TO UNDERSTAND THAT AS THE BODY OF CHRIST WE WON'T ALL BE THE SAME...
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)
WE HAVE A DIRECTIVE PRAY FOR THOSE THAT PERSECUTE US, NOT TO TALK ABOUT THEM, BUT TO PRAY FOR THEM!
"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)
AND FINALLY FORGIVE...
"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)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Mission Statement
When I was in Graduate School, where God had sent me; we learned about mission statements. Here is my statement for this site:
We aim to help people build their faith based on the Word of God and not our opinions.
We will pray before we give you any words here so as not to waste your time. You are too valuable, too precious. We profess love for our neighbors, so our words will be love based. We are not a political voice, but a spiritual voice. We are quite sympathetic to the needs of the world, but we put our trust in God and not in man without exception. We believe that faith is what we all need and that it must be fueled daily. That is why we bring you a word in season each and every day. Our mission is to minister to you. God is in control.
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We aim to help people build their faith based on the Word of God and not our opinions.
We will pray before we give you any words here so as not to waste your time. You are too valuable, too precious. We profess love for our neighbors, so our words will be love based. We are not a political voice, but a spiritual voice. We are quite sympathetic to the needs of the world, but we put our trust in God and not in man without exception. We believe that faith is what we all need and that it must be fueled daily. That is why we bring you a word in season each and every day. Our mission is to minister to you. God is in control.
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The Great Exam (A short story) by Elaine Davenport
A certain young man wanted to attend the Number One school in the world. IN ORDER TO DO THIS, HE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE A MAJOR TEST. His success could only be assured, if he passed it. Failure was not an option. He had prepared himself all of his life according to the best of his ability; in every way that he knew how for this situation. There had been glitches and schisms in the past but TO HIS KNOWLEDGE, it had all been corrected! He was taught by great men and women, who taught him the way that they had been taught. As time progressed, more and more new truths were revealed to him and he perfected and redirected himself. He was a complete book worm, a true student of the law that had been presented to him. It was the way of his fathers.
He had great memorization skills; second to none. He possessed a photogenic memory if you will. He also had a network of friends who thought like him, had the same goals and objectives. They believed in their cause so greatly and they were so dedicated that it became a lifestyle for them. Right or wrong, they were often misunderstood and in some cases, they were understood even better than they knew themselves.
There came a time when they as individuals had to take a great test. As a group; they were very powerful and very focused. They even had great strategy to attack this major exam and be a success. They had to be perfect in every way when they took this exam and they knew it. There would be no room for error, there could be no margins for failure. They diagnosed everything around them from their group perspective of identifying situations. They felt no need to assess things from any other angle or vantage point. Theirs was the way and they were sure.
There was a very minor flaw and it would show itself strong at a very inopportune time. Whether that would be critical or not would be determined by the test results.
The day of the test came and they were pleased to announce that they had studied and rested. They knew in advance that a select group would pass the test. Though their numbers were off, they were correct in thinking that it would be just a percentage of all who took the test.
According to their calculations only those who were a part of their group could take the test and pass it. Their calculations also showed that even after that; only one in 41 of them would pass it. They had retained many many facts. The preparation for this exam for them had taken a lifetime. They knew Reading, Spelling, Writing, Mathematics, Logistics, Science, The Solar System. Statistics, enough about most subjects that they deemed necessary. More importantly theyt knew the letter of the law. That surely would count for much. They had a guide book and had even studied it well and picked the things they deemed most important based on what they were taught.
Let me say that what they knew was far more detailed than what the average person knew.
On the day of the test, they were surprised to see so many people there who were not of their discipline. In fact, as they looked around they saw that EVERYBODY was there to take the same test. It was crowded but surely there was electricity and excitement in the air!
In a distant room, they heard screaming and crying and they heard laughter and joy, all at different times.
They took the test and all seemed well in their hearts. They were truly sincere. The test was graded on the spot for each of them as they turned in their answers and went before the review board.
I’d love to make this story sound lovely at this point and tell you that they passed, but that would be a lie. They were never taught comprehension to mix with all of their facts that were taught to them. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." 2 Timothy 3: 15
They had never ventured to rightly divide the Word of Truth for themselves.
So, though they had the facts, they didn’t have them all and when asked to lay them out, they could not nor were they able to explain in a sensible way what the facts meant.
AS A RESULT, THEY WERE NOT ADMITTED TO THE TOP SCHOOL.
Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth and the light. No man comes to the Father but by me. “
I cannot stand by and say nothing …
I am trusting God that this letter will not fall on deaf ears for it is a letter of love, a seed to be watered and it will reap a harvest! All is well.
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He had great memorization skills; second to none. He possessed a photogenic memory if you will. He also had a network of friends who thought like him, had the same goals and objectives. They believed in their cause so greatly and they were so dedicated that it became a lifestyle for them. Right or wrong, they were often misunderstood and in some cases, they were understood even better than they knew themselves.
There came a time when they as individuals had to take a great test. As a group; they were very powerful and very focused. They even had great strategy to attack this major exam and be a success. They had to be perfect in every way when they took this exam and they knew it. There would be no room for error, there could be no margins for failure. They diagnosed everything around them from their group perspective of identifying situations. They felt no need to assess things from any other angle or vantage point. Theirs was the way and they were sure.
There was a very minor flaw and it would show itself strong at a very inopportune time. Whether that would be critical or not would be determined by the test results.
The day of the test came and they were pleased to announce that they had studied and rested. They knew in advance that a select group would pass the test. Though their numbers were off, they were correct in thinking that it would be just a percentage of all who took the test.
According to their calculations only those who were a part of their group could take the test and pass it. Their calculations also showed that even after that; only one in 41 of them would pass it. They had retained many many facts. The preparation for this exam for them had taken a lifetime. They knew Reading, Spelling, Writing, Mathematics, Logistics, Science, The Solar System. Statistics, enough about most subjects that they deemed necessary. More importantly theyt knew the letter of the law. That surely would count for much. They had a guide book and had even studied it well and picked the things they deemed most important based on what they were taught.
Let me say that what they knew was far more detailed than what the average person knew.
On the day of the test, they were surprised to see so many people there who were not of their discipline. In fact, as they looked around they saw that EVERYBODY was there to take the same test. It was crowded but surely there was electricity and excitement in the air!
In a distant room, they heard screaming and crying and they heard laughter and joy, all at different times.
They took the test and all seemed well in their hearts. They were truly sincere. The test was graded on the spot for each of them as they turned in their answers and went before the review board.
I’d love to make this story sound lovely at this point and tell you that they passed, but that would be a lie. They were never taught comprehension to mix with all of their facts that were taught to them. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." 2 Timothy 3: 15
They had never ventured to rightly divide the Word of Truth for themselves.
So, though they had the facts, they didn’t have them all and when asked to lay them out, they could not nor were they able to explain in a sensible way what the facts meant.
AS A RESULT, THEY WERE NOT ADMITTED TO THE TOP SCHOOL.
Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth and the light. No man comes to the Father but by me. “
I cannot stand by and say nothing …
I am trusting God that this letter will not fall on deaf ears for it is a letter of love, a seed to be watered and it will reap a harvest! All is well.
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Friday, April 27, 2007
Stay in the cycle of Faith by Elaine Davenport
Just walk up to someone and ask them what are the signs of faith. You will get a myriad of answers and only a few of them will be convincing. It's not because people don't know. It's because no one really ever thought about it that way!
Faith is one of the simplest things; yet people make it complicated. There's a whole lot of faith on the receiving end or the back end, but on the front end...there's usually not as much.
You've got to grab hold of this.
THE CYCLE OF FAITH
1 FAITH ASKS BELIEVING
2.FAITH ACCEPTS
3.FAITH PRAISES & GIVES THANKS
4.FAITH CELEBRATES
5.FAITH SPEAKS BOLDLY BEFOREHAND!
6.FAITH DECREES!
7.FAITH EXCLAIMS
8.FAITH IS ESTABLISHED
9.FAITH ACTS
10.FAITH IS PATIENT
11.FAITH EXPECTS
12.FAITH STAYS ROOTED IN THE WORD OF GOD
13.FAITH STAYS IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
14.FAITH LOVES
15.FAITH FORGIVES
16.FAITH IS HUMBLE
17.FAITH OVERCOMES
18.FAITH PERSEVERES
19.FAITH NEVER DRAWS BACK
20.FAITH WINS
You have to stay in the cycle of Faith!
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Faith is one of the simplest things; yet people make it complicated. There's a whole lot of faith on the receiving end or the back end, but on the front end...there's usually not as much.
You've got to grab hold of this.
THE CYCLE OF FAITH
1 FAITH ASKS BELIEVING
2.FAITH ACCEPTS
3.FAITH PRAISES & GIVES THANKS
4.FAITH CELEBRATES
5.FAITH SPEAKS BOLDLY BEFOREHAND!
6.FAITH DECREES!
7.FAITH EXCLAIMS
8.FAITH IS ESTABLISHED
9.FAITH ACTS
10.FAITH IS PATIENT
11.FAITH EXPECTS
12.FAITH STAYS ROOTED IN THE WORD OF GOD
13.FAITH STAYS IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
14.FAITH LOVES
15.FAITH FORGIVES
16.FAITH IS HUMBLE
17.FAITH OVERCOMES
18.FAITH PERSEVERES
19.FAITH NEVER DRAWS BACK
20.FAITH WINS
You have to stay in the cycle of Faith!
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"Who" would be better than you? by Elaine Davenport
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2: 15
Let a man examine himself, etc. To see whether he can eat in loving remembrance of the death of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11: 28
Your family is waiting for you to say something to them. They're expecting it! God needs someone to stand in the gap for your family to be saved and it's going to have to be you. You're going to have to examine yourself. Trust me that this is a faith builder; especially after you begin to see results. It's not going to be your neighbor across the street and in many cases it won't be them, so it's going to have to be you. You're not only going to have to pray, but also minister to them and in some cases bring them to Christ. You may not be able to get them to church; but you can bring them to Christ and let God do the rest.
You've got to get your mind off of you and on to them. You'll be Blessed if you will do this.
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Let a man examine himself, etc. To see whether he can eat in loving remembrance of the death of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11: 28
Your family is waiting for you to say something to them. They're expecting it! God needs someone to stand in the gap for your family to be saved and it's going to have to be you. You're going to have to examine yourself. Trust me that this is a faith builder; especially after you begin to see results. It's not going to be your neighbor across the street and in many cases it won't be them, so it's going to have to be you. You're not only going to have to pray, but also minister to them and in some cases bring them to Christ. You may not be able to get them to church; but you can bring them to Christ and let God do the rest.
You've got to get your mind off of you and on to them. You'll be Blessed if you will do this.
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Tip for the Music by Elaine Davenport
It seems that one can encounter a problem navigating from the site regarding music on the web. (Not just this site) What I do is I open a window with the music playing and shrink it on the desktop. Then I open a second window to navigate on the web. On this site; many of the references will take you away from this site and when you leave and come back the music has stopped. This remedy is probably more practical for high speed Internet users. I am humbly sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you. We are working to find a remedy. Thank you.
P.S. A lot of people may choose to come to this site, put on the music and then do their Internet related assignments.
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P.S. A lot of people may choose to come to this site, put on the music and then do their Internet related assignments.
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Thursday, April 26, 2007
Conclusion of "Why Tongues" By Elaine Davenport
I suppose I need a rest. I got my sites mixed up. I am so sorry.
"For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries."
I Corinthians 14:14
I have friends who still don’t believe in speaking in tongues. So I ask you:
What is tradition? I offer this answer: Tradition is simply doing things the way the other people around you do. It’s trusting man. But the Word says don’t put your faith in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Read your bible and you cannot form any other conclusion that tongues are necessary for every believer. I* wish someone had cared to explain it to me! Really.
So, I need to explain how my life changed by my speaking in tongues. Out of respect for the people in my life and protecting their confidentiality; I can only say that a clean sweep was made in my household and in my family. The only person who was constantly under attack was me; but the enemy could only make little “mini” attacks because none of his weapons would prosper. I got my vision back, my life back, my family back, my marriage replenished, my children began to prosper and all my family members who never wanted to hear about God had an about face. My income was magnified and business opportunities came out of the woodwork. I could go on but I won’t. Gotta go.
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"For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries."
I Corinthians 14:14
I have friends who still don’t believe in speaking in tongues. So I ask you:
What is tradition? I offer this answer: Tradition is simply doing things the way the other people around you do. It’s trusting man. But the Word says don’t put your faith in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Read your bible and you cannot form any other conclusion that tongues are necessary for every believer. I* wish someone had cared to explain it to me! Really.
So, I need to explain how my life changed by my speaking in tongues. Out of respect for the people in my life and protecting their confidentiality; I can only say that a clean sweep was made in my household and in my family. The only person who was constantly under attack was me; but the enemy could only make little “mini” attacks because none of his weapons would prosper. I got my vision back, my life back, my family back, my marriage replenished, my children began to prosper and all my family members who never wanted to hear about God had an about face. My income was magnified and business opportunities came out of the woodwork. I could go on but I won’t. Gotta go.
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Faith in God and not in man by Elaine Davenport
And in my preaching there were no honeyed words of wisdom, but I was dependent on the power of the Spirit to make it clear to you: So that your faith might be based not on man's wisdom but on the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2: 4-5
Everyday, we see examples of people who put their faith in men and not God. As a result, there are murders, suicides, homelessness, tragedies, broken hearts, deterioration, lost possessions and I could go on and on. We've all done it at one time or another and I suppose most of us have been burned by that decision. Now I was raised to know that when I got burnt; I would not do it again. Some people like doing the same thing over and over or repeating past mistakes or behaviors; often putting their faith in men.
Today; make up your mind to put your faith in God, letting Him order your steps and hold your hand. Just trust God for this problem. He's consistent and will not let you slip, stumble or fall.
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Everyday, we see examples of people who put their faith in men and not God. As a result, there are murders, suicides, homelessness, tragedies, broken hearts, deterioration, lost possessions and I could go on and on. We've all done it at one time or another and I suppose most of us have been burned by that decision. Now I was raised to know that when I got burnt; I would not do it again. Some people like doing the same thing over and over or repeating past mistakes or behaviors; often putting their faith in men.
Today; make up your mind to put your faith in God, letting Him order your steps and hold your hand. Just trust God for this problem. He's consistent and will not let you slip, stumble or fall.
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Wednesday, April 25, 2007
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE ;TODAY WOULD YOU BE BRAVE? by Elaine Davenport
I "see" a lot of people praising God! I 'hear" a lot of people talking about God! I "read" a lot of what people write about God. BUT...when the rubber meets the road as they say and people really have to make a choice, who will they choose?
CASSIE BERNALL WAS A SPECIAL YOUNG LADY WITH A HEART FOR GOD. CASSIE GAVE OF HERSELF FREELY TO GOD. SHE WAS A SHINING EXAMPLE TO THE BODY OF CHRIST.
Many people recall her story. Cassie at age seventeen years of age found herself within close proximity of one of the shooters as she huddled on the floor during the Columbine massacre in Denver a year years ago; in which twelve students were killed and two dozen more were injured. The killer looked at her and asked if she believed in God? Without batting an eye, she said Yes. He killed her. At that moment, faith was challenged and faith won! I'm asking you today wherever you are to lift up Cassie's family in prayer. We speak Blessings over their lives. Praise God!
She did not make the decision that day not to deny God, she had made it long before that. It was a question regarding a faith declaration. No one ever said that it would be easy. In fact, Jesus said: If they will persecute me, they will persecute you. Have you made your choice yet or are you just going along for the ride?
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CASSIE BERNALL WAS A SPECIAL YOUNG LADY WITH A HEART FOR GOD. CASSIE GAVE OF HERSELF FREELY TO GOD. SHE WAS A SHINING EXAMPLE TO THE BODY OF CHRIST.
Many people recall her story. Cassie at age seventeen years of age found herself within close proximity of one of the shooters as she huddled on the floor during the Columbine massacre in Denver a year years ago; in which twelve students were killed and two dozen more were injured. The killer looked at her and asked if she believed in God? Without batting an eye, she said Yes. He killed her. At that moment, faith was challenged and faith won! I'm asking you today wherever you are to lift up Cassie's family in prayer. We speak Blessings over their lives. Praise God!
She did not make the decision that day not to deny God, she had made it long before that. It was a question regarding a faith declaration. No one ever said that it would be easy. In fact, Jesus said: If they will persecute me, they will persecute you. Have you made your choice yet or are you just going along for the ride?
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Tuesday, April 24, 2007
TEARING DOWN STRONGHOLDS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST: SPEAKING IN TONGUES
INTRODUCTION: I RECEIVED THE GIFT OF TRADITIONS FILLED WITH MY FAMILIES "RELIGIOUS" BELIEFS AS A LITTLE CHILD. AS I GREW OLDER PHYSICALLY, I REALIZED THAT I COULD NOT GROW OLDER SPIRITUALLY UNTIL I TOOK GOD AT HIS WORD AND OVERLOOKED THE TRADITIONS OF MEN AND THEIR COMFORT ZONES!
(For some of you; this may be hard, but I present the truth. )
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PART ONE
For years, many people said that people who spoke in tongues were of the devil. Jesus said believers would do it so how did the devil get in there? Well, the Bible says "Satan" is the author of lies.
Don't take another man's word for whether you ought to speak in tongues; take God's Word.
Jesus said in Mark 16: 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
DO YOU BELIEVE? THEN WHY AREN'T SIGNS FOLLOWING YOU?
You made a choice to follow God. Now you have to make a choice to accept all that He freely gives you.
THIS IS WHY:
Speaking in tongues allows us to pray out the perfect will of God for our lives and those around us. That exercise will change your life dramatically. It will build you up personally and it allows you to commune with God. It is the first outward sign that you have been baptized with the Holy Ghost. It gave me confidence that I can get things done in the spirit realm and get my prayers answered.
That gift makes me "feel" powerful.
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PART TWO
If your dandruff is up about the prospect of speaking in tongues; don’t feel bad. I felt the same way myself. I am now certain that speaking in tongues may be one of the most misunderstood “benefits” available to believers.
Over the years, I have changed my mind about a lot of things. I’m pretty stubborn sometimes, so my mind was locked solid on a couple of things when it came to God and the church. Here goes:
(These were things I did not like or vowed never to deal with or do.)
1. I thought speaking in tongues was absolutely ridiculous and that it wasn’t real.
2. I thought people falling out by the power of the Holy Ghost were fake.
3. I loathed: “singing preachers.”
4. I didn’t like noisy churches.
5. I used to say that the one kind of writing that I would never do would be “religious” writing.
6. I did not like the idea of men not going to church; but I especially didn’t like the fact that most churches didn’t do enough to get men into the church.
Today, I’m going to tackle the issue of my apprehension and lack of understanding around the ability to speak in tongues.
I did not come from a Pentecostal background. My mother sent us to church as children, several blocks away. That only happened because the minister kept knocking on the door to invite us and my mother felt bad for him because he wouldn’t give up and he was so nice. In the meantime I’m sure my grandmother had already covered us in prayer.
We came from a long line of Baptists. The family was very comfortable with that. After coming off of a long illness; I was led to a nearby Pentecostal church. I didn’t go there to examine them or take an application. My requirements were simple. I needed a connection with God, direction and to find a way to get my healing. In the midst of my search I found out about the “power” of speaking in tongues.
Here are some things that the Bible says about tongues: And He said unto them, "Go ye into the entire world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." MARK 16¨ 17
It’s amazing that Jesus says that tongues are a sign that you believe. I didn’t write it; Jesus did! What am I inferring? No, what is Jesus inferring? That’s the question.
WAS IT HARD? I was surprised that learning to speak in tongues was just a question of the heart and not anything else. I just asked God for the gift and began to speak.
The Spirit of God helps those that speak in tongues, making intercession for us, knowing what we are to pray which is the perfect will of God.
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
In the book of Acts; when the members of the early church gathered, they were all in one accord when the Holy Ghost fell. This is important.
Acts 2:4
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
I Corinthians 14:2
Tomorrow, I will continue this discussion; I hope you'll join in as we tear down this stronghold!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
(For some of you; this may be hard, but I present the truth. )
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PART ONE
For years, many people said that people who spoke in tongues were of the devil. Jesus said believers would do it so how did the devil get in there? Well, the Bible says "Satan" is the author of lies.
Don't take another man's word for whether you ought to speak in tongues; take God's Word.
Jesus said in Mark 16: 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
DO YOU BELIEVE? THEN WHY AREN'T SIGNS FOLLOWING YOU?
You made a choice to follow God. Now you have to make a choice to accept all that He freely gives you.
THIS IS WHY:
Speaking in tongues allows us to pray out the perfect will of God for our lives and those around us. That exercise will change your life dramatically. It will build you up personally and it allows you to commune with God. It is the first outward sign that you have been baptized with the Holy Ghost. It gave me confidence that I can get things done in the spirit realm and get my prayers answered.
That gift makes me "feel" powerful.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
PART TWO
If your dandruff is up about the prospect of speaking in tongues; don’t feel bad. I felt the same way myself. I am now certain that speaking in tongues may be one of the most misunderstood “benefits” available to believers.
Over the years, I have changed my mind about a lot of things. I’m pretty stubborn sometimes, so my mind was locked solid on a couple of things when it came to God and the church. Here goes:
(These were things I did not like or vowed never to deal with or do.)
1. I thought speaking in tongues was absolutely ridiculous and that it wasn’t real.
2. I thought people falling out by the power of the Holy Ghost were fake.
3. I loathed: “singing preachers.”
4. I didn’t like noisy churches.
5. I used to say that the one kind of writing that I would never do would be “religious” writing.
6. I did not like the idea of men not going to church; but I especially didn’t like the fact that most churches didn’t do enough to get men into the church.
Today, I’m going to tackle the issue of my apprehension and lack of understanding around the ability to speak in tongues.
I did not come from a Pentecostal background. My mother sent us to church as children, several blocks away. That only happened because the minister kept knocking on the door to invite us and my mother felt bad for him because he wouldn’t give up and he was so nice. In the meantime I’m sure my grandmother had already covered us in prayer.
We came from a long line of Baptists. The family was very comfortable with that. After coming off of a long illness; I was led to a nearby Pentecostal church. I didn’t go there to examine them or take an application. My requirements were simple. I needed a connection with God, direction and to find a way to get my healing. In the midst of my search I found out about the “power” of speaking in tongues.
Here are some things that the Bible says about tongues: And He said unto them, "Go ye into the entire world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: In My name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." MARK 16¨ 17
It’s amazing that Jesus says that tongues are a sign that you believe. I didn’t write it; Jesus did! What am I inferring? No, what is Jesus inferring? That’s the question.
WAS IT HARD? I was surprised that learning to speak in tongues was just a question of the heart and not anything else. I just asked God for the gift and began to speak.
The Spirit of God helps those that speak in tongues, making intercession for us, knowing what we are to pray which is the perfect will of God.
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."
In the book of Acts; when the members of the early church gathered, they were all in one accord when the Holy Ghost fell. This is important.
Acts 2:4
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
I Corinthians 14:2
Tomorrow, I will continue this discussion; I hope you'll join in as we tear down this stronghold!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Monday, April 23, 2007
WHAT'S YOUR SECRET? by Elaine Davenport
Years ago, a dear family member was murdered. They were shot in the back three times by a neighbor who said it was self defense. This all happened in broad daylight. There was a court trial with only a judge. From the start; he sounded biased. We could not believe it but clearly he and the accused murderer's attorney were friends. There were many witnesses. Each one told a different story. All had different reasons for telling their accounts. Mainly, it was the account that was in their best interest. For example, the wife of the accused had a version. Unfortunately, her husband; the accused had a different version even though they were together. The lady next door had another version. We all knew she was out there at the time. There were rumors that she was afraid of the man so her version did not support our claim of pre meditated murder. We were gravely disappointed and all looked dim. Then a friend who had happened by testified and gave his version of the events. We thought: "Aha, at last the truth will come out." Unfortunately his version was completely different from the other three stories and there was no one to back it up.
As it turns out, there was a surprise witness who had seen everything from his yard and no one had seen him. No one even new him. Neither side knew what the man would say. The man clearly was through examination proven to be a man of integrity and honor. The man told how our family member was ambushed and shot in the back three times after he literally ran from the scene trying to get away from the accused. What this witness kept repeating was how our family member kept saying that he didn't want any trouble.
This man whom we did not know, stepped up and testified and told the truth. Lives were changed as a result in so many ways. I hated the fact that my loved one was murdered, but because God sent a messenger to tell the truth, I did not allow bitterness to take root in my life. I eventually forgave the man who committed the crime and his family.
APPLICATION
In the Bible Jesus healed a blind man. Then he told him to go and witness.
Now the man out of whom the devils had departed besought Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return to thine own house, and show what great things God hath done unto thee." And he went his way, and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done unto him. And it came to pass that when Jesus had returned, the people gladly received Him, for they were all waiting for Him. LUKE 8: 38-40 (KJV)
We have been called to witness to OTHER people about the great things that the Lord has done for us. I tell you, I don't hear people on the Internet talking about what God has done for them; so I'm wondering why is it a secret. What's your secret? IF no one knows your testimony, there's a problem. As I look through my mailing list, I look at your name and I say: "Do I know their testimony?" and I am getting a lot of No's. I don't have to know, I have a life, but God has called you to witness.
Author's note: It's no secret that God healed me of a brain tumor, cancer, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, healed my eyes, restored my home, my children and I can go on.
Witnessing is an act of Faith! I encourage you to step out from the pack of "email forwarders" (not that it's bad, in most cases it isn't) and put your witness out there. God will back you.
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As it turns out, there was a surprise witness who had seen everything from his yard and no one had seen him. No one even new him. Neither side knew what the man would say. The man clearly was through examination proven to be a man of integrity and honor. The man told how our family member was ambushed and shot in the back three times after he literally ran from the scene trying to get away from the accused. What this witness kept repeating was how our family member kept saying that he didn't want any trouble.
This man whom we did not know, stepped up and testified and told the truth. Lives were changed as a result in so many ways. I hated the fact that my loved one was murdered, but because God sent a messenger to tell the truth, I did not allow bitterness to take root in my life. I eventually forgave the man who committed the crime and his family.
APPLICATION
In the Bible Jesus healed a blind man. Then he told him to go and witness.
Now the man out of whom the devils had departed besought Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, "Return to thine own house, and show what great things God hath done unto thee." And he went his way, and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done unto him. And it came to pass that when Jesus had returned, the people gladly received Him, for they were all waiting for Him. LUKE 8: 38-40 (KJV)
We have been called to witness to OTHER people about the great things that the Lord has done for us. I tell you, I don't hear people on the Internet talking about what God has done for them; so I'm wondering why is it a secret. What's your secret? IF no one knows your testimony, there's a problem. As I look through my mailing list, I look at your name and I say: "Do I know their testimony?" and I am getting a lot of No's. I don't have to know, I have a life, but God has called you to witness.
Author's note: It's no secret that God healed me of a brain tumor, cancer, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, healed my eyes, restored my home, my children and I can go on.
Witnessing is an act of Faith! I encourage you to step out from the pack of "email forwarders" (not that it's bad, in most cases it isn't) and put your witness out there. God will back you.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Sunday, April 22, 2007
THE POWER OF CONFESSION by Elaine Davenport
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One of the best ways that we can all build ourselves up and make things happen is by using the power of the Word of God. You can't speak the Word or what it intends for you if you don't read it. Make a list of your favorite confessions and start speaking it. Then watch things begin to happen. Just make sure that you set your faith on it! Here are a few of my favorite confessions:
• I have an inheritance from God!
• I believe I receive!
• Oh- I’m not backing off of this promise
• You cannot lie-you’re God and you say what is
• I believe the Word to the end!
• I believe God for the miraculous like I’ve never believed before!
• I have my expectors on!
• I have great expectations!
• When I get a revelation from God, I will walk in it and operate in it so God can give me even more
• The anointing destroys yokes!
• The anointing opens up doors for me!
• The anointing of God causes me to inherit the Blessing
• The anointing of God leads me on a path of righteousness
• The Holy Ghost keeps me from straying from the right or the left
• I value the word, it’s more important than anything else!
• I am delivered supernaturally
• I’m delivered of ____________, (name them) I don’t need that
• I am victorious
• I am more than a conqueror
• I am expecting to reach out and touch the multitudes
• God will do a new thing in me and it SHALL spring forth
• It shall come to pass
• It is mine
• I have favor with God and man
• I’m expecting to inherit the Blessing of God
• I’m believing God for the miraculous
• I’m believing Him to go above and beyond what the natural realm says is able to happen
• I’m not limited to the earth’s resources, my resources are heaven and earth
• If it isn’t here-God can make it
• I don’t have to worry about that
• I’m expecting to live a long, fruitful, healthy, prosperous life here on earth
• That’s part of my inheritance
• I am the righteousness of God and Christ Jesus
• I am a joint heir with Jesus and because I am a joint heir, I have PROMISE
• I’m connected to royalty
• I have promises
• I command my inheritance to come in
• I command my angels to go get it and gather my harvest and to bring it in.
• I’m believing God for a perpetual harvest, a continual harvest, harvest upon harvest
• I will continue to do what God tells me to do
• I will continue to believe
• I will continue to sow
• I walk by faith and not by sight
• Gods word is true
• He cannot lie
• What He says IS; therefore I believe
• It is so
• It is mine
• My faith stirs in me
• The anointing stirs in me
• I believe God for miracles
• I believe, I will receive
• What I confess happens
• My God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus
• I have a continual supply for every need
• I have the power to create with the fruit of my lips
• I am willing and obedient
• The Lord teaches me to profit and leadest me the way that I should go.
____________________________________________________________________________________
One of the best ways that we can all build ourselves up and make things happen is by using the power of the Word of God. You can't speak the Word or what it intends for you if you don't read it. Make a list of your favorite confessions and start speaking it. Then watch things begin to happen. Just make sure that you set your faith on it! Here are a few of my favorite confessions:
• I have an inheritance from God!
• I believe I receive!
• Oh- I’m not backing off of this promise
• You cannot lie-you’re God and you say what is
• I believe the Word to the end!
• I believe God for the miraculous like I’ve never believed before!
• I have my expectors on!
• I have great expectations!
• When I get a revelation from God, I will walk in it and operate in it so God can give me even more
• The anointing destroys yokes!
• The anointing opens up doors for me!
• The anointing of God causes me to inherit the Blessing
• The anointing of God leads me on a path of righteousness
• The Holy Ghost keeps me from straying from the right or the left
• I value the word, it’s more important than anything else!
• I am delivered supernaturally
• I’m delivered of ____________, (name them) I don’t need that
• I am victorious
• I am more than a conqueror
• I am expecting to reach out and touch the multitudes
• God will do a new thing in me and it SHALL spring forth
• It shall come to pass
• It is mine
• I have favor with God and man
• I’m expecting to inherit the Blessing of God
• I’m believing God for the miraculous
• I’m believing Him to go above and beyond what the natural realm says is able to happen
• I’m not limited to the earth’s resources, my resources are heaven and earth
• If it isn’t here-God can make it
• I don’t have to worry about that
• I’m expecting to live a long, fruitful, healthy, prosperous life here on earth
• That’s part of my inheritance
• I am the righteousness of God and Christ Jesus
• I am a joint heir with Jesus and because I am a joint heir, I have PROMISE
• I’m connected to royalty
• I have promises
• I command my inheritance to come in
• I command my angels to go get it and gather my harvest and to bring it in.
• I’m believing God for a perpetual harvest, a continual harvest, harvest upon harvest
• I will continue to do what God tells me to do
• I will continue to believe
• I will continue to sow
• I walk by faith and not by sight
• Gods word is true
• He cannot lie
• What He says IS; therefore I believe
• It is so
• It is mine
• My faith stirs in me
• The anointing stirs in me
• I believe God for miracles
• I believe, I will receive
• What I confess happens
• My God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus
• I have a continual supply for every need
• I have the power to create with the fruit of my lips
• I am willing and obedient
• The Lord teaches me to profit and leadest me the way that I should go.
____________________________________________________________________________________
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