Category Archives: Be a “HIStory” maker

Dec14

The Night Before Christmas…The World Didn’t Know!

Posted on December 14, 2013 by sagescenery

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“Redemption so sweet and so strong…

Salvation was writing a song…”

Empty manger, perfect stranger, about to be born.

Into darkness, sadness, desperate madness, creation so torn.

We were so lost on earth, no peace, no worth, no way to escape.

In fear, no faith, no hope, no grace, and no light

But that was the night before Christmas.

Warm hay, cold sweat, a mother, not yet.

Praying godspeed the dawn.

She looks to her man, holding her hand. They wonder how long.

And the shepherds, wise men come to find them, and bow to a king.

One star above shining on love, so bright, it lit up the night before Christmas.

And the world didn’t know mercy was meek and so mild.

And the world didn’t know that truth was as pure as a child.

The night before Christmas.

And the world didn’t know, redemption was sweet and so strong.

And the world didn’t know salvation was writing a song.

The night before Christmas.

Empty manger, perfect stranger, about to be born.

I wonder if you’ve heard the story
Of little fame and lesser glory
The night the keeper of the inn
In the little town of Bethlehem
Encountered Joseph and his Mary
About to birth the Savior of the world.

His wife said, “Go and see who’s knocking.”
He ran down to the gate, unlocked it
The moment he heard Mary’s cry
He couldn’t look them in the eye
Denied them in, went back to bed
When his wife asked who was there, he said…
“I don’t know… Just a girl
Just a couple of gypsies begging at the door
Told them we don’t have room for anymore
And closed the door
It was just a girl” He tried to sleep, but wasn’t able
He snuck out to the dirty stable
Where two had found the covering
And later in her suffering
The keeper knelt outside the barn
And in the light of that great star, he prayed
“What have I done? He’s just a babe
Just minutes old there trembling in the hay
I could’ve found a room for them to stay
I’m so ashamed
He’s just a babe.”

There was no robe
There was no crown
The shepherds stood on Royal ground
The keeper wept, for what he’d done
He turned away, God’s own Son

Just a King
Just a million angels crowding in to see
Jesus there among humanity

Just a babe
Just minutes old there trembling in the hay
Staring at His mother in the face
She’s just a girl

Just a girl
Does she even know that she just changed the world?
Does she even know that He will save the world?
Does Mary know that He will save the world?
She’s just a girl
Just a girl
Just a girl

If you told me all about your sorrows

I’d tell you about a cure

If you told me you can’t fight the battle

There’s a Baby Boy who won the war

The war was won by a Baby Boy

Alleluia, we can sing it

Alleluia, Heaven’s ringing

Alleluia!

Endless hope and relentless joy started with a Baby Boy

Oh, before that silent night

No Savior and no Jesus Christ

The world cried out so desperately

And the Baby Boy was the reply,

Yes, Heaven’s reply was a baby boy

Alleluia, we can sing it

Alleluia, Heaven’s ringing

Alleluia!

Endless hope and endless joy started with a Baby Boy

See, the King is coming down

And He’s here without a crown

The Baby Boy without a bed

Giving life back to the dead

And hear the angels shout it out

As the people are coming down

Unexpected majesty

Alleluia, what a King

Alleluia, we can sing it

Alleluia, Heaven’s ringing

Alleluia!

Endless hope and relentless joy started with a Baby Boy

Alleluia, we can sing it!

Alleluia, yeah, Heaven’s ringing!

Alleluia!

Endless hope and relentless joy started with a Baby Boy!

He’s knocking…

Make room for Him, now…

In your heart…

Don’t turn away God’s own Son…

This Christmas!

Dec12

“Tis The Season!!! Oh, I Need A Silent Night! Badly!!

Posted on December 12, 2013 by sagescenery

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Luke 2:4-7

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee,

out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David,

which is called Bethlehem;

(because he was of the house and lineage of David.)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there,

the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son,

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;

because there was no room for them in the inn.”

I’ve made the same mistake before
Too many malls, too many stores
December traffic, Christmas rush
It breaks me ’til I push and shove

Children are crying while mothers are trying
To photograph Santa and sleigh
The shopping and buying and standing forever in line
What can I say?

I need a Silent Night, a Holy Night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a Silent Night

December comes then disappears
Faster and faster every year
Did my own mother keep this pace
Or was the world a different place?

Where people stayed home wishing for snow
Watching three channels on their TV
Look at us now rushing around
Trying to buy Christmas peace

I need a Silent night, a Holy Night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a Silent Night

What was it like back there in Bethlehem
With Peace on earth, good will toward men?

“There were shepherds out in the field
Keeping watch over their flock by night
And the glory of the Lord shone around them
And they were so afraid

And the angels said, ‘Fear not, for behold
I bring you Good News of a great joy that shall be for all people
For unto you is born this day, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’

…And His Name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace.”

(Luke 2:8-11, Isaiah 9:6)

I need a Silent Night, a Holy Night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a Silent Night
To end this crazy day with a Silent Night

“Silent Night”

Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright

Round yon virgin mother and Child.
Holy Infant so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.

“Silent Night” was written by a Catholic priest, Joseph Mohr, pastor in the Austrian Alps in a little town of Oberndorf.

It was Christmas Eve, 1815, when he meditated on the wonderful story of the birth of Christ and wrote the sweet, simple verses of this song.

The next day he took them to the village schoolmaster, an organist, Franz Gruber, who prayerfully put them to music that fits them so quietly and so well.

And that night they had the choir sing it for the first time with only guitar accompaniment, since the organ had broken down .

Through the years this sweet song drifted out to the world and now millions of people rejoice as they sing.

Read the entire post at:

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Books,%20Tracts%20&%20Preaching/Printed%20Sermons/Dr%20John%20Rice/silent_night.htm

Call on Jesus…

To find your Silent Night…

This Christmas!!

Amen!

Dec6

Have You Finally Figured Out…What Christmas Is Really All About?!?!

Posted on December 6, 2013 by sagescenery

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It’s Christmas time again…

Spread some good cheer…

Volunteer…

Sing!

Grin from ear to ear…

Christmas time is here!!

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Christmas has nothing to do…

With livin’ for yourself…

Let the Light of Christmas shine through…

Your eyes, your smile…

You know you can…

Shine on…

Through the good you do for the people that don’t have it so good!

Light up…

Show the way…

Don’t wait for Christmas Day!

Light up…

And finally figure out…

What Christmas is all about!!

Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!

Hear the sound?

A thousand angels singing out!

To God Almighty.. .

We’re bowing down…

And that’s what Christmas is all about!!

Isaiah 7:14

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,

and will call Him Immanuel.”

Isaiah 9:6-7

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a Son is given,
    and the government will be on His shoulders.
And He will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of His government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over His kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.”

Amen!

Dec6

You’re Here…Joseph’s Lullaby…This Is Christmas!!

Posted on December 6, 2013 by sagescenery

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Luke 2:1-20

“And it came to pass in those days,

that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee,

out of the city of Nazareth,

into Judaea,

unto the city of David,

which is called Bethlehem;

(because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there,

the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son,

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;

because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country

shepherds abiding in the field,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them,

and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:

and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them,

Fear not: for, behold,

I bring you good tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David

a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you;

Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God,

and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass,

as the angels were gone away from them into heaven,

the shepherds said one to another,

Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,

and see this thing which is come to pass,

which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste,

and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it,

they made known abroad the saying which was told them

concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things

which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things,

and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God

for all the things that they had heard and seen,

as it was told unto them.”

Amen!

Dec4

Here’s Looking At You, “Kidd!” – In Memory Of Justin Kidd…

Posted on December 4, 2013 by sagescenery

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I sat outside on my lanai…

With my cup of coffee on a bright sunny day last week…

Reading through some old Pentecostal Evangel magazines…

I have ready outside for just such an opportunity to sit and relax!

I came across an article about “Dave and Robin Kidd, who pastor True North Church (Assemblies of God) in Minerva, Ohio, and offer marriage seminars through their Binding Hearts Marriage and Family Ministries. The Kidd family suffered the destruction of their home to a fire on the night of April 27, 2013. Their son, Justin, 20, was unable to get out of his basement bedroom, and perished in the fire. The Kidds have continued in ministry during the months following Justin’s death, and reflect this Thanksgiving on the blessing of his life.”

To read the entire interview with

Scott Harrup, Pentecostal Evangel managing editor…

Go to:

http://www.pe.ag.org/archives/connections.cfm

Oh, my heart broke for them…

I have a 23 year-old son…

I can’t even begin to imagine such a thing…

I prayed, Lord, please comfort them…

Then, I noticed that his parents mentioned…

He had a blog on WordPress…

And that it was very popular with his youth group…

As I read his posts…

I, first of all, felt the love he had as a youth pastor…

And I was so amazed at the spiritual maturity of this 20 year-old!

(Please check out his entire blog and pray for his family)

http://justinkidder.wordpress.com/

For instance…

I reblogged an awesome post by Reality of Christ last June…

Debunking the lie that God won’t give us more than we can handle!

https://godssceneryandpromises.wordpress.com/2013/06/26/debunked-god-wont-give-us-more-than-we-can-handle/?preview=true&preview_id=7942&preview_nonce=2bf23c0624&post_format=standard

And Justin had posted the same topic to his youth group!

It caught my attention, because…

I had just counseled one of our young adults on the same subject!

God gives us more than we can handle…

God asks us to do difficult things…

But, we aren’t expected to do them alone…

We’re expected to depend on Him and not on our own understanding!!

Here’s

Justin’s Post of Apr. 18, 2013

Can You Handle?

One of the most common things you will hear people say is simply this: “God Will Not Give You More Than You Can Handle.” Seriously…I have lost count of how many times I have heard this said. Not only have I heard it numerous times, I am also guilty of saying this myself over the years…But here is the thing..It actually is another one of the lies that we buy..Before I started studying the word of god, and actually getting to know him better over the last year I have learned that this is actually in fact false.

This Statement, is actually misquoted scripture coming from 1 Corinthians 10:13 which says simply this:

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be TEMPTED beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Saying that God will not give you more than you can handle, and saying he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, IS NOT THE SAME! Temptation is not circumstances..they are separate. You will be tempted and Tested in life, but as it says with the temptation will come a way out so you can endure the temptation, but he didn’t say he wouldn’t give us problems we couldn’t handle. This is why so many people misquote this scripture.

I in fact now believe the opposite. God does in fact give us more than we can handle. This is for the sole purpose of our need for his divine intervention. We alone can not handle..but with his help we can. That is why he allows test/trials.

Yes the saying God won’t give you more than you can handle sounds good..but here is the catch…just because something sounds good…doesn’t mean its true or biblical. There are plenty of things out there in the world that people will tell you that sounds great, but as I said, that doesn’t mean it is true.

So what is my challenge to my readers this week?

Before believing anything you hear, go to gods word first. As I already said, just because it sounds good, that doesn’t mean it is true. CHECK IT!

This is a new thing that is new to my youth, since this is what I preached last night, but I have been doubting myself and this message since last night, and just now my Aunt turned on a movie, and it just had a scene that I caught and in the scene this message was just taught by the pastor in the movie, so to me this was a confirmation that this is what was to be shared. And for that I thank god for. I needed that myself.

I just loved his passion for God…

For God’s Word…

And for the youth he worked with!

Here’s another one of his posts…

Perfectly Broken

An excerpt from Justin’s post on March 28th, 2013:

1.) If we think we are perfect, we simply are not real and we are empty.

2.) We are perfect at one thing…..being broken!

3.) We are imperfect and broken people being brought back together by the Perfect God!

4.) The sooner we stop trying to achieve the perfect life, the sooner we can start focusing on things that matter more, and do greater and better things!

Rest in God’s Peace, Justin…

You truly left a legacy of trust in God’s Word!

Amen!

Sep19

Need A Revelation? Sing A New Song!

Posted on September 19, 2013 by sagescenery

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Worthy is the, Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven’s mercy seat

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing
Praise to the King of Kings
You are my everything
And I will adore You

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and glory and power be
to You the only wise King

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus Your Name is power
Breath, and living water
Such a marvelous mystery

2 Corinthians 5:21

“God made Him

who had no sin

to be sin for us,

so that in Him

we might become

the righteousness of God.”

Revelation 4:8

“Each of the four living creatures

had six wings

and was covered with eyes all around,

even under his wings.

Day and night they never stop saying:

‘Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty,

who was,

and is,

and is to come.'”

Revelation 22:1-21

Eden Restored

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life,

as clear as crystal,

flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb

down the middle of the great street of the city.

On each side of the river stood the tree of life,

bearing twelve crops of fruit,

yielding its fruit every month.

And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

No longer will there be any curse.

The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city,

and his servants will serve Him.

They will see His face,

and His name will be on their foreheads.

There will be no more night.

They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun,

for the Lord God will give them light.

And they will reign for ever and ever.”

John and the Angel

“The angel said to me,

‘These words are trustworthy and true.

The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets,

sent His angel to show His servants

the things that must soon take place.’

‘Look, I am coming soon!

Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.’

I, John,

am the one who heard and saw these things.

And when I had heard and seen them,

I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel

who had been showing them to me.

But he said to me,

‘Don’t do that!

I am a fellow servant with you

and with your fellow prophets

and with all who keep the words of this scroll.

Worship God!’

Then he told me,

‘Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll,

because the time is near.

Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong;

let the vile person continue to be vile;

let the one who does right continue to do right;

and let the holy person continue to be holy.’

Epilogue: Invitation and Warning

‘Look, I am coming soon!

My reward is with Me,

and I will give to each person

according to what they have done.

I am the Alpha and the Omega,

the First and the Last,

the Beginning and the End.

Blessed are those who wash their robes,

that they may have the right to the tree of life

and may go through the gates into the city.

Outside are the dogs,

those who practice magic arts,

the sexually immoral,

the murderers,

the idolaters

and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

I, Jesus,

have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches.

I Am the Root

and the Offspring of David,

and the bright Morning Star.”

The Spirit and the bride say,

‘Come!’

And let the one who hears say,

‘Come!’

Let the one who is thirsty come;

and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll:

If anyone adds anything to them,

God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll.

And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy,

God will take away from that person

any share in the tree of life

and in the Holy City,

which are described in this scroll.

He who testifies to these things says,

‘Yes, I Am coming soon.

Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus.

The grace of the Lord Jesus

be with God’s people.

Amen.'”

Aug21

Every Starry Night Was His Design!!!

Posted on August 21, 2013 by sagescenery

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Give your life to the only One…

Who makes the moon reflect the sun!

(All photos on this post taken by my sister, Tina!)

John 14:6

Jesus answered,

“I am the way and the truth and the life.

No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Chris August explains the story behind the song:

“In ‘Starry Night,’

I sing about how amazed I am

when I look at the stars

or trees blowing in the wind.

People take great pictures

and make great drawings of nature

and I think that’s very creative,

but God was the One who made those things.

There was a void,

and God created everything.

Those are the things I’m thinking about

when I sing the song.

The line in the song,

‘To the Faith it takes,

to pray and sing,

from the painted sky,

to my plank-filled eye,

He is God of all,

He is everything’

is based on me trying to process my own emotions

and doubts about myself.

I recognize that I’m a sinner.

Sometimes,

singers and pastors can get so caught up

in their popularity and giving messages

that they forget that God gave them everything

including their songs and sermons.

When I have something on my heart,

I pray

and ask God to reveal what He’s trying to tell me.

All of my songs are based on my prayer life.”

To read more about Chris August, go to:

http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/article.php?article_id=411

Romans 3:23

“…for all have sinned

and fall short of the glory of God,”

He’s God of all…
He is everything!

Give your life to the only Son…
Who was and is and yet to come!

Let the praises ring…
‘Cause He is everything!!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah!
I believe!

On that starry night, He changed my life!!

He gave me hope when I had none…
So let the praises ring!

Every angel sings…
That He’s Heavenly!

So let the praises ring!
‘Cause He is everything!

Psalm 147:4

“He determines the number of the stars

and calls them each by name.”

Psalm 148:3

“Praise Him, sun and moon;

Praise Him, all you shining stars.”

Matthew 2:9

“After they had heard the king,

they went on their way,

and the star they had seen when it rose

went ahead of them

until it stopped

over the place where the child was.”

We’re here because of that starry, starry night!!

It was His Design!!

And He’s still guiding wise men, today!

Jul24

Are You A “HIStory” Maker?????

Posted on July 24, 2013 by sagescenery

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My son and I went up to “Rise Up” YEX 2013 camp last night in Bradenton…

http://explosiveyouth.com/rise-up/

at Christian Retreat…

http://www.christianretreat.org/

The speaker was Jeanne Mayo…

She spoke bluntly about love relationships!

Based on the Scripture:

2 Samuel 13

About Amnon and Tamar

It was powerful!!

And very well received by the packed sanctuary of teens!!

Many came to the altar,

To “Rise Up”

And to run…

Into the arms of our Lord!

According to:

http://explosiveyouth.com/2013-speakers/

“Jeanne Mayo is acclaimed by Ministries Today as…

‘America’s Number One Youth Pastor’

She’s thrown her heart and passion into youth ministry for over four decades…

Her ministry DNA is reflected in her life mission statement:

‘The motivation and mentorship of Kamikaze Christianity into practicing and potential Kingdom champions.’

Jeanne’s successful ministry has placed her in high demand as a youth ministry…

And youth leadership communicator…

She has criss- crossed the U.S. and the globe…

Speaking in countless venues to teenagers…

And college students as well as their leaders…

As she continues to travel, one of her greatest joys…

Is to re-connect with some of the hundreds of…

Spiritual sons and daughters in full-time ministry all over the world…

Jeanne considers her most cherished accolades, though…

To be centered around her family…

She is the proud mom of two adult sons, Josh and Justin…

Who are both also in full-time ministry…

And the adoring ‘Nana’ of two young grandsons…

Elijah and Judah…

Her cherished husband remains her ‘boyfriend and hero’

After over 40 years of marriage and ministry together….

Jeanne’s life mantra comes from missionary Jim Elliot….

His words capture the essence of her heart and life’s mission:

‘He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.’”

The worship by Tyrelle Mustafa last night was amazing!!

My favorite Christian Rock song of the evening was:

Is it true today that when people pray
Cloudless skies will break
Kings and queens will shake?
Yes, it’s true and I believe it!
I’m living for You!

Is it true today that when people pray
We’ll see dead men rise
And the blind set free?
Yes, it’s true and I believe it!
I’m living for You?

I’m gonna be a “HIStory” maker in this land!
I’m gonna be a speaker of truth to all mankind!
I’m gonna stand, I’m gonna run!
Into Your arms, into Your arms again!!

Yes, it’s true today that when people stand
With the fire of God, and the truth in hand
We’ll see miracles, we’ll see angels sing!
We’ll see broken hearts making “HIStory!”
Yes, it’s true and we believe it!!
We’re living for You!!

We were all born to be “HIStory” makers!!!!!

Ordinary people, Extraordinary Faith!

Psalm 24:6

“Such is the generation of those who seek him,

who seek your face,

God of Jacob.”

Amen!!