Category Archives: The Bible

Is 65 The New 45??? Gee, I Hope So!!

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Happy Birthday To Me!!

I recently celebrated a BIG Birthday!

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                                            (Me with Sandy and Elle!)

And I now get to show my golden Medicare “ticket” everywhere..

But, now that I’m “mature,”  I forget to do it!!

Hubby’s already on it, so I know it’s fine…

I’ll get used to it!

We already had good insurance…

Thanks to the NJ Public Schools…

My plan after college was to get married,

Teach for two years,

Have 4 kids…

Done!

But, since my son took 14 years to arrive! 

I just kept on teaching…

And, as my sister-in-law advised,

“Stay in teaching long enough to get all the benefits you deserve!!”

So, I stayed!

After 26 years, I retired…

One kid, a pension, and my health insurance…

God is good!

Because of so many years…

Of being blessed with God’s wisdom…

My years of experience…

And my mistakes…

(Thank you for “redos,” Lord!)

I’m such a wealth of information! 

Ha!

So, what do you want to know about???

Growing up in a constantly fast-talking Italian family…

With lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins???

So much fun going to church together…

Everyone talking at the same time…

Very loudly!!

With lots and lots of food!!!

Growing up Pentecostal???

Lots of “You can’t do that!”

But, lots of faith, love, and strong trust in God, too!!

I learned to teach my son about all the things we can do in Christ!

And the joy we experience!

Growing up with an older brother???

“Stitches” in my side as he walked too fast on our way to school…

Joe always said my younger brother, John, and I had “piercing voices!”

Growing up with a younger brother???

Who, as I mentioned in another post…

https://godssceneryandpromises.wordpress.com/2013/09/07/oh-by-the-way-…have-any-gauze/

Slashed my lip with a snow shovel…

While  we were shoveling snow in NJ…

When I was in 6th grade!

But, we never wanted to be apart!

Praying for a sister???

My Mom was 38…

I had to have a sister…

Having two brothers was just too much…

I was eleven when Tina was born!

She went everywhere with me!

So special to me to this day!!

Amen!

God answers prayers!

Wanting to be a teacher since the first grade???

My cousin, Phyllis, who was three years older…

Lived next door…

And was always the teacher…

 I was the best student there ever was!

Dating????

Long term dating…

Too early, too intense…

I would not recommend it today!!

College and  Master’s  Education???

Let me just say…

The tassel is definitely worth the hassle…

Do your homework…

Get an education!!!

Then, ask God to give you a job you’re passionate about!

First Marriage???

Moved to Texas to live with my older brother and his wife…

Married two and a half years…

Divorced…

Came home to NJ!

Divorce???

Low, low point…

Feels like someone took a photo of the two of you…

Tore  it in two…

And ripped your heart out…

You’re deeply changed…

I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone!

Second Marriage

To my high school sweetheart…

Thirty-seven years…

Through the best of the best…

And the worst of the worst…

 The key is to go through it…

TOGETHER…

That’s what marriage is all about…

Even when “LOVE” is strong…

  But, “LIKE” is not!!

Amen!

Oh,Yes…

I am difficult to live with…

More than just sometimes!!

Good quote on Facebook:
“In every marriage more than a week old,
there are grounds for divorce…
the trick is to find, and continue to find,
the grounds for marriage!!” 
Thank you, Jesus!
Amen!!
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Ten years of Infertility???

Why me?

All my cousins and friends had kids…

But, God turned my attitude to…

“Why not me?”

And I received a miracle gift from God!

It was totally worth the huge cost and effort…

Of in-vitro…

To have our son!!!

Thank God for insurance!

Coming back to God???

Spent twenty years doing “my own thing!”

But could not fathom…

Raising my son without faith…

He loved Jesus…

Going to church…

Lively worship music…

And Veggie Tales…

And he led me back to Jesus!

Raising a great kid???

What a ministry…

To pour Jesus into your child!!!

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Life???

Yes, they’ll be trials…

But, always accept the Lord’s…

Joy!

Death???

So sad to lose loved ones…

But, we can celebrate their life…

Because of our Hope of Heaven…

And say, “See you soon!”

Parents???

We do our best…

So remember…

Your parents did their best, too!!

Forgive…

Don’t hold onto grudges…

Love!

4-11-14 to 4-13-14 Game, Outreach, RL 630

Friends and family???

While you can’t pick your family…

You can love, encourage, and minister to the family that God gave you!

Friends…

Chose wisely and love deeply!

Siberian Huskies???

Only God could make such a beautiful face…

My Crazy, Precious Little Girl…

Is lots of work…

And brings, oh, so much joy!!

See her Birthday post!

https://godssceneryandpromises.wordpress.com/2014/01/03/guess-whos-turning-seven/

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Seeing through God’s eyes???

Is beautiful…

And difficult…

Be prepared to listen…

Be prepared to obey!

Religion???

Faith is better than no faith…

Our relationship with Jesus  is everything!

Being retired???

Not HAVING to work is soooo good…

Retirement with a pension is the best!

Ministering to others???

Accountability…

Teaching others keeps you on your toes!

Keep on going for God!!

Eternal Life???

1 Timothy 4:8

“For physical training is of some value,

but godliness has value for all things,

holding promise for both the present life

and the life to come.”

Amen!

 

Grace Was Made For People Like Me!!

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John 1:14

“The Word

became flesh and made His dwelling among us.

We have seen His Glory,

the Glory of the One and Only Son,

who came from the Father,

full of Grace and Truth.”

And you!!

Be honest with God…

He’ll never let you go…

Jesus, we need You…

Lord, help us to believe…

Show us Your arms are open…

Your blood redeems…

Show me You can love…

Even me…

Show me Grace was made for…

People like me…

Amen!

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1 Corinthians 1:3

“Grace and Peace to you from

God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

When The Golf Course Is Closed To People…The Critters Come Out To Play!!

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Because God is watching over them!!

Psalm 91

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High   

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

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I will say of the Lord,

“He is my refuge and my fortress,   

my God, in whom I trust.”

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Surely He will save you   

from the fowler’s snare   

and from the deadly pestilence.

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He will cover you with His feathers,   

and under His wings you will find refuge;   

His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

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You will not fear the terror of night,   

nor the arrow that flies by day,

 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,   

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

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A thousand may fall at your side,   

ten thousand at your right hand, 

but it will not come near you.

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You will only observe with your eyes   

and see the punishment of the wicked.

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If you say,

“The Lord is my refuge,”  

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and you make the Most High your dwelling,

no harm will overtake you,   

no disaster will come near your tent.

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For He will command His angels concerning you   

to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands, 

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so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

You will tread on the lion and the cobra;   

you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

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“Because he loves me,”

says the Lord,

“I will rescue him;  

I will protect him,

for he acknowledges My Name.

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He will call on Me, and I will answer him;   

I will be with him in trouble,   

I will deliver him and honor him.

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With long life I will satisfy him   

and show him My Salvation.”

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Amen!

See how well He watches over us, too!!

My Soul Pants For You, My God!!

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Psalm 42

As the deer pants for streams of water,   

so my soul pants for You, my God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the Living God.   

When can I go and meet with God?

My tears have been my food day and night,

while people say to me all day long,   

“Where is your God?”

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These things I remember   

as I pour out my soul:

how I used to go to the house of God   

under the protection of the Mighty One

with shouts of joy and praise   

among the festive throng.

Why, my soul, are you downcast? 

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Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,   

for I will yet praise Him,   

my Savior and my God.

My soul is downcast within me;   

therefore I will remember You

from the land of the Jordan,   

the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.

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 Deep calls to deep   

in the roar of Your waterfalls;

all Your waves and breakers   

have swept over me.

By day the Lord directs His love,   

at night His song is with me—   

a prayer to the God of my life.

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I say to God my Rock,   

“Why have You forgotten me?

Why must I go about mourning,   

oppressed by the enemy?”

My bones suffer mortal agony   

as my foes taunt me,

saying to me all day long,   

“Where is your God?”

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Why, my soul, are you downcast?   

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,  

for I will yet praise Him,   

my Savior and my God.

Amen!

(P.S.  You’d think these photos might have been taken in NJ, but actually they were taken while we were visiting friends in the Keys.  Our friend, Billy Butler, grabbed my camera while we all quietly watched from the car, and took these beautiful photographs!!!)

All Eyes On You!!

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2 Corinthians 4:18

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen,

but on what is unseen,

since what is seen is temporary,

but what is unseen is eternal.”

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Everything else fades away

When You step on the scene

In my heart, take center stage

And I’ll follow Your lead

So let me step aside

And put Your Name in lights

Headline this life

All eyes on You

In everything I do

Everywhere I move

Let Your Love shine through

So all the world can see

You’ve taken over me

Let me be a reflection of Your Truth

And turn all eyes on You

You burn brighter than a million stars

And nothing can compare

So let me shadow who You are

Every second and everywhere

Yeah!

Can’t take my eyes off You

I was blind, but now I see

You gave it all, to set me free

So everyday ’til my time is gone

I’ll live my life, turning eyes on You

No matter where I am

No matter who I’m with

With everything I do, let it point to You

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Amen!! 

What a great prayer!

When Life’s A Wrecking Ball…I Press On!!!

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Philippians 3:12-14

Not that I have already obtained all this,

or have already arrived at my goal,

but I press on

to take hold of that for which

Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Brothers and sisters,

I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.

But one thing I do:

Forgetting what is behind

and straining toward what is ahead,

I press on

toward the goal to win the prize

for which God has called me heavenward

in Christ Jesus.”

Lord, I am a mess

I am a wrecking ball

I must confess that I still don’t get it all

Lord, I believe that all Your Words are true

Doesn’t matter where I’m going if I’m going with You

I press on

I press on

I press on

When I still don’t get it

Life goes on

Life goes on

But…

Your love will prove

All I need

All I need

I will find in You

I press on

Even when I’m a mess

When I’m a wrecking ball

Doesn’t matter where I’m going if I’m going with You

I press on

Hosea 6:3

“Let us acknowledge the Lord;   

let us press on to acknowledge Him.”

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Keep Going With Jesus!!!

Amen!

God’s Not Dead!!

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He’s Surely Alive!

He’s Living On The Inside!

I Know It!

I Believe It!

Can’t wait to see this movie!

Amen!!

Reinhard Bonnke, “America Shall Be Saved!!”

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I was very blessed this year…

To stay at Christian Retreat for two nights…

For our annual Global Christian Ministry Forum Convocation…

http://www.gcmf.org/

Global Christian Ministry Forum International (GCMF Int’l) is a spiritually focused overseeing international presbytery consisting of national leaders from around the world.  The presbytery provides oversight and guidance to GCMF national leaders, working in partnership for the cause of Christ. The mission of Global Christian Ministry Forum International is to link with national Christian leaders and network with them to establish effective ministry organizations in various parts of the world, whereby pastors and Christian leaders can be locally equipped, inspired, and motivated for their unique ministry.

Global Christian Ministry Forum International provides ministry credentials to qualified individuals.  Ministry credentials are issued in conjunction with a national leaders’ recommendation coupled with accountability and oversight at the national level.

I’m a licensed minister with GCMF and

I’ve also spent many weeks over the years at Christian Retreat with

 Kids-A-Fame Camp and

YEX Youth Camp!

Christian Retreat in Bradenton, FL, is certainly…

“an oasis of spiritual refreshment!”

They host conferences, retreats, camping, events, family church, and more…

The facility includes the conference center and church, with hotel style lodging, a cafeteria,

meeting rooms, a gymnasium, a youth center, and outdoor recreation.

As soon as you turn onto Glory Way Boulevard,

you sense the peace that permeates Christian Retreat

located on the banks of the beautiful Manatee River in East Manatee County.

Towering oaks dripping with Spanish moss shade the 110-acre property

that is home to year-round residents, overnight guests, and groups

who use the conference center to host events, meetings and camps.

http://www.christianretreat.org/

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The speakers at the morning and evening services were phenomenal…

Rev. Eugene Weaver, our GCMF President, Pastor Emmanuel Derry from Trinadad, Dr. Phil Derstine, Pastor of Christian Retreat Family Church, which was founded by his Father, Dr. Gerald Derstine.

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The worship/choir music was anointed, also…

Led by Worship Pastor, Rick Giannico, of Glad Tidings Assembly

God has raised Pastor Rick up in this fellowship

and has equipped him to encourage others to fall in love with Jesus

and to make “Melodies from the heart unto the Lord”.

The Lord has blessed Pastor Rick with an ability to write songs, such as;

“‘Indebted”, “‘Lord Of Everything”, “Glory, Glory To The Lamb”‘, “Rescue Me” and several others.

The songs God gives him are specific for a time and season for the ministry of the church.

Pastor Rick has an evident theme of his heart-

Psalm 66:1

“Shout for joy to God, all the earth!”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1Wuue7UnFA

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On Wednesday evening, Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke spoke…

“Don’t think generally,” he said, “As in the country of America will be saved…

Think specifically, as in my family, my friends, my neighbors, my city, my state will be saved!!

Salvation is for everyone…

Every nation…

Christ for all Nations…

Salvation includes all: 

Your spouse, your children, your family, your friends, your neighbors, your acquaintances…

Our President?  Yes!!!

People you just met, people you’ve been praying for forever!

Your prayers are answered!

The Lord says, ‘Just like in Africa, America will be saved!

You do the preaching, God brings the people!

When Jesus is next to you, something is about to happen!'”

For the first time in his 35-year ministry history,

internationally known Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke

announced that he will host crusades throughout the United States.

Through Good News crusades, Bonnke will travel from city-to-city

to inspire Americans to draw nearer to a relationship with Jesus.

“I’ve recently become a U.S. citizen, and I have come to love my country,

but my heart is burning

as I witness the staggering decline of morals and faith in this nation.

America needs the Gospel like never before.

Despite years of sharing God’s saving message abroad,

I believe God is now calling me to turn my ministry inward

to help America find renewal and revival.”

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Reinhard Bonnke

Evangelist and Founder of Christ For All Nations

http://www.cfan.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinhard_Bonnke

http://reinhardbonnke.com/#&panel1-2

http://reinhardbonnke.com/video/americamissionsubtitles.mp4

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He is known as one with a burning passion for the Gospel,

a vision for Africa and a message for the world.

http://reinhardbonnke.com/author.html

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“God is a consuming fire and God is love.

His touch torches us.

He sets driftwood on fire and makes firebrands of us.

By His flame of love we become burning and shining witnesses of Jesus Christ.”

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“If we are not “fired-up”,

we cannot convey God’s nature to others.

Therefore, everything in this book, One Soul, is about the Bible God of fire,

who fire-baptizes us with his Spirit

and sends us to preach the Good News to all creation.

Anyone who is saved is called to save souls!”

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Live, Work and Pray in the Power of the Holy Spirit!

Millions of people all over the world have been introduced to Jesus

through the ministry of Reinhard Bonnke.

These essential works describe how we too can be an extension of God’s love

by partnering with the Holy Spirit.

With a firsthand account of the mighty manifestations of God at work today,

Bonnke takes a careful look at what Scripture teaches

about the anointing and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus lived, worked, and prayed in the power of the Holy Spirit.

In the Gospel of John

He says, “He who believes in ME,

the works that I do he will do also.”

With this same anointing, we can live this way as well.

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“There is urgency in my heart to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in America.

My team is now on two active Gospel fronts:

Africa and America.

Evangelist Daniel Kolenda,

http://www.bonnke.net/cfan/en/cfan/daniel-kolenda

Will take over for me in Africa…

He has the same anointing!

Anointing breaks the yoke!

Kick the devil, before you kick the bucket!

I have seen God in His omnipotence in Africa.

Over time our ministry saw 74 million people respond to the call of salvation.

Our God is an awesome God.

Thankfully, believers in America have enabled us financially to bring in this harvest of souls in Africa,

but now ‘the bread cast upon the waters shall return to you.’

God spoke to me that the time had come for a mighty wave of salvation to sweep the USA

from city to city, from state to state, and from coast to coast.

And since Jesus Christ is the same there and here,

I expect no small outcome.

Preach the ABC’s of the Gospel…

The simple message of the Gospel…

So they will understand and received God’s Word…

And be saved!

The key is to bring America to the foot of the Cross!

America shall be saved.”

http://whatgoodnews.com/

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“Reinhard Bonnke is one of the most passionate, faithful and effective evangelists of our generation.”
Joyce Meyer, President – Joyce Meyer Ministries

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“Africa is now being saved!

My work in Africa came paid for mostly by American Christians,

and I am so glad and thankful for their giving hearts,

But God spoke to me and said, ‘I did not send you to America

for the country to just be the offering plate for Africa.

I sent you to America for the sake of Americans.’

God will blow faith across America

In Acts 2, on the Day of Pentecost, the Lord spoke suddently! 

It was no slight atmospheric change! 

It was like a hurricane!

Hold on for dear life!

A mighty, rushing wind came!

Before the fire!!!!

The human heart is a fireplace, made for the fire of God, made to hold it!

The wind’s purpose is to blow out the ash and get rid of the trash!

We are made for the Gospel, made for His fire!

Tongues of fire!

Which fell on each of the 120 in the upper room!

No super anointed, or double anointed…

One flame of fire on each person was enough, two will kill you!

Everyone, get your own flame!

Not enough to be educated, at the expense of the fire!

Less Holy Spirit, means more cake & coffee…

There’s no substitute for the fire of the Holy Spirit.

There are no copies, you are an original!

Get the flame and serve as you are!

God knew we needed to have power, so He sent the Holy Spirit!

Enjoy Christianity!!!!

It’s a joy to serve You, Lord!

One-hundred and twenty people’s throats announced the Holy Spirit’s arrival…

As He wrapped Himself in them!

Glory to God!

The Holy Spirit needs people!!

The crowd was listening!

Don’t be ashamed of the power of God!

The fire is for keeps!

Get the fire!

Then, once we have it, the fire keeps us burning!!

No stoking necessary…

Permanent, forever!

The Holy Spirit lands on you like on a landing strip…

He doesn’t take off ’til you reach Heaven!

Lord…

Choose me!

Use me!

There is no need for jealousy…

Get your own Holy Spirit…

There’s more than enough for everyone!”

http://reinhardbonnke.com/partners.html

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“In February 2013, we conducted our first crusade in Vero Beach, Florida,

and the Holy Spirit moved mightily.

Then, in September we had our second outreach in the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.

There we saw some 20,000 in attendance,

and nearly 2000 people make a decision for Christ!

Now, we will continue across the nation,

Gospel crusade after Gospel crusade, from stadium to stadium.

This is not the day to join the choir of the despaired

but to ‘blow the trumpet of God in Zion.’

This day is the best day ever, because it is the day of salvation.

There will be a crop for God’s glory, not a flop.”

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“Evangelism must always lead into the church.

This is a central truth I have practiced everywhere.

I, the evangelist, bring my nets and borrow the boats of the local churches.

Together we will cast our nets into the human ocean

and pull them in to be emptied on the beach.

My promise to you is not to take a single fish

but to leave them all with the local churches.

Then I will dry and mend my nets and move to the next place.”

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“I am scanning the skies for men and women

who pray and weep for the salvation of America.

As Bill Bright used to say, ‘Let’s leave our logos and egos.’

Let’s rally at the foot of the Cross of Calvary

And preach the Gospel of salvation to the nation.

The Holy Spirit will cooperate.

God is pouring out His Spirit

With glorious indifference to our differences!

He said, ‘I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh.’

And it seems to me He pours Himself into the mold of any vessel.

Please determine how you and your church

can participate in any of these upcoming crusades.”

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“The primary truth about God is that He is the Deliverer, the Emancipator, and the Savior.

He is God only to the free.

Faith is a venture that turns life into an adventure.

Doubts get us nowhere.

They are mooring ropes.

Believing God means we cast off,

like ships designed for riding the high seas and going somewhere.

Faith inspires. Doubt paralyzes.

Faith says, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’

Unbelief does nothing.

Faith in God is exciting. 

I’m an incurable believer, and I don’t want to be cured!

God bless you!” 

Rev. Reinhard Bonnke, Evangelist

hwww.facebook.com/evangelistreinhardbonnkettps://

I walk the streets of London
And notice in the faces passing by
Something that makes me stop and listen
My heart grows heavy with the cry

Where is the hope for London?
You whisper and my heart begins to soar
As I’m reminded
Every street in London in Yours, oh yes, it is

I walk the dirt roads of Uganda
I see the scars that war has left behind
Hope like the sun is fading
They’re waiting for a cure no one can find

And I hear children’s voices singing
Of a God who heals and rescues and restores
And I’m reminded
That every child in Africa is Yours

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
You’re the Maker and Keeper
Father and Ruler of everything, it’s all Yours

And I walk the sidewalks of Nashville
Like Singapore, Manila and Shanghai
I brush by the beggar’s hand and the wealthy man
And everywhere I look I realize

That just like the streets of London
For every man and woman, boy and girl
All of creation
This is our Father’s world

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
You’re the Maker and Keeper
Father and Ruler of everything

It’s all Yours, God
It’s all Yours, God
It’s all Yours, God
It’s all Yours, God

The glory is Yours, God
All the honor is Yours, God
The power is Yours, God
The glory is Yours, God
You’re the King of kings
And Lord of lords

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor

And it’s all Yours, God, Yours, God
Everything is Yours
All the greatness and power
The glory and splendor and majesty
Everything is Yours, yeah, it’s all Yours

It’s all Yours
It’s all Yours
It’s all Yours

It’s All Yours, Lord!

Amen!

Lukewarm Is Not Enough!!! Yuk! We Need Crazy Love!

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To serve the Lord!!!

Amen!

Revelation 3:15-17

“I know your deeds,

that you are neither cold nor hot.

I wish you were either one or the other! 

So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

You say,

‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’

But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

Revelation 3:22

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Well…

The downfall of our 12-year old Sears Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator/freezer…

 Started with the melting ice cream in the freezer…

As with my dryer story

With its faulty heating element…

The lifespan of my major appliances is limited…

Several years ago the microwave went…

No fast meals for us, ’til we bought a new one!

The washer has been repaired…

We remember lugging dirty clothes to the Laundromat to wash…

And lugging them back home to dry…

But I feel good about the length of time they’ve all lasted…

Nothing’s built forever now-a-days…

And in Florida, if it makes it through a hurricane…

We consider ourselves blessed!!

So, the ice cream was melting…

And I say, to my perfectly intelligent husband…

“The ice cream is melting in our freezer!”

And he says…

“No, it’s just that I bought Breyers Creamier Butter Pecan Ice Cream!”

What?!?!

“It’s Creamier Butter Pecan Ice Cream Soup!!” I say…

As I pour it into his ice cream bowl…

“It’s fine,” he says…

That’s just husband talk for…

“I don’t want to have to call Sears and deal with this!”

Well, I didn’t want to deal with it either…

Since, we just had Sears here to fix our dyer right after Christmas!!!

So, I said, “Okay!”

When I knew perfectly well that the old freezer was biting-the-dust…

Especially when I saw the delicious chocolate fudgesicles melting and dripping…

All over the thawed fish sticks…

But, when I, as the wife, could no longer agree that a lukewarm freezer was ok!!

And, after procrastinating way too long, we finally went to Sears…

Ordered a nice Kenmore Elite in the bisque color that’s apparently hard to find…

 After 12 years…

But, of course that’s what we needed to match the other appliances…

Or, we’d have to get all new ones…

Are you crazy?!?!

And Sears rushed right out to deliver our much needed appliance…

Right???  Wrong! 

We have to wait two weeks more!!!

So, now with no freezer, we’re either cooking everything we can save…

Or, throwing things out…

Just like after the hurricane!

Then, just like that…

The refrigerator side is not staying cold at all…

And when the milk tasted lukewarm…

I had enough of that ‘frig…

Yuk!!!!!

So we packed up all our salvageable items…

Vacuumed all the dog hair from behind that piece of junk….mopped…

And left that useless piece of lukewarm metal sitting there, lifeless!!

My husband scrubbed the fish-smelling little ‘frig in the garage…

Filled it up…

Since it was COLD!!!

And out came all the coolers we own…

Bags of ice…filling and refilling…we felt like we were camping…

And we’re not really camping people!

Then, 2 days before Sears…

Ahhhhh…

Was going to deliver our long-awaited new ‘frig…

Our highly intelligent, college graduate, teacher/tutor, and getting his Masters, son says…

“Oh, did you guys remember I have that small refrig from my dorm room???”

No, we didn’t…

Do you think we would have chosen to play with ice for two weeks???

This is how we roll in this house…

Everyone’s too busy to think anything all the way through!!

Ha!

2-6-14 Refrig 001

So the moral of this story is that…

Lukewarm is not pleasing…

It doesn’t please the Lord!

He’ll spew you out of His mouth!!

My Mom used to call it, “So-So”

“How ya doing, Mom???”

“Oh, so-so!”

She’d reply…

Not good or bad…not hot or cold…lukewarm!!

Cold: 

Refreshing, quenching, invigorating, level-headed, crisp…

Intense, keen, sharp, piercing, breath of fresh air…

Hot: 

Passionate, alive, compassionate, contagious, blazing, fiery…

On fire, excited, masterful, impassioned, intense, significant…

Compelling, exhilarating, dedicated, fascinated, exuberant…

Glowing, fervent, healing…

Lukewarm: 

Tepid; foul; disgusting; lacking enthusiasm, excitement, or conviction…

Indifferent; little ardor, energy, or zeal; half-hearted, unconcerned…

Apathetic, unresponsive, uninterested, useless, self-deceived…

Shallow, bland, mundane, neither hot nor cold, nauseating, wretched…

Miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, naked…

Jesus:

Cleanses, refreshes, cools, washes, renews…

Comes in a cloud….

In a pillar of fire…

He’s the breath of the Holy Spirit…

He’s the Living Waters…

An All-Consuming Fire…

He heals…

Revelation 3:15-17 The Message

“I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking.

You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot!

You’re stale.

You’re stagnant.

You make me want to vomit.

You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’

oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless.” 

God wants complete commitment…

Not half-hearted service…

Are we totally in love with Jesus?  

Or, are we lukewarm, half-hearted,

or partially committed? 

Frances Chan says,

in his book Crazy Love

“There is no such thing as a lukewarm Christian. 

Jesus calls for total commitment.”

View online videos at:  

www.crazylovebook.com

Frances Chan says:

We should be willing…

To say to God that He can have whatever He wants. 

To believe that wholehearted commitment to Him is more important than any other thing or person in our life. 

To know that nothing we do in life will ever matter, unless it is about loving God and loving the people He has made. 

True faith means holding nothing back; it bets everything on the hope of eternity. 

This whole swimming-upstream, pursuing-Christ, taking-up-your cross, counting-the-cost thing isn’t easy. 

The road is narrow and few will actually find it! 

We can’t afford to just assume we’re one of the few on the narrow way. 

Be totally in love with Christ. 

Even Heaven would be a desolate place without Christ. 

Don’t just let life happen. 

Love and desire Christ, for when we love, we are free! 

Let God change us. 

We need to let Him in our life. 

We need God to help us love God, and if we need His help to love Him, a perfect being, we definitely need His help to love other fault-filled humans.   

Don’t hold back, be consumed with Christ. 

We need to show a “Love” that is crazy to the world. 

True love, a kind found nowhere else, but through Christ.

Don’t be lukewarm, be obsessed with Christ.  

People obsessed with Christ…

Love people and are friends to all…

They’re crazy risk takers for Christ…

They’re humble…

They serve…

They give…

They think about eternity…

They’re engrossed and delighted with God’s Word…

They’re passionately in love with God…

They’re unguarded and open with Him…

They meditate, are nourished by, and are rooted in the Word…

They’re dedicated and faithful to Christ. 

They know they’re a child and a friend of God.

Let’s evaluate our lives…

Is what we’re doing, what we want to be doing, when Christ returns????

Taken from:  Crazy Love by Frances Chan

Lukewarm is completely useless…

Neither like hot water (as in a comfortable bath)…

Nor like cold water (as in a refreshing drink)…

Interpret “hot” and “cold” in light of the historical context of Laodicea…

It had no permanent supply of good water…

Efforts to pipe water to the city from nearby springs were successful…

But, it would arrive lukewarm…

Located close to both natural hot springs by Hierapolis…

Often used for medicinal purposes…

And a cold, pure stream by Colossae…

Both hot and cold water are desirable…

Both are useful for distinct purposes…

All believers can be used of God…

The spiritual state of this church…

More closely resembled the tepid, lukewarm water…

 That eventually flowed into Laodicean pipes…

Neither hot nor cold…

It was putrid!

The metaphor condemns Laodicea for not providing…

 Spiritual healing (being hot)…

Or, spiritual refreshment (being cold) to those around them…

Revelation 3:15 is a condemnation of their lack of works and lack of witness.

They spread spiritual disease…

What disease?

They believed they were spiritually rich…

When in fact they had gone bankrupt…

They thought they could see…

But they were blind…

They thought they were healthy…

But they were corrupt….

They thought they were fully clothed…

But they were naked…

The difference was in their opinion of themselves…

  vs reality…

They thought they were well off…

But they were starving to death…

They were spiritually content and self-satisfied…

Although actually they were wretched and pitiful…

In Revelation 3:17, they had the audacity to say…

“I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.”

The problem with being lukewarm…

And the case against Laodicea…

Revolves around the idea of self-deception…

They were self-deluded…

The church at Laodicea was made up of Christians…

Who were trusting in themselves and their wealth…

Or, what they thought their wealth could buy them!

Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, says,

Lukewarm…

Useless and self-deceived…

They thought they were of great value…

But were hypocritical…

Promoting themselves, as those who saw the truth…

When in fact they did not…

Actively covering their sins with a cloak of religious observance!

Lord…

Help us to be obsessed with You…

  Show us where we’re lukewarm…

    Give us the strength to deal with these areas…

      Do whatever it takes…

For us to please You…

We need constant infilling of Your Presence…

A constant love relationship…

Constant prayer…

Constant worship…

Constant renewing of our minds…

With the Word of God…

We don’t want to be lukewarm:

A believer who isn’t a threat to satan’s kingdom,

A person who is unable to accomplish anything for the Lord,

Who no longer brings God glory,

Who no longer accomplishes His will,

Who no longer builds His kingdom.

Refresh!

Rekindle!

Our lukewarm hearts…

Restore!

Us to a heart perfect in its commitment to You!

Amen!!

 

Lukewarm is not enough…

 

Try Crazy Love!

2-6-14 Refrig 004

Ahhh…

My new non-lukewarm refrigerator!!!!

Cold and Colder!!

To match my repaired non-lukewarm dryer…

Hot and Hotter!!

Forget lukewarm!

If a dryer’s not HOT…

Or, a refrigerator’s not COLD…

They’re useless…

And so are we!!

Amen!

Don’t sing these Top Ten Songs Of The Lukewarm Christian!!!

1. Blest Be The Tie That Doesn’t Cramp My Style
2. Pillow of Ages, Fluffed for Me
3. I Surrender Some
4. I’m Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives
5. Sit Up, Sit Up For Jesus
6. What An Acquaintance We Have In Jesus
7. Where He Leads Me, I Will Consider Following
8. He’s Quite a Bit To Me
9. Oh, How I Like Jesus
10. It Is My Secret What God Can Do – See more at: http://diggingtheword.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-ten-songs-of-lukewarm-christian.html#sthash.IJf1kito.h1RhYzKB.dpuf
1. Blest Be The Tie That Doesn’t Cramp My Style
2. Pillow of Ages, Fluffed for Me
3. I Surrender Some
4. I’m Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives
5. Sit Up, Sit Up For Jesus
6. What An Acquaintance We Have In Jesus
7. Where He Leads Me, I Will Consider Following
8. He’s Quite a Bit To Me
9. Oh, How I Like Jesus
10. It Is My Secret What God Can Do – See more at: http://diggingtheword.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-ten-songs-of-lukewarm-christian.html#sthash.IJf1kito.h1RhYzKB.dpuf

1.  Blest Be The Tie That Doesn’t Cramp My Style

2.  Pillow of Ages, Fluffed for Me

3.  I Surrender Some

4.  I’m Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives

5.  Sit Up, Sit Up For Jesus

6.  What An Acquaintance We Have In Jesus

7.  Where He Leads Me, I Will Consider Following

8.  He’s Quite a Bit To Me

9.  Oh, How I Like Jesus

10. It Is My Secret What God Can Do

Taken from “Way of the Master”

Resources:

http://so4j.com/what-is-a-lukewarm-christian#hot_cold

 http://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-lukewarm-faith.html

http://scripturenuggets.wordpress.com/2012/02/07/the-dangers-of-being-lukewarm/

http://www.learnthebible.org/lukewarm.html

http://konig.org/wc2.htm

http://maranathalife.com/teaching/lukewarm.htm

http://diggingtheword.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-ten-songs-of-lukewarm-christian.html

 

http://treymorgan.net/10-signs-you-might-be-a-lukewarm-christian/

http://biblestudywiki.com/articles/Answers/Where_Is_The_Scripture_About_Being_Lukewarm_And_How_It_Is_Like_Returning_To_A_Dog_S_Vomit?action=diff

(Keith Krell)

Top Ten Songs Of The Lukewarm Christian

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have in my hands a copy of today’s top ten list.”

“Today’s list is top ten songs of the lukewarm church.”

1. Blest Be The Tie That Doesn’t Cramp My Style
2. Pillow of Ages, Fluffed for Me
3. I Surrender Some
4. I’m Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives
5. Sit Up, Sit Up For Jesus
6. What An Acquaintance We Have In Jesus
7. Where He Leads Me, I Will Consider Following
8. He’s Quite a Bit To Me
9. Oh, How I Like Jesus
10. It Is My Secret What God Can Do

Let’s be fired up this Sunday when we sing. Our Savior was passionate for us and we need to be equally as passionate for him.

Taken from “Way of the Master”

– See more at: http://diggingtheword.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-ten-songs-of-lukewarm-christian.html#sthash.IJf1kito.dpufTop Ten Songs Of The Lukewarm Christian

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have in my hands a copy of today’s top ten list.”

“Today’s list is top ten songs of the lukewarm church.”

1. Blest Be The Tie That Doesn’t Cramp My Style
2. Pillow of Ages, Fluffed for Me
3. I Surrender Some
4. I’m Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives
5. Sit Up, Sit Up For Jesus
6. What An Acquaintance We Have In Jesus
7. Where He Leads Me, I Will Consider Following
8. He’s Quite a Bit To Me
9. Oh, How I Like Jesus
10. It Is My Secret What God Can Do

Let’s be fired up this Sunday when we sing. Our Savior was passionate for us and we need to be equally as passionate for him.

Taken from “Way of the Master”

– See more at: http://diggingtheword.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-ten-songs-of-lukewarm-christian.html#sthash.IJf1kito.dpuf