Harmless, harmful
there you go playing the game
you say it's harmless
I say it' harmful.
Enemy schemes
all around to encase
a lazy mind
a lazy body.
Corrupt people
twisted traditions
a forgotten creator
children foolish
parents foolish
and you say it's okay
it's harmless
I say it's harmful.
Sometimes we debate with people about things that are obviously wrong. Then we are offended when they challenge us on our beliefs. Unfortunately as Christians we turn them off and they see us as nothing more than hypocrites (pretend followers of Christ.)
Saturday
Friday
The Hypocrite Says, "Mind Your Own Business"
Spiritually I'm awake,
but emotionally I'm closed.
Can't let the little things get in
don't want the bigger things
in my house.
Mind your own business
and stay out of mine.
I left some things
far, far behind.
I hold God close
to keep demons far away.
No disruption or interruption
for I am God's child
minding my own business.
but emotionally I'm closed.
Can't let the little things get in
don't want the bigger things
in my house.
Mind your own business
and stay out of mine.
I left some things
far, far behind.
I hold God close
to keep demons far away.
No disruption or interruption
for I am God's child
minding my own business.
After All is Said and Done
The angel spoke...
God knew what you were going through
but he decided to turn his back away from you.
You knew what God represented
but you decided to walk away.
Common sense questioned,
What did you expect?
God knew what you were going through
but he decided to turn his back away from you.
You knew what God represented
but you decided to walk away.
Common sense questioned,
What did you expect?
The Holy Spirit
He told me don't go back to man,
but I did.
He told me don't touch man,
but I did.
He told me don't live with man,
but I did.
He told me to wait on God,
but I didn't.
He told me to love God,
but I didn't.
He told me to love God,
but I didn't.
So He cried and He cried
and God's wrath came upon me
like fire raining from a black sky.
God's volcano blew
and I was burned.
He asked me to come to God
and I did.
He told me that God loves you
and I accepted
He warned me don't cross God
and I froze, yet He put his arms
around me
and moved me still.
but I did.
He told me don't touch man,
but I did.
He told me don't live with man,
but I did.
He told me to wait on God,
but I didn't.
He told me to love God,
but I didn't.
He told me to love God,
but I didn't.
So He cried and He cried
and God's wrath came upon me
like fire raining from a black sky.
God's volcano blew
and I was burned.
He asked me to come to God
and I did.
He told me that God loves you
and I accepted
He warned me don't cross God
and I froze, yet He put his arms
around me
and moved me still.
People Don't Care
So much love is in the air, but do people
really care.
They are caught up in the sadness and anger from the past.
Ice is on their hearts and painful words are on their tongues.
Love is in the air, but they do not care.
Their foolish hearts are lost, suffering,
confused, and miserable.
Looking for God, but blinded by the world.
Love only a moment away, yet a century
lost.
They don't care.
So much love is in the air
and they don't care!
really care.
They are caught up in the sadness and anger from the past.
Ice is on their hearts and painful words are on their tongues.
Love is in the air, but they do not care.
Their foolish hearts are lost, suffering,
confused, and miserable.
Looking for God, but blinded by the world.
Love only a moment away, yet a century
lost.
They don't care.
So much love is in the air
and they don't care!
Know God
this child I knew had ran to the pew.
She hoped that God would change his plans
and release her from her master's hands.
The demon had made a pact with her life
and she had been feeling more hurt and strife.
Her dark, ridden soul had yet to be sowed.
God's power and love was something she craved.
For years her heart carried mistrust
she lied, she cheated and hid her lust.
And God Almighty would place his curse,
to avoid her ride in the big, black hearse.
The child had extreme ache deep within
for flesh was the root of her deep sin.
But his kind words would be her key
for he wanted her love ever faithfully.
So she would pray and fast for Him
in her room where the lights were dim.
And death would slowly begin to grow
and the leaves from the trees had begun to blow.
And those golden leaves laid upon her name
and her life was in His great hall of fame.
Vivid Imagination
I dreamt of you.
Your uplifting smile.
Lively voice.
Happy bounce.
Loving arms.
Tender eyes.
I dreamnt of you and you were Satan in disguise.
You tricked me.
You made me think God sent you to cast away my tears.
But I was mistaken, you too,
desired to give me a slow and painful death.
Your uplifting smile.
Lively voice.
Happy bounce.
Loving arms.
Tender eyes.
I dreamnt of you and you were Satan in disguise.
You tricked me.
You made me think God sent you to cast away my tears.
But I was mistaken, you too,
desired to give me a slow and painful death.
Reconciled Past
I've left my past for I've come
face-to-face with my Lord.
I refuse to leave this world without
resolve and I refuse to carry the burden
of not saying sorry...
I'm asking for forgiveness
from innocent bystanders
caught in the cross fire
between my angels and my demons.
For my battles of war were
those of selfishness, idol worship,
vulgar talk, bad drink, promiscuity...
I saw the plagues of death
but escaped them
Thank God I'm still alive!
face-to-face with my Lord.
I refuse to leave this world without
resolve and I refuse to carry the burden
of not saying sorry...
I'm asking for forgiveness
from innocent bystanders
caught in the cross fire
between my angels and my demons.
For my battles of war were
those of selfishness, idol worship,
vulgar talk, bad drink, promiscuity...
I saw the plagues of death
but escaped them
Thank God I'm still alive!
Thursday
Your Spirit
I'm taken under way, way
down deep by your spell
beneath my heart.
I sing praise God!
A man of supreme love.
You are a savior to a soul
that was at one time ready
to travel a bitter trail.
You took away the lightening
and the thunder from tired lips,
spoiled fruit from a wounded body,
and daggers from vindictive eyes.
Thank you.
For you gave of yourself freely.
I foresee a prosperous future
trimmed in shimmering gold,
protected by heavenly spirits
together we walk side by side
toward the light.
Touched by His hand and embraced
by His power. His spell and your spell
I'm taken under.
down deep by your spell
beneath my heart.
I sing praise God!
A man of supreme love.
You are a savior to a soul
that was at one time ready
to travel a bitter trail.
You took away the lightening
and the thunder from tired lips,
spoiled fruit from a wounded body,
and daggers from vindictive eyes.
Thank you.
For you gave of yourself freely.
I foresee a prosperous future
trimmed in shimmering gold,
protected by heavenly spirits
together we walk side by side
toward the light.
Touched by His hand and embraced
by His power. His spell and your spell
I'm taken under.
God is Love
There is nothing in this world better
than seeing a man who has fallen in love with God.
His sins have been long carried by Jesus
his voice sings of the Holy Spirit.
He glows, smiles, laughs, cries.
My husband, Your Son, Our Father.
Thank you.
Touched he is by God's powerful hand
held is he by the Lord's wonderful embrace
problems become foundations of strength
to think twice about what you say and
how you say it is evidence of new found respect
for God is written on his face.
Jesus is his guide and the Holy Spirit is his angel.
Life will never be the same.
Salvation is the only way.
Prayers of strength to keep fellowship with God.
Life will never be the same for he will continue to grow,
humbled, relieved, understood, wise.
He is my husband, your Son, Our Father, Thank you!
Soon
In the cold and lonely world of time
peace passes in the wind between
the Lord's whispers and tears
no one, no one cares
no one has a wet face.
The Spirit Lives
Some would be amazed if they took the time
to watch, listen and smell around them
And what they would see is trees that move alone,
rain that falls, snow that melts
and what they would hear is a roar of thunder,
the rat, tat, tat of hail, the whispers of wind
and they would smell all that grows green, moves,
sings, screams and they would be amazed.
For there is no scientific expression
that would relieve wondering senses.
For we know deep within who is responsible
and we shiver at the thought of something
bigger and stronger than ourselves and we
can't understand.
Going on our little merry ways and just living
without really taking notice.
to watch, listen and smell around them
And what they would see is trees that move alone,
rain that falls, snow that melts
and what they would hear is a roar of thunder,
the rat, tat, tat of hail, the whispers of wind
and they would smell all that grows green, moves,
sings, screams and they would be amazed.
For there is no scientific expression
that would relieve wondering senses.
For we know deep within who is responsible
and we shiver at the thought of something
bigger and stronger than ourselves and we
can't understand.
Going on our little merry ways and just living
without really taking notice.
Sunday
A Prayer for the Holiday Season & New Years
Dear Lord,
I thank you for the many experiences you have given me this year. You have changed my life in so many ways and I praise you for it. Thank you for taking the blinders off my eyes when I wanted to see things differently when it came to family, friends, acquaintances, and co-workers. Make a way for me to go into the new year free of burdens, resentments, and un-forgiveness. Replace these negative emotions with love, kindness, and serenity.
Thank you for the protection you keep giving me from all harm and danger. Thank you for the angels you put around me even when I have failed to acknowledge your presence. Lord teach me your ways so that I am never a burden to anyone, but a blessing.
Provide me with the wisdom and courage to share your word when I am speaking with others. Let people who come in contact with me see your light and not my darkness. Encourage me Lord when I feel down and heal me when I feel sick.
Lord you know that living this life at times can be a challenge for myself and others, so bless us with the hope, love and passion to live again!
We need you Lord! We need your peace, knowledge, money, healing, a place in heaven, and so many other things. So we ask in your Son's name Jesus to help us Lord, right now! We are waiting for you. We will no longer take any more steps that will cause us to fall out of your will as long as you are with us. Lord we need you to guide us!
Thank you Lord for listening to my prayer.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
I thank you for the many experiences you have given me this year. You have changed my life in so many ways and I praise you for it. Thank you for taking the blinders off my eyes when I wanted to see things differently when it came to family, friends, acquaintances, and co-workers. Make a way for me to go into the new year free of burdens, resentments, and un-forgiveness. Replace these negative emotions with love, kindness, and serenity.
Thank you for the protection you keep giving me from all harm and danger. Thank you for the angels you put around me even when I have failed to acknowledge your presence. Lord teach me your ways so that I am never a burden to anyone, but a blessing.
Provide me with the wisdom and courage to share your word when I am speaking with others. Let people who come in contact with me see your light and not my darkness. Encourage me Lord when I feel down and heal me when I feel sick.
Lord you know that living this life at times can be a challenge for myself and others, so bless us with the hope, love and passion to live again!
We need you Lord! We need your peace, knowledge, money, healing, a place in heaven, and so many other things. So we ask in your Son's name Jesus to help us Lord, right now! We are waiting for you. We will no longer take any more steps that will cause us to fall out of your will as long as you are with us. Lord we need you to guide us!
Thank you Lord for listening to my prayer.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Tuesday
Jesus Help!
Anger rising on the inside yet again.
Didn't have time to get over the last episode before being hit again with another challenge.
Redirect my anger
make it my friend
use it to influence
I don't have time to practice what I preach right now...
Jesus help!
Didn't have time to get over the last episode before being hit again with another challenge.
Redirect my anger
make it my friend
use it to influence
I don't have time to practice what I preach right now...
Jesus help!
Friday
A Prayer for the Angry, Confused & Resentful
Dear Lord,
Forgive me for being angry yet again about something that could have been resolved in a different way. Teach me to be slow to anger. At times I so easily misunderstand what someone is trying to tell me. Sometimes I feel they are deliberately confusing me to get what they want. Lord you know the heart of man and woman deal with them accordingly. There are moments during the day that I resent people and wish that I could have a do-over again with my life. Help me to appreciate the people and choices I have made. In Jesus name, Amen.
Forgive me for being angry yet again about something that could have been resolved in a different way. Teach me to be slow to anger. At times I so easily misunderstand what someone is trying to tell me. Sometimes I feel they are deliberately confusing me to get what they want. Lord you know the heart of man and woman deal with them accordingly. There are moments during the day that I resent people and wish that I could have a do-over again with my life. Help me to appreciate the people and choices I have made. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thursday
Wake Up! God is Exposing the Fakes!
Do you ever question why some of the same people tend to keep getting parts in movies, keep making the New York Times bestseller lists, etc. its more than just talent!
Do you ever wonder why some of the most vocal independent thinker types in Hollywood end up being called "crazy" or worse dead for example,. Michael Jackson, Tupac Shakur, and "crazy" Dave Chapelle?
Do you ever notice symbolism and dark metaphors in movies that seem confusing or have nothing to do with the movie's plot such as the popular eye on top of the pyramid that we see on the back of the dollar bill?
Pay attention to our president's handshakes and hugs there is more to it.
Look at the way certain televangelists and local preachers will move their hands during interviews, pose for photos or greet their brothers or sisters on stage. Many of them do not believe everything they preach especially when money is involved.
Start looking closely at those hand signs rappers and singers throw up in front of cameras in videos and when accepting awards.
Notice patterns in everything! For example, music videos many tend to have fancy cars, alcohol, innuendos to illicit sex, drugs, etc. what do you think the creators behind the madness want you to think, do?
Consider cutting off television programs and movies that make you feel weird, insecure, strange or violent. When you are nodding your head to a beat or thinking how great a vocalist's voice is (gospel, r&b, hip-hop, rock, pop) think about what it is doing to your subconscious mind and the children who are standing around listening to what you hear. As Michael Jackson said in one of his songs, "They don't really care about us." He started running his mouth a bit much in his latter days and some didn't like it.
Conduct your own search on You Tube: Illuminati, Black celebrity masons, Boule, Skull and Bones and you will find that even so-called followers of Jesus are also apart of this mess! You will be very, very surprised at what you will find!
Prayer warriors, be discerning, open your eyes! What is in darkness will come to light. Saints remember to double up on worship, praise, and pleading the blood of Jesus.
GOD BLESS.
Do you ever wonder why some of the most vocal independent thinker types in Hollywood end up being called "crazy" or worse dead for example,. Michael Jackson, Tupac Shakur, and "crazy" Dave Chapelle?
Do you ever notice symbolism and dark metaphors in movies that seem confusing or have nothing to do with the movie's plot such as the popular eye on top of the pyramid that we see on the back of the dollar bill?
Pay attention to our president's handshakes and hugs there is more to it.
Look at the way certain televangelists and local preachers will move their hands during interviews, pose for photos or greet their brothers or sisters on stage. Many of them do not believe everything they preach especially when money is involved.
Start looking closely at those hand signs rappers and singers throw up in front of cameras in videos and when accepting awards.
Notice patterns in everything! For example, music videos many tend to have fancy cars, alcohol, innuendos to illicit sex, drugs, etc. what do you think the creators behind the madness want you to think, do?
Consider cutting off television programs and movies that make you feel weird, insecure, strange or violent. When you are nodding your head to a beat or thinking how great a vocalist's voice is (gospel, r&b, hip-hop, rock, pop) think about what it is doing to your subconscious mind and the children who are standing around listening to what you hear. As Michael Jackson said in one of his songs, "They don't really care about us." He started running his mouth a bit much in his latter days and some didn't like it.
Conduct your own search on You Tube: Illuminati, Black celebrity masons, Boule, Skull and Bones and you will find that even so-called followers of Jesus are also apart of this mess! You will be very, very surprised at what you will find!
Prayer warriors, be discerning, open your eyes! What is in darkness will come to light. Saints remember to double up on worship, praise, and pleading the blood of Jesus.
GOD BLESS.
Wednesday
Moments with God
I hear...
Indian chants
the dialect of a foreign stranger
rhythms of peace
a calming wind
the world far away.
In the upper room
I hear my God
I am his Son
No past pangs from the evil one.
I'm free!
No more voices ringing
"You are a sinner."
I know.
I'm not perfect.
There's no wrong
in perfect love.
God my comforter
wake me up
when it's all over!
Indian chants
the dialect of a foreign stranger
rhythms of peace
a calming wind
the world far away.
In the upper room
I hear my God
I am his Son
No past pangs from the evil one.
I'm free!
No more voices ringing
"You are a sinner."
I know.
I'm not perfect.
There's no wrong
in perfect love.
God my comforter
wake me up
when it's all over!
Tuesday
Free Christian Blog Promotion on this Site
Simply respond to this blog entry including your website or blog url address. If your site is not offensive and useful to my readers, it will also appear on the left side of this blog site using the link you supply and the title of the website or blog.
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Nicholl McGuire
Blog Publisher
Thanks for visiting.
Nicholl McGuire
Blog Publisher
Thursday
Be Abused by No One
Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, be abused by no one. Some of you already know that and others who are reading this don’t. Let me explain, we must protect our bodies, mind and spirit from any kind of abuse not just for health reasons, but also for spiritual ones. We cannot argue with ourselves and say, “We will continue to live with this abuser, because she is great with my children” or “I love him, that’s why I take his mess.” God did not call us to be taken for granted, misused or abused. Jesus wasn’t one for arguing, He said what He had to say and backed it up with action…He walked away. Read the Gospels and notice Jesus’ mannerisms for yourself.
Many times we feel like God is no where around when bad things happen to us. However, we know that thinking is incorrect, because according to the New King James Version of the Holy Bible, God is everywhere at the same time, sees and knows all. Unfortunately, He didn’t create a world that is absent of verbal, physical and sexual abuse; instead, the most wicked of our society has orchestrated horrendous acts. As believers in Christ, we too, sometimes cannot avoid being abused or being the abuser. It doesn’t make those who haven’t experienced similar problems more blessed than us, for they have their own problems they are contending with from being poor to being mentally unstable. Yet some of you will ask why couldn’t God just wipe out all the evildoers? As we know that time hasn’t come yet, and until then we are expected to exercise our free will to do right or wrong.
When we turn on the evening news, our media shows us daily a world of strife and turbulence where innocent babies are being kidnapped and children are murdering their parents. In time we become, unemotional and detached from these news stories, because we have seen and heard too much. Then we find ourselves interviewing God about the problems of our society; instead of interviewing ourselves. How are we contributing to the world’s confusion with our own thoughts and actions when dealing with family, friends and strangers? If someone put a camera on us in the privacy of our homes and connected it to the Internet, could we continue the interview with God about what he is doing to help us and others? Most likely, we wouldn’t be asking any more questions of God. You see, we can’t blame God for what he isn’t doing, when we aren’t accepting the fact that we can choose between right and wrong. Further, we can’t expect God to do much for us when we only reach out to him when trouble is already upon us. Just like we have a relationship with family and friends, a similar relationship with God has to be cultivated. It can’t happen when our heads are clouded with work, school and our own personal pleasures. Time has to be set aside for God, so that we may find peace in the storms of our lives.
Many times we feel like God is no where around when bad things happen to us. However, we know that thinking is incorrect, because according to the New King James Version of the Holy Bible, God is everywhere at the same time, sees and knows all. Unfortunately, He didn’t create a world that is absent of verbal, physical and sexual abuse; instead, the most wicked of our society has orchestrated horrendous acts. As believers in Christ, we too, sometimes cannot avoid being abused or being the abuser. It doesn’t make those who haven’t experienced similar problems more blessed than us, for they have their own problems they are contending with from being poor to being mentally unstable. Yet some of you will ask why couldn’t God just wipe out all the evildoers? As we know that time hasn’t come yet, and until then we are expected to exercise our free will to do right or wrong.
When we turn on the evening news, our media shows us daily a world of strife and turbulence where innocent babies are being kidnapped and children are murdering their parents. In time we become, unemotional and detached from these news stories, because we have seen and heard too much. Then we find ourselves interviewing God about the problems of our society; instead of interviewing ourselves. How are we contributing to the world’s confusion with our own thoughts and actions when dealing with family, friends and strangers? If someone put a camera on us in the privacy of our homes and connected it to the Internet, could we continue the interview with God about what he is doing to help us and others? Most likely, we wouldn’t be asking any more questions of God. You see, we can’t blame God for what he isn’t doing, when we aren’t accepting the fact that we can choose between right and wrong. Further, we can’t expect God to do much for us when we only reach out to him when trouble is already upon us. Just like we have a relationship with family and friends, a similar relationship with God has to be cultivated. It can’t happen when our heads are clouded with work, school and our own personal pleasures. Time has to be set aside for God, so that we may find peace in the storms of our lives.
Wednesday
Unequally Yoked
This writing is for those of you who are tired of your mate lagging along in his or her spiritual walk or not walking at all.
If you were a believer before you were married, then you were most likely warned that choosing an unequally yoked partner will add additional problems to your relationship. If you decided to give your life to Christ while being involved with your current mate, then you may not have expected all the trouble you find yourself in with him or her because of your new found love of Christ.
Whatever your situation is you know God has an answer. If you are trying to invite your mate to church activities, God is telling you right now to stop! If you are trying to get your mate to pray with you, God is telling you right now to stop! If you are hoping and praying for your mate so hard that you are literally obsessing about his or her soul, stop! You won't change him or her by your actions alone.
You know what the scriptures say about being a living example, so you are going to have to put your best foot forward now that you have a relationship with God even if it means acting alone. You know what eventually happens to people who feel left out of groups, they begin to take interest. This may happen rather quickly with your mate, but others will be disheartened to find that maybe long after the relationship ends, he or she will find God. Yes, the relationship is going to eventually come to an end for some of you both in marriage and otherwise.
You see, anyone who God calls for you to be with they will be there and anyone God hasn't called you to be with, God will remove. Your mate must be filled with the Holy Spirit, he or she will have to accept Jesus as the Son of God and have an intimate relationship with Him just as you have with Him in order for the relationship to be a good one.
Now some of you will say, "Well isn't the unsaved sanctified through me?" Yes. But your faith doesn't keep he or she from going to hell. Just like you had to come to Christ, he or she will have to come too. Your relationship with God is what is keeping your mate from trouble. You are acting as an intercessor, speaking on his or her behalf, but when God decides to take his hand off of your relationship, you have to step away and allow him to do his work.
Having a relationship with an unbeliever isn't easy and many wise counselors will object to it. Their advice is in your best interest, consider taking it.
If you were a believer before you were married, then you were most likely warned that choosing an unequally yoked partner will add additional problems to your relationship. If you decided to give your life to Christ while being involved with your current mate, then you may not have expected all the trouble you find yourself in with him or her because of your new found love of Christ.
Whatever your situation is you know God has an answer. If you are trying to invite your mate to church activities, God is telling you right now to stop! If you are trying to get your mate to pray with you, God is telling you right now to stop! If you are hoping and praying for your mate so hard that you are literally obsessing about his or her soul, stop! You won't change him or her by your actions alone.
You know what the scriptures say about being a living example, so you are going to have to put your best foot forward now that you have a relationship with God even if it means acting alone. You know what eventually happens to people who feel left out of groups, they begin to take interest. This may happen rather quickly with your mate, but others will be disheartened to find that maybe long after the relationship ends, he or she will find God. Yes, the relationship is going to eventually come to an end for some of you both in marriage and otherwise.
You see, anyone who God calls for you to be with they will be there and anyone God hasn't called you to be with, God will remove. Your mate must be filled with the Holy Spirit, he or she will have to accept Jesus as the Son of God and have an intimate relationship with Him just as you have with Him in order for the relationship to be a good one.
Now some of you will say, "Well isn't the unsaved sanctified through me?" Yes. But your faith doesn't keep he or she from going to hell. Just like you had to come to Christ, he or she will have to come too. Your relationship with God is what is keeping your mate from trouble. You are acting as an intercessor, speaking on his or her behalf, but when God decides to take his hand off of your relationship, you have to step away and allow him to do his work.
Having a relationship with an unbeliever isn't easy and many wise counselors will object to it. Their advice is in your best interest, consider taking it.
When God Speaks, 10 Things God Told Me in the Spirit
1. Observe your surroundings.
Know that I, Your God, Am Creator. Pay attention to strangers and strange happenings.
2. Listen to my voice.
(I speak) in the clouds, through the birds, through song and dance. Listen to my messengers - people. I use all people, places and things to communicate.
3. Use your head.
Think first what is your initial thought on a matter -- a major decision.
4. Let everything you do be spiritual.
Ignore the natural man inside for his desires and wants are of the flesh.
5. You are not of Me when you decide to do things according to your own will rather than my will.
6. Ignore criticism unless I tell you otherwise.
7. A day without me is a day without protection.
8. No matter what you do, wherever you may go, stay in prayer and fasting. Refer to the Bible for answers.
9. Everything happens for a reason. This is your test.
10. You will move on to eternal life if you follow these ways. Look to the commandments -- look to scriptures. Know that I AM in the plan.
Know that I, Your God, Am Creator. Pay attention to strangers and strange happenings.
2. Listen to my voice.
(I speak) in the clouds, through the birds, through song and dance. Listen to my messengers - people. I use all people, places and things to communicate.
3. Use your head.
Think first what is your initial thought on a matter -- a major decision.
4. Let everything you do be spiritual.
Ignore the natural man inside for his desires and wants are of the flesh.
5. You are not of Me when you decide to do things according to your own will rather than my will.
6. Ignore criticism unless I tell you otherwise.
7. A day without me is a day without protection.
8. No matter what you do, wherever you may go, stay in prayer and fasting. Refer to the Bible for answers.
9. Everything happens for a reason. This is your test.
10. You will move on to eternal life if you follow these ways. Look to the commandments -- look to scriptures. Know that I AM in the plan.
Who Can You Trust?
Darkness surrounds the individual who rejects the Lord. He wallows in his sorrows looking for a solution to a problem. His focus is not on the positive answers, because in darkness there is none. Looking amongst various family and friends, he hears several different solutions to one problem. Unfortunately, many are based on lies and selfish reasons. Misplaced trust that is his first problem.
Who will he trust when a loved one dies? Who will he trust when his money is gone? Who will he trust when his taxes are due?
His or her enemy isn't a neighbor, the government or a spouse. The enemy is within the individual, the devil within him or her.
For example, she trusts in her own solutions to solve problems at work. The boss is upset, because now it has been four times and she is still making the same mistakes. She knows that if she makes one more error, she will be on her way out the door. Eventually, the error is made and now she is left jobless. Her "instinct" tells her to trust in God. "Where was God before the mistakes occurred?" she asks herself. Answering her own question, she says, "My confidence and pride caused me to forget about God when things were fine."
How often must God's children go round and round to see what God is trying to say when things are good as well as bad? One can prevent the enemy of self by doing one thing and that is trusting in God.
So how does one trust in God? First, he must begin asking the Lord his opinion on the day-to-day activities he plans. If he knows he has a meeting to go to during the day, he may ask the Lord what shall he bring to the meeting or should he even go? Another example, he may have to prepare dinner after work, why not ask the Lord what to make for supper? In addition , there are house chores to be done, he may ask the Lord, "What task shall I accomplish today?" These little questions he asks God today will lead to bigger questions he will ask God tomorrow. Then , when times are rough and they will get rough, he can say, "Lord I trust that whatever happens in that operating room will be a success."
Remember the following scripture below as you begin to build a trusting relationship with God.
"Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." -- Proverbs 3.
Who will he trust when a loved one dies? Who will he trust when his money is gone? Who will he trust when his taxes are due?
His or her enemy isn't a neighbor, the government or a spouse. The enemy is within the individual, the devil within him or her.
For example, she trusts in her own solutions to solve problems at work. The boss is upset, because now it has been four times and she is still making the same mistakes. She knows that if she makes one more error, she will be on her way out the door. Eventually, the error is made and now she is left jobless. Her "instinct" tells her to trust in God. "Where was God before the mistakes occurred?" she asks herself. Answering her own question, she says, "My confidence and pride caused me to forget about God when things were fine."
How often must God's children go round and round to see what God is trying to say when things are good as well as bad? One can prevent the enemy of self by doing one thing and that is trusting in God.
So how does one trust in God? First, he must begin asking the Lord his opinion on the day-to-day activities he plans. If he knows he has a meeting to go to during the day, he may ask the Lord what shall he bring to the meeting or should he even go? Another example, he may have to prepare dinner after work, why not ask the Lord what to make for supper? In addition , there are house chores to be done, he may ask the Lord, "What task shall I accomplish today?" These little questions he asks God today will lead to bigger questions he will ask God tomorrow. Then , when times are rough and they will get rough, he can say, "Lord I trust that whatever happens in that operating room will be a success."
Remember the following scripture below as you begin to build a trusting relationship with God.
"Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." -- Proverbs 3.
Inside of Me I Know There is a Living God
In my soul, I know
He use to be my foe
But I had let him in
It was an easy win
A place for me he made
I knew my sin would fade
No longer would I hide
Behind eyes that cried
I know Him in my soul
This is my life's goal
Pleasing my teacher
He gave me this feature
Yes, God is inside that old devil just lied!
He use to be my foe
But I had let him in
It was an easy win
A place for me he made
I knew my sin would fade
No longer would I hide
Behind eyes that cried
I know Him in my soul
This is my life's goal
Pleasing my teacher
He gave me this feature
Yes, God is inside that old devil just lied!
A New Beginning
Blessings of joy
Heartfelt laughter
Words of guidance
Positive thinking
Uplifting melodies
An appreciation of life
Captivating love
A sense of security
Peaceful places
Moments with God
A humbled soul.
Heartfelt laughter
Words of guidance
Positive thinking
Uplifting melodies
An appreciation of life
Captivating love
A sense of security
Peaceful places
Moments with God
A humbled soul.
Conversations with God
Apply the principles
Seek evidence
Look for movement
Listen for sound
Smell for familiarity
Realize the difference
Share the truth
Hold back feelings
Let trouble go
Tell a neighbor
Question a neighbor
Hold a baby close
Watch the eyes
Position yourself
Defend the gospel
It's true, I had a conversation with God.
Seek evidence
Look for movement
Listen for sound
Smell for familiarity
Realize the difference
Share the truth
Hold back feelings
Let trouble go
Tell a neighbor
Question a neighbor
Hold a baby close
Watch the eyes
Position yourself
Defend the gospel
It's true, I had a conversation with God.
A Poem for the Lost
We would die with smiles on our faces from the mere sound of your voice,
touch of your hand, and glow from your eyes.
We would die with smiles on our faces for love like yours
is extraordinary in our world.
We would tumble over in pain from the overflow of butterflies in our stomachs.
Our blood vessels would swell and then burst from the vibration of your footsteps.
We would die for you are the Almighty teacher, friend, parent, sister, brother, and lover
in our lives.
And there is none greater than you!
We would just die if we had the chance to see your spirit, feel your power, and capture your love!
touch of your hand, and glow from your eyes.
We would die with smiles on our faces for love like yours
is extraordinary in our world.
We would tumble over in pain from the overflow of butterflies in our stomachs.
Our blood vessels would swell and then burst from the vibration of your footsteps.
We would die for you are the Almighty teacher, friend, parent, sister, brother, and lover
in our lives.
And there is none greater than you!
We would just die if we had the chance to see your spirit, feel your power, and capture your love!
Tuesday
Part Two: Is it god or God?
I really thought my spiritual teachers had it altogether so I hung on their every word back during those naive days I mentioned in another blog entry. However, what I didn't know back in the mid-nineties is that there is the god of the world that people praise and then there is the God of the Bible. What makes things a tad bit complicated is which Bible God do you serve?
There are so many bibles! How do you know which one is right? You don't unless you have the gift of the Holy Spirit or receive guidance from a believer who you know reads the word and you can see the wonderful things that are happening in and around his or her life. So how do you get the spirit? Well you can't get the spirit, he has to come upon you. That doesn't happen unless you open yourself up to the word of God, pray and fast, ask God for the gifts of the spirit, and allow the one who is appointed by God to lay hands on you. This usually happens when you walk down an aisle at a church or are in the presence of sincere, anointed believers who will pray with and over you.
Now while these things are going on around you, inside your mind you have to fight the thoughts like, "I have to get back to my seat, I bet people think I look stupid standing here, When will this all be over?" You have to think about things like how grateful you are to be alive, talk to God about the things you have done and ask him for his mercy, thank Him for the favor he has shown you even when you didn't deserve it, and ask him to draw near to you. This is what some of the people are thinking about when they are standing in front of the congregation crying and looking as if they are ready to pass out from grief.
God has a hold on the true believers who really want something miraculous to happen in their lives! All the ugly that those who walked in darkness said about God, what wrong they did to other people, and many other things is what causes them to grieve on the inside. It is through their convictions that they finally say, "Enough, I can't do this by myself Lord -- I need your help!" At that time some will fall out on the floor, shout, cry, even foam at the mouth because some very ugly things they are dealing with are being exposed. Afterward, they feel a sense of relief, a hope that things will get better.
For me, I studied a few chapters that were assigned to me after attending a class before I walked down the aisle and accepted Jesus as my personal Savior.(The study was in the Book of Acts, Galatians Chapter 5, and I John.) I wanted to know what I was getting myself into and even after reading the Bible and the teachers providing me with education and instruction I still didn't necessarily grasp what I was doing. All I knew is that where I was in my life between the physical abuse, drinking, clubbing, and acting a fool 95-96, I needed some guidance.
When I got up to the front of the church back then, I cried and the man of God touched my head. I didn't feel anything at that time, but as the days passed things began to change and I realized that there was something different about me. In time, I stopped having the desire to go out to places I didn't feel comfortable, end a relationship that wasn't good for me, and cut off some so-called friends that did nothing more than take from me. I still had problems back then that I struggled with and even now, but I am nothing like I used to be.
I don't recommend everyone go down any aisle especially if you haven't learned anything about the church, read the Bible, or don't feel right about the people, because the scripture does say, "many are called but chosen are few. " But what I do suggest is that if you attend a church and fill this tugging to walk down the aisle in your mind and body -- like Nike says, "Just do it!" You don't know what God has in store for you and you definitely don't want to miss a new and improved you!
For some of you it could happen this Sunday while you are visiting someone else's church. Better study up! That might be the first and last time you will get a special calling. Then once you get to the front of the aisle, listen to what the leadership says and go to a class so that you understand what this all means. If you don't get any understanding you will be walking between two worlds wondering why things seem to be getting worse.
You see things got worse before they got better for me because I didn't surround myself with prayer warriors back in the 90s. Sure, I got the minister's blessing and studied for a little bit with the mothers of the church, but in time I purposely lost contact, because I wasn't completely sold on God, so to speak. I made excuses because I wanted "to do my own thing." And doing my own thing almost got me killed! You see, in my mind I thought I was a "little god"--the god of self! I thought I didn't need anyone to tell me anything and if I wanted to know something I always had the Internet or a book to read. That is until God got a hold of me!
I leave you with this, if you think that you are a "little god" or you serve little gods then why aren't they saving you from your troubles? Could it be that the god you have been waiting on to answer your prayers isn't really God but just a figment of your imagination? The only way to know the truth is to read it.
Nicholl McGuire
There are so many bibles! How do you know which one is right? You don't unless you have the gift of the Holy Spirit or receive guidance from a believer who you know reads the word and you can see the wonderful things that are happening in and around his or her life. So how do you get the spirit? Well you can't get the spirit, he has to come upon you. That doesn't happen unless you open yourself up to the word of God, pray and fast, ask God for the gifts of the spirit, and allow the one who is appointed by God to lay hands on you. This usually happens when you walk down an aisle at a church or are in the presence of sincere, anointed believers who will pray with and over you.
Now while these things are going on around you, inside your mind you have to fight the thoughts like, "I have to get back to my seat, I bet people think I look stupid standing here, When will this all be over?" You have to think about things like how grateful you are to be alive, talk to God about the things you have done and ask him for his mercy, thank Him for the favor he has shown you even when you didn't deserve it, and ask him to draw near to you. This is what some of the people are thinking about when they are standing in front of the congregation crying and looking as if they are ready to pass out from grief.
God has a hold on the true believers who really want something miraculous to happen in their lives! All the ugly that those who walked in darkness said about God, what wrong they did to other people, and many other things is what causes them to grieve on the inside. It is through their convictions that they finally say, "Enough, I can't do this by myself Lord -- I need your help!" At that time some will fall out on the floor, shout, cry, even foam at the mouth because some very ugly things they are dealing with are being exposed. Afterward, they feel a sense of relief, a hope that things will get better.
For me, I studied a few chapters that were assigned to me after attending a class before I walked down the aisle and accepted Jesus as my personal Savior.(The study was in the Book of Acts, Galatians Chapter 5, and I John.) I wanted to know what I was getting myself into and even after reading the Bible and the teachers providing me with education and instruction I still didn't necessarily grasp what I was doing. All I knew is that where I was in my life between the physical abuse, drinking, clubbing, and acting a fool 95-96, I needed some guidance.
When I got up to the front of the church back then, I cried and the man of God touched my head. I didn't feel anything at that time, but as the days passed things began to change and I realized that there was something different about me. In time, I stopped having the desire to go out to places I didn't feel comfortable, end a relationship that wasn't good for me, and cut off some so-called friends that did nothing more than take from me. I still had problems back then that I struggled with and even now, but I am nothing like I used to be.
I don't recommend everyone go down any aisle especially if you haven't learned anything about the church, read the Bible, or don't feel right about the people, because the scripture does say, "many are called but chosen are few. " But what I do suggest is that if you attend a church and fill this tugging to walk down the aisle in your mind and body -- like Nike says, "Just do it!" You don't know what God has in store for you and you definitely don't want to miss a new and improved you!
For some of you it could happen this Sunday while you are visiting someone else's church. Better study up! That might be the first and last time you will get a special calling. Then once you get to the front of the aisle, listen to what the leadership says and go to a class so that you understand what this all means. If you don't get any understanding you will be walking between two worlds wondering why things seem to be getting worse.
You see things got worse before they got better for me because I didn't surround myself with prayer warriors back in the 90s. Sure, I got the minister's blessing and studied for a little bit with the mothers of the church, but in time I purposely lost contact, because I wasn't completely sold on God, so to speak. I made excuses because I wanted "to do my own thing." And doing my own thing almost got me killed! You see, in my mind I thought I was a "little god"--the god of self! I thought I didn't need anyone to tell me anything and if I wanted to know something I always had the Internet or a book to read. That is until God got a hold of me!
I leave you with this, if you think that you are a "little god" or you serve little gods then why aren't they saving you from your troubles? Could it be that the god you have been waiting on to answer your prayers isn't really God but just a figment of your imagination? The only way to know the truth is to read it.
Nicholl McGuire
Part One: Is it god or God? A Little Something for the Believers
At one time back in 95-96, during my naive days of accepting church invites without thinking, I thought all believers served the same God, I was wrong. I thought all believers were suppose to act a certain way, dress a certain way, and rightly divide the word the same way, I was really wrong. The truth is not everyone who says, "Oh god, Thank god, Oh my god," believes in God.
Some of the celebrities will say, "Thank god..." after doing a sexually explicit movie, singing a song full of cuss words, or acting crazy in some video, do you really think the one true God had something to do with that? After gambling away money for years and then finally winning something people will say, "Thank god!" Then put all the money back into the casino or lottery again or use it to pay for something that will only need more money to keep it going. Oh there was definitely a god in the midst, but it wasn't the one that put his Son on a cross for our sins!
I use to think this way until I started reading the word for myself and I had to ask God for forgiveness. I was thanking the wrong gods! You see we always think about fat statues and weird symbols being idols but we don't think about things like: material wealth, food, sex, and music being gods and/or idols in our lives. For example, there are people who serve food literally. Praising it often, talking about it too much, and spending just about the majority of their paychecks on it and as they do they are getting bigger and bigger starting to look and smell old just like it! No one seems to say too much about serving the god of gluttony until health problems occur. Too much food, money, sex, entertainment and anything related to these areas without balance and the discernment to separate what's wrong from what is right can be a god in your life!
The only way we can combat temptation is to take God at His word!
Some of the celebrities will say, "Thank god..." after doing a sexually explicit movie, singing a song full of cuss words, or acting crazy in some video, do you really think the one true God had something to do with that? After gambling away money for years and then finally winning something people will say, "Thank god!" Then put all the money back into the casino or lottery again or use it to pay for something that will only need more money to keep it going. Oh there was definitely a god in the midst, but it wasn't the one that put his Son on a cross for our sins!
I use to think this way until I started reading the word for myself and I had to ask God for forgiveness. I was thanking the wrong gods! You see we always think about fat statues and weird symbols being idols but we don't think about things like: material wealth, food, sex, and music being gods and/or idols in our lives. For example, there are people who serve food literally. Praising it often, talking about it too much, and spending just about the majority of their paychecks on it and as they do they are getting bigger and bigger starting to look and smell old just like it! No one seems to say too much about serving the god of gluttony until health problems occur. Too much food, money, sex, entertainment and anything related to these areas without balance and the discernment to separate what's wrong from what is right can be a god in your life!
The only way we can combat temptation is to take God at His word!
Saturday
Interesting Biblical Scripture Sounds a Little Bit like G-20 Summit
Weeks before the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh that was held on September 24 and 25th of 2009, I noticed an interesting passage in the Living Bible (1971 edition) which is paraphrased for those of us who don't like the "thy", "thou" and other old English language used in the King James version. Here's what I read:
Psalm 2
"What fools the nations are to rage against the Lord! How strange that men should try to outwit God! For a summit conference of the nations has been called to plot against the Lord and his Messiah Christ King. "Come, let us break his chains," they say, "and free ourselves from all this slavery to God."
But God in heaven merely laughs! He is amused by all their puny plans. And then in fierce fury he rebukes them and fills them with fear. For the Lord declares, This is the King of my choice, and I have enthroned him in Jerusalem, my holy city."
His chosen one replies, "I will reveal the everlasting purposes of God, for the Lord has said to me, 'You are my Son. This is your Coronation Day. Today I am giving you your glory." Only ask, and I will give you all the nations of the world. Rule them with an iron rod; smash them like clay pots!"
O kings and rulers of the earth, listen while there is time. Serve the Lord with reverent fear; rejoice with trembling. Fall down before his Son and kiss his feet before his anger is roused and you perish. I am warning you -- his wrath will soon begin. But oh, the joys of those who put their trust in him!"
What makes the relation interesting to me is United States making claims that as a nation we trust God. However, other countries don't hold the same beliefs. I can almost bet that someone or people in that room made reference to the United State's God and what we believe etc. I wonder what President Barack Obama said when his God was criticized? As we all know the Muslim religion is comprised of many believers that have an agenda that goes beyond our economic crisis and if you think they don't, watch international news. I thought this was interesting maybe in the flesh these leaders were meeting about money, but in the spirit they were meeting about God's presence and how they could rid Christianity and all its believers off the face of this earth and make all countries Muslim nations! In order to do that, you have to put doubt in a believer's mind to make them stop believing. So-called "smart" people will do just that, "If I question you enough to frustrate you so that you look like a fool, put holes in your belief system and call it ignorant, show you where you are a hypocrite, talk to you about how your God or god has failed you, at some point I will have you where I want you in unbelief." I thought of this when I reflected on this meeting of the minds. I wonder what it really accomplished?
)Monday
One of the Better Emails I Received...
The following prayer is a good one to use if you have some things you wish to repent of, be blessed. As always, if you don't agree, don't read.
Billy Graham's Prayer For Our Nation
'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics... We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' before he died and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'One nation under God...'Think about this: If you forward this prayer to everyone on your e-mail list, in less than 30 days it would be heard by the world. (It's worth a try!) One Nation Under God.
Billy Graham's Prayer For Our Nation
'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics... We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and Set us free. Amen!'
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, 'The Rest of the Story,' before he died and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired. With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called 'One nation under God...'Think about this: If you forward this prayer to everyone on your e-mail list, in less than 30 days it would be heard by the world. (It's worth a try!) One Nation Under God.
Saturday
Let Us Pray...
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessing me with ears to hear, a voice to speak, legs to walk, and so much more that I often take for granted. Thank you for sparing my life! For when I was down and out you were there when no one seemed to care about me.
I appreciate your wisdom, love, truth, and mercy. I know I don't deserve these things but because of your son Jesus that is why I am able to say, Aba Father! Thank you for adopting me into your kingdom. Lord, I want to have a closer relationship with you. I need to experience you just as I do when I am relating to humans. I need for you to speak a word over my life.
Lord, you know the money, relationship, family, work, health, and other struggles I am dealing with at this time in my life, I need for you to bless me with peace. I need to know what direction I must take in the near future to bring happiness to those affected by my decisions and not sadness.
Lord, I command your angels to come down upon those that I know and love and protect them from all harm and danger. Give them a discerning spirit to see trouble coming their way before it gets to them.
Let no weapon formed against me prosper from those who are jealous, angry, confused or bitter concerning me. I ask in Jesus name that you deal with my enemies according to your will.
Bless our government, churches, hospitals, businesses, and schools with the necessary knowledge to perform your will and be a benefit to all and not a burden. Teach those working in these establishments to be better stewards of your resources and have better attitudes about their service.
Thank you for listening to my prayers in Jesus name, Amen.
Thank you for blessing me with ears to hear, a voice to speak, legs to walk, and so much more that I often take for granted. Thank you for sparing my life! For when I was down and out you were there when no one seemed to care about me.
I appreciate your wisdom, love, truth, and mercy. I know I don't deserve these things but because of your son Jesus that is why I am able to say, Aba Father! Thank you for adopting me into your kingdom. Lord, I want to have a closer relationship with you. I need to experience you just as I do when I am relating to humans. I need for you to speak a word over my life.
Lord, you know the money, relationship, family, work, health, and other struggles I am dealing with at this time in my life, I need for you to bless me with peace. I need to know what direction I must take in the near future to bring happiness to those affected by my decisions and not sadness.
Lord, I command your angels to come down upon those that I know and love and protect them from all harm and danger. Give them a discerning spirit to see trouble coming their way before it gets to them.
Let no weapon formed against me prosper from those who are jealous, angry, confused or bitter concerning me. I ask in Jesus name that you deal with my enemies according to your will.
Bless our government, churches, hospitals, businesses, and schools with the necessary knowledge to perform your will and be a benefit to all and not a burden. Teach those working in these establishments to be better stewards of your resources and have better attitudes about their service.
Thank you for listening to my prayers in Jesus name, Amen.
Is God whipping or empowering believers?
Too busy to give thought to this question, I understand. But for those who enjoy thinking philosophically, I ask, is the God you serve whipping or empowering his church?
I have personally witnessed God's action and inaction on a personal and professional level in my own life. He has blessed me at the right time to receive something I may have not been ready for during times when I was being whipped. You see, I believe he whips and empowers. I know for some teachers and counselors they don't believe that God whips, but only empowers. If that is the case, then I pose these questions, "Why would there be a need for hell in his Bible, why would he take Job through struggles, kill many Israelites who were in route to the Promise Land, and deal with Adam and Eve in the way that he did?" People were getting whipped in the Bible whether they deserved it or not for purposes that we don't completely understand and it still happens to this day!
Sometimes the empowerment comes from the whipping. Let me repeat that, sometimes the empowerment comes from the whipping! Just like children who disobey their parents' wisdom and face punishment, so do we. The cost at times is very high from losing money to losing a life. Even with all the losses, some people never learn from their mistakes or "on purposes" if you know what I mean. They like to cover up the whipping with blame, false stories, hide, fake smiles and so on. But I know better, I see a whipped woman or man of God a mile away. You can say, "You are blessed and highly favored of the Lord" all you want, but when God whips people especially Christians we can all see it. When I got whipped God called me to write a book about it then turned it around for his glory, wonder what he will do with some of you hiding from his word?
I am amazed at the awesome blessings God gives people and how they are quick to raise their hand and say, "I did it!" What did they really do? A situation that seemed impossible suddenly comes through with a phone call or some cash and the nerve of some people to take credit for a situation that only hours maybe even days ago kept one up worried. "Please pray for me..." they say. Sad, how some have faith in God when nothing seems to be going their way then later have faith in self when everything is going their way.
I don't think God likes this attitude either because just as quick as one feels good about self, notice how he or she often comes down just as fast! God really does want to empower us, but are we ready? Do we pay attention to the writing on the wall? He uses people, places, and things to warn us of impending trouble but yet we argue about what we see, feel, hear, and read. "That's not God...God wouldn't do that...I don't believe God would...That's nothing but the devil..." The truth is the devil doesn't have the power to whip us if God isn't giving him the belt.
I think of those that I have talked to about health issues, money problems, relationship drama, and many other challenges that keep some up late at night and I hear the same thing, "I just want...I need for you to pray...why is God doing this..." Sometimes we can stop most whippings if we change our mindset. Rather, look at the wonderful things of God and act like it (Galatians Chapter 5 for starters.) Instead, many people focus on the negative reported on the following: TV, radio, Internet, books, and lips who tear others down! It's like looking at a painting, you can either see the line and the dots in the middle of a white board and call the painting ugly, or you can see what looks like hills and raindrops and call it beautiful.
Your life is in the eye of the beholder -- in this case yourself and God. If an individual presents him or herself before God, the world and (of course) self, as nothing more than a gossip, a liar, a thief, a cheat, ugly, crazy, loud, or something else, then expect all the drama and whippings that go along with the negative perception. Chances are some of you know someone like this and they aren't proud of who they are, that is why they are giving you so much grief! They spend an awful lot of time in everyone else's business. But if an individual presents him or her self, as a child of God, with a purpose, positive, productive, loving, and other positive qualities (irregardless of one's age, what he or she looks like, etc.) then that is what the world will see and so will God!
When you feel good about who you are in Christ, you are therefore empowered to go the distance, but when you find yourself weak and can't stand up against the enemy schemes then God doesn't have to whip you; instead you are whipping yourself. Consider this, Jesus already took many beatings for you and me. Don't beat yourself up about people, places and things! Just do better the next time. Pray, repent and keep it moving!
The way you choose to see yourself (flaws and all) is up to you. Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder and the God you serve sees himself in you!
For those of you struggling with seeing the beauty in you, know that you must labor to love yourself. I wrote "Laboring to Love Myself," a poetry book that reaffirms this point.
I have personally witnessed God's action and inaction on a personal and professional level in my own life. He has blessed me at the right time to receive something I may have not been ready for during times when I was being whipped. You see, I believe he whips and empowers. I know for some teachers and counselors they don't believe that God whips, but only empowers. If that is the case, then I pose these questions, "Why would there be a need for hell in his Bible, why would he take Job through struggles, kill many Israelites who were in route to the Promise Land, and deal with Adam and Eve in the way that he did?" People were getting whipped in the Bible whether they deserved it or not for purposes that we don't completely understand and it still happens to this day!
Sometimes the empowerment comes from the whipping. Let me repeat that, sometimes the empowerment comes from the whipping! Just like children who disobey their parents' wisdom and face punishment, so do we. The cost at times is very high from losing money to losing a life. Even with all the losses, some people never learn from their mistakes or "on purposes" if you know what I mean. They like to cover up the whipping with blame, false stories, hide, fake smiles and so on. But I know better, I see a whipped woman or man of God a mile away. You can say, "You are blessed and highly favored of the Lord" all you want, but when God whips people especially Christians we can all see it. When I got whipped God called me to write a book about it then turned it around for his glory, wonder what he will do with some of you hiding from his word?
I am amazed at the awesome blessings God gives people and how they are quick to raise their hand and say, "I did it!" What did they really do? A situation that seemed impossible suddenly comes through with a phone call or some cash and the nerve of some people to take credit for a situation that only hours maybe even days ago kept one up worried. "Please pray for me..." they say. Sad, how some have faith in God when nothing seems to be going their way then later have faith in self when everything is going their way.
I don't think God likes this attitude either because just as quick as one feels good about self, notice how he or she often comes down just as fast! God really does want to empower us, but are we ready? Do we pay attention to the writing on the wall? He uses people, places, and things to warn us of impending trouble but yet we argue about what we see, feel, hear, and read. "That's not God...God wouldn't do that...I don't believe God would...That's nothing but the devil..." The truth is the devil doesn't have the power to whip us if God isn't giving him the belt.
I think of those that I have talked to about health issues, money problems, relationship drama, and many other challenges that keep some up late at night and I hear the same thing, "I just want...I need for you to pray...why is God doing this..." Sometimes we can stop most whippings if we change our mindset. Rather, look at the wonderful things of God and act like it (Galatians Chapter 5 for starters.) Instead, many people focus on the negative reported on the following: TV, radio, Internet, books, and lips who tear others down! It's like looking at a painting, you can either see the line and the dots in the middle of a white board and call the painting ugly, or you can see what looks like hills and raindrops and call it beautiful.
Your life is in the eye of the beholder -- in this case yourself and God. If an individual presents him or herself before God, the world and (of course) self, as nothing more than a gossip, a liar, a thief, a cheat, ugly, crazy, loud, or something else, then expect all the drama and whippings that go along with the negative perception. Chances are some of you know someone like this and they aren't proud of who they are, that is why they are giving you so much grief! They spend an awful lot of time in everyone else's business. But if an individual presents him or her self, as a child of God, with a purpose, positive, productive, loving, and other positive qualities (irregardless of one's age, what he or she looks like, etc.) then that is what the world will see and so will God!
When you feel good about who you are in Christ, you are therefore empowered to go the distance, but when you find yourself weak and can't stand up against the enemy schemes then God doesn't have to whip you; instead you are whipping yourself. Consider this, Jesus already took many beatings for you and me. Don't beat yourself up about people, places and things! Just do better the next time. Pray, repent and keep it moving!
The way you choose to see yourself (flaws and all) is up to you. Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder and the God you serve sees himself in you!
For those of you struggling with seeing the beauty in you, know that you must labor to love yourself. I wrote "Laboring to Love Myself," a poetry book that reaffirms this point.
Friday
Marriage + A Protest Against Submission = Divorce
Major issues have been plaguing my mind lately as it relates to two subject areas: relationships specifically marriage (which I have been there done that and about to do it again!) and feminism. Keep in mind both issues are connected to one another for purposes of this blog entry.
So lets begin with the first issue I have with these so-called "relationships." I say so-called, because it isn't much of a relationship if he or she won't commit, isn't in love with you, cares more about the children than you, still in love with the ex, or has some unresolved deep personal and/or spiritual issues.
I have had to learn the hard way about everything that has happened in my life just as I'm sure many of my readers have had to go through some equally, if not, worse hard times. However, when we are going through times with the person we have dedicated our lives to, it can be emotionally taxing and might make us want to do any and everything but be with that person you once called, baby, sweetie, honey or love!
I can tell you that since I was a child I was a go-getter, the kind of child that would try to stay up late at night to complete any project I was working on. If it was a pencil drawing or creating what I deemed to be a house (made out of paper and cardboard) for my little toy people, I would try to stick it out until it was finished and cried if my mother or father interrupted with, "It's time to go to bed!"
It's funny, how as you become older, some things you don't grow out of -- determination never outgrew me. I will still stay up late at night if I am on fire about writing something I feel passionate about and I dare someone to bother me about going to bed which brings back to my point about relationships. I have a history of sticking relationships out even if they aren't necessarily healthy for me too.
So here I was up thinking about relationships while feeling this urge to write down my thoughts. I reason that some of the things that cause breakups between men and women, have a lot to do with a variety of feminism viewpoints that can be very divisive. Just think about all the statements you may have heard over the years, "I don't need a man! What can a man do for me? They are all the same! Act like them, do your own thing! Don't be submissive. Forget about love. You will always have your girlfriends. Women rule the world!"
One thing that contributes to breakups are know-it-all, bossy women who are diehard feminists. I can speak from experience and I can tell you that many of the women who have opened up to me about their drama in their relationships unfortunately are go-getters out of control! They expect their family and friends to do as they say and as they do! Think of the character, Terry, in the movie Soul Food, played by Vanessa Williams. Although beautiful, career driven and articulate, Terry couldn't satisfy her man like she could her wallet.
These women turn their nose up (like I have done in the past) when the pastor mentions women should be submissive to their husbands. They become angry and accuse any man who goes along with this concept "a sexist" and women who agree "weak." Women like this will go toe to toe with a man. Threaten to leave him, sex someone else, or abuse him. They will use player tactics used on them by controlling, domineering men as a way to get the upper-hand on the man they are trying to charm. They will initiate sex first, propose to a man, buy a man, and challenge other women about her man despite the fact that the more she does for him, the more she pushes him in the arms of another women. They are usually too book smart, too religious or too something else to be a honest helpmate to their man. They give much and expect much in return. When the man can't meet her needs, she stirs up drama in the household eventually causing both to want to explore other options.
I like the way one website illustrates my thought better than I could, according to the website Godsaidmansaid.com, "MAN SAID the bible has no relevance for today and that the submissive wife concept is ridiculous. According to mankind the ideal marital attitude is authority-sharing, the 50-50 plan. The modern psychology of today's wife is one of "liberated" female, who shares the throne in the home with her husband or even lords over him. She is free to and encouraged to pursue her own career for self-serving purposes, separate from her husband's and the needs of their family. However, when a wife does and must work outside the home and her husband is in agreement, she should not be faulted. Unfortunately for today's woman, she is rebelling against God's natural design. She was created to be a helpmate to her husband and the nurturer of the family and because of her disobedience she shall be met with frustration of purpose and failure. Her new separate and "liberated" mindset has caused tremendous confusion and contributed dramatically to the destruction of their home."
When I started studying the word for myself, I realized that God has a point. You can't run a household, organization, company, or anything else when everyone wants to be the boss. The 50/50 rule doesn't work in corporate America and it sure doesn't work on the home-front. Some will say, "Oh yes it does!" Really? If you look real close at your relationship someone is calling the shots more than the other and usually it's the woman nowadays. Men who have no understanding of their role will fight with the women not realizing that they in fact sat back and let her do all the work from the start of the relationship! So what does he expect? Then when she becomes frustrated that her man isn't doing anything to help her, she bad mouths him to friends, withholds intimacy, and he in turn pays her back by cheating, lying, spending up all the money, not being available to watch the children when she needs him to, stays out all night, etc. Sound familiar? It's no wonder that her man runs off with someone else who makes him feel like a king rather than a fool. Meanwhile, she feels as if she can do bad all by herself. Notice that is one of many reasons I pondered on regarding marital breakups, but there are many more and I can hear someone saying, "What about the man?" To that I say, we already know about the man and what he does and doesn't do, but when are we going to be accountable for some of the mess we start? (Notice I said some not all!)
Feminism may have worked well back in the day, but now we "feminists" are pumped with steroids walking arond calling the shots like we are men especially if we have came from abusive relationships. Just like there can't be two bosses in the home, there can't be two men either. Okay so this issue has been bothering me which means only one thing to me there is still work to do in that area of my life. Oh and here is the biblical scriptures to back up what I have been saying from the Godsaidmansaid website, be prepared to be offended because I was the first time I read them in the Bible years ago, Ephesians Chapter 5 Verses 22-25:
"22. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;..."
Here are some more noteworthy items from the Godsaidmansaid.com website:
"Vast numbers of women have rejected the idea of marital submission and it continues to be rejected in a very aggressive way. Consider this: from 1970 to 1994 the divorce rate rose 300% and results of this breakdown have shown up in a myriad of places...Depression, which is a national epidemic, attacks divorced women very hard. A woman once divorced is nearly three times more likely to be depressed than her one-time married sister."
The site also reports, "General mental illness is nearly twice as high among the divorced verses their married or never-married counterparts. The divorced are nearly 450% more likely to suffer from loneliness and the list goes on. Plus, the problem of divorce greatly damages the children involved, up to the 3rd and 4th generations. Just one example is children requiring professional help for emotional or behavioral problems..."
Written by Nicholl McGuire
associatedcontent.com/nichollmcguire
So lets begin with the first issue I have with these so-called "relationships." I say so-called, because it isn't much of a relationship if he or she won't commit, isn't in love with you, cares more about the children than you, still in love with the ex, or has some unresolved deep personal and/or spiritual issues.
I have had to learn the hard way about everything that has happened in my life just as I'm sure many of my readers have had to go through some equally, if not, worse hard times. However, when we are going through times with the person we have dedicated our lives to, it can be emotionally taxing and might make us want to do any and everything but be with that person you once called, baby, sweetie, honey or love!
I can tell you that since I was a child I was a go-getter, the kind of child that would try to stay up late at night to complete any project I was working on. If it was a pencil drawing or creating what I deemed to be a house (made out of paper and cardboard) for my little toy people, I would try to stick it out until it was finished and cried if my mother or father interrupted with, "It's time to go to bed!"
It's funny, how as you become older, some things you don't grow out of -- determination never outgrew me. I will still stay up late at night if I am on fire about writing something I feel passionate about and I dare someone to bother me about going to bed which brings back to my point about relationships. I have a history of sticking relationships out even if they aren't necessarily healthy for me too.
So here I was up thinking about relationships while feeling this urge to write down my thoughts. I reason that some of the things that cause breakups between men and women, have a lot to do with a variety of feminism viewpoints that can be very divisive. Just think about all the statements you may have heard over the years, "I don't need a man! What can a man do for me? They are all the same! Act like them, do your own thing! Don't be submissive. Forget about love. You will always have your girlfriends. Women rule the world!"
One thing that contributes to breakups are know-it-all, bossy women who are diehard feminists. I can speak from experience and I can tell you that many of the women who have opened up to me about their drama in their relationships unfortunately are go-getters out of control! They expect their family and friends to do as they say and as they do! Think of the character, Terry, in the movie Soul Food, played by Vanessa Williams. Although beautiful, career driven and articulate, Terry couldn't satisfy her man like she could her wallet.
These women turn their nose up (like I have done in the past) when the pastor mentions women should be submissive to their husbands. They become angry and accuse any man who goes along with this concept "a sexist" and women who agree "weak." Women like this will go toe to toe with a man. Threaten to leave him, sex someone else, or abuse him. They will use player tactics used on them by controlling, domineering men as a way to get the upper-hand on the man they are trying to charm. They will initiate sex first, propose to a man, buy a man, and challenge other women about her man despite the fact that the more she does for him, the more she pushes him in the arms of another women. They are usually too book smart, too religious or too something else to be a honest helpmate to their man. They give much and expect much in return. When the man can't meet her needs, she stirs up drama in the household eventually causing both to want to explore other options.
I like the way one website illustrates my thought better than I could, according to the website Godsaidmansaid.com, "MAN SAID the bible has no relevance for today and that the submissive wife concept is ridiculous. According to mankind the ideal marital attitude is authority-sharing, the 50-50 plan. The modern psychology of today's wife is one of "liberated" female, who shares the throne in the home with her husband or even lords over him. She is free to and encouraged to pursue her own career for self-serving purposes, separate from her husband's and the needs of their family. However, when a wife does and must work outside the home and her husband is in agreement, she should not be faulted. Unfortunately for today's woman, she is rebelling against God's natural design. She was created to be a helpmate to her husband and the nurturer of the family and because of her disobedience she shall be met with frustration of purpose and failure. Her new separate and "liberated" mindset has caused tremendous confusion and contributed dramatically to the destruction of their home."
When I started studying the word for myself, I realized that God has a point. You can't run a household, organization, company, or anything else when everyone wants to be the boss. The 50/50 rule doesn't work in corporate America and it sure doesn't work on the home-front. Some will say, "Oh yes it does!" Really? If you look real close at your relationship someone is calling the shots more than the other and usually it's the woman nowadays. Men who have no understanding of their role will fight with the women not realizing that they in fact sat back and let her do all the work from the start of the relationship! So what does he expect? Then when she becomes frustrated that her man isn't doing anything to help her, she bad mouths him to friends, withholds intimacy, and he in turn pays her back by cheating, lying, spending up all the money, not being available to watch the children when she needs him to, stays out all night, etc. Sound familiar? It's no wonder that her man runs off with someone else who makes him feel like a king rather than a fool. Meanwhile, she feels as if she can do bad all by herself. Notice that is one of many reasons I pondered on regarding marital breakups, but there are many more and I can hear someone saying, "What about the man?" To that I say, we already know about the man and what he does and doesn't do, but when are we going to be accountable for some of the mess we start? (Notice I said some not all!)
Feminism may have worked well back in the day, but now we "feminists" are pumped with steroids walking arond calling the shots like we are men especially if we have came from abusive relationships. Just like there can't be two bosses in the home, there can't be two men either. Okay so this issue has been bothering me which means only one thing to me there is still work to do in that area of my life. Oh and here is the biblical scriptures to back up what I have been saying from the Godsaidmansaid website, be prepared to be offended because I was the first time I read them in the Bible years ago, Ephesians Chapter 5 Verses 22-25:
"22. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;..."
Here are some more noteworthy items from the Godsaidmansaid.com website:
"Vast numbers of women have rejected the idea of marital submission and it continues to be rejected in a very aggressive way. Consider this: from 1970 to 1994 the divorce rate rose 300% and results of this breakdown have shown up in a myriad of places...Depression, which is a national epidemic, attacks divorced women very hard. A woman once divorced is nearly three times more likely to be depressed than her one-time married sister."
The site also reports, "General mental illness is nearly twice as high among the divorced verses their married or never-married counterparts. The divorced are nearly 450% more likely to suffer from loneliness and the list goes on. Plus, the problem of divorce greatly damages the children involved, up to the 3rd and 4th generations. Just one example is children requiring professional help for emotional or behavioral problems..."
Written by Nicholl McGuire
associatedcontent.com/nichollmcguire
Wednesday
What You Need to Know About Prayer and Fasting Shut -Ins
Someone told you they will be participating in a prayer and fasting service that requires them to stay overnight in a church and asked you to join, so what can you expect if you are attending a "shut-in" like this?
A Prayer and Fasting Shut-In is a great way for believers to come together to pray for one another as well as community, national and international concerns. The doors are not actually locked and people are not shut in all day unable to leave the church. Instead, everyone is welcome to come and go when the prayer and fasting period begins. But this special event is called a "Shut-In" because believers will usually stay up all day and night in the church praying and meditating on scripture until they receive a spiritual breakthrough—more on this later.
Although unbelievers are welcome to this event, it may be better for them to attend a regular church service before committing to staying overnight in a church. Someone not use to praying, talking, dancing, singing, or laughing with God may be uncomfortable being in this kind of service. Also, no one is allowed to eat during this time in the sanctuary, those who must eat are asked to go outside of the church. The reason for this is so that one can focus on God not on eating. To fast means that you are willing to abstain from something you would normally take pleasure in such as food, television, Internet use, or entertaining family and friends. Prayer and Fasting Shut-Ins are not meant to last for months. A personal fast can last as long as 40 days in the Bible. The period of fasting and prayer has been known to produce great spiritual breakthroughs. Many believers report everything from miracles, signs, and wonders during this time.
Unlike regular church service, you will not be entertained, you will be expected to pray and worship God. Believers will hold up their arms, bow, fall to their knees, lie down on the church floor, sing and do other things that will be discussed later.
Before accepting an invitation to participate, know what kind of church denomination is partaking in this activity. You may find that you don't agree with the way the Shut-In is being handled or it may go against your spiritual beliefs, if so, it's best not to attend.
Basic information is revealed to all members of the church body such as the date, time, location, who is hosting the event, and how long it will last. If someone doesn't provide this information to you in advance and information is not readily available to you when you request it, don't go until you get specific details.
If you do receive a program about the Shut-In, a specific protocol should be mentioned. The information should state things such as whether talking in the sanctuary is allowed, how old should children be if they are welcome, and warnings about turning off or silencing your cell phone during the prayer period. Also, rules for when and where to eat should be mentioned and other details such as those with a medical condition must eat outside of the sanctuary so that they are not bothering others. Issues like these are all distractions that can hinder someone's spiritual experience. During this time, leadership may allow participants to bring desk work to the church, sleep, journal, and meditate.
Program information should also list what you will be praying about as a group and mention the times allotted for you to pray individually and with others about concerns. There is also free time given to you to leave if you have to or do other things like read, pray around the property, or socialize with other believers.
There may be other things that you will be fasting from during this time as well, find out if there are any other things the leadership will be asking of the congregation besides what is listed in the program. Be certain that what they say aligns with biblical principles. You should never feel pressured or coerced to do something that would not be deemed righteous.
Before you participate you may want to know if local transportation is nearby. You may ride to the church with someone and realize during the fasting period that the person chooses to stay longer while you would like to go home. Before you choose to ride with someone to the church, take the time to jot down the phone number of the local cab service or find out what bus you need to catch before you commit to going. Take your note and cell phone in case you need it.
There may be speakers present during the prayer and fasting period that you are unfamiliar with; you may want to find out who is on staff at the church and who will be leading some of the prayer services. Since no one who stands before you in or out of the church is perfect, pray that God gives you a discerning spirit to incorrect teaching, a tough skin to negative comments which unfortunately do come from leaders as well as laymen, and the courage to rebuke anyone who is out of order.
Since a Prayer and Fasting Shut-In may go on through the night, you will need to know what to bring with you to the event. Pillows, sleeping bags, blankets, water, and other items are usually acceptable.
Unlike a hotel room, there is no privacy; you will most likely be sleeping on chairs or on the floor. Lights are usually dimly lit but bright enough for you to see what's going on around you.
The church hosting the Prayer and Fasting Shut-In may be open to spiritual gifts then again they may not. This information is crucial to know before you participate because you may feel led to openly worship God, speak in tongues, or share a prophetic word, but those in leadership may not be flexible. If they aren't, you may want to reconsider attending a prayer and fasting event that restricts the move of God. Spiritual gifts are signs of the presence of the Holy Spirit refer to the Book of Acts.
Creating an atmosphere to usher the presence of the spirit is acceptable. According to Biblical scripture men fasted and waited on God, see Romans Chapter 5. They also were blessed by God with various spiritual gifts. Although some people have more or less gifts, all are used by God, read I Corinthians 12. If there is a special gift from God you are hoping to receive, a Prayer and Fasting Shut-In is the perfect place to request it. However, avoid the temptation to be critical of others, mock, curse, or debate. People who cause unnecessary disturbances will be asked to leave.
When the opportunity is given to participants to share testimonies, prophetic words, songs, and other spiritual things, you will want to ask the leadership how long do you have to speak. Keep in mind that others will be listening, learning, and having a need to say something, so keep what you share brief. If you need more time, ask for it.
Sometimes the power of the spirit is so strong it may knock you off your feet, if this should happen you will want to know if there will be anyone around to cushion your fall or you may want to look out for others. There should always be someone watching to be sure no one hurts themselves.
Strange things tend to happen during any event that is hosting the presence of God, so with that said you will want to know basic things like where are the exit doors (if it becomes overwhelming for you or if an emergency situation should occur) and if there will be security present if someone or something gets out of hand.
For more information on Prayer and Fasting Shut-ins or starting one yourself, mention this article to your church leadership and print others about hosting such an event at your church. God bless!
A Prayer and Fasting Shut-In is a great way for believers to come together to pray for one another as well as community, national and international concerns. The doors are not actually locked and people are not shut in all day unable to leave the church. Instead, everyone is welcome to come and go when the prayer and fasting period begins. But this special event is called a "Shut-In" because believers will usually stay up all day and night in the church praying and meditating on scripture until they receive a spiritual breakthrough—more on this later.
Although unbelievers are welcome to this event, it may be better for them to attend a regular church service before committing to staying overnight in a church. Someone not use to praying, talking, dancing, singing, or laughing with God may be uncomfortable being in this kind of service. Also, no one is allowed to eat during this time in the sanctuary, those who must eat are asked to go outside of the church. The reason for this is so that one can focus on God not on eating. To fast means that you are willing to abstain from something you would normally take pleasure in such as food, television, Internet use, or entertaining family and friends. Prayer and Fasting Shut-Ins are not meant to last for months. A personal fast can last as long as 40 days in the Bible. The period of fasting and prayer has been known to produce great spiritual breakthroughs. Many believers report everything from miracles, signs, and wonders during this time.
Unlike regular church service, you will not be entertained, you will be expected to pray and worship God. Believers will hold up their arms, bow, fall to their knees, lie down on the church floor, sing and do other things that will be discussed later.
Before accepting an invitation to participate, know what kind of church denomination is partaking in this activity. You may find that you don't agree with the way the Shut-In is being handled or it may go against your spiritual beliefs, if so, it's best not to attend.
Basic information is revealed to all members of the church body such as the date, time, location, who is hosting the event, and how long it will last. If someone doesn't provide this information to you in advance and information is not readily available to you when you request it, don't go until you get specific details.
If you do receive a program about the Shut-In, a specific protocol should be mentioned. The information should state things such as whether talking in the sanctuary is allowed, how old should children be if they are welcome, and warnings about turning off or silencing your cell phone during the prayer period. Also, rules for when and where to eat should be mentioned and other details such as those with a medical condition must eat outside of the sanctuary so that they are not bothering others. Issues like these are all distractions that can hinder someone's spiritual experience. During this time, leadership may allow participants to bring desk work to the church, sleep, journal, and meditate.
Program information should also list what you will be praying about as a group and mention the times allotted for you to pray individually and with others about concerns. There is also free time given to you to leave if you have to or do other things like read, pray around the property, or socialize with other believers.
There may be other things that you will be fasting from during this time as well, find out if there are any other things the leadership will be asking of the congregation besides what is listed in the program. Be certain that what they say aligns with biblical principles. You should never feel pressured or coerced to do something that would not be deemed righteous.
Before you participate you may want to know if local transportation is nearby. You may ride to the church with someone and realize during the fasting period that the person chooses to stay longer while you would like to go home. Before you choose to ride with someone to the church, take the time to jot down the phone number of the local cab service or find out what bus you need to catch before you commit to going. Take your note and cell phone in case you need it.
There may be speakers present during the prayer and fasting period that you are unfamiliar with; you may want to find out who is on staff at the church and who will be leading some of the prayer services. Since no one who stands before you in or out of the church is perfect, pray that God gives you a discerning spirit to incorrect teaching, a tough skin to negative comments which unfortunately do come from leaders as well as laymen, and the courage to rebuke anyone who is out of order.
Since a Prayer and Fasting Shut-In may go on through the night, you will need to know what to bring with you to the event. Pillows, sleeping bags, blankets, water, and other items are usually acceptable.
Unlike a hotel room, there is no privacy; you will most likely be sleeping on chairs or on the floor. Lights are usually dimly lit but bright enough for you to see what's going on around you.
The church hosting the Prayer and Fasting Shut-In may be open to spiritual gifts then again they may not. This information is crucial to know before you participate because you may feel led to openly worship God, speak in tongues, or share a prophetic word, but those in leadership may not be flexible. If they aren't, you may want to reconsider attending a prayer and fasting event that restricts the move of God. Spiritual gifts are signs of the presence of the Holy Spirit refer to the Book of Acts.
Creating an atmosphere to usher the presence of the spirit is acceptable. According to Biblical scripture men fasted and waited on God, see Romans Chapter 5. They also were blessed by God with various spiritual gifts. Although some people have more or less gifts, all are used by God, read I Corinthians 12. If there is a special gift from God you are hoping to receive, a Prayer and Fasting Shut-In is the perfect place to request it. However, avoid the temptation to be critical of others, mock, curse, or debate. People who cause unnecessary disturbances will be asked to leave.
When the opportunity is given to participants to share testimonies, prophetic words, songs, and other spiritual things, you will want to ask the leadership how long do you have to speak. Keep in mind that others will be listening, learning, and having a need to say something, so keep what you share brief. If you need more time, ask for it.
Sometimes the power of the spirit is so strong it may knock you off your feet, if this should happen you will want to know if there will be anyone around to cushion your fall or you may want to look out for others. There should always be someone watching to be sure no one hurts themselves.
Strange things tend to happen during any event that is hosting the presence of God, so with that said you will want to know basic things like where are the exit doors (if it becomes overwhelming for you or if an emergency situation should occur) and if there will be security present if someone or something gets out of hand.
For more information on Prayer and Fasting Shut-ins or starting one yourself, mention this article to your church leadership and print others about hosting such an event at your church. God bless!
Monday
Let Love Shine Upon a Face
Let love shine
upon a face
once filled with disgrace
when pain seemed too much to bear
when words were devoid of care
Let love shine upon a face!
No more running and feeling mad
crying alone looking sad
confused and acting bitter
displaying someone else's litter
Let love shine upon a face!
Days are so few
memories like morning grass dew
gone so very fast
good moments don't last.
So let love shine upon a face
be one of the first to finish the race
with arms held high
and a tear in your eye
wave goodbye to sadness
so long pain
God will stop all the rain!
Let love shine upon your face!
upon a face
once filled with disgrace
when pain seemed too much to bear
when words were devoid of care
Let love shine upon a face!
No more running and feeling mad
crying alone looking sad
confused and acting bitter
displaying someone else's litter
Let love shine upon a face!
Days are so few
memories like morning grass dew
gone so very fast
good moments don't last.
So let love shine upon a face
be one of the first to finish the race
with arms held high
and a tear in your eye
wave goodbye to sadness
so long pain
God will stop all the rain!
Let love shine upon your face!
Sunday
Embrace the People Who Come into Your Life for a Season...
Embrace the new people who come into your life for a season, but when things seem to have come to an end, rather than work to keep them in your life, be willing to let them go. This is a message I have learned through experience.
When I think about what I have just written, the people who overstayed their welcome in my life comes to mind. Their welcome should have been canceled years ago, but I fought to keep them there! You see, I am usually the person that reaches out to others, I have my good memory to thank for this. I am the kind of person that will take you back to a time you may have forgotten about and bring you back to it again (those from my former elementary, high school and college know this by the photos I have posted in my social networking photo albums.) Depending on where you were during that time of your life, you may have good memories or bad, but I don't intentionally set out to hurt people. So when someone comes into my life or vice versa, rather than hold my hand up in a cross formation and wonder, "What does this person want with me?" I watch them like a movie; I listen and learn. What they say for the time being may be pertinent to my life then again maybe not.
But what happens when the friendship or relationship has served its purpose? A series of warnings also known as "red flags" come up. Everything from promise after promise to meet one another but your gut says "don't" and arguments about one thing or another while neither party is willing to compromise.
I am one of those who try to keep relationships and friendships going long after the expiration date. What do you think usually happens when you keep a carton of milk past the expiration date? You got it, it spoils! Then when you dump it out, it stinks! That's how expired relationships and friendships eventually work out! When this happens, I am usually the one losing the most money and/or time. If a person promises to call, but doesn't, I would try to keep in touch anyway even though the writing on the wall would say, "Keep away." If a loved one invites me somewhere I rather not go, I would sometimes go against my better judgment and go. There are usually warning signs when it comes to these expired relationships and friendships, but at times I would still "give them the benefit..." However, there are those times when doubt would kick in and the safety warning would blink "back away," sometimes I would put an end to those connections and sometimes I wouldn't. I am learning as I go along in this journey called, "Life."
Everyone who comes into our lives are just not "meant to be!" That's why when I see these large networks of people online who claim "friendship", these huge mega churches, and other gigantic organizations, I can't help but think how many people are really meant to be in that person's life/network/group. How many of those people you are trying to reach are really a waste of time and energy? While one is fighting with a negative person who should have been gone out of his or her life a long time ago never to be reached again, others are building worthwhile connections that are getting them somewhere.
When people are "meant to be" in our lives, they bring gifts not excuses, attitudes, disagreements, and fights. That's not to say that you won't disagree with your quality connections, because you will, but you must know when to take heed to warning signs that a person has overstayed their welcome in your life.
Just as I have picked my share of people to disconnect from, there have been others that have disconnected from me. Rather than, feel like this is some great loss or a bad reflection on the woman "I am," I consider it a blessing, because for every one person that leaves there are two more that come into my life whether on or offline. I have had discussions in the past about this issue of "seasonal" friends and most will say that the relationship or friendship started off great, but then took an ugly turn. I must say from personal experience that ugly turns are just warnings to avoid opening the doors up again to a person or group unless you absolutely must (and usually the "must" part falls under the category of family--sometimes you don't have much of a choice especially if you know you need to resolve matters that are affecting others in your family circle.) However, making peace doesn't mean be a fool!
Now some people may have never had an "ugly turn" experience, but that doesn't mean that these same people are significant to your destiny, so why create a bad experience to get them out or wait until it gets to a negative point in the relationship or friendship? Just step away quietly. You don't have to go out with a bang! I have had some people who came into my life with a bang and went out with one as well! There simply is no need to keep gathering around the table with Judas. How many times did Judas sit at the table with Jesus? (Hello!)
These days I am welcoming those who are meant to be while dismissing those who aren't and avoiding the temptation to open up anymore doors that were meant to be closed and stay closed years ago. Not every door should or needs to be open. I rather have two friends I know are "meant to be" (God's will) then have ten that aren't.
When I think about what I have just written, the people who overstayed their welcome in my life comes to mind. Their welcome should have been canceled years ago, but I fought to keep them there! You see, I am usually the person that reaches out to others, I have my good memory to thank for this. I am the kind of person that will take you back to a time you may have forgotten about and bring you back to it again (those from my former elementary, high school and college know this by the photos I have posted in my social networking photo albums.) Depending on where you were during that time of your life, you may have good memories or bad, but I don't intentionally set out to hurt people. So when someone comes into my life or vice versa, rather than hold my hand up in a cross formation and wonder, "What does this person want with me?" I watch them like a movie; I listen and learn. What they say for the time being may be pertinent to my life then again maybe not.
But what happens when the friendship or relationship has served its purpose? A series of warnings also known as "red flags" come up. Everything from promise after promise to meet one another but your gut says "don't" and arguments about one thing or another while neither party is willing to compromise.
I am one of those who try to keep relationships and friendships going long after the expiration date. What do you think usually happens when you keep a carton of milk past the expiration date? You got it, it spoils! Then when you dump it out, it stinks! That's how expired relationships and friendships eventually work out! When this happens, I am usually the one losing the most money and/or time. If a person promises to call, but doesn't, I would try to keep in touch anyway even though the writing on the wall would say, "Keep away." If a loved one invites me somewhere I rather not go, I would sometimes go against my better judgment and go. There are usually warning signs when it comes to these expired relationships and friendships, but at times I would still "give them the benefit..." However, there are those times when doubt would kick in and the safety warning would blink "back away," sometimes I would put an end to those connections and sometimes I wouldn't. I am learning as I go along in this journey called, "Life."
Everyone who comes into our lives are just not "meant to be!" That's why when I see these large networks of people online who claim "friendship", these huge mega churches, and other gigantic organizations, I can't help but think how many people are really meant to be in that person's life/network/group. How many of those people you are trying to reach are really a waste of time and energy? While one is fighting with a negative person who should have been gone out of his or her life a long time ago never to be reached again, others are building worthwhile connections that are getting them somewhere.
When people are "meant to be" in our lives, they bring gifts not excuses, attitudes, disagreements, and fights. That's not to say that you won't disagree with your quality connections, because you will, but you must know when to take heed to warning signs that a person has overstayed their welcome in your life.
Just as I have picked my share of people to disconnect from, there have been others that have disconnected from me. Rather than, feel like this is some great loss or a bad reflection on the woman "I am," I consider it a blessing, because for every one person that leaves there are two more that come into my life whether on or offline. I have had discussions in the past about this issue of "seasonal" friends and most will say that the relationship or friendship started off great, but then took an ugly turn. I must say from personal experience that ugly turns are just warnings to avoid opening the doors up again to a person or group unless you absolutely must (and usually the "must" part falls under the category of family--sometimes you don't have much of a choice especially if you know you need to resolve matters that are affecting others in your family circle.) However, making peace doesn't mean be a fool!
Now some people may have never had an "ugly turn" experience, but that doesn't mean that these same people are significant to your destiny, so why create a bad experience to get them out or wait until it gets to a negative point in the relationship or friendship? Just step away quietly. You don't have to go out with a bang! I have had some people who came into my life with a bang and went out with one as well! There simply is no need to keep gathering around the table with Judas. How many times did Judas sit at the table with Jesus? (Hello!)
These days I am welcoming those who are meant to be while dismissing those who aren't and avoiding the temptation to open up anymore doors that were meant to be closed and stay closed years ago. Not every door should or needs to be open. I rather have two friends I know are "meant to be" (God's will) then have ten that aren't.
Friday
Not a Coincidence. What is God Saying to Us About These Celebrities?
Have you noticed the following musicians in the music industry:
Aaliyah Died August 25th
Left Eye Died April 25th
James Brown Died December 25th
Michael Jackson Died June 25th
This was brought to my attention.
Now here is what the numbers mean from a spiritual standpoint according to, Symbolism the Numbers, a website that discusses the spiritual meaning behind the numbers.
Two means...
"Two is unity plus another, thus we have a difference or a contrast between the one and the other. Two is the first number by which we can divide another, in all of its uses this fundamental idea of division or difference shows through. The first time that the word two is used in the bible is in relation to this theme of division. The sun and the moon were to mark out the division between the day and the night. Thus the first use of two in the Bible was to make a division.
16And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. 17And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, 18And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:16-18
When it comes to the course of human affairs, the difference may be for good or for bad. The second might be for comfort or help.
9Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11
However it might be in opposition, enmity or oppression. Unfortunately when humans are involved the second is more likely the case.
22And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. 23And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
Genesis 25:22-23
Here we have Rebekah pregnant with Jacob and Esau who struggled from within the womb and all through their lives. Here we have a prime example of not only two who are in opposition to each other but also a contrast. The Bible often seeks to teach us by showing us a contrast between a bad example and a good one. Esau was the oldest and thus should have inherited the birthright of the promises given to Abraham and Isaac. However he valued them so little that he sold them to Jacob for a pot of stew. When Esau was forty years old he took two wives of the Hittites which were a grief of mind or a bitterness of Spirit to Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 26:35). Jacob on the other hand valued the birthright so highly that he resorted to deception and guile to win them. Also he worked for 14 years to attain the wife of his parents (and his own) choosing."
The website also instructs on the meaning of 5.
"Five is four plus one, we have seen that there are three persons in the Godhead, four represents their created work. The creation was made subject to corruption, mankind has sown to itself corruption, there is no life without death.
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope
Romans 8:20
In this verse the word translated as creature is the Greek word ktivsi" ktis’-is, which means the creation, the thing created, or the act of founding or establishing. The Greek word translated as vanity is mataiovth" mat-ah-yot’-ace, which means what is devoid of truth and appropriateness, perverseness, depravity, frailty, want of vigour. Thus this verse could read, "For the creation was made subject to frailty..."
Five is the creation plus another. The only possible answer to the corruption and death that is an inevitable part of the creation is Gods power of redemption. There is no aspect of creation and especially of mankind that deserves or could earn redemption. God can only give redemption as a free unmerited gift. There is an old fashioned word for this undeserved favor, grace. Five is the number of grace.
53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
Corinthians 15:53-54
Grace, or Gods unmerited favor is one of, if not the enduring theme of the Bible. Abram did not deserve the grace that was delivered to him any more than we deserved the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. God sealed his unconditional promises to Abram by the covenant of circumcision and by changing his name to Abraham. In the Hebrew this involved adding one letter to Abrams name. The fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Sarai, Abram's wife also had her name changed to Sarah by the addition of the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Thus God is clearly showing that His covenant with Abraham was through grace and by grace only."
Information taken from the following link
http://www.vic.australis.com.au/hazz/Numbers.html
Now on to Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson all three died in Los Angeles and all three deaths were reported within three days. It makes you think coincidence or deeper meaning? You be the judge.
I am aware the media and individuals can purposely look for connections when one passes, but some things you need not force. There is no question that the circumstances are definitely peculiar and out of our control.
I encourage you to look up the spiritual meaning of numbers that continuously shows up in your own life. God isn't restricted to mere words, he uses numbers too.
Be blessed.
Aaliyah Died August 25th
Left Eye Died April 25th
James Brown Died December 25th
Michael Jackson Died June 25th
This was brought to my attention.
Now here is what the numbers mean from a spiritual standpoint according to, Symbolism the Numbers, a website that discusses the spiritual meaning behind the numbers.
Two means...
"Two is unity plus another, thus we have a difference or a contrast between the one and the other. Two is the first number by which we can divide another, in all of its uses this fundamental idea of division or difference shows through. The first time that the word two is used in the bible is in relation to this theme of division. The sun and the moon were to mark out the division between the day and the night. Thus the first use of two in the Bible was to make a division.
16And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. 17And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, 18And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:16-18
When it comes to the course of human affairs, the difference may be for good or for bad. The second might be for comfort or help.
9Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
Ecclesiastes 4:9-11
However it might be in opposition, enmity or oppression. Unfortunately when humans are involved the second is more likely the case.
22And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. 23And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.
Genesis 25:22-23
Here we have Rebekah pregnant with Jacob and Esau who struggled from within the womb and all through their lives. Here we have a prime example of not only two who are in opposition to each other but also a contrast. The Bible often seeks to teach us by showing us a contrast between a bad example and a good one. Esau was the oldest and thus should have inherited the birthright of the promises given to Abraham and Isaac. However he valued them so little that he sold them to Jacob for a pot of stew. When Esau was forty years old he took two wives of the Hittites which were a grief of mind or a bitterness of Spirit to Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 26:35). Jacob on the other hand valued the birthright so highly that he resorted to deception and guile to win them. Also he worked for 14 years to attain the wife of his parents (and his own) choosing."
The website also instructs on the meaning of 5.
"Five is four plus one, we have seen that there are three persons in the Godhead, four represents their created work. The creation was made subject to corruption, mankind has sown to itself corruption, there is no life without death.
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope
Romans 8:20
In this verse the word translated as creature is the Greek word ktivsi" ktis’-is, which means the creation, the thing created, or the act of founding or establishing. The Greek word translated as vanity is mataiovth" mat-ah-yot’-ace, which means what is devoid of truth and appropriateness, perverseness, depravity, frailty, want of vigour. Thus this verse could read, "For the creation was made subject to frailty..."
Five is the creation plus another. The only possible answer to the corruption and death that is an inevitable part of the creation is Gods power of redemption. There is no aspect of creation and especially of mankind that deserves or could earn redemption. God can only give redemption as a free unmerited gift. There is an old fashioned word for this undeserved favor, grace. Five is the number of grace.
53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
Corinthians 15:53-54
Grace, or Gods unmerited favor is one of, if not the enduring theme of the Bible. Abram did not deserve the grace that was delivered to him any more than we deserved the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. God sealed his unconditional promises to Abram by the covenant of circumcision and by changing his name to Abraham. In the Hebrew this involved adding one letter to Abrams name. The fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Sarai, Abram's wife also had her name changed to Sarah by the addition of the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Thus God is clearly showing that His covenant with Abraham was through grace and by grace only."
Information taken from the following link
http://www.vic.australis.com.au/hazz/Numbers.html
Now on to Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson all three died in Los Angeles and all three deaths were reported within three days. It makes you think coincidence or deeper meaning? You be the judge.
I am aware the media and individuals can purposely look for connections when one passes, but some things you need not force. There is no question that the circumstances are definitely peculiar and out of our control.
I encourage you to look up the spiritual meaning of numbers that continuously shows up in your own life. God isn't restricted to mere words, he uses numbers too.
Be blessed.
Thursday
Prophecy for Believers and Christians with Divine Experiences
(This is the prophetic word I received to believers from God and wrote it the best I could.)
"This day June 15, 2009 shall be a new day in the lives of those around you for they will see visions, have dreams, and will see change begin to happen in their lives. Although change does come with a price it is inevitable. For God will be shaking man up in a way that he has never seen before. He will take man up in his hands and will show him the upset that he is caused in his own life and those around him.
Take heed to my words for I come quick like a flash of lightning in the sky. I will not be moved nor shaken with words, oils, curses, medicines, or other idols that man seems to think will make me move. Like a flood, I come to take back what is mine! I call all men to me and they do not listen. I tell them what to eat, what to wear, what to drink, and still they do not listen. I am no longer moved by man’s tears, his prayers, his hopes, and sorrows. I come like a raging bull knocking down whoever or whatever stands in my way! Like in the Book of Job, calamity strikes without warning, pain comes without notice; death comes not by a mighty sword but in unexplainable, unfounded, misunderstood ways.
For I am God, I am the Alpha and the Omega, Jehovah Rafah. I am the first and last, the beginning and the end no one comes to the Father without Jesus –no one! They slander my names, misuse my text for selfish gain, they do not hold me up in esteem but rather hold themselves up. No longer will I sit by and allow the wicked to prevail in my kingdom. No longer will I allow those who have been wounded to be hurt more by wicked priests, leaders, counselors, and the like. I come not as man but as spirit. Without notice I come! I am disappointed in the way parents idly sit by and watch their children make a mess of my kingdom! I am angered by the utter foolishness that man calls Christian dance! I am spoiled by the music for it reflects not me but a generation that wants fame, fortune, and praise – is this what I teach? Is this what you heard from me? When have I told you to act in this way in my Bible? Did I not warn you of this behavior? Did I not scold you for this recklessness? Who do you think I am? Who might you serve? Idols – human idols made up to be glorified, worshipped, and treated as if they run the world. For do you not know that I am a jealous God, an angry God? I am not the friend that you call a friend instead I am your Father! I am the one who knit you together in your mother’s womb. What, then, shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Where are the tears Oh holy ones? Where is the love oh wretched ones? Where is the help oh lazy ones? Tell me! I will arise and will take all those who have misguided the church to hell. They will not escape my punishment no matter who they ask to pray for them.
I am God who is fed up, angered and vengeful, for I will avenge those who have been led astray by misguided teachings. I will shake the very ground they trod upon. I will not stop until all is destroyed! Move quickly sons and daughters take your children out of schools that don’t preach the gospel, remove your children out of daycare that leave prayer out. Find godly people who will instruct your children in the way they should go. Do it now! Don’t wait! The clock is ticking waiting for the next victim to be taken to the gates of hell. Will it be you? You? You? No one knows the day, hour, season, time – no one!
Stop allowing people to worry you over when I will be coming my soon is not your soon. My time isn’t your time. God only knows. For those of you who have lost your way, come back home while you still can. Do what you must to breathe new life into the kingdom. Do what you must to restore families. Do what you must to save souls – do what you must! But hurry, the clock is ticking. Know that I am God!
I have sent this messenger to you to remind you of the path you must take to get here from there – for the path is narrow and straight it doesn’t turn left or right. May you believe from this day forward and know that I love you.
Shalom!"
(PLEASE NOTE: As heard and recorded by Nicholl McGuire, a layman and believer. Since receiving this word, days following (specifically in the Pittsburgh area,) there have been very bad storms that have caused floods. In one night there were over 3000 sightings of lightning! I find it interesting that the last time Pittsburgh was “shaken up” was in 1998. A 5.2 magnitude earthquake came and shook the city. I also find it interesting that Pittsburgh has been in the spotlight for their winning sports teams lately and world leaders will be meeting here in September 2009. Just the other day North Korea threatened to 'wipe the United States off the map.' If you are familiar with end time prophecy you know that the United States is non-existant in the last days. Further there are those celebrities who have recently died (3 in a row) California as well as the rest of the world is "shook up" about Michael Jackson's death. BRACE YOURSELF there is more to come...Now with this information in mind, reread the text. God’s message becomes just a little more clearer, doesn’t it?)
"This day June 15, 2009 shall be a new day in the lives of those around you for they will see visions, have dreams, and will see change begin to happen in their lives. Although change does come with a price it is inevitable. For God will be shaking man up in a way that he has never seen before. He will take man up in his hands and will show him the upset that he is caused in his own life and those around him.
Take heed to my words for I come quick like a flash of lightning in the sky. I will not be moved nor shaken with words, oils, curses, medicines, or other idols that man seems to think will make me move. Like a flood, I come to take back what is mine! I call all men to me and they do not listen. I tell them what to eat, what to wear, what to drink, and still they do not listen. I am no longer moved by man’s tears, his prayers, his hopes, and sorrows. I come like a raging bull knocking down whoever or whatever stands in my way! Like in the Book of Job, calamity strikes without warning, pain comes without notice; death comes not by a mighty sword but in unexplainable, unfounded, misunderstood ways.
For I am God, I am the Alpha and the Omega, Jehovah Rafah. I am the first and last, the beginning and the end no one comes to the Father without Jesus –no one! They slander my names, misuse my text for selfish gain, they do not hold me up in esteem but rather hold themselves up. No longer will I sit by and allow the wicked to prevail in my kingdom. No longer will I allow those who have been wounded to be hurt more by wicked priests, leaders, counselors, and the like. I come not as man but as spirit. Without notice I come! I am disappointed in the way parents idly sit by and watch their children make a mess of my kingdom! I am angered by the utter foolishness that man calls Christian dance! I am spoiled by the music for it reflects not me but a generation that wants fame, fortune, and praise – is this what I teach? Is this what you heard from me? When have I told you to act in this way in my Bible? Did I not warn you of this behavior? Did I not scold you for this recklessness? Who do you think I am? Who might you serve? Idols – human idols made up to be glorified, worshipped, and treated as if they run the world. For do you not know that I am a jealous God, an angry God? I am not the friend that you call a friend instead I am your Father! I am the one who knit you together in your mother’s womb. What, then, shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Where are the tears Oh holy ones? Where is the love oh wretched ones? Where is the help oh lazy ones? Tell me! I will arise and will take all those who have misguided the church to hell. They will not escape my punishment no matter who they ask to pray for them.
I am God who is fed up, angered and vengeful, for I will avenge those who have been led astray by misguided teachings. I will shake the very ground they trod upon. I will not stop until all is destroyed! Move quickly sons and daughters take your children out of schools that don’t preach the gospel, remove your children out of daycare that leave prayer out. Find godly people who will instruct your children in the way they should go. Do it now! Don’t wait! The clock is ticking waiting for the next victim to be taken to the gates of hell. Will it be you? You? You? No one knows the day, hour, season, time – no one!
Stop allowing people to worry you over when I will be coming my soon is not your soon. My time isn’t your time. God only knows. For those of you who have lost your way, come back home while you still can. Do what you must to breathe new life into the kingdom. Do what you must to restore families. Do what you must to save souls – do what you must! But hurry, the clock is ticking. Know that I am God!
I have sent this messenger to you to remind you of the path you must take to get here from there – for the path is narrow and straight it doesn’t turn left or right. May you believe from this day forward and know that I love you.
Shalom!"
(PLEASE NOTE: As heard and recorded by Nicholl McGuire, a layman and believer. Since receiving this word, days following (specifically in the Pittsburgh area,) there have been very bad storms that have caused floods. In one night there were over 3000 sightings of lightning! I find it interesting that the last time Pittsburgh was “shaken up” was in 1998. A 5.2 magnitude earthquake came and shook the city. I also find it interesting that Pittsburgh has been in the spotlight for their winning sports teams lately and world leaders will be meeting here in September 2009. Just the other day North Korea threatened to 'wipe the United States off the map.' If you are familiar with end time prophecy you know that the United States is non-existant in the last days. Further there are those celebrities who have recently died (3 in a row) California as well as the rest of the world is "shook up" about Michael Jackson's death. BRACE YOURSELF there is more to come...Now with this information in mind, reread the text. God’s message becomes just a little more clearer, doesn’t it?)
Wednesday
No One is Good but the Father
Wisdom isn't well-received by everyone especially people who think that they and their lives are good so they criticize people when they attempt to share their faith, "What do I need a belief system for? My life is good. Christians are sheep they need a shepherd, I don't need one! That's why God gave me a mind and I use it!" These statements are absent of wisdom and hypocritical, because these same people when tragic circumstances come for a visit in their lives affecting self, family and friends, they want people to pray for them and may even go to God themselves with, "Lord if you do this one thing for me I'll..." and they will list promises. Others may buy something holy (like a cross or anointed oil,) attend a church, or send money to a Christian organization, all the while believing that their loved one will get better. People who usually have a hard time accepting wise teachings are those who don't want to change, after all, they think they are good. To listen or read wise information, one will begin to feel a variety of emotions all designed to convict one's spirit to change his or her ways such as lifestyle and harmful habits that may lead them to death. (That's why many denounce the most powerful book in the world, the Bible, because they don't want to change. When reading the Bible the truth looks you right in the face especially the Book of Proverbs!)
Some of the emotions you experience when you read the book of Proverbs and other teachings of the Bible is a desire to want to argue, change the meaning of the scripture, ignore it, or defend your thoughts. For example, Proverbs 16 "We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God's hands."--New Living Bible. Now a person who thinks he or she is good would definitely not credit something greater as having control over his or her life. Rather, he or she will mock people who believe this and create what sounds like an intelligent argument to back it up. This wise teaching opens up a Pandora's box of thoughts. For instance one may reason that "Whatever plan I make somehow they all come back to God." This scripture also tells just how important it is to seek God for direction when making plans.
In other parts of the Bible wisdom is prevalent such as Romans 3:10 "No one is good-no one in all the world is innocent." -- New Living Bible. Immediately some readers will start with, "I don't agree with that. What about...?" This scripture doesn't refer to your specific situation, your personal experience -- nothing of the sort. But when one can't see past his or her own experience, they will debate and begin to argue using the "what about" defense. However, if you look at this statement on a broader scale and you say how people will throw around the word "good" as if it's nothing more than a simple word, you will find, when examining each and every person closely, such as you, me or they, we aren't good (that's why we need help mentally, physically, and spiritually!)
I continued to read the passage of scripture and noticed Romans 3:11 "No one has ever really followed God's paths, or even truly wanted to." --New Living Bible. How true is that statement! No one has ever really followed God's paths; this reaffirms why we can't be careless when calling men and women of God "good." We also can't assume that everyone who says they are a believer, Christian, disciple, priest, evangelist, a sister or brother in Christ is good.
To call someone good is to put a person on a pedestal. When a crisis comes in a believer or unbeliever's life everyone wants to run to a person they deem "good." But what they don't realize is that they have the same access to God as any minister, pastor or teacher. Go to the ones you call "good" for the training, but ultimately you won't need an intercessor for every matter that comes in your life. At some point God is going to say, "When are you coming to me for yourself?"
This word "good" is not only used amongst believers, but it's also used outside of spiritual groups as well. Your mother may tell you, "Visit this doctor she is good!" A friend may brag about "How good my husband is!" And, a boss may pat you on the back and say, "What a good worker you are!" That's all well and "good!" But just when you believe this flattery that is when something will happen to reduce the praise of this individual everyone thinks is so "good" and increase his or her humility while showing you their flaws.
It just doesn't pay to believe in what man or woman says about others being "good!" When people call you good, just thank them and keep it moving! The minute you allow the compliment of "good" to take over your mind, that is when people will start talking about how bad you are! Instead of keeping it real, keep it humble!
Some of the emotions you experience when you read the book of Proverbs and other teachings of the Bible is a desire to want to argue, change the meaning of the scripture, ignore it, or defend your thoughts. For example, Proverbs 16 "We can make our plans, but the final outcome is in God's hands."--New Living Bible. Now a person who thinks he or she is good would definitely not credit something greater as having control over his or her life. Rather, he or she will mock people who believe this and create what sounds like an intelligent argument to back it up. This wise teaching opens up a Pandora's box of thoughts. For instance one may reason that "Whatever plan I make somehow they all come back to God." This scripture also tells just how important it is to seek God for direction when making plans.
In other parts of the Bible wisdom is prevalent such as Romans 3:10 "No one is good-no one in all the world is innocent." -- New Living Bible. Immediately some readers will start with, "I don't agree with that. What about...?" This scripture doesn't refer to your specific situation, your personal experience -- nothing of the sort. But when one can't see past his or her own experience, they will debate and begin to argue using the "what about" defense. However, if you look at this statement on a broader scale and you say how people will throw around the word "good" as if it's nothing more than a simple word, you will find, when examining each and every person closely, such as you, me or they, we aren't good (that's why we need help mentally, physically, and spiritually!)
I continued to read the passage of scripture and noticed Romans 3:11 "No one has ever really followed God's paths, or even truly wanted to." --New Living Bible. How true is that statement! No one has ever really followed God's paths; this reaffirms why we can't be careless when calling men and women of God "good." We also can't assume that everyone who says they are a believer, Christian, disciple, priest, evangelist, a sister or brother in Christ is good.
To call someone good is to put a person on a pedestal. When a crisis comes in a believer or unbeliever's life everyone wants to run to a person they deem "good." But what they don't realize is that they have the same access to God as any minister, pastor or teacher. Go to the ones you call "good" for the training, but ultimately you won't need an intercessor for every matter that comes in your life. At some point God is going to say, "When are you coming to me for yourself?"
This word "good" is not only used amongst believers, but it's also used outside of spiritual groups as well. Your mother may tell you, "Visit this doctor she is good!" A friend may brag about "How good my husband is!" And, a boss may pat you on the back and say, "What a good worker you are!" That's all well and "good!" But just when you believe this flattery that is when something will happen to reduce the praise of this individual everyone thinks is so "good" and increase his or her humility while showing you their flaws.
It just doesn't pay to believe in what man or woman says about others being "good!" When people call you good, just thank them and keep it moving! The minute you allow the compliment of "good" to take over your mind, that is when people will start talking about how bad you are! Instead of keeping it real, keep it humble!
Sunday
Sowing Seed Brings Original Blessings Not Ones that Are Already Expected!
In case you didn't read my blog from last week about the $500, let me just briefly tell you what happened. There was a guest speaker who was supposed to speak for an hour at a church I visited who ended up going over so that he could ask the congregation (at least 50) people to give $500. Well some people got up and gave this guest speaker, not the shepherd of the church, but a guest speaker that much knowing that there were other projects that the church needed to complete. The next week the bishop used three people to say how God blessed them as a result of their giving. Now the bishop knew what we were thinking and said so, "They was going to get the money anyway..." of course he denounced that argument and said they didn't have to get it. Well these people who had received their blessings were due to get them anyway and their sowing $500 into a guest speaker's ministry had nothing to do with it! One woman was going to college and had received a scholarship that would last the duration of her attendance (she filled out her paperwork before the minister showed up), another received two checks due him (before the minister came to town), and the last woman well she had done some consulting work beforehand and had money due to her (mind you before the minister preached about sowing seed.) All these things were in the works BEFORE the guest speaker showed up asking people to sow seed for $500!
So the situation I just explained brings me to this point, "Do you think that sowing seed for things that God has already worked out in your favor should be attributed to a financial seed whether $500 or $5 after the fact?" Of course these people were unsure at the time of when they were going to get their blessings and probably wondered if they would, but they knew they had already put in for them before anyone asked them to sow any money. I guess the audience got excited because of the timing and assumed well it had to be the seed -- I disagree!
I can tell you from personal experience that the seed you sow is for the return you know nothing about! The surprise, the miracle, the "Oh my..." that is where the blessing is! The Bible will show you plenty of examples of the unexpected. From the manna from heaven to the five loaves of bread and two fish! If I had been sowing seed back then and knew about the blessings that were due to come I wouldn't be thanking a man for asking me to give, I would be thanking God. However, the unexpected blessings...those are the ones that I would have to thank the man for asking me to give, thank God for moving on my spirit to be obedient, and of course thank God himself.
Based on what I witnessed and what I am explaining to you, I can see why people are confused. When it comes to getting money from people, it's okay for ministers to twist the scripture a little, add things to it that have nothing to do with the circumstance, and on and on for the almighty dollar! I think more people should go to church especially those who are unsaved to challenge authority and start holding people accountable to the word that they preach.
I don't just attend church because I like being around believers, but I attend because I want to learn how to be a better person not just amongst church folk but every folk! Taking the word and trying to bend it and twist it when it is convenient for one's pockets or to save face is what I noticed amongst some Christians and we all know that is unacceptable in the eyes of God!
Tuesday
When Strange Things Happen at Church like Shouting, Dancing
When you see something that is happening in a church and you don't understand, rather than gossip with others about it, conduct research and let God bless you with some wisdom.
Although it may be funny to mock church people, it isn't funny to God. I came across an interesting revelation in the Bible about one who observed David dancing. Her name was Michal. According to 2 Samuel 14-23 from the New Living Bible, the scriptures teach us about David dancing before the Lord. "And David danced before the Lord with all his might...(but as the procession came into the city, Michal, Saul's daughter, watched from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she was filled with contempt for him.)
Can I tell you there are people who attend church and don't like others dancing, shouting, or doing much else in the spirit, because it makes them feel uncomfortable. Other onlookers don't want the service held up and still others just don't believe in it.
Now there are church members who aren't sincere and usually are seen dancing often with music in the finest outfits usually seated in a place to be seen by many, but then there are those believers that can't help but move and the music doesn't have to be playing. It is during those times, God will allow his spirit to indwell a human and when it does one's body cannot contain the excitement within! The spirit-filled believer may run in place, jog through aisles, spin, fall out, skip, move their legs in a vigorous motion, rock, or some other movement. All the while there are onlookers, some of which, don't understand. The Bible says, "But Michal came out to meet him (David) and exclaimed in disgust, "How glorious the king of Israel looked today! He exposed himself to the girls along the street like a common pervert!" David retorted, "I was dancing before the Lord who chose me above your father and his family and who appointed me as leader of Israel, the people of the Lord! So I am willing to act like a fool in order to show my joy in the Lord. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, but I will be respected by the girls of whom you spoke!" So Michal was childless throughout her life.
Notice God didn't take Michal's criticism lightly. She was Saul's daughter, a man who hated David. Sometimes people are overly critical when they don't like someone. "She think she is something. Look at him with his holy ghost two step. You know she is faking."
"True" born again believers are used by God, one must be a fool to joke, ridicule, or make false accusations about something he or she doesn't understand. I use to laugh with the comedians about some of God's people when I was on the outside looking in on church folk, but I never thought some of those things they did were ordained by God and punishment could fall on me (even my children) for being critical and/or comical.
I never thought that God would use me to warn others or use me in the church either, but he has done both not once or twice but many times since 1997 in various ways from the gifts of the spirit to having children. None of which I would have ever imagined.
May God fill you with the Holy Spirit and move on you to shake up someone's world!
Although it may be funny to mock church people, it isn't funny to God. I came across an interesting revelation in the Bible about one who observed David dancing. Her name was Michal. According to 2 Samuel 14-23 from the New Living Bible, the scriptures teach us about David dancing before the Lord. "And David danced before the Lord with all his might...(but as the procession came into the city, Michal, Saul's daughter, watched from a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she was filled with contempt for him.)
Can I tell you there are people who attend church and don't like others dancing, shouting, or doing much else in the spirit, because it makes them feel uncomfortable. Other onlookers don't want the service held up and still others just don't believe in it.
Now there are church members who aren't sincere and usually are seen dancing often with music in the finest outfits usually seated in a place to be seen by many, but then there are those believers that can't help but move and the music doesn't have to be playing. It is during those times, God will allow his spirit to indwell a human and when it does one's body cannot contain the excitement within! The spirit-filled believer may run in place, jog through aisles, spin, fall out, skip, move their legs in a vigorous motion, rock, or some other movement. All the while there are onlookers, some of which, don't understand. The Bible says, "But Michal came out to meet him (David) and exclaimed in disgust, "How glorious the king of Israel looked today! He exposed himself to the girls along the street like a common pervert!" David retorted, "I was dancing before the Lord who chose me above your father and his family and who appointed me as leader of Israel, the people of the Lord! So I am willing to act like a fool in order to show my joy in the Lord. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, but I will be respected by the girls of whom you spoke!" So Michal was childless throughout her life.
Notice God didn't take Michal's criticism lightly. She was Saul's daughter, a man who hated David. Sometimes people are overly critical when they don't like someone. "She think she is something. Look at him with his holy ghost two step. You know she is faking."
"True" born again believers are used by God, one must be a fool to joke, ridicule, or make false accusations about something he or she doesn't understand. I use to laugh with the comedians about some of God's people when I was on the outside looking in on church folk, but I never thought some of those things they did were ordained by God and punishment could fall on me (even my children) for being critical and/or comical.
I never thought that God would use me to warn others or use me in the church either, but he has done both not once or twice but many times since 1997 in various ways from the gifts of the spirit to having children. None of which I would have ever imagined.
May God fill you with the Holy Spirit and move on you to shake up someone's world!
When You Can't Make it to Church...
Sometimes you may not be able to attend church, but thank God for the Internet you can watch and listen to what you need to feed your self spiritually from the comfort of your own home until you can make it to church. Whatever your issue big or small and you need answers, search on sites like You Tube, article sites, and anywhere else God is leading you. Notice I said, God.
I have prayed, spent quiet time alone, and noticed that God will direct me to a site I need right when I need it. Mind you, not every site is religious, spiritual, or Christian. Sometimes there is wisdom in a secular site too! Unfortunately, those internet surfers who aren't spirit filled, don't read and study the Bible, or have no experience worshiping or serving God or haven't in a long time, will not be able to see what God wants them to and may fall into a trap.
You need a discerning spirit to sift through all the junk on the Internet. When you are unsure especially when it comes to spiritual, relationship and family matters, check the Bible. You can conduct a quick keyword search online using the popular New International Version Bible. You may also want to consult with someone knowledgeable about the Bible and ask them to refer you to a site for your study until you comfortable finding information on your own. You see, not everyone's advice is written according to God's will and not everyone claiming to be Christian on some of these sites are really doing God's word or rightly dividing the word of truth.
I learned over ten years ago the hard way, after spending hours surfing on the net one day about the Holy Spirit, I came across this one site that started talking about the lost books of the Bible. The website had stories about Jesus' childhood. It was obvious someone or a group made these stories up because the Bible doesn't talk in specific detail about Jesus' childhood. There were things on the site that I had never heard of and when compared to scripture didn't make any sense because some of the things the writer had mentioned weren't even invented back then! I hadn't heard of these Jesus' stories from any television talk show, news media outlet, etc. but I had heard about the group that sponsored the site and it turned out that they were a cult! If it hadn't been for my experience researching about cults, listening to Christian radio, and talking with evangelists, I would have been mixed up in something I shouldn't have been while spreading false doctrine.
So if you can't make it to church, utilize the resources online, and if your church is on the Internet even better!
I have prayed, spent quiet time alone, and noticed that God will direct me to a site I need right when I need it. Mind you, not every site is religious, spiritual, or Christian. Sometimes there is wisdom in a secular site too! Unfortunately, those internet surfers who aren't spirit filled, don't read and study the Bible, or have no experience worshiping or serving God or haven't in a long time, will not be able to see what God wants them to and may fall into a trap.
You need a discerning spirit to sift through all the junk on the Internet. When you are unsure especially when it comes to spiritual, relationship and family matters, check the Bible. You can conduct a quick keyword search online using the popular New International Version Bible. You may also want to consult with someone knowledgeable about the Bible and ask them to refer you to a site for your study until you comfortable finding information on your own. You see, not everyone's advice is written according to God's will and not everyone claiming to be Christian on some of these sites are really doing God's word or rightly dividing the word of truth.
I learned over ten years ago the hard way, after spending hours surfing on the net one day about the Holy Spirit, I came across this one site that started talking about the lost books of the Bible. The website had stories about Jesus' childhood. It was obvious someone or a group made these stories up because the Bible doesn't talk in specific detail about Jesus' childhood. There were things on the site that I had never heard of and when compared to scripture didn't make any sense because some of the things the writer had mentioned weren't even invented back then! I hadn't heard of these Jesus' stories from any television talk show, news media outlet, etc. but I had heard about the group that sponsored the site and it turned out that they were a cult! If it hadn't been for my experience researching about cults, listening to Christian radio, and talking with evangelists, I would have been mixed up in something I shouldn't have been while spreading false doctrine.
So if you can't make it to church, utilize the resources online, and if your church is on the Internet even better!
Monday
Church Marketing 101 in 5 Steps Or Less
As Twitter (an Internet micro-blogging website) becomes increasingly more of a social phenomenon, there is a lot of emphasis on drawing new followers. Churches have been the precursor for a lot of things, so it is no surprise that they are doing everything in their powers (and budgets) to amass new followers.
Let's be clear, it is a lot easier to get hundreds or even thousands of followers on Twitter than it is to do so at your local church. That being said, if you were going to build a playbook on how to get new followers into your church, I would be looking at these steps to begin to get your church on the road to success.
Step 1. Focus your efforts! There is a reason that advertisers go after the 18-34 year old market. We have been taught that this is the demographic that has disposable income. And that may be true. But the real answer is that this is the time when consumers (and church goers) develop their brand identity. Surveys show that people generally settle on their faith sometime between 24 and 36. Faith based efforts shouldn't be any different!
Step 2. Be prepared by doing your homework and have something of value! A survey found that 62% of 18- to 34-year-olds consider themselves spiritual, and another 43% have prayed in the past two months. If you get that and most of your church messages/programs are for another demographic, you may be missing a great opportunity. If your current audience is other than this for lack of a better term "sweet spot", don't forget them. Just make sure you also have something of value that will interest and then inspire that target market for longer than just a visit.
Step 3. Meet them where they live. Social media is increasingly getting everyone's attention. But it is "the" big attraction for the demographic you are going after. I love what Tony Stewart with LifeChurch says about how his church "meets that at their place of need" So you should be thinking how you can interact with these folks. Tools such as Twitter and Facebook make that more possible. Those same tools put you on a more level playing field with the mega churches. It begins to build the relationship. Maintain the thought that a relationship through the age of 36 will probably result in a lifelong relationship.
Step 4. Be prepared to do more than just social media. You can start a relationship through social media. But you can't rely on Twitter and Facebook (and those are just a few Web 2.0 outlets) to do it all. Just like you success on the internet is rarely done with one website or model, church marketing is no different. You are going to have to have all of your oars rowing in the same direction at the same time. Check out what the United Methodist church is doing with the 10thousanddoors campaign! While your church budget may not currently afford network television and radio ads, print, text, email and outdoor events are totally in your realm. Just scale it down to what you can afford. But keep this in mind. Better to do one in excellence than 3 that comes off as lame or less than excellent.
Step 5. Keep in mind marketing can only do so much.. Your marketing and promotional efforts make a commitment that when someone attends your church, that the church experience they have is going to be better than going somewhere else. If marketing got them to the door, there job is done. They then hand it off and the rest of the church has to live up to the promise. Failure to do so will have wasted the time, energy and monies that marketing spent to get them there.
Want to learn more about church marketing? Or did you read something here that you want to discuss more? Perhaps you have a project that you need help on or at least want to bounce ideas off. We are there for you!
We welcome your feedback at Unity Church Marketing. Or follow our tweets on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/johnpanico
For additional ways to market your other professional affiliations and to make extra cash, visit Popular Business Tools
Let's be clear, it is a lot easier to get hundreds or even thousands of followers on Twitter than it is to do so at your local church. That being said, if you were going to build a playbook on how to get new followers into your church, I would be looking at these steps to begin to get your church on the road to success.
Step 1. Focus your efforts! There is a reason that advertisers go after the 18-34 year old market. We have been taught that this is the demographic that has disposable income. And that may be true. But the real answer is that this is the time when consumers (and church goers) develop their brand identity. Surveys show that people generally settle on their faith sometime between 24 and 36. Faith based efforts shouldn't be any different!
Step 2. Be prepared by doing your homework and have something of value! A survey found that 62% of 18- to 34-year-olds consider themselves spiritual, and another 43% have prayed in the past two months. If you get that and most of your church messages/programs are for another demographic, you may be missing a great opportunity. If your current audience is other than this for lack of a better term "sweet spot", don't forget them. Just make sure you also have something of value that will interest and then inspire that target market for longer than just a visit.
Step 3. Meet them where they live. Social media is increasingly getting everyone's attention. But it is "the" big attraction for the demographic you are going after. I love what Tony Stewart with LifeChurch says about how his church "meets that at their place of need" So you should be thinking how you can interact with these folks. Tools such as Twitter and Facebook make that more possible. Those same tools put you on a more level playing field with the mega churches. It begins to build the relationship. Maintain the thought that a relationship through the age of 36 will probably result in a lifelong relationship.
Step 4. Be prepared to do more than just social media. You can start a relationship through social media. But you can't rely on Twitter and Facebook (and those are just a few Web 2.0 outlets) to do it all. Just like you success on the internet is rarely done with one website or model, church marketing is no different. You are going to have to have all of your oars rowing in the same direction at the same time. Check out what the United Methodist church is doing with the 10thousanddoors campaign! While your church budget may not currently afford network television and radio ads, print, text, email and outdoor events are totally in your realm. Just scale it down to what you can afford. But keep this in mind. Better to do one in excellence than 3 that comes off as lame or less than excellent.
Step 5. Keep in mind marketing can only do so much.. Your marketing and promotional efforts make a commitment that when someone attends your church, that the church experience they have is going to be better than going somewhere else. If marketing got them to the door, there job is done. They then hand it off and the rest of the church has to live up to the promise. Failure to do so will have wasted the time, energy and monies that marketing spent to get them there.
Want to learn more about church marketing? Or did you read something here that you want to discuss more? Perhaps you have a project that you need help on or at least want to bounce ideas off. We are there for you!
We welcome your feedback at Unity Church Marketing. Or follow our tweets on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/johnpanico
For additional ways to market your other professional affiliations and to make extra cash, visit Popular Business Tools
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