Sunday, May 31, 2009
Nonviolence
Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time: the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge,aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.
Martin Luther King, Jr.,
God's Guidance Pastor Paula White Sometimes people wonder about how God works to guide us in life. An often-asked question is "If God is our loving F
God's Guidance
Pastor Paula White
Sometimes people wonder about how God works to guide us in life. An often-asked question is "If God is our loving Father and protector, why doesn't He keep bad things from happening to good people?"
God's love, protection, and guidance is constant and never-failing. But He has also given us a very healthy dose of free-will. He doesn't force us to make the vast majority of decisions we make - and He also doesn't keep us from making errors or bad choices. We must take responsibility for the consequences of our own decisions.
We must also recognize that we live in a fallen world, full of natural disasters - floods, earthquakes, droughts, disease -- and filled with dishonest, angry, and bitter people, who become terrorists, drug dealers, murderers, thieves...whom also had free will to be exercised for good, or evil.
God doesn't snatch us out of the world to protect us, but His Word tells us that He walks through life with us, never leaving or forsaking us. He doesn't promise to spare us from hardship, but He promises not to allow any form of evil to strip away our salvation, or our ability to experience His presence in our soul. Sometimes God delivers us from the storm and sometimes He delivers us in the storm.
Many people think they can effectively make it own their own without the guidance of the Lord...but that simply isn't possible. The reality is that life is too big for you to carry the burden on your shoulders. In 1 Peter 5:7, God's Word says to cast all your cares upon God. He can handle the heavy weights that wear you down in life, handle your issues, and love you unconditionally. His Word is full of wisdom and guidance, and it is a rock of truth and comfort to lead us through life's many storms.
The Bible says that if a person goes to God in search of wisdom, He will pour out His wisdom generously (see James 1:5). Go to God for comfort, wisdom, and guidance, expecting Him to reveal both His absolute goodness and your potential for greatness!
God's guidance is also in the "still small voice" of the Holy Spirit within us. His directives may be as simple as a prompting in your mind: "Call this person today." It might be a nudging to make a particular choice, or to go to a specific place at a given time. Success with God always means choosing to do things God's way, not our own way.
The Word of God tells us to "Consider your ways" (Haggai 1:5). Although God may not always answer the "why" questions we ask of Him, He will always help us answer the "why" questions we ask of ourselves - to reveal truths and greater self-knowledge, as He guides us toward our next level of destiny and transforms us into His likeness.
And as we learn to hear God's voice and are obedient to his directions, we can walk in confidence that He is guiding us...and leading us down paths that are truly good for us!
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and give you a future and a hope."
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Cross
The cross is the hope of Christians,
the cross is the resurrection of the dead,
the cross is the way of the lost,
the cross is the savior of the lost,
the cross is the staff of the lame,
the cross is the guide of the blind,
the cross is the strength of the weak,
the cross is the doctor of the sick,
the cross is the aim of the priests,
the cross is the hope of the hopeless,
the cross is the freedom of the slaves,
the cross is the power of the kings,
the cross is the water of the seeds,
the cross is the consolation of the bondmen,
the cross is the source of those who seek water,
the cross is the cloth of the naked.
We thank you, Father, for the cross.
the cross is the resurrection of the dead,
the cross is the way of the lost,
the cross is the savior of the lost,
the cross is the staff of the lame,
the cross is the guide of the blind,
the cross is the strength of the weak,
the cross is the doctor of the sick,
the cross is the aim of the priests,
the cross is the hope of the hopeless,
the cross is the freedom of the slaves,
the cross is the power of the kings,
the cross is the water of the seeds,
the cross is the consolation of the bondmen,
the cross is the source of those who seek water,
the cross is the cloth of the naked.
We thank you, Father, for the cross.
Prayer of Protection
Prayer for Protection
I implore Thee, Thou God;
I pray to Thee during the night.
How are all people kept by Thee all days?
And Thou walkest in the midst of the grass,
I walk with Thee;
When I sleep in the house,
I sleep with Thee.
To Thee, I pray for food and water to drink,
and Thou givest it to the people.
Set me free, I implore Thee from my heart:
If I do not pray to Thee with my heart,
Thou hearest me not!
If I pray to Thee with my heart,
Thou knowest it and art gracious unto me!
I implore Thee, Thou God;
I pray to Thee during the night.
How are all people kept by Thee all days?
And Thou walkest in the midst of the grass,
I walk with Thee;
When I sleep in the house,
I sleep with Thee.
To Thee, I pray for food and water to drink,
and Thou givest it to the people.
Set me free, I implore Thee from my heart:
If I do not pray to Thee with my heart,
Thou hearest me not!
If I pray to Thee with my heart,
Thou knowest it and art gracious unto me!
Trust In The Wisdom Of God
r. Zachary Tims, Jr.
In Genesis 37:18, the brothers of Joseph conspired to kill him and cast him into a pit. In an attempt to hide their evil scheme to get rid of Joseph, they sold him for 20 pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites who pulled him out of the pit and carried him off into Egypt.
How many times have you found yourself in a deep pit of despair, feeling alone and facing problems too hard for you to resolve? A pit is a form of recession. You have more bills than income, or more bad news than good. The enemy uses the pit in your life to hold back your blessings, and he tries to kill your spirit, steal your joy, and destroy your Christian testimony.
While Joseph’s brothers were plotting to wipe him out, at that same time, by verse 25, God dispatched a team of deliverers, the Ishmaelites to come to his rescue. This is a great illustration of God’s sovereign wisdom and power over your life. He is a Keeper of your soul. He knows just what your pit looks like; the foreclosure, the doctor’s bad report, the loss of a loved one, a lengthy unemployment.
On the flip side, He also knows your purpose and destiny and the plans He has made for your life. In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
At the same time you are applying for unemployment assistance, a future boss is reviewing your resume.
At the same time the bank pulls your credit report for a loan, a computer erases the bad information.
At the same time you see yourself skidding into on-coming traffic, God has prepared a guard rail in the road to protect you.
All through the bible God shows His sovereignty and wisdom to watch over us in the hard times. He is a Provider who sees far beyond our scope of vision as He prepares a way out of adversity for His children. The Bible says He will never leave you or forsake you and He will not put on you more than you can bear. In His infinite wisdom, while the devil is sending you a problem, at the same time, God is sending you divine sustaining provisions.
You may have to endure a season of struggle, but your pit is not too deep or too hard for God. Trust in His wisdom to foresee the circumstances of every pit and prepare a way to get out of it. At the same time Joseph’s brothers were throwing him into the pit, God sent the Ishmaelites to be the answer to his problem. God is in control, not man.
The bible says in Isaiah 54:17, No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and in Psalm 121:12, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”
Stop looking to the weapon that is formed against you. Look to the hills of heaven for God to make a way for you. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. It’s not a recession for you, God’s provisions are on the way.
The founder and pastor of New Destiny Christian Center, located in Apaka, Fl, Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr. is the author of "It's Never Too Late," through Charisma House Publications. His ministry can be seen worldwide in over 100 million homes daily through both radio and television broadcasts. For more information on Dr. Tims Jr., log onto www.ztims.com.
In Genesis 37:18, the brothers of Joseph conspired to kill him and cast him into a pit. In an attempt to hide their evil scheme to get rid of Joseph, they sold him for 20 pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites who pulled him out of the pit and carried him off into Egypt.
How many times have you found yourself in a deep pit of despair, feeling alone and facing problems too hard for you to resolve? A pit is a form of recession. You have more bills than income, or more bad news than good. The enemy uses the pit in your life to hold back your blessings, and he tries to kill your spirit, steal your joy, and destroy your Christian testimony.
While Joseph’s brothers were plotting to wipe him out, at that same time, by verse 25, God dispatched a team of deliverers, the Ishmaelites to come to his rescue. This is a great illustration of God’s sovereign wisdom and power over your life. He is a Keeper of your soul. He knows just what your pit looks like; the foreclosure, the doctor’s bad report, the loss of a loved one, a lengthy unemployment.
On the flip side, He also knows your purpose and destiny and the plans He has made for your life. In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
At the same time you are applying for unemployment assistance, a future boss is reviewing your resume.
At the same time the bank pulls your credit report for a loan, a computer erases the bad information.
At the same time you see yourself skidding into on-coming traffic, God has prepared a guard rail in the road to protect you.
All through the bible God shows His sovereignty and wisdom to watch over us in the hard times. He is a Provider who sees far beyond our scope of vision as He prepares a way out of adversity for His children. The Bible says He will never leave you or forsake you and He will not put on you more than you can bear. In His infinite wisdom, while the devil is sending you a problem, at the same time, God is sending you divine sustaining provisions.
You may have to endure a season of struggle, but your pit is not too deep or too hard for God. Trust in His wisdom to foresee the circumstances of every pit and prepare a way to get out of it. At the same time Joseph’s brothers were throwing him into the pit, God sent the Ishmaelites to be the answer to his problem. God is in control, not man.
The bible says in Isaiah 54:17, No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and in Psalm 121:12, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.”
Stop looking to the weapon that is formed against you. Look to the hills of heaven for God to make a way for you. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. It’s not a recession for you, God’s provisions are on the way.
The founder and pastor of New Destiny Christian Center, located in Apaka, Fl, Dr. Zachery Tims, Jr. is the author of "It's Never Too Late," through Charisma House Publications. His ministry can be seen worldwide in over 100 million homes daily through both radio and television broadcasts. For more information on Dr. Tims Jr., log onto www.ztims.com.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Love Power
Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Morning Devotional
The Wisdom / Riches Connection
Pastor Andre Butler
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. — Proverbs 8:17-21
In the Scripture above, the wisdom of God is speaking. In this context, the wisdom of God is very simply the Word of God--the Word that you find written in the Bible, and the Word that He may speak to your spirit. God is teaching you here that where you find wisdom you will find riches. There is a wisdom/riches connection.
Wisdom and riches are like Batman and Robin--where you see one, you see the other. But the riches that come with this type of wisdom are not the types of riches that you see in the world today. The world is seeing that their riches are uncertain riches, but the Bible teaches that the wisdom of God will produce durable riches in your life.
This means that even when the economy is down, you will still have your riches and when it is up, you will still have your riches. You can be an individual that does not have to participate in the world's economy because you operate on the Word economy. As members of the Body of Christ, we can see increase, even in times of economic recession.
You see in verse 20 above that God’s wisdom leads us in the way of righteousness. Notice that there is one way to righteousness. All of the other religions in the world are not just different ways up the mountain, as many would have you believe. No, there is only one way to righteousness, and the verse above says that God’s wisdom leads you in that way so that you can inherit substance.
Now, wisdom leads in the way for reasons other than just that, but here God is emphasizing the inheritance of substance. God is saying that He has given you His Word so that you, as His child, can inherit substance and have full treasures. Now, today you don't have "treasures" so to speak, but you do have a bank account. God has given you His wisdom so that He can fill up your bank accounts. He didn't just say put something in it--He said fill it! The point is, God wants to fill your treasures.
You can see very clearly from Proverbs that God's will for you is that you operate in divine wealth. His will is that you don't just have enough, but that you have more than enough, so much so that you don't have room enough to receive it (see Malachi 3:10).
You should have so much substance that it will cause the world to look at you and want to know how you received it, and want to know the God that gave it to you!
Pastor Andre Butler
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. — Proverbs 8:17-21
In the Scripture above, the wisdom of God is speaking. In this context, the wisdom of God is very simply the Word of God--the Word that you find written in the Bible, and the Word that He may speak to your spirit. God is teaching you here that where you find wisdom you will find riches. There is a wisdom/riches connection.
Wisdom and riches are like Batman and Robin--where you see one, you see the other. But the riches that come with this type of wisdom are not the types of riches that you see in the world today. The world is seeing that their riches are uncertain riches, but the Bible teaches that the wisdom of God will produce durable riches in your life.
This means that even when the economy is down, you will still have your riches and when it is up, you will still have your riches. You can be an individual that does not have to participate in the world's economy because you operate on the Word economy. As members of the Body of Christ, we can see increase, even in times of economic recession.
You see in verse 20 above that God’s wisdom leads us in the way of righteousness. Notice that there is one way to righteousness. All of the other religions in the world are not just different ways up the mountain, as many would have you believe. No, there is only one way to righteousness, and the verse above says that God’s wisdom leads you in that way so that you can inherit substance.
Now, wisdom leads in the way for reasons other than just that, but here God is emphasizing the inheritance of substance. God is saying that He has given you His Word so that you, as His child, can inherit substance and have full treasures. Now, today you don't have "treasures" so to speak, but you do have a bank account. God has given you His wisdom so that He can fill up your bank accounts. He didn't just say put something in it--He said fill it! The point is, God wants to fill your treasures.
You can see very clearly from Proverbs that God's will for you is that you operate in divine wealth. His will is that you don't just have enough, but that you have more than enough, so much so that you don't have room enough to receive it (see Malachi 3:10).
You should have so much substance that it will cause the world to look at you and want to know how you received it, and want to know the God that gave it to you!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day
Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Sunday, May 24, 2009
We're Not Alone Lyrics
(Mykel)
There was life there was water
We depend on mama nature
There is a message for tomarow
Everything connect`s to you
Some says soon there will be over
You can see it in the weather
Out of tune with mama nature
What you do comes back to you
Were not alone
Were not alone
Were not alone
Were not alone
(NAS 1)
Confucius, Confucius
Sigmund Freud
And Fard Muhammad
Is it evolution or God?
Searching for the truth is a threat
Seems the closer we get to the truth
State troopers or FEDs come out to silence you
My house in Malibu probably tapped
Because living next door to Demi Moore
Plus, I'm black
Plus, I want vengeance for the poor
Who's attacked daily
Patriot Act never scared me
Jake in the Taurus
Sticky in the jar-s
Niggas I'm with got warrants
America's brown and
Twenty years from now
Every town will be brown and Latin
Or African, look at Manhattan
I'ma tell you what I seen with my three eyes
Word to me, not a hoax, back in 9-9
A spacecraft in the skyline
In L.A., in daytime, ask Horse if I'm lying
Every mother every father
Raise your sons and your daughters
With respect and with hornor
From the seed comes a fruit
Its an unbroken circle
All of life is universal
And we are all in the struggle
Af i know one thing is true (If i know one thing is true)
Were not alone
Were not alone
Were not alone
Were not alone
Evidence remains in debate
Documents of our own Air Force base
Additional terrestrial information
Other planets with life population
My observation
Scientists study pictures of a flying disc
Right on earth, anthropologists are finding shit
Visitors, probably live with us
They can mimic us
It's sort of what we seeing in the cinemas
Take a look in the mirror
And see the bigger picture
Ats good to be alive
Its good to be alive
Nobody is an island
We are part of an survive
Only way we gonna survive is if we harmonize
Were not alone
Were not alone ohhh
Were not alone
Were not alone ohhh
Reginald Lewis
The black billionaire
Before Oprah or Bob Johnson
How'd he disappear?
Conspiracy theories, UFO's in the air
I've seen it with my own two eyes
And I swear, like Warren Buffet
Real money I'm just trying to touch it
The diamond-encrusted shit, live illustrious
'Cause we was deprived of it, suffered
Now we pop to prove anything's possible
My pimp strut was invented when they whipped us
Now we diddy-bop just to show you that our strength's up
Just when niggas about to see they cut
Global warming about to burn us up
Niggas never really seen paper in this world
American blacks the teenager of this world
Give us twenty more years to grow up
Already geniuses; what I mean is this
I used to worship a certain Queens police murderer
'Til I read the words of Ivan van Sertima
He inserted something in me
That made me feel worthier
Now I spit revolution
I'm his hood interpreter
Take a look in the mirror
And see the bigger picture
Its good to be alive
Its good to be alive
Nobody is an island (is an island)
We are part of an environment (an environment )
Only way we are gonna survive (gonna survive)
Is if we harmonize(harmonize)
Were not alone yeah yeahh
Were not alone were not alone
Were not alone yeah yeah
Were not alone
yeahhh yeahh not alone
Ayo I'm American born. Love america
Love my people Love all man kind
All nationalities you know. I think it just recent,
where everybody just started to feel like their
was an elite group that runs everything ,and
everybody else was sheep ignorant making all
ethnicities colors and creeds niggers blind to what
really is going on so i say take off the wool from your
eyes out with the Old America in with the New end all
racism all injustice all oppression to poor people any
people anywhere in this planet lets come together a
new day is rising.
NAS
(Mykel)
There was life there was water
We depend on mama nature
There is a message for tomarow
Everything connect`s to you
Some says soon there will be over
You can see it in the weather
Out of tune with mama nature
What you do comes back to you
Were not alone
Were not alone
Were not alone
Were not alone
(NAS 1)
Confucius, Confucius
Sigmund Freud
And Fard Muhammad
Is it evolution or God?
Searching for the truth is a threat
Seems the closer we get to the truth
State troopers or FEDs come out to silence you
My house in Malibu probably tapped
Because living next door to Demi Moore
Plus, I'm black
Plus, I want vengeance for the poor
Who's attacked daily
Patriot Act never scared me
Jake in the Taurus
Sticky in the jar-s
Niggas I'm with got warrants
America's brown and
Twenty years from now
Every town will be brown and Latin
Or African, look at Manhattan
I'ma tell you what I seen with my three eyes
Word to me, not a hoax, back in 9-9
A spacecraft in the skyline
In L.A., in daytime, ask Horse if I'm lying
Every mother every father
Raise your sons and your daughters
With respect and with hornor
From the seed comes a fruit
Its an unbroken circle
All of life is universal
And we are all in the struggle
Af i know one thing is true (If i know one thing is true)
Were not alone
Were not alone
Were not alone
Were not alone
Evidence remains in debate
Documents of our own Air Force base
Additional terrestrial information
Other planets with life population
My observation
Scientists study pictures of a flying disc
Right on earth, anthropologists are finding shit
Visitors, probably live with us
They can mimic us
It's sort of what we seeing in the cinemas
Take a look in the mirror
And see the bigger picture
Ats good to be alive
Its good to be alive
Nobody is an island
We are part of an survive
Only way we gonna survive is if we harmonize
Were not alone
Were not alone ohhh
Were not alone
Were not alone ohhh
Reginald Lewis
The black billionaire
Before Oprah or Bob Johnson
How'd he disappear?
Conspiracy theories, UFO's in the air
I've seen it with my own two eyes
And I swear, like Warren Buffet
Real money I'm just trying to touch it
The diamond-encrusted shit, live illustrious
'Cause we was deprived of it, suffered
Now we pop to prove anything's possible
My pimp strut was invented when they whipped us
Now we diddy-bop just to show you that our strength's up
Just when niggas about to see they cut
Global warming about to burn us up
Niggas never really seen paper in this world
American blacks the teenager of this world
Give us twenty more years to grow up
Already geniuses; what I mean is this
I used to worship a certain Queens police murderer
'Til I read the words of Ivan van Sertima
He inserted something in me
That made me feel worthier
Now I spit revolution
I'm his hood interpreter
Take a look in the mirror
And see the bigger picture
Its good to be alive
Its good to be alive
Nobody is an island (is an island)
We are part of an environment (an environment )
Only way we are gonna survive (gonna survive)
Is if we harmonize(harmonize)
Were not alone yeah yeahh
Were not alone were not alone
Were not alone yeah yeah
Were not alone
yeahhh yeahh not alone
Ayo I'm American born. Love america
Love my people Love all man kind
All nationalities you know. I think it just recent,
where everybody just started to feel like their
was an elite group that runs everything ,and
everybody else was sheep ignorant making all
ethnicities colors and creeds niggers blind to what
really is going on so i say take off the wool from your
eyes out with the Old America in with the New end all
racism all injustice all oppression to poor people any
people anywhere in this planet lets come together a
new day is rising.
NAS
Step Three
An essential piece of my recovery is keeping a mood journal. This helps me to identify certain patterns that emerge. Symptoms of my bipolar disorder and depression can flair up seemingly out of the blue, like a thunderstorm. But often there are telltale signs that can clue me in as to why I'm feeling so fragile. You can catch these if you've been recording your mood over time.
12 Ways to Keep Going-Step Two
Escape from the Pain
Lately, when my depressive thoughts have turned suicidal, I've been telling myself that I don't want my life to be over--I want a reprieve from the pain. I'm usually at a loss on how to get there. I'm tired, frustrated, desperate, so my thoughts follow the path that has already been blazed throughout the years. I fantasize about death, intoxication, or some other destructive behavior that doesn't require a lot of imagination.
But how else can I escape, in a more positive way? Instead of romanticizing about death or inebriation from booze, I can research new kayaking routes, bike baths, hiking trails, and camping sites. I can invest the time I lose in unproductive and dangerous thoughts into planning creative outings for myself and for the family that will give me/us the reprieve that I'm craving. I can be proactive about finding sitters for the kids so that my thoughts won't revert back to "stinking thinking."
It's so bloody hard to take that first step ... to Google the state parks in Maryland that rent canoes, or to tune up my bike for a nice ride. But those first steps are life savers because they afford me the positive escapes that I need.
Lately, when my depressive thoughts have turned suicidal, I've been telling myself that I don't want my life to be over--I want a reprieve from the pain. I'm usually at a loss on how to get there. I'm tired, frustrated, desperate, so my thoughts follow the path that has already been blazed throughout the years. I fantasize about death, intoxication, or some other destructive behavior that doesn't require a lot of imagination.
But how else can I escape, in a more positive way? Instead of romanticizing about death or inebriation from booze, I can research new kayaking routes, bike baths, hiking trails, and camping sites. I can invest the time I lose in unproductive and dangerous thoughts into planning creative outings for myself and for the family that will give me/us the reprieve that I'm craving. I can be proactive about finding sitters for the kids so that my thoughts won't revert back to "stinking thinking."
It's so bloody hard to take that first step ... to Google the state parks in Maryland that rent canoes, or to tune up my bike for a nice ride. But those first steps are life savers because they afford me the positive escapes that I need.
12 Ways to Keep Going
12 Ways to Keep Going
Even when you feel mired in fear and sadness, there are ways to persevere.
By Therese J. Borchard
A woman who lives with chronic pain said to my mom the other day, "You can't sit around and wait for the storm to be over. You've got to learn how to dance in the rain."
That's a perfect description of living with depression, or any chronic illness. But what do you do on the days you don't think you can take the pain anymore? When you want so badly to be done with the suffering? What do you do when anxiety and depression have spun a web around you so thick that you're convinced you'll be trapped forever in those feelings?
We've talked about this on various threads of Group Beyond Blue. From the discussions there and on the Beyond Blue blog, I've compiled a few tools for moving past that harrowing darkness, suggestions on how to emerge from a place of panic, and techniques for how to dance in the rain.
Learn how to keep going.
Even when you feel mired in fear and sadness, there are ways to persevere.
By Therese J. Borchard
A woman who lives with chronic pain said to my mom the other day, "You can't sit around and wait for the storm to be over. You've got to learn how to dance in the rain."
That's a perfect description of living with depression, or any chronic illness. But what do you do on the days you don't think you can take the pain anymore? When you want so badly to be done with the suffering? What do you do when anxiety and depression have spun a web around you so thick that you're convinced you'll be trapped forever in those feelings?
We've talked about this on various threads of Group Beyond Blue. From the discussions there and on the Beyond Blue blog, I've compiled a few tools for moving past that harrowing darkness, suggestions on how to emerge from a place of panic, and techniques for how to dance in the rain.
Learn how to keep going.
Morning Thoughts
Many of the ugly pages of American history have been obscured and forgotten....America owes a debt of justice which it has
only begun to pay. If it loses the will to finish or slackens in its determination, history will recall its crimes and the country that
would be great will lack the most indispensable element of greatness--justice.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?, 1967.
only begun to pay. If it loses the will to finish or slackens in its determination, history will recall its crimes and the country that
would be great will lack the most indispensable element of greatness--justice.
Martin Luther King, Jr., Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?, 1967.
Morning Devotional
Wisdom's Seven Pillars
Bishop Jim Swilley
Wisdom has built her house...hewn out and set up her seven [perfect number of] pillars. She has killed her beast...mixed her [spiritual] wine...set her table...sent out her maids to cry...“Whoever is simple...turn in here!”...[God’s] Wisdom says to him, “Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the [spiritual] wine which I have mixed...[forsake the foolish and simple-minded] and live!...Walk in the way of insight and understanding.” (Proverb 9:1-6 AMP)
You have within you the Spirit of wisdom (Isaiah 11:2)—wisdom is the ability to use knowledge correctly—Jesus is made unto you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30) and you are daily growing in it and in revelation (“For I always pray...that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him...” Ephesians 1:17 - AMP).
Wisdom has built her house on seven pillars, and a well-rounded life in Christ comes from embracing each of them.
1. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD (2 Peter 1:2; Philippians 3:3-10). It’s not enough to just know about God…you have to make the effort to get to know Him, and that comes from spending time with Him, communicating with Him on a regular basis, and experiencing a continual manifestation of His presence. God wants to be known, and you can know Him!
2. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF HIS PLANS AND PURPOSES. He made his ACTS known to the children of Israel, but He made His WAYS known to Moses (Psalm 103:7). Learning the ways of God is far superior to simply being aware of His acts!
3. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES. Study to show yourself approved unto God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed of his ignorance. Learn to rightly divide the logos Word so that you are able to receive the rhema word (2 Timothy 2:15). Wisdom is found in the written Word!
4. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF LIFE—the kind that only comes by experience—by learning through trial and error…from your own mistakes…and by graduating maturely and soberly from the school of hard knocks. Jesus LEARNED obedience through the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8)…Paul LEARNED how to be abased and how to abound (Philippians 4:11). Each new day is a learning opportunity if you know how to look at it correctly!
5. Seek to grasp a KNOWLEDGE OF PEOPLE so that you can deal wisely with them. (“But Jesus [for His part] did not trust Himself to them, because He knew all men...He Himself knew what was in human nature [He could read men’s hearts].” – John 2:24, 25 AMP). Be wise as a serpent/harmless as a dove…be people-smart!
6. Embrace the KNOWLEDGE OF SELF—the truth that God desires in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). Find your true self in the revelation of Christ…the more you know Him, the more you’ll know you!
7. Love PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE—to be, like Moses, “mighty in words and deeds” (Acts 7:22). Remember that knowledge is power!
Bishop Jim Swilley
Bishop Jim Swilley is the founder and senior pastor of Church In The Now, located in Conyers, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. For more information about Bishop Swilley, visit www.churchinthenow.org or his personal blog at www.bloginthenow.blogspot.com.
*Bishop Swilley is a 2009 StreamingFaith.com Guest Columnist.
Bishop Jim Swilley
Wisdom has built her house...hewn out and set up her seven [perfect number of] pillars. She has killed her beast...mixed her [spiritual] wine...set her table...sent out her maids to cry...“Whoever is simple...turn in here!”...[God’s] Wisdom says to him, “Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the [spiritual] wine which I have mixed...[forsake the foolish and simple-minded] and live!...Walk in the way of insight and understanding.” (Proverb 9:1-6 AMP)
You have within you the Spirit of wisdom (Isaiah 11:2)—wisdom is the ability to use knowledge correctly—Jesus is made unto you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30) and you are daily growing in it and in revelation (“For I always pray...that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him...” Ephesians 1:17 - AMP).
Wisdom has built her house on seven pillars, and a well-rounded life in Christ comes from embracing each of them.
1. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD (2 Peter 1:2; Philippians 3:3-10). It’s not enough to just know about God…you have to make the effort to get to know Him, and that comes from spending time with Him, communicating with Him on a regular basis, and experiencing a continual manifestation of His presence. God wants to be known, and you can know Him!
2. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF HIS PLANS AND PURPOSES. He made his ACTS known to the children of Israel, but He made His WAYS known to Moses (Psalm 103:7). Learning the ways of God is far superior to simply being aware of His acts!
3. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCRIPTURES. Study to show yourself approved unto God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed of his ignorance. Learn to rightly divide the logos Word so that you are able to receive the rhema word (2 Timothy 2:15). Wisdom is found in the written Word!
4. Walk in the KNOWLEDGE OF LIFE—the kind that only comes by experience—by learning through trial and error…from your own mistakes…and by graduating maturely and soberly from the school of hard knocks. Jesus LEARNED obedience through the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8)…Paul LEARNED how to be abased and how to abound (Philippians 4:11). Each new day is a learning opportunity if you know how to look at it correctly!
5. Seek to grasp a KNOWLEDGE OF PEOPLE so that you can deal wisely with them. (“But Jesus [for His part] did not trust Himself to them, because He knew all men...He Himself knew what was in human nature [He could read men’s hearts].” – John 2:24, 25 AMP). Be wise as a serpent/harmless as a dove…be people-smart!
6. Embrace the KNOWLEDGE OF SELF—the truth that God desires in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). Find your true self in the revelation of Christ…the more you know Him, the more you’ll know you!
7. Love PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE—to be, like Moses, “mighty in words and deeds” (Acts 7:22). Remember that knowledge is power!
Bishop Jim Swilley
Bishop Jim Swilley is the founder and senior pastor of Church In The Now, located in Conyers, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. For more information about Bishop Swilley, visit www.churchinthenow.org or his personal blog at www.bloginthenow.blogspot.com.
*Bishop Swilley is a 2009 StreamingFaith.com Guest Columnist.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
NATIVE AMERICAN CODE OF ETHICS
NATIVE AMERICAN CODE OF ETHICS
1. Rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone. Pray often. The Great Spirit will listen, if you only speak.
2. Be tolerant of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, conceit, anger, jealousy and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they will find guidance.
3. Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not allow others to make your path for you. It is your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.
4. Treat the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve them the best food, give them the best bed and treat them with respect and honor.
5. Do not take what is not yours whether from a person, a community,the wilderness or from a culture. It was not earned nor given. It is not yours.
6. Respect all things that are placed upon this earth - whether it be people or plant.
7. Honor other people’s thoughts, wishes and words. Never interrupt another or mock or rudely mimic them. Allow each person the right to personal expression.
8. Never speak of others in a bad way. The negative energy that you put out into the universe will multiply when it returns to you.
9. All persons make mistakes. And all mistakes can be forgiven.
10. Bad thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and spirit. Practice optimism.
11. Nature is not FOR us, it is a PART of us. They are part of your worldly family.
12. Children are the seeds of our future. Plant love in their hearts and water them with wisdom and life’s lessons. When they are grown, give them space to grow.
13. Avoid hurting the hearts of others. The poison of your pain will return to you.
14. Be truthful at all times. Honesty is the test of one’s will within this universe.
15. Keep yourself balanced. Your Mental self, Spiritual self, Emotional self, and Physical self - all need to be strong, pure and healthy. Work out the body to strengthen the mind. Grow rich in spirit to cure emotional ails.
16. Make conscious decisions as to who you will be and how you will react. Be responsible for your own actions.
17. Respect the privacy and personal space of others. Do not touch the personal property of others - especially sacred and religious objects. This is forbidden.
18. Be true to yourself first. You cannot nurture and help others if you cannot nurture and help yourself first.
19. Respect others religious beliefs. Do not force your belief on others.
20. Share your good fortune with others. Participate in charity.
1. Rise with the sun to pray. Pray alone. Pray often. The Great Spirit will listen, if you only speak.
2. Be tolerant of those who are lost on their path. Ignorance, conceit, anger, jealousy and greed stem from a lost soul. Pray that they will find guidance.
3. Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not allow others to make your path for you. It is your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.
4. Treat the guests in your home with much consideration. Serve them the best food, give them the best bed and treat them with respect and honor.
5. Do not take what is not yours whether from a person, a community,the wilderness or from a culture. It was not earned nor given. It is not yours.
6. Respect all things that are placed upon this earth - whether it be people or plant.
7. Honor other people’s thoughts, wishes and words. Never interrupt another or mock or rudely mimic them. Allow each person the right to personal expression.
8. Never speak of others in a bad way. The negative energy that you put out into the universe will multiply when it returns to you.
9. All persons make mistakes. And all mistakes can be forgiven.
10. Bad thoughts cause illness of the mind, body and spirit. Practice optimism.
11. Nature is not FOR us, it is a PART of us. They are part of your worldly family.
12. Children are the seeds of our future. Plant love in their hearts and water them with wisdom and life’s lessons. When they are grown, give them space to grow.
13. Avoid hurting the hearts of others. The poison of your pain will return to you.
14. Be truthful at all times. Honesty is the test of one’s will within this universe.
15. Keep yourself balanced. Your Mental self, Spiritual self, Emotional self, and Physical self - all need to be strong, pure and healthy. Work out the body to strengthen the mind. Grow rich in spirit to cure emotional ails.
16. Make conscious decisions as to who you will be and how you will react. Be responsible for your own actions.
17. Respect the privacy and personal space of others. Do not touch the personal property of others - especially sacred and religious objects. This is forbidden.
18. Be true to yourself first. You cannot nurture and help others if you cannot nurture and help yourself first.
19. Respect others religious beliefs. Do not force your belief on others.
20. Share your good fortune with others. Participate in charity.
Love
A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching
spiritual death.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
spiritual death.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Welcome
Hope you find peace and understanding here. A true sanctuary where the spirit moves to calm the troubled waters.
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