Thursday 15 November 2007
Today's Scripture
3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. 7You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our[c] behalf, 8and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[d] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption,[e] the forgiveness of sins.
bought to you by Bible Gateway
Friday 21 September 2007
Today's Word from Joel Osteen " A Vital Neccessity."
Today's Scripture
"Set your mind and heart to seek (inquire of and require as your vital necessity) the Lord your God.” (I Chronicles 22:19 AMP).
What things do you consider a vital necessity in your life? What can’t you live without? Most people would immediately think of food, water, and shelter, but in reality, we can’t really live unless our minds and hearts are set on seeking the Lord. Sure, you can exist without seeking Him, but you are called to more than just mere existence. You are called to live…to thrive…to enjoy your life abundantly! The good news is that you have complete control over what you set your mind and heart on. You decide what you think about. I encourage you today; set your mind and heart on seeking the Lord! Write down your favorite scriptures and commit them to memory. Whenever you can, think about those verses. Meditate on God and His infinite love. Make a habit of seeking Him and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. When you require the Lord as a vital necessity, you will truly enjoy living the abundant life He has in store for you!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, today I choose to set my mind on You. I seek You with my whole heart. Show me your love and character today. Show me Your ways that I may walk and live closely with you. I love you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027.
Thursday 20 September 2007
Today's Word from Joel Osteen " Embrace Your Season."
Embrace Your Season
Today's Scripture
“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
God has ordained seasons in your life. It’s easy to get frustrated when our dreams aren’t coming to pass on our timetable. When that happens, we have to submit our plans to Him and trust that He has a better plan. Understand that in God’s Kingdom, every season is not harvest. There are plowing seasons. There are planting seasons. There are watering seasons. And sure, we would love for every season to be a time of increase, but without the other seasons, we wouldn’t be prepared. It’s during the plowing seasons when God’s bringing issues to light that we need to deal with. He’s getting us prepared for promotion. If you’re not making as much progress as you would like, the key is to not lose any ground. Don’t go backwards. Hold your position by keeping an attitude of faith and expectancy, even when it’s hard. Keep plowing by speaking the Word daily. As you do, you’ll pass the test, and God promises your due season is coming!
A Prayer for Today
Father in Heaven, thank You for Your faithfulness in all seasons of my life. I trust that my time is coming, and I choose to remain faithful. I submit my ways to You today and trust that You have the best plan for my life. I love You and praise Your name today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027.
Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries
21 or Over. 72 Man refused alcohol because he wouldn't confirm he's over 21
Man, 72, refused alcohol over age
Staff say all customers are asked for proof of ageSupermarket staff refused to sell alcohol to a white-haired 72-year-old man - because he would not confirm he was over 21. Check-out staff at Morrisons in West Kirby, Wirral, demanded Tony Ralls prove he was old enough to buy his two bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Mr Ralls asked to see the manager who put the wine back on the shelf.
The grandfather-of-three said he had refused to confirm he was over 21 as it was a "stupid question." Mr Ralls, a retired insurance firm regional manager, said he expected the store manager to resolve the situation but he was disappointed.
"I felt like saying 'What do I look like? Are you a fool?' It's bureaucracy gone mad
"He picks up the wine and, in the manner of a child taking home his ball, says 'Well, we won't serve you'."
The pensioner abandoned his shopping on the conveyor belt and left the store - but not before demanding a complaints form and phone number for Morrisons' headquarters.
Mr Ralls said: "It is bureaucracy gone mad. If the check-out lady, who was about 40, had asked me with a twinkle in her eye perhaps I would not have been so tetchy. "But she asked me the question with a perfectly straight face and I said I wouldn't dignify the question with an answer.
"And if the manager had explained that all the staff had to ask everyone because they had previously been fined, but said I was clearly over 21, it would have been fine - but he showed no sense of humour."
Mr Ralls added that he felt embarrassed to return to the supermarket and wanted an apology for "the stupid and unnecessary confrontation." He added: "I applaud any efforts to stop kids being served and standing on street corners getting drunk. But this was just totally stupid."
A Morrisons spokesman said: "We take our responsibility with regard to selling alcohol very seriously and all our stores operate the Task 21 scheme, which addresses the difficulties our staff face in being able to determine if a customer is legally old enough to buy alcohol.
"To further limit any element of doubt staff at the West Kirby store are required to ask anyone buying alcohol to confirm that they are over 21."
Wednesday 19 September 2007
Today's Word from Joel Osteen." God-Ordained Moments"
"For I know the plans I have for you,”declares the Lord”, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
God created every one of us to be successful. Before the foundation of the world, He laid out an exact plan for our life. And in this plan, He has marked moments that are going to come across our paths. These moments are not ordinary. They are destiny-altering moments. They are designed to thrust you years ahead. It says in Ecclesiastes that “time and chance come together for every person.” That means you’ll have opportunities to meet the right people, opportunities to advance in your career, opportunities to fulfill your dreams. God has already pre-arranged times of increase and blessing. You may not be seeing a lot of good breaks right now, but let me encourage you; there are seasons of favor and seasons of increase marked for your future. There are God-ordained moments planned out for you. Don’t miss these moments! Don’t stop believing, and don’t get distracted by what’s going on in the world around you. Focus on removing the clutter from your life so that you can hear the still, small voice. Approach today with an attitude of faith and expectancy. As you do, you’ll embrace the God-ordained moments that are ordered for you!
A Prayer for Today
Father God, thank You for ordering my steps. Thank You for making a way when there seems to be no way. I choose to step out today with faith and expectancy so that You can move in my life. I trust You with my destiny and thank You for fulfilling every desire of my heart today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027.
Tuesday 18 September 2007
Today's Word from Joel Osteen. "Seasons of Sowing."
Today's Scripture
Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:5).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
The Scripture talks about seasons of sowing and reaping in your life. In Psalms, it talks about sowing in tears and reaping in joy. That verse is saying that the sowing seasons are usually the most difficult. It’s hard to keep a good attitude when all your friends are being blessed, but you’re not. You may feel like they don’t work as hard as you do. You may feel like they don’t give like you do or don’t deserve the blessing. That’s a time of testing. It’s hard to go through disappointments and stay positive and hopeful. These are seasons of sowing. If you’ll do the right thing even when it’s hard—when you sow in tears—you will always reap in joy! I’m asking you to have a new attitude toward what God has placed in your heart. It may be taking a long time, but God still has a plan to bring it to pass. Don’t give up. Your time is coming. It’s never too late! God is saying, “This is your season. Keep your faith stirred up.” Keep sowing because in due season, you will reap the bountiful harvest with a song of joy in your heart!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for another day to serve You and sow into the lives of those around me. I ask for Your strength today to do Your will and keep a good attitude. Help me recognize my season of sowing so that I can be ready in the time of harvest. I love You and bless Your holy name today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027.
Monday 17 September 2007
At last, an English Sporting Success
England Women 6-1 Argentina Women
Jill Scott (r) scored England's second goal. England reached the Women's World Cup quarter-finals after comfortably beating Argentina in Chengdu.
Today's Word from Joel Osteen. " Trust the Father."
Trust the Father
“My times are in Your hands...” (Psalm 31:15).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Throughout the Psalms, David acknowledges that he chose to put his life in the hands of the Lord. In this verse, He was, in essence, saying, “I trust You, God, because I know You are good—my times are in Your hands.” Are you willing to release every area of your life to the Father? Are you willing to trust Him with the times and seasons of your life? You may be in a situation right now that you don’t fully understand, but take heart—God is a good God, and you can trust Him. He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. If you’ll keep your heart surrendered to Him, you’ll begin to see things change in your favor. As you continue to trust Him, He’ll open doors for you. He’ll take what the enemy meant for evil in your life, and He’ll turn it around for your good. Keep standing, keep believing, and trust Him. Your times are in His hands!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, today I choose to trust You. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I trust You with my whole life—my times are in Your hands. Help me to stay close to You today so that I can hear Your voice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027.
Saturday 15 September 2007
Personal Reflections
Wales only lost to Australia by 12 points, 32 -20, which is a lot better than England V South Africa, although I ended up watching Rio Bravo, starring John Wayne and Dean Martin, it's a Western, and it's at least the 1ooth time I've sent it, but hey it's enjoyable. Although I want to see 3:10 to Yuma with Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, which looks brilliant, unfortunately it's a remake of film starring Glenn Ford. I've been reading the Daily Mail, and listening to Welsh Bands (Manic Street Preachers and Stereophonic) on Youtube and playing Scrabble with my friend Matthew Ling on Facebook.
Tomorrow, is Sunday and it's off to Church, this time in Merthyr Tydfil, my Church New Covenant Church, Swansea are meeting with our related Churches, All Nations Church, Cardiff, and Nation Changers, Merthyr Tydfil for a day of fellowship, fun, and a family time, as well as excellent worship and ministry, then it's Monday, it's all change, as it's the first day of my BSc Computing (Information Systems Engineering) course, and now going to be 3 Years of being a (Mature) student
Channel 4's Dispatch's Progamme. " Unholy War."
Unholy War
Dispatches investigates the violence and intimidation facing Muslims who convert to Christianity in Britain. Dispatches reporter Antony Barnett meets former Muslims who now live under the threat of reprisals from their former communities. Many are still living in fear. He interviews a family who have been driven out of their home and a convert whose brother was beaten close to death. The investigation uncovers a network of churches supporting converts from Islam who have to worship under a veil of secrecy.
Thursday 13 September 2007
Todays' Word from Joel Osteen, " Your Secret Petitions"
Your Secret Petitions
Today's Scripture
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart”(Psalm 37:4 AMP).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
God knows the secret petitions of your heart. He knows every hidden dream He’s placed within you. He knows those things that you haven’t told anybody about. Maybe you thought they would never come to pass, or maybe you buried them because they didn’t happen on your timetable. Maybe, in the natural, you have every reason to give up on those dreams. Be encouraged today—God is still working behind the scenes! He still has a plan to bring those dreams to pass. Do what the verse says, and delight yourself in Him today. That word delight, actually means to make yourself soft and pliable. It paints the picture of God as the Potter and you as the clay. Allow God to mold and shape your character today. Allow Him to direct your plans and ideas. Keep an attitude of faith and expectancy today, and as you submit your ways to the Lord and open your heart to His leading, He will fulfill those secret petitions of your heart!
A Prayer for Today
Father, You said the path of the righteous gets brighter and brighter. You said no good thing will You withhold because I walk uprightly before You. You said because I delight myself in You, You will give me the secret petitions of my heart. So Father, I thank You today for being in control of my life. Thank You for the good things You have in store for my future. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027.
Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries
Wednesday 12 September 2007
Dr Who, a Messiah Figure, I don't think so !
Church hosts Doctor Who service
The church was used for filming an episode with a giant reaper creatureA church is to host a Doctor Who-themed communion service aimed at young people. St Paul's Church in Grangetown, Cardiff, was once used as a filming location for the BBC Wales-produced series.
The "cafe-style" service for people in their teens and early 20s, will feature music and clips from the hit show. One of the organisers Fr Dean Atkins, said as a saver of the world, Doctor Who was "almost a Messiah figure".
Two years ago, the Anglican church was used as a location for the Father's Day episode of the first series, in which a giant reaper creature attacked wedding guests at the church.
American bankers could put world at financial risk, story by Alex Brummer, City Editor, Daily Mail
American bankers could put world at financial risk !
The eyes of the world have been on General David Petraeus, America's top military commander, this week as he outlined plans for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq.
But another influential group of figures in Washington were plotting an even more important course for the world. The normally tight-lipped governors of the Federal Reserve, America's powerful central bank, embarked on an unprecedented information exercise.Flying across the country - from Manhattan to San Francisco - they began a series of speeches seeking to convince American businesses and consumers that the mortgage meltdown that began in the nation's trailer parks and suburbs, and which is now clogging the arteries of the global financial system, is under control.
Their intention is to make sure this crisis will not bring the U.S. economic juggernaut - and possibly that of the world - to a shuddering halt.
Read More:-http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=481300&in_page_id=1770
Comment: We're beginning to see the damaging results of other peoples greed on the World Economy. We could also be seeing the beginning of the demise of the so-called American Empire as the World's only Global Superpower, because of a possible looming world financial crisis and the damage they have caused in the Middle East.
Today's Word from Joel Osteen. " Be a Prisoner of Hope"
Today's Scripture
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Are you in an emotional prison today? You may not have thought about it that way, but if you are holding unforgiveness or bitterness towards someone who has wronged you—whether it was five, ten, or thirty years ago—that is an emotional prison. The Word of God promises that if you’ll step out of that prison and become a prisoner of hope, God will restore back to you double for your trouble! That means if someone does you wrong, instead of getting negative and bitter, your attitude should be, “They just did me a favor. They just qualified me for double.” That attitude will make you a prisoner of hope. When you’re a prisoner of hope, you simply can’t stop hoping. You are locked in! Lock into that attitude of victory that says, “I will not be defeated. It may look impossible, but I know God can do the impossible. They may have treated me wrong, but I’m not worried. I know God is my Vindicator. It may be taking a long time, but in due season I know I will reap if I just don’t give up.” Stand in that place of hope knowing that you will come out with twice the peace, twice the joy, and twice the victory today!
A Prayer for Today
Gracious, Heavenly Father, today I choose to release those who have wronged me. I know You are my Vindicator. You are my Redeemer. Today I choose to be a prisoner of hope. Teach me to see others the way You see them today.
Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027 .
Social Networking, Excellent Story from the BBC's Bill Thompson
Social net offers new perspective
Social networking has extended friendships around the globe
Columnist Bill Thompson asks whether social networking could underpin a new politics of connection.
When BBC reporter Michael Buerk brought us film of the starving children of Ethiopia in 1984 it motivated the country to action. In 1985 Bob Geldof and Midge Ure's Live Aid raised millions of pounds, and the attendant publicity put humanitarian aid onto the agenda of the senior politicians of the day, forcing Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her Foreign Secretary Geoffrey Howe to take seriously an issue which they had not, hitherto, seen as a high priority.
Twenty years later Geldof was at it again, though the cultural and political impact of Live 8 was diminished for many by the sight of too many millionaire rock stars seeking to revive their careers on the back of the world's poor.
But something else had changed. In 2005 we didn't need the Six O'Clock News to bring us pictures from Darfur or Bangladesh, and we didn't need the journalistic talents of Buerk and others to tell the stories in a way that made it impossible not to respond.
The internet, through the web, instant messaging, email and its other applications, had brought the world into our living rooms - and our offices, classrooms, cafes, clubs, bars and railway carriages. The last decade of the twentieth century saw a transformation in the forms of communication available to the lucky billion with easy access to the network, and the impact on the way we perceived the world was immense.
Read More, from Bill Thompson's story here:-
http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6989327.stm
Tuesday 11 September 2007
Whatever next, " A tax to park at Tesco ?."
I used to believe that the Tory Party, were the party of low or lower taxation, unfortunately this is no longer true, due to their proposals to introduce "Green or Environmental friendly, Taxation."
I'm generally apolitical, although I hold strong and long held opinions, basically if the Tory Party win the next General Election, we could see a reduction in general taxation, IE Income Tax and National Insurance Contributions, on the other hand we could see a eye watering increase in "stealth tax's " although in fairness, the Tory Party have said the Green Tax's will fund a reduction in General Taxation, this may be true, but it could be the case we could be paying more taxation under a Cameron Government than a Brown Government.
Now Tories want us to pay for parking at the supermarket by JANE MERRICK - Last updated at 08:52am on 11th September 2007
Free parking at supermarkets, garden centres and DIY stores would be scrapped under a Conservative plan to tax pollution. David Cameron says the move would encourage families to use small shops on the high street and curb the growing power of food giants. The Tories claim it would also help the environment because shoppers would ditch their car and use public transport.
Read More at the Daily Mail:-
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=481113&in_page_id=1770
Also please read a quote from the Daily Mail Columnist Richard Littlejohn's comments on the Tory's Taxation Plans:-
"The "climate change" hysteria has proved a godsend for prodnoses and punishment freaks. I doubt there is a single country on earth where the entire political class has so completely taken leave of its senses over alleged global warming. Here in Britain, it has been seized upon as an exciting new weapon with which to inflict more taxes, fines and regulations on us. "
Read More:-
"Home, from Home."
While reading today's Daily Mail, I read this interesting story of David and Jean Davidson, who for the last 22 years have lived at a Travelodge !
The couple who stopped off at a Travelodge - and stayed 22 years By PAUL SIMS - Last updated at 13:13pm on 11th
September 2007 .
David and Jean Davidson in their "Home from Home."
For most of us who visit a Travelodge, it is a fleeting pleasure. Park the car, go to bed and get away as early as possible in the morning. But for David and Jean Davidson, it is home.
They arrived in 1985, and enjoyed it so much that they never left.
Read more of this interesting story at Daily Mail website:-
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=480999&in_page_id=1770
Joel Osteen "Today's Word, Step Out of the Boat"
Today's Scripture
“And Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ He said, ‘Come!’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and he came toward Jesus” (Matthew 14:28-29 AMP).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Why do you suppose Peter wanted to get out of the boat? Why did he all of the sudden think he could walk on water? Well, you might say, “Joel, it’s because he saw Jesus open the blind eyes and cleanse the lepers.” Yes, that’s true. But the other disciples in the boat saw the same things. Why didn’t they want to get out? I believe it was because Peter understood that it was his time. He stirred his faith up. He believed at that moment that he could do what God placed in his heart. Jesus said, “Peter, do you want to get out of that boat?” He said, “Yes, I do.” Jesus replied, “Well, come on out.” Notice that Jesus didn’t say, “Peter, stay in that boat. Don’t you know I’m the Son of God?” No. He said, “Peter, I like your attitude of faith. I like the fact that you believe you can do great things.” I encourage you today to have that same kind of boldness. Start believing that your time is here! All the dreams that you’ve buried, those desires that you thought would never work out, it’s time to start believing again. It’s your time, and it’s time to step out of the boat!
A Prayer for Today
Dear Father, today I choose to believe Your Word. I believe You are faithful to complete the good work You’ve started in my life. I choose to hear Your voice and step out of the boat. Thank You for bringing to pass the dreams in my heart. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027.
Saturday 8 September 2007
UK 'facing casual labour upsurge'
Prime Minister Gordon Brown must act before employers turn most workers into "casual labour", the leaders of the UK's biggest union have warned.
Unite general secretaries Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley said increased use of temporary employment agencies were pushing down wages and eroding rights. Mr Simpson called the situation "one of the biggest scandals you can imagine". Unite will argue for tougher laws to protect agency workers at the TUC conference, which starts on Monday.
According to TUC research, temporary staff are on different rates of pay to those with permanent jobs in half of all workplaces. It also says that, in 25% of workplaces, temporary workers are not entitled to contractual sick pay and, in 14%, do not receive any holiday pay.
Read More:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6979020.stm from the BBC News Website
Comment:
It's time that Agency workers were treated fairly and with respect, instead of being treated as " a cheap and second class employees." I agree wholeheartedly with Unite's stand and campaign, and speaking from personal experience. I know the frustration and disappointment of this type of employment can bring, and I decided that some time ago, that I would no longer be treated this way, and am now studying for an HND Computing (Information Systems) course
China has pledged more freedoms for reporters ahead of next year's Olympics, but when the BBC's Dan Griffiths travelled to the countryside to investigate reports of unrest he was detained and questioned.
China wants to keep reports of rural unrest under wraps
The village of Shengyou is a three hour drive south of Beijing, deep in the countryside surrounded by fields of maize.
A traditional landscape found across this vast nation - but everything is not as it seems.
My taxi driver tells me that the police have set up checkpoints round the village. He refuses to go any further - so I go the rest of the way on foot. I walk down a narrow lane with broad poplar trees on either side. A small tractor chugs by, the driver stares at me - foreigners are rarely seen around here.
Round a bend in the road, I see two white vans. Several policemen are standing beside them. They look as out of place in rural China as I do. The questions come thick and fast. What am I doing? Where have I come from? Who is my contact in the village?
Friday 7 September 2007
The Writing is on the Wall
The two youths vandalised a children's campsiteAn 18-year-old burglar who vandalised a children's campsite building was caught because he wrote his name on a wall at the scene, a court has heard. Peter Addison, of Heaton Mersey, Stockport, and his friend Mark Ridgeway of Poynton, Cheshire, smashed crockery and let off fire extinguishers.
Both pleaded guilty to burglary at Macclesfield Magistrates' Court.
Todays Word from Joel Osteen "Your Time is Coming."
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Your time is coming! The dreams and desires, the things you want to accomplish, the situations you want to see changed will happen. Just because it has taken a long time, or because you’ve tried and failed, don’t give up on those dreams. Don’t be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. I encourage you today — get your fire back! It may be taking a long time, but God is a faithful God. No matter how long it’s been, no matter how impossible it looks, if you’ll stay in faith, your time is coming. Every dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God not only put it there, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass. Start declaring today, “My time is coming… God is working behind the scenes on my behalf… I will fulfill my destiny… I will fulfill the plan God has for my life!” As you declare and expect and wait for the appointed time, your faith will grow. Your hope will grow. And you’ll step into the destiny God has in store for you!
A Prayer for Today
Father in Heaven, I receive Your truth today. I receive Your promises today. I ask that You ignite my heart with Your holy fire so that I can pursue Your perfect plan for my life. Make my thoughts and words agreeable to Your will.
Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027.
Thursday 6 September 2007
Today's Word from Joel Osteen
Today's Scripture
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live and walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit” (Romans 8:1 AMP).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are free from condemnation! Is there something that you feel guilty about? If you have repented, the Bible says He takes your sin and throws it as far as the east is from the west. He casts your sins into the sea of forgetfulness. God actually chooses to forget your sins! That means your sins are completely removed. In fact, they aren’t even yours anymore. Don’t let the enemy dig up your past or try to make you feel guilty for something that happened a long time ago, or even yesterday. The enemy is called the “accuser of the brethren”, and he works overtime to bring you down with false accusations. Be confident that God doesn’t remember your past. You are free from condemnation through the blood of Jesus Christ. The next time the enemy brings up your past, declare that you are free from condemnation in Jesus’ Name!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for setting me free in Jesus! Thank You for forgiveness. Thank You washing me clean and making me new today. I receive your grace and mercy so that I can be a vessel used by You today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027
Wednesday 5 September 2007
College Update , God's Favour
Because I only applied to go on the HND Computing (Information Systems) course, last week. I applied to Student Finance Wales online Friday evening, although I did request a Finance Application pack. Once I completed my online Application Form, I had a message to take some ID to my local Student Finance Dept, once I had done that, I needed someone to complete the form, to confirm that I'm actually who I say that I'm. (Thanks to my elders there, Mick Walford) I then posted the form back to my local Student Finance Dept. I was told it would take around 2 weeks to process the form, and my course starts in 2 weeks
* If you also think Mick is a great bloke,then join the Mick Walford Appreciation Society on Facebook*
I had already emailed some friends to ask them to pray about the Finances going through on time, I rang the Student Finance section, yesterday morning to see if they had received the ID Form and enclosed ID. I was asked to call back around 2pm, I rang some friends, yesterday morning to ask them to pray. I then called the Student Finance Dept, who then processed and assessed my application with me on the Telephone, and advised that I had been successful.
I then emailed and phoned all the friends I asked to pray, yesterday and today. I believe, as one of my friends said earlier, "It was a sign of God's Favour", that my application for finance was done in 2 days, not in 2 weeks.
Blessings
Blair
Todays Word from Joel Osteen " Release the Debt"
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Is there someone in your life who has wronged you? Maybe a family member didn’t treat you right, or a boss was unfair. The Bible tells us that we need to release and forgive others so God can forgive us. If we harbor unforgiveness or bitterness towards anyone, God cannot forgive us. He cannot even hear our prayers. Forgiveness starts with a decision. It doesn’t mean you excuse another person’s behavior; it only means that you are releasing the debt they owe you. Forgiveness puts God in charge of that situation instead of you. A true sign that you have forgiven is that when you think about the other person, or see them somewhere, you are at peace. The Bible says that we should also pray for those who may be against us. Pray that God will change that person’s heart. As you release the debt of others, God will release you, and you will walk in freedom and peace in every area of your life.
A Prayer for Today
Father in Heaven, I humbly come to You and ask You to show me any unforgiveness that may be in my heart. I forgive and release the debt of others so that You can forgive me. I bless Your Holy Name today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027
Tuesday 4 September 2007
Today's Word from Joel Osteen "Speak what you See."
Today's Scripture
“And God said, 'Let there be light', and there was light” (Genesis 1:3).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
God wanted there to be light, so He spoke it into existence. He wanted there to be water, land, and plants, so He declared them to be. Did you know, as a believer, that same creative power lives inside of you by the Holy Spirit? What are you speaking into existence in your life? Are you declaring the truth of God's Word that says you are the head and not the tail - that you are above only and not beneath? Listen to the words that come out of your mouth and speak what you seek! If you seek good health, declare that God is your Healer and that you will live strong and healthy all the days of your life. If you need provision for something, declare that God is your Provider. Be proactive and speak peace into your home. Speak God's protection over your family. Speak favor over your job. Decide and declare that today will be your best day to the Glory of God!
A Prayer for Today
Father in Heaven, today I submit my words to You. I invite You to search my mind and heart so that I may speak Your truth. Teach me what to say so that I can live the life of victory You have in store for me today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Monday 3 September 2007
Today's Word from Joel Osteen... " How Do You See Yourself?"
Today's Scripture
“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Your imagination is extremely powerful. God created you as a visual being. Choosing the right images in your mind's eye is important because your life will move in the direction of your thoughts. The way you see yourself in your mind's eye, over time, will drop down into your heart and become your reality. If you'll create a picture in your imagination of something you want, or a dream coming to pass and keep it in front of you, then you will move in that direction. I encourage you to get up every morning and picture yourself succeeding! Picture yourself healthy and whole! Picture yourself and your family not only being blessed, but being a bigger blessing to others. If you'll keep the right images in front of you, and always submit yourself to the Lord through prayer and thanksgiving, you’ll move forward into the life of victory God has promised you.
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, I come to You today and submit every area of my mind and heart to You. Search my heart and show me what images I need to change in my mind. Thank You for equipping me with everything I need to live a life pleasing to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Friday 31 August 2007
the bourne-again identity
Can we escape our programming?
Can any of us really sail against the cultural tides that shape our minds, our hearts, our imaginations, our everyday decisions?
This is the question that lies behind the breathtaking car chases, visceral fight scenes and frenetic, Machiavellian machinations of Britains current number-one film, The Bourne Ultimatum.
Jason Bourne, the films central figure, may share initials with his rather more suave British forerunner James Bond, but he is altogether a different kind of secret agent. He is bereft of urbanity, eschews luxurious cars, forgoes casual carnality and has been neurologically reprogrammed to the point where he cannot remember his real identity.
Millions of people in our driven culture face similar, if less lethal, challenges. Can the real us survive? Do we really have to work this way, buy this way, educate this way, pose this way to survive in 21st-century Western society? Can we escape the relentless programming of logo propaganda, the glorified idolatry of self, the genuflection to market forces, the enervating obsession with hollow celebrity, the dearth of enriching relationships? Can we really, as Paul instructs us in Romans 12, not be conformed to this world?
The short answer is yes. This is indeed the glory of the gospel of Christ. Paul, however, was under no illusions about the tenacity of old patterns of behaviour or the power of the dominant culture to continue to hold sway over our hearts and minds.
Or, indeed, about the cost of living the counter-cultural life. At best we will feel, as Peter puts it, like aliens and exiles (1 Peter 2:11). At worst we may lose our very lives. Being born again is a wondrous beginning, but to flourish we need one another and we need ears wifid to the voice of the Master and hearts filled, like tautened sails, with the Spirits breath.
May it be so for you today.
Mark Greene
do we really have to work this way, buy this way, pose this way to survive in 21st-century society?
we need ears wifid to the voice of the master and hearts filled with the spirits breath
CLICK HERE - www.licc.org.uk/culture/the-bourne-again-identity- FOR MORE LINKS AND TO HAVE YOUR SAY
Blogging under Virus Attack
Bloggers battered by viral storm
Some blogs have been found hosting booby-trapped linksGoogle's Blogger site is being used by malicious hackers who are posting fake entries to some blogs.
The fake entries contain weblinks that lead to booby-trapped downloads that could infect a Windows PC.
Infected computers are being hijacked by the gang behind the attacks and either mined for saleable data or used for other attacks.
The Blogger attack is the latest in a series by a gang that has managed to hijack hundreds of thousands of PCs.
Attack pattern
Security researcher Alex Eckelberry from Sunbelt Software first noticed the booby-trapped links turning up on Blogger on 27 August.
Now many hundreds of blogs on the site have been updated with a short entry containing the link.
Mr Eckelberry said it was not yet clear how the links were posted to blogs. The bogus entries could have exploited a Blogger feature that lets users e-mail entries to their journal.
The blogs themselves could also be fake and set up solely to act as hosts for spam.
Personal News,
Today's Scripture
“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His Kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides” (Matthew 6:33 AMP).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
What are you aiming at and striving for in life today? Are you seeking first His Kingdom? The Bible says that His Kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. When you seek righteousness, which is God’s way of doing things, you are seeking the Kingdom. When you seek peace, both in your heart and in your relationships with others, you are seeking the Kingdom. When you choose joy and invite the Holy Spirit to direct your steps, you are seeking the Kingdom. And just as this verse says, when you make God’s Kingdom a priority, all things will be given to you. What are all things? That’s everything else. That’s provision. That’s health. That’s strength. That’s direction. If you’ve been putting other things first, make the decision right now to change and seek God’s way. Put His Kingdom first. As you do, you’ll begin to experience fulfillment and peace in every area of your life!
A Prayer for Today
Heaven Father, thank You for Your Kingdom which is righteousness, peace, and joy. I choose to seek Your Kingdom today. I choose to seek Your way of doing things. I invite You, Holy Spirit, to direct my steps and keep me close to You always.
Thursday 30 August 2007
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria "Restoration Mentality"
Restoration Mentality
Today's Scripture
“And I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten...” (Joel 2:25).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
God is a God of Restoration! You may have had some disappointments or unfair things happen in your life, but instead of dwelling on the past and living defeated, take a stand and focus on God's promise of restoration. Draw a line in the sand and say, "I am a child of the Most High God, and I'm not going to live my life negative and defeated. This is a new day, and I’m taking back what belongs to me!" That's having a restoration mentality.
God wants to restore everything that's been stolen. He wants to restore your joy, restore your peace, restore your health, and restore your finances. But here's the key: you have to have a vision for it. You have to get your hopes up. You have to decide to get your thoughts and words going in the right direction. Focus on the future and release past hurts through forgiveness.
Decide today to get up every morning hoping, expecting, and believing. Know that God is going to pay you back. Thank Him for restoring everything that the enemy has stolen from you!
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing to restore my life. Thank You for the truth of Your Word that sets me free. Fill me with Your power today so that I may stand strong and move forward on the path You have for me today. I love You and bless Your Name. In Jesus' Name.
Amen.
Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027
Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries
Wednesday 29 August 2007
Taleban release S Korean hostages "BBC News."
Taleban release S Korean hostages
These three women were the first to be freed on WednesdayTaleban rebels in Afghanistan have released 12 South Koreans - 10 women and two men - out of a group of 19 hostages that they have been holding.
The hostages have been released in three groups throughout the day. They are said to be in good health.
The three women and one man from the latest group to be freed were said to be "hugely relieved" at their release.
The Taleban said the remaining seven hostages would be released soon. The group was initially seized in July.
The hostages were released with the mediation of tribal elders in separate locations.
The first two groups of hostages were handed over to officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross and were then taken to meet South Korean government officials in Ghazni.
Haji Zahir, a tribal elder who has been acting as a mediator, told the BBC he and two other elders had travelled to meet the Taleban and bring the first three women by car to Ghazni.
The second group of hostages was then released in the Shabaz area of Ghazni province, close to the village of Ghazni itself.
Britain's First Gold Medal at World Athletics, "BBC News"
Fellow Briton Nicola Sanders won silver while Jamaican Novlene Williams, who led for most of the race, came third.
Ohuruogu, whose one-year ban for missing three out-of-competition tests expired earlier this month, looked out of contention on the back straight.
But the 23-year-old timed her run to perfection to win in 49.61 seconds.
"It will probably sink in later," said Ohuruogu, whose time is a new personal best. "For me I won a race - the fact that it is the worlds will sink in later.
"It was very tough, but I'm very proud of myself because I worked hard and I had an operation on both legs which was hard enough.
Christ Our Model, by D L Moody
When a house is to be built, before the masons and the carpenters commence work, the architect is called in to make a drawing of the building. As the workmen conform to his plans, they realize the ideal that was in his mind.
The trouble with most people is that their lives are not formed according to any plan. They are not striving to resemble any model. They have no definite aim and purpose
This is the cause of sorrow and suffering and disappointment. We owe it to ourselves to set an ideal before ourselves, and then press toward the attainment of it with all our being. The ideal should be the highest possible, and we cannot aim higher than Christ
He is a perfect model in every way. The Bible tells us how perfectly he conformed to His Father's will, leaving us an example in service, in love, in prayer, in self-sacrifice, in dependence upon God. And all this because He was divine. And yet if he had been only divine, and not human, too, He could never have served as our model. It is because He took upon Himself our form and likeness, passing through human experiences, realizing human needs, and undergoing human temptations and trials, that He is possible as our model.
His atoning death opened the door for us into the Christian life. But that is only the entrance. There is a path to be trod, and here Christ in his life on earth is the model for every believer to follow.
How thankful I am that we have a record of His life! Gladstone once said that precept freezes while example warms; precept is a marble statue, while example is a thing of flesh and blood. The great defect of other religions and philosophies is that, while they may contain beautiful maxims and exhortations, they do not give the power to follow these out. But Christ embodied what he taught. He was a living example that we may imitate.
There is a story of a Bohemian king, St. Wenceslaus, going to devotions in a distant church, one snowy winter night. His servant followed, trying to imitate his zeal; but the way was rough, and he began to faint. The king told him to step in the marks he made, and he was able to follow. Christ commanded us to follow in His steps. The path is smoother because He trod it.
Is it possible to be like Christ? Doubt and unbelief say, No. Faith says, Yes. God commands it, and therefore it must be possible. But how? Because we can have the same life, the same mind in us as was in Christ. If we are "partakers of the divine nature," if we are branches of the true Vine, the same fruit will show in our life as in His. He will dwell in our hearts by faith, and our lives may thus become the expression of His own.
I do not say that here we shall ever be like our model in measure or degree. But light is light, whether it be candle-light, gaslight, electric light, or sunlight. It is the same in kind or nature, if not in degree. So we may really resemble Christ, although we do not realize the full measure of his divine perfection. A good definition of sanctification or holiness would be, conformity to His example. He is the Light of the world; we are to shine as lights in the world. He is the Word; we are epistles.
How can we get power to copy our model?
1. Learn of Christ. Do not look to men. In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews Paul tells of Old Testament worthies, but lest we should try to imitate them he immediately turns away our eyes and fixes them on Jesus, --"looking unto Jesus."
2. Claim by faith the promises of the indwelling Christ. Until we are born again, and he lives in us by the Spirit, all our efforts will be vain.
3. Keep in touch with Him. Get better acquainted with Him. Talk to Him in prayer. Let Him talk to you through the Bible. It is a recognized fact that two persons thrown together a good deal are apt to become alike in habits of thought and conduct, and even in looks. It is said of the early disciples that the rulers "took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus." Moses had a shining face after he had been with God.
Copied by Stephen Ross for Wholesome Words.org from Golden Counsels by D. L. Moody. Boston: United Society of Christian Endeavor, ©1899.
Pamela Beller:
"THE SET TIME HAS COME--FOR THE BRINGING FORTH OF WHAT WAS
Intro by Jessica L. Miller: Recently, a very good friend sent me a prophetic word--stating she was not sure if it was for me. As I read this word, I became very aware that it not only described a lot of the spiritual warfare I have been experiencing, but what many other people have been going through as well.
This anointed word is full of encouragement to strengthen you in this time of battle--the set time has come for breakthrough!
Jessica L. Miller, Publications ManagerThe ElijahListEmail: jmiller@elijahlist.net
Pamela Beller: THE SET TIME HAS COME
"The appointed hour has come for many, and there is no greater testimony against our enemy than the revealing of the will of God brought into our lives in visual form."
In the last few months, there has been an incredibly invasive attack by satan against certain believers. It's been an emotional torture chamber of negative thoughts, feelings and circumstances and unusually heart-wrenching sadness and depression. Satan's goal is to cause you to lose heart, to give up, and to look at your age, health, circumstances, financial troubles and whatever else he has thrown your way with the hope that you'll finally give in and say as Job's wife encouraged him to do, "Curse God and die!" (Job 2:9). The whisperings of darkness have become so loud that at times you wonder if you'll ever be free from his negative oppression.
Satan is not interested in discouraging the fainthearted or unbelieving. His primary focus is on those who, for years, have believed and walked towards a specific goal in their lives--something so intensely "Kingdom of God" that it's governed every action, decision, moment and thought. You've thought at times that you haven't been able to live because you're so consumed for this thing God has spoken; and He has not just spoken to you about it, but He has made it a part of who you are. You feel that if this vision dies, there's no place for you anymore because you can't separate your own soul from what you have inside of your spirit.
An expectation of the end result of your faith has moved you from desire to spiritual compelling. It's a dynamic of Christianity that the world has never seen--the manifestation of the best wine saved for the last. This dynamic expectation has satan trembling in fear for its manifestation. One of the greatest defeats of our enemy is to see the wombs of God's children bring forth what was sown into them.
The appointed hour has come for many, and there is no greater testimony against our enemy than the revealing of the will of God brought into our lives in visual form. We've longed and waited for it to be manifested in this earthly sphere. Many of us have carried these visions deep within our own spirit. We've groaned and cried out to God in travail until we feel physically damaged by the intensity of the burden with no acceptable remedy for the pain, except that we see with our own eyes--the labors of our soul.
So many of God's people have been in that chamber of God and have heard those inexpressible things that many people couldn't begin to imagine and we've brought them back into this earthly realm to guard and to watch over. It's the very seed of God's desire planted in the fertile ground of our hearts. We've been waiting, waiting, waiting with seemingly no sight of seeing what was sown--be made living.
The set time has come and many will begin to see the sprouting heads of what was sown in your hearts appear almost overnight, and by that, your hope will be restored once again, and you'll see that all the love and passion you have has not been in vain. And with the revealing of the first sign of life to your vision, your faith will soar and bring life back to your physical, financial and emotional life, along with every other area that satan targeted in your life with his hope of destroying that precious seed God entrusted you with.
I was recently in a prayer meeting and the Spirit of God came in an incredible way. He said to encourage His people, and to tell them that there's a wave of His Glory about to hit the earth. I encourage you to hold on. Some of you have been laboring for years, even to your own hurt. You've left your own desires to pursue a higher call and have suffered incredible opposition, but still had something inside of you that couldn't let go.
The set time has come and the Lord is coming to bring forth in the earth the things that have been hidden in the hearts of His worshippers. Be encouraged and don't lose heart--you will reap if you don't lose heart. He loves us even when satan said that He didn't. Even as the Word encourages us to consider both the suffering of Job and the end intended by the Lord, there must be a bringing forth of what was sown. The set time has come.
Pamela BellerEdge of The Blade Discipleship Ministry
Pamela Beller's Bio:
Pamela Beller is well-known for her deep passion for the Scriptures and her even deeper love for the Lord of the Scriptures--Jesus Christ. She has a driving desire to see the Body of Christ healed and united. She has planted and pastored a church, speaks at conferences, does outreach and retreats, and she has taught the Word of God for over 15 years.
Permission is granted (and you are also encouraged) to reprint these articles in hard copy form, as well as sending them to your own email lists and posting them on your own websites. We ask only that you keep ElijahList website, email contact info, and author contact information intact.
ElijahList Publications
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