Today's Word from Joel Osteen " A Vital Neccessity."

A Vital Necessity

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).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

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.

Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries

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."

Today's Word from Joel Osteen." God-Ordained Moments"

God-Ordained Moments

Today's Scripture

"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.

Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries

Today's Word from Joel Osteen. "Seasons of Sowing."

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.

Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries

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.

England led 2-0 after 10 minutes thanks to Eva Gonzalez's headed own goal and Jill Scott's speculative shot. Catalina Perez was sent off early in the second half, giving away a penalty that was converted by Fara Williams.

Argentina pulled a goal back through Gonzalez's free-kick, but Kelly Smith struck twice more and Vicky Exley made it 6-1 with a confident penalty. The win meant England finished second in Group A behind Germany and they will discover their quarter-final opponents on Tuesday when the Group B matches are completed. The United States are favourites to progress along with either Sweden or North Korea.

Read More:http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/women/6997764.stm

Comment: After the Sporting disasters of both the England Rugby & Cricket Teams, losing to the South African Rugby & Cricket Teams, it's fantastic to see an England Team actually win a match.

Today's Word from Joel Osteen. " Trust the Father."

Trust the Father

Today's Scripture

“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.

Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries

Personal Reflections

Well, it's Saturday, and it's time to relax, although I have had a busy morning, shopping and catching up with friends and family, and this week, it's the annual September Fair in Neath, and there's the usual crowds and bargains to be had !

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.

It is estimated there are as many as 3,000 Muslims who have converted to Christianity living in Britain. Converting to another religion for a Muslim is not just considered a taboo act by some believers. Certain Islamic texts demand converts - also known as apostates - be punished severely for deserting their faith. In several Islamic states, the death penalty is imposed. Here in Britain, Dispatches discovers a form of mob justice is taking place on our streets. A concerned Christian bishop tells Dispatches that it may not be long before a British convert is killed, and implores Muslim leaders to take action. Dispatches discovers the situation for converts from Islam in Britain is a tinderbox waiting to explode.

Increasingly asylum seekers from Islamic countries are exploring different faiths in Britain while a new strand of evangelical Christianity is targeting Britain's Muslims for conversion. With radical British Islamic groups calling for apostates to be executed if they achieved their goal of a worldwide Islamic state, it's a potentially dangerous cocktail that has been exacerbated by the silence of both Muslim and Christian leaders on the subject.

Comment:

I will be watching this programme with interest, for a number of reasons, a) this story is something that I have been following for a number of years, and b) some twenty or so years ago, I was part of an Evangelism team, that saw 3 moslems came to faith in the Lord Jesus, and it got very dangerous for us and for them.

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

Dr Who, a Messiah Figure, I don't think so !

I have no great desire to be controversial, but I have very serious concerns over plans by a Church in Cardiff, to hold a Dr Who themed communion service, using music and clips from Dr Who.

I am all for, engaging Society and reaching out to our neighbours, with the Gospel, but to describe Dr Who as " almost a type of Christ" well in my opinion is very, very wrong.

I'm a fan of Dr Who, and enjoy watching the show, although I do feel, that is a very strong moral theme to the show, at the end of the day, it's meant to entertain us.

To read further see below:-

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.

More:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/6991351.stm

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"

Be a Prisoner of Hope

Today's Scripture

“If you will be a prisoner of hope, God will restore back to you double everything that was stolen” (Zechariah 9:12).

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.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027 .

Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries

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

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:-

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/columnists/columnists.html?in_article_id=481067&in_page_id=1772&in_author_id=322&in_check=N

"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"

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.

Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries

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

Venturing into unreported China

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?

Over the course of the next few hours they will ask me this last question again and again. From nowhere a black car pulls up and I am ushered inside.

Read More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6983247.stm from the BBC News Website.

Comment:

Although China is an economic powerhouse of the World Economy, it's still not a democracy, and although in theory a Communist Country, there is a great deal of underhand and dishonest dealings both in Public and Private life, and as we see in this story from the BBC News Website, a great deal of unrest is occuring in China, due to amongest other things greed.

According to the World Governance Indicators report, Chinese citizens have very little freedom, out of a scale of 100%, they have a freedom indicator of 4.8%, compared to other countries freedom indicators for example Cuba at 7.2%, Russia at 24%, Canada at 94.2% and Denmark at 100%.

The Writing is on the Wall

Daft burglar writes name on 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.

Addison received a conditional discharge. Ridgeway, 18, must carry out 60 hours' unpaid work.
Both pleaded guilty to burglary at Macclesfield Magistrates' Court.

Addison was ordered to pay £725 compensation and £20 costs. Ridgeway has to pay £20 costs.

Read more from the BBC News website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/6981558.stm

Todays Word from Joel Osteen "Your Time is Coming."

Your Time is Coming

Today's Scripture

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarry, wait for it” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV).

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.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027.

Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries

Today's Word from Joel Osteen

Free from Condemnation

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

Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries

College Update , God's Favour

With being a Student today, there are various finance options, including things like Student Loans and if you live and study in Wales, The Welsh Assembly Government give you a Tuition Fee Grant of up to £1,845, which just over 55% of the Tuition Fee of £3,070 a year, they also give you an Assembly Learning Grant of £2,765 a year, from which you pay £1,225 to top your Tuition Fee. * All depending on your income.* There's also a Student Loan for Maintenance costs of around £3,495

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"

Release the Debt

Today's Scripture

“Do not say, ‘I’ll do to him as he has done to me; I’ll pay that man back for what he did’” (Proverbs 24:29).

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

Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries

Today's Word from Joel Osteen "Speak what you See."

Speak What You Seek

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.

Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027

Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries

Today's Word from Joel Osteen... " How Do You See Yourself?"

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.

Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027V

Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries