Today's Word from Joel Osteen " The God of Justice"

The God of Justice

Today's Scripture

“Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him! (Isaiah 30:18 NIV)”.

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Sometimes, unfair things happen. A relationship doesn't work out, or a friend betrays us. Maybe you worked really hard, but you didn't get the position you deserved. Life is not always fair. The good news is that even though life is not always fair, we serve a God who is fair. He is a God of justice. He sees every wrong that's ever been done to you. He sees every person that's ever hurt you, every unfair situation. If you will stay in faith and not get bitter, God has promised He will pay you back for every injustice that's ever been done to you. He said He would take what was meant for your harm, and He'll turn it around and use it to your advantage. And the great thing about God is if you keep the right attitude, if you'll wait for Him, He'll not only bring you out, He'll bring you out better off than you were before! God wants to make the enemy pay for bringing that trouble into your life. Be encouraged today that God is for you! He is working behind the scenes on your behalf. Praise Him and thank Him for showing His justice in your life today!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your justice in my life. Thank You for working behind the scenes on my behalf. I choose to trust You today. I choose to release every person who has wronged me. Help me to forgive so that I can open the door for You to work in my life today.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen.

Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027

Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries

The Way to Pentecost, Samuel Chadwick, Ch 6

The Way to Pentecost

Samuel Chadwick

Chapter 6: The Pentecostal Life

The Inheritance of the Spirit-Filled

Romans 8 is the fullest exposition of the life which comes through "the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus." It is the charter of the believer's inheritance in the Spirit.

1) Pentecost Brings Deliverance

The law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus makes men free. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. He is the Spirit of Power, and the first demonstration of power is emancipation. He breaks the power of canceled sin. There is no bondage from which He cannot deliver. He breaks the fetters of the soul, and opens the prison doors of the redeemed. Salvation comes with the suddenness of a mighty rushing wind and as with the flash of fire; or it may come as the breath of the morning and the light of the dawn. However it comes, it comes to set men free from all that brings into bondage and condemnation. It is the Gospel of Liberty to all imprisoned life. There is no slave the Gospel cannot save. The greatest deliverance of all is from the moral impotence of the dual personality of chapter 7. The measure of completeness is in the word: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus." They are delivered from all and everything that brings condemnation.

2) Pentecost Brings Abounding Vitality

Our Lord came that we might have abundant and abounding life, and it is found in the Gift of the Spirit of Life. The Gift of God is Living Water, springing up into everlasting life. Living water is the water of vitality from the Eternal Source of Life. The law i. good, but weak through the flesh, ineffective through human infirmity. The Holy Spirit strengthens the inward man. The Spirit of Life dwells in men, permeates their being, sanctifies their nature, quickens their powers, vitalizes their mortal bodies, and radiates their life. They live -- really live! They live the life that is life indeed. Pentecost turned anemic believers into exuberant saints. People said they were drunk, and so they were, but not with wine. They were vivacious with abounding vitality. Pentecost wakens people up. It vitalizes latent powers, and makes the utmost of every faculty and gift. Those who would have Life abounding Life, victorious Life, satisfying Life, glorious Life must get to Pentecost. Life is the best medicine for every kind of sickness. It cures all ills, ends all weariness, and conquers death all the time.

3) Pentecost Brings Understanding

Where did Peter get the sermon he preached on the Day of Pentecost? He did not read it from a carefully prepared manuscript. This fisherman Apostle is always surprising us with the things he knows. Who taught him? How did he know the hidden meanings of Prophecy? How did he come to understand the philosophy of history so that he could say with certainty, "This is that"? How came he to understand the meaning of the Cross and to discover the explanation of the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead? Who instructed him in these things? The Master tells how he had come to know that He was the Christ the Son of God; and that one explanation explains the rest. He knew by the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation. The Spirit of Truth guides into all Truth. "In that day ye shall know." We know by the Spirit that we are sons of God and joint-heirs with Christ. The Spirit Himself is our Witness. We know that the world is redeemed, and therefore travails in Hope, waiting for its redemption through "the revealing of the Sons of God"; a new Creation by Regeneration. We know, and do not despair. "We know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to His purpose." We know, and are not as others in the day of adversity. We know God. We know, and we know that we know. We know that at the last we shall be saved, and shall stand approved in Christ at the Throne of God. None shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect. Nothing shall separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. "In that Day ye shall know." The Spirit is familiar with the deep things of God, and He takes of the things of Christ and reveals them unto those who receive Him. He is the Spirit of Wisdom as well as of Revelation. He leads in practical wisdom, as well as guides into all Truth. He makes men wise with the wisdom that is from above.

4) Pentecost Brings a New Fellowship in Prayer

"And in like manner the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity: for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit Himself maketh intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered; and He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" That is the secret of prevailing prayer.

5) Pentecost Brings Power

That was the specific promise of Christ. "Ye shall receive Power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses unto Me." Witnessing prevails over the enemy. "We are more than conquerors," says St. Paul, and St. John ascribes the victory to testimony. "And they overcame him [Satan] because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death" (Rev. 12:2). The Spirit of Power is given for witnessing. The testimony of Pentecost was mighty. It is always mighty in the demonstration of the Spirit.

6) Pentecost Brings the Fire of God

Fire is the chosen symbol of Heaven for moral passion. It is emotion aflame. God is love; God is fire. The two are one. The Holy Spirit baptizes in fire. Spirit-filled souls are ablaze for God. They love with a love that glows. They believe with a faith that kindles. They serve with a devotion that consumes. They hate sin with a fierceness that burns. They rejoice with a joy that radiates. Love is perfected in the Fire of God. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.

7) Pentecost Brings Passion for the Souls of Men

The eighth chapter overflows into the ninth. The experience consummates in anguish and tears for the lost. There is no sterner test of Grace than the attitude to the lost. Pentecost leads back to Gethsemane, for it baptizes into Christ's Baptism of Redeeming Passion. Spirit-filled hearts are always tender, and they see men through the tears of a holy compassion.

Read More: http://www.raptureready.com/resource/chadwick/chadwick35.html

Divine Healing by Andrew Murray

CHAPTER I.PARDON AND HEALING

"But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins (then saith He to the sick of the palsy), Arise, take up thy bed and go unto thine house"(Matthew 9:6).

In man two natures are combined. He is at the same time spirit and matter, heaven and earth, soul and body. For this reason, on one side he is the son of God, and on the other he is doomed to destruction because of the Fall; sin in his soul and sickness in his body bear witness to the right which death has over him. It is the twofold nature which has been redeemed by divine grace. When the Psalmist calls upon all that is within him to bless the Lord for His benefits, he cries, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, Who... forgiveth all thine iniquities, Who healeth all thy diseases" (Psalm 103:2-3).

When Isaiah foretells the deliverance of his people, he adds, "The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick; the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity" (Isaiah 33:24).This prediction was accomplished beyond all anticipation when Jesus the Redeemer came down to this earth.

How numerous were the healings wrought by Him who was come to establish upon earth the kingdom of heaven! Whether by His own acts or whether afterwards by the commands which He left for His disciples, does He not show us clearly that the preaching of the Gospel and the healing of the sick went together in the salvation which He came to bring? Both are given as evident proof of His mission as the Messiah: "The blind receive their sight and the lame walk.., and the poor have the Gospel preached to them" (Matthew 11: 5).

Jesus, who took upon Him the soul and body of man, delivers both in equal measure from the consequences of sin.This truth is nowhere more evident or better demonstrated than in the history of the paralytic. The Lord Jesus begins by saying to him, "Thy sins be forgiven thee," [Matthew 9:5] after which He adds, "Arise, take up thy bed and go." The pardon of sin and the healing of sickness complete one the other, for in the eyes of God, who sees our entire nature, sin and sickness are as closely united as the body and the soul. In accordance with the Scriptures, our Lord Jesus has regarded sin and sickness in another light than we have.

With us sin belongs to the spiritual domain; we recognize that it is under God's just displeasure, justly condemned by Him, while sickness, on the contrary, seems only a part of the present condition of our nature, and to have nothing to do with God's condemnation and His righteousness. Some go so far as to say that sickness is a proof of the love and grace of God.

But neither the Scripture nor yet Jesus Christ Himself ever spoke of sickness in this light, nor do they ever present sickness as a blessing, as a proof of God's love which should be borne with patience. The Lord spoke to the disciples of divers sufferings which they should have to bear, but when He speaks of sickness, it is always as of an evil caused by sin and Satan, and from which we should be delivered. Very solemnly He declared that every disciple of His would have to bear his cross (Matthew 16:24), but He never taught one sick person to resign himself to be sick. Everywhere Jesus healed the sick, everywhere He dealt with healing as one of the graces belonging to the kingdom of heaven. Sin in the soul and sickness in the body both bear witness to the power of Satan, and "the Son of God was manifested that He might destroy the works of the Devil" (I John 3:8).

Jesus came to deliver men from sin and sickness that He might make known the love of the Father. In His actions, in His teaching of the disciples, in the work of the apostles, pardon and healing are always to be found together. Either the one or the other may doubtless appear more in relief, according to the development or the faith of those to whom they spoke. Sometimes it was healing which prepared the way for the acceptance of forgiveness, sometimes it was forgiveness which preceded the healing, which, coming afterwards, became a seal to it. In the early part of His ministry, Jesus cured many of the sick, finding them ready to believe in the possibility of their healing. In this way He sought to influence hearts to receive Himself as He who is able to pardon sin.

When He saw that the paralytic could receive pardon at once, He began by that which was of the greatest importance; after which came the healing which put a seal on the pardon which had been accorded to him.We see, by the accounts given in the Gospels, that it was more difficult for the Jews at that time to believe in the pardon of their sins than in divine healing.

Now it is just the contrary. The Christian Church has heard so much of the preaching of the forgiveness of sins that the thirsty soul easily receives this message of grace; but it is not the same with divine healing; that is rarely spoken of; the believers who have experienced it are not many. It is true that healing is not given in this day as in those times, to the multitudes whom Christ healed without any previous conversion. In order to receive it, it is necessary to begin by confession of sin and the purpose to live a holy life.

This is without doubt the reason why people find more difficulty to believe in healing than in forgiveness; and this is also why those who receive healing receive at the same time new spiritual blessing, feel more closely united to the Lord Jesus, and learn to love and serve Him better. Unbelief may attempt to separate these two gifts, but they are always united in Christ. He is always the same Savior both of the soul and of the body, equally ready to grant pardon and healing. The redeemed may always cry: "Bless the Lord, O my soul.., Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, Who healeth all thy diseases" (Psalm 103:2-3).

Read More: http://www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Voice/Murray.Divine.Healing.html#I

Blessings

Blair

Famous Five set to return as Adults

TV series for 'adult' Famous Five

The Famous Five books have never been out of print.

The Famous Five, Enid Blyton's literary childhood sleuths, are set to be "reimagined" as middle-aged grown-ups in a new TV drama for adults.

Julian, Dick, Anne, George - with a descendant of the original Timmy the dog - will be reunited 30 years after their original exploits.

The series is being developed by Blyton rights holder Chorion and production company Twofour.

Blyton wrote the popular books between 1942 and 1963.

Read More:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6967050.stm

Personal Comment:

As a Child, I read most or nearly all the Famous Five books, which I enjoyed thoroughly, I also remember the TV Series on ITV, which was compulsive viewing. I'm just waiting to hear that there plans to bring back the " The Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew " or the Double Deckers. Maybe we should start an online campaign ?

Please comment:

Blair

A DEVOTIONAL STUDY September 2007, from the EXTREME PROPHETIC'S DEVOTIONAL CORNER

A DEVOTIONAL STUDY September 2007

Subject: "Do you know who you are?"

By Kyle Barr


STUDY INCLUDES:

A. Prophetic Encouragement

B. Devotional Teaching

C. Weekly Scripture Meditation

A. PROPHETIC ENCOURAGEMENT

Recently, while in prayer, the Lord showed me a vision. I saw a HUGE wall of water held back by a thin barrier, like a veil. As I looked closer, I saw how individuals had gone throughout time past and ripped holes in various parts of this barrier. These present holes represented past moves of the Spirit, where different individuals and ministries had created an opening; therefore, experiencing revival. However, these were only small openings compared to the fullness of the wave of revival to soon be released.

I then asked the Lord, “What needs to be done to allow the Sword of the Spirit to go before and rip the entire barrier from top to bottom?” The Lord said, “It begins with you. If you will let me search you out, every part, every broken piece, every hidden place, then I will come and bring healing and wholeness. If My Body will surrender, I will fill them with Righteousness and Purity. This will be what allows Myself to move in fullness. Because once the temple is cleaned and purified, I will allow my train to fill it. This wave will actually be YOU, walking in fullness of the Kingdom wherever you go.”

B. DEVOTIONAL TEACHING

Lately, I have been faced with the challenge of understanding who I really am and come to realize just how many lies and false beliefs I have about myself. Somewhere, I have allowed the enemy to decieve my heart and mind. But be encouraged, because the Spirit of Truth resides within you.

Jesus stated, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 ESV)

So as we meditate and receive the living word of who God says we are, we become free in Christ. I’ve found knowing the truth and receiving this freedom births great confidence, boldness, and steadiness to stand no matter what may be around us or coming against us. I love the lyric from a Misty Edward’s song stating, “I’m in love with God and God’s in love with me. This is who I am and this is who I’ll be and that settles it completely.”

As we understand more of the truth of who we are, it allows us to advance the Kingdom to a greater degree. Because ultimately, we are created in His image and likeness, so by “knowing thyself” we are able to make Him known to others. In this, I believe God will expand our sphere of influence. Just as Peter’s shadow healed, the Body of Christ will walk in such an atmosphere of Kingdom reality.

This all goes back and fulfills God’s original decree: And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28) We will walk in true authority and dominion, reclaiming this earth and releasing the knowledge of the glory of God.

So if you desire to see the fullness of the Kingdom and this wave of revival, prepare yourself, for Christ is coming back for a Bride who has made herself ready. You are the revival, because Christ is in YOU-the hope of glory!!

C. SCRIPTURE MEDITATION

Week One: Song of Solomon 2:8-17

Week Two: Isaiah 61

Week Three: Matthew 28: 16-20, Mark 16: 14-18

Week Four: Acts 5: 1-16

Link: www.extremeprophetic.com

Today's Word from Joel Osteen "New Every Morning."

New Every Morning

Today's Scripture

“His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NASB).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

You may have done something last week or last month that you're not particularly happy about, but the good news is you don't have to carry that around with you. That's part of what the Scripture means when it says that God's mercies are new every morning. God's mercy and forgiveness are available to you each and every day. His compassions never fail. That means that as soon as you call on Him and repent and change your ways, God pours out His compassion and forgiveness. Simply open your heart and receive it. You can have a new beginning every single day! Do you feel like there's something between you and God right now? Take a moment and call on His faithfulness. Call on His mercy. Ask for His forgiveness. Don't waste another moment in the past. Let Him refresh and restore your soul right now. Praise Him and thank Him for the work He is doing in your life and enjoy a fresh new beginning today!

A Prayer for Today
God, I don't want to go through another day dragging the weight of the past. Thank You for opening the door of that prison and setting me free. Help me to claim and enjoy Your new mercies each day.

In Jesus' Name.

Amen.

Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027

Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON DIVINE HEALING, Maria Woodworth-Etter

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON DIVINE HEALING, Maria Woodworth-Etter

What is divine healing?

Divine healing is the act of God's grace, by the direct power of the Holy Spirit, by which the physical body is delivered from sickness and disease and restored to soundness and health.

Have we any promise in the Bible that Divine healing was ever intended to be an attainable blessing to the people of God?

Yes. There are many such promises. We find it given to the people of Israel in a special covenant promise. "If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord that healeth thee." Ex. 15. 26. "And ye shall serve the Lord your God, and He shall bless thy bread and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee." Ex. 23. 25.

Does the Bible prove that any of the people of God ever enjoyed this blessing?

Yes. We read that even before this covenant blessing was promised the physical condition of the people was perfect, which indicates plainly that God had a special interest in their health. See Ps. 105. 37. There were at least two and one-half million people in the Exodus from Egypt, "and there was not one feeble person among their tribes." Moses enjoyed this blessing in a special manner. Deut. 34. 7. So also did Caleb in an unusual experience of preservation and health to an old age. Josh. 14. 10, 11. David personally knew of the benefits and blessings of healing. Ps. 6. 2; 30. 2; 103. 1-4. Whenever Israel lived up to the covenant conditions; they all had the benefits of healing and health. Ps. 107. 20; 2 Chron. 30. 20. Hezekiah had a personal experience of the same. 2 Kings 20. 1-5.

Was this blessing ever promised to anyone else than the Jews?

Yes. It is given in prophecy as a redemption blessing, which, together with all other gospel blessings through Christ, is offered to both Jew and Gentile. Gal. 3. 27-29

Read More:

http://www.lit4ever.org/questions.html

SMITH WIGGLESWORTH:"WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST

SMITH WIGGLESWORTH SERMON #11:"WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST"

Bible Reading-Acts 6.

In the days when the number of disciples began to be multiplied there developed a situation which caused the twelve to make a definite decision not to occupy themselves with serving tables, but to give themselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. How important it is for all God's ministers to be continually in prayer, and constantly feeding on the Scriptures of Truth. I often offer a reward to anyone who can catch me anywhere without my Bible or my Testament.

None of you can be strong in God unless you are diligently and constantly hearkening to what God has to say to you through His Word. You cannot know the power and the nature of God unless you partake of His inbreathed Word. Read it at morn and at night, and at every opportunity you get. After every meal, instead of indulging in unprofitable conversation round the table, read a chapter from the Word and then have a season of prayer. I endeavor to make a point of doing this no matter where or with whom I am staying.

The Psalmist said that he had hid God's Word in his heart, that he might not sin against Him; and you will find that the more of God's Word you hide in your heart, the easier it is to live a holy life. He also testified that God's Word lead quickened him; and, as you receive God's Word into your being, your whole physical being will be quickened and you will be made strong. As you receive with meekness the Word, you will find faith upspringing within. And you will have life through the Word.

The twelve told the rest to look out seven men to look after the business end of things. They were to be men of honest report and filled with the Holy Ghost. These were just ordinary men who were chosen, but they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and this infilling always lifts a man to a plane above the ordinary. It does not take a cultured or a learned man to fill a position in God's church; what God requires is a yielded, consecrated, holy life, and He can make of such a flame of fire. Baptized with the Holy Ghost and fire!

Read More:

http://www.lit4ever.org/sermon11.html

Blessings

Blair

God is Drawn to Movement by Paul Scanlon:

God is Drawn to Movement by Paul Scanlon:

There are, broadly speaking, two distinct schools of thinking among charismatic Believers with regard to divine guidance and the discovery of God’s will for our lives.

School one, and by far the largest, is summed up by the mentality that says: ‘I don’t move without God’s guidance’.

School two is the complete opposite. It says: ‘I don’t expect God’s guidance until I move.’
I wonder which one you are in. Do you believe that God’s guidance is the cause of your movement, or an effect your movement causes?

School one adherents believe that divine guidance is like a map showing them where to go and what to do. Whereas, school two followers know that God doesn’t do maps, just compasses.

That compass is the built-in guidance system God has placed within every Believer, consisting of their gifts, passions, leanings and deepest concerns. These inner guides are indicators of the way towards their personal ‘true north’.

School two people believe that if they follow their heart they will bump into the perfect will of God for their lives without trying to plot a precise course towards it.

Read More: http://www.alm.org.uk/media/articles/paul/god-movement.php

Link: http://www.alm.org.uk/church/

Budget flights of faith, Vatican Travel Service, BBC News Story

Budget flights of faith

By Stephanie Holmes BBC News website

The chartered flight service being launched by a Vatican-linked travel organisation along with an Italian airline has both lofty and more mundane goals. It aims to provide a journey of faith for pilgrims as well as turning a profit.

The first flight will shuttle pilgrims to Lourdes, in southern France.You can forget the complimentary bag of salted peanuts and plastic pot of orange juice because each plane ticket will come with unlimited spiritual refreshment, Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi (ORP) suggests.

Flights are planned from Rome to many of the sites which draw hundreds of thousands of Catholic pilgrims seeking solace and or doing penance each year.

Monday's inaugural passengers are due to travel from the Italian capital to an airport just 10 minutes from the shrine of Lourdes in France.

But from December, planes emblazoned inside and out with the logo "Seeking your face, Lord" will be dropping off energetic faithful near Spain's Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, as well as at Poland's Czestochowa sanctuary and at the shrine to Fatima, in Portugal.

Read More at the BBC News Website:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6958921.stm

Comment:

This is an interesting development, that provides a ministry to Catholic Pilgrims and also makes money.

Please comment:

Blessings

Blair

China girl completes 3,500km run, from the BBC News Website

China girl completes 3,500km run

The girl's father denies abusing his daughter by forcing her to run. A Chinese girl has arrived in Beijing after running more than 3,550km (2,200 miles) from the southern province of Hainan in less than two months.

Zhang Huimin, eight, rose each day at 0230 and ran about 1.5 marathons (84km, 40 miles), Xinhua news agency said. Her father accompanied her on a bicycle. He said the feat was aimed at drawing attention to her Olympic potential ahead of the Beijing games next year.

He denied forcing her to run, but some experts have said it amounted to abuse.
The girl arrived in the Chinese capital on Sunday after starting out in Hainan on 3 July.
She loves to run. Many people don't understand us

Zhang Huimin, who is 1.22m (4ft) tall and weighs 21kg (46lb), is too young to compete in the 2008 Olympics but her father, Zhang Jianmin, believes she can compete in the 2016 games, when she will be 17.

Read More at the BBC News Website, ....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6965410.stm

Comment:

Does anyone else have serious concerns over this, it does remind me of a similar story of a young boy from India, who used to run similar distances. I'm both shocked and saddened by this story, and especially wondering how could anyone treat their own child this way ?

Please comment

Blessings

Blair

NCP Price increases for Car Parking in Cardiff.

MEP demands city parking inquiry





by Adrian Browne BBC Wales political reporter

Traders fear Cardiff's reputation will be damaged by the chargesThe Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has been asked to investigate a car parking company accused of "extortionate" price increases in Cardiff city centre.



Drivers now pay 80p per 15 minutes, up to a £12 maximum, in one NCP car park and retailers fear trade will suffer.



Welsh Conservative MEP Jonathan Evans said the company's actions in Cardiff may be the "right signal" for a UK-wide inquiry into the UK car parking market.



NCP has been asked for comment on Mr Evans's call for an investigation.



Businesses in Cardiff city centre reacted furiously when the price increases were introduced in several of NCP's multi-storey car parks across the city centre.

Read more from the BBC News Website:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/6957302.stm

Comment:

Maybe it's time to use Public Transport to get into Cardiff, it should work out cheaper.

Please comment:


Blair

"THE FURNACE DOOR IS OPENING-- A RELEASE OF PROPHETS WHO HAVE BEEN IN 'THE WAIT', from the Elijah List Email Service

August 25, 2007

John Meyer:

"THE FURNACE DOOR IS OPENING-- A RELEASE OF PROPHETS WHO HAVE BEEN IN 'THE WAIT'"

A Building Process

Many of God's people who have ahold of their purpose and vision inside, are sensing a time of release. They have been behind closed doors, crying, laughing and trembling with their Lord and Savior. They have known what it means to reach the depths of anguish in their souls and minds and have felt at times that they could not go on any longer. They have tried to reach out through conversation to share their pain, but others who listened, could not relate. They've experienced a loneliness that has been physically felt and mentally challenging.

It's been a journey where all one could say is, "I don't know what is going on exactly, but God is good!" All the confessions, professions and proclamations seem to go out, but silence is all that is heard. The journey has been a prophetic process for the prophets and also for those who have been in the "building" process of the Lord, just waiting for their release and assignment on the earth.

The season of preparation is often misunderstood by many who go through it. All we want to do sometimes is to get out of the fire, while God Himself is keeping us from leaving. Only He knows the full process of keeping us in the fire--until we walk out looking better, acting better and loving better. Many have tried to run out only to find themselves walking back into the furnace of refinement once again. God has always been in it with us, but somehow we think He has left us there to roast.

The Door is Opening
We are now entering into a time of release for many who have been going through the fire and have grown up in character. Standing on their feet, they hear the Master opening up the furnace door and saying, "It is now time." They are not running like before--they are walking with a maturity and confidence in their Lord, as they come through the door to enter their assignments.

This does not mean that all of a sudden everything will just happen and money will fall out of the trees for people, but what it does mean is that favor will be there when it is needed, with the work of their hands. It means that the weight of the gifting matches the weight of the character and the "appointed time" is now upon them. It means that they will not quickly fall like they used to when temptations come near them.

James understood this process and the importance of "The Wait" for maturity, "James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:1-4).

Many times when we read this Scripture, we automatically think of some major family or financial trial we go through and yes, these are trials. But for those who have been in the process of development, they have also been sorely tested in the battlefield of the mind regarding their calling. Some ponder if they have blown it with sin and wonder if it will happen, or they begin to think that God had never spoken to them in the first place. It is the plan of the enemy and the flesh to get us thinking this way, but patience has a divine and perfect plan.

The patience that has come through the trial, has now been developed to the point of release. It is the patience that is mature and complete--able to withstand testing and truly help others in need.

Mature Enough to Understand Temptation

James 1:12-17, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."

The struggle to sort out what is happening and "who" is doing what to those in process, is often misunderstood and many people have even blamed God for their temptations during development. But, God has brought them to the point of maturity in the fire, where they no longer believe that lie and have now understood that the "Refining Fire" has been burning away their unclean thoughts and desires of wanting the release too soon and doing works in the flesh.
For some, the discipline of the Lord has been grueling and has been an unpleasant experience, and it is totally human to feel that way. Yet as maturity is developed, there is a knowledge and confidence inside, knowing the process produces a harvest of Godly character and peace.

Hebrews 12:11, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

The Time is Now Upon Many

The time is quickly approaching and others will see someone coming out of the Furnace, looking and smelling like God, who they thought would be completely burned up. These are the "unknowns" in society who will enter their callings, full of God's power and wisdom. They will know how to handle difficulties without breaking down emotionally. They will release practical, yet powerful insight from God's Word that will shatter strongholds and liberate the afflicted and oppressed.

It will truly be the demonstration of the Spirit without the "eloquence" of fleshly words being released as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 2. It is a Supernatural release that will bring young and old to real repentance, because they have seen and have experienced the goodness of God in a tangible way.

For those who have understood the process of "The Wait," be encouraged! Your release is close at hand. Rejoice! For the Lord your God is opening the door of the furnace.

John and Amy Meyer

Voice of One Crying Ministries

Email: kptc@voiceofonecrying.org

John and Amy Meyer's Bio

John and Amy Meyer oversee Voice of One Crying Ministries and have been ministering prophetically to God's people for over a decade. They have been youth pastors, taught prophetic character series together, helped to launch a prophetic training center and are visionaries for Potential Development Centers. These Centers will be designed to develop the whole man and help people to discover and know what their purpose is in The Kingdom, for the last days. John has also served at The Dream Center in Los Angeles in the late 1990's, helping to form intercessory prayer groups and Bible studies.

John and Amy travel and teach people how to come out of rejection and discover their calling in the Kingdom of God. They have a deep desire to see people receive a true prophetic impartation, helping them to launch forward into their purpose and destiny. Currently, they reside in Salem, Oregon and have been involved with home groups in the area.

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

310 2nd Ave SE, Albany, OR 97321

www.elijahlist.com email:

info@elijahlist.net

Phone 1-541-926-3250

Britons now owe £1.3trillion debts

Metro Newspaper, Thursday 23rd August 2007.


Britons now owe £1.3trillion debts





Consumer debt has exceeded the amount of money generated by Britain's economy for the first time.



Britons owe £1.34trillion in mortgage and unsecured debt, a figure higher than the country's expected gross domestic product of £1.3trillion for this year.



Just a decade ago, the country generated enough money by August to cover its consumer debt.





Read More : @ http://www.metro.co.uk/





http://www.metro.co.uk/money/article.html?in_article_id=63173&in_page_id=36








Comment:



If we owe this amount, how long until we pay it pay off, or will the debt mountain continue to grow ?






Blair

Millions hit by Monster site hack

Millions hit by Monster site hack

Monster has released details of how the theft occurred. Jobs portal Monster.com has released more details about the severity of the attack on its site.

It said confidential details of more than 1.3 million people, mainly Americans, were stolen by malicious hackers who carried out the attack.

It said that servers in the Ukraine and hijacked home computers were used to mount the attack.

Monster said the information was stolen to lend credibility to e-mails sent out as part of a phishing campaign.

Read More at the BBC News Website:-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6961880.stm

A Comment:

I'm a regular user of the Monster Website, and due to this major security. I will be limiting my use of Monster and not replying to any emails that they send me:

Blair

Please Comment:

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Osteen. " Trust Him"

Trust Him

Today's Scripture

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Do you need God's direction in your life? Often times, the Lord will instruct your heart to do something that's just the opposite of what your natural mind thinks you should do. It doesn't make sense, but God's principals are very different from the world's principals. In the natural, it doesn't make sense that if you are in need, you should give to someone-you should sow a seed. But you can trust God's Word that says “what you sow, you shall reap.” You can trust that God's system is set up for your good. His system is set up to prosper you and not harm you. He wants to give you a future and a hope. As you step out and trust God and obey His word-even when you don't understand-He promises to direct your paths. He promises that your path will shine brighter and brighter every single day!

A Prayer for Today

Thank You, God, for directing my path today. Thank You for opening my heart to trust You today. Keep me close to You and teach me to hear Your voice so that I may please You all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Joel Osteen Ministries, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77027
Copyright © 2007 by Joel Osteen Ministries

Credit jitters return to Markets, American Housing slump may spark a recession

Credit jitters return to markets

The losses followed several days of gains on world marketsAsian shares headed lower as global credit worries re-emerged ahead of key US homes sales figures later on Friday.



Meanwhile, comments from Countrywide Financial - America's biggest mortgage lender - that a housing slump may spark a recession also knocked sentiment.



In China, shares were also hit as three banks said they were more exposed than thought to the US sub-prime crisis.



World markets have been in turmoil recently amid fears of a possible credit crunch in the US.
In Japan, the benchmark Nikkei index closed 67.35 points lower at 16,248.97, while the Hong Kong Hang Seng was 184.58 points down at 22,782.39 in lunchtime trade.





Read More:-





http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6961602.stm





from the BBC News Website:



Comment:


Today, some analysts are saying that a Global Recession is possible, due to the knock effects of the American Sub Prime Crisis. I believe that we as Christians need to trust the Lord is these days, more than we trusted Him in the past:





Blessings





Blair

Please comment:

More Problems in the Financial Markets

Emergency bank loan creates fears

Short-term traders are waiting to see whether markets will recover A row between Barclays and HSBC over the use of an emergency lending facility has shown how fragile market confidence has become.

On Monday, Barclays borrowed £314m from the Bank of England, fuelling fears that the bank was in trouble.

To calm the market, Barclays said its hands were tied after HSBC missed a deadline to transfer funds to their account, the Financial Times reported.

HSBC says Barclays' request was made too late for it to be honoured.

Interbank payments in the UK must be paid by 16:20BST and it is understood that Barclays made the loan request to HSBC too close to this cut-off point for HSBC to deliver the funds.
Fragile confidence

Under normal market conditions, a commercial bank tapping into the Bank of England's credit facility for a relatively small amount to balance its books at the end of a trading day would not have created much attention, say analysts.

This financing option is generally used a few times a month. As it is an emergency facility, it attracts a higher rate of interest - 1% above the base rate.

It is believed that the bank's emergency loan was not connected to the problems affecting much of the financial system.

Read More:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6960171.stm from the BBC News Story

We're currently seeing some problems in the World Financial Markets, due to the crisis in the American Sub-Prime Market, could this problem stabilise or could we see a World Wide Depression ? In both scenarios, how we do respond as Christians ?

Please comment:

Blessings

Blair

Some thoughts on the Kingdom of God

A Comment on Jesus’ Teaching on the nature of the Kingdom of God, with particular reference to Matthew 13:1-52 and Matthew 5-7.

A Study by Blair Humphreys.



1) Introduction

Throughout the New Testament, especially the Synoptic Gospels * The Gospels of

Matthew, Mark and Luke, there are numerous references to the Kingdom of God or

the Kingdom of Heaven, which *1 “ is generally considered to be the central theme

of Jesus’ Teaching . “ Although spoken to mainly Jewish Audience, some 2,000

years ago, in a province of the Roman Empire, it is still the same Life Changing and

Revolutionary message today as it was then. *2 “ Jesus preached the Kingdom of

God. We preach Jesus. In Him and through the power of His Message the Kingdom I

is available to us, but can we preach Jesus or even understand Him, without

understanding God’s Kingly Rule, the central note in all His Teaching.”


*1 Encyclopaedia Britannica Article The Kingdom of God.
*2 Understanding the Kingdom of God, by Georgina Harkness, Chapter 1, Where We
Stand



It is my objective, through my own personal study of the above Scriptures and with

reading through the New Testament, especially the Synoptic Gospels, prayer

and reading through relevant articles, books such as Matthew Henry’s commentary ,

and using various translations of the Bible, to gain an understanding of the Lord’s

teaching of the Kingdom of God, and applying that teaching to myself and it’s

relevance for us today in the early part of the 21st Century.


The Kingdom of God/Heaven is the central theme and the essence of Jesus’ message

, when we read through the Gospels, we see how important this message is, there are

so many references to the Kingdom of God throughout the Gospels, (although there

several references to the Kingdom of God in the Old Testament, for example

in Psalm 145:13 Nlt “For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule

throughout all generations, “ although the Old Testament saints, only saw a

glimmer of what was to come, Matt.13:17), we can only come to the conclusion

that if the Kingdom of God is mentioned so many times it must be important.


Indeed in Matthew 6:33, The Lord’s commends us to seek, the Kingdom above all

else, or in some versions “,make the Kingdom of God, your primary concern. “ If

the Kingdom of God was central to our Lord’s Teaching, it must be central to

our Christian Walk, Witness and Lifestyle.


Indeed the Kingdom of God is the Life force of Jesus’ Message, in Matthew Henry’s

Commentary on Matthew 13, it states that “ the word of the Gospel is the word of the

Kingdom. “ Our Message must be the same as Jesus’ Message. In Matt. 13:1-23

, it describes how a farmer when to sow some seed, (the word of God) and the

responses to that word, although Jesus spoke a message that everyone could

relate to, and hopefully understand, he used phrases, terms and illustrations that

people would know, I believe that the four times of soil, can relate to 4 times of

people that hear the Gospel, a) some seed fell on the path, some people hear the

message of the Kingdom, but don’t understand it, b) other seed fell on shallow

ground, some people hear the message gladly, but because of various problems

etc, turn away, c) other seed fell among thorns, some people hear the word, but

their lives become full of other things, turn away and don’t produce a crop,


and finally d) some seed fell on good soil, and produced a huge harvest, speaks of

those who truly accept God’s message, and see other lives transformed by the

Gospel.


In Matt. 13:9 Jesus says “ Anyone who is willing to hear, should listen and

understand! “ I believe that although, the message of the Kingdom of God

can be easy to understand, not everything who hears it, will accept it .


The Lord only reveals a greater understanding of the Kingdom to those

, who truly accept the message ( I’m not speaking of a type of

special knowledge or revelation that is only available to some sort of

initiate of a secret society or an elite band of people, because that would be

a form of Gnosticism) , in Matthew 13:11f. Jesus tells the Disciples, “That you have

been permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, to those who are

open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an

abundance of knowledge. “ although Jesus was speaking to the 12 here, he also

speaks to us, we can’t understand the Kingdom, unless we have a relationship

with the King, I believe because of our relationship with the King, we will have a

fuller understanding of Kingdom, the more time we spend with Him, and as we show

others the truth that we have learned from Him. See Matt 13:52. “, He can bring out

old treasures as well as new treasures from his storehouse.”



I believe that as Jesus was sent by God, to reveal the message of the Kingdom of God

, today we’re sent by Him, to reveal to others the Gospel of the Kingdom, see

Romans 10:14, Mark 3:14 & Matt 9:37-38


The Kingdom of God is not of this world, see John 18:36, although it can be

, seen in the lives of His followers who express every day both the fullness and

revelation of His Kingdom. Indeed, there’s nothing quite like knowing the King and

being part of His Kingdom, see Matt 13:44-46.


In Matthew 5-7, we see practical and everyday Kingdom Teaching, that reaches

, through the pages of our Bibles into our lives, situations and personalities.


IVP Commentary, Matthew 5-7 Introduction “ The Ethics of God’s Kingdom”

“Jesus summons those who would be his followers to radical devotion and radical

dependence on God. His followers must be meek, must not retaliate, must go beyond

the letter's law to its spirit, must do what is right when only God is looking, must

depend on God for their needs and pursue his interests rather than their own, and must

leave spiritual measurements of others' hearts to God. In short, true people of the

kingdom live for God, not for themselves, “


This Kingdom teaching, starts with what’s commonly referred to as the Beatitudes in

Matt 5:3 Nlt. “ God blesses those who realise their need for Him, for the

Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them, “ we also see the types of people

, that God will bless in Matt 5:4f and basically it includes everyone. Amen


We’re called to be both salt and light in Society, salt purifies and light shows people

, the way to go, see Matt 5:13- 16.










In Matthew 6:9f, we see the Lord’s Prayer,
“9 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today the food we need, 12 and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us. 13 And don’t let us yield to
temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”

There are so many examples of the nature of Kingdom Living, found in
, these Chapters, Matt 5-7, but what summarises this teaching for me, can be found in
Matt 7:24-27” 24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them
into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came
down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not
fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these
words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his
house on sand.”


James 1:22 “ But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says, “
Matt 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

Blair Humphreys
July 19th 2007
Bibliography
1) Encyclopaedia Britannica Article The Kingdom of God
2) Understanding the Kingdom of God, by Georgina Harkness
3) Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Matthew 13
4) IVP Commentary on Matthew 5-7

Free From Shame

Today's Scripture

“Let my heart be sound (sincere and wholehearted and blameless) in Your statutes, that I may not be put to shame”(Psalm 119:80 AMP)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

Did you know the Word of God will protect you from shame and embarrassment? God's laws, or statutes, were established to guide and protect you. When you follow His Word, you can be sure that you are making clear, sound choices. You can be sure that you are making the very best decisions. The Bible calls the enemy the “accuser of the brethren.” That means he's trying to make you feel guilty, shameful, and condemned. He's trying to make you second guess yourself. But remember, the enemy is defeated. You are free from shame! The enemy has no legal power over you unless you open the door to him. Keep the door closed by submitting yourself to God and His Word. Ask the Lord to give you a whole and blameless heart to follow His commands. As you do, you will walk in His protection and guidance and live free from shame today!

A Prayer for Today
Father, thank You for Your Word which guides and protects me. Thank You for giving me the ability to make right choices according to Your Word. Give me a sincere and blameless heart that I may serve You all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Hello

Hello

I've decided after some time, to restart blogging.

I hope you will enjoy this new blog

Blessings


Blair