Posts Tagged ‘christian news’

Warning! Watch Out For Offenses: It’s Devil Bait!

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

There is a lasting peace for those who love your teachings.  Nothing can make those people stumble {offended} Psalm 119:165

The politician has slandered me unmercifully, but my awe at Your words keeps me stable.   I’m ecstatic over what You say, Like one who strikes it rich.  I hate lies-can’t stand them! But I love what You have revealed.

Seven times each day I stop and shout praises for the way You keep everything running right.  For those who love what You reveal, everything fits-no stumbling around in the dark for them.  I wait expectantly for Your salvation; God, I do what You tell me.  My soul guards and keeps all Your instructions- oh, how much I love them! I follow Your directions; abide by Your counsel;  My life’s an open book before You. Psalm 119:161-168

 Beloved, the Psalmist, King David, has given {revealed} to us, the righteous and holy response, to prevent our haters in this world, from using offenses as bait to stop us from following God’s instructions and abiding by His counsel.  For those that love this present world has great vexation {trouble, affliction, and annoyances}, because the world does not answer what they expect.

According to God’s Word:

So, this is my prayer: “that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well.  Learn to love appropriately.  You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush.  Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.”   That way, you will be able to determine what is best, and be pure and blameless until the day of Christ (return).”

 Scripture References: Philippians 1:9-11 

Sister Betty, The Lord’s Handmaiden

Destiny’s Child

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

Photo of Nikki WashingtonRomans 8:29-30, “For whom He fore knew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”

If you read the scripture text above, I’m sure you read what I read. The writer was speaking to the Romans about destiny amongst other things.

 In essence he’s reminding the people that not only did God know us before we were ever birthed, but He PRE-destined us that we might ultimately, conform to the imagine of Christ and subsequently, bring Him glory. I share this scripture with you tonight as a form of encouragement. I think too often we get so caught up in looking at who we are and our own abilities that we forget that little factor called destiny (smile). And the above scripture reminds us that before we ever came to be, God had ALREADY predetermined some things about us.

Now isn’t that good news? It should be! Think about it, God knew every single place we’d ever fall short, yet STILL ascribed greatness to our lives. In other words, He already knew you’d feel ill-equipped but He gave you the vision anyway. He already saw that you’d record that album yet have to grind to find a distribution deal, yet He told you to do it anyway. And long before you could ever even string together a proper sentence, He knew that He would send you out to declare His Word to the nations! So, here’s the thing, if God knows this about us, what’s stopping us from grasping this fact? Exactly. NOTHING! So, to you on the cusp of greatness, be encouraged!

Don’t let what it looks like detour you from what He has ALREADY declared it to be. Remember, God’s PRE-determined plan is that you might live out your destiny. Yeah, it’s just like Jeremiah said (29:11). God wants to give us hope and a future and good success. He wants us to manifest destiny. And this is the season where your obedience and diligence will bring forth the manifestation of a future that ALREADY is.

 This is your moment church!

What will you do with it?

Let’s GO!

Nikki Washington

Praise God in The Midst of Trouble: Have His Favor for a Lifetime!

Friday, August 6th, 2010

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up and not let my foes rejoice over me. 

 O Lord my God, I cried to You and you have healed me. 

   O Lord, You have brought my life up for Sheol (the place of the dead); You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit (the grave).

Sing to the Lord, O you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrances of His holy name.

For His anger is but for a moment, but His favor is for a lifetime or in His favor is life.  Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (II Cor: 4:17).  Psalm 30:1-5

God responds in a very powerful way to deliver us when we give Him praises (expressed in words to honor Him), in the midst of difficulties, He is faithful to raise us out of  them all.   Psalms 149: 5-7(a) says, “Let the Saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds.  Let the high praises of  God be in their mouths.

There is no justification for complaining, once you come into the knowledge and understanding of whose you are and who you are.   Beloved, know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. God is more than able to take care of His children and He is faithful and knows how to deliver us.

 You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.

What then shall we say to {all} this? If God is for us, who {can be} against us?  {Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?} {PS. 118:6.}.  He WHO did not withhold or spare {even} His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all {other} things?

Sister Betty, In Him, who love God and are called  according to His design and purpose.

Scriptures References: Psalm 100:3, 1 peter 2:9, Psalm 46:1-2, Romans 8: 31-32

The Infallible Word of God Series: Part 3

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Part III “The Word of God Is Full Of Power”: Choose to use it for yourself!

 

Beloved, the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power {making it active, operative, energizing and effective}; it is sharper than any two edge sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and {the immortal} spirit, and of joints and marrow {of the deepest parts of our nature}. exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the the hear.

Beloved, if we can trust God and believe the Word that He speaks is full of power, then what do you suppose would happen if (for each trial, care of this life, for each need, and for each sickness) we would go to the Infallible Word of God–seeking and finding scriptures that speak specifically to our situation? 

What if we prayed that Word over our situation, if we meditated day and night on that Word, if we believe and trusted in that Word as the God given, answer for our circumstance(s)? What if we  have taken on the righteousness of God, and through grace we have met the conditions of  God’s promises?  What if God be for us?  Then what or who can prevent the Word that God speaks from manifesting it full power in our lives?

 

Jesus said, ” It is written that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.”  He (Jesus) said, blessed (happy and to be envied) rather are those who hear the Word of God and practice it!  I would love to hear your thoughts. You can reply directly to this blog or follow us on Facebook.

 

Reference Scriptures: Heb 4:12, Matt. 4:4, Luke 11:28

 

Father God, help us to receive the power of Your Word.  Help us not to be just hearers of  Your word, but also help us to practice it!  Please deliver us from the cares of this present world and please give us the desire to renew our minds in Your Word.  Please Father God give us a hunger and thirst after You.   I know Father that Your Word is truth and it is able to far exceed, above and beyond what we ask and hope for; so please God, let Your Word have its way in our circumstances.   Father, let the words of our mouth be the words that You speak and let the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, oh Lord, our Saver and Redeemer.  In Jesus’ Awesome Name. Amen

 

Sister Betty, In Him & In the Wonderful Working Power of His Word, I am


The Infallible Word of God: Part Two

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

The Power of The Gospel Series: Part Two

Every Scripture is God Given

Every Scripture is god-breathed (given by His Inspiration}and is profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in  obedience {and} for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose and action).

So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.   II Timothy 3:16-17

Have you ever heard parent(s) when they have their first child say, I wish children came with instructions?  Well, let me tell you what I know, the Holy Bible is what every parent should be studying to get the instruction on how to raise a child to be complete, proficient, well-fitted and thoroughly equipped to follow the plan and purpose that God has ordained for great success and long life.
The Bible teaches children to obey your parents in the Lord {as His representative}, for this is just and right.  The Bible instructs children to honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother; this is the first commandment with a promise [exodus 20:12}: that all may be well with you  and that you may live long on the earth. {Ephesian 6:1-3}
The Bible teaches children to listen to your father, who begot you, and despise not your mother when she is old. In the Bible, children are instructed to obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. {Proverb 23:22}
The Bible instructs Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or fret your children {do not be hard on them or harass them}, lest they become discouraged and sullen and morose and feel inferior and frustrated. {Do not break their spirit}. {col. 3:21, Ephesian 6:4}.
Do you think God’s Word gives sufficient instructions for how to raise a child?  Will instructing children, in the manner in which the Bible has given us,  create a better  society?  Is it enough to depend on the word being taught in church, perhaps during Worship Services/Sunday School, in order to  sufficiently train up a child?  Meaning, should parents only rely on the pastors or deacons to teach their childre how to live holy? Or do you think parents have an obligation to teach also in the home, through instruction in the Scriptures AND by being a living example?  Do you agree with the Scriptures in the way the Bible says a father is to treat his children? Should a parent be tender with a female child and hard on a male child to make him “tough? Is this idea biblical founded? I would love to hear your thoughts. You can reply directly to this blog or follow us on Facebook.
Father God, help us to understand that the Society in which we live will reflect the children that we raise.  Help us to raise children that will admonish  you God and  be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  In Jesus’ Awesome, unmatched name. Amen
Sister Rucker,  In Him, The handmaiden of the Most High God

Have you ever heard parent(s) when they have their first child say, I wish children came with instructions?  Well, let me tell you what I know, the Holy Bible is what every parent should be studying to get the instruction on how to raise a child to be complete, proficient, well-fitted and thoroughly equipped to follow the plan and purpose that God has ordained for great success and long life.

The Bible teaches children to obey your parents in the Lord {as His representative}, for this is just and right.  The Bible instructs children to honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother; this is the first commandment with a promise [exodus 20:12}: that all may be well with you  and that you may live long on the earth. {Ephesian 6:1-3}

The Bible teaches children to listen to your father, who begot you, and despise not your mother when she is old. In the Bible, children are instructed to obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. {Proverb 23:22}

The Bible instructs Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or fret your children {do not be hard on them or harass them}, lest they become discouraged and sullen and morose and feel inferior and frustrated. {Do not break their spirit}. {col. 3:21, Ephesian 6:4}.

Do you think God’s Word gives sufficient instructions for how to raise a child?  Will instructing children, in the manner in which the Bible has given us,  create a better  society?  Is it enough to depend on the word being taught in church, perhaps during Worship Services/Sunday School, in order to  sufficiently train up a child?  Meaning, should parents only rely on the pastors or deacons to teach their childre how to live holy? Or do you think parents have an obligation to teach also in the home, through instruction in the Scriptures AND by being a living example?  Do you agree with the Scriptures in the way the Bible says a father is to treat his children? Should a parent be tender with a female child and hard on a male child to make him “tough? Is this idea biblical founded? I would love to hear your thoughts. You can reply directly to this blog or follow us on Facebook.
Father God, help us to understand that the Society in which we live will reflect the children that we raise.  Help us to raise children that will admonish  you God and  be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  In Jesus’ Awesome, unmatched name. Amen

Sister Rucker,  In Him, The handmaiden of the Most High God

The Lord Will Not Forsake His People

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

The Lord will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake, for it has pleased Him to make you a people for Himself.

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way.

Only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; for consider how great are the things He has done for you.

And they who know Your name {who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy} will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You {on the authority of God’s Word and the right of their necessity). {PS. 42:1} 

It is a necessity and an awesome privilege to call God by name and trust Him to be who we say He is in our situation.  We know that everyone of God’s names speaks power for our deliverance into our situation, mixed up and shaken down with faith. By telling God who He is in whatever situation we find ourselves, is the same as speaking prophecy over our lives.  As we read examples of some of these names for God and their meanings, please meditate on them and prophecy over yourselves, and allow the prophecy to drop into your spirits. 

Adonai, “I am the One who owns and rule over everything that exists.” Jehovah-jired, ” the Lord provides,” for His grace is sufficient for me. Jehovah-Rophe, “Lord who heals,” for I am the Lord that Healeth. Jehovah-Shalom, “God is Peace,” Jehovah-M’Kaddesh-”I am the Lord who makes you Holy.” Jehovah-Nissi, “God, My Banner or God my Standard of Victory.” Elohim- ” The Great Almighty, Three-in-One God, who establishes and keeps covenant forever.   El Shaddai, “The Almighty,” I am the Almighty God: Walk before Me, and be thou perfect” Jehovah-Tisdkenu, “The Lord our Righteousness that we might be the righteousness of God in Him.” 

O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, give heed and act! Do not delay, for Your own sake, O my God, because Your city and Your people are called by your name. Blessed  is the man that trust in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

 Scriptures References: I Samuel 12:22-24, PS. 9:10.  Daniel 9:19

Jeremiah 17:7

 Sister Betty,

In Christ Jesus, I Live, I move, and I have my being.

 

God’s Own People Is The Answer For America

Monday, February 8th, 2010

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.    I Peter2:9 NKJV

If my my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.  II Chronicles 7:14 NKJV 

Other Scriptures References: I Samuel 9:6, Proverbs 14:4 

The Presidential Prayer Team was established during President George Bush’s 1st Term.  Since becoming a member of the team back then, the members have been charged with praying for the President, from Presidential initiatives to national and international matters.  But how many of us know that real, meaningful, everlasting change takes place in the hearts of mankind, and will only come in the way that God has pre-ordained? 

God’s plan to use His chosen people as an equipment for the healing of the nations during the Biblical times, is just as  crucial and prevalent today.  God’s remedy for the healing of our nation is found in His word; which  is the same word He gave to the people way back when He first spoke the word we find in, II Chronicle 7:14 NKJV,”If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  ( some, might say when he said My people, He was talking about the Jews) Yes, but in this Nation today, since being adopted through the blood of Jesus, we too are His own people, thereby being his equipment to bring about change in the hearts of mankind through His word.  

There are so many hurting people in this Nation, whose hope rests upon President Obama. It  is so crucial for them to understand that as hard as President Obama may try, he can not deliver this sin sick Nation from the problems that have so easily entangled it.  If righteousness exalted a nation and sin is a reproach to any people (Proverb 14:4), then it prompts me to believe that divine intervention is required  for our Nation.  And if divine intervention is required, God tells us in II Chronicles 7:14, before God will act on behalf of the nation, God’s own people must first humble ourselves, and pray and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways;  and only then will He hear from heaven and will forgive our sin and heal our land.

Those who choose to live upright and operate in right standing with God,  are given the favor of God and God’s authority and power over all demons and to cure all diseases (Luke 9:1-3).  

God’s own people are different from the world; we are about God’s business in every area of  our lives; we understand our purpose is to proclaim the praises of God and His righteousness.  And we are known by our seeds, God’s favor and His righteousness  which abides within us.  Amen? 

In the name of Jesus, I speak this word over the Body  of Christ, We are the Equipment of God For a dying and perverse nation.   But God! sees plenty  wrong and He is still looking to His own people to sell out ourselves completely to Him; in order that He may activate the supernatural power , authority and His righteousness that He has already placed in us to exalt the Nation.

Sister Betty, In Him, the Hope of Glory!

Don’t Forget Your REAL Audience

Monday, August 17th, 2009

It happens all the time. History continues to repeat itself. I sometimes sit back and say to myself, “How in the heaven did that happen?” when I read and see what is making news all over the world. I say to myself how did they let it get this far? Why can’t they see who has really been there for them? Why bite the hand that has fed you for so long?  Sometimes when a person makes it big they think that it happened because of their talent. I think it happened because of God, their talent and people’s recognition of their gift. Here’s the problem: They give God the credit and they give themselves a pat on the back, but FORGET who purchased, downloaded, referred to their friends, bought tickets, tuned into the radio or TV station…..yada-yada-yada…..I think you guys get the point. I tell people all the time that without those people that will BUY into your services, You’re NOTHING! Why do you think Chris Brown is on YouTube giving video taped apologies? Why is Michael Vick on ” 60 Minutes crying ?” It’s because they are beginning to recognize that in all actuality, it was people who padded their pockets and made them famous.  Here are two principles to live by for the rest of your life:

 

“Why do you think Chris Brown is on YouTube giving video taped apologies? Why is Michael Vick on ” 60 Minutes crying ?”"

 

 

1] Recognize the people that are “connectors” in your life!  This is your management, your distributor, your producers, your publicist and etc…Their job is to get you noticed and to connect you to those that can give you more of a platform and help in branding your unique offering to the world. They will NEVER buy one thing from you. They actually RECEIVE monies that you earn while swimming in the pool of “fame” that they build for you. Don’t get it twisted!

2] Recognize the people that actually BUY from you! These are the guys and gals that you have to keep happy. They spend their hard earned dollars so that you can earn some hard earned dollars. They show up at your events. They buy your CD’s, your posters, and your t-shirts. They download your music or your art. They tell their friends and family about what a great time they had @ your event. Never FORGET them because they will FORGET you and then you could find yourself singin’  and practicin’ in the mirror by your lonesome again.

 

*These are two distinct and different categories of people and it’s wise to never get them twisted. The second group will always let you know when you’re getting the job done and the first one will always be subject to the second one.

 

BIG Frank,

Frank is just a guy with a big heart and a bigger mouth! Livin’ in Raleigh, NC is his claim to fame and he believes that Jesus Christ is the ultimate example for how we should live and be a blessing to those that we come into contact with. Check him out at www.frankhenderson.org or email him at frank@frankhenderson.org and he’ll be sure to holla back