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Showing posts from July, 2014

Suffering Is Apart of the Christian Journey: Reject the Prosperity Gospel

Prosperity Gospel, Name It/Claim It, Health and Wealth: whatever you want to call it!  It is not biblical. Does God want the best for His children?  Yes.  Does he love us? Yes.  But, that doesn't mean that we won't have trials and tribulations in our lives.  I was recently told by a pastor that a lady died of cancer because she didn't have enough faith.  Really?  Does this sound like Jesus to you?  However, this is what Christianity has been reduced to.  We are teaching in our pulpits and bible studies that the Christian should have perfect health and wealth; but I don't see that in the Bible.  We preach that God wants us wealthy, so people spend their prayers and money on seeking health and wealth. I've been reading the gospel of Luke and the first passage that jumped out at me is the plight of Zechariah and Elizabeth.  The Bible states that they were both righteous before God, obedient to the commandments, and blameless.  Luke 1: 6.  Yet, they had a desire that

Are You Willing to Help?

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Can you imagine not having food to eat, clothes to wear, or shoes for your feet?  Most of us can't imagine that, but that is a sad reality for many people in the bush of Ghana, West Africa.  An elderly lady gave her entire estate to create a "kitchen on wheels" to feed the poor in Ghana.  Also, this kitchen contains 7500 dresses, 300 pairs of shoes, sewing machines and threads, and 800 pairs of sunglasses.  What's the problem?  Shipment costs.  Would you be willing to help us be a blessing by shipping this kitchen (and other items) to Ghana?  All donations are tax-deductible. Please send me a message if you are interested. Or, you can mail a check to: Maranatha Power Minitries: 3195 Dayton Xenia Rd., PMB #204, Suite 900, Beavercreek, OH 45434-6390.

The Power of Love: Birthday Reflections!

Psalm 31:7 states, "I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction, and knew the anguish of my soul.  This scripture is the song of my heart today.  Today is my birthday and it is a joyous one!  I can rejoice today because God loves me and finally I can be confident in that!  I can rest in the love of God; and, because I know His love, I have learned how to truly love myself. When you learn to love yourself, you know your self-worth and you refuse to allow other people to devalue you.  You also learn to make room in your life for people who truly love and care for you.  You stop allowing yourself to be taken advantage of and you refuse to settle for less than God has for you! God loves me and I'm glad about it!  I've experienced much pain and suffering in my life, but the Lord saw me.  The Lord saw my affliction and knew the anguish  of my soul.  He's held me.  He's comforted me.  He has delivered my soul out of the pit.  He has healed my

Anna the Prayer Warrior: the Faith of a Little Girl

             I started attended a small prayer meeting a few months ago, but little did I know the lesson I would learn on faith.  I’ve walked with Jesus for a long time, but it took a 10 year old girl to teach me about unadulterated faith.   Anna*, a 10 year old girl, taught me about what it truly means to have faith.  She has touched my heart and I will remember her story of faith for the rest of my life.                     Anna attends our weekly prayer meeting with her parents.  She usually hangs out in another room watching television, but I now know that she does much more than that!  One day our pastor was teaching on the power of prayer and faith.  He was sharing his testimony about being hungry and not knowing where his next meal would come from.  He shared with our group about the times he had to go his cupboards and pray to the Lord to fill his home with food.  Our pastor told us he spoke to the cabinets and cried out to the Lord that it be filled in Jesus name; little

The Word of God for Times of Trials, Tribulations, and Suffering

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.“ Deut. 31:8 › I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8  › In God, whose word I praise-- in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:4  › I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.“ Ps. 91:2  › They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Ps. 112:7  › Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1  › You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. Psalm 18:28  › Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Ps. 23:4  › Therefore we will

Father's Love Letter: An Intimate Message From God to You

 My Child, You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1; I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2; I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3; Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31; For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27; In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28; For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28; I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5; I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12; You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16; I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26; You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14; I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13; And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6;  I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44; I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:1

Don’t Leave People of African Descent Out of the Immigration Debate

http://sojo.net/blogs/2014/06/27/don%E2%80%99t-leave-people-african-descent-out-immigration-debate