Are You Afraid of God? from Marble Collegiate Church on Vimeo.
April 03, 2010
Affirming Words 4/2/10-"Are You Afraid of God?"
A sermon by Dr. Michael B. Brown from the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City:
Encouraging Words 4/3/10 Help Yourself to Happiness
From: Love Worth Finding
“Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart.” Psalm 119:2
Have you ever thought that if you lived according to God’s laws, you were going to miss out? The truth is if you don’t live according to God’s laws you’re going to miss out!
God’s laws are for your welfare. God is not a tyrant in heaven making a bunch of laws to make you squirm like a worm in hot ashes as you try to keep those laws.
God loves you.
Every time God says “Thou shalt not,” God is simply saying, “Don’t hurt yourself.” And every time God says, “Thou shalt,” God is saying, “Help yourself to happiness.”
God has something so wonderful for you.
Write the following down on some sticky notes and post them everywhere:
•God loves me.
•God knows better than I do.
•God is in control.
•God is good.
“Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart.” Psalm 119:2
Have you ever thought that if you lived according to God’s laws, you were going to miss out? The truth is if you don’t live according to God’s laws you’re going to miss out!
God’s laws are for your welfare. God is not a tyrant in heaven making a bunch of laws to make you squirm like a worm in hot ashes as you try to keep those laws.
God loves you.
Every time God says “Thou shalt not,” God is simply saying, “Don’t hurt yourself.” And every time God says, “Thou shalt,” God is saying, “Help yourself to happiness.”
God has something so wonderful for you.
Write the following down on some sticky notes and post them everywhere:
•God loves me.
•God knows better than I do.
•God is in control.
•God is good.
April 02, 2010
Matthew 25 Resource 4/2/10-North Central West Virginia Community Action (Fairmont)
North Central West Virginia Community Action Association, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families reach their highest levels of social and economic independence, while assisting our nine county service area communities to become stronger partners. Collaborating with local, state, and national agencies, we provide a broad range of direct, anti-poverty services for moderate to low-income customers and their communities. We maintain an on-going commitment to reduce the effects of poverty and to empower individuals, families and communities to meet the challenges of today and the changes of tomorrow.
Click here to find out more.
Click here to find out more.
Encouraging Words 4/2/10 Nothing Can Separate Us From the Love of God
From: Love Worth Finding
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
What if you had an appointment with the doctor and found out that you had cancer? Maybe you have heard this news or heard it on behalf of a loved one. I want to tell you some things cancer cannot do.
•Cancer cannot shatter hope.
•Cancer cannot corrode faith.
•Cancer cannot eat away peace.
•Cancer cannot place a limit on eternal life.
•Cancer cannot quench the spirit of God and
•Cancer cannot lessen the power of the resurrection.
That’s how limited cancer is!
Is there someone in your life who is suffering from cancer? Give them the Good News that you’ve read today and pray that they will know the Savior.
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
What if you had an appointment with the doctor and found out that you had cancer? Maybe you have heard this news or heard it on behalf of a loved one. I want to tell you some things cancer cannot do.
•Cancer cannot shatter hope.
•Cancer cannot corrode faith.
•Cancer cannot eat away peace.
•Cancer cannot place a limit on eternal life.
•Cancer cannot quench the spirit of God and
•Cancer cannot lessen the power of the resurrection.
That’s how limited cancer is!
Is there someone in your life who is suffering from cancer? Give them the Good News that you’ve read today and pray that they will know the Savior.
April 01, 2010
Affirming Words 4/1/10-"Here Comes the King"
A Sermon by Pastor Leslie Tipton from Church of the Holy SpiritSong in Ft. Lauderdale, FL:
Here Comes the King from COHSS on Vimeo.
LGBT Helping Hands 4/1/10-AIDS Interfaith Network (Dallas, TX)
AIDS Interfaith Network was created in 1986 by a group of clergy and pastoral and lay counselors who were providing spiritual and emotional support services to persons living with HIV/AIDS. These same individuals were attempting to educate clergy, churches, and their congregations about HIV/AIDS in an effort to promote a more compassionate response to those who were struggling with the disease. Rapidly, AIN began to see that clients needed practical support as well as spiritual support, and began recruiting and training volunteers from local churches, synagogues, and other faith organizations to provide in-home, non-nursing support such as, laundry, cooking, cleaning, and other light housework.
These efforts resulted in the creation of the Care Team Program, which has now received awards for outstanding volunteer work from two sitting U.S. Presidents and is the centerpiece of our volunteer services. Pastoral Care Services and Volunteer Support have been integral parts of the history, mission, and purpose of AIN.
Click here to find out more.
These efforts resulted in the creation of the Care Team Program, which has now received awards for outstanding volunteer work from two sitting U.S. Presidents and is the centerpiece of our volunteer services. Pastoral Care Services and Volunteer Support have been integral parts of the history, mission, and purpose of AIN.
Click here to find out more.
Encouraging Words 4/1/10 All Things Work Together for Good
From: Love Worth Finding
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
I read about a farmer who had a big brush pile of debris that he was going to burn. He noticed that a little bird had built a nest in that brush pile, so he destroyed the nest. When he came back days later, he found the bird rebuilding the nest. The farmer destroyed the nest again. But the bird built again, and again the farmer destroyed it. Finally, the little bird gave up.
I can just imagine that little bird going home and saying to his family, “I just don’t know why all our good plans of building a home are not working.”
Well, there was an unseen hand that was doing something that the bird may have thought was bad, but was really good.
Read Romans 8:28 again. Notice that the verse doesn’t say all things are good. All things are not good. There are some terrible things in this world. The point is that only God is good! He alone can work all things together for your good.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
I read about a farmer who had a big brush pile of debris that he was going to burn. He noticed that a little bird had built a nest in that brush pile, so he destroyed the nest. When he came back days later, he found the bird rebuilding the nest. The farmer destroyed the nest again. But the bird built again, and again the farmer destroyed it. Finally, the little bird gave up.
I can just imagine that little bird going home and saying to his family, “I just don’t know why all our good plans of building a home are not working.”
Well, there was an unseen hand that was doing something that the bird may have thought was bad, but was really good.
Read Romans 8:28 again. Notice that the verse doesn’t say all things are good. All things are not good. There are some terrible things in this world. The point is that only God is good! He alone can work all things together for your good.
March 31, 2010
Affirming Words 3/31/10-"What Does It Mean to be a GLBT Christian?"
One of the most heartbreaking things I’ve found in speaking to many GBLT people is the inability for some of them to reconcile their sexuality with being Christian. Men and women who were once on fire and served the Lord with great devotion, now have great difficulty accepting the love and forgiveness of the Lord they once spoke to others about.
Along with the feeling of doubt about their own salvation and shame that they have failed in their faith, there is emptiness in their heart where the Lord once resided. And it wasn’t the Lord who left, but the person himself walking away from God.
Why do so many GBLT people have such a difficult time being GLBT and Christian?
For many people, they can only be one or the other. GLBT or Christian.
Perhaps they feel God judges their lifestyle, so instead of including the Lord in the search for their identity, they kick Him out all together, giving them the “freedom” to explore their sexuality.
Many people grew up very involved in their churches when they were younger, making it even harder when they feel that their GLBT life is in conflict with their spirituality.
But being a Christian and GLBT are similar in that both of these make up the very essence of who we are.
Click here to read the rest of the essay at The Epistle.
Along with the feeling of doubt about their own salvation and shame that they have failed in their faith, there is emptiness in their heart where the Lord once resided. And it wasn’t the Lord who left, but the person himself walking away from God.
Why do so many GBLT people have such a difficult time being GLBT and Christian?
For many people, they can only be one or the other. GLBT or Christian.
Perhaps they feel God judges their lifestyle, so instead of including the Lord in the search for their identity, they kick Him out all together, giving them the “freedom” to explore their sexuality.
Many people grew up very involved in their churches when they were younger, making it even harder when they feel that their GLBT life is in conflict with their spirituality.
But being a Christian and GLBT are similar in that both of these make up the very essence of who we are.
Click here to read the rest of the essay at The Epistle.
Affirming Resource 3/31/10-Footstep Fellowship Church, Wausau, WI
Founded on August 13, 2000 Footstep Fellowship began with weekly Sunday afternoon services and a devoted group of people dedicated to God and the mission of spreading His word to the world. Since then Footstep Fellowship has set out to build bridges with other churches and families of believers, as well reach out to the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender community who had been misled as to what God "really" thinks of them.
Since then, Footstep Fellowship has been blessed with both triumphs and tribulations from the Lord. Now the group has grown in number and variety. Greater outreach is being made into the community, and stronger bridges are being built among ourselves and other families of believers.
Since November 2006 the members of the church has taken the church to a different level. We no longer have a pastor but instead we use members in the church to give sermons so it is not all one persons beliefs.
We pray every day that each and everyone of YOU may be touched by the Lord's Love, Mercy and Grace. And should you ever wish to worship with us you are welcome at any time.
Click here to find out more.
Since then, Footstep Fellowship has been blessed with both triumphs and tribulations from the Lord. Now the group has grown in number and variety. Greater outreach is being made into the community, and stronger bridges are being built among ourselves and other families of believers.
Since November 2006 the members of the church has taken the church to a different level. We no longer have a pastor but instead we use members in the church to give sermons so it is not all one persons beliefs.
We pray every day that each and everyone of YOU may be touched by the Lord's Love, Mercy and Grace. And should you ever wish to worship with us you are welcome at any time.
Click here to find out more.
Encouraging Words 3/31/10 Reluctance Toward a Quiet Time
From: Love Worth Finding
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Psalm 66:18
Do you know what a quiet time is? It is fellowship with a holy God.
The reason that some folks do not have a quiet time is that they feel uncomfortable. The reason they feel uncomfortable is that they don’t want to look God in the face. The reason they don’t want to look God in the face is because they have sin in their lives. Or, they have been told that they are sinful.
What did Adam do after he had sinned and God came walking in the Garden? Adam fled. Before that, Adam had that quiet time with God, didn’t he? They had boundless, unending fellowship. But when there was sin in Adam’s life, he did not want to look God in the face.
Are you reluctant to have a quiet time? Ask God to shine His light into you. Then wait so you can fellowship with Him.
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Psalm 66:18
Do you know what a quiet time is? It is fellowship with a holy God.
The reason that some folks do not have a quiet time is that they feel uncomfortable. The reason they feel uncomfortable is that they don’t want to look God in the face. The reason they don’t want to look God in the face is because they have sin in their lives. Or, they have been told that they are sinful.
What did Adam do after he had sinned and God came walking in the Garden? Adam fled. Before that, Adam had that quiet time with God, didn’t he? They had boundless, unending fellowship. But when there was sin in Adam’s life, he did not want to look God in the face.
Are you reluctant to have a quiet time? Ask God to shine His light into you. Then wait so you can fellowship with Him.
March 30, 2010
Affirming Words 3/30/10-"How to Prepare For Easter" Part 2 of 2
Sermon by Pastor Sherry Phillips from Raging Fire Ministries in Bluefield, WV
Matthew 25 Resource 3/30/10-North Texas Food Bank (Dallas)
The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a nonprofit hunger relief organization that distributes donated, purchased and prepared foods through a network of 1,146 feeding programs in 13 North Texas counties. The NTFB supports the nutritional needs of children, families and seniors through education, advocacy and strategic partnerships. Close the Gap is the NTFB’s 3-year initiative to unite the community to narrow the food gap by providing access to 50 million meals annually by 2011.
Founded in 1982, the NTFB is a member of Feeding America (feedingamerica.org). *Last year, the NTFB provided access to 37 million meals through its efforts. Each month agency pantries distribute food to more than 53,000 families and on-site meal programs serve 435,000 meals/snacks. Every dollar donated to the NTFB provides four meals for the hungry.
Click here to find out more.
Founded in 1982, the NTFB is a member of Feeding America (feedingamerica.org). *Last year, the NTFB provided access to 37 million meals through its efforts. Each month agency pantries distribute food to more than 53,000 families and on-site meal programs serve 435,000 meals/snacks. Every dollar donated to the NTFB provides four meals for the hungry.
Click here to find out more.
Encouraging Words 3/30/10 Virtual Reality
From: Love Worth Finding
“We are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4
I was in an airport one day looking for something to pass the time when I saw a virtual reality motorcycle ride. I sat down and buckled my seat belt as instructed. The screen came on and I couldn’t believe it. I felt like I was riding a motorcycle, but I was just sitting in a room!
Sometimes our minds tell us something is true when it’s not true. Other times when something is true, we fail to believe that it is true. How critical it is for us to focus on the truth!
•Jesus died for you.
•He lives for you.
•You died with Him.
•You live for Him.
Day by day, you need to take those facts and turn them into faith.
Tell yourself this truth today. Write it down. Post it all around you!
“We are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4
I was in an airport one day looking for something to pass the time when I saw a virtual reality motorcycle ride. I sat down and buckled my seat belt as instructed. The screen came on and I couldn’t believe it. I felt like I was riding a motorcycle, but I was just sitting in a room!
Sometimes our minds tell us something is true when it’s not true. Other times when something is true, we fail to believe that it is true. How critical it is for us to focus on the truth!
•Jesus died for you.
•He lives for you.
•You died with Him.
•You live for Him.
Day by day, you need to take those facts and turn them into faith.
Tell yourself this truth today. Write it down. Post it all around you!
March 29, 2010
Affirming Words 3/29/10-"How To Prepare For Easter" Part 1 of 2
Sermon by Pastor Sherry Phillips from Raging Fire Ministries in Bluefield, WV
LGBT Helping Hands 3/29/10-Center on Halstead (Chicago, IL)
Every day more than 1,000 visitors, participants and clients walk through the doors of Center on Halsted. Come and experience the richness of our theatre, gallery exhibits and cultural programs. Take a class in our Computer Technology Center or use the free wi-fi throughout the building. Come, be a part of Center on Halsted.
Click here to find out more.
Click here to find out more.
Encouraging Words 3/29/10 The Devil is Not in Hell...... Yet
From: Love Worth Finding
The biggest enemy of God is the devil – the evil one. Have you ever thought about the names that are given to him in the Bible? He’s called the deceiver (Rev. 12:9), adversary (1 Peter 5:8), murderer (John 8:44), accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10), tempter (Matthew 4:3), god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4), prince of this world (John 12:31), destroyer, wicked one (Matthew 13:19), and power of darkness (Col. 1:13).
He is most clever when he gets people to think that he does not exist at all. Some say, “Oh well, yes, he exists. He’s dressed all in red and in charge of hell, isn’t he?” Let me tell you something – the devil is not in hell.
First Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (emphasis mine). He’s not in hell, yet. He’s busy trying to distract, discourage, and destroy!
Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The battle is not between human beings. It’s against the prince of this world.
The biggest enemy of God is the devil – the evil one. Have you ever thought about the names that are given to him in the Bible? He’s called the deceiver (Rev. 12:9), adversary (1 Peter 5:8), murderer (John 8:44), accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10), tempter (Matthew 4:3), god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4), prince of this world (John 12:31), destroyer, wicked one (Matthew 13:19), and power of darkness (Col. 1:13).
He is most clever when he gets people to think that he does not exist at all. Some say, “Oh well, yes, he exists. He’s dressed all in red and in charge of hell, isn’t he?” Let me tell you something – the devil is not in hell.
First Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (emphasis mine). He’s not in hell, yet. He’s busy trying to distract, discourage, and destroy!
Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The battle is not between human beings. It’s against the prince of this world.
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