If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. Here are links to some worship music and services from open and affirming ministries (all times eastern). I hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with us.
Live Sunday Services (all times Eastern)
VIDEO
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 12:00 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
FL-Oasis Fellowship Ministries, Casselberry, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
Canada-Rainbow Community Church, Vancouver 9:00 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Oasis Fellowship Ministries, Casselberry
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensacola
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Canada-Rainbow Community Church, Vancouver
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-Body of Christ Church of God, Largo
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
KY-Covenant Community Church, Louisville
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross, Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church, Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church, Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church, Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship, Houston
UT-Glory to God Christian Church, Ogden
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
Can we pray for you? E-mail straight_notnarrow@yahoo.com
November 22, 2009
November 21, 2009
In Our Own Words 11/21/09-Back to Normal
We're back to our normal posting schedule, which means plenty of affirming Sunday Worship tomorrow. We've got our traditional aggregate posting coming up at 6:00 AM with music and links to over 20 affirming churches posting video or audio of their services, some live, some from previous weeks.
Then, beginning at 11:00 AM eastern time, we've got the first of nine live services that are posted individually throughout the day. We encourage you to pick one that fits the style you are most comfortable with and enter in! We will be participating in the Believers Covenant Fellowship service at 11:00--we hope you can join us in person if you're in the northern Virginia area, or online via our live video stream and chat room.
God bless!
Then, beginning at 11:00 AM eastern time, we've got the first of nine live services that are posted individually throughout the day. We encourage you to pick one that fits the style you are most comfortable with and enter in! We will be participating in the Believers Covenant Fellowship service at 11:00--we hope you can join us in person if you're in the northern Virginia area, or online via our live video stream and chat room.
God bless!
Daily Devotional 11/21/09 Acknowledging Your Emotions
From: Daily in Christ
Psalm 109:26, 30 Help me, O LORD my God. . . . With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the LORD.
Nancy was a college student with an inability to express the anger and resentment she felt. "My roommate gets to the point sometimes where she just explodes emotionally to let off steam. I have deep feelings too, but I'm not sure that a Christian is supposed to let off steam."
I opened my Bible to Psalm 109:1-13 and read David's angry words against an enemy. "What's that doing in the Bible?" Nancy gasped. "How could David pray all those evil things about his enemy? That's pure hatred."
"David's words didn't surprise God," I answered. "God already knew what he was thinking and feeling. David was simply expressing his pain and anger honestly to his God."
I encouraged Nancy that when she is able to dump her hurt and hatred before God she probably won't dump it on her roommate in a destructive way. I also reminded her that David was as honest about his need for God as he was about expressing his feelings. He closed the psalm by praying: "Help me, O LORD my God. . . . With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the LORD" (verses 26, 30).
I think the way David acknowledged his feelings is healthy. If you come to your prayer time feeling angry, depressed or frustrated, and then mouth a bunch of pious platitudes as if God doesn't know how you feel, do you think He is pleased? Not unless He's changed His opinion about hypocrisy. In God's eyes, if you're not real, you're not right.
Acknowledging your emotions also involves being real in front of a few trusted friends. During his travels, Paul had Barnabas, Silas or Timothy to lean on. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus expressed His grief to His inner circle of Peter, James and John. If you have two or three people like this in your life, you are truly blessed.
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, that I can be real and honest with You. Help me develop a few trusted friends who will also welcome my emotional honesty.
Psalm 109:26, 30 Help me, O LORD my God. . . . With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the LORD.
Nancy was a college student with an inability to express the anger and resentment she felt. "My roommate gets to the point sometimes where she just explodes emotionally to let off steam. I have deep feelings too, but I'm not sure that a Christian is supposed to let off steam."
I opened my Bible to Psalm 109:1-13 and read David's angry words against an enemy. "What's that doing in the Bible?" Nancy gasped. "How could David pray all those evil things about his enemy? That's pure hatred."
"David's words didn't surprise God," I answered. "God already knew what he was thinking and feeling. David was simply expressing his pain and anger honestly to his God."
I encouraged Nancy that when she is able to dump her hurt and hatred before God she probably won't dump it on her roommate in a destructive way. I also reminded her that David was as honest about his need for God as he was about expressing his feelings. He closed the psalm by praying: "Help me, O LORD my God. . . . With my mouth I will give thanks abundantly to the LORD" (verses 26, 30).
I think the way David acknowledged his feelings is healthy. If you come to your prayer time feeling angry, depressed or frustrated, and then mouth a bunch of pious platitudes as if God doesn't know how you feel, do you think He is pleased? Not unless He's changed His opinion about hypocrisy. In God's eyes, if you're not real, you're not right.
Acknowledging your emotions also involves being real in front of a few trusted friends. During his travels, Paul had Barnabas, Silas or Timothy to lean on. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus expressed His grief to His inner circle of Peter, James and John. If you have two or three people like this in your life, you are truly blessed.
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, that I can be real and honest with You. Help me develop a few trusted friends who will also welcome my emotional honesty.
November 20, 2009
Today--Transgender Day of Rememberance
From the International Transgender Day of Rememberance web site. Click on the link for more information.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28th, 1998 kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder — like most anti-transgender murder cases — has yet to be solved.
Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgender — that is, as a transsexual, crossdresser, or otherwise gender-variant — each was a victim of violence based on bias against transgender people.
We live in times more sensitive than ever to hatred based violence, especially since the events of September 11th. Yet even now, the deaths of those based on anti-transgender hatred or prejudice are largely ignored. Over the last decade, more than one person per month has died due to transgender-based hate or prejudice, regardless of any other factors in their lives. This trend shows no sign of abating.
The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, an action that current media doesn’t perform. Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten. Through the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we are their sons, daughters, parents, friends and lovers. Day of Remembrance gives our allies a chance to step forward with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us who’ve died by anti-transgender violence.
Daily Devotional 11/20/09 Indiscriminate Expression of Emotions
From: Daily in Christ
James 1:19, 20 Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
Another unhealthy way to respond to emotions is to thoughtlessly let it all hang out, to tell anybody and everybody exactly how you feel. The apostle Peter is a great example of indiscriminate expression. Peter was the John Wayne of the New Testament--a real door slammer. He had no problem telling anyone what was on his mind or how he felt. I like to refer to him as the one-legged apostle because he always had one foot in his mouth.
Peter's impulsive nature got him into trouble more than once. In one setting, he was the spokesperson for God, and Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 16:17). Then moments later he spoke for Satan, and Jesus had to rebuke him: "Get behind me, Satan!" (verses 22, 23).
It was Peter who missed the point on the Mount of Transfiguration by suggesting that they build three tabernacles to honor Moses, Elijah and the Master. It was Peter who impulsively whacked off the ear of Caiaphas' servant during Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane. And it was Peter who promised to follow Jesus anywhere, even to the death, then swearing only hours later that he never knew Him. The fact that Peter became a leader in the New Testament church is evidence of the powerful transformation effected by the Holy Spirit.
Indiscriminate expression of emotions may be somewhat healthy for you, but it may be unhealthy for others. "There, I'm glad I got that off my chest," you may say after an outburst. But in the process you just destroyed your wife, husband, or children. Paul admonished: "Be angry, and yet do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26). If you wish to be angry and not sin, then be angry the way Christ was: Be angry at sin. He turned over the tables, not the money changers.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, teach me to express myself in a gracious way so I don't hurt others as I seek emotional release.
James 1:19, 20 Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
Another unhealthy way to respond to emotions is to thoughtlessly let it all hang out, to tell anybody and everybody exactly how you feel. The apostle Peter is a great example of indiscriminate expression. Peter was the John Wayne of the New Testament--a real door slammer. He had no problem telling anyone what was on his mind or how he felt. I like to refer to him as the one-legged apostle because he always had one foot in his mouth.
Peter's impulsive nature got him into trouble more than once. In one setting, he was the spokesperson for God, and Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 16:17). Then moments later he spoke for Satan, and Jesus had to rebuke him: "Get behind me, Satan!" (verses 22, 23).
It was Peter who missed the point on the Mount of Transfiguration by suggesting that they build three tabernacles to honor Moses, Elijah and the Master. It was Peter who impulsively whacked off the ear of Caiaphas' servant during Jesus' arrest in Gethsemane. And it was Peter who promised to follow Jesus anywhere, even to the death, then swearing only hours later that he never knew Him. The fact that Peter became a leader in the New Testament church is evidence of the powerful transformation effected by the Holy Spirit.
Indiscriminate expression of emotions may be somewhat healthy for you, but it may be unhealthy for others. "There, I'm glad I got that off my chest," you may say after an outburst. But in the process you just destroyed your wife, husband, or children. Paul admonished: "Be angry, and yet do not sin" (Ephesians 4:26). If you wish to be angry and not sin, then be angry the way Christ was: Be angry at sin. He turned over the tables, not the money changers.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, teach me to express myself in a gracious way so I don't hurt others as I seek emotional release.
November 19, 2009
Daily Devotional 11/19/09 Suppression of Emotions
From: Daily in Christ
Psalm 32:3 NIV When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
Suppression of emotions is a conscious denial of feelings (repression is an un conscious denial). Those who suppress their emotions ignore their feelings and choose not to deal with them. Suppression is an unhealthy response to your emotions.
King David had something to say about the negative impact of suppressing his feelings in his relationship with God: "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. . . . Let everyone who is godly pray to You while You may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him" (Psalm 32:3, 6 NIV ). David is not saying that God takes Himself out of our reach. When extraneous circumstances loom larger to you than God, it will not take long for your emotions to overcome you. When suppressed emotions build up within you like "mighty waters," you won't turn to God. Your emotions will be in control. It's important to open up to God while you can, because if you bottle up your feelings too long, it will disrupt the harmony of your relationship with Him.
David also commented on the impact of suppression on relationships with people: "I said, 'I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle, while the wicked are in my presence.' I was dumb and silent, I refrained every from good; and my sorrow grew worse" (Psalm 39:1, 2).
Don't cover over your emotions. Suppression isn't good for you, for others, or for your relationship with God. God knows the thoughts and intentions of our hearts, and others can sense that something is wrong, because more is communicated nonverbally than verbally. When the verbal doesn't match the nonverbal, people believe the nonverbal. If we don't accurately express what we believe, people will believe our nonverbal messages about what we believe. Don't leave room for guesswork. Instead, "Speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another" (Ephesians 4:25).
Prayer:
Lord, I want to live in honest agreement with You and others. Give me the grace to speak the truth in love.
Psalm 32:3 NIV When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
Suppression of emotions is a conscious denial of feelings (repression is an un conscious denial). Those who suppress their emotions ignore their feelings and choose not to deal with them. Suppression is an unhealthy response to your emotions.
King David had something to say about the negative impact of suppressing his feelings in his relationship with God: "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. . . . Let everyone who is godly pray to You while You may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him" (Psalm 32:3, 6 NIV ). David is not saying that God takes Himself out of our reach. When extraneous circumstances loom larger to you than God, it will not take long for your emotions to overcome you. When suppressed emotions build up within you like "mighty waters," you won't turn to God. Your emotions will be in control. It's important to open up to God while you can, because if you bottle up your feelings too long, it will disrupt the harmony of your relationship with Him.
David also commented on the impact of suppression on relationships with people: "I said, 'I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle, while the wicked are in my presence.' I was dumb and silent, I refrained every from good; and my sorrow grew worse" (Psalm 39:1, 2).
Don't cover over your emotions. Suppression isn't good for you, for others, or for your relationship with God. God knows the thoughts and intentions of our hearts, and others can sense that something is wrong, because more is communicated nonverbally than verbally. When the verbal doesn't match the nonverbal, people believe the nonverbal. If we don't accurately express what we believe, people will believe our nonverbal messages about what we believe. Don't leave room for guesswork. Instead, "Speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another" (Ephesians 4:25).
Prayer:
Lord, I want to live in honest agreement with You and others. Give me the grace to speak the truth in love.
November 18, 2009
Fighting off Sickness
We're both struggling right now fighting off some physical ailments, so the posts over the next couple of days could be a bit light. Hopefully it's nothing serious and we'll be back up to speed shortly.
In Our Own Words 11/17/09-CNN Reports on Online Churches
CNN has posted an interesting piece on the growing trend of online churches. They report on the different approaches and goals ministries have for going online, and also the concern about the lack of face-to-face community that is lost by worshiping through the Internet vs. in a brick-and-mortar church building. Here's an excerpt:
Supporters of online churches have a common response to their skeptics: Try before you criticize. The virtual experience goes far beyond using live chat rooms to exchange emoticons instead of hugs and handshakes, they say.
Links allow congregants to "raise their hand" and publicly commit to Christ, while prayer requests and one-on-one guidance are a click way. Sermon notes can be shared and discussed. And many online churches are aided by volunteers, allowing them to hold services several times each day.
The Internet campus of the Flamingo Road Church in Cooper City, Florida, pulls in more than 2,000 congregants from around the world during its Sunday services. Pastor Doug Gramling said his three children are part of the Internet generation that will eventually decide the future of worship. They use Web tools to stay in constant connection with friends over vast distances, which Gramling says "gives me confidence that it can happen in online church."
But the disconnect from physical closeness is what Hyatt said he's "fighting hardest against." His own church offers online extensions such as podcasts and forums. But he believes "the computer
screen is a supplement, not a replacement."
That last statement is how we have approached the presentation of worship services here at Straight, Not Narrow. Although Jim sees this site moving more toward being a form of online church (Brenda doesn't), we strongly agree that anything we offer here is not a complete replacement for being an on-site participant in a live worship experience. We believe that the offerings here are best used for encouragement between church services, or as a closest-to-the-real-thing you might have if there is no affirming congregation near you.
We believe there is a lot of value in that, and we have seen that from the other side as our church, Believers Covenant Fellowship, is seeing significant growth in it's live broadcasting. So far, that is not keeping members away who are content to watch from home--it is broadening the reach of our ministry, involving people who don't have another place to call their church home. It is also helping us stay connected to sister churches on the West Coast by having the opportunity to participate online in each others' services.
We believe that people and churches who ignore the technology and the availability of some wonderful worship resources on the Internet are the ones who are losing. In effect, we think they are limiting God, saying He can't use cyberspace to bless and reach people.
Of course, when we do that, we're not really limiting God, just the blessings we are open to receiving from Him.
Supporters of online churches have a common response to their skeptics: Try before you criticize. The virtual experience goes far beyond using live chat rooms to exchange emoticons instead of hugs and handshakes, they say.
Links allow congregants to "raise their hand" and publicly commit to Christ, while prayer requests and one-on-one guidance are a click way. Sermon notes can be shared and discussed. And many online churches are aided by volunteers, allowing them to hold services several times each day.
The Internet campus of the Flamingo Road Church in Cooper City, Florida, pulls in more than 2,000 congregants from around the world during its Sunday services. Pastor Doug Gramling said his three children are part of the Internet generation that will eventually decide the future of worship. They use Web tools to stay in constant connection with friends over vast distances, which Gramling says "gives me confidence that it can happen in online church."
But the disconnect from physical closeness is what Hyatt said he's "fighting hardest against." His own church offers online extensions such as podcasts and forums. But he believes "the computer
screen is a supplement, not a replacement."
That last statement is how we have approached the presentation of worship services here at Straight, Not Narrow. Although Jim sees this site moving more toward being a form of online church (Brenda doesn't), we strongly agree that anything we offer here is not a complete replacement for being an on-site participant in a live worship experience. We believe that the offerings here are best used for encouragement between church services, or as a closest-to-the-real-thing you might have if there is no affirming congregation near you.
We believe there is a lot of value in that, and we have seen that from the other side as our church, Believers Covenant Fellowship, is seeing significant growth in it's live broadcasting. So far, that is not keeping members away who are content to watch from home--it is broadening the reach of our ministry, involving people who don't have another place to call their church home. It is also helping us stay connected to sister churches on the West Coast by having the opportunity to participate online in each others' services.
We believe that people and churches who ignore the technology and the availability of some wonderful worship resources on the Internet are the ones who are losing. In effect, we think they are limiting God, saying He can't use cyberspace to bless and reach people.
Of course, when we do that, we're not really limiting God, just the blessings we are open to receiving from Him.
LGBT Helping Hands 11/18/09-The Center Project (Columbia, MO)
The Center Project is Mid-Missouri's first and only lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and ally community space. Located in downtown Columbia, Mo., we offer a friendly, safe facility for a wide variety of groups and events.
The Mid-Missouri Center Project strives to encourage respect, safety, inclusion, and compassion among people of all sexual orientations and/or identities. We exists to foster greater understanding, visibility, support, and appreciation of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and ally community in mid- Missouri. The Center Project promotes unity by providing educational outreach, community activities, a resource center, and a variety of support services.
Click here to find out more.
The Mid-Missouri Center Project strives to encourage respect, safety, inclusion, and compassion among people of all sexual orientations and/or identities. We exists to foster greater understanding, visibility, support, and appreciation of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and ally community in mid- Missouri. The Center Project promotes unity by providing educational outreach, community activities, a resource center, and a variety of support services.
Click here to find out more.
LGBT News Digest 11/18/09
Gay Agenda reports on ten things that President Obama HAS done since he's been in office.
The Washington Blade could have been saved, but an apparently viable offer was turned down by the corporate owner, Windows Media. More on that at The Bilerico Project. Google News has gathered reports about how the staff is working to revive the nation's oldest gay newspaper.
"Mr. Gay UK" is a policeman. Read about him at PageOneQ.
Bob Turtle Bulletin tells us about "a collection of the nation’s most obnoxious anti-gay activists" that gathered in Washington DC recently.
The DC City Council again turned back an attempt to put the issue of same-sex marriage on the ballot. Google News has the story.
The Washington Blade could have been saved, but an apparently viable offer was turned down by the corporate owner, Windows Media. More on that at The Bilerico Project. Google News has gathered reports about how the staff is working to revive the nation's oldest gay newspaper.
"Mr. Gay UK" is a policeman. Read about him at PageOneQ.
Bob Turtle Bulletin tells us about "a collection of the nation’s most obnoxious anti-gay activists" that gathered in Washington DC recently.
The DC City Council again turned back an attempt to put the issue of same-sex marriage on the ballot. Google News has the story.
Daily Devotional 11/18/09 God's Indicators
From: Daily in Christ
Proverbs 4:23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.
I played sports as a young man and I have the scars on my knees to prove it. The incision of my first knee surgery cut across a nerve and I had no feeling around that area of my leg for several months. Sometimes I would sit down to watch TV and, without thinking, rest a cup of hot coffee on my numb knee. I couldn't feel anything, but before long I could sure smell something: my skin burning! For awhile I had a neat little brown ring on the top of my knee.
Your emotions are to your soul what your physical feelings are to your body. Nobody in their right mind enjoys pain. But if you didn't feel pain, you would be in danger of serious injury and infection. And if you didn't feel anger, sorrow, joy, etc. your soul would be in trouble. Emotions are God's indicators to let you know what is going on inside. They are neither good nor bad; they're amoral, just part of your humanity. Just like you respond to the warnings of physical pain, so you need to learn to respond to your emotional indicators.
Someone has likened emotions to the red light on the dashboard of a car which indicates an engine problem. There are several ways you can respond to the red light's warning. You can cover it with a piece of duct tape, "I can't see the light now," you say, "so I don't have to think about the problem." You can smash out the light with a hammer. "That'll teach you for glaring in my face!" Or you can respond to the light as the manufacturers intended for you to respond by looking under the hood and fixing the problem.
You have the same three options in responding to your emotions. You can respond by covering over them, ignoring them, stifling them. That's called suppression . You can respond by thoughtlessly lashing out, giving someone a piece of your mind, flying off at the handle. I call that indiscriminate expression . Or you can peer inside to see what's going on. That's called acknowledgment.
For the next few days, we will explore these responses and see why the first two are inappropriate.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for my emotions. Give me the courage to be emotionally honest and the grace to face the truth.
Proverbs 4:23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.
I played sports as a young man and I have the scars on my knees to prove it. The incision of my first knee surgery cut across a nerve and I had no feeling around that area of my leg for several months. Sometimes I would sit down to watch TV and, without thinking, rest a cup of hot coffee on my numb knee. I couldn't feel anything, but before long I could sure smell something: my skin burning! For awhile I had a neat little brown ring on the top of my knee.
Your emotions are to your soul what your physical feelings are to your body. Nobody in their right mind enjoys pain. But if you didn't feel pain, you would be in danger of serious injury and infection. And if you didn't feel anger, sorrow, joy, etc. your soul would be in trouble. Emotions are God's indicators to let you know what is going on inside. They are neither good nor bad; they're amoral, just part of your humanity. Just like you respond to the warnings of physical pain, so you need to learn to respond to your emotional indicators.
Someone has likened emotions to the red light on the dashboard of a car which indicates an engine problem. There are several ways you can respond to the red light's warning. You can cover it with a piece of duct tape, "I can't see the light now," you say, "so I don't have to think about the problem." You can smash out the light with a hammer. "That'll teach you for glaring in my face!" Or you can respond to the light as the manufacturers intended for you to respond by looking under the hood and fixing the problem.
You have the same three options in responding to your emotions. You can respond by covering over them, ignoring them, stifling them. That's called suppression . You can respond by thoughtlessly lashing out, giving someone a piece of your mind, flying off at the handle. I call that indiscriminate expression . Or you can peer inside to see what's going on. That's called acknowledgment.
For the next few days, we will explore these responses and see why the first two are inappropriate.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for my emotions. Give me the courage to be emotionally honest and the grace to face the truth.
November 17, 2009
Encouraging Words 11/17/09-"In Word and Deed"
From Straight-Friendly:
Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3.17)
The Bible frequently tells us to do, pray, or speak “in the name of…” Sometimes it’s simply “in Jesus’s name.” Other times it’s more general: “in the name of the Lord.” And still other scriptures spell out the entire Godhead: “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” We end our prayers in this fashion, just as we baptize, bless, and bury believers in Christ’s name. Indeed, many Christians start and end their lives in some form of Jesus’s name. Whether spoken audibly or in gesture via the sign of the cross, the name of Jesus is such a fixture in our worship and devotion it very easily can become a commonplace of life—a thing we do reflexively without consideration of what it means. This is by and large a result of modern indifference to names. Today, a person’s name is just a moniker; position in life signifies importance. And when anyone speaks or acts on another’s behalf, we evaluate his/her position as well. If the person isn’t legitimately connected to the other personally, professionally, or legally, his/her authority to represent the third party is dismissed.
In Biblical times, however, names were extremely important. A person who acted or spoke in another’s name without prior consent faced great peril. In contrast, the words and deeds of anyone legitimately authorized to do so were taken as those of the individual he/she represented. With this in mind, it’s good to remind ourselves that when we do anything in Jesus’s name, we act as His surrogate. In effect, we’re executing His power of attorney. Thus, when we pray in the name of Jesus, we’re actually praying as Him on our behalf. Jesus deeds us this right in John 14.13: “And I will do whatever your ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” Furthermore, as we discover in Colossians 3.17, our authority to speak and act in His name extends beyond prayer. It covers everything we do.
Click here to read the rest of this teaching.
Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3.17)
The Bible frequently tells us to do, pray, or speak “in the name of…” Sometimes it’s simply “in Jesus’s name.” Other times it’s more general: “in the name of the Lord.” And still other scriptures spell out the entire Godhead: “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” We end our prayers in this fashion, just as we baptize, bless, and bury believers in Christ’s name. Indeed, many Christians start and end their lives in some form of Jesus’s name. Whether spoken audibly or in gesture via the sign of the cross, the name of Jesus is such a fixture in our worship and devotion it very easily can become a commonplace of life—a thing we do reflexively without consideration of what it means. This is by and large a result of modern indifference to names. Today, a person’s name is just a moniker; position in life signifies importance. And when anyone speaks or acts on another’s behalf, we evaluate his/her position as well. If the person isn’t legitimately connected to the other personally, professionally, or legally, his/her authority to represent the third party is dismissed.
In Biblical times, however, names were extremely important. A person who acted or spoke in another’s name without prior consent faced great peril. In contrast, the words and deeds of anyone legitimately authorized to do so were taken as those of the individual he/she represented. With this in mind, it’s good to remind ourselves that when we do anything in Jesus’s name, we act as His surrogate. In effect, we’re executing His power of attorney. Thus, when we pray in the name of Jesus, we’re actually praying as Him on our behalf. Jesus deeds us this right in John 14.13: “And I will do whatever your ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” Furthermore, as we discover in Colossians 3.17, our authority to speak and act in His name extends beyond prayer. It covers everything we do.
Click here to read the rest of this teaching.
Encouraging Music 11/17/09-"Midnight Cry" by Bob Peacock
We were blessed by Bob's singing at BCF's Fall Renewal, and his spouse Lloyd was kind enough to share the blessing of this video of Bob singing "Midnight Cry." Enjoy!
Matthew 25 Resource 11/17/09-Food Bank of Northeast Georgia
We are a network of friends and we work to feed the ill, needy, seniors, and minor children in our communities. In our 14 county service area there are over 81,000 individuals in need. Our goal is to distribute 100 pounds per person per year or 8.1million pounds. This is approximately 17,200 meals per day.
There are several ways in which the Food Bank works to meet this need. Primarily we partner with approximately 235 non profit agencies to distribute this much needed food. Through these soup kitchens, pantries, senior centers, churches, and other hunger relief organizations, individuals and families have access to food that might otherwise be wasted. Through our Mobile Pantry Program, approximately 250 families are given the opportunity to receive food through a direct commodities distribution in their own community. Our Food 2 Kids and Kids Café Programs target the needs of hungry children by providing food on the weekends and evenings when other food is not available. Our Brown Bag Program helps offset food cost for disabled individuals and senior by providing a grocery sack full of food once a month. The Charlie & Jessica Ostick “Stock the Pantry” Program is a partnership with Habitat for Humanity in which new home owners are given access to the Food Bank and are encouraged to stock the shelves of the pantry of their new home.
For every dollar we receive we are able to rescue $14 worth of food which might otherwise been wasted. Or in other words, we are able to distribute 4 meals into norhtest Georgia. On behalf of the over 81,000 Northeast Georgians who need help, but are unable to give personal thanks, thank you so much for participating in this outreach.
Click here to find out more.
There are several ways in which the Food Bank works to meet this need. Primarily we partner with approximately 235 non profit agencies to distribute this much needed food. Through these soup kitchens, pantries, senior centers, churches, and other hunger relief organizations, individuals and families have access to food that might otherwise be wasted. Through our Mobile Pantry Program, approximately 250 families are given the opportunity to receive food through a direct commodities distribution in their own community. Our Food 2 Kids and Kids Café Programs target the needs of hungry children by providing food on the weekends and evenings when other food is not available. Our Brown Bag Program helps offset food cost for disabled individuals and senior by providing a grocery sack full of food once a month. The Charlie & Jessica Ostick “Stock the Pantry” Program is a partnership with Habitat for Humanity in which new home owners are given access to the Food Bank and are encouraged to stock the shelves of the pantry of their new home.
For every dollar we receive we are able to rescue $14 worth of food which might otherwise been wasted. Or in other words, we are able to distribute 4 meals into norhtest Georgia. On behalf of the over 81,000 Northeast Georgians who need help, but are unable to give personal thanks, thank you so much for participating in this outreach.
Click here to find out more.
Daily Devotional 11/17/09 What Am I Looking At?
From: My Utmost for His Highest
"Look unto Me, and be ye saved." Isaiah 45:22
Do we expect God to come to us with His blessings and save us? He says - Look unto Me, and be saved. The great difficulty spiritually is to concentrate on God, and it is His blessings that make it difficult. Troubles nearly always make us look to God; His blessings are apt to make us look elsewhere. The teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is, in effect - Narrow all your interests until the attitude of mind and heart and body is concentration on Jesus Christ. "Look unto Me."
Many of us have a mental conception of what a Christian should be, and the lives of the saints become a hindrance to our concentration on God. There is no salvation in this way, it is not simple enough. "Look unto Me" and - not "you will be saved," but "you are saved." The very thing we look for, we shall find if we will concentrate on Him. We get preoccupied and sulky with God, while all the time He is saying - "Look up and be saved." The difficulties and trials - the casting about in our minds as to what we shall do this summer, or to-morrow, all vanish when we look to God.
Rouse yourself up and look to God. Build your hope on Him. No matter if there are a hundred and one things that press, resolutely exclude them all and look to Him. "Look unto Me," and salvation is, the moment you look.
"Look unto Me, and be ye saved." Isaiah 45:22
Do we expect God to come to us with His blessings and save us? He says - Look unto Me, and be saved. The great difficulty spiritually is to concentrate on God, and it is His blessings that make it difficult. Troubles nearly always make us look to God; His blessings are apt to make us look elsewhere. The teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is, in effect - Narrow all your interests until the attitude of mind and heart and body is concentration on Jesus Christ. "Look unto Me."
Many of us have a mental conception of what a Christian should be, and the lives of the saints become a hindrance to our concentration on God. There is no salvation in this way, it is not simple enough. "Look unto Me" and - not "you will be saved," but "you are saved." The very thing we look for, we shall find if we will concentrate on Him. We get preoccupied and sulky with God, while all the time He is saying - "Look up and be saved." The difficulties and trials - the casting about in our minds as to what we shall do this summer, or to-morrow, all vanish when we look to God.
Rouse yourself up and look to God. Build your hope on Him. No matter if there are a hundred and one things that press, resolutely exclude them all and look to Him. "Look unto Me," and salvation is, the moment you look.
November 16, 2009
LGBT News Digest 11/17/09
The Bilerico Project reports on the delay of the markup of ENDA.
The first gay marriage license has been issued in Buenos Aires. Pink News reports on that story.
PageOneQ reports on the closing of two of the most popular LGBT newspapers, Southern Voice in Atlanta and the Washington Blade.
Ex-Gay Watch reports on Exodus International belatedly sending an open letter to the Ugandan goverement opposing the Anti-Homosexuality Bill currently being considered.
A new study concludes that lesbians are better at raising children than conventional parents. Google news has reports on that story.
All new stories are being reported by the sites on our blog list and/or Google's LGBT Newsreel. Feel free to check there for updates throughout the day.
The first gay marriage license has been issued in Buenos Aires. Pink News reports on that story.
PageOneQ reports on the closing of two of the most popular LGBT newspapers, Southern Voice in Atlanta and the Washington Blade.
Ex-Gay Watch reports on Exodus International belatedly sending an open letter to the Ugandan goverement opposing the Anti-Homosexuality Bill currently being considered.
A new study concludes that lesbians are better at raising children than conventional parents. Google news has reports on that story.
All new stories are being reported by the sites on our blog list and/or Google's LGBT Newsreel. Feel free to check there for updates throughout the day.
Encouraging Words 11/16/09-BCF Praise Report
"And we, who with unveiled faces ALL reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing GLORY, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
II Corinthians 3:18
Greetings BCF Family & Friends!
Wonderful! marvelous! GOD LOVES US SOOOOO MUCH and has done an amazing thing in our lives! Yesterday's service at BCF was just as awesome and powerful as the renewal weekend services! We were all basking in the GLORY of His presence and realized that God has truly released a new passion and FIRE into our being! Everyone is blessed and excited and ready to do His Will for their lives and the Church!
The worship portion of our service was just wonderful, and you can go join in with us on our ustream, through the www.BCFChurch.us website. I encourage you to do so, and press in!! You WILL be filled!!
The Holy Spirit led me to speak on "Seeking the Face of God" and pursuing Jesus. I shared some insight into the Aaronic Blessing "The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His FACE to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, and give you peace." Numbers 6:22-26 In this text, the Lord Himself TOLD Aaron and his sons what they were to SAY over the people of God- and in that saying, was SOOOOOO MUCH BLESSING you have to study it to get all that God gives us in it. You know, it seems that so often anymore, we quickly brush over things that God has told us without really getting the complete revelation and benefit from it. Too many things have become religious rituals and traditions that we gloss over and MISS what God has given us! The benefit of having the FACE OF GOD shining upon us, so that we may gaze into His Face- is that as we look upon His Face, the FULLNESS of His glory and goodness, His character and attributes are transferred, imparted unto US! You remember the phrase, 'you are what you eat'....well in this case- YOU ARE WHAT YOU LOOK UPON!! If we will gaze intently into the Lord's Face- we will become more and more like Him!
And the most awesome TRUTH is: Because of the Blood of Jesus, we have been given FULL ACCESS to God's Face! On the contrary, if all we ever look upon is the world, the television, worldly books and publications- we will begin to look like THEM! I am confident that every one of US want to look, act, BE like Jesus! Right?!! So let's be determined and continue to make every effort to continually look into His Face, to look upon Him in worship, His Word, prayer and soaking, and remember that we ARE BEING transformed into more and more of His image- from Glory toooo GLORY!!!
Thanks to everyone who has emailed, called, or Facebooked their testimonies and comments about the Fall Outpouring. We at BCF are humbly grateful for your love and accolades, but we give ALL of the praise to the Lord Jesus. We are looking forward to continuing to build the bonds of love and UNITY in the Church across the globe- and there are sooo many things coming for us in 2010- I can hardly wait to get there! Please continue to pray for us all, especially standing against little attacks of the enemy that try to create strife and upset, division, withdrawal from each other- and physical attacks against our health. Several folks have been ill since the renewal weekend. Please PRAY for Pastor Linda Harris and Janice Lacount. Pastor Linda is still in the hospital in Tennessee. She is doing better, but we must continue to intercede for them. Also, Garrey is somewhat better from his back injury, and is going to an orthopedic doctor today. He is still in a lot of pain, though, and unable to work.
I love you, WE LOVE YOU, and even better than all of that GOD LOVES YOU!!! Have a fantastic week, keep your eyes on the Lord Jesus and not your circumstances. BE THANKFUL and do everything you can to maintain the unity of the faith and peace with one another- so that God can be glorified through our lives!
"Now the Lord BLESS YOU and KEEP YOU, the Lord make His FACE to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, and give you His SHALOM- perfect balance, harmony, rest, all that you need for life and Godliness, Divine Health, with nothing missing and nothing broken in your life or ministry!"
In Jesus' MIGHTY name,
Apostle Dale
II Corinthians 3:18
Greetings BCF Family & Friends!
Wonderful! marvelous! GOD LOVES US SOOOOO MUCH and has done an amazing thing in our lives! Yesterday's service at BCF was just as awesome and powerful as the renewal weekend services! We were all basking in the GLORY of His presence and realized that God has truly released a new passion and FIRE into our being! Everyone is blessed and excited and ready to do His Will for their lives and the Church!
The worship portion of our service was just wonderful, and you can go join in with us on our ustream, through the www.BCFChurch.us website. I encourage you to do so, and press in!! You WILL be filled!!
The Holy Spirit led me to speak on "Seeking the Face of God" and pursuing Jesus. I shared some insight into the Aaronic Blessing "The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His FACE to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, and give you peace." Numbers 6:22-26 In this text, the Lord Himself TOLD Aaron and his sons what they were to SAY over the people of God- and in that saying, was SOOOOOO MUCH BLESSING you have to study it to get all that God gives us in it. You know, it seems that so often anymore, we quickly brush over things that God has told us without really getting the complete revelation and benefit from it. Too many things have become religious rituals and traditions that we gloss over and MISS what God has given us! The benefit of having the FACE OF GOD shining upon us, so that we may gaze into His Face- is that as we look upon His Face, the FULLNESS of His glory and goodness, His character and attributes are transferred, imparted unto US! You remember the phrase, 'you are what you eat'....well in this case- YOU ARE WHAT YOU LOOK UPON!! If we will gaze intently into the Lord's Face- we will become more and more like Him!
And the most awesome TRUTH is: Because of the Blood of Jesus, we have been given FULL ACCESS to God's Face! On the contrary, if all we ever look upon is the world, the television, worldly books and publications- we will begin to look like THEM! I am confident that every one of US want to look, act, BE like Jesus! Right?!! So let's be determined and continue to make every effort to continually look into His Face, to look upon Him in worship, His Word, prayer and soaking, and remember that we ARE BEING transformed into more and more of His image- from Glory toooo GLORY!!!
Thanks to everyone who has emailed, called, or Facebooked their testimonies and comments about the Fall Outpouring. We at BCF are humbly grateful for your love and accolades, but we give ALL of the praise to the Lord Jesus. We are looking forward to continuing to build the bonds of love and UNITY in the Church across the globe- and there are sooo many things coming for us in 2010- I can hardly wait to get there! Please continue to pray for us all, especially standing against little attacks of the enemy that try to create strife and upset, division, withdrawal from each other- and physical attacks against our health. Several folks have been ill since the renewal weekend. Please PRAY for Pastor Linda Harris and Janice Lacount. Pastor Linda is still in the hospital in Tennessee. She is doing better, but we must continue to intercede for them. Also, Garrey is somewhat better from his back injury, and is going to an orthopedic doctor today. He is still in a lot of pain, though, and unable to work.
I love you, WE LOVE YOU, and even better than all of that GOD LOVES YOU!!! Have a fantastic week, keep your eyes on the Lord Jesus and not your circumstances. BE THANKFUL and do everything you can to maintain the unity of the faith and peace with one another- so that God can be glorified through our lives!
"Now the Lord BLESS YOU and KEEP YOU, the Lord make His FACE to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, and give you His SHALOM- perfect balance, harmony, rest, all that you need for life and Godliness, Divine Health, with nothing missing and nothing broken in your life or ministry!"
In Jesus' MIGHTY name,
Apostle Dale
LGBT Hehlping Hands 11/16/09-The Bloomington Beacon (IN)
The Bloomington Beacon Center is a project of Bloomington Beacon, Inc., a 501(c)(3) corporation. The corporation's mission statement says, "Bloomington Beacon provides human services and educational, economic and cultural opportunities for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GLBTQ) communities in south-central Indiana. Bloomington Beacon also supports the civil and human rights of GLBTQ people in south-central Indiana by providing accurate news, information and commentary.”
The Bloomington Beacon Center will provide a safe, welcoming and positive space for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GLBTQ) people, their families and allies.
The center will strive to: build networks of support; deliver services; and provide educational, recreational, economic, cultural and volunteer opportunities, regardless of race, class, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or religion.
Click here to find out more.
The Bloomington Beacon Center will provide a safe, welcoming and positive space for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GLBTQ) people, their families and allies.
The center will strive to: build networks of support; deliver services; and provide educational, recreational, economic, cultural and volunteer opportunities, regardless of race, class, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or religion.
Click here to find out more.
LGBT News Digest 11/16/09
Hope you like the new format we are going to use for sharing new stories. If you know of a site you think we should add to our list on the right-hand column of the blog, please let us know.
Gay Agenda reports that Anti-Gays fear a takeover of Houston, TX if the out lesbian candiate for mayor Annise Parker wins the runoff.
The Bilerico Project, 365 Gay News, and the Washington Blade have more on the Catholic Church's threat to pull their social services if the Washington DC city council passes the same-sex marriage bill currently under consideration.
One of President Obama's advisors has split with him on the issue of same-sex marriage. PageOne Q has details.
PinkNews reports that voters in India are allowed a "third gender" option.
Google News shares reports of a conference for LGBT activists in Greensboro, NC.
The Mormon Church supporting anti-discrimination laws in Salt Lake City that would cover the LGBT community? Google News has reports showing it's absolutely true and analysis of why the church made that stunning move.
All new stories are being reported by the sites on our blog list and/or Google's LGBT Newsreel. Feel free to check there for updates throughout the day.
Gay Agenda reports that Anti-Gays fear a takeover of Houston, TX if the out lesbian candiate for mayor Annise Parker wins the runoff.
The Bilerico Project, 365 Gay News, and the Washington Blade have more on the Catholic Church's threat to pull their social services if the Washington DC city council passes the same-sex marriage bill currently under consideration.
One of President Obama's advisors has split with him on the issue of same-sex marriage. PageOne Q has details.
PinkNews reports that voters in India are allowed a "third gender" option.
Google News shares reports of a conference for LGBT activists in Greensboro, NC.
The Mormon Church supporting anti-discrimination laws in Salt Lake City that would cover the LGBT community? Google News has reports showing it's absolutely true and analysis of why the church made that stunning move.
All new stories are being reported by the sites on our blog list and/or Google's LGBT Newsreel. Feel free to check there for updates throughout the day.
Daily Devotional 11/16/09 Yes, but.......
From: My Utmost for His Highest
"Lord, I will follow Thee; but . . ." Luke 9:61
Supposing God tells you to do something which is an enormous test to your common sense, what are you going to do? Hang back? If you get into the habit of doing a thing in the physical domain, you will do it every time until you break the habit determinedly; and the same is true spiritually. Again and again you will get up to what Jesus Christ wants, and every time you will turn back when it comes to the point, until you abandon resolutely. "Yes, but - supposing I do obey God in this matter, what about . . . ?" "Yes, I will obey God if He will let me use my common sense, but don't ask me to take a step in the dark." Jesus Christ demands of the man who trusts Him the same reckless sporting spirit that the natural man exhibits. If a man is going to do anything worth while, there are times when he has to risk everything on his leap, and in the spiritual domain Jesus Christ demands that you risk everything you hold by common sense and leap into what He says, and immediately you do, you find that what He says fits on as solidly as common sense. At the bar of common sense Jesus Christ's statements may seem mad; but bring them to the bar of faith, and you begin to find with awestruck spirit that they are the words of God. Trust entirely in God, and when He brings you to the venture, see that you take it. We act like pagans in a crisis, only one out of a crowd is daring enough to bank his faith in the character of God.
"Lord, I will follow Thee; but . . ." Luke 9:61
Supposing God tells you to do something which is an enormous test to your common sense, what are you going to do? Hang back? If you get into the habit of doing a thing in the physical domain, you will do it every time until you break the habit determinedly; and the same is true spiritually. Again and again you will get up to what Jesus Christ wants, and every time you will turn back when it comes to the point, until you abandon resolutely. "Yes, but - supposing I do obey God in this matter, what about . . . ?" "Yes, I will obey God if He will let me use my common sense, but don't ask me to take a step in the dark." Jesus Christ demands of the man who trusts Him the same reckless sporting spirit that the natural man exhibits. If a man is going to do anything worth while, there are times when he has to risk everything on his leap, and in the spiritual domain Jesus Christ demands that you risk everything you hold by common sense and leap into what He says, and immediately you do, you find that what He says fits on as solidly as common sense. At the bar of common sense Jesus Christ's statements may seem mad; but bring them to the bar of faith, and you begin to find with awestruck spirit that they are the words of God. Trust entirely in God, and when He brings you to the venture, see that you take it. We act like pagans in a crisis, only one out of a crowd is daring enough to bank his faith in the character of God.
November 15, 2009
Welcome to Sunday Worship 11/15/09
If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. Here are links to some worship music and services from open and affirming ministries (all times eastern). I hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with us.
Live Sunday Services (all times Eastern)
VIDEO
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 12:00 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
FL-Oasis Fellowship Ministries, Casselberry, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
Canada-Rainbow Community Church, Vancouver 9:00 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Oasis Fellowship Ministries, Casselberry
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensacola
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Canada-Rainbow Community Church, Vancouver
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-Body of Christ Church of God, Largo
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
KY-Covenant Community Church, Louisville
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross, Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church, Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church, Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church, Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship, Houston
UT-Glory to God Christian Church, Ogden
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
Can we pray for you? E-mail straight_notnarrow@yahoo.com
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with us.
Live Sunday Services (all times Eastern)
VIDEO
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 12:00 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
FL-Oasis Fellowship Ministries, Casselberry, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
Canada-Rainbow Community Church, Vancouver 9:00 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Oasis Fellowship Ministries, Casselberry
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensacola
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Canada-Rainbow Community Church, Vancouver
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-Body of Christ Church of God, Largo
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
KY-Covenant Community Church, Louisville
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross, Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church, Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church, Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church, Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship, Houston
UT-Glory to God Christian Church, Ogden
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
Can we pray for you? E-mail straight_notnarrow@yahoo.com
November 14, 2009
In Our Own Words 11/14/09-More Worship!
One of the things the Lord led us to during the Fall Renewal at our church last weekend was that we needed to focus more on posting worship at Straight, Not Narrow. You will see the next step toward that tomorrow, when we will have nothing but posts with live church services following our traditional Sunday Worship aggregate post at 6:00 AM.
At this time, we have nine independent affirming churches that broadcast live video streams over the Internet. The first two start at 11:00 AM est, while the last one begins at 9:00 PM est with several others falling in-between. These nine churches encompass several different styles so we be believe we are offering a variety of worship experiences hoping you will find at least one to bless you.
We want to remind you that we do not post these an a substitute for attending church and participating worship, but we do believe that for those unable or just not ready at this time to visit a church that we are offering a valuable alternative.
We are also going to experiment with how we present our LGBT news stories. We'll be presenting a daily digest from the sites that feed into our news aggregator on the right hand side of our home page starting Monday morning. We hope you like it.
We appreciate your feedback on these and future changes, be it positive or negative. We seek to present information in the most interesting and useful manner for our regular readers and so that it might attract new ones.
Thanks and God bless,
Jim and Brenda
At this time, we have nine independent affirming churches that broadcast live video streams over the Internet. The first two start at 11:00 AM est, while the last one begins at 9:00 PM est with several others falling in-between. These nine churches encompass several different styles so we be believe we are offering a variety of worship experiences hoping you will find at least one to bless you.
We want to remind you that we do not post these an a substitute for attending church and participating worship, but we do believe that for those unable or just not ready at this time to visit a church that we are offering a valuable alternative.
We are also going to experiment with how we present our LGBT news stories. We'll be presenting a daily digest from the sites that feed into our news aggregator on the right hand side of our home page starting Monday morning. We hope you like it.
We appreciate your feedback on these and future changes, be it positive or negative. We seek to present information in the most interesting and useful manner for our regular readers and so that it might attract new ones.
Thanks and God bless,
Jim and Brenda
Encouraging Words 11/14/09-Cardboard Testimonies
If you were standing by the side of the road holding a sign, what would you want it to say about you? That's the topic of this video from the Glory Tabernacle Christian Center in Long Beach, CA. Watch and be blessed as people show what God has done in their lives.
Matthew 25 Resource 11/14/09-Danville House of Hope (VA)
Danville House of Hope proudly welcomes your friendship and support for the "House of Hope" homeless shelter. The facility serves homeless people from any gender, race, young or old in the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Martinsville.
Located in the heart of Southside Virginia, the House of Hope demonstrates kindness and goodwill to our area homeless people. We provide safe overnight stay, hot meals, and a variety of support services. Professional counseling is available.
Concerned citizens from around the region are lending their special skills and resources towards a better solution for Danville’s homeless population. We thank all members and volunteers for your continued support. If you would like to donate or volunteer, contact Steve Anderson, Director - House of Hope.
Click here to find out more.
Located in the heart of Southside Virginia, the House of Hope demonstrates kindness and goodwill to our area homeless people. We provide safe overnight stay, hot meals, and a variety of support services. Professional counseling is available.
Concerned citizens from around the region are lending their special skills and resources towards a better solution for Danville’s homeless population. We thank all members and volunteers for your continued support. If you would like to donate or volunteer, contact Steve Anderson, Director - House of Hope.
Click here to find out more.
Are Clergy's Rights Being Violated By Prohibiting Same-Sex Marriage?
That's the question a "PFLAG dad" named Ron Goetz is asking. He is proposing a lawsuit based on that premise. Here is the story posted on Cross Left:
Turning the Tables on the Bigots
Here is an interesting approach. Ronald Goetz, a "Proud PFLAG Dad" is proposing a lawsuit on behalf of clergy and churches whose rights are being violated because they cannot perform marriages for same-gender couples. This is a turn the tables approach on those Christians who argue that marriage equality somehow violates their freedom of religion. What do you think? Mr. Goetz is looking for advice and input.
"Proposed Class-Action Lawsuit on Behalf of Churches and Ordained Clergy Because of the Violation of their First Amendment Right to Free Exercise of Religion"
There are many denominations that are on record as supporting Marriage Equality and want to marry same-sex couples as a matter of religious faith.
There are thousands of Open and Affirming congregations nationwide that support Marriage Equality and want to marry same-sex couples as a matter of religious faith.
There are additional thousands of ordained clergy who want to marry same-sex couples because of their religious faith.
The first amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
Congress includes state and local jurisdictions, which cannot violate your civil rights either.
Thousands of churches and ordained clergy are being denied the free exercise of their religion in violation of their first amendment right.
I urge that this violation of the constitution be resisted through a class-action lawsuit, or some other appropriate vehicle. We are also guaranteed the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.
I would like responsible parties (clergy, denominational officials, attorneys) and enthusiastic supporters to contact me. I need input, encouragement, and pro bono advice.
Please contact me at kings.lgbt [at] hotmail [dot] com and let me know what you think. Thanks!
And please forward this to anyone you think might be interested.
Ronald Goetz
Proud PFLAG Dad
(Above courtesy of Rev. John Shuck of shuckandjive.org)
We are very skeptical that this is a viable approach but nonetheless applaud Mr. Goetz for thinking outside the box. What do you think?
Turning the Tables on the Bigots
Here is an interesting approach. Ronald Goetz, a "Proud PFLAG Dad" is proposing a lawsuit on behalf of clergy and churches whose rights are being violated because they cannot perform marriages for same-gender couples. This is a turn the tables approach on those Christians who argue that marriage equality somehow violates their freedom of religion. What do you think? Mr. Goetz is looking for advice and input.
"Proposed Class-Action Lawsuit on Behalf of Churches and Ordained Clergy Because of the Violation of their First Amendment Right to Free Exercise of Religion"
There are many denominations that are on record as supporting Marriage Equality and want to marry same-sex couples as a matter of religious faith.
There are thousands of Open and Affirming congregations nationwide that support Marriage Equality and want to marry same-sex couples as a matter of religious faith.
There are additional thousands of ordained clergy who want to marry same-sex couples because of their religious faith.
The first amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
Congress includes state and local jurisdictions, which cannot violate your civil rights either.
Thousands of churches and ordained clergy are being denied the free exercise of their religion in violation of their first amendment right.
I urge that this violation of the constitution be resisted through a class-action lawsuit, or some other appropriate vehicle. We are also guaranteed the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.
I would like responsible parties (clergy, denominational officials, attorneys) and enthusiastic supporters to contact me. I need input, encouragement, and pro bono advice.
Please contact me at kings.lgbt [at] hotmail [dot] com and let me know what you think. Thanks!
And please forward this to anyone you think might be interested.
Ronald Goetz
Proud PFLAG Dad
(Above courtesy of Rev. John Shuck of shuckandjive.org)
We are very skeptical that this is a viable approach but nonetheless applaud Mr. Goetz for thinking outside the box. What do you think?
Daily Devotional 11/14/09 The Passion of Patience
From: My Utmost for His Highest
"Though it tarry, wait for it." Habakkuk 2:3
Patience is not indifference; patience conveys the idea of an immensely strong rock withstanding all onslaughts. The vision of God is the source of patience, because it imparts a moral inspiration. Moses endured, not because he had an ideal of right and duty, but because he had a vision of God. He "endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible." A man with the vision of God is not devoted to a cause or to any particular issue; he is devoted to God Himself. You always know when the vision is of God because of the inspiration that comes with it; things come with largeness and tonic to the life because everything is energized by God. If God gives you a time spiritually, as He gave His Son actually, of temptation in the wilderness, with no word from Himself at all, endure, and the power to endure is there because you see God.
"Though it tarry, wait for it." The proof that we have the vision is that we are reaching out for more than we have grasped. It is a bad thing to be satisfied spiritually. "What shall I render unto the Lord?" said the Psalmist. "I will take the cup of salvation." We are apt to look for satisfaction in ourselves - "Now I have got the thing; now I am entirely sanctified; now I can endure." Instantly we are on the road to ruin. Our reach must exceed our grasp. "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect." If we have only what we have experienced, we have nothing; if we have the inspiration of the vision of God, we have more than we can experience. Beware of the danger of relaxation spiritually.
"Though it tarry, wait for it." Habakkuk 2:3
Patience is not indifference; patience conveys the idea of an immensely strong rock withstanding all onslaughts. The vision of God is the source of patience, because it imparts a moral inspiration. Moses endured, not because he had an ideal of right and duty, but because he had a vision of God. He "endured, as seeing Him Who is invisible." A man with the vision of God is not devoted to a cause or to any particular issue; he is devoted to God Himself. You always know when the vision is of God because of the inspiration that comes with it; things come with largeness and tonic to the life because everything is energized by God. If God gives you a time spiritually, as He gave His Son actually, of temptation in the wilderness, with no word from Himself at all, endure, and the power to endure is there because you see God.
"Though it tarry, wait for it." The proof that we have the vision is that we are reaching out for more than we have grasped. It is a bad thing to be satisfied spiritually. "What shall I render unto the Lord?" said the Psalmist. "I will take the cup of salvation." We are apt to look for satisfaction in ourselves - "Now I have got the thing; now I am entirely sanctified; now I can endure." Instantly we are on the road to ruin. Our reach must exceed our grasp. "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect." If we have only what we have experienced, we have nothing; if we have the inspiration of the vision of God, we have more than we can experience. Beware of the danger of relaxation spiritually.
November 13, 2009
Encouraging Words 11/13/09-Clarity on the Term "Abomination"
Pastor Charles Curtiss, Pastor of The ONE Church in Dallas, TX, has put together what he calls a "video tract" where he clarifies exactly what the term "abomination" really means and why it doesn't apply to homosexuals.
"Straight Talk" About Homosexuality - ABOMINATION?
Pastor Charles | MySpace Video
"Straight Talk" About Homosexuality - ABOMINATION?
Pastor Charles | MySpace Video
Catholic Church Gives Washington D. C. An Ultimatum on Same-Sex Marriage
From the Washington Post:
The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington said Wednesday that it will be unable to continue the social service programs it runs for the District if the city doesn't change a proposed same-sex marriage law, a threat that could affect tens of thousands of people the church helps with adoption, homelessness and health care.
Under the bill, headed for a D.C. Council vote next month, religious organizations would not be required to perform or make space available for same-sex weddings. But they would have to obey city laws prohibiting discrimination against gay men and lesbians.
Fearful that they could be forced, among other things, to extend employee benefits to same-sex married couples, church officials said they would have no choice but to abandon their contracts with the city.
"If the city requires this, we can't do it," Susan Gibbs, spokeswoman for the archdiocese, said Wednesday. "The city is saying in order to provide social services, you need to be secular. For us, that's really a problem."
Several D.C. Council members said the Catholic Church is trying to erode the city's long-standing laws protecting gay men and lesbians from discrimination.
The clash escalates the dispute over the same-sex marriage proposal between the council and the archdiocese, which has generally stayed out of city politics.
Catholic Charities, the church's social services arm, is one of dozens of nonprofit organizations that partner with the District. It serves 68,000 people in the city, including the one-third of Washington's homeless people who go to city-owned shelters managed by the church. City leaders said the church is not the dominant provider of any particular social service, but the church pointed out that it supplements funding for city programs with $10 million from its own coffers.
"All of those services will be adversely impacted if the exemption language remains so narrow," Jane G. Belford, chancellor of the Washington Archdiocese, wrote to the council this week.
The church's influence seems limited. In separate interviews Wednesday, council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) referred to the church as "somewhat childish." Another council member, David A. Catania (I-At Large), said he would rather end the city's relationship with the church than give in to its demands.
"They don't represent, in my mind, an indispensable component of our social services infrastructure," said Catania, the sponsor of the same-sex marriage bill and the chairman of the Health Committee.
The standoff appears to be among the harshest between a government and a faith-based group over the rights of same-sex couples. Advocates for same-sex couples said they could not immediately think of other places where a same-sex marriage law had set off a break with a major faith-based provider of social services.
So remind me again why public funding is given to religious organizations? Here's a painful example of why that is a bad idea.
Click here to read the rest of the article from the Post.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Washington said Wednesday that it will be unable to continue the social service programs it runs for the District if the city doesn't change a proposed same-sex marriage law, a threat that could affect tens of thousands of people the church helps with adoption, homelessness and health care.
Under the bill, headed for a D.C. Council vote next month, religious organizations would not be required to perform or make space available for same-sex weddings. But they would have to obey city laws prohibiting discrimination against gay men and lesbians.
Fearful that they could be forced, among other things, to extend employee benefits to same-sex married couples, church officials said they would have no choice but to abandon their contracts with the city.
"If the city requires this, we can't do it," Susan Gibbs, spokeswoman for the archdiocese, said Wednesday. "The city is saying in order to provide social services, you need to be secular. For us, that's really a problem."
Several D.C. Council members said the Catholic Church is trying to erode the city's long-standing laws protecting gay men and lesbians from discrimination.
The clash escalates the dispute over the same-sex marriage proposal between the council and the archdiocese, which has generally stayed out of city politics.
Catholic Charities, the church's social services arm, is one of dozens of nonprofit organizations that partner with the District. It serves 68,000 people in the city, including the one-third of Washington's homeless people who go to city-owned shelters managed by the church. City leaders said the church is not the dominant provider of any particular social service, but the church pointed out that it supplements funding for city programs with $10 million from its own coffers.
"All of those services will be adversely impacted if the exemption language remains so narrow," Jane G. Belford, chancellor of the Washington Archdiocese, wrote to the council this week.
The church's influence seems limited. In separate interviews Wednesday, council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) referred to the church as "somewhat childish." Another council member, David A. Catania (I-At Large), said he would rather end the city's relationship with the church than give in to its demands.
"They don't represent, in my mind, an indispensable component of our social services infrastructure," said Catania, the sponsor of the same-sex marriage bill and the chairman of the Health Committee.
The standoff appears to be among the harshest between a government and a faith-based group over the rights of same-sex couples. Advocates for same-sex couples said they could not immediately think of other places where a same-sex marriage law had set off a break with a major faith-based provider of social services.
So remind me again why public funding is given to religious organizations? Here's a painful example of why that is a bad idea.
Click here to read the rest of the article from the Post.
Daily Devotional 11/13/09 Friendship With God
From: My Utmost for His Highest
"Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?" Genesis 18:17
Its Delights. This chapter brings out the delight of real friendship with God as compared with occasional feelings of His presence in prayer. To be so much in contact with God that you never need to ask Him to show you His will, is to be nearing the final stage of your discipline in the life of faith. When you are rightly related to God, it is a life of freedom and liberty and delight, you are God's will, and all your common-sense decisions are His will for you unless He checks. You decide things in perfect delightful friendship with God, knowing that if your decisions are wrong He will always check; when He checks, stop at once.
Its Difficulties. Why did Abraham stop praying when he did? He was not intimate enough yet to go boldly on until God granted his desire, there was something yet to be desired in his relationship to God. Whenever we stop short in prayer and say - "Well, I don't know; perhaps it is not God's will," there is still another stage to go. We are not so intimately acquainted with God as Jesus was, and as He wants us to be - "That they may be one even as we are one." Think of the last thing you prayed about - were you devoted to your desire or to God? Determined to get some gift of the Spirit or to get at God? "Your Heavenly Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask Him." The point of asking is that you may get to know God better. "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Keep praying in order to get a perfect understanding of God Himself.
"Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?" Genesis 18:17
Its Delights. This chapter brings out the delight of real friendship with God as compared with occasional feelings of His presence in prayer. To be so much in contact with God that you never need to ask Him to show you His will, is to be nearing the final stage of your discipline in the life of faith. When you are rightly related to God, it is a life of freedom and liberty and delight, you are God's will, and all your common-sense decisions are His will for you unless He checks. You decide things in perfect delightful friendship with God, knowing that if your decisions are wrong He will always check; when He checks, stop at once.
Its Difficulties. Why did Abraham stop praying when he did? He was not intimate enough yet to go boldly on until God granted his desire, there was something yet to be desired in his relationship to God. Whenever we stop short in prayer and say - "Well, I don't know; perhaps it is not God's will," there is still another stage to go. We are not so intimately acquainted with God as Jesus was, and as He wants us to be - "That they may be one even as we are one." Think of the last thing you prayed about - were you devoted to your desire or to God? Determined to get some gift of the Spirit or to get at God? "Your Heavenly Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask Him." The point of asking is that you may get to know God better. "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Keep praying in order to get a perfect understanding of God Himself.
November 12, 2009
Encouraging Words 11/12/09-Strong at the Broken Places
Lori Heine writes for Whosoever.org:
The hand of the LORD came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; and they were very dry. He said to me, "Mortal, can these bones live?"
(Ezekiel 37:1-3)
We are living in hard times. It seems the very atmosphere in which we live has been poisoned. We breathe air polluted by selfishness and fear, as politicians and pundits pit us against one another in competition for rights we are told are scarce. We feel we must fight for our survival.
These days, we are having a tough time being compassionate. Concern for others is a luxury we are told we can no longer afford. Though if we study our history, we quickly learn that the same people warning us what fools we are to love the marginalized, to work for the liberation of those held captive, have always said the same thing.
During the Great Depression, they chided us for sharing what we had. There wasn't enough, they told us, and we were squandering what little we had on slackers and ingrates. Those who were down-and-out, those who were persecuted and oppressed, were judged to deserve it. It was easier to forget them that way.
The bones God showed the prophet Ezekiel were unclean - those of a people held in such contempt they'd been slaughtered and left to rot in the desert. Broken and trampled by wild beasts, the names of their owners long forgotten. But God breathed "His" Spirit upon those bones, and as Ezekiel prophesied hope to them, they knit back together. New flesh grew over them, and they came back to life. What other human beings may despoil, abandon and forget, God never gives up on.
Those who hope for progress in any society, those who actively work for it, sometimes risking their lives to bring it about, are almost never the comfortable, prosperous or privileged. They are those who have themselves felt the sting of the lash, wiped the spittle from their faces and endured exile in the desert. They have been abandoned. Their belongings have been looted, and they've been given up for dead. This was true not only in Ezekiel's time, but even today. Both of the pastors at my church are openly gay. Everyone who joins our fast-growing congregation is warmed by their welcome. Steve and Jeffrey have known rejection, and are determined that all who have suffered as they have will find a home inside their doors.
Click here to read the rest of the essay.
The hand of the LORD came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; and they were very dry. He said to me, "Mortal, can these bones live?"
(Ezekiel 37:1-3)
We are living in hard times. It seems the very atmosphere in which we live has been poisoned. We breathe air polluted by selfishness and fear, as politicians and pundits pit us against one another in competition for rights we are told are scarce. We feel we must fight for our survival.
These days, we are having a tough time being compassionate. Concern for others is a luxury we are told we can no longer afford. Though if we study our history, we quickly learn that the same people warning us what fools we are to love the marginalized, to work for the liberation of those held captive, have always said the same thing.
During the Great Depression, they chided us for sharing what we had. There wasn't enough, they told us, and we were squandering what little we had on slackers and ingrates. Those who were down-and-out, those who were persecuted and oppressed, were judged to deserve it. It was easier to forget them that way.
The bones God showed the prophet Ezekiel were unclean - those of a people held in such contempt they'd been slaughtered and left to rot in the desert. Broken and trampled by wild beasts, the names of their owners long forgotten. But God breathed "His" Spirit upon those bones, and as Ezekiel prophesied hope to them, they knit back together. New flesh grew over them, and they came back to life. What other human beings may despoil, abandon and forget, God never gives up on.
Those who hope for progress in any society, those who actively work for it, sometimes risking their lives to bring it about, are almost never the comfortable, prosperous or privileged. They are those who have themselves felt the sting of the lash, wiped the spittle from their faces and endured exile in the desert. They have been abandoned. Their belongings have been looted, and they've been given up for dead. This was true not only in Ezekiel's time, but even today. Both of the pastors at my church are openly gay. Everyone who joins our fast-growing congregation is warmed by their welcome. Steve and Jeffrey have known rejection, and are determined that all who have suffered as they have will find a home inside their doors.
Click here to read the rest of the essay.
SNN Recommends 11/12/09-Baltimore OUTloud
Baltimore OUTloud is a thriving independently-owned Maryland newspaper serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. From the sunny beaches of the Eastern Shore to the exciting nightlife of Baltimore’s Fells Point, Baltimore OUTloud brings it all together in one package. Taking advantage of the strengths of a locally owned independent newspaper and incorporating it with the expanded reach of the World Wide Web, Baltimore OUTloud provides our advertisers and readers with an unbeatable integration of the very latest media technology.
Focused on the lives of Maryland’s lesbian and gay community OUTloud provides in-depth coverage of one of the state’s most highly desirable consumer markets. Our staff of talented writers includes some of the most respected journalists working in the lgbt press today. From local, national and international news, to the latest health care developments, OUTloud is there with the story— for Baltimore and the entire region!
From the latest in music and film to current stage productions, OUTloud’'s art and entertainment section keeps our readers in the know. From opera to theater to sports and fashion, OUTloud is there covering the gamut of lesbian and gay culture.
Often sassy and irreverent, sometimes opinionated, but always current, OUTloud has something for everyone. From news junkies to pub crawlers, OUTloud is the medium that more and more Baltimore readers are turning to.
With a print edition distributed free at over 100 locations throughout Baltimore, Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania, Delaware's Eastern Shore and stretching into Washington, D.C., and available nationally online, Baltimore OUTloud reaches one of the tri-state's most valued, and typically under served, consumer market- the lgbt community. It’s the where-to-go, what-to-do and where-to-shop guide that lesbian and gay people rely on throughout the region. Combining special sections in print and on the Web devoted to dining out, the area's lively theater and arts community, and the vibrant local night life scene, OUTloud is an all-encompassing advertising resource to make sure your message reaches our lgbt target market at the most effective cost available in Baltimore.
Click here to check it out.
Focused on the lives of Maryland’s lesbian and gay community OUTloud provides in-depth coverage of one of the state’s most highly desirable consumer markets. Our staff of talented writers includes some of the most respected journalists working in the lgbt press today. From local, national and international news, to the latest health care developments, OUTloud is there with the story— for Baltimore and the entire region!
From the latest in music and film to current stage productions, OUTloud’'s art and entertainment section keeps our readers in the know. From opera to theater to sports and fashion, OUTloud is there covering the gamut of lesbian and gay culture.
Often sassy and irreverent, sometimes opinionated, but always current, OUTloud has something for everyone. From news junkies to pub crawlers, OUTloud is the medium that more and more Baltimore readers are turning to.
With a print edition distributed free at over 100 locations throughout Baltimore, Maryland, Southern Pennsylvania, Delaware's Eastern Shore and stretching into Washington, D.C., and available nationally online, Baltimore OUTloud reaches one of the tri-state's most valued, and typically under served, consumer market- the lgbt community. It’s the where-to-go, what-to-do and where-to-shop guide that lesbian and gay people rely on throughout the region. Combining special sections in print and on the Web devoted to dining out, the area's lively theater and arts community, and the vibrant local night life scene, OUTloud is an all-encompassing advertising resource to make sure your message reaches our lgbt target market at the most effective cost available in Baltimore.
Click here to check it out.
First LGBT Presbyterian Minister Ordained in San Francisco
From the San Francisco Chronicle:
The San Francisco Presbytery agreed late Tuesday to ordain the first openly homosexual minister in the denomination.
The vote of 156 for and 138 against the ordination came after hours of contentious debate at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley. It is possible that the decision to ordain Lisa Larges, a deacon at Noe Valley Ministry Presbyterian Church, could be appealed.
It's a significant decision in the Presbyterian church, which like many other religious denominations around the country has struggled for years over how to include gays and lesbians in church affairs.
"Change is happening in the churches," Larges said in a statement after the vote. "People are realizing that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have long functioned as contributing members of their faith traditions. It is time to tell the truth - we are all created in God's image."
Larges had been blocked from ordination for more than 15 years. If Tuesday's vote is not appealed, the decision is final and Larges can be formally ordained as a minister.
There are a handful of gay and lesbian ministers in the Presbyterian church, but they only came out after being ordained. Last year, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA voted to overturn a ban on gay and lesbian ministers, but that vote was rejected by a majority of the country's presbyteries, so the ban still stands.
Regional presbyteries, however, may consider individual cases if candidates for ordination submit a formal statement saying they disagree with the church policy. As part of her ordination process, Larges submitted such a statement to the San Francisco Presbytery, which includes 78 churches and 29,000 congregation members in the Bay Area.
Larges' ordination received preliminary approval in January 2008, but that approval was quickly appealed. A church court rejected that appeal on Nov. 4 and Larges was allowed to move forward with the rest of the ordination process, which concluded with Tuesday night's vote.
Observers said Tuesday's vote could have major repercussions throughout the Presbyterian church nationwide, even if Larges' ordination is appealed and ultimately blocked again.
"Church policies and approaches to issues - whether it's around women's ordination or LGBT issues - often how these things change is by pushing the envelope," said the Rev. Jay Johnson, director of academic research at the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley.
"When the envelope gets pushed, these local actions have to be adjudicated in that larger venue," Johnson said. "It's anyone's guess what would happen there."
The San Francisco Presbytery agreed late Tuesday to ordain the first openly homosexual minister in the denomination.
The vote of 156 for and 138 against the ordination came after hours of contentious debate at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley. It is possible that the decision to ordain Lisa Larges, a deacon at Noe Valley Ministry Presbyterian Church, could be appealed.
It's a significant decision in the Presbyterian church, which like many other religious denominations around the country has struggled for years over how to include gays and lesbians in church affairs.
"Change is happening in the churches," Larges said in a statement after the vote. "People are realizing that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have long functioned as contributing members of their faith traditions. It is time to tell the truth - we are all created in God's image."
Larges had been blocked from ordination for more than 15 years. If Tuesday's vote is not appealed, the decision is final and Larges can be formally ordained as a minister.
There are a handful of gay and lesbian ministers in the Presbyterian church, but they only came out after being ordained. Last year, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA voted to overturn a ban on gay and lesbian ministers, but that vote was rejected by a majority of the country's presbyteries, so the ban still stands.
Regional presbyteries, however, may consider individual cases if candidates for ordination submit a formal statement saying they disagree with the church policy. As part of her ordination process, Larges submitted such a statement to the San Francisco Presbytery, which includes 78 churches and 29,000 congregation members in the Bay Area.
Larges' ordination received preliminary approval in January 2008, but that approval was quickly appealed. A church court rejected that appeal on Nov. 4 and Larges was allowed to move forward with the rest of the ordination process, which concluded with Tuesday night's vote.
Observers said Tuesday's vote could have major repercussions throughout the Presbyterian church nationwide, even if Larges' ordination is appealed and ultimately blocked again.
"Church policies and approaches to issues - whether it's around women's ordination or LGBT issues - often how these things change is by pushing the envelope," said the Rev. Jay Johnson, director of academic research at the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley.
"When the envelope gets pushed, these local actions have to be adjudicated in that larger venue," Johnson said. "It's anyone's guess what would happen there."
Daily Devotional 11/12/09 What My Obedience to God Costs Other People
From: My Utmost for His Highest
"They laid hold upon one Simon . . . and on him they laid the cross." Luke 23:26
If we obey God it is going to cost other people more than it costs us, and that is where the sting comes in. If we are in love with our Lord, obedience does not cost us anything, it is a delight, but it costs those who do not love Him a good deal. If we obey God it will mean that other people's plans are upset, and they will gibe us with it - "You call this Christianity?" We can prevent the suffering; but if we are going to obey God, we must not prevent it, we must let the cost be paid.
Our human pride entrenches itself on this point, and we say - I will never accept anything from anyone. We shall have to, or disobey God. We have no right to expect to be in any other relation than our Lord Himself was in (see Luke 8:2-3).
Stagnation in spiritual life comes when we say we will bear the whole thing ourselves. We cannot. We are so involved in the universal purposes of God that immediately we obey God, others are affected. Are we going to remain loyal in our obedience to God and go through the humiliation of refusing to be independent, or are we going to take the other line and say - I will not cost other people suffering? We can disobey God if we choose, and it will bring immediate relief to the situation, but we shall be a grief to our Lord. Whereas if we obey God, He will look after those who have been pressed into the consequences of our obedience. We have simply to obey and to leave all consequences with Him.
Beware of the inclination to dictate to God as to what you will allow to happen if you obey Him.
"They laid hold upon one Simon . . . and on him they laid the cross." Luke 23:26
If we obey God it is going to cost other people more than it costs us, and that is where the sting comes in. If we are in love with our Lord, obedience does not cost us anything, it is a delight, but it costs those who do not love Him a good deal. If we obey God it will mean that other people's plans are upset, and they will gibe us with it - "You call this Christianity?" We can prevent the suffering; but if we are going to obey God, we must not prevent it, we must let the cost be paid.
Our human pride entrenches itself on this point, and we say - I will never accept anything from anyone. We shall have to, or disobey God. We have no right to expect to be in any other relation than our Lord Himself was in (see Luke 8:2-3).
Stagnation in spiritual life comes when we say we will bear the whole thing ourselves. We cannot. We are so involved in the universal purposes of God that immediately we obey God, others are affected. Are we going to remain loyal in our obedience to God and go through the humiliation of refusing to be independent, or are we going to take the other line and say - I will not cost other people suffering? We can disobey God if we choose, and it will bring immediate relief to the situation, but we shall be a grief to our Lord. Whereas if we obey God, He will look after those who have been pressed into the consequences of our obedience. We have simply to obey and to leave all consequences with Him.
Beware of the inclination to dictate to God as to what you will allow to happen if you obey Him.
November 11, 2009
LGBT Helping Hands 11/11/09-Wingspan (Tuscon, AZ)
Wingspan is Southern Arizona's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community center. Wingspan is a non-profit, charitable organization that serves Tucson and Southern Arizona. Gifts to Wingspan are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by the IRS.
Wingspan's mission is to promote the freedom, equality, safety and well-being of LGBT people.
Wingspan envisions a community in which lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people:
* are treated with dignity and respect.
* live in a community free from violence and abuse.
* live full, healthy, and interconnected lives.
* are free to live openly with pride.
* are celebrated in their full diversity.
* feel part of an organized, supportive, and active LGBT community.
* are empowered to participate fully as active citizens.
Click here to check them out.
Wingspan's mission is to promote the freedom, equality, safety and well-being of LGBT people.
Wingspan envisions a community in which lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people:
* are treated with dignity and respect.
* live in a community free from violence and abuse.
* live full, healthy, and interconnected lives.
* are free to live openly with pride.
* are celebrated in their full diversity.
* feel part of an organized, supportive, and active LGBT community.
* are empowered to participate fully as active citizens.
Click here to check them out.
LGBT Leaders Launch "Our Families Count" Website
From the official press release:
Many leaders and advocates among America's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community unite today in the launch of Our Families Count (www.ourfamiliescount.org) -- a new voluntary public education initiative promoting LGBT visibility and participation in next year's U.S. Census.
The new 2010 Census education project is a truly collaborative and unique strategy to unite disparate populations across the entire LGBT spectrum. The outreach effort is designed to educate all about the importance of responding to the once-a-decade Census.
Expert demographer and Williams Institute Research Fellow Dr. Gary Gates described why the 2010 Census matters to the LGBT community especially, "Reliable information on LGBT people is hard to come by and the need for accurate knowledge is real. Census statistics guide many key government decisions. For LGBT citizens especially, statewide organizations and local community centers need information for planning services, while advocacy groups need to know more about the LGBT population as they lobby for resources."
Gates also noted that, "Americans have many misconceptions about the LGBT community that Census data have allowed us to correct. For example, among those in same-sex couples: one in six lives in a rural area, one in four is a person of color, one in five is raising children (two in five among people of color). Although the 2010 Census does not include questions on sexual orientation or gender identity, the Census count of same-sex partners and their families provides vital information for and about the LGBT community."
It also is important to emphasize that Census information is never shared with other U.S. government agencies for the purpose of law enforcement or compliance with immigration laws. The Census is used only and confidentially to find out more about all American households and the U.S. population, and is never used to violate any person's privacy. The Our Families Count campaign also takes no position on specific policy issues or questions.
Click here to check out the new website.
Many leaders and advocates among America's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community unite today in the launch of Our Families Count (www.ourfamiliescount.org) -- a new voluntary public education initiative promoting LGBT visibility and participation in next year's U.S. Census.
The new 2010 Census education project is a truly collaborative and unique strategy to unite disparate populations across the entire LGBT spectrum. The outreach effort is designed to educate all about the importance of responding to the once-a-decade Census.
Expert demographer and Williams Institute Research Fellow Dr. Gary Gates described why the 2010 Census matters to the LGBT community especially, "Reliable information on LGBT people is hard to come by and the need for accurate knowledge is real. Census statistics guide many key government decisions. For LGBT citizens especially, statewide organizations and local community centers need information for planning services, while advocacy groups need to know more about the LGBT population as they lobby for resources."
Gates also noted that, "Americans have many misconceptions about the LGBT community that Census data have allowed us to correct. For example, among those in same-sex couples: one in six lives in a rural area, one in four is a person of color, one in five is raising children (two in five among people of color). Although the 2010 Census does not include questions on sexual orientation or gender identity, the Census count of same-sex partners and their families provides vital information for and about the LGBT community."
It also is important to emphasize that Census information is never shared with other U.S. government agencies for the purpose of law enforcement or compliance with immigration laws. The Census is used only and confidentially to find out more about all American households and the U.S. population, and is never used to violate any person's privacy. The Our Families Count campaign also takes no position on specific policy issues or questions.
Click here to check out the new website.
Daily Devotional 11/11/09 Intimate With Jesus
From: My Utmost for His Highest
"Have I been so long with you, and yet hast thou not known Me?" John 14:9
These words are not spoken as a rebuke, nor even with surprise; Jesus is leading Philip on. The last One with whom we get intimate is Jesus. Before Pentecost the disciples knew Jesus as the One Who gave them power to conquer demons and to bring about a revival (see Luke 10:18-20). It was a wonderful intimacy, but there was a much closer intimacy to come - "I have called you friends." Friendship is rare on earth. It means identity in thought and heart and spirit. The whole discipline of life is to enable us to enter into this closest relationship with Jesus Christ. We receive His blessings and know His word, but do we know Him?
Jesus said, "It is expedient for you that I go away" - in that relationship, so that He might lead them on. It is a joy to Jesus when a disciple takes time to step more intimately with Him. Fruit bearing is always mentioned as the manifestation of an intimate union with Jesus Christ (John 15:1-4).
When once we get intimate with Jesus we are never lonely, we never need sympathy, we can pour out all the time without being pathetic. The saint who is intimate with Jesus will never leave impressions of himself, but only the impression that Jesus is having unhindered way, because the last abyss of his nature has been satisfied by Jesus. The only impression left by such a life is that of the strong calm sanity that Our Lord gives to those who are intimate with Him.
"Have I been so long with you, and yet hast thou not known Me?" John 14:9
These words are not spoken as a rebuke, nor even with surprise; Jesus is leading Philip on. The last One with whom we get intimate is Jesus. Before Pentecost the disciples knew Jesus as the One Who gave them power to conquer demons and to bring about a revival (see Luke 10:18-20). It was a wonderful intimacy, but there was a much closer intimacy to come - "I have called you friends." Friendship is rare on earth. It means identity in thought and heart and spirit. The whole discipline of life is to enable us to enter into this closest relationship with Jesus Christ. We receive His blessings and know His word, but do we know Him?
Jesus said, "It is expedient for you that I go away" - in that relationship, so that He might lead them on. It is a joy to Jesus when a disciple takes time to step more intimately with Him. Fruit bearing is always mentioned as the manifestation of an intimate union with Jesus Christ (John 15:1-4).
When once we get intimate with Jesus we are never lonely, we never need sympathy, we can pour out all the time without being pathetic. The saint who is intimate with Jesus will never leave impressions of himself, but only the impression that Jesus is having unhindered way, because the last abyss of his nature has been satisfied by Jesus. The only impression left by such a life is that of the strong calm sanity that Our Lord gives to those who are intimate with Him.
November 10, 2009
Encouraging Words 11/10/09-BCF Praise Report
"Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; Listen carefully to what I say, The men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on ALL people! Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and THEY WILL PROPHESY!" Acts 2:14-18
Greetings BCF Family & Friends!
Incredible, WONDROUS, awesome....how many more adjectives can I use to adequately describe how God showed up and showed OUT at our Fall Outpouring! And let me tell you we had an OUTPOURING!!! Every sermon, every workshop, every prophetic utterance given in worship services built one upon another to a powerful release from Heaven on Sunday!! I can't tell you when was the last time that our worship service ran 4 hours! And it was the most exciting four hours you can possibly imagine! There was a Divine release given into the earth- and we are ALL going forth in a brand new anointing to fulfill God's Call on our lives- to tell everyone that Jesus is the Lord and that He loves them! It's Harvest time!
The sound in worship was so incredible! 90+ voices singing from their hearts to the Lord is one of the most beautiful and sweet sounds imaginable! EVERYONE got what they came for and more- answers to questions, a renewed passion for service and an unquenchable desire for MORE of God! Only GOD can quench our desire- because He IS our Desire!!! Amen?!!
We THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU for your prayers, your love, and to all who attended, both in person and online, we praise God for you and our relationships with each of you. We are HONORED to stand in service to the King with you!
We especially want to thank our speakers and ministers. With this said, I'd like to recognize and acknowledge Rev. Evelyn and Dennis Schave, who are celebrating their 20th year of ministry in the GLBTS communities!!! Erica Sargent wrote them a beautiful anacronym for the words "Bridge Builders" because that is a big part of what they've been doing. They have loved us to wholeness and have supported us even though they themselves were rejected for doing so! Also the ministry of Pastor Debbie George in music and the prophetic, Apostle Susan George, Apostle Dylan Crozier and Brother Vinnie Crozier, Pastor David Thomas, Apostle Jack McConnell, and Apostle Randy Morgan.....MY LORD, WHAT ANOINTINGS God has birthed in the GLBTS Christian Movement!!! We were honored and blessed by each and every one of them- and we THANK GOD for them!! And Kate Singh has taken a ton of wonderful pictures of which we will be posting and sharing with you all in the weeks ahead!!!! Janice Lacount wowed us all in the Holy Ghost with her incredible talents, Brother Jason DeShazo stepped to the plate on percussion...Pastor JuaNita released the anointing through the flags and banners ministry, and the dance ministry of Covenant of the Cross was inspiring to us all! God bless you and THANK YOU ALL for your contributions to the weekend!!!
Last of all and most importantly, I want to express gratitude to the flock I under-shepherd, my BCF covenant family: THANK YOU, YOU GUYS!! You really came through and the Lord Jesus was glorified through each and every one of you!! Thank you for your serving- cooking, cleaning, singing, praying, building, and LOVING one another so demonstratively- I feel so honored and greatly priviledged to be your Apostle. I am confident that you NOW have caught the vision of what God has shown us He is going to do through OUR lives together! Let's continue to be faithful, be consistent, and recognize that each of you have a vital part to play in what God is doing in the earth through our church and ministry!!! I love each of you VERY much. Brenda, Anita, Josh, Ryan, Troy, Pastor Deborah, Ferris, Jim C., Melissa & Lauren, Terry, Marilyn, Sharone & Erica, praise team, FREDDY G. WHITE and my GARREY- you worked so hard and so well together! God has knit our hearts and our lives together in His love and even greater things are ahead for us all!
That's all for today. Have a wonderful week- we will! And know that you are loved and NOT alone in your faith walk! God is with you, and we are right here for you, too!
In Christ's faithful love and SHALOM,
Ap Dale
Greetings BCF Family & Friends!
Incredible, WONDROUS, awesome....how many more adjectives can I use to adequately describe how God showed up and showed OUT at our Fall Outpouring! And let me tell you we had an OUTPOURING!!! Every sermon, every workshop, every prophetic utterance given in worship services built one upon another to a powerful release from Heaven on Sunday!! I can't tell you when was the last time that our worship service ran 4 hours! And it was the most exciting four hours you can possibly imagine! There was a Divine release given into the earth- and we are ALL going forth in a brand new anointing to fulfill God's Call on our lives- to tell everyone that Jesus is the Lord and that He loves them! It's Harvest time!
The sound in worship was so incredible! 90+ voices singing from their hearts to the Lord is one of the most beautiful and sweet sounds imaginable! EVERYONE got what they came for and more- answers to questions, a renewed passion for service and an unquenchable desire for MORE of God! Only GOD can quench our desire- because He IS our Desire!!! Amen?!!
We THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU for your prayers, your love, and to all who attended, both in person and online, we praise God for you and our relationships with each of you. We are HONORED to stand in service to the King with you!
We especially want to thank our speakers and ministers. With this said, I'd like to recognize and acknowledge Rev. Evelyn and Dennis Schave, who are celebrating their 20th year of ministry in the GLBTS communities!!! Erica Sargent wrote them a beautiful anacronym for the words "Bridge Builders" because that is a big part of what they've been doing. They have loved us to wholeness and have supported us even though they themselves were rejected for doing so! Also the ministry of Pastor Debbie George in music and the prophetic, Apostle Susan George, Apostle Dylan Crozier and Brother Vinnie Crozier, Pastor David Thomas, Apostle Jack McConnell, and Apostle Randy Morgan.....MY LORD, WHAT ANOINTINGS God has birthed in the GLBTS Christian Movement!!! We were honored and blessed by each and every one of them- and we THANK GOD for them!! And Kate Singh has taken a ton of wonderful pictures of which we will be posting and sharing with you all in the weeks ahead!!!! Janice Lacount wowed us all in the Holy Ghost with her incredible talents, Brother Jason DeShazo stepped to the plate on percussion...Pastor JuaNita released the anointing through the flags and banners ministry, and the dance ministry of Covenant of the Cross was inspiring to us all! God bless you and THANK YOU ALL for your contributions to the weekend!!!
Last of all and most importantly, I want to express gratitude to the flock I under-shepherd, my BCF covenant family: THANK YOU, YOU GUYS!! You really came through and the Lord Jesus was glorified through each and every one of you!! Thank you for your serving- cooking, cleaning, singing, praying, building, and LOVING one another so demonstratively- I feel so honored and greatly priviledged to be your Apostle. I am confident that you NOW have caught the vision of what God has shown us He is going to do through OUR lives together! Let's continue to be faithful, be consistent, and recognize that each of you have a vital part to play in what God is doing in the earth through our church and ministry!!! I love each of you VERY much. Brenda, Anita, Josh, Ryan, Troy, Pastor Deborah, Ferris, Jim C., Melissa & Lauren, Terry, Marilyn, Sharone & Erica, praise team, FREDDY G. WHITE and my GARREY- you worked so hard and so well together! God has knit our hearts and our lives together in His love and even greater things are ahead for us all!
That's all for today. Have a wonderful week- we will! And know that you are loved and NOT alone in your faith walk! God is with you, and we are right here for you, too!
In Christ's faithful love and SHALOM,
Ap Dale
Matthew 25 Resource 11/10/09-Houston Food Bank
The Houston Food Bank is leading the fight against hunger. Here’s how!
The Houston Food Bank…
• A private, nonprofit organization
• Seeks food donations, distributes to local
charitable programs
• Efficient operations: 95 cents of every dollar
donated feeds the hungry
• Certified member of Feeding America (formerly
America’s Second Harvest-The Nation’s Food
Bank Network)
• Founded 1982
It’s in the numbers…
• 46 million pounds distributed last year
• 80,000 different people fed each week
• 498,000 different people fed each year
• 400 hunger relief agencies in 18 southeast Texas counties:
o Church food pantries
o Homeless shelters
o Safe havens for the battered and abused
o Nutrition sites for children and the elderly
• More than 100,000 volunteer hours contributed annually
• 73,000 square feet of warehouse and office space at central location, in addition to
66,000 square feet offsite
Click here to find out more.
The Houston Food Bank…
• A private, nonprofit organization
• Seeks food donations, distributes to local
charitable programs
• Efficient operations: 95 cents of every dollar
donated feeds the hungry
• Certified member of Feeding America (formerly
America’s Second Harvest-The Nation’s Food
Bank Network)
• Founded 1982
It’s in the numbers…
• 46 million pounds distributed last year
• 80,000 different people fed each week
• 498,000 different people fed each year
• 400 hunger relief agencies in 18 southeast Texas counties:
o Church food pantries
o Homeless shelters
o Safe havens for the battered and abused
o Nutrition sites for children and the elderly
• More than 100,000 volunteer hours contributed annually
• 73,000 square feet of warehouse and office space at central location, in addition to
66,000 square feet offsite
Click here to find out more.
Daily Devotional 11/10/09-Whatever Is Done
From Reflections:
1 Corinthians 14:26, NIV: What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.
There were religious leaders in Jesus’ day that were in competition with others to be seen as the most religious. They would “make their phylacteries wide,” and ”love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men.” They were compelled to act by a personal agenda—one that began and ended with themselves. God willing, we will never find ourselves to be quite so selfishly motivated. Yet, selfishness can be subtle and therewith capable of hindering what God may do through us. If, for instance, you are excited about a new truth God has shown you in His Word, and you can’t wait to share it with your friend, but you feel the Spirit is leading you to wait, and you share the Word anyway; are you doing so to strengthen yourself, or your friend? It is ever so easy to do good works in order to gain a little something for ourselves. We should strive so that whether we speak, or witness, or share, or give—whatever we do—that all would be for the glory of God, and the strengthening of others.
1 Corinthians 14:26, NIV: What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.
There were religious leaders in Jesus’ day that were in competition with others to be seen as the most religious. They would “make their phylacteries wide,” and ”love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men.” They were compelled to act by a personal agenda—one that began and ended with themselves. God willing, we will never find ourselves to be quite so selfishly motivated. Yet, selfishness can be subtle and therewith capable of hindering what God may do through us. If, for instance, you are excited about a new truth God has shown you in His Word, and you can’t wait to share it with your friend, but you feel the Spirit is leading you to wait, and you share the Word anyway; are you doing so to strengthen yourself, or your friend? It is ever so easy to do good works in order to gain a little something for ourselves. We should strive so that whether we speak, or witness, or share, or give—whatever we do—that all would be for the glory of God, and the strengthening of others.
Same-Sex Marriage Could PROTECT The Institution of Traditional Marriage
From the Washington Post:
If anyone could have talked himself out of being gay, Kimberly Brooks said, it was her husband.
He wanted to be straight; she wanted him to be straight. She once followed his gaze across the beach to another man but quickly dismissed the thought. No, he couldn't be. Then he started spending more time with one particular friend, and an unease pushed Brooks to ask the question that ultimately confirmed her fears: Was that friend gay?
"He said, 'I don't know.' And in that moment, I knew," said Brooks, who is a therapist in Falls Church. "That day, the marriage was over."
As the debate over legalizing same-sex marriage in the District grows louder and more polarized, there are people whose support for the proposal is personal but not often talked about. They are federal workers and professionals, men and women who share little except that their former spouses tried to live as heterosexuals but at some point realized they could not.
Many of these former spouses -- from those who still feel raw resentment toward their exes to those who have reached a mutual understanding -- see the legalization of same-sex marriage as a step toward protecting not only homosexuals but also heterosexuals. If homosexuality was more accepted, they say, they might have been spared doomed marriages followed by years of self-doubt.
That's a pretty interesting theory, one that we think makes a lot of sense. What do you think?
Click here to read the rest of the story.
If anyone could have talked himself out of being gay, Kimberly Brooks said, it was her husband.
He wanted to be straight; she wanted him to be straight. She once followed his gaze across the beach to another man but quickly dismissed the thought. No, he couldn't be. Then he started spending more time with one particular friend, and an unease pushed Brooks to ask the question that ultimately confirmed her fears: Was that friend gay?
"He said, 'I don't know.' And in that moment, I knew," said Brooks, who is a therapist in Falls Church. "That day, the marriage was over."
As the debate over legalizing same-sex marriage in the District grows louder and more polarized, there are people whose support for the proposal is personal but not often talked about. They are federal workers and professionals, men and women who share little except that their former spouses tried to live as heterosexuals but at some point realized they could not.
Many of these former spouses -- from those who still feel raw resentment toward their exes to those who have reached a mutual understanding -- see the legalization of same-sex marriage as a step toward protecting not only homosexuals but also heterosexuals. If homosexuality was more accepted, they say, they might have been spared doomed marriages followed by years of self-doubt.
That's a pretty interesting theory, one that we think makes a lot of sense. What do you think?
Click here to read the rest of the story.
November 09, 2009
Site Updates
Sorry about the lack of posts today--we're still recovering from the BCF Renewal and catching up with our everyday lives.
As we expected, the Lord showed us a few new things during that event that He wants us to do here. One of them was to spend more time on original writing. These pieces, some of which will be first published on other sites, will come under the heading "In Our Own Words." To make time for this, we are collapsing our Matthew 25 Resources, SNN Recommends, and LGBT Helping Hands links into one daily slot. We will also be expanding our worship offerings which we'll have more on this weekend.
Our new Monday-Saturday schedule, effective tomorrow, is (all times EST):
6:00 AM LGBT news story
6:00 AM Daily Devotional
9:00 AM SNN Recommends/Matthew 25 Resource/LGBT Helping Hands
12:00 PM Encouraging Music
3:00 PM Encouraging Words
6:00 PM (or later) In Our Own Words--this won't be daily but when we have something to say
We hope you will gain even more blessing from these changes and others coming as we continue to grow this ministry. Speaking of growth, our traffic is staying on an upward trend. We want to put this out in front of as many people as possible so they can share in the love of God that we enjoy so much.
Thanks for visiting and God bless!
As we expected, the Lord showed us a few new things during that event that He wants us to do here. One of them was to spend more time on original writing. These pieces, some of which will be first published on other sites, will come under the heading "In Our Own Words." To make time for this, we are collapsing our Matthew 25 Resources, SNN Recommends, and LGBT Helping Hands links into one daily slot. We will also be expanding our worship offerings which we'll have more on this weekend.
Our new Monday-Saturday schedule, effective tomorrow, is (all times EST):
6:00 AM LGBT news story
6:00 AM Daily Devotional
9:00 AM SNN Recommends/Matthew 25 Resource/LGBT Helping Hands
12:00 PM Encouraging Music
3:00 PM Encouraging Words
6:00 PM (or later) In Our Own Words--this won't be daily but when we have something to say
We hope you will gain even more blessing from these changes and others coming as we continue to grow this ministry. Speaking of growth, our traffic is staying on an upward trend. We want to put this out in front of as many people as possible so they can share in the love of God that we enjoy so much.
Thanks for visiting and God bless!
Daily Devotional 11/09/09 A Life Without Limits
From: Encouragement for Today
“.... God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life. The Man came alive – a living soul!” Genesis 2:5 (MSG)
Devotion:
I was enjoying my morning run as the sun was shining, birds were singing, and the fragrant smell of honeysuckles filled the air. Suddenly I was startled by the loud sound of barking and noticed a dog, sitting near a garage, barking her little doggie lungs out. Although her bark seemed fierce, she did not run toward me. She was old; her hair was shaggy and faded; she was tired; her legs didn’t work as well as they used to; and she no longer had the physical strength or energy to dart across the yard. However, she chose not to allow her limitations to stop her voice from being heard. I admired her for her tenacity, and for her passion to fulfill her purpose of protection for her owners. Even though she now had challenges that prevented her from doing all she once did, she still gave it all she had.
I had to ask myself if I exert that same energy for Christ, even when limitations have befallen me. So many times we allow the circumstances of our lives and the limitations of our physical bodies to keep us from living out loud with our faith. The Webster definition of “living” is “the condition of being alive,” but the biblical definition of “living” is that the Holy Spirit resides within our bodies and also within our souls. We’re told in Genesis 2 that “God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life. The Man came alive?a living soul!” Adam's body was formed from the dust, but his spirit was made in the image of God. Every person on earth can live – but only those who have accepted Christ as the true son of God are truly alive in body, heart and soul.
The decision to become a Christian is the beginning of a new life where many opportunities and challenges await us. Once we accept that new life, we are faced with another decision – will we live out our faith on a daily basis, despite our circumstances, challenges, and even physical limitations? Scripture teaches us that limitations in our life or physical bodies do not limit our abilities in Christ and we can find our strength in Him. Isaiah 40:29 says:
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak; even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
God is the giver of all life – not just the physical life of bodies, but the gift of living souls. If you have allowed your physical limitations to keep you from living out loud, ask God to show you how you can continue to serve Him, and for the strength to do His will despite your circumstances. If you have never asked Christ into your life, consider making that amazing choice today. Visit the “Do You Know Him” link below. Give God the opportunity to breathe life into your soul, to fill your heart with a love that is overflowing, and a passion to share the hope you have found with others as you live for Him.
Dear Lord, Help me know You are my strength and look past my own insecurities and limitations to dedicate my life to loving, praising and glorifying You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“.... God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life. The Man came alive – a living soul!” Genesis 2:5 (MSG)
Devotion:
I was enjoying my morning run as the sun was shining, birds were singing, and the fragrant smell of honeysuckles filled the air. Suddenly I was startled by the loud sound of barking and noticed a dog, sitting near a garage, barking her little doggie lungs out. Although her bark seemed fierce, she did not run toward me. She was old; her hair was shaggy and faded; she was tired; her legs didn’t work as well as they used to; and she no longer had the physical strength or energy to dart across the yard. However, she chose not to allow her limitations to stop her voice from being heard. I admired her for her tenacity, and for her passion to fulfill her purpose of protection for her owners. Even though she now had challenges that prevented her from doing all she once did, she still gave it all she had.
I had to ask myself if I exert that same energy for Christ, even when limitations have befallen me. So many times we allow the circumstances of our lives and the limitations of our physical bodies to keep us from living out loud with our faith. The Webster definition of “living” is “the condition of being alive,” but the biblical definition of “living” is that the Holy Spirit resides within our bodies and also within our souls. We’re told in Genesis 2 that “God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life. The Man came alive?a living soul!” Adam's body was formed from the dust, but his spirit was made in the image of God. Every person on earth can live – but only those who have accepted Christ as the true son of God are truly alive in body, heart and soul.
The decision to become a Christian is the beginning of a new life where many opportunities and challenges await us. Once we accept that new life, we are faced with another decision – will we live out our faith on a daily basis, despite our circumstances, challenges, and even physical limitations? Scripture teaches us that limitations in our life or physical bodies do not limit our abilities in Christ and we can find our strength in Him. Isaiah 40:29 says:
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak; even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
God is the giver of all life – not just the physical life of bodies, but the gift of living souls. If you have allowed your physical limitations to keep you from living out loud, ask God to show you how you can continue to serve Him, and for the strength to do His will despite your circumstances. If you have never asked Christ into your life, consider making that amazing choice today. Visit the “Do You Know Him” link below. Give God the opportunity to breathe life into your soul, to fill your heart with a love that is overflowing, and a passion to share the hope you have found with others as you live for Him.
Dear Lord, Help me know You are my strength and look past my own insecurities and limitations to dedicate my life to loving, praising and glorifying You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
November 08, 2009
Wrapping Up Renewal Weekend
What an amazing, powerful weekend at BCF. We arrived home this evening with very tired bodies but ignited spirits. Some of the highlights for us were:
o Honoring Evelyn and Dennis Shave for 20 years of affirming ministry to the LGBT community. The Shaves are a model for us in our ministry work and we consider it a privilge to have hosted them in our home for the second year in a row and being able to see them minister at church.
o The exceptional inspiring, insightful and often entertaining preaching from Evelyn, Pastor David Thomas from Abundant Grace Church in Granite Falls, NC, and Apostle Randy Morgan from New Covenant Church in Atlanta, GA.
o Powerful workshops delivered by Pastor Jack McConnell from St. Jude Community Church in Winston-Salem, NC and Apostle Dylan Crozier and Vinnie Chiodo from Rainbow Community Church in Vancouver, BC Canada.
0 The energy in our church, where we had our largest crowds ever, was amazing during worship and ministry time. The Lord promised us an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and He delivered!
o Gifts of the spirit was activated left and right. Prophecies were delivered, visions were clarified, and war was declared on Satan by this powerful batch of GLBTS (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight) Christians.
We encourage to visit the BCF website and click on the video link to watch archived video of the bulk of the services from Thursday night through Sunday afternoon. If you didn't have time to be blessed by it live, you can still share in the blessing.
o Honoring Evelyn and Dennis Shave for 20 years of affirming ministry to the LGBT community. The Shaves are a model for us in our ministry work and we consider it a privilge to have hosted them in our home for the second year in a row and being able to see them minister at church.
o The exceptional inspiring, insightful and often entertaining preaching from Evelyn, Pastor David Thomas from Abundant Grace Church in Granite Falls, NC, and Apostle Randy Morgan from New Covenant Church in Atlanta, GA.
o Powerful workshops delivered by Pastor Jack McConnell from St. Jude Community Church in Winston-Salem, NC and Apostle Dylan Crozier and Vinnie Chiodo from Rainbow Community Church in Vancouver, BC Canada.
0 The energy in our church, where we had our largest crowds ever, was amazing during worship and ministry time. The Lord promised us an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and He delivered!
o Gifts of the spirit was activated left and right. Prophecies were delivered, visions were clarified, and war was declared on Satan by this powerful batch of GLBTS (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight) Christians.
We encourage to visit the BCF website and click on the video link to watch archived video of the bulk of the services from Thursday night through Sunday afternoon. If you didn't have time to be blessed by it live, you can still share in the blessing.
Sunday Worship at the BCF Renewal
The Believers Covenant Fellowship Renewal services, "The Fire and the Glory," have been amazing! The Lord promised us an outpouring and, as he ALWAYS does, delivers even greater than he promised!
The services conclude today with more amazing worship, another prophetic dance performance, and a message by anointed minister Randy Morgan. We've linked to his messages here before and our gathering is braced for a powerful word from him today.
Click here to watch it live beginning at 11:00 AM today.
The services conclude today with more amazing worship, another prophetic dance performance, and a message by anointed minister Randy Morgan. We've linked to his messages here before and our gathering is braced for a powerful word from him today.
Click here to watch it live beginning at 11:00 AM today.
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