The LORD your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. - Zephaniah 3:17
How does God feel most of the time? Is He happy… sad… concerned… detached… upset… angry… disappointed… frustrated? Your honest answer to that question speaks volumes about how you interact with God.
Lots of people see God as a sad God: He is sad over their sins and disobedience. He is grieved over the state of the world. Others see God as a mad God: He has a hair-trigger temper and often goes ballistic. He will zap you if you get out of line… and enjoy seeing you punished.
THE BIBLICAL VIEW
What is the biblical view of God? The Bible teaches that although God gets sad (Gen. 6:6) and gets mad (Ex. 4:14), God is not mad or sad by nature. God is a glad God. To be in His presence is to be in the fullness of joy (Ps. 16:11)… because His heart overflows with joy and gladness.
And when God thinks of you… He begins to shout and sing with joy. You are His special treasure (Ex. 19:5). You are His trophy of grace (1 Tim. 1:16). He is SO excited about you!!
THIS CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
I am convinced that many Christians miss out on the good, glad heart of God. They have such a negative view of God in their minds that it is impossible for them to really enjoy a relationship with Jesus.
I wonder how many of us are going to stand before Jesus at the end of our lives and be totally blown away that He is so different from what we believed Him to be. I wonder if your dialogue that first encounter with Jesus might be something like this:
“Lord, I never knew that you loved me so much. I never knew that you were so excited about me. Jesus, I would have lived a different life, one filled with love and laughter and no worries, had I only known how you felt about me.”
And He will respond, “My child… did you not read about Me in the Bible? Did you not know that I am the Father of the prodigal son? Did you not read that I rejoice over you with shouts of joy? Did you not hear that I love you with an everlasting love?”
“Yes, Lord.” I heard those words while I was on earth… but I guess I never really believed them.”
God wants you to believe Him in this life!! He wants you to rest in His love and grace. He wants you to rejoice that you are His and He is yours, and His banner over you is love.
God is a glad God who has a heart for you!! He wants to help you in your struggles. He wants to change you so that you can be like Him and your life can overflow with the good fruit of the Spirit.
Make it a point today to work on removing any erroneous, dysfunctional views that you have of God’s character. Replace those lies with the truth (see Luke 7:36-50, Ex. 34:6-7, John 8:1-11). Remember… when you know the truth, the truth shall set you free (John 8:32).
November 27, 2009
November 26, 2009
Encouraging Words 11/26/09-Six Things We Can Learn From the Pilgrims
Here is a classic thanksgiving message from Billy Graham:
The Mayflower's voyage to the new world was a "survival test" on a huge scale. The passengers had sold their possessions and had to work for years to pay for their passage. The ship had no heat or plumbing. Storms raged, and a main beam cracked in mid-ocean.
But after more than two months on the Atlantic Ocean, this band of 102 people arrived before Christmas, 1620. William Bradford wrote in his journal, "Being thus arrived at a good harbor, and brought safely to land, they fell on their knees and blessed the God of heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof." What a celebration that must have been!
But just after Christmas a serious sickness broke out, and in the next three months nearly half the Pilgrims died. Hunger and illness stalked them, but they never wavered in their purpose.
Today, if these Pilgrims could observe our troubled world with its disillusioned outlook, its rebelliousness and its erosion of traditional values, they would be not only dismayed but also shocked. However, since their time, certain things have not changed. There is still lust, greed, hatred and prejudice in the human heart. There is still persecution and war in the world.
With all of the world's churches and universities, we would do well to go back to the church and the school of early Plymouth to see what those pioneers can teach us.
Click here to read the rest of Dr. Graham's message.
The Mayflower's voyage to the new world was a "survival test" on a huge scale. The passengers had sold their possessions and had to work for years to pay for their passage. The ship had no heat or plumbing. Storms raged, and a main beam cracked in mid-ocean.
But after more than two months on the Atlantic Ocean, this band of 102 people arrived before Christmas, 1620. William Bradford wrote in his journal, "Being thus arrived at a good harbor, and brought safely to land, they fell on their knees and blessed the God of heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof." What a celebration that must have been!
But just after Christmas a serious sickness broke out, and in the next three months nearly half the Pilgrims died. Hunger and illness stalked them, but they never wavered in their purpose.
Today, if these Pilgrims could observe our troubled world with its disillusioned outlook, its rebelliousness and its erosion of traditional values, they would be not only dismayed but also shocked. However, since their time, certain things have not changed. There is still lust, greed, hatred and prejudice in the human heart. There is still persecution and war in the world.
With all of the world's churches and universities, we would do well to go back to the church and the school of early Plymouth to see what those pioneers can teach us.
Click here to read the rest of Dr. Graham's message.
Matthew 25 Resource 11/26/09-Freestore Foodbank (Cincinnati, OH)
In the last 40 years, we’ve grown from one man’s passion for helping his neighbors into one of the region’s largest food banks.
We distribute on 10 million pounds of food annually in 20 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana through a trusted network of over 400 local members agencies such as soup kitchens and shelters, food pantries, churches, daycare and senior centers, and many other community and social services organizations.
Unlike other food banks in the area, we operate a Client Services Center in Over-the-Rhine, which works to meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable citizens, including the homeless, the unemployed, the working poor, and families in crisis. By providing emergency food services, we work to determine the root causes of poverty and food insecurity are able to provide services aimed at creating self-reliance. When people come to us for food, we help them find the other things they may need -- a safe place to live, access to affordable healthcare, clothing or job skills and placement. For our work, food is not the end product rather it is the beginning of a much larger conversation to help our community’s citizens work towards self-reliance.
Core Values
Commitment: We will not accept hunger
Compassion: We embrace diversity
Respect: We are in service with our neighbors
Empowerment: Those we serve can succeed independently
Community: We collaborate with other in our region
Click here to find out more.
We distribute on 10 million pounds of food annually in 20 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana through a trusted network of over 400 local members agencies such as soup kitchens and shelters, food pantries, churches, daycare and senior centers, and many other community and social services organizations.
Unlike other food banks in the area, we operate a Client Services Center in Over-the-Rhine, which works to meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable citizens, including the homeless, the unemployed, the working poor, and families in crisis. By providing emergency food services, we work to determine the root causes of poverty and food insecurity are able to provide services aimed at creating self-reliance. When people come to us for food, we help them find the other things they may need -- a safe place to live, access to affordable healthcare, clothing or job skills and placement. For our work, food is not the end product rather it is the beginning of a much larger conversation to help our community’s citizens work towards self-reliance.
Core Values
Commitment: We will not accept hunger
Compassion: We embrace diversity
Respect: We are in service with our neighbors
Empowerment: Those we serve can succeed independently
Community: We collaborate with other in our region
Click here to find out more.
Using Religion As a Weapon
As a former member of the Roman Catholic faith, I (Jim) know that there are plenty of people devoted to the rituals and practices of the church who don't totally agree with the church's increasingly militant stand on political issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. It appears that the church is ready to withold the opportunity for full participation in the Eucharist (communion), perhaps the most sacred rite of Roman Catholicism, from people who don't sign up for their political agenda. This sickens us and makes us think that the Catholic Church needs to decide what it wants to be, a structure under which people can worship God, or a political and social service organizaton. It appears to be moving strongly in the direction of the latter. Here is an excerpt from an essay posted on the blog "Unite the Fight" that details the reasons for this concern.
In what Sen. Patrick Kennedy has admitted was a long time coming, Bishop Thomas Tobin of Rhode Island wrote the Catholic senator an email informing him that he will not be allowed to partake of the Eucharist, or what is commonly known as Communion, because of his support of reproductive rights, in particular when it comes to health care reform.
In a statement issued Sunday, Tobin made known he informed Kennedy in February 2007 that it would be "inappropriate" for him to continue receiving the fundamental Catholic sacrament, "and I now ask respectfully that you refrain from doing so."
The bishop is not deterred. The most recent development occurred Tuesday morning on a Rhode Island radio show on which Bishop Tobin appeared.
"If [Sen. Kennedy] cannot abide by the teaching of this church, not just this one but others and ... what it means to be a Catholic ... maybe he should find another fine Christian denomination where he can be more comfortable," the bishop said.
Bishop Tobin also has the ear of Rhode Island Gov. Carcieri, who is a member of the anti-LGBT National Organization for Marriage and, in a move many criticized has heartless, recently vetoed the bill that would have given domestic partners the right to make burial arrangements for each other.
But can we honestly be surprised that this is the direction that Catholic Church leadership is headed? Strong-arming politicians to craft secular law to reflect church law?
Patrick Kennedy told the Providence Journal that Tobin had barred him from receiving communion and instructed priests in the diocese not to administer the sacrament "because of the positions that I've taken as a public official."
Naturally the question arises, "What public policy positions will the church hound policy makers on next? Marriage equality?"
Michael Jones at Change.org says, "It was a narrowing of Catholic theology to strip issues like poverty and social justice from the forefront of the Church, and replace them with opposing abortion, gay marriage, and stem cell research. It was also a call to Catholic politicians: oppose abortion and gay marriage at all costs, or risk the threat of the Church denying you Communion and publicly tarring and feathering you as a sinner."
And he's right. The Archdiocese of Washington D.C. threatened to throw the poor and homeless under the bus, claiming they will end their charity work if the District City Council passed their same-sex marriage legislation.
Let's not forget to that they are issuing a new edict that will be signed by hundreds of U.S. Bishops that will strongly unite them all behind a common statement condemning the love between gays and lesbians. Behind this they can rally and step into public policy making more than ever before.
Moreover, the church has pledged $2 million to fight marriage equality, despite closing parishes left and right due to lack of funds.
Click here to read the rest of this essay.
In what Sen. Patrick Kennedy has admitted was a long time coming, Bishop Thomas Tobin of Rhode Island wrote the Catholic senator an email informing him that he will not be allowed to partake of the Eucharist, or what is commonly known as Communion, because of his support of reproductive rights, in particular when it comes to health care reform.
In a statement issued Sunday, Tobin made known he informed Kennedy in February 2007 that it would be "inappropriate" for him to continue receiving the fundamental Catholic sacrament, "and I now ask respectfully that you refrain from doing so."
The bishop is not deterred. The most recent development occurred Tuesday morning on a Rhode Island radio show on which Bishop Tobin appeared.
"If [Sen. Kennedy] cannot abide by the teaching of this church, not just this one but others and ... what it means to be a Catholic ... maybe he should find another fine Christian denomination where he can be more comfortable," the bishop said.
Bishop Tobin also has the ear of Rhode Island Gov. Carcieri, who is a member of the anti-LGBT National Organization for Marriage and, in a move many criticized has heartless, recently vetoed the bill that would have given domestic partners the right to make burial arrangements for each other.
But can we honestly be surprised that this is the direction that Catholic Church leadership is headed? Strong-arming politicians to craft secular law to reflect church law?
Patrick Kennedy told the Providence Journal that Tobin had barred him from receiving communion and instructed priests in the diocese not to administer the sacrament "because of the positions that I've taken as a public official."
Naturally the question arises, "What public policy positions will the church hound policy makers on next? Marriage equality?"
Michael Jones at Change.org says, "It was a narrowing of Catholic theology to strip issues like poverty and social justice from the forefront of the Church, and replace them with opposing abortion, gay marriage, and stem cell research. It was also a call to Catholic politicians: oppose abortion and gay marriage at all costs, or risk the threat of the Church denying you Communion and publicly tarring and feathering you as a sinner."
And he's right. The Archdiocese of Washington D.C. threatened to throw the poor and homeless under the bus, claiming they will end their charity work if the District City Council passed their same-sex marriage legislation.
Let's not forget to that they are issuing a new edict that will be signed by hundreds of U.S. Bishops that will strongly unite them all behind a common statement condemning the love between gays and lesbians. Behind this they can rally and step into public policy making more than ever before.
Moreover, the church has pledged $2 million to fight marriage equality, despite closing parishes left and right due to lack of funds.
Click here to read the rest of this essay.
Daily Devotional 11/26/09 When You Don't Feel Thankful
WHEN YOU DON'T FEEL THANKFUL
He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me. - Psalm 50:23
What do you do when your life is going south? What do you do when it is “THANKSGIVING” and you have just lost a loved one… or just lost your job… or just lost your marriage? Surely you cannot be expected to give thanks… can you?
Sometimes thanksgiving is a sacrifice. Sometimes we must thank God through clenched teeth and chocked back tears. Thanksgiving in the midst of a terrible storm brings tremendous joy to His heart. It shows the Lord that we really trust Him… regardless of the adverse circumstances we are facing.
THE THANKSGIVING CONSTANT
Perhaps you are one this year who is having trouble finding good in your life. Look no further than Jesus. He never changes. Despite everything you might be facing, you can rejoice in Him. You can give thanks for Him and His love and care for you. You can give thanks that He promised to work all things together for good.
Train yourself to give thanks in everything. Remember… a sacrifice of thanksgiving brings honor to the Lord. Thank Him for that trial you are facing. Thank Him for that sorrow. He will use your thanks for His glory and your ultimate good!
He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me. - Psalm 50:23
What do you do when your life is going south? What do you do when it is “THANKSGIVING” and you have just lost a loved one… or just lost your job… or just lost your marriage? Surely you cannot be expected to give thanks… can you?
Sometimes thanksgiving is a sacrifice. Sometimes we must thank God through clenched teeth and chocked back tears. Thanksgiving in the midst of a terrible storm brings tremendous joy to His heart. It shows the Lord that we really trust Him… regardless of the adverse circumstances we are facing.
THE THANKSGIVING CONSTANT
Perhaps you are one this year who is having trouble finding good in your life. Look no further than Jesus. He never changes. Despite everything you might be facing, you can rejoice in Him. You can give thanks for Him and His love and care for you. You can give thanks that He promised to work all things together for good.
Train yourself to give thanks in everything. Remember… a sacrifice of thanksgiving brings honor to the Lord. Thank Him for that trial you are facing. Thank Him for that sorrow. He will use your thanks for His glory and your ultimate good!
November 25, 2009
LGBT Helping Hands 11/25/09-AIDS Project of Central Iowa (Des Moines)
Our agency has a long history of serving people living with HIV. In 1987, an involved group calling themselves the Central Iowa AIDS Project voluntarily began the task of addressing HIV incidence in and around Des Moines. In 1990, the Mayor’s Task Force on AIDS recommended this coalition form an independent agency.
What is now known as the AIDS Project of Central Iowa (The Project) opened its doors in December 1991, becoming a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1993. The Project has grown and is now the largest HIV/AIDS service and prevention agency in the state of Iowa. Our agency provides personalized direct care services to hundreds of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as provides prevention services to thousands of Iowans at-risk for contracting the disease.
Click here to find out more.
What is now known as the AIDS Project of Central Iowa (The Project) opened its doors in December 1991, becoming a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1993. The Project has grown and is now the largest HIV/AIDS service and prevention agency in the state of Iowa. Our agency provides personalized direct care services to hundreds of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as provides prevention services to thousands of Iowans at-risk for contracting the disease.
Click here to find out more.
What to Make Out of the ENDA Delay
The Bilerico Project has a post up looking at the delay in Congress considering the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that would protect LGBT people for being fired because they are LGBT across the nation. It's not an optimistic view:
It was a surprise to most people that the markup of ENDA, scheduled for last Wednesday morning at 10 am, was abruptly postponed on Monday night at 6:30 pm, heralded by a terse red notice on the House Committee on Education and Labor website. After all, ENDA had been touted for months as the next promise to be kept to our community, with LGBT House leaders embracing a vote in September or October.
The ENDA delay is ominous, and likely to be long. As The New York Times reported yesterday, a massive legislative logjam is building up in the Senate.. Once the Senate is done debating health care, there will be dozens of priority bills.
At the same time, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is setting a new legislative priority: the immediate creation of a jobs bill from scratch in the House, and Senator Reid has said the same for the Senate. Jobs are, of course, very important, but that effort will likely suck all the oxygen from the room for quite a while. Delaying ENDA puts it behind everything else. And then midterm elections will hit. And DADT is scheduled for next year, and DADT could easily supercede ENDA.
This delay is also giving the fundies more time to heat up their branding irons. In addition, the more delay, the more that the Committee doing the "tweaks" is going to start getting pressure to tinker with the "gender identity" provisions.
Click here to read more of the analysis of this issue.
It was a surprise to most people that the markup of ENDA, scheduled for last Wednesday morning at 10 am, was abruptly postponed on Monday night at 6:30 pm, heralded by a terse red notice on the House Committee on Education and Labor website. After all, ENDA had been touted for months as the next promise to be kept to our community, with LGBT House leaders embracing a vote in September or October.
The ENDA delay is ominous, and likely to be long. As The New York Times reported yesterday, a massive legislative logjam is building up in the Senate.. Once the Senate is done debating health care, there will be dozens of priority bills.
At the same time, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is setting a new legislative priority: the immediate creation of a jobs bill from scratch in the House, and Senator Reid has said the same for the Senate. Jobs are, of course, very important, but that effort will likely suck all the oxygen from the room for quite a while. Delaying ENDA puts it behind everything else. And then midterm elections will hit. And DADT is scheduled for next year, and DADT could easily supercede ENDA.
This delay is also giving the fundies more time to heat up their branding irons. In addition, the more delay, the more that the Committee doing the "tweaks" is going to start getting pressure to tinker with the "gender identity" provisions.
Click here to read more of the analysis of this issue.
Daily Devotional 11/25/09 When You Meet the Lord
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,
the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day. -- 2 Timothy 4:7-8
In AD 67, the Apostle Paul was in prison in Rome awaiting his execution. He knew that the time of his departure from planet earth was coming… and he was so excited to meet the Lord in glory. You see, Paul had lived his Christian life sold out to Jesus. He was not perfect, but he definitely was not lukewarm either. He finished the race in full stride, still on fire for Jesus Christ.
WHEN YOU MEET THE LORD?
All too often, people face death without the humble confidence and joyful expectation that Paul had. So many people face death with regret and shame, knowing that they wasted much of their life pursuing money and things and pleasure and stuff… and did not really seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33).
Paul knew he would have to give an account of His life to the Lord one day. He knew that it paid to serve Jesus… and that kept him faithful to the end, even when times were tough and he wanted to quit.
YOU CAN FINISH LIKE PAUL
No matter where you are today in your spiritual life, “it ain’t over till it’s over.” If you still have breath, you still have time to turn it around for Christ. Maybe you have fallen on the track and not gotten back up… or maybe you have said the fight is too hard and have left the ring. The Lord’s hand is outstretched to you. He says, “I know you have blown it… but I am not through with you yet. My grace is sufficient for you. Take my hand… get back in the race… and finish strong.”
Will you make it your life’s ambition to finish strong so that when the time for your departure comes, you too can have confidence when you meet Jesus in glory?
the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day. -- 2 Timothy 4:7-8
In AD 67, the Apostle Paul was in prison in Rome awaiting his execution. He knew that the time of his departure from planet earth was coming… and he was so excited to meet the Lord in glory. You see, Paul had lived his Christian life sold out to Jesus. He was not perfect, but he definitely was not lukewarm either. He finished the race in full stride, still on fire for Jesus Christ.
WHEN YOU MEET THE LORD?
All too often, people face death without the humble confidence and joyful expectation that Paul had. So many people face death with regret and shame, knowing that they wasted much of their life pursuing money and things and pleasure and stuff… and did not really seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33).
Paul knew he would have to give an account of His life to the Lord one day. He knew that it paid to serve Jesus… and that kept him faithful to the end, even when times were tough and he wanted to quit.
YOU CAN FINISH LIKE PAUL
No matter where you are today in your spiritual life, “it ain’t over till it’s over.” If you still have breath, you still have time to turn it around for Christ. Maybe you have fallen on the track and not gotten back up… or maybe you have said the fight is too hard and have left the ring. The Lord’s hand is outstretched to you. He says, “I know you have blown it… but I am not through with you yet. My grace is sufficient for you. Take my hand… get back in the race… and finish strong.”
Will you make it your life’s ambition to finish strong so that when the time for your departure comes, you too can have confidence when you meet Jesus in glory?
November 24, 2009
In Our Own Words 11/24/09-The LGBTS Church Is a Sleeping Giant!
Jim's essay was originally published in the Unidiversal Times Nov-Dec issue.
Those are the words I heard from the Lord during our amazing Fall Renewal gathering at Believers Covenant Fellowship, at which I also had the wonderful opportunity to worship with Robbie and Don once again.
As I write this, it’s been a week since the Lord gave me that word, and here’s how I believe He has led my wife Brenda and I to understand it and act upon it.
Our Fall Renewal came only a couple of days after same-sex marriage was struck down by the voters in Maine, marking the 31st consecutive time that issue has lost at the ballot box. In most cases, it has been “the church” that has been the leading voice of opposition and that has provided much of the resources used to campaign against LGBT equality. Clearly, the political process has seldom worked, and when it has like it did in Maine early in the year, it can be overturned making a lasting victory extremely difficult to obtain.
Those who are in the LGBTS (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight ally) Christian community know where lasting victory has been achieved and that is at the cross, where Jesus Christ died to redeem us from our sins. Many other Christians believe that, but we in the LGBTS camp know that Jesus did not withhold certain blessings and rights from certain groups of people. He died for us ALL so that WHOSOEVER comes to Him shall have everlasting life.
Brothers and sisters, we had just about every gender orientation represented at the Fall Renewal, and the Holy Spirit flowed over and through everyone. Brenda and I didn’t get an extra dose because we are straight; EVERYONE shared in the power of the Lord and the blessings He wants so badly to bestow upon us. Although LGBTS Christians are a minority, we are a powerful minority because the Word of the Lord will break people out of bondage and set them free (Romans 8:21)!
I believe that in many parts of this country the LGBTS church is a well kept secret. The dynamic preachers we heard last weekend; Apostle Dale Jarrett at BCF, Pastor David Thomas from Abundant Grace Church, Sister Evelyn Shave (another straight ally), and Apostle Randy Morgan bring messages from the Lord that can change lives and people need to hear them! The music from Apostle Dale and Pastor Debbie George is truly anointed—people need to hear this stuff so they can find a new place in their spirits where they are drawn close to God! A loyal, diligent minister like Robbie Ousley, one of the people who inspires our Straight, Not Narrow ministry, is someone people need to know. They need to see the messages at the Unidiversal website and be touched by his sincerity and spirit of servanthood.
Okay, so how can we make this happen? Here are some thoughts:
1) Adopt the attitude that people NEED these messages, these songs, and these relationships. They NEED to know that LGBT and Christian are not mutually exclusive and then to see positive examples of it. We can post them on Facebook, Twitter, and any other social media you participate in. We can talk about them with friends and family who are not accepting of LGBT people.
2) We need to live a life that makes people ask questions like “Why do have this sense of peace about you?” or “How have you been able to over [fill in the blank].” They we need to praise God as the answer.
3) We need to be out of our closets. If people know you are LGBT, do they know you are Christian? If you are a straight ally, do people know that? I know my boss at work just doesn’t get what Brenda and I are doing ministering within the LGBTS community, but I pray that over time he will seriously consider opening his heart and embrace equality.
4) Do NOT underestimate the power of God and His desire for everyone to live a full life in Him. I believe He hates how His word has been twisted and people abused and discriminated against in His name. His strength is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9) and He expects us to use it for His glory. We are all part of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and we all have a role to play in presenting the Gospel to the world.
Let’s not accept the idea that a LGBT ministry is no more than a “niche” ministry. Don’t allow the right-wing church to marginalize our body. We have a message to share and the Lord will provide opportunities to share it with the world if we are serious about doing so and actively seek opportunities.
I realize some of you reading this have already shown great dedication to spreading God’s word and have been working very hard in ministry for a while. I believe that time is growing short and we will all be seeing more doors open and be able to connect with more people who need to hear what the Lord would have us say to them.
The Lord told me that the LGBTS church is a sleeping giant and we had two different confirmations with people also hearing the word “awake”. It’s time to wake up folks!
Those are the words I heard from the Lord during our amazing Fall Renewal gathering at Believers Covenant Fellowship, at which I also had the wonderful opportunity to worship with Robbie and Don once again.
As I write this, it’s been a week since the Lord gave me that word, and here’s how I believe He has led my wife Brenda and I to understand it and act upon it.
Our Fall Renewal came only a couple of days after same-sex marriage was struck down by the voters in Maine, marking the 31st consecutive time that issue has lost at the ballot box. In most cases, it has been “the church” that has been the leading voice of opposition and that has provided much of the resources used to campaign against LGBT equality. Clearly, the political process has seldom worked, and when it has like it did in Maine early in the year, it can be overturned making a lasting victory extremely difficult to obtain.
Those who are in the LGBTS (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight ally) Christian community know where lasting victory has been achieved and that is at the cross, where Jesus Christ died to redeem us from our sins. Many other Christians believe that, but we in the LGBTS camp know that Jesus did not withhold certain blessings and rights from certain groups of people. He died for us ALL so that WHOSOEVER comes to Him shall have everlasting life.
Brothers and sisters, we had just about every gender orientation represented at the Fall Renewal, and the Holy Spirit flowed over and through everyone. Brenda and I didn’t get an extra dose because we are straight; EVERYONE shared in the power of the Lord and the blessings He wants so badly to bestow upon us. Although LGBTS Christians are a minority, we are a powerful minority because the Word of the Lord will break people out of bondage and set them free (Romans 8:21)!
I believe that in many parts of this country the LGBTS church is a well kept secret. The dynamic preachers we heard last weekend; Apostle Dale Jarrett at BCF, Pastor David Thomas from Abundant Grace Church, Sister Evelyn Shave (another straight ally), and Apostle Randy Morgan bring messages from the Lord that can change lives and people need to hear them! The music from Apostle Dale and Pastor Debbie George is truly anointed—people need to hear this stuff so they can find a new place in their spirits where they are drawn close to God! A loyal, diligent minister like Robbie Ousley, one of the people who inspires our Straight, Not Narrow ministry, is someone people need to know. They need to see the messages at the Unidiversal website and be touched by his sincerity and spirit of servanthood.
Okay, so how can we make this happen? Here are some thoughts:
1) Adopt the attitude that people NEED these messages, these songs, and these relationships. They NEED to know that LGBT and Christian are not mutually exclusive and then to see positive examples of it. We can post them on Facebook, Twitter, and any other social media you participate in. We can talk about them with friends and family who are not accepting of LGBT people.
2) We need to live a life that makes people ask questions like “Why do have this sense of peace about you?” or “How have you been able to over [fill in the blank].” They we need to praise God as the answer.
3) We need to be out of our closets. If people know you are LGBT, do they know you are Christian? If you are a straight ally, do people know that? I know my boss at work just doesn’t get what Brenda and I are doing ministering within the LGBTS community, but I pray that over time he will seriously consider opening his heart and embrace equality.
4) Do NOT underestimate the power of God and His desire for everyone to live a full life in Him. I believe He hates how His word has been twisted and people abused and discriminated against in His name. His strength is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9) and He expects us to use it for His glory. We are all part of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and we all have a role to play in presenting the Gospel to the world.
Let’s not accept the idea that a LGBT ministry is no more than a “niche” ministry. Don’t allow the right-wing church to marginalize our body. We have a message to share and the Lord will provide opportunities to share it with the world if we are serious about doing so and actively seek opportunities.
I realize some of you reading this have already shown great dedication to spreading God’s word and have been working very hard in ministry for a while. I believe that time is growing short and we will all be seeing more doors open and be able to connect with more people who need to hear what the Lord would have us say to them.
The Lord told me that the LGBTS church is a sleeping giant and we had two different confirmations with people also hearing the word “awake”. It’s time to wake up folks!
Encouraging Words 11/25/09-"With No Thought to the Future"
From Rev. Vera I. Bourne at Whosoever.org.
One of the most exciting stories in the New Testament is the calling of the John and James from their occupation as fisherman. Here were two brawny men, used to the rigors of fishing, busily tending their father's nets. Yet, at the command of a total stranger, they left their work, and, ignoring their duty to their father, followed Jesus. They left all that represented security and home life for what? What was so compelling about this stranger that made the two Zebedee brothers walk away from their livelihood? Not only did they leave their families and their work but they also invited other fishermen to do the same.
But it was not just fishermen who gave up their security to follow Jesus. Zacchaeus, though small of stature demonstrated a giant faith as he left his work as a tax collector to follow Jesus. Having made reparation to those he had cheated and amply provided for those who were poor, he was free to exchange physical security for spiritual certainty. Mary from Magdala, healed by Jesus, became the woman who appears to have been responsible for organising food and shelter for her beloved Master during the time he was travelling and preaching. In fact, those who heard him were torn between continuing the day-by-day business of living and satisfying the spiritual hunger Jesus had awakened in their souls. Those who could trust God to care for them just as God cared for the lilies of the field and the birds of the air; chose Jesus.
Throughout history countless other men and women have left family and friends and the security of home and occupation to follow Jesus. These Christians are those who have moved beyond the God of Deuteronomy and Leviticus - the God of the Law who demands punishment for all the mistakes we make in our lives. They have moved beyond the God who is the Absolute Other - the Holy Priest - who cannot bear to associate with sinners - who can acknowledge us only when we have become pure through sacrificial blood. They have encountered Yahweh, the God who Jesus called Abba. This is the God who waits for us to return and then welcomes us as did the father of the Prodigal son, with abundant blessings. This is the same God who knows our fears, who has witnessed our pain, who stands with us when everything we know and love has turned to ashes.
Click here to read the rest of this essay.
One of the most exciting stories in the New Testament is the calling of the John and James from their occupation as fisherman. Here were two brawny men, used to the rigors of fishing, busily tending their father's nets. Yet, at the command of a total stranger, they left their work, and, ignoring their duty to their father, followed Jesus. They left all that represented security and home life for what? What was so compelling about this stranger that made the two Zebedee brothers walk away from their livelihood? Not only did they leave their families and their work but they also invited other fishermen to do the same.
But it was not just fishermen who gave up their security to follow Jesus. Zacchaeus, though small of stature demonstrated a giant faith as he left his work as a tax collector to follow Jesus. Having made reparation to those he had cheated and amply provided for those who were poor, he was free to exchange physical security for spiritual certainty. Mary from Magdala, healed by Jesus, became the woman who appears to have been responsible for organising food and shelter for her beloved Master during the time he was travelling and preaching. In fact, those who heard him were torn between continuing the day-by-day business of living and satisfying the spiritual hunger Jesus had awakened in their souls. Those who could trust God to care for them just as God cared for the lilies of the field and the birds of the air; chose Jesus.
Throughout history countless other men and women have left family and friends and the security of home and occupation to follow Jesus. These Christians are those who have moved beyond the God of Deuteronomy and Leviticus - the God of the Law who demands punishment for all the mistakes we make in our lives. They have moved beyond the God who is the Absolute Other - the Holy Priest - who cannot bear to associate with sinners - who can acknowledge us only when we have become pure through sacrificial blood. They have encountered Yahweh, the God who Jesus called Abba. This is the God who waits for us to return and then welcomes us as did the father of the Prodigal son, with abundant blessings. This is the same God who knows our fears, who has witnessed our pain, who stands with us when everything we know and love has turned to ashes.
Click here to read the rest of this essay.
Matthew 25 Resource 11/24/09-Food Bank of the Rockies
Food Bank of the Rockies (FBR) was founded in 1978 and was known as the Colorado Food Clearing House. Operating from a 900-square-foot schoolroom in northwest Denver, the fledgling organization collected food from nearby Safeway stores and distributed it to one agency.
Today, FBR has extended its reach across Northern Colorado and Wyoming , providing food supplies to more than 1000 hunger-relief programs. In its first 30 years, FBR has provided nearly 325 million pounds of food to our member agencies, which translates to more than 250 million meals for people in need. Last year, we distributed over 26 million pounds of food, enough to provide more than 56,000 meals each day to children, seniors and families in need. FBR is a member of Feeding America.
FBR has a staff of 57 employees in Denver, 4 in Wyoming, and 3 on the Western Slope. Additionally FBR has a pool of more than 1000 volunteers who last year donated 73,500 hours of time - the equivalent of 35 full-time employees.
Click here to find out more.
Today, FBR has extended its reach across Northern Colorado and Wyoming , providing food supplies to more than 1000 hunger-relief programs. In its first 30 years, FBR has provided nearly 325 million pounds of food to our member agencies, which translates to more than 250 million meals for people in need. Last year, we distributed over 26 million pounds of food, enough to provide more than 56,000 meals each day to children, seniors and families in need. FBR is a member of Feeding America.
FBR has a staff of 57 employees in Denver, 4 in Wyoming, and 3 on the Western Slope. Additionally FBR has a pool of more than 1000 volunteers who last year donated 73,500 hours of time - the equivalent of 35 full-time employees.
Click here to find out more.
Is a New Marriage Strategy Needed?
LGBT leaders are still disecting the most recent loss for marriage equality at the ballot box in Maine. Long-time activist Leland Traiman shares his belief for a new strategy in Bay Area Reporter. Here's an excerpt:
Same-sex marriage has never won an election. Maine was our 33rd loss. On the other hand, domestic partnership has never, on its own, lost an election. Washington state continued that winning streak, barely. The attempt to repeal comprehensive domestic partnerships was too close for liberal Washington State, 47 percent. This means trouble for us. Our enemies, undoubtedly, are already planning domestic partnership repeals in more conservative areas. Even in California, instead of fighting for the rites of marriage, we may be forced to defend the rights of marriage we have already won through domestic partnerships. (California law says that all laws, regulations, and court decisions that apply to spouses in a marriage equally applies to registered domestic partners.) Even if California's domestic partnership law is not in jeopardy, certainly other states with domestic partnerships or other forms of recognition are at risk.
Our original long term strategy for achieving marital rights was to create a parallel and legally equal category, domestic partnerships. Eventually people would say, "It is stupid having two categories doing the same thing. Let's combine them." No tears, just a housekeeping measure. Much less flashy than the current marriage-only strategy but it was working. More important, comparing the trajectory domestic partnerships was on when the strategy was halted with the continuous defeats and heartache the marriage-only strategy has given us, it is clear that the domestic partnership strategy would have brought us to one, unified category of marital rights for both heterosexuals and LGBT folk much, much sooner. Unfortunately, like the previous presidential administration, which left the country in a mess, our current marriage-only strategy has left our community in an electoral mess. Our community's unquestioning devotion to the marriage-only strategy, which is only a strategy, not a cause or an ideal, has given our enemies the opportunity to undo our progress. Our enemies attacked Washington's domestic partnership law as if it was marriage, which it is not, but it almost worked. We must have a new strategy.
All civil rights struggles have had a series of steps and compromises along the way. Our struggle is no different. But, what if I am wrong and separate is not equal? What if comprehensive domestic partnerships are only "almost" equal? At this point in time, I would still love to be "almost" equal because, as of today, we are nowhere near equal! Let us get to equality (or almost equality) first. Once we have achieved that, we can start to worry about possible inequalities. We may not find any. Until then, it is just academic ruminations. (Commissions in New Jersey and Vermont "proving" that civil unions were not equal to marriage were cleverly stacked with marriage-only advocates whose conclusions had been decided upon before each commission met.)
Click here to read the rest of Traiman's essay and let us know what you think.
Same-sex marriage has never won an election. Maine was our 33rd loss. On the other hand, domestic partnership has never, on its own, lost an election. Washington state continued that winning streak, barely. The attempt to repeal comprehensive domestic partnerships was too close for liberal Washington State, 47 percent. This means trouble for us. Our enemies, undoubtedly, are already planning domestic partnership repeals in more conservative areas. Even in California, instead of fighting for the rites of marriage, we may be forced to defend the rights of marriage we have already won through domestic partnerships. (California law says that all laws, regulations, and court decisions that apply to spouses in a marriage equally applies to registered domestic partners.) Even if California's domestic partnership law is not in jeopardy, certainly other states with domestic partnerships or other forms of recognition are at risk.
Our original long term strategy for achieving marital rights was to create a parallel and legally equal category, domestic partnerships. Eventually people would say, "It is stupid having two categories doing the same thing. Let's combine them." No tears, just a housekeeping measure. Much less flashy than the current marriage-only strategy but it was working. More important, comparing the trajectory domestic partnerships was on when the strategy was halted with the continuous defeats and heartache the marriage-only strategy has given us, it is clear that the domestic partnership strategy would have brought us to one, unified category of marital rights for both heterosexuals and LGBT folk much, much sooner. Unfortunately, like the previous presidential administration, which left the country in a mess, our current marriage-only strategy has left our community in an electoral mess. Our community's unquestioning devotion to the marriage-only strategy, which is only a strategy, not a cause or an ideal, has given our enemies the opportunity to undo our progress. Our enemies attacked Washington's domestic partnership law as if it was marriage, which it is not, but it almost worked. We must have a new strategy.
All civil rights struggles have had a series of steps and compromises along the way. Our struggle is no different. But, what if I am wrong and separate is not equal? What if comprehensive domestic partnerships are only "almost" equal? At this point in time, I would still love to be "almost" equal because, as of today, we are nowhere near equal! Let us get to equality (or almost equality) first. Once we have achieved that, we can start to worry about possible inequalities. We may not find any. Until then, it is just academic ruminations. (Commissions in New Jersey and Vermont "proving" that civil unions were not equal to marriage were cleverly stacked with marriage-only advocates whose conclusions had been decided upon before each commission met.)
Click here to read the rest of Traiman's essay and let us know what you think.
Daily Devotional 11/24/09 Responding With a Kind Heart
From: From His Heart
To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit, not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9
How do you react when someone is rude to you? Do you return evil for evil… insult for insult… rudeness for rudeness? Do you have a tendency to tear people up with your tongue?
One known for his sharp tongue was Sir Winston Churchill. One day his nemesis, Lady Aster, said in disgust, “Sir Winston, if you were my husband, I would put arsenic in your tea.” To which Churchill quickly replied, “And Lady Aster, if I were your husband, I would gladly drink it.” What a classic example of evil for evil, insult for insult.
The Lord tells us that we are to give a blessing EVEN when someone insults us. He says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). Truly, “a gentle answer turns away wrath” (Prov. 15:1).
RESPONDING WITH A KIND HEART
When you are kindhearted, you respond to people by cutting them some slack and giving them the benefit of the doubt. Remember, rude, mean people are that way for a reason. Like the lion with a thorn in his paw, mean, angry folks have a deep hurt in their lives… that is why they are mean, cruel and argumentative. Kindness always tries to see things from the other’s perspective. Kindness always responds with patience, gentleness and understanding.
IN YOUR HOME
Let’s be honest, many homes are filled with insults. Brothers and sisters insult each other… spouses so often are mean and cutting with each other. What happened to “home, home on the range… where seldom is heard a discouraging word?” The good news is this: you can change the atmosphere in your home by keeping your tongue from insults… and giving a blessing instead.
Remember, when Jesus was dying on the cross, being laughed at and reviled, He did not revile in return. He prayed for those who crucified Him. His response of blessing for curses surprised the crowd. That hardened Roman Centurion who oversaw His death was so moved by His response that he declared, “Truly this was the Son of God!” WOW!
YOU CAN DO IT!
With all those you come in contact with today, make a special point of giving them a blessing. Compliment them on something they do well. Encourage them in their daily life. Take criticism… learn from it… and bless the person who was mean to you. You will be amazed at how God will work when you do things His way.
To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit, not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9
How do you react when someone is rude to you? Do you return evil for evil… insult for insult… rudeness for rudeness? Do you have a tendency to tear people up with your tongue?
One known for his sharp tongue was Sir Winston Churchill. One day his nemesis, Lady Aster, said in disgust, “Sir Winston, if you were my husband, I would put arsenic in your tea.” To which Churchill quickly replied, “And Lady Aster, if I were your husband, I would gladly drink it.” What a classic example of evil for evil, insult for insult.
The Lord tells us that we are to give a blessing EVEN when someone insults us. He says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21). Truly, “a gentle answer turns away wrath” (Prov. 15:1).
RESPONDING WITH A KIND HEART
When you are kindhearted, you respond to people by cutting them some slack and giving them the benefit of the doubt. Remember, rude, mean people are that way for a reason. Like the lion with a thorn in his paw, mean, angry folks have a deep hurt in their lives… that is why they are mean, cruel and argumentative. Kindness always tries to see things from the other’s perspective. Kindness always responds with patience, gentleness and understanding.
IN YOUR HOME
Let’s be honest, many homes are filled with insults. Brothers and sisters insult each other… spouses so often are mean and cutting with each other. What happened to “home, home on the range… where seldom is heard a discouraging word?” The good news is this: you can change the atmosphere in your home by keeping your tongue from insults… and giving a blessing instead.
Remember, when Jesus was dying on the cross, being laughed at and reviled, He did not revile in return. He prayed for those who crucified Him. His response of blessing for curses surprised the crowd. That hardened Roman Centurion who oversaw His death was so moved by His response that he declared, “Truly this was the Son of God!” WOW!
YOU CAN DO IT!
With all those you come in contact with today, make a special point of giving them a blessing. Compliment them on something they do well. Encourage them in their daily life. Take criticism… learn from it… and bless the person who was mean to you. You will be amazed at how God will work when you do things His way.
November 23, 2009
In Our Own Words-Top 25 Gay Rights & Activism Blogs
The blog "Online Paralegal Degree" has compiled a list of what they consider to be the Top 25 Gay Rights & Activism Blogs. We are happy to be notified that Straight, Not Narrow made this list at #23. We appreciate Laura Wright notifying us of this distinction.
We are always pleased to receive positive recognition, not to glorify what we do but because it tells us that we are properly representing what we believe is a critical part of the message of Jesus, which is His love for ALL mankind. Christianity, properly carried out, is a "whosoever" faith, one that takes extra care to reach out to those who have been pushed aside and cast off. That's a revelation we carry with us in our hearts, and we're glad the Online Paralegal Degree blog thinks our blog is sharing it clearly with others.
We are always pleased to receive positive recognition, not to glorify what we do but because it tells us that we are properly representing what we believe is a critical part of the message of Jesus, which is His love for ALL mankind. Christianity, properly carried out, is a "whosoever" faith, one that takes extra care to reach out to those who have been pushed aside and cast off. That's a revelation we carry with us in our hearts, and we're glad the Online Paralegal Degree blog thinks our blog is sharing it clearly with others.
Encouraging Words 11/23/09-BCF Praise Report
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!"
Ephesians 6:10
Greetings BCF Friends and Family!
No matter what the enemy may try to throw your way, RIGHT NOW-remember and BE STRONG IN THE LORD and in the power of His might! The Lord our God is with us and He is mighty to deliver us and keep us! Worship service was wonderful as always at BCF yesterday. Once again, Lauren led worship on her guitar and incorporated Linda on hers, as well as the beautiful voices of our praise team. It was sweet and ebbed and flowed with the moving of the Holy Spirit in sweet accord.
Brother Josh Weiberg then proceeded to share a powerful word of exhortation to the Body of Christ from Ephesians 6- exhorting all of us to remember that if the heat is on and various trials and temptations are going on in our lives- it's NOT our brothers and sisters in Christ causing us trouble, hurting us, or doing something against us- to remember that we are fighting a spiritual war against satan and the kingdom of darkness!
Folks, the devil is REAL. He is a fallen angel named Lucifer, who has an army of fallen angels called demons who are intent on establishing a kingdom of darkness and enslaving and destroying God's humanity! He is jealous of us! He is jealous that God loves us so much and has anointed US with His Glory! He wants it, but he can't have it! So if he can't have it, the next best thing he can do is get us into strife and offense, to turn against the Word of God/Jesus, and trick us into missing out on what God has in store for us! And how does he often do that? By getting us to be offended and in strife with one another! If he can divide us, stop our unconditional love for one another, get us to sin- then he can affect every area of our lives and ministries!
Josh gave us the KEY to standing against the attacks of the enemy- WARFARE! To fight BACK! But....not to fight people, one another, especially our brothers and sisters in the faith- NO! Our warfare is not carnal with weapons, or with our mouths (the tongue can be used as a weapon!) but rather- we WAR ON THE FLOOR! We are to run to our Heavenly Father- we are to fall on our face and WORSHIP HIM! We are to run to Him and pray for all of the situations or circumstances we find ourselves in! Run to the Throne, not the phone!! If we PRAY and SEEK HIS FACE- He will hear from Heaven and HEAL....and in this case- the Lord Sabbaoth will rise up and deliver His People!
I encourage us all to ask the Holy Spirit to put a guard over our mouths so that we don't sin against the Lord- (Words are powerful, they give life or death!) and most of all PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT! Oh, it's so important to be born again and to be FILLED with the Holy Spirit- and receive the evidence of the infilling with speaking in tongues! Tongues is a GIFT from God that empowers us in the Holy Spirit- He will pray Father's Perfect Will and Perfect HEART for whatever the situation may be!
Remember this scripture:
"Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory!
But you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with it's practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in the knowledge in the image of it's Creator.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over ALL these virtues put on LOVE, which binds them all together in perfect UNITY!
Colossians 3:1-4, 8-10, 12-14
Let's all just give the enemy of our lives a swift spiritual KICK out the doorway of our lives by purposing to pray for one another and to LOVE one another no matter what! Nothing will do damage to his plans faster than all of us hanging on and determining to love and cover each other no matter what!!
It's thanksgiving week here in the USA, and Garrey and I are so blessed to host over 15 people in our home this Thursday. It's going to be a REAL FAMILY THANKSGIVING- and we have so much to be thankful for. I'm also so excited that Minister Zoila Aguilar is coming to fellowship with us and will be leading a prophetic training workshop NEXT SATURDAY, November 28th, at BCF. REMEMBER that we will be uStreaming the workshop from 10 AM (est) until 2 PM, with a lunch break mid way through.
I hope you will join us live and/or go back and watch what we archive.
Meanwhile, KNOW THAT WE LOVE YOU and WE DEEPLY CARE ABOUT YOU! We are praying for you and are so thankful that you are praying for us! Through our God- and TOGETHER- we shall do valiantly!!
Have a wonderful week and Happy Thanksgiving!
Shalom and in Christ's faithful love and friendship,
Apostle Dale
Ephesians 6:10
Greetings BCF Friends and Family!
No matter what the enemy may try to throw your way, RIGHT NOW-remember and BE STRONG IN THE LORD and in the power of His might! The Lord our God is with us and He is mighty to deliver us and keep us! Worship service was wonderful as always at BCF yesterday. Once again, Lauren led worship on her guitar and incorporated Linda on hers, as well as the beautiful voices of our praise team. It was sweet and ebbed and flowed with the moving of the Holy Spirit in sweet accord.
Brother Josh Weiberg then proceeded to share a powerful word of exhortation to the Body of Christ from Ephesians 6- exhorting all of us to remember that if the heat is on and various trials and temptations are going on in our lives- it's NOT our brothers and sisters in Christ causing us trouble, hurting us, or doing something against us- to remember that we are fighting a spiritual war against satan and the kingdom of darkness!
Folks, the devil is REAL. He is a fallen angel named Lucifer, who has an army of fallen angels called demons who are intent on establishing a kingdom of darkness and enslaving and destroying God's humanity! He is jealous of us! He is jealous that God loves us so much and has anointed US with His Glory! He wants it, but he can't have it! So if he can't have it, the next best thing he can do is get us into strife and offense, to turn against the Word of God/Jesus, and trick us into missing out on what God has in store for us! And how does he often do that? By getting us to be offended and in strife with one another! If he can divide us, stop our unconditional love for one another, get us to sin- then he can affect every area of our lives and ministries!
Josh gave us the KEY to standing against the attacks of the enemy- WARFARE! To fight BACK! But....not to fight people, one another, especially our brothers and sisters in the faith- NO! Our warfare is not carnal with weapons, or with our mouths (the tongue can be used as a weapon!) but rather- we WAR ON THE FLOOR! We are to run to our Heavenly Father- we are to fall on our face and WORSHIP HIM! We are to run to Him and pray for all of the situations or circumstances we find ourselves in! Run to the Throne, not the phone!! If we PRAY and SEEK HIS FACE- He will hear from Heaven and HEAL....and in this case- the Lord Sabbaoth will rise up and deliver His People!
I encourage us all to ask the Holy Spirit to put a guard over our mouths so that we don't sin against the Lord- (Words are powerful, they give life or death!) and most of all PRAY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT! Oh, it's so important to be born again and to be FILLED with the Holy Spirit- and receive the evidence of the infilling with speaking in tongues! Tongues is a GIFT from God that empowers us in the Holy Spirit- He will pray Father's Perfect Will and Perfect HEART for whatever the situation may be!
Remember this scripture:
"Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory!
But you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with it's practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in the knowledge in the image of it's Creator.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over ALL these virtues put on LOVE, which binds them all together in perfect UNITY!
Colossians 3:1-4, 8-10, 12-14
Let's all just give the enemy of our lives a swift spiritual KICK out the doorway of our lives by purposing to pray for one another and to LOVE one another no matter what! Nothing will do damage to his plans faster than all of us hanging on and determining to love and cover each other no matter what!!
It's thanksgiving week here in the USA, and Garrey and I are so blessed to host over 15 people in our home this Thursday. It's going to be a REAL FAMILY THANKSGIVING- and we have so much to be thankful for. I'm also so excited that Minister Zoila Aguilar is coming to fellowship with us and will be leading a prophetic training workshop NEXT SATURDAY, November 28th, at BCF. REMEMBER that we will be uStreaming the workshop from 10 AM (est) until 2 PM, with a lunch break mid way through.
I hope you will join us live and/or go back and watch what we archive.
Meanwhile, KNOW THAT WE LOVE YOU and WE DEEPLY CARE ABOUT YOU! We are praying for you and are so thankful that you are praying for us! Through our God- and TOGETHER- we shall do valiantly!!
Have a wonderful week and Happy Thanksgiving!
Shalom and in Christ's faithful love and friendship,
Apostle Dale
LGBT Helping Hands 11/23/09-Outright Vermont
Outright Vermont (Outright) was founded in 1989 following the release of a 1988 national youth risk survey showing that gay and lesbian youth in particular had very high rates of depression and suicide. A group of community activists gathered to form Outright, which began as a “once a week” support group. Our Friday Night support group has continued ever since, every Friday over the past 20 years. Today, Outright is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) ‘queer’ youth center and statewide advocacy organization.
The Mission of Outright is to build safe, healthy, and supportive environments for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth (ages 13-22). Our goal is to make Vermont the safest, most supportive and empowering state for queer youth in America.
Outright’s organizing strategy is based on a youth empowerment, social change model that tells us that youth power is an essential element in the fight for equal rights. We describe youth empowerment in two parts – providing the safe space and resources so that youth can do the heavy lifting themselves and adjusting the fundamental power dynamics so that their hard work can achieves results.
Click here to find out more.
The Mission of Outright is to build safe, healthy, and supportive environments for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth (ages 13-22). Our goal is to make Vermont the safest, most supportive and empowering state for queer youth in America.
Outright’s organizing strategy is based on a youth empowerment, social change model that tells us that youth power is an essential element in the fight for equal rights. We describe youth empowerment in two parts – providing the safe space and resources so that youth can do the heavy lifting themselves and adjusting the fundamental power dynamics so that their hard work can achieves results.
Click here to find out more.
LGBT News Digest 11/23/09
John Corvino writes at 365gay.com about the "slippery slope of religious exemptions" in regards to enforcement of gay rights laws.
In the UK, the European Commission is putting pressure on the government to drop those types of exemptions from their laws according to PinkNews.
Pam's House Blend reports that Gordon Brown, the Prime Ministry of the UK, stood up strong in support of Transgender People on their Day of Rememberance.
Gay Agenda posts an essay from Rev. Jerry Maneker titled "The Irony and Irrationality of Minority Homophibla."
Google News has information about the continuation of the Washington Blade newspaper, retitled "DC Agenda" and run by much of the former Blade's staff.
Google News also looks around the world at events commemorating the Transgender Day of Rememberance.
In the UK, the European Commission is putting pressure on the government to drop those types of exemptions from their laws according to PinkNews.
Pam's House Blend reports that Gordon Brown, the Prime Ministry of the UK, stood up strong in support of Transgender People on their Day of Rememberance.
Gay Agenda posts an essay from Rev. Jerry Maneker titled "The Irony and Irrationality of Minority Homophibla."
Google News has information about the continuation of the Washington Blade newspaper, retitled "DC Agenda" and run by much of the former Blade's staff.
Google News also looks around the world at events commemorating the Transgender Day of Rememberance.
Daily Devotional 11/23/09 Persevering Tribulations
From: Daily in Christ
James 1:2, 3 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
There certainly are a lot of distractions, diversions, disappointments, trials, temptations and traumas which come along to disrupt the process of becoming the person God wants you to be. Every day you struggle against the world, the flesh and the devil, each of which are opposed to your success at being God's person.
But Paul reminds us that the tribulations we face are actually a means of achieving our supreme goal of maturity: "We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:3-5). James offers similar encouragement: "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4).
Maybe you thought your goal as a Christian was to escape tribulations. But God's goal for you is maturity in Christ, becoming the person He designed you to be. And tribulation just happens to be one of the primary stepping-stones on the pathway. That's why Paul says we exult--meaning to express heightened joy--in our tribulations. Why? Because persevering tribulations is the doorway to proven character, which is God's goal for us.
Our hope lies in proven character, not in favorable circumstances nor in the manipulation of others. Neither circumstances nor people can keep you from being what God wants you to be. Trials and tribulations are the most common means for bringing about His goal for your life.
Prayer:
Lord, help me see my trials as stepping-stones, not obstacles. Give me grace to persevere and develop proven character.
James 1:2, 3 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
There certainly are a lot of distractions, diversions, disappointments, trials, temptations and traumas which come along to disrupt the process of becoming the person God wants you to be. Every day you struggle against the world, the flesh and the devil, each of which are opposed to your success at being God's person.
But Paul reminds us that the tribulations we face are actually a means of achieving our supreme goal of maturity: "We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us" (Romans 5:3-5). James offers similar encouragement: "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2-4).
Maybe you thought your goal as a Christian was to escape tribulations. But God's goal for you is maturity in Christ, becoming the person He designed you to be. And tribulation just happens to be one of the primary stepping-stones on the pathway. That's why Paul says we exult--meaning to express heightened joy--in our tribulations. Why? Because persevering tribulations is the doorway to proven character, which is God's goal for us.
Our hope lies in proven character, not in favorable circumstances nor in the manipulation of others. Neither circumstances nor people can keep you from being what God wants you to be. Trials and tribulations are the most common means for bringing about His goal for your life.
Prayer:
Lord, help me see my trials as stepping-stones, not obstacles. Give me grace to persevere and develop proven character.
November 22, 2009
Welcome to Sunday Worship 11/22/09
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 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.
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