i got this from my mail i reali think it's so true. . . enjoy reading!!

The Lord's Prayer

(Person): 'Our Father who art in heaven ...'

(God): Yes?

(Person): Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.

(God): But you called me.

(Person): Called you? I didn't call you. I'm praying. "Our Father who art in heaven..."

(God): There you did it again.

(Person): Did what?

(God): Called me. You said, "Our Father who art in heaven. " Here I am...What's on your mind?

(Person): But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good,kind of like getting a duty done.

(God): All right. Go on.

(Person): "Hallowed be thy name..."

(God): Hold it. What do you mean by that?

(Person): By what?

(God): By "hallowed be thy name"?

(Person): It means... it means... Good grief, I don't know what it means. How should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?

(God): It means honored, holy, and wonderful.

(Person): Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what "hallowed" meant before. "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

(God): Do you really mean that?

(Person): Sure, why not?

(God): What are you doing about it?

(Person): Doing? Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there.

(God): Have I got control of you?

(Person): Well, I go to church.

(God): That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money--all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read?

(Person): Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at the church. (God): Excuse me. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.

(Person): Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others.

(God): So could I.

(Person): I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free.

(God): Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together, you and I.Some victories can truly be won. I'm proud of you.

(Person): Look, Lord, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does. "Give us this day, our daily bread."

(God): You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight as it is.

(Person): Hey, wait a minute! What is this, "Criticize my day"? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.

(God): Praying is a dangerous thing. You could wind up changed, you know.That's what I'm trying to get across to you. You called me, and here I am.It's too late to stop now. Keep praying, I'm interested in the next part of your prayer...(pause). Well, go on.

(Person): I'm scared to.

(God): Scared? Of what?

(Person): I know what you'll say.

(God): Try me and see.

(Person): "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sinned against us."

(God): What about Ann?

(Person): See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why, Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories about my family. She never paid back the debt she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!

(God): But your prayer? What about your prayer?

(Person): I didn't mean it.

(God): Well, at least you're admitting it. But it's not much fun carrying that load of bitterness around inside, is it?

(Person): No. But I'll feel better as soon as I get even. Boy, have I got some plans for that neighbor. She'll
wish she had never moved into this neighborhood.

(God): You won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet.Think of how unhappy you already are. But I can change all that.

(Person): You can? How?

(God): Forgive Ann. Then I'll forgive you. Then the hate and sin will be Ann's problem and not yours. You will have settled your heart.

(Person): Oh, you're right. You always are. And more than I want to get revenge on Ann, I want to be right with you.... (pause)...(sigh). All right. All right. I forgive her. Help her to find the right road in life,Lord. She's bound to be awfully miserable now that I think about it.Anybody who goes around doing the things she does to others has to be out of it. Some way, some how, show her the right way.

(God) There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?

(Person): Hmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all. In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll have to go to bed uptight tonight for the first time since I can remember. Maybe I won't be so tired from now on because I'm not getting enough rest.

(God): You're not through with your prayer. Go on.

(Person): Oh, all right. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

(God): Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.

(Person): What do you mean by that?

(God): Don't turn on the TV when you know the laundry needs to be done and the house needs to be picked up. Also, about the time you spend coffeeing with your friends, if you can't influence the conversation to positive things, perhaps you should rethink the value of those friendships.Another thing, your neighbors and friends shouldn't be your standard for "keeping up". And please don't use me for an escape hatch.

(Person): I don't understand the last part.

(God): Sure you do. You've done it a lot of times. You get caught in a bad situation. You get into trouble and then you come running to me, "Lord, help me out of this mess and I promise you I'll never do it again." You remember some of those bargains you tried to make with me?

(Person): Yes, and I'm ashamed, Lord. I really am.

(God): Which bargain are you remembering?

(Person): Well, there was the night that Bill was gone and the children and I were home alone. The wind was blowing so hard I thought the roof would go any minute and tornado warnings were out. I remember praying, "Oh, God,if you spare us, I'll never skip my devotions again."

(God): Did you?

(Person): I'm sorry, Lord, I really am. Up until now I thought that if I just prayed the Lord's Prayer every day, then I could do what I liked. I didn't expect anything to happen like it did.

(God): Go ahead and finish your prayer.

(Person): "For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever." Amen.

(God): Do you know what would bring me glory? What would really make me happy?

(Person): No, but I'd like to know. I want now to please you. I can see what a mess I've made of my life.
And I can see how great it would be to really be one of your followers.

(God): You just answered the question.

(Person): I did?

(God): Yes. The thing that would bring me glory is to have people like you truly love me. And I see that happening between us. Now that some of these old sins are exposed and out of the way, well, there is no telling what we can do together.

~By Ruth Carter-Bourdon~ Love God and Pray

Be a Person of Your Word
by Mark Brazee Author Bio

"Where in God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us" (Heb. 6:17-18).

Hebrews 6:18 says it is impossible for God to lie. He doesn't have the capacity to be dishonest or to fail to keep His Word. God and His Word cannot be separated.

As God's children, we should also be people of our word. Now, sometimes a situation arises that makes it impossible to keep our word to someone, even though our intentions are good. With the exception of these extreme cases, we need to be people of our word.

If we can't believe in our own word, our faith will never work, because faith is believing that what we say will come to pass. Our faith has nothing to stand on when our word is no good. We never know what to believe.

As humans, we often have to choose whether we're going to tell the truth or "fudge" just a little bit. The flesh wants to rise up and say whatever it takes to keep us out of trouble. But compromising the truth even in little ways will short-circuit our faith.

In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul said, "I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection…." Well, if the apostle Paul had to keep his body under, we certainly do too! As long as we have human bodies, we'll have to keep them under the control of our spirits so we can be people of our word.


Confession:
I watch my words carefully and speak only the truth.
Therefore, I can expect to walk in God's best. God's Word is
truth, and as I speak His words, His truth is produced in me!

Source: Prescription for a Miracle by Mark Brazee
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers

Dwarf Your Problems by Magnifying God!

A friend in the ministry recently shared about a conversation he had with a great woman of prayer. She had been involved in the early days of the Pentecostal movement in this country, when it seemed so easy to get prayers answered.

This minister questioned her saying, "What's the difference between the way we pray now and the way you prayed back then?"

Her reply was simple and direct: "That's easy. When you folks get together, you spend all your time talking about how big the problems are. When we got together, we spent all our time talking about how big God is."

Psalm 34:1-4 says:
I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
(Ps. 34:1-4)
Several years ago, in the early years of our marriage (when money was tight), I remember getting up one night worrying over finances. At the time, I was just a few weeks short of giving birth to our first child—and extremely hormonal.

I waddled the floor, stewed and fretted, fretted and stewed and then waddled some more. Quite unexpectedly, I found myself thinking, "This is ridiculous. God has always taken care of us. There's not really anything I can do. I'm not really helping by fretting. I'm just going to take a moment and praise the Lord to show Him that I trust Him."

I was sobbing. So, in the most pitiful voice imaginable, I bawled through a red face streaked with tears, "I praaaaise You, God. (Sniff, sniff) I looooove You, Jeeesus. I maggggnify Yooooouuuu. I maggnify Yoouu. I magnify You?"

All of the sudden, I found myself trying to picture what it would be like to look at God through a magnifying glass. You know, He's a pretty big God. But when we look at Him in that manner, He gets REALLY BIG. The longer I magnified Him, the bigger He got.

By the time I came to myself, my problems seemed like teeny tiny specks compared to Him and the greatness of His love. When I started magnifying Him, I didn't feel like praising Him. I wanted to crawl under a rock somewhere and have a huge pity party.

Praising Him was a choice I made. Because of that choice, He blessed me. Before I knew what happened, I found myself rejoicing all over the living room. I went back to bed and slept in sweet peace, never fussing about that situation again.

Our finances didn't turn around instantly—it took some time—but we didn't go under either.

Ephesians 5:18-20 says to "...be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The aforementioned example about magnifying God is also a good illustration of Ephesians 5:18-20. I spoke to myself. I sang and praised Him. I thanked Him. Because I did those things, He filled me up. When I poured my heart out to Him, He poured Himself into me. It was a blessing that sustained me through very difficult times.

Nehemiah 8:10 says, "...the joy of the LORD is your strength." The joy of the Lord truly became my strength. His joy sustained me because I chose to praise Him in that hour of darkness.


Copyright © 2003 Adoration Ministries, Inc.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.

yahoo! finally the song presentation is over!! i guess you guys cannot imagine!!! i've been listening to the song for a week plus!!! at 1st it was nice but later i was bored of the song. . hahaha! actualli not really. . .anyway i reali wana thank Joseph for giving me this chance to learn how to harmonise songs. . .it was really a very big challenge to me!! well today i went out with Jeraine, Janelle and Denice to watch "Shrek 2"! i tell you the show is so. . . . . hai. . .FUNI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hahaha!!! i just simply luv the irritating donkey acted by eddie murphy!!! wahhahahahaha!!! aren't he just so irritating? hahaha!!!! gals you knw, i reali luv you alot!!!! very very happy that you 3 are growin the Lord!! let's always encourage one another!!! anyway yesterday's ss is great!! i really learnt alot about having a joy-filled life!!! it's true sometimes we misfocus where our joy comes from. . .well the sermon reali let me think alot. not only this, yesterday's meet with jasmine was great too!!! jasmine challenge NYP to hit 50! wow i tell you it's a great challenge!!! but i believe that all the NYP that were in america rm, we all are very excited! amen? 1 Peter 5:2-4, this verse reali make me wana become a shepherd that is like Jesus! God transform me man!!!

God what do you have in store for NYP3? hmm. . .can tell me?? haha. . well today is reali a very diaozzzzzzz day for me man! 1st i miss my bus then next is my train then later was that the 2 train that came was not for passenger service. . .how worse can it be! i reali tried to get rid of the frustrating feeling inside of me but. . .very hard man. . .anyway today i went to pet safari at simei shopping mall with Jeraine and Big.J and i tell you the dogs in there are reali so cute lor!!!!!!!!!! hahaha!!! hope Heaven is a place filled with dogs!!! hahahaha!!! you know i am reali so disappoint in alot of things. . like in myself and etc. . . haha. . anyway i dun care la! now in my heart wat i reali care alot is that my brother will convert this sat!!!!! reali hope this vision will come to a pass!!! been hoping for 2 years liao!!!!! Jonathan Liu if you see this msg, just wana tell you that God luvs you and I luv you too!!! let's serve God together ok? Sharon come this sat ok!!! will pray that you will be touch by God's luv. .

hm. .. AMEN!!!! have joy in praying to God!! Soak your life with prayers!!!!! enjoy reading the articles!!! all tos who succeeded in the audition for centerstage!!! jiayou for the next round!!!!! NYP jiayou!!!

Fellowship in Prayer
by Kenneth Hagin Author Bio

"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleans us from all sin" (1 John 1:3-4,7).

If you have fellowship with God, and you're walking in the light as He is in the light, then prayer becomes one of the greatest assets you have inherited in Christ. Prayer is joining forces with God the Father. It is being in fellowship with Him. It is carrying out His will upon the earth.

Prayer should never be a problem or a burden to you. It should be a joy! Prayer, "real prayer," won't take anything out of you; it will always put something into you! Because you are in fellowship with God when you pray.

Confession: I have fellowshipped with my Father in prayer. And my joy is full! I fellowship with God. I commune with God, I talk with Him, and I listen to Him, that I may carry out His will upon the earth.


Source: Faith Food Devotions by Kenneth E. Hagin.
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications

God is Good…All the Time
by Doug Domokos

"God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good!" That's a favorite statement of many Christians who understand and believe the Bible is true when it says in Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can be against us?"

In Psalm 136:1 it says, "Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!" Unfortunately, even though Jesus Christ clearly stated in John 10:10 that Satan is the one who is behind every act of destruction, stealing, and death, there are those misguided souls who blame God for this world's pain and problems.

And Satan loves that because as long as people keep blaming God for disease, destruction, and death, he knows they will never turn to God for the help and hope only God can provide.

I'm not blind to the fact that America certainly has its problems. But I truly believe the escalated terrorist activities since September 11, 2001 are the works of Satan, the destroyer, killer, and stealer of life.
- Doug Domokos

This was never more evident than the horrible destruction and death that shocked America on September 11, 2001. Once again, we heard many say what happened on that day was the judgment of God against America because of a variety of sins.

To make matters worse, they then went and extended blame on the abortionists, drunks, drug users, homosexuals, pornography, the ACLU, and a host of other "terrible sinners" or sins. One look at Jesus' life and ministry will expose the fallacy of such thinking since Jesus came "not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:17).

In fact, one day Jesus was confronted by a crowd of self-righteous, judgmental people who blamed the tragic deaths of certain people on the judgment of God. But Jesus quickly set the record straight in Luke 13:1-5.

Jesus said in Luke 13:2-3, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you NO! But unless you repent you will all likewise perish."

And then Jesus calls their attention to another recent tragedy in Luke 13:4: "Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them; do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem?"

Again Jesus repeats in Luke 13:5 what He said before, "I tell you NO! But unless you repent you will all likewise perish."

The ones who declare that the events of September 11, 2001, and all of the terrorist acts since that time) represent the judgment of God on America are taking the exact same position these self-righteous, judgmental people took in Luke 13. They are saying that the reason all the people died through these acts of terrorism is because they were "worse sinners" than they are!

Can you see why Satan wants to stop the preaching of the Gospel and why he's trying to substitute counterfeit "Gospels" to replace the true Gospel? Satan knows when "the end" comes; it means the end for him!
- Doug Domokos

Or put another way, they are saying that they themselves are not as evil as those who died in the terrorist attacks. After all, they are still alive, aren't they? Which means they aren't under God's judgment like the other people were, right? How absolutely appalling!

That's why Jesus tells us whenever a tragedy takes place, the fortunate survivors are to use it to examine and ponder the state of their own hearts, not to exact judgment by pointing the finger of blame at others, including the victims of the tragedy.

I'm not blind to the fact that America certainly has its problems. But I truly believe the escalated terrorist activities since September 11, 2001 are the works of Satan, the destroyer, killer, and stealer of life.

The End is Near
Why has Satan been attacking America, American citizens, and military personnel? Because 90 percent of the Christian missionaries and financial support sent throughout the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, comes from American soil and from the American people. America still sends out more Christian missionaries and money than all the other nations of the world combined!

Why would Satan seek to disrupt the flow of missionaries and money to keep the Gospel of Jesus Christ from going into all the world? Jesus gives the answer in Matthew 24:14 "And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come."

Can you see why Satan wants to stop the preaching of the Gospel and why he's trying to substitute counterfeit "Gospels" to replace the true Gospel? Satan knows when "the end" comes; it means the end for him!

God is good all the time and all the time, God is good. Satan is bad all the time and all the time, Satan is bad. He's the one behind every act of disease, destruction, and death, not God.

Let's stop condemning and judging America and its leaders and start praying for our leaders and our country like the Bible commands us in 1 Timothy 2:1-4. Then we will see genuine repentance and spiritual awakening come to America. Who knows? It might start with you!


Copyright © 2004 Word of Faith Dominion Church
All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Obedience: The Love Thermometer
by Keith Butler Author Bio

"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:17-18 KJV).

Don't just talk the talk, but also walk the walk.

Love and obedience to God work together. The Lord taught me this lesson over 25 years ago. I was singing in concert with a group in Detroit called the Followers of Christ, in Kennedy Square.

After we finished singing, I preached and gave an altar call. People came forth and were saved. It was a great service. Then while we were packing up the equipment to leave, a homeless woman came up to me and said, "Sir, I don't have any food. I've got two children at home. Would you help me?"

She did not know that my wife and I had both lost our jobs. Not only that, but we didn't have a whole lot of money. We were just kids. I was 19 years old. I had all of the money we owned in the world in my right front pocket. It was $30.

Then I looked to my spirit to see what the Holy Spirit wanted me to do. Before you decide something with your head, listen to see if you have something inside from the Lord. I had peace on the inside to bless this woman. So I preached to her and prayed the prayer of salvation with her. She made Jesus the Lord of her life, and I gave her $20 of that $30.

We eventually came to a place that we ran out of money. And the only thing we had in the house was a jar of water. Nobody knew that we were destitute. We looked prosperous. That is why you have to obey God.

One day, as the wife and I were sitting on the couch wondering what we were going to do, there was a knock at the door. A brother from the church I was attending was there. That brother and his wife brought in a station wagon full of groceries. Then he left me with an envelope full of money—two week's salary. Praise God!

I am well convinced obeying God concerning that homeless lady opened the door for God to bring me what I needed—the groceries and money. And about the time the groceries and money ran out, I found a job. When we are obedient and walk in love, God supplies all our needs.

Scripture References: Phil. 4:13-19; John 14:15


Copyright © 2002 Keith Butler Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Be Separate

"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you" (2 Cor. 6:17).

We're surrounded by a world which, for the most part, is ruled by Satan. How can we avoid getting caught up in it? How can we stand apart?

You'll find the answer in John 17:17. There Jesus was speaking to the Father about all those who would become Christians. "Sanctify them by the truth," He said. "Your word is truth." Now, sanctify means "to separate to." So Jesus is saying, "Separate them by the Word."

When you first believed the Bible, your spirit was reborn. You were spiritually separated from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. And that's where a lot of people stop. They let God's Word do its initial separating work and then go right on living like everyone else.

Spiritually, they're still separated from death. But physically and mentally, they're up to their necks in it. They're depressed. They're sick. They're worried. They're confused. They're upset. In other words, they're just like everyone else in the world.

But if you'll give God's Word first place in your life, it will continue to separate you from the poverty, anxiety, sickness and hatred of the world. It will also separate you to the things of God.

You can't simply separate yourself from an old destructive habit without separating yourself to something stronger...God's Word.

So make a quality decision today—a decision from which there is no turning back. Decide to give the Bible first place in your life. Lock into His Word and let it do its work. Let it separate you from the things of the world and to the things of God.

Talk The Truth: "I come out from among the world and I am separate." (2 Corinthians 6:17)

Study The Truth: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Read The Truth: Job 1,2; Jude


Source: Over The Edge Youth Devotional by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers

What Balance Should You Have Between Unsaved Friends And Christian Friends?by Eastman Curtis Author Bio

I believe one of the key elements to staying on fire for God is to hang around others who are on fire. Proverbs 12:26 tells you to choose your friends carefully because the way of the wicked will lead you astray.

Now, every one of us has a desire to feel accepted by our peers. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially if we are hanging around "flame-throwers for Jesus." It can, however, be a bad thing if we are hanging around a bunch of "spiritual deadheads and lukewarmies" because even strong Christians can be influenced negatively by wrong friends.

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Prov. 18:24 NIV).

That is why the Word says that you are to choose your friends carefully. So think about the friends you currently have. Do you know where they stand in their relationship with God?

Are your friends who aren't serving God snuffing out your flame? If so, you may need to reevaluate how much time you spend with them. It's much more important that you spend time with your "flame-thrower" friends who love Jesus.


Source: Xtreme Talk Devotional by Eastman Curtis.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers

Pride Is A Hidden Contaminator Of Faith

One dear prophet of God has been declaring recently that fear tolerated is faith contaminated. And it is such a timely message for the body of Christ. On the heels of that message, I heard from the Spirit of God that pride tolerated is faith contaminated.

Let me explain. How does faith come?

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Rom. 10:17).

Faith and revelation come from God and the Word of God. We know that anything you get from God is the result of His favor or grace. And how do you get grace? In the book of James it says,
But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

(James 4:6-7 NASB)
It does not say God gives grace to all churchgoers. It does not say God gives grace for faith to all those who hear the Word. God gives to the humble. God opposes the proud.

A Monster Of A Problem
I have met many people in the word-of-faith "camp" who have been to countless numbers of believer's conventions and faith crusades and followed after faith giants for 10 or 20 years, but they demonstrate very little faith that works for them. I wonder why?

I believe one of the top reasons is hidden pride.

You see, faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ while in a state of humility. You can hear all the anointed preaching on faith and prosperity but if you are harboring a spirit of pride, then all you get is head knowledge about faith.

I have come to see that the problem of pride among committed Christians is more severe than most people think. If you ask the more committed Christian about the issue of pride in his life, he will usually deny that he has any problem at all. But the truth is we have a monster of a problem on our hands.

As a medical doctor, I thought I was among the minority with a mega-pride problem. But God has shown me that it is monster of a problem for all, especially critical among top-notch believers and achievers.

However, by God's favor, it took many years of fierce battle to finally cast this big monster out of my life—and only then did I begin to flow in abundant prosperity.

Job suffered his trials not only because of fear but also because of pride. The Proverb says: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling" (Prov. 16:18).

Once can even say that fear and pride go hand in hand. They are the monster twins. On one hand, fear activates the power of Satan in your life, and on the other, pride goes before the destruction and stealing works of Satan.

Time To Look Within?
Pride tolerated is faith contaminated. If you've been around for a while and your faith doesn't seem to be working, I would not be surprised if hidden pride is contaminating your faith.


If you ever want to draw out this hidden pride in your life, you must first submit your life to God, to the man of God, and finally to the church. - Dr. Israel Shin

I believe God is calling people to humble themselves if they love God and if they want to see His glory manifest. Yes, I'm talking about you and I'm talking about me. I am not talking about unbelievers, nor am I referring to those who are "flaky" in their faith. I am not talking about non-tithing believers, either.

God is calling the most committed of all Christians to rise up and get rid of pride in their life. Because it is through this type of individual that God's plan can be accomplished and carried out.

Job was a top-notch believer in his time but he had major pride problem. If we want to be honest with ourselves, every one of us has a major pride problem. Every church until now has had a major pride problem...but watch this!
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, Who is this that darkens counsel By words without knowledge? Now gird up your loins like a man, And I will ask you, and you instruct Me! Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.

Job 38:1-4)
Listen to the tone of God's message. The Lord answered Job not out of stillness but out of the whirlwind. God was huffing and puffing on this one.

Spiritual Surgery
Basically, God is saying to all of us: if you know so much about living by faith, how come you are still in debt, and how come you are still living from paycheck to paycheck, and how come you only have 100 members in your church?

It's about time we stop talking about principles of faith that we know and start developing characteristics of the Person that we know. You may not see it that way, but you have a monster of a problem called pride. This is why we have the Word. We can see the unseen through His Word.

Low-level pride devils can usually take care of unbelievers and lukewarm Christians, but it takes a higher-ranking devil to deceive those who are serious for God. I believe God is trying to tell you of your inability to conquer pride in your own life. Humility is not a something that you decide to "try out" one day after hearing a sermon on the subject.

Remember James 4:6-7: God gives grace to humble. Therefore submit. If you ever want to draw out this hidden pride in your life, you must first submit your life to God, to the man of God, and finally to the church.

God is the only one Who can perform spiritual surgery and pull out this spirit of pride from your life.

When the Bible talks about submission, it is means dealing a deathblow to self and selfish interests. Just as fear and pride are the monster twins, faith and humility go together. Pride tolerated or not dealt with is faith contaminated.

"When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom" (Prov. 11:2).

If you have problems with tithing and giving, personal ambition, affection for natural family members or friends, or anything else that has to do with coveting this natural life, you may have a pride problem.

I know this message is not for all, but I believe it is going to minister to a number of individuals out there. Again, we must learn to submit ourselves to God in an extreme way. And once the spirit of pride is broken in our lives, guess what happens? We will be free to enter into another realm where manifestation of His glory will come in an ever-increasing way.

Copyright © 2003 Shekinah Church International
All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Faith in God's Word Prolongs Life
by Mark Brazee Author Bio

"My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee" (Prov. 3:1-2).

Someone might say, "Well, what is our full length of time on this earth?" Perhaps it's one age for one person and another age for another person. If God were making the appointment, we'd know that from the Bible.

But look at what the Word says: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth" (Eph. 6:1-3).

In other words, the Bible tells children, "There's something you can do that will cause you to have a long life."

The book of Proverbs also talks about increasing the length of our lives:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
(Prov. 9:10-11)
"The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened" (Prov. 10:27).

There are many other Scriptures that say, "If you do this, you'll live long on the earth," or "If you do that, you'll cut your life short on this earth."

But the Bible doesn't say, "There's an appointed time, and when your time comes, you're going." No, God gives us all kinds of things we can do to prolong our lives. He puts it more in our hands than in His own.


Confession:
The life I find in God's Word drives sickness and disease
far from me. My days are multiplied, and the years of
my life are increased as I fear and reverence the Lord.


Source: Prescription for a Miracle by Mark Brazee
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers

ouch!!! my throat reali hurts alot!!!!! waa. . . .if you are thinking of sore throat you are wrong coz it's the side of the wall of my throat that's hurts. . .very scare that it may affect my singing. . hai. . but i will trust in God in healing!! amen!!! i am reali so happy and sad that this week is my last week in ward 37. . .happy coz i dun need to see sister anymore!!!yahoo!!! sad coz i am gonna miss alot of ppl. . .like the patients, staff nurses and the PCAs. . . and i heard that C class ward nurses are horrible man. . .God better help me man. . haha. .God reali very li hai! coz he reali test my patience alot man!!!hahaha!!! thank God for Him i could control it!!!hehe. . well this week my body system is so weird. . even after i bath i will still get so tired!! not only this suddenly i grow ulcers n now my throat very pain. . .now i can't even talk for long!!! shouting will just cause more pain.......urgh!!!!!!!!!!! hahha!!! well i am so sleepy now liao! gtg! *peeps* swallowing my own saliva is also so difficult. .

hey hey! today is the day that i reali have been called by God to wake up!!!hahahaha!!! coz on yesterday i was late for 1/2 an hour for my attachment and so last nite i prayed a prayer to God. . a very specified prayer. . .i ask God to wake me up at 5.30am sharp! not 5.30am later or earlier. . so as i can glorify his kingdom! and guess wat? if you were thinking did the prayer reali worked. . .YES! THE PRAYER REALI WORKED! b4 5.30am, i was still in my la la land and suddenly someone in my dream said, "Joanne it's time to wake up, quick!" and of coz i opened my eyes! and the moment i did so, my alarm clock rang! and i went to check the time and guess wat? it was exactly 5.30am!!!!! Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!hahahahha!!!!!! i slept so soundly that i didn't know that my dog came and sleep with me!!wahahahaha!!!
hehe. .so now i reali know the meaning of praying specifically.rememeber wat you prayed for and also think. . did i pray exactly wat i wanted?hehe. . .wow,GOD is great!!! but of coz as wat Liyan has told the NYP DMM b4,"as you grow mature in God,dun expect to lead a life that is full of miracles. . . " amen!time to look to God in other areas as well!!!!

hey hey! today is the day that i reali have been called by God to wake up!!!hahahaha!!! coz on yesterday i was late for 1/2 an hour for my attachment and so last nite i prayed a prayer to God. . a very specified prayer. . .i ask God to wake me up at 5.30am sharp! not 5.30am later or earlier. . so as i can glorify his kingdom! and guess wat? if you were thinking did the prayer reali worked. . .YES! THE PRAYER REALI WORKED! b4 5.30am, i was still in my la la land and suddenly someone in my dream said, "Joanne it's time to wake up, quick!" and of coz i opened my eyes! and the moment i did so, my alarm clock rang! and i went to check the time and guess wat? it was exactly 5.30am!!!!! Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!hahahahha!!!!!! i slept so soundly that i didn't know that my dog came and sleep with me!!wahahahaha!!!
hehe. .so now i reali know the meaning of praying specifically.rememeber wat you prayed for and also think. . did i pray exactly wat i wanted?hehe. . .wow,GOD is great!!! but of coz as wat Liyan has told the NYP DMM b4,"as you grow mature in God,dun expect to lead a life that is full of miracles. . . " amen!time to look to God in other areas as well!!!!

ah. . . . finally i am back!! from everything!!! God, the journey sux man!!! guess only you and my liyan will know i am talking abotu rite?!? hehe. . .anyway b4 i go and sleep just wana take this opportunity to thank alot of ppl!!! so here goes. .

Liyan: my dear leader, thanks for encouraging me in alot of ways! you surely have lots of rewards in heaven for doing God's work and putting lots of faith in NYP!!!

Jeraine: Well gal, now that in NYP3 you gotta do alot of things man! hahaha!! reali thank you for everything you have for NYP3 and for me! must JiaYou! reali wana see that you birth out NYP5! have the courage to do so! and also the desire! let's chiong man!

Janelle: gong xi ni! finally you take the ownership of NYP4!! see you can do it one coz God is behind you!! hey gal dun always be fearful instead let faith chase away the fear! JiaYou!! thanks for being so faithful to God!!

Denice: hey baby monkey! haha! gal even though you are no longer in NYP3 and my sheep but i still wana challenge you to support NYP4 and your shep as well!!! dun always lose faith easily! Jhn 15:7 grow amen?

Jamie and Sharon: yoz yoz crazy gals! hahah! jk! grow well in the Lord! keep watch over your own heart ok!! remember if you wan fun and joy. .. only the lord can give it to you!

Big Jonathan: yoz brother wat's up! having u in NYP3 is great!tc of your sheeps well and see that their lives will be transform by God! spent your time wisely! let's chiong 4 the Lord!! play guitar for the Lord too!!

Wenbin and Weibin: hey the bins! hehe. . reali very glad to have you in NYP3! support your shepherd well and grow in the Lord!! remember Mark 12:30 amen?

NYPs: thanks for everything!let's be a faithful group 2wards God!!JiaYou!

Joseph:Hi Mr Bao!hahah! reali very happi and priviledge that i can be in singing ministry! glad to knw that everyone that's in this ministry are supporting you!
hey singers, let's do well in bringing ppl into God's presence during ss!!! let's fullfilled the vision that we have!

Hannah: hmm. . .i am loss of words? hahaha!jk! well this gal reali inspire me alot!! reali great to knw that i have a buddy with me to serve God!!hey gal quickly be UL le!!!

Deborah:hey bra. . oops. . sori!hahaha!quickly be a CL man!!spent your time wisely with the Lord! this gal is also my SB!!!! but just that i am too small for her. . .hmm. .guess only deborah will knw wat i am toking. . .rite?


Daddy and Mommy: well i know you won't come into this page but still i wana thank God 4 you 2!!!now that Sulis is in hospital we have to spread the hsework within ourself!!hahaha!!!reali very proud of you guys!!!

lastly the most important person in my life. . .GOD:dad. . thanks for everything! i realise my mistake and now i want to be closer to you.i was lost and afraid but now i am found and of coz have been comforted by you!! hehe. . only you can give me joy and happiness!! hey dad, thanks for giving me such a gift!!hehe. .

*yawn* wow. .. now is already 12.49am. . .no wonder the effect has taken place. . well that's all folks! bye!!! love everyone in HOPE and from the Liu Family and. . .everyone i know? ahahha! and of coz you dad. . . .hehe. . la la land here i come. . .

Food as Medicine
>
> HEADACHE ?
> EAT FISH !
> Eat plenty of fish - fish oil helps prevent headaches.
> So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain.
>
> HAY FEVER?
> EAT YOGURT!
> Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season.
> Also-eat honey from your area (local region) daily.
>
> TO PREVENT STROKE
> DRINK TEA!
> Prevent build-up of fatty deposits on artery walls with
> regular doses of tea.
>
> INSOMNIA (CAN'T SLEEP?)
> HONEY!
> Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.
>
> ASTHMA?
> EAT ONIONS!!!!
> Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes.
>
> ARTHRITIS?
> EAT FISH, TOO!!
> Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis.
>
> UPSET STOMACH?
> BANANAS - GINGER!!!!!
> Bananas will settle an upset stomach.
> Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea.
>
> BLADDER INFECTION?
> DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE!!!!
> High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.
>
> BONE PROBLEMS?
> EAT PINEAPPLE!!!
> Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented
> by the manganese in pineapple.
>
> PRE-MENSTRUAL SYNDROME?
> EAT CORNFLAKES!!!!
> Women can ward off the effects of PMS with cornflakes,
> which help reduce depression, anxiety and fatigue.
>
> MEMORY PROBLEMS?
> EAT OYSTERS!
> Oysters help improve your mental functioning by
> supplying much-needed zinc.
>
> COLDS?
> EAT GARLIC!
> Clear up that stuffy head with garlic.
>
> COUGHING?
> USE RED PEPPERS!!
> A substance similar to that found in the cough syrups is
> found in hot red pepper. Use red (cayenne) pepper with
> caution-it can irritate your tummy.
>
> BREAST CANCER?
> EAT Wheat, bran and cabbage help maintain estrogen at
> healthy levels.
>
> LUNG CANCER?
> EAT DARK GREEN AND ORANGE AND VEGGIES!!!
> A good antidote is beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A found
> in dark green and orange vegetables.
>
> ULCERS?
> EAT CABBAGE ALSO!!!
> Cabbage contains chemicals that help heal both gastric
> and duodenal ulcers.
>
> DIARRHEA?
> EAT APPLES!
> Grate an apple with its skin, let it turn brown and eat it
> to cure this condition.
>
> CLOGGED ARTERIES?
> EAT AVOCADO!
> Mono unsaturated fat in avocados lowers cholesterol.
>
> HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?
> EAT CELERY AND OLIVE OIL!!!
> Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure.
> Celery contains a chemical that lowers pressure too.
>
> BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE?
> EAT BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS!!!
> The chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps regulate insulin
> and blood sugar.
>
> Kiwi: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium,
> magnesium, Vitamin E &fibre. It's Vitamin C content is twice
> that of an orange.
>
> Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an
> apple has a low Vitamin C content, it has antioxidants &
> flavonoids which enhances the activity of Vitamin C thereby
> helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack &stroke.
>
> Strawberry: Protective fruit. Strawberries have the highest
> total antioxidant power among major fruits &protects the body
> from cancer causing, blood vessels clogging free radicals.
>
> Orange: Sweetest medicine. Taking 2 - 4 oranges a day may
> help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent &dissolve
> kidney stones as well as lessen the risk of colon cancer.
>
> Watermelon: Coolest Thirst Quencher. Composed of 92%
> after, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione which
> helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of
> lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in
> watermelon are Vitamin C &Potassium.
>
> Guava &Papaya: Top awards for Vitamin C. They are the
> clear winners for their high Vitamin C content. Guava is also
> rich in fibre which helps prevent constipation.
>
> Papaya is rich in carotene, this is good for your eyes.
>
> Tips on how to stay young ...
> Researches have found that people who generally live longer
> do so partly because of good habits. Here, Dr Vernon Coleman
> and others provide some of the following good habits for
> longevity.
>
> 1. Laugh & have fun, don't be gloomy.
>
> 2. Let bygones be bygones. Dwelling on the past inflicts
> unnecessary stress.
>
> 3. Early to bed, early to rise, is healthy & wise.
>
> 4. Stay lean, being just 30% overweight is bad.
>
> 5. Keep learning, reading & socializing - an alert &active
> mind keeps brain cells healthy.
>
> 6. Keep working, doing something you like. Don't retire. It
> slows down your body.
>
> 7. Be the boss of your own life. Letting others push you
> around produces stress.
>
> 8. Too many pills ruin your body. Take just what you need.
>
> 9. Constantly alternating between weight gain & loss is bad.
>
> 10. Exercise, quit smoking & eat less fatty foods.
>
> 11. Do not worry about health or death, just get on with
> your life & enjoy it!

ah yo. . .my maid arh. . .confirm got appendic. . hai. . .at this time?daddy just told me that we may have prob liao. . .well gotta cut down on my expenses liao. . .very hard to go thru but i believe that God will go thru with us. .still dealin alot of things in my heart. . ok lar anyway that's all!!! bye!

it's been quite soemtime huh. . . haha. . well this week have been a terrible week man. . hahhaa! troubles and problems came along and i was nearly too involve into it!hai. . .satan is smart hor? that stupid devilish guy. . . well wat can i say i am quite a emotional person? hehe. . singing, serving and playing is all i want!!! God help me in all this areas man!!!guess only Liyan know wat's happening. . .Jesus is the truth the way and he is the way of light. . . .well gtg for attachment liao!

hey MOM!! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!! anyway yesterday's ss was great even though my parents didn't go. . .sob* the drama was fantastic! BaoWei you are a great man!!!! didn't know you can act so well! haha!! hmm. . is your hobby dancing ard the tree?? anyway BaoWei meet the singers at 8pm last nite and actuali taught us a teaching! hmm. . .1st time i attend his teaching man!hehe. . .well he ask us wat's your vision is everything we do. .. come to think about it since i joined singing ministry i have a huge vision for singing that we one day we will do our own musical drama!!!! hehe. .just gotta buck up on our acting skills and dance! hahahaaha!!! can't imagine man!!! but of coz for now singing ministry have go slow 1st!! we gotta improve in lots of things man! hehe. . ppl, after the training for 2 mths you will see a change in this ministry man. . .though i can't gurantee la! hahaha! but i am sure man!!! JiaYou singing ministry!!! and of coz the teaching reali let me think alot for my pastoral ministry. . last nite i reali cried alot man. . God you gotta anoint Jeraine, HuiLing, Jonathan, WeiBin, WenBin and myself!! NYP3 gotta grow! we gotta change for your sake!! Help us! Jeraine and Jonathan you two are very important in the kingdom of God to grow this group. . you can do your things coz it's your own freedom but always think is it beneficial for the kingdom? you know i reali reali appreciate God gave NYP3 two very good helper!!! wo men yi qi jia you how ma?
yesterday's sermon was great man. . .Pastor Jeff did his best in preaching (let's clap for him!). reali will persevere on to share to my 2 bros and my father about the good news man!!!

finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!my exams are over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Praise the Lord!!!!!hahahaa!!!!!but guess wat? next week my attachment starts. . .. hai. . haha! anyway the welcome party was cool!! at least to me? hehe. . the new plan has been annouced!!!wow!!! Jonathan, WeiBin and WenBen i am so glad to work with you guys!!!! come on grow in the Lord ok!!!! JiaYou!! as for Jeraine and HuiLing let's JiaYou too!!!!! NYP3 grow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ya!!!
reali very excited for wat is going on for me in my life. . reali wana see big breakthru in my life. . Dad give me wisdom and strength man!!!! hey Jewel even though you were mistakenly put in NYP group but it was great to know you!!!!!!very cool gal!!!hehe!!! grow in the Lord man!!!!
anyway i now having bad ache man. . .hai my poor back. . .but nv mind!!!hehe. . gtg!

wow yesterday LiYan just share an exciting news to all the CLs!!! well it's the new restructuring of NYP!! wow i am so excited man!!! but of coz it's a great challenge for me too man!!!!! hehe. . well yesterday while shepherding Janelle at Rix's hse i meet up with the North ppl! hehe. . .wat should i say? hehe. it reali brought me back to the days that i had my cg in DK's cg! hehe! DK you are still the same arh!!! hahaha!!! reali glad to serve God with you man!!!

anyway this week i am disappointed with my mom coz she doesn't wan to come for the ss!!!! urgh! but nv mind i'm ok coz at least she still goes for cg! hahha!!!!

well i reali think that this week is a very happening and challenging week!!!

hehe. . .anyway gtg to NYP liao!!! bye!!

hey!hmm. . . .reali had a funny morning today!!hahahaha!!! suppose to wake up at 9.30am to start study but then oops. . .haha. . guess i must be more discipline! while i was still sleeping i suddenly received this call which nearly coz my heart to come out from my mouth man. .
" hey Joanne, where are you now?", asked from the other side.

"huh? i now at home. . " me saying with a sleepy voice.

"what you still at home!!! how come?" that moment i was reali awake coz i was thinking what did i miss!!!!!! is it i miss my exam papers!!!!!

then i question him, " who are you?"

"I am Timothy." was the answer.

i was wondering for quite long who the heck was that and then suddenly Timothy said, "alamak, sori man i thought you are the other Joanne!!!hahahaha!!!! you still sleepy arh!!!hehe. . ."

then i realise this guy was actualli my secondary school band junior!hahaha!!!!!reali miss him alot! could still rememeber the time i had in band. . it was fantastic man! the fun and playing of the songs. . . hahah! hey Tim, study hard this year ok!!! will come back when there's time!! reali very proud of him coz now he is the band major!!haaha!!! from the small monkey that i know, now he is a very mature man!!!! hahaha!can't believe that i said this!hahahahaha!!!! but it's true i am very proud of you man Tim!

anyway yesterday i guess i had abreak thru in my guitar playing and leading worship at the same time! wow. . reali very happy that God had lead me well!but of coz there's lot to improve man!

hey Jeraine, let's work hard together that we see that xinjie will no longer be a floating christian ok!!reali thank you for being such a wonderful sheep!!! hey ppl this gal reali is good at admin man!!hahaha!!! rite NYP3's cgA????hahahaha!

Janelle ! JiaYou in leading HuiLing well!!! teach her well and see that your group grow!!!! quickly birth out man! NYP3 is too squeezy liao! see la you too "fat" liao! hahahaha! Janelle= CL of NYP4? by when you think gal. . .hehe. . .

Denice. .hmm. .hey hey check it out man!!!! ahahahah!!!! hey gal!You want to see that NYP3a grow rite! then you know wat to do already rite? hehe. . let's not give up k?

HuiLing! our very NB in NYP3! hehe. . . may God be with you in your studies man!!! keep growing in God!!

gals, remember the stayover at my hse after the exams! yahoo!!! so cool to have NYP3 night!!!!!! muhahahahaha!!!!!

God Of Wonders

Lord of heaven and earth (Lord of all creation). . .
Lord of heaven and earth. . .


Lord of all creation
of water, earth and sky
heavens are your tacbenancles
glory to the Lord on high

God of wonders beyond our galaxy
you are holy, holy
the universe delcares your majesty
you are holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth (2x)

early in the morning
i will celebrate the light
when i stumble in the darkness ( i call your name by night. . .)
i will call your name by night

God of wonders beyond our galaxy
you are holy, holy
the universe delcares your majesty
you are holy,holy
Lord of heaven and earth

Hallelujah, to the Lord of heaven and earth (3x)

holy, holy. . . .(2x)

God of wonders
beyond your galaxy
precious Lord reveal your heart to me
you are holy (o God of mighty), holy. .
the universe delcares your majesty
you are holy, holy

holy, holy. . ..

hallelujah, to the Lord of heaven and earth(6x)

if wan this song tell me!! i will sent it to you thru msn!!!hehe. . .it's a fanatastic song!!!

wow. . .reali had lots of fun today!!!!!!!!!!!!! guess i reali learn alot from Jon!!! you go guy you are reali very good and talented at guitars man!!!! can't believe that actuali we learnt guitar the same time but now so much difference!!!! hai. . reali regret why last time nv sit down properly and learn. . .hahahaha!!!! i think the most diaoz thing is that i actuali missed Jacob's solo guitar skills today!!!!! urgh!!!!! reali wana see it man. . . hai suppose to go with my parents for ss but then could not wake up . .nv mind la! hahah!!!! today my dinner was very special coz i got to eat with my sis and bro in Christ!!!!! hehe. .they came to my hse and eat!!! wow!!!!! and guess we reali had lots of fun rite guys?!?!hahahaha!!!!! Pearline i reali luv you lots man!!! you are reali great to be with man!!!!! this gal is so cool, friendly, crappy, patient and the most importantly thing is she is a very spiritual sister!!!! reali learn alot of stuff from her man!!!! reali those time we share about how we came to know Christ in the MRT train?!?! Ya Pearline?!? she is reali like my older sis man!!! hehe. .
you guys know i suddenly realise that i actuali love and miss this person alot!!!! and she is Deborah!!! yesterday when we saw one another in the America rm we just run to each other and hugged each other!!!! Deborah even though in a week i can only see you once but do you know how much i reali miss you!!!!! i know you are a very busy lady like you got ballet, studies, shopping(rite? hahaha) and etc. . but this is how much i wana say to you. . .GROW TO BE A CL!!!!! LET'S REALI GROW TOGETHER OK? Deborah, always put God in your life 1st!!! God brought us together to be SB not to see one another only. . but to encourage one another too!!!! like you did b4!!! i will nv nv ever 4get the day you challenge me!!!!! luv you lots gal!!!! sob* reali feel like crying man. . . this gal is so great. .
well, this friday is my last paper (YAHOO!!!!!) God i will study hard for you man! even though i am not academic inclined but i shall study for you!! DENICE, JANELLE, JERAINE and HUILING, i will be praying for you gals too!!let's reali study hard man! at least do your best!!!! dun of coz dun stress yourself out!!!! chong for this sat's ss as well!!! tell our parents wat we have been doing in church! DENICE i will pray 4 a miracle for you!!!!

Call That Which Is Not as Though It Were!
by Mark Brazee Author Bio

"...Even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were" (Rom. 4:17).

We are to call those things which be not as though they were. As someone once said, "We don't want to get that mixed up. God didn't say to call those things which are as though they were not."

In other words, God didn't say to deny the symptoms, the circumstances or the problems. We're not supposed to say, "No, I don't have any pain. No, there aren't symptoms in my body."

No, we are to call those things that be not as though they were. You might say, "Well, I don't feel healed. But thank God, the Bible says I am, so I believe I'm healed. I don't feel strong; but the Bible says I am, so I believe I'm strong."

Talk about healing as though it already existed in your body. Say, "It doesn't matter what my body feels like; by Jesus' stripes, I was healed. It doesn't matter what the problem is; no weapon formed against me shall prosper (Isa. 54:17). Since God is for me, no one can stand against me (Rom. 8:31). So I believe I receive my healing by faith!"


Confession:
I don't deny symptoms or circumstances;
I just call forth God's promises to be manifested in my life.
I call my mind strong and at peace.
I call my body healthy and whole.



Source: Prescription for a Miracle by Mark Brazee
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers

Handling the Inevitable Storms in Life
The following quotations are from Charles R. Swindoll’s book, “Paul---A Man of Grace and Grit,” published in 2002.

I’ve never seen a bumper sticker that read, “I’d rather be shipwrecked.” I have seen a number of bumper stickers along the California coast that read, “I’d rather be sailing,” but never, “I’d rather be sinking.”
The adventure of sailing across the open seas carries a certain exhilarating thrill that can become almost addicting. But there’s nothing fun about plunging into the cold waters of the deep, certainly not while caught in a violent storm.
Experiencing shipwreck is not on my resumé, I am happy to report, though I have logged many hours at sea. I enjoy the ocean both as an avid fisherman and a fair-weather sailor (especially when someone else owns the boat). Thankfully, I’ve enjoyed all that while on the deep, not in the deep.
The closest I’ve come to shipwreck was while aboard a troop ship, along with 3,500 other Marines, traveling from San Diego to Japan. Though the ship seemed the size of a large office complex while in dock, after being at sea for four or five days, the immensity of the ocean put the ship’s size in proper perspective. Suddenly, it seemed tiny.
About five days into our seventeen-day voyage, we found ourselves in the center of a raging Pacific storm with waves reaching nearly fifty feet at their crest. Pause long enough to realize that’s five stories high. In fact, no one was allowed on deck during the worst of the storm, which lasted nearly three days. Days later, after the waters calmed, the skipper of the ship admitted that, at one point, he began to question our chances of survival.
Years later I had a similar experience while fishing several miles off the coast of Miami. After a few hours of pleasant deep-sea fishing, a nasty squall blew in, skies turned an ugly dark gray, and the sea twisted violently in the wind. The storm intensified with each passing minute to the point where water started crashing over the rails. The situation got dicey much too quickly. I prepared myself for the worst. You may wonder how.
Well, to begin with, I confessed every sin that I have ever committed. In fact, I believe I added a few that I hadn’t committed just to be sure I hadn’t missed one. I then reviewed every Bible verse I had learned since childhood as my fretting mind brought them to my attention. I also remember counting the life preservers and checking the size of the largest one I could find. I stayed close to it!
Eventually, I stumbled to the cabin where the skipper was very busy, Nervously, I asked him, “Do boats like this ever sink?”
“Sure, the whole bottom of this ocean area is strewn with boats like ours that never made it,” he answered without smiling.
Then I asked, “How long would it take for us to swim to Miami?”
That brought a sneering smile as he replied, “Are you kidding? We would be dismembered by sharks in less than an hour if we ended up in these waters.”
I tried to smile and act as if that was funny.
Frankly, the storm was no joke. No storm on the open sea is. Though we made it to shore safely, it was a treacherous experience for all on board. It was as if our lives hung on very thin wires that could have snapped at any moment. I’ll level with you, it was the truth of God’s Word that kept me sane and relatively calm during that terrifying ordeal. I deliberately prayed. I consciously remembered several pertinent promises. I leaned hard on them.
Paul knew that same feeling. Luke vividly records their shipwreck experience in Acts 27, especially Paul’s reaction to it. By now, you’d think the man had paid all his dues; surely his final ministry years would be smooth sailing the rest of the way. Right? Wrong.

STAYING AFLOAT WITH A REMARKABLE FAITH
Most likely, you’re reading this chapter free from the harsh elements of a raging sea. So, the challenge is to place ourselves in the scene as Luke hoped we would when he wrote it. Apart from the narrator’s spectacular memory of the details during that perilous voyage, we are left to rely on our imaginations to understand what Paul endured on his fateful journey by sea to Rome. Most remarkable is the courage and faith with which he braved those harrowing days on the Mediterranean.
Keep in mind, Luke is a physician, not a seasoned sailor. His account isn’t a ship’s log. It reads more like a journal. What begins very innocuously as a Mediterranean cruise, turns into one of the most frightening ordeals of Paul’s life. Luke, having endured the same death-defying adventure, gives us his eye-witness account.
Remember, only Paul has tucked away in his heart the promise of God that he would reach Rome alive. The remaining two hundred and seventy-five passengers knew none of that, so the panic effect is understandable. There’s nothing predictable about voyages on the open sea. Circumstances can change in a matter of minutes.
Let me pause here and say that too often our tendency is to focus on circumstances, especially in storms. God emphasizes the objective. At those times when life’s contrary winds blow hard, we tend to hear only the creaking of the hull and feel only the buckling of the deck. God desires that we cultivate an inner life of trust that ensures a more confident, reasoned response. As we voyage with Paul across the Great Sea, we’ll see with human eyes how such triumphant trust emerges.

A CLEAR AND PROMISED DESTINATION
The journey began with all the pleasant expectancy of a memorable ocean voyage as Luke writes, “We would sail for Italy.” Placed under the care and custody of a Roman centurion named Julius, Paul was joined by Luke, of course, and a Macedonian companion named Aristarchus. Together they embarked on the first leg of the long voyage to Rome.
Now would be an appropriate time to put your finger in this page and flip to the back of the book and view the map titled “Trip to Rome.” There you can trace the route of Paul’s voyage from Caesarea up around the island of Cyprus, through Myra (where they changed ships), past Rhodes, down south below Crete, across to the obscure island of Malta, then up through the strait past Sicily and to the harbor near Rome. Paul only knew the destination ahead of time--Rome. He knew nothing of the circuitous, treacherous route that would bring them there.
Luke describes the two vessels Paul would take: One was a large vessel that had originated at Adramyttium, a harbor town on the western coast of what is now Turkey, southeast of Troas. It was a merchant ship that worked the southern coastline, eventually docking at Caesarea. They sailed on that vessel up the coast to Myra, where they disembarked, then boarded an Alexandrian cargo ship destined for Rome.
Having been on all three bodies of water in that part of the world--the Adriatic, the Aegean, and the Mediterranean--I’ve come to a simple conclusion. The deep-blue waters of those great seas look a lot more inviting on maps and in travel brochures than they do from the windswept deck of a ship in the middle of a storm.
The ships Paul sailed on, of course, were nothing like what I’ve enjoyed in my travels. Those ancient vessels were more like barges, shaped almost as squarely at the bow as they were at the stern. That, along with the single-mast outfitting rigged with one enormous sail, made the giant wooden crafts difficult to maneuver even on a clear day. Not that much wind would have caused the weathered timbers of those ancient ships to creak and groan and, if the seas got rough enough, to split and splinter at the seams.
Nothing about their crude design rendered them seaworthy by today’s standards. But none of that seemed to worry Paul as he and his companions embarked from Myra in Lycia and set sail for Italy.
They most likely launched in late August, but (as we shall see) the shipwreck caused a three-month delay at Malta, forcing the final leg of the journey to fall in the dead of winter. It was not a pleasant time to travel the seas and fight the cold winds and harsh currents of the Mediterranean. I’m told there are few more treacherous bodies of water than the route below the southern reaches of Greece. It was there the storm hit full force.
In many respects, the storm Paul and his companions encountered developed along the lines of what modern meteorologists consider a perfect storm. In recent history, such a storm occurred in the waters of the North Atlantic. In 1991, volatile fronts from the north, the east, the west, and the south converged off the coast of Massachusetts, creating such a threatening combination of hurricane-force winds and towering waves that the entire Last Coast went scrambling for cover. Numerous fishing vessels retreated to safer waters. Writer Sebastien Junger, in his book The Perfect Storm, tells the tale of that strange confluence of atmosphere and sea, and the ill-fated Andrea Gail, whose captain and crew vanished without a trace. Junger’s dramatic retelling of that freak convergence of elements in a single storm system eerily resembles what Luke describes in Acts 27.
The entire chapter is devoted to Luke’s dramatic retelling of Paul’s very own perfect storm.
“And when we had sailed slowly for a good many days, and with difficulty had arrived off Cnidus, since the wind did not permit us to go farther, we sailed under the shelter of Crete, off Salome; and with difficulty sailing past it we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. And when considerable time was passed and the voyage was now dangerous, since even the fast was already over, Paul began to admonish them, and said, “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be attended with damage and great loss, not only of cargo and the ship, but also of our lives. But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship, than by what was being said by Paul. And because the harbor was not suitable for wintering, the majority reached a decision to put out to sea from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing south west and northwest, and spend the winter there. And when a moderate south wind came up, supposing that they had gained their purpose, they weighed anchor and began sailing along Crete, close inshore.” (Acts 27:713, NASB)
When the centurion chose to go with the majority rather than heed Paul’s advice, he made a grave error in judgment. Leaving the calmer waters off Crete, the centurion put his men and everyone on board in harm’s way on the open sea. The voyage changed from difficult to dangerous almost overnight. The velocity of the winds increased as did the ocean swells. All on board knew there was trouble ahead. Luke later records the desperate turning point: “But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; and when the ship was caught in it, and could not face the wind, we gave way to it, and let ourselves be driven along” (Acts 27:1415).
“Euraquilo” is the equivalent of one of our northeasterns; the combination of gale-force winds and rough seas that rage along the eastern seaboard from south to north, dumping heavy rain, snow, and ice along the way. Such blizzard-like conditions can create grave hazards. Only what Paul experienced was not on land, but at sea.
The storm grew so violent in its intensity that, according to Luke, “They began to jettison cargo,” until eventually they were forced to heave overboard the ship’s tackle, rendering the vessel impossible to control.
To make matters worse, the thick canopy of dark clouds blocked any view of the constellations, which normally served as a reliable navigational guide. Hope waned. Survival was now in question, especially as the battle against the winds continued relentlessly for days.
Finally, the storm-weary crew caught a ray of hope. Luke writes, “When the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven about in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors began to surmise they were approaching land” (27:27). That led to a series of soundings that alerted the men to the danger of running the ship aground. So, “They cast four anchors from the stern and wished for daybreak” (Acts 28:29b)
More than anything, they needed a compass--a trustworthy instrument that, despite the howling winds and towering seas, in response to a fixed invisible force, could cut through the furious gale, and point them to safety. Without that, they hoped daylight would reveal their exact whereabouts. The waiting must have been maddening.
For most, a growing feeling of panic set in. Even the seasoned sailors were grim and quiet as they longed for the light of day. For now, their only hope was those four anchors thrown off the stern, resulting in a relentless tug-of-war against the powerful pull of the surging swells (27:29).
As we study Luke’s data of Paul’s perilous voyage to Rome, we want to look not only at what is recorded, but also between the lines. It is there we find more of the real story. It is there we witness the faithful God, who keeps His promises, and the humble servant, who clings to the anchors of His eternal Word.
It is in that story, hidden within the recorded story, we learn lessons for our lives. And it is from that unwritten account we draw the strength to face our own perfect storms head-on and stare down our own feelings of panic. The storms we endure may last for days, weeks, months, or even years. Perfect storms in life are largely unpredictable. They rage on with seemingly no end in sight. Often, they appear to be wildly out of control.
I will tell you I have been in storms like that. They are far worse than any storms I’ve ever known at sea. At times I questioned my own survival. I remember, during one particular storm in my life, being awake at night and awaking Cynthia to whisper, “I’m not sure we’re going to make it through this one.” I’ve been there. I know you have too. You may be there now. That intensifies your interest in this frightening story.
Where you find yourself is not the result of an accident, nor are you alone. God is neither absent nor indifferent. You are precisely where He planned for you to be at this very moment. He could have calmed your storm at any point, but He hasn’t. Your situation may appear as close to impossible to you as it can get. Like the sailors and passengers of Paul’s ill fated ship, you may be wringing your hands, waiting for the light of day. I repeat, that isn’t accidental.
Allow me to move from the stinging spray blasting its way across the deck of that ship mentioned in Acts 27 to the real-world storm you may now be facing. Questions emerge as fear grows within. Panic thoughts make you uneasy. How do you keep it together? What do you do, for example, when you’re in the hospital, and the lights have been turned out, and you’re trying to believe the news you were given? You lie there, alone. The family has left for the night. All is quiet, except for your thoughts. How do you face tomorrow’s fierce blast? Right now it’s just you and God. . .and alien, unexpected waves of doubt are slamming relentlessly against your soul. How do you go on? More importantly, how do you replace sheer panic with simple trust?
What do you do when your mate walks out, and you’re left alone, and you’re living in the backwash of months, even years, of consequences you caused? What do you do when life grows that bleak?
Perhaps angry, threatening storm clouds have begun to roll in at the office. The once-clear skies of long-term success now look ominously dark. You sense the worst is yet to come. The possibilities are numerous. So what do you do? I’ll tell you what you do: Like the crew of Paul’s doomed vessel, you throw out the anchor. In fact, you throw four of them. These anchors are sure to hold you fast.

RELIABLE ANCHORS FOR YOUR STORM-TOSSED SOUL
I offer these four anchors to help stabilize you in the middle of your perfect storm. If you’re enjoying clear skies at the present, that’s great, but I can assure you, you’ll need these someday. Inevitably, storm clouds will roll in, and you’ll find yourself groping for dry land. You will need these anchors when the news comes that someone dear to you has died, or when your teenage son doesn’t show up one evening, or when you daughter runs away again, or when the baby’s fever won’t break, or when the damage appears irreparable. You’ll need all four of these anchors to keep you from drifting into despair.

First, you’ll need the anchor of stability.
“Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope for our being saved was gradually abandoned. And when they had gone a long time without food, then Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete, and incurred this damage and loss. And yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there shall be no loss of life among you, but only of this ship. For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and, behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’ Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on a certain island.” (Acts 27:2026, NASB)
The anchor of stability holds firm when your navigation system fails. It’s easy to lose your bearings in the storm. You can’t find your way through the circumstances you face. Life rolls along fairly smoothly until suddenly the seas grow rough. Unseen problems occur. They were not in the fore cast. In Luke’s words, “All hope for being saved” is abandoned.
Those are treacherous moments when we reach the point of abandoning hope. At that difficult, gut-wrenching moment God says, “Don’t be afraid, I have a plan.”
In the very early years of ministry, to my dismay, I was unable to console a distraught husband, fresh out of the hospital, whose wife and kids had walked out on him. I met with him. I prayed for him. I tried to console him. Having eventually abandoned all hope, he committed suicide. It broke my heart, but the storm was too great. Like the doomed Andrea Gail, the man vanished in a sea of hopelessness.
Before Paul’s sailing companions reached that breaking point, he offered hope by exhorting them to “keep up your courage. The ship’s going down, but we’re going to make it!” That’s what I call throwing out the anchor of stability.
People facing intense adversity find it difficult to focus on anything other than the towering waves and stinging winds. Paul firmly announces, “Be of good cheer. . . We’ve heard from the Lord that none will be lost.”
We find stability in storms through what God has said. Your tendency will be to turn to another source for strength rather than the Word of God. Don’t go there! The only anchor of stability that will hold you firm, no matter how intense the gale-force winds, is God’s written Word.
All this reminds me of a statement made by one of the ancient Jewish prophets, which supports the reliability of God and His Word. The following words flow from the seasoned hand of Isaiah: “But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, 0 Jacob, and He who formed you, 0 Israel, ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you’ “ (Isaiah 43:12, NASB).
What encouraging words! “Do not fear, I have called you by name.” What a great thought!
Isaiah was not writing of literal waters or actual rivers. His figure of speech emphasized encroaching circumstances that threatened the stability of one’s faith. When the waters rise to dangerous depths, when difficulties reach maximum proportion, when your ship seems to be disintegrating board by board and starting to sink by life’s inevitable storms, God is faithful. He promises, “I will be with you.”
Less than five years ago I turned to that very promise. I placed my index finger on the biblical verses and said, “Lord, I want You to know I’m claiming this for my situation, right now. It’s the only way I’m going be able to make it. You know what You’re doing. All I see are waves, and the water is rising. It doesn’t make sense to me, but I know that with You onboard my ship won’t sink. I’m going to make it!”
Cynthia and I were seeking to relocate the ministry of Insight for Living from California to Texas, not only a massive logistical challenge, but an enormous financial responsibility. The odds were against us. There were several who questioned our need to make such a drastic move. Most of our faithful staff had told us they wouldn’t be moving if we followed through on our plans. The original cost estimation was so great it made our heads spin. Our board of directors, while supportive and convinced that relocation made sense, were naturally concerned, knowing how expensive and disruptive large and extensive relocation projects can be. We could feel the gale-force winds of pressure.
It was then that I got alone with the Lord, found and claimed this statement from Isaiah’s pen, and anchored myself to His promise.
I’ll save you another five pages of reading--we are now completely relocated. We have secured and hired 90 percent new stafflike before, wonderful, servant-hearted men and women. We shall move into new facilities about the time this book is published, and the entire project cost less than one-fourth the amount originally estimated. We made it! The anchor of stability held us fast.

GOD IS FAITHFUL
Second, you’ll need the anchor of unity.
“But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven about in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors began to surmise that they were approaching some land. And they took soundings, and found it to be twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took an other sounding and found it to be fifteen fathoms. And fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and wished for daybreak. And as the sailors were trying to escape from the ship, and had let down the ship’s boat into the sea, on the pretense of intending to lay out anchors from the bow, Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.” Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat, and let it fall away.” (Acts 27:2732, NASB)
The scene breathed life-threatening fears. Imaginations ran wild. Paul knew that staying together was the secret to their survival. The temptation was strong to abandon ship and let each person fend for himself. That’s no way to survive a storm. As the water grew shallower, fear of shipwreck intensified. But Paul warned that allowing the men to escape meant certain death.
The spiritual application is obvious. Our tendency in dire straits is to cut and run. It’s easier at the moment to walk out of a troubled marriage than to face it and work toward restoration. Human nature wants to retreat to a place where each one of us can be all alone, lock the door, and pull the blinds. Alienated, we sink further into depression. Tragically, some turn to the bottle, to drugs, or worse, to a revolver.
If that in any way describes you, you need the support of family, friends, and especially God’s people. It’s easier to lower the dinghy and jump in all alone. I want to warn you against escaping. Instead, I urge you to stay with others aboard ship. Don’t leap and try to make it on your own. Lock arms. Stay in touch with those who love you the most, who will be with you no matter what. You need the presence of God’s people surrounding you when the bottom has dropped out of your life. Despite what you think, it’s doubtful you can make it on your own. In our case, we had a few close friends of the ministry praying and a unified board encouraging us. Relocating was a challenging experience, but not a lonely one. You and I are designed by God to make it together. The anchor of unity holds us close.

Third, you’ll need the anchor of renewal.
“And until the day was about to dawn, Paul was encouraging them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been constantly watching and going without eating, having taken nothing. Therefore I encourage you to take some food, for this is for your preservation; for not a hair from the head of any of you shall perish.” And having said this, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all; and he broke it and began to eat. And all of them were encouraged, and they themselves also took food.” (Acts 27:3336,NASB)
Can you imagine fighting a storm for two weeks and getting virtually no nourishment? That’s what the men on Paul’s ship experienced. Even more amazing, that’s how most respond to life’s storms. We run our tanks dry fighting the battles on our own, and we end up physically weak, emotionally drained, and unable to sleep. The anchor of renewal guards against that sort of anatomical depletion. Instead, Paul encouraged the men to eat and be renewed. But first he prayed. They all prayed!
Can you imagine that scene? The storm raged about them, while almost three hundred men bowed in prayer as Paul gave thanks for the meager fare, then everybody on board joined together in the meal.
Your personal nourishment is crucial during times of storm. In panic moments, you’ll cut a corner on your meals. You’ll also fail to get sufficient sleep. It won’t be long before you will set aside prayer a1together and you’ll find yourself drained, spiritually. Increased emotional pain mixed with decreased spiritual renewal can be lethal to your faith.
Spiritual renewal comes primarily through prayer. Few disciplines are of greater importance when all seems bleak. Simply talk it out. Wrestle with the reason for the storm. Seek His direction. Don’t let up until you’re satisfied you’ve got the Lord’s mind. That’s what Paul modeled on the deck of that rugged ship.
For some of the men on board, I’m confident it was the first time in their lives they had prayed. Certainly, it was the first time they had prayed to Almighty God! It may have been the only time in their lives they’d ever heard a prayer offered for a meal. In the middle of a howling wind-and-rain storm, they paused and witnessed a reverent, humble man offering a prayer of gratitude to the Lord God, Maker of heaven and earth. Captain of the winds and waves. That encouraged them. It was simple, but its impact was profound.
Eventually, according to Luke’s account, the vessel did run aground. And though the soldiers wanted to murder the prisoners on the spot (In Rome, to lose a prisoner meant you would later lose your head.), the centurion offered a restraining voice of reason. He persuaded his men to spare the prisoners’ lives--a great idea since that included Paul--and allow everyone to abandon ship and swim to shore. Reality hit hard when their ship struck the reef.

That brings me to the fourth anchor. In the middle of your perfect storm, you’ll need the anchor of reality.
“But striking a reef where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground; and the prow struck fast and remained unmovable, but the stern began to be broken up by the force of the waves. And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, that none of them should swim away and escape; but the centurion, wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from their intention, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, and the rest should follow, some on planks, and others on various things from the ship. And thus it happened that they all were brought safely to land.” (Acts 27:4I44, NASB)
The anchor of reality says, “Jump right in. Get directly involved. Don’t be passive. Be engaged in the action!” The only way they were going to get out of this storm alive was that all of them got into the water and made their way to shore. The reality included a ship that began to break apart. There were no hovering helicopters summoned to rescue them from the sea. Reality compelled them to take action. And that’s precisely what they did.
Let’s pause long enough to do the math. How many started the voyage? Answer: 276. How many were promised they’d make it? Answer: 276. How many made it safely to shore? Answer: 276. As I said, God is faithful.
All those going through a storm need to be engaged in the process. No one is promised a magical escape clause. Passivity is faith’s enemy. It isn’t an acceptable option to fold our arms and wait for the storm to pass.
For you, it may mean some hard work. (It certainly did for us in the relocation project.) It may require humbling yourself before God and others. It might mean a season of counseling where a trained, compassionate individual helps you reorder your life. You may be required to admit several wrong actions and seek reconciliation as you make restitution. Whatever the case, you’ll need to be involved. Reality mandates that type of mature response. It’s part of throwing the anchor of reality and trusting God to bring you to shore.
Everybody who experienced deliverance from that ship on the reef had the same thing in common once they got to the island--they were all soaking-wet.

IN CALMER WATERS
The best plan for surviving a storm is preparation. No seasoned fishermen or responsible ship captain sets across the open sea without a thorough knowledge of the vessel’s equipment and without making sure all is in proper working order. They rarely leave without having first spent sufficient time going over the navigation charts--studying the weather patterns and acquainting themselves with dangerous passages.
And they never leave port without anchors. That’s for certain. No one wants to be shipwrecked. But the reality is, it happens, not only on the open sea, but also in life.
The secret of survival is what you do ahead of time in calmer waters. If your life is storm-free as you read this book, I urge you to take advantage of this peaceful lull. Spend time in God’s Word. Study the inspired charts He has given you for the journey of life. Deepen your walk with Him through prayer and personal worship.
Then, when the inevitable winds of adversity begin to blow, and they most certainly will blow, you’ll be ready to respond in faith, rather than fear. Don’t wait. Check those anchors while it’s smooth sailing. You’ll be glad you did.
And while you’re at it, pick out a specific God-given promise you’ll be able to cling to, put your index finger on it, and tell the Lord you’re anchoring yourself to it. I’m sure glad I did. (285-299)

Nice Message


If you're mad with someone , and nobody's there to fix the situation...
You fix it .
Maybe today, that person still wants to be your friend . And if u don't,
tomorrow can be too late



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If you're in love with somebody , but that person doesn't know...
tell her/him.
Maybe today, that person is also in love with you .
And if you don't say it,

tomorrow can be too late .



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If you really want to kiss somebody... kiss her/him.
Maybe that person wants a kiss from you, too . And if you don't kiss
her/him today,

tomorrow can be too late



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If you still love a person that you think has forgetten you... tell
her/him
Maybe that person have always loved you. And if you don't tell her/him
today ,

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If you need a hug of a friend... ask her/him for it.
Maybe they need it more than you do. And if you don't ask for it today,
tomorrow can be too late.



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If you really have friends who you appreciate... tell them.
Maybe they appreciate you as well. That if you don't and they leave or
go far away today ,

tomorrow can be too late.



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